The Organic View

  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!

  Many people think that when the summer is over, garden season is over too.  In the colder climates, now is the perfect time to think about sewing cold weather crops and flowers. Fall is the time to plant mums, perennial sunflowers, sedums, asters and ornamental grasses. Pansies and other cool weather tolerant annuals such as ornamental kale are perfect because they light up the autumn and winter landscape, even with snow on the ground. These perennials, with careful selection, can offer instant beautification now and bloom again year after year. Let’s not forget that as the fall season approaches there is also a whole different approach to plant maintenance. Plants, as a rule, need fewer nutrients because they are heading towards winter dormancy. This is also the time of the year to work on turf as well as prepare for spring flowers. While there are so many plants to choose from, it all boils down to what your objective is as well as your budget. In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer will speak to Horticultural expert, John Peter Thompson, who is President of the National Agricultural Research Alliance (http://www.NARA-B.org ). John Peter will talk about cold weather crops, perennial selection and fall maintenance of your garden. Stay tuned!

What would you do if your child needed a kidney operation and you were a single mother with only a few dollars to your name? This is exactly what happened to a woman named Zhena Muzyka. After a great deal of thought, she decided that she would start her own business using her vast knowledge of aromatherapy, a passion for tea, her Gypsy grandmother’s teachings and a small collection of money from friends & family to make things happen. Initially, what began as a very small one woman shop soon grew into a very successful business. Zhena formulates organic, fair trade, Biodynamic tea blends and herbal tisanes to both improve both health and vitality. Zhena uses flowers, herbs and spices in medicinal form to enhance her flavor forward blends with aromatherapeutic health benefits, creating a following of loyal women who love her pure flavors and exotic combinations. Taking Fair Trade to the next level, Zhena's Gypsy Tea is engaged in self coined 'Direct Trade' model, one based on personal, long term, reciprocal relationships with the plantations that grow ther to tea to ensure reliable prices, a secure supply and a steady source of income for the communities whose livelihood depends on an otherwise volatile global tea market.  Working directly with small growers and out of the way tea gardens, Zhena personally visits her tea gardens in Sri Lanka, India, China and Africa to ensure their fair trade dollars are put to work to provide healthcare, guaranteed maternity leave, childcare, literacy, better working conditions, and autonomy, with a focus on women and children, a cause near to hear heart and based on personal experience. With the goal of alleviating poverty in developing nations through fair trade, Zhena has become a purveyor of hope in the guise of a successful, triple bottom line business. In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer will speak to Zhena Muzyka.  Stay Tuned!

One of the main reasons why people stop eating a strictly plant based diet is because it is hard to eliminate dairy and meat from the foods that we have enjoyed throughout our lives. Especially when you are first making the transition, it can be very frustrating to buy vegan foods much less knowing what to buy. In The Complete Guide To Vegan Food Substitutions by authors, Celine Steen and Joni Marie Newman, you will find a myriad of easy to find substitutions that can be used in your favorite recipes. Now, more than ever, there is no need to sacrifice taste or stick to a very bland basic diet due to lack of options. In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer will speak to authors, Celine Steen and Joni Marie Newman. Stay tuned!

  Our coral reefs are the rainforests of the sea! Millions of creatures are being killed illegally by a $330 million trade that is rapidly growing to supply precious coral to the jewelry industry and for exotic home decor. “Too Precious to Wear” is a SeaWeb.org campaign that works with the jewelry and design industries to create demand for coral conservation. The campaign strives to reduce threats to corals by recruiting influential fashion and design leaders as leading voices for coral protection.  In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer will speak to Dawn M. Martin, President and Chair of the Board of SeaWeb.org. Dawn M. Martin, joined SeaWeb in 2004, first as its Executive Director and then was appointed the organization's President and Chair of the Board. For more than 25 years, Martin has utilized creative communication strategies to advance policy and conservation goals. Previously she has served as Chief Operating Officer for Oceana, Associate Deputy Administrator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Political Director for American Oceans Campaign.

      80 uncommon solutions for everyday parenting problems.   There are some children who are a sheer pleasure to be around and then there are others who have a penchant for mischief. For the last 60 years, comic strip lovers who adore Hank Kethcham’s Dennis The Menace have enjoyed the humorous antics of a boy who always manages to get into trouble regardless of his parents’ efforts. Hollywood has capitalized on this with movies such as Problem Child, Nanny McPhee to reality TV shows like Nanny 911. We have all seen kids out there that act out. Clearly, they are the ones in charge of their parents as they demonstrate bad behavior, especially in public places like supermarkets, restaurants and parks. Some parents, who are at the end of their rope, will try anything in hopes of getting their kids to listen. The bottom line is this: children that demonstrate bad behavior are tough to handle because they tend to disobey rules or orders. What if you could use your child’s uncooperative behavior to positively reinforce good behavior? In the book, Dr. Riley’s Box of Tricks, 80 uncommon solutions for everyday parenting problems,this is exactly what Dr. Douglas Riley instructs troubled parents to do. In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer will speak to Dr. Douglas Riley, EdD, who is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than thirty years of experience working with children, adolescents, and parents. 

