August, 2010

 Podcast Archive - August, 2010

August 02, 2010

 The Safe Cosmetics Act

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Women pay a very high price for beauty. Cosmetics are a critical part of a womans daily routine and enable them to look sexy, young and vibrant. There is always going to be a cost involved but it is not necessarily what you may think! Kayla Fioravanti, Chief Formulator, from Essential Wholesale Labs will be my guest on The Organic View, to discuss The Safe Cosmetic Act of 2010, which is a very controversial piece of legislation. Safety is always an issue but who exactly is going to benefit from this? How will this bill directly impact small businesses, especially organic and natural businesses? Will this bill actually make cosmetics safer? What about animal testing? Are more animals going to be mutilated for a $5 dollar lipstick? Where will the safety data come from? Who will determine what is safe and what is not safe? Tune in Live!

August 04, 2010

 Big Cats: Mankind's Obsession with Exotic Animal Trade

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Women pay a very high price for beauty. Cosmetics are a critical part of a womans daily routine and enable them to look sexy, young and vibrant. There is always going to be a cost involved but it is not necessarily what you may think! Kayla Fioravanti, Chief Formulator, from Essential Wholesale Labs will be my guest on The Organic View, to discuss The Safe Cosmetic Act of 2010, which is a very controversial piece of legislation. Safety is always an issue but who exactly is going to benefit from this? How will this bill directly impact small businesses, especially organic and natural businesses? Will this bill actually make cosmetics safer? What about animal testing? Are more animals going to be mutilated for a $5 dollar lipstick? Where will the safety data come from? Who will determine what is safe and what is not safe? Tune in Live!

August 05, 2010

 Lee Doren's Critique on The Story of Cosmetics

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Some people like pets but some go overboard. If you buy an exotic animal for a pet, it is not exactly going to be content with a small bowl of dried kibble. It is going to want fresh meat and large quantities, at that! If you are going to care for a wild animal, you are going to have to feed it like one! This obsession creates an interesting thought as to why people do these things. Is there a mysterious connection between mankind and the Big Cats that has been hidden for years? If so, can it help save us from our destructive path that we are on? In talking with the Big Cats, they will give us insights into Whos Rescuing Whom and the importance of this information at such a critical time that we find ourselves facing. On this segment of The Organic View, Laura Lassiter, from Big Cat Rescue will talk about this very relationship. As a child, Laura was always encouraged to use her intuitive abilities in every aspect of life and walking between two worlds was a natural way of being. Realizing at an early age that everything was an expression of an Intelligence that could be found everywhere, she discovered talking with animals, plants, rocks, water and anything else that most people considered to be of lower consciousness, effortless and profound. For over 40 years, Laura has been an animal communicator. She devotes her energies helping people remember how to speak the Universal Language by going beyond the logical and allowing the Intelligence that created the Universe to be felt and heard within the heart. In this segment, we will learn about Laura's work with Big Cat Rescue and mankind's obsession with the exotic animal trade.

August 09, 2010

 Why Are Bees In Crisis And What Can You Do?

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Lee Doren will discuss his explosive critique and response to Annie Leonard's The Story of Cosmetics. He will explain his position as he discusses this viral video in explicit detail. Stay tuned!

August 11, 2010

 The Real Cost of Fair Labor and Organic Clothing

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Dr. Nancy Ostiguy, Associate Professor of Entomology at Penn State has been conducting research on honeybee health for the last decade. Dr. Ostiguy was also on the National Organic Standards Board for five years and is now working with the Pennsylvania Certified Organic on organic agriculture issues. Her work on honeybees includes non-pesticidal approaches to control pests of the honeybees, interactions between the varroa mite and honeybee viruses, epidemiology of honeybee viruses and other diseases, and abiotic influences on honeybee survival. She is also interested in sustainable and organic agriculture with a focus on honeybees. So, what can you do to help? Tune in to find out!

August 12, 2010

 Take Thee To A Nunnery! Gourmet Organics from Chile!

