How to use your worm composter

Vermicomposting (composting with worms) is an environmentally friendly way to use your food waste. You can use it to enrich your garden for healthy, delicious food for you and your household.

Here is an overview of how it all works:

1. Set up your composter. Add damp coconut coir to soil/compost, food scraps, and bedding. The bedding should be damp, not necessarily wet. Smaller pieces of food scraps are easier for worms to consume.
2. Make sure to allow the worms some room to move. If you are using a composter like the Gusanito Brand Worm Farm Composter (pictured here), make sure that the top of the bedding reaches the bottom of the next tray. This will ensure that the worms can move upward in search of food when they are ready for it. They will continually consume the food available to them, each time improving the worm castings they create.
   
3. Worms will migrate in search of more food (or to the safest environment), so they will move once they have completely consumed the food available to them. If it seems that your worms are trying to escape, you should combine some of the castings with more delicious scraps, soil, and coconut coir because your worms are searching for more food.
   
4. You can use a Compost Pail in your kitchen to contain your food scraps until your worms are ready for more food. Many compost pails use charcoal filters to eliminate odors from the scraps.
5. Harvest the worm casting as needed. Also clean the base of the composter occasionally, emptying out the worm tea. To use the worm tea for plant watering, steep a cup of it in a gallon of water overnight and be sure to use it within 12 hours.

Bedding that worms like:

• sawdust
• paper
• cardboard
• leaves
  

Food that worms love:

• fruit scraps
• vegetable scraps
• peels and cores
  
• grains
• egg shells

This is a brief overview of how to use a worm composter. Consider calling with questions or consulting other sources for the best results in your composting experience. The main source of information for this posting summarizes information from the Gusanito Worm Composter Instruction Manual that each customer receives with their purchase of a composter.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is right around the corner. Here are some last minute gift ideas:

1. Recycled Glass Filigree Twigs Hummingbird Feeder:
Hummingbirds perch in silhouette on this cylindrical hummingbird feeder. The Recycled Glass Filigree Twigs is a non-acid etched hummingbird feeder. It features an attached glass loop and a dripless basin-style gondola...

2. Suki Nourishing Mini Skin Care Kit: This complete skin starter set has everything you need to try 8 of Suki's 100% natural, holistic skin care products or give as a sensual, healthful gift! This mini kit is an antioxidant blend...


3. EarthLust Stainless Steel Water Bottles: The founder of EarthLust was inspired to start the company when her baby was first born. Protecting his health, as well as the environment became a top priority. They love their stainless steel water bottles because they know that the water is safe...

4. Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History Ring: This ring is engraved with the fun statement, "well behaved women rarely make history." Made from .925 sterling silver. The vendor that Wedge Worldwide purchases these products from aspires to create inspiring jewelry, which is rich with culture and craft, while using conscientious business practices and Fair Trade principles...

5. Weleda Lavender Relaxing Body Oil: Calming and harmonizing skin care. The Weleda Lavender Relaxing Body Oil soothes the senses and the skin, and helps unwind tension. Extracts of transitional organic Lavender...

6. Canary Poppies Organic O.N.E. Reusable Bag: Made from 100 percent organic cotton, the Canary Poppies O.N.E. Reusable Bag breathes new life into reusable shopping and tote bags. Influenced by the natural landscapes of the Mediterranean and exotic cultures, these luscious prints make a splash- capturing the essence of simplicity, beauty and sophistication...

Wedge Worldwide's products will show your mom your commitment to the support of her well-being, her health and the health of our planet.

Congress and Monsanto Trying to Kill Organics? Don't Believe the Hype.

Have you been getting hysterical emails like this one?
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House and Senate bills to stop all organic farms!
(FAST track bills in 2 weeks)

Food Safety Modernization Act (HR 875):
Criminalization of Organic Farms

Bills are:
House H.R. 875
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-875
Senate S 425
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-425

There is an enormous rush to get this into law within the next 2 weeks before people realize what is happening.

