Tag Archives: Art

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

USDA~ FSN ~ FDA ~ January 2026 -Recalls – Food Safety Alerts – Previous Month & last day of prior month update


** Gerber Products Company Announces Voluntary Recall of Limited Batches of Arrowroot Biscuits Out of an Abundance of Caution Due to Potential Presence of Foreign Material Following Supplier Recall

** Tayto fined after large Salmonella outbreak

More than 500 people sickened in outbreak traced to snack food

By Joe Whitworth

** A recall of Pillsbury pizza pops in Canada has been expanded as the patient count in a related outbreak continues to grow. https://t.co/K1SPryLZVE

** Gerber expands recall of arrowroot biscuits to Canada

Gerber Products Company is recalling batches of Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits in Canada because of the potential presence of soft plastic and/or paper pieces that should not be consumed

** Left Coast Organics brand organic chia seeds have been recalled in Canada because of Salmonella contamination. https://t.co/Gpe8aNFPOU

** Recalled tuna sent to stores by FSN

Tri-Union Seafoods is cautioning consumers that a third-party distributor inadvertently released quarantined product that was associated with a February 2025 recall. The initial recall was conducted following notification from the

 **

**IKM of San Jose, California is recalling the following cookware items because they may be contaminated with significant levels of lead (Pb) which may leach into food. No illnesses have been reported to date.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-650-695- 9009. Our operation hours are from 10:00 from 17:00 PST Mon-Fri, excluding national holidays.

– IKM Aluminum saucepan wooden handle 9” (56 pcs)

– A-cook Aluminum Kadai size 5 (43 pcs)

– Brass Tope (10 pcs)

– IKM 4-quart Pital brass pot (9 pcs)

** Navitas Organics is voluntarily recalling select lots of its 8oz Organic Chia Seeds due to possible Salmonella contamination. This recall is being conducted as a precautionary measure following a recall initiated by the company’s chia seed supplier.

Product was distributed nationally through retail stores such as Whole Foods Market and online retailers including Amazon. The recall applies to the following product packaged in sealed stand-up pouches:

W31025317 – Best If Used By: End MAY 2027

Navitas Organics – Organic Chia Seeds, 8oz, UPC 858847000284

Lot Codes (9-digit codes starting with “W”) are printed on the back of the chia seed bag above the nutritional information. The Lot Codes included in this recall are:

W31025283 – Best If Used By: End APR 2027

W31025286 – Best If Used By: End APR 2027

W31025287 – Best If Used By: End APR 2027

W31025311 – Best If Used By: End MAY 2027

W31025314 – Best If Used By: End MAY 2027

W31025315 – Best If Used By: End MAY 2027

W31025316 – Best If Used By: End MAY 2027

**

** Gregory’s Foods, Inc. of Eagan, MN is recalling its 2-pound 8.5-ounce packages of “Bag Full of Cookies” White Chocolate Macadamia Nut frozen cookie dough because some units may contain undeclared peanuts. Frozen Monster Cookie Dough, which contains Peanut, may be packaged in a bag that is labeled as White Chocolate Macadamia Nut. People who have allergies to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled “Bag full of Cookies” White Chocolate Macadamia Nut frozen cookie dough was distributed in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska in retail grocery stores and through distribution centers.

** Tri-Union Seafoods Identifies Additional Quantities of Recalled Genova® Tuna at Limited Retailers Due to Inadvertent Distribution of Previously Recalled Product

** IKM Recalls Product Because of Possible Health Risk

** Recent Recalls FSN

Panjiri, pinni and laddoo recalled because of undeclared milk

Chicken breasts recalled because of Listeria contamination

Cheese recalled because of Listeria contamination

Spring & Mulberry expands recall of chocolate bars over Salmonella concerns

Bread crumbs recalled because of undeclared milk, eggs

Sea moss gel recalled because of risk of botulism

Chocolate bars recalled after testing shows Salmonella contamination

** Superfoods Inc. dba Live it Up. Recalls Live it Up Super Greens Because of Possible Health Risk

The recall includes the following products:

Live it Up Super Greens, Wild Berry, 30 – 0.32oz (9g) Sticks, NET WT. 9.52oz (270g), with UPC 850077468070

Live it Up Super Greens, NET WT 8.5 oz (240g) with UPC 860013190804.

