Taylor Wells, 45, eats only raw vegan food. The younger of her five children, Phoenix, 4, and 14-month-old twins Dakota and Montana, who are still nursing, have never eaten cooked foods in their young lives.
Taylor and husband Phillipe converted to a raw vegan diet after 7-year-old Sage was born, but waited for a while before introducing a completely raw food diet to the children.
For skeptics, Taylor, Phillipe and kids stand out on the urban streets only for being enviably fit and attractive. No anemic, sandaled vegan cliches here; Taylor is powerful, petite with shiny blond hair and a gleaming smile; Phillipe has a square jaw and steely arms. They drive the kids to softball in a green mini-van, have roomfuls of plastic toys for all the kids, and wink at 13-year-old Madison’s occasional Starbucks frappuccino with friends. (more…)
Living on a farm, for many a greedy pet, can be a rather vile form of a ‘Golden Corral.’ Despite our best efforts to keep our terriers healthy and thriving by creating meals for them consisting of organic chicken, brown rice and peas, Bonnie and Rosie, with willful intensity, have been known to sample droppings from the manure pile as well raid the litter box as soon as our backs are turned.
This backfired on Bonnie (and I do mean backfired) a few days ago when both her breakfast and dinner reappeared within a couple of hours. In spite of this Bonnie looked bright, her energy level, particularly for a 10 year old dog with an enlarged heart, was through the roof, however, taking no chances we took her to the vet the following morning where she was first palpated, then X-rayed, and finally given a full blood count.
Antibiotics were prescribed along with a three-day fast with no more than a tablespoon of prescribed dog food for the first meal, followed by two tablespoons for the next and, if everything stayed put, increased to three for the third. This would be repeated over the weekend until Sunday when she could go back to her regular intake. (more…)
STAMFORD, Conn., June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The streets of New York City may be just as urban as ever, an unending view of steel and concrete, but for the 700 students of PS 333 on New York City’sUpper Westside, a trip to the farm is only a few stair flights away.
Located on the third floor roof of the Manhattan School for Children is an environmental farming Mecca. Rows and rows of organic kale, arugula, basil, broccoli, beets, cabbage and lettuce are growing and thriving in a state of the art environmentally sustainable greenhouse tended to each week by the hundreds of PS 333 students who are learning urban farming and environmental science in a one of a kind hands on classroom.
The greenhouse garden designed by Kiss+Cathcart Architects and New York Sun Works is the brainchild of The Greenhouse Project, a consortium of New York City public school parents concerned about elevating their children’s science education.
Unveiled in February 2011 with a “Lettuce-Cutting” ceremony for educators, parents and students, the unique classroom concept caught the attention of MXenergyTV producers who decided to feature the project on their “green-living” program, “Attainable Sustainables.” (more…)
Once upon a time, organic food was special; it wasn’t easy to come by and those who followed an organic diet were often either super health conscious or had the means to pretend to be.
Nowadays, organic goods are finding their way into shopping carts more than ever before. The Organic Trade Association, an organization that represents more than 6,500 organic businesses across North America, estimates the U.S. organic industry grew 7.7% to $29 billion in 2010 from 2009 while overall U.S. food sales rose only 1%. Sales of organic fruits and vegetables jumped 11.8% and represented 12% of all fruit and vegetable sales, while sales of organic dairy products increased 9%, representing 6% of all dairy sales.
Consumers may be embracing organic food, but concerns about cost and regulation still abound. In fact, given that there are probably only a few people – if any – who prefer their peppers with a side of pesticides, cost is probably the biggest gripe consumers have when it comes to choosing organic foods, followed closely by concerns about the way organic food is regulated.
We spoke to Marion Nestle, a food studies professor at New York University and well-known voice in issues related to nutrition, to get her take on the price and safety of organic foods. (more…)
A school’s yield is the percentage of admitted students who opt to enroll in the program. At Kansas, 176—or 82.2 percent—of the 214 accepted students chose to attend the school in the academic year beginning in 2010, narrowly edging out the University of Nevada—RenoSchool of Medicine, where 62 students, or 81.6 percent of the 76 accepted, enrolled last year.
