There are plenty of good reasons to go organic for the planet; fewer pesticides used to grow food means less gunk in our air, soil, and water, organic food can help to promote a greener overall lifestyle and value system, and many organic meats require far less non-renewable resources than mass-factory raised animals.
BUT – is organic food actually a healthier choice for you and your family, or is organic food only beneficial to the planet’s well being? Actually, many organic foods ARE better for your health than their conventional counterparts. Why…

The fresher the food the better it usually is nutrient-wise. …read more

I’m as much on board with composting as the next eco-gal; but seriously, I can’t decide if this video will convince people to compost or just totally freak them out. This is one of those things you keep watching even though your brain is telling you, “Look away!” In any case; enjoy.

If you need something less scary read: Build your own compost bin.

You have to see this great video created by the nonprofit group Kitchen Gardeners International, who are running the “Eat the View” campaign. The campaign’s goal is to encourage the return of edible landscapes on the White House lawn. This goal is seeking backing by President Obama. If he makes a change, and replants America’s garden, the theory is that this will inspire citizens to grow healthy and environmentally responsible food as well. This video is also a great simple history learning tool for kids – perfect for homeschooled kids too.

“Eat the View” is coordinated by Kitchen Gardeners International, a …read more

I’ve been thinking about weeds lately since I might (gasp) buy a house again. Maybe, perhaps. Well, I haven’t decided. I’m sure one day I’ll make the leap from apartment life to having my own home again.
So, that means I’ll once again have to decide how to take care of a lawn, or I could just buy a condo… So, here’s the thing. When I was growing up, we always had clover in the yard. I’m not sure why, exactly. Maybe the fields where things that made money grew were more important.
Nevertheless, I never saw much wrong with having some …read more

My earliest memory of a bee is being stung on my big toe while in the sandbox. I’m not sure how old I was or which toe was stung, but I have grown to appreciate bees since that day in the sandbox. They’re so useful it’s difficult to hold a grudge. In fact, we need them if we want to continue eating many of the foods we enjoy.
No one knows for sure yet what’s causing Colony Collapse Disorder, but the use of pesticides is suspected. Contaminated water or a new pathogen are other possibilities. It’s a mystery that started in …read more

Isn’t that a pretty yellow bottle? Sorry, had to say it.
I received a bottle of Nature’s Avenger to review, but since I don’t have a yard of my own right now, this review is a collaborative effort. I asked a relative to try it out for me. Let’s call said relative Sam. He tried the weed killer in several locations in his yard and in cracks in the driveway. He had been using Roundup, so he used Nature’s Avenger alongside Roundup for comparison.
I’ll get to the results in just a few, but first, some background info about the product …read more

Since we’re having a reusable bag carnival at Tree Hugging Family this month, I thought now might be a good time to talk about a different kind of bag. Whew. A break from all the grocery talk.
This cute, big bag will help you compost in style this fall. Well, natural style, that is. The Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em Leaf Sack from Nether Wallop Trading Company holds a big bunch of leaves. Just place the full bag in a corner of your garden this fall and let it be. The jute bag will biodegrade, leaving you with some rich compost.
Image …read more

Linette at Mother Earth’s Garden has compiled a list of natural ways to remove garden pests. And a big part of it includes attracting beneficial insects to your garden. Hint: Don’t use pesticides.

Coming up later on Tree Hugging Family: Review of an organic weed killer!
Image via flickr.
Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in May 2008

Noreen over at Hankering for Yarn is a very imaginative person — always coming up with new creations and funny names for them.
She has now ventured into making wasp nests! And she’s not crazy. She’s concerned about using pesticides to kill wasps. Those nasty chemicals are bad for our important friends like bees. Read more about how pesticides are contributing to bee colony collapse disorder.
Hanging a fake wasp nest can be a very effective method of obtaining wasp-free zones inside your garden, porch or other area. Apparently, wasps don’t like company.
If you crochet, you’ll want to hurry over to Noreen’s …read more

Lucky you if you live in the UK, because Hen & Hammock has some pretty fly garden objects available.
Recycled tyre trug

Eco pine torch

Recycled tyre horse swing

And more.
[images via Hen & Hammock]