Interview: Sarma Melngailis
Pure Food and Wine | Oneluckyduck.com

By betty | Published: December 11, 2012
pure food and wine and oneluckyduck.com

Image credits: oneluckyduck.com and ducknews.oneluckyduck.com

As owner of Pure Food and Wine restaurant, Sarma has built a raw, organic, and healthy veggie paradise in her own corner of a charming neighborhood just east of Union Square in NYC. She trail blazed e-commerce with the founding of Oneluckyduck.com, selling ingredients and products that are hard to find, and additionally offering some of the delicious goods that come from the Pure Food and Wine kitchen. Oneluckyduck.com also promotes top grade appliances and beauty products that are organic and beneficial. I can assure you they are likely tried and tested by Sarma herself.

On top of being a business owner of a restaurant and e-commerce site, she has published two books (Raw Food Real World, William Morrow Cookbooks, and Living Raw Food, HarperCollins) filled with delicious recipes, including some of the coveted juice concoctions from the juice and takeaway joint, with two locations in NYC.

Recently she has expanded operations to Brooklyn, and health nuts and curious minds alike are waiting to see what’s next. Hmm, Pure Food and Wine L.A.? Stars would flock to this glamorous destination! Sarma: The West Coast is in dire need of the Pure Food and Wine gastronomic glory.*

OK enough of the flattery, you can read some of Sarma’s words of wisdom below.

Five ingredients you can’t live without, and why.

  1. Coconut oil. The really good cold-pressed kind. We use it in our desserts, it’s insanely good for you, and I use it as lotion, makeup remover, and for a million other things too. Plus my dog and cat love it too.
  2. Salt. Good Himalayan crystal salt. I’m a salt fiend. I put it on everything, even desserts. And a tiny little pinch in the blender when I make a fruit shake. It makes everything better, and it’s not bad like regular table salt.
  3. Macadamia oil. I put it on salads or any vegetables. Or Pumpkinseed oil. Can those be tied? They have so much flavor, and pair particularly well with lime and lemon, respectively. Speaking of lemons and limes…
  4. Lemons and limes. Everything’s better with a little citrus.
  5. Finally, cilantro. It’s my favorite, and it’s really good for you. There’s a Pineapple Cilantro Shake in my second book I’m craving now.

You once said, “The more I learn about food, nutrition, and the environment, the better choices I make.” What are some recent choices you have made in regards to your health, outlook, or the environment?
I haven’t made any recent big changes… lately it’s just all the small things that add up. I might get lazy about recycling or composting, but after reading something I’ll be more likely to take the extra time to save something instead of throwing it away. And I’ll be better about always having an extra duck tote bag on me when I’m shopping for anything.

We recently started selling reusable produce bags, and I love them. Because even when you bring your own shopping bag to the greenmarket, you still need a bag to put those sugar snap peas in.

As far as bigger changes, I’ve become more aware of specifically how raising animals for food has such a devastating effect on the planet and global warming. And how we might be able to educate people. There are so many reasons to stop doing what we do, and yet we don’t. Hopefully it will change.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to make small, daily changes to improve their health and be kind to the planet?
See above. :) It depends on where someone’s starting, but small changes are usually easier for most people than a drastic overhaul (though the latter can often be more rewarding—to see and feel a big noticeable shift).

Drinking more juice is key, and eating more salads and fresh food. It starts to get addicting in a good way. So that when you don’t have it, you crave it and miss it. Then you just keep shifting more and more to plants and juice, and off you go.

What do you think about Starbucks entering the fresh juice trend with their new Evolution Fresh juice bars?
It’s easy to be cynical about big chains getting into the natural foods business, but I think it’s all good. Even if it’s not perfect (I think they flash or pressure pasteurize it, and not sure if it’s all organic?), it’s a huge step in the right direction, so I’m all for all of it.

One Lucky Duck’s website is always expanding their selection of high-quality, healthy, organic products; what’s ahead for One Lucky Duck in 2013?
Good question. We’ll keep doing what we do, and growing, and adding new products and desserts in particular. I have a few things up my sleeve but I’ll keep them there for now. I’d love to write a third book too, but we’ll see.