Main backer and lobbyist is (guess who) Monsanto

This Bill will require organic farms to use specific fertilizers and poisonous insect sprays dictated by the newly formed agency to "make sure there is no danger to the public food supply".

If this passes then NO more heirloom clean seeds will be allowed, only Monsanto genetically altered seeds that are now causing unexpected diseases in humans.

Here is a short video on the subject:
http://www.voteronpaul.com/newsDetail.php?Food-Safety-Modernization-Act-HR-875-Criminalization-of-Organic-Farms-222
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The Wedge is getting a lot of questions about this legislation, and while HR 875 is not a great bill, it's not an evil bill as described above. Please don't believe the fear-hype and help us spread the word, ok?
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Here's the breakdown from Food & Water Watch, which has a great record of activism on behalf of organic food and farming:

Background on H.R. 875
Food & Water Watch
3/12/09

The dilemma of how to regulate food safety in a way that prevents problems caused by industrialized agriculture but doesn’t wipe out small diversified farms is not new and is not easily solved. And as almost constant food safety problems reveals the dirty truth about the way much of our food is produced, processed, and distributed, it’s a dilemma we need to have serious discussion about.

Most consumers never thought they had to worry about peanut butter and this latest food safety scandal has captured public attention for good reason – a CEO who knowingly shipped contaminated food, a plant with holes in the roof and serious pest problems, and years of state and federal regulators failing to intervene.

It’s no surprise that Congress is under pressure to act and multiple food safety bills have been introduced.

Two of the bills are about traceability for food (S.425 and H.R. 814). These present real issues for small producers who could be forced to bear the cost of expensive tracking technology and recordkeeping.

The other bills address what FDA can do to regulate food.

A lot of attention has been focused on a bill introduced by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (H.R. 875), the Food Safety Modernization Act. And a lot of what is being said about the bill is misleading.

Here are a few things that H.R. 875 DOES do:

- It addresses the most critical flaw in the structure of FDA by splitting it into 2 new agencies –one devoted to food safety and the other devoted to drugs and medical devices.
- It increases inspection of food processing plants, basing the frequency of inspection on the risk of the product being produced – but it does NOT make plants pay any registration fees or user fees.
- It does extend food safety agency authority to food production on farms, requiring farms to write a food safety plan and consider the critical points on that farm where food safety problems are likely to occur.
- It requires imported food to meet the same standards as food produced in the U.S.

And just as importantly, here are a few things that H.R. 875 does NOT do:

- It does not cover foods regulated by the USDA (beef, pork, poultry, lamb, catfish.)
- It does not establish a mandatory animal identification system.
- It does not regulate backyard gardens.
- It does not regulate seed.
- It does not call for new regulations for farmers markets or direct marketing arrangements.
- It does not apply to food that does not enter interstate commerce (food that is sold across state lines).
- It does not mandate any specific type of traceability for FDA-regulated foods (the bill does instruct a new food safety agency to improve traceability of foods, but specifically says that recordkeeping can be done electronically or on paper.)

Several of the things not found in the DeLauro can be found in other bills – like H.R. 814, the Tracing and Recalling Agricultural Contamination Everywhere Act, which calls for a mandatory animal identification system, or H.R. 759, the Food And Drug Administration Globalization Act, which overhauls the entire structure of FDA. H.R. 759 is more likely to move through Congress than H.R. 875. And H.R. 759 contains several provisions that could cause problems for small farms and food processors:

- It extends traceability recordkeeping requirements that currently apply only to food processors to farms and restaurants – and requires that recordkeeping be done electronically.
- It calls for standard lot numbers to be used in food production.
- It requires food processing plants to pay a registration fee to FDA to fund the agency’s inspection efforts.
- It instructs FDA to establish production standards for fruits and vegetables and to establish Good Agricultural Practices for produce.

