Best Way To Reduce Arsenic in Your Rice

Courtesy FDA

Recently the FDA and Consumer Reports have shown dangerous levels of arsenic in our rice. It doesn't appear to matter very much if the rice is grown organically or by synthetic-farming methods. 

The source of the arsenic is in the water used to irrigate the rice, and that was contaminated when arsenic-based pesticides were used in the past, and that overall, many drinking water sources contain arsenic. 

There is a proven method for reducing your family's risk:

"High volume water : rice cooking did effectively remove both total and inorganic arsenic for the long-grain and basmati rice (parboiled was not investigated in high volume cooking water experiment), by 35% and 45% for total and inorganic arsenic content, respectively, compared to uncooked (raw) rice."

Based on this research, enjoy this recipe from Saveur.com:  

Perfect Brown Rice 

Cooking brown rice, or at least cooking it well, is tricky. The goal is to soften the texture of each grain's fibrous bran coating—a process that takes longer than that called for in the cooking of white rice—without causing the rice to become mushy. 

Unfortunately, the labels on most packaged brown rice recommend an ineffective method that suggests boiling water and rice in a two-to-one ratio, then allowing the mixture to simmer for 40 minutes or more, until all the liquid is absorbed. 

We followed those directions and ended up throwing away more than a few pots of unsatisfying rice. What we ultimately found is that brown rice looks and tastes the best when it has been boiled and drained like pasta and then steamed in the small amount of moisture that remains in the pot. 

The boiling cooks the rice, while the subsequent steaming allows the grains to retain their integrity and come out light and fluffy. 

MAKES 2 CUPS INGREDIENTS 1 cup short, medium, or long-grain brown rice Kosher salt, to taste 

 INSTRUCTIONS 
1. Rinse rice in a strainer under cold running water for 30 seconds. Bring 12 cups water to a boil in a large pot with a tight-fitting lid over high heat. Add the rice, stir it once, and boil, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Pour the rice into a strainer over the sink. 

2. Let the rice drain for 10 seconds, then return it to the pot, off the heat. Cover the pot and set it aside to allow the rice to steam for 10 minutes. Uncover the rice, fluff with a fork, and season with salt.

Naked Polar Bear

Even when the realities of climate change are scary- I find I must keep my sense of humor. In Taoism, to rise up in anger or fear against an enemy is to give that enemy power. To fight something is to give it existence. The antidote is to laugh, make friends, stand beside and point to the moon together -  and then - GET TO WORK!!

Slow Down Sammy Hagar!

"I can't drive 65!" is my new motto. I've been slowing down ever since I read that 55 saves more than lives; it saves on carbon dioxide emissions!

It isn't easy to slow down - and yet, it feels strangely pleasant, like visiting an old hometown in the Midwest, where the people are peaceful and friendly, and the air is clean, and the sky is........

Yes, it's downright pastoral to be the lone, unrushed driver on the freeway.

It's helpful to use my cruise control on the long stretches, because otherwise there is a certain anxiety about tootling along at a speed 20 miles per hour slower than everyone else. It's made me really think about the importance of where I'm going and how long it takes me to get there. It lets me remember that my personal schedule isn't reason enough to contribute extra emissions to our environment.

Dropping down to 55 mph isn't a big thing - it's a small thing, really, but it's one of many small things anyone can do to be a friend for a green world. It won't even cost you anything - except a little time.

Join me, experience the nostalgia of the '80's and make this small, but thoughtful contribution to sustainable living.

Here's some more info that will hopefully inspire you too.

Green Energy News, July 4, 2008 – Vol.13 No.15
SLOW TO SAVE: RETURN TO A 55 MPH SPEED LIMIT?

Finally, someone in Congress is considering a bold step to cut the cost of gas. Senator John Warner (R) of Virginia is suggesting that Congress might consider bringing back a national speed limit.

Warner has sent a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Samuel Bodman asking the department to look into what speed limit would provide optimum gasoline efficiency given current automotive technology. Warner also wants to know if the administration might support efforts in Congress to require a lower speed limit.

In 1974Congress set a national speed limit of 55 mph because of shortages caused by the Arab oil embargo. The speed limit was repealed in 1995 when crude oil was $17 a barrel and gasoline was $1.10 a gallon.

The Senator noted in his letter that studies had shown that the 55 mph speed limit saved 167,000 barrels of oil a day, or 2 percent of the country's highway fuel consumption. Up to 4,000 traffic deaths a year were avoided as well, with the lower maximum speed.

