We’ve heard the argument and supporting evidence that claims organic food is no better for a person or the environment than food grown or raised using conventional farming methods. However, the debate is far from over. Peter Melchett of the Soil Association is taking defending the points made in the original article criticizing aspects of organic food and farmer. Instead, Melchett maintains it is the eco and health-friendly option when it comes to produce and meat consumption.

Is organic farming better for the environment?
Though organic farming is still a work-in-progress, supporters claim it still has significant environmental benefits. They say organic farming is still better for wildlife on the farms, as well as producing less dangerous wastes and carbon emissions, as well as lower pollution caused by sprays. Reports suggest organic farms have 30 per cent more wild species and 50 per cent higher number of those animals.

Is organic farming more sustainable?
Not only does Melchett say prior information claiming the growing of organic tomatoes takes twice the amount of energy is wrong, he also says it left out the very important point that a major benefit of organic farming is the storing of carbon in soil. This apparently reduces the climate change impact of organic food by anywhere from 12 to 80 per cent.

The association also says that 26 per cent less energy is used during organic farming as opposed to conventional farming and says the government believes organic farming is better for the environment.

Does organic farming use pesticides?
Under the Soil Association's guidelines, organic farmers may use only four pesticides (and only with permission) compared to the more than 300 pesticides used in conventional farming. Most organic farming does not require pesticides, but when it does, those used are either one containing rotenone and soft soap or others with simple chemicals such as copper compounds and sulphur. Rotenone and soft soap contain active ingredients that break down quickly in sunlight, while copper and sulphur occur naturally in soil already.

Last year only three percent of Soil Association members and two per cent of organic crops were sprayed.

Are conventional pesticide levels in food dangerous?
Melchett points out that more than 40 pesticides once approved for use have been banned or withdrawn in the past decade. Chemical "cocktails" are also not tested before pesticides are given the safe stamp of approval. A U.S. study recently found that children who switched from regular to organic food had no traces of pesticides in urine samples after just one day, however when they switched back, pesticides were once again found in urine.

Is organic farming healthier?
The Food Standards Agency actually says there is no difference in terms of food safety of organic and non-organic foods, however the Compassion in World Farming organization feels that animals under the Soil Association guidelines are raised in better conditions. Melchett also contends that animals are not smaller, nor do they suffer from more disease than conventionally-raised animals.

Does organic food contain more nutrients?
Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron and antioxidants - all things you'll find higher levels of in organic food. Plus organic milk contains more Omega 3's, vitamin E, vitamin A and antioxidants than your regular run-of-the-mill milk. By consuming organic food you may also avoid unwanted additives such as hydrogenated fat, monosodium glutomate and artificial flavors and colors.

Is there a greater demand for organic food now than ever before?
The organic industry is one that is still growing - approximately 32 percent per year in fact. Three-quarters of parents buy organic baby food and parents and school officials are working to involve organic farms in the production of school lunches. 

It also turns out, costs isn't always the most important factor; even those in lower income brackets will go organic as much as possible despite the sometimes more expensive cost.

And despite claims of smaller crop yields for organic food, Melchett says long-term trials indicate that the yields of organic crops will be comparable to non-organic crops.

In the end it seems that there won't be a resolution to the organic vs. non-organic anytime soon. Each sides makes valid points and there does seem to be conflicting research. Regardless, we hope the discussion over the past two days has got you thinking about the issue (assuming you weren't thinking about it already that is) and has you thinking about the healthy food choices you make for yourself and your family.

» The Independent

This Sexy Vegan video is admittedly cheating just a bit since it's not one of his true, full-length features. This cooking project was actually undertaken in between his first and second real episodes, however it's pretty amusing just the same. 

This time around he's making Banizzle, a creation one of his friends invented that is a nice alternative to the traditional camping favorite, s'mores. It's a pretty simple dessert you can make while barbecuing or camping this summer since the only heat required is that of a grill or campfire. All you need are some bananas with the peel intact, chocolate and peanut butter.

A couple of warnings:

- The end result may not look as appetizing as some of the Sexy Vegan's other creations, but camping food is supposed to be messy and gooey right? When was the last time a roasted marshmallow won an award for aesthetic appeal after all?

- There's one instance where some a passer-by drops the f-bomb, so if you're at work or find that offensive, you may want to skip a few seconds ahead approximately one minute and 25 seconds into the video.

This video will have to suffice until we get another full recipe from The Sexy Vegan, but for now enjoy some more of his alcohol-induced humor!

