Truth in labeling...

Tell Monsanto: Endorse California's Proposition 37, Require GMO food labeling Petition | GoPetition

This is a California proposition, however, if we can get it passed there we can move to get each state to follow.  We need TRUTH IN LABELING!  Whether it is genetically modified food or high fructose corn syrup or any other ingredient, we the consumer deserve to know what we are eating. 

~Deanne

GasHole....wish I could take credit for that title!!!

Started this post over memorial day weekend only to find out it did not save or post when my PC decided to reboot itself...arrgg love hate technology!
 Any whoooo...second verse same as the first...in other words let us try it again....Now where was I???

A friend of itsok2bgreen turned me on this amazing documentary The Consequence of Oil by Global Access Media.  It was that documentary which drew me to their site but in all honesty I had to check out everything....love!  Mark Manning brings 20 years of experience in the offshore drilling operations.  As all, if not all I would be shocked, know I surely oppose offshore drilling, ANWR drilling...not when there are so many options to alternative fuel!!!  The gulf explosion was the largest oil disaster since the 1969 disaster that sparked and fueled (pardon the pun) Earth Day and the environmental movement.

The US government bought and paid for by the Oil companies want us to believe it is safe to return to the gulf, no harm, no foul, all has been cleaned up.  Instead BP just continues to pay off the local government surrounding the gulf and continue to send campaign contributions to our politicians to prevent legislation against offshore drilling.  All the while we see advertisement from BP with their local employees touting the cleanest vacation spot around.   They want us to believe the disaster is over because the fire is out and millions of gallons are no longer dumping into the ocean.  It is far from over, only the cover-up continues at the expense of humans, animals, marine life, organisms and an eco-system.  After viewing this documentary I decided to check out another documentary on how oil companies have us and our government by the gonads...GasHole (hence the title I cannot claim as my own.)

GasHole is a mind blowing look at a "crude conspiracy" (to borrow a pun from their title), it certainly gets you thinking about how oil companies have been dictating how we live our lives since 1862 when John D. Rockefeller began Standard Oil Company.  Let's just take a look at history, besides the dirty dealings John did to buy out competitors and price gouging.

In 1977 Shell Scientists (yes I said the oil company Shell) were able to take a 1947 Studebaker which weighs about the same as a Hummer change the engine with some designs they stole borrowed that made it get 149.95 miles per 1 gallon of gas!!!!  Yes that is right folks 1977 we had the technology already!!!!  What happened to this scientific break through??? Gone, even missing from the Library of Congress.  Why would that happen?  Uh, duh...what oil company would want any vehicle to be able to get more miles to the gallon, why would they want anyone to save money by buying less gas for their vehicle.  Errr duh!  Just sayin', I am all for profits and making a buck to two billion.  At who's expense...mine...yours...the environment...the future of our kids or their kids? 

Would an oil company want you to know how big of a disaster the Gulf really is or how their technologies for gaining access to more crude oil is toxic to our oceans and to our drinking water?   Would they want you to know that in 1970 there was a scientist/inventor that was able to get 1000 miles per gallon or that one inventor suddenly died along side a Nevada road when his patent to increase fuel and power effeciency was suddenly bought out by some company that later disposed of the technology?  Yes I know all if it sounds far fetched or consiracy theory like but I put nothing past the power of greed in people.   Money changes people and the thirst for more of it or power to control the market share over takes the desire for the greater good or corporate responsibility.

If anything watch GasHole just to see how the US government bends over for the oil companies in the 2005 Congressional Hearings.  Or view to see just how our pocket books have been stipped of our hard working money because inventions have been surpressed.   Inventions that not only make vehicles more fuel efficient but also better for the Environment.   You will be in shock...I love conspiracy theories as much as the next activist but this will really open your eyes and mind to get you thinking a little more about the choices you make each day!

~Deanne

So when you have a moment from all the things we try to shove into a day, check out The Concequence of Oil and if that doesn't excite or anger you check out the documentary GasHole while you are at it!!!  Both are family friendly and I highly advise having your kids watching these documentaries.   

*Global Access Media images
*GasHole image

And they say it is safe....

Sorry the quality of my picture, it lacks quality and pizazz.  In it the picture are two huge trucks with large containers of chemical pesticide spray.  They transfer it into several smaller ATV's (which is great because the wheels just spread the chemicals and weeds everywhere they go) with containers on the back end, drive around the complex, flower beds and grassy areas spraying every hint of weeds they can find.

What I find interesting is the fact they tell us it is safe yet the men are putting on white spray suits and air ventilators.  Why the concern? Why all the protection if these pesticides are safe? 

