Cedar Trees are Weeds, but We Love Them Anyway

As a kid, I loved dandelions. They’re pretty, plentiful, and there are a thousand fun ways to play with them. Then someone told me that they were weeds and I was confused. How can they be weeds when they’re so great? Weeds are simply plants that aren’t wanted by the land owner. The owner certainly didn’t plant and cultivate those dandelions.

Today, I feel the same way about cedar trees. Cedar trees, of course, are where we get cedar oil from. Cedar oil is an almost magical substance that has many great qualities in addition to its power to kill and repel insects. It’s great for skin, has a calming influence, and has other impressive qualities. Unfortunately, the cedar tree itself is a weed.

There are three big problems with cedar trees. The cedar trees cause a seasonal allergy called “cedar fever” that affects nearly everybody in the region. They also use a lot of water, which is a problem in a place like Texas that doesn’t always get much rain. The last reason is that a lot of dry cedar trees is a big fire hazard.

CedarCide gets its cedar oil from Texas cedar trees. Cedar oil is made by chopping down the tree, cutting the wood into small pieces, and distilling the oil out of the wood. Of course, this destroys the tree. However, cedar trees are constantly being chopped down by land owners for a variety of reasons and usually these “scrap trees” are simply burned.

Cedar trees are weeds. They’re unwanted plants. We make something great out of them and we’re proud of that.

Sources:
https://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/2012/09/20/texas-most-hated-tree-drought-wildfires-renew-interest-in-cedar-eradication/
http://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/the-war-on-cedar/
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-cedar-wood-essential-oil.html
http://www.texasmedclinic.com/news/symptoms-remedies-cedar-fever-and-allergies-austin-san-antonio/

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Our GMO Future

Genetically modifying organisms is a hotly debated topic right now. On one side are people who are concerned about scientists playing with the building blocks of life. The other side is trying to make it illegal to tell people whether they are putting genetically modified food into their body. Sometimes it seems more like an argument than a debate, with the two sides disagreeing on everything and not listening to each other. What’s clear is that GMOs are going to be a big part of our future and the sooner we figure everything out, the better off we’ll be.

Many popular crops have been modified. Ninety four percent (94%) of soybeans and cottom grown have been genetically modified. Modified corn is ubiquitous as well at 92%. There is one main reason why crops are genetically modified – to make them easier to grow. Crops that are resistant to herbicide means that it’s easier to avoid killing the crops when killing weeds that suck water and nutrients from the soil. Monsanto is known for their popular genetically modified crops that are resistant to the herbicide RoundUp. Insecticide resistance means that farmers spend less money on insecticide. Maybe the future will bring genetically modified crops that are healthier and taste better, but that clearly isn’t the priority.

People in favor of GMOs say they’re completely safe and necessary. It’s a common claim that GMO foods are required to feed the global population of 7.4 billion people that’s growing. Scientists say that genetically modifying food is not any different than what people have done for centuries by choosing which seeds to plant. Replanting the seeds of large crops is essentially the same as modifying the plant to be larger.

There have been many studies that indicate GMO crops are 100% safe, but this hasn’t ended the argument. The Center for Food Safety found that the scientific community hasn’t reached a consensus. Then there are some more questionable actions. The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1599 to prevent states from requiring GMO foods to be labelled as containing GMOs, but this bill did not become law. Opponents have called this the “DARK Act”, saying that it keeps consumers in dark and prevents them from knowing what they’re eating. Finally, there are arguments other than safety about why GMOs are bad. Planting so many GMO crops eliminates the variety and flavor of the local crops they replace. It also makes our food supply more susceptible to disease, similar to the situation that the Cavendish banana is in right now.

It’s pretty safe to say that everyone in the USA has eaten genetically modified food. They’re extremely prevalent in today’s food supply. Many people are uncomfortable with this situation and are looking to change it. There’s one thing for certain: GMO foods are a part of our immediate future. Maybe they will be improved and stick around, or maybe they will be found unsafe or unwanted and will go away. Let’s hope we get to a situation where everybody is comfortable.

Sources:
USDA GMO trends
House of Representatives bill 1599
Center for Food Safety

Thanks to James Emory on Flickr for the photo.

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From Your Garden to Your House DIY Pest Control Is Easier Than You Think (Recipes Included)

Natural pest control is actually less expensive than using pesticides, and it’s safer for your garden, your family, wildlife and the environment. Each year North American homeowners use a staggering 136 million pounds of pesticides on lawns, gardens and inside their homes.

The shocking reality is that homeowners use about three times the amount of pesticides as farmers. Most wildlife pest poisonings and most of the water contamination from pesticides actually comes from residential homes.

The best way to prevent insect damage in your garden is to discourage them from coming in the first place. A healthy garden is the best defense.

Garden pest control: prevention tips

1. Weed out any weak or infected plants. Pull the plant and dispose of it away from the garden area.

2. Use Seaweed mulch. Seaweed contains trace elements including iron, zinc, calcium, sulfur and magnesium, which grows healthier, sturdier plants. Seaweed mulch also repels slugs.

3. Minimize the possible insect habitat. Clear your garden area of any debris and weeds as these attract insects and allow a perfect place for insects to breed. Use clean mulch.

4. Water early in the morning so plants will be dry for most of the day. Wet leaves may attract insects and can result in fungal damage to your plants.

5. If you’ve been working with infested plants, clean your tools, garden gloves and shoes before moving on to other garden areas. This will reduce the spread of unwanted pests.


Read More: From Your Garden to Your House DIY Pest Control Is Easier Than You Think (Recipes Included)

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