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Mrs. Benáurda, the President of Maggie's Functional Organics, will talk about the importance of Fair Labor and the intricate process involved in making sure that the certified organic garment that you purchase is, in fact made ethically. It has been with the success of Maggies Organics that Burda has become a leader in pushing organic products beyond the world of food. Burda has also volunteered countless hours in developing organic fiber processing standards and working towards the implementation of those standards at the federal level. She has also worked to help develop definitions and an identity for the Organic Textile Industry. Maggies Organics and Benáurda are names recognized in the Organic Product Industry. In October 2001, Maggies Organics received the Socially Responsible Business Award at the Natural Products Expo in Washington, D.C. In May 2002, Burda herself was recognized by the Organic Trade Association Leadership Awards by receiving the prestigious Special Pioneer Award. In 2004, Burda was voted one of the 25 people who most influenced the Organics Industry.

August 13, 2010

 Bee Healthy! The Benefits of Propolis To The Immune System of Honey Bees.

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Veronica Diaz, from Giangrandi Gourmet will be on to talk about how her company renovated an old nunnery and brought back the old world style process of making olive oil into one of the finest gourmet olive oils in the world! Ms. Diaz will talk also about organics from Chile and what extremes producers go through to insure quality.

August 16, 2010

 Taking A Vacation At The Last Resort

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Dr. Marla Spivak will be my guest on The Organic View to discuss her work with honey bees and the benefits of propolis to the immune system of honey bees. Dr. Spivaks interest in bees began when she worked for a commercial beekeeper from New Mexico in 1975. She later completed her B.A. in Biology from Humboldt State University in northern California, and her PhD from the University of Kansas, under Dr. Orley Chip Taylor, in 1989. She spent two years in Costa Rica conducting her thesis research on the identification and ecology of Africanized and European honey bees. From 1989-1992 she did post-doctoral research at the Center for Insect Science at the University of Arizona. She began as Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota in 1993. Influenced by Martha Gilliam and Steve Taber from the USDA Bee lab in Tucson, she became interested in hygienic behavior of honey bees. This interest has expanded into studies of social immunity, including the benefits of propolis to the immune system of honey bees.

August 17, 2010

 It's Skin Deep! Do You Know What's In Your Soap?

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Larry Plesent, the President of Vermont Soap Company will talk about the intricate process of soap making, how to determine your skin type and about his work with making this world a cleaner place! Larry is a writer, philosopher and master soapmaker living in his hand built solar log home in the mountains of Vermont. By day he is CEO and Chief Formulator for Vermont Soapworks in Middlebury, Vermont. Also known as the Soapman, Larry and his Vermont Soap developed the world's first certified organic pet shampoo, shower gel, nontoxic cleaner, spray cleaner and much more. Look for them on Facebook and especially at their website. www.vermontsoap.com

August 19, 2010

 TSS, iTampons and Natracare!

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Menstruation has always been an awkward subject for most people. However, society has come a long way. These days, there are ads that make light of womens menstruation that are actually quite amusing. Nevertheless, it is now a subject that has permanently become part of pop culture thanks to Apples launch of the iPad. Millions of people chuckled at the endless jokes about the iTampon revolution. How liberating! Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that are not widely communicated to women about the dangers of using commercial products to absorb menstrual fluid. In fact, typically all you will find inside a box of pads or tampons is a pamphlet about TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). It is amazing that these chemically-saturated products come directly into contact with a womans reproductive area and yet there is no pamphlet to illustrate this! In 1989 a British national network television program drew attention to the effects of Dioxin pollution, its major source of production and the part it played in sanitary protection manufacture. The understanding and concern for our ecosystems and environmental pollution created from global industrial nations was a rarity and was left to organizations like Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth who to most, were considered as a hangover from the 60s and 70s. One of their lifetime members, Susie Hewson, absolutely understood the direction and the consequences of our actions on the planet. Her immediate response was to undertake the development of high quality tampons and pads that were chemical free and safe for the environment. Susie Hewson, CEO of Natracare will be my guest today to discuss the importance of organic feminine hygiene products. Her award winning company, Natracare, has set the standard for organic and natural feminine hygiene since its inception in 1989. It is the World's most sustainable and ethical brand of tampons, pads and liners.