Pesticides are not insect or weed specific as we are told over and over by every chemical manufacturer.  They infect, destroy and eventually kill all that it comes in contact with insect, animal, or human.  Besides the onslaught of diseases that humans are contracting one of our biggest threat to our civilization...death of bees.

As I mentioned, chemicals don't care if you are a weed or pest or bee.  Bees are feeling the destruction of our need for perfect lawns, perfect flower beds and laziness to use less invasive more natural and organic means to handle pest we do not want in our homes or in our gardens.  Bees are dying from the chemicals we keep spraying in our landscaping.  What happens when we don't have bees?  No pollination... No pollination means no flowers, no fruit, no food....  Remember the kids movie The Bee Movie, there is a hint of reality in that kids cartoon tale!

It isn't about being an alarmist, environmentalist or fear mongering...it is about remembering our decisions have impact far greater than the boundary lines of our yard.  Think twice about what you and your landscapers in your communities are using.  All of these pesticides run off into our water, our drinking water and into the air.  These are chemicals that are getting into our food, our water increasing diseases such as allergies, cancers and loads of behavioral issues.  A friend said to me once when we were eating dinner.  The news came on discussing something that is increasing cancer and she said "seems everything these days are causing cancer."  I mention this because yes it seems that way because all of these chemicals were put out on the market with claims of safety.  Remember DDT (agent orange), that was said to be safe and a company called Monsanto is releasing another version of DDT for farmers to use.

So again I question.  If it is safe for humans and animals why cover up?  Why the concern for their health?

Next time you see a weed...bend over pull it out the exercise will do you good.  Or still feel the need to spray check out Earth Easy and Arbico Organics they have or will find you everything you need to make your lawn green without weeds or pests.  What we are doing to our environment today is not borrowing from our kids in the future it is robbing them of an environment in the future. 

~Deanne

Whew glad to get that off my chest....

Here are some other resources pests and weeds:

whole living today

old fashioned living

herbs are special

safer brand

earth easy

Look for these labels on pesticides and herbicides for a more organic approach.

 

"Harmony with land is like harmony with a friend: you cannot cherish his right hand and chop off his left."

~Aldo Leopold

1 step forward....several steps backward

yes this illegal dump is near a school

Typically I am a glass half full idealist type, but lately I feel like getting people aware that their actions have consequences on the environment which will impact our health is a losing battle. 

Don't worry this is a temporary feeling....I will be back to my normal environmental tree-hugging hemp wearing Goodwill shopping self. 

Recently I was out with my son and dogs when we walked upon this lovely open field to run and play in!  Until we were faced with this dump, not a legal dump but apparently the place for every person driving by to just dump their trash. 

The things we have found are: construction trash, automobile trash, household items including furniture and a hot tub plus of course landscaping waste.  There are environmental hazards in this illegal dumping trash, potential fire hazards and lurking in this waste that is growing every day are newly formed very aggressive colonies of bees.  They do  not appear to me to be honey making bees and thankfully me and my son saw them before we were too close for comfort.

The two pictures to the right shows how it grows after every weekend and is growing out into the road, a narrow road in fact!

lots of construction waste!

Of course tires, it wouldn't be a dump without them!

 Even a hot tub and concrete tubes make it to this location.

 Pictures above and to the left, are batteries, auto parts and plastic containers, none of which are biodegradable.

This could have been donated, but now it is beyond that ability unless you are a master upholsterer.

Now the frustrating thing is twofold; I am frustrated that people and/or companies think this is okay to dump anything they want anywhere they want and that I have contacted the city and county with nothing done thus far to rectify this problem. 

I wonder if the people who are dumping this trash would be happy if I just back my vehicle up to their yard and dump waste all over their yard and driveway.  I just do not understand people why anyone thinks this is okay.  Many of the items my son and I found are recyclable, there were items that could have gone to Goodwill or charity.  But no, people are too lazy, to self absorbed to think of anything outside of their own convenience or themselves.

If I was to take pictures of the entire vacant property that is located on a dirt road where there are no street lights, near a farm, by a new residential developement, near a school. ...this post would be ridiculously long.  When you walk further in you will find little burn areas where people are making "campfires", you will also find shotgun shells, large porch umbrellas, doors and many people ride their 4 wheelers and motorcycles. 

We all need to care, we all need to be responsible for our actions because the have consequences that impact us all!

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."

                                 Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

~Deanne

Domestic Violence

I realize my last few posts including this post, has focused on more social issues than environmental issues and green DIY's.  However as my blog description states I am, "Eco-obsessed….socially conscious with a splash of politics now and then!"

There are many issues close to my heart not just the environment, Domestic Violence being one of those issues.  Maybe it is because I was a victim of this crime or maybe because I have seen too many women abused and killed because of it.  Whatever the reason, it is on my mind this month and wish to discuss some warning signs.

