News
EU considering 75 percent cut in food aid for poor
BRUSSELS - The European Union is considering a roughly 75 percent cut in funding for a program that helps feed 18 million of its poorest citizens.
The cuts, planned to begin after New Year's, would come at a time of rising unemployment and consumer food prices in many parts of Europe, as well as overall economic turmoil on the continent. The looming cuts already have raised fears among people who rely on the program.
Major Agribusinesses Competing with Organics
CORNUCOPIA, WIS: A revelatory report released by The Cornucopia Institute, an organic industry watchdog, has stirred controversy in the natural foods marketing arena by highlighting abusive marketing practices by some of the nation's largest breakfast cereal manufacturers. In some cases, companies such as Kellogg's, Quaker Oats (PepsiCo), Barbara's Bakery and Whole Foods Market are selling products contaminated with toxic agrichemicals and Monsanto's genetically engineered organisms while promoting them as "natural."
Infographic: All the Genetically Modified Food You're Eating
Many crops are genetically modified so frequently, it's nearly impossible to find non-GMO versions. These modifications usually involve either a seed manufacturer making their seeds genetically resistant to a certain type of weed-killer (that the seed company also conveniently sells--synergy!) or to make plants resistant to certain pests naturally.
You may not know that you're eating these crops--despite the fact that they appear in 80% of all packaged food sold in the country--because the U.S. is one of the few places in the developed world that doesn't require food producers to disclose whether or not their ingredients have any modifications.
Peanut-Butter Makers Face Crunch
Another hot, dry summer has devastated this year's peanut crop, sending prices for the legume skyrocketing and forcing peanut-butter brands including J.M. Smucker Co.'s Jif, Unilever NV's Skippy and ConAgra Foods Inc.'s Peter Pan into startling price increases.
Mom's Healthy Diet Might Cut Birth Defect Risk
Using data from the U.S. National Birth Defects Prevention Study for October 1997 through December 2005, Carmichael's team looked at the role diet plays in birth defects. During telephone interviews, mothers described their diet.
The researchers looked at cases of 936 infants born with neural tube defects, 2,475 with oral clefts, and compared these with 6,147 infants without birth defects.
They found that women with diets similar to the Mediterranean Diet -- which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish and light in fats and sugar -- or the Food Guide Pyramid of the U.S. Department of Agriculture were at lower risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect or oral cleft, compared to women who reported eating less-healthy diets.
Health benefits of broccoli require the whole food, not supplements
New research has found that if you want some of the many health benefits associated with eating broccoli or other cruciferous vegetables, you need to eat the real thing -- a key phytochemical in these vegetables is poorly absorbed and of far less value if taken as a supplement.
Eating slowly may help you lose weight
People who eat slowly tend to consume fewer calories and weigh less than those who eat quickly, research shows. Slower eaters also report enjoying their food more and having greater satiety.
Video: Turning an Empty Detroit Lot into a Farm
There's a lot going on in Detroit. After years of decay, excitement is growing around urban gardens. Previously abandoned lots are being turned into food producing centers. In this video, we follow Greg and Olivia from Detroit Dirt and Brother Nature Produce. They have an acre of empty lot land that they've turned into a small farm.
Home & Garden
Tips for Buying Organic Food on a Budget
How To Eat Healthy Without a Local Farmers Market
The immensely Powerful Ginger
The Cleaning Cupboard: DIY Cleaner & Equipment Checklist
Use a Muffin Tin as Mise-en-Place for a Clean & Tidy Kitchen
Saving Pennies or Dollars? Reusing Ziploc Bags
10 (Non-Renovation) Renovations Ideas for Renters
5 Eco Finishes and Sealers
Crafting Project: Autumn Wreath
Inspired by an expensive Williams & Sonoma wreath my lovely friend Mikhail shows how she made her own inexpensive wreath.
diy project: autumn leaf bouquet
Turn vibrant fallen leaves into "roses"!
DIY Gel Air Freshener
And speaking of smelly things: One of my favorite purveyors of scented oils, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab is offering a special perfume blend in support of Occupy Wall St.
#Occupy Wall Street
Help us feed the #occupywallstreet protesters! You don't need to do it out of the kindness of your heart: true to the capitalist nature of the good ol' US of A, we're not asking you to give something for nothing. You send us money, you get a bottle of perfume and the protesters get some chow. All the money after manufacturing costs that we generate from sales of #OCCUPYWALLSTREET will go to purchasing pizzas for the protesters.
Each bottle is our standard general catalogue $17.50, and all money generated from sales after manufacturing costs go directly to feeding the protesters. Questions? Hit us up at answers [AT] blackphonenixalchemylab [dot] com.
Recipes
5 Tips to Brewing a Better Mulled Cider
Brie and Avocado Eggrolls
Golden Potstickers
Butternut Squash Hummus
Apple Butter
Tarte tatin
Whole Wheat Apple Cider Pancakes
Pasta with Smothered Cauliflower and Saffron
Zucchini with Lentils and Roasted Garlic
Stone Pale Ale and Garlic Stir-Fried Brussels Sprouts
Butternut Squash Lasagna
Pistachio and White Chocolate Sugar Cookies |