» YouTube

In her attempts to do as her blog name suggests, the GreenDweller has examined ways to reduce the environmental impact of taking a long, hot shower. It turns out that reducing the temperature of your shower by as little as 10 degrees can save a significant amount of carbon. If you're not a believer, read her assessment for proof.

I’m the kind of person that fights off the cold morning chill with a scalding hot shower.  However, I’ve learned that taking showers that are too hot actually cause your skin to be dryer and less healthy.  In addition, although shower length is generally how carbon output is reduced, shower temperature also effects the amount of energy needed.  So by dropping my shower temperature a few degrees I can not only help reduce my carbon output, but improve the health of my skin.  Tricks like this, which improve quality of life while helping the environment, are my favorite kind of green living.

So how much can we save?  My residence hall shower isn’t new in the least, so I can safely assume that a 10 minute shower uses about 25 gallons (200lbs) of water.  Heating it to scalding, about 120 F, from 60 F takes 12000 BTU.  But heating the same amount of water to just 110 F uses only 10000 BTU.

(200lb)(120-60)=12,000 BTU       (200lb)(110-60)=10,000 BTU     12,000-10,000=2,000 BTU

That difference of 2000 BTU is equivalent to .586 kWh a day.   As my university uses coal power, it means 1.227 lbs less carbon released each day.  Over a year, that’s 447.86 lbs of carbon.  Putting this in perspective, with the energy and carbon savings you could instead keep 5 10w CFLs (40w equivalent) on for 10 hours a day.  All for giving up just 10 extra degrees of heat in my shower, ones I likely won’t even notice.

Now this is just one specific way to reduce the carbon impact of your shower.  As I live in a residence hall it’s really the only aspect I can control, besides with the length of my showers.  If I were to reduce that time by even a minute, that’s an extra .36 lbs of carbon saved per day.  But if you want to do more, here are some easy tricks you might be able to use that are even easier:

- Install a low-flow shower head and use 50% less water (1.8lbs of carbon a day with a 10min shower).  Also look for one with a stop valve so you can soap up without wasting water.

- get an insulating blanket for your old water heater

- turn down the heat on your water heater

- get a tankless water heater

- and for the really ambitious, install a solar hot water heating system (no more carbon guilt!)

Pretty nifty, isn't it? That's not all the GreenDweller has to say, so check out her blog for more ideas and information.

» GreenDweller

Is it better to buy organic food? The debate continues to rage. On one hand you have the proponents of organic food saying it's much better for you and for the environment because traditional pesticides aren't used in the growing and farming process, and therefore humans aren't exposed to chemicals they are in regular food. On the other hand, supporters of traditional farming methods, pesticides and all, say that pesticides protect us from potentially harmful diseases found in plants and animals. So is organic farming and production one of those gray areas with no established right or wrong?

There are two sides to every story. Today we'll examine the supposed myths surrounding organic farming that maintain it is no better for an individual or the environment.

Is organic farming better for the environment?
Not according to the UK's Department for Environment, Food and  Rural affairs who say studies show that organic dairy production is responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the production of organic milk requires 80 per cent more land than regular milk, releases 60 per cent more toxins into water and is 70 per cent more likely to cause acid rain.

Cows that are raised in organic conditions also release twice as much methane into the air (methane is far more potent than carbon dioxide by the way) as cows raised in a regular environment.

Is organic farming more sustainable?
Even though the growing of organic potatoes requires less energy from fertilizer production, in the end the ploughing requires more fossil fuel than other potatoes. Not to mention that one hectare of conventionally farmed land will yield two-and-a-half more times the number of potatoes than those grown organically.

Likewise, greenhouses that grow tomatoes require 100 times more energy than ones grown in a field in Africa and yield only 75 per cent of the amount grown in other conditions. The nutrient pollution and amount of water used by organic tomatoes are also significantly higher than ones imported from another country.

Does organic farming use pesticides?
Apparently they do, however they fall under the label of "natural." However it has been suggested that these "natural" pesticides are far more harmful and toxic than those used in conventional farming and are used only because of special "grandfather" provisions in current regulations. Most traditional pesticides are considered biodegradable; organic farming uses pesticides containing copper, which will remain toxic in soil forever. However, neither these nor more commonly used pesticides have been given as a reason to avoid produce or meat altogether.