Let me give you some background history.  All of my adult relationships since about age 19 or so, have been abusive in one form or another.  Each man I dated were abusive in some varying degree, some verbal, some physical, some emotional, some sexual and some purely controlling.  My last relationship being the worst and a combination of all of the above!  It was like all the men leading up to him was a practice run breaking me down little by little preparing the way for him. 

I went back many times to my last relationship, he had me completely broken believing it was my fault and I deserved every last abusive altercation.  I lost all contact with friends and family because he made me believed they were holding me back, they were against me growing and becoming successful and that they were against us.  I still have not recovered many of those friendships and family relationships.  I lost jobs because of his behavior, he would call my work constantly harassing my co-workers wanting to know where I am or accusing them of having an affair with me.

I would love to say some words of wisdom why it happened to me.  It would be easy to blame my parents, blame the kids at school for always teasing me and bullying me.  I can't say for sure with 100% certainty why I was attracted to this type of man or why this type of man sought me out.  All I know is this.....

I never believed it could happen to me, I was/am confident, strong, out-spoken woman and fully aware of the signs of abusive men by examples I have witnessed in my life leading up to my first abusive relationship.  I truly believed I would be able to spot an abusive man....nope, I sure didn't!  I can now that is for sure...I can spot an abusive man before he says hello and he doesn't even have to be someone I am involved with.  I digress...

Please take a look at the signs and symptoms of what abuse could look like.  If you are in an abusive relationship seek help, if you are a friend of someone whom you suspect is in an abusive relationship seek help on how to help her/him.

This is written with the man as the abuser because that is my experience but abusers can certainly be women, parents, teachers..etc.

Here are some typical signs:

• He controls and monitors all contacts with other individuals including family.
• He begins to slowly and systematically cut you off from family and friends.
• He will begin to say know one loves you or knows you better than himself.
• He refers to you as property or an object instead of a person.
• He criticizes you and puts you down primarily when you are alone but on occasion in front of others.
• He blames you for the abuse: "if you just behave or do what I say this wouldn't happen".
• He does not allow you to go out alone.
• He questions every detail of your day.
• He is excessively jealous or possessive.
• He limits your access to money and/or care.
• He limits the amount of communication you have with anyone including friends and family.
• He threatens to kill you or your children if you leave or tell anyone.
• He threatens to kill himself if you leave or tell anyone.
• He destroys your belongings.
• He threatens to take your children away and keep them from you.
• He apologizes nearly every time swearing he will never do it again followed by gifts and long periods of bliss...this is called the honeymoon period.

Here are some signs and symptoms you maybe having:

• You feel afraid of this person much of the time.
• He forces you to have sex.
• You avoid certain topics in fear of getting him angry.
• You wonder if you are the one that is crazy or if you are the cause.
• You feel numb or helpless.
• You feel like you cannot do a single thing right for him.
• You feel his has a bad temper or unpredictable temper.
• You wear clothes to hid your figure or hide marks left by your abuser.

Things you can do:

• Call 911
• Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• Domestic Violence Organization
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
• Searching on computers that he has access to can and will be dangerous even if you clean out the history.  He will become aggressive and/or violent if you cannot answer why there is not history on the computer.  So find a friend or library or work (if you work) place to search. 
• Work can be another resource, they often have resources through your human resources.
• Leave: hide get away money, clothes etc and just leave.
• Let someone you know and trust what is happening.
• If you have Facebook: remove him from friends list and remove mutual friends that may tell him things you are posting.  Put your entire Facebook page on friends only do not allow anyone that you do not know really well and trust to see anything on your FacebookFoursquare. THIS IS FOR YOUR SAFETY!!!
• Find a local Domestic Violence shelter they will have a lot of resources for you to get safe, get independent, possibly housing, possibly legal assistance and for sure counseling.  Believe me, the counseling will be needed even if you think you do not need it, remember you thought you would never be abused so all assumptions are out the window.

Above all, don't feel ashamed or embarrassed.  It happened and it has happened to the best of us and to many of us.  Get out....Get help!  Your life and your kids life (if you have any) are important, you are worth it! 

~Deanne

Joseph Kony 2012 Disarm LRA....enough!

Enough is enough!

I am sure you have seen in the news and on you tube all day regarding this man thanks to the grassroots efforts of Invisible Children.  We all have allowed him to be in power, we all have turned a blind eye....why? Africa has what we need to make our engagement rings, our cell phones, our iPads, iPhones, and every other electronic gadget.

If you who have been following my blog you will remember I published an essay regarding some of the atrocities occurring in Africa....that have been occurring in Africa for over 50 years!  I am hope this campaign by Invisible Children will finally bring an end to these horrors in Africa.  It truly will end when we as consumers think how our decisions impact others ocean's away. 

