This time of year, we find ourselves thinking a lot about outdoor grilling and eating. Which means we also find ourselves bracing for one of the challenges of summer: mosquitoes!

Recently we discovered there is an environmentally friendly way to control mosquitoes in your yard. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Summit Chemical produces mosquito dunks that are deemed Fit For Organic production by the 
USEPA in accordance with the USDA’s
National Organic Program (NOP).

If you’ve never heard of mosquito dunks, they’re simple to use. Simply put them anywhere you have standing water, such as gutters or plant saucers. They do not contain toxic insecticides and do no harm to children, pets or beneficial insects.

Now that we’ve tackled that pesky problem, let’s get ready for summer, and let the backyard barbecues begin…

Environmental-consciousness-raising is a worthy goal, whether it’s bringing attention to the plight of migratory birds or the average citizen’s carbon footprint. An article in today’s Washington Post suggests that there’s also a potential downside, especially when it comes to environmental certification:  consumers may be confused or misled by labels and the standards they require.

According to the article, about 600 labels worldwide — 80 in the United States — are issued by companies and nonprofit organizations that offer a promise of environmentally friendly qualities, according to a new survey by the World Resources Institute, Duke University and the environmental analyst Big Room Inc.  Different groups are competing in some cases for the right to proclaim their label the gold standard.

At Greensbury, we sell only organic meats because we know exactly which standards are required to earn a farmer the “certified organic” label from the USDA. The only way we can promise our customers a truly superior product is to embrace the USDA’s very strict guidelines for certified organic meats. Look for the USDA seal on our package. What this means to you:

• organic farmers do not use antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones.
• organic meat comes from animals that are given 100 percent organic feed.
• organic animals are given access to the outdoors and/or pastures.
• organic farms do no use most conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation.
• organic farmers emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.
• organic farms are inspected by a Government-approved certifier to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic meats must be certified, too.

This holiday season, maybe it’s time to start thinking outside the box. Who says you have to send the traditional gifts? For the right recipient, green products and organic foodstuffs perfectly express the spirit of the holiday. You can show you care about the planet and the recipient. Here are some unconventional ideas that can brighten the days of colleagues, family and friends.

1.     Organic Grassfed Beef – Sending meat in the mail may sound funny, but why not? So many Americans love to celebrate with a terrific steak or roast this time of year. Grassfed beef is becoming more and more popular, due to its health benefits, yet it’s not easy for everyone to find at their local supermarket. A delicious sampler of Greensbury organic grassfed ribeyes, filet mignon, and other fine cuts can be ordered online and sent directly the door of anyone on your list. All they have to do is defrost, cook and serve!

2. Organic Tea – The holidays can be stressful.  Consider bringing a tin of relaxing organic teas to treat the host of a holiday party, instead of wine or spirits. Green, white, and black teas contain disease-fighting antioxidants, and herbal teas may have wonderful properties ranging from aiding digestion to calming the nerves.  Organic tea samplers can also be sent via mail through sites such as www.mightyleaf.com and www.republicoftea.com.

3. Organic Bamboo Socks – Everybody needs new socks. Organic bamboo is wonderfully soft and silky and also resists odor, making it an ideal material for socks of all kinds, from active anklets to knee socks to fashionable and funky socks for the whole family. Bamboo is the most sustainable natural fiber. It even fights global warming, since bamboo takes in 5 times the amount of greenhouse gases and produces 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees. Warm toes, cool the planet…give organic bamboo clothing! Check out www.footprintbamboo.com.

4. Recycled Jewelry – Creative jewelers are making truly unique necklaces, earrings and other jewelry out of every kind of recycled material imaginable. To name a few: glass, porcelain, bicycle tubes, skateboards, and computer components.  When you consider how much harm is caused by mining for gold and gems (to humans and the planet alike), it’s exciting to discover that you can give someone a little holiday sparkle while staying mindful of environmental and political issues. Read this ecoable.com article for some samples of what’s new and different.

5. Customized Reusable Bags – Everyone’s jumping on the bag wagon these days, making or selling reusable totes. It’s a practical earth-friendly gift. But that doesn’t mean it has to be dull. You can order a canvas tote for someone on your list that’s customized with a name or photo – more incentive to bring it along wherever they go! There are plenty of online sources including this one: www.itsonlynaturalgifts.com.

That wraps up this shopping list, though there are plenty more green ideas out there. Remember, organic meats, organic fruits and vegetables, and other organic products are free of things nobody puts on their holiday list: hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides.