On Python 2, we're supposed to use byte strings for os.environ (though

how important this is is platform-dependent), while on Python 3 we're

supposed to use Unicode strings instead. To be compatible with both, we

now ensure we're using native strings by wrapping text in str(...) and

variables in Django's force_str(...). While more verbose, it should

ensure compatibility across both versions of Python.

Unit tests pass on Python 2.7 and 3.x (in areas that can currently be

tested).