-
FALL 2010
Eco-Magazine
Thin
king
Glo
bally
, Li
ving
Loc
ally
Community Seeds
FREE
www.communityseeds.com
A Food RebellionA Food Rebellion
Out and AboutGet Out And Geocache!
Out and AboutGet Out And Geocache!
The Fight For a Healthier YouThe Fight For a Healthier You
The Power of the SunUsing A Simple Sun Oven
The Power of the SunUsing A Simple Sun Oven
Making a Difference Animals, Art and Sunshine Kids
The 100 Mile RuleWhat Does Buying Local Mean?
The 100 Mile RuleWhat Does Buying Local Mean?
Making a Difference Animals, Art and Sunshine Kids
-
Community Seeds . Fall 20102
MagazineECOCommunity Seeds
www.communityseeds.com
Please send comments, articles, artwork, testimonials,
questions and photos to:[email protected].
For advertising and general information, email us at
[email protected]
[email protected], visit:
www.communityseeds.com.
Send all mail to:Community Seeds Eco Magazine
1376 Longfellow Ave.Chico, CA 95938
Call to make an appointment and/or leave a message: (530)
570-5581
Vol. 3, No. 2Fall 2010
Issue 10Community Seeds Eco Magazine is published quarterly,
exclusively
online; at no cost to readers. Copyright
Community Seeds Eco Publishing, 2008-2010
All Rights Reserved.May be printed for personal use only.
Editor-In-ChiefDeAnna Holman
Associate EditorAmy Behlke
Environmental Advisor/Contributing EditorGreg Holman
Staff WritersAmy Behlke
DeAnna HolmanGreg Holman
Staff PhotographersTracy Lynn Cahn of Tracy Lynn Photography
DeAnna HolmanJayne Locas
Proof EditorCarrollAnn Davis
InternsJamie Danno
Bryce Main Tegan PetersonEddie Sherman
Welcome
All articles, photos, advertising, words, design and images are
the property of Community Seeds and Community Seeds Publishing as
published and may not be reproduced without permission. Community
Seeds Publishing reserves the right to edit all content submitted.
Although property of Community Seeds, no division of the company
may be held liable for its specific content.
Promoting Sustainabilit y
TheCommunity Seeds Foundation
Promoting Sustainabilit ywww.communityseeds.org
CSF is managed, in part, by:
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 3
Its Easy Being Greener
Fallisatimeofreflection:atimetoreflectonthesummerthathaspassed,fullofactivityandchangethatmakethattimesomemorable.Itisalsoareflectivepointforthathalfwaymarkintheyear.Infact,wheredidthetimego?IcouldhaveswornthatIwasjustcelebratingNewYearsEve,2010,lookingforwardtotheapproachingyear;andnowitismorethanhalfwayover!Isupposethatisjustanindicatorforhowbusythemagazinehasbeenoverthislastspringandsummer,especiallywiththeCommunitySeedsFoundationandthePatrickRanchFair,justtonameafew.
Toputthingsintoalittleperspective,mynameisBryceMainandsinceMay,IhavehadthepleasureofbeinganinternforCommunity
Seeds Eco
Magazine.Sofar,ithasbeenanexperiencethathaschallengedmypreconceptionsregardingsustainabilityandithastaughtmeevenmoreaboutthesubject.Ihavebeenacontentproviderforthemagazine,askingquestionsonenvironmentaltopicsthatseemedsimpletomeandlearningthatnoteveryanswerissosimple;butthathasnotdiscouragedmefromcontinuingtoputaneffortintolearninghowonecanbeaccessiblygreen.
ThePatrickRanchThreshingBeeandCountyFairwasanexperiencethatprovedtobefruitfulinthatinquiry.TheThreshingBeewasagreatsuccessandwediscoveredmanypeoplewhowantedtotrytobegreener.Wealsofoundalotofnewsubscriberstothemagazinewhowerecuriousaboutwhatitmeanstobegreenandhowitbenefitstheworld,thecommunityandtheself.Thankyou,ifyoucamebytoshowyoursupport.Ourbiggesthopeistoshowyousomethingineveryissuethatyoumightincorporateintoyourdailylivestomakeadifference.
AsaninternatCommunity
Seeds,Iwasinitiallyconfusedgoingintoamagazinethatwasanonlineonlypublication.Beforethisinternship,Ihadneverheardofsuchaconcept,butthemoreIlearned,themoreIrealizedhowmeaningfulthismethodofpublishingwas.PublishingCommunity
Seeds Eco
Magazineonlinedoesnotusepaper,ink,orfossilfuelresourcesanddirectlycontributestoenvironmentalsustainabilityandreducingourcarbonfootprintforfuturegenerations.Plus,thefactthatCommunity
Seedsispublishedonlineallowsustonetworkrelevantinformationwiththeuseofhyperlinksthatcantakeourreadersdirectlytosomeofoursponsorsorsources.Withallofourissuesonline,locatedatwww.communityseeds.comorwww.CSEcoMagazine.com,oneneverneedstoworryaboutlosingaspecificissuebecauseitwillalwaysbeavailableonlineforreference,completewiththeabilitytomakeyourownnotesandmarksonyourownpersonalissue.
Everynewissuewebringtoyou,ourreaders,isfilledwithnewinformation,bringingnewrevelationsregardingtheenvironment,sustainability,andpersonalhealth.Ihopetocontinuethisexperience,formeasanintern,andforyouasourreaders,asyoudiveintoourfallissue.Enjoy!
BryceMain Intern
A Note From Intern Editor, Bryce Main
From the Editor
Readers are becoming aware that living sustainably means more
than being green. One part that people often forget about in our
busy society is health and nutrition. As the Community Seeds team
met, we all decided to focus an issue on getting eating healthy,
moving and focusing on eating locally when possible. In the issue,
we touch on buying locally and trying to get goods made within 100
miles from us. Being green means much more than recycling. Any
change we make helps, but living more sustainably, in general, just
makes you feel good inside and out.
-
Community Seeds . Fall 20104
Features 8 100 Miles From Home The Meaning of Buying Local
28 Delivering the Best Organic Farming Co-Ops At Your
Doorstep
52 Out and About Geocaching in on Fun
64 Going Vegetarian 101 Information and Advice to Consider
True Life19 Profile of an Organic Gardener An Interview With
Mary Burgland
38 Local Artist Gives Back Using Art to Help the Gulf
64 51 8
Contents
2 Magazine Information 3 Note From the Editor 6 Issue
Contributors34 Crafts36 Community Photos50 Fall Into Fun Photos61
Calendar Links80 Advertisers Index81 Be in the Winter Issue!
Fall 2010
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 5
Features 8 100 Miles From Home The Meaning of Buying Local
28 Delivering the Best Organic Farming Co-Ops At Your
Doorstep
52 Out and About Geocaching in on Fun
64 Going Vegetarian 101 Information and Advice to Consider
True Life19 Profile of an Organic Gardener An Interview With
Mary Burgland
38 Local Artist Gives Back Using Art to Help the Gulf
Easy Being Greener12 Review of Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
14 Power of the Sun: The Sun Oven
16 Food, Inc.: Everyone Should See This!
24 Modern Living: Rooftop Gardens
32 Green Business: Growing Paper
34 Green Craft: Sandpaper T-shirts
Making a Difference43 Sunshine Kids: Changing the World
46 A Place to Call Home: The Barry Kirshner Wildlife
Sanctuary
Healthy Living57 Kids Getting Fit: Golf Camp
58 Pregnant?: Recipe For a Healthy Baby
62 Football Party: Healthy Food Tips
68 Buying Organic: Get the Best
70 Nutritional Facts: How to Read a Label
72 Cooks Corner: Food Prep Party!
76 Easy Fall Recipes: Edamame Pasta, Squash Lasagne
78 Back to Basics: Make Your Own Organic Applesauce
14Departments 14
3838
4343
4646
-
Contributors: Fall 2010DeAnna Holman Editor-in-Chief, Owner,
Publisher, Web Designer, Mother of Three & Wife.DeAnna holds a
BS Degree in Gerontology from USC, a California Teaching Credential
and Science Supplement From CSU, Chico, and an AA Degree in Liberal
Studies/Photo Journalism from Grossmont College in San Diego.Amy
Behlke Associate Editor, Writer, Links Coordinator, Mother of Two,
and Wife. Amy holds a BA Degree in Liberal Studies from CSU, Chico,
a California Teaching Credential From CSU, Chico, works full time
teaching 6th grade and writes grants.Greg Holman Writer,
Environmental Advisor, Father of Three, Husband. Greg is a Science
Teacher, Writer for EnergySeeds.com, Grant Writer, Workshop
Facilitator for the National Energy Education Development Project,
who holds a BA and CA Teaching Credential from CSU, Chico.Deanna
Zachrich Mother, Wife, Volunteer, Artist, Gardener, and Writer;
Deanna lives in northwest Ohio with her husband and daughter. She
is a regular contributor to Community Seeds. She believes green
living does not have to be difficult. Deanna shares her ideas on
her website at www.TheBigGreenEasy.com. Tracy Cahn Tracy is a
professional photographer who enjoys photographing families,
weddings, pets, and events. She has joined the staff of Community
Seeds Eco Magazine as a photographer. A Paradise, CA resident,
Tracy is a Mom, a Wife and the Owner of Tracy Lynn
Photography.Bryce Main Writer, Photographer, Graphics Designer,
Bryce is a graduating student from CSU, Chico with a degree in
Communication Studies in Public Affairs and a minor in Applied
Computer Graphics. Bryce has joined Community Seeds Eco Magazine,
as an intern, bringing his own writing and visual design style.
Jamie Danno Intern, daughter, sister, aunt, and optimist. Jamie
studies Organizational Communication and Recreation Administration
at CSU, Chico. She is very active on campus and in her sorority,
Alpha Delta Pi. She has a passion for event planning, catering, and
maintaining a healthy, eco-friendly lifestyle. Tegan Peterson Tegan
is currently a student at CSU, Chico. She will be graduating next
year with a degree in English. She has joined the Community Seeds
team as an intern, bringing her eye for editing and talent for
writing. She enjoys spending time outdoors, enjoying nature and
taking walks with her dog.Eddie Sherman Veteran of the United
States Air Force, and recent graduate of CSU, Chico, with a major
in music: Eddie is a bikeaholic with a love for the outdoors and an
interest in sustainability. He interns with Community Seeds,
applying his skills as a writer, photographer, designer, journalist
and editor.