Live it Up Super Greens, 30 – 0.28oz (8g) sticks, NET WT. 8.47 oz (240g) with UPC 850077468063

Live it Up Super Greens, Wild Berry, NET WT 8.5OZ (240g), with UPC 860013190811

** This current recall was initiated after Tri-Union Seafoods discovered that quarantined cases, associated with the initial recall, were inadvertently shipped by a third-party distributor. The impacted products were distributed to limited retail stores as follows:

Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions – California Consumers can contact Tri-Union Seafoods at support@thaiunionhelp.zendesk.com or 833-374-0171, if they have any questions or to request replacement product. The toll-free number hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.

Meijer – Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin

Giant Foods – Maryland and Virginia

Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil 5.0 oz 4 Pack4800073265S84N D2L1/21/2028
S84N D3L1/24/2028
Genova Yellowfin Tuna in in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt 5.0 oz4800013275S88N D1M1/17/202

** Recent Recalls FSN – by News Desk

Sea moss gel recalled because of risk of botulism

Diva Fam Inc. is recalling all lots and flavors of its Sea Moss Gel Superfood because of the lack of required regulatory authorization and temperature monitoring records for pH-controlled food

**Jan 16 FDA- Tri-Union Seafoods Identifies Additional Quantities of Recalled Genova® Tuna at Limited Retailers Due to Inadvertent Distribution of Previously Recalled Product

Chicken breasts recalled because of Listeria contamination

Suzanna’s Kitchen of Norcross, GA, is recalling 13,720 pounds of ready- to-eat grilled chicken breast fillet products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the USDA’s Food

E. coli outbreak traced to Pillsbury pizza pops; recall underway

NEW: Egg sheets recalled because of concerns about Salmonella

Massive recall due to rodent and bird feces

Ground beef recalled because of E. coli O26

NZ: Warning issued after cheese taken from landfill

** Jan. 16, 2026 – Suzanna’s Kitchen, a Norcross, Ga., establishment, is recalling approximately 13,720 pounds of ready- to-eat grilled chicken breast fillet products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes ( Lm), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced…

Impacted Products

• 10-lb. cases containing two 5 lb. bags of fully cooked grilled chicken breast fillets with rib meat, with lot code 60104 P1382 287 5 J14 on the side of the case and on the package.

** The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a cheese recall impacting more than 1.5 million bags of shredded cheese. The recalled cheese was produced by Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. and may be contaminated with metal fragments.

Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. initially announced the recall in October, but the FDA classified it as “Class II,” meaning that eating the cheese “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” on Dec. 1.

** Superfoods Inc. dba Live it Up. Recalls Live it Up Super Greens Because of Possible Health Risk

** Medical device correction impacts a subset of FreeStyle Libre 3 and Libre 3 Plus sensors

Consumers can visit www.FreeStyleCheck.comExternal Link Disclaimer to see if their sensors are affected and to get a replacement at no charge

Abbott has identified and resolved the manufacturing issue related to this device action

No other Libre family sensors, readers or apps are impacted http://www.freestylecheck.com/

** Ambriola, Locatelli, Member’s Mark, Pinna, and Boar’s Head

** The Ambriola Company Issues Recall of Cheese Products Because of Listeria Health Risk https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ambriola-company-issues-recall-cheese-products-because-listeria-health-risk#:~:text=No%20illnesses%20have,03/12/26

** Spring & Mulberry Issues Voluntary Recall of Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/spring-mulberry-issues-voluntary-recall-mint-leaf-date-sweetened-chocolate-bar-due-possible

