Archive for May, 2009
May 29th, 2009
In the search for local eggs, there seems to be confusion about the difference between free-range, pastured, and organic, and how they differ from commercial eggs.
Believe it or not, there is no legal definition of what constitutes a free-range egg. Traditionally, free-range is equated with unfenced, but that’s not necessarily the case. There isn’t even a common standard among free-range egg producers as to what the term means. Sometimes it just means that the chicken’s cage is a bit bigger than normal, or that there is a very small door that could be used by chickens to go outdoors. This label generally refers only to the living conditions of the chickens, not their diet.
Pastured chickens, however, are not raised in indoor confinement, but rather are allowed to roam about freely in a grassy area and engage in normal bird behavior. The birds often sleep inside some type of enclosure at night to protect them from predators. They eat mainly green forage, bugs, and worms (i.e., their natural diet). In nearly every way, pastured chickens live as actual chickens, rather than simply as egg-laying machines. Less stress makes for healthier birds, which don’t need drugs or other chemicals.
But is pastured poultry “organic”? Organic eggs come from chickens that are fed organic feed; have access to the outdoors in a cage-free environment; are given antibiotics only in limited circumstances; and are subject to somewhat stricter animal welfare standards.
So, what is the difference between a local egg and a typical commercial one? The appearance and taste are very different, as a pastured egg has a vivid, bright orange yolk and, in my opinion, tastes much richer than any other egg I’ve ever eaten.
Another plus is that eggs laid by pastured chickens, as compared to USDA data on commercial eggs, have been shown to have 1?3 less cholesterol, 1?4 less saturated fat, 2?3 more vitamin A, 2 times more omega-3 fatty acids, 3 times more vitamin E, 7 times more beta carotene, and 4 to 6 times more vitamin D (Mother Earth News study). Not only are they delectable, but they’re good for you, too!
This is true only if the chickens are free to graze on fresh greens and eat bugs. Most commercial eggs don’t meet this standard. Even if eggs are labeled as “certified organic” or coming from “cage-free” or “free-range” chickens, or ones fed an “all-vegetarian” diet, it’s no assurance that the birds in fact had access to the outdoors or pasture.
You can find local eggs by visiting www.LocalHarvest.org or www.marketmaker.uiuc.edu. Both sites allow you to search by product and zip code, to find nearby producers. Health department restrictions make it very hard to find eggs at farmers markets in Winnebago County; on-farm sales are subject to fewer rules. And that’s the best way to be sure of what you’re getting: talking to the farmer, and asking (or seeing) how the chickens live and what they eat.
May 29th, 2009
I mean, I have two kids at home screaming. I don’t want to hear eight other ones.
But now that the couple is having serious marital trouble, the show is much more about that (sadly), and I’ll admit I watched it the season premiere this week.
Which reminds me: A few weeks ago I saw their “Go Green” episode, which consisted of solar panels, a picnic table and solar outdoor lights. It was boring. Oh, and she does shop organically.
Well, I guess it’s better than nothing and maybe even better than I do.
May 28th, 2009
OK, I didn’t have one, but my cousins did. It was nothing like what you see above — it was OLD!
It’s more likely these days that you have a second refrigerator in the garage or basement.
I got a letter from ComEd this week letting me know that I could earn $25 for that fridge or freezer if I allow it to be picked up and recycled properly.
To qualify, you must be a ComEd residential delivery services customer, and your fridge or freezer must meet these minimum requirements:
- Between 10 and 30 cubic feet in size.
- Empty and working at the time of pick-up.
- Accessible with a clear path for removal by contractor.
Call 888-806-2273 to schedule a pickup. You could lower your electric bill and reduce greenhouse gases with that old “energy hog.”
May 27th, 2009
While I do watch TV, I don’t watch a ton, so someone had to point this out to me:
Tonight, ABC premieres a new animated series called “The Goode Family,” who might as well be called the Greens.
Meet Gerald and Helen Goode, a couple who live by the motto WWAGD (”What Would Al Gore Do?”). Gerald, a college administrator, and Helen, a community activist, are determined to obliterate their carbon footprint on the planet: They’re zealous vegans, they drive a hybrid, and they recycle everything possible. Even the family dog, Che, is vegan. In the words of Helen, all the Goodes want to do is buy organic apples and call minorities by their right names. But despite their best efforts, something always goes haywire with their politically correct plans.
