Lab-Grown Leather: Cool or Creepy?

Last month it was disclosed that PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel’s foundation would be funding Missouri-based startup Modern Meadow’s efforts to produce in vitro meat and leather.

From wax cloth to Naugahyde to pleather to leatherette, we’ve been making ersatz leather textiles for ages. Engineering actual tissue looks to be the next oddly logical step; real(ish) leather without harm to animals and less environmental impact during the tanning process.

People Who Read Food Labels While Shopping Weigh Less

Women who read food labels while doing their shopping weigh over half a stone less than those who ignore them, researchers said.

Consulting labels on food products can prevent obesity, as the body mass index of women who read labels is 1.49 points lower - about 9lbs - than those who do not look at such information, according to a study.

In terms of gender, 58 per cent of men either habitually or always read the information on food packets, but 74 per cent of women do.

Change.Org Petition | Whole Foods: Close All Its Meat Counters

Author and history professor James McWilliams posted an open letter to Whole Foods Market on his blog asking WFM to close its meat counters and stop selling meat altogether. He has also started a petition on change.org for the public to also request the same.

“Eliminate meat counters—and do so in a way that stresses the benefits for animals–and you will be doing something not only original, but earth shattering in what it would symbolize. Naturally, you think this decision would eat into the bottom line. The almighty bottom line. But give your patrons some credit, keeping in mind that your consumers might just love animals as much as they do eating meat, and that your brave act could motivate them to contemplate this essential connection. Don’t underestimate our loyalty to the Whole Foods experience. Encourage us to buy more wine. Chocolate. Beans. Anything plant-based. Try us.”

Bagged Lettuce Or Bulk? Experts Offer Food Safety Advice

A recall this week of 8,000 cases of Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine salad marks the sixth time since April that the nation’s top producers of bagged lettuce have pulled products because of worries about food safety.  Still, many experts consider bagged lettuces to be safer than the loose variety. The debate continues…

10 Household Cleaners To Avoid At All Costs

Another great list from OrganicAuthority.com!  The household cleaning industry is largely unregulated and companies aren’t required to include ingredient lists for cleaning products, like they are for food, drugs and personal care products.  All the important you are an educated consumer!

You can avoid all these type of products by making your own non-toxic cleaners or shopping at your local natural foods store.  Most Whole Foods Markets have a fantastic selection of non-toxic cleaning products.

Consumer Reports Receives $2 Million Grant For Food Safety Study

Don’t trust the Feds to protect your food supply? Consumer Reports to the rescue! Consumer Reports, the product-testing magazine, has received a $2 million grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts to engage in an ambitious two-year study of the safety of meat, poultry and other food items.

Christopher Meyer, a spokesman for the magazine, said that according to the Centers for Disease Control, food-borne illness is on the rise, and about one of every six Americans is sickened by such illnesses every year.

“We thought that with more resources, we could make a huge difference in the quality of the food supply,” he said.

Two Scoops, Hold the Dairy

What’s the best vegan ice cream?  Slate reviews six popular brands, and comes up with a clear winner!

Little Backup For Sports Drink Advertised Claims

Advertised claims about performance-enhancing sports products often are not supported by scientifically relevant studies, researchers found.  More than half of the sports products reviewed with performance-enhancing claims had no references to studies supporting those claims.

California Testing Reveals Dangerous Levels Of Lead In Jewelry, Despite Continual Warnings To Businesses

In one case, investigators visited a business three times and found jewelry tainted with excessive every time.  In another case, inspectors checked 45 pieces of jewelry from a supplier; half contained excessive lead, including a pair of children’s earrings shaped like a teddy bear that had lead levels 900 times the legal limit.

Kitchen Tip: Keep Celery Fresh Longer By Wrapping In Aluminum Foil

This handy tip should give these green stalks a much longer refrigerated shelf life.

Disappearing Bees: 6 Simple Ways To Bee The Solution

1. Bee Organic.  Buying organic is one of the easiest ways to support bee-friendly forage.
2. Bee A Gardener.  Plant bee-friendly fruits and flowers to provide forage for honey bees. 
3. Bee Savvy At Home.  Most lawn, garden and home pest problems can be solved without toxic and persistent chemical pesticides.
4. Bee A Beekeeper.  Whether you live in the country or the city, you can show your commitment by hosting a hive in your backyard or even on a rooftop.
5. Bee Social. Social media can be a powerful tool for busy bees. Share stories, videos and more honey bee action ideas…
6. Bee A Smart Shopper. Several suppliers have donated funds to support honey bee preservation. Look for “Share the Buzz” in Whole Foods Markets, and possibly other locations.