Build a $300 underground greenhouse for year-round gardening (Video)

Neo-farms Growers in colder climates often utilize various approaches to extend the growing season or to give their crops a boost, whether it's coldframes, hoop houses or greenhouses. Greenhouses are usually glazed structures, but are typically expensive to construct and heat throughout the winter. A much more affordable and effective alternative to glass greenhouses is the walipini (an Aymara Indian word for a "place of warmth"), also known as an underground or pit greenhouse. First developed over 20 years ago for the cold mountainous regions of South America, this method allows growers to maintain a productive garden year-round, even in the coldest of climates. Here's a video tour of a walipini that shows what a basic version of this earth-sheltered solar greenhouse looks like inside: How a Walipini works and how to build one Walipini © Benson Institute It's a pretty intriguing set-up that combines the principles of passive solar heating with earth-sheltered building. But how to make one? From American sustainable agriculture non-profit Benson Institute comes this enlightening manual on how a walipini works, and how to build it: The Walipini utilizes nature’s resources to provide a warm, stable, well-lit environment for year-round vegetable production. Locating the growing area 6’ to 8’ underground and capturing and storing daytime solar radiation are the most important principles in building a successful Walipini. The Walipini, in simplest terms, is a rectangular hole in the ground 6 ‛ to 8’ deep covered by plastic sheeting. The longest area of the rectangle faces the winter sun -- to the north in the Southern Hemisphere and to the south in the Northern Hemisphere. A thick wall of rammed earth at the back of the building and a much lower wall at the front provide the needed angle for the plastic sheet roof. This roof seals the hole, provides an insulating airspace between the two layers of plastic (a sheet on the top and another on the bottom of the roof/poles) and allows the sun's rays to penetrate creating a warm, stable environment for plant growth. walipini SilverThunder/via This earth-sheltered greenhouse taps into the thermal mass of the earth, so that much less energy is needed to heat up the walipini's interior than an aboveground greenhouse. Of course, there are precautions to take in waterproofing, drainage and ventilating the walipini, while aligning it properly to the sun -- which the manual covers in detail. Best of all, according to the Benson Institute, their 20-foot by 74-foot walipni field model out in La Paz cost around $250 to $300 only, thanks to the use of free labour provided by owners and neighbours, and the use of cheaper materials like plastic ultraviolet (UV) protective sheeting and PVC piping. Cheap but effective, the underground greenhouse is a great way for growers to produce food year-round in colder climates. More over at the Benson Institute and the Pure Energy Systems Wiki. Related on TreeHugger.com: Midwestern geothermal greenhouse provides local citrus year round for $1 a day Couple surrounds eco-home with greenhouse to keep it warm (Video) 3 easy DIY greenhouses for under $300 Icelandic turf houses are old-school green with a Viking twist (photos) Tags: Agriculture | Do It Yourself | Food Security | Gardening | video

25 Cancer Stem-Cell Killing Foods That Are Smarter Than Chemo and Radiation By Sayer Ji Contributing Writer for Wake Up World