** LOS ANGELES, Jan. 9, 2026 – Diva Fam Inc. (“Diva Fam” or the “Company”) today (January 9, 2026) announced a voluntary recall of all lots and flavors of Sea Moss Gel Superfood due to lack of required regulatory authorization and temperature monitoring records for pH-controlled food products. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/diva-fam-inc-announces-voluntary-recall-sea-moss-gel-superfood-products-due-possible-health-risk

By News Desk 

** Egg sheets recalled because of concerns about Salmonella

Si Ji Mei brand Wuhan Egg Sheets with Glutinous Rice are under recall in Canada because of potential contamination with Salmonella. The recall was triggered by the company, according to

By News Desk 

** More than 20 poisonings, 1 death reported in California linked to wild mushrooms

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is issuing an urgent advisory following a recent outbreak of amatoxin poisoning linked to the consumption of wild, foraged mushrooms. Confirmed cases have

** Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese Recall:

A Class I recall was initiated for thousands of units of grated Pecorino Romano cheese products due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. This recall affects products distributed across 20 states, including Arizona, California, and New York. The recall was classified on January 6, 2026, and involves over 11,500 units of various packaging formats.

** A recall on Ore-ida and Sysco Imperial Tater-Tots for plastic contamination.
To date, there have been no reported injuries or illnesses associated with this recall, and it is currently unclear how the products became contaminated. Clear hard plastic fragments:McCain Foods USA Inc. Ore-Ida Tater Tots potatoes with the UPC code 1 00 72714 00215 8

Sysco Imperial Potato Tater Barrel with the UPC code 1 07 34730 62740 0

The tater tots were distributed: CA, WA, AR,AZ,CO,FL,HI, IA, ID,IL,KS,KY,LA,MI,MN,MO,MS,MT,NE,NM,ND,NV,OR,TX,UT,WI

** The recalled product was directly distributed to the two retailers listed below, located IA and NJ , between April 2023 to December 2023 There were no online sales.

1.Golden Land (Des Moines)
2740 Douglas Ave
Des Moines IA 50310
Tel: 515-468-8224

2.Terri Lee Oriental Groceries.
225 Maywood Ave.
Maywood NJ 07607
Tel: 201-843-7919

The recalled [Klong Kone] Shimp Paste (Klong Kone) “454 G. (1 LBS)” and “910 G. (2 LBS),” is packaged in a white plastic jar with a red cap. The product is a dark-colored paste with a salty flavor. The product was Packed and Distributed By: P. Prateepthong 2000, Product of Thailand.

The recalled product was sold in two sizes:

  • [Klong Kone] Shrimp Paste (Klong Kone) ‘454 G. (1 LBS)’ , with UPC: 8853142000313, Product Code: DPA159
  • [Klong Kone] Shrimp Paste (Klong Kone) ‘910 G. (2 LBS)’ , with UPC: 8853142000320, Product Code: DPA161

To date, there has been one report of four children becoming ill, which involved diarrhea and elevated blood levels.

** Sonoma, CA — Primavera Nueva Inc. is voluntarily recalling certain lots of its 4-count tamales because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Product was distributed by Primavera Nueva Inc. in California and Nevada to retail stores.

The following 4-count tamales, produced between October 10, 2024 and October 10, 2025 are included:

  • Roasted Green Chile & Jack Cheese
  • Black Bean Bonanza & Jack Cheese
  • Butternut Squash w/ Roasted Green Chiles & Cheese
  • BBQ Chipotle Bean & White Cheddar
  • Mushroom Spinach & Salsa with Two Cheeses
  • Roasted Green Chile
  • Black Bean Bonanza
  • Butternut Squash w/ Roasted Green Chiles
  • Mushroom Spinach & Salsa
  • Roasted Pumpkin & White Cheddar.

No other Primavera Nueva products are affected.

No illnesses have been reported to date. Primavera Nueva has fully corrected the issue—enhanced cooking-temperature monitoring and verification have been in place since October 11, 2025.

Consumer Guidance 
Consumers who have tamales with date codes 10/22 (year 2024) – 10/22 (year 2025) should not consume the product and should discard it.

