Earth Share of Washington

The Organic Food Myth

- by Dave Manelski

The growing demand for organically grown foods is transforming this previously small-scale, locally-based industry into global, corporate agribusiness. Fruits and vegetables that once came from as far away as the Skagit Valley, now span the oceans from distant destinations like Chile, Japan and New Zealand, at more of a threat to the environment than some might think.

As organic food goes mainstream, large companies like General Mills, Kraft Foods, and Heinz are beginning to embrace new USDA standards. This influx of large corporate suppliers is driving out smaller local farmers, unable to compete with the economies of scale afforded to global producers. Often forsaken on the road to growth are "best management practices," once the cornerstone of organic producers. Small sustainable farms have given way to large monoculture crops, which are consistently more energy & water intensive and highly susceptible to disease and pests. Perhaps the greatest myth to modern organic foods however, is that no petroleum derivatives go into production.

Food for thought (literally) as you sit down for a salad at your next meal: the lettuce you are eating could feasibly come from Japan, cucumbers from New Zealand, and tomatoes from Chile, all bearing the organic label. When you consider that a Boeing 747 emits about 220 tons of carbon dioxide (the primary greenhouse gas) on a trip from New York to London (according to the Edinburgh Center for Carbon Management in Scotland), the organic food you are eating seems far less environmentally sustainable than previously imagined. Throw in packaging, processing, and transport to and from grocery distribution centers and the picture becomes clear that modern organic food production is highly resource intensive, at a great cost to local farmers, communities, and the environment.

To be fair, the trend towards organic agriculture is not all bleak. Fewer pesticides and herbicides are entering the water supply and our bodies. Even large-scale producers are beginning to see the benefits of composting to enhance the soil.

What is the sustainable solution, you might ask? Answer: Support local farmers. Many local growers are working hard to protect the environment and provide the people of Washington with fresh, healthy, and nutritious food. While they might not be able to afford to get certified organic, they may very well farm organically and implement "best management practices." The only way to know for sure is to ask you local grocers where they get their food or to establish a relationship with local farmers. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), food co-ops (like PCC), and farmers markets are excellent sources for locally produced foods.

For a list of CSA's check out Seattle Tilth's website:
http://www.seattletilth.org/resources/csalist.html

For a 2003 list of Washington Farmer's Markets click here:
Washington Farmer's Market Directory

While locally produced foods may be a little more expensive than their mass-produced organic counterparts, the value to local communities, green-spaces, and the environment is priceless.

Impatient Return

- submitted by Kevin Mack from ESW member PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

As Dr. John Huckabee approached the water, the Common Murre in his hands became visibly excited. The water was only about 20 feet away, and Dr. Huckabee was walking reasonably fast, but the bird seemed to take issue with the pace of his transport. His small webbed feet paddled frantically in the air as he stretched his neck towards the beckoning freedom of the Pacific.

Sixteen days prior, this murre and three others had encountered a small oil slick. The slick was likely not the result of an oil spill, but rather an intentional dumping of oily water from the bilge of a ship far offshore. Although these events are not headline grabbers of the Exxon Valdez variety, they are no less destructive to the unfortunate animals that encounter them. Certainly all four of these birds would have died without intervention.

On January 9th the murres were admitted to the PAWS Wildlife Center, an Earth Share of Washington member. Each was given a thorough physical examination after which they were tube fed a substance containing activated charcoal to absorb any remaining petroleum in their systems. This came too late for one of the birds and his condition deteriorated until he died a few short days after being admitted. Intestinal hemorrhaging due to oil ingestion was given as the probable cause of death.

The surviving murres were washed thoroughly and all traces of oil removed from their feathers. They were then placed in a pool to find that their feathers once again repelled water. But a pool is no substitute for open ocean, and the murres continually protested their captivity both vocally and physically during the remainder of their stay. During the following 2 weeks they required additional care including tube feeding, and by the time release day arrived on January 25th the murres were more ready to separate themselves from their human caregivers.

So the murre's impatience with the speed at which Dr. Huckabee was approaching the water was not without cause. In addition to all of the frightening experiences he and his companions had suffered in the preceding weeks, the birds had also just endured a 3.5 hour drive to arrive at their release site. By the time Dr. Huckabee reached the water and bent down to release the murre, the bird could not leave his hands fast enough. The remaining two birds were released and all three eventually flew off together.

Small oil spills and intentional dumping of oil are common occurrences in Washington waters. PAWS receives a handful of wild animals every year that have been impacted by these events. For every bird that makes it to the PAWS Wildlife Center, there are likely many others that are oiled but never found. To learn how you can help wildlife in need visit www.paws.org.

Earth Saving Tips - Spring 2003

How to Treat Household Stains Without Soiling the Earth

Got a nasty cleaning problem this spring? Spots on carpets, couches, or clothing can require heavy-duty cleaners to remove. Some of these cleaners contain ingredients that can pollute the air and water - and endanger your and your family's health. Many stains can be easily and safely removed from clothing and household furnishings, increasing their quality and prolonging their useful life. Often the only ingredients you need to remove stains are common household materials. Below are a few examples of common stains and the ingredients to remove them. When treating any stain, try testing a small portion of the stain first to be sure it works.

• Adhesive tape: Freeze with ice; scrape off.
• Candle Wax or Crayons: Cover with brown paper bag and iron at low heat.
• Chewing Gum: Freeze with ice; scrape off.
• Chocolate Stains: Club soda.
• Coffee Stains: Moist salt.
• Coffee Pot Stains: Mix ice and salt.
• Cola Stains: White vinegar.
• Grease: Borax on a damp cloth.
• Ink Spots: Cold water, one tablespoon Cream of Tartar, one tablespoon lemon juice.
• Mildew: Equal parts salt and white vinegar.
• Oil: White chalk rubbed into stain before washing.
• Perspiration: White vinegar or lemon juice.
• Pet Stains: Warm water with a drop of liquid dishwashing detergent.
• Porcelain Stains: Baking soda.
• Rug Stains: Club soda. (Treat immediately!)
• Rust Spots (on clothing): Lemon juice, salt, sunlight.
• Rusty Bolts: Carbonated beverage.
• Scorch: Grated onion.
• Upholstery Spots: Club soda. (Treat immediately!)
• Water Marks: Toothpaste. Also try: rubbing toothpowder on wood; or spraying with a water mist, then putting a paper bag or towel over it and ironing at a low heat.
• Wine Stains: Salt.

When All Else Fails…
Given that the "greenest" thing to do is to get the longest life out of everything we buy, tossing things out is far from ideal. So, if these alternative methods don't work, it may be necessary to use some kind of commercial stain remover. There are many brands of "nontoxic" cleaners and stain removers on the market. Whatever you use, keep things simple: Use the least amount of the least-potent product you can find, and follow directions carefully. That will help keep your health, and the health of the earth, unblemished.

Cool Website - March 2003

John Muir Exhibit
http://www.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/writings/

Delve into the writings of one of the pioneers of modern ecology. Sierra Club pays tribute to their founder by presenting some excerpts from his writings. Throughout his life, Muir was driven to protect nature for its own sake. This radical departure from contemporary thinking changed the face of the ecological movement and inspired millions to view themselves in the context of nature. Looking for some inspiration? Check it out!