Sophistishe » organic

Let’s Talk About Organic & Local Produce

Sheena — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 21:48:43 +0000

Taken Summer 2006 in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Because I am becoming more conscious about the foods we consume, I’ve been doing research (as I can) and making plans to consistently buy produce of better quality. I used to think that the best produce came in organic form; produce grown without use of artificial chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, etc. In this post I complained a little about my local Walmart’s lack of organic apples and other produce. After attending an online meeting and a follow-up call regarding Walmart’s sustainability commitments, I found out why.

The issue is scale. If every Walmart or large grocer sold only organic produce, there’d be a shortage of produce. Organic farming is on the up-and-up, but an insanely large amount of farms would have to become certified to be able to keep up with the demand of organic produce in every grocery store. Being certified is a long and expensive process and many farmers don’t have adequate resources to do so. So Walmart isn’t tardy to the organic party, it’s just a complicated process sourcing for the demand. Walmart has, however, committed to increasing their organic produce stock 9% and they are making strides towards selling more local produce.

Local produce can be just as good as organic produce. Just because a farmer hasn’t gone through Organic Certification, doesn’t mean they don’t treat their produce with high standards. Local Harvest and the Eat Well Guide are great resources for finding sustainable farmers in your area. You can develop a relationship with them and learn about their farming practices. Many of these farmers don’t treat their produce with harmful chemicals and because they aren’t certified, their produce prices are lower. It’s a win-win.

Additionally, there are specific produce items that aren’t treated heavily with pesticides regardless of whose farm they were grown on. This produce is just as healthy as organic produce and are referred to as the Clean Fifteen. Then, there’s The Dirty Dozen: produce considered more nutritious if purchased organic. The Dirty Dozen consists of celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, sweet bell peppers, spinach (kale and collard greens), cherries, potatoes, imported grapes, and lettuce. The Clean Fifteen consisits of onions, avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, mango, sweet peas, asparagus, kiwi fruit, cabbage, eggplant, cantaloupe, watermelon, grapefruit, sweet potatoes, and sweet onions.

My focus right now is on replacing the the Dirty Dozen items with organics or local produce. I am at ease knowing that I don’t have to purchase every single produce item in organic form, just the twelve if I want to take advantage of full nutritional benefits. And, I can purchase produce locally in my community when buying organic isn’t an option. I finally feel like I have this whole organic thing figured out. I applaud Walmart for planning to sell more organics and local produce. It makes it a little easier for people like me who like to get everything in one store. Now, I can focus on nixing gluten and pasteurized milk from Jayden’s diet to clear up his Eczema. Wish me luck on that!

I am a participant in the Walmart Moms program. Walmart has compensated me to blog about Walmart’s Sustainability Commitments. Participation in this program is voluntary. As always, all opinions are my own.

Apple Fest And An Organic Concern

Sheena — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 04:49:50 +0000

We are officially in apple season and I’ve been trying to explore apple themed recipes. I love making apple turnovers and pies, but I would like to make my own apple sauce, cider, and maybe fritters. I know Jayden would really enjoy those treats.

Yesterday before doing some grocery shopping, I made plans to bake some cinnamon apple muffins. When I went to grab apples in the produce aisle, I noticed my local Walmart had an Apple Fest display up. I was surprised because I had searched walmart.com to find out if the event was coming to my area, and I was unable to find any results. I guess it’s a good thing we needed to do some shopping.

Apple Fest is an event taking place in 2,100 Walmart Supercenters. In those stores, there are displays featuring more apples than usual and other apple-themed treats such as caramels, cider, and cakes. One of the goals of Apple Fest is to feature local growers, which is awesome, but what I would like to see is an organic selection or at a least break down of methods used to grow and maintain the apples.

We hardly ever eat organic because we have to go out of our way to do so. Right now, going store to store for organics is a pain. In the near future, we’ll be able to. I don’t mean to be a downer, but I can’t pretend this doesn’t concern me especially since I am trying to get us on a healthier path. Walmart has done a great job at finally carrying natural cleaning products such as Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyer’s, and Ecos. I know that it’ll be a matter of time before they step their organic game up.

And now for those delicious muffins I baked :).

Mmm!

Apple Cinnamon Muffins
(adapted from here )
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup raw sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup apple – peeled, cored and chopped

Streusel
4 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons white sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons chopped pecans

Makes 14 in my Wilton leaf and pumpkin molds. There will be leftover streusel.

Streusel
In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, cinnamon and pecans. Add butter and cut it in with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.

Muffins
Grease muffin tin. Mix all the ingredients together and fold in the apples last. Fill muffin tins and top with streusel. Bake 15 minutes at 350 degrees or until browned.

I am a participant in the Walmart Moms program. Walmart has provided me with compensation to blog about Apple Fest. Participation in this program is voluntary. All opinions are always my own.

Reminiscing: Organic Boba Carrier (1G) ♥

Sheena — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 07:34:09 +0000

A few months ago, I received a baby carrier to review; one that I have fallen in love with. But before I post the review, I must first share my love for the Boba Organic Carrier (1G). It would only be fair as it won me over first. I first reviewed the Boba on that other blog of mine, but I would like to share the love here, too.

— — —

I’m a babywearing enthusiast. I don’t talk babywearing often because I am still searching for the perfect carriers. Since Jayden is much older now and wearing him in a sling requires a little more effort, I want to be able to wear him on my back. I’m considering something similar to a mai tai or the ever so popular Ergo. Something that I wouldn’t have to fight with. Something that I’d be physically and financially comfortable with.

I was sent a Boba Organic Carrier to review and I have been swooned. Absolutely. In the Boba I can comfortably wear Jayden forward or backwards without any straps cutting into my shoulders, neck, or waist. The Boba is designed with high density foam padded shoulder straps and waist straps which I just love. Having a carrier that does not cut into my body is really important to me. The Boba is designed to have higher back support, so there is absolutely no strain on any part of my body while wearing my growing toddler. To ensure the comfort of the child being worn, Boba incorporates foot straps to support a healthy sitting position. I thought this was a pretty neat feature. I haven’t seen foot straps on any other structured carriers I’ve researched. The Boba can be worn from newborn to 4 years of age or 15 to 45 pounds. Just when I thought my babywearing days were coming to an end, they’ve been extended and that REALLY makes me happy.

November 2009

The first time I wore Jayden in the Boba, he didn’t want to be taken out. Talk about a major meltdown. He’s even started bringing it to me indicating that he wants to be worn. I can tell you that the Boba is worth every penny (the 1G was $99 at the time). If I didn’t have the opportunity to review it, I would have nudged family to purchase it as a Christmas gift ;). I know that this carrier is going to stand by our family. I highly recommend the Boba as a first structured carrier or an addition to a growing collection. The creators of the Boba also created the Sleepy Wrap. Remember when I expressed my love for it? I think I’m becoming brand loyal to NAP, Inc.

If you would like to purchase an Organic Boba Carrier of your own at a 10% discount, enter code mommy-daddy at checkout.

New Boba 2G in Tweet Fabric

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