Organic Battleground

If you follow the conflicts between organic agriculture and manufacturers of GMOs, you may be aware of the grave concerns organic farmers have of protecting the integrity of their crops. The way the law currently views this dynamic is that organic farmers are the ones responsible for protecting themselves from possible contamination by GMO crops. The patents they hold on these seeds provides for this protection. Now, that is akin to telling a child who is being bullied by one or more larger and more powerful children that s/he is solely responsible for protecting her/himself with absolutely NO support or protection from the school or any other adult! Sounds a bit imbalanced, doesn't it?

Well, there has been movement by some of those organic farmers to take a stand. These small, but very important efforts must be embraced by the industry leaders in organics and by those who consume those products. If left uncontested, companies like Monsanto, Dupont, Syngenta and other behemoths in the biotech industry will take their already massive influence to levels that will make them impenetrable. At some point, there will be no way to avoid ingesting GMOs in any foods as they will have become so prevalent and completely protected that the basic essence of nature will have been irreversibly altered.

Visionary Values will soon have our database in place so that people can see the linkages between these global biotech giants, our food systems, our politicians and our health. We think you will be amazed at just how few control so many and so much. It really is unimaginable what we have allowed to take place! This is a matrix of control that is, at the very least, criminal! Stay tuned!!

Permaculture to the White House – Please Take Three Seconds to Vote!

It looks like you can vote up to three times total and all your votes can go for one project! It is so EASY - Just a single click and you are DONE!

Maybe this is just the shake-up President Obama needs to understand the web of life and how dangerous GMO$ are!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Farmers against Monsanto

This is a battle that needs to involve everyone who cares about the safety, integrity and control of our global food systems. It is a basic rights issue. We have reached a point where governments have given large corporations far too much control over our economy. However, WE have been the ones responsible for giving our governments that power and not holding them accountable! It is only when we recognize this and do something about it that we can expect good things to happen more regularly.

The most recent backlash against the biotech giants of the world, especially Monsanto, is a social indicator of many things. The Occupy movement is encouraging a concerned populace to change economic dynamics from elitist to inclusive. We must require this of our food producers as well. Many well-intentioned farmers are stuck in cycles of destruction that is encouraged by government and industry alike.

So, we are here to say that these brave farmers who are standing up to Monsanto are also standing up for us! Let's give them some help and make those changes in ourselves as consumers and demand GMO labeling to start with. Then, let's be better shoppers and purchase products that do less harm and more good!

Here is a link to an article reporting on the farmer lawsuit against Monsanto.

This is a great Tedx video of an eloquent young man speaking his mind on the issues of GMO$:

Celebrating Bob Marley's Birthday

Get Up Stand Up

Most people think great God will come from the sky

Take away everything and make everybody feel high

But if you know what life is worth

You would look for yours on earth

And now you see the light You stand up for your right

….

We’re sick and tired of your ism schism game

Die and go to heaven in Jesus’ name

Lord, we know when we understand Almighty God is a living man

You can fool some people sometimes

But you can’t fool some people all the time

So now we see the light

(What you gonna do?)

We gonna stand up for our right.

Jah, Jah, Jah …

Get up Stand up, co-written with Peter Tosh, demonstrates an anti-imperialist, strident and militant tone, that acts as the rallying cry for oppressed people to fight back and in the spirit of Marcus Garvey’s self-reliance philosophy do something about their own situation.

Celebrate the spirit of Bob Marley and his philosophy with this video:

Organics Losing Ground!

Where do you stand on the issue of GMO alfalfa? We don't like it!

However, our feeling is that regardless of which side of this issue you stand, the discussion of choice and rights is key. For those who believe in and wish to eat organically grown foods, the options are becoming more seriously compromised every day! Our democratic way of life is intertwined with the whims and fancies of big corporations that now have those same rights and privileges as each one of us! Not good!

Questions to ask:

Can we stop the wind from blowing?

How about controlling the paths of pollinating bees?

Do we know the impact of animals eating the alfalfa and then pooping out viable seed somewhere? Perhaps to be used later in compost?

Do you want your food supply in the hands of a corporation such as Monsanto?

Contact the Organic Trade Association to make your feelings known at the White House.

Also, here is a good place to "plant" yourself for awhile if you'd like to read some discussions on the many sides of the GMO alfalfa issue. Beware, many of them are on the technical side!

Moving Forward!

Our efforts to document sustainable businesses and endeavors is in motion now! We are currently in edit mode and should have some excellent interview segments to share with you. Over the past few weeks we have conducted interviews with three businesses: Licious Organics in Boulder, Colorado and Karma Balm and Interiors Green in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. We are very excited to get this project underway!!

Additionally, there has been extensive video documentation of a build site here in Boulder featuring Artesano Plasterers Ryan Chivers & Phil Metzler. This project also features a living roof installed by Andy Creath of Green Roofs of Colorado. We look forward to conducting interviews with these folks as well down the road.

