Urban Growth Blog | UGKC

Artwork of 3 Trails Farm-- Our New Location!!

Urban Growth KC — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 05:08:00 GMT

© Urban Growth of Kansas City

Located at e.99th and Holmes, kcmo
(right across the street from Gomers Chicken)

Volunteer with us this spring!
email us at info@urbangrowthkc.org or fill out an online app!

for more photos of 3 Trails Farm visit
photos.urbangrowthkc.org

For more info about 3 Trials Farm visit our website
urbangrowthkc.org
(see farm page)

Winterizing Your Home--The Quick Way!

Urban Growth KC — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 22:56:00 GMT

Written By: Justine Allen

Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year… While most would agree that Christmas is indeed wonderful, what Andy William’s classic carol neglects to relay is the infinite hustle and bustle of the season. We often become so enthusiastic about the tree trimming, hall decking, gift wrapping, and goodie baking that we overlook important household responsibilities including preparing our homes for winter. Many people don’t realize that this hurts both their budget and the environment. Winterizing does not only include expensive and daunting tasks; there are many quick-fix solutions to get your home Jack Frost ready. So before you crank up the heat and get cozy by the fireplace, make sure you have done these simple and affordable winter-proofing techniques.

Courtesey: Wiki

One of the first and most common sense things to do is put as much separation as you can between yourself and the frosty outdoors. The name of the game is draft elimination, choose your weapons wisely: window plastic, insulated drapes, caulk, storm windows, draft snakes—see what you can find around your house and get creative, the web is full of great ideas and tutorials. According to the US Department of Energy, drafts can waste anywhere from 5-30% of your outgoing energy. So start digging around the attic for that old sewing machine!
After you have successfully voided the draft, it is time to think about investing in a programmable thermostat. This is an easy way to ensure that your furnace will not be working when it does not need to be. A programmable thermostat costs between $50-100 and saves the average household approximately $150/year—quickly paying for itself. A good tip to remember is that for every degree you lower the thermostat, you can anticipate saving between 1-3% on your heating bill. During the winter months, the ideal indoor temperature is 68-70 during the day 60-62 through the night.

One commonly overlooked method of circulating heat hangs just above your head—your ceiling fans. Many people only use theirs during the summer months, but often fans are designed to be used year round. During the summer, the blades run counterclockwise and thus produce a cooling breeze. But, by reversing the fan’s spin direction so that the blades move clockwise, the fan will push the warmer air that has collected near the ceiling back down into a room. This can actually help to cut heating costs up to 10%!

You change the coffee filter, the Brita water filter, even the vacuum filter, yet for some reason it is so easy to forget to change the furnace filter. If you are interested in getting your home ready for winter, it is a good idea. A dirty filter makes the furnace work harder and less efficiently, therefore increasing heating bills each month. It is a good idea to change it at the onset of winter and then every six to eight weeks through the duration of the season.

Then there is the tried and true method that has been used by people for thousands of years: dress for the season. Rather than turn the heat up in the house, turn your body’s internal thermostat up. Wear lots of layers in order to keep your personal thermostat running warm. Stock up on sweaters, wool socks, leggings, and don’t forget the house slippers! A long- sleeved, light sweater can provide about two degrees and a heavier sweater is worth about four.

Each of these different winter-proofing methods cuts back on the amount of fossil fuels your household uses, not only will the Earth thank you, but so will your wallet. Taking these easy steps to winterize your home can make your holidays even more wonderful. So next time you feel winter’s chill creeping in, make sure you are ready.

_____________________________________________________________________________________
The Daily Green Staff. "Winterizing Your Home - Winterization Tips to Save Energy and Money - The Daily Green." Going Green, Fuel Efficiency, Organic Food, and Green Living - The Daily Green. The Daily Green. Web. 23 Dec. 2010. <http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/winterize-home-tips-energy-461008#ixzz19XqVtSNb>.
Roth, J. D. "Cheap Ways to Stay Warm This Winter." Get Rich Slowly - Personal Finance That Makes Cents. 14 Dec. 2006. Web. 23 Dec. 2010. <http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/cheap-ways-to-stay-warm-this-winter/>.
Soloman, Christopher. "10 Ways to Winterize Your Home." MSN Real Estate - Home Buying & Selling Tips, Rentals, MLS Listings - MSN Real Estate. Fall 2009. Web. 23 Dec. 2010. <http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=13107899>.

How To Melt Ice...Naturally!

Urban Growth KC — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 00:52:00 GMT

Written by: Melissa Mohs

Ah, winter… nature’s quietude. As the north wind blows in, the soil is put to bed, smells of gingerbread waft in the air, the daylight shortens, windows become aglow with holiday lights and warm fireplaces. Our outside view becomes a snow globe, and we begin to think about the downside of cold weather: ICE.

    Icy conditions are dangerous to pedestrians and drivers alike. A slip ‘n slide is fun in the summer heat, but on freezing sidewalks and roadways it can be deadly, erasing all the joy the season brings. Luckily, we’ve found ways to make our commutes safer in bad weather, with rock salt (sodium chloride) traditionally. Rock salt is inexpensive and effective, but when the snow melts, the build-up of all that sodium leeches into the environment around us. Studies show that it dries out vegetation, cracks concrete, corrodes car metal, and ultimately runs into our waterways, threatening aquatic life. Salt also burns the pads of animals, particularly dogs, making it almost impossible to take them for a winter walk. However, given the alternative of dangerous conditions, is salt the only de-icer option we have? The answer is no.

   95% of all de-icers on the market are made from five chemical compounds, and generally in the chloride family, with rock salt being the most common. Also included in this group are: calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, and urea (a fertilizer). They all more or less work by giving off heat to lower the freezing point of water, dissolving and drying out icy surfaces at temperatures between 20 to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. All de-icers are effective at improving dangerous road conditions, but when used in excess have the same negative effects on the environment as rock salt. Some are less harmful than others - such as magnesium and potassium – and work better when mixed with salt. These ‘blends’ offer the best advantages from each chemical, and try to minimize disadvantages. Once such blend that achieves this is calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), made from limestone and vinegar. It’s effect on plants and concrete is very minimal. It doesn’t melt ice so much as it prevents re-freezing.

   Another de-icing method gaining popularity in many states, especially for large-scale road crews, is a mixture of beet juice and salt brine, commercially called Geomelt. It is known that when highways are pretreated with salt brine before a storm, it helps prevent ice from forming. Experts found that adding beet juice to the brine increases its effectiveness by making this mixture stick to the roads better, as well as working at sub-zero temps. Results have shown again and again that this integration of vegetable and mineral is creating a win-win scenario; safer roads for motorists and less impact for the environment.

