Before heading down to Costa Rica, I had no idea that it would be one of the best trips that I would ever take and that it would impact me so greatly.

Now back in New York City, I have been trying to wrap my arms around why I loved it so much. Three main things come to mind:

1) First and foremost, it was a phenomenal group of people on the trip. Despite the fact that almost none of us had ever met before, we all got along really, really well. No drama, very easy, and everyone was extremely likeable.

Additionally, the individuals from EARTH University who hosted and took us around Costa Rica were beyond gracious. Their warmth and concern for our well-being was just truly amazing. Read more »

When I was at EARTH University in Costa Rica, I got a chance to learn everything about sustainable banana production – from how they are grown in the fields to how they are shipped to the U.S.

In this video, I’ll take you onto the banana plantation of EARTH University and show you the issues that they have to deal with when growing bananas in such humid conditions.

What’s important to note is that it took EARTH University many, many years for its sustainable bananas to reach profitability and the school was told by consultants that the program wasn´t going to work. Read more »

The reason for my trip to Costa Rica was to come learn about a place called EARTH University.

EARTH University in Costa Rica is a 4-year accredited school where students come from all over the world to learn about sustainability and entrepreneurship. The goal is to have these students take these skills and knowledge back to their home countries after graduation in order to positively impact their communities.

What is important to know about EARTH University is that almost all of the students come from Latin America and Africa, 71% of the students come from rural impoverished areas, and 60% of the students receive full scholarships. Read more »

Today I leave for a 10-day trip to Miami and then to Costa Rica, where I will be reporting on an amazing non-profit in that country. (Stay tuned for posts and videos.)

When I told many of my friends that I would be traveling out of the country, the question “What are you going to eat?” was the first thing that immediately popped out of their mouths.

They know how committed to organic I am, and they were perplexed about how I would survive without my local organic markets and restaurants.

Below is my travel schedule, what my eating plans are, and what my concerns are.

FLYING TO MIAMI

Not a big deal at all. It is only a three hour flight, and I’ll make sure that I’ll bring organic fruit and crackers. I also bought a bag of Sol Simple’s organic sun dried bananas that I am going to take with me.

Read more »

A few months ago I reported on a study that Dr. Oz did where he found excessive levels of arsenic in non-organic apple juice.

Needless to say, it got a lot of national media attention, and much of it was not positive.

In fact, ABC News’ Health and Medical Editor Dr. Richard Besser, a former classmate of Dr. Oz, called his report “fearmongering”.

This is nothing but standard operating procedure for organizations that make money from Big Ag and major consumer packaged goods companies (ABC sells A LOT of advertising to them).

Well, Consumer Reports just came out with their own report about arsenic in apple juice (PDF) and what did they find? Read more »

For many of us who understand the importance of organic, we eat and buy organic food without thinking about it.

We know that we don’t want to consume food that contains artificial growth hormones, synthetic pesticides or genetically-modified organisms (GMOs).

We know that it is essential for us to purchase the highest quality food possible.

We know that food is medicine.

Yet, there are too many people out there who are just not that concerned about the food that goes into their bodies. They largely assume that since our government allows it on the shelf, it is safe.

Well, maybe the recent news will make them think otherwise. Read more »

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about how the Minster of Agriculture in France wants the country to be 25% organic farming within four to five years.

Well, I just learned that the Philippines wants to do even better. The Philippines is already at 20-25% organic farming and Agriculture Secretary Proseso Alcala is pushing for an ever greater percentage.

THE MOTIVATION BEHIND ORGANIC

There are a few primary reasons that Secretary Alcala wants his country to grow more organic. Read more »