Visionary Values believes that by sharing inspiring stories of individuals and companies working more in harmony with our environment and supporting sustainability, we can encourage others to do the same. After all, we share this beautiful world and all of our challenges must also be shared!

A Link to Sustainable Palm Oil Video

Here is a Bloomberg story on palm oil production and a Liverpool, UK company's efforts to do so sustainably.

What do you think? We believe that consumers should take them up on their promise to source verify their palm oil and present their claims of sustainability in a transparent fashion. Just following up to confirm! If a large enough number of people made this request in an inquisitive and respectful manner, then consumers would have a fully justified reason to support this company's efforts if they are being honest and forthright.

The Palm Oil Conundrum

Palm oil is ubiquitous. It it almost literally everywhere one looks on the grocery shelves. It is also now becoming a key ingredient in the biofuels marketed globally. Indonesia is the world leader in production of palm oil and Colombia, a rising player, is the leader in Latin America. Even Brazil recently announced plans to develop areas of the Amazon for the production of this highly lucrative commodity. They plan to do so whilst minimizing the risk to the environment. Is that possible?

Suffice it to say, the manner in which palm oil is produced is generally massively destructive. Large tracts of virgin forest are clearcut and burned to make way for the monocropped palm plantations. Biodiversity is eliminated and soils are destroyed. In doing so, communities are often alienated, human rights are violated and localized societal unrest ensues. Corporations take complete control and locals are hired on to work the plantations for poor wages.

What is being done? Certainly not enough and not with sufficient haste.

What can consumers do? Check out the following for more up-to-date information on efforts to increase sustainability in palm oil production and to locate ways to identify sustainably produced palm oil:

http://www.greenpalm.org/
http://www.rspo.org/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/forests/3534204/Palm-oil-round-table-a-farce.html
http://understory.ran.org/2008/05/06/let-the-sleuthing-begin-theproblemwithpalmoilorg-goes-live/

Additionally, take a look at the following blog from a small producer with an eye towards small-scale production:

http://mysarawak2.blogspot.com/2010/07/integrated-oil-palm-farming-in-bintulu.html

It Ain't Garbage!

Even though we may be enlightened businesses or enlightened consumers, there are other areas of opportunity to increase one's sustainability. Since we all eat (except for that Indian mystic who claims he doesn't eat or drink), we all produce food waste. What happens to all this organic matter once we have removed the easily accessed nutrients from it? Most folks send it into the garbage bin or into the garbage disposal. Out of sight out of mind or rather, out of sight OUT OF OUR MINDS!!! Seriously, how can a nation of around 305 million do this??

What disappears is an incredible amount of latent energy that is literally black gold! The power of these food scraps once they are converted into compost is immeasurable! What can we do? For folks with yards and with time they can maintain a compost pile and produce valuable nutrients for their yards. For most folks, they either don't have the time, inclination or space. What to do??

A new service called Compost Cab in Washington D.C. is nearing its launch! These folks will get participants to sign-up for a regular curbside pick-up of organic material which will then be composted! An additional cool thing is that this endeavor encouraging municipal composting as well as linking with other community-based organizations like Engaged Community Offshoots (ECO) to make it work. Agricity is the innovator behind this initiative.

Perhaps this is something that YOUR neighborhood could use?!?

This is why we have such a @#$%ed-up energy policy in the USA!!

When folks spew garbage like this it is no wonder we have such a steep climb towards changing our nation's dependence on non-renewable energy sources! Listen, if one looks only at the bottom line and sees nothing else connected to it, a perspective such as this one looks brilliant!

To state that solar only works when it is sunny is just mis-information and simply untrue! The energy production is certainly reduced, but to use this as an argument against solar power is rubbish! Just think of how many people and animals die every year directly and indirectly due to our insatiable thirst for oil and coal! When was the last time someone perished using solar energy?

So, calling an industry "unprofitable" when so little has historically been spent on alternative energy and big oil has spent lots to derail legislation in its favor, is a bit over the top, wouldn't you say?!? Throw in all the tax funded incentives and subsidies they have gotten and the gap is even larger! In fact, as of the middle of last year, investment in green power sources in the US had actually dropped 8% due to our shaky economy.

When hugely successful companies like Exxon spend only around 1% of its profits on alternative energy sources and BP 2.9% (the most of the big five oil companies), where is the money going to come from?? Where is the commitment to sustainability?? NOWHERE!!!

Well, that's not entirely true...WE NEED TO BE THE AGENTS OF CHANGE!!! We will do it through our demands that these tactics change. Certainly in light of the outrage over the recent coal mine deaths and the very recent (and very devastating!!) BP oil spill, we have a GREAT OPPORTUNITY, but perhaps we are not noisy enough!!