    If you really want to go the green route, there are more products being put on the shelves every year, both non-toxic and non-salt based. There are also many tried and true household items you can use, and are probably already in your garage. For preventing slippage on your front steps and sidewalks, you can use

sand
sawdust
wood shavings
cracked corn
kitty litter

   You can even mix these abrasives with a little ice melt to de-ice while using less chemicals.

   Other de-icing alternatives include Propellant-49, Magic Minus Zero, and Safe Paw Ice Melter. All are advertised to work as good or better than traditional salt with the only drawback being their higher cost. I myself prefer Safe Paw, and because it lasts longer on my walks, I don’t have to use as much, which offsets the cost for me. The best part is that it doesn’t burn my dogs paws.

I encourage anyone to research the alternatives out there for melting ice naturally. Be an educated consumer and an environmental steward. You’ll feel better about keeping yourself and your community healthier, and the grass will be that much greener in the spring.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Burke, Kelly. “Treating Ice on Sidewalks and Driveways” About.com.
   n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2010.
Kinney, Terry. “Cities, states testing beet juice mixture on roadways” USA Today.com.
   21 Feb. 2008. Web 17 Dec. 2010
Leonard, John. “Non-Toxic Ways to Melt Ice & Snow” eHow.com.
   31 Jan. 2010. Web 17 Dec. 2010.

Antioxidants & You

Urban Growth KC — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 04:53:00 GMT

Written By: Ruth Muhtsun

Antioxidants have become the latest health craze . Products from tea to face cream are touting the benefits of this word on glossy labels. You may have already noticed this word springing up in grocery aisles and vending machines, and asked yourself “What are antioxidants, and do I need them?”

The definition of an antioxidant is as long as the word itself...

For a second, imagine a sliced avocado sitting in the open air. The browning you will eventually see is a byproduct of oxidation, or chemical reactions occurring with oxygen molecules. Antioxidants are substances, like vitamin C, that decelerate oxidation reactions and aid in preservation. Every good cook knows to add lime juice to guacamole for flavor and to maintain the natural green color.

The same process that takes place with an avocado happens as well in the human body on a cellular level. The end results of this process can be seen on the surface by wrinkles and dull skin. Within the body, oxidation can cause inflammation, leading to heart, lung, and gastrointestinal diseases and cancers. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, like adding lime to guacamole, helps the body in the fight against oxidation, inflammation, and aging.

Courtesy: Wiki

In the marketplace three exotic fruits have dominated in antioxidant marketing, acai, goji, and manosteen. The people of Asia and South America have long known the benefits of this trio, like essential fatty acids, calcium, vitamin B and C. The goji berry has also been dubbed the happy fruit because it has been shown to stimulate production of serotonin and dopamine. However, food companies use these ingredients not only for their benefits, but it’s also a way to add a few cents and dollars to the price of their products.

Lucky for American consumers, antioxidants aren’t just found oceans away. Many homegrown and everyday staples contain high amounts of antioxidants. Eating several servings of these foods daily will do your body good on the inside and show on the outside. Below are the foods and drink The US Department of Agriculture advise are high in antioxidants:

*Apples
*Dark chocolate
*Dried plums
*Red wine
*Artichokes
*Pecans
*Blueberries
*Strawberries
*Spinach

Other foods to include in your diet include canned tomatoes, which contain lycopene, a signification antioxidant that helps defend against cancer and hardening of arteries. Also, onions have a great deal of vitamin B6, vitamin C, and fiber. The antioxidants in onions help sustain heart health and boost the immune system. Garlic too helps protect the heart by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Of course, don’t forget your fruits and vegetables, the more color the better. Everyday veggies and fruits like celery, oranges, and peas contain essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. Seasoning your dishes with a little, or a lot, of pepper can increase your antioxidant intake. The chemical in pepper that give it it’s spice, capsaicin, guard against cancer and decrease inflammation.

So if you’re in the mood for a goji green tea or a glass of wine with your spring salad, go ahead and indulge. Because adding antioxidants to your daily diet doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the budget or step too far outside the box.

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Hine, Robert. "antioxidant." Science Online. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 9 Dec. 2010. www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin=FDBF0180&SingleRecord=True.

Palmer, Sharon. "Power up with hidden "superfoods". " Environmental Nutrition. 33.12 (Dec 2010): 1(2). Popular Magazines. Gale. Kansas City Public Library. 7 Dec. 2010
http://find.galegroup.com.proxy.kclibrary.org/gtx/infomark.do?&contentSet=IAC-Documents&type=retrieve&tabID=T003&prodId=PPPM&docId=A242899824&source=gale&userGroupName=morenetkcpl&version=1.0

Schmid, Wendy. "Can superfoods reverse aging? Why putting them on your plate--and your face--may make you younger. " Harper's Bazaar. 3586 (Oct 2010): 256(1). Popular Magazines. Gale. Kansas City Public Library. 7 Dec. 2010
http://find.galegroup.com.proxy.kclibrary.org/gtx/infomark.do?&contentSet=IAC-Documents&type=retrieve&tabID=T003&prodId=PPPM&docId=A239202141&source=gale&userGroupName=morenetkcpl&version=1.0

The Fly

Urban Growth KC — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:57:00 GMT

A Poem

Little Fly,

Thy summer’s play

My thoughtless hand

Has brushed away.

Am not I

A fly like thee?

Or art not thou

A man like me?

For I dance

And drink, and sing,

Till some blind hand

Shall brush my wing.

If thought is life

And strength and breath

And the want

Of thought is death;

Then am I

A happy fly,

If I live,

Or if I die?

~William Blake

Facebook :: Nosy or Nice?

Urban Growth KC — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 15:59:00 GMT

Written By: Joel Paul

Facebook is social media’s Burj Khalifa. It towers over all other social media outlets and casts its shadow far and wide. Let’s face it; Facebook is a fantastic medium to stay connected with current and past friends. Recently, I ate lunch with a childhood friend which I reconnected with through Facebook. Artistic endeavors or charities I support can be marketed using Facebook. With any public forum, particularly the internet public forum, privacy is a concern. A Google search of “facebook privacy issues” produced several articles with publish dates in 2010. Facebook’s privacy issues are not new, nor have they faded. When interacting with Facebook we must think in terms of private information in a public venue, and we must be aware of Facebook’s personal settings. There is no doubt social media is an exciting result of the information age. Social media has challenged society to think in a different way about how we interact with each other, yet there are simple cautions we can take to ensure we have safe and annoyance free experiences.