Go to Invisible Children to find out how to take action against men like Joseph Kony!

Be sure to watch this amazing video!

Invisible Children Documentary

~Deanne

Diabetes...Paula Deen

 We have heard a lot about Diabetes in the news lately due the news that Paula Deen, best known for high fat butter laden recipes, is diabetic.  It comes to no surprise to most of us, what was a surprise is the fact she did not announce it, she does not attribute it to her cooking and she announced on the day her commercials were released promoting a Diabetes Drug.  She could have announced this news even earlier, weeks earlier when she appeared on Dr. Oz to reveal a secret.  She has been a smoker.  She could have also told at that time she is Diabetic, remind you this was just a few weeks prior to her announcement of behind Diabetic. 

I am not angry, disgusted or sad at her decision to release this information on the same day of her ads for this drug.  Paula only cooks as she was taught to cook, I imagine.  I am sad that she claims she has always expressed to have her food in "moderation".  Now, I have enjoyed many of her shows because she is a hoot however at no time have I ever heard her say on any of her programs or guest appearances on daytime shows has she ever said moderation.  In fact she has always said "oh that needs more butter", or "that needs more cream".  She seems to have only given up her sweet tea. 

Ironically, just weeks before her revealing this news her son comes out with his show where he turns her food into healthier, diabetic friendly versions of her food.  It seems this was all in preparation for her news as if it is someway to lessen the importance that her cooking style has no bearing for her health condition.

 I just believe that is not responsible to her fans, to people suffering from diabetes and to herself.   There are many other resources that have offered to help Paula Deen such as Food Matters and PCRM who wrote an article pleading to help.  I am surprised she referenced Dr. Oz as someone who is helping her because he would never recommend her current dietary choices to remain intact. 

It is just sad because Diabetes is one of our society's enormous problems that is costly to all of us who pay health premiums.  As diabetes, obesity and heart disease rise so do our health costs including our health insurance costs even if you are a healthy individual you are paying for those who have these issues caused by an unhealthy lifestyle.  Yes there are those who contract these diseases from genetics but most of these diseases are contracted by what we eat.

People that are famous from television, films, or sport whether they like it or not are a role model to the very people who follow their activities.  Yes I have my own mind to make my own choices, however it is not responsible to claim her cooking style has no bearing on her diabetes when there is enough medical and scientific evidence on the contrary.

I enjoy Paula Deen and her sons, I just hope she seeks alternative assistance and looks at her food choices.  She could really impact a lot of people if she did. 

Diabetes is a chronic disease where the body can no longer regulate glucose within normal limits then glucose levels become dangerously high.

Left untreated:  blindness, seizures, stroke, kidney failure, nerve disease and cardiovascular disease. 

Type 1 Diabetes

What is it? - it is where the body can no longer produce enough insulin.  People with type 1 diabetes eat a meal and their blood glucose rises but then the pancreas cannot secrete insulin in response.  As a result the blood glucose levels soar. Mostly diagnosed between age 10 - 14 and has genetic link, only known treatment is pill or injections.

Type 2 Diabetes

What is it? - it is where the body becomes resistant or less responsive to insulin.  This type of diabetes it is progressive, meaning it develops over time.  Obesity is the most common trigger as well as sedentary lifestyle, age and poor eating habits (high fat, highly processed foods). 

We cannot do anything about getting older or genetics but we certainly have control over the other risks such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and poor eating habits.

Food for thought (pune intended)...

~Deanne

*Paula Image from Google Images



Piracy

This act may prevent bloggers from freedom of expression.

My point of view: if you don't like something don't buy it, don't read it, don't watch it!

 

If the government has any issue with any site they have the ability to monitor it, watch it and put it on their many lists for review for threats of harm to a person,  a business or country. 

An overall control is a infringement of our freedom we have fought for, lost precious lives over and continue to die for.  We in the United States demand citizens in other countries such as China, North Korea, Iran, Serbia to rise up against dictators who control all aspects of the Internet preventing freedom of speech. 

We have the right to speak out, to discuss issues in politics, fashion, environment and education without restraint or threat of being controlled.  Yes I agree we could improve our manners or respect towards each other in person or online but does that require censorship...NO!

The United States government can monitor the Internet without controlling it.  I would say we have bigger issues facing this nation than what content is streaming on the Internet.

We need targeted legislation to shutdown pirate websites not a complete censorship that will destroy entrepreneurship, undermine existing laws that enable many companies to thrive and put millions out of work.

TARGETED LEGISLATION NOT CENSORSHIP!

Select this link and sign the petition!

