Right To Know Genetically Modified Organisms

Posted on February 19, 2012 by quest

By Susan Rigali - Today I went to Starbucks to pick up ballot initiatives to collect signatures for the labeling of GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) also known as GE (genetically engineered). The same location that I was passing out leaflets against GMO’s 10 years ago with my daughter when security and police arrived and asked us to leave. We complied. But our efforts have persisted. As Americans we felt it our right to have this information, so do a vast majority of our fellow citizens.

The fact that biotech foods have remained unlabeled for nearly 20 years in the US reveals a deliberate refusal by regulatory agencies to serve the will of the people and instead occupy federal agencies in government to further corporate interests globally. An attempt by the biotech industry to OWN the worlds food through intellectual property has wrought the biggest global food fight against consumer, farmer, conventional and organic systems of farming while the cases are reeling in courts worldwide. Reluctantly allowing labeling in most of the developed world where activism in government is recognized, yet scuttling any attempts of groups and organizations for 20 years in this country speaks volumes about our so called democratic principles.

The lack of labeling is a concession to the U.S., it also declared that it “is not intended to suggest or imply that foods derived from modern biotechnology are necessarily different from other foods.” This is a legal contradiction! Either foods produced through mutation are substantially equivalent and therefore cannot be deemed intellectual property, or they are novel invention in which case are different due to constructs and should be labeled accordingly. We will work hard to insure consumers the right to vote on this matter. Not only with their pockets as organic industries soar, but with our voices and votes. Help reach the 850,000 signatures needed to get this on the ballot in California. Visit Label GMO or Label Genetically Engineered Food.

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Watts Seed Lady And Beatrice Foods Go Organic

Posted on January 28, 2012 by quest

Beatrice Foods recently announced a Joint Marketing and Manufacturing Agreement with Anna Marie Carter, famously known as “The Seed Lady of Watts.” Best known for her use of Organic Coconut Oil and use of Chia Seeds in her cooking; Ms Carter and Beatrice Foods will co – create a line of organic foods. The food line will be marketed initially in the west and then sold nationally. The new line of products will be marketed under the Premier Foods Division of Beatrice.

Anna Carter has a history of breaking new ground, in a 2003 Yes Magazine article she said, “I had an organic vegetables, seeds, and plants store many years ago on Crenshaw Boulevard. The first day I went to open the front door and I looked behind me and there stood three little boys, lined up in a row, like they were in the army. I opened the door and they came in, after saying “Good morning,” and proceeded to take all my plants outside and set up the organic vegetable and flowers stands for the day. They were sent to me by a higher source. I taught them many things. We planted tomatoes out back that grew over seven feet tall. The boys sold the tomatoes and used the money for school clothes and supplies. One even paid his mother’s utility bills. They are grown now, but when I see them they kiss and hug and thank me. “After receiving dozen of awards; Anna received the Justie Award in 2011 from Eco Farm California. Top honors for her field in Environmental and Social Justice.

Dewitt Hoopes, CEO of Beatrice said,”Ms. Carter initially reached out to us about her product concept and how the general public needed something that was truly different. Anna has a compelling concept and a deep passion for producing organic foods that are nutritionally healthy and affordable – and that fits into our vision here at Beatrice.”

Solar Energy Use Up

Green Jobs Forecast

Posted on December 4, 2011 by quest

By Kellé Lynch McMahon – Green Jobs, Green Jobs, Where are all the jobs?…In looking at the news one would believe that the world is coming to an end with all the talk of unemployment and the export of jobs to overseas competition. But if we scratch below the surface we will see that there is a huge trend surfacing that is creating an enormous amount of opportunity for retooling and growth in technological innovation and the re-birth of a manufacturing in the United States.

According to the US Department of Labor there are 1.2 million jobs that are unfilled right now in the marketplace. These jobs are unfilled because there are too few skilled applicants that apply for them. There are foreign companies, American companies, small companies, large companies, startups and mid-size companies all of which contribute to the growth and development of a new established emergent industry coined “the green economy”. The green economy encompasses many different aspects of the energy market sector. The United States has seen the largest growth in the solar market sector over the past two years. The industry has seen growth over 120% since 2006 (Engineering Magazine July 2010) and is experiencing a explosion of growth in the commercial residential sectors.

Next we have watched the growth of the slow food movement, which has the cropping up of small local family farms and urban farms that are supporting sustainable organic farming methods that yield a variety of foods that are in high demand in local markets. The growth, process, and distribution of these foods has created a cottage industry that has become boutique in nature.Third, we have the automotive industry that has seen a growth spurt in the development, manufacturing and innovation of a new breed of cars that will revolutionize the way we commute, transport merchandise and travel in the world. Electric cars will become the norm within the next five (5) years, and all major automobile manufacturers have at least one auto that is either electric or hydrogen fuel cell powered on the market today. Read the full article by Kellé Lynch McMahon

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Solar Embedded Fashions Energizing Mobile Devices

Posted on December 1, 2011 by quest

The solar industry is shining its light on just about every part of society.This time a company called Silvr Lining is impacting the solar and fashion industry. The Los Angeles based clothing designer has introduced a line of solar powered outerwear called the Go Collection, which is all hand made, individually cut & sewn garments. The garments are ethically made clothing from organic & recycled fibers and allow you to charge your phone with your pants, jacket or vest. The GO Collection is an urban sportswear line featuring integrated solar charging for personal mobile communication devices.

