CT Green Scene

CT NOFA's 31st Annual Winter Conference

2 March 2013

8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Registration Fee Depends on Status

Wilton High School

Wilton, CT

Join the Connecticut Northeast Organic Farming Association as they celebrate 31 years of growing better together! There will be over fifty vendors providing fresh local food, crafts, and books as well as a raffle that includes offerings such as a basket of gardening supplies. Lunch will be Included for an extra fee, but it is worth the price. During the lunch break, attendees have the opportunity to taste delicious local flavors concocted by chefs involved in Fairfield County's farm-to-restaurant program. The New Connecticut Farming alliance will also meet during this time to discuss news and share information. 

    Guests may select from a wide variety of workshops to attend. There is no need to register for your desired workshop, you may simply show up at the allotted classroom. A program will be handed out to you upon registration that looks exactly like the link provided above. Parents and families are welcome to participate in children's workshops as well. There will also be a screenings of the GMO documentary "Genetic Roulette" throughout the afternoon, where Elaine Titus of GMO Free CT and GMO Free Moms will be available to answer any questions. 

Schedule for the Day                                                               Registration Fees

8:30-9:30 : Registration (pre-register at this link)                  Non-Member:      $60
9:30-10:45: Workshop I                                                          Member:           $50
11:00-12:30: Opening announcements and Keynote               Student/Senior:    $35
12:30-2:00: Lunch                                                                  Children:           FREE
2:15: 3:30: Workshop II                                                      *Lunch is optional: an extra $15 for adults
3:45 to 5:00 ~ Workshop II                                                  and $8 for children

2013 Conference Program: http://www.ctnofa.org/winterconference/2013%20WC%20programOPT.pdf

Register at: http://www.ctnofa.org/winterconference/2013WC_registration.html

If you forget to register for lunch: http://www.ctnofa.org/winterconference/winterconference_lunch_registration.html

For more Information: http://www.ctnofa.org/winterconference/index.html

6th Annual Global Environmental Sustainability Symposium: Transportation, Human Mobility, and Sustainability at CCSU

April 4th, 2013

9:45 AM-7:15 PM 

FREE, Registration Required

Central Connecticut State University

New Britain, Connecticut

The CCSU Global Environmental Sustainability Action Coalition invites the public to learn and to teach one another about the actions that we, as human beings, must take to ensure that we live in such a way that we are able to satisfy our needs while ensuring that our children and grandchildren will be able to satisfy their own. The symposium will offer 3 classes, two performances, a panel discussion, a tour, and an optional attendance at the town meeting, as well as opening and closing notes from distinguished professionals in sustainability. This event is FREE: anyone can register online to show up. *Exhibitor tables are still open.

Schedule

9:45-10:00 AM: Symposium opening and welcome with Dr. Charles Button and Dr. Jack Miller (tentative) at Alumni Hall

10:00-10:45: Transportation, Migration, and Sustainability in Four Worlds Alumni Hall

Dr. John Kelmelis expands upon a possibility raised by the United States National Intelligence Council when they published Global Trends 2030: Alternative World. This work explores four very possible future worlds. Dr. Kelmelis will explain what each of these worlds might mean for our future as well as what strategies we might use to make the most of each circumstance at the local, regional, national, and global levels. 

11:00-11:45: Panel Discussion: Electric Cars and Alternative Vehicles Alumni Hall

The president of the New England Electric Auto Association (Dave Oliveria), an environmental writer and speaker (Jim Motavalli), the Senior Associates Autos Editor for Consumer Reports (Eric Evarts), and a natural gas car owner (Joe Booth) all come together in one place to talk about the real value that hybrid, extended hybrid, and electric vehicles hold. This is a special opportunity to discover what users and reviewers genuinely think about these alternative vehicles.

12:00-1:45 (*with second free registration): Water Wars Performance and Lunch Alumni Hall

While you enjoy your lunch, the Sonia Plumb Dance Company will be performing Water Wars. This is an emotionally charged piece of art that exposes the very important and very tenuous relationship that human beings have with one of our primary sources of life: water.

Qi Gong: A Healthy Practice for Both Mind and Body

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

Many people have heard of qi gong, though they probably aren’t sure what exactly it is. For thousands of years, it’s been used in China to promote both mental and physical well-being. 

The definition of qi gong is two-fold. “Qi” refers to our vital force or life energy; “gong” means to cultivate. Therefore, qi gong is a discipline which cultivates our qi. This is a form of energy medicine, like acupuncture, as qi isn’t quantifiable. Nevertheless, in China, being able to direct and manipulate qi by using Traditional Chinese Medicine has been successful form of medicine for thousands of years. Qi gong uses gentle movements with meditation and breathing control to balance the body.

One might ask what the difference between tai chi and qi gong is. Tai chi is a more martial form of cultivating qi--it is more physical. Qi gong is about gentle movements. 

There have been many studies over many years regarding the health benefits of qi gong. These studies have shown that a regular qi gong practice can decrease hypertension, strengthen the heart, decrease stroke occurrence, increase bone density, positively affect cancer and cancer patients and increase brain function and brain regulation.   

There are many forms of qi gong, but to get started on some movements, go here. Qi gong is a beautiful and soothing practice that has lasting benefits for both the mind and body.

Even better, you can do it anywhere. No need to hop in the car and drive to the gym spewing fumes into the air. Qi gong goes wherever you go.

Image courtesy of cancer.ucsf.edu.

Astaxanthin--An Antioxidant Gets Attention

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

Recently, a powerful antioxidant has gotten more attention--astaxanthin--and there is compelling research to support its claims.

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid, which is a lipid soluble pigment that imparts a red color in nature. It is derived from a microalgae called Haematococcus pluvialis. The microalgae produces astaxanthin to protect itself against free radical damage derived from ultraviolet rays. Salmon and other seafood have pink coloring due to their intake of this microalgae.

Astaxanthin has been shown to have more antioxidant activity than some of the most well known antioxidants like CoQ10, vitamin C, beta-carotene and green tea. Because it is lipid soluble, it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and thus can be used in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and visual disorders.  