 

*For the record: Sarma has not indicated anything about a Pure Food and Wine restaurant on the West Coast. I’m just a San Francisco (for now) based blogger who craves some high quality, fresh, creative, inventive, nutritious Pure Food and Wine from time to time. For now, I’ll stick to Sarma’s cookbooks!

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Interview: Cradle to Cradle
Products Innovation Institute

By betty | Published: September 17, 2012

"Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM and Certified Cradle to CradleCM are certification marks licensed by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. " (Image Source: C2CPII)

It has been eye-opening to discover the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII). C2CPII is pushing boundaries, calling product manufacturers to make safe products that are also gentle to our planet. Bridgett Luther, President of the Institute, graciously shares her knowledge about sustainable and environmentally sound products. Read more to learn about C2CPII and the difference they are making.

About
The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute™ (Institute) is a non-profit organization based in California focused on Cradle to Cradle CertificationCM. The certification is a quality standard that yields the world’s finest, healthiest products through the pursuit of continuous improvement. The Institute was founded by William McDonough and Michael Braungart, who developed the Cradle to Cradle framework in the book of the same name. In 2010, they gifted the certification program to the non-profit Institute in order to scale up Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM products. Before this year, their firm, MBDC, had certified some 300 products by working with large businesses who understand that business as usual is over. Now the Institute will hold the standard and allow for certification of products based on the Cradle to Cradle criteria.

In ~140 characters, what does a sustainable world look like?
Our goal is a delightfully diverse, safe, healthy and just world, with clean air, soil, water and power – economically, equitably, ecologically, and elegantly enjoyed.

The C2CPII website asks this question; what is your answer?

My number one safe material is a safe fire retardant! Most of the fire retardants in use today – especially brominated – have severe impact on pregnant women and babies.

What materials in our everyday life strongly need to become safer and more environmentally considerate?
The use of PVC (polyvinyl chlorides) is way too pervasive since there are known healthy substitutes and the production of PVC causes dioxin, one of the most carcinogenic molecules on earth, to be released. Find out more: http://archive.greenpeace.org/toxics/pvcdatabase/bad.html.

The most important thing we can do is ask manufacturers to know what is in their products and work together to find replacements for the materials that are harmful to people and the planet. That’s part of the process of Cradle to Cradle certification. Once manufacturers know, then we can start inventing materials that can be recycled or safely composted and create Cradle to Cradle systems.

Does the Institute offer educational opportunities for today’s youth?
You can sign up for training to learn about certification. The book, Cradle to Cradle, Remaking the Way We Make Things, was released 10 years ago and many young people have read it or studied it in school. It has created a worldwide movement for positive footprints, where we create a world where growth is a good thing.

What are some of the latest developments with the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute’s organizational growth?
We’ve gone beyond start up to scale up and are actively training others in what certification is and all about Cradle to Cradle.

Name a recently C2C certified product and its certification level.
Most people know about Method cleaning products (http://c2ccertified.org/index.php/products/category/personal_home_care).

Method has 22 certifications and has committed to producing their products with safe, healthy materials in packaging that can be recycled. As part of the certification program they’ve also committed to social responsibility and producing their products with renewable energy and clean water.

For more information on the continuous improvement part of the standard, visit: http://c2ccertified.org/index.php/product_certification/program_details

About Creating Certified Products
To help companies obtain certification, the Institute will educate and train people to assist companies in implementing the protocol.

Companies will submit their work to the Institute for auditing, and a certification will be issued on the following five categories: (1) safe, healthy materials; (2) material reutilization; (3) a plan to produce products with 100 percent renewable energy; (4) production and release of abundant, clean water; and (5) social responsibility.

Multiple industries have already demonstrated the viability and benefits of designing Cradle to Cradle Certified products, such as Herman Miller, Shaw Industries, Method and Aveda.

Visit C2CPIIs’ website: http://c2ccertified.org/

 

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Daily Inspiration: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead

By betty | Published: August 4, 2012


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Interview: Saran Kaba Jones,
Executive Director, FACE Africa

By betty | Published: June 12, 2012

Face Africa

I am proud to volunteer as a communications officer for the Life You Can Save. The Life You Can Save is a concept and budding organization based on a book written by renowned philosopher Peter Singer. Here is our current mission statement:
“The Life You Can Save is a movement of people fighting extreme poverty. We hold that an ethical life involves using some of our wealth and resources to save and improve the lives of those less fortunate than us. For this reason, we spread knowledge of what all of us can do to reduce poverty and we encourage people to publicly pledge a percentage of their income to highly effective aid organizations.”

