Food and Agriculture

Pesticides 101: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Pesticides 101: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Pesticides have been used, in one way or another, for thousands of years to protect crops against invasive species, fungi and other “pests.”   While there are organic options, chemical pesticides are commonly used, with industrial agriculture relying heavily on it for their crops. However, as many studies and literature over the decades have shown, […]

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    <strong>Bolthouse Farms Sued After Smoothie With ‘100% Fruit Juice’ Tests Positive for PFAS</strong>

    Bolthouse Farms Sued After Smoothie With ‘100% Fruit Juice’ Tests Positive for PFAS

    A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Bolthouse Farms, alleging the California-based beverage company misled customers by claiming that its Green Goodness smoothie consists of “100% Fruit Juice.” Testing found the beverage contains toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” at levels well above the federal advisory limits for drinking water. According to plaintiff Gwendolyn Smith — who […]

    How Sustainable and Ethical Is the Tuna at Your Supermarket?

    How Sustainable and Ethical Is the Tuna at Your Supermarket?

    Was the tuna at your local supermarket caught sustainably by people treated humanely and paid a living wage? Greenpeace released its second annual report Monday ranking 16 major U.S. supermarkets on the environmental and human rights bonafides of their tuna supply chains. It turns out that only one of them managed to score higher than […]

    Nitrogen Fertilizers Are Major Greenhouse Gas Emitters, but Their Impact Can Be Cut With Available Solutions

    Nitrogen Fertilizers Are Major Greenhouse Gas Emitters, but Their Impact Can Be Cut With Available Solutions

    When we think of greenhouse gas emissions, we typically think of coal-burning power plants, vehicle exhaust or maybe forests being cleared to make way for methane-belching cows.  However, there is another important agricultural source of climate pollution: nitrogen-based fertilizers. A new study from University of Cambridge-based researchers has calculated these fertilizers’ total contribution to the […]

    Seed Saving 101: Everything You Need to Know

    Seed Saving 101: Everything You Need to Know

    During the pandemic, many turned to gardening as a refuge. According to a survey, while many did it because they were concerned about food access and food security, others also said it was mainly a way to feel less isolated and depressed, and as a way to grow food for the community.  So many people […]

    Installing Solar-Powered Fridges in Developing Countries Is an Effective Way to Reduce Hunger and Fight Climate Change

    Installing Solar-Powered Fridges in Developing Countries Is an Effective Way to Reduce Hunger and Fight Climate Change

    By Abay Yimere Food loss and waste are major problems around the world. When food is tossed aside or allowed to spoil, it makes economies less productive and leaves people hungry. It also harms Earth’s climate by generating methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Food loss and waste accounts for 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. If […]