The Organic View

Most people take for granted that the water in from their faucet is safe to drink or is it? There is a lot of controversy over just how safe our tap water is and also if our government agencies have the right to treat drinking water that is consumed by the masses. The agencies that are charged with protecting our water claim that everything is safe. However, there are many scientists who disagree. The Case Against Fluoride by Dr. Paul Connett, Dr. James Beck, and Dr. H. Spedding Micklem, DPhil, takes a new look at the science behind water fluoridation and argues that just because the medical establishment endorses a public health measure, that doesnt mean its safe. In the case of water fluoridation, the chemicals used to fluoridate the water that more than 180 million people drink each day are not pharmaceutical grade, but rather hazardous waste products of the phosphate fertilizer industry; it is illegal to dump them into rivers and lakes or release them into the atmosphere. And water fluoridation is a prime example of one of the worst medical practices possible-forced medication with no control over the dose or who gets it. Perhaps most shocking of all, it is not subject to any federal regulation. Dr. Paul Connett is the Director of the Flouride Action Network (FAN), and the Executive Director of its parent body, the American Environmental Health Studies Project (AEHSP). He has spoken and given more than 2,000 presentations in 49 states and 52 countries on the issue of waste management. He holds a bachelors degree from the University of Cambridge, a Ph.D. in chemistry from Dartmouth College and is a retired professor of environmental chemistry and toxicology at St. Lawrence University.

In 2007, the USA and Canada suffered the largest pet food recall in history due to the use of Melamine found in imported pet food from China. Melamine is an additive that was used for the purpose of increasing protein levels when added to vegetable proteins such as corn, soy and wheat. Subsequently, Melamine is lethal to cats and dogs. As a result, it is estimated that 300,000 pets suffered and died in just the US and Canada according to international pet food expert Susan Thixton.

It is the five year anniversary of the deadliest pet food recall in history. On March 16, 2007, Menu Foods announced a pet food recall that eventually led to thousands of pet deaths and long term illness and made melamine a household word.  And now melamine is resurfacing; found to be the reason for import refusal for numerous products including Jerky Treats all within the last several months.

Recently the FDA released a pet food safety video which according to expert, Susan Thixton, is full of misleading statements. If the imported pet food contains ingredients that are toxic to our pets, what can we do about it? What action can pet parents take to protect their animal companions from consuming these toxic treats and foods?

Tune in to this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, as host, June Stoyer is joined by special guest, Susan Thixton, Founder of Truth About Pet Food about this very sensitive subject! Stay tuned!

Most people that live in America do not realize that there is a price to pay for the variety we demand as consumers. There is a very big price that is paid for demanding off peak produce year round as well as the cheaper prices for imported produce during peak season. Sadly, it is the local, American farmer who pays that steep price. Sometimes, it is paid in the form of a disease that can widely affect crops such as the citrus greening disease or Huanglongbing. This disease, which is caused by the Asian citrus psyllid is devastating American citrus growers who ironically are known for producing the best citrus in the world. It is sad that citrus is still imported regardless of the top quality American citrus farmers produce.

In other cases, multi-generational farmers who can no longer afford to pay the steep operational fees or in most cases, their mortgage will often commit suicide. Such is the price that is caused by unconscious demand.

So, how do we become conscious consumers? What can we do as a society to reconnect with how our food is grown as well as the people who grow it? What can we do collectively to break down the barriers and get back to responsible for producing our own food?

Tune in to this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, as host, June Stoyer is joined by special guest, Tanya Denckla Cobb to discuss, Reclaiming Our Food! Stay tuned!

March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day, commemorating the most beloved and commonly recognized of all of the patron saints of Ireland. For most people in America, green beer, corned beef and cabbage and Irish soda bread are the typical fare enjoyed at most celebrations. However, if you have food sensitivities, suffer from celiac disease or opt to consume gluten-free foods, celebrating can be quite a challenge.

Today, I am happy to welcome back to The Organic View, best-selling author, Beth Hillson, founder of Gluten-Free Pantry, President of the American Celiac Disease Alliance and editor of Living Without Magazine. For those of you that love Beth, please pick up a copy of her best-selling book, Gluten-Free Makeovers, in which she has assembled over 175 Recipes -from Family favorites to Gourmet Goodies- Made Deliciously Wheat Free!