Private Information in a Public Venue
Should privacy be eliminated simply because you have logged onto an internet networking site? Facebook would like us to believe we consent to giving up our privacy simply because we utilize their networking site. It seems Facebook has reversed this opinion in recent months, but their comments are still troublesome. When we step into a public form whether it is in the real world or cyber world, how much privacy should we logically expect to retain? When I go to Dave & Buster’s to enjoy an adult beverage, video games, and fellowship with friends, I use my bank debit card and personal identification number to pay for the entertainment and social interaction. It is reasonable to conclude my bank information and P.I.N. will not be used to collect purchasing data and sold to a marketing firm who will then start marketing beverages, food, and video games to me. While Dave & Buster’s is a public place, I’d prefer my private data to remain private. This is the area Facebook needs to continue to address. Earlier this year Facebook removed privacy setting options with the philosophy the world is changing and use of a public networking site implies you want your information public; however, this is the wrong approach, and it received a fair amount of criticism. Since that time, they have revised that approach and are allowing greater choice and control of privacy settings. Giving consumers more control over their personal data, even the pages we like or the causes we support, is a structure that is acceptable. Limiting the collection of personal data by third party software vendors who create applications like FarmVille and Mafia Wars creates confidence in the Facebook product. Stepping into a public venue (whether real world or cyber world) is not an implied consent for private data to be known by all.

Personal Settings on Facebook + How to adjust them
Practical steps can be taken to secure your information on Facebook. The first setting you may wish to investigate is the sharing of your general information (i.e. pictures, wall posts, and notes).

In the upper right hand corner of the Facebook application is a drop down menu labeled ‘Account Settings’. Once this menu is pulled down, there is a sub-menu titled ‘Privacy Settings’.

If this menu option is clicked upon, a screen labeled ‘Choose Your Privacy Settings’ is displayed.

Under the subsections on this page you’ll find ‘Sharing on Facebook’ with four options.

These options are:

Everyone
Friends of Friends
Friends Only
and Recommended.

Clicking these options will set who can view various aspects of your information. This is identified in the chart next to the options. Facebook has also implemented a ‘Customize Settings’ feature by which you can set every aspect of your information to a different level of viewership. This is a very nice feature from Facebook, and a measure Facebook can be commended for implementing.

Another group of settings you’ll want to review is at the bottom of the ‘Choose Your Privacy Settings’ page.

It is the privacy settings labeled ‘Applications and Websites’.

To access these settings, click on the hyperlink labeled ‘Edit your settings’.

From here you can turn off access to your data to all platform applications. This means games such as FarmVille and Mafia Wars will not have access to your private information; therefore, these applications and those who control them will not be able to sell your data to a third party marketing firm. Familiarize yourself with these settings to determine which meet your usage of Facebook. Since Facebook has historically done a bad job of communicating privacy setting changes, it is suggested privacy settings be reviewed on a consistent basis to ensure a change in the Facebook application has not negatively impacted privacy settings.

Consumers of Facebook do not have ownership rights; therefore, they cannot dictate how the product is made. Consumers cannot put pressure on stockholders either because Facebook is a privately held corporation; however, the Facebook community of users can choose other forms of social media. Just because Facebook is the industry leader does not mean it will remain in that position. Social media users do have a choice. There are sites such as Hi5.com, bebo.com, and myspace.com. Choices are available, and the user community can choose to utilize a different social media outlet if Facebook continues to breach its responsibility of keeping private information private. Socializing in a public forum does not imply consent to have our laundry, clean or otherwise, visible to others. Facebook needs to recognize they have a role in protecting private information. They may not like this responsibility, and it may limit the revenue of their company. If Facebook continues to experience breaches in retention of private data, then they may experience trouble retaining their market share.

Does Irish Spring Soap Repel Deer?

Urban Growth KC — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 16:22:00 GMT

Written By: Ruth Muhtsun

The agricultural revolution was an important stage in human history. The ability to grow food allowed people to stay in one place and start civilizations. For the rest of the animal kingdom, human grown gardens have provided ready made buffets for the wandering. For many gardeners these meandering freeloaders can be a nuisance, especially larger organisms like deer.

One old wife’s tale suggests using Irish Spring soap to repel pesky deer. Take a moment to recall the TV ads from the 1990s in which a model steps into the shower lethargically, then is suddenly bright-eyed and bushy tailed at the first whiff. So it’s easy to imagine that an organism with a more acute sense of smell would have a more intolerable experience. However, there is no credible evidence that Irish Spring alone can keep away deer. Furthermore, review of several popular search engine forums report mixed results of the effectiveness of Irish Spring soap. Not to say there is no validity in the myth, but as deer populations continue to grow, a little odor is nothing to a hungry family.
This does not mean there isn’t any hope for gardeners and deer to coexist happily. It also doesn’t mean that you have to bombard your backyard with chemicals and consume mutant produce. On the contrary, there are various natural ways to keep does and bucks from stopping at your house. Rhonda Massingham, Author of Deer Proofing Your Yard and Garden has several keen ideas to natural deter deer from the fruits and flowers of your labor. Massingham recommends a formula that has proven to thwart not only deer, but also rabbits and other rodents. The recipe calls for:

1 large egg, beaten
1 quart water
1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
A few drops liquid dish-washing soap (or dissolved Irish Spring if you prefer)

Mix these ingredients together, and for extra potency let the mixture sit for several days. The egg that emits sulfuric acid and capsaicin (chemical that produces spice) from the peppers will repel deer. The stench eventually subsides for humans, but is obnoxious to pests. You can use a spray bottle, but a cheesecloth is suggested as pepper can clog sprayers. Don’t forget to repeat after rain or waterings.

But when attacking the olfactory sense is not enough, gardeners can arrange their space to avert deer invasions. Many may have herd fencing your property as a way to keep deer out. Keep in mind though deer can jump up to five feet with ease. On the other hand, you can use psychology against them. Since deer will not risk going where they cannot see, it is advised to plant solid hedges or a lattice of morning glories to put off deer from your garden. Keep your azaleas, English ivy, tulips, beans, sweet corn and euonymus inside the border, these are foods deer love. On the outside of your perimeter, it is a good idea to sow verbena, geraniums, peonies, wisteria, and black locusts, all plants deer detest.
Now you can take a breath, put down the gas mask and spray, and pick up Deer Proofing Your Yard and Garden and other organic gardening books published by Storey Publishing, Inc. We can enjoy our civilized way of life without doing harm to ourselves and our planet.