From the Green Daily:

In an effort to cut Spain's dependency on foreign oil, the government has decided to enact a speed limit of 80km nationwide -- that's just below 50mph. According to a statement from Spain's industry minister Miguel Sebastián: ""Every time we lift our feet off the accelerator, we are improving GDP and employment."

Remember, doing a little and doing it slower is more fulfilling than thinking that a little won't matter.

The Joy of Skoy!

From our friends at recycledproducts.org

A paper towel replacement for the holidays and beyond.

 This new product is an economical and environmental alternative to disposable paper towels. The use you get out of one SKOY cloth is equivalent to 15 rolls of paper towels! The SKOY cloth is made from cotton and wood pulp, is non-toxic, produced chlorine free and is made using only water based colors and inks.

You can use it as you would a paper towel or sponge and when it gets dirty it is durable enough to throw in the dishwasher or the washing machine. In between washings to keep it germ free you can immerse your SKOY cloth in water and microwave it for 1-2 minutes - no more germs! When your SKOY cloth has met its end it can be safely composted either in your back yard compost bin or in a commercial compost facility.

The RPC proudly gives SKOY cloths two thumbs up as a new, innovative, resource saving, waste stream reducing product!


Thank you Recycled Products Cooperative for all the work you do. Readers, don't forget to order all your sustainable office and home products from this worthy group. Just browsing the catalogue is an education.

Remember, doing a little is more fulfilling than thinking that a little won't matter.

Even Gamers Can Be More Green

If you or someone you love is a gamer - Wii, Playstation, XBox - the NRDC has published a study on the impact gaming is having on our nation's energy consumption and the accompanying greenhouse emissions that results from it.

Why is this important?  Well, it turns out that current energy usage for gaming is "roughly equal to the annual electricity use of the city of San Diego." (page 4)

Having recently become one of the '4 out of 10' households with a gaming console, I was relieved to see that by mere chance we had chosen the most energy efficient console, the Wii.  It hadn't occurred to me prior to our purchase that I should even check to see what the efficiency was.  We'd do it if it was a frig, a tv, a car, but the energy conscious part of my brain was, until now, disconnected from my playing brain.  No excuse, but enlightening.  It is making me wonder what my other 'green blindspots' might be.

For owners of the less efficient consoles the NRDC has recommendations for reducing energy consumption (page 24) - and this will save you money - while you lessen your carbon footprint.

This very helpful section of the NRDC website is a wonderful place to begin or continue your education - who knows what I'll learn next.

Remember, doing a little is more fulfilling than thinking that a little won't matter - make one small change, learn one new thing about sustainable lifestyle and you will educate and inspire those around you.

Eco My Brain

I've learned about an interesting website, Ecobrain.com. I've found far too many interesting titles in just the first few minutes of looking. Here's their story from their site:

"EcoBrain: Our Story
EcoBrain was started by two families living across the continent from each other - one in Canada and one in the US - who were both passionate about learning to live green and setting an earth-friendly example for their children.

Both families also have publishing backgrounds. They love books, but they are also familiar with the environmental costs as well as the actual production costs absorbed by the publisher. So how can people learn more about the environment from the experts while helping reduce waste and costs? By selling books and other media in a digital format!

EcoBrain knows it isn't always easy to get published. And the costs can be staggering. But by publishing in an eBook format, new publishers can produce and publish their material much more quickly, cheaply and profitably. Publishers who are going green can and should be rewarded for their efforts by earning more, while reducing both their own costs and environmental costs as well. EcoBrain makes it possible for publishers to get the green word out in a cost effective and environmentally friendly manner!

The two families are proud of how EcoBrain has come together and how its conception has helped their children learn about new ways to help the environment. EcoBrain is becoming the green community destination and resource and continues to be a great success not only for publishers and authors, but for the environment. And that is how it should be.

Best wishes from EcoBrain."

I've wishlisted quite a few titles already, but this is the one I want to start with, since healthy homes are my passion as well as my business: Homes That Heal (and those that don't): How Your Home May Be Harming Your Family's Health.

You can find more information about the why's and how's of creating a healthy home - a company called Nikken offers a Wellness Home - I encourage you to view the videos and learn how simple the tools can be. Every illness you prevent for you and your family translates directly into a healthier environment.

Remember, doing a little is more fulfilling than thinking that a little won't make a difference.