FACE Africa is an non-profit organization that I admire and support. Saran Kaba Jones, Founder and Executive Director, and her team are working to 1) end the water crisis, and 2) empower the women of Liberia. I was fortunate enough to interview Saran for The Life You Can Save’s June 2012 newsletter. The following interview with Saran Kaba Jones texplains her amazing cause. Please read the full Q&A session with Saran below.

The Life You Can Save  Newsletter, June 2012 Q&A with FACE Africa

DID YOU KNOW?
3 out of 4 Liberians have no access to safe drinking water, and 6 out of 7 have no access to sanitation facilities.

Waterborne illnesses kill more children than malaria and HIV/AIDS combined.

Saran Kaba Jones, Founder and Executive Director of FACE Africa, has first hand experience understanding the clean water crisis in Africa. She has devoted her efforts to bring clean and safe drinking water to her native Liberia since founding the non-profit organization in 2009.

The Life You Can Save sat down with Saran to learn more about her experience in Liberia and Africa, bringing attention to this vital cause.

Who inspires and motivates you to change the world?
I am inspired by my generation! A community of smart, ambitious, socially conscious young men and women who believe they have the power to change the world and make it a better one. Being a part of this dynamic group of young people who share my interests, passions and beliefs is the most inspiring thing ever. Feeling like I am part of a movement encourages me to push myself harder to make my contribution to this community really count. I’ve become a better and more creative person in the process and I have my generation to thank for it. I hope to also inspire other young people to work towards leaving our world a bit better than we met it.

What is the biggest challenge facing the clean water movement in Liberia?
I would say infrastructure and funding. The water supply and sanitation sector seriously deteriorated after the 14 year civil war in Liberia. Even before the war, waterborne diseases were a problem in Liberia. This was exacerbated during the war when many water points and water systems were damaged. While the Government is working along its partners and to restore pipe borne water supply to Monrovia and its environs, the country still faces serious healthcare challenges regarding waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhea. The sector faces a severe financing gap, making it difficult for the government to reach its clean water and sanitation goals. Water and sanitation receives less funding than health, education, transport, energy and agriculture. Unless the government and donors commit more funding to the sector, we will continue to face serious challenges in meeting the Liberia MDG target for water and sanitation.

Where do water, women empowerment, and global poverty intersect?
The world water crisis is one of the largest public health issues of our time, causing 2 million deaths every year. Nearly 1.1 billion people (roughly 20% of the world’s population) lack access to safe drinking water and every day4,500 children die from illnesses like diarrhea, dysentery, and cholera caused by dirty water and unhygienic living conditions. The lack of access to clean water not only severely impacts people’s health, it also suppresses economic growth and negatively impacts women and girls’ education advancement. Women and young girls spend countless hours and walk miles each day, often at great risk to their safety and lives, to secure water for their families; subsequently, losing their opportunity to earn an income or education. Dirty water directly affects every area of development. Children cannot attend school if they are sick from dirty water, and adults suffering from water-borne illnesses overwhelm hospitals and cannot go to work. Hours spent looking for and collecting clean water mean hours not spent adding to a family’s economic well-being. In short, the best intentioned efforts at development fail if the basic necessity of clean water is not met.

What has been the proudest moment during your work with FACE Africa?
The have been many. Those moments when a new or rehabilitated handpump starts to provide clean water, or the first use of a latrine! There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing the smiles on the faces of men, women and children who no longer have to travel miles everyday day to fetch contaminated water and can now drink water without worrying about getting sick from it. Seeing the look of pride on the faces of the community residents who were involved in the entire process of implementation warms my heart and hearing from parents about how their children no longer complain of stomach problems is also a highlight of my work.

What advice would you give to others who want to make a difference?
I think we all have a duty to work towards leaving our world a bit better than we met it. I always tell people, you don’t have to start your own organization or foundation to make an impact. Find a cause that you’re passionate about and volunteer your time or skills to that cause. There’s an endless list of things to do to take action, inspire change and impact a life: volunteer at your local soup kitchen or hospital, spend time in a community garden, mentor a young person, speak out against injustice when you see it, help raise awareness for HIV/AIDS or domestic abuse, or sponsor a child like I did. Bill Clinton’s book “Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World,” really touches on the power we all have to make the world a better place and give others a chance to live out their dreams. I highly recommend this book to any young person looking for some inspiration.