I want to like it because I like Mike Judge (above), “Beavis” and “King of the Hill.” But I’m not getting my hopes up.
May 26th, 2009
As we look ahead to reduced carbon emissions and better gas mileage in our vehicles in the next decade thanks to the Obama deal last week, AP has released an interactive graphic showing vehicle carbon emissions.
Winnebago County is one of the darker, or heavier, counties on the map with almost 400,000 metric tons in 2002 — 40 percent of the county’s total carbon emissions. But not nearly as bad as most large metro areas.
May 25th, 2009
Instead of buying something new, try something used at Womanspace’s 33rd Annual Glitzy Garage Sale from 8 to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.
The event is the organization’s biggest and longest-running fundraiser.
Donate items from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at 3333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford. Click here to learn more and see what they will accept.
May 22nd, 2009
The Rock River Water Reclamation District is the entity that takes care of and bills you for wastewater treatment.
Its new $9 million building in south Rockford, which includes a $240,000 interactive water exhibit, is expected to be the first LEED-certified public building in town.
(Architect Dan) Roszenkowski said the steps to make the building LEED certified probably added “5 to 10 percent” to the overall cost of the project.
“At their heart, these guys are all about recycling and reusing,” Roszenkowski said. “That’s what they do.”
Superintendent Steve Graceffa
May 21st, 2009
I could not attend the Winnebago County Green Business Awards tonight, but I’m happy to see the winners announced.
Large business category: Anderson Packaging
Small-medium business: First Hand Harvest LLC, a small business that produces sustainably, naturally grown vegetables for direct sale to Winnebago County residents through a cooperative enterprise.
Green public policy award: No Idle Zone initiative, which encourages drivers to change their driving habits.
Large organization: Rockford Park District, which adopted an environmental policy in 2004 that has resulted in many green-minded initiatives and business practices.
Small-medium organization: Rockford Computers for Schools, a nonprofit group started 12 years ago that refurbishes discarded computers and supplies them to schools in the Rock River Valley.
Green building: Willowbrook Middle School, an environmentally-friendly school designed by McClellan Blakemore architects.
Honorable mention: Spring Creek Development for its East Riverside Retail Center, which features a 90-ton geothermal HVAC system.
Special recognition for continuing excellence: J.L. Clark for its extensive recycling and green-minded business operations.
See this link and post about all the nominees here.
May 21st, 2009
This week, winners of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ annual poster contest were honored at Rockford City Council.
The 2009 theme was Rockford’s new No Idle Zone, a grass-roots initiative encouraging folks to cut the engines of their cars when they don’t need to be running.
The winners are:
Community Foundation Winner, kindergarten through second grade, Molly Brick, first grade, Rolling Green School, Rockford.
Morrissey Family Businesses Winner, kindergarten through second grade, Alexys Gomez, first grade, Rolling Green.
Community Foundation Winner, third grade through fifth grade, Lily Johnson, fourth grade, Washington Gifted Academy, Rockford.
Magnum Creative Winner, third grade through fifth grade, Natalia Bednarczyk, fifth grade, Brookview School, Rockford.
Mayor’s Choice Award, Brier Barbeau, third grade, Maria Montessori School, Rockford. Honorable mention, Paul Umanzor, first grade, Rolling Green.
Winners received a $50 gift certificate to the Rockford Park District. A book also will be dedicated in their names to the school library. The mayor’s honorable mention award winner received a $25 gift certificate to the Park District.
See their work at the first link above.
May 20th, 2009
The Winnebago County Green Business Awards will be handed out for the second time from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Webbs Norman Center, 401 S. Main, Rockford — aka, the old post office.
The 2009 nominees are:
All American Electric Co.
Amazing Foam Insulation
Anderson Packaging
Blackhawk Area Council of Boy Scouts
Center For Sight and Hearing
Choices Natural Market
Eco Home Expert
First Hand Harvest
Green Tone
HD DTAILN and Car Wash
Illinois Growth Enterprises
J.L. Clark
Just Goods
Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful
Natural Land Institute
No Idle Zone
Perfect Wood Profiles
Rock Valley College
Rockford Computers for Schools
Rockford Geothermal
Rockford Park District
Spring Creek Development Group
Vegetarians In Motion
Willowbrook Middle School
Willow’s Cleaning
Winnebago County Freedom Field
Womanspace
Previous Posts
