Organic Farming

In Appreciation of Wonderful Water!

Photo: Inside a wave

How wonderful is water? Our islands are surrounded by some of the most beautiful ocean waters in the world. Every living being depends on pure, fresh water to survive. The plants that fuel our bodies and can give us health need clean water for growth, too. Let’s take some time this week in honor of World Water Day to express our heartfelt appreciation for water!

The Hidden Health Hazards in Your Coffee

Photo: Steaming Cup of Coffee

Love your coffee? The smell, the flavor, the ritual, the feeling. We hear you. Coffee is considered one of the most popular beverages in the world. We’re so lucky we live Hawaii—our local coffee is loved all over the world.

Mahalo Oko'a Farms!

On National Farmers Day (and every day), get to know, love, and support your local organic grower!

Go Non-GMO with Down to Earth & Ko Farms

October is Non-GMO Month and Down to Earth loves to support non-genetically modified products. Shop our stores and support brands and farmers that are dedicated to organic, sustainable, and non-GMO production, like Ko Farms in Palolo.

GMO Labeling: Uncertain Future but Continued Progress by Non-GMO Project

Non-GMO Project Verified Seal

October is Non-GMO Month, so I thought it would be good to review the latest news on GMO labeling.

Good for your Health, Good for Hawaii

Photo: Seedling

Many kamaaina residents know that the health of our aina (land) and its entire ecosystem is intertwined with our physical and mental well-being. With this knowledge, we know how essential it is to care for our precious planet.

Tips for Growing Your Own Garden

Photo: Garden with Fresh Lettuce

One of the best and most rewarding ways to live sustainably is through gardening and growing some -- or even all -- of your own produce, even if it’s just on your lanai or in a backyard garden.

Some tips to get you started:

Your Guide to Sustainable Eating

Photo: Person Holding a Box of Fresh Vegetables

For thousands of years, farmers used human and animal power to grow food that was mostly consumed locally. By the 20th century, mechanized "industrial" farming greatly improved crop yields while cheap fossil fuels made it possible to ship produce to consumers far from where it was grown. However,

Shop Organic Food on a Budget

Photo: Organic Fruits and Vegetables

If you're shopping on a budget, you can save money by knowing which foods you should buy organic. They're the ones that otherwise would be conventionally grown and have the highest levels of toxic chemicals and pesticides.

Healthy, Natural Foods are Affordable

Photo: Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Making healthy food accessible and affordable for everyone has been a focus of Down to Earth since opening its first store at Wailuku on Maui 35 years ago. The idea was that whole, minimally processed foods often cost less than highly processed foods -- those laden with fat, sugar, additives and preservatives--because the cost to produce, package, and market them is much less.