FDA Bans First FD&C Dye! Which Will be Next?

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The FDA has moved to finally ban Red Dye No. 3 from use in food and drugs in America.  Red Dye No. 3 was first determined to be a cancer causing color additive almost 30 years ago.  Studies conducted using labs rats found that they became inflicted with the disease after consuming large amounts of Red dye No. 3.  Thirty years ago, the FDA officially banned Red Dye No. 3 from use in cosmetics but left the door open for it to be used as a color additive in food and prescription drugs.  By January 2027, the FDA has ordered that Red Dye No 3 must be removed from all food in the USA and by 2028--from all drugs. Food Manufacturers Shiver in their Boots Red Dye No. 3 has mostly been used in baked goods, sweets and candies.  It is used by prominent candy manufacturers such as Mars Inc (Skittles) and Just Born Quality Confections (Peeps).  Food Manufacturing giants such as Con Agra, McCormick, Heinz, General Mills and Pepsi Co will all have to find alternatives for ...

Happy Earth Day! Say Hi to Bruce...


My new plant could not have come on a better day! Happy Earth Day folks!!!  Say hello to Bruce, the newest plant baby in my green scene.  Bruce is a Pachira Aquatica (Guiana Chestnut) plant in the Malvaceae family.  This Pachira Aquatica is in perfect health and is so tall (over three feet). I did not think that it was going to be this big and I’m so ecstatic to see it.  The number one aspect that I love about Pachira Aquatica is its braided trunk because well—it reminds me of hair! It’s pretty cool to see a braid in plant form.  Not only that, I love the idea of growing mini tree indoors.  Pachira Aquatica is native to the tropical wetlands of South and Central America.  I’ve already been eyeing a sister for Bruce that will grow well with it. It is the Dracaena Sanderiana which is native to the Asparagaceae family.

Pachira Aquatica Needs

If you’re on the fence about purchasing a Pachira Aquatica plant, just go for it. It requires positioning in indirect lighting for 5-6 hours per day and watering 1x per week or every other week.  Since Pachira Aquatica loves humid environments, the leaves can be misted regularly or a small space humidifier can be kept nearby.  Adding a mixture of a few drops of neem oil and water will keep plant pests away if they are experienced.  

Fertilizer

This braided trunk plant requires fertilization monthly during spring and summer seasons and every two months during fall and winter. A gentle organic fertilizer is best for use with pachira aquatica. These can be compost, fish meal or an organic liquid fertilizer. Here are a few organic fertilizer brands: Fox Farm Organic liquid plant food, Back to the Roots Organic Plant Food, Organic Plant Magic All Purpose Fertilizer, Jobe’s Organics Fertilizer Spikes/Tablets and Omri Fish & Kelp Fertilizer.  Synthetic fertilizers should never be used as they are extremely harmful to the environment and made using petroleum products.  



Bruce arrived from Costa Farms, a southern based family owned farm that grows over 1500 varieties of plants. Costa Farms has greenhouses in the Dominican Republic, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina and their plants are specially trained to grow as if they are in a home environment. Doing business with Costa Farms has always been a total treat!  The plants are in the best condition and they arrive fresh and ready to continue on their growing and sprouting journey. I’ve found their plants to be much more high quality than other plant nurseries that I’ve become acquainted with.  Costa Farms is able to produce many unique and rare varieties since their head plant hunter travels the world to find all the best plants that individuals will love having in their homes and gardens.  They are on a mission to make plants accessible to everyone. 

-Xo Earth Day Cheers


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