Compost It--The Cutting Edge of Local Economy in Friday Harbor

Isla Botanica Teas and Bath Salts

2011-04-01T00:56:00.000-07:00

Amanda Smith began Isla Botanica to provide the San Juan Islands with quality, local herbal medicines.

Amanda earned a Bachelor of Arts in Herbal Medicine in Cultural and Ecological Contexts from Western Washington University (WWU) in 2008. She believes that herbal medicines are best understood when looked at within the cultural context of the health system that traditionally uses them and within an ecological context that sees them as integral to the health of their environment.

Amanda has developed invaluable practical skills as an herbalist during her employment at two herb stores, mentorship from several community herbalists, 2-year position as coordinator of WWU’s Herb Garden, and by teaching classes and workshops about herbal health at WWU and in the community.

Amanda finds great joy in sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for plants with others as well as encouraging holistic health for people, plants and the planet.

To try Amanda's Bath Salts, click here!
To try Amanda's Tea's, click here!

HERBAL TEAS

Delicious, medicinal, loose-leaf tea blends

• Cold Ease—supports respiratory health

• Dream Catcher—encourages memorable dreams

• Herbal Energizer—supports physical endurance & mental clarity

• Mama To Be—supports healthy pregnancy

• Quiet Time–relaxing to body & mind

• Springtime—cleansing yet nourishing

• Throat Coat—soothes sore throat & cough

• Tummy Tamer—supports healthy digestion

• Winter Chai—immunity-boosting spices & herbs

2nd Annual San Juan Island Chicken Coop Tour

2010-05-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

Visit the hidden world of island poultry. See the Coop de Ville at Heritage Farm (See Farmer Jim, right) and other ingenious poultry abodes, big and small. Learn how islanders keep their birds healthy, safe, and productive.

Day and time: Sunday, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
No. of participants: 15 spaces in the van or bring your own vehicle.
Cost: $10
Location: Meet at Compost It, 65 Nichols Street, Friday Harbor
Reservations for van: 6 (updated every few days)

2010-04-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

We're starting a new project in the San Juan Islands. We are interested in raising and preserving heritage breeds of chickens so we've started the Broody Hen Project. You can also read more about the specific breeds and organizations which support heritage breeds in the original email I sent to our "feed list."

Sen. Ranker's (SJI ARC originated) farm internship bill passed WA Senate 46-0

2010-02-16T22:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Everyone,

Kevin Ranker just sponsored a bill which will help farmers on the island and throughout the state by changing inappropriate Labor and Industry restrictions for farm interns--this will be HUGELY helpful for farmers, and the local economies they're a part of. It looked at one point like it might not happen.
Kevin got it passed unanimously 46-0. It's WA SB 6349. Click on the link to read more.

Simply another politician? This is a working man!

Easy things you can do:

1. Write or call Kevin Ranker and thank him & his Senate colleagues! Our county's lucky to have Kevin pulling for us. Without this bill, WA farmers would face almost insurmountable obstacles passing farming skills on to a new generation of willing young farmers.

By Phone:

Olympia Office: (360) 786-7678
Anacortes Office: (360) 899-5638

By E-mail:

ranker.kevin@leg.wa.gov

2. Now the bill goes to the House for consideration. Can you contact our state representative Jeff Morris: http://housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/morris/ or whoever your WA state rep is in your district, and tell them this needs to pass?

Our local farmers provide us with food security, contribute to our local economy, and build the health of our island soil, water, and people.

WE understand the bill originated in our county's hard-working Agricultural Resources Committee (ARC). 6349 will help the local family farms that are such an important part of our economy (another reason why it is so important that our county ARC is funded).
Can you really make a difference? Many worked hard to make this happen for WA communities, including Jim Sesby, who gave compelling testimony at the Senate Hearings in Olympia. Matt Marinkovich also wrote a great letter in support of this bill.

People speaking up really makes a difference!
You can make a difference!

Photos courtesy of Becky Bolt, Heritage Farm, and Washington State

Feed Order Due By Friday, February 5, 2010 PLUS VALENTINE'S DAY!

2010-02-02T22:59:00.000-08:00

Click here to see the latest email and information on the feed order and what you can do make someone's day!

Compost It Launches Online Shopping Site

2009-11-13T12:07:00.000-08:00

We now have a convenient site for your online shopping needs--compost.name. Thanks for popping by and thanks for telling your friends!

What's one more meat recall?

2009-11-09T16:23:00.000-08:00

Click here to see source of photo

New York Firm Recalls Fresh Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

Anyone who reads this blog probably already knows to buy local grass-fed beef. Michael Pollin spoke about this strain of E. coli in the movie, Food Inc. He said that this strain of E. coli mutated in the favorable environment of the grain-fed cows' stomachs. Once one cow developed this strain, it can then poop it all over and because these cows walk around in each other's shittola all day on those nasty feed lots, the E. coli spreads around quite effectively. Start buying local beef. Increase demand for pasture-fed cows and this strain of E. coli won't be a worry to anyone. Make sure the cows you eat are not finished on corn, either. Grass-fed all the way. To read more about the latest recall visit this USDA website.