By Sayer Ji Contributing Writer for Wake Up World A new scientific review has identified 25 of the top foods and herbs which kill cancer stem cells at the root cause of cancer malignancy. There are thousands of natural compounds that have been studied with demonstrable anti-cancer activity (check out over 600 on GreenMedInfo’s cancer research database), but only a small subset of these have been proven to target and kill the cancer stem cells which lie at the root of cancer malignancy. Turmeric, for instance, we have featured a number of times for its “smart kill” property of targeting just the heart of cancerous tumors. More recently, ginger has been found in pre-clinical research to contain a compound up to 10,000 times more effective than the chemotherapy drug Taxol at killing breast cancer stem cells. Even common foods like blueberry have special cancer killing properties, as discussed in a previous article for GreenMedInfo: Research: Radiotherapy Causes Cancer, Blueberry Kills It. A new study published in the journal Anticancer Research, titled “Natural Products That Target Cancer Stem Cells“, has made our job much easier of identifying this special category of cancer killers by reviewing the extant literature on the topic and listing the top 25 substances in this category. They are listed here below, along with some of their commonly recognizable dietary sources. 25 Cancer Stem Cell Killing Foods Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) – Green Tea 6-Gingerol – Ginger ?-Carotene – Carrot, Leafy Greens Baicalein – Chinese Skullcap Curcumin – Turmeric Cyclopamine – Corn Lilly [we do not suggest consuming this plant; this simply illustrates natural components exist that kill cancer stem cells] Delphinidin – Blueberry, raspberrry Flavonoids (Genistein) – Soy, red clover, coffee Gossypol – Cottonseed [we do not suggest consuming this plant; this simply illustrates natural components exist that kill cancer stem cells] Guggulsterone – Commiphora (myrrh tree) Isothiocyanates – Cruciferous vegetables Linalool – Mint Lycopene – Grapefruit, tomato Parthenolide – Feverfew Perylill alcohol – Mint, cherry, lavender Piperine – Black pepper Placycodon saponin – Playycodon grandifloruim Psoralidin – Psoralea corylilyfolia Quercetin – Capers, onion Resveratrol – Grapes, plums, berries Salinomycin – Streptomyces albus Silibinin – Milk Thistle Ursolic acid – Thyme, basil, oregano Vitamin D3 – Fish, egg yolk, beef, cod liver oil Withaferin A – Withania somnifera (ashwaganda) Why are these substances so important? The primary reason why conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy have failed to produce any significant improvements in cancer survival rates is because cancer stem cells are resistant to these interventions. In fact, chemotherapy and especially radiation are both capable of increasing the number and virulence of these cells in a tumor, while at the same time having the well known side effect of further damaging the patient’s immune system. While the cancer industry is still very much resistant to incorporating the implications of these findings into their standard of care (which is highly unethical), there are an increasing number of health practitioners that will not turn their back on the truth and are very much interested in alternative ways to prevent and treat cancer using food and/or plant-based approaches. The new study addresses the relevance of cancer stem cells as follows: The cancer stem cell model suggests that tumor initiation is governed by a small subset of distinct cells with stem-like character termed cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs possess properties of self-renewal and intrinsic survival mechanisms that contribute to resistance of tumors to most chemotherapeutic drugs. The failure to eradicate CSCs during the course of therapy is postulated to be the driving force for tumor recurrence and metastasis. Recent studies have focused on understanding the unique phenotypic properties of CSCs from various tumor types, as well as the signaling pathways that underlie self-renewal and drug resistance.” At present, the cancer industry has failed to produce a single drug that targets the cancer stem cell population of cells within a tumor, as confirmed by the study: If indeed the CSC response is a vital criterion for cancer treatment evaluation, there are still no drugs in clinical use that specifically target CSCs. The ability to selectively target cancer cells, and cancer stem cells in particular, while leaving intact the non-tumor cells in tissue is extremely important. We have created a section on the GreenMedInfo database that indexes research on these substances and now includes 67 of them here. We are also building a section that collates research cancer stem cells, a topic will no doubt become a central part of the future of cancer treatment, assuming the priority is to actually alleviate suffering and not just make money off of patients. Recommended articles by Sayer Ji: Better Than Chemo: Turmeric Kills Cancer Not Patients Mammography Is Harmful and Should Be Abandoned, Scientific Review Concludes Cinnamon May Be Superior to Ibuprofen for Menstrual Pain, Study Reveals “Killer Germs” Obliterated by Medicinal Smoke Smudging, Study Reveals Coconut Water: A New Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment? Turmeric’s ‘Smart Kill’ Properties Put Chemo & Radiation To Shame 6 Evidence-Based Ways Drumming Heals Body, Mind and Soul Tylenol Kills Emotions As Well As Pain, Study Reveals Research: Plants Cure Cancer, Not Chemicals Beet Juice Boosts Cognitive Function In One Dose 13 Evidence-Based Medicinal Properties of Coconut Oil About the author: Sayer-JiSayer Ji is an author, educator, Steering Committee Member of the Global GMO-Free Coalition (GGFC), advisory board member of the National Health Federation, and the founder of GreenMedInfo.com – an open access, evidence-based resource supporting natural and integrative modalities. His writings have been published and referenced widely in print and online, including Truthout, Mercola.com, The Journal of Gluten Sensitivity, New York Times and The Well Being Journal. In 1995 Sayer received a BA degree in Philosophy from Rutgers University, where he studied under the American philosopher Dr. Bruce W. Wilshire, with a focus on the philosophy of science. In 1996, following residency at the Zen Mountain Monastery in upstate New York, he embarked on a 5 year journey of service as a counsellor-teacher and wilderness therapy specialist for various organizations that serve underprivileged and/or adjudicated populations. Since 2003, Sayer has served as a patient advocate and an educator and consultant for the natural health and wellness field. Visit GreenMedInfo online and on Facebook, or sign up for GreenMedInfo’s e-Newsletter. PrintFriendly and PDFPrint Friendly or Save as PDF

