California’s extreme drought is making international headlines and causing worry among farmers who must adapt or be forced out of business entirely unless climate conditions improve. Unfortunately, California is not alone. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), at least 40 states expect to see some levels of freshwater shortages in the next decade. Humans…
You’ve probably seen the label “broad-spectrum” on your sunscreen. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen because it protects against UVA and UVB rays. In fact, the very definition of a broad-spectrum product is a product that is effective in a wide variety of ways. While you won’t find any broad-spectrum labels on…
As it’s already late April, we’re pretty confident that the threat of frost is over (at least it is here in Portland, Oregon). That means it’s time to turn our attention to the spring lawn. People still think of spring as the time to cover their lawn in fertilizer, but unless your lawn has suffered…
In a previous blog post, we wrote about Silicon (Si) and the role that it plays in helping plants stay healthy and boosting their natural resistance to insect pests and disease. Found naturally in volcanic basalt, Silicon is a key ingredient in Cascade Minerals Remineralizing Soil Booster. Recent research also shows that Silicon is effective…
A customer in California recently wrote to tell us how applying all-natural rock dust made of volcanic basalt to his rose bushes helped keep away pesky aphids: “I’ve normally had to spray my roses for aphids at least once by this time of the year. The only thing different this year is that I used Cascade…
Within the medical community there is ongoing debate about the nutritional value of supplements. Many physicians believe that supplements are a waste of money for patients who exercise and eat a reasonably balanced diet. Taken improperly or used in excess, supplements can even cause potential harm. Yet even the healthiest among us face challenges that…
This article was originally published as a guest post on Growing a Greener World. The secret to growing healthy and nutritious food begins with the soil. Naturally healthy soil contains billions of living microorganisms—from bacteria to nematodes, fungi, protozoa, arthropods and earthworms. Together, they join in a carefully choreographed “bacterial ballet” in which each organism…
While other parts of the country are still covered in snow, Oregon’s spring has kicked into overdrive. It’s not just the magnolias that are awakening, either. Birds, bees, squirrels—and eager gardeners—are all brimming with energy and activity. Fortunately, there is no shortage of work to be done in the garden. Here are five tasks that, if…
Fresh sources of silicon-based rock minerals are essential to the life and vitality of plants and key to supporting healthier soils. Unfortunately, many of the world soils have become depleted of essential minerals, including: Silicon (Si) – a key component of plant cell walls, silicon improves plant structure and increases resistance to pest and disease….
The numbers are alarming: More than one-third of kids in America are overweight or obese. Along with excess weight comes a variety of serious health issues, from type 2 diabetes to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. (All of which were once considered to be “adult only” diseases.) The good news is that kids, parents…