_________________________________________________________________________________________
Start, Clarissa. "OH DEER, WHAT CAN THE MATTER BE? BAMBI'S DEVOURING THE YARD, AND RACCOONS CRUISE BY." St. Louis Post-Dispatch 27 Nov. 1997, FIVE STAR LIFT, WEST POST: 7. NewsBank. Web. 9 Nov. 2010.

Post-Dispatch Garden Editor, Becky Homan. "SCRAM! SCAT! GIT!." St. Louis Post-Dispatch (MO) 22 Sep. 2001, FIVE STAR LIFT, LIFESTYLE: 20. NewsBank. Web. 9 Nov. 2010.

Local Photography By UGKC

Urban Growth KC — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 17:23:00 GMT

Heirloom Zucchini Squash, Snap Beans, Flowers & our Name!

Tippin' The Scale

Urban Growth KC — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:30:00 GMT

Exploring our changing food culture

Written By: Joel Paul

Culture drives popular trends. Examine any area of interest: books, music, clothing, or food, and you will find something within our culture drives the current trend. What is driving the trend to purchase locally grown produce? The answer is culture. Culture is defined as “the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterize an institution or organization”. Those of us who call the United States, and more specifically greater Kansas City, home are in the midst of a culture change. The culture of food is changing, and this is driving the change from buying food at big box stores to buying from local farmers via farmer’s markets, friends, or family who grow produce, meat, and/or eggs.

Courtesy Wiki

Cultural Connection

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the number of farmers markets across the States tripled between 1994 and 2010 from 1,755 to 6,132. Now that is impressive! What is the cultural connection to the trend of buying local produce? Growth of farmers markets coincides with the infiltration of the internet into our daily lives. In 1994 America Online (AOL), Compuserve, and Prodigy were introduced to the American public as pay to play, or surf, software suites which allowed us to connect with the world via email, chat rooms, and web sites. This squarely plopped the information age right in the middle of our collective psyches. My family has a heritage of farming in Oklahoma from the early 1900s throughout the 1990s, so I was aware of the steroids used in beef production, and the insecticides poured on crops; however, I did not have knowledge as to the negative health impacts of these agents. For my family the chemicals simply translated into a livable wage. The internet changed my understanding because I was granted access to others who could explain, in laymen’s terms, the health risks that come with ingesting steroids and insecticides. Scientists began to utilize the internet as a venue to highlight the risks of using chemicals in food production. The knowledge of the impact of chemicals used in the production of food created a hunger in our culture for food grown free from chemicals. The advent of the information age gave our culture the ability to exchange and share information relevant to the health of our food. Now that we realize how harmful the chemicals are that are used in mass food production, we can determine to choose better quality, more organic food.

Community Centered

How does buying local benefit our culture? Buying locally grown food creates stronger, more connected communities. Our culture is experiencing a shift to more traditional methods of interacting. As corporate America has centralized, saturated, and lessened the quality of food, and many aspects of our culture, we have decided to return to the days when we knew our neighbors and the merchants we purchased our products from. For many years we have isolated ourselves into “cul-de-sac” communities, and this has been detrimental to our communities because it weakened the bonds we had with people outside our “cul-de-sac”. The increase in farmers markets, and the desire to purchase locally grown food is evidence we, as a society, desire to be connected to each other in a more thoughtful, intimate, and beneficial way. When we purchase our produce from the local farmer’s market, we have an opportunity to befriend the farmer, and in some cases take the time to tour their farm. When we buy local, we get to connect with people who are living and working within the community we live, and our money is being funneled to the very community in which we live rather than a corporate bank account in a different state. It’s refreshing to purchase food products from someone who can explain the agricultural process behind growing that cucumber, and can assure you they have the same passion and desire to grow food that is free from chemicals and pesticides. We also have the opportunity to produce a livable wage to another citizen of our society. Buying locally grown food creates a community of individuals who interact, share stories, aspirations, provide income for our local community, and strengthen the community in which we live.

Conservation Contribution

Purchasing locally grown food also contributes to the health of our environment. Locally grown food, in general, is produced with less machinery, consuming less fossil fuel. In addition to less fuel consumption for product delivery, less motor oil is consumed, and there is less wear and tear on vehicle parts that require replacement. Reducing the impact of everything that comes with transporting food is a significant benefit. Another aspect to local farming that reduces the carbon footprint is the fact nearly 100% of farms that grow local food are owned by families who must be frugal in their day to day operations; therefore, they will be creative in how they run their business. This forced creativity has the potential to produce viable alternatives to heat their house, or make plant potters from the manure of milk cows so as to use every material from a farm (as seen on the episode titled “Poo Pot Maker” from Discovery Channels show Dirty Jobs). Purchasing locally grown produce reduces the negative carbon footprint typically instilled by mass producers of foods who distribute to retailers through a network of distribution centers. Moving to a model local food supply model will reduce the carbon footprint of the food industry as a whole.

Wal-Mart announced this week it plans to double its sale of locally sourced produce by the end of 2015. Since the largest retailer in the world has taken notice of the local food production market, it is clear what started out as a grass roots project is having a significant impact. Tipping the scale to more locally produced food production will benefit the health of individuals and the environment, create sustainable food chains, and contribute to local economies. Buying locally grown food is simply the smart decision.

HFCS what you may and may not know!

Urban Growth KC — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 05:09:00 GMT

Written By: Ruth Muhtsun

Presently, America is faced with an obesity epidemic that is now gravely affecting the nation’s youth as well as adults. Cheap, sugary food and drinks are heavily advertised and readily available in schools as well as in offices and stores nationwide. Most researchers and government officials blame over consumption of all the wrong foods, especially high-fructose corn syrup, for the rise in American weight. In response to these assertions, manufactures have started their own crusade in defense of high-fructose corn syrup through means such as public service announcements. But what can the consumer make of all this? Should we follow the zeal of one side do and away with high-fructose syrup, or is there a healthy compromise?

The first question many consumers may ask is what is high-fructose syrup and how does it affect the body? High-fructose corn syrup is a liquid mixture of different sugars comprising mostly of fructose. Before high-fructose syrup, producers used sucrose in many of their products.

