By Meagan Cline

Sustainable Urban Agriculture: Vineyards in the Heart of Paris

Usually the second week in October, the Montmartre Harvest Festival invites residents and tourists to sample true Parisian culture and dedication to the city’s agricultural roots — celebrating the remaining vineyards in the heart of Paris. Festivalgoers may enjoy a parade, music, folklore, tours of vineyards, auctions, and wine tasting.
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Alternative Farming Systems

While certified organic farming has been the focus of much attention in the move toward sustainable agriculture, other methodologies and philosophies are being used with great success, though considerably less fanfare. Permaculture Inspired by Bill Mollison’s observation of self-sustaining ecosystems in rainforests in Australia, permaculture provides a method of analyzing the environment and designing systems—such as farms, gardens and human habitations—to work with natural flows and processes. Permaculture is closely related to human scale living, homesteading, and the appropriate use of technology and natural resources—especially the finite resource of oil energy. Permaculture has as its foundation the following principles: Earth…
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is organic baby food worth the cost
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Is Organic Baby Food Worth The Cost?

A closer look at what’s in the jar The Alternative Health Journal studied over 100 baby foods and found that many contain ingredients that are not necessary to a baby’s diet, let alone health. Results concluded that many commercial baby foods contain high quantities of sugar. Even organic brands are not exempt from this, as…
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heritage breed turkey

Why Choose Heritage Breed Turkey

When holidays draw near, one thing that is at the root of most people’s thoughts is holiday dinner preparations for friends and family. Of course, the centerpiece of many holiday tables includes a roasted turkey surrounded by herbs, vegetables, and an abundance of tempting treats. In fact, it is said that Americans purchase 267 million…
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Growing Food in Paris: Jardin Luxembourg Orchards

Located in the heart of Paris, in the 6th arrondissement, is the Luxembourg Gardens. Built in 1612 to encompass the grounds of the palace built for the Regent of France, Marie de Medici, the gardens span 23 hectares (nearly 60 acres) and are an icon of Parisian life. The gardens and palace were inspired by the…
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Dangers of nonstick cookware

The Best Non Toxic Nonstick Pans

Nonstick cookware is popular largely because cooking does not require the use of oils or fats, which purportedly creates healthier meals. The price for this benefit may be steep, however, as nonstick cookware has been linked to dangerous toxins.
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Eco Green Clean Kitchen

Dangerous Chemicals In Kitchen Cleaners

In the US, there is no law that compels manufacturers to provide a complete ingredient label, making it difficult to distinguish between the ingredients and chemicals found in these seemingly ordinary products. Consumers should be aware that even products labeled as “green” and “non toxic” can have harmful effects.
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Sprouting grains removes antinutrients

Why You Should Be Sprouting

Sprouting at home is an economical and convenient way to boost your nutrition and avoid the pitfalls of antinutrients in grains, nuts, seeds and legumes. Sprouts are an excellent source of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, minerals and protein.
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The Scandalous Honey Trade

Known as “honey laundering,” one of the most pervasive international food scandals of our time is centered on illegal honey trading. Chinese honey tainted with heavy metals or banned antibiotics is flooding the global markets. Find out how to avoid buying fake or tainted bootleg honey.
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how to make your own cat food

Make Your Own Raw Cat Food

In the wild, cats eat snakes, lizards, insects, small mammals and birds. If you are like most cat owners, serving up a live bird or mouse is out of the question. By making your own cat food, you can give your cat the next best thing.
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alternatives to pet food

Make Your Own Raw Dog Food

While your poodle may not look like a wolf on the outside, her digestive system still does. Does commercial dog food satisfy the needs of our carnivorous canines?
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Panda poo tea.

Panda Poo Tea

At around $200 per cup, Panda Ecological Tea is perhaps the most costly in the world. But does the essential ingredient—panda manure—justify the price?
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