Community News since 1971 December 2009 Volume 38 • Number 12 Index: City Chickens Coop Tour 2 An a Day 4 Food Conspiracy Co-op Fresh Ginger 5 GM Beets Knocked Back 8 Is Recycling Sustainable? 10 Community News Save 10% on 12/9! Don’t miss the 2nd City Chickens Coop Tour! See p. 3 for details. enerally Dec. 5th from 10 am to 3 p.m. Tickets on sale at the Co-op. G More info on page 2. Speaking IT TAKES A COOPERATIVE: Working together equals brighter

by Ben Kuzma, futures for women in Ghana General Manager By Carrie Gayne, Co-op member

ne of these days consumer coop- eratives, such as Food Conspir- hen I moved to Tucson fi ve years ago, one of the fi rst income and they usually have to borrow money from friends or family O things I did was join the Food Conspiracy Co-op. to get by or they go without. acy Co-op, will be as common here in the United States as LED lights are I fell in love with Fourth Avenue and, after living I travelled to Cheyohi with my mother and my friend from high myW entire life in small towns with conventional grocery stores, I was in school, Rahama Wright. Rahama is the founder and executive direc- at Winterhaven and as inextricably entwined in society as they currently are in Japan or awe of all the organic and socially responsible products the Co-op made tor of Shea Yeleen International (SYI), a nonprofi t that works with Italy. It may take a while to get to that level available to me. impoverished women in Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana to help them of ubiquity but consumer cooperatives as When I joined, I was more excited about food than I was about produce shea butter. an alternative business model are starting being part of a cooperative. But, this past August, I had a chance to see a Shea butter is a slightly yellow or ivory-colored natural ex- to get national attention that didn’t exist different type of co-op that showed me how valuable co-op membership tracted from the nuts of the before the national health care debates put can be to people in other parts of the world. shea/karite tree. Sometimes Group Health, a health care cooperative in The cooperative I visited, the Yembela Bobguni Association, is called “women’s gold,” it is Washington State with 580,000 members, in located in the small village of Cheyohi in Ghana, West Africa. Its mem- one of the few economic the limelight as an alternative and cooperative bers make shea butter. Approximately 1,500 people live in Cheyohi, commodities women con- way to provide health care. which has no electricity or running water. Families reside in round trol in Sahelian Africa (a Change several key words in Group mud huts with thatched roofs and most people live on less than $2 US narrow band of semi-arid Health’s own description of itself, and a day. Average monthly expenses for members of the Yembela Bobguni land south of the Sahara you’ll see an accurate description of Food Association hover around $100 US. This number exceeds their monthly that stretches from the East Conspiracy Co-op! From their website at www.ghc.org: cont. on p. 9 Group Health Cooperative [Food Con- spiracy Co-op] began in 1947 [1971] as a community coalition dedicated to making quality health care [nutritious food] avail- SPECIAL HOLIDAY HOURS: able and affordable. Today it is one of the few [~100] health care organizations [food co-ops] in the country governed by consumers. Its 11 [6] Co-op will close at 6 pm on December 24. member Board of Trustees [Directors] — all health-plan [co-op] members elected by other Co-op will be closed on Christmas. members — work closely with management and Co-op will close at 6 pm on December 31. medical staff to ensure that the organization’s policies and direction put the needs of patients Co-op will be closed on New Year’s Day. [member-owners] fi rst.

cont. on p. 11

Food Conspiracy Co-op 412 N. Fourth Ave. • Tucson, AZ 85705 PRSRTD STD U.S. Postage PAID Tucson, AZ Permit #821

December 2009 • Food Conspiracy Co-op — Community News • Page 1 FOOD CONSPIRACY CO-OP C OMMUNITY Store Hours: CONNECTIONS Open Daily 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Food Conspiracy Cooperative by Torey Ligon, Outreach Coordinator Food Conspiracy 412 N. 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705 Tel: 520-624-4821 • Fax: 520-792-2703 Co-op E-mail: [email protected] Member-Owned Since 1971 http://www.foodconspiracy.coop Membership Drive Success! Statement of Cooperative Identity n October, the Co-op held our most successful membership drive in recent history. A cooperative is an autonomous association of Food Conspiracy Co-op Over the course of the month, we signed up 66 new members. It was triple the people united voluntarily to meet their common 22 new members we signed up during our membership drive last October, and Community News I economic, social, and cultural needs and aspira- it topped our initial goal of 35 new members. It even far exceeded our revised tions through a jointly owned and democrati- Editor: Lisa Stage goal of 50 new members for the month! cally controlled . Managing Editor: Torey Ligon Throughout the month, our cashiers kept an updated thermometer image taped in the [email protected] front end offi ce so they could track how many new members we’d signed up. Excitement built Food Conspiracy Values throughout the month as people kept signing up to join the Co-op and even long time non- Art Director: Bettina Mills 1. We adhere to the internationally recognized member customers decided to take the plunge into membership. Rochdale Principles. Contributors: Danny August, de Vie, As an incentive to join, the Co-op pledged to donate $5 to a local non-profi t for each new 2. We promote whole, natural, organic, and Carrie Gayne, Ben Kuzma, member who signed up. Each new member got to choose their favorite non-profi t from a list chemical-free products with minimal packaging. Lambert, Torey Ligon, Robert Oser, of past Co-op Community Fund winners. After tallying the results, I am pleased to announce 3. We value openness, honesty, and integrity Michael Sicurello that because of our record-breaking member sign ups, the Co-op donated $115 to Native Seeds/ with each other and the community. SEARCH, $80 to the Community Food Bank’s Food Resource Center, $45 to Watershed Man- 4. We seek, through cooperative effort, to pro- Next Deadline: Dec. 5th agement Group, $45 to Sky Island Alliance, $40 to the Co-op’s own Co-op Community Fund vide a humane, fulfi lling environment in which (to build our fund for future donations to area non-profi ts) and $5 to Baja Arizona Sustainable Articles about health or nutrition are for infor- to work and shop. Agriculture for a total of $330 (66 new members times $5). mational purposes only. We recommend that you 5. We promote social justice, encouraging and Thanks to all the new members who joined our Co-op last month. We’re so glad to count consult a health care professional for medical respecting diversity. you as partial owners of this community business and always grateful for a good opportunity advice. Opinions expressed in this newsletter are 6. We strive for a sustainable, healthy ecology, to support some of Tucson’s best non-profi t organizations. those of the writers and not necessarily the views through use of clean, renewable resources. or policies of Food Conspiracy. Co-op Principles Submissions to the Food Conspiracy Co-op Co-op principles were first stated by the Community News newsletter are encouraged 2nd City Chickens Coop Tour Rochdale pioneers in 1844. The cooperative and due by the 5th of the month prior to principles are guidelines by which cooperatives publication date. All unsolicited material—in- Last May, our City Chickens Coop Tour had over 200 participants and 250 people came put their values into practice. cluding letters—is subject to approval. Written looking for tickets after the event had sold out. Given the growing popularity of urban chickens 1. Voluntary and open member-ownership. submissions by e-mail are preferred; typewritten and the demonstrated community interest in backyard coops, we’ve decided to do it all again. 2. Democratic member-owner control. acceptable. The 2nd City Chickens Coop Tour will take 3. Member-owner economic participation. place this Dec. 5th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters 4. Autonomy and independence. Coop Tour is a self-guided tour of backyard must be signed and include a phone number 5. Education, training, and information. chicken coops all over Tucson. for author verifi cation. We will withhold name 6. Cooperation among cooperatives. This time around, we have 250 tickets for if requested. Editor reserves the right to edit for 7. Concern for community. grammatical errors, clarity, and length. Keep sale and we’re hoping to reach some of the folks who were disappointed when we sold out the letters to a reasonable length of 300 words or Co-op Management Team less. last go around. For anyone who went on the tour last time, we’ve got a handful of new homes General Manager: Ben Kuzma Co-op/Community Calendar highlights involved so there will be new sites to see. Finance: Jeanene Graham events and meetings of interest to the Co-op Our tour in May raised over $1,000 dol- Outreach: Torey Ligon membership. If you or your group would like lars for the Community Food Bank’s Commu- Front End: Cynthia Taylor to be considered for inclusion in the Calendar, nity Food Resource Center. This time, we will Deli: Kelley Kriner please submit all information about your event, again donate all $5 from each ticket to a local Grocery: Steven Spencer including contact name and phone number, to non-profi t, and our non-profi t benefi ciary this Produce: Todd Stadtlander the Co-op Community Calendar Editor, c/o the winter will be Watershed Management Group Co-op. If you would like details about Co-op (WMG). WMG runs an innovative co-op program where community members can volunteer Board of Directors events, call 624-4821. for workshops at other people’s homes installing sustainable systems like cisterns, grey water Paula Wilk, President UnClassifi ed Ads—Non-commercial ads of hookups for laundry, and berms and basins for rainwater harvesting. As people volunteer at 50 words or less from Co-op members are free. other houses, they earn credits toward a workshop at their own home installing a project of — [email protected] Free ads include personal messages, personal their choice. The money raised from the City Chickens Coop Tour will become seed money for Natanya Siegel, Treasurer items for sale, lost & found, notices, and miscel- WGM to add a chicken coop installation workshop to their co-op program. With these new — [email protected] laneous wanted. Limit one free ad per month. workshops taking place, we hope to have even more chicken coops in town by the time we get George Milan, Secretary Free ads to run more than one month must be around to hosting a 3rd coop tour. — [email protected] resubmitted. UnClassifi eds that do not meet the To purchase a ticket for the City Chickens Coop Tour, stop into the Co-op. Tickets are Michael Sicurello standards for a free ad are charged 40 cents per available at the registers and they can also be purchased by credit card over the phone by calling — [email protected] word. Full payment for ads must accompany the 624-4821. To learn more about the tour, visit www.foodconspiracy.coop. To learn more about Joyce Liska order. Ads for instruction and services offered Watershed Management Group, visit www.watershedmg.org. — [email protected] for a fee are not free. See you on the tour! Megan Hartman Moving? Please send us your new address, so we The End — [email protected] can keep the newsletter coming to you. Eric Lauterbach-Colby, staff representative Printed on Recycled Paper. Please reuse, re- cycle, or pass it on to a friend. Thanks. Food Conspiracy Board of Directors meets the Copyright © 2009 by Food Conspiracy fi rst Wednesday of the month, 6:30-9 p.m., at Co-op. Articles/art may be reprinted only with the Quaker Meeting House, 931 North Fifth prior permission of the author/artist. Happy Holidays! Avenue. Member-Owners are welcome.

