Oct. 22, 2008 — Oil vs. Organic

Hmm, do I want petroleum for dinner tonight or organic? Most people don’t realize that our oil consumption goes far beyond what goes in our automobiles. Oil is virtually in almost every product we use, or has played some part in its production. The gas guzzle might as well be connected to our house as well as our vehicle. As consumers we eat and drink it, as well as shampoo our hair with it and smear it all over our bodies since it usually constitutes some part of the ingredients listed on the labels. It is even found in those glossy magazine covers that may adorn our coffee tables, as well as the cardboard box packages we receive in the mail. So, how do we get off the oil wagon?

Small changes can make a difference. Our consumer buying habits are stronger than any vote we can make at the poll when it comes to getting changes made. According to Steven L. Hopp, co-author of “Vegetable, Mineral, Miracle,” “if every US citizen ate just one meal a week (any meal) composed of locally and organically raised meats and produce, we would reduce our country’s oil consumption by over 1.1 million barrels of oil every week.”

Although, organic may have been a commonly used term back in the 60’s and 70’s in the hippie communes, surviving after that in select pockets of yuppie communities in California, it is a relatively new buzz word for the rest of our states. Several years ago upon discovering that our community hosted local farmer markets I was eager to buy locally grown organic produce. I picked up a cantaloupe asking the farmer if it was organic, to which he replied, “No, dear, that’s a cantaloupe.” I’m sure he marveled at my stupidity, thinking I didn’t know what a cantaloupe was. After asking the same question about the produce at various stalls, I walked away let down that synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides had long ago infiltrated the last frontier of what I still thought might remain pristine - my part of Appalachia.

Then through word of mouth a couple of years later I discovered a rare and unique valuable pearl in the oyster bed of this countryside by the name of John Bailey. John lives just outside of Olive Hill, a few miles East on US 60. He has utilized every square foot of soil in the couple of acres surrounding his house in growing numerous varieties of organic fruits, vegetables and herbs. You will find him growing a wide array of edibles from the Russian tomato, purple basil and purple potatoes, garlic, and shitake mushrooms to bok choy. A trip to John’s farm is not only delicious but also educational, as he explains different varieties and their sources. He showed us some pole beans he was growing, as he explained to my husband and I that the Indians, namely, the Cherokee, had first grown these; and how they almost disappeared at the hands of Andrew Jackson. He starts most of his plants from seeds rendered from his own organic produce. His growing methods are as scientific as those of Luther Burbank as he experiments with his own cross breeding, and at the same time takes into consideration proper arranging of the plants down to what environmentally safe, natural methods he might utilize for pest control. He has been an informative teacher and inspiration to us, as since knowing him we have started and expanded our own organic garden over the last few years.

John has also sold his luscious yield to various restaurants in the area. A few years ago, organic farmers delivering their wares, entered restaurants through the back door. Now, restaurants consider it good business to proudly escort them through the front as a way of letting their customers know they are getting the “good stuff.”

All this is making me hungry. So, I quit here, and grab my reusable cloth bags and head off to John’s. I’m thinking of his basil, tomatoes and garlic for bruschetta tonight.

Jerri Schlenker

Olive Hill, KY



Editor,

The family of Zackery McGlone would like to thank everyone who donated to the benefit. And for those who gave their personal time. From the bands, to the armory and the businesses of Olive Hill, Grayson, Ashland and Morehead. To everyone who came and helped us raise money for the funeral. We greatly appreciated everything that was done for the benefit. And a special thanks to our neighbors on Jordan Fork and the songfest at Kibbey Chapel Church. Everyone was very kind, generous, and thoughtful during our time of need and sorrow.

May God bless each and every one of you for being our angels.

Thank you again,

Bill McGlone and family