Mambo Sprouts

If you’ve been reading our fair trade series, you know that this socially equitable marketing system essentially helps everyone concerned─including our fragile planet. However women are, in many cases, special beneficiaries.

Would you believe that in some regions, women provide 70% of the agricultural labor, produce more than 90% of the food, but earn just 10% of the income and own a mere 1% of the property? In many parts of the world, women’s property rights have been controlled by social norms─and even government regulations─impeding their economic status and overall opportunities. Fair trade is an important vehicle to help women help themselves by: Read the rest of this entry »

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

As Valentine’s Day approaches, are you considering a gift for someone special? Celebrating your love for others─including sweethearts, parents, siblings, kids, and pets─is both heart expanding and wellness boosting. You can make your gift even more meaningful by choosing fair trade. In doing so, you’re not only treating your loved ones, you’re also supporting social justice, empowering communities across the globe, and encouraging healthy environmental practices. For example: Read the rest of this entry »

Many families are selecting organic foods on a more regular basis, which is especially good news for kids. According to the National Research Council (NRC), children are not adequately protected from pesticides in their diet. Here are 5 ways children benefit from eating organic whenever possible:
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People who regularly purchase organic foods often find them to be more expensive than similar conventional items. However, not everyone understands exactly why producing food in a more sustainable, environmentally friendly manner should cost more. We hope to shed some light on this. For example:

• The price of organic foods reflects the production costs involved. Clearly, more labor and management are required when farmers don’t use chemicals to manage weeds and pests. Read the rest of this entry »

If you’re not always sure what you can expect when purchasing organic foods, you’re not alone. Part of the confusion may stem from the fact that not all items featuring the word “organic” are held to the same standards. Our recent post entitled “What Does the Organic Label Really Mean?” was aimed at clarifying that.

As it relates to genetically modified organisms (GMOs), you can rest assured that items labeled 100% organic with the USDA organic seal are completely GMO-free by government regulations. On the other hand, foods that are labeled “Made with Organic Ingredients” or simply “Organic” are not as tightly regulated─and may contain GMOs. To be sure your food is GMO-free, buy USDA certified 100% organic food.
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As you look back over the holidays, you may be amazed at all you accomplished─including shopping, cleaning, gift wrapping, cooking, entertaining, socializing, and more. In short, a whirlwind. In the midst of it all, you might have felt that if you could just make it through on all cylinders, you could relax and decompress afterwards.

However, while the post-holiday period is a relief, it can also be a huge anti-climax, leading to the blues─or worse. Though clinical depression should be addressed professionally, these tips can help you combat normal feelings of post-holiday let-down. Read the rest of this entry »

“Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.” ~ Albert Einstein

World Vegan Month─observed each November─commemorates the coining of the term, ‘vegan’ and the founding of The Vegan Society in 1944. Since then, the Society has worked to make veganism an easily adopted, widely recognized approach to reducing animal and human suffering, as well as environmental damage, through peaceful, factual dialogue with both individuals and organizations.

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While holidays are times of joy, festive meals can pose a challenge for people with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease. But take heart, whether you personally avoid gluten─or plan on hosting people that do─these ideas can help.

First off, if you’re a guest that must steer clear of gluten, it’s certainly permissible to ask the hostess about the ingredients in various dishes. Once friends and family understand your gluten sensitivity, they should be happy to provide you with the information you need to relax and enjoy the feast in good health. Read the rest of this entry »

November is National Healthy Skin Month, sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology to raise awareness about keeping skin healthy all year long─to prevent sun damage, reduce signs of aging, and safeguard one of the most vital organs we have.

What’s the most important factor in protecting that pretty face? You guessed it, sunscreen. You might be surprised to learn that up to 90% of the changes we associate with aging─such as lines, wrinkles, and discoloration can be attributed to past sun exposure. The American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation offer these tips to help reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer: Read the rest of this entry »

Are you ready to”Fall Back?” As you may know, Daylight Savings 2011 ends on Sunday, November 6th. By 2 a.m., you need to move your clock back one hour. For many people, the Daylight Savings time changes that occur twice a year are fairly manageable. However, busy families often have a different experience.

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