The Organic View

Most people take for granted that when they select a wine, the ingredients are going to be pure and natural. However, as most conscious consumers know, this is not the case.

There are 200 ingredients on the list of government-approved additives for wine. However, unlike food, wine manufacturers aren’t required to list their ingredients (which can include animal proteins, oak chips, sulfurs, yeasts, enzymes, preservatives, and “Mega Purple” which is a brand of highly concentrated wine color) on the side label. This renders most consumers to be clueless about what exactly is in their wine and used to produce it.

In the book, Naked Wine, wine expert, Alice Feiring explores these very issues as she discusses the process of natural wine making. She also explains some key questions that most consumers are confused about such as: What is the difference between natural and organic wine? What’s the connection between the natural food and the natural wine movement? When did winemaking stop being an “art” and become an industry? How much influence does “big business” really have in the wine world?

In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer will speak to award winning expert, Alice Feiring. Alice Feiring is an award-winning food and wine journalist and author of the Battle for Wine and Love. Formerly the wine/travel columnist for Time, she now writes for the New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, Conde Nast Traveler and theLos Angeles Times Magazine, among many others. Stay tuned!

Percy Schmeiser is a canola farmer from Saskatchewan, Canada. He was the first farmer to win a law suit against Monsanto. This landmark case, which went before the Federal Court of Canada, has attracted international attention because it could help determine how much control a handful of powerful biotech companies can exert over farmers. Schmeiser believes this precedent setting agreement ensures that farmers will be entitled to reimbursement when their fields become contaminated with unwanted Roundup Ready canola or any other unwanted GMO plants.

In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer talks to Percy Schmeiser about his battle with this agro-chemical giant.

Biodiversity is something that clearly affects all species. Everything is connected to each other regardless of whether or not it is on a large or small scale. Sometimes the way we garden can actually improve our landscape and at times, can be disastrous. Such is the case with the introduction of invasive species such as Kudzu, Purple loosestrife, etc.  

Nevertheless, there are choices we can make that can positively impact our landscape according to the plants we select and what we introduce into the landscape. Our choices not only affect our view of the land but can also impact animals, insects and microorganisms that are dependent upon the role of such plants. In essence, human beings have the power to sustain life or destroy it because of these choices.

In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer will speak to Dr. Douglas Tallamy about his magnificent book, Bringing Nature Home which explores the impact of our choices and what we can do to sustain wildlife in our own back yard!

Genius Of Place, The Life of Frederick Law OlmstedAbolitionist, Conservationist and Designer of Central Park is biography about an amazing man who is a key pioneer of landscape architecture in the United States. He not only created New York City’s infamous Central Park but also played a crucial role in the early efforts to preserve such treasured places as Yosemite and Niagara Falls. As most successful people know, greatness is not always easy to cope with. His personal life was one that had a myriad of heartaches and tragedies. Although he also suffered tremendous physical ailments and ironically spent his final days in an asylum, he accomplished more than most people could ever hope to in three lifetimes.   In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer will speak to author Justin Martin about the life one of America’s most important environmentalists. If you are a history buff or just want to learn more about the people who contributed to the beauty of America, stay tune

As we rapidly run out of precious fossil fuels, there is a huge demand to explore other options as quickly as possible, especially due to the increasing cost of energy. There is a highly controversial debate about a process called hydrofracking. It is a method of extracting natural gas from shale. This is especially a heated topic in Upstate, New York, the home of the Catskill Mountains. This natural gas which is embedded deep underground beneath Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia and Ohio is said to be enough to supply the East Coast for up to 50 years. So why can’t we just go along and drill, baby, drill? There are a myriad of reasons, especially one main reason, potential ground water contamination. This would not only pollute drinking water but the thousands of eco systems dependent upon the drinking water. However, there are others that feel that the verdict is still out and before the actual facts are in, we should explore it regardless.

In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer will speak to Dr. Sandra Steingraber about what you need to know about fracking.

Global warming is of great concern because of the impact not only on the ecosystem but on human health. There have been many concerns about how the increasing climate change will impact our crops. This is a huge concern because if we are unable to grow enough food, we will not be able to feed the world’s growing population.

World renowned authority, Plant Physiologist, Dr. Lewis Ziska has done extensive research on this subject. Today, we will discuss whether or not climate change has an actual impact on crops as well as invasive weeds. Can anything really be done to safeguard our food? Then there is the question of adaptation vs. mitigation. Is this even a viable option?

In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host,June Stoyer will speak to Dr. Lewis Ziska about his research. Dr. Ziska is a Plant Physiologist with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service in Beltsville, Maryland. After graduating from the University of California, Davis, he began his career as a Smithsonian fellow, and then took up residence as the Project Leader for global climate change at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines before joining USDA. Dr. Ziska has published numerous papers on carbon dioxide and climate change impacts on agriculture, weed biology and public health. At present he is investigating the role of rising carbon dioxide and changing climate on food security, invasive species and aerobiology. Dr. Ziska’s research has appeared in: The Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report and CNN Headline News. He has appeared on the ABC nightly news with Charles Gibson and the NBC nightly news with Brian Williams. He was also featured in the HBO documentary, “Too Hot Not to Handle”.Stay tuned!

