Old Growth Forests Key to Panda Wellbeing

From ScienceDaily (Jan. 11, 2011) — The results of a study recently published in the journal Biology Letters indicate that giant pandas need old-growth forests as much as bamboo forests. This work, which was completed through the collaborative efforts of scientists from the Chinese Academy of Science, San Diego Zoo Global, China West Normal University, China Wildlife Conservation Association and the Sichuan Forestry Department, could assist conservationists in creating strategic plans that help conserve this critically endangered bear species.

"In this study we show that pandas are associated with old-growth forests more than with any ecological variable other than bamboo," said, Ron Swaisgood, Ph.D., one of the authors of the work and a panda researcher with the San Diego Zoo. "This finding indicates that in order to conserve this species, we need to conserve both bamboo and old-growth forests."

The study, which was conducted from 1999 through 2003, includes data collected from the panda's range in the Sichuan province of China. A key element to the success of this endeavor was the scale of the study, which contributed important information.

"But maps and measures of habitat suitability are only as good as the underlying biological assumptions, which are sometimes influenced by the scale over which data are obtained, " states the study. "Modellers of panda habitat have not ignored the available ecological data but have been forced to rely on data collected over limited temporal and spatial scales."

Giant pandas are unique among bear species for their reliance on an almost completely herbivorous diet that consists largely of bamboo. This dependence on a bamboo diet has indicated the importance of conserving bamboo forests in order to conserve giant pandas. Information about the panda's additional dependence on old-growth forests is expected to affect conservation efforts for this species in the future.

Vanishing Birds Could Signal Mass Extinction

Reported in ScienceDaily (Oct. 12, 2010) — The first detailed measurements of current extinction rates for a specific region have shown that birds are the best group to use to track the losses. The study also reveals Britain may be losing species over ten times faster than records suggest, and the speed of loss is probably increasing: the losses from England alone may exceed one species every two weeks.

The study, by Oxford University researchers, shows that many types of obscure organism in Britain are going extinct at the same rate as the birds -- evidence supporting fears of a global mass extinction. A report of the research is published in an upcoming issue of the journal Biological Conservation as countries prepare to meet in Japan 18-29 October to discuss biodiversity conservation targets.

'Biodiversity loss is arguably much more serious and more permanent than climate change,' said Clive Hambler of Oxford University's Department of Zoology, lead author of the research. 'But it's impossible to know if policy targets to reduce the loss are being met without accurate measures of extinction rates. Until now, we had only crude estimates for a very few types of organism. Now we've got evidence that many groups of living things -- lichens, bugs, moths, fish, plants and so on -- are going extinct at a very similar rate to the birds.'

Using Britain's uniquely detailed natural history records, the researchers found that 1-5% of the region's species in many groups were lost since 1800, with higher losses in the Twentieth Century compared to the Nineteenth. Using further data from the USA and across the whole globe, the researchers show that the patterns of extinction in Britain are likely to be typical of those found on land and freshwater elsewhere.

Mr Hambler said: 'The birds are beautiful creatures, but they are also diverse, and many of them are specialised to particular habitats. This makes them sensitive to changes in their environment -- such as loss of mature trees, or the drying out of swampy ground, or coastal development. And what makes them really special for monitoring extinction is that they are also exceptionally easy to study, anywhere in the world -- so we can detect declines in their populations long before we notice losses of the more obscure things like slime moulds or mosses. It's no coincidence they can signal environmental change.'

'The underlying reason for the similarity of extinction rates in birds and the other living things is that habitat loss affects them in the same way. Our work supports the use of birds to indicate extinction rates in Britain, the USA and globally, and they should now be tried in places such as tropical forests where the bulk of other species will never be recorded.'

'The recorded extinctions in any region are just the tip of the iceberg, because there are not enough observers,' said Mr Hambler. For example, in March this year the British government's advisory body, Natural England, reported about 500 species lost from England since 1800. 'The losses reported by Natural England are under 0.5% per century, from England's 55,000 species,' notes Mr Hambler. 'Our research suggests that the actual losses could be over ten times this number, with about one species going extinct in England every fortnight.'

Natural England also reported species losses in England had apparently declined in recent decades, but the Oxford study suggests that this is not the case. Hambler and colleagues found there are about 1000 endangered species on the brink of extinction in Britain -- indeed many of these may already be extinct.