© Courtesy Wiki
Both fructose and sucrose are forms of carbohydrates that differ molecularity and both appear organically in fruits and vegetables. However, manufacturers have found fructose to be much cheaper to produce and sweeter than sucrose. Body cells can either use fructose for metabolism, or is converted into glucose and stored by the liver. Stored fructose like other sugars are converted into fat if not expended.

Yet, there are major differences in how fructose has an effect on the body compared to other sugars. Leptin, a hormone that controls appetite and fat accumulation is uninfluenced by fructose. Therefore, a person consuming a diet high in fructose can often feel unsatisfied and hungry leading to more sugar intake. Insulin is a chemical that signals cells to absorb glucose and burn as energy. However, fructose does not stimulate production of insulin, leading scientist to believe that fructose is more likely to convert into fat rather than burn as energy like other sugars. Excess fat can lead to diabetes, a disease where the body does not break down glucose and produce cellular energy. Excess fat in the body can also lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. In 2004, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) stated that poor diet and sedentary lifestyles will eventually take over as the leading cause of preventable death, replacing tobacco use.

Fructose has replaced sucrose in recent years as a main ingredient in soft drinks and snack foods, and many analysts are speculating a link between fructose and obesity. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends a daily intake of 12 tablespoons of sugar. Currently, Americans consume more than 30 tablespoons of sugar, mostly fructose, per day. A study in 2003 by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) found that one-third of adults in the US are obese. This is a 27% increase from 1997. The CDC reported in 2000 that 30% of children and teens between 6-15 years old were obese. These researchers also hypothesize that overweight children usually grow up to be overweight adults. The USDA has attributed the rising weight trend to intake of fructose. Data from a 2004 USDA study correlated the inclination of obesity to the time fructose began replacing sucrose in goods. However, the evidence that fructose causes obesity is still up for debate. Opponents of such studies assert that obesity is not affected by the chemical makeup of fructose, but rather the decisions of individuals to consume more and move less.
There is merit in both arguments of the debate regarding consumption of high-fructose corn syrup. On one hand, the availability of high fructose corn syrup products encourage poor diets. Low income households are more prone to purchasing foods rich in high-fructose corn syrup because they are more budget friendly. Furthermore, many parents and public heath workers are reasonably disgusted by brute marketing and advertising tactics of food and soft drink companies in schools and the media. Both poor families and suggestible youth are at risk for disease and even death. On the other hand, fructose is a naturally occurring ingredient and is more cost efficient for consumers. Moreover, sugar is necessary for energy no matter where it is obtained.

For all the debating and campaigning, the truth of the matter is the choice of what and how much to consume is up to the buyer. It is up to an individual whether to drink a cola, tea, or water. There are many ways to lower your sugar intake. One important thing to remember is everything we need is provided by nature. While it may be nice to indulge in an occasional birthday cake or two, relying on naturally sweetened fruits and vegetables for daily nutrition is a better choice. Also, be aware of your carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrates are complex sugars. Items like bread and rice are broken down into simple sugars during digestion. Sugar when not expended by the body will become fat. So the Twinkie is a double threat, but a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a healthier alternative to soothe a sweet tooth. Most importantly, every person must choose to incorporate exercise into their daily lives. Humans have made many industrial advances in agriculture, and thus have been able to supply ourselves with more food than we need. However, our genetics have not caught up to our technology. Our bodies compulsively store excess energy, an old evolutionary method developed to endure famine. Doing small things like using stairs instead of elevators, or taking walks after dinner instead of migrating to the couch can burn the energy we take in through food. So the question isn’t should we renounce high-fructose corn syrup, but should we abandon a lifestyle of indulgence and laziness?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cullen, Katherine. "nutrition." Science Online. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 7 Oct. 2010. www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin=ELS0155&SingleRecord=True. />

"Is Fructose Making Americans Fat?" Today’s Science On File: n. pag. Today’s Science. Facts On File News Services, 30 June 2004. Web. 10 Oct. 2010. www.2facts.com/article/s1201610. />
Perry, Amy. "Obesity: A Growing Problem." Today’s Science On File: n. pag. Today’s Science. Facts On File News Services, 31 Aug. 2004. Web. 10 Oct. 2010. <http://www.2facts.com/article/s1300040>;.

Shooting Stars

Urban Growth KC — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:00:00 GMT

A poem

Shooting stars
How bizarre
To see them falling from afar
Streaking across a darkened sky
Engulfed by night--gone from the eye
Here and gone so quick
Have my eyes deceived me--played a trick?
Externalized
Theorized
Mystified
And tantalized
Shooting stars I cannot lie…
Would make a mushroomed dust cloud if they found the land to lay

© Zane Long

Local Photography By India Borchardt

Urban Growth KC — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:33:00 GMT

About Artist ::

India Borchardt, 15, is from Leawood, Kansas, and volunteer with Urban Growth KC
She has been taking pictures for many years and says "Nature is my inspiration."
Her images morph the ordinary into the unique.

The Necessity of Salt

Urban Growth KC — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 15:18:00 GMT

Written By: Ruth Muhtsun

Courtesy Wikipedia

In our overindulgent culture salt has gotten a bad rap. Food companies often tout low sodium alternatives.. For all the anti-salt campaigns, it’s a surprising fact to most that salt is a necessity like water and air. Salt aids in the transmission of electrical impulses between nerves. Cerebrospinal fluid , which consists of salt, encompasses the entire nervous system absorbing shock-waves and protecting tissue.

Salt also maintains fluid levels in the body. It is such a vital ingredient that our kidneys have evolved to retain it, unlike our marine counterparts which have adapted to a salt rich environment. Let’s think back to two important terms from high school biology: diffusion and osmosis. Diffusion is the movement of a material, in this case salt, from a higher concentration to a lower concentration, and osmosis is a term for the diffusion of water. The end purpose of diffusion and osmosis is to maintain a balance of the levels of salt and water in the cells and bloodstream. This balance can only occur because of the fact that water moves in the same direction as salt. So say you were stranded on a proverbial desert island, consumption of marine water would lead to dehydration because your body would excrete excess water while retaining salt. Cells all over the body will begin to shrink affecting numerous functions.

At the same time low sodium levels, or hyponatremia , can become fatal. In most instances, hyponatremia usually occurs after a person has engaged in brisk exercise. When we sweat, salt is lost as well as water. However, we only consider replenishing water. Naturally, water in the blood enters salt filled cells causing them to burst. Those with a sodium deficiency may experience severe muscle spasms and cramps. They may also become disoriented, nauseous, and their motor skills are disturbed. The brain and lungs swell within their small cavities causing victims of hyponatremia to endure respiratory distress, seizures, coma, and in worst cases, death.

