Sound Consumer

The shared meal is no small thing: it is a foundation of family life, the place where our children learn the art of conversation and acquire the habits of civilization: sharing, listening, taking turns navigating differences, arguing without offending.

Read about some myths you may have seen and heard from the “No on 522” campaign about I-522, the People’s Initiative to Label Genetically Engineered Foods — and how they distort the facts.

For the growing number of people avoiding grains, refined sugar and dairy, the holiday months can be difficult. But it’s possible to make delicious baked goods with alternatives — think almond and coconut flour in place of all-purpose white flour, and coconut oil in place of butter.

Whether you’re on the popular Paleo diet or just trying to cut down on refined flour and sugar, there’s no need to deprive yourself of a little treat — especially this time of year.

As the leaves turn color, a pancake stack topped with real maple syrup makes a welcome treat. The taste difference between real and artificial maple syrup is as distinct as between butter and margarine.

Soon after this paper arrives at PCC member homes, we’ll know whether Initiative 522 to label genetically engineered foods has passed or failed at the ballot box.

Veterans farming · Yes on I-522 · WIC and organics · What’s wrong with wheat? · Bee-killing pesticides · Boycott GMA foods? · Farmers sue biotech

“Monsanto Protection Act” expires · Bee thefts on the rise · Eat fruit, prevent diabetes · Fruits and vegetables economics · Fatty liver disease in kids · Food waste and climate change · Hog waste and drug resistance · Dead zones in the Gulf · Fishermen protest Walmart · Giant family farms · Mexico bans GE corn

Organic sales continue to grow around the world. Also, learn about the record year for Columbia River fall Chinook, local efforts to sleuth out the cause of bumblebee decline, the effects of algae in Northwest waters, and more.

Next board meeting · Nominating committee · Board member does international cooperative work · Ends reporting