Magnificent Mangos

 

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

Mangos, which are native to southern Asia, have become more popular lately due to their medicinal and nutritional properties. Mango trees are found in tropical climates as they are extremely susceptible to the cold. Buddhist monks are thought to have traveled with mangos in the 4th and 5th centuries and the Persians to have brought them to Africa in the 10th century. They were later brought to South America, the Caribbean and North America. They are also on the Environmental Working Groups “Clean 15” list, meaning that the non-organic crops of mangos tested were some of the lowest in pesticide residues.

Mangos have a large place in Indian culture. The trees and their fruit are associated with love, fertility, plenty and fortune and are used in various Hindu ceremonies. It was thought the Buddha’s favorite place to meditate was in a mango grove. He was also said to have been born in one as well. 

The Benefits of Fermented Foods

 

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

This is the perfect time to learn more about fermented foods.  Our gardens and our CSAs are a blessing at this time of year. I know for myself, I usually have more food than I know what do to with and never want it to go to waste. So, an ancient way to keep foods from turning bad is to ferment them.

Fermentation is thought to have been used in pre-human times. The first fermented drinks were recorded 7,000 years ago in Babylon and bread-making was probably first started in Egypt over 3,500 years ago. The definition of fermentation is the "slow decomposition process of organic substances induced by micro-organisms, or by complex nitrogenous substances (enzymes) of plant or animal origin.”  

Radioactive Tuna?

You may want to reconsider what's on your sushi plate, especially if it's bluefin tuna. NBC's Nightly News reported on radioactive contamination in the tuna from Pacific waters off the coast of Japan. This is a direct result of last year's tsunami and susbsequent nuclear meltdown.

Check out the video below. 

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

 

 

Cinnamon: An Ancient Healing Spice

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

Cinnamon bark, originating from Sri Lanka, has been used since ancient times. It was a gift to kings because of its value in cooking and healing. It was used in the embalming of mummies, in religious ceremonies and in perfumes. It was even mentioned in the bible.

The modern world uses cinnamon almost completely as a spice--especially in sweet dishes and drinks. Its ancient uses as an aphrodisiac, a digestive and a cold and flu treatment has not been appreciated again until recently.

The main areas that cinnamon is applied to in alternative medicine is where the most research has been done on it--in diabetes mellitus, or Type 2 diabetes. One study has dramatically shown that it not only reduces blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, but has beneficial effects on these patients’ lipid levels as well. 

Ch-ch-ch-Chia!

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

Everybody has probably heard about chia from the little plant “pets” that became popular in the 80s.  What is not as widely known is what a great addition to the diet the chia seed can be.

The history of chia, or Salvia hispanica, can be traced back to over 5,000 years ago in Mexico.  Chia was one of the staple foods of both the Aztec and Mayan cultures.  It was also used as a form of currency and was said to help messengers sustain energy over long distances.  

Chia is at the top of the charts in four important areas: levels of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and fiber.  In fact, it has the highest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, even more than flax seeds.  Omega-3 fatty acids play a large role in cardiovascular health and are anti-inflammatory.  Its levels of antioxidants, from flavonoids, are also anti-inflammatory and allow it to have a good ORAC value.  It also is free of cholesterol.

Understanding Avocados

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

Avocados are a very poorly understood fruit. They got a bad rap due to their high fat content, both in terms of cholesterol and weight control. The only place you might find them would be your nearest bowl of guacamole. Until recently, it wasn't understood that the type of fat found in avocados is acutally “good” fat.

Avocados originated in Mexico as early as 7,000 BC. Later, it was determined they could be found in South America as well. It seems, however, that when they started cultivating them in California in the late 1800s, that they became more accessible.  

Because of the high fat content, avocados have a lot of calories. But, there is some good news. Not only are the highest levels of fat found monosaturated, but with all the other vitamins, nutrients, phytochemicals and fiber, eating avocados is actually GOOD for your health.

The Beauty of Aloe

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

Aloe has been used and documented for thousands of years. There are several references to it in the Bible. Cleopatra was said to have used it to enhance her beauty.
 
In China, aloe has been used for thousands of years for gastric discomfort. It is prescribed for parasites, constipation and digestive discomfort. Alexander the Great used it to treat his army’s wounds.

Todays modern research has defined why it has been so beneficial and such a permanent part of medicine throughout history.

Dr. Jeffrey Bland found that aloe decreased toxicity of the colon and normalized the bowel flora. It has also been found that aloe lowers gastric pH, which in turn prevents and in some cases cures, ulcers.  Overall, it has a stabilizing and anti-inflammatory effect on the entire digestive tract which is one of the reasons it’s touted for helping Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Documentary at Community Theatre in Fairfield

FAT SICK & NEARLY DEAD SCREENING +...
Thursday October 6th!
FREE & OPEN to the Public!!!!

EVENT SPONSORS = Tara Cook-Littman, Camillo Fitness, Heather Pierce Inc.,
CT Clean Energy Options, My Personal Wellness, more to be added!
**These sponsors will have information tables set up before the screening
    as well as sit on a panel that will discuss the movie after it's conclusion!!!!!!!!  

 DOORS OPEN AT 5:30pm -- Screening begins at 6:30pm  (98min)
followed by expert round table discussion and audience question an answer!
FREE RAFFLE TICKETS GIVEN OUT BETWEEN 5:30pm-6:00pm! 

@ COMMUNITY FILM INSTITUTE 1424 POST RD. FAIRFIELD
Four doors down from Catch A Healthy Habit Cafe
You can bring Cafe food & drink into the Theatre

The Long Revered Green Tea

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

Green tea is another big seller on the market today promoted for its effects on weight loss, cancer and the cardiovascular and nervous systems. It is also a delicious, healthy addition to the diet that was first recorded 4,000 years ago in China. The longer, healthier lives of Asian populations partially attests to their tea drinking habits.  Let’s look at both the old claims and the new research promoting this ancient herb.

