Who Owns Who??

When you come across a company that sells an amazing organic product, it always feels great to support them and their initiative. You're doing a great thing, helping out the little guys and doing your part to ensure that these products stay available to consumers.

But do you know who your money is actually going to? What company is actually standing behind the brand you thought you were supporting?

Watch this video to find out:

The list that Chef Guiliano talks about in the video can be found on his blog here: http://www.chefonamissionblog.com/2011/10/who-owns-who-in-organic-companies-who.html

I'm would never suggest that you stop purchasing product from the companies that are no longer independent, (are you kidding... Green & Black's chocolate is heavenly) -- after all you're still telling that behind-the-scenes company that you prefer the organic products much better than the swill that they are peddling. You're telling them that consumers are starting to wise up and that the market is there for these products.

That being said, it's important to know where your food is coming from; and who is really benefiting from the money you're spending. Don't think that just because there is a nice "How we got started" story behind the food, that it has stayed exactly the same. Do your research - choose who you want to support and don't wander around blindly. If your intention is to buy local, you'll want to make sure that is actually what you're doing.

Knowing that these companies have sold out, and knowing the practices of some of their new owners, it'll be hard to trust these products in the future. What concessions might be made to make the products cheaper to produce? Are the ingredients still being obtained from the same places or does the company have new suppliers?

The food industry is nothing if not shrouded in secrets; you have to be willing to ask these kinds of questions. If you don't, it won't be truth that you'll be fed.

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Juicing Adventures Vol 6. - Juicing Without Carrots

For a long time I juiced with carrots every single day; they were the staple that I thought I absolutely needed. It wasn't until recently that I decided to become just a liiittle more daring. My attempts to juice tomatoes were so terrible that my next non-carrot attempt had me practically dreading what it would taste like.



Surprisingly, I came across a combination that was so good I actually had to force myself to start juicing carrots again!

The combination is super easy to drink, incredibly refreshing and oh-so-tasty.



My new favorite juice involves:
Several celery stalks
Zucchini
Mint
Apple
and a really good handful of spinach.

The resulting juice is a brilliant green and tastes great! Don't believe me? Then you'll just have to try it!!

What's your favorite juice creation? 

Pictures via orchidgalore and nate steiner

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Product Feature: The Paper Potter

While plant pots and peet moss definitely have their place, this ingenious little device is a unique alternative.

Use it to turn any old paper into biodegradable plant pots for your seedlings. Once your plants have reached the desired size, simply plant them in the ground, pot and all!


If planting is a family activity in your household, making these pots is something that even younger kids can help out with!


Instructions: (Borrowed from CleverBean)

1. Cut dry newspapers into strips (8cm x 57cm approx.)
2. Roll strip loosely around potter and roughly fold over excess paper.
3. Press potter onto base.
4. Remove pot & fill with growing medium.
5. Plant seedling or sow seeds directly.
6. Paper pot will biodegrade when transplanted to garden.
Pot is approx. 5 ½ inches high.

Find It On Amazon
Or CleverBean


This would be a great way to start your seedlings if you have an aquaponics setup; no pots to store when you're not sprouting!

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Soap Nuts!

Mountain Rose Soap Nuts

When it comes to chemical-free cleaning, the soap nut (sometimes called the soap berry) is one of the best ways to go. The soap nuts contain something called saponin, which is a natural detergent. In water it works to free dirt and oils so it is especially great for laundry.

A few soap nuts in a mini cotton bag included in your laundry are all you need to achieve clean clothes without the chemicals. The soap nuts can be used more than once (they will start to disintegrate and lose color when they need to be replaced).