The Organic Food Debate: An Introduction

photo by roxanna shohadaee

Recently Stanford University published a meta-analysis that combined data from 237 studies, which focused on organic food not being better for your health. Plenty of bloggers and online sites have commented on the study. In an effort to help you thoroughly understand organics, I will be writing a few articles following up this one that systematically explain organic foods. In a few bite-sized chunks, what organic food is, costs, benefits, pros and cons, and studies will be discussed, as well as an explanation of the differences between "natural" and "organic" foods.

This introduction is intended to point out that it is fundamentally narrow-minded to only ask whether or not organics are “healthier” to eat or not. Organics, like sustainability, are not just about the individual. It is about the bigger picture. Non-organic farming practices have negative impacts on the environment, farmers, large-scale human health, air and water quality, and ecosystem health. All of these features impact your health every day, and leave organics the clear winner over non-organics.

Mat McDermott, a writer for Treehugger, says, "Never mind that there have been a number of studies showing that at least for some crops, organic varieties have significant nutrient benefits over non-organic. When you look at ecological well-being, small and medium-scale organic agriculture has systemic health benefits—often better carbon sequestration in soil, better resilience to drought, et cetera. And each individual, human and non-human alike is part of that system. In other words, there are health benefits present for the whole that may not be as apparent when you drill down to the individual."

Keep your eyes peeled for the follow-up articles, which will present a case for both sides, for you to decide what you support with the facts.


If you want to read Matt’s full response it can be found here: http://www.treehugger.com/environmental-policy/asking-organic-food-just-better-for-your-health-not-right-question.html

Another response to the study that presents some of the most articulate responses:
http://grist.org/food/organic-food-may-not-have-a-big-nutritional-edge-but-how-much-does-that-matter/


Some of the original articles that have sparked this debate can be found here:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/09/04/160395259/why-organic-food-may-not-be-healthier-for-you
http://gizmodo.com/5940576/organic-food-might-not-actually-be-better-for-us

Also the original study can be seen here:
http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1355685

written by Roxanna Shohadaee

EnergySmart residential rebates to be reduced Oct. 15

Check out our press release announcing changes to our residential rebates:

$1 million awarded to Boulder County residents to date

Boulder County, Colo. – Due to high demand for EnergySmart residential serviced, maximum rebate levels for eligible upgrades will be reduced in October.

Currently, residents are eligible for up to $1,000 per home and up to $500 per qualifying upgrade. Beginning on Oct. 15 that level will be reduced to $700 per home, with a maximum of $350 for major upgrades.

EnergySmart has awarded more than $1 million in rebates to residents in Boulder County communities since the program launched in 2011. EnergySmart advisors have helped these homeowners access and file for more than $500,000 in additional rebates from local utilities, cities, and other sources. More than 6,000 residents have participated in EnergySmart service throughout Boulder County.

Residents wanting to take advantage of the current higher rebate levels must enroll with EnergySmart no later than Sept. 15 and eligible work must be completed no later than Oct. 15. EnergySmart staff encourages residents to sign up early, as major upgrades often require 3-6 weeks, and sometimes longer, to schedule and complete. Rebates are only available while funds remain and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Solar bonus rebates, awarding $500 to residents installing solar PV systems after completing qualifying energy upgrades though EnergySmart, will remain at the $500 level while rebates last. Multi-family dwellings are eligible for up to $400 per unit after Oct. 15. Full details will be available at www.EnergySmartYES.com/home/rebates-and-financing.

EnergySmart continues to provide a one-stop resource for residents and businesses in all Boulder County communities to identify valuable energy saving opportunities. Services include energy assessments, advisor assistance with finding contractors, and uncovering available rebates and financing for energy efficiency upgrades. For more information, visit www.EnergySmartYES.com or call 303-544-1000 (for homes) or 303-411-1300 (for business).

Passive Solar

creative commons photograph of a 10x10 passive solar cabin in the woods! by Peter Blanchard

What is passive solar?

Passive solar design refers to the use of the sun’s energy for the heating and cooling of living spaces. If you’ve ever stood in the shade then walked into the sun and felt a difference, that’s the power of passive solar. The sun creates heat and by designing your home appropriately, you can take advantage of that heat! In passive solar building design, windows, walls, and floors are made to collect, store, and distribute solar energy in the form of heat in the winter and reject solar heat in the summer.

The reason that it is referred to as passive solar design is because, unlike active solar heating systems, it doesn’t involve the use of mechanical and electrical devices. When the local climate is harnessed, passive solar thrives.

Any home or building can be adapted, or “retrofitted” to integrate passive solar building techniques. The easiest no cost way to take advantage of solar heat is to be sure your windows aren’t shaded during winter days; this way the sun’s rays will come in and warm your floors and walls. During the summer, close blinds during the day to keep heat out, then open windows to let in cool air at night.

If you are interested in retrofitting your home for passive solar, Populus, a residential energy efficiency and building science consulting firm, and the managers of EnergySmart residential services, would be a great company to have a conversation with. 

For more information visit: http://passivesolar.sustainablesources.com/

written by Roxanna Shohadaee