Sound Consumer

The start of this new year — PCC’s 57th year of service to its communities — is a fitting time to celebrate examples of how PCC gives back to the community. PCC’s efforts to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility reflect an ongoing dialog among members, staff, vendors and community partners. Based on the premise that PCC does well by doing good, the conversation addresses questions about what good; for whose benefit, and how often … and always, how much?

Many Americans assume genetically engineered (GE) crops reduce pesticide use, and they did, in the beginning at least — the first three years when GE corn, soybeans and cotton were planted. But since then, the opposite is true.

If you think of salt as just the white, granular combination of two simple elements — sodium and chloride — you’re mistaken! Salts from around the world are unique in color and flavor and texture. There are pink salts, black salts, smoked salts and flaked salts.

Butternut Black Bean Chili ·
Chipotle Chicken or Turkey Chili ·
Citrus Arugula Salad

Today’s frantic, fast, food-fueled lifestyle is a sharp contrast to the deeply satisfying experience of making healthful foods in our own kitchens. I especially encourage you to discover the delicious simplicity of making a few home-fermented foods. It’s a sure-fire way to add culture(s) to your life — double entendre intended!

There comes a time when birthdays and brand new calendars make a person think. As more and more calendar pages find their way into the round file marked “history” (not recyclable, sorry), one commences to think even harder.

With heightened awareness of issues such as farmland loss, food security, climate change and sustainability, the trust’s work continues to grow — as does the staff. Introducing Hillary Roberts and Lynne Jordan, newest staff working with the PCC Farmland Trust.

Preserving ginger · Living conditions for chickens · Humane labeling? · Diet sodas linked to diabetes · BPA in canned food · GE corn-based plastics?

Organic cattle operation decertified · Coffee before exercise may harm the heart · China approves GE rice and corn · USDA lifts ban on GM papaya · Organic chicken tests safer · DNA tests uncover sushi fraud · France prepares voluntary GMO-free labels · Mediterranean diet reduces depression? · Cultured meat? · Exercise creates brain cells

Board meeting report · Fall member meeting recap · 2010 board candidate slate · Next board meeting