Expression GreenExpressing the need for a healthy green lifestyle

The word “organic” may appear on packages of meat, cartons of milk or eggs, cheese and other single-ingredient foods. Certified organic requires the rejection of synthetic agrochemicals, irradiation and genetically engineered foods or ingredients. Literally, of course, the term is a redundancy: all food is composed of organic chemicals (complex chemicals containing carbon). Any materials used in the production or processing of organic food must be proven safe. Awareness is growing about the value of organic foods. But, whether organic chicken or pesticide-free lettuce represents “healthier” alternatives has long been a subject for debate.

Organic farming is one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. Gardening organically is much more than what you don’t do. In fact, sales of organics have surged more than 20 percent each year in the past decade. In terms of number of farms, acreage and value of production, the organic food industry is growing at a rate of 20-30% per year. As commodity programs are eliminated, more farmers have discovered that organic production is a legitimate and economically viable alternative enterprise. The growth in the number of organic farmers has increased steadily, similar to the growth of the U.S.

In current organic production systems, growers are not permitted to use conventional synthetic organic fungicides in their disease management program. Non-organic milk comes from farms that are allowed to use genetically modified cattle feed, along with routine antibiotic treatments and synthetic pesticides. Arguments have long raged as to the effects these hormones and chemicals have on the bioproducts. Growth hormones in cows, pesticides on produce and antibiotics in poultry are among the reasons many Americans are turning to organic foods.

Organically raised animals may not be given growth hormones to or antibiotics for any reason. Producers are required to feed livestock agricultural feed products that are 100 percent organic, but farmers may also provide allowed vitamin and mineral supplements.

The US Department of Agriculture finally put in place a national system for labeling organic food. The new federal rule guarantees you, the consumer, organic products that are grown without toxic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Pesticides derived from natural sources (such as biological pesticides) may be used in producing organically grown food. Limitations in relation to which pesticides may or may not be used, present the organic grower with some unique and very demanding challenges. Food that is at least 70 percent organic will list the organic ingredients on the front of the package. More than 40 private organizations and state agencies (certifiers) currently certify organic food, but their standards for growing and labeling organic food may differ. Even with these labeling rules in place, consumers should be prepared for some confusion when shopping for organic foods. For one thing, organic products are not uniformly labeled because many farmers using organic methods do not pursue certification at all. In addition, the language contained in seals, labels, and logos approved by organic certifiers may differ.

While consumers struggle with the fact that often, the availability of organic materials is limited when large quantities are needed. More and more people have come to appreciate the added dimensions of value and quality available in the organic marketplace.

With high gas prices and global warming on many people’s minds, consumers are looking for ways they can participate in energy conservation and reduce their carbon footprint. And while you may not be ready to buy a Toyota Prius or install solar panels in your home, there a number of everyday things you can do to adopt a green living lifestyle and contribute to energy conservation.

Learn how to be eco friendly and protect the environment without breaking the bank with these 10 Energy Saving Tips..

• Think green and plant trees [link to: NW Am. Forests page]. If you’re wondering how to be eco-friendly, one of the best – and greenest – ways is to plant trees around your yard or office. Trees are inexpensive, require little maintenance and act as filters by constantly removing air pollution from the atmosphere.

• Recycle. Recycling is still one of the most effective ways to reduce waste and lessen demand for the use of new natural resources. A growing number of communities now offer the service for free or little charge and have recycling drop-off centers that are easy to access.

• Compost your fruit/vegetable scraps. Scraps like melon rinds, banana peels, carrot scrapings, apple cores and tea bags are wonderful for composting. The average kitchen produces over 200 pounds of waste annually, and by composting, you’ll reduce waste and create wonderfully nitrogen-rich soil for your garden

• Shop at a farmers market instead of a chain grocery store. Buying locally helps energy conservation because it uses less fuel to get food to market. Added green living benefits include fewer pesticides used due to shorter time from farm to table, all while supporting the local economy.

• Fly less. Airline flights account for an estimated 10 percent of all greenhouse gases. Encourage energy saving methods at your work by taking advantage of videoconferencing or telecommuting if the business situation permits.

• Take advantage of public transportation or carpooling. The fuel you’ll conserve will add less CO2 to the environment and keep more dollars in your wallet.

• Become an energy efficient home. Install energy saving light bulbs and low flow shower heads in your home. You’ll save energy and your energy conservation efforts will results will be reflected in your bill.

• Learn how to be eco-friendly in your home. Use eco-friendly cleaning products around the house and yard. The price difference is minimal and many of the eco-friendly products have been shown to clean just as well as their less-green counterparts. Instead of cleaning with paper towels, get into the routine of using old towels, t-shirts or rags to save on additional waste.

