Although my focus is on composting, the microbial liquid I use to make bokashi is also a probiotic beverage imported into Canada as a food item. There are many good things to say about the use of probiotics and a member of my delicious network has over 87 links to scientific studies about their benefit to human health.

Earlier this week I felt a cold coming on. I was sneezing and achy and had this I-know-I’m-getting-cold feeling. And a cold was the last thing I needed. So, I drank 250ml 125ml of Vita Biosa, bundled up and went to bed. In the morning, my symptoms had not worsened and I made it through the day feeling pretty good. That night, I drank another 250mls 125mls of Vita Biosa and in the morning my cold symptoms were gone.

I know that anecdotal evidence can’t be relied on to prove effectiveness but then I found this:

A study by the Australian Institute of Sport found endurance runners given a probiotic supplement suffered less severe flu and cold symptoms than other athletes.

Their illness also generally lasted only half the time of those not taking the supplement, lead researcher Dr David Pyne said.

…

The volunteers were given the probiotic for four weeks and then later given a placebo capsule containing harmless starch for a further four weeks.

The supplement did not affect the athletes’ performance but it significantly shortened and softened the symptoms of the illness.

While taking placebo capsules, seven runners reported respiratory illness such as sore throat, coughs, runny nose, chest congestion and sneezing, lasting a total of 72 days.

But while on probiotics, only three runners reported illness lasting a total of 30 days. Source

I had nothing to lose and everything to gain by doing this. It looks like I came out ahead. I’ll start taking the liquid in smaller doses on a regular basis.

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I donated a bokashi bucket to the Living Oceans Society’s silent auction

Living Oceans Society is Canada’s largest organization focusing exclusively on marine conservation issues. We are based in Sointula, a small fishing village on the Central Coast of British Columbia.

Living in a coastal community, we are reminded each day that it’s not just about the fish—it’s about the fish and the people. Living Oceans Society believes that people are part of the environment and that by protecting the B.C. coastal ecosystem, we can build sustainable communities today and for our children.

Since Jennifer Lash started Living Oceans Society in 1998, we have advocated for oceans that are managed for the common good, according to science-based policies that consider entire ecosystems.

I’m in good company with many other businesses contributing to a great cause:

Living Oceans Society - Join us in Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary!

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I appreciate how the developers here have simplified the complexity and made it as easy as possible for many people to use bokashi. It is a great adaptation which I will see if I can implement.

• @trishussey Take a look @ all the lip synching videos on YT for Avenue Q’s songs. Even funnier…. #
• @RobCottingham A propector walks into a bar. The bartender says, “Sorry, no miners served.” #

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• Tried to vote in adavnce poll at 10:30AM but no one was there….. #
• Nature note: When you hear flocks of crows making much noise, look to find a raven or an eagle nearby. Crows harass them until they leave. #

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• Weather notes: This is the storm that makes big puddles everywhere, usually at corners from the leaves that have fallen clogging the drains #
• @moritherapy its not the web that is for under-30s, - anyone can learn to surf ; most ‘elders’ don’t get texting, IM, twtr & social networks #
• Off to The Grind on Main St to meet acquaintence & BCIT marketing student for some brainstorming #

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Bruce from HT Naturals writes:

We started using bokashi to help control the fruit flies in our small compost collection in our office/warehouse. The bokashi has worked perfectly and exactly as we had hoped for that purpose. We definitely saw an immediate and significant reduction in the fruit flies due to the bokashi and they are virtually non existent now (when we stay on top of adding the bokashi). As an added bonus the compost is also way less smelly now. We will continue to use bokashi and strongly recommend it to anyone who is composting in a work and home situation.

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• Home from work an hour ago and have to be back there at 9am tomorrow.Not ideal for a good rest but I have been standing on one foot today #
• Another economic shoe waiting to drop: http://tinyurl.com/2mwqg2 Freddie’s on the Oct6th, Lehman Bros 10th, WaMu 23rd #
• Morning treat: $b mocha! #

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• @moritherapy re bokashi - Thanks for the re-order. Check your email. #
• Dark skies over Vancouver pregnant with rain about to break water any minute now. #
• @moneycoach re: insomnia Want to sleep better at night? Try standing on one leg. http://tinyurl.com/4gzukh [Retweet] #

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