Page 2 • Food Conspiracy Co-op — Community News • December 2009 December 2nd & January 6th N ovember 2009 Food Conspiracy Board Meeting 6:30 p.m. at the Friends Meeting House, 931 N. 5th Ave. All members are welcome. Stay involved in Board Report Co-op decision making, and get work credit towards a discount for the time you are in attendance.

by Michael Sicurello, GO LOCAL! Board Member JOIN THE CO-OP. E very year, Co-op Owners have Our Co-op is fi scally healthy, our staff the opportunity to elect new and management are truly exceptional and By supporting the Co-op, you’re helping to create a Board Members, the option to approve the Board is focused on policy governance adjustments to our Bylaws, and the occasion through ends study and effective Owner sustainable local economy—one that supports farmers and to come together for the Annual Meeting of linkage. Owners who serve on the Board workers and that keeps money right here in Tucson. Owners. have the opportunity to contribute to the This year, all three activities are taking continued success of the Co-op while they place. The Annual Meeting learn to “walk the walk” of Ask your friends and family to become owners of the Co-op. of Owners is set to take cooperative principles. The place on March 6th at St. skills developed through co- The Co-op thrives with real community support. Mark’s Presbyterian Church operative board service also (3809 E 3rd St.). As we elect transfer readily to career and new Board Members during personal development. the month of February, we Owners who have been also will be voting to adopt with the Co-op for 6 months Advertise revisions to our Bylaws that prior to the commencement align them more closely with of the election are eligible our Minnesota Articles of for nomination to run the in Community News! Incorporation (adopted by Board of Directors. The ex- The Food Conspiracy Community News is mailed monthly to almost the Owners in 2007). act wording for eligibility is two-thousand Co-op members and is stocked all month for the shoppers The next issue of the found in Bylaw sections 4.2 Co-op Newsletter will in- and 4.3 (posted in the Co- who visit the store. Reach our health conscious and community minded clude a report by Board op and online). Prospective readership with a display ad in the newsletter. Chairperson Paula Wilk de- Board Member Applications scribing the adjustments can be downloaded from For rates and information, contact Torey at the store, recommended by our Board the Co-op website (food- or email [email protected]. to complete the transition to conspiracy.org) and are due Minnesota Bylaws. to the Co-op by January 1st The Co-op’s Board can have a total of 2010. Hard copies of the application are also 9 Directors, and this year we have fi ve(!) available at the store. open seats on the Board. With fi ve open All of your current Board members are 2010 seats on the Board, it is clear that Owners available via email (by visiting the Co-op 10% OFF* have the opportunity to be the change that web site) to answer questions and listen they seek this year. What will a 9-member to Owner ideas and concerns. Your Co-op ELECTION Board be able accomplish for our Co-op needs the participation of bright energetic Everything in the Store and our community in 2010?! Will you be people to stay healthy and thrive. Your Co- CALENDAR Wednesday, Dec. 9 – on that Board? op needs you. Beat the Street Fair Rush and The End

Friday 1/1/10: Board applications due; deadline for SAVE! Cooperative Community Fund Member-Owners and applications. Non-Member-Owners: Food Conspiracy Board 2/1/10: Elections begin for Make a purchase of $25 choosing new Board Members or more at the Co-op on Seeks Recording Secretary and recipients of the December 10th, and get Cooperative Community Fund The Co-op’s Board of Directors is actively seeking a new recording secretary to take minutes grants. This election will also give at all Board Meetings. All minutes must be typed up and accurately document issues raised, members a chance to vote on 10% OFF* actions taken, future actions required, motions made and a voting record. Completed min- your total. utes should be submitted to the Board Secretary within a few days of each meeting. proposed changes to the bylaws. A The Board meets the 1st Wednesday of the month at Pima Friends Meeting House, ballot box will be set up Member Volunteers: 931 N 5th Avenue. The meetings are from 6:30 until 9 p.m. in the store. The meetings and the minute recording last about 3 hours. Preparing the minutes for 10% discount can be applied the Secretary will be additional time—probably not more than 2 hours. on top of existing volunteer The Board is able to offer $50 per meeting for the recording secretary. This person 3/6/10: 2010 Annual Meeting does not need to be an owner, but if she/he is an owner the time spent at the meeting Celebration at St. Mark’s Church discounts to a and preparing the minutes for the Secretary counts toward volunteer time (in addition (details to follow). Voting ends at to the payment) for a monthly volunteer discount. 15% MAXIMUM*. All interested candidates should e-mail a letter of interest detailing their aptitude for the Annual Meeting. *Cannot be combined with Basic Buys the tasks to [email protected]. discounts. All other discounts apply to a maximum of 15% off

December 2009 • Food Conspiracy Co-op — Community News • Page 3 An Apple a Day by Anna Lambert, Co-op owner

