Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Organic foods a subsitute for Ritalin?

I found this Huffington Post article today on the
Washington State University news feed.
Dr. Walter Crinnion asks if organic produce is the new Ritalin...
Click here to read his column. What do you think?

Monday, September 27, 2010

WSU Organic Farm Podcast



It's finally here! Our first podcast takes a look at WSU's Organic Farm produce stand. Hear the story of two Cougs who frequent the stand and a grad student who helps manage the farm. It might need a quick second to load, but we hope you enjoy.

-Kathy and Rachel

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

WSU Organic Farm Wednesday

Yes, indeed. The WSU Organic Farm produce stand will be up and running again today from 11 am to 1 pm on the Glenn Terrell Mall. See what's new today. They will only be running the stand through October so don't miss out. Also, our first podcast really is coming. We'll post it on Monday so check back soon! Thanks for stopping by.

-Kathy and Rachel

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Michelle Obama to visit farm with other global leaders' spouses

In national news:
It's interesting how the idea of eating "local" has become a "nationwide" concept. It almost sounds like an oxymoron, but it also seems like a good mindset for our country's health. According to an article in USA Today, first lady Michelle Obama is going out to lunch with other world leaders' spouses this week at a farm in New York. Stone Barns Center is a non-profit farm and does a lot of sustainable farming and educational programs. See more here. Or here: http://www.stonebarnscenter.org/

Thanks for stopping by.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Movie Night: "Food Fight"

The Moscow Co-op will present another film this week as a part of it's Good Food Film Series.

Movie: Food Fight
When: Thursday, September 16 (tomorrow)
Time: 7 pm
Where: Kenworthy Performing Arts Center in Moscow
Cost: $6 for general public, $4 for Co-op members

Here's a sneak peak. Seems like it has that King Korn or Food Inc. vibe to it:



Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Oh, and don't forget...

The WSU Organic Farm will be on the Glenn
Terrell Mall again from 11am to 1 pm tomorrow.

Last week, Kathy and I visited the stand and they were giving out free sunflowers. I didn't know this until she told me after we stopped by the stand, but did you know that sunflowers actually follow the sun? They start the day facing the east with the sunrise and then they turn west throughout the day until sundown. Ahh, the wonders of nature.

New solar-powered checkout system for the Green Bikes on the WSU campus

Another article for your viewing pleasure. Kind of made me want to go for a bike ride...

Green Bikes program teams up with Bixi
By: Kelsey Carrao
The Daily Evergreen

The WSU Green Bike program is starting its second year on campus supplying free bike rentals to WSU students.

Jamie Bentley, University Recreation manager, said the purpose of the bikes is to increase students' physical activity and environmental sustainability. She said the goal is to see fewer cars on the roads to reduce air pollution. The idea for the program began in 2007, she said.

“Students and staff working for University Recreation thought that it would be great to have transportation for meetings," she said. "Bikes would be a great way to get across campus quickly and efficiently.” After the pilot school year, 2008 to 2009, University Recreation staff saw high usage of the bikes and expanded the program. John Nickerson, University Recreation marketing assistant, said the program included 40 bikes last year. He said 32 bikes have been added this year due to student demand.

This year, WSU's Green Bike program is teaming up with BIXI System to create a completely electronic checkout process.

WSU is the first university in the nation to implement the BIXI program on campus. Bentley hopes the electronic system will increase checkout rates this year.

“The BIXI bikes don’t look like every other bike; they stand out," she said. "I believe people will be excited to use an automated system and be willing to try it, because it’s so easy."

Nickerson said he is pleased by the environmental sustainability of the stations.

"Not only is the system really easy to use and efficient, it is all electronically and solar-powered."

More here.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Harvest Party at WSU Organic Farm, Saturday, Oct. 2

My co-worker Brian Clark wrote the following story. It sounds like a great event!

Everyone is welcome to come celebrate fall harvest at WSU’s Organic Farm annual Harvest Party, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Harvest Party activities include hay wagon rides around the farm, face painting, and fresh pressed apple cider. There will be a U-pick pumpkin patch with traditional jack-o-lanterns, baby pumpkins, and a few novelty varieties.

“The star of the party will be a not-so-giant pumpkin on display,” said organic farm manager Brad Jaeckel. “Party-goers are invited to take a guess at the pumpkin’s weight. The closest guess wins the giant or a more reasonable sized jack-o-lantern of the winner’s choice.”

The WSU Organic Farm is located inside Tukey Horticulture Orchard on the corner of Airport Road and Terre View. The orchard will also be open for U-pick and pre-picked fruit sales.

For more information, contact farm manager Brad Jaeckel at 509-335-5893 or email him at jaeckel@wsu.edu.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

WSU Organic Farm

Today: The WSU Organic Farm will be selling fresh produce from 11 am to 1 pm today (Wednesday) on the Glenn Terrell Mall.
Later this month: Stay tuned for Organic on the Palouse's first podcast and an inside look at how WSU's organic produce gets from the farm to your table.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

So Organic Is More Nutritious - At Least in Strawberries, Study Says

For decades, there has been a debate about whether fruits and vegetables grown organically are more nutritious than their conventionally raised counterparts. WSU researcher John Reganold just completed a study indicating - that at least in strawberries - organic farming practices do produce a more nutritious fruit. Check it out at www.wsunews.wsu.edu/pages/Publications.asp?Action=Detail...21276.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Check this out...

It's a story from today's issue of WSU's The Daily Evergreen on Moscow Co-op's reusable bag program. They raised nearly $460 dollars to give to the HOPE Center, which provides clothing and food to people in need around the Palouse. Pretty cool.

Moscow Food Co-op promotes reusable bags
By: Paula Mehrkens

"Moscow Food Co-op’s "A Dime in Time" program encourages the practice of bringing reusable bags while supporting local organizations.

“We wanted to create a manner in which we could reward people for using cloth bags,” said Kenna Eaton, Moscow Food Co-op general manager.

States like California are voting on whether or not to make the use of plastic bags in grocery stores illegal, she said. Closer to home, Eaton hopes to make alternative bag choices a voluntary reality..."

Click here for more.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Locavores unite

Hello there. Thanks for visiting our blog. Kathy from the WSU College of Agriculture and I, a journalism student at the Murrow College, have teamed up to create a space for experienced locavores and newbies, alike. A place to share our, and your, experiences living in an era where we are constantly reminded to be eco-friendly and live sustainable lifestyles. Hopefully, we'll be able to use this as a platform to post information, stories, opinions and provide a taste of what's happening with organic food and agriculture on the Palouse.

Thanks for stopping by,

-Rachel