August 20, 2010

 The Grapes of Wrath: A Quest For Truth In The Safe Cosmetics Act

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There is a lot of controversy over the proposed Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010. While some people feel that they must pass something, actually anything, in order to create change in the production of personal care products, others agree that there should be change but not by propaganda and manipulation of the facts. The laws should be based upon truth, ie: scientific facts and not an assortment of opinions with an added hypothesis. This is why there are many companies in an uproar about this proposed legislation. These companies feel that The Safe Cosmetics Act will do absolutely nothing to make personal care products safer but make the wrong people gain more power along with tremendous financial gain. If it passes as written, it may put some of the most eco-friendly small businesses in the cosmetic marketplace out of business. Kristin Cotte is the co-founder of Personal Care Truth. She started this organization because she felt that the wrong information was being disseminated and she decided to take action. The objective of Personal Care Truth is to bring accurate, science backed information on the safety of cosmetics to consumers and industry peers. Kristin also is the President of The Grapeseed Company, which manufactures organic and natural cosmetics utilizing the by-products from vineyards. This not only has tremendous health benefits but is helping to reduce the waste that goes to landfills. Her products are 100% cruelty free, paraben, sulfate, phthalate free and they participate in PETAs Caring Consumer Program. They have a team of willing and able human participants that eagerly test their products. The exception is their Dirty Dog Organics line, which for obvious reasons is tested on dogs. Today, on The Organic View, Kristin will talk about her journey into the cosmetics industry and why she decided to take a stand against a group that she once thought was on the right track. Her story is one you will not want to miss! Stay tuned!

August 22, 2010

 Small Business Fights Back! PersonalCareTruth.com

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With the current economy, most small businesses have been hanging on by a thread. Many have folded instead of looking forward to expansion. Unfortunately, there are no more business loans available and no emergency help on its way. To be a small business owner in this current economy, it is next to impossible. It means relentless effort, putting in 16- 18 hours a day and working 7 days a week. Today, on The Organic View, my guest will be Lisa Rodgers, who also co-founded the PersonalCareTruth.com organization to raise awareness about the scare tactics being used to falsely convince the public that the Safe Cosmetics Act actually has something to do with safety. Lisa will talk about the impact this act will make on her business, Cactus & Ivy, LLC., which sells upscale vegan friendly cosmetics. Considering that this is how she is able to support her family, if this act becomes law, Lisa will join millions of Americans who will unnecessarily be forced out of work due to people in power manipulating the truth to get what they want. Stay tuned!

August 24, 2010

 Invasive Species and Environmental Justice

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As most home owners have discovered, beautiful plants may sometimes come with a myriad of problems. Such is the case for people who thought bamboo would make an excellent addition to their gardens, only to find out that it basically took over everything. In this segment of The Organic View, I will interview John Peter Thompson, an expert on invasive species. Today we will discuss the choices we make about our land as well as its inhabitants and the impact of those choices. There are often unintended consequences that result from trying to do the right thing when it comes to the environment as well as what our options really are. Is there such a thing as a bad or good plant and if so, how do we find out? John Peter Thompson is a nationally recognized speaker and consultant on sustainability issues including invasive species, sustainability, ecosystem services and environmental justice as well as traditional landscape solutions. Mr. Thompson just returned from Alaska where he has a contract to in part establish a dialogue between private interests and public agencies on issues surrounding ornamental horticulture, gardeners, producers and invasive species. In addition to Alaska, Mr. Thompson is working on a sustainable agriculture production project with the Africa Trade Office of Maryland and coffee growers in Cameroon, West Africa. He recently researched and wrote a paper for the National Invasive Species Awareness Week meeting in Washington DC on climate changes impact on invasive species dynamics. Last year he organized and facilitated a national nursery industry meeting at the US National Arboretum on the practicality of establishing an invasive species free certification program through an ANLA- HRI grant. For more information, please visit our featured guests section on www.theorganicview.com or go to www.ipetrus.blogspot.com