t is possible that my greatest culi- Program requires its participants to submit an nary experience this summer was Organic System Plan every year. The orchards my fi rst ever bite of an heirloom and packing facilities are inspected yearly; soil apple. Not only was is tested every three years. Look for the tiny seal it enticingly firm and ever-so- on every apple identifying that it’s organic. You slightly tart (my idea of a perfect apple), the will know you are supporting growers who are Ifi rst bite revealed blush colored fl esh, a lovely committed to building healthy soil, promoting pink that shifted subtly in its intensity from biodiversity and keeping their communities core to skin. The taste alone was terrifi c, healthy. but the extraordinary color made Besides being superb raw, most it hands-down my best apple varieties of retain their appeal eating experience ever! in cooked form. While tart apples The next high point are considered best for cooking, Thai Apple was buying lots of them to lemon juice may enhance the share with friends to enjoy distinct fl avor of your favorite their fi rst bite. I was so sad sweet varieties and be delicious. Salad when I purchased the last A medium-tart apple, like a four from the basket at the or Pink Lady, may not require any Ingredients: end of their season. However, sweetener. Experiment and enjoy. 1/4 cup raw cashews since I own and shop at an 2 shallots, cut into thin strips amazing co-op that works hard to 1/2 cup sugar snap peas, ends trimmed obtain the best quality produce that’s Applesauce 1 cup salad greens available, I anticipate I’ll be savoring Pink Pearls 1 red chili, seeds removed, fi nely chopped again next September. Peel and core the apples. If you have access to 5 Chinese cabbage leaves, fi nely shredded In the meantime, all of us owners and a food mill or ricer, you could leave the peels on, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro shoppers can nosh on a multitude of varieties to although the resulting applesauce would then have 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves suit every palette. Fujis, Galas, Granny Smiths, a pureed consistency. For a chunky sauce, slicing 2 tart apples Johna-Golds and Braeburns are our staples for might be suffi cient. Add some or , 2 medium-tart or sweet apples months, augmented by sometimes briefl y avail- a pinch of salt and cook over medium-low heat. Stir able, but deeply enjoyed varieties, like Honey- occasionally, adding liquid if necessary, until the Dressing: crisps and Pink Ladies. We might be tempted apples are soft. Sweeten with honey, maple syrup 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil to take all these choices for granted, but, truly, or agave nectar to taste. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, 2 tablespoons one bite of a bland and mealy supermarket apple cardamom and/or vanilla if you like. 1 tablespoon shoyu (or soy sauce) is all it takes to fully appreciate the efforts and 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated commitment of our organic suppliers. Apples are the oldest cultivated fruit. There Baked Apples Directions: are 7500 known varieties, some tart for cooking, Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a some sweet for eating and others grown just for Core the apples, although not quite all the bowl and put to one side. Toast the cashews in a cider. Popular commercial varieties are those that way to the bottom. Peel a bit of the skin off at the frying pan over a medium heat until browned on all are disease-resistant, have eye appeal and that top, so the top quarter of the apple is bare. Make sides, about 3 to 4 minutes. Put all the ingredients can be shipped and stored effectively. Apples are a fi lling with ingredients like fresh cranberries (or except the apples into a bowl. Quarter and core a member of the rose family; one tree is able to soaked and reconstituted dried), raisins or pecans, the apples (leaving the skins on). Cut into thin produce fruit for up to 100 years. seasoned with ginger, cinnamon or cardamom. Sit slices and add to the vegetables. Add the dress- The old adage, “an apple a day,” is proving the fi lled apples in a baking dish. In order for the ing and toss to combine. Serve immediately with true as researchers continue to identify their anti- apples to remain moist enough as they cook, create the toasted cashews sprinkled on top. To make a oxidant powers. One apple has more antioxidants a hot syrup of water or apple juice combined with more substantial meal, serve over noodles, rice or than a 1500 mg dose of C and twice a little sweetener. Pour it over the apples and cover chicken strips. that of a cup of black tea. Two-thirds of the fi ber the dish. As you are baking the apples at 350 de- and many of the antioxidants are found in the grees, occasionally spoon the syrup over the apples. Adapted from www.oneadaysuperfood.com. peel. Research at Cornell University conducted The apples will soften in about 35 minutes. in 2007 on the peelings of apples identifi ed a dozen compounds that killed or in- hibited cancer cells in laboratory cultures (www. Sautéed Apples news.cornell.edu). When you purchase a certified or- Peel and thinly slice apples. Medium-tart is nice; ganic apple, you support orchards that use if the apples are quite sweet, a little lemon juice ecologically sound fertilizers and natural would be pleasing. Add a pinch of salt and fresh- pest control methods. Organic apples can grated ginger. Sauté in butter until they are soft only be processed and packed on dedicated and translucent. FC equipment; conventional apples and organic ones cannot be grown or packed in the same And to enjoy apples in their raw state, try orchards and facilities. The National Organic this Thai Apple Salad recipe.

Page 4 • Food Conspiracy Co-op — Community News • December 2009 Fresh Ginger Root: Delicious Food, Potent Medicine by Robert Oser, Co-op owner

Ginger is the most widely used Directions: paring knife cut once from the center of the wheel and available herbal remedy Cook noodles according to package to the outside perimeter and twist. and food ingredient on the directions. planet, used by billions of people daily. Early Variations: Europeans bought their ginger from travel- Meanwhile, heat coconut and sesame oil over • Add other veggies as desired for a more ing Arab spice traders and used be wrapped medium-high fl ame in a wok or heavy skillet. Add substantial dish. Zucchini or other summer it liberally in many foods and in paper tow- mushrooms and garlic and sauté about 5 minutes, squash, onions or shallots, bok choy, Napa especially enjoyed it in gin- els, placed in a or until mushrooms are tender. Add coconut milk cabbage or julienned bell peppers or carrots all gerbread. In fact Queen plastic bag and and peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger juice, cayenne, work well. Mung bean sprouts are another nice Elizabeth I of England is refrigerated up to lime juice and lemon grass. Stir together well addition. credited with the creation three weeks. It may and heat through. Add scallions and cilantro and • Vegetarian meat substitutes are available of the “gingerbread man” also be tightly wrapped continue to cook another fi ve minutes. Serve over that mimic chicken, pork or beef for a differ- which became a European and frozen up to two months. noodles, garnished with a lime wheel and a sprig ent fl avor or texture. Tofu, tempeh or seitan are Christmas tradition. Ginger (To use frozen ginger, slice off a piece of of cilantro. Enjoy! also a nice addition and add and other is also very popular in the Caribbean and unthawed root. Re-wrap unused portion tightly nutrients. much of the ginger found on the market today is and return to the freezer.) Note: • For the more adventurous spirits you grown in Jamaica. Many recipes call for peeling and mincing For lime (or other citrus) wheels, slice the fruit might want to have Thai chili sauce or paste or However ginger (from the same botanical fresh ginger root for your recipes and, while that fairly thinly into round shapes but not so thinly other hot condiments available for the individual family as turmeric and cardamom) has been is certainly an option, I fi nd it better to grate the that it won’t hold its shape (about ¼”). With a to add. FC mainly known as a mainstay of Asian cooking fresh root on a small grate and then squeeze the and pharmacology. In fact the very name “gin- grated ginger in the palm of your hand. Discard ger” comes from the Chinese word for “antler,” the dry pulp. You may also use a garlic press but which the fresh root strongly resembles. It is also then your hand won’t have that wonderful, fresh, grown and used extensively in India, Africa and clean fragrance. If the root is very fresh you will Indonesia. While it will grow well in southern be amazed at how much juice may be obtained tropical climates it does not fare as well in colder by squeezing in this way and you won’t have the states, although you can grow ginger in a pot as annoying pieces of ginger fi ber in your dish. Use long as you remember to bring it in or protect it slightly less of the juice than the recipe calls for as during cold spells. it will be slightly stronger and more fl avorful than Medicinally ginger has long been used to the minced ginger pieces. alleviate arthritis pain and some recent studies Add the aromatic juice to marinades, salad show ginger may have some promise in preventing dressings, sauces, stir-fries, soups, rice or vegetable certain forms of cancer. The most common use of dishes or discover your own favorite uses for this ginger, besides cooking, though, is to prevent or wonderful, fragrant and delicious spice. To get you alleviate nausea, motion sickness (when traveling started, here is one of my favorite Asian stir-fry many rely on dried candied ginger, ginger tea or recipes. This one calls for using Asian noodles but ginger ale to help with this problem), morning rice will also work well. sickness and general stomach upset due to its carminative effect of breaking up and dispelling intestinal gas. It is also sometimes used to treat Thai Peanut , asthma and colds. In traditional Chinese medicine, fresh ginger is used to relieve dryness and Satay with Noodles heat, while dried ginger is used to relieve dampness (serves 4) and chill. Ginger warms the energy channels and stops bleeding, especially uterine bleeding. It is a Ingredients: detoxifi er and is sometimes used to protect the 1 package rice, soba (buckwheat) or udon (wheat) digestive tract and liver from toxins and parasites. Asian-style noodles However, in spite of it being a natural and effective 1 Tbsp. unrefi ned coconut oil remedy it is important to use it in moderation so 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil as to avoid gastric irritation. 1/3 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake, crimini or but- In the kitchen, ginger is one of my favorite ton work well) ingredients to work with as its wonderful fra- 2-4 cloves garlic, minced grance will brighten up your kitchen workplace 1 14 oz. can coconut milk better than any air freshener. As well, it imparts 1/3 cup smooth or creamy natural peanut butter a delicious, spicy fl avor to baked goods, stir- 2 Tbsp. tamari (wheat-free) or shoyu (contains fries, soups, vegetables and many other dishes. wheat) soy sauce Although it is available in powdered form I Note: if peanut butter is salted, only use generally opt for the fresh root in most dishes, 1 Tbsp. soy sauce except baked goods where dried ginger powder 1 Tbsp. fresh ginger juice is easier to use. Pinch of cayenne (optional) Look for fresh ginger root in the produce Pinch of lemongrass department of the Co-op or your favorite market. Juice of 1 lime Fresh tubers should have a smooth skin, a fi rm 3-4 scallions, diced texture and a fresh spicy fragrance. Avoid any roots 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, fi nely minced with wrinkled skin as that’s a sign it has gone past 4 sprigs fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) its peak freshness. Fresh, unpeeled root should 4 lime wheels for garnish (optional, see above right)

December 2009 • Food Conspiracy Co-op — Community News • Page 5 December Calendar

