In Jonathan Safran Foer's latest book "The Eating of Animals" the lauded novelist dives deep into the complex morality of eating meat. An avowed vegetarian, Foer stops short of preaching the vegan way of life, but presents some pretty damning testimony about factory farms and the lives of animals raised on them. The Atlantic correspondant Jeffrey Goldberg had a discussion with Foer......read more
With Dash, the all-organic winter collection from R by 45rpm, the Japanese brand gives lovingly detailed denim, sweaters, knitted caps, button-ups and totes the eco-treatment. Needless to say, organic clothing made in Japan brings a hefty price tag, so don’t be shocked when they ring in your purchase. ...read more
Valentine’s Day is probably the most polarizing of holidays. While all the smug couples delight in gazing into each other’s eyes over a prix fixe and a bottle of pink champagne, all the tragic singles are left to fend for themselves. And the holiday has become so aggressive that it takes hard work to avoid being gawked at like you’re some romatically-challenged leper. Fear......read more
Our first pop-up gallery and shop, which comes to a close this week, wound down with a small wine tasting by wine expert Jeffrey Meisel, who educated folks about natural, organic and bio-dynamic practices and brought an amazing and interesting sampling for us. Organic chef and cook-book author Anna Getty made crustinis with home made sun dried tomatoes on organic goat cheese; and Staci......read more
The small town of Oxford, Mississippi has played a disproportionately big part in American literature, having been home to a bunch of big-name authors, from William Faulker to John Grisham to Larry Brown. The title essay of Brown's final book, "Billy Ray's Farm," discusses his son's quest to become a cattleman. Now, six years after his father's death, the story is......read more
Home Depot announces LED lightbulb that costs under $20 -- and lasts for 30 years. Seiko Kato's collages are, how you say, AMAZING. Sea Change: Photographers respond to the BP oil spill -- with optimistic pics of sustainable farming, beekeeping, and urban homesteading. No more Mr. Nice Guy: "End of Nature" author Bill McKibben says it's time to get pissed off about climate......read more
Municipal departments at the City of San Francisco are required to buy products that meet strict environmental standards. Now they're sharing what they know about green vendors. The SF Approved List is like a cheat sheet for buying green. (via NYT Green Blog) When Ali Hewson and her husband Bono launched Edun in 2005, they were among the first to combine fashion with ethics. The......read more
It ain't no cushy, high-paid summer position, but these days it's just as coveted. Farming internships are being flocked to by people of all stripes, eager to learn the tangible skills of food production. In the New York Times Sunday Magazine this week, Christine Muhlke writes about the increasing popularity of farming internships. She pays a visit to Tantre Farm in Chelsea, Michigan,......read more
Since the 2008 U.S. farm bill, annual funding for organic farming research has increased from $3 million to $20 million. With more research dollars, scientists and farmers are delving deeper into organic pest control techniques and gaining a better understanding of the larger natural systems at work. Wild sunflowers, for example, are being planted not as a cash crop but as a home for beneficial......read more
Ten years ago, when artist Greg Van de Hey felt the creative impulse, he'd make a painting. But now, with two young kids, there just isn't enough time to make art. That's where his garden comes in. Whether it's building a rain barrel, making a grapevine trellis, or making wine, the young dad can always find a garden project that satiates his creative drive. It all plays into......read more