Contributors
Community Seeds . Fall 20106
All contributors are named on their corresponding articles.
-
Contributors
Brianna Beaver Writer and sociology student at Chico State,
Brianna, 22 co-founded the Sunshine Kids Club in Chico, CA. She
travels around as a motivational speaker, empowering people to
break attitudinal barriers. She enjoys spending time with family
and taking her dog Scout for walks in Bidwell Park. Susan Burke
March Registered and Licensed Dietitian Susan Burke March, MS, CDE,
is a dynamic speaker, accomplished author, enthusiastic media
representative, and committed professional counselor dedicated to
helping people learn strategies to improve their health and
accomplish their weight goals.
Mary Portis Dr. Portis is a professor and department chairperson
in the Health and Community Services Department at California State
University, Chico. She has worked with youth of various ages,
promoting health and wellness with such projects as the Health
Academy, and Read Across America. CarrollAnn Davis CarrollAnn works
with Community Seeds Eco Magazine as a Proof Editor and Writer. She
is the Editors mom, a math tutor, Stampin Up! Demonstrator, Vice
President of her local PTA, greeting card designer and maker,
mother of six and grandmother of twelve.
Not Pictured:
Contributors: Fall 2010
Noelle Ferdon A self proclaimed foodie, Noelle has worked
professionally over the last 6 years as an advocate promoting
sustainable, local food systems through public outreach and sound
government policy. She has a B.S. in Political Science from CSU,
Chico, and a J.D. from Golden Gate Universitys School of Law.
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 7
Ana Streifel A Senior at Chico State University, Ana will be
finishing the dietetic program this semester and will continue on
to pursue her Registered Dietitian license. She works for the
Center for Nutrition and Activity Promotion through Chico State and
loves sharing her knowledge of food and nutrition with others!
Valerie Patton Valerie Patton is the owner and operator of Stroller
Strides Chico (www.strollerstrides.net/chico), a pre and postnatal
fitness program for mothers with their babies. Certified in Pre
& Post natal fitness, group aerobics and Pilates, she has
taught a variety of dance and fitness classes over the last 13
years. Jayne Locas Writer, Speaker, Artist and Photographer. Jayne
is a former gardening columnist for the Paradise Post. She
spearheaded the Daffodils Across the Ridge beautification project
for the Paradise Garden Club and is currently doing a segment for
Go Green, a feature of the Wake-Up Show on KHSL TV.Glen Hettrick
Glen Hettrick is a folk artist that loves to paint pictures of
animals. His art can be viewed at www.hettrickart.weebly.com . He
currently lives in Chico, CA, with his wife, Tammy Lynn, and their
two Miniature Dachshunds, Bitey and Porkchop.Geert Maas Geert is
the owner of the Netherlands company, Growing Paper, an eco
friendly company that produces paper that can be planted after
use.
-
Community Seeds . Fall 20108
Written by Noelle FerdonPhotos by Jayne Locas
100Miles From Home: The Meaning of Growing and Buying Local
You see it everywhere now: the word, local. If you are like most
people, you probably wonder what that word even means. You hear
people talk about buying local food, supporting local businesses
and maybe you have even heard people talk about the economic
benefits to a community when we buy from, and support, local.
But what does local mean?
When it comes to growing food, local can be defined in many ways
depending on the product, the region and even the season. Many
people like to define local as the food that grows within a hundred
mile radius of where you live, but there is technically no
USDA, FDA or other legal authority that has defined local food.
Efforts do exist to define local for the purpose of bringing more
visibility to farmers who direct market their goods and want to
increase opportunities that afford them more access to eaters in
their region. One of these efforts in our community is the Buy
Fresh Buy Local, North Valley (BFBLNV) agricultural marketing
program. BFBLNV works to increase consumer access to fresh, local
produce and create transparency in the food system. Here in
Its Easy Being Greener
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 9
Its Easy Being Greener
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 9
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201010
Buying Local, Continued
Butte, Glenn and Tehama counties, the program is a joint project
of the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) and the
Northern California Regional Land Trust (NCRLT) based in Chico. The
program works with food system stakeholders, including: farmers,
restaurants, food retailers and artisans, distributors and more, to
create a brand visibility that helps eaters identify local food in
the marketplace. On the flip side, it enables the restaurant and
retail stakeholders to source more local food items for use and
sale in their businesses. Lets get back to how we define local. The
reinvigoration of supporting local food stems from dissatisfaction
with the industrial model of food production that has dominated the
way we produce and distribute food over the last 50 years.
Re-localizing food production, distribution and access is the right
alternative needed to reconnect the grower with the eater that is
currently separated through a long chain of processors,
manufactures, shippers and retailers. Creating transparency in the
food system allows the eater and consumer to have more security and
a deeper connection to the products that they are choosing to put
in their mouth. It allows us to have a relationship with
the people who tend the soil, water, provide nutrients, rear the
animals, and harvest the products we rely on for health and
sustenance. It just makes more sense. As we move ever closer to
peak oil and unstable petroleum prices, we cannot continue to rely
on the current globalized system of mass production, trucking,
shipping, refrigeration and cold storage that is so energy
intensive. Not only does this model set unrealistically high prices
on cheap food, but it just is not sustainablein terms of its
eventual collapse. Fortunately, the eat local movement has been
working and is inspiring communities all around the country to take
back control of their foodsheds. Small and midsized farms are
rising to new levels of visibility; there are more farmers markets
nationally than in history and new market opportunities are
inventing themselves for farmers. You can ask your retailer or
restaurateur what is local in their store or on their menu, and
surprisingly, many have an informed answer. So how does BFBLNV
implement our mission to make the connections and relationships
between farmer and consumer that we are talking about happen? Just
recently,
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 11
Its Easy Being Greener
I was designated lead forager for getting local products on the
menu for NCRLTs 20th Anniversary party taking place at Sierra
Nevadas Big Room. In just two weeks time, I was able to secure 150
pounds or organic pork, a case of heirloom peppers, dried garbanzo
beans (youve never tasted hummus until youve used these beans!),
cranberry beans, organic brown rice, organic crenshaw and
watermelons and a unique array of fresh, incredibly delicious cows
and goats milk cheeses. In addition to the delightful drive to, and
short farm tour of, Sawmill Creek Farms in Paradise, the highlight
of my foraging adventures was working with the Big Room chef,
Michael Isle. He is already so committed to using local foods,
including olive oil, beef, fresh greens and heirloom tomatoes, that
he enthusiastically accepted all of my local food deliveries and
hopes to continue sourcing from these farms. To know an institution
as large as the Sierra Nevada Brewery can build its menus around
local food is to believe that the North Valley is off to a good
start redefining local! You may still be wondering, but how is
local defined? Is it 100 miles from where you live? Is it within
your state? Is it by product? It can be broken down by product. For
example,
businesses with specific production focuses, such as cheese, may
take a larger view of what is local while a local farm may see the
area with in a days drive as local because it is a reasonable
distance to transport goods and services. The ecoregion, bioregion
or a nation or states borders has also been used to define local.
What is more important than a strict definition is the connection
and relationships that are developed when a consumer knows the
story of the farm from where their food comes. Whether you go
directly to the farm to pick up your Community Supported
Agriculture share, patronize your weekly farmers market or buy from
a grocery store that has products from growers whose farms are
identified, you know something about how the products are grown and
you have become an integral part of your local foodshed. Redefining
a food system to include local, but also value relationships and
connections between the consumer and producer, encourages a new
level of quality and investment essential to the livelihoods of our
small and mid-sized farmers and ranchers as well as our own
health.
Go local!
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201012
Off the ShelfBook Reviews
Community Seeds Suggested Readings
A Locavores Journey:A Review of Barbara Kingsolvers Book,Animal,
Vegetable, Miracle
Reviewed by Tegan Peterson
Withfarmersmarketsbecomingmoreandmoreprevalent,eveninsmalltownsallovertheworld,itisbecominghardertonotsupportyourlocaleconomybybuyingfreshlocalgoods.Althoughwemaystalkthefarmersmarketslookingfororganicproduce,manyofuscannotimaginegoingtotheextremesofbuyingstrictlyfromlocalfarmers;however,thisisjustwhatonefamilydidinthebook,Animal,
Vegetable,
Miracle.Thefamousauthor,BarbaraKingsolver,tookavowwithherfamilytoeatnothingbutlocallygrowngoodsforanentireyear.Thisbooktellsherstory.
ThebookstartswiththeauthordescribinghermovefromArizonatotheAppalachiasandwhyshemadethechoicetoliveinruralAmerica.Asthebookprogresses,shetalksaboutimportantsubjects,suchastheproblemoursociety,asawhole,hasforforgettingallthatourancestorsknewaboutfarmingandagriculture.Barbarafeelsitisjustasimportantforchildreninschooltolearnaboutagricultureasitistolearnmath,literatureandscience.Shebelievesthatourignoranceofourfoodsourcesiswhatiscausingamultitudeoffoodrelateddiseases.
Throughoutthebook,importantinformationisscatteredindifferentchapters.Someofitmaybewellknowntosomepeopleandsomemaynotbecommonknowledgeatall.ThefollowingisalistoffactsIfoundinterestingwhilereadingthebook:
Cornstarchisusedineverythingnow.ItisusedinpackagingmaterialsanditisdisguisedinfoodasHFCS,lecithin,andmaltodextrin.Manypeopledonotrecognizethesetermsandwhentheybuyproductswiththeseingredients,theyunknowinglyaddhiddencaloriestotheirdiets.Infact,athirdofallourdailycaloriescomefromtheseingredientsandotherfoods,classifiedasjunkfood.TheaveragefooditemonaU.S.groceryshelfhastraveled1500miles.Thatisfartherthanmostfamiliesgoontheirannualvacations.And,IfeveryU.S.citizenatejustonemealaweekcomposedoflocallyandorganicallyraisedmeatsandproduce,wewouldreduceourcountrysoilconsumptionbyover1.1millionbarrelsofoileveryweek.VitaminB12canonlybefoundnaturallyinanimalproducts,asthetypefoundinplantsisnotdigestibletohumans.Vegansandvegetariansmusttakesupplementsforthisdeficiency.Itisillegalinmoststatestosellhomemademilkwithoutalicense.Gettingalicenseisveryhardtoobtainbecausethedairyindustryhassuchstringentrequirementstoproducethemilk.Forexample,awashroommustbeinthesamebuildingwherethemilkisbeingproduced,butitcannotbeinsideahouse.Bewaryofpackagingstatingorganicandfree-range,becausestandardshavegonedownasthedemandsforcheapfoodkeep
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 13
goingup.Achickencanbeconsideredfreerangeaslongasthechickencoophasadoorthatleadstoayard,evenifthedoorisneveropenedorthechickensarepackedtogethertootighttoeverbeabletogettothedoortouseit.Thesamegoesforfreerangecows.
