On May 11th CNBC reported on a current proposal to legalize the production of industrial hemp in the United States. With the boom in a demand for hemp-based products,  the U.S. is really missing out on an impressive revenue source for farmers and manufacturers large and small.

Hemp has been grown for over 10,000 years as an ecological source of fuel, food, and fiber. The economic advantages of hemp even prompted George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to grow it themselves. Since their time, hemp has been utilized to produce eco-friendly alternatives to plastic and petrochemical products as well as sound and strong building materials. It has a place in the automotive and clothing industry. Its demand as a food source is on the rise as its superior  nutritional benefits are recognized. It is an excellent source for omegas and protein. I recently switched to hemp milk and hemp oil. As a vegetarian, I feel it has been the perfect source of Omega 3 and I certainly feel the benefits.

But in the U.S. you can only buy hemp products, you cannot grow the hemp needed to produce them. Therefore, currently, the majority of the hemp used in the food industry comes from Canada. The U.S. is the only industrialized nation banning this ecologically sound crop; without reason as industrial hemp is free of the psychotropic component THC.

Perhaps this new proposal will gradually bring awareness and education as to the value of growing hemp crops in the U.S. With the rise in demand for hemp products, perhaps the economic benefits will finally sway the opinion of resistant lawmakers. Check out the complete news story:   Hemp Wars Fire Up

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We had a fun Earth Day Celebration at Pico’s. We collected 80 pounds worth of batteries, tasted lots of good organic food, imbibed in  some eco-wine, learned some things, and best of all we visited, shared storeis, and joined together in friendship. Thanks to all who came and to all who sent good wishes. The Scavenger hunt and eco-trivia were a hit! Be sure to look on the column to the right under pages and check out the answers and WINNERS!

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Title: Earth Day Marks Pico’s Five Year Anniversary! (more…)

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Slumdog Millionaire swept the Oscar’s with 8 awards! What a moment for the people of Mumbai. To be seen. To have their conditions witnessed. This fictionalized account of life in Mumbai was filled with reality and truth. The locations are real: masses of people forced to live without dignity, devoid of basic human rights, stripped of their humanity. The conditions are real: high-density dilapidated housing with open sewers; scarcity of water; horrific pollution; destitution and poverty; corruption; maiming; sweatshops. (more…)

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October is the month designated to spreading awareness and education about fair trade all over the world. The more people that become aware of fair trade and embrace its principles, the more we can base our world economy on environmentally and socially sustainable practices. In the spirit of education, my blogs this month will address some frequently asked questions regarding Fair Trade. I’ll start with the basics and continue to address the most common questions and concerns we hear from our customers. Feel free to respond with any areas you would like to see me address later in the month! (more…)

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We are very excited to finally be online! It has been a long journey fraught with much indecision. What we really love about this business is sharing our time, ourselves, and our space with the many wonderful people that come through our doors; being inspired by our shared vision and stimulated by the exchange of thoughts, ideas, and experiences. (more…)

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