There is plenty of evidence that one-size-fits-all regulation only tends to work for one size of agriculture – the largest industrialized operations. That’s why it is important to let members of Congress know how food safety proposals will impact the conservation, organic, and sustainable practices that make diversified, organic, and direct market producers different from agribusiness. And the work doesn’t stop there – if Congress passes any of these bills, the FDA will have to develop rules and regulations to implement the law, a process that we can’t afford to ignore.

But simply shooting down any attempt to fix our broken food safety system is not an approach that works for consumers, who are faced with a food supply that is putting them at risk and regulators who lack the authority to do much about it.

You can read the full text of any of these bills at http://thomas.loc.gov
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This has been the Wedge's stance on these types of farming reform bills: One-size fits all legislation ignores small farms and it would be GREAT if congress started wording their bills more carefully. Delauro has actually been a decent ally in the past -- but her language here reflects the complexity of the food safety issue without reflecting the complexity of modern farming. We trust that will be addressed as the bill moves through committee.

That said, if you would like to weigh in on behalf of small farmers, the Organic Consumers Association has a good template for doing so:

http://capwiz.com/grassrootsnetroots/issues/alert/?alertid=12878056

What People Want from Wedge Worldwide

Whether or not the items on the list are surprising to others, it can be fascinating to see what people want. Here is a list of items that Wedge Worldwide shoppers seem to be most interested in:

1. Fair Trade Jewelry: Our fair trade jewelry is brought to us from only a few select vendors, but our selection is quite thorough (and always improving). People seem to appreciate our Minneapolis-based artist, Robin Rifé and our jewelry from Far Fetched.

2. Bamboo Disposable Plates & Utensils: They are a wonderful and attractive alternative to standard disposable paper plates made from trees that take many years to grow. These products were made from 100% certified organic bamboo! Bamboo truly is a remarkable renewable resource. Those of us who have used the plates have found that they actually hold up to being used many times. On a related note, we also have biocompostable corn-based utensils available.
   

3. Reusable Bags: Reusable bags are a superior choice to any common plastic (and paper, for that matter) shopping bags because they are an easy way to decrease the amount of waste we create each year. We have a variety of options available. Popular choices include our Hemp Shopping Bag, ChicoBags, and Fair Trade Recycled Market Bag. Check out all of our reusable bags here.

4. Recycled Rugs: Our current rug selection consists mainly of a recycled plastic or cotton rugs. The fair trade recycled rugs are made from post-consumer recycled plastic. They make a stylish eco-friendly addition to any home, but is also durable enough for outdoor use. Our cotton rugs are made with recycled materials, which creates a colorful, soft rug while extending the useful life of the components.

5. Water Bottles: Metal water bottles are becoming a common household option for a safe alternative to plastic (Bisphenol A: BPA) water bottles. With the frenzy of media attention about the safety and health concerns of plastic water bottles, people are now choosing metal options. The two main lines that Wedge Worldwide is carrying are: Klean Kanteen and Sigg water bottles. However, check back soon because we are in the process of adding an additional line to the mix.

6. Alaffia Body Care Products: Alaffia has chosen to empower communities in Africa through promoting indigenous African natural resources that are culturally, spiritually, economically, and ecologically sustainable. Traditionally handcrafted shea butter fits these criteria. It is a renewable resource of African origin; shea trees are wild, requiring no chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Furthermore, it is an integral part of many savanna communities and, consequently, there is a wealth of local and traditional knowledge of making shea butter. This fair trade handcrafted shea butter is also produced by workers who belong to cooperatives, bringing income to and empowering African communities. They are a wonderful company and their products never cease to amaze us at Wedge Worldwide. Check them out!

Along with the top six, there are a few other items/vendors that deserve, at least, an honorable mention. So here they are: our Cookware items, Bambu products, Gusanito® Brand Worm Factory, and our Green Leaf Dinnerware.