SPICY LIME GRILLED CHICKEN

SPICY LIME GRILLED CHICKEN Serves 6 Ingredients 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 2 teaspoons onion powder 2 teaspoons freshly grated lime zest 1 teaspoon oregano, chopped 1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste Directions Generously season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper and transfer to a large, re-sealable bag. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, onion powder, lime zest, oregano and red pepper flakes. Pour marinade into plastic bag, seal and move bag around so that chicken is completely coated. Refrigerate chicken for 1-4 hours. When ready, preheat grill (or griddle) to medium-high and cook chicken breasts, flipping in the middle, until no longer pink. 6-8 minutes total. Recipe adapted from Eating Well

Olive Tree Is Fulfilling The Prophetic Restoration of Israel One Tree at a Time…

You are here: Home / What Makes Our Olive Groves So Unique? What Makes Our Olive Groves So Unique? 21 Shares 21 How My Olive Tree Is Fulfilling The Prophetic Restoration of Israel One Tree at a Time… Discover the Biblical Prophecy and Vision behind My Olive Tree’s Work in Israel… and How You Can Impact the World for Generations to Come! negev israel olive grove Why Plant Trees in the Desert? Since May 1, 2008, My Olive Tree has been planting olive trees in Israel. Our ministry’s ultimate vision is to plant 1 million trees over the next 7 years, with the majority of those taking root in the barren, sparsely populated region of the Negev Desert. While this ancient and vast landscape is full of rich history, including the homeland of Abraham, you might be wondering… Why plant trees in a desert? Wouldn’t it make more sense to plant them in a place where they could grow more easily? You’re right. After all, olive trees are not a desert plant. They must have regular watering to thrive. But… what you might not know is the prophecy behind this very intentional decision to plant olive trees in the Negev Desert of Israel. We are beginning to witness a restitution of all things as predicted prior to the return of our Lord (Acts 3:21). Israel has been restored as a nation, with the return of Jews and Jerusalem as its capital… Evangelicals are returning to the Jewish roots of their faith… The King’s Oil has been restored to the Church… Now, we are planting trees (and vineyards) in the desert to fulfill the prophecies of Israel’s physical restoration described by the prophets, Amos and Isaiah: “’On that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, and repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old; that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name,’ says the Lord who does this thing. ’Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘when the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; the mountains shall drip with sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; they shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; they shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them,’ says the Lord your God.”—Amos 9:11-15 “The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose”—Isaiah 35:1 Just like the Prophets of Old, We Are Helping Fulfill God’s Prophecy Today! Centuries ago, the Bible describes how the walls of Israel will be rebuilt and the people will be given back their land (see Amos 9:11-15). Strangers and foreigners not of Jewish descent will be the ones who help this prophecy become reality and cause the desert to bloom and rejoice greatly (see Isaiah 35:1). This prophecy spoken to us through the Word of God is exactly why we are planting trees in the desert. We believe He is bringing restoration to Israel economically, environmentally, and spiritually, and we want to help fulfill this prophecy of making the desert blossom and rejoice! Through the physical act of helping restore Israel’s land and agriculture, we are bridging the gap between Evangelical Christians and Israel in order to be a part of God’s promise to restore, rebuild, and ultimately glorify Him. Here’s just a few of the ways we are seeing restoration through the planting of olive trees: Creating jobs for Israeli immigrants returning to their land… Boosting Israel’s economy through bountiful and ongoing harvests… Generating revenue for various humanitarian aid projects, such as feeding and caring for underprivileged kids… Showing peace and hope to soldiers working in some of the most dangerous and difficult areas along Israel’s border… Producing abundant crops, oxygen, and rainfall—even in the dry lands of the Negev Desert… And much, much more… But this prophetic restoration is only possible because of our exclusive partnership with Israel. Partnering with Israel to Make Restoration a Reality in Our Generationisraeli ministry of agriculture My Olive Tree has been privileged with the unique opportunity to partner directly with the city of Jerusalem and the Israeli Defense Forces. Through this partnership, we are able to access the land and resources necessary to achieve our mission of planting 1 million olive trees in Israel. In addition, both the Israeli Olive Oil Board and the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture have endorsed our ministry and support this powerful partnership with Israel. Unlike other organizations, we sponsor the planting of olive trees throughout the Negev Desert and on Israeli army bases, enabling the desert to blossom as prophesied.israeili olive oil board One of our most important olive groves is our Peace Grove, which is planted over a terror tunnel. By purposely planting this grove in one of Israel’s most difficult areas, we are giving hope to the soldiers and locals of that area and showing them a physical sign of