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Environment Matters!
A high quality environment for a high quality of life
A quality environment is essential to a quality lifestyle, you can't have one without the other, a safe and secure environment, stress free pollution free surroundings are a priority, an added bonus is a scenic location overlooking a beautiful river valley with wonderful panoramic views in all directions.
Even more importantly an abundance of water is a major requirement for long term peace of mind, all this and more will be available at the chosen location which has a near perfect all year round climate well suited to the overall aims and objectives of the development.
Residents and members will be able to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, take advantage of the lovely country walks in the fresh clean unpolluted air, utilise the wide variety of sports facilities, go sailing or swimming in fact indulge in the sheer joy of living in a wonderful environment with like minded people who have similar ideals and aspirations.
The hotel complex will have a safe and secure environment based on strong community values and neighbourly spirit, residents will be able to interact with their own social clubs and activities as well as with new members, this near perfect all year round climate will ensure a long and healthy life and will offer a friendly high quality lifestyle for everyone fortunate enough to live there.
This whole development project is based on total honesty and integrity as well as value for money with our own abundant water supply, 3000 hours annual sunshine for solar power, home grown organic fruit and vegetables from our own quality controlled environment,
On site bakery baking delicious nutritious fresh bread and rolls, splendid local wines, plus a modern information and technology centre for the benefit of resident and students learning new skills, art courses, craft workshops, pottery workshops, etc. etc.
The Poisoning of Our Foods
A relevant article on environmental issues by Prof. Rozalind A Gruben
Courtesy of Healthful Living International
http://www.healthfullivingintl.org/
The last 30 years has seen witness to the fastest growth of agricultural chemicals ever to be dumped on our planets soil. It is estimated that, world wide, the agricultural chemical industry is producing about 45,000 to 50,000 different pesticides based on approximately 600 active ingredients.
In one year the UK alone sold 23,504 tonnes of active ingredients for the purpose of use in agriculture. This amounts to 420 grams of chemicals for every adult and child in this country. Cereal crops receive an average of eight applications of chemicals, between the times when they are planted and eaten.
It is not unusual for fruit and vegetables to be sprayed 10 to 15 times. Is this in our best interests, or should we be campaigning for organic food in the name of our health and our childrens futures?
DEFINING ORGANIC There have been numerous attempts around the world to define this word. The most globally excepted definition was compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which states the following:
Organically grown food is food grown without pesticides; grown without artificial fertilisers; grown in soil whose humus content is increased with applications of natural mineral fertilisers; and has not been treated with preservatives, hormones, antibiotics, etc.
CLASSES OF PESTICIDES Pesticides are divided into the following categories. Each are designed for specific purposes and based on similar chemical compounds. Each also carries associated health risks. For example, new evidence suggests that some types of pesticides, known as organochlorides containing DDT, have estrogen properties and can bring on premature labour.
Studies in Brazil and India show levels of DDT significantly higher in miscarried foetuses and premature babies.
Insecticides Used to kill aphids, weevils and other insects including the insect predators that feed on them (a counter-productive effect). Most insecticides are compounds containing phosphorus and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
These chemicals do not degrade easily and can accumulate in the body resulting in, amongst other things, liver failure. The use of insecticides has increased 17 times in the last two decades.
Herbicides Used to kill plants. Some kill everything they come into contact with while others are species specific. Herbicides consist of highly varied chemicals that kill the plant by blocking its metabolism.
When ingested by humans some may only cause mild to moderate symptoms while others are fatal if consumed. The use of herbicides has grown 15 times over the last two decades.
Rodenticides Designed to kill rodents. Many contain anti-coagulants, causing the animal to bleed to death, such as warfarin. Metal phosphides are also used such as zinc and aluminum. Strychnine is also commonly applied. The risks to human health, if ingested, are enormous.
Fungicides Used to kill fungi that infect growing crops, fruit and stored seeds. For this reason they are mostly sprayed directly onto the part of the food that is to be eaten. These fungi are often microscopic and include mildews, pin moulds, yeasts and rusts.
They are usually based on compounds containing metals such as copper or mercury or hydrocarbons containing sulphur. The use of fungicides has doubled every year for the past 20 years.
Waxing of Produce and Pesticide Residues Produce is regularly waxed in an attempt to retain its moisture. Beeswax and shellac are mostly used and are not considered toxic enough to cause concern. The real problem arises when they are mixed with some pesticides or fungicides. The resulting chemical cocktail, especially when captan or folpet is involved, is highly carcinogenic (cancer causing).
Pesticide Residues in Animal Products vs. Plant Based Foods Most peoples concerns about organic foods are centred on fruits and vegetables. Although these crops are subjected to an array of chemicals the real problem appears to be the meat and dairy.
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