Welcome to Earth News
February has us thinking about matters of the heart. In our case, heart health. Experts say nearly half a million people will die from heart disease in the U.S. this year. For decades America has continued to fight this number-one killer, but with obesity rates continuing to rise, the battle just keeps getting harder. In this issue we offer information on how to simultaneously and easily protect yourself and your loved ones from both obesity and heart disease. Read more in this month’s Feature Article and Health Tip.
30% Off Sale: Great American Meatout!
And, mark your calendars! On Saturday, March 20th, we’re going to celebrate the Great American Meatout with a terrific sale! You’ll get 30% off of our 20 best-selling meat substitutes. Background is provided in the announcement in this issue. Stay tuned for more information!

Time and again we see news reports on studies that remind us of the health benefits of a vegetarian diet in reversing heart disease. One such study was published this month in the World Health Organization’s weekly journal, the Bulletin of the World Health Organization. Read more »

Last month I visited one of only two remaining dairies in Hawaii, in Honoka’a on the Big Island. We decided to visit their operation after reading that the owner is planning to provide water beds and piped-in classical music for the cows. Read more »

Down to Earth will celebrate the upcoming Great American Meatout on Saturday, March 20th, with a special sale featuring 30% off 20 best-selling meat substitutes. The sale will be held all day at all its stores. Meatout is an international observance that encourages everyone to kick the meat habit for one day and evolve to a wholesome, compassionate diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Read more »

“Using a balanced, plant-based diet, I have dramatically reduced risk factors for heart disease in countless patients.”
-Terry Shintani, MD, JD, MPH
Founder and President of the Hawaii Health Foundation. Author of the Eat More Weigh Less® Diet

Incorporate these foods into your diet to help reduce your risk of heart disease and promote cardiovascular health.
Oatmeal: A steaming bowl of oatmeal is the perfect way to start your day. Oats are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, folate, niacin, calcium, and soluble fiber. For added heart health, top your oatmeal with ground flaxseed and blueberries.
Read more »

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our kids could really connect with the earth in a meaningful and lasting way? If school programs could help them form a lifelong appreciation and caring for Hawaii’s environment? If planting, growing, harvesting, and eating fresh, local produce could teach them about good nutrition, healthy choices, and where food comes from? If school cafeterias could be a market for local farmers so that fresh, local crops could end up as wholesome school lunches? This may sound utopian, but it’s happening right now, right here in our islands ... Read more »

Featured Recipe
For your cooking delight we are bringing you our monthly cooking class recipes:
Feature! Romantic Ravioli
Additional tasty recipes:
Lemon Vegan Cheesecake
Lilikoi Syrup
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