Learn more about the history, definition, labeling guidelines and costs of going organic.
It seems to me as though the organic movement started as one small section in the produce aisle. Then I noticed half a store aisle with unfamiliar products. I checked it out as more out of curiosity than anything else, noting they were products marketed as healthier for us and then finishing the rest of my grocery shopping. But as time went by, I noticed more and more of these products appearing on store shelves. And then there it was; this organic brand sitting right next to my peanut butter. As a health conscious individual, I wanted to learn more about “going organic.”
In my review of the current literature, I found recurring questions: What is the difference between natural and organic foods? Are organic foods more nutritious than non-organic foods? Why do organic foods cost more? Two of the three questions had straight forward answers, but one remains inconclusive and speculative at best. This article will answer those questions, highlight what the clinical significance may be and feature price comparison shopping done at my local supermarket. (more…)
MONTREAL, May 24, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Montreal-based LuvGear has teamed up with PETCO to introduce a revolutionary new line of organic apparel and accessories for dogs designed to help protect them from the dangers of heat. Planet PETCO™ apparel with LuvGear Technology will be introduced for the first time on May 24, 2011 as part of the recently launched Planet PETCO line of earth-conscious lifestyle and care products that encourage sustainability. TempAlert is designed to warn pet parents when the external temperatures are reaching levels that may be harmful or even fatal to a dog.
Here’s how it works: The “alert” icons are sewn directly onto the clothing or material and serve as a visible warning sign when the temperature reaches a dangerous level for a dog to be outside. In normal conditions, the alert patch displays a dark blue/purple thermometer. When the outside temperatures reach approximately 100 degrees (F), the blue/purple color in the thermometer disappears, revealing an “ALERT” which warns the owner to take the necessary steps to protect their pet from heat exhaustion or heat stroke. (more…)
A handful of people gathered at the Boulder County Recycling Center on Saturday for several hours of yoga. The event served not only as a full day of exercise, but as a way of opening dialogue and creating awareness for the needs of the Boulder County foster care program.
“The cause and the event both fit well with our interests,” participant Janna Hansen said.
She came to do yoga with her friend, Carllee Curran, who is taking yoga classes at Naropa University.
“Yoga has so much inherent meaning,” said Moriah Arnold, one of the principal organizers of the event. “Today we’re practicing karma yoga, the yoga of selfless service. It parallels what they’re doing with the foster program.” (more…)
The Met Office eco clothing collection is made from organic cotton in an ethical, wind powered factory and features a range of weather related designs inspired by the imagery, science and history of the Met Office.
Mart Drake-Knight co-founder of Rapanui said:
“The Met Office is the international authority on climate change research, as well as being our national weather service that provides weather forecasts that we can trust and rely on.”
“At Rapanui we think that it’s not that people don’t care about climate and the environment, it’s just that they don’t know where to start when it comes to organic, ethical or low carbon alternatives. Our brand is about making eco fashion cool and accessible. We were delighted when we were invited to design these Met Office t-shirts. I think as well as being a nod to the Met Office’s heritage and expertise, we managed to add a bit of ‘Britishness‘ and humour to capture the spirit of ‘the weather’ as a subject.” (more…)
“Our company’s team of environmental consulting and engineering staff work to successfully integrate resource management practices into green communities and businesses, which, we believe, are becoming the cornerstone of a sustainable future. (more…)
Frances Wolan, who seldom speaks, pets a robotharp seal named Pikatti at Westmont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. “Is he alive?” asked Wolan, 94, who perked up after the robot opened its big black eyes. “He’s so soft; he’s wonderful.” (Chuck Berman, Chicago Tribune / May 9, 2011)
By Joseph Ruzich, Special to the Tribune
Frances Wolan doesn’t talk much these days. But the resident of Westmont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center did have a lot to say about her new friend, Pikatti, a therapeutic robot that looks, feels and sounds like a baby harp seal.