For questions, contact:
Araceli Santoyo — primaveranueva@aol.com
707 939 9350, Monday through Friday 9am to 3pm pacific

** Distilled Water Meijer Steam Distilled Water one-gallon jugs have been recalled by the FDA for containing a “floating black foreign substance.”

The affected product was sold at Meijer stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

**Jan 05 Primavera Nueva Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Select 4-Count Tamales Because of Possible Health Risk- Revised to Include Roasted Pumpkin & White Cheddar, a Seasonal Item

** Gusto Group Inc. Recalls Shrimp Paste (Klong Kone) ‘’454 G. (1 LBS)’ and ‘910 G. (2 LBS)’ because of Possible Health Risk

** Mountain West Food Group, LLC, a Heyburn, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today…

Impacted Products

• 16-oz. (1-lb.) vacuum-sealed packages containing “FORWARD FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF” with “USE OF FREEZE BY 01/13/26 EST 2083” printed on the side of the packaging.

** Heyburn, Idaho-based Mountain West Food Group: The recall affects 16-ounce vacuum-sealed packages of grass-fed ground beef with a “use or freeze by” date of January 13, 2026. The product has the establishment number “2083” on the packaging. 

2
Consumers are advised to dispose of the recalled ground beef or return it to the place of purchase. For further information, consumers can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov

** CHIPS AHOY! 

  • Baked Bites Brookie products with Best When Used By Dates listed in the grid provided by Mondelēz Global LLC.
  • Recall 
  • Expansion: An additional code date (10MAY2026) and two additional UPCs of product pouches were added to the recall.
  • Reason for Recall: Incorrect mixing process resulted in the formation of small corn starch clumps, which could constitute a choking hazard.
  • Consumer Advice: Consumers should not consume the affected products and are advised to contact Mondelēz Global LLC for more information.
  • Contact Information: Consumers can contact Mondelz Global LLC at 1-855-535-5948 for details.

**

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

In the Library … The Hobbit by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien – in memory


Cover has a drawing of a winged dragon with a long tail at the bottom. 1937 cover – drawing done by Tolkien

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, CBE (3 January 1892 – 2 September 1973), whose surname is pronounced /?t?lki?n/ (in General American also /?to?lki?n/), was an English writer, poet, philologist, and university professor, best known as the author of the classic high fantasy works The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. Tolkien was Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University from 1925 to 1945 and Merton Professor of English Language and Literature there from 1945 to 1959. He was a close friend of C. S. Lewis—they were both members of the informal literary discussion group known as the Inklings. Tolkien was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II on 28 March 1972. After his death, Tolkien’s son, Christopher, published a series of works based on his father’s extensive notes and unpublished manuscripts, including The Silmarillion. These, together with The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, form a connected body of tales, poems, fictional histories, invented languages, and literary essays about an imagined world called Arda, and Middle-earth within it. Between 1951 and 1955 Tolkien applied the word legendarium to the larger part of these writings. While many other authors had published works of fantasy before Tolkien, the great success of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings when they were published in paperback in the United States led directly to a popular resurgence of the genre. This has caused Tolkien to be popularly identified as the “father” of modern fantasy literature—or, more precisely, of high fantasy. Tolkien’s writings have inspired many other works of fantasy and have had a lasting effect on the entire field. In 2008, The Times ranked him sixth on a list of “The 50 greatest British writers since 1945”.

http://www.readanybook.com/ebook/the-hobbit-17

~ my 2cents ...

Clothes : Can they be ethical … a repost

2 Comments

beaseedforchangestickersGREENjust another rant …

Secondhand or flea market shopping has been in the news occasionally for years and as folks join the movement to keep material out of landfills or reduce their eco-footprint; some push, buy made in the US of A only; while others believe reusing is best. The problem that needs to be addressed over and over is: how toxic are the materials used to create fashion?