Green tea comes from the same leaf as black tea, Camellia sinensis. The leaf is just not left to oxidize as black tea leaves are which allows breakdown of the pigments in the leaves, among other components. One of the things that lack of oxidation does to the leaf is allow the polyphenols, or antioxidants, to remain unprocessed. Antioxidants squelch free radical damage that promotes aging and cancer. They also help the immune system to function better.  In ancient China, green tea was thought to enhance beauty and longevity, which can be attributed to the polyphenols found therein.

Coconuts, Part 3: Eco-friendliness of Coconut Trees

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

In parts one and two of my series on coconuts, I introduced you to two of the ways coconuts are said to improve your health. In this part three of the series, I will tell you how coconut trees are extremely eco-friendly and economical.

Coconut trees are found mostly in the tropics as they need to be in full sunlight and have lots of water.  They are called “Trees of Life” in the Philippines because so many of their parts can be used in daily life.

For consumption as food, the following can be obtained from coconuts:

• Coconut water
• Coconut milk
• Coconut oil
• Coconut sap (a great sugar substitute!)
• Honey
• an alcoholic beverage called Arrack
• Heart of Palm

For use in daily life, the following can be obtained from coconuts:

• Rope
• Brooms
• Timber
• Furniture/House ornamentation
• Fuel
• Gardening
• Hair & skin cosmetics
• Paper

The above uses of the whole coconut tree are how it’s been used for thousands of years in the Pacific Islands. What makes the trees even more amazing is how they will be used in the future.

One company, Whole Tree, Inc., is finding ways to use the discarded products of coconut farming to make packaging products. Another company is researching ways to make car parts that are both eco-friendly and help indigent coconut farmers in Asia and the South Pacific.  It has also been used as a biofuel in the Pacific Islands, though that might not be environmentally or economically beneficial in the long run if used worldwide.  

Overall, the coconut tree is an amazing work of nature.  The whole tree can be used to support life both inside the body and in its surroundings.  More research needs to be done in both these areas to make the most of this extraordinary tree.

Newest thing in yoga?

Do you live a green lifestyle and enjoy yoga? Then try this on for size: Anti-gravity Yoga. No need for a down dog on the cold, hard floor when you can levitate. See this video clip below from Reuters.

 

 

Coconuts for Health, Part Two: Coconut Oil

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

Coconut oil has recently gained a lot of attention. It is said to help with cholesterol levels, obesity and metabolism, for example. It is being touted as the best oil on earth, either incorporated into your cooking or taken as a dietary supplement.  So why is something that’s been used in Asia for thousands of years only becoming popular in the US now?

Coconut oil got its bad reputation because some studies were done on partially hydrogenated coconut oil causing high cholesterol, which is not the same thing as the virgin coconut oil that’s being celebrated, and discussed, today.  Though virgin coconut oil has the saturated fats lauric, caprylic and capric acids, saturated fats are needed in the body for proper cell membrane function.

Raw Foods for Better Health

by Christina Cioci

Glen Colello and Lisa Storch are co-owners of the café Catch a Healthy Habit in Fairfield. With a name like that, their customers know they are walking into a special place. Health conditions like obesity and heart disease, which can stem from processed foods, are running rampant in this country. It is a breath of fresh air to know that two people are trying to stop it. By educating the community on healthy food habits, Glen and Lisa are important members of the community for more reasons than one.

Every five years the USDA (United State Department of Agriculture) puts out a new guideline in which Americans should follow for optimum health, specifically nutrition. The usual time frame was interrupted due to the alarming rate of diseases linked to diet. Raw food in a diet is crucial for a healthier life. “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” embraced the value of plant-based diets. Vegetarian–style eating has been linked to improved health. “Lower risk of obesity, lower cardio vascular diseases and lower total mortality are a few of the big risks slashed when a person is a vegetarian”. Vegetarians are also connected with proof of generally lower BMI (Body Mass Index).

Good for Your Health, part one: Coconut Water

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

One of the hottest items being sold in the health food industry today is coconut water. It is becoming more noticed and thus questions are arising: why exactly is it so popular?

Coconut water is the product of a young coconut.  It is not the same thing as coconut milk. Coconut milk is from the coconut’s matured pulp whereas coconut water is separate from the young pulp and is 94% water.

Much of the touted benefits of coconut water are traditional as there has not been a lot of research done on it, but there are several facts that have been researched. Coconut water has been shown to be effective intravenously during emergency situations to increase hydration; in an animal study, it was shown to decrease the negative effects of a myocardial infarction (heart attack).  In another study, it lowered blood pressure from unhealthy levels.

Active Wellness Holistic Fitness

by Christina Cioci

Active Wellness Holistic Fitness is a studio with heart. Co-owners Christina Yaworowski and Drew Lewis believe in living a healthy lifestyle. Yaworowski met Lewis at a crucial time in her life when she decided to stop her current sedentary lifestyle and become entirely committed to living a long, healthy life. She and Lewis began a romantic relationship and inspired one another to exercise regularly and eat healthy. After Yaworowski’s own transformation she decided she wanted to help other women do the same.

“I finished my Liberal Studies undergraduate degree and then I began by getting certified as a personal trainer,” she said. “I then did an internship with a private studio and started my career at a local franchised gym.”

Watermelon: The new super-fruit

by Christina Cioci

Summertime and watermelon seem to go hand-in-hand. Biting into that piece of juicy goodness brings back fond memories of picnics and pool parties. This much loved fruit is more than just a juicy snack. According to Watermelon.org, “About 200-300 varieties are grown in the U.S. and Mexico, although there are about 50 varieties that are very popular.” 

Today there are about 5 common types we see in markets: Seeded, Seedless, Mini, Yellow and Orange. Watermelon is packed full of nutrition, hydrates and is also low-fat! It is a great source of vitamin A which contains antioxidants; Vitamin C which can heal and strengthen the body and B6 which helps convert protein to energy.

