News

Bill banning GMO taro introduced by councilor

County Council Member Bill Medeiros has introduced a bill banning genetically engineered or modified taro in Maui County. The proposal received strong support Friday from Native Hawaiians, taro farmers and critics of GMO technology when it was introduced at the regular Maui County Council meeting. It was referred to committee for future discussion. Proponents of developing genetically modified taro have said research could help the plant resist modern pests and diseases.

Harmful pesticides found in everyday food products

By Andrew Schneider P-I Senior Correspondent Government promises to rid the nation's food supply of brain-damaging pesticides aren't doing the job, according to the results of a yearlong study that carefully monitored the diets of a group of local children. The peer-reviewed study found that the urine and saliva of children eating a variety of conventional foods from area groceries contained biological markers of organophosphates, the family of pesticides spawned by the creation of nerve gas agents in World War II.

Healthy Foods at Down to Earth Prices

Events going on throughout the world have significantly affected the economy in general and the state of our economy in Hawaii. With the economy on a downturn, and food prices on the rise, family budgets are being challenged throughout our state. Unfortunately, to help make ends meet, many families are needlessly giving up or cutting back on healthy diets.

Vegetarian Diet is Healthier, Greener, Compassionate

What if you could take a pill that would improve your health, save the environment, and awaken your spirit of compassion ...would you do it? The idea is not as far fetched as you might think. One of the most effective means to achieve all this is by adopting a vegetarian diet. October is Vegetarian Awareness Month, so it is a good time to reflect on the ethical, environmental, health, and humanitarian benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. The personal health benefits alone are huge, and the benefits of a shift towards a vegetarian diet by society at large are staggering.

What’s Driving Record Food Prices? What Are Your Options?

Food costs have soared this year mainly due to increased oil prices which, in terms of food production, is affecting everything including the cost of fertilizers, food transport, and industrial agriculture. In Hawaii, the increased cost of food is aggravated by the higher cost of transporting the goods to the islands. Fully 80 percent of Hawaii's food products are imported via ship or airplane.1

State Legislature: "Hear Our Bills!"

This past month many of you helped Down to Earth join with the Hawaii Citizens for Food Choice to obtain over 4,000 signatures petitioning the state legislature to hear two bills related to genetic engineering (GE), also known as GMOs—genetically modified organisms. We are deeply grateful for your support.

SB3232 would have required labeling for all GE whole foods sold in Hawaii (fruits and vegetables in their raw or natural state), and SB3233 would have compelled companies to reveal the location of test plots and production of GE crops.

Upgrades Well Underway

Dear Friends of Down to Earth,

We begin this New Year with a number of terrific upgrades well underway.

A New Year's Resolution: Go Vegetarian!

As we fast approach Christmas and the New Year, we are reminded that this is a time of compassion and good will and yet another opportunity for the resolve to improve our lives. Every January many customers come in to our stores looking for products that support New Year’s resolutions to achieve better health. As always, and in the spirit of compassion, we encourage them to adopt a healthier diet and lifestyle and consider the idea of going vegetarian or eating less meat. Why?

Down to Earth Celebrates 30th Anniversary!

This year is Down to Earth’s 30th Anniversary. Through your support as loyal customers, you play an instrumental role in our success.