Ifanyofthesefactssurpriseyou,youwillbesurprisedtofindmanymoresuchfactsinthebook;thesearejustasneakpeekofwhatyouwillfind.
Thebookalsotalksaboutthebenefitsofbuyingfreerange,organicanimalmeatinsteadoffactoryproducedmeat.Heritagelivestockarebreedsofrarevarietiesofturkeys,pigs,beef,ducks,chicken,sheepandgoats.Theseanimalsaregettingincreasinglyhardertofind.Infact,only8rareheritageturkeybreedsstillexist.Themeatfromtheserareanimalsisextraordinaryandfarmoresuperiortoanyothermeatyoucaneat.
Haveyoueverthoughtaboutwhethertogovegetarianornot?Whilethisbookcannotmakethatdecisionforyou,itgivesinformationtohelpthereadermakeaneducatedchoiceonthematterandgivesfactsthatcouldmakethereaderthinkaboutthechoicebeforedecidingwhattheywanttodo.Forexample,thereistheoptionofeatingfree-rangemeatforthosewhowanttogovegetarianonlybecauseofthepoorconditions,theantibioticspumpedintofeed-lotanimals,andareconcernedaboutthehealthof
themselvesandwellbeingofthe
factorylivestock.Anotherfacttoconsideristhatvegetariansandvegansmayneedtotakeironsupplements,astheironfoundinplants,legumesandwholegrainsmightnotbeenoughtokeepthebodyproducinghemoglobin.
Whatmakesthisbookdifferentfromothersisthewayitwaswritten.BarbaraKingsloverhadawonderfulknackforwritingeachchapteraboutsomethingdifferent,yetmakingitallfittogether.Forexample,onechapterisaboutheirloomveggies,oneisaboutasparagus,anotheroneisaboutchickenandturkeys,andoneisaboutthefarminwhichtheystartedthisprojectandthehistoryofit.Eachchapterisaboutadifferenttopic,yetthebookflowswonderfully.Iwasengagedfromthefirstchaptertothelast.
Thisbookwasafamilyeffortbecausepartsofthebookwerealsowrittenbyherdaughter,Camilleandhusband,Steven.Camilleusuallywroteaboutthingssuchasrecipes,mealplans,childhoodmemoriesandfamilyhistory.Stevenwrotemoreaboutthepoliticalsideoffoodissues.
Iwouldrecommendthisbooktoanyone.Ireaditforleisure,whichIrecommend,butifyouwanttolearnmoreaboutnutritionandindustryregulations,thisisalsoabookforyou.Thebookwasinterestingfortheentireread,andmostimportantly,itwasinformational.Itwasdeliveredinaway,differentfromthemundanewritingoftextbooks.Icouldnotputitdownandrecommendyoupickitupofftheshelvesandreadittoo.
Buy the Book
Please visit our amazon store:
www.amazon.com/shop/buythebookca
[email protected]
1376 Longfellow AveChico, CA 95928530.898.8555
Open Mon-Fri12 pm- 5:30 pmSat 11 am-5 pm
Used Book Store
Bring in your used books for store credit
or to recycle.
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201014
Its Easy Being Greener
This past weekend, my girlfriend and I went on a camping trip
and we were fortunate enough to try out a great tool fueled by the
limitless power of the sun; a Sun Oven. The Sun Oven, as the
proprietors of this specific type call it, was developed to be a
safe, reliable, easy to use, and sustainable way to cook a meal
without the need to consume combustible fuels. The positives of
this technology are almost limitless, barring a few aspects one
only has to get used to in order to enjoy this great way to prepare
food.
Our initial concern for the oven was that the tree coverage in
the area in which we
were camping might significantly reduce the ovens ability to
heat up. This concern was quickly put to rest. After about an hour
and a half of being in the morning sun, the oven was at
approximately 350 degrees. We then decided to put our berry
cobbler, with freshly picked blackberries, in the oven to see what
came out. Since we were not cooking a more substantial meal that
included meat, I cant attest to the ovens ability to cook it
(meat). However, I am certain if given enough time, it could
cook a steak perfectly. Since we were not pressed
for time, we simply let the cobbler cook in the afternoon sun,
making sure to refocus when necessary. When it
looked golden and bubbly delicious, we took it out. This was
easy as pie, or cobbler, in this case and it did not waste a BTU of
gas or anything else.
The best part about cooking for free is eating what you cooked
afterwards. Our berry cobbler came out delicious and I am now very
aware of the ability to harness the sun as a valuable tool for
legitimate cooking.
The Sun Oven Company has been
promoting the use of their product in disaster areas like Haiti,
where fuel and/or electricity for cooking is not reliable. The
company makes a great product and I would immediately recommend it
to anyone looking to reduce the environmental impact of burning
fuel to cook a simple meal, or in this case; dessert.
Information on Sun Ovens can be obtained by going to
www.sunoven.com, emailing [email protected], or calling toll free at
1-800-408-7919
Sun Oven Simplicity by Eddie Sherman
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 15
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201016
Its Easy Being Greener
A Must-See For Every American:The Truth Behind Americas Food
Industry By Jamie Danno
Food Inc. is a true, honest documentary about the food industry
and it should be seen by every American. Director Robert Kenner
reveals truths about our nations supermarkets and how todays
consumers are blind to some harsh realities. He states that we have
no seasons in our supermarkets, produce is grown all around the
world, and every product is at our
fingertips. Even in the meat aisle, there are no bones, but
there are shrink wrapped, processed corporate secrets. Industries
disguise their products, creating a trusting relationship with the
company. This allows growing familiarity and causes consumers to be
ignorant about the truth of what is being eaten. If most people
were more informed, those products may not be
consumed. Many people have simply accepted the ideal that, It
doesnt matter whats in it, as long as its cheap and tastes good!
This philosophy has become a social norm toward food.
Food, Inc. exposes that our food supply is controlled by a
limited number of corporations that often put their own profits
above consumer health,
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 17
Its Easy Being Greener
the safety of workers and the environment. The reality of our
culture has developed into factory assembly lines where animals and
workers are abused and the food is becoming dangerous in ways that
are deliberately hidden from us.
Food, Inc. portrays the many problems in our food industry, such
as: the size of mass produced animals, bigger breasted chickens,
the perfect pork chop, herbicide-resistant soybeans, and tomatoes
that lack taste and dont get
rotten. We also discover while watching, that new forms of E.
coli are being found, which is known to cause major illness in many
Americans annually. Food, Inc. provides an eye opening reality. As
many Americans are being misinformed, the FDA and USDA are giving
consent to these harmful practices. Having these facts should give
us more reasons to eat
healthy and be label conscious. Knowing the ingredients, and
history behind the products we are consuming, will bring us one
step closer to eliminating a secretive corporate unknown.
Many corporations mentioned in Food, Inc. do a good job of
disguising the effects of the products they are producing. After I
watched this film, I was sick to my stomach that I had been naive
about the actions taken by some farmers. Many farmers feel
pressured to grow their crops and raise their animals in harmful
environments. These pressures are forced upon local farmers in
order to please the competition of large corporations. Farmers
choose to support the abuse of large corporations in order to make
ends meet, even if this means abusing their animals and laborers.
This abuse is an issue on so many levels; causing stress on the
animals, land, and contributing to an unhealthy nation. It was
surprising to me when I learned that there are only a handful of
companies controlling our food system; the top 4 control 80 percent
of the market. The mainstream food system now uses a policy to
produce a lot of food, on a small amount of land, at an affordable
price.
I believe we have lost sight of producing healthy products and
the importance that fairness plays between animals, farmers, and
our society. There
is a big connection between cheap food and our societys issue
with obesity and type-2 diabetes. We are consuming more food, for
cheaper amounts, and we are finding that there are hidden costs
through brutalizing workers and animals.
It is in the consumers best interest to be informed. There are
many opportunities to buy locally produced, organically raised,
pesticide-free food. By choosing to buy at your local farmers
market, you are supporting the farmers in your area, as well as
making a healthier choice for yourself. In order to make good
choices, you have to be properly informed. In the end, it comes
down to the everyday decisions we make. We can choose to support
harsh practices and miscommunication that blinds the realities of
corporate America. Or, we can live each day, striving for a better
tomorrow. Through small conscious choices, we can change the
unfortunate direction our society has so easily accepted. If you
have yet to experience Food, Inc., I suggest taking the time to
become familiar with the realities of the food industry. Its our
turn to be proactive about our decision making regarding our health
and what we choose to put into our bodies.
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201018
Its Easy Being Greener
Create time to relax....Take art lessons!
Painting and drawing instruction for children (7+) and
adults
Taught by Janet Lombardi BlixtVoted best local artist by Chico
News & Review 2008 & 2009
Small class settings, located downtown at 336 Broadway, Ste.
20
(above House of Rice)
email [email protected] or call 570-3985
www.chicoartschool.comwww.janetlombardiblixt.com
Sign up for weekly lessons and weekly summer camps now!
Smallsize(200students) Mostrigorousgraduation
IntroducingCHICO
GREENSCHOOLChicosindependentpublichighschool,featuring:
POBox7111Chico95927(530)3431232
g grequirementsofanyschoolinnorthstate Commitmentto
environmentalandsocialresponsibility
PREREGISTERTODAY!
WWW.CHICOGREENSCHOOL.ORG
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 19
Its Easy Being Greener
Profile of an Organic Gardener: Mary Berglund
In what seems like a far-reach locale from the Chico, California
college life most students would want, my girlfriend and I have
lived in a rental northwest of the Lindo canal, which sits within
earshot of our landlords. Despite the cozy distance to our property
owners, we have been extremely lucky to find an incredible source
of information in our full time organic gardener and neighbor.