The idea of wearing toxic fashions let alone recycling it is a disturbing thought given what we now know and at the end of the day, it always seems to go back to making that dollar-dollar

There are a few who do 2ndhand because of financial issues, some wear it for personal reasons and even more, are on that path toward sustainable living, but as a whole 2nd hand, up-cycling, or living Eco-friendly seems to be great names but are they ethically stylish? I guess that would have to mean, intentionally buying, wearing, and devoting your dollar dollars to sustainably made only. The fact is, it is a lot tougher than folks think. Have you looked at your clothing labels?

The dictionary states that being ethical means acting in an ethical manner from an ethical point of view. Being “ethically stylish” is almost a mission impossible.  Before you say she needs more education; don’t get me wrong because I definitely get being “ethically stylish,” and “acting with intent” but when store buyers, the fashion industry, and whatnot go out of their way to use cheap labor or toxic material, being ethical demands that the fashion industry cooperates as well, lest we talk about where the industry gets their material, and sadly the manufacturing industry isn’t as vital in the USA as it used to be.

Unfortunately, this is an ongoing fight, and here we are in the year 2025.  I wonder, have other people bought and overpaid for a dress or two over the years; tried buying American-made only as well but found more often than not; truth be told, you’re buying because of the “cute factor” first, then price while looking at the tags later finding that it was not made in the US of A or out of sustainable material, which definitely offends the “ethically stylish, “code.  Sometime in the ’90s, word got out that the likelihood of fashion corporations outsourcing work because it was more cost-effective, the material was cheap, and maybe not so sustainable was reported as meaning, you’re getting more for the money; remember when big-name models, entertainment folks, and designers were caught using sweatshops.  So, Big-name companies like Levi’s, which I thought were only made here in the US as a kid, are apparently imported as well and the 501s, which were my favorite as a kid, often have insane prices, though more sustainable.

Back in the day, hearing the fashion industry, in all its forms, say they are selling or being more ethically stylish was frustrating.  There were always reports of companies and brands that sell USA-made only but could also be among others in the industry possibly using toxic materials.  This news made a few brands take a giant leap toward 100% Organic, Natural, or Sustainable. They then took several giant steps backward to rehash and or rethink who when why when, and with what, came the outrageous prices leaving a huge group of consumers out!  America needs to buy and sell locally, but again, it seems like a mission impossible as they say. Made in America is not only more expensive, but the labels are far fewer these days and the material is often blended with stuff we cannot pronounce. The history of the fashion industry and American Made is definitely a love-hate thing as designers and stars back in the day were wearing fabulous clothes rarely found on the racks, only to find out they were actually getting their clothes made by sweatshops, in some well-known and unknown countries … probably not very sustainable.

They say, no to fast fashion but need a dress quick for a show… done. Thing is, the questions still remain the same, made by whom, how much do the seamstresses get to make it, and how much did the consumer pay?

Yes, “Made in the USA” faded out to a blank whiteboard and the NYC garment district was but a memory for quite a while. There were some great “Where and what are they doing now” shows with older “go to” fashion designers, and clothiers stating the fabric just is not the same nor are the people. The opportunity to make more clothes with cheap labor & material seemed to have become addictive, and the image of what was going on in those countries was not good.   Fashion will always be a work in progress, but learning that unfair labor practices and or that companies are producing great-looking garments, but possibly using toxic material since or before is sad considering all that has happened to the industry over the years. Thus, making it tough to be ethical, let alone wear fashion that is ethically stylish or sustainable.

I still buy clothes, using the cute fit fab factor while believing in reuse, upcycling, recycled material, reclaiming, repurposing, and reducing movement, which keeps most material out of landfills, but it takes work. In this 21st Century, it now means not only checking the labels but checking after you buy because baby, trying to count the number of times an online buy was NOT cotton is embarrassing and most go to charity stores

First posted, November 2012

~ Culture & History, ~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Green Planet …info on Kenaf -Working with Nature – a Repost


    featured photo is a sunset over Mumbai

The Wall Project – Brightening people’s lives.

Posted on 25. May, 2010 by admin in India, odd stuff

The Mumbai Wall Project began with a blank white compound wall, with an intense burning of “something has to be done to it” It starting with a few enthusiastic people, it has grown to be a bigger and bigger project seemingly taking a life of its own.

