Health Archives -

Environment, well-being, What is Organic

Can Gardening Really Improve Your Health?

May 16, 2022May 17, 2022 Melody Meyer

photo of woman holding watering can — Health and gardening go hand in hand.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

When I was young, we ate from our backyard. Instead of grass, the rich alluvial soils had been coaxed into an oasis of fruits and veggies. It was a tremendous way to grow up, next door to my grandparent’s perennial rhubarb and grape arbors that defined the garden’s edge.

I found the very act of rooting around in the humus, on hands and knees, planting and churning microbes, brought me close to my roots—to my family and food.

I didn’t know at the time that the very act of poking seeds into moist fingerprints and nurturing this plant kingdom held benefits beyond our daily meals.

Tending a garden, no matter how minuscule, is terrific for your health—in body and spirit.

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Culinary Delights, Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

It’s Never Too Late to Start an Organic Food Business

August 29, 2021August 30, 2021 Melody Meyer

When I started working in the organic business, it was a small niche market. Thanks to living in Santa Cruz, California, an original organic hot spot, not many knew the farmers like I did.

Last year was unprecedented with far-reaching consequences for humans and our health, the environment, and the economy. Those concerns continue today—our lives remade by the global pandemic and unprecedented climate behavior.

Organic food sales and home delivery businesses are thriving as a result.

According to the Organic Trade Association’s Industry Survey, organic food sales surpassed $56 billion in 2020. It grew 12.8% percent—the highest rates recorded in organic in well over a decade.

The global online food delivery market is expected to grow from $115.07 billion in 2020 to $126.91 billion in 2021.

Since both organic food and delivery services are booming right now – it may just be a good time to activate your inner entrepreneur and start an organic food delivery service.

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Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

Our Food Is Entwined with Climate Change and Health

August 8, 2021August 8, 2021 Melody Meyer

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?

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Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Six Days and Seven Nights – Eating Organic Makes a Big Difference

August 11, 2020 Melody Meyer

boston-public-library-lZ46G2r98ek-unsplash — Photo by Boston Public Library on Unsplash

I began eating organic food back in the 1980s before Federal Regulations defined the category. Pesticides originated as chemicals used in warfare, and I intuitively felt that ingesting food grown with them just couldn’t be right.

It’s true that sometimes I fudge a bit. If my local store doesn’t have organic onions (which is rare these days), and I need one for a recipe, I’ll buy a conventional one rather than go to another store.

After hearing about a new study, I will rethink my recipe. This research shows that when people eat organic food for one week, their levels of glyphosate drop dramatically! Continue reading “Six Days and Seven Nights – Eating Organic Makes a Big Difference” →

Culinary Delights, Organic Policy and Regulations, Social Implications in Agriculture, well-being, What is Organic

Waste Not Want Not: Granny’s Tips on Reducing Food Waste

August 8, 2020 Melody Meyer

christian-bowen-3JqVQsShG28-unsplash — Photo by Christian Bowen on Unsplash

My grandmother used the old adage “waste not want not” for good reason. She was a woman who lived during the Great Depression, she grew our family’s food most of her life. Planting, nurturing, harvesting and preserving food was her life—and she didn’t intend to waste any of it!

In the US, we throw away 30-40 percent of our food supply. That’s 219 pounds per person and $1600 per family each year.

Wholesome food that could feed families in need is sent to landfills. Food is the single largest component taking up space inside US landfills.

If that isn’t enough to motivate you, think about the land, water, labor, energy and other inputs used in producing, processing, transporting, preparing, storing, and disposing of discarded food.

For me, you and I, it may be about saving money. For others, it’s about contributing to the environment and doing your part to save the planet.

Whatever your reason is to reduce your food waste, I’m going to give you some hints from my pantry and Granny. Continue reading “Waste Not Want Not: Granny’s Tips on Reducing Food Waste” →