In addition to GO Collection Silvr Lining offers multi-functional, high-tech fashion and lifestyle brands. The Dugwear, Modbox lines are progressive and green, and pursue sustainability and renewability of materials and processes. Fully and independently functioning solar power supply panels are provided for the front pockets of the of the GO Director’s Jacket, GO Utility Vest, GO Myer’s Topper,and side cargo pockets of the GO Cargo Pant. Output power is highly precise and conditioned for automatic charging of personal devices. These panels can also be used as self‐contained, carry – anywhere chargers and are USB 2.0 compliant.

Sandra Garratt—Design Director of Silvr Lining describing Silvr Lining said,”Too many of us believe that a “rich, creative life” belongs to a chosen few select people who “do that sort of thing. Wrong, creativity is in everything we all do daily. Beauty is a choice, creating it for any circumstance is an initiative for designers. We all want a happy, healthy, well-balanced lifestyle, not just more clothes. SilvrLining is making a design statement about an emerging Green lifestyle that is techwise and embraces active living in the Sun. We try to integrate Nature & Technology with Style while breathing beauty into busy modern everyday life.The designers and “science guys” at SilvrLining believe that there is new Green inspiration, a focus on energy independence that is moving us forward with progressive, new ideas that help us know that it is time to leave the past behind.”

UN Climate Conference In Durban South Africa

Honey Do’s May Include Solar House Painting

Posted on November 28, 2011 by quest

I can see it now…”Honey don’t you think it’s time to paint the house? Why don’t we try some of that spray on solar or solar paint? The Jones’ have those solar panels on their roof and Pat tells me their electric bill have gone from $175 a month to $20 and they didn’t even have to pay for it upfront. Some kind of lease or PPA purchase or something like that? Sweetie come on the house is starting to look at little tired and these electric bills are out of control.With more money each month we could that take that vacation you promised me we would take to Tahiti someday. You know I mean?”

Look up for Solar Power

We’ll we see how it plays out. But in the world of solar solutions, innovation won’t only include just improvements in silicon and thin film efficiency. As reported here a Florida company; New Energy Technologies, Inc. is working on spray on solar and solar windows. If the idea of spray on solar seemed like a novel little cute idea, check it out and think again. And low and behold Mitsubishi Chemical also researching this alternative to silicon panels. And then there’s Pythagoras Solar Window which won the GE ecomagination challenge earlier this year for their work as a provider of Photovoltaic Glass. Their solar window technology is an industry first that simultaneously delivers energy efficiency, high power density and transparency. The GE ecomagination Challenge, recognized the most promising building energy innovations.

To the north Canadian researcher Ted Sargent, has been talking up, paint-on solar cells for years. Seems in solar energy innovation, the imagination is the workshop of the mind.

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Los Poblanos Inn & Organic Farm Fodor Winner

Posted on November 12, 2011 by quest

Among the most experienced and discerning international travelers, they say it’s the little things that count the most when it comes to accommodations. For some that could translate into massive reception areas, 24-hour concierge service and liveried valet parking but for the nearly 1,000 hyper-critical and seasoned travelers who took part in voting for the 2011 Fodor’s Top 100 Hotels in the World, it had more to do with organic produce grown mere yards from the kitchen, the intoxicating scent of freshly distilled lavender oil and even the antics of a goat named Periwinkle.

Los Poblanos Inn & Organic Farm is pleased to announce its having been named one of “Fodor’s 100 Hotels,” for 2011, a designation given to the top 100 “best in category” hotels in the world. Los Poblanos was the only New Mexico property to win an award and was, in fact, one of only twenty-nine properties in the United States, in any category, to be so honored by Fodor‘s. Privately owned by the Rembe family, the 25-acre inn and organic farm also boasts a cultural center and conference facilities that marry state-of-the art technology with historic architecture, antiques and exquisite examples of colonial and legendary New Mexico craftsmanship by the likes of architect John Gaw Meem, wood carver Gustave Baumann, painter Peter Hurd, tin artist Robert Woodman and photographer Laura Gilpin.

Designed in 1932 and built in 1934, the property has hosted and, for 77 years, served as the “home away from home” for some of the country’s leading thinkers, movers and shakers. Today, politicians, celebrities, foodies, authors and philosophers find their way to Los Poblanos for an environment that includes wide open space, an unparalleled view of the Sandias, superlative food and, inevitably, a sense of having exhaled. “While we certainly strive hard to meet and exceed the expectations of all of our guests, we’re also aware that many of them are seasoned world travelers, accustomed to luxury properties all over the globe. While some travelers tend to prefer – and even stick to – luxury chain hotels as a means of ‘regulating’ their accommodation experience regardless of locale, we’re that anti-brand, intimate and authentic experience that chains simply can’t offer. With more than fifty percent of our guests repeat customers, we take pride in offering the one-of-a-kind, ‘local flavor’ experience that Fodor’s saw as unique. We’re humbled to be on the same list with such legendary properties as the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, the Hotel Bel Air in Los Angeles and Blackberry Farm in Tennessee.”

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