'People tend to be hesitant in declaring extinction, which leads to problems assessing the current rate,' said Mr Hambler. 'Many ancient and important habitats in Britain are threatened today because of human activity and population growth -- whether it's an increase in water use, growing use of wood fuel, or the growth of urban sprawl. Despite conservationists' efforts it's very likely extinction rates will continue to rise in Britain and globally for many years. These losses will impact on human welfare, and I'd say conservation needs a profile and resources even bigger than climate change.'

Alongside studies of birds, the researchers believe that recording rates of habitat loss will provide a good, simple measure of some elements of biodiversity loss.

Mr Hambler said: 'This work strengthens the claim that the world is suffering a mass extinction. We can now be much more confident that across the planet the less conspicuous and less well-known species are going extinct at a similar high rate to that already witnessed in birds, fish and amphibians.'

What are the Benefits of the Raw Food Diet?

A raw food diet is a diet based on unprocessed and uncooked plant foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, grains, beans, nuts, dried fruit, and seaweed. 

What are the Benefits of the Raw Food Diet?Proponents of the raw food diet believe it has numerous health benefits, including:

• Increased energy
• Improved skin appearance
• Better digestion
• Weight loss
• Reduced risk of heart disease

The raw food diet contains fewer >saturated fat than the typical Western diet. It is also low in sodium and high in potassium, magnesium, folate, fiber and health-promoting plant chemicals called phytochemicals

What can I eat?
Unprocessed, preferably organic, whole foods such as:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables 
• Nuts 
• Seeds 
• Beans 
• Grains 
• Legumes 
• Dried fruit
• Seaweed
• Unprocessed organic or natural foods
• Freshly juiced fruit and vegetables
• Purified water
• Young coconut milk

At least 75% of food consumed should not be heated over 116 degrees F.

A Selection of Raw Food Books

Raw Food for Real People: Luscious Vegan Food Made Simple

By Rob Rotondi

Vegan nori rolls, carrot cake, rawvioli, pad Thai, vegan pizza, asparagus soup, fettuccine de mare, croquettes over salad greens, sprouted falafel wraps: these and other tasty delights await the food and health enthusiasts who thought raw food meant giving up on good flavour. Rod Rotondi loves food, and he also loves good health and vitality. He combines these loves to create delicious and healthy meals at his three Southern California restaurants and for products sold through Read More

Ani's Raw Food Kitchen Easy, Delectable Living Foods Recipes

By Ani Phyo

This is the ultimate gourmet, living foods "uncookbook" for busy people. You don't have to sacrifice taste or style to reap the benefits of raw foods. These delectable, easy recipes emphasize fresh, animal-free ingredients and how to include more organics into your daily diet. Chef Ani offers delicious raw, animal-free versions of: breakfast scrambles, pancakes, chowders, bisques, and other soups, cheezes, mylks, lasagna, burgers, cobblers, pies, and cakes, and more. Included are recipes for dishes such as Stuffed Anaheim Chili with Mole Sauce, Ginger Almond Nori Roll, Coconut Kreme Pie with Carob Fudge on Brownie Crust, Mediterranean Dolmas, and Chicken-Friendly Spanish Scramble. More

Raw Food Life Force Energy Enter a Totally New Stratosphere of Weight Loss, Beauty, and Health By Natalia Rose

If you're feeling weighed down or disillusioned by mainstream foods and diets and need a trusted guide to completely refresh your body and mindset,"The Raw Food Energy Diet" is for you. According to Natalia Rose, everyone is entitled to a beautiful, lean body, youthful, radiant skin, clarity of mind and purpose, and a tremendous inner joy. The secret is tapping into our Life Force Energy. Rose reminds us of an age-old principle that is tragically overlooked in the modern world that we are dynamic, energetic, vibrational beings. More

Art of Raw Living Food Heal Yourself and the Planet with Eco-Delicious Cuisine By Doreen Virtue, Jenny Ross

Now you can enjoy all of the health benefits of a diet high in fresh produce, while still enjoying tasty meals. This book, will give you hundreds of recipes and tips for creating gourmet meals - all created 100 per cent from raw fruits, vegetables, and nuts. With recipes for Mexican, Italian, Asian, and many other worldwide cuisines, as you follow these easy-to-prepare recipes, you'll gain all of the physical, spiritual, and emotional benefits of eating one of the healthiest diets available, and discover why thousands of people have joined the Raw Food Movement. More