Living in Chico these years while attending college, I have had the
amazing opportunity to learn an incredible amount about organic
gardening. My source of information during this period of time has
come all but from a singular source and has also been my landlord:
Mary Berglund.
The Berglunds live on an acre of land and approximately two
thirds of the acre is used for intensive, year round organic
gardening. Directly behind the house is the orchard section in
which there are several varieties of fruit trees including peach,
apple, cherry, fig, nectarine, plum, lemon, persimmon, and walnut.
Behind the orchard is the garden proper in which she has fifteen
beds,
all with something different growing each season. Next to the
beds are three rows of black, boysen, and raspberry bushes, a few
more of the previously listed fruit trees, as well as some
different types of beans skirting the fence. Currently growing in
the beds are a number of vegetables, including several varieties of
heirloom tomatoes, squash, peppers, cucumbers, kale, zucchini, and
chard- to name
a few.
During the time we have lived here, we have had some opportunity
to take care of some crops, plant our own garden and get a better
understanding of the work that goes into organic gardening.
Mrs. Berglund is a 24/7 machine when it comes to her enthusiasm
for organic gardening. We can usually
By Eddie Sherman
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201020
Organic Gardener, Continued
sentiment considering our countrys disconnection with food and
its origins. I asked her for a few tips for beginners who knew
little but wanted to start eating from their own gardens. Mary gave
this sage advice: The vegetables which yield the most and require
the
life. When asked how she got into organic food and gardening,
Mary told me that her midwife was the one responsible for her
start. She added, Once I had the kids, I wanted them to eat as
healthily as possible and understand exactly where the food they
were eating came from. This was a great
find her going back and forth from the house during the morning
when it is cool; doing whatever it is she has decided to tackle
that day. She cans a large amount of produce from the garden and
sells some to local restaurants in town, such as The Red Tavern.
She uses the time she manages to find, when not working in her
garden, to educate others about her passion. Most recently, Mary
was a presenter at the Organic Food and Farming Conference at CSU,
Chico.
In order to sustain an organic garden of this scale, she has to
do a lot of planning. Meticulous bed records are kept and, in order
to reduce the potential for disease, she avoids putting the same
plants in the same beds for three years before replanting. Mary
also uses a lot of compost as well as chicken manure. Yes, in
addition to maintaining a large and thriving organic garden, she
also keeps about twelve happy, clucking chickens. The chickens, in
addition to assisting in plant growth, also aid in reducing pests
when needed.
I asked Mary some questions regarding her passion and found some
more insight into what kick started her dedication to this great
and often difficult way of
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 21
Its Easy Being Greener
least amount of work are a good start. A beginner could start
with zucchini, summer squash, tomatoes, lettuces, and planting
herbs are great because a little added to food equals a lot of
flavor. She added that many people do not immediately go to beans
because they are not the biggest things to be harvested, but they
yield a lot and they are easy to store. I would also add that they
are simple to cook and fill you up nicely in a stew or with
rice.
Mary stated that the secret to a strong orchard is to pick
varieties which ripen during different times to avoid harvesting
large amounts of fruit which could go bad. Speaking of harvesting
large amounts, canning is a big part of Marys ability to eat
year-round out of her garden. Among some of the things canned in
her kitchen are Italian sauces, pickles and large amounts of berry
preserves. Less intensive things like garlic, onions, and peppers,
are stored in Marys cellar as well.
Despite Marys grasp of growing food, eating healthily, her
constant attention, and her automated irrigation system, a
significant amount is still left to Mother Nature. Weather, pest
population, plant disease and a myriad of
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201022
Its Easy Being Greener
other variables, all affect the size and duration of harvest. I
asked Mary jokingly if she ever went to the grocery store; of
course she said yes, but mainly for grains and dairy. Wishfully,
she added, if she could own a cow and put up the green house she
has in mind, she could probably abstain from purchasing any store
bought food. If this came to be, this would truly be a rarity.
Suburban farms are few and far between.
Today with such a surge in popularity of organic foods and the
desire to reinvent the American food culture, gardens like Marys
are becoming more common. It is feasible for almost anyone to at
least start growing some of their own food. Taking it to a larger
scale, like Marys garden, would take some more planning and work.
Either way, more organic gardens can only lead to great things for
our country. I know I will have a garden wherever I live now and
will, hopefully, someday be able to teach my children about where
the food they eat comes from.
Mary would not let me conclude the interview without listing at
least a few of her favorite books for cooking and gardening which
she said have helped her tremendously over the years.
Additionally, she also wanted to make available a few of her
favorite places for seeds, and gardening:
So Easy to Preserve, published by University of GeorgiaNot Your
Mothers Slow Cooker by Hensperger & Kaufmann Greene on Greens
by Berte GreeneHow to Grow More Vegetables by John Jeavons. Mother
Earth News Magazine, published by Ogden Publications, Inc.Organic
Gardening Magazine, published by Rodale, Inc.
For information on seeds, visit:Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds-
www.rareseeds.comSeed Saver Exchange- www.seedsavers.orgPeaceful
Valley Farm Supply- www.groworganic.com
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 23
Its Easy Being Greener
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201024
Its Easy Being Greener
One of the greatest triumphs of man over nature had to be the
terrace gardens of Babylon; possibly one of the greatest in
recorded history. It is recounted that the gardens were built
by
Nebuchadnezzar II in 604 B.C. with the romantic notion of
pleasing his new princess, Amytis of Media, so that she wouldnt be
homesick for her homeland of Persia. They were hanging gardens
because they were raised on terraces, depending on irrigation
coming from an artificial slope.
In todays urban setting, the sheer pleasure of caring for a
garden becomes a prime motivation in many individuals, yet is
constricted by bustling cities. The ability to manipulate nature is
the constant attraction that allows the few fortunate of those in
San Francisco or New York, who have penthouse roofs or terraces to
grow their rooftops gardens, to innovate just like Nebuchadnezzar
II did so long ago.
The self-sustaining, spacious and sheltered conditions and the
grounds moderating effect on temperatures disappear in urban
rooftop gardens. Planters are exposed to every altitude,
temperature and ray of sunshine; removed from the usual moisture
and nutrient sources and climatic extremes. A regular watering
regimen is essential: daily or twice-a-day during the summer, along
with regular fertilizing for the garden to flourish, or even
survive. Temperatures can range from 120F, from the reflected
summer heat of buildings, to an exposed chill of -20 F; a range of
140! Thus, it is important when selecting shrubs or trees to select
something with a wide tolerance to avoid bake-drying in summer,
freeze-drying in winter and blow-drying from prevailing winds
year-round. Consider also random summer hurricanes and winter
blizzards, and the plant selection can truly
become an important process.
How can such a incompatible mixture of concrete and urban
conditions nurture this new kind of garden? Rooftop gardening
brings a realization that nature needs an ongoing helping hand when
taken out of its natural earthen environment; that is also one of
its most important benefits for its growers. Its is easy to adapt
urban gardens to any location, whether it is an apartment window
sill or a balcony. Typically, using a terrace or patio is what is
most popular in the urban California area; with many beautiful
garden arrangements decorating scenic condos and modest apartments.
These urban gardens prevent crime by drawing eyes from around the
neighborhood, reduce stress and reduce air pollution in the local
area. These important uses of urban gardening have become more and
more prevalent in urban communities.
Rooftop gardens increase access to private outdoor green space,
at home or at work, within the urban environment. The fact that
green space, being any land covered with vegetation whether
publicly accessible or not, has noticeable benefits on human
health, sense of well being, and social welfare has been proven by
research study. In areas where individuals who are economically
unable to move from where they are to better greener locations,
taking part in rooftop gardens provides an alternative that is
healthy and less expensive than moving. It can even bring a
surprising result from its care: income.
With the increasing appearance of food co-ops and natural food
stores within urban communities, rooftop gardens can support urban
food production. Many of these outlets exist so that those with
access to natural grown food can be paid for supplying them with
a
From Babylonian to Metropolitan The Rooftop Garden
By Bryce Main
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 25
Its Easy Being Greener
...green space......has noticeable benefits on human health,
sense of
well being, and social welfare...
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 25
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201026
Its Easy Being Greener
percentage of their produce and that good food can go to the
rest of the community. Most of these organizations are even
non-profit which guarantees that any food received from a rooftop
garden will go to a good cause instead of a profitable pocket.
Also, when moving to a remote location such as ones new home, it
feels necessary to decorate as it suits you and your lifestyle.
Rooftop gardens accomplish the very same thing by promoting
individuality, community, and community diversity. With the wide
variety of plants and vegetables, each rooftop garden can be
different with flora available all over the world (appropriate for
the climate) gathered in one urban location. Each individuals
garden would be like a metaphorical fingerprint, providing others
with knowledge of their likes and dislikes and further enlightening
others of the significance of different varieties of green
space.
Another added benefit of rooftop gardens is their natural
ability to improve the local air quality and reduce CO2 emissions.
This is especially relevant for highly traffic congested areas such
as San Francisco, Sacramento, or New York, which are all known for
their smog problems. Growing rooftop gardens would immediately make
the air a little easier to breathe in those busiest hours of the
most congested areas. Reduce the CO2 level in any of these areas
and also contribute to the prevention of global warming.
One of the biggest problems in large areas is storm water runoff
that floods the concrete
streets from heavy rains which are an impediment to both
commuters and locals within the city. The plants in a rooftop
garden can make use of the water for their nourishment and stop the
storm water from getting out of hand during the rainy season. One
might think that this was the reason for the Babylon high terrace
gardens, though rooftops today require effective optimization in
order to make use of rain water most effectively. Making sure the
water runs into the gardens so it can be retained is key while
using bins and canisters for future subsurface reservoirs is also
advisable.
One last thing to consider is that rooftop gardens also provide
proper insulation for buildings. In the construction of most
rooftop gardens, an insulation layer can become a good buffer to
better insulate against noise (one of the key problems in cities
that have a lot of late night activity) as well reducing heating
and cooling needs for the extreme seasons of summer or winter. This
is a functional way to approach insulation since it not only keeps
the building warm or cold as desired, but it is also green in that
it helps the environment and creates less of a barren and sterile
atmosphere.