Two GREAT place to get more information is Thundering Hooves and Eat Wild

Must See Movie Food Inc.

2009-10-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

This is a link to the movie, Food Inc. It is an important movie. Watch it! When you are done watching this movie you are going to probably want to know about our local food sources. Your local Slow Food chapter Land and Sea has a complete working list of local food sources including fresh milk, vegetables, meat and cheeses.

Food Inc. 1 of 2
Food Inc. 2 of 2

Carolyn Steel: How food shapes our cities

2009-10-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

Please come to The Palace Theater in Friday Harbor starting today and see "Food Inc." The following 15-minute video also touches on the same subject. Thanks for staying on the cutting edge!

Fruit Flies

2009-09-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

I have been getting a few calls about what to do about fruit flies. Many of us have unintentionally created a wonderful breeding ground for the proliferation of this species. It seems to happen at a certain time of year--now, for example.

In a nutshell, dispose of the rotting fruit, finish the wine, so the bottle can be rinsed and recycled, or cork and refrigerate the bottle, and begin the process of sanitizing your kitchen. Just start wiping and cleaning everywhere. This is a good time to clean on and under the stove, dishwasher and refrigerator. Don't leave rags hanging about, but wash them immediately in hot water. Take your compost out straightaway and make sure to cover your compost in between with a tight fitting lid. Make a funnel out of paper (cut a small portion of the tip off so fruit flies can enter, place it snugly in a jar and secure the paper with tape. Put a little of that wine or some balsamic vinegar in the bottom of the jar. Just cut the tip of the funnel so there is a very small entrance and secure it to the jar with tape. Once the fruit flies are inside they will be stuck. Be diligent. Leave no spot unturned in your cleaning regimen.

p.s. Take a moment to click on the picture and visit the word press home page for Bill Sharp and his art.

Steps Wine Bar and Cafe

2009-08-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

Steps Wine Bar & Cafe Steps is a fantastic local restaurant that uses local food. Chef Surbaugh goes the extra mile when choosing food for his restaurant, and I don't mean mile in reference to petroleum footprint. He really uses the food grown here and around these islands. And then he creates dishes like no other. Madden is unique. We often find ourselves walking and interacting with individuals who are doing great things on this island or who have retired here after having done great things in the world. I think we may not know what we have here and the best way to show you is to have you read the testimonials from other people. I feel very strongly about spending money to help our friends and neighbors who are helping our friends and neighbors. I have watched Madden take time to talk to our island's youth. I have seen him take time out of his very busy schedule for the things that matter in life. Recommending this restaurant to your family and friends and visiting his restaurant occassionally or regularly will be a great investment on many different levels. Live in the moment and appreciate what we have while we have it. Just as you don't miss a wedding or a funeral, you must not miss dining at Steps Restaurant.

Continued Success of Reintroduction of Western Bluebird to San Juan Islands

2009-07-14T19:56:00.000-07:00

Keep Those Sightings Coming In! (to see original email and source for this post, please click here)

Please report your bluebird sightings! While we know the locations of the active nests, observations of individuals, pairs, or family groups moving around the islands are very helpful for us to keep track of thier movements. Its also possible that any birds you observe have not yet been sighted this year. As always, if possible, try to spot the color bands on the birds' legs... it helps us identify individuals. Please report your sightings to the Western Bluebird Hotline at 360-298-2822 or after August 14 to Kathleen Foley at 360-298-1856. (Male Adult Western bluebird with leg bands: in the right light, the colors are unmistakable! (photo by Mark Gardner))

Heritage Farm CSA

2009-04-26T00:04:00.000-07:00

I just want everyone to eat fresh vegetables. I mean really fresh. I am from T-town and many of you "big city" folk who hail from Seattle or any city important enough to be called "the city" know what a nice vegetable department looks like in a grocery store. We can grow our own, or purchase fresh veggies at the farmer's market or we can join a CSA. I happen to be partial to Heritage Farm because they are my neighbors and they are only a hop, skip and a short walk through the trail away, but there are several options on this island. If you go to the Land and Sea blog you can see how hard Linda Degnan-Cobos has worked to link everyone up. We do have this opportunity and I believe everyone should consider joining a CSA. Buying food from a local farmer is the only way to go for a thousand different reasons. Remember, you can go to our lovely co-op, grow your own, buy directly from the farmers at the farmer's market or from their farm stands, or enjoy your own box of fresh food every week from your favorite CSA. Sign up! Your body will thank you.

Compost It

2008-01-04T15:59:00.000-08:00

Compost It is the name of our retail shop in Friday Harbor, Washington. We help people choose eco-friendly products for their living spaces. We sell zero-voc and solvent-free paints, cleaners that help support a "living system," organic chicken feed, biodegradable sponges, local recycled products, fair-trade, recycled and sustainable items from different places that help support other communities without increasing the amount of waste on our island.