More Titles

The Complete Book of Raw Food: Healthy, Delicious Vegetarian Cuisine Made with Living Foods * Includes More Than 400 Recipes from the World's Top Raw Food Chefs

Rawsome: Maximizing Healthy, Energy, and Culinary Delight with the Raw Foods Diet

The "Everything" Raw Food Recipe Book: Mint-Green Pineapple Smoothie, Tomato, Basil, and Flax Crackers, Thai Green Papaya Salad, Black Sesame Seed Gravy, Mock-Tuna Salad Sandwich.... and Hundreds More! (Everything S.)

Kristen Suzanne's EASY Raw Vegan Dehydrating: Delicious & Easy Raw Food Recipes for Dehydrating Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts, Seeds, Pancakes, Crackers, Breads, Granola, Bars & Wraps

Ani's Raw Food Essentials: Recipes and Techniques for Mastering the Art of Live Food

Raw Food Real World: 100 Recipes to Get the Glow

Raw Food for Real People: Luscious Vegan Food Made Simple - by the Chef and Founder of Leaf Organics

12 Steps to Raw Foods: How to End Your Dependency on Cooked Food by Victoria Boutenko

Why do we overeat time and time again? Why do we make poor diet choices while we want to be healthy? What makes losing weight so difficult? These and many other vital questions are addressed in "12 Steps to Raw Foods" in an open and sincere dialogue. Based on the latest scientific research, Victoria Boutenko explains the numerous benefits of choosing a diet of fresh rather than cooked foods. This book contains self-tests and questionnaires that help the reader to determine if they have hidden eating patterns that undermine their health. Using examples from life, the author explores the most common reasons for people to make unhealthy eating choices More

Raw Food Made Simple By Jennifer Cornbleet

Although raw foods have gained tremendous popularity in recent years, some people are put off by the work and equipment needed for dehydrating and the extensive preparation required for gourmet raw food dishes. In answer to their pleas, veteran raw foods chef Jennifer Cornbleet provides a host of quick and easy recipes for snacks, hearty main meals, and all kinds of tasty tidbits--all made without ever having to touch a stove. More

The Raw Food Detox Diet: The Five-step Plan for Vibrant Health and Maximum Weight Loss By Natalia Rose

A top nutritionist provides her simple, proven five-level diet plan to safely make the transition to eating raw foods, and to detoxify and achieve a perfect body no matter how you eat now. The raw food craze has taken off, as raw restaurants spring up and celebrities, models, and other fans tout the effects of eating raw. However, many people who are intrigued by raw food simply don't know how to make the transition from what they're eating now, or how to achieve the benefits of eating raw without giving up their lifestyle or the foods they love. Natalia Rose, an in-demand nutritionist, more

Kristen Suzanne's EASY Raw Vegan Salads & Dressings: Fun & Easy Raw Food Recipes for Making the World's Most Delicious & Healthy Salads for Yourself, Your Family & Entertaining By Kristen Suzanne

Simply Raw Living Foods Detox Manual By Natasha Kyssa
Raw Foods for Busy People: Simple and Machine-Free Recipes for Every Day By Jordan Maerin

Breastfeeding - The Natural Choice - The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding and the Politics of Breastfeeeding

 Having a baby means making many choices. One of the most important and far-reaching ones you make is about the way you will feed your new baby.

As parents we want to make the best choice we can in everything we do for our children. And breastfeeding IS the natural choice.

The special loving bond between you and your breastfed baby is only the beginning.

As you watch your baby grow and develop, fed only on your breastmilk, you can be proud of your body's ability to continue nourishing your baby as it did during your pregnancy.

In the past, no decision needed to be made. A mother gave birth and then fed her baby the breastmilk nature provided. Last century science became involved and mothers were led to believe they now had an easy choice between two equals - breastmilk or infant formula.

At times, mothers were even convinced that infant formula was superior to breastmilk. Breastfeeding wasn't always encouraged - it wasn't seen to be important. Research shows us that this is not true. In fact, breastfeeding is very important.

BREASTMILK IS AN IRREPLACEABLE GIFT A MOTHER CAN GIVE TO HER BABY. IT IS THE START IN LIFE THAT NATURE INTENDED A BABY TO HAVE.