Google's petition link.

~Deanne

Additives what are they and why are they in our food?

Additives who said they can put that in there.....

It would be great to not have to worry what is put in our food but in reality we as consumers expect our food to last and not spoil. However, we must find natural organic compounds that will provide shelf life or prevent spoilage without all the health risks. The synthetic compounds be adding to our food daily is just getting out of control. I my opinion, the increasing allergens, behavioral issues and cancers that are on the rise are linked to these additives. Of course we are told they are in small amounts in our food that it is safe, however they are in everything we consume or put on our skin. We need to be prudent in the consumption and absorption of these additives by decreasing our exposure to them with buying less processed foods instead buying consuming organic products and organic whole foods decreasing this toxic overload.  So with that being said below is a small list leaving the judgement or decision up to the consumer, you.

~Deanne



Here are some common ones: what they are used in, and what are they.

Coloring Agents: used to enhance a products color via natural or synthetic sources

• Beet Extract: beverages, candies, ice cream What is it? Process by which crystals are separated from the beet to be used as a coloring and/or sugar.

• Beta-Carotene: beverages, sauces, soups, baked goods, candies, macaroni and cheese mixes What is it? Besides being Provitamin A it is extracted from plants as crystals to be used for coloring.

• Ground Beetle Insects: coloring in foods and make-up What is it? It is exactly what it says it is...ground up beetle insects.  This process has been used by Egyptians thousands of years ago for the pigment in the beetles. 

• Caramel: Beverages, sauces, soups, baked goods What is it? It is carbohydrates heated until the desired color, basically it is burnt sugar.

• Tartrazine: Beverages, cakes, cookies and ice cream What is it? AKA Yellow No. 5. linked to migraines, blurred vision, skin rashes, anxiety, hyper active children, to name a few.

Preservatives: substances added to food to prevent or slow spoilage

• Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E): vegetable oils What is it? Basically it is a compound from Vitamin E used in foods been linked to ferility enhancement.

• Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C): breakfast cereals, cured meats, fruit drinks What is it? Naturally occuring compound that is an antioxidant.

• BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole): breakfast cereals, chewing gum, oils, potato chips What is it? It is a phenolic compound which has been listed as a carcinogen a cancer causing agent.  Some people experience behavioral changes.

• BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene): breakfast cereals, chewing gum, oils, potato chips What is it? Same as BHA, it is a phenolic compound which has been listed as a carcinogen a cancer causing agent. Some people experience behavioral changes. Part of BHT compound is Toluene which you find in nail polish...eew.

• Calcium propionate/sodium propionate: bread, cakes, pies, rolls What is it? Compound found in dairy, studies show some links to behavioral issues in children.

• EDTA: beverages, canned shellfish, margarine, mayonnaise, processed fruits, vegetables, sandwich spreads What is it? Widely used chemical compound and has become a huge environmental pollutant since it is used in cleaning agents and medical applications too

.

• Propyl Gallate: mayonnaise, chewing gum, chicken soup base, vegetable oils, meat products, potato products, fruits, ice cream What is it? Commonly used with BHA and BHT, a synthetic chemical linked to stomach irritation, skin irritation, asthma.

• Sodium Benzoate: carbonated beverages, fruit juice, pickles, preserves What is it?  It is a type of salt that occurs naturally in some foods however it is being chemically produced to be an additive.  Has been linked to ADHD, asthma attacks, and hypertension.

• Sodium Chloride (salt): most processed foods What is it? Compound made from sodium and chlorine better known has table salt.  Too much hypertension, high blood pressure.

• Sodium Nitrate/sodium nitrite: bacon, corned beef, luncheon meats, smoked fish What is it? Compound used in processed meats such as cold cuts, bacon, hot dogs, and ham.  Linked to cancers, most commonly linked to pancreatic cancer. 

• Sorbic  Acid/potassium sorbate: cakes, cheese, dried fruits, jellies, syrups, wine What is it? It is a type of salt, an organic compound used in food, cosmetics and medicine to prevent mold and bacteria growth. 

• Sulfites (sodium bisulfite, sulfur dioxide): dried fruits, processed potatoes, wine What is it? It is a type of salt compound that reduces or prevents oxidation and prevents spoilage.  Linked to headaches, migraines, skin and breathing sensitivity.

Texturizers, Emulsifiers, and Stabilizers: increase shelf life and prevent loss of shape

• Calcium Chloride: canned fruits and vegetables What is it? Compound of calcium and chlorine not just used in your food but typically used to remove ice from roads.

• Carrageenan/pectin: ice cream, chocolate milk, soy milk, frosting, jams, jellies, cheese, salad dressings, sour cream, puddings, syrups What is it? It is a natural polysacchride both are a thickening agent found in the walls of plants which is can be an alternative to Gelatin that comes from animals.

