Tag: Organic food

Environment, well-being, What is Organic

Can Gardening Really Improve Your Health?

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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Organic Policy and Regulations, well-being, What is Organic

My Little Pet and The Race to Save the planet

Melody Meyer

What’s the best way to incorporate a beloved pet into our quest to help the planet?
Photo by Jf Brou on Unsplash

Animals have been a precious source of companionship all my life. Aside from my paternal grandparents, no one has displayed such unconditional love such as they have.

In turn, I have learned about responsibility and respect for the web of life.

It all began with two small dachshunds and went on to encompass gerbils, mice, reptiles, birds, and kittens.

I once raised two turkeys, named X-mas and New Year’s, that followed me around like their momma hen before I plucked and served them forth! (But that’s another blog about love and our relationship with food.)

As a pigeon fancier, I bred tumblers that fell and racers who flew hundreds of miles to come home.

I “kept” hundreds of chickens, some exotic breeds that came away with blue ribbons.

My friend Mary, no spring chicken herself, recently retrieved a Labrador puppy, and I had to ask her, “what is the best way to incorporate a beloved pet into our quest to help the planet?”

She offered up a few things to consider when choosing an eco-friendly pet.  

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Environment, well-being, What is Organic

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint- One Step at a Time

Melody Meyer
scenic view of frozen lake against blue sky
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

You can’t ignore that our planet is in serious “hot water” right now. Carbon dioxide levels in 2020 were the highest in recorded history. Global temperatures continue to break records, arctic ice is melting, and sea levels continue to rise. 

Is all lost then?  

If you think it’s too late to make a difference, think again! You can begin reducing your carbon footprint one step at a time.

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What is Organic

Curry Someone’s Favor with a Bowl of Savory Spice

Melody Meyer
A bowl of comfort
Photo by Yubraj Timsina on Unsplash

I have always held India in my travel future, but thus far have only tasted her riches from afar. I’ve explored her diversity in steaming bowls from Santa Cruz to New York City. But my true fascination—nay obsession— for curry was cultivated in Dubai, where many Indian and Pakistani people live, work, and cook.

It is said that humans trekked from the cradle of Africa to the Indian subcontinent some 55,000 years ago—well before we fiddled with agriculture. That long excursion of time produced a vast array of peoples and genetic diversity, second only to Africa.  

Once they settled near the Indus River basin, about 9000 years ago, they took up farming, and this diversity translated to language, religion, and, of course, food.

Indian “Curry” is a saucy concoction that’s as diverse as food can get, with hundreds or even thousands of variations. Its very definition is debated by food critics, chefs, and curious linguists. Ubiquitous on menus across the world; what does the word curry really mean? Sometimes it’s a verb when you rub down or “curry” your horse.

But the curry we focus on here my friend is one hot dish!

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Culinary Delights, Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

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

Melody Meyer
Photo by Louis Hansel @shotsoflouis on

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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