Breastfeeding...

protects your baby from illness and infection

provides the correct food for your growing baby

aids the development of your baby's eyesight, speech and intelligence

promotes a special loving bond between mother and baby

Babies who are not breastfed…

have a higher risk of cot death

have an increased likelihood of allergy

cost more money - you need to buy expensive infant formulas and feeding equipment. Non-breastfed babies are more likely to fall ill, costing more to the family and the community in medical bills

are less environmentally friendly - in terms of fuel, energy and resources needed for artificial feeding

It helps to know:

Most babies have a strong need to suck when they are first born, so you can start breastfeeding straight away if you are both well.

The more milk your baby takes from the breast, the more milk your breast will make.

To establish a good milk supply let your baby feed frequently, whenever he wakes or seems hungry. Allow him to finish the first breast before offering the second side.

Breastmilk is easily digested. It is normal for young babies to feed frequently, including night feeds. This helps your supply too.

Babies breastfeed for comfort and closeness as well as to satisfy their hunger and thirst.

There is no need to avoid any specific foods while you are breastfeeding. There are no magic foods that increase the milk supply - a sensible, well-balanced diet is the key.

Many women successfully combine breastfeeding and work outside the home.

As your baby grows, your breastmilk changes to meet his developing needs - your breastmilk is always the right food for your baby.

Breastfeeding

- The Natural Choice for Babies

Breastmilk contains all the nutrients your baby needs for at least the first six months of his life and continues to be the most important part of his diet throughout the first year, supplying half or more of his nutrients till his first birthday and up to one third to his second birthday.

The colostrum your baby receives in the first few days, and the breastmilk that follows, contain antibodies that provide resistance to infection.

The unique combination of fatty acids and other components in breastmilk contribute to optimal brain development, so lack of these in artificially-fed babies may result in lower intelligence.

Ensuring your baby has only breastmilk for at least six months may help minimise allergy problems.

Breastfeeding provides optimal development for infants' eyesight, speech, jaw and oral cavity development.

Non-breastfed babies have a lower resistance to disease and are more likely to become sick. Apart from the health benefits, breastfeeding means fewer doctors' visits and less time in hospital with illness.

Lack of breastfeeding is linked with a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS or 'cot death').

Non-breastfed babies are more likely to develop ear infections.

Artificial feeding may increase the risk of a baby developing juvenile diabetes in the future. It may also increase the risk of heart disease.

Breastfeeding

- The Natural Choice for Mothers

Breastfeeding helps your body return to its pre-pregnant state more quickly. Many women also find they lose excess weight while breastfeeding.

Women who have not breastfed their babies have an increased risk of cancer of the breast and ovaries, heart disease and osteoporosis.

Breastfeeding can delay the return of menstruation for many women. Apart from convenience, this saves money and lessens the impact of tampons and sanitary napkins on the environment.

Breastfeeding's contraceptive effect can delay the return of fertility in many women, who exclusively breastfeed their babies of less than six months of age, and have not recommenced their menstrual cycle. This is known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method of contraception, and is successful in approximately 98% of women. If a woman has an unchanging vaginal mucus pattern, there is minimal risk of ovulation, but if the pattern changes, she may need to seek advice if wishing to avoid pregnancy.

Breastfeeding is usually easy and convenient. Breastfed babies are very portable and you have instant, pre-warmed, ready-to-serve food wherever you go.

Breastfeeding

- The Natural Choice for our Environment

The production and feeding of breastmilk have a far lower impact on our environment and world resources than ANY alternative feeding method.

Breastfeeding saves food resources, fuel and energy.

No packaging is required and no chemicals are needed for preparation or disinfection.

 

Go straight to all titles on Breastfeeding at Fishpond Books

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding

Completely overhauled, this revised and updated edition of the classic guide to breastfeeding includes more advice for working moms and those nursing multiple children, new tips and stories from real moms, helpful sidebars, and more. More

Get Your Body Back After Baby: Weight Loss, Nutrition, Exercise, Relationships, Sex, Breastfeeding: Weight Loss, Nutrition, Exercise, Relationships, Sex, Breastfeeding

By FitPregnancy

"Fit Pregnancy" has put together a program new moms need to restore their energy and get back to their pre-pregnancy shape. This easy-to-follow program promises to firm and tone muscles and help built stamina and endurance. More

The Politics of Breastfeeding: When Breasts are Bad for Business: When Breasts are Bad for Business