It was an initiative to add visual elements of colour, form and texture to a space, to make the area more alive and generate a feeling among people who pass by it daily. Not knowing how people would react, the first onlookers came out slowly and curious to see what was happening and then slowly people and even young kids came out to help and play their part.

Dhanya Pilo, Art Director and Founder of The Wall Project, notes: “Wall art has always existed in India on temple walls, village houses or old Bollywood art, creating a personality unique to each township.” Since public art has always existed, a creative platform of this kind was the logical next step.

The Wall Project have painted in many many nooks and corners of Mumbai. Bandra is the best location – as the best way to see all the wall art you need to cycle/walk around and you will find art work all over Bandra. More recently the wall project, got permission from the city to beautify the North –South roads in Mumbai as a canvas with everything being an inspiration, art, music, nature, love, the abstract, real life and the city itself. (This road is a huge landmark) Everything is acceptable apart from adverts, religious views, political slogans, and foul language. The premise that a work of art can make a colorful difference in the lives of individuals, communities, and cities, The Founders believe that grey, ugly spaces deserve beautification.
Everybody is welcome, not just artists, and they are always looking for permission and interesting locations to paint.

They have worked with a lot of people, shop owners, hospitals, NGO’s and the Alliance Francaise, Kaos Pilot, and are being invited by more people to showcase their ideas/skills. In January ‘08 they collaborated with Fine Art students of Rachana Sansad, Mumbai and painted shops as well as some other walls.

Over the years a lot of talented Graffiti artist from all over the world have come to paint, from Swedish writer Finsta to French writers Dezer, Keflione, Migwel, Rock, Posh, Seth, Boogie & Kid etc have all come and left their designs/marks/stories in the streets of Mumbai giving locals something to smile about.

Regarding, “The Great Wall of Mumbai” – on the Tulsi Pipe Road – They had been eyeing that wall for so so long. They had painted on walls of private homes, shops, schools, etc and they wanted to paint on major public spaces but thought that the process of getting permission would be too daunting and bureaucratic. They were completely surprised when R A Rajeev, Additional Municipal Commissioner, BMC approached them. He gave them complete creative control, it was a dream come true. Around four hundred people of all ages came to help. Some were not artists, some were not. It was about being inclusive and including the local population and the turnout was great.

The Mumbai Wall Projectis bringing the streets to life, in a positive and colourful way with more than 300+ pieces all over Mumbai.

If you want to keep in loop join The Wall Project Facebook Group, they posting most information there, and you can let them know if there are any specific ways you want to be part of the group. They say even dormant members will eventually get colourful, and out of their cocoon.


“This process allows one to be more observant about the spaces we use and move within and how we can use various art forms in the public sphere to generate an interest in the minds of our daily human lives. The wall project in its own way tries to start a conversation, with no political or religious attachments.” – Dhanya Pilo & Nitya Amarnath

Fuel – A different way of thinking?

Posted on 23. Jun, 2010 by admin in mishmash

As you may or may not be aware, I don’t feel that Carbon Dioxide is the the villain at the centre of the world’s problems . I personally believe that is a convenience for Governments to generate revenue amongst other things, a distraction from other more important matters. What I do believe, is that we are extremely wasteful of dwindling resources and are polluting our planet at an alarming rate… More kids are suffering with asthma that ever before. More people have respiratory illnesses than ever before. We are killing ourselves and the planet with pollution and waste in a thousand different ways.

So I was pleased to find The Fuel Film website

A few pollution information gems to consider:

• The levels of toxic diesel fumes inside school buses are 4 times higher compared with outside the buses.

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 2 million premature deaths are caused each year due to air pollution in cities across the world

• A Scottish study has shown that jogging with traffic around results in reduced blood flow to the heart. This is particularly dangerous for people with stable heart disease, because it can trigger off cardiac arrhythmia or even a heart attack

• Every year 335,000 Americans die of lung cancer, which is a direct result of air pollution

And we are not talking CO2 pollution here, just all the other nasties that get pumped into our atmosphere for us to breath.