DECEMBER backyard for egg and meat production. SUN., DEC. 13 WED., DEC. 16 increasing their personal awareness, $20. RSVP: 622-1917. Be Part of Tucson’s Chicken Rainwater Harvesting emotional integrity and capacity for TUE., DEC. 1 Revolution! Demonstration Site Tour intimacy. It is focused on self explora- Rainwater Harvesting MON., DEC. 7 Noon to 2:30 p.m. See 12/6 listing. 4 p.m. See 12/1 listing. tion. Tuesdays 7-8:30 p.m. at 529 E. Demonstration Site Tour Arts Marketplace: Roger Rd. Cost: $35/week. A personal 8 a.m. Visit The Nature Conservancy Presenting Yourself to TUE., DEC. 15 WED., DEC. 16 interview is required. Call 822-4982 for (1510 E. Ft. Lowell Dr) for docent-led Clients Permaculture Design Course Arts Marketplace: “Art Date” info or to set up an interview. tours to promote and showcase appro- 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 40 W. Broadway. Early Registration Deadline. Course 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 40 W. Broadway. priate rainwater harvesting techniques Presenting yourself. from head to toe. meets 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. fi ve week- A great opportunity to explore “hot Butoh / Viewpoints for residential and commercial proper- Leave them with the right topics” in the business of art more in Movement / Theatre ties, in order to make benefi cial use of impression, that you are the depth. Free. RSVP: 882-3988. www. Workshops rainwater run-off and reduce soil ero- total package! Begins with a artsmarketplace.org. Guided improvisational movement sion. Demonstration illustrates the ben- potluck; bring a dish to share. exercises, games, and meditations for efi cial effects of designing with nature. Free. RSVP: 882-3988. www. SAT., DEC. 19 a holistic way of being. Every week is One hour. Free. For more info contact artsmarketplace.org. Rainwater Harvesting a different class with different explora- 622-3861 or [email protected]. Demonstration Site Tour tions. Drop-ins welcome. All levels of WED. DEC. 9 **** 8 a.m. See 12/1 listing. movement experience invited- from WED., DEC. 2 **** 10% OFF Sale beginner movers to well-seasoned shak- Food Conspiracy Board Beat the Street Fair crowds SAT., DEC. 19 ers. Mondays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., $8-12 Meeting and get 10% Off on your en- Women’s International sliding scale; Sundays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 6:30 p.m. at the Friends Meeting House, tire purchase of $25 or more. League for Peace and $10-15 sliding scale. Rhythm Industry 931 N. 5th Ave. All members are welcome. This sale is for members and Freedom Performance Factory, 1013 S. Tyndall Stay involved in Co-op decision making, non-members alike. See p. 3 Potluck 1 p.m., program 2 p.m. at the Ave. www.jodinetzer.com. and get work credit towards a discount for for details. Friends Meeting House, 931 N. 5th Ave. the time you are in attendance. “Personal stories of Border Crossers” by Nia Dance Class WED., DEC. 9 Byrd Baylor, naturalist and award-win- Wednesdays 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at THU., DEC. 3 Arts Marketplace: ning children’s book author. Byrd lives Arizona Ballet Theatre, 2512 East 6th Odyssey Storytelling Networking in Arivaca and writes of the intense con- St. across from the Rincon Market. Nia 7 p.m. at Club Congress, 311 E Con- 9 to 10 a.m. at 40 W. Broad- nection between the land the the people, blends eclectic dance forms, martial gress. This month’s theme is “Kitchen way. Test out new business and the value of the balance of life in the arts and yoga for an lively and inspiring Confi dential”: What really goes on in the ideas, learn from your peers, natural world. Free. The public is invited. workout. Nia is movement medicine hub of the house or in the rear of the res- and explore new creative busi- for body, mind and spirit. Move to Illustration by Bettina Mills For more info, call 791-9535 taurant? Stories about food, cooking, and ness strategies with other great live, to breathe, to love, to be in the eating. $7. Tickets at the door or reserve entrepreneurial minds. Free. RSVP: ends in February-March 2010. This THU., DEC. 24 moment, to express yourself, to sense your seats online. Contact 730-4112 or 882-3988. www.artsmarketplace.org. course leads to a Permaculture design Merry Christmas Eve joy in your own being. $8 drop in or [email protected], or certificate and covers all aspects of The Co-op will close at 6 p.m. on buy a pass. Call or email Tama to sign visit www.Odysseystorytelling.com. THU., DEC. 10 sustainable design with an emphasis on 12/24. up or for more info: niadance@live. Rainwater Harvesting Southwest dry lands. It includes a bal- com or 884-5909. SAT.-SUN., DEC. 5-6 Demonstration Site Tour ance of hands on experience, classroom FRI., DEC. 25 Cascabel Community 8 a.m. See 12/1 listing. time, and design practicum. Dynamic Merry Christmas Qigong Classes Christmas Fair exercises encourage pattern recognition, The Co-op will be closed on 12/25. Ongoing weekly class series start every 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From I-10, take exit THU., DEC. 10 noticing the links between plants and Have a safe and happy holiday. other month; each series includes 6 - 8 306 and go north to just north of mile Arts Marketplace Open House animals, climate, and landforms that classes for $60 - 80. One hour long marker 20. High quality arts, homestead 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 40 W. Broad- make up natural ecosystems. Taught and THU., DEC. 31 classes start at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Private products, live music, homemade food way. Browse the gallery, enjoy some facilitated by teachers from the Sonoran Happy New Year’s Eve instruction and seasonal workshops are and desserts, and great raffl e opportuni- refreshments and learn how Arts Mar- Permaculture Guild, as well as profes- The Co-op will close at 6 p.m. on also offered. Instructor has 10 years of ties. Call the Cascabel Clayworks at (520) ketplace can help make your creative sional guest instructors. Cost: $650, 12/31. experience, 5 years teaching. Classes 212-2529 or check out the posting on endeavors thrive! Refreshments. Free. $595 for early registration (by Dec. 15). are held at Jade Screen Center, 3844 E. www.cascabel.org for more info. www.artsmarketplace.org. See www.sonoranpermaculture.org, or Pima St. Private instruction is also avail- contact [email protected] or 624- JANUARY able. Check www.JadeScreenCenter. SAT., DEC. 5 **** THU., DEC. 10 8030 for more information. com or call 326-8456. City Chickens Coop Tour Sierra Club Rincon Group FRI., JAN. 1 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Curious about what it 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Volunteer Center TUE., DEC. 15 Happy New Year Lotus Laughter Yoga would take to raise chickens in the city? of Southern Arizona, 924 N. Alver- 9/11 Truth-Tucson The Co-op will be closed on 1/1. Have Every Thursday, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. at Join Food Conspiracy Co-op for a self- non Way. Barbara Eubanks, Western 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Ward 6 City a safe and happy holiday. Lotus Massage & Wellness Center, guided tour of backyard chicken coops Regional Organizer of the Southern Council Offi ce, 3202 E. 1st St. Video 2850 E. Grant. Lotus Laughter “Yoga” is around Tucson. See creative coop ideas Utah Wilderness Alliance, will deliver and discussion about some of the linger- WED., JAN. 6 **** therapeutic and fun. Our primary focus and talk chicken with owners around a slideshow and presentation on the ef- ing questions surrounding the events Food Conspiracy Board is laughter, pure and simple. Between town, plus see other backyard sustain- forts of her organization to preserve and of September 11. Lively discussion Meeting rounds of laughter, we briefl y explore ability practices—like cisterns, desert enhance the wild wonders just beyond always follows. Free and open to the 6:30 p.m. at the Friends Meeting a bit of gentle stretching, intentional gardens, rain water harvesting basins, solar Arizona’s northern border in Southern public. Contact: 403-5118. House, 931 N. 5th Ave. All members breathing, and guided relaxation. Come ovens and more. Tickets are $5, including Utah. Free. For more info visit http:// are welcome. Stay involved in Co-op share the joy of laughter! You’ll redis- map with directions. All $5 from each arizona.sierraclub.org/rincon. TUE., DEC. 15 decision making, and get work credit cover your inner playful streak; reduce ticket purchase goes to the Watershed Tucson Organic Gardeners towards a discount for the time you are stress; benefi t your digestive, circulatory, Management Group. Tickets available at FRI-SUN, DEC. 11-13 7:15 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church, Ge- in attendance. and respiratory systems; tone your abs; the Co-op or over the phone at 624-4821. Fourth Avenue Street Fair neva Room, 3809 E. 2nd St. This and leave feeling better than when you Questions? Contact Torey at outreach@ Fourth Avenue will be closed to cars from month’s program is “The Secret Life of arrived! Fee: $1. Info: 326-7700 or foodconspiracy.org or 624-4821. Thursday afternoon through Sunday Soil: What your plants are telling you” ONGOING www.lotustucson.com. night. Plan your shopping accordingly. presented by Tom Pew. Doors open at SUN., DEC. 6 7 to visit the displays and mini-market, MIND/BODY/SPIRIT Capoeira Malandragem Be Part of Tucson’s Chicken SAT., DEC. 12 speak with gardening experts and en- Capoeira is a martial art although Revolution! Rainwater Harvesting joy refreshments. Free. For more info, Tucson Men’s Group many dancers and performers (mod- Noon to 2:30 p.m. Learn everything you Demonstration Site Tour phone 670-9158 or visit http://iwhome. This on-going group, facilitated by ern dance, hip-hop and music videos) need to know to raise chickens in your 1 p.m. See 12/1 listing. com/nonprofi ts/TOG. Robert Harris, M.A., assists men in have adopted some of its unique

