5 Steps To Celebrate An Organic Christmas!

This year my family and friends came to me asking me how I plan to stay organic over the holidays. My first inclination was to focus on the food I would consume over the holidays, however I decided to take some time to talk to my eco savvy friends and find out what they were planning. The common responses were to just purchase organic foods from Goodness Me or Whole Foods, the local organic healthy supermarkets in my area.  That seemed typical and a norm for me therefore, I wanted to look into some other ways to push myself this holiday season and make an impact.
 
Food For Thought 

Did you know that 30% of an individual's carbon footprint is made up of their food choices; food is essential. Every day there are ways for people to decrease their own environmental impact and the holiday season might increase this percentage with all the extra snacks and treats we consume.
 
Buy Bulk, Share and Save
 
One way to decrease the amount of packaging is to purchase bulk. Less wrappers and the use of containers to store leftovers is a great way to cut down on garbage and have snacks for visitors on hand past the holidays.
 
Dress Green, Stay Warm
 
Each year we find ourselves purchasing gloves, scarfs, hats, and even new sweaters. This year look for organic fabrics. When buying gifts look for organic fabrics. Nearly a quarter of all the world’s insecticides and 10% of pesticides are sprayed on cotton. With online shopping and green friendly retailers, it’s easier than ever to go green.
 
Drink Organically and Responsibility
 
Try organic wine or beer and not only will you be supporting a natural system of farming, you’ll also be consuming less sulphur  - which appears to lessen the chances of a hangover. Organic spirits are available through specialist suppliers and some supermarkets. The key difference is the use of organic raw materials; non-organic vodka is made from grain produced in systems usually reliant upon multiple applications of pesticides and artificial fertilizers.
 
Visit a Farm Shop or Farmers Market Before The Holidays
 
Find some great deals on local organic food.  Farmers' markets are a great place to find handmade and unique Christmas gifts, which support the local economy. Reconnect with the people who grow, make and supply your food by stopping at a local farmers’ market or farm shop.
 
Give The Gift That Keeps Giving
 
Give a gift that will continue making a difference long after the decorations have been boxed away. Share the gift of organics with your loved ones and neighbours. You can purchase a membership to a co-op grocery store such as The Mustard Seed or purchase a food box from Plan B Organics.  Check out the links below for gift giving ideas that last well past the snow.


Local Hamilton Organic Food Gift Bags & Boxes 

Plan B Organic Farms

Think Before You Eat Campaign

Think Campaign Poster

 

 

So many labels on organic produce, so much confusion. Well not anymore.  The Canadian organic sector created a new campaign in September to prevent all the confusion surrounding the labeling on products and produce. 

The Think campaign is part of a national brand strategy designed to differentiate Canadian organic products from imports and products with competing claims such as ‘natural’. 

The overall goal of the strategy is so foster a sense of inclusiveness, unity, pride and support for the Canadian organic sector by clearing up any confusion that lies when making purchases.  

Canada Organic Week Website  

What label should we be looking for?

You're looking for a green octagon that means it's a go! 

The reasons or eating organics produced by Canadians for Canadians lies in several factors, one main reason is Canadian farmers continuing to show major concerns regarding the health and sustainability of their soil, plants, animals and their environment. Many farmers are increasingly incorporating science-based organic principles and are converting their farms to organic production. 

Certified organic Canadian farmers are third-party verified and harvest food according to strict government-regulated organic criteria. Organic certification and the use of the Canada Organic logo are consumers’ guarantees that the products they are buying and consuming meet Canada’s organic standards.

Who do you Eat Organic On A Budget? 

One factor to choosing to eat organic is that corners are not cut and therefore those low costs for items are not available. Does this mean you can’t eat organics because your budget doesn’t allow for it? The answer is no, you can make these changes.  You might not be able to change all your food purchases at first until you build up your pantry and fridge however you can start slow. I’ve included a link with some tips on how you can start incorporating organics into your next grocery store visit.

Tips for Buying Organics On A Budget!