Clean and sensuous

Sensuous Beauty's mission is to craft sensual botanical formulations that inspire people to nurture themselves each day. Their name reflects their belief that beauty arises through sensuality - an engagement of the senses. Sensuous Beauty creates products that are recognized as food or plant derivatives by the skin to work in harmony with the body's natural processes and that are as vital and vibrant as if they'd been made in your own kitchen. As a result, their formulations are sophisticated and effective, while remaining truly natural. You will instantly notice the difference in the smell, feel and effectiveness of their products.

Chemical, synthetic and paraben-free, Sensuous Beauty's products are made entirely from fresh food and plant-based ingredients; many have been used in beauty and healing remedies throughout the centuries. They formulate everything "from scratch," blending all of their ingredients by hand in small batches to maintain product integrity and freshness. Sensuous Beauty also uses only the finest wild-crafted or certified organic herbs and grains along with high quality carrier oils and steam-distilled or organic, pure essential oils in their products. These essential oils, along with other naturally occurring preservatives and antioxidants and amber glass bottling, help assist with product longevity. Absolutely no chemical or synthetic oils, fragrances or preservatives are ever used. Your skin will thank you! To achieve maximum benefits, Sensuous Beauty recommends that you treat their body and skin care products no differently than your fresh food items, using them regularly and within a reasonable amount of time from their purchase.

After years of using her concoctions on family and friends and finding the results more beneficial than any professional products available, Dae Williams, the company's original founder and a licensed esthetician, created Sensuous Beauty's skin care line in 1994. Sensuous Beauty tests their products on willing people.

A desire to provide additional products of the same caliber as the original skin care line led to a collaboration with local herbalists and the innovative creation of body, pleasure and men's care products. By the way, word is that their line of pleasure products are a great option for a Valentine's Day gift for your sweetie!

View Sensuous Beauty Products on Wedge Worldwide

New Year's Resolution: Clean Up and Green Up Your Personal Care Products

As we turn the calendar page to 2009, many of us will be setting goals for the upcoming new year. Travel plans, new projects, and thoughts of renewal will be on our minds. During this time of reform, I suggest that we also take a look at the personal care products on our shelves and make a resolution to clean up our acts. After all, the skin is our body's largest organ, absorbing whatever we put on. We pay attention to the ingredients in our food that nourish our internal organs, why not start paying attention to those in our soaps and shampoos as well? By eliminating products containing the ingredients listed below, we can maintain and enrich our body's first line of defense. Make a resolution for good health from the outside in.

The Bad Guys:

The following products are common additives to personal care products that are harmful to our bodies. Next time you pick up a bottle of lotion or deodorant, be sure to check out the label and steer clear from anything that contains the following:

sodium lauryl sulfate: This ingredient is used as a detergent, emulsifier, and foaming agent in thousands of cosmetic products. It is produced synthetically by the sulfation of lauryl alcohol. Sodium lauryl sulfate irritates the skin and dries the skin and hair due to its degreasing abilities.

propylene glycol: This is one of the world's most largely used cosmetic ingredients. It is a derivative of natural gas that is used as a moisture-carrying vehicle in everything from moisturizers and toothpastes to antifreeze and artificial smoke.

parabens: These preservatives are produced from synthetic chemicals and are considered toxic and allergenic to the body. Research done in the European Union has led many to believe that these chemicals alter hormone function and increase the risk of certain cancers and infertility.

synthetic fragrance: These synthetic substances used to impart odor into cosmetic products can trigger allergic reactions in many individuals. Common forms of synthetic fragrance, phthalates, have been shown to be mutagenic, cancer causing, and adversely affect human male sperm.

The Good Guys:

The above list may sound ominous but don't worry, there is hope. Certain companies have been reviewed by our staff and given the "Wedge Award". This award guarantees that none of the products offered by the company contain any of the nasties listed above.