• Cellulose gum/guar gum/gum arabic/locust gum/xanthan gum: soups, sauces, gravies, sour cream, ricotta cheese, ice cream, syrups What is it? It is carboxymethyl

• Gelatin: desserts, canned meats What is it? It is a protein made from collagen that is found in tendons, ligaments, and tissue of animals. Used of course as a thickening agent.

• Lecithin: mayonnaise, ice cream What is it? It is phosphatidyl choline, the lipid component from cell membranes in plant sources (soybeans)  but can be found in animal sources (egg yolks).  Prevents separation.

Humectants: in food and cosmetics to retain moisture

• Glycerin: chewing gum, marshmallows, shredded coconut What is it? It is an alcohol (glycerol) that is also a sweetener not just prevent moisture loss, typical sources are from animal fat.

• Propylene glycol: chewing gum, gummy candies What is it? It is a compound which is petroleum derivative that is orderless, colorless told to be safe but found in antifreeze and required masks and gloves when handling. 

*top image

Alternative Sweeteners....they seem to be popping up everywhere in everything!

Alternative Sweeteners....not in my tea please! 

Alternative sweeteners like Saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low), Acesulfame – K (Sunette and Sweet One) and Aspartame (Equal and NutraSweet) are popping up in everything these days.  These non-nutritive sweeteners made from one chemical or synthetic sweetener have been linked to cancers specifically bladder cancer, brain tumors, possibly Alzheimer’s and ADD/ADHD even lymphomas and leukemia’s.  Although there are no significant studies being done today to discount or disprove these claims however the levels we are consuming today are above the safety levels. 

They are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which they state that the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is the estimate amount that someone can consume each day over their life time without adverse effects.  Well this is all well and good if everything consumed by Americans did not have one of these Sweeteners added to their food.   These sweeteners would not be an issue of adversely effecting an individual if, as I already stated, they were not in everything and I mean everything….if it is processed to be low fat or low calorie it contains one of these sweeteners.

Personally, I prefer natural sugars (not processed refined white sugar), Stevia (harvested from a plant herb) and honey to the chemically made synthetic sugars.  I find we mess too much with the goodness nature has already provided.  I realize these were created primarily for the “Diet” market and the rise of obesity and diabetes however they are creating a host of other health risks.  These alternative sweeteners may even causing you to eat more and gain weight.  Creating these unnatural alternative sweeteners is just a band aid to the real issues at hand…..our love lust and over indulgence with food.

Here are some thoughts by Cancer.org

“Saccharin

Studies in laboratory rats during the early 1970s linked saccharin with the development of bladder cancer. For this reason, Congress mandated that further studies of saccharin be performed and required that all food containing saccharin bear the following warning label: “Use of this product may be hazardous to your health. This product contains saccharin, which has been determined to cause cancer in laboratory animals.”

Subsequent studies in rats showed an increased incidence of urinary bladder cancer at high doses of saccharin, especially in male rats. However, mechanistic studies (studies that examine how a substance works in the body) have shown that these results apply only to rats. Human epidemiology studies (studies of patterns, causes, and control of diseases in groups of people) have shown no consistent evidence that saccharin is associated with bladder cancer incidence.

Aspartame

Aspartame, distributed under several trade names (e.g., NutraSweet® and Equal®), was approved in 1981 by the FDA after numerous tests showed that it did not cause cancer or other adverse effects in laboratory animals. Questions regarding the safety of aspartame were renewed by a 1996 report suggesting that an increase in the number of people with brain tumors between 1975 and 1992 might be associated with the introduction and use of this sweetener in the United States. However, an analysis of then-current NCI statistics showed that the overall incidence of brain and central nervous system cancers began to rise in 1973, 8 years prior to the approval of aspartame, and continued to rise until 1985. Moreover, increases in overall brain cancer incidence occurred primarily in people age 70 and older, a group that was not exposed to the highest doses of aspartame since its introduction. These data do not establish a clear link between the consumption of aspartame and the development of brain tumors.

Acesulfame potassium, Sucralose, and Neotame

In addition to saccharin and aspartame, three other artificial sweeteners are currently permitted for use in food in the United States:

o    Acesulfame potassium (also known as ACK, Sweet One®, and Sunett®) was approved by the FDA in 1988 for use in specific food and beverage categories, and was later approved as a general purpose sweetener (except in meat and poultry) in 2002.

o    Sucralose (also known as Splenda®) was approved by the FDA as a tabletop sweetener in 1998, followed by approval as a general purpose sweetener in 1999.

o    Neotame, which is similar to aspartame, was approved by the FDA as a general purpose sweetener (except in meat and poultry) in 2002.