Are conventional pesticide levels in food dangerous?
Some opponents of conventional pesticides claim they have a "cocktail effect," that has led to an epidemic of cancer. Interestingly enough, cancer rates among farmers - the first of people who would be exposed to cancer-causing chemicals - are among the lowest of any groups studies. Plus, other cancer rates - including stomach cancer which could be indicative of carcinogenic exposure - have been dropping for the past 50 years. Then there's the fact that life expectancy in this day and age is into the eighties, whereas 60 years ago when pesticides weren't used and cases of food poisoning were prominent, the life expectancy of an individual was only in their sixties.

Is organic food healthier?
The University of Hohenheim in Germany is a major supporter of organic food, but has said:

"No clear conclusions about the quality of organic food can be reached using the results of present literature and research results."

What is clear is that Holland, Denmark and Austria conducted large studies and determined that organically-produced meat contained more bacteria that causes food poisoning, a higher risk of Salmonella and parasites. Add to that the potential of cross-contamination with conventionally-produced meat that is processed in the same facility and the fact that instances of disease in organic meat are higher because the animals are not treated with antibiotics. Therefore disease causes organic animals to often weigh far less than non-organic animals.

Does organic food contain more nutrients?
You can increase the concentration of nutrients found in any produce by letting it air in cupboards for a few days prior to consuming. Though organic tomatoes are said to contain more flavonoids than conventionally-grown tomatoes, but this could be due to a lack of nitrogen which causes a plant to stop producing flesh and instead produce defensive chemicals. One of these chemicals would be - you guessed it - flavonoids.

Is there a greater demand for organic food now than ever before?
The high point in organic food growth occurred in 2003, with less land being devoted to it each year since. Although it is supposed to increase once more, it appears more farmers are returning to conventional methods or growing.

The Soil Association in the UK may is also allegedly misinformed in the figures they released related to the sales in the organic market. They claim 2006 had sales of £1.937 billion, whereas the TNS Worldpanel who tracks actual sales puts the number around the £1 billion mark.

Well there you have it, the myths of organic farming supposedly busted. Check back tomorrow for a rebuttal claiming organic really is the way to go.

» The Independent

Forget digging trenches or making crafts during leisure time; the inmates at an eco-prison in Norway are instead more likely to be found growing the produce they will eat, collecting eggs or tending to a wood fire that is used as a heat source. The green life is actually being used to rehabilitate inmates in the country before they are released from prison. The Norwegians in charge are so confident that this theory works in fact, they allow one prisoner who is in for murder (and also dismembered a dead body) use a chainsaw.

The real question is, does this system actually work? That's still up for debate, but watch the video clip above and read the EcoInsomniac's thoughts on the matter. 

I hope you take the time to watch the video above it is a great look into a successful program going on in Norway to reconnect inmates with life and respect. The prison governor is a very intelligent man and realized if you give the prisoners a good way to earn respect and treat them like people they tend it is much easier for them to integrate back into society. He has successfully rehabilitated inmates which most of the American worlds prisons fail to do everyday by giving his prisoners a way to work and connect with animals as well as create their own food these prisoners are learning to respect life, gain trust and a sense of living.

Everybody needs a sense of pride and programs like this give these men the sense that it can be earned by honest means. We truly need more programs like this in the world because it is abundantly clear that keeping men and women in over crowded cages is not a good way to make an honest person out of them.

Of course to me the fact that they are going about this in an eco-friendly way gives me hope that these men are being taught to respect their surrounding as well as the people around them. The solar power generation is a great step for prisons and I think more and more tax payer supported facilities should be implementing solar or wind power if the location allows for it. The money savings would be huge and the money saved could be directed at running these types of programs.

What do you think of Norway's initiative? Is going green the key to successful long-term rehabilitation or simply a waste of time, money, resources and efforts? Think about it while you visit the EcoInsomniac's blog to read more though-provoking commentary such as this.

» EcoInsomniac

Ah the weekend. There's no better time to start planning your next getaway then when you're already relaxed and in vacay-mode. We're so selfless that we want to give you a hand with this most exhausting and time-consuming task.

All you have to do is write a story for Ecollo. One. Uno. That's it. We haven't set any minimum or maximum word requirements, it just needs to have an environmental theme. Dying to write a blistering commentary defending carbon offsetting as a means of saving the earth? Raging mad about the endangerment of orangutans and need an outlet for your anger? Or maybe you just want to profess your undying love and adoration for Leonardo DiCaprio, Al Gore, Alicia Silverstone or insert-your-favorite-celebrity-environmentalist-here. Is so, we definitely want to hear from you!

In return, we'll take every entry and choose the one that receives the most ratings, comments and views and that lucky Ecollo reader-turned-writer will receive a copy of Organic Places to Stay in the UK by Linda Moss, your go-to guide for planning your next green vacation with ease.