Although somewhat of a new practice, and somewhat of one that
definitely requires consistent effort in order for its own rewards
to pan out, the rooftop terrace garden is a continuing testament to
mans skill and determination to manipulate nature-- even if it
means moving a whole garden piecemeal up to the sky in order to do
it. Rooftop gardening is a practice that has many benefits and
solutions to the problems inherent with living in urban cities, and
each addition of one to a city creates a positive change to the
city around it. One can only wonder what Nebuchadnezzar would have
thought had he known his terrace concept would inspire gardens high
in the sky of urban cities many centuries later.
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201028
Its Easy Being Greener
Front Door Delivery: From Your Friendly Neighborhood Grower
By Bryce Main
Apples Bananas Chard Potatoes
RaspberriesNectarinesPearsMintStrawberries Apricots Squash
Carrots
Celery
Basil
Yams
Corn Coconuts SpinachBroccoliPlums
DriedFruit Almonds
Melons
Daikons
The quest for healthy organic food can be a frustrating one
depending on where you are looking. Luckily, there is a way to get
your organic food that
does not depend on having a farmers market or an organic food
outlet nearby.
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 29
Its Easy Being Greener
Strawberries Apricots Squash Carrots
Inatimewherethebenefitsofeatinghealthyareclearerthanever,choosingtherightfoodhasbecomemorecomplicatedthansimplychoosingwhatisavailable.Organicfoodisoftenanecessityforanyhealth-focusedindividual.Thankstothisre-examinationofourfoodgroups,manydifferentmethodshavebeenrevealedasviablemeanstowardsobtaininghealthy,organicproduce.Suchmethodsaslookingfororganicfoodstores,locatingthelocalfarmersmarket,orgrowingonesownfruitsandvegetableshavebeentoucheduponbyourpublicationpreviously,butnotallconsumershavetheseoptionsavailabletothem;whetherduetolocation,climate,time,oralloftheabove.Thisdoesnotmeanthatconsumersundertheserestraintsdonthaveanoption.Ifonelooksintheirregionhardenough,onemightfindaproviderthatshipswhataretermedCSABoxes.
CSAstandsforCommunitySupportedAgriculture.Itisanorganicfoodsourcethatdependsonitslocalcommunity,whoprepayonascheduledbasisforaregularshipmentfromthefarmsharvests.ServiceisestablishedinawaythatrelationshipswiththefarmwouldbemutuallybeneficialbothforthegrowerwhocanaffordtheirlivelihoodandthecustomerwhoreceivestheharvestCSAbox.TheCSAboxesthataresentoutaretypicallyfilledwithadeliveryofassortedorganicfruitsandvegetablesstraightfromthecertifiedfarmsthathavegrownit.
TheCSAboxservicewasfirstconceptualizedineasternAmericawiththeideathataselectcommunityoffinancerspayallthecostsinvolvedinthegrowthofafarmscropspecificallyforthemselves.Thiswasasmallerscalemovement,similartothewayfarmswholesaletheirharvestattheendofaseasonexcepttoaselectgroupofentrepreneursinsteadoftoagrocerydistributororaCo-Opmarket.Thismethodoffoodmarketing,provedtobeasuccessanditeventuallyappearedinthewesternUnitedStates.
BysubscribingtoCSAboxes,thosewhodontliveclosetoanyorganicfooddistributorsandlackthemeanstocreateitforthemselves
canstillobtainfreshorganicproducethroughCSAboxes,andconsumerscanalsoestablisharelationshipwiththeirproviderandenjoytheirreliabledeliveryoffreshfruitsandvegetables.Theycanalsobeconsciouslyawareofwhattheyeat,whereitcamefrom,andhowitcomestothemthroughsuggestedrecipesorfreestylecooking.InwesternAmerica,aregionknownforits
socialopenairmarkets,theresultoftheintroductiontotheCSAsystemwasaradicalchangeinhowittraditionallyconductedbusiness.
JeffMain,ownerofGoodHumusFarmswasoneofthefirstinthenorthstatetoconfigureCSAboxes,exceptwithonekeydifference.Heoffers
asubscriptionboxserviceinhisareaforanyoneinterestedingettingCSAboxesfromhisfarm.Jeffnotonlysendsoutsmallcratesfilledwithwhatheproducesfromhiscrops,buthealsoaddsproductsthathespurchasedfromotherlocalorganicfarmsinordertocreatehigherqualitypackageswithmorevariety.Inhiseight21/2acrefieldsaremixedorchards,mixedCalifornianativehedgerows,covercrops,annualandperennialherbsandflowers,andvegetables,morethanenoughtofillaboxedshipmentwithavarietyoforganicproduce.
ImmediatelyintriguedwiththeCSAboxconcept,JeffalsoexpandedthemarketforCSAboxesfromhishomeareaofCapayValley,California,toreachurbanhubssuchasSacramentoandSanFrancisco.IknewtwoacquaintanceswhointroducedtheCSAideatomewhentheymovedtoCalifornia,JeffexplainedwhenaskedwhyhedecidedtousetheCSAmethodforGoodHumusFarms.BeforeIhadbeenmotivatedthroughwordofmouthtousethesubscriptionboxservicearound93,insteadofwholesalingourcrops.Irealizedthatoncethebusinesshadcometoourarea,wecouldbenefitallourregularcustomers,andmore,whilestillworkingunderdirectandlocalmarketing.
WhilebeingoneofthemosteffectivewaysthatJeffdoesbusiness, A
series of prepared CSA boxes, ready for shipment.
A CSA box complete with organic produce as well as a
newsletter.
Good Humus Farm produce on display at Davis Farmers Market.
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201030
CSAboxesarenttheonlywaythatheoperates.Since1976,GoodHumusFarmshasbeeninvolvedwithwholesalingitscropsintheBayAreaalongwithSacramentoandSanFranciscoandhascontributedsignificantlytothenearbyDavisFarmersMarket,whilealsosellingawidevarietyofitsproducetoresidentsonaregularbasis.Since1993,thefarmhasbeentransformedtoaccommodatetheCSAprogram.Thechallengewiththesubscriptionboxserviceisthatmanagingitbecomesalotmoretimeconsuming,Jeffremarksabouthiswork,makingtheCSAprogrammoreavailableforalldemandsthatGoodHumusfocusmoreoncustomersupportandasecureandreliableservicedelivery.Healsoforgetstomentionthathewritesanewsletter,completewithoriginalrecipes,whichconnectallhiscustomersintimatelywithJeffandhisfamily.
Ithasntallbeenathanklesstask.ThefeedbackthatGoodHumusFarmsgetsfromitsshipmentsaroundCaliforniahaslargelybeenpositive,despitethechallengesofusingtheCSAsystem.Throughhisnewsletter,Jeffwritestohiscustomersabouthowthefarmisoperatingduringthedifferentseasonsaswellasthankingcustomersfortheircontinuedpatronageevenwheneconomictimesaretough.ThisextramessagetoconsumershasresultedinmoresubscribersandalsomanythanksfromcustomerswhodependonGoodHumusFarmsfortheirfixoforganicandfreshpickedfood.ManycommentthatGoodHumusFarmsshipmentsmarkabrightspotintheirlivesastheylookforwardtothevarietyincludedineachshipment.Theservice,whilestillnotaspersonalassimplygoingtoafarmersmarketandhand-pickingonespersonalselection,isonethatsubscribersfeelmoreofaconnectionwithinsteadofgoingtothesterileenvironmentofagrocerystore.JeffstatesregardingthelevelofeffortheputintotheCSAboxes,BeinginvolvedwithCSAdefinitelyhascreatedmoreofaworkloadforus,butitsawaytogetourfoodtothepeoplewhocantbuyitotherwise.Headds,Ofcourseitsmoredemandingthanwholesaling,butwhenyoumakethatcommitmenttosendingandreceivinghighquality,youre,inessence,tradingtimeformoney.ThereisdefinitelyadifferencebetweenthevarietyandqualityinGoodHumusFarmCSAboxesandthatoftheresultingwholesaleofaharvesttoagrocerysupermarketwhichfocusesonjusttwoorthreedifferentcrops.Jeffsboxesarefilledwithtomatoes,
corn,butternutsquash,cucumbers,nectarines,apricots,differentkindsofpotatoesandherbs,allfromhiseight21/2acrefields,alongwithproducesuchasstrawberriesorplumsfromotherlocalfarms.Tohelpaccomplishthis,hesofferedemploymentopportunitiesandcreatedstableworkingconditionsfortheemployeesonhisfarminordertogettheCSAboxesoutontimeallyearlong.OnecouldarguethatJeffMaindoesnotsimplysendamealpackage;hesendsalifestylechoiceandabonafidefeast.
IsabetterlifestylegainedfromsendingandreceivingCSAboxesoforganicfruitsandvegetablesinsteadofthealternative?JeffMainseemstothinkso.Hestates,Ithinkthatwhatwevefound,duringtheselastfewyears,abouttherelationshipsbetweenthegrowersandthecustomersaffirmsourbeliefinproducinghealthyfoodinahealthyenvironmentforahealthycommunity.AsforJeff,heisafirmbelieverinwhatoneeatssaysmorethanjusthowittastes.Headds,Whensomeonechoosestoparticipateintheresponsibilityofthisstatement,thatcreatesanewdirectionformankind.Itsafuturethatdoesntlieintheresponsibilityoftheleader;itstheconsciousacceptanceofresponsibilitybyeveryone.
ItisanadmirableexpectationfortheCSAprogram,andthiswriterdefinitelyagrees,thatthereissomethingtobesaidforbeingmoreawareofonesfood.GoodHumusFarmsisbutoneofmanyCSAboxdistributors,solookthroughoutyourareatoseeifyoucouldpossiblybegettingorganicshipmentsoffruitsandvegetablesthroughCSAboxes.Youmightbepleasantlysurprised.
A group photo of the people behind Good Humus Farms.
Good Humus, Continued
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 31w w w. c o m m u n i
t ys e e d s. c o m 31
-
FOCUS on Green Business
By Geert Maas
For more information, visit:www.growingpaper.com
Growing Paper
Let Your Words GerminateDo you recognize the moment in which you
receive a letter or postcard, that someone is paying attention to
you? Who is it? In this era in which everything seems digital, real
post gets funny again, striking and personal. Growing Paper ensures
that your message remains a thriving memory.