peace and our solidarity with them as Believers. But it’s not just the location of our groves that makes them so special… What Makes Our Olive Groves So Unique? Unlike other agencies that sponsor tree planting in Israel, our trees are planted to both physically restore the land and to produce a healthy harvest year after year. We don’t just sponsor a tree then leave it to die in the desert. Thanks to the partnership we have with Israel, our trees benefit from super irrigation and state-of-the-art technology that allows them to grow and thrive as they were designed to do. Local irrigation companies and nurseries, farmers, immigrant workers, and soldiers are all part of how we are uniquely able to water and care for our trees so that they become healthy and mature, producing plentiful fruit year after year even in the arid lands of the Negev Desert! My Olive Tree’s groves and the annual harvests they produce have a positive effect on the economy, environment, and spirit of Israel. By sponsoring a tree, you are giving a living gift that will keep on giving for generations to come. The Tree You Plant Today Will Continue to Bless the Nation of Israel Year after Year! Here’s how this simple, yet powerful process works: Step 1: With a one-time investment, an olive tree will be sponsored in your name, or the name of a family member, friend, or loved one. Step 2: Your investment covers the expense of planting the tree and caring for it for its first 7 years until it becomes healthy and mature. We have partnered with farmers and locals to carefully tend to your adopted tree so that it will have everything it needs to grow quickly and produce a healthy harvest at around age 3. Step 3: Shortly after your sponsorship, you will receive a beautiful certificate of authenticity with a corresponding tree so that you can locate it in one of our groves or in our virtual visitor center! Step 4: At 2-3 years of age, your tree will start producing fruit. The harvesting of this fruit will create new job opportunities for Israeli immigrants, and the olives that are harvested will be processed into the finest quality of olive oil and olive oil products. Step 5: Each year, revenue from the olive products created from our trees is invested back into the nation of Israel to be used for various humanitarian aid projects. In this way, your tree will become an ongoing blessing to the nation of Israel! With Your Living Gift, You’ll Help Feed Hungry Children and Contribute to Projects like These: Food for families of Lone Soldiers:peace grove israeli soldiers There are thousands of lone soldiers defending Israel who have no immediate family in Israel to support them. They live on very humble monthly wages that make it difficult to buy food, much less pay for bills. This ministry helps reduce living expenses and make sure these brave soldiers and their spouses and children are well fed when they are away from their bases. Jerusalem Menorah Project: Have you ever wanted to demonstrate your love for Yeshua and the Jewish people in a real, tangible way? With this project, you can shine a message of hope, love, and light for all of Israel to see. We are seeking funding for a 10-foot-tall Magen David menorah handcrafted out of steel which will be placed on top of the Mountain of Light. This special statue will represent the “Light of the Gentiles” and demonstrate our solidarity and partnership with Israel during this time of great restoration. Safehouse Outreach: Funding from My Olive Tree helps support “Safe Houses” in Israel, where abused and neglected children can find safety, shelter, and peace. Nearly one-third of Israeli families live at or below the poverty line, resulting in a variety of issues that lead to households filled with fear, frustration, and turmoil. Safe Houses offer a haven for children of these homes where they can find a positive family environment and ensure their basic needs are met. Dead Sea Moringa Farms in Togo, Africa:curt landry ministries humanitarian efforts My Olive Tree not only helps the people of Israel to grow their economy and find sustainable agriculture and income, but we also support projects throughout the Middle East and Africa where needs are high. One of these projects is the planting and cultivating of moringa trees at tree farms in Togo, Africa. This nutrient-rich plant known as the “miracle tree” helps provide people suffering from malnutrition with all the vitamins and minerals they need on a daily basis. Its seeds can also help purify water for drinking in parts of the world where this is a rare commodity. Israeli Army Support: Part of our vision is to bring peace and hope back to the nation of Israel, and this means supporting the soldiers who bravely defend this nation. By supporting the Israeli Army with gifts of shoes, socks, wool items like sweaters and gloves, flashlights, and any other items they need to make their lives more comfortable, we are showing love from the Evangelical community around world to the soldiers of Israel. Beot Eyal Rehabilitation Center:Olive Grove Sign This center in Beit She’an, Israel, gives people from all parts of society and all walks of life the chance to participate in sports, fitness, and rehabilitation activities in the same place. It creates a community where all kinds of people, including those with disabilities and special needs, can do their activities with their families in the same place. My Olive Tree is proud to provide ongoing support to this center. Dental Care in Beit She’an, Israel: We have had the special privilege to reopen a dental clinic that provides dental care to needy children in Beit She’an. Due to the large number of immigrants, it is difficult to provide enough jobs and adequate medical and dental