Every Body Walk Campaign

by Christina Cioci

This campaign for better health is one of the many great initiatives to get people moving. Although it promotes exercise it is different than any other because it is taking something as easy as walking and turning it into a national effort. The Every Body Walk campaign gathers experts and their knowledge and ideas of ways for all people to incorporate walking into their daily routine. Whether male or female, young or old there is no time like the present to get into better shape.

Feeling like you are just too busy? Mark Fenton, author of a new book The Complete Guide to Walking, New and Revised: For Health, Weight Loss, and Fitness offers a walk routine that virtually anyone can abide by. Health.com discussed the scoop on the routine as “interval workouts to give you the most calorie-burn in the least amount of time”.  Just a 15 minute walk twice a day for three days a week can keep you at a lower risk of obesity, heart risk and other health related diseases.

The Great Goji

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

Probably everyone has at least heard about the goji berry. They are popular in health food stores and are used in packaged baked goods.

So what is about them that makes them so great?

To begin with, they have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years, which indicates a profound amount of research!  The botanical name for the goji berry is Lycium barbarum, which is the reason it is also called lycium fruit in TCM. Also referred to as wolfberry fruit, it is the berry of a deciduous woody perennial plant that makes up the largest crop in China. They are also grown in Tibet near the Himalayas. Unfortunately, they also use a lot of pesticides, so it’s important to be careful of which brands you buy.

Kaia Yoga Complete Wellness Centers

By Christina Cioci

Kaia Yoga Complete Wellness Centers offer a variety of yoga styles and levels. Whether you are a beginner or advanced there is a class for you. Stan Woodman and Gina Norman, co-owners of Kaia Yoga in Westport and Greenwich,CT not only offer yoga classes but also a complete wellness spa. As if that isn’t awesome enough there is also a 100% organic café and juice bar.

Kaia Yoga Complete Wellness Centers provide a supervised playroom for parents to bring their kids as well as children’s classes from prenatal to postnatal up to teens. Their centers host internationally known teachers and authors that educate people in all areas of a healthy lifestyle.

Fukushima Update

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

Almost 3 months after the earthquake and tsunami that caused devastating damage in Japan, it seems that, in the US, it’s not a major concern anymore. That certainly should not be the case.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the situation at the plant is still serious. Radioactive contamination is still occurring both by being released into the air and with the outflow of water from the four damaged reactors.

According to the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency, Japan has now double the initial estimate of radioactive fallout and the government is evacuating to areas farther afield. The levels of radiation are nearing those reached in Chernobyl, the world’s largest nuclear disaster before this one. Chernobyl was thought to be more toxic because fires were involved, easily spreading the radioactive materials into the surrounding areas through the air. But the Fukushima disaster is now at severity level 7--the same level as Chernobyl.

Eat Chocolate

By Brittany Shutts
   
Maybe the Mayans and Aztecs were onto something when they started making drinks from this delicious bean. Chocolate should not be relegated to the level of gumballs and gummy bears. This sweet treat contains antioxidants, nutrients, and serotonin-increasing carbohydrates. It is conducive to both health and happiness, and should be eaten without guilt.
   
Chocolate is good for your heart. To the alarm of their patients, doctors in Australia tried prescribing a bar of dark chocolate a day to treat hypertension. Some patients complained that it was too hard to eat that much chocolate in one day, while others could not accept it as a treatment. There seems to be a method to their madness. A study at Harvard Medical School observed a 32% lower risk in heart failure in women who ate one to two servings a day of quality dark chocolate a day.

Juice? Who Doesn’t Love Juice?

Brittany D. Costa

Always curious to see how I can better myself, I did my first cleanse in 2008 and in the past three years I have accomplished three cleanses. And within the next couple of days, I will endure yet another. Each time I do it, I typically change up my methods and experiment with different varieties: Master Cleanse, Liver Detoxification Supplements, Water…  I have researched and looked into different types such as BluePrintCleanse and Dukan Diet. It seems everyone from Catherine Middleton to Whitney Houston (cough) is “cleansing”.

The typical reaction I receive when mentioning to my friends what I’m doing is a little anxious—and dare I say with a vague note of disgust—at the mere sound of the word…. Cleanse. Let’s not dismiss the fact that this is one of the biggest trends since Manolo Blahnik Patent Leather Mary Janes (which I thought was just an urban shoe myth), but I digress.

DIY Skincare Experiments

by Brittany Shutts

After years of warfare against my skin, I have transitioned into a routine that is radically different. In high school, I was plagued with acne and endured face steaming, microdermabrasion, and prescription ointments. I tried numerous cleanser/toner/moisturizer combinations. Due to the mélange of products and treatments that ousted the oil and singed away the blemishes, my face was feeling pretty raw and irritated.
   
When I first read about the questionable ingredients riddling many personal care products, I started to notice parabens, dyes, and artificial fragrances on the labels of the bottles on my sink. Thus began my quest for something that would keep my face in tip-top shape without polluting it with carcinogens.

Cracking Down on Chemical Regulation

by Brittany Shutts
   
It is overwhelming to consider the quantity of potentially harmful chemicals in our environment and the products we use. Some people seem driven to paranoia by the constant flow of new information regarding the risks of products and chemicals they once believed to be safe. From water bottles to baby bottles, the checklist of products to be wary of continues to grow.
   
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is appealing to the government to crack down on the regulation of chemicals. They claim that the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 needs to be rewritten to require that chemicals be tested before they are released in products. The AAP also wants a “post-market surveillance system” to look out for potential health complications once the chemical is on the shelves. A similar system is already used for prescription drugs.
   
Rather than testing chemicals before they reach the consumer, a chemical entering the market is, in a way, innocent until proven guilty. Unless the government can provide adequate proof of a substance’s “unreasonable risk,” it remains on the market. A great deal of damage can be done before a chemical is put to trial.