The Dirty Dozen

Here are the 12 items that should be purchased organically if possible.
(listed in descending order, starting with greatest levels pesticide contamination):

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Cherry Tomatoes
4. Cucumber
5. Grapes
6. Hot Peppers
7. Nectarines
8. Peaches
9. Potatoes
10. Spinach
11. Strawberries
12. Sweet Bell Peppers

Hamilton's First co-operative grocery store opens this January! Move over Fortino's

The Mustard Seed Co-op

It was truly exciting to visit the Hamilton Downtown Library to be part of the official campaign launch of Hamilton's first ever co-op grocery store, The Mustard Seed. At first, I was wondering what all the hype was about exactly a co-op was? Furthermore, I was wondering what a co-op operation meant for the community. In all honestly, before this presentation I had no clue and so I did what I always do and reached out for some answers before pulling out my wallet to be a member for $100.00.  I am sure many others sat there during the presentation wondering the same questions.
I got in contact with Mustard Seed found out what a co-op actually is and why this is a cause to support in my town.

Below is a great video about this project. The building is purposed to be finished by January 24th 2014. I am learning more each day about the small impacts one city can have on an entire province with their purchasing power.

What Co-op Is and What It Means For The Hamilton Community

• A cooperative is an enterprise that is owned and democratically controlled by its members.

• Cooperatives use the one member/one vote system (not the one-vote-per-share system used by most businesses). This ensures that people, not capital, control the organization.

• Co-ops empower individuals and encourage healthier and stronger communities by enabling people to pool their resources and share risks.

• Co-ops are the fastest growing socioeconomic movement in the world. They exist in virtually every sector of the economy including agriculture, financial services, and housing.

• There are approximately 10 000 cooperatives and credit unions in Canada alone providing products and services to 18 million members!

• Hamilton has a car sharing cooperative, a developing renewable energy co-op, and the Canadian Co-operative Association, among many others.

• While each co-op is unique, they are all membership-based, driven by social as well as economic concerns, and guided by 7 principles, including equality and solidarity.  
  
  
   

Why I Decided To Eat Healthier As A Student

After being out of school for 10 years I realized that making healthy food choices would be a challenge once again. I remember how hard it was to lose all that weight I had put on from eating unhealthy at the age of 21.

At 33, it was imperative for me not go back to old habits. Packing a lunch that I could re heat was not an option. Simply because I couldn't carry my backpack, my laptop, purse etc.

I also noticed how hard it was to make food choices that were acceptable for own dietary standards with so little choices. I knew that time was not available and my focus on food preparation wouldn't be available due to long hours of studying. I did however, find some great fast options for getting me through my long days. Below you will find my top snacks while being in college.

• Cereal & Fresh Fruit
• Hummus and Carrots
• Grapes and Strawberries
• Trail Mix
• Kashi Bar
• Salsa and Corn Nacho Chips
• DIY Popcorn 
• Rice Crackers and Sliced Cheese

Check out this link for some great recipes that you can make within a budget!

These recipes are from a great site called Keep Your Diet Real,
below is a link to download a grocery list and recipes.

Healthy College Snacks In Minutes & Grocery List

Get Sweet With Sweet Potato Salad!

The fall time for me means savory meals full of warm and pure nutritional goodness!

Sweet Potatoes have been a big focus since the invention of the sweet potato fry, but what happens when you want be healthy and still eat these little morsels? Below is recipe that tweaked and prepared over the weekend. This was a great way to satisfy my sweet tooth!

 

Five Reason Why You Should Eat Them:

1.  They are high in vitamin B6. 
2.  They are a good source of vitamin C. 
3.  They contain Vitamin D
4.  Sweet potatoes contain iron.
5.  Sweet potatoes are a good source of mag­nesium.

Sweet Potato Salad Recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes (medium, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 3 tbsps olive oil (divided)
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)
• 2 tbsps sunflower seeds (toasted)
• 2 tbsps dried cranberries
• 2 tbsps cheese (crumbled blue is best!)
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• salt
• pepper
  

Instructions:

Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven at 350 degrees on a pan lined with parchment paper for 30-40 minutes. Let them cool for a while so you can toss in the ingredients above. Add cilantro if you dare or your favorite spices.  You can add a little extra oil if you find the mixture dry when you toss it.
This dish lasts for a week in your fridge. Eat as a side with your lunch or a main if your on the run.
Bon Appetite!