Better batteries?

Looks like we have some non-toxic alternatives for batteries that may come online soon. In Plenty Magazine, Sandra Upson wrote about a start-up, EEStor, that was recently awarded a patent on a battery alternative that doesn't rely on toxic chemicals. Read the article here.

Regulation that isn't helping

I have always believed that government regulation can be helpful in driving forward change that otherwise would not happen. But I also think that when government becomes too prescriptive in their approach, it stunts innovation and causes unforeseen problems that often hurt the very groups they are trying to help. Case in point, the new regulations proposed by the USDA, which could effectively put most organic livestock family farmers out of business. Let's just hope that this doesn't pass as is.

Go econscious!

I just read this great news article today about econscious, an organic supplier. They are the first (and only) US supplier to become certified as a Global Organic Trade Supplier.

From the news release:
econscious' President, Dale Denkensohn, helped lead Patagonia's conversion to organic cotton in the 1990's and is amongst the pioneers of organic and sustainable manufacturing. According to Mr. Denkensohn, "Our goal is to be the most trusted source for organic and sustainable blank apparel and accessories." Denkensohn continues, "The GOTS certification is a hallmark achievement. It helps position econscious to make a larger impact towards a better future by guaranteeing piece of mind to the growing market of conscientious consumers."

Go Dale!

Minding Your Business: A Meeting with Horst

Yesterday, I attended a Minneapolis AMA breakfast at Horst's Intelligent Nutrients Headquarters. Wow! As someone who submitted an environmentally friendly house as my third grade science fair projects, I've always been a committed environmentalist. Throughout my pregnancy with my first child, I was diligent about only putting organic foods in my body. But now that my child is 3, I've started grad school, and my life is insanely busy, I've been slacking off.

But after listening to Horst yesterday, I felt I came back to center. The environmental crisis is of epic proportion. We have so much to do that it is sometimes easier to do nothing. Of course, I recycle and am aware of reducing, reusing and recycling. (Thanks to Jack Johnson and the Curious George Soundtrack, I am reminded of it often.) I think about my impact more than most people might, but I am still slacking off.

I am committed to organic farming, but with the current state of the economy, it is difficult to remain vigilant. I believe that supporting organic family farmers is great for our economy and will eventually help us create a new economy. This belief was echoed by the words of Horst yesterday. Organic foods are more nutritious and contain more antioxidants than those grown with insecticides, pesticides, antibiotics and growth hormones. Horst showed studies from the University of Minnesota to prove it.

I've always believed that sustainable farming is a better way to do business. By keeping our local farmers in business using environmentally sound practices, we are protecting our future and our food supply. Low and behold, this headline I saw today: Organic Farming may be the best Route to Global Food Security. Organic practices are better than chemical practices -- doesn't that just make sense?

I am passionate about the importance of organic food, sustainable living and making choices that will leave our planet better than when we found it. So today, I'm done slacking off. Today, I'm going to start writing about it.