By Gabrielle Palmer

As revealing as "Freakonomics", shocking as "Fast Food Nation" and thought provoking as "No Logo", "The Politics of Breastfeeding" exposes infant feeding as one of the most important public health issues of our time. Every thirty seconds a baby dies from infections due to a lack of breastfeeding and the use of bottles, artificial milks and other risky products. In her powerful book Gabrielle Palmer describes how big business uses subtle techniques to pressure parents to use alternatives to breastmilk. The infant feeding product companies' thirst for profit systematically undermines mothers' confidence in their ability to breastfeed their babies read more

The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers: The Most Comprehensive Problem-Solving Guide to Breastfeeding from the Foremost Expert in North America: The Most Comprehensive Problem-Solving Guide to Breastfeeding from the Foremost Expert in North America

By Jack Newman, Teresa Pitman

In this updated edition of "The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers," two of today's foremost lactation experts help new mothers overcome their fears, doubts, and practical concerns about one of the most special ways a mother can bond with her baby. More

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Breastfeeding and Human Lactation

Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice

The Breastfeeding Atlas

Breastfeeding Older Children By Ann Sinnott

Breastfeeding is a globally recognized imperative for the preservation of infant health, and governments around the world have introduced breastfeeding promotion measures. While initiation rates have improved, duration rates at a few weeks or months after birth still lag behind the World Health Organization's recommendation that breastfeeding - for all children, in both developed and developing worlds - should continue for at least two years. Behind the figures, there is however an inverse reality. Today, increasing numbers of women in the industrialized world challenge social convention and breastfeed their children well beyond WHO guidelines. How widespread is this surprising, many would say shocking, phenomenon? Is it Nature's way or an unhealthy practice? Do mothers prolong breastfeeding for their own pleasure? Is it, as some say, a form of sexual abuse? Do overly controlling women coerce children into continuing because they wish their children to remain dependent, or are they meeting an innate child need? More

Breastfeeding Mother's Guide to Making More Milk By Diana West, Martha Sears (Foreword by), Lisa Marasco

An essential resource for nursing mothers, endorsed by La Leche League, the worlds leading breastfeeding authority. "The Breastfeeding Mother's Guide to Making More Milk"combines the latest information with practical advice about new findings on causes of. low supply, innovative ways to increase production, practical solutions for working and exclusively pumping moms, the special needs of premies, emotional support, and more..

Breastfeeding Made SimpleSeven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers By Kathleen A. Kendall-Tackett, Nancy Mohrbacher

Breastfeeding is natural, but it's not always easy. It is the biological norm, but it is not the cultural norm. By learning the seven basic principles in this book, mothers can dramatically increase their likelihoodof success and make breastfeeding the enjoyable experience it should be. The seven laws taught in this book are easy for mothers to understand and are sure to help them avoid some of the pitfalls that they might otherwise face. The seven principles include: Babies Have the Urge to Self-Attach Use the Power of Skin-to-Skin: A Baby's Natural Habitat Breastfeed Ad Lib Reach for the Comfort Zone Expect Cluster Nursing More Milk Out = More Milk Made Babies Outgrow Breastfeeding more

Breastfeeding with Confidence: A Practical Guide By Sue Cox

Breastfeeding with Confidence is a practical guide to breastfeeding designed to take the mystery out ofthe process and provide new mothers with the practical skills and insights they need to be successful.Author Sue Cox explains both the art and the method of breastfeeding, and addresses the fact that making milk comes naturally, but breastfeeding is a learned skill. When many mothers-to-be are asked if they'll breastfeed, they often answer, "I will if I can." Cox counters that answer proactively and positively with information, advice, support, resources and encouragement for new mothers. More

Breastfeeding A Guide for the Medical Profession By Ruth A. Lawrence, Robert M. Lawrence

The completely revised and updated New Edition of this trusted text delivers complete, authoritative,evidence-based information on all of the scientific and clinical topics related to breastfeeding - frombasic data on the anatomical, physiological, biochemical, nutritional, immunological, and psychological aspects of human lactation to guidance on a full range of problems in clinical management. Written by a pioneer in the field of human lactation, the 6th Edition has been revised from cover to cover to include information on new drugs and herbal products, infections, and much more.