Growing Paper is full of life: seeds! Moisten the paper, put the
paper on the soil and cover it with a thin layer of earth. As long
as you keep the Growing Paper moist, the seeds will grow. Growing
Paper can be used with an inkjet printer and it also can be written
on with a pen or pencil.
Growing Paper is available in different packages: In small or
big quantities and as a mini gift.
With each decision you take in your life, sustainability should
be at the top of your mind. Sustainable decisions should be made
individually and collective, private and in business.
Another dimension in thinking and acting responsibly for the
future is what we call, awareness. Besides shape, time, and price,
knowing about our awareness will offer a huge variety of
possibilities to both individuals and organizations!
Growing Paper and all related products are produced in the
Netherlands. Our assembly partner employs people with physical
disabilities. For our products, we only use certified FSC
materials. We believe that is the way it should be! This is a firm
condition to which we conduct our business!
Growing Paper shows the world that responsible and sustainable
products can be both innovative and successful.
Community Seeds . Fall 201032
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 33
Its Easy Being Greener
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 33
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201034
By Mary Portis
Materials:Heavy weight sand paperCrayonsWhite or light
T-shirtsIron
Directions: Using crayons on a sheet of heavy weight sand paper,
draw a picture, design or message that you would like to wear on a
T-shirt. Press heavily on the crayons to get the full color. When
the picture is perfect, turn the paper, sand paper side down, on a
T-shirt and run a hot iron over the paper side for 3-4 seconds.
Make sure you run the iron over the entire sand paper sheet. Pull
up a corner to check to see that you have fully transferred the
design. Remove the sand paper sheet to reveal your permanent
design. No drying time necessary. No special laundry
directions.
Special Note: If you want to transfer a message, remember to
write it backward. With a heavy marker, write your message on a
plain white sheet of paper and turn it over to copy it on your sand
paper. When your design is done, check it by standing in front of a
mirror to see if it reads correctly before transferring it to your
shirt.
Designer T-shirts: A Family Affair
This sandpaper and crayon art activity is fun for the whole
family! You can revamp old, plain T-shirts and its a great use for
old crayons!
CraftGreen
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 35
-
Faces of the Community
-
Faces of the Community
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201038
Making a Difference
I have always been interested in art. Always. It started in
grade school with doodles and cartoons, progressed to home made
comic strips in middle school. Then, I gave it all up in high
school to form my first punk band, the Trash Boys, in Youngstown
Ohio! But the seeds (pun intended) had been planted.
In 1993, my music career took me from Youngstown to New York
Citys Lower East Side at age 26 to pursue my dream. I would later
form, and front, a band called, Helldorado, and find some modest
success for a few years; but I digress... A friend of mine had
landed a job at an art moving company in the city and so I was both
instantly employed and propelled into the world of visual art.
I did not attend art school. I have never taken a drawing,
sculpting, or music class in my life. I did a small set of
paintings for a show in Brooklyn in the mid 90s and someone, upon
seeing my work said, Youre a folk artist. I remember being
slightly
Work in Progress:Glen Hettricks Cool Paintings
By Glen Hettrick
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 39
Featured Artist
offended at that time, as I had no idea what a folk artist was!
I was young and nave. Incidentally, I now proudly proclaim myself a
folk artist!*
The art moving job was the greatest and most transformative job
Ive ever held. It changed everything for me. Over my twelve years
in New York, I was allowed access into the back rooms of every
museum in the city, met multiple collectors, and met some of the
giants in the game itself. Roy Lichtenstein, Jasper Johns, Julian
Schnabel; the list goes on and on. I had the amazing opportunity to
interact with these and many more of the legends in visual art (if
only to carry their paintings to my moving truck). It didnt matter
much though. I was given the gift of inspiration that has lasted,
even now more than five years away from my beloved city.
My current incarnation as an artist began in a very strange but
simple way. I did two paintings of my dogs, Bitey and Porkchop, and
posted them to my Facebook page (Under the name, Glen Hettricks
Cool Paintings). They were the only paintings I had to my name. I
had given the rest away over my time in NY and other places.
Although I loved painting, I never thought it could really be a
legitimate career.
Then it happened. A woman named Amanda contacted me via Facebook
and asked if I sold my paintings. I told her I had never really
considered doing that, but that Id love to. She ordered a painting
from me, told me to paint whatever I wanted, and I did so. It was a
Western-themed painting. I shipped it off to Youngstown, OH and
held my breath for a response. Amanda got back to me and told me
she loved the painting and wanted to make it a nine paneled work,
so she needed eight more pieces! My life changed that very day and
I have not been without a
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201040
Glen Hettrick, Continued
commission for more than a week or two at a time in over a year
and a half.
My current obsession is pet portraits and farm paintings. I love
cows, what can I say? People from all over the U.S. send in their
photos for me to paint their dogs and cats and I absolutely love
it! Between my dogs, cats and cows, I am a very busy man these
days!
I have found a wonderful home in California and the landscape
has influenced my work in innumerable ways.
Now, I am not a green warrior by any stretch, but I do try to
live as responsibly as I can and realize that we have one world and
when its ruined, its ruined. How can we not see the insane
devastation of this world, from mountain top removal in Appalachia
to the endless vast landfills we have stuffed beyond capacity?
Little steps like using Chico Bags and patronizing the Farmers
Market in town can change the world in small, but important
ways!
Being as blessed as I have been compels me to give back from
time to time. My first online auction was a pink cow. I had
painted, named the painting, Antoinette, and I posted that she
would be sold to the highest bidder. The proceeds would go to
breast cancer research. We raised $450 dollars that day and I was
suddenly really into philanthropy! I saw that
my work could actually be used to change the world, even in that
aforementioned, small but important way.
This year has brought us the unparalleled BP oil spill disaster.
As I write this article, oil still pours into the Gulf of Mexico
with no end in sight. Again, I was moved to action. I could not
physically sit by, just watch it on
television and shake my head. I sat down to paint.
I was hoping that my Facebook friends and fans would once again
come to the call of a good cause and they did just that. My
painting entitled, Save the Gulf! a lone Brown Pelican (the State
bird of Louisiana), was auctioned off over a 24 hour period with
the proceeds going to the National Wildlife Federation. The NWF is
faced with the near-impossible task of cleaning up and rescuing
these
defenseless, voiceless animals that are fighting for their very
lives. The top bid for the painting was $233 from a wonderful woman
in Georgia named Bonnie; but then the real miracle was uncovered.
It came to my attention that people who had been bidding donated
their hard earned money ANYWAY! Hundreds of extra dollars were sent
to the NWF during the two days of the auction from this little
painting that could. We did change a tiny part of our world! We can
all do this! Find what you are good at and use it to affect
change.**
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 41
Making a Difference
*Folk Art includes art and objects made by people who are not
trained as artists, using styles and materials from where they
live.
**One of Glens paintings is featured in Septembers KVIE
(Sacramento) Art Auction to help support PBS! It is one of his
Famous Cows paintings, but with a twist. It is based on legendary
Californias Gold host Huell Howser and is entitled Huell
COWser!
For more information on Glens paintings, visit:
www.hettrickart.weebly.com.
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201042
There is an intense need for solar cooking and water
purification in Haiti. Hundreds of thousands of Haitians are
homeless and many are in camps that provide food and shelter for
Haitis Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Plans are under way to
provide Sun Ovens to the IDPs in Haiti. We are partnering with the
Friends of Haiti Organization (FOHO) to send as many Sun Ovens as
we can to Haiti.
Donations will be forwarded to FOHO. FOHO is a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization so all donations will be tax deductible.
100% of all donations will go directly to sending Sun Ovens to
Haiti. No administrative expenses will be deducted. FOHO has been
working in Haiti for 45 years and has sent over 1,400 Global Sun
Ovens and 12 Villager Sun Ovens to Haiti.
Click Here To Donate
Making a Difference
The
Com
mun
ity S
eeds
Fou
ndat
ion
is a
501
(c)(3
) non
profi
t org
aniz
atio
n.
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 43
Making a Difference
www.sunshinekidsclub.orgHow Much Would You Give to Just Be
Yourself ?
By Brianna Beaver
At the age of seven, I almost gave it all. My experiences of
segregation and being ostracized by my peers led me to believe
that, as an individual with a disability, there was no place for me
in this world. I longed for others to see beyond the braces on my
legs and the sway of my hips. I craved to be included in sports
teams, ballet classes, and to jump rope with the kids at recess. I
needed people to see my passion for life, my spunky humor and my
aspirations to make the world a better place. I needed people to
see me.
A brief window of time on this earth filled with exclusion made
it clear to me that people just did not get it. They did not get
that having a disability does not liken me to a monster, an
infectious disease, an incapable person, a perpetual infant or
someone to be ignored. Feeling desperate and terrified, my lonely
days caught up with me abruptly when I tried to run into traffic at
age seven. I saw a quick end as being preferable to a caged
existence, which precluded me from following my dreams. Although I
have sometimes lost track of the truth, my toe-head seven year old
self knew that despite what my peers, teachers, and doctors told
me, I deserved to have my dreams come true.
Thanks to one determined and passionate woman (who I am proud to
call my mother) - and our creation of The Sunshine Kids
Club, so many of my dreams HAVE come true. The Sunshine Kids
Club (SKC) is a fully-inclusive non-profit organization that
provides social and recreational programs for kids with and without
disabilities. The organization is designed to foster acceptance,
self-esteem, empowerment and the freedom to just be yourself. As
the original Sunshine Kid, I can assure you that the SKC has stayed
true to our mission.
As the only fully-inclusive organization in Northern California,
the SKC is committed to providing free programs to ALL children and
families. The inclusion of children with and without disabilities
is what has made, and continues to make, this organization a true
gem in our community. As a child with a disability, I spent my
pre-Sunshine days in therapy, at medical appointments and in
school; which were all places that reaffirmed how worthless I was
and would remain until Ifill in the blank. At the Sunshine Kids
Club, the fact that you exist means that you are awesome exactly as
you are. With a perspective like this, you could change the
world
And we have. Not only have I found a place to belong and people
to celebrate me for me, I have also found that I was not the only
one who needed the SKC. For more than three hundred children in our
community, the SKC has served as a lifeline and source of pure
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201044
Making a DifferenceMaking a DifferenceFUN. Through programs such
as wheelchair basketball, arts and crafts, dance, theater, martial
arts and more, kids blossom by simply being offered a space to
express themselves. As a result of this supportive environment,
many children have, for the first time in their lives, found
camaraderie and belonging.