Beth was diagnosed with celiac disease over thirty years ago and has been helping people to “substitute boldly and eat well” through her use of “recipe DNA” the ratio of wet to dry and fat to flour. With this new understanding of recipes, readers are not only able to enjoy Beth’s diverse compilation of favorites ( including Grandma’s Babka, Potato and Cheese Pierogi, Pumpkin Orange Marmalade Cake and even Brownies called “magnifique” by the infamous Julia Child!) but they are able to give their own beloved dishes a gluten-free makeover as well.

Tune in to this segment of The Organic View Radio Show as Beth Hillson’s talks about how you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day gluten-free!

When you make your own food from scratch, it is not only more economic but it helps you to connect with your food, where it comes from and who is growing it. The more that people choose to shop consciously, the better it is for the environment. Only when people understand the devastation caused by factory farms operating in a monoculture environment will they understand just how devastating the impact. That is why more and more people are making the transition to veganism. Plant based diets are not only more humane, they are healthier!

In Dreena Burton’s Let Them Eat Vegan: 200 Deliciously Satisfying Plant-Strong Recipes for the Whole Family you will find a myriad of easy to make, delectable recipes ranging from soups and burgers to wraps and ice cream! What is especially great about this book is that the recipes are not only plant based but have handy options for raw and gluten-free!

Tune in to this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, as host, June Stoyer is joined by special guest, Dreena Burton to discuss her new book, Let them Eat Vegan! Stay tuned!

In America, obesity has become a severe problem that affects people of all ages. While there are many diets, fitness chains and other methods to help shed unwanted pounds, sometimes, you must reach rock bottom in order to take action. One day, Joe Cross found himself, 100 pounds overweight, loaded up on steroids and suffering from a debilitating auto-immune disease. He decided enough was enough and began his journey to good health. He decided to film his transition so that he could inspire others to do the same. Along the way, he spoke to more than 300 Americans, from all walks of life, about what they ate and (more importantly) what they didnt eat. He found a nation full of honest, hard working, friendly and caring people that just need some motivation and inspiration. His documentary, FAT, SICK & NEARLY DEAD is an inspiring film that chronicles Joes personal mission to regain his health. With doctors and conventional medicines unable to help long term, Joe turns to the only option left, his bodys ability to heal itself. He trades in the junk food and hits the road armed with a juicer and generator, vowing only to drink fresh fruit and vegetable juice for the next 60 days. Across 3,000 miles Joe has one goal in mind: To get off his pills and get healthy.

In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer talks to Joe Cross, about his journey and how juicing can improve and restore your health. Stay tuned!

According to the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, the ambiguous explanation offered for  Colony Collapse Disorder is as follows: “beginning in October 2006, some beekeepers began reporting losses of 30-90 percent of their hives. While colony losses are not unexpected during winter weather, the magnitude of loss suffered by some beekeepers was highly unusual.

This phenomenon, which currently does not have a recognizable underlying cause, has been termed "Colony Collapse Disorder" (CCD). The main symptom of CCD is simply no or a low number of adult honey bees present but with a live queen and no dead honey bees in the hive. Often there is still honey in the hive, and immature bees (brood) are present.

ARS scientists and others are in the process of carrying out research to discover the cause(s) of CCD and develop ways for beekeepers to respond to the problem. Case studies and questionnaires related to management practices and environmental factors have identified a few common factors shared by those beekeepers experiencing CCD, but no common environmental agents or chemicals stand out as causative."

Most beekeepers have experienced this sudden dramatic bee loss. On October 10, 2011, beekeeper, Don Studinski, lost his biggest and strongest colony which produced the majority of his honey harvest in 2011. The bees suddenly died in a Golden, Colorado, suburban neighborhood far from any commercial agriculture. The population of the colony was approximately 100,000 bees at the height of summer which was merely just a few weeks prior. Don believes that CCD is not a disease but a symptom of an even bigger problem caused by the use of neonicotinoids. 