After Hurricane Katrina pummeled Louisiana, people are now taking every precaution when it comes to making sure they are safe and have enough food but what about your landscape? There is a tremendous amount of rainwater runoff that can devastate lawns, plants, trees and shrubs.  Are there steps a homeowner can take to utilize this water or divert it from covering your yard? What can you really do when it comes to hundred mile an hour winds that can easily tear apart delicate foliage? Is there anything that can be done to protect valuable trees, shrubs and other plants from the damage inflicted from debris? Can you salvage vegetables and fruit that are close to being ripe?After the storm, how do you create a plan to restore the damage and begin anew? In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer will speak to Horticultural expert, John Peter Thompson, who is President of the National Agricultural Research Alliance (http://www.NARA-B.org ). John Peter will talk about how to you can prepare for severe inclement weather . Stay tuned!

  Without a doubt, New York City is the capital of the world and when people think about this great city, they often forget that it is also the home of one of the most prestigious botanical gardens in the world,The New York Botanical Garden! The NYBG is steward of a 250-acre site National Historic Landmark landscape that is actually located in the borough of the Bronx and offers breathtaking outdoor and indoor gardens, natural forest that has been untouched and an assortment of activities for all ages. The New York Botanical Garden is the only botanical garden in the world with major new facilities for its library, herbarium, and research laboratory—all opened within the last seven years. In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer will speak to Todd Forrest, Vice President for Horticulture and Living Collections, The New YorkBotanical Garden. Todd Forrest is responsible for the Horticulture Division’s programs and activities, including overseeing the grounds, all 50 gardens and living collections, flower shows and exhibitions, and a staff of 80 managers, curators, gardeners, and community horticulturists. In addition, he advises on long-term strategy for the Garden’s 250-acre landscape. An expert advocate for historic trees, forests, and urban landscapes, Forrest is also an instructor of ornamental woody plants and has written many articles and interpretative materials. He joined The New York Botanical Garden in 1997, first as an intern and then as a research assistant, before becoming a vital part of the horticulture staff in 1999. Previously, Forrest worked at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. A graduate of WesleyanUniversity, he has a Master of Forest Science degree from Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

  As the “green” sector rapidly expands, there are many investors seeking the right opportunity to not only make the world a more environmentally friendly place but to make more “green” from their investment. In actuality, the green trend has been growing now for about 25 years, but has only recently become mainstream due to environmental activism. While many people are seeking out opportunities that will make them feel good, the reality is, many of these franchises are actually not a good fit. What steps do you need to take in order to determine whether or not a green franchise opportunity is for you? What is the best way to find a viable franchise opportunity in the green space that will work with your limitations? What kind of due diligence is required? Is it even possible to invest wisely in such an extremely unstable economy? In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer will speak to franchise expert, Todd Weiss. Todd, a chartered financial analyst, is a nationally acclaimed franchise expert and is well known on social media for his advice which can be found at www.ToddWeissCFA.com. In 2011, his blog was named one of the top franchise blogs by FranchiseHelp.com. Todd is the CEO of Sunshine Consulting, Ltd and is also, the Vice President of Ellipse Fitness, which is a cutting edge fitness franchise. He has relationships with over 300 franchise concepts and is on the advisory board of the Franchise Broker’s Association, in which he was named Consultant of the Year in 2009. If you are looking to make a wise investment in the green franchise space, stay tuned for some great advice from Todd Weiss!

    Sheepish- Two Women, Fifty Sheep & Enough Wool to Save The Planet! Farm life is not an easy one and doesn’t offer any recognition for outstanding work performance or for perfect attendance. For Catherine Friend, it is a job that has become exhausting, especially after almost two decades. In the book, Sheepish, Catherine comically writes about her life on the farm and how she finds a new perspective about farm life, especially with sheep. She also writes about the advantages of having sheep as the planet’s “self-propelled lawn mowers” and the scary truth behind “wrinkle free” clothing. Catherine also describes a new perspective about what it really means to be “sheepish”—and how it might not be such a bad thing after all. In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer will speak to author, Catherine Friend Stay tuned!