I am proud to announce that my mother, Faelin, and I are taking
our message of inclusion on the road. We are excited to be
expanding our scope of social change by offering motivational
presentations aimed to inspire and empower people to break
attitudinal barriers. An infusion of experiences within the public,
university school settings, the medical arena, the nonprofit sector
and the daily challenges of pursuing dreams in a society demanding
conformity, have provided my mother and me with unique insights
about creating a more accepting society where all people are valued
as contributing citizens.
Together, we offer honest and humorous storytelling, ensuring
that audience members will be surprised, entertained, and inspired
to adopt inclusive ideologies. By understanding the roles we all
play in contributing to a more just society, audience members will
learn about the power they have to change the world.
We are also offering coaching services for parents of youth with
disabilities. SKCs Compassionate Coaching offers parents
someone
with whom they can share their concerns, hopes and dreams
without judgment. Coaching sessions will help parents identify
goals, implement a plan to reach their goals, learn coping skills
and find new opportunities to help their families. Parents who are
interested can contact the office for a free introductory
session.
The Sunshine Kids Club has played an integral role in my life
and continues to do so. My personal growth and evolution as an
empowered adult has been possible because of the acceptance,
support and love I have found at the Sunshine Kids Club. I am truly
honored to have the opportunities to befriend and support all
children while recognizing the amazing people they are.
I am committed to seeing that the Sunshine Kids Club continues
to raise money to support our monthly operating costs to ensure ALL
kids will consistently have a place to go and just be
themselves.
SKC would like to invite you to join the new Monthly
Ambassador Club and support kids in our community by
making a monthly contribution. Their goal is to have 120
people
making a monthly gift of $25! You can visit their webpage
(sunshinekidsclub.org) and set up recurring monthly donations
through Paypal, or contact them for other ways to set up monthly
gifts. With your generosity, the
Sunshine Kids Club can continue to make a difference in our
community. For more information about SKC programs and
services,
please call 530-776-5095.
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 45
1-800-RED CROSS | redcrossblood.org
We need you now more than ever.
Donate blood today. Visit redcrossblood.org.
Hope.
When Heartbreak Turns to Hope, Youre There.
Down the street, across the country, around the worldyou help
save the day. Every day.
When you give blood or provide a hot meal to
a disaster victim, train in rst aid or help a
member of our military, you reach out your hand.
Its at that momentwhen heartbreak
turns to hopethat youre there through the
American Red Cross.
H20771.36948.3.375x10.indd 1 3/31/10 11:44:50 AM
NO EXCUSES WEAR Athletic Workout Apparel (www.noexcuseswear.com)
generates college scholarships for underprivileged high school
student athletes, while also providing quality workout clothing for
Men and Women (Sizes
Small-XXXL). Our first slogan, Shut Up & Sweat, tells all
those negative influences that keep us
from working out to Shut Up & Sweat!
NO EXCUSES!Helping Underprivileged Student
Athletes Achieve Their Dreams
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201046
Making a Difference
A Place to Call Home
By:TeganPeterson
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 47
Barry Kirshner Wildlife Sanctuary
If
youarelookingforaplacetogowithyourfamilythisfall,looknofurtherthantheBarryKirshnerWildlifeSanctuarylocatedinDurham.Thefacilityisnotonlyafunplacetogotoforaminivacation,itisalsoeducational.Thisfacilityishometo99animals,36ofwhichareexotic.Onyourtourofthefacilityyouwillseebothnativeanimalssuchasbirds,snakes,deerandhorses,andexoticanimals,suchasawallaby,ababyblackbear,tigers,leopards,tortoisesandanalligator.
RobertaKirshnersson,Barry,startedthefoundationin1994.Hewasananimallover,andbecauseofasevereformofDyslexia,alearningdisorder,hecouldnotreadorwritewell.Hewasinspiredbyhisownlearningdisabilitytohelpotherchildrenwithdisabilitiesandspecialneeds.Withhisloveforanimals,startingthesanctuarywasanobviouschoice.Itwashisdreamtoputsmilesonthefacesofchildrenwhohadtolivethroughthehardshipofbeingdifferentfromeveryoneelse.Hehadahardtimewithreading,butjustbecausehehadadisabilitydidntmeanhecouldntexcelatotherthings,saysRobertaKirshner.Hestartedthefoundationfromthegroundupafterbuyingthehouseandacquiringtwoanimals.Sadly,Barrydiedinacaraccidentnotlongaftergettingthefoundationonitsfeet,andthatiswhenRobertacamebacktoDurhamtorunthefoundationhersonhadstarted.
Thefoundationisasanctuarybecausethisplaceisusuallythelaststopformanyanimals.Wetakein
theanimalsthatcannotsurviveinthewildforvariousreasons.Oursanctuaryinmostcasesisthelaststopforanimalsindangerofeuthanasia.RemarksRobertaKirshner.Someanimalscamefromotherfacilitiesthatdidnothavetheresourcesorknowledgetotreattheseanimals.Some,likeaonewingedowl,werefoundinjuredandbroughtin.Manyoftheseanimalshavehadahardlifebeforetheywerebroughthere.Oneexample,awhitefemaletiger,wastransferredfromfacilitiesinTexas,toWashington,toOregonbeforefinallyfindingapermanenthomeinRobertassanctuary.Shewassosmallwhenshewasbroughtinbecauseheroriginalownersstarvedhertokeephersmallsoshecouldbeusedtotakepictureswithchildrenandadults.Shegotricketsfrommalnutritionandonepawisbiggerthantheotherbecauseofthesofteningofthebonesthatthediseasecaused.Evenaftertryingtofattenherupandtryingtomakeherhappier,Robertanoticedtherewasstillsomethingwrongwithher.Shetookhertoaspecializedvetwhereasurgerywasperformed.Sureenough,atowelwasfoundinherstomach,causingherexcruciatingpain.Shewassohungrybecauseherpreviousownerstarvedherandshehadeatenatowelthatwasinsidehercage.Needlesstosay,sheisnowahappygirlandhasgainedasignificantamountofweight,thoughshewillalwaysbestuntedandsmallerthansheshouldbe.
MostoftheexoticanimalswerebornincaptivityintheU.S.,sotheydonotknowwhatitsliketoroamfreeamongtheirownspecies.Theyhavegrownup
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201048
aroundhumans,soeveninlargegroupsofpeople,theyremaincalm.Theyare,however,stillwildanimals.Eventhoughtheycanbetrained,theycannotbetamed.Unpredictablethingscanalwayshappen,whichiswhyvisitorsmuststaybehindafenceatalltimeswhenviewingtheanimals.
ThesanctuarywillbemovingtoanewlocationinOctober.Thismovewillallowforexpansionofthefacilitysotheycanaccommodatemorevisitors,beabletokeepmoreanimalsandexpandthecagesofthecurrentanimals.Infact,theywillbeabletoaccommodate70%morevisitorsayearthanthecurrentnumberof42,000.Also,abiggerplayyardwillbe
availablefortheanimalstogetexercise.Theywillalsobeabletobemorecloselyknitwiththecommunityviaraisingtheirconservationefforts.Thebiggestchangehowever,isthefactthatthefacilityislookingtogogreen.Theywanttoaddsolarpanels,whichwillsavealotonthepriceofelectricitytokeepthefacilityrunning.Also,theywillbeabletogrowmoreoftheirownfruittrees,whichiswhatthemajorityoftheanimalsdietsconsistof.Thenewlocationwillbeat4995PentzRoadinButteValley.
TheKirshnercenterisa501(c)(3)organization,whichmeansitisanonprofitthatreliesongrantsanddonationsfromthepublictokeepthe
Barry Kirshner Wildlife Sanctuary, Continued
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 49
facilityupandrunning.Currentlyonly9ofthe36exoticanimalshavesponsorsthatpayforanymedicalcare,supplies,andfoodfortheanimals.Robertasultimategoalistobeabletofindsponsorsforthemajorityoftheanimalsandtofindgrantsthatwillhelptakesomeofthefinancialburdenawayfromherandhelptheanimalsgetmoreofthespecializedcareeachoneneeds.Thefacilityisalso
alwaysindesperateneedofsupplies,someofwhichincludeshadecloths,lumber,chainlink,andfreezers.
TheSanctuaryisa24hourfacilitythatprovidesoverfortyeducationalprogramsinninedifferentlanguages.TheyofferinternshipstostudentsascloseasButteCollege.OthershavecomefromChicoState,PepperdineUniversityandallovertheU.S.Thestudentsgethandsonexperienceworkingwiththeseexoticanimals.Foranystudentinterestedinveterinarymedicine,zoology,oranimalsciences,itisanamazingresumebuildingopportunity.TheKirshnerfoundationhasalsoworkedwith
theMake-A-WishandSTARFoundationstogivechildrenthechancetoseetheseanimalsupclose,andtherearemanyeducationaltoursforschools.OnesuchexampleistheLunchWiththeAnimalsprogram.Inthisprogram,thestudentstakeatour,learnabouttheanimals,andeatwiththeanimals.Theyeatfruits,veggiesandsomenutsandgrainstogetaninsightintowhatsomeoftheanimalseateveryday.Theseanimalswillspendtherestoftheirlivesherebecausetheyhavefinallyfoundaplacetocallhome.
Making a Difference
-
Fall Into Fun
-
Fall Into Fun
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201052
Out and About
AdventuresOut and About
Sometimes we are detectives solving a case. Sometimes we are
pirates looking for our buried treasure. Wherever our imaginations
take us, our GPS takes us to our next geocache.
Since school started back up this fall, our kids are spending
more time indoors. Why not get them outside to enjoy the season
while having some fun with you and the rest of your family? Most
kids like playing outside. I know several who tell me that recess
is their favorite
Enjoy this fall with your family by experiencing nature in a
whole new way. Geocaching can motivate families to get outside,
enjoy each others company and surround themselves in autumns
beauty. Geocaching might just become your familys new fall family
tradition!
