Eco-Fashion: Sol Inspirations, a Minnesota-based nonprofit, has launched a new labeling campaign for sustainable clothing. The campaign is designed to create a comprehensive high standard of sustainability to allow conscientious consumers to support ethical designers. Certification requires designers and shops to demonstrate that 95 percent or more of their materials or organic or recycled or that the piece meets the fair-trade criteria set forth by the Sol Inspiration board of apparel industry experts and environmental scientists.
Corn Harvest: The corn farmers of Minnesota managed to avoid the worst of the drought this year, and are now set to harvest the best corn crop of any major grain-producing state. Although the drought did significant damage to this year's crops, the toll in Minnesota was less severe than elsewhere thanks in part to heavier rains early in the spring and a brief reprieve from the drought in mid-summer. The decision by many farmers to harvest early also proved important. Worries remain, however, regarding the possibility that the fungus aspergillus could taint part of the corn crop. Corn in dry conditions is less able to fight off the fungus, which produces aflatoxin that can poison livestock and cause cancer in humans. Farmers are encouraged to have their grain tested before sale.
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