Tag: COVID19

Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

Our Food Is Entwined with Climate Change and Health

Melody Meyer
Photo by Louis Hansel @shotsoflouis on

It’s with a certain foreboding that I witness the stream of climate events ravage the planet. My German friend whose river community has washed away. The Turkish hamlet where I once bought olives now torched to Aegean shores. The farmers who lost their cherries in the Oregon heatwave.

And the COVID-19 virus isn’t done with us yet, as the Delta variant comes marching through.

Our health and vitality depend on the food we eat. As fires, floods, and heat decimate the land and the food we grow upon it, I take pause to reflect.

How can we maintain vibrant health amid climate chaos?

Continue reading “Our Food Is Entwined with Climate Change and Health” →
Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, Social Implications in Agriculture, well-being, What is Organic

Stay Safe, Stay Sane, Stay Strong – We May be in for a Wild Ride

Melody Meyer
We are in for one wild ride!
Photo by 立志 牟 on Unsplash

I’m as tired of sheltering in place as almost everyone is by now. It’s been months of not touching or seeing beloved friends and family. Zoom receptions don’t cut if – where’s the wine?

If the experts are right, we are ill-prepared for what’s yet to come ahead. This pandemic isn’t over, nor is the social unrest and discord in our political circles. 

If you ask me, all people deserve the right to nutritious organic food, health care, education, clean energy and a planet that isn’t degraded.

While we sort this out and deal with a global pandemic, here are a few tips to keep us safe, sane and strong, while making the planet a better place.

Continue reading “Stay Safe, Stay Sane, Stay Strong – We May be in for a Wild Ride” →
Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Let’s Tip Towards Reason and Heal This Chaos

Melody Meyer
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

I can’t help but think it’s getting mighty precarious for our big-brained species from where I sit with ash raining down and smoke choking the air. The earth behaves like a petulant child, and we understand why we are the recipients of her fury.

We can choose to retreat for fear of fire and flood, pestilence and disease. Or we can decide to listen to the portend of her message and take action to put things back in order.

It used to be thrilling as a child! The wind, lightning and rain were a sign that mother nature was alive and vital. 

Now, the entire world is in peril, not just meteorologically but psychologically and philosophically: all have all gone off orbit.

Chaos reigns from the depths of both regions of the exterior and interior. While we prepare for the worst of it, yet to come, I serve forth learnings to keep us somewhat on the firm course of reason.

Continue reading “Let’s Tip Towards Reason and Heal This Chaos” →
Culinary Delights, well-being, What is Organic

Grant Lundberg On Caring for Family, Customers and the Community During the Pandemic

Melody Meyer

 

Grant Lundberg-1

Since 1937, the Lundbergs have grown healthy, great-tasting rice while stewarding the soil, air, water, and wildlife as carefully as their crops. Lundberg Family Farms, led by the family’s third generation, uses sustainable farming practices and 100% renewable energy to craft wholesome rice, rice cakes, rice chips, risottos, quinoa, and more. All while protecting and improving the planet for future generations.

Before the pandemic, they experienced steady growth thanks to their efforts to optimize the retail distribution of their fastest-selling items.

After shelter-in-place orders were issued, consumers began purchasing staples for home-cooked meals. This resulted in unprecedented demand for their packaged rice, with year-over-year growth never seen before by the company.

Grant Lundberg has been the CEO of Lundberg Family Farms since 1998. He is the grandson of Albert and Frances Lundberg. They moved from Nebraska in 1937 after experiencing the ravaging effects of poor soil management during the dust bowl years.

I was able to speak with Grant about his experience, the importance of organic and what the future may hold. Continue reading “Grant Lundberg On Caring for Family, Customers and the Community During the Pandemic” →

well-being, What is Organic

Gyrating, Rotating, Arching, Curling; Maintaining Health in The Time of COVID

Melody Meyer

ahmad-odeh-KHipnBn7sdY-unsplash
Photo by Ahmad Odeh unsplash

Before the pandemic, my husband and I were spending countless hours driving hither and yon to studios practicing Gyrotonic and Pilates. We were spending hundreds of dollars each week and suffering through traffic jams and beach traffic to attend them.

Once we sheltered in place, we began taking an online class that has revolutionized our lives. Not only have our physical bodies improved, but our relationship has deepened because we are learning and practicing together.

The practice is called Gyrokinesis, and it doesn’t require any fancy equipment or costly gear. We wear comfortable clothes and sit on a simple stool, leaving a space about 5-6 feet away from each other to move. Now, that’s a safe social distance.

If aliens were looking down from above and saw us exercising on a chair, they would think we humans weren’t very athletic or fit. Continue reading “Gyrating, Rotating, Arching, Curling; Maintaining Health in The Time of COVID” →