Page 6 • Food Conspiracy Co-op — Community News • December 2009 Calendar Continued

movements and dynamics. New stu- interview only. Times: Thursdays 3 to meditation sessions 8:30, 9 and 9:30 ARTS/COMMUNITY/ curb-cuts, native landscaping and green dents are encouraged to join anytime. 4:30 p.m. and Fridays 12 to 1:30 p.m. a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 1231 E. ENVIRONMENT building construction. For more info Discounted monthly memberships Cost: $35 per session. Location: 51 West Edison, between Speedway and Grant and a current tour schedule, contact available. Visit http://tucsoncapoeira. Wetmore Road, #11. Call 624-3717 near Mountain. Supported by dona- Fire Dancing Classes 547-3437. Groups may schedule tours at org, call 603-8043, or email besouro@ for more information or to schedule tions. Info at 520-622-0089 or www. On-going opportunities to learn the times other than the regular schedule. To capoeiramalandragem.com. interview (at no cost) for admission tucsonmediation.org. fire arts and performance includ- participate in a tour, simply show up and to group. ing poi, staff, hula hoop, bellydance meet at the front entrance (NE corner) of Free Saturday Workout! Dances of Universal Peace and more! Elemental Artistry: www. The Nature Conservancy’s offi ce build- Every Saturday at 2 p.m. at CrossFit Creating Positive Change: The Dances of Universal Peace are elementalartistry.com or eafire.ning. ing at 1510 E Ft. Lowell Dr. For more Works, 204 S. Tucson Blvd. Open the Power of the Heart simple, meditative and uplifting group com, 661-2787. info, contact 547-3437. to anyone, regardless of fi tness level. Whether you aspire to change your life dances. They represent and integrate Visit www.crossfi tworks.com for more or to change the world, this meditation many of the world’s spiritual traditions, Green Party of BICAS info. class provides valuable tools. Enhance and help to create peace and unity Pima County Tucson’s Bicycle Non-Profi t offers Com- vitality and restore the optimism within and without. Second Saturday First Tuesday of each month, except munity Classes on Saturdays from 1 Saguaro Aikido needed to accomplish your ideals, of every month, 7 to 9 p.m. at Yoga November, beginning at 7:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. Learn about the repair and Stressed out? Feeling out of balance? inspire others and avert “burnout.” Oasis, 2631 N. Campbell Ave. For at the First Christian Church, 740 E maintenance of bicycles. Classes are $20 Increase your capacity to move in har- Tuesdays, 5:45-7:15 p.m. Beginner’s more info contact: Joanie at 820-8180 Speedway (courtyard entrance at NE each. Work Trade and Spanish transla- mony with stressful situations through review session, 5:30. Near Campbell or [email protected]. $5 to $10 dona- corner). Parking is in the lot just west tion is available. Call to register and for an innovative approach to Aikido. and Speedway. Adjacent parking. tions accepted. of the church. Free and open to the directions: 628-7950. Increase peace in your heart through Newcomers welcome! 4 classes for $48 public. More info 798-6169 or www. the practice of blending, both gently or $15/class. Contact Bonnie about Yoga West pimagreens.org. Desert Crones and with appropriate power, to the scholarships for non-profi t employees/ Gentle yoga Mondays 5:30-6:45 p.m., The Desert Crones features programs and challenges of life. Tuesdays from 5 to volunteers and students, or for further Vigorous yoga Wednesdays 5:30-6:45 Tucson Origami Club meetings for women over 50. All meetings 6 p.m. are focused on energy aware- info and address. 730-5889, bonnie@ p.m. Located at 3295 W. Speedway First Saturday of every month 10 to are free. the meeting place is Fellowship ness and gentle movements. Rhythm applied-meditation.org. Blvd. Call Kathleen at 404-5587 or 11:30 a.m. at Dao’s Tai Pan, 446 N. Square, 8111 E. Broadway. Programs Industry Performance Factory, 1013 visit www.KathleenKordich.com for Wilmot. Free instructions; bring your include guest speakers, writing workshops, S. Tyndall Ave. All ages and abilities. Traditional Aikido more info. own orgimi paper (or make your own and drumming circles. Hours are 1-3 p.m. Call Catherine at 289-7117 or email Aikido is a martial art that promotes at home from recycled paper). For in- every Thursday. Call 390-1787 or 731- [email protected] for the the non-violent resolution of confl ict. Institute for Shamanic Arts formation contact M. Craig, 331-0602 3039 for additional info. full schedule of classes. The movements are graceful and Enhance balance and experience heal- or [email protected]. circular and are executed from a ing using shamanic practices available WomanKraft Nia, Bellydance, Pilates and strong, balanced center. The training to everyone! Bi-weekly Shamanic Tucson Women’s Art classes and gallery showings claim- more! develops balance, fl exibility and self journey circles, and weekly workshops Chorus ing, validating and empowering women The DanceLoft offers classes geared confidence in the face of an attack are offered on a variety of topics. The Ongoing enrollment for Tucson Wom- artists and other under-represented toward adults in Nia, Bellydance, and is suitable for all ages, including Institute for Shamanic Arts is housed en’s Chorus, a cappella multicultural groups. Gallery hours are Tue., Wed., Pilates, Modern, Ballet, and Hip seniors. Established AikiKids! program in the WomanKraft Castle, 388 S. songs. No auditions, sight-reading, ex- Fri. and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m., Hop. Classes range from $8-12. 620 available. Aikido at The Center, 3100 Stone Ave. Call Quynn at 954-2004 perience or performing necessary. Cen- February to May and July to December. E. 19th St., Ste 150. Contact www. N Stone Ave. #222. Call 887-3986 or or see www.shamanworld.com for more tral group: Mondays, 7 p.m., St. Mark’s A variety of arts and crafts classes are thedanceloft.com or 250-4664. Chil- visit www.aikidoatthecenter.org for information. Presbyterian, 3809 E. 3rd St. NW offered each month. The WomanKraft dren’s Creative Movement/Pre-Bal- more info. group: Thursdays, 7 p.m., Northwest Castle is at 388 S. Stone Ave. Call 629- let Saturdays 9 to 9:55 a.m. for 3-4 Buddhist Meditation UU Congregation, 3601 W. Cromwell. 9976 for more information. year olds and Saturdays 10 to 10:55 Yoga and Breath Meditation in the Chan (Zen) tradition Open to girls w/ singing adult. $80/ a.m. for 4-6 year olds. These are fun Unique practice of Sudarshan Kriya is held every Sunday starting at 9:00 adult, girls/free. Scholarships. Pro-rated Green Party of Pima County movement classes in a nurturing envi- profoundly raises the quality of life. The am. Services include meditation, chant- enrollment. Free fi rst visit. Karleena Monthly Meeting ronment. $42/month. 620 E. 19th St., Art of Living Course, created by His ing and a Dharma talk or discussion. Ravenwood, Founder/Director, 743- First Tuesday of each month, except Ste 150. Contact www.thedanceloft. Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is offered If you are new to meditation please 0991, tucsonwomenschorus.org. November, beginning at 7:15 p.m. com or 250-4664. regularly in Tucson, with simple daily plan to come 15 minutes early so we We will be at our new location, First practices that release stress, alleviate can help you get started. We celebrate Join Sky Island Alliance in Christian Church, 740 E Speedway (at Peace Circle anxiety or depression and restore peace all Buddhist holidays, do weddings, the Field! Euclid), upstairs in room 109. Free and For everyone who wants peace and a of mind leading to a greater sense of house blessings, visit the sick and have Volunteers wanted for outdoor weekend open to the public. More info 798-6169 safe place to discuss and learn practices. well-being. Call: 232-2138 or visitwww. a prison ministry. Our temple, the fi eld work to help restore the health of or www.pimagreens.org. Group meets the fi rst Tuesday of every artofl ivingaz.org Minh Dang Quang Buddhist Temple, our public lands. Opportunities include month at Fronimo’s Greek Cafe, front is located at 140 E. Navajo Rd., habitat restoration, documenting unlaw- Older Lesbian (50+) room, 3242 E Speedway; or 4th Friday Introduction to Massage between Prince and Fort Lowel and ful user-created roads and monitoring for Support Group of every month at Park West Clubhouse, Therapy is 2 blocks east of Oracle Rd. Please the presence of mammal species in impor- Meets 2nd and 4th Sundays, 2 to 4 p.m. 3003 W. Broadway. Free; donations Attend a free introductory workshop call Ven. Dao Chuan at 907-6245 or tant inter-mountain corridors. Come on Call Jo-Ann (219-2670) or Shawn (791- welcome. Contact Judy Francis at and learn how you can become a Rev. Ron Brickey at 404-6501 with out and get your hands dirty, your boots 0584) for details and location. [email protected] or 393-3203, or professional Massage Therapist! An any questions. Or see http://www. muddy and your soul clean! For more visit www.sultureofpeacealliance.org admissions team, faculty and staff hsuyun.net/hsuyunassoc.html for more information contact Sarah at 624-7080, Global Chant for more info. will be on-hand to answer questions information. ext. 23 or [email protected] Every Wed. 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Little about Cortiva’s educational programs Chapel of All Nations, Ada Pierce Mc- Curves Laughter YogHa Club and offer a preview of a day in the life Dance, Drum and Shotokan Zuni Bike Club Cormack Bldg., 1401 E. 1st St. Free 5:30 p.m. every Sunday at 2816 N. of a massage therapy student. Cortiva Karate Classes Learn bicycle mechanics! Fix a fl at! Earn interactive chanting. For more info call Campbell Ave. in the Albertson’s is located at 6390 E. Broadway Blvd Barbea Williams Performing Company hours to get parts or build a bike. Open 326-4674. Center. Free and open to the public. on the SE corner of Broadway and offers dance, drum and Shotokan Karate Saturdays from 9-12, 6054 E. 30th St. Come laugh for the health of it! Info Wilmot. Please RSVP via e-mail: classes in their newly renovated per- Questions? Call 260-6242. at www.laughteryogawithgita.com or [email protected] or by phone: (520) forming arts studio and gallery located NEXT ISSUE 777-7544. 407-5147. inside Dunbar Cultural Center. We offer Nature Conservancy Ongoing Classes for Children, Teens Rainwater Harvesting Tours Make sure your organization’s event Women’s Support Groups Tucson Community and Adults; our Winter/Spring session The Nature Conservancy is now offering is listed here! Mail, fax, or drop off by Addressing Personal Meditation Center starts Saturday, January 3, 2009. Call free public tours of their 2+ acre central December 5 to Food Conspiracy News- Transformation Mindfulness meditation 6:30 to 8 p.m. (520) 628-7785 or email: barbeabwpc@ Tucson site featuring rainwater harvest- letter, 412 N. 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ Irene Anderson, M.Ed., LPC., fa- Mondays, Loving Kindness meditation gmail.com for fees, dress code and reg- ing cisterns, passive water harvesting 85705; Fax: 520/792-2703; or e-mail cilitator. Admission to either group by 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. And group istration info. berm and basin designs, water harvesting to [email protected].

