Agriculture

A green career may be any position which is dedicated (or contributes) to preserving and restoring the environment's natural resources. Green careers contribute to protecting the overall environmental quality. They also meet the previously discussed goals of the labor movement, which consist of adequate wages, safe working conditions, and employee rights.... read more

There are lots of benefits to buying Fair Trade items, such as helping farmers and workers in developing countries.  But, did you know that it can be better for the environment?

Many Fair Trade items are often organic.  Currently, over 60% of Fair Trade Certified coffee in the U.S. is also certified organic.  Even if they're not certified organic, they often produce things in a more eco-friendly way such as minimizing herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants as much as possible.  The Fair Trade certification limits the use of agrochemicals, instead favoring environmentally sustainable farming methods.  Fair Trade also helps small farmers become organic-certified.... read more

One of my favorite fall New Englandy activities is apple picking.  Today, my husband and I did our 6th annual day trip to Russell Orchards in Ipswich, Massachusetts.   We love Russell Orchards because they not only have lots and lots of apples and other kinds of fruit that they grow right there on their farm, but it's also a winery, there are adorable farm animals, and they make the tastiest apple cider donuts! ... read more

I am an avid red wine drinker.  Lately I've been thinking about taking my wine drinking to a greener level, but it's a bit overwhelming as there are a lot of factors to consider.

To start with, what's the difference between USDA certified organic and plain old organic on the labels?  To be USDA certified organic, a vineyard must grow its grapes without using any chemicals or artificial fertilizers.  Also USDA certified organic wine cannot have any sulfites added.  (Don't misinterpret this, though.  These wines will still contain some sulfites, as they naturally occur in wine.)  A wine labelled simply organic means that at least 70% of its contents are organic.

However, being a greener wine consumer is not necessarily synonomous with being an organic wine drinker.  Sustainability is another factor to consider.  What is the vineyard doing to make a less significant impact on the earth?  Are they taking measures to reduce erosion?  How about water consumption?  Do they only run sprinklers when absolutely necessary or is their system automatic?  What methods do they use of reducing pests?

Another way to green your wine consumption is to take a look at where your wine originates.  DrVino.com identifies and explains a "green line" that runs down the center of Ohio.  

... read more