Green Yoga: What is it?

by Brittany Costa

Brittany is a guest author with her own blog, The Costa Collections, dedicated to all things green. She considers herself to be the Carrie Bradshaw of Health and Wellness. Stumbling around trying to figure out what is best in the industry, she attempts to demystify trends and relate to women of every age, stage and size. With friends and many esteemed fitness and wellness contemporaries as research subjects, she is the voice of a woman coming of age and understanding the importance of overall health, along with the crazy world that promotes it.

Below is an excerpt from a blog entry on December 8, 2010.

Sara Ivanhoe has the ability to be like many yoga instructors—she has taught mainstream classes since 1995, working at Yoga Works in Santa Monica. What does differentiate her from the masses of instructors that are out there is the not only has she completed over five teacher trainings—but also she is certified in what is called Green Yoga. “It’s important to educate and keep a beginners mind….never come to a place where I know enough and to remain the eternal student,” Ivanhoe explains. Growing up in a self proclaimed ‘hippie community’; Ivanhoe has practiced many varieties of yoga since the age of 14. “I just knew it was something that was helping me feel good.”

While most modern practitioners approach Yoga mainly as a physical discipline, they do not look into its ecological significance; the trans formative power that it could benefit of the planet as a whole. Ivanhoe explains, “There is an association called Green Yoga where the traditional idea of yoga—meaning union—is myself and something greater than myself. Since yoga is not formally a religion, then what is the union? The one thing that is greater than all of us that we share is the Planet. It is important for everyone to remember this union,” Ivanhoe continues “The practice of yoga is to remind us that we are already in union and connected to the planet. What’s really amazing and powerful about this concept is that the planet is essentially made up of elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ‘Akash’—each element is said to have a home in each individual’s chakra. Yogi’s need to be aware of chakras and see the planet is inside of us at all times, and see the union of all these elements.”

The health of our bodies depends on clean air, clean water, and clean food—traditional Yoga is grounded in this understanding of the interconnection. Green Yoga developed in the context of a close relationship with the earth and cosmos and a profound reverence for animals, plants, soil, water, and air.

Ivanhoe continues to explain: “The actual practice of Green Yoga is the idea that ‘I already am part of this eco-system.’ The way I have it pictured is a man sitting and meditating and feels this oneness with planet—separation is an illusion and he opens up his eyes and sees a tree in front of him. The way we see it is ‘that’s tree over there and I’m me over here.’ Green Yoga emphasizes the idea that this separation is an illusion; instead it’s ‘I am the tree and the tree is me.’”

To read more, click here.

Image courtesy of carolman.net.

Are There Long Term Health Effects from Cell Phone Radiation?

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

The effects of cell phone radiation on the human body is an important discussion.  We are surrounded by electromagnetic fields, or EMFs, in today’s fast-paced society.  From cell phones to microwaves to electricity itself, everything we use on a continuous, daily basis emits radiation.  The question is, are we in danger?

So far, according to the National Cancer Institute, research has shown that the energy from radiofrequencies (RF) emitted by cell phones is inconclusive on causing cancer.  However, that does not mean that there are not concerns in the following areas: the effects of RFs on children and pregnant women and their unborn children; nor non-cancer causing effects of RFs.

Wholesome Food Where There is None

by Eileen Weber

Wholesome Wave is at it again. With a $600,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente, they will be expanding their farmers’ market programs to eight new locations worldwide. The funding will primarily support its Double Value Coupon Program (DVCP). That program has been a major step in bringing fresh, local produce to the very people who need it most. Perhaps it goes without saying, but it’s always healthier to get your tomatoes fresh-picked from the vine than to convince yourself they can be found in a can of Chef Boyardee.

“We at Wholesome Wave are so grateful for Kaiser Permanente’s support, which is allowing us to take these next, vitally important steps towards increasing the accessibility of nutritious foods throughout America’s food-insecure communities,” said Michel Nischan, president and founder, Wholesome Wave in a recent press release. “Wholesome Wave and Kaiser Permanente have a shared mission of building a healthier future, and this generous partnership will allow Wholesome Wave to nourish neighborhoods across America.” 

Help for Hay Fever

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

With spring now here and warmer weather approaching, many people will soon be suffering the effects of seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as hay fever, are caused by the immune system’s response to the pollen of trees, grasses, flowers and weeds. The pollen most commonly causes itchy eyes and throat, runny nose, congestion and sneezing and inflammation of the mucous membranes.

Eating healthy foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to mitigate symptoms as these keep the immune system strong. Avoiding alcohol, dairy products and sugar will help, as will eliminating artificial colors and flavors, preservatives and other additives.

If you are excessively sensitive to pollen, however, more steps may need to be taken.

About 80% of our immune system is found in the digestive tract. If it is healthy, you will be less likely to get sick. However, if you eat an unhealthy diet and don’t eliminate properly, this will cause an imbalance that will affect your immune system. Probiotics are healthy microflora that help to stabilize the immune system. Taking them on a daily basis is preventive for both acute and chronic illness.

Is Nuclear Energy as Bad as We Think?

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

In light of the devastating earthquakes and tsunami in Japan, and the damage done to the nuclear power plant in the affected area, it seems important to have as many facts as possible regarding the consequences of the nuclear plant’s breakdown.

Nuclear energy was first discovered just before World War II, when scientists experimented with splitting atoms to create large amounts of energy, or fission. Initially in the US, this new technology was solely used in a military capacity, but after the war, continuing experimentation was accomplished via the Atomic Energy Commission to find nonviolent uses of nuclear energy, including using it for electricity. The first nuclear energy plant in the US became operational in 1957 and more plant construction quickly followed.

Radiation Leak: Something to Worry About?

Thousands are rushing to pop iodide pills for fear of the radiation leaks at the Fukushima Daiichi plant after last week's catastrophic earthquake and resulting tsunami damaged cooling systems in the reactors. The word on the street is that folks on the West Coast are simply panicking. But are they? When the BBC reports that the Japanese emperor Akihito made a rare appearance to say he is "deeply worried" about the situation, perhaps things are a bit more dire than we're led to believe. Below is an excerpt from Reuters.