Nevertheless, this is not an endorsement to increase salt intake. Too much salt in your diet can cause the body to retain water. This can put excessive stress on arteries leading to high blood pressure. Instead, trade in the French fries for lightly salted vegetables. Like all things in the natural world, our bodies rely on moderation and healthy balance.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________　
　
Allaby, Michael. "water requirements of people." Science Online. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 16 Sept. 2010. <" target=_blankhttp://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin=DWDRE0026&SingleRecord=True>.

Hine, Robert. "cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)." Science Online. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 22 Sept. 2010. www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin=FDBF0514&SingleRecord=True. /> Jr., Cleveland, Larry Roberts, Allan Larson, Helen l"Anson, and David
Eisenhour. Integrated Principles of Zoology. 13. Bodyon: McGraw Hill, 2006. 789 - 90. Print.

McDowell, Julie. "metals and our bodies and health." Science Online. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 21 Sept. 2010. <" target=_blankhttp://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin=ECML0007&SingleRecord=True>;.

Rushton, Lynette. "hormones and the maintenance of mineral balance and blood pressure." Science Online. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 22 Sept. 2010. www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin=YBES0008&SingleRecord=True. />

Make Your Own Homemade Flavored Vinegars

Urban Growth KC — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 19:08:00 GMT

Written By: Zane Long

Creating and infusing your own vinegar is a easy and exciting hobby. When you have friends or family over it is always great to have something that sparks great conversation. Making your own vinegar is defiantly a way to do that! Making your own vinegar won’t cost much more than buying it at the store--and often times you already have the ingredients the add already in your home.

Here is what you will need and a few recipes that you can use to make your own homemade vinegar

Supplies

Empty white wine bottles 750ml
Wine cork
White vinegar
Variable ingredients

Okay let’s make some flavored vinegars.

PEPPERED BASIL VINEGAR

Fill vinegar into a empty wine bottle
Add one teaspoon of whole grain pepper corn
Add two whole cayenne peppers
Add four leaves of whole fresh basil
Cork your bottle

Setting

Set in your cupboard or a fairly dark place
Let sit for 2-3 days
Shake once a day to increase infusion of flavor

RASPBERRY LAVENDER VINEGAR

Fill vinegar into an empty wine bottle
Add two cup lavender stocks
Add 1 cup of whole raspberries
Add a pinch or cane sugar
Cork your bottle

Setting

Set in your cupboard or a fairly dark place
Let sit for 2-3 days
Shake once a day to increase infusion of flavor

ROSEMARY-GARLIC VINEGAR

Fill vinegar into empty wine bottle
Add two whole rosemary branches about 4'' long
In four pieces add a whole garlic bulb
Add the zest of one lime (optional)
Cork your bottle

Setting

Set in your cupboard or a fairly dark place
Let sit for 2-3 days
Shake once a day to increase infusion of flavor

Here are some other ideas to think about and experiment with! Some are crazy and who knows maybe genius! Only you will know.

Lemon- Sage Vinegar
Orange- Thyme Vinegar
(Bac)onion Vinegar
Tomato-Pepper Vinegar

10 Ways To Save Energy In The Home

Urban Growth KC — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:03:00 GMT

Written By: Ruth Muhtsun

Americans are simultaneously dealing with a recession and a growing ecological conscience. The few luxuries we can afford during this depressing time may seem to conflict with our sense of obligation towards nature, but in reality there is a way to enjoy human progress and be good stewards of the earth. Furthermore, we can save a few bucks while reducing our energy consumption. Former Vice President Al Gore lines out a few tips for home conservation in his book An Inconvenient Truth.

1.The easiest and most beneficial way to conserve energy in the home is by replacing traditional light bulbs with compact florescent lighting. Twenty percent of energy consumed in the home comes from lighting sources. Compact florescent light bulbs are much more efficient and can be used in existing sockets. Old-fashioned light bulbs only illuminate 10% of the energy they expend. Compact florescent light bulbs use 66% less energy and last longer, compensating for their slightly higher cost.
2.When replacing an old appliance consider buying a product designed to be energy efficient. The most well know emblem is the energy star logo seen on items such as refrigerators, computers, air conditioners, etc. (Check www.energystar.gov/products for a listing new energy efficient appliances.)

3.Taking care of your appliances is the next step in keeping your home energy efficient. Keeping your appliances dirt and dust free keeps them running longer and smoother. When using your washer and dishwasher, avoid running partial loads. Even better, hand washing your dishes and air drying your clothes can immensely conserve the energy you use in your home.
4.Another tip is to “Reduce standby power waste.” Twenty-five percent of the energy a television uses is expended when it is turned off. Other appliances such as cell phones, DVD players, and computers consume energy when powered off and plugged in
5.Conserving hot water consumption can also lower your energy use and bills. Setting your meter to a maximum of 120° F , taking shorter showers, and fewer baths can also reduce energy used in the home. Washing your clothes in cold water is also a good start. Front loading washers have shown to be more efficient than top loading washers.
6.Insulating your home properly can also reduce household energy use. Checking for drafts that may allow air to flow freely from inside to outside and repairing them can save you a great deal of money in energy bills and reduce pressure on heating and cooling systems. Insulating your water heater and hot water pipes helps hold in more heat energy. You can find more information about insulating your home atwww.simplyinusulate.com
7.Once your home has been insulated correctly, become aware of how you heat and cool your home. You can spend up to 45% of your energy on heating and cooling your home. But by raising your air conditioner and lowering your heat a few degrees during summer and winter can dramatically cut your energy use. Also adjust your thermostat for long absences from home.
8.For further information and suggestions, you can get a home energy audit. This audit will help you spot ways to improve your energy consumption. Visit www.energyguide.com for a personal assessment of your home.

While there are many things you can do at home to conserve household energy use, consider the demands you as a consumer make on the market. Personal and commercial transportation contributes to a large portion of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere and drives the cost of goods, including fuel.

There are two important things we can do as individuals and as a community to conserve energy consumption:

9.Food comes to us by planes, trains, and trucks. All modes of transportation that require a lot of fuel. And we the consumers get to pick up the tab. However, if we buy local, or grow our own gardens we can reduce our grocery costs and lower the demand for produce from many miles away. Buying used items and clothing can help your budget and temper the mass production of a new fad. We’ve all heard the chant, “recycle, reduce, reuse,” but it’s more than a catchy phrase. It’s very important advise that helps keep a clean planet. It also reduces the need for producers to expend raw materials to manufacture new waste.