Americans represent 5% of the world’s population but generate 30% of the world’s trash.  The individual American throws away about 197 lbs of food a year.  Collectively, that means over 100 billion lbs of trash each year or roughly enough food to end hunger in 1.7 billion people.

In American Wasteland, Jonathan Bloom sheds light on the food waste epidemic.  Identifying sources of waste and reexamining food-sustainability in today’s culture, Bloom spreads the blame across all wasters—farmers, foodies, and kindergarteners alike.

This book is much more than an exposé, it’s an action plan.  Bloom offers practical everyday solutions that we can adopt immediately.  He provides helpful tips to reduce waste in your home by pinpointing common household blunders—everything from preventing freezer burn to resisting the urge to maintain a full fridge—and recommends a smartphone App that will answer the eternal question “is this still good?”  Bloom’s hints on shopping strategically include:Make a list and stick to it—avoid buying things you don’t need just because they’re on display.

Whether you’re a restaurateur or a homebody ready to cut wasteful habits, American Wasteland is the go-to guide for all things garbage.  Read this book and you won’t mindlessly toss out that milk one day after expiration.  Waste not, want not isn’t just an idiom, it should be a necessary change in lifestyle for all of us. 

In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer will speak to author Jonathan Bloom about American Wasteland. Stay tuned!

For the average consumer, a loaf of bread is just that, a loaf of bread. For the conscious consumer, it's a whole different perspective. Conscious consumers want to know about the entire process from seed to shelf. Especially in the organic industry, conscious consumers choose to vote with each dollar spent to support companies that are environmentally responsible.

When businesses operate sustainably, everyone benefits. Reducing energy consumption will reduce operating, manufacturing and consumption costs thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, as energy prices soar along with rising atmospheric temperatures, energy efficiency cannot be ignored. Businesses must find ways to reduce energy consumption without reducing quality. This is no easy task in the current economic climate as many producers, manufacturers and retailers are already working with small margins. It’s a competition that could end a business if the wrong decision is made.

North America spends over $26 Billion annually on electricity for A/C and refrigeration systems alone. In the US, energy consumption of A/C and refrigeration generates 238 million tonnes of greenhouse gases. Until we are no longer dependent upon fossil fuels, the energy we never have to use is always the best alternative. Thanks to innovative technologies like Smartcool, we can economically reduce energy consumption, without reducing quality. Smartcool is a global clean technology company offering a unique line of energy efficiency solutions that reduce the electrical consumption and peak energy demand of any air conditioning, heat pump or refrigeration system (HVAC-R). In this segment, host, June Stoyer, will speak to George Burnes, CEO, Smartcool Systems, Inc.

Now, more than ever, people are turning back to their roots for foods that are not only part of their heritage but are also healthy and nutritious. Such is the case with a woman named Carla Bartolucci who discovered an ancient grain called Einkorn thanks to a Bronze Age village that was unearthed by scientists not far from her home in Italy. Apparently, the Bronze Age man that was found in the dig, ate this delicious grain in what turned out to be his last meal. Carla and her husband took a keen interest in the grain and decided to bring some of the ancient world into the homes of the modern world. Hence, “The First Ever™” trademark on Jovial products was born and is the company’s guarantee for the purest Einkorn products. The purity commitment extends from “Seed to Shelf.”  Jovial Einkorn Pasta is packaged in a carton made from 80% recycled cardboard and is 100% recyclable. The window is certified 100% compostable, made from FSC certified wood pulp. As if that isn’t enough to make you want to cook up a storm, their products are certified organic and delicious!

In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer will speak to Carla Bartolucci, CEO of Jovial Foods. Stay tuned!

When most people think of figs, unfortunately they think of a cookie called the Fig Newton. However, this cherished fruit has been enjoyed by many ethnic groups in appetizers, entrees and desserts. In some areas, especially with heavy influences of Italian, Spanish, Greek and Middle Eastern influences, the gift of fresh figs is more valuable than gold. Figs are an ancient fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, dried, fermented and cooked. Foodies absolutely love the taste of fresh figs. Gardeners, of course, view them as a prized member of their garden. Did you know that fresh figs can actually be compared to wine as connoisseurs enjoy the savory notes found in each scrumptious bite?

Today, the United States is ranked 3rd in world production for dried figs with an annual production of approximately 11,000 tons. The state of California produces 100% of the nation’s dried figs and 98% of the fresh figs. Increased demand for California Figs has set the stage for a sustainable industry.

As far as health is concerned, recent research has validated that the Mediterranean diet – including generous amounts of fruits and vegetables – is associated with improved health and decreased risk of chronic disease. (Scientific studies on the Mediterranean diet are found at http://www.oldwayspt.org/med_studies.html).The diet is considered to play an important role in coronary heart disease and cancer prevention.

In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer will speak to Karla J. Stockli, Chief Executive Officer, of the California Fig Advisory Board, California Fresh Fig Growers Association and the California Fig Institute. Karla will talk about fig production in the United States, history of figs, how figs are grown and how to differentiate the flavor of some of the common varieties. Especially, if you love figs, stay tuned!