Workers briefly abandon Japan nuclear plant as crisis worsens
By Shinichi Saoshiro and Chisa Fujioka
TOKYO | Reuters--Wed Mar 16, 2011 9:38am EDT

"High radiation levels prevented a helicopter from flying to the site to drop water into the No. 3 reactor -- whose roof was damaged by an earlier explosion and where steam was seen rising earlier in the day -- to try to cool its fuel rods.

The plant operator described No. 3 as the "priority." No more information was available, but that reactor is the only one at Daiichi which uses plutonium in its fuel mix.

According to U.S. government research, plutonium is very toxic to humans and once absorbed in the bloodstream can linger for years in bone marrow or liver and can lead to cancer..."

To read more, click here.

Image courtesy of Greenpeace.org.

Hot Teas for Colds and Flu

by Brittany Shutts

They say that the cold won’t give you a cold, yet at some point during the winter everyone seems to get sick at once. Old wives tale or not, some symptom relief is in order. Before you turn to the Dayquil, Nyquil, or any other “-quil,” try a relaxing cup of tea. Are you suffering from a runny nose, sore throat, fever, chills, or cough? There’s a tasty tea for every symptom.
   
When the people around you are sneezing and red of nose, boost your immune system. A daily dose of green tea is a great place to start. A study from Japan shows that this powerful plant not only prevents cancer but other viruses, such as colds and the flu. A mere five seconds of contact with the flu virus is enough to make it non-infectious. Japan is onto something. If that’s not your cup of tea, try it in capsule form.

The Benefits of Meditation

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

To consider sitting silently, without thinking for an extended period of time, can sound intimidating. Yet there have been many modern studies that have shown meditation to not only affect the mind beneficially, but the body as well.

So what should you know about meditation that would allow you to consider adding it to your daily routine?

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years in the East. There are references to it being practiced in India as early as 1500 BC. Later, it was used in Buddhism and Hinduism, including yoga, to calm the mind and body. It was practiced mainly for religious purposes until its beneficial actions attracted interest in the West where it was then studied for its positive effects to mental and physical well-being.

Goodbye, Food Dye

by Brittany Shutts
   
With every holiday comes a rainbow of vibrantly colored sweets and treats. Besides a variety of heart shaped candies, you might have seen a lot of red velvet cake this past Valentine’s Day. Anyone who has ever baked a red velvet cake or looked over a recipe will tell you that it takes an entire bottle of red food coloring to achieve that luscious shade of red. Green cookies and cupcakes are already making their debut on the shelves for Saint Patrick’s Day.

Besides baked goods and candies, food dye can be found in cereal, fruit drinks, yogurt, toothpaste, lunch meat, and even farm-raised salmon. Food dye gives an often false impression that the food contains healthy fruits or vegetables. Many prescription medicines contain artificial colors. These dyes are carcinogenic, neurotoxic, aggravate behavioral problems in children, and have many other health effects on children and adults.
   
Over the summer, the European Union demanded that products containing certain hazardous dyes referred to as the “Southampton Six” display a warning on the label. The name “Southampton Six” comes from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study from the University of Southampton that connected artificial food dyes to behavioral problems in children. The effects were not only observed in children with suspected behavioral disorders.
   
The connection between food dye and ADHD has been debated since the 1970s. Dr. Ben Feingold, an allergist, was one of the first to notice the link between diet and behavioral difficulties in children. He began promoting a diet for children with behavioral disorders that avoids artificial food dyes and preservatives and observed positive results.

While the EU is using labels along the lines of the Surgeon General’s warning on cigarettes to identify products that have not willingly replaced their artificial colors, the FDA has taken few steps to limit their use in the United States. However, these chemicals are used more frequently on this side of the map. A strawberry Nutri-Grain bar in Britain uses natural dyes such as beetroot, annatto, and paprika extract, whereas in the US, the same strawberry Nutri-Grain bar contains Red no. 40, Yellow no. 6, and Blue no. 1.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest is calling for a ban on nine synthetic food dyes and for warning notices on artificially colored food products until they can fully implement this change. The FDA will hold a hearing this March to determine whether there is enough evidence to prove that the dyes are harmful. In the meantime, you can avoid these products by reading labels and by shopping at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, two grocery stores that don’t carry products containing these harmful artificial colors.

This doesn’t mean that you have to settle for white cake. Brighten up your baked goods with natural alternatives to synthetic dyes. To make red velvet cake without a bottle of red food coloring, try using the juice from a can of beets and substituting it for the part of the liquid in the recipe. The flavor of the beets will not affect the flavor as the sugar seems to cover it up. This recipe uses grated beets for its red tone at Dying For Chocolate. Here is another recipe that gets its coloring from beets, but also uses unprocessed cocoa powder to produce a deeper red at Bittersweet Blog.

Strawberries, cherries, and raspberries can also be used to the same effect. If you thaw a bag of frozen cherries, there is a lot of juice at the bottom that will make your batter sweeter and give it a rosy hue. Or cover a hibiscus tea bag in just enough hot water to let some of its bright red seep out. Puree, cook, and strain blueberries or blackberries for blue baked goods or frosting. Use a little bit of turmeric in place of yellow dye, but keep in mind that too much will give frosting a bitter taste. Spirulina—a bluish-green alga available in health food stores—makes the perfect shade of green for your shamrock-shaped sugar cookies when combined with a bit of turmeric.

If you prefer something that you can keep in your cupboard, NaturesFlavors.com provides bottles of natural food coloring. They are pricier than using canned beets or turmeric, but they’re always available when you want green pancakes just for the fun of it and you don’t have any algae on hand. Since Easter isn’t too far away, non-chemical Easter egg coloring may also be a worthy investment. You can purchase these food dyes here at Natures Flavors.

Image courtesy of DiscoMom.blogspot.com.

Green for Your Health

by Emma Crisci

Emma is a student and resides in Connecticut. She began writing at the age of four. Emma currently explores yoga, writing, and teaching. In her spare time, she raps.