Here are a few top of the line brands to look for just to get you started:

EvanHealy: A revolution in skin care and hands-down Wedge Co-op & Wedge Worldwide staff favorite. These products are worth their weight in gold. Clean as can be, purifying, and nourishing, these skin care products are made to order in small batches and sent directly to us. Discover the radiance that rosehip treatment oils, floral hydrosols and clay masks can bring to your skin.

Sensuous Beauty: These "sensual" botanical formulations are made entirely from fresh food and plant-based ingredients. Formulated by hand in small batches, this company uses organic and ethically wildcrafted herbs in their cosmetic concoctions. Check out items like their line of body pleasure products.

Dr. Hauschka: A complete line of holistic face and body care products, this company has offered us the highest quality of products for over 40 years. Their commitment to sustainable practices is evident in their use of biodynamically grown and harvested herbs in their products. If you haven't indulged yet, now might be the time. Their bath products are dreamy.

Alaffia: Sustainable skin care products made with fair-trade, hand-harvested shea butter - the highest quality available. Aditionally, 10% of the company's profits go back to the African communities that produce their raw materials. Try their luxuriously moisturizing soaps, shampoos, lotions and creams... or my favorite, unrefined shea butter.

Scrub Your Butt: An all natural, locally (Minnesota) based company offering a variety of different body washes made from organic based soap. Great products with whimsical names like our best seller "Stinky Hippie" patchouli body wash.

written by Katie Frerker

Brewing the Perfect Cup of Tea

Autumn is officially here, and soon to be on its way out. Along with the equinox, cooler temperatures sweep in and fall breezes begin to blow. As you spend your days out in the fresh air watching the leaves change hue, there's nothing that satisfies more than a hot cup of tea to warm your body up from the inside out. It's the wool sweater of the beverage world in the fall.

However, making this cup of tea isn't as simple as pouring hot water in a cup. To truly enjoy and savor your tea drinking experience let me offer you a few basic guidelines that will make each cup a memorable one. Our bulk herb department has a wide variety of loose teas and herbs to help get you started.

Common Mistakes in the World of Tea Brewing
Several common mistakes can have a drastic effect on the flavor of your tea and can even end up costing you more money. Pay attention to these little details next time you brew up a pot and see if you can tell the difference.

Correct Measurement
When brewing a pot of tea using bulk tea leaves most people just dump in the leaves until there's a nice pile at the bottom of the pot. That looks like a good amount, right? Wrong! Did you know you only need about one measuring teaspoon full of tea leaves per 8 oz cup? Measure it out next time and you'll see that you can have just as much flavor using far fewer leaves. Brewing the proper amount can make your tea drinking a much more affordable habit.

Full Leaf Expansion
Now that you have the proper amount of tea measured out, it's important to make sure the leaves have enough room to fully expand so that all of the flavors can be released. Your strainer should be large enough to let the leaves expand to 3-5 times their original size. Basket infusers work very well for providing ample expansion room. You can also brew the leaves right in the pot and strain them out afterwards.

Tea Particulars
Different types of tea require different steeping temperatures and times. Many teas will become bitter if steeped too long or develop an unpleasant flavor if the water is the wrong temperature. Follow these guidelines to bring out the full flavor in each variety.

Black Tea
Black teas can be steeped for approximately 4-6 minutes when the water is at a full, rolling boil.

Green Tea
Green tea leaves are more delicate than black and require a lower steeping temperature and shorter time. The water is the right temperature just before it begins to boil, when steam is swirling out of the kettle. Steep the leaves for only 2-3 minutes.

Herbal Tea
Herbal teas can be made with boiling water and generally steep for about 6 minutes. When making a medicinal herbal tea however, steeping times of 10-15 minutes will brew a stronger cup and can be more effective.

Next time you get out the teapot, follow these basic guidelines and see if you can taste the difference. Happy steeping!

Check out the teas currently available on Wedge Worldwide!

written by Katie Frerker