• Buy reusable shopping bags. Considering your energy saving efforts, you should no longer ask yourself the question of “paper or plastic.” Canvas totes are now widely available at most grocery stores and are cheap, sturdy alternatives to traditional shopping bags.

• Green living and green entertaining. When the next opportunity to entertain presents itself, whether it be a family function, backyard BBQ or dinner party, use real plates, cups and silverware. You’ll reduce waste and create a more hospitable environment for your guests.

Regardless of your current green living status, these helpful tips on how to be eco friendly can help protect the environment without breaking the bank and can be easily applied to your daily routine. Start slow and try adopting a new energy saving method each month and the results will be gratifying.

Green is life. Abundant in nature, green signifies growth, renewal, health, and environment. It can mean luck and fortune.

Green is the perfect choice for people that love nature, that are in a road to grow or renew themselves. New parents can choose this color to represent their new state.

Also, it’s a wish of health and fortune. People confident in themselves choose Green. Is a restful color with some of the same calming attributes of blue. Like blue, time moves faster in a green room.

Culture of Green: Because of all the green in nature the color is reminiscent of Spring. Coupled with red it’s a Christmas color.

Using Green: With both a warming and cooling effect, the color green denotes balance, harmony, and stability. Use several shades of green for a fresh, Springtime feel.

Olive green, also called olive drab, is a not so drab summery green that may have military overtones for some people.

Using Green with Other Colors: Green with blue produces echoes of nature – water and forest and can denote new beginnings and growth.

Green with brown, tan, or beige says organic or recycled and can be a good color combination for packaging of those type of products.

Tri-color combinations of green with yellow and black or white are sporty, outdoorsy colors. Purple with green can be high contrast, lively.

Green Color Palettes: These green color palettes feature shades of green combined with gray, yellow, black, purple, lavender, and brown for some earthy, retro, and conservative looks.

Green is the color of nature, fertility, life. Grass green is the most restful color. Green symbolizes self-respect and well being.

Green is the color of balance. It also means learning, growth and harmony. Green is a safe color, if you don’t know what color to use anywhere use green.

Green is favored by well balanced people. Green symbolizes the master healer and the life force. It often symbolizes money. It was believed green was healing for the eyes.

Egyptians wore green eyeliner. Green eyeshades are still used. You should eat raw green foods for good health. Friday is the day of green. Green jade is a sacred stone of Asia.

Green contains the powerful energies of nature, growth, desire to expand or increase. Balance and a sense of order are found in the color green.

Change and transformation is necessary for growth, and so this ability to sustain changes is also a part of the energy of green.

Green is life. Abundant in nature, green signifies growth, renewal, health, and environment. It can mean luck and fortune.

Green is the perfect choice for people that love nature, that are in a road to grow or renew themselves. New parents can choose this color to represent their new state.

Also, it’s a wish of health and fortune. People confident in themselves choose Green. Is a restful color with some of the same calming attributes of blue. Like blue, time moves faster in a green room.

Culture of Green: Because of all the green in nature the color is reminiscent of Spring. Coupled with red it’s a Christmas color.

Using Green: With both a warming and cooling effect, the color green denotes balance, harmony, and stability. Use several shades of green for a fresh, Springtime feel.

Olive green, also called olive drab, is a not so drab summery green that may have military overtones for some people.

Using Green with Other Colors: Green with blue produces echoes of nature – water and forest and can denote new beginnings and growth.

Green with brown, tan, or beige says organic or recycled and can be a good color combination for packaging of those type of products.

Tri-color combinations of green with yellow and black or white are sporty, outdoorsy colors. Purple with green can be high contrast, lively.

Green Color Palettes: These green color palettes feature shades of green combined with gray, yellow, black, purple, lavender, and brown for some earthy, retro, and conservative looks.

Green is the color of nature, fertility, life. Grass green is the most restful color. Green symbolizes self-respect and well being.

Green is the color of balance. It also means learning, growth and harmony. Green is a safe color, if you don’t know what color to use anywhere use green.

Green is favored by well balanced people. Green symbolizes the master healer and the life force. It often symbolizes money. It was believed green was healing for the eyes.

Egyptians wore green eyeliner. Green eyeshades are still used. You should eat raw green foods for good health. Friday is the day of green. Green jade is a sacred stone of Asia.

Green contains the powerful energies of nature, growth, desire to expand or increase. Balance and a sense of order are found in the color green.

Change and transformation is necessary for growth, and so this ability to sustain changes is also a part of the energy of green.