Sunday, May 15, 2011

ipl2: Organic Food

In The News: Organic Food

E. coli outbreaks, salmonella scares, contaminated food recalls. It seems like food safety is frequently in the news. You may be one of the many people who are looking at organic food options as a way to improve the quality and safety of the food you and your family eat. But what does the term “organic” really mean? How is it different than “natural?” Is organic food really healthier? Here are some sites to help you sort through these questions and to help you if you decide to make the switch to organic.
New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources are already listed in the ipl2 collection.
The Organic Center (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.organic-center.org/

This advocacy site for organic farming features articles and reports on subjects such as pesticides in foods, nutritional quality, antioxidants, and food safety. Also find links to related sites. From an organization whose mission is “to generate credible, peer reviewed scientific information and communicate the verifiable benefits of organic farming and products to society.” From The Organic Center.
NEW!  The Mayo Clinic – Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious?
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/nu00255

The famed Mayo Clinic provides numerous articles on nutrition and healthy eating. Articles include, “Learn the difference between organic foods and their traditionally grown counterparts. Decide which is best for you considering nutrition, quality, taste, cost and other factors.” From the Mayo Clinic.
NEW! Organic Trade Association: Organic Facts
http://www.ota.com/organic.html

Provides a comprehensive listing of organic facts including a definition of organic, information on genetic engineering and the use of antibiotics in agriculture. The Organic Trade Association promotes organic products, advocates for organic standards and supports scientific research into the environmental and nutritional impacts of organic products.
If you decide going organic is the way for you, these sites will help you find recipes, choose products and even grow your own organic vegetables.
Organic Authority.com – Organic Food, Organic Living (find it on the ipl2 : Resources by Subject — Food — Recipes & Cookbooks)
http://www.organicauthority.com/

Provides information on organic food and organic living, including recipes, articles, health and beauty tips, and news.
Organic Gardening (find it on the ipl2 : Resources by Subject — Magazines — Entertainment and Leisure — Home and Garden)
http://www.organicgardening.com/

In its print form, Organic Gardening has long been a trusted resource for both new and experienced organic gardeners. This companion website offers organic gardening tips and solutions, monthly advice, national events listing, links to other organic commercial sites and organizations, book recommendations, and subscription information for the print magazine.
Vegetable Gardening in Containers (find it on the ipl2)
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/publications/guides/e-545_vegetable_gardening_containers.pdf

This illustrated article provides ideas for growing vegetables in containers such as pots and planter boxes. Discusses crop selection, growing media, fertilization, water, light, and diseases and insects. Includes planting charts and sample vegetable varieties for containers. From the Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas A&M University.
Thanks for your continued support of ipl2. We hope these resources help satisfy any questions you may have about organic foods. For more information, search ipl2 for Organic Food or Organic Gardening.

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