SustainLane - Look Ma, No Pesticides

February 2008
Edition 42

Greetings!

We are what we consume. And like it or not, even the natural materials that become our food and our clothes are often sprayed with dangerous chemicals. These chemicals are so pervasive that it's nearly impossible to know what they all are (or even how to pronounce them), let alone know how to avoid them.

The procedure for labeling products in America is fairly complicated. There are no standards at all for labels like "chemical-free" or "natural." The only label with any government oversight at all is "organic." The problem there is that "organic" only applies to food, and even in that realm the USDA is easily swayed by industry lobbyists. The bottom line is that, while an organic label is a good thing to see on a product, nothing beats listening to what your neighbors have to say about it. Fortunately for us, our neighbors are more than willing to share their wisdom.

See how much MO Z. loves Mona Vie's Organic Acai Juice, which business Valerie B. adores for their organic fashion, and why Abendigo R. doesn't trust Horizon's Organic Half and Half.

Plus, check out what happens when good food goes bad in our Green Video of the Week, and read up on all the latest organic news in our In the News section.

Featured Product: Organic Mona Vie Acai Juice

Oprah listed Acai as one of the ten best superfoods, and when Deepak Oprah talks we listen. Read on to see why MO Z. agrees with the Queen of daytime talk when it comes to Acai's benefits, and why she prefers Mona Vie's brand to all others.

Click here for Organic Mona Vie Acai Juice

Quality Product

"I am a customer of Monavie. This company uses organic and wildcrafted VINE RIPENED fruit. Yes, the price is high, however they use a higher concentration of Acai than other brands out there. Also, they have..." click here to read more

Have you tried any Mona Vie Acai drinks? How about a different acai product? Write a review at SustainLane.com and share your thoughts.

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Green Video of the Week - Grocery Store Wars

Quite possibly the most innovative take on the organic movement in cinematic spoof history. Watch Obi-Wan Cannoli train Cuke Skywalker to battle the evil GMO Darth Tater in this epic space age retelling of our organic rebellion.

Have any ideas for next weeks green video of the week? (the topic is water) Please e-mail us at community@sustainlane.com and let us know!

Featured Business: Marfar Designs

All you people out there who still think sustainable fashion means Birkenstocks and tie dye (not that we don't have four pairs of Birks at home...), let Valerie B. give you quick lesson on what makes sustainability hip.

Click for Marfar Designs Organic Clothing

Comfortable, Flattering and Organic

Five Stars
"I adore the shirts made by Maria. I was lucky enough to have a coworker who knows her, and I got one for free, and I immediately emailed Maria asking if I could buy the same style in all the rest of the colors. The clothing is..." click here to read more

Any great sustainable fashion tips? Write a review at SustainLane.com and share the wealth!

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Organics in the News

The push for hormone-free non-GMO food has come a long way in recent years, but it's far from over. Check out the articles below for a quick reminder of why all of you on the front lines, whether you're a consumers, a farmers or an activist, are fighting the good fight:

NBC helps us illuminate organics.

A simple trick using only oxygen could greatly reduce the price of organic agriculture according to Science Daily.

How close we came to having no labels on milk made with artificial hormones.

A new report contradicts all those Negative Nancys out there claiming organic farms can't feed the world.

There are downsides to a USDA Organic certification.

Organic vs. Local - why not both?

Thoughts about these headlines? Email us at community@sustainlane.com and let us know!

Horizon Organic's Half and Half

Just because it's organic doesn't mean it's good for you, the community, or the planet. Read on to see why Abendigo R. has some issues with Horizon Organic's brand half and half.

Click for Horizon Organic Half and Half

Cows that don't really have access to pasture

"On paper, it looks really good that Horizon cows have 'access to pasture' but the truth is that almost all of them don't even know how to leave and access the pasture. So they stay penned up, feeding upon..." click here to read more

Have any thoughts on Horizons products? Write a review at Sustainlane.com and let everyone know!

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Upcoming Events

Natural Products Expo West
The largest trade show about natural and organic products. Over 2,800 exhibitors showcase new products, and cutting-edge trends. Watch engaging speakers, and attend informative seminars amidst endless networking opportunities.
March 14 - 16
Anaheim, CA
expowest.com

Down 2 Earth
D2E is Boston's sustainable living expo. D2E is committed to promoting a smarter, greener way of life by connecting eco-friendly businesses with eco-minded consumers.
March 28 - 30
Boston, MA
d2eboston.com

Better Living Show
A consumer show highlighting eight core topics including: lifestyle, home/garden, transportation, food/beverage, clean tech, eco-adventure, recycling and conservation with food, speakers, and more.
March 28 - 30
Portland, OR
betterlivingshow.org

The Dream Reborn
Join us on the 40th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination. A bullet killed the dreamer, but not the dream. Together, we will create ecological solutions to heal the earth while bringing jobs, justice, wealth and health to all our communities.
April 4 - 6
Memphis TN
dreamreborn.org

Go Green! Career Fair
The Go Green! Career Fair will focus on clean, green, responsible, and sustainable companies and organizations. This fair showcases entrepreneurial social sector organizations, social enterprises, and larger private sector companies that are pursuing sustainability.
April 10
Stanford, CA
justmeans.com

Green Festival Seattle
The largest green event in the country hits Seattle for the first time!
April 12 - 13
Seattle, WA
greenfestivals.org

Earth Day Food and Wine Festival
The Earth Day Food & Wine Festival is an intimate celebration featuring earth friendly cuisine, sustainably produced wines, live entertainment and educational exhibits highlighting innovative products.
April 19
Santa Margarita, CA
vineyardteam.org

EcoCity 2008 World Summit
Convening an international community of inspired change-makers; courageous individuals who are addressing problems of the world's environment with thoughtful long-range solutions that are truly sustainable, ecologically healthy and socially just.
April 22 - 26
San Francisco, CA
ecocityworldsummit.org

SVA EarthVision Summit
A chance for students to join forces with other young conservation leaders from around the nation, craft new solutions to key environmental issues, and launch action-oriented conservation strategies to support our planet.
April 24 - 27
Washington, DC
thesca.org

All Things Organic
An event focused exclusively on organic products--all products on display must be certified organic, made with certified organic ingredients or be approved for use in organic products.
April 27 - 29
Chicago, IL
organicexpo.com