August 25, 2010

 Biobags, Saving The Earth One Bag At A Time

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For dog owners, Biobags have become a household name. Cleaning up after your dog is not only part of your responsibility as a pet owner but is the law. Many people had always felt that by using the plastic shopping bags from the supermarkets, they were simply adding to the landfills. When you think about how many times you have to walk your dog and multiply that by how many dog owners there are just in your own town, the numbers do add up. When I first discovered Biobags, I was at a trade show. Someone approached me asking me if I had a dog and wanted to try a certified biodegradable and compostable bag. I was thrilled to find out that such bags existed! To boot, they even made cat pan liners, compost bin liners as well as a whole slew of biodegradable products. Amazing! After spending some time learning about the company and also looking at the industry as a whole, I soon learned that this technology had taken years to develop. Biobag was in fact, the head of the pack. It wasnt because they held so many patents. It was because Biobag went the distance. Their bags are actually tested after they are produce to verify that they are in fact, certified biodegradable and compostable. This was clearly a company that not only was environmentally responsible but really lives up to its motto of changing the earth, one bag at a time! On this segment of The Organic View, I have the pleasure of interviewing Dave Williams, President of Biogroup USA. This company not only has taken the time to manufacture one of the most important products to help reduce our landfills but has actually helped to educate the public as they work to keep our world a greener place! Stay tuned!

August 26, 2010

 Dealing With Back to School Stress

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It is that time of the year when children and parents are facing yet another new school year. With this new school year comes a whole slew of new challenges that are accompanied by stress. For some it may be a whole new school along with new friends and teachers. Others may be dealing with a bullying situation. New schools often mean dramatic changes in work schedules as conflicts occur with school schedules. Then there are the day to day stresses of time management, educational hurdles, peer pressure, etc, etc. The list goes on and on. Now more than ever, it is important to develop your own personal routine in order to combat stress. On todays segment of The Organic View, Life Pro Coach, Lydia Proschinger will be my guest to talk about how parents can cope with these stresses as well as help their children in order to simplify their lives. Now more than ever, people need to deal with these issues before it makes a negative impact on their health. Lydia is an expert at energy management and her concepts are very effective, even under the most stressful conditions. Stay tuned!

August 27, 2010

 The Glass Is Always Greener

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In the 1970s there was a big push for everyone to stop using glass. Glass was bad! Plastic was the new golden child! Everyone all over the world was demanding plastic. Even in the supermarket, the battle continued with the option of paper or plastic bags. The plastics industry took over like an invasive weed. According to the Glass Packaging institute, glass bottles and jars are 100 % pure, made of sand, soda ash, limestone, and recycled glass. They are endlessly recyclable! This makes glass containers an idea choice for you and our planet. Glass is the ideal package for organic foods and beverages as it does not leach the chemical from the plastic container into the product. The glass can also be reused and recycled infinitely. Consumers who recycle glass bottles and jars make a significant impact in the amount of waste they no longer contribute to landfills when using plastic. There is also big energy savings when recovered glass is used to make new bottles. The glass container industry in the U.S. set a goal to use 50 percent recycled glass in the manufacturing of new glass bottles and jars by the end of 2013, which will make glass bottles and jars even more sustainable! In this segment of The Organic View, I will interview Mr. Joseph J. Cattaneo, President of the Glass Packaging Institute. He will discuss the resurgence in popularity in the organic industry, the GPI sponsored blog, Keep It Organic , how to properly recycle glass, Recycle Glass Week, and the health benefits of choosing products with a glass bottle or jar as opposed to plastic. Stay tuned!