December 2009 • Food Conspiracy Co-op — Community News • Page 7 The O rganic and Non-GMO Report Court Overturns Approval of GM Sugar Beets

Judge Jeffrey S. White scheduled a meeting in late October to discuss the remedies phase of Government failed to evaluate the case, including potential injunctive relief. Luther Markwart, executive vice president of the American Sugarbeet Growers Association, says it will be diffi cult for farmers to go back to planting environmental and economic non-GMO sugar beets. “You now have an industry that for the most part is fully transitioned to the new technology.” But Frank Morton, owner of Wild Garden Seeds and one of the plaintiffs in risks of Monsanto product the case, has no sympathy. “They painted themselves into a corner with a spray paint can. If there n a case brought by the Center for Food Safety and Earthjustice representing a coalition is no beet sugar (next year), it’s not my fault and it’s not the judge’s fault.” of farmers and consumers, a Federal Court ruled at the end of September that the US I Department of Agriculture’s approval of genetically modifi ed “RoundUp Ready” sugar beets was unlawful. The Court ordered the USDA to conduct a rigorous assessment of the environ- Precedent with GM Alfalfa mental and economic impacts of the crop on farmers and the environment. The judge’s decision to overturn the approval of GM sugar beets is similar to another ruling in 2007 by a different judge in the same court involving GM Roundup Ready alfalfa. Back then, the judge overturned USDA approval of GM alfalfa and also ordered a halt to sales “Wakeup Call” of the GM seed until the USDA conducted an EIS. The USDA has not completed the EIS The federal district court for the Northern District of California ruled that the USDA’s Animal for GM alfalfa. and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) In an interview with The New York Times, Kimbrell expressed confi dence that the judge in when it failed to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) before deregulating sugar beets the sugar beet case would make a similar ruling. “We expect the same result here as we got in that have been genetically engineered to be resistant to Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide. Plaintiffs alfalfa,” he said. “It will halt almost any further planting and sale because it’s no longer an ap- Center for Food Safety, Organic Seed Alliance, Sierra Club, and High Mowing Seeds, represented proved crop.” FC by Earthjustice and the Center for Food Safety, fi led suit against APHIS in January 2008, alleging APHIS failed to adequately assess the environmental, health, and associated economic impacts of (Sources: Center for Food Safety, Capital Press, The New York Times) allowing Roundup Ready sugar beets to be commercially grown without restriction. “This court decision is a wakeup call for the Obama USDA that they will not be allowed to ignore the biological pollution and economic impacts of gene altered crops,” stated Andrew Kimbrell, Stay informed on genetic engineering issues! The Organic and Non-GMO Report Special for Executive Director of the Center for Food Safety. “The Courts have made it clear that USDA’s job Co-op Members: $10 Off Your Subscription. 800-854-0586 or www.non-gmoreport.com is to protect America’s farmers and consumers, not the interests of Monsanto.” Eliminate Farmers’ and Consumers’ Choice Sugar beet seed is grown primarily in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, which is also an impor- tant seed growing area for crops closely related to sugar beets, such as organic chard and table beets. GM sugar beets are wind pollinated and will inevitably cross-pollinate the related crops being grown in the same area. Such biological contamination would be devastating to organic farmers, who face debilitating market losses if their crops are contaminated by a GM variety. Contamination also reduces the ability of conventional farmers to decide what to grow, and limits consumer choice of the foods they can eat. In his September 21, 2009 order requiring APHIS to prepare an EIS, Judge Jeffrey S. White emphasized that “the potential elimination of a farmer’s choice to grow non-genetically engineered crops, or a consumer’s choice to eat non- genetically engineered food, is an action that potentially eliminates or reduces the availability of a particular plant and has a signifi cant effect on the human environment.” The Court found “no support in the record” for APHIS’ conclusion that conventional sugar beets would remain available for farmers and consumers and held that the agency’s deci- sion that there would be no impacts from the GM beets “unreasonable.” The Court also held that APHIS failed to analyze the impacts of biological contamina- tion on the related crops of red table beets and Swiss chard. “Organic seed is the foundation of organic farming and organic food integrity,” said Matthew Dillon, Director of Advocacy of the Organic Seed Alliance. “We must continue to protect this natural resource, along with the rights of organic farmers to be protected from the negative economic impact from GM crops, and consumers’ rights to choose to eat food free of GM components.” High Mowing Seeds’ founder and president, Tom Stearns, says, “This ruling is a suc- cess not just for organic farmers but for all who have hope for a healthier food system in this country.” Industry Plans to Defend Right to Grow The sugar beet industry says it will fi ght to preserve GM sugar beets. The Sugar Industry Biotech Council said in a statement, “We look forward to the next phase of the proceedings and the opportunity for growers, processors and seed producers to advocate the need for this technology and vigorously defend farmers’ freedom to plant Roundup Ready sugar beets.” In a statement on its website, Monsanto said, “Growers, processors, seed companies and tech suppliers will be able to play a more active role in late October during the next phase of the proceedings.”

