Why You Should Buy Organic Flowers

I get why we should buy organic food. If it goes into our bodies then it makes sense that it be the healthiest stuff we can find. But what about organic flowers? Is it really important that we use organic materials in our homes? I have no intention of eating the mixed flower bouquet that I buy at the grocery store, so what’s the diff?

In reality it has very little to do with health, but it it important that we have green buying habits so to promote sustainable practices within the flower industry. The more people who buy organically grown flowers, means there is will be a reduction in toxic chemicals used and an improvement soil quality. It is just better for the environment all the way around that we use as few chemicals as possible. Moreover, it creates healthier working conditions for farmers, farm workers and florists.

One of the biggest problems with pesticides and chemicals is that they don’t stay put. They drift through the air and also get into the water supply. If we buy organically grown flowers then we won’t be contaminating our water supply and our air.

Make Spring Cleaning Earth-Friendly

Earth Day 2010 is upon us and it would be great if everyone at Stewarts Ferry could practice at least one new way to help conserve our collective environment.  Every little bit makes a differend.  Below is an article that I just read online regarding “green cleaning.”  Check it out…

Thinking about spring cleaning? Don’t forget the environment. The irony is that in making your home brighter and fresher, you may inadvertently soil the air and water. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Nothing is completely safe. Almost anything we dump down our drains, even if derived from plants and other “natural” substances, can cause problems. Even with the increasing number of greener products on the market, none is perfectly safe for the earth.

To read the entire thing, visit earthshare.org.  There are plentyof other “green tips” on the site as well.

In-Season Produce: Markets near Stewarts Ferry

Do you shop for your fresh food and produce locally? If not, you may want to give it some serious consideration. Although today’s global market allows us to buy foods grown almost anywhere in the world at any given time, this option is not the most sustainable.

Buying in-season fruits and vegetables that are locally grown helps to eliminate the environmental damage caused by shipping foods across the country – and in some cases – the world. Not only does your food dollar go directly to the farmers, but you’re able to enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh, better tasting, unprocessed produce. According to the National Resources Defense Council, in-season foods for the state of Tennessee (and surrouning areas) include:

Asparagus Collards Gourds Greens Herbs Honey Indian Corn Mushrooms Blueberries (Georgia) Broccoli (Michigan, North Carolina) Cabbage* (Alabama, Georgia, Michigan) Carrots (Georgia) Green Peas (Missouri) Leafy greens (North Carolina) Lettuce (Missouri)

Peanuts (North Carolina) Pecans* (Alabama) Scallions (Missouri) Snap Beans (Georgia) Spinach (Missouri, Virginia) Squash* (Alabama) Strawberries (Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina) Sweet Potatoes * (Alabama, North Carolina) Vidalia Onions (Georgia) Yellow Squash (Georgia) Zucchini (Georgia)

Here is a short list of markets that sell fresh locally grown foods near the Stewarts Ferry area. If you can suggest any other markets, leave a comment and let the community know!

Markets near Stewarts Ferry

Have a Green Party

This Sunday some of us may be gathered around the TV screen, while others are mingling. Either way the Super Bowl is a great chance to have a get together. If you are planning one then you may want to try to go green on Sunday.

Skip the paper plates and plastic cups and use your own. Even if you don’t have enough, ask a friend to bring some extra. Also, remember you can recycle any bottles or cans you use. For more ideas click here.