Dedicated consumers drive organic sales in the UK
Posted - June 10, 2009
Dedicated consumers drive organic sales in the UK
By Adrian Larose - From the Soil Association Organic Market Report 2009
Crashing stock markets and nose-diving banks are not news to anyone in the United Kingdom these days. A slow recovery may be beginning, but many shoppers find themselves a long way
Jobs are turning green
Posted - June 10, 2009
Jobs are turning green
By John Coghlan
With world-wide recession, the US and Europe have jobless rates at about 9%, while those in Asia are on the rise. But if workers are leaving jobs in high-cost goods sectors, green jobs are growing. For example, with growth in organic farming, the US has found itself lacking farmers. Food guru Michael Pollan says that given that organic farming is more labour intensive than large-scale, artificial-fertilizer farming, the need for farmers is growing. In developed countries the farm population has declined dramatically and farmers are aging. In the USA there are only two million with an average age of 55. In Canada the age average is 52, and 60 in the UK. The next decade there will be need for new skilled and knowledgeable farmers to take over the farming activity in a sustainable way.
With an aging population and more consumers willing to avoid high health care costs, health oriented careers with focus on prevention and proactive lifestyles will also be in demand. Also highly qualified teachers able to bring a holistic view to the classroom, to allow students to make connections between apparently unrelated activities and events.
Here Comes the Sun
Another green job that is growing is the solar-power installer. Installers can earn the wage of a skilled technician. And given the cost of energy and concerns about greenhouse gasses, more and more households and organizations are buying solar panels. Meanwhile, in the US, up to 48% of energy goes into building, and fuel prices and the problem of greenhouse gasses mount: energy-efficient builders will be in big demand over the next decade. And since building with resin-composites demands much less energy than with traditional materials, builders may also start building with these materials, producing jobs in this sector.
But at the moment, the fastest-growing source of alternative energy is wind power, accounting for over 300,000 jobs in the world. Since wind turbines are 90% metal, other industries using metallurgy - car companies for example, could convert some of their production to making these turbines.
The down-turn in the housing, car and high-tech markets is causing workers strife: time to go for green trades.
Herbal Medicine, from Field to Factory
Posted - June 8, 2009
Gaia Herbs Announces Annual Summer Solstice Open House
America
Chia seeds receive EU novel food status
Posted - June 6, 2009
Chia seeds receive EU novel food status
By Lucia Lorente
After years of strong commitment and a considerable investment, Benexia
Sprouts: nutritious and sustainable ancient food of the future
Posted - June 6, 2009
Sprouts: nutritious and sustainable ancient food of the future
By Kelly Roesler
Sprouts are loaded with vitamins, enzymes and minerals. They are also rich in antioxidants and anti-carcinogens. Bean sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, brussel sprouts, and sprouts of all descriptions are mostly found in trendy restaurants and stylish markets and may soon find their way into family kitchens. While the health benefits have been highlighted by experts for years, labelling sprouts a super natural food, mainstream success has been elusive.
FACTORS INFLUENCING SLOW MARKET PENETRATION
Several factors have influenced their slow and painful market penetration.