Page 8 • Food Conspiracy Co-op — Community News • December 2009 continued from page 1 IT TAKES A COOPERATIVE

Rahama Wright, left, to West coast of the continent). Shea butter’s use Two things can happen when they take their founder and executive in cooking, as lamp oil, ointment, moisturizer and shea butter to the nearby market in Tamale (tah- director of Shea Yeleen soap makes it one of the most relied upon prod- mah-lay). Internationl (SYI), and ucts in West Africa. Tens of thousands of tons are One, the shea butter is purchased for a low Eugenia Akuete, founder exported every year, and it is found in numerous price by middle men who sell it for a profi t. This and CEO of Naasakle hygiene and beauty products used by Americans. pure, unrefi ned shea butter can end up in Euro- Limited, discuss working Due to its popularity, Rahama sees shea pean factories where it is chemically stripped of its with the Yembela Bobguni butter as a means for West African women to be natural, benefi cial qualities, such as , and Association, a women’s lifted out of poverty. Unfortunately, creating shea chemical versions are added to replace them. (This shea butter cooperative in butter is an enormously labor intensive task and, is the “shea butter” found in conventional hygiene Cheyohi, Ghana. more often than not, shea butter producers aren’t and beauty products.) fairly compensated for their efforts. Or, two, no one buys it and the shea butter That’s why SYI and Naasakle Limited (a is given away. similar nonprofi t founded by Eugenia Akuete) are Because shea butter is so hard to create and the combining efforts to change this for the women of women of Cheyohi make little profi t off of it, until Cheyohi by enabling them to increase their shea recently, they haven’t had much incentive to make Members of the Yembela butter output and their income. Accomplishing it. With the help of SYI and Naasakle, members Bobguni Association, a this will take modern equipment, a new facility of the Yembela Bobguni Association have discov- women’s shea butter to hold that equipment, training for shea butter ered shea butter does have value. And forming a cooperative in Cheyohi, producers and, of course, fi nding people who will cooperative is the only way to make them more Ghana, pose with shea but- pay a fair price for the shea butter. competitive in the shea butter business. ter products sold by Shea But before we get to how all of that will be at- As a co-op, the women will pool their resourc- Yeleen International. tained, let me tell you about the traditional method es to make shea butter instead of working separately of making shea butter. in small groups. They’ll divide tasks evenly and For generations, shea butter has been pro- take turns, freeing up time for them to tend crops duced by women working in small groups. From and care for their families. They’ll also split profi ts start to fi nish, the process can take up to three evenly between all 100 or so members. months. It begins with gathering nuts from shea/ Also, with their status as a cooperative, non- karite trees. The nuts are boiled until softened and profi ts such as SYI and Naasakle Limited can help Shea butter, a natural fat extracted all are killed. Then they are dried for three raise the funds necessary to purchase the materials to from the nuts of shea/karite trees, can days, after which they are shelled and cracked. make shea butter production safer, faster and easier. take up to three months to produce by Shelling can take a few weeks. Items needed include: gloves and boots to protect hand. The nuts (left) are shelled using Next, the nuts are crushed, roasted and the women while they collects nuts; a rainwater col- the wooden paddle (right). Then, after a pounded with mortar and pestle. Once reduced lection tank so they don’t have to walk as far to get series of physically demanding steps, the to the consistency of chunky peanut butter, the water; and a cracker, roaster, grinder, kneader and end product--pure, unrefi ned shea butter mixture is pressed and made smooth on a fl at stone three or four boilers to make the shea butter, as well (middle)—s ready. using a stone rolling pin. Then water is added to as generators to run each piece of equipment. make it into a paste. Land also has to be acquired on which to Women knead and beat the paste until a build a facility that will house all of this equip- caramel-colored foam fl oats to the surface. The ment. So, as part of their agreement with SYI and foam is transferred to a bucket of water, where Nassakle Limited, co-op members are responsible amount for the project (approximately $12,000) “We hope to make life better, if not for (the several washings remove residue. This process, for raising money to buy property from the vil- was handed to them, Rahama explained. If that women), for their kids,” Rahama said. sometimes repeated up to four times, yields increas- lage chief. were to happen, the money would be spent, but To fi nd out more about SYI and Naasakle ingly whiter foam which is then boiled for up to 12 The money for this will come from the dues not necessarily on the tools that can provide the Limited and how you can help shea butter pro- hours. The resulting top layer is skimmed, strained they pay as members of the cooperative. Every women with fi nancial stability. But that is what ducers, please visit www.sheayeleen.org and www. through a cheese cloth, then cooled. Finally, the week, when the women meet to discuss shea butter the women need. sheabuttergh.com. pure, unrefi ned shea butter is ready. matters, each must pay 15 pessowas (the equivalent “(The women) are very hard working,” Author’s Note: Readers may notice that the Not only is this process time consuming, of approximately 10 cents) to attend. Eugenia said, “and they want a chance to move term “fair trade” was not used in this article. The it is riddled with diffi culties. Poisonous snakes The shared fi nancial responsibility is one themselves from poverty to at least being able to reason for this is that SYI and Naasakle Limited and scorpions can strike women while they col- of the most important aspects of the partnership take care of basic needs—three meals a day for them do not have fair trade certifi cation. This, how- lect the nuts. The women of Cheyohi walk 15 between the three entities. and their children, health care, school and maybe ever, does not mean that they don’t adhere to miles to collect the water that is used throughout “They (the cooperative members) must have a save some money.” the criteria established for fair trade status. They shea butter production. The physical demands stake in whatever happens,” Eugenia told me. And now, with the cooperative in place and have not applied for certifi cation out of protest of creating the butter leave women with stiff By investing their own money, the women with SYI and Naasakle Unlimited on their side, against businesses who abuse the term “fair trade” fi ngers and backs. Sadly, the women’s hard work are obligated to follow through on the project. the women have a chance to provide these things and claim they meet the criteria when, in fact, rarely pays off. This may not be the case if the entire monetary for their families. they do not.

The End Get Your Holiday Gifts and Your Groceries… …all in one trip. gift cards • 100% organic cotton totes • Food Conspiracy Cookbook • Fair Trade coffee, teas, and chocolate sage smudges • housewares • soaps • wellness items • Co-op hats • Chico bags 100% organic cotton, domestically produced Food Conspiracy T-Shirts limited edition Food Conspiracy mug

December 2009 • Food Conspiracy Co-op — Community News • Page 9 by Danny August S ustainable Living The Truth about Recycling

R ecycling is green, groovy, and years we can discover solutions to our cur- sustainable...right? rent problems. For although technology Think again. has changed drastically in that time, the For many years I was a dyed-in-the-wool underlying principles of sustainability have recycler. Then I found out about the envi- not. It is what Native Americans call proper ronmental impact of the recycling process. It relationship with mother earth. boils down to the fact that recycling requires This ancient wisdom, alive in stories and large inputs of energy, water, and money, still being practiced in some pockets around and it causes signifi cant air, water and other the globe, demonstrates how to live without environmental pollution. Does this mean trashing the planet. These teachings tell us recycling does more harm than good? Maybe that everything comes from the earth and not. But one thing is clear: recycling in not everything goes back to the earth, and that a long term solution to our environmental everything that happens in nature happens in problems. a circle. And that a circle—the word Let’s break down the re- from which ‘cycle’ comes—has cycling process. In the case neither beginning nor end. of a glass juice bottle, By embracing the con- the first step involves cept of returning things consumption of water directly to the earth we to wash it out with. can revive this sacred re- Next, a big truck comes lationship and eliminate to pick up the bottle the idea of waste. from a recycling bin, One of the things which itself is made of we can do to cycle, then, petrochemicals and must is to wean off of materials occasionally be replaced. The like plastic that do not break truck then brings the bottle to a down or do so only after a very recycling plant, consuming gasoline and long time, and buy products that are adding carbon emissions to the atmosphere. sold in packaging made of plant materials, At the recycling plant the glass is melted down for example. While landfi lls may have a high and made into a new bottle. This melting impact, the natural materials put in them do expends energy from the combustion of fos- biodegrade. Since natural resources are fi nite, sil fuels, again enlarging the process’s carbon however, putting biodegradable materials footprint. So we see that recycling is really a into landfi lls is not a long term solution for a manufacturing process. growing population. Recycling also creates toxic byproducts. What’s left then? Reusing, for one In the case of aluminum, for example, solid thing. impurities result, called salt cake, and these Nearly everyone responds to economic toxic substances return to the environment. incentives. Already stores in some states With newsprint, the paper is shredded, mixed charge for bags. In at least one state in with water and turned into a mash into which Australia, a hands-on leader in the environ- is added to remove petrochemical inks. mental movement, plastic shopping bags This toxic sludge then makes its way back into have been outlawed. We here in Tucson our soil and water supply. would do well to emulate these models. But the most dangerous thing about re- Buying from second-hand stores, using cycling is, perhaps, the mindset within which websites like Freecycle, composting, and it exists. It is a downstream way of thinking the old-fashioned giveaway also make good that involves reacting to a problem after it has environmental sense. But since humans’ occurred rather than beforehand, and dealing consumption rate of natural resources is with symptoms rather than getting at the root surpassing the planet’s carrying capacity, of the problem. ultimately we must reduce. Most of us recycle with the intention Thirty years ago, when I helped launch of reducing our carbon footprint and halting a city-wide recycling program in a global warming. But thinking we are doing US city, our mantra was “ Reduce, Reuse, our part to reverse climate change by throw- Recycle.” Back then, I never thought the day ing a bottle in a bin distracts us from the real would come when I’d say that it’s time to issue. Even if recycling does do more good replace that slogan with a new one: “Reduce, than harm to our environment it at best puts Reuse, Rethink.” a patch on the problem while defl ecting our But the times they are a changin’. FC attention and energy away from taking action on long term solutions. If recycling is not the cure, what is? A Danny August directs the native good place to start is rethinking. arts program at Terrasante Communi- By examining how humans have lived ty, near Tucson. He can be reached at: in a sustainable manner for nearly two million [email protected]