Cyclamate

Because the findings in rats suggested that cyclamate might increase the risk of bladder cancer in humans, the FDA banned the use of cyclamate in 1969. After reexamination of cyclamate’s carcinogenicity and the evaluation of additional data, scientists concluded that cyclamate was not a carcinogen or a co-carcinogen (a substance that enhances the effect of a cancer-causing substance). A food additive petition was filed with the FDA for the reapproval of cyclamate, but this petition is currently being held in abeyance (not actively being considered). The FDA’s concerns about cyclamate are not cancer related.”

We have moved so far away from whole foods, natural foods, unprocessed foods for the sake of “cheap” foods.  Partially by demand from the consumer by significantly by the corporations who want a bigger profit margin.  Our foods once were all fresh picked by hand with no pesticides and the prices were still at an attainable fair market inexpensive price.  Now, everything in our market has the price of shipping attached to it which in turn rises or lowers based on oil prices.  So our food has to be made with inexpensive unhealthy unnatural substitutes to keep foods cheap because processing and shipping are costly. 

All of these chemical changes to our food is just wrong, they are making us sick America....why mess with Mother Nature!  Just sayin'....make some healthier choices this year with some whole foods, natural and less processed foods.   We have seen how the power of the consumer dollar can make companies change their tune...Bank Of America stopped the $5 fee....Netflix ended their thought to divide into two companies with two separate charges....Verizon stopped the $2 fee....why because of consumer complaint and protest.  We can make companies change by not shopping or bying their product or threatening to change to their competitor so why not our food too!  We can do it one buck at a time!!!  It is worth our health and our future.

~Deanne

Black Friday...Hate it!!! Mass Consumerism at its best!

If you are looking for happy go lucking do something green for the holidays post....this is not it. It is not a positive post or happy holiday post. This post is in disgust of all the Black Friday ads and mass consumerism. I cannot continue to think that this is what the holidays are about.  How can I teach my son about environmentalism and goodwill when these are the images he sees? 

Nothing says Happy Thanksgiving like waiting out front some big chain store for the chance of getting some item that the store purposefully do not have enough of for the demand of people waiting outside!

Nothing like leaving friends and family on Thanksgiving night or skipping it all together to get in line, fight, be rude to each other and rude the workers for what....oh yeah the meaning of Christmas! Shopping!

People have been trampled to death at Wal-Mart’s and others have been shot in disputes... Sounds like a fun time to me!

Not to mention we now get ads promoting rude behavior like this one from Kohl's. Nice!  I was in shock and awe when I saw this for the first time.

We cannot even make it past Halloween with ads for Black Friday and images of mass buying like the crazy lady ad from Target! Then we sit back and wonder why our kids are rude to us and want, want, want! What are we teaching our kids? That the holidays are about waiting in long lines to buy the next greatest gadget cheaply made from someplace else and grossly marked up for us parents to buy. No wonder we are in the mess we are in....we buy beyond our means and blame everyone else but ourselves for the situation we are in! Wal-Mart, Target, Toy's R Us, to name a few are just dying to suck you in and for you to buy more "stuff"!

Instead of supporting large corporations that are part of the Wall Street problem by local, buy items that are not overly packaged or made from plastic.  Make yourself heard by your dollar because it is your dollar these Wall Street backed corporations want.  If you don't like what is going on in America today, you don't have to march and occupy some corner or park because your money speaks louder than anything else you could do.  Think about it...Bank Of America changed its fees because they lost customers, Netflix changed because of losses....why money...who Americans speaking with their wallet!

Check out this site small business Saturday, they give you a link that will find small businesses in your area to shop from.

Small Business Saturday

Instead of leaving your family and friends to wait in line, try buying local or even try Etsy for eco-friendly handmade items especially buy "green" or even Craigslist.

Give the gift of the future to your kids and their kids by giving back to the environment with eco-friendly gifts and our economy with products made local. Less is more!

So this holiday season buy less, buy eco-friendly, buy local where you can, buy thoughtfully and speak loudly with your dollar your hard earned dollar.

~Deanne

*images*

the economic collapse

earth times 

small business saturday

dogandponyshowwebsite.com



What the???

image by

I still want this van dang it!

It was announced recently that miles per gallon (mpg) standards need to be raised to 56.2 by 2025.  Really? 2025? Really??? WE already have the technology to go above 60 mpg!