Teach Yourself Successful Breastfeeding: Teach Yourself - General By Pauline Lim

Designed to help you overcome all the problems experienced during the early days an emphasis on a solution that works for you and your child non-judgemental advice on how to switch to bottle feedingreassurance and guidance on issues like your baby's weight gain, feeding, crying or colic gives you the latest guidelines on things like how to store feeds and sterilise equipment written by an experienced midwife who has helped hundreds of women like you "teach yourself Breastfeeding" will give you all the information, tools and support you need not only to start breastfeeding, but to continue in a positive and stress free manner. Rather than making you feel guilty or inadequate if you need to stop or if you face difficulties more

Pocket Guide for Breastfeeding By Diana du Plessis

Although breastfeeding can be very rewarding, it can also be difficult at times. This guide is full ofpractical information, explanations, ideas and tips for both the breastfeeding mother and the nursing professionals helping her. The different chapters include some common questions and answers that will direct the reader to the help that is needed. This really useful book can be read from cover to cover or section by section as preferred. For the mother who is still undecided whether or not to breastfeed, this guide offers all the guidance she needs. More

Breastfeeding Real Mums Tell You How By Melissa Macdonald

At last a breastfeeding book that tells it like it is!!

Feeding your baby is your most important responsibility as a mother. However around 80% of women will struggle with breastfeeding in some way.

With short hospital stays and a lack of support around for mothers after they leave the hospital, many women find the whole experience of learning to feed their baby, a little overwhelming. The reality is that the majority of people find it takes a while to get going and many mothers give up because it becomes too difficult or painful.

This book has been written by mothers for mothers. It aims to help pregnant women and new mothers prepare themselves for a successful feeding relationship with their babies. Lets face it, mothers can give you the best advice as they have done it all before. More

Biodynamic Books - Agriculture & Gardening for A Saner Earth

Biodynamic agriculture, a method of organic farming that has its basis in a spiritual world-view (anthroposophy, first propounded by Rudolf Steiner), treats farms as unified and individual organisms,emphasizing balancing the holistic development and interrelationship of the soil, plants, animals as a closed, self-nourishing system.

Regarded by some proponents as the first modern ecological farming system, biodynamic farming includes organic agriculture's emphasis on manures and composts and exclusion of the use of artificial chemicals on soil and plants. Methods unique to the biodynamic approach include the use of fermented herbal and mineral preparations as compost additives and field sprays and the use of an astronomical sowing and planting calendar.

For more books concerened with evolving towards a saner greener planet check out Earth Books Australia or Green Living Books Australia

What Is Biodynamics?

By Steiner, Rudolf, Courtney, Hugh

Created from indications by Rudolf Steiner around 1924, and based on a deep understanding of the life forces at work in nature, farming and gardening with biodynamic methods are spiritual, artistic, and sophisticated forms of organic horticulture that nurture and enhance the earth. It emphasizes the interdependence and unity of all the elements of an ecosystem or landscape -- including soil, plants, animals, and weather. Taking the soil as the foundation for the vitality and diversity of a farm or garden, biodynamic methods use special herbal "preparations" to increase the energetic quality of the soil, stimulating plant growth and health. Biodynamic methods go beyond organic practices to actually heal the earth herself. Typical of the biodynamic approach are companion planting, crop rotation, cover crops, green manures, liquid manures, compost, the integration of crops and livestock, and planting and harvesting in harmony with the lunar and planetary cycles. (read more)

Principles of Biodynamic Spray and Compost PreparationsBy Manfred Klett

A renowned biodynamic expert, Klett provides a fascinating overview of the history of agriculture, then goes on to discuss the practicalities of spray and compost preparations and the philosophy behind them. This is essential reading for any biodynamic gardener or farmer who wants to understand the background to core biodynamic techniques. It is based on keynote talks given by Manfred Klett at Biodynamic Agricultural Association conferences. More

Biodynamic Gardening: For Health and Taste

By Hilary Wright

Any gardener who already works with biodynamics will tell you the difference it has made to his or her garden. From crispier lettuce to more intensely-flavoured onions, biodynamics is a great way to get your garden to produce tasty, nutrient-packed fruit and vegetables. The ideas behind biodynamics can sometimes be difficult to explain, however, and appear rather strange to those who are new to the technique. Hilary Wright, an experienced and passionate biodynamic gardener, guides the novice through the key points, whilst never losing sight of the ultimate goal: a healthy, abundant garden. Easy-to-follow step-by-step illustrations, explanatory diagrams and colour photographs show how biodynamic techniques can work for any gardener. (read more)

