Is organic or conventional food better? What about farming?

By Michele Payn | July 30, 2019 |

As a mother, I am particularly protective of my choice on how to feed my family. Aren’t you? I’ve made nutritional choices for my daughter since the day she was conceived and slowly turned those over to her as she learned the value of nutrition. I don’t need any government agency, farmer or media limiting…

When beliefs and behaviors differ

By Michele Payn | July 9, 2019 |

“Seth Pecksniff, a character with a holier-than-thou attitude in Charles Dickens’s 1844 novel Martin Chuzzlewit, was no angel, though he certainly tried to pass himself off as one. Pecksniff liked to preach morality and brag about his own virtue, but in reality he was a deceptive rascal who would use any means to advance…

Checkout with truth, not fear or guilt

By Michele Payn | June 18, 2019 |

It’s time for a confession: I dread going to the grocery store. It’s overwhelming and takes too much time. Besides, food costs too much. And how is a mom or dad supposed to know if they’re doing the right thing for their family? Go back to the basics. Confusion and emotionalism has made…

There is no singular “right” way to buy or grow food

By Michele Payn | June 11, 2019 |

Is it really possible a label on food is more important than civility? I think not. Is it likely marketing on healthy foods is just as challenging as marketing on junk food? You decide for yourself, but after 15 years of researching the topic, I’d say absolutely. Let’s get to the bottom of it.…

Where fruits grow, bugs go

By Michele Payn | May 28, 2019 |

Chemicals are bad, right? Not quite. Chemicals are a building block of life. All living organisms are usually built from these six chemicals: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous and sulfur. It is also true life produces chemicals, such as carbon dioxide. Plants also make their own pesticides. These have adapted over time…