Choosing a greener lifestyle has its benefits. From water conservation and air quality to shopping with reusable bags, there is no end to the things we can do—and not do—to better our environment.

Going green can be good for simple peace of mind in a shaky economy.  While the recession still has grips on many of us, the Web Nurse points out "you can save money by making your own household products, as well as save money on transportation costs when you adopt green practices." In The Daily Green, there are plenty of recipes to make your own cleaning products. If you’ve got lemon juice, baking soda, borax, or vinegar lying around the house, then you’ve got great way to make your house sparkle without using toxic chemicals.

Natural Medicine and Anti-Aging

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

Dr. Wiesner is licensed in both Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture in the state of Connecticut.  She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Rochester where she also attended the Eastman School of Music.  She obtained her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (ND) and her Master of Science in Acupuncture from the University of Bridgeport.

She has taught at both the College of Naturopathic Medicine and the Acupuncture Institute at the University of Bridgeport and has a private practice in Norwalk, CT.

Our society is obsessed with looking younger. Some people will do whatever it takes not to look their age, including injecting toxins into their bodies.

So are there nontoxic, more natural ways to look younger and slow down the aging process?

Watch the news and you can see the world we live in is inherently toxic and ages us faster than it did before industrialization. Pesticides, radiation, and smog are elements that are ubiquitous today. They create free radicals in the body that hasten the aging process through oxidation as well as contribute to disease. The high levels of stress that we have in our society also contribute to premature aging. Both prevention and treatment can address the free radicals that contribute to it.

NIH links pesticides with parkinson's

According to yesterday's post on The Daily Green, the National Institute of Health has linked rotenone and parquat, two common pesticides in weed killers, with a higher likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease. While the chemicals are not usually found in household products, they are used on major crops like corn, soy, wheat, and potatoes.

See the excerpt below.

NIH: 2 Pesticides Linked to Parkinson's Disease
Those exposed to two common pesticides were far more likely to develop Parkinson's, according to a new authoritative study of possible causes of the disease.

By Dan Shapley

"Exposure to pesticides has been repeatedly linked to Parkinson's disease, and now the most authoritative voice on health research, the National Institute of Health, has highlighted the link.

In new research, the NIH said Parkinson's disease was 2.5 times more likely to develop in people who used rotenone or paraquat, neither of which are commonly used in households. Parkinson's disease is a a progressive degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. While both pesticides are used only by licensed pesticide applicators and Rotenone is used only to kill invasive fish, Paraquat is widely used on farms throughout the world..."

To read more, click here.

Image courtesy of ScienceMag.org.

Fracking--soon to be a thing of the past?

In today’s news from Reuters, the EPA drafted a plan to determine if drilling for natural gas and oil in bedrock, shale, and tight sand—also known as “fracking”—is harmful to water supplies. In a previous article on this site, we discussed this topic in regard to the documentary Gasland, produced and directed by Josh Fox. One particularly telling scene from that indie film was a resident living in the Marcellus Shale area who lit his tap water on fire. So does fracking harm drinking water? Perhaps, that’s a rhetorical question.

See the excerpt below.

EPA releases draft plan for fracking study

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – “U.S. environmental regulators issued a draft plan on Tuesday outlining how they will determine whether a technique for drilling natural gas harms supplies of drinking water.

Congress commissioned the Environmental Protection Agency to study hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking", after complaints that the process pollutes water. The EPA is slated to make public initial results of the study by the end of next year.

The study will investigate reported instances of drinking water contamination in three to five sites across the country where fracking has occurred, the agency said in the draft.

In addition, the EPA will conduct two to three prospective case studies, to take samples before, during and after water extraction, drilling and production of gas…

Congressman Ralph Hall, chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, said in a statement that he would closely review the study because he felt fracking had been the subject of ‘misleading attacks.’

‘Natural gas is a vital resource, and hydraulic fracturing is a well-established process that is enabling greatly increased production of clean, affordable energy,’ he said.”

To read more of the article, click here.

Image courtesy of Zazzle.com.

Superpowers or Superfoods?

by Chitra Esther Chelladurai

At one point or another, every one gets sick and winter tends to be prime cold and flu season. Whether it's relatively benign or full-blown pneumonia, what really determines how often we get sick and how are immune system is able to counter those illnesses depends on what kind of lifestyle we lead, and often times what we eat.

There are so many "super" foods, medicines, herbal remedies, and so on that sometimes it's difficult to narrow down what we actually need. The market has been inundated with products and produce lauded for its anti-oxidant and cancer-fighting properties. It can be hard to keep track of what is actually a power-packed source of nutrients and what is not.

So, I have compiled a short list from Suite 101 of inexpensive common household foods that yield great benefits for different ailments:

Holistic House: The Latest Sustainable Blog

By Eileen Weber

Trudy Dujardin was green long before the color described more than just your front lawn. She built her design business in 1982. By 1987, she saw the need for an environmentally friendly approach. She now refers to her designs as “eco-elegance.”

Dujardin, President and Founder of Dujardin Design Associates with offices in Westport and Nantucket, has been quoted as saying that a healthy home is the ultimate luxury. But when asked why she feels that way, she was almost a little stumped. She has been living and breathing the green industry for so long that, for her, it would be one “big goof” to have a home that wasn’t healthy.

“Why would you want anything toxic near your family?” she countered. “A home can be beautiful and it can be healthy. How luxurious is it if you’re smelling off-gasses?”

Are you going the wrong weight?

by Chitra Esther Chelladurai

The holiday season is here and everyone knows what that means: Packing on those pounds with sweet and savory foods only to make New Year’s resolutions promising to lose them again. What if this holiday season you could avoid losing those extra pounds and go green by doing simple things?