How could someone who doesn’t have a lot of extra money contribute to FACE Africa’s cause?
Spread the word: One of the best ways to support FACE Africa is to talk to friends and colleagues about our work. Share our website with them and encourage them to join our social networks on Facebook and Twitter.

1. Introduce FACE Africa to a foundation or corporation: If you have connections within a corporation or foundation that might be interested in funding our work, introduce them to our work.

2. Matching gifts are an easy way to double your fundraising totals. Many people don’t realize that their employers offer matching gifts. In some cases, your $100 donation turns into $200 just by filling out a simple form. Check with your human resources department to get the form and then remind those who donate to you to do the same.

3. Fundraise for FACE Africa: There are many ways you can help raise funds for FACE Africa. From sponsored events, yard sales to eBay auctions. We provide you with all the promotional materials you need including brochures, stories, films and audio. We can also help you set up your own fundraising web page throughwww.justgiving.com.

4. In-kind donations: If you or your organization have a skill, service or product that would help FACE Africa (are you a photographer, graphic designer, writer, musician, or online advertising specialist and have time or services that you would like to donate to FACE Africa), please get in touch to find out we can work together.

Jobs and volunteering: From time to time we need extra hands in the US and the countries we serve.
Email: volunteer@faceafrica.org letting us know your skills and interests. From time to time, volunteers are needed and we will be sure to contact you if your skills and/or interests match up to our needs.

Fore more information, visit FACE Africa’s website atwww.faceafrica.org

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The ART of Letting Go

By betty | Published: March 23, 2012

Dixie Plantation, Minolta 35 mm

The art of letting go seems to be more of a puzzle than something I clearly understand, and this makes it difficult to write about. All I understand until now is that ‘letting go’ is a release, of some form. For me, that form is control.

In the past I have found that when I try to take direct control of a situation that seems out of my reach, it backfires and the outcome is usually not to my favor. Yet, when I seem to simply raise my consciousness and awareness in a way that I am observing and acknowledging chaotic factors around me, suddenly things start to work…. if not much better, than just a little easier.

I’ve been thinking about some particular instances where we could all practice “letting go,” so as to free our minds from worrying about things that take up emotional energy. Here are a few:

You are at a crossroads and don’t know where you should go next
Imagine yourself literally at a dirt crossroads, and it has four directions. Now, that narrows down our options a little bit. You are on one of those paths already, so that leaves you with three from which to choose.

Now, apply this to the crossroads in your life. Literally, what are your realistic options? You likely have A, B or C. It’s not as overwhelming when you narrow down your choices.  I know, this is easier said than done;  but  my point is that it doesn’t have to be that daunting.

The art of letting go says, just pick one option and (try to) stick with it.

You disappointed yourself or someone else
I never want to disappoint those who are important to me, or anyone for that matter. It’s such a terrible feeling, although it’s inevitable that along the line we are not going to always live up to everyone’s expectations.

Think about quitting a bad habit — smoking for instance. Well, it’s about 90% likely that you are going to slip up while you’re trying to quit. The experts always advise you NOT to beat yourself up over that mistake, but instead, look forward. Keep trying to succeed.

The art of letting go says to acknowledge your mistakes, learn from them, and move on without dwelling.

The way you used to do and see things has changed
We are all growing and changing all of the time. Sometimes as we grow, our world perspective changes and what used to be really important is no longer important anymore. Priorities change as our lives change.

If we embrace change and grow stronger, our perspective will become clear. It is hard to change from what we always knew or perceived was ‘right’ or ‘wrong,’ but there is a vast amount of knowledge to learn from the universe.

The art of letting go says, perhaps there are no absolute truths.

The Golden Rule
Finally, if there is one important maxim I have lived with throughout my life, in various ways and certainly through personal experience and lessons, it is the Golden Rule. This applies to every culture, religion and society in one way or another.  My ultimate goal in living a life of letting go tells me to “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Then, you never have to worry. By letting go of our worries, we are set free. We let go!

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