I feel buying Organic is a waste of money, not necessary, and is just a big hoax. Can you enlighten me more so maybe I can change the way I feel?

Well, we would say to you, check again as to the cost of both conventional and organic products. Not just the monetary cost, but the total cost on jobs, people, the environment, your community and your health.

What is the cost of a cheap piece of food worth to you?

• Is it worth environmental damage, polluting our waterways, our soil erosion?
• Is it worth feeding our children pesticides, chemicals, antibiotics, and growth hormones that have been put on and in our food?
• Is it worth allowing these big corporate giants power and control over our food system?
• Is it worth losing your choice as to what you wish to put in your body?

Choosing the old conventional factory farm way of thinking lets you answer yes to all those questions. Organic food is more expensive and yes, it does take awhile to change our buying habits to fit our budget. But, the positives surely outweigh the negatives in this equation. Remember, it should not be just about price when it comes to our choices for food. Think of it from start to completion, from seed to the shelf and all areas in-between. That is what matters most.

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Why is Organic food so much more expensive? They don't use the chemicals and drugs that conventional growers do. You would think it would be cheaper?

Well, first remember that conventional crops are heavily subsidized by the government, bringing the cost down to the consumer but increasing taxes. Organic crops have little or no tax funded subsidies making them more expensive. Plus, organic farming is more labor intensive. We also think farmers should get a fair price for their hard work. If we start producing cheap versions of organics we could threaten the livelihood of farmers once again.

Good ways to buy organics:

• Join a CSA (community supported agriculture) where you buy shares of the crops;
• Find a local dairy, beef and chicken farm and buy directly from the farm!
• Get to know your local farmers and learn how your food is grown. Connection is the key. Once we have a better sense of where our food comes from the price becomes irrelevant. Look back on our knowledge page; it lists many websites that find farms near you!

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Ok, I've decided to start changing my buying habits but I am not sure where to begin. Do you have any suggestions for me?

Well, first we want to congratulate you on making this change! Way to go!

Next, there are several ways to start buying organic but remember it takes time to work this into your buying habits and your budget, so be patient.

• First, we would suggest to start buying organic fruits and vegetables. This is always a good starting point. The best way to do this is to find a CSA (community supported agriculture) and buy directly from the farm.
• Our views are strong on buying local organic first. This saves on pollution caused by shipping the food to you, plus you know you are getting the freshest produce around! Unless you have your own garden of course! And you are supporting your local economy and environment! Find a CSA near you: www.localharvest.org
• Next on the list would be milk, eggs and meat. Animals are not being fed the food they were designed to eat, which is grass, and in some cases are being force fed any kind of cheap food these big feedlots can find. Even turning grass eaters into carnivors. Then, they are pumped with growth hormones and antibiotics which finds it's way onto our dinner tables (a little extra bonus you didn't even know about).
• Another tidbit to remember is to choose organic whenever the product has corn or soy in it. Corn and soy are the two main crops that are genetically engineered. May want to stay away from that! Icky bad!

Keys to remember:

• Local first
• Buy directly from the farm
• Local organic market
• Farmers markets
• Grow your own
• Grocery store (most have an organic section)

We think it is so important to have a sense of where our food comes from. Buying directly from a farm gets you to understand exactly where and how your food was produced. That's pretty awesome!

Best of luck to you! And Go Green!!

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The fight to save family farms isn't just about farmers. It's about making sure that there is a safe and healthy food supply for all of us. It's about jobs, from Main Street to Wall Street. It's about a better America.

Willie Nelson, President, Farm Aid

What about those people who say Global Warming is not true?

Okay then, let's say it's not true.

Does that mean we still deplete our planet of all its resources and take advantage of the air and water quality that was given to us in the first place? Do we continue to pollute our soil with toxic chemicals and continue to add animals to the extinction list? We think these questions are realistic and should be thought over whether there is a global warming issue or not. Think about this… many of us spend time and money taking care of our homes, maintaining our cars, and even ensuring our bodies and our own well being is in check. What we sometimes fail to realize is that on a bigger picture, none of that matters if our biggest comfort, our planet, is not well maintained and taken care of. So whether you poo poo the idea of global warming, that's cool…just focus on the reality that taking care of the planet is truly taking care of yourself, your family, your friends, and your community.

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A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

I enjoy living my green life at home but where I work isn't green - do you have any suggestions?

Sure do!

There is plenty that you can do first; you could see if there others at work that are interested in forming a Green committee - you know…strength in numbers right? So if there is a committee or not, here are some suggestions:

• Consider recycling paper - it is amazing how much paper is utilized in offices! See if your local waste disposal/management facility in the area has recycling options (they usually do). If your place of employment is leasing their space, perhaps ask the management company if they would assist. You could also check with the other tenants in the building to see if they are interested in the program. If your local waste management facility does not offer a recycle program, there are many businesses that offer to pick up the paper for a small fee - some even shred the documents on site! www.shredit.com
• If your office has a kitchen that supplies soda and plastic utensils, perhaps setup up a Rubbermaid type garbage can or bin to collect aluminum and plastic containers and silverware;
• Encourage coworkers to bring a mug and/or glass to work instead of using disposable cups;
• What happens to all the old computer and electronic equipment that becomes obsolete? Arrange a pick up from a recyclable service - check out www.earth911.org for a service near you;
• Encourage printing or making copies to be double sided;
• Talk with whomever orders the office supplies - take a look at recycled envelopes, letterhead, etc. - check out www.greenlinepaper.com
• Encourage plants in the office - plants naturally clean germs from the air - lowlight plants include philodendrons and peace lily;
• What is the office cleaned with? Perhaps a purchase of non toxic biodegradable cleaning products could be another option - check out www.simplegreen.com, www.methodhome.com, www.seventhgeneration.com - great products!!!
• What about recycled restroom products? Toilet paper, hand towels, etc.

Bottom line, even if you picked one item, you've made a difference!!! Go with your Green Self!

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Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.

Dr. Seuss