Indeed, it is true that reducing your weight directly plays a hand in reducing your carbon footprint. Kate Geagan, the author of Go Green Get Lean, states that raising beef accounts for 18 percent of global warming emissions worldwide. If for one day you switch to the vegetarian meals Geagan suggests in her book, you’ll save roughly 890 calories and nine pounds of carbon. Do this for two weeks, and you’ll reduce your carbon footprint by 122 pounds and your calories by 12,460—leaving yourself about three and a half pounds lighter.

You don’t need to go gung-ho vegetarian or vegan but according to Planet Green cutting meat out of your diet reduces your carbon footprint by over 5,000 pounds annually. It can also reduce weight in actual pounds annually. As you many of you may have noticed you don’t often come across a hefty vegan or vegetarian. Also, eating organic foods is usually better for you than eating processed foods; they often have less packaging waste as well.

Personal and Planetary Health

by Angela Hotaling

Going for a hike or cooking and eating a fresh meal are things that make me feel good. Instead of driving to school, I decide to walk because it saves gas, reduces my daily carbon emissions, and feels great. The connections between taking care of oneself and taking care of the environment go hand in hand. The mission of Rodale.com aims to make people aware of this connection; it promotes sustainable living for oneself and for the planet.

Rodale is a multidimensional company that has confronted environmental issues for many years. It has authored and published books ranging from gardening to recycling, and even climate change. What’s special about Rodale is that its goal is to promote “healthy living on a healthy planet.” The website describes itself and its literature as focusing on the environment and “helps readers grow a better world, starting with their own backyards.”

Visit a Dig In! Near You

by Eileen Weber

If you happen to be in the New Haven area on Saturday, you may want to stop by the lot next to Chabaso Bakery on James Street. Volunteers and staffers from the Fair Haven Community Health Center (FHCHC) will be participating in the Slow Food USA movement called Dig In! While there are events like this happening all over the country on Saturday, this is the only event of its kind in Connecticut.



The whole point of a Dig In! project is to share in the joys of working together as a community to grow food and then break bread afterward. From school gardens to backyard harvest to wherever local projects unite a community, Slow Food wants people to act like a community locally on a nation-wide scale. Much like the events sponsored by 350.org, this is Slow Food USA’s “day of action.” The FHCHC members along with staff from the bakery will join together to paint a mural, plant perennial flowers, and share in a delicious potluck meal.


Just What The Doctor Ordered

In recent news as cited in a previous article on this web site, organic produce is not only more nutritious for you but tastier too. In today's New York Times, it was reported that one doctor at the Kaiser Permanente medical facility in Oakland, CA has taken that information seriously. Since 2003, there has been a weekly farmer's market at the facility for doctors, patients, and hospital workers alike to enjoy.

His main point is that doctors need to know as much about nutrition as the rest of us do. And that starts from what you put in your mouth. All illnesses, in one way or another, have something to do with food: What you eat, how much you eat, what's in it. The kind of foods we eat have a major impact on heart disease and diabetes, two illnesses that affect millions of U.S. residents.

Eating a high fiber diet can lower cholesterol. A diet rich in olive oil can lower risks of certain types of cancer and heart disease. And need I mention avoiding high fructose corn syrup?

Read the excerpt below. For more of the article, click here.

Dirt! The Movie

by Eileen Weber

If you haven’t seen this movie, you should. On Wednesday evening, the Pequot Library screened the documentary Dirt! The Movie with a homemade pie auction and an awards ceremony celebrating local environmentalists afterward.

The event was sponsored by The Fairfield Organic Teaching Farm and emceed by Fairfield Green Food Guide’s Analiese Paik. The film, pardon the pun, digs in deep about all the things that happen to dirt—how we often disregard it, abuse it, ruin it, and fight over it. Produced and directed by Bill Benenson and Gene Rosow and narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis, it illustrates that what could be our most valuable resource is our most under-appreciated one.

Boxed Goodes

by Eileen Weber

Pamela Dunn started her own business in one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression. She couldn’t be happier about it.

“You have these little moments when you feel like a rock star,” said Dunn, founder of Boxed Goodes, a natural goods business focused on whole grains, rice, beans and spices. Dunn’s business launched last April. Since then, she has seen an increasing number of customers who are interested in how to cook with natural foods. A growing number of consumers are consciously stepping away from foods with artificial ingredients.

Dunn started out as a chef in residence in Litchfield. Because she used whole foods in her cooking, it seemed only natural to jump into this market. “I built the business to compliment the local, seasonal foods in my recipes,” she said.

And how local is her food? Everything she uses for her food demonstrations at local farmer’s markets comes directly from her CSA at Wild Carrot Farm. Deb Parker, the Store Manager at the farm, said her products have been flying off the shelves since they opened for the season in April. “We have lots of customers who don’t know what to do with the produce we sell. They’ve never tried it before,” she said. “But they use one of Pamela’s recipes and her ingredients and it’s a good tie in with the produce. “

Bike your heart out

With the Tour de France well underway, a new study shows there are more benefits than detriments to urban cycling. True, cyclists breathe in more air pollutants and you run a much greater risk of dying in a traffic accident. But the health benefits of cardio-vascular exercise on a regular basis helps you live longer. Not to mention the fact that biking around town is better for the planet.

See an excerpt below from the news story reported in HealthDay via Yahoo News:

City Cycling Seems to Have More Upsides Than Down
Sun Jul 4, 11:47 pm ET

"The study found that cycling even for a short period of time in traffic can lead to significant exposure to components of car exhaust, such as tiny particles and soot, that may contribute to respiratory and heart problems. Because cyclists tend to breathe about twice as deeply as car drivers, they inhale larger amounts of air pollutants.

The researchers also calculated the risk of dying in a traffic accident as about four times greater per half-mile traveled for cyclists than for car drivers.But they determined that the health benefits for cyclists in The Netherlands were at least nine times greater than the hazards. By switching from driving to cycling, people would, on average, live three to 14 months longer because of increased physical activity. The risks they would face would be potentially losing 0.8 to 40 days of life because of increased exposure to air pollution and an average of five to nine days from a fatal traffic accident."

Click here to read more.

Image courtesy of Examiner.com.