microbial revolution?
The cabin we stayed in during our trip to Costa Rica was cleaned using a non-toxic product called "EM." EM stands for Effective Microorganisms. There was a one-page explanation of this stuff in the "things to do" binder that the lodge owners had put together. I thought that was kind of random, but I read it anyway and learned that this cost-effective household cleaner is also used as plant food, compost additive and is safe enough and beneficial to eat. HUH?
Yup. Apparently this stuff is used in over 120 countries. EM comes in a liquid form and consists of naturally occurring beneficial microorganisms. The microbes in EM are "non-harmful, non-pathogenic, not-genetically-engineered or modified (non-GMO), and not-chemically-synthesized" Whew! It's also not available at Wal*Mart, not a fan of Fiona Apple, and not compatible with your iPod. The basic groups of microorganisms in EM are lactic acid bacteria (the kind found in yogurt and cheeses), yeast (found in bread and beer), and phototrophic bacteria. Organic farmers use it as an alternative to argricultural chemicals. Basically, it promotes the growth of good bacteria, while converting or conquering the bad bacteria. Brilliant!
Well, not according to the FDA. The Food & Drug Administration isn't down with the phototropic bacteria, even though it's been used safely and effectively in Japan (where it was discovered by a professor of horticulture) for over 20 years. There are no reports of damage caused by EM. In Thailand, the military and the Red Cross used EM to spray on the corpses of the victims of the tsunami to control odors, flies, and the spread of disease. In Costa Rica, EM is used by most of the certified organic farmers. After a trip to Costa Rica to meet with their growers, Whole Foods Market decided to carry and promote the product in the United States. So you can buy it locally these days, but they aren't allowed to sell it as a intestinal or digestive product.
Never in a million years when we chose to visit Costa Rica did I think that we'd be learning so much about developments in organic agriculture. Most people comment that Costa Rica is a "third world country," but in fact, they are definitely ahead of the U.S. when it comes to taking care of its people and environment.
Yup. Apparently this stuff is used in over 120 countries. EM comes in a liquid form and consists of naturally occurring beneficial microorganisms. The microbes in EM are "non-harmful, non-pathogenic, not-genetically-engineered or modified (non-GMO), and not-chemically-synthesized" Whew! It's also not available at Wal*Mart, not a fan of Fiona Apple, and not compatible with your iPod. The basic groups of microorganisms in EM are lactic acid bacteria (the kind found in yogurt and cheeses), yeast (found in bread and beer), and phototrophic bacteria. Organic farmers use it as an alternative to argricultural chemicals. Basically, it promotes the growth of good bacteria, while converting or conquering the bad bacteria. Brilliant!
Well, not according to the FDA. The Food & Drug Administration isn't down with the phototropic bacteria, even though it's been used safely and effectively in Japan (where it was discovered by a professor of horticulture) for over 20 years. There are no reports of damage caused by EM. In Thailand, the military and the Red Cross used EM to spray on the corpses of the victims of the tsunami to control odors, flies, and the spread of disease. In Costa Rica, EM is used by most of the certified organic farmers. After a trip to Costa Rica to meet with their growers, Whole Foods Market decided to carry and promote the product in the United States. So you can buy it locally these days, but they aren't allowed to sell it as a intestinal or digestive product.
Never in a million years when we chose to visit Costa Rica did I think that we'd be learning so much about developments in organic agriculture. Most people comment that Costa Rica is a "third world country," but in fact, they are definitely ahead of the U.S. when it comes to taking care of its people and environment.
posted by Freewendy @ 8:47 PM
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