GeocachingCaching In On Outdoor Fall Fun
By Deanna Zachrich
subject in school because they get to go run around in the
sunshine.
Geocaching is simply a global treasure hunting game, shared
online with an environmentally conscious community. If you have not
tried geocaching yet, you can find helpful information at
www.geocaching.com. After inputting your location online, such as
your postal code, you will find a long list of geocaches ready to
be found. Using a GPS device, you track down the next hidden
container of
Photos by Deanna Zachrich, Tracy Cahn, DeAnna Holman and Jayne
Locas
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 53
Adventures
Out and About
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201054
Geocaching, Continued
your choice near you (I actually use a GPS application on my
cell phone and it works great).
The geocache containers are all different sizes and usually
cleverly disguised in some sort of camouflage. My family has found
geocaches as small as a tube of lip balm and as large as an old
ammo box. Each one has a small logbook for your signature and most
contain different items that you can swap out with others that you
bring along of equal or greater value. This is one part my daughter
gets very excited about. She gets to sign our team name, which we
created as a family, and then she gets to sort through any treasure
items. You just never know what you might find. Small toys, key
chains, whistles, coins, and stickers are just some of the
treasures she has brought home with us after a day of
geocaching.
There are more than a million active geocaches worldwide. There
are more than 15,000 within a 100 mile radius just of Chico, CA.
With that many treasures to find, your family and friends could be
busy for a long time. Introducing family and friends to your
new-found outdoor fun is great. We have taken many of my daughters
friends along, only to hear later how their own families are now
geocaching together. Geocaching is the perfect outdoor autumn
activity for any family. We need to encourage our children to enjoy
the outdoors this fall; and we need to be out there with them. Kids
learn best from example.
As an earth-conscious family, we also take along small garbage
bags and gloves on our quests for treasure to help keep these areas
clean and healthy. Do I think picking up some trash during an
afternoon hike will completely save
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 55
the planet? No. It does, however, instill important values of
environmental responsibility in my childs heart and mind. Autumn is
my favorite season with the trees turning such beautiful colors and
the air so crisp and fresh. Enjoying the season while respecting it
by keeping it clean should be important to all of us.
Geocaching is a great way to get some fun outdoor exercise with
your family. Many of these hidden treasures require you to hike a
little. Some are along bike-friendly paths. The website has great
symbols for categorizing each geocache as kid-friendly, handicapped
accessible, and even how difficult each container is to find and
get to. It also has information on Cache In, Trash Out events where
communities can help keep our planet clean and healthy.
Although we are very new to this fun family activity of
geocaching, we are very enthusiastic! It is a great adventure for
my pre-teen to have, exploring our local area and surrounding
communities, finding treasures of all sizes. Thinking about that
treasure fills her with anticipation. She loves seeing the many
animals we have seen on our treks. She still talks about a deer
that startled us one trip, when it leapt away from the hiking path
in front of us. There is something special about seeing an animal
in their natural environment. When on a geocache adventure, you get
to take it all in the smells, sounds, and sights.
Talking to your children about the environment while out on a
geocaching trek is just as important as getting them outside for
the exercise. Geocaching provides a great combination of fun and
learning for any family. I hope you enjoy it just as much as we
have.
Out and About
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201056
Healthy Living
Fall10-04.indd 36 7/22/2010 10:50:20 AM
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 57
Healthy Living
Kids from Magalia and Paradise, California, stayed fit and had
fun this last summer playing golf. The third annual Youth Golf
Clinic took place at the Paradise Pines Golf Course in Magalia,
California. The clinic was started in June of 2008 by Bill and
Joyce Finch. The course consists of six weeks of instruction,
including: driving, iron play, chipping and putting. The seventh
week is a graduation treat of playing nine holes of golf with a
club member in a golf cart. This years instructors included: Jason
Poll, Pat Kennedy, Bill Finch, Gary Behne and Samantha Poll. Club
members participating included: Gary Behne, Mike Roebuck, George
Kerber Walk Jankowski and Samantha Poll. Check your local golf
course for similar kids activities, all year long.
Having Fun and Staying Fit!
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201058
Healthy Living
Recipe for a Healthy Baby
By Valerie Patton
Weareallprettyfamiliarwiththedietsayingsofpregnantandnursingmothers:eatingfortwo,atimeinyourlifewhenyoucangetawaywitheatingliterallyANYTHINGyouwant!WooHoo!!
Well,afterbabyisborn,newmotherscangetverydiscouragedwiththebodytheyhavebeenleftwith:theirveryownbabyweight.Yes,youaregoingtogainweightduringyourpregnancy,butitsuptomomtodecidewhatthoseextracaloriesaregoingtoconsistof.Makingwisechoicesnowwillhelpyoukeepupthosegoodhabitswhenbabyarrives,andyoucankeepmodelingthathealthybehaviorforyourchildashe/shegrows.
I LOVE
FOOD!Idontbelieveindiets.IbelieveinhavingahealthydietandmakingchoicesthatIcanlivewithinthelong-term.Ingeneral,wholefoodsaregoingtobebetterforyourbodythanprocessedfoodsand
youhavegottoeatyourfreshfruitsandveggieseveryday!TherearesomecommonsenseguidelinesforgoodnutritionthatIliketosharewheneverthesubjectofdietingcomesupinmyclass,
andIhopeyoufindthemusefultoo.
#1
FATWhileitistruethatfatiscalorie-dense,andreducingyourintakeoffatcanreduceoverallcaloricconsumption,
notallfatsarecreatedequal.Includinghealthyfatsineachmealisagreatwaytokeepyoufullerlonger,reducingyourlikelihoodtosnackonunhealthyfoodslater.Healthyfatinyourdietwill
-
w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 59
andevendesserts.Thentheyaredisappointedwhenthepoundsdontjustmeltaway.Whilewholegrainisbetterthannot,tryingtogetmostofyourcarbrequirementsfromfruitsandvegetablesisreallygoingtopayoffattheendofyourpregnancy.Youmayevenbeabletofitintothosepre-pregnancy
Healthy
Livingalsohelpyoulooseexcessfatinyourbody.MakeOmega3Fatsyourbestfriends;theyareknownfortheiralmostemulsifyingpoweronbodyfat.Adietlowinfatcanalsocausefat-soluble
vitamindeficiencies.Forexample,ifyoueatpastawithtomatosauceanddontincludefatinthemeal,yourbodycannotabsorballthatwonderfulvitaminAinthesauceWhatawaste!Somegreatfattyfoodsthatareeasytomakepartofyournormaldietincludefish,nuts,peanut/almondbutter,avocado,flaxseedsandolive/grapeseed/flaxoils.GrassfedmeatsarealsohigherintheOmega3fatsthantheirgrainandother-fedcounterparts.
#2
CARBOHYDRATESSweet,sweetcarbsThisisourbattlegroundladies!But,justlikefat,notallcarbsarecreatedequal.Whencomparingwhatyourbodycandowiththecarbsofanappleversusabagel,
thewinnerisclear.Ilovebagelswithcreamcheeseasmuchasthenextgirl(mymouthiswatering),butappleshavesomanynutrients,fiberandtastiness,theresnocontest!Weneedcarbohydratesforourbrainandnervoussystemaswellasamillionotherbodilyfunctions.Buteattoomanystarchyorsimplecarbs(i.e.,potatoesorwhitebread),andourbodycanturnitintofatforstorage.ThesesamecarbscanalsomakeusRETAINWATER(i.e.,wheat,gluten),makinguslookandfeellikewehavemorebodyfatthanwemayactuallyhave!
FIBER!Ihavealwaysbeenabigadvocateoffiber,agoodcarb.Fiberhelpscarrytoxins,badfatandcholesteroloutofthebodyandkeepsyourdigestivetractcleanandhealthy.Thisisespeciallyimportantforpregnantwomen.
Whataboutwholegrain?Withthenewcrazeforeverythingwholegrain,manypeoplehavetaken
thatasagreenlighttoeatendlessamountsoftheirnowwholegrainorfiber-enriched
crackers,breads,pastas,
jeansjustalittlesoonerthanifyouhadgonecrazywiththebagels.
Corn!Cornisconsideredagrainandastarchyvegetable,andisVERYgoodforyou.TherearelotsofnutrientsandgoodhealthyfiberincornandcornflourisnowbeingusedinmanyGluten-Freeproducts.Iencourageyoutotrysomethenexttimeyouareatthestore.
#3
PROTEINForthemostpart,peopletendtogettheamountofproteinthey
-
Community Seeds . Fall 201060
need,soIllkeepthisbrief.Ifyoureavegetarian,combininggrainsandlegumeswillgiveyoucompleteproteins,meaningyouaregettingalloftheproteins(essentialaminoacids)yourbodycannotmakeonitsown.Beansandrice,almondbutteronwholewheatbread,andbeansonaflourorcorntortillaareallexamplesofcombiningfoodstomakecompleteproteins.Somevegetariansourcesofcompleteproteinsincludesoy/tofu,buckwheat,andhempnutsorhearts.
#4
EXERCISEGettingorstayingactiveduringyourpregnancyisgoingtomakeitthatmucheasiertokeepmovingafterbabyisborn.Itwillfeelgreatforyoutoget
yourheartpumpingandfeedoxygentoyourbody(especiallywhenyoustarttofeellikeyoumayneverseeyourfeetagain!).Strengtheningyourbodywillprepareyouforthebigday,givingyoumoreenergyandstaminaforthesprintormarathonyoumayhaveaheadofyou.
Astrongbackandcorewillhelpyousupportyourgrowing
belly,preventswaybackandbackaches.Youwillneedstrongarmstoliftandcarrybabyinandoutofeverything.Themoreyoucandotostrengthenyourbodybeforebabycomes,thebetteryourbodywillfeelandtheeasieritwillbetokeepitupwhenyouhavelesstimeandenergy.
Makingwisechoicesinfoodandfitnessnowwillhelpyoukeepupthegoodhabitswhenbabyarrives,soyoucankeepmodelingthathealthybehavior.Youshouldnothavetodepriveyourselfoffoodyoulovecompletely,orthosewillbethethingsyoucrave.Noneedfortorture,thereistoomuchgoodstuffouttheretoenjoy!Happyeatingmommies!!
A BABY'S BOUTIQUE
1803 Mangrove Ave.Chico, C