Hit the jump to find out all you need to know to take part in the contest!

» Ecollo

It's difficult to imagine busting a gut over the topic of climate change, but some comedians are sure trying to make the whole global warming situation a little lighter. According to a few professional laugh-makers it's a sensitive subject that can be difficult to generate significant laughs from because poking fun at say, SUV drivers can come across as preachy. And as everyone knows, there's almost nothing in the world more awkward than the silence after someone tries to tell a joke that falls painfully flat.

Fortunately some professionals have still come up with some pretty amusing quips on the topic. Even though half of the fun is in the delivery, these still come across relatively well on paper computer screen. Read on for a good Friday evening giggle, or maybe even a slight guffaw.

Chris Rock: I hope that Live Earth ends global warming the same way Live Aid ended world poverty.

Robin Williams: Clean coal is a bit like wearing a porous condom - at least the intention was there.

Alan Carr: You know who they're blaming for global warming now, don't ya? Single people. Because we're in our house all on our on own using all that energy for ourselves. Sorry, everyone. Sorry, for being minging. I suppose they'll want to attach a wind turbine to my wanking arm.

Larry David: We [bald men] don't spend all our time shampooing and rinsing our hair. It's one of the many selfless acts we bald men perform every day to make our world a better place. The bald also don't have use for plastic combs, or no hair dryers either so that's gotta save on electricity. Come on. We have got to go bald - all of us. Walking around with a full head of hair is like driving an SUV or dumping toxic sludge into a river. It's irresponsible. Hey, you hair people, shame on you!

Marcus Brigstocke: So how many of you have low-energy light bulbs at home? Oh? So you're all like me, when you go in a room you spend the first few minutes in the dark, wondering what room you're in, then apologising 'cos you've pissed all over the duvet.

Jay Leno: NASA just released their new report on global warming or, as President Bush, calls it - Spring.

Bill Maher: If it solved global warming, would you give up the TV remote and go back to carting your fat ass over to the television set every time you wanted to change the channel. If that was the case in America, I think Americans would watch one channel forever.

» Guardian

If you're looking for a good weekend project to keep you busy this weekend, how about building your own raised planter bed? The advantage of a planter bed is that it will conserve water because it requires less than a traditional garden and you can include a greater variety of plants. Then there's the fact that not everyone has the ideal setting or soil conditions for a regular garden, making this a great alternative.

Watch the video tutorial below to see just how to go about the project and put those soon-to-be-green thumbs (and the rest of your hands) to work!

How To Build A Raised Planter Bed

» Video Jug

When alternative band Radiohead kicked off their U.S. tour at the beginning of the week, they sent an important message to fans: please travel green.

The bank is encouraging concert attendees to consider options such as public transportation and carpooling when traveling to and from concerts. There are even some cases where venues hosting the band are providing incentives for those who choose to arrive on a bus or train or in a full car.

The initiative comes after the band had the carbon footprint of their two previous U.S. tours analyzed and the report showed that the fans' commute was the most significant contributor to carbon emissions than any other aspect of the tour. Now Radiohead even has a footprint calculator on their website so people can calculate and compare the impact of their chosen method of transportation. Based on further recommendations of the report, the band will continue to release information about their attempts to reduce their own carbon emissions while touring.

» liveDaily

On May 10 (that's tomorrow for anyone not paying close attention) Los Angeles, Kigali, London, Cairo, Mumbai and Rio de Janeiro will all participate in Pangea Day. The official website says of the global event:

Pangea Day taps the power of film to strengthen tolerance and compassion while uniting millions of people to build a better future.

In a world where people are often divided by borders, difference, and conflict, it's easy to lose sight of what we all have in common. Pangea Day seeks to overcome that — to help people see themselves in others — through the power of film.

Pangea Day will consist of four hours of short films, live music and visionary speakers broadcast from the six aforementioned locations, and will be linked live so you can watch the event live via the Internet, television, digital cameras and cell phones. Or course if you happen to live in or near one of the participating cities, you can also attend an event in-person.

An international competition was held and 24 short films were selected from more than 2,500 submissions from over 100 counties. The chosen films will be shown, as well as featured presenters including Queen Noor of Jordan and Christiane Amanpour from CNN.

The event will take place from 18:00 to 22:00 GMT and will feature subtitles in several languages including English, Arabic, French, Spanish, German, Hindi and Portuguese.

Watch one of the short films entitled Wild Snowman below and hit the jump to learn more about Pangea Day, including where, when and how to watch.

» Pangea Day (Official Site)