Page 10 • Food Conspiracy Co-op — Community News • December 2009 Generally Speaking Co-op Discount Network cont. from p.1 Internationally, consumer co-ops are more Just show your Co-op member card! robust than they are here. For example, in Great Britain the Co-operative Group, “…the world’s largest consumer-owned business, with over 4.5 4LIFE BE WELL ELEMENTS IN BALANCE SALON & SPA million members and 87,000 employees across all Integrative Nutrition 614 N. 4th Avenue its businesses,” has recently acquired a 400 store su- 990-0432 www.elementsinbalance.com permarket chain (Somerfi eld stores). They sold 200 Poem www.4lifebewell.com 520.623.3804 of them to meet competition rules and so far have 20% discount on program price 10% off all services on Mondays and Tuesdays. converted 29 of them into food co-ops. One of these days a national grocery store chain here in the US mercy, worse 8TH ST. GYM HANDMADE ARTS may be converted too and raise a co-op banner. 777-1687 • www.8thstgym.com 721-6318 • www.dancingbubbles.com “The Co-operative Group is a family of by de Vie, Co-op Member-Owner — 10% discount — 17% off everyday businesses, led by its principles and owned by its members; it is not controlled by shareholders or i open the door A ROADRUNNER HOW SWEET IT WAS fi nancial investors solely for the pursuit of profi t. it is clear space HOSTEL & INN 419 N. 4th Avenue Each of the members has an equal right to a say in there is nothing there 346 East 12th Street – 85701 — 10% discount on Mondays how the business is run and how its social goals are it is called death www.roadrunnerhostel.com achieved. The family of businesses comprises: food, and the hills are lights 520.940.7280 IRENE ANDERSON, MEd, LPC travel, banking, insurance, pharmacy, funeral, legal to be forgotten — $40 per private room Counseling and Consultation • 624-3717 services, investments, online shop, electrical and and not anymore beds. Membership is open to everyone as long as – 10% discount on all services falling over they share the Group’s values and principles. Every ACUPUNCTURE, HERBS, against the pressure JULIANNE MONTAÑO, MPH year members receive a share of the profi ts that TOTAL BODY WELLNESS it makes no sound Peter Brown, MD Colon Hydrotherapy they helped to create, based on the amount made it has no name 730-3663 548-9222 in profi ts that year and how much they spent with — 10% off on Fridays —10% discount on fi rst visit any of its businesses.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/ there is no fame wiki/The_Co-operative_Group). it is brilliant ANTIGONE KANELLA’S NOW & THEN CLOTHING In Japan there are over 14 million consumer because it possesses all BOOKS 300 N. 4th Ave. co-op members. In Italy, Coop Italia controlled yet none will seek it 411 N. 4th Avenue — 5% discount everyThe day End 17.7% of the grocery market in 2005. In Finland as it falls as a beggar’s wealth — 10% discount on Mondays food co-ops have about a 36% market share of retail it cannot be held LOTUS MASSAGE & WELLNESS CENTER grocery sales. While it will take many years for con- tell me what it is sumer co-ops in the US to attain the level of strength AUDUBON 2850 E. Grant • 326-7700 if you know it evident in other countries, food co-ops in the US NATURE SHOP www.lotustucson.com mercy, worse, — $10 discount right now are growing by leaps and bounds. 300 E. University Blvd., Ste. 120 prisonless — 10% discount Saturdays We’re off to a good start. Citizens are starting NATIVE SEEDS/SEARCH to recognize the value of food co-ops as a com- no one will sacrifi ce their debt for it COLLEEN AVENDER, 526 N. 4th Avenue munity resource and as a buying agent for the it asks nothing INTENTIONAL GROUNDING — 5% discount on Mondays member-owners instead of the usual fare—selling winter, spring, summer, fall BODYWORKS & MASSAGE agents for manufacturers. I’m encouraged that time will take every last pride Campbell & Skyline • 577- 4543 ORDINARY BIKES 66 new members have joined our ranks during a into its faultless rhythm. — $10 discount 311 E. 7th St. membership drive in October. We hope that you — 5% discount on parts & accessories on Mondays will ask your friends to join our community of (c) 2006 de Vie BIO-TOUCH CENTER cooperators. One of these days we may be thanking vm: (520) 495-2005 5634 E. Pima • 323-7951 PEOPLE’S IMPORTS many more of you for your support. myspace.com/yourdeVie — 20% OFF practitioner training 276 S. Park Ave. The End – 15% discount 7 days a week B LINE 621 N Fourth Ave MARCEY ROSIN, — 10% Off weekday breakfasts ACUPUNCTURE & ORIENTAL MEDICINE 904-1460 BROOKLYN PIZZA — 5% discount daily Member Skills Bank 534 N. 4th Avenue — 10% discount Mondays & Tuesdays ALEXIS BACHRACH/certifi ed Iyengar Members—Put your business or service listing in our online Member (not good with any other offer) Yoga Instructor Skills Bank! We are interested in developing a community resource that SOUTHERN ARIZONA SCHOOL OF YOGA COLON HYDROTHERAPY 205-2831 www.sasy.us.com supports the skills and offerings of Co-op members. The infrastructure is set up, WITH SHAUNA STANGL —20% off private lessons now all we need is YOU to bring the project to life. Go to our website (http:// 887-4287 www.foodconspiracy.org), click on “About Us” and then choose “Member — 20% discount on fi rst visit SUSAN STAR, MA SPECIALIZED PERSONAL COUNSELING Skills Bank.” Listings are free and are available only to Co-op members. DEBORAH MAYAAN INTUITIVE/ASTROLOGER ENERGY WORK & FLOWER ESSENCES 751-0859 www.deborahmayaan.com — 20% discount every day —10% discount daily TUCSON HERB STORE DE VIE 408 N. 4th Ave. Music lessons, Emerald Alchemy — 10% discount on Wednesdays card readings, art. Join the Co-op E-Newsletter Free CD with fi rst session or piece. THE WAY OF WELLNESS COUNSELING SERVICE voicemail 520 495 2005 Lhasha Tizer, M.S. myspace.com/yourdeVie 321-3670 www.foodconspiracy.org — 10% discount on counseling service CATHERINE FRANCE, B.S.,CHT Get Co-op news updates, current articles, special coupons, event CERTIFIED CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST TOQUE DE PASIÓN BOUTIQUE 471-3879 3000 E Broadway Blvd. announcements,@ and more through our monthly e-newsletter. — 10% discount on hypnotherapy service — 20% discount on any 1 item, every day We pledge to protect your privacy.

December 2009 • Food Conspiracy Co-op — Community News • Page 11 Food Conspiracy Co-op Bulletin Board

JUST GOOD FOOD JOIN THE CO-OP & SAVE. Because everyone deserves a healthier bag of Groceries. You’ll be part of a cooperative effort to sustain natural groceries and organic fruits and vegetables without any unwanted chemical or genetic surprises. All it takes is a $10 nonrefundable administrative fee and a refundable investment of $180. (The payment plan is $23.75 per quarter.) Your investment is used to help improve our buildings, products and equipment. Should you ever choose to withdraw your member- ship, you will be repaid the full amount of your investment (minus the $10 administrative fee, if applicable). Repayment may be delayed or withheld if the Co-op is experiencing extreme fi nancial hardship. COOP Gift Cards

Our rechargeable Co-op Gift Cards Make a wonderful holiday gift.

To purchase, simply ask a cashier!

Page 12 • Food Conspiracy Co-op — Community News • December 2009