We have to change out current rise in global warming by 2015 yet lets wait until 2025 to ask for higher miles per gallon standards.  Yeah that makes since.  We have had the technology since the early 1700's, yes folks I said 1700's, to have cars run via steam or electricity long before we used oil for gasoline.  You can't tell me technology was better in the 1700's and we cannot improve on it for today's standards....really! Just sayin'

If we really need to reverse the current level of global warming before 2015 and get off the dependency of oil especially foreign oil then get off the your butts in legislation quit taking money from oil companies and do what is best for the people who voted you into office!

If you ever want to watch a documentary or find out more about the electric car check out the link below.

Who killed the electric car?

~Deanne

Not another Wal-Mart

*image*

Be prepared to hold on to your chair or laptop or table but hold on!

Just finished watching this documentary (on Netflix so cool), I must say I didn't like Wal Mart before and I like them a lot less now.  Granted since acquiring a well known environmentalist as the head of their environmental affairs has brought more "green" credibility to their company but not enough.  What are you willing to sacrifice to provide or receive low prices?  It seems Wal-Mart is willing to sacrifice everything.  I can't imagine that is what Sam Walton intended when he started his company.

With our economy in the state that it is in I can understand as a single mother myself a budget so tight wind could not pass through it, I too want the lowest prices.  Not at the expense of poor wages, poor quality products, impact on the environment or cheap good off the backs of cheap labor.

I do not want another Wal Mart in my community.  They want to build yet another big box store when there are 10 locations in a 15 mile radius not including Sam's Clubs 4 of those.  They say they want to give you a career and help the community but in Arizona alone at one time 2700 employees of Wal-Mart were paid so little they had to receive state assistance.

 Here is why I do not want another Wal-Mart:

• wages at Wal-Mart help to drive down wages in US by $3 Billion per year
• wages are so low at Wal-Mart employees can not afford health care instead the company gives them a list of agencies so they can receive state aid: state health care (medicaid), food stamps, WIC and section 8 housing
• it cost a state an average of $86 million per year in taxes to cover Wal-Mart employees in state run programs
• Federal Poverty level is about $17 thousand per year average Wal-Mart employee makes $13 thousand per year
• Factories in China make the goods for Wal-Mart most workers start at 7:30 am work until 10:30 pm for $3.00 per day and work 7 days per week
• China workers also have mandatory rent deduction taken from their wages to live in the company provided rooms whether they live in it or not they are charged extra for use of utilities by how much they use
• Bangladesh workers are paid $0.13 to $0.17 per hour and work from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm 7 days per week
• Wal-Mart will receive approximately $2million in subsidies to build a store in your/our town, why do they need that when they make billions in profits?
• the $2million in subsidies which come from the tax payers could run 1 or more schools employ more teachers, fireman, and police officers.
• Wal-Mart gave 1% to charity while Bill Gates gave 58%
• they receive millions per hour in tax cuts
• 60% to 80% of crime happens in a Wal-Mart parking lot and that is just what is reported
• every state they have stores they have multiple fines for environmental violations in the millions
• lawsuits in 31 plus states for labor issues

These are just some of the atrocities made by Wal-Mart.  They do not go into a community to provide jobs and give back they count how many mom and pop stores will go out of business.  One town had to lay off fireman because their tax dollars went to the subsidies just to build a Wal-Mart in their town. Don't get me wrong I am all for capitalism but not at the expense of the poorest people nor do I believe that any company and I mean any company should receive state or federal subsidies to build or run their company.  If Mom and Pop went to the city and said they want subsidies to build they would get a big fat 0 and a heck NO!

Wal-Mart is just one of many offenders to the environment who are also offenders in our communities who use up our tax dollars just to build another store!  We should expect better, demand better and want better for our communities, our health and our environment!

~Deanne



Not another Wal-Mart

*image*

Be prepared to hold on to your chair or laptop or table but hold on!

Just finished watching this documentary (on Netflix so cool), I must say I didn't like Wal Mart before and I like them a lot less now.  Granted since acquiring a well known environmentalist as the head of their environmental affairs has brought more "green" credibility to their company but not enough.  What are you willing to sacrifice to provide or receive low prices?  It seems Wal-Mart is willing to sacrifice everything.  I can't imagine that is what Sam Walton intended when he started his company.

With our economy in the state that it is in I can understand as a single mother myself a budget so tight wind could not pass through it, I too want the lowest prices.  Not at the expense of poor wages, poor quality products, impact on the environment or cheap good off the backs of cheap labor.

I do not want another Wal Mart in my community.  They want to build yet another big box store when there are 10 locations in a 15 mile radius not including Sam's Clubs 4 of those.  They say they want to give you a career and help the community but in Arizona alone at one time 2700 employees of Wal-Mart were paid so little they had to receive state assistance.

 Here is why I do not want another Wal-Mart:

• wages at Wal-Mart help to drive down wages in US by $3 Billion per year
• wages are so