Visionary companies need visionary consumers. Folks who demand only the most ethical behavior and smartest decisions. Maybe our standards are too low? Any comments???

Starbucks Shareholders Oppose Expanding Recycling Efforts

In keeping the java spirit of discussion alive why not look at our most capable (yet seemingly least willing to aggressively pursue sustainability measure) purveyor of specialty coffees: Starbucks!

At a recent shareholders meeting, a measure put forth by a minority of shareholders, to increase the company's recycling, was voted down 89% against  to 11% in favor. It seems that they are happy with their efforts to date and do not deem any additional progress necessary. The measure was supported by As You Sow, an organization that has also put forth similar efforts at recycling reform to Pepsico & Coca-Cola.

Clearly, continued activist efforts are needed to move these folks in the right direction.  Quite honestly, as is the case with furthering Fair Trade & Organic purchases by Starbucks, the customers are the only ones who can make a lasting impression!! Why should consumers always look to corporations and governments to tell them what they want or what is best for them?!?

If consumers were more involved in their welfare and not just passive participants in capitalism gone amok, we would not be faced with such catastrophes as the BP Gulf oil disaster!! Let's wake up and make our purchases matter!!

Transitioning

Here is an interesting video about the sale of Dagoba Chocolate to Hershey's back in October 2006. Although the sale of the company had its critics, especially those who believe bigger ain't better, the goal of the sale was to gain a bigger platform and greater resources for high quality and sustainability. You be the judge!

Video

Here is a link to the website for Dagoba Chocolate:

Dagoba

Green Labeling Facing Crisis of Faith

I found this overview of the eco-label frenzy that has been riding the green wave of the past few years. We've written often on this blog of our feeling that much stricter oversight is needed to help these certifiers maintain high levels of integrity.

Much has been recently discussed regarding the horrible impact on global economies of a lack of regulation in the mortgage, banking and insurance industries to name a few. The eco-labels are also completely unregulated and consumers basically must depend upon instinct or hearsay to judge adherence to self-proclaimed standards. There certainly are many highly reputable and important certifiers around the world.

Take a look at the article and let us know how you feel some of these concerns can be addressed. How would consumers be able to hold these certifiers accountable for their claims?

Tracking Sustainability

Here is an interesting review of the usefulness of applying Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to identify what a company would need to do to capture the purchases of customers dedicated to supporting companies that engage in sustainable practices and produce products that are environmentally friendly.

It is suggested that this simple approach of getting to the core of consumer values can benefit both the bottom line and the sustainability of a company. By focusing on what consumers actually want and not what the companies think they want, everyone wins.

Take a look and let us know how you can integrate this perspective into your operations as a business owner or, how you think this information can be transmitted effectively to companies.

At the end of the day, an approach like this can truly put consumers in the driver's seat! Take advantage and push for sustainable business practices!

Greening Your Business Isn't Always Costly!

Here is a nice feel good story of a small vineyard taking the initiative to become a "certified green" business through Alameda County's (California) Green Business Program. To date, there are over 450 certified green businesses in the county. The Cedar Mountain Winery uses beneficial insects, a contained waste water system, and maintains owl boxes to keep rodent damage to a minimum. These and numerous other efforts have help them achieve this certification by using common sense much of the time. Sure you could spend a bunch of money on major renovations and new technologies. but most of the time, changing the way basic things are done is the best method to attack sustainability. After all, it is a journey!

To be certified by the Green Business Program, all businesses must meet set standards in energy conservation, environmental law compliance, water conservation, waste reduction and pollution prevention. I would love to take a look at their certification criteria to get a better idea as to what levels the issues are investigated and monitored.

Throw Down the Gauntlet!

Hey folks! Here is an article from the folks at GreenBiz discussing responsibility in the food industry. There are a few people quoted in the article who are advocating for purveyors of our nation's food to take the lead in sustainability.

"We need to begin to think of retailers as leaders in sustainability; they help consumers live more sustainable lifestyles and build sustainable consumption into their lives," explained Michele Halsell, the managing director of the University of Arkansas' Applied Sustainability Center. "They are the link between the suppliers and the consumers, [and] taking that approach to your role in the world is the start of an important transformation."

And when retailers do it right, it's a "win-win-win," according to Halsell: the environment, local communities and most of all retailers themselves all benefit from green initiatives.

"You the retailers have bought all the environmental impacts [of the products you sell] at every step along the way," (Jonathan) Kaplan said. "That's a responsibility, but also an opportunity: you can have the biggest bang for the buck and you're in the driver's seat."

Clearly, the point of sale opportunities to educate (if that is what retailers are willing to do properly, honestly & transparently!!) are innumerable and ever-present. We at Visionary Values welcome this potential for every retailer to become a sustainability advocate!