The Fuel Film… Educational, Informative and surprisingly entertaining

The Big question from sceptics is: … That crops for bio-fuel takes away the ability of the world to feed it’s growing population, this is answered in a couple of ways in the film.

One solution of several is in using marginal land, another is algae
For those that don’t know: Marginal land is land that is difficult to cultivate and is not being used for food crops. This land could be used to grow biomass crops to be used for bio-fuels. California has apparently 1 million acres of marginal land that could generate 5 billion gallons of bio-fuels per year.

Now, while not 100% convinced that it is possible to ‘grow’ all our fuel requirements, it nice to know that there are alternative possibilities and people willing to fight to get them heard.

All it needs now is the desire from Government and vested interests to make it happen… Having said all that what is happening in the Gulf is a wake-up call for the world….

But is anybody listening? Because as sure as death and taxes we are not going to give up our love affair with the car easily

For more information click here

Photo courtesy: U.S. Department of Energy. Pretty, isn’t it? …. In case you’re wondering it’s Bio-fuel Algae

Kenaf – A 21st century crop

Posted on 21. Mar, 2010 by admin in crop

Kenaf, should be the fibre crop of the 21st century, and hopefully explode into the market place for industrial products made from sustainable natural materials. Several multinational companies already use kenaf fibre in small, but growing quantities, in newly-marketed green products such as the Toyota Lexus and NEC mobile phones to replace environmentally-damaging materials.

Crucially, the green tag attached to kenaf is gaining more importance as people, companies and governments realize that the kenaf crop removes substantial amounts of CO2 and NO2 from the atmosphere and three to five times faster than forests with its deep roots improving the soil. Trees take many years to reach a harvestable size, however kenaf grown as an annual crop will reach a mature size in just 120 to 150 days after the seeds are sown, producing the largest biomass of any agricultural crop – far more than trees.

It can clean the environment efficiently and in some Japanese cities, kenaf is planted by the Government to improve the air quality. Kenaf will also greatly reduce our reliance on wood pulp and petroleum-based products. From construction board and concrete to plastic composites for mobile phones, from paper and light-weight, high-strength surfaces in aircraft to non woven industrial fabrics, from newspaper to absorbents for the oil industry. Commerce is waiting for the sustainable kenaf fibre in large quantities.

The kenaf plant is composed of multiple useful components (e.g. stalks, leaves, and seeds) and within each of these plant components there are various usable portions (e.g. fibres and fibre strands, proteins, oils, and allelopathic chemicals). What can’t be harvested can be used as Biomass fuel and fertilizer

Exciting New Technologies

In the past kenaf fibre production has been limited by the manual processing required to extract the fibres once the kenaf crop has been grown and harvested and the non-sustainable method of retting the fibres in rivers. New methods are now becoming available to process kenaf in volume providing a distinct advantage over existing processes, taking them to a new economical viability.

Green Planets and our partners intention is not to compete with other existing kenaf producers or processors, but to enlarge the industry and provide new opportunities for kenaf fibres. In most of the countries chosen, there are existing kenaf customers, we aim to enhance those relationships and the export routes for kenaf to developed nations. While at the same time create locally-owned hubs of agricultural excellence, kenaf business and community social support for the growers.

To find out more and how you can assist us, please contact us at     www.kenaf@greenplanet.com

Kenaf is a crop of importance – to a world in need of it

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

National Geographic Winners


Nat Geo Photo Contest Winners
From a rain-pelted dragonfly to a double rainbow over Indonesia, see the winning shots of our most recent reader photo competition.
Travel Photo Contest’s Top Shots
Our editors received 12,000 entries from 152 countries, so the winners must be pretty darn good, right? See for yourself.
Best Wildlife Pictures of 2012
It’s tough to compete with pounce-ready cheetah cubs and a beady-eyed croc. But National Geographic’s Paul Nicklen did—and won, with his effervescent image of bubble-jetting penguins.