care for the people living in this city. Thanks to this project, volunteers and staff of this dental clinic are able to provide much needed care that improves the quality of life of children in Israel. Golani Special Needs School:landry1 We support this school where over 125 special needs students from around the Galilee area attend. Along with educating these wonderful children and helping integrate them into society, this school’s lunch program provides many children with a hot meal that they would otherwise not receive at home. Herzog Hospital in Jerusalem, Israel: Herzog Hospital specializes in caring for the elderly, victims of terror, and children who are in vegetative states. Through this project, we are able to provide relief to the hospital’s limited budget by donating necessary items such as diapers, which restore dignity to people in the care of the hospital. Feeding the Needy in Sderot, Israel:support israel Sderot is an area that has suffered the effects of incoming Qassam rockets from the adjacent Gaza Strip and has been battered by war. Through this project, we are able to feed and care for the population, which is mainly comprised of poor immigrants. In addition, we are able to go to the city and help distribute food to the needy, who are so grateful for these gifts that give them hope for a better future. These humanitarian aid projects are truly what My Olive Tree is all about. Each year, we use a portion of the proceeds from the sale of our olive products and donate them to projects that directly meet the needs of families and individuals in Israel. It is not uncommon for an olive tree to live for 600 years. This means that the tree you sponsor today will continue to grow and impact the lives of the underprivileged soldier, the elderly, the handicapped, the needy, and children across the world with each harvest year that passes. Are You Ready to Join Our Mission and Take Root in Israel? If you would like to be a part of My Olive Tree’s mission to plant 1 million olive trees in Israel over the next 7 years so that we can: Share the love and hope of Yeshua… Care for underprivileged children and soldiers in need… Feed the hungry and broken… Provide jobs for immigrants and sustainable agriculture… And much, much, much more… … all while ultimately helping fulfill the words of prophecy that God will restore the land and people of Israel, causing the desert to bloom and wine to flow from the mountains… Then today we invite you to join My Olive Tree in supporting Israel by sponsoring an olive tree. As you can see, this small act of adopting a tree will make a huge difference in the world for generations to come. Not only will it be an ongoing blessing to the nation of Israel, but also to you and your family. To learn more about My Olive Tree, or to get started by sponsoring your first tree, follow the links below. sponsor an olive tree in israel my olive tree cycle of blessing 21 Shares 21 Our Mission Our Mission Our mission is to create a partnership between the Evangelical community and the nation of Israel; this partnership will produce employment, income, and revenue for humanitarian aid projects in Israel. We envision the planting of one-million olive trees over the next seven years. This relationship was prophesied in the Bible centuries ago, that the foreigners and strangers (those not of Jewish descent) would help rebuild the walls of Israel and cause the desert to bloom (Isa 35:1). Among other things, this reforestation is an environmental blessing for the entire region. May all who participate in this project be blessed body, soul and spirit; it is time for you to take root in Israel! FROM THE MOT STORE miracle special packageThe Miracle Special Package $209.65 southern israel extra virgin olive oilSouthern Israel Extra Virgin Olive Oil $22.00 northern israel extra virgin olive oilNorthern Israel Extra Virgin Olive Oil $22.00 the king's annointing oilThe King's Oil $10.00 CALL (TOLL FREE): (800) 334-3132 FAX (TOLL FREE): (866) 336-7784 EMAIL US: info@myolivetree.com WRITE OR MAIL A CHECK: My Olive Tree P.O. Box 193 Fairland, OK 74343 NOTE: Sponsorships and purchases through My Olive Tree are not tax-deductible. CONTACT US

homemade

Lover of all things baked, cooked and homemade from wholesome and natural ingredients. Blogger @ http://LettheBakingBeginBlog.com

This Chicken Is Perfectly Seasoned And Totally Delicious- Plus, It’s Great For You!

All year, we look forward to the time when we can start grilling again. Meats, veggies even fruits, they just taste great when you cook them on the grill! While chicken is one of those dishes that we eat year-round, we love it because it's so versatile and there are so many different ways to make it tasty. In this case, we wanted something zesty and spicy and full of flavor. With fresh garlic and limes, along with onion, oregano and red pepper flakes, this chicken is perfectly seasoned and totally delicious– plus, it's great for you! SPICY LIME GRILLED CHICKEN Serves 6 Ingredients 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 2 teaspoons onion powder 2 teaspoons freshly grated lime zest 1 teaspoon oregano, chopped 1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste Directions Generously season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper and transfer to a large, re-sealable bag. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, onion powder, lime zest, oregano and red pepper flakes. Pour marinade into plastic bag, seal and move bag around so that chicken is completely coated. Refrigerate chicken for 1-4 hours. When ready, preheat grill (or griddle) to medium-high and cook chicken breasts, flipping in the middle, until no longer pink. 6-8 minutes total. Recipe adapted from Eating Well