We also must STRONGLY ADVOCATE for increased and consistent consumer involvement and oversight of this process. Initially it would most likely stem from an inherent distrust of these retailers to tell the whole story and keep it truthful. As the process matures however, it could develop into more of a friend looking after friend type of interaction (pie in the sky?!?) where we all look after one another's best common interests. After all, isn't this an essential piece of sustainability?!

As always, we love to hear YOUR opinions! Keep in touch!

Conscious Consumers Craving Accountability

This review of a recently released study on consumer confidence in the greenness of products in companies is great food for thought. Who and how do we get information on these key issues of sustainability and environmental awareness?

The Corporate Responsibility Newswire - www.csrwire.com

BBMG Study Finds 'Green Trust Gap'

Interest in Green Holds Despite Recession, But Consumers Lack Confidence in Green Claims

(CSRwire) NEW YORK - March 24, 2009 - Nearly one in four U.S. consumers (23%) say they have "no way of knowing" if a product is green or actually does what it claims, signaling a lack of confidence in green marketing and revealing a widespread "green trust gap," according to the BBMG Conscious Consumer Report: Redefining Value in a New Economy, the second national study on purchasing behavior and social values by branding and marketing agency BBMG.

Consumers' lack of trust does not mean lack of interest. The BBMG report finds that 77 percent of Americans agree that they "can make a positive difference by purchasing products from socially or environmentally responsible companies," and they are actively seeking information to verify green claims. Consumers are most likely to turn to consumer reports (29%), certification seals or labels on products (28%) and the list of ingredients on products (27%) to determine if a product is green and does what it claims. Consumers are least likely to look to statements on product packaging (11%) and company advertising (5%), signaling deep skepticism of company-driven marketing. 

"The economic crisis has created a moment of reflection where consumers are redefining what truly matters and evaluating purchases based on both value and values," said Raphael Bemporad, co-founder of BBMG, an agency working at the intersection of branding, sustainability and innovation. "This is a moment for leadership. By delivering on the multiple dimensions of value - price, performance and purpose - brands will be able to close the green trust gap, weather the economic storm and thrive in the sustainable economy of the future."

Findings from the BBMG Conscious Consumer Report (2009):

• Interest in Green Holds Despite Tough Economy. Nearly seven in ten Americans agree (67%) that "even in tough economic times, it is important to purchase products with social and environmental benefits," and half (51%) say they are "willing to pay more" for them.


• Price and Performance Still Paramount, But Green Gains Ground. Price (66% very important) and quality (64%) top consumers' list of most important product attributes, followed by good for your health (55%) and made in the USA (49%). But green benefits have increased in importance since last year - including energy efficiency (47% very important in 2008, 41% in 2007), locally grown or made nearby (32% in 2008, 26% in 2007), all natural (31% in 2008, 24% in 2007), made from recycled materials (29% in 2008, 22% in 2007) and USDA organic (22% in 2008, 17% in 2007).


• Wal-Mart Tops List of Most and Least Socially Responsible Companies. When asked unaided which companies come to mind as the most socially or environmentally responsible companies, 7 percent of Americans named Wal-Mart, followed by Johnson & Johnson (6%), Procter & Gamble (4%), GE (4%) and Whole Foods (3%). Wal-Mart also topped the list of the least responsible companies (9%), along with Exxon Mobile (9%), GM (3%) and Ford (3%), Shell (2%) and McDonald's (2%). Interestingly, 41% of Americans could not name a single company that they consider the most socially and environmentally responsible.


• Consumers Reward, Punish and Influence Based on Corporate Practices.Seven in ten consumers (71%) agree that they "avoid purchasing from companies whose practices they disagree with"; and approximately half tell others to shop (55%) or drop (48%) products based on a company's social and environmental practices.

"At a time of radical transparency and a growing demand for accountability, consumers are rewarding brands that align with their values, punishing those that don't—and spreading the word with their family, friends and peers," said Mitch Baranowski, co-founder of BBMG. "Brands can close the trust gap by telling authentic stories and empowering a consumer tribe to share ideas, experiences and influence."

The BBMG Conscious Consumer Report explores the attitudes, preferences, values and experiences that shape consumer purchasing behavior, brand loyalty and peer-to-peer influence. Conducted by BBMG, in conjunction with research partners Global Strategy Group and Bagatto, the report combines ethnographic research in two U.S. markets (conducted in January and February 2009) with a national survey of 2,000 adults (conducted October 26 - November 6, 2008). The survey margin of error is +/- 2.2 percentage points.

About BBMG: With offices in New York City and San Francisco, BBMG is a nationally-recognized firm dedicated to creating innovative brands that reach, engage and inspire today's increasingly conscious consumers. Clients include ShoreBank, Clif Bar, ONE Drinks, Ceres, Green America, Social Venture Network, among others.

For more information please contact:

Andrea Retzky
BBMG
917-587-5473
www.bbmg.com