“Is he alive?” asked Wolan, 94, who perked up in her wheelchair after the robot opened its big black eyes. “He’s so soft; he’s wonderful.”
The 6-pound robotic seal designed by Paro Robots, of Japan, is being used by about 40 medical agencies and hospitals in the United States as a treatment for patients with dementia, especially those who find it difficult to speak. (more…)
“We are delighted to see these Practice Greenhealth member companies identified by the EPA for their dedication to reducing their environmental impact”
These rankings, which are updated on a quarterly schedule, include three Practice Greenhealth member companies: Johnson & Johnson (at #7), BD (at #19), and Kimberly Clark (at #22).
These green power purchases help reduce the environmental impacts of electricity use and support the development of new renewable generation capacity nationwide. Purchase amounts reflect U.S. operations only and are sourced from U.S.-based green power resources. Organizations can meet EPA purchase requirements using any combination of three different product options: (1) Renewable Energy Certificates, (2) on-site generation, and (3) utility green power products.
“We are delighted to see these Practice Greenhealth member companies identified by the EPA for their dedication to reducing their environmental impact,” said Anna Gilmore Hall, Executive Director of Practice Greenhealth. “Their accomplishments exemplify those of our business members, who are committed to the highest standards of sustainability in product development, manufacturing, distribution, and life-cycle. A manufacturer’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility is driving a growing number of purchasing decisions within healthcare.”
About Practice Greenhealth
Practice Greenhealth is the nation’s leading membership and networking organization for institutions in the healthcare community that have made a commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Members include hospitals, healthcare systems, businesses and other stakeholders engaged in the greening of healthcare to improve the health of patients, staff and the environment. For more information on Practice Greenhealth, visit www.practicegreenhealth.org
By James Johnston
Published on Wednesday 20 April 2011 04:21
HOT dogs are helping slash heating bills at an animal hospital.
Body heat from the poorly pets and their owners is being channelled to help save energy costs from spiralling.
The sophisticated system at the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) PetAid hospital, in North Hylton Road, Castletown, utilises body heat and surplus energy from electrical equipment to power the building.
As well as helping to warm consulting rooms, offices and operating theatres, it also plays a part in heating the centre’s water supply.
Now the £1.6million hospital, which opened last year, has been honoured at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) North East Renaissance Awards, beating tough competition to win the sustainability category.
Newcastle-based Anthony Keith Architects incorporated the energy-efficient system into the design of the hospital, which means it does not need a traditional boiler.
A heat pump extracts warmth from the outside air, which is boosted by a second pump, captured body heat and solar panels.
A computerised management system then transfers heat to parts of the hospital where it is needed most.
“When it comes to body heat, the animals do help,” said architect Anthony Keith. “It all goes into the mix. We can move the heat around and water is also heated as is the floor, because animals lie on the floor.”
The Wearside hospital employs six vets, eight nurses, five receptionists, four veterinary care assistants and three animal care auxiliaries and treats animals whose owners are on benefits and can not afford to pay.
It includes a waiting room, six consulting rooms, two operating theatres, a dental suite and x-ray facilities.
The award judges singled it out for special praise.
“The PDSA Hospital building represents an evolution of design,” they said.
“Through the clever use of available technology, the building makes the most of heat generated by the users of the building to store and re-use energy, providing a sustainable source of hot water and warmth, and removing the need for a main energy supply to the building.”
Two other Sunderland-based projects were recognised among the region’s top developments at this year’s RICS North East Renaissance Awards, which were presented at Newcastle Civic Centre.
Transforming Hendon took the top prize in the Regeneration category, while the £7million refurbishment of Sunderland Station was highly commended in the Design and Innovation category.
In my review of the current literature, I found recurring questions: What is the difference between 
Frances Wolan, who seldom speaks, pets a 