10.The other important act we can do as individuals is to consume less fuel. Walking, cycling, and carpooling are all alternatives to excessive driving and gas consumption. The cost of foreign gas is rising, and the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has only proven how ugly our addiction has become. However, there are simple solutions to these economical problems. One, buy a fuel efficient car or hybrid. Make sure to take care of your automobile to ensure efficiency and emissions. Use your driving time wisely by using shorter routes and avoiding rush hours.

You don’t have to give up a comfortable lifestyle in order to reduce your energy use. While many of us have been mislead into believing that the only way to save the earth was to give up the trappings of modern civilization, the truth is by consuming smarter and less, we can do more. All it takes is just a few little compromises.

The Process Of Gardens

Urban Growth KC — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:38:00 GMT

Written By Janet Sunderland

I have a victory garden. At least that's what it feels like. Oh, I've not won the war against weeds, but that war isn't entirely feasible when you get right down to it. My goal was to create a bird and butterfly sanctuary.

We bought this old house in the Waldo neighborhood of Kansas City in December of 2003, and I couldn't tell what we had in the yard except a six foot tall privacy fence. That’s handy, I thought. I didn't know until summer that the previous owners had cut down an old tree in the center of the yard and left-over roots would sprout heaps of mushroom-like, hard white mold through succeeding summer months. I also didn't know, when we bought the house, that weeds would be our primary ground cover. This is our seventh summer, if you’re counting, and it's been a process, as they say.

My first garden was a plot against the back fence. We hadn't invested yet in a rototiller, so that first plot's boundaries began with old boards held in place with wooden stakes. I put down newspapers in a vague hope of killing out weeds and poured in wheelbarrow loads of topsoil. I planted cone flowers, black-eyed susans, and dahlias. And read garden magazines.

The second plot was against the north fence for roses. My son used a spade and dug up that one. I set up bird feeders and attracted cardinals but mostly grackles, tried for hummingbirds but couldn't attract them, kept reading garden magazines. We joined the Arbor Society and planted ten tiny twig trees and prayed for growth. A few made it through their first winter. Most didn’t.

Another year, I planted a twelve foot tall willow tree in the middle of the back yard, and strawberries along the south wall of the house where they'd get early spring sun; I pulled out more weeds and white fungus. My cousin gave me some Kansas peony roots and I planted them in the far back plot.

Two years ago we finally bought a rototiller and dug up a corner plot next to the patio. A friend gave me a hydrangea and it lives in the corner. Seeds from the black-eyed susans blew in from the back plot and volunteered to grow; and a purple climates has begun to fill the spaces in an old metal frame. And last fall, we rototilled another plot some eighteen feet long and five wide that runs from the willow down to the patio.

Another friend dug up iris roots from her garden to give me those old grape-pop smelling purple iris I remember from my childhood along with the yellow iris that grows wild along Kansas roadsides. I transplanted the peony who weren’t happy against the back fence and three hazelnut bushes I'd received from the Arbor Society. I put in rhubarb and butterfly weed. My son transplanted surviving baby trees closer to the back porch: one dogwood, one redbud.

This summer, we built two square-foot, raised-bed gardens next to the patio (I'd tried a garden in the back plot, that didn't work at all), and we've had a kitchen garden all summer with lettuce and peas, tomatoes and cucumbers, and now fall beans and lettuce. The iris bloomed gloriously this spring, the hydrangea is happy and full, I've had mounds of black-eyed susan and roses, and the willow has doubled in height. Only two or three small, white fungus heads appeared through the grass this year.

But the victory part of the garden arrived in the heat of this August. One day, I noticed a goldfinch eating seed heads in the back garden by the next day, four had arrived; another day, I noticed a hummingbird; soon, butterflies were visiting the butterfly weed. Yea!

I've been feeding safflower seeds to the birds this summer which eliminated grackles in the yard, and to that I've added socks of thistle seed. Finches have arrived in flocks! I hung a sugar water feeder in one corner for the hummingbird and have seen three more come visiting. Refueling for migration has begun.

I guess I could have achieved similar results if we'd hired someone to build a garden that first year, but it wouldn't have been as satisfying. Along with a sanctuary for birds and butterflies, it's become mine as well. When I work in the garden, I don't have to think; I just do. As with the birds and butterflies, the garden has given me a safe place to refuel. And that, in itself, is a victory.

Note To Reader:

For more of Janet's writing you can go to http://janetsunderland.wordpress.com

mnmlist : less

Urban Growth KC — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:27:00 GMT

Stop buying unnecessary things.

Toss half your stuff, learn contentedness.

Reduce half again.

List 4 essential things in your life,

stop doing non-essential things.

Do these essentials first each day, clear distractions

focus on each moment.

Let go of attachment to doing, having more.

Fall in love with less.

Note to reader:

Leo Babauta, has released all claims on copyright and has put all the content of this piece of work into the public domain.

No permission is needed to copy, distribute, or modify the content of this piece of work. Credit is appreciated but not required.

To visit Leo Babauta's uncopyrighted Blog visit: http://mnmlist.com/feeds/

Tornadoes

Urban Growth KC — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:02:00 GMT

A poem

When the world ends, take my shoes
For I will need them no longer
Take the weights that lay beneath
My bed, I will need no longer
No will to become stronger
No time to wonder
Or grasp my why
Thoughts like
Tornadoes
Fill
Me

The Rain And Kansas City

Urban Growth KC — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:29:00 GMT

Written By: Ruth Muhtsun

Water is the most vital necessity for all life. Yet, too much of a good thing is, well, never a good thing. While some regions of the globe are experiencing drought, Mid westerners are lamenting over the excessive spring rain fall. When the torrential snowfall finally let up, Kansas City residents replaced parkas with ponchos and umbrellas became another appendage. Those grey stormy days caused more than frizzy hair. Many in the metro area lost power and encountered other catastrophes during rampant thunderstorms. Flooding waterways impeded summer tourism for Missourians. Even in the latter months of summer, we are feeling the impact of a wet spring in the ecological and agricultural world.

