We’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden

Revival By Heather Shayne Blakeslee Blind faith in markets and technology. Contempt for the poor, loss of biodiversity, global inequality, animal testing, throwaway culture and the big bank bailout. Fracking, factory farms, GMOs and greenwashing. Cynical politicians and profiteering companies. Climate change. Modern slavery. Societal breakdown. Pope Francis left no stone unturned in “On Care

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As cooler weather sets in, seek out these treats of early fall

  by Peggy Paul Casella FennelThis herb grows up to 10 feet tall, with finger-like stems that stretch upward from its bulb amidst feathery fronds. As it reaches maturity, the plant produces a canopy of yellow flowers. Like the fronds, stems and bulb, these flowers are entirely edible, boasting a sweet, licorice-like flavor. The two

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The noisy, messy, wonderful world of kids learning in nature

A Not So Silent Spring by Heather Shayne Blakeslee Rachel Carson, the legendary author of the watershed book Silent Spring, was once a young girl. It seems an obvious thing to say, but it’s worth thinking about where this environmental icon—who changed the course of history—came from.  In one picture, at four or maybe five,

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Editor’s Notes: Dismantling factory farms, one meal at a time

Growing up in Northeast Pa., there were few vegetarian options, which made the discovery of a veggie burger at Sweet Treat, a family-run diner decorated entirely with Pittsburgh Steelers memorabilia, so surprising. The owner had suffered a heart attack, and, from what I gathered from overheard conversations, his doctor had advised him to stop eating

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Personal Essay: What a factory farm looks like

by Rachel AtchesonHave you been inside a factory farm?” It’s the question I’m most often asked as I give presentations to students about large industrial farms. Until recently, the answer was “no.” Instead I relied on the experiences of two trusted friends who worked as undercover investigators at several facilities. At each one they witnessed

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Market Watch: What’s up at the farmstand

Illustration by Justine Kelley by Peggy Paul  This time of year, tomatoes, zucchini and stone fruits are the stars of the farmers market, but don’t forget about these lesser-known gems:  Ground cherries and tomatillos: a.k.a husked fruits Fruits should be swelled to fit their papery husks, which you remove before eating. These nightshade fruits resemble tomatoes, but

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