Tune in to this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, as host, June Stoyer is joined by special guest, beekeeper, Donald Studinski to discuss his research.

It is that time of the year when gardeners are ready to get outside and begin preparation for the new growing season. Anyone who knows the quality of garden fresh vegetables, values the flavor of heirloom vegetables. In The Beginner's Guide to Growing Heirloom Vegetables, Heirloom expert Marie Iannotti explains which varieties are the easiest to grow, the tastiest to eat and how to cultivate each one successfully.

If you've never tasted the meaty and mellow 'Lacinato' kale or the unexpected sweetness of 'Apollo' arugula — or if you have tasted them and want more — The Beginner's Guide to Growing Heirloom Vegetables is your guide to easily growing the best.

Longtime Master Gardener, Marie Iannotti, is the former owner of Yore Vegetables, an heirloom seedling nursery. She has served as a Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture educator and as a Master Gardener program coordinator and is a member of the Garden Writers Association and The Garden Conservancy. Marie’s garden writing has been featured in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States and is the former editor of The Mid-Hudson Gardener’s Guide. She has gardened from coast to coast in the United States, growing thousands of varieties of plants in her own gardens and helping many beginners become confident, successful gardeners.

Tune in to this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, as host, June Stoyer is joined by special guest, Marie Iannotti!

As the pressure surmounts to eliminate our dependency upon foreign oil, natural gas development seems to be the bridge fuel to alternative energy. However, there are many concerns about the process involved with natural gas extraction, especially due to the vast difference between the process of making conventional gas wells as opposed to shale exploration. There are many factors to be considered, ranging from the contamination of local water resources, the vast amount of fresh water required to facilitate the process, compulsory integration, forced pooling, eminent domain and violation of civil liberties.

Tune in to this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, as host, June Stoyer is joined by industry expert, Kathy Martin to discuss the difference between these processes. Kathy Martin has a BS in petroleum engineering and a Masters in Civil Engineering.  She is a licensed professional engineer in civil engineering in Oklahoma.  Her career began by serving six years with Oklahoma environmental regulatory agencies in the field of water quality permits where she wrote regulations for waste disposal using surface impoundments and land application, as well as acting as project officer of the Tar Creek Superfund Site - the largest abandoned lead and zinc mine in the US located in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.  She spent the past 15 years focused on engineering evaluation of waste management systems used by large scale animal feeding operations in 21 states and has helped adjacent landowners throughout the due process system of environmental permits.  She served on the STRONGER board for 5 years, involved in voluntary audits of state environmental regulations related to oil and gas exploration. The past 3 years, she's become involved in the fracking issue by helping grassroots organizations understand the technical aspects of shale gas exploration,production and potential for groundwater and air pollution.

Thanks to extensive urban development over the last several decades, there has been a battle for land between homeowners and nature. Many people in suburban areas often complain about rabbits, bears, coyotes and other wildlife invading their back yards. Unfortunately, these beings have no other place to go as their home in the wilderness has been destroyed. To boot, the toxic garden chemicals homeowners apply often contain neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid and clothianidin which will also kill pollinators such as butterflies and honeybees. As a result of this ecological imbalance, many people are turning to naturescaping to curtail this loss of habitat. Naturescaping is a method of landscaping that allows people and nature to coexist. By incorporating native plants, conserving water and reducing chemical use, you can effectively attract insects, birds, and other beings which will also contribute to the health of fresh water while creating a backyard wildlife sanctuary.

Tune in to this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, as host, June Stoyer is joined by special guest, Karen Bussolini, who is a garden photographer, writer, lecturer and garden coach.  Karen latest work can be seen in the book, The Naturescaping Workbook by Beth O'Donnell Young. 

Karen will discuss how you can naturescaping principals into your own backyard! Karen Bussolini has been a gardener as long as she can remember. She trained as a painter and had a career as an architectural photographer before specializing in garden photography, writing, lecturing and eco-friendly garden coaching. She is a NOFA (Northeast Organic Farmers Association) Accredited Organic Land Care Professional. Her garden has been featured in many publications, including The New York Times. Stay tuned!