Everyone in Kansas City was abruptly wakened at least once this spring from banging thunder, that was followed by blinding lightning. While some of us were fortunate enough to roll over and go back to bed, others had to endure the wrath of nature. In early April, the Kansas City area experienced a storm so intense that tractors were reportedly overturned on major highways. Some freeways were closed due to conditions until midday. Metro riders like myself waded through water while being assaulted by water drops as the streets and sidewalks flooded. Kansas City Power & Light Company counted over 21,000 customers without power. In south Kansas City, park crews spent the day cleaning up 40 trees in public streets. The roof and back wall of a barn at Kansas City International Airport containing salt to treat roads during inclement weather were blown off during the storm. The rainy days continued with a short break in May and June. Then in July another major storm hit the metro. Rush hour was stalled by flash flooding and strong winds blowing at 70 miles per hour. All around trees and power lines were toppling into the streets. In less than an hour, 3 inches of rain had fallen in Leavenworth and Platte counties. High water on the roadways prompted several police departments in aiding trapped civilians. A deputy for the Jackson County Sheriff reported a “gustnado” north of Lee’s Summit. A meteorologist for the National Weather Service described the “gustnado” as a brief spin up from the ground caused by a gust of wind. Luckily, no damages were reported. Within Kansas City the storm brought approximately 2 inches of water and left 30,000 residents without electricity.

Heavy precipitation has flooded many campsites and boat ramps at area lakes putting a halt to summer fun for some. According to the Corps of Engineers at Milford lake, storms beginning in mid June claimed nearly 300 campsites. The Corps of Engineers advised extreme caution for tourist willing to venture in road sign and grill infested waters. Owners of marinas near Milford Lake expected to loose half of their 30,000 - 40,000 visitors during Fourth of July weekend. Natives hoping to spend their weekend at Tuttle Creek Lake found that nature had rained on their parade. By early July, Tuttle Creek Lake experienced a rainy season that put it 27 feet above normal levels. Furthermore, the water from these lakes cannot be drained into the Missouri River as usual because the same heavy rains have caused its levels to rise, even to the point of flooding. May showers forced business owners and tourists to patiently endured a soaked and swampy Fourth of July.

The unusual rainy season also greatly effected food growers. The humid atmosphere and constant showers in early spring left Kansas corn farmers with a fungal and rust epidemic. According to Farm Talk online, rust tends to spread during seasons of high wind activity from the south brings spores to the Midwest. Heavy rains spread the spores and fungus throughout fields, which grow exponentially in pools of standing water. Moreover, these pools create a dilemma for farmers wanting to apply fungicides to young vulnerable corn stalks. The University of Missouri - Columbia reported the concern of nitrogen loss in corn fields from intense spring showers. All life, including plants, require nitrogen to create amino acids, proteins, and DNA. Due to the erosion of soil on many farms, growers are urged to participate in a rescue nitrogen application. Last year an estimate 113 million bushels of corn were lost, and this it is predicted more will be lost. This is vital as America, especially the Midwest, grows almost half of the world’s corn supply. It is not only harvested for human consumption, but also is used as livestock feed. Producers of other vegetation are experiencing similar problems. Severe precipitation and flooding causes plant roots to rot. This damage hinders the sustainability of plants during growing season. With the heat wave looming over the area, planters are feeling the blow during harvesting. Growers like Ernest Rogers at the Kansas City Community garden are yielding feeble crops that were expected to ripen weeks earlier. Because of this, Missouri farmers are dubious what yields the next harvest will bring as the hot arid climate has prevented new seeds from germinating. Although the Midwest is not facing a food shortage, the unpredictable weather is kicking farmers in an already down economy.

This year has certainly been a memorable one as far as the weather goes. Winter lasted a little too long, and spring came in on a tidal wave. Kansas City residents weathered some of the toughest storms and celebrated through a damp Fourth of July. Now in the midst of a hot dry summer, Mid westerners are wondering what happened to all that water?

No $ Mulching

Urban Growth KC — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:48:00 GMT

A Guide to Mulching with Everyday Items
Written By: Micah Wilkins

The purpose of mulch is to cover and protect your garden’s soil. It also keeps your soil moisturized by slowing the water evaporation from watering and rainfall. Mulch can also kill weeds in your soil by blocking them from receiving any sun.

In the case of organic mulches, they can also add nutrients to your soil, as it continues to decompose. Processed, dyed and commercial mulches, however, can be very harmful to your soil.

According to Grit Magazine, the brown portion of compost – the twigs, branches, dried leaves, etc. – supply the bulk carbon to the compost pile. The fresh “greens,” – clippings, weeds, coffee grounds, or veggie scraps – on the other hand, supply a lot of the nitrogen and some moisture to your compost.

   1. Grass clippings.

While you should wait a little to spread grass clippings over your soil, it is nonetheless a beneficial method to mulching. Grass clippings decompose quickly and add a nice appearance to your garden!

2. Tree trimmings.

A good source for free mulch for large areas are tree trimming and removal companies. They usually pay to dispose of tree trimmings and will gladly give the whole batch to you if you are in need of that much.
      Coarse chipped wood makes fine mulch. However, newly chopped tree material can contain enough green leafy matter to get very hot, which may cook your plants. To avoid this, do not allow green mulch to touch plants as you cover the area. You can also lower the temperature by reducing the chipped woodpile to a layer of 2 or 3 inches.

3. Peat Moss.

With its natural appearance, it blends right in to your garden. It also organically improves your soil.

4. Brown Cardboard.

This recyclable material acts as a permeable mulch. It allows water through to the soil, but it prevents weeds from sprouting. Cardboard also prevents excessive evaporation, and can slow down soil erosion.

5. Pine Needles.

These seeds work great when they drop from their trees, but be sure to put them in their correct places! The should be in areas where your plants will appreciate their acidity! Onions, garlic, mint and tomatoes are just a few of the plants in your vegetable and herb garden which would also enjoy the acid boost.

6. Peanut Shells.

These organic shells work great over your soil, but only the non-roasted and unsalted kinds!

7. Straw and Hay.

These substances are great heat insulators. They are extremely effective in keeping your soil warm during the fall and winter seasons.

8. Garden Compost.

Your compost can act as mulch, or be worked in with other materials to create an even thicker, heavier mulch. However, compost usually just acts like an additional layer of soil.

9. Shredded Paper and Newspapers.

Paper is an organic substance and will quickly rot down in your garden. However, paper should be combined with other materials like compost, straw or grass clippings to hold it in place.

10. Weeds and Green-tops.

Hoed down and raked up, leafy weeds can easily be left as effective mulch.