The Demeter Cookbook: Recipes Based on Biodynamic Ingredients, from the Kitchen of the Lukas Klinik

By Hermann Spindler

This "official" Demeter Cookbook presents more than 200 recipes developed and collected by the Swiss Chef Hermann Spindler. Included are tempting recipes for sauces, soups, hors d'oeuvres, salads, main dishes, puddings, and desserts. It also features special recipes for casseroles and gratins, vegetables, quark (curd cheese) dishes, grain dishes, doughs, savory and sweet pastries, muesli and drinks--interspersed with informative commentary on the value of spices.

Since its foundation by Rudolf Steiner in 1924, the international biodynamic agricultural movement has produced high-quality, premium organic food that is increasingly sought out and respected for its flavor, quality, and nutritional value. The Demeter® logo certifies that the product has been grown and processed using verified biodynamic methods. (read more)

Performance in the Garden : A Collection of Talks on Biodynamic French Intensive Horticulture

By Alan Chadwick, Stephen J. Crimi, John Jeavons

E.M. Schumacher (Small is Beautiful) called Englishman Alan Chadwick "the greatest horticulturist of the 20th century." Chadwick was a student of Rudolf Steiner, an early advocate of organics, and founder of French Intensive Biodynamic System. He railed against the tragic policies of corporate agribusiness, while cultivating gardens of sublime beauty and production in the 60's and 70's throughout the United States. Nearly everyone practicing biodynamics today has been kissed by the Chadwick transmission. Up until now his unique artistic approach and deep perception of nature were unavailable in writing. Performance in the Garden harvests sixteen incredible, inspired and practical talks that will help us, as herbalist and friend Paul Lee aptly put it, "replant the vital root of existence." (read more)

Soil Fertility, Renewal and Preservation: Biodynamic Farming and Gardening

By Ehrenfried E. Pfeiffer, Lady Eve Balfour (Introduction by)

Ways of working towards sustainable agriculture for our world have never been more important. This reissued edition of a classic biodynamic work from 1947 is as relevant now as when first published. The book covers all aspects of biodynamic agriculture, including ideas on forestry and market gardening, and includes chapters on evidence of scientific findings of the effect of biodynamic growing, and the effects of biodynamics on health. The book has been faithfully reproduced as originally published, but footnotes have been added to describe modern versions of methods referenced in the text. (read more)

The Biodynamic Year: Increasing Yield, Quality and Flavour - 100 Helpful Tips for the Gardener or Smallholder

By Maria Thun
Maria Thun, a preeminent expert in biodynamic methods of cultivation, or "premium organic," has collected more than a hundred of her best gardening tips from fifty years' research. Join the author on a journey through the seasons and discover great new tips and suggestions. The Biodynamic Year ontains a wealth of advice for gardeners who wish to care for and manage nature more responsibly and successfully.

Discover:

• how to produce abundant and flavorful crops
• how special preparations can transform soil and plants
• how the moon affects planting and growth
• the difference between root, leaf, blossom, and fruit plants

What is Biodynamic Wine? The Quality, the Taste, the Terroir

By Nicolas Joly

Nicolas Joly is responsible for producing some of the finest and most highly esteemed wines of France at his Coulee de Serrant vineyard. Practising the biodynamic method of agriculture - sometimes referred to as 'premium organic' - he is at the forefront of a movement to return to the concept of terroir, as full expression and embodiment of a particular grape-growing locality, or appelation. Today even expensive wines, made under strictly regulated controls and standards, are tainted by the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and manipulated in the cellar through the use of osmosis and the additions of aromatic yeasts and enzymes. To counter such trends, a new 'Charter of Quality', run by organic and biodynamic viticulturists, guarantees that the appelation comes to full, authentic expression (read more)

Principles of Biodynamic Spray and Compost Preparations

By Manfred Klett

A renowned biodynamic expert, Klett provides a fascinating overview of the history of agriculture, then goes on to discuss the practicalities of spray and compost preparations and the philosophy behind them. This is essential reading for any biodyn

amic gardener or farmer who wants to understand the background to core biodynamic techniques. It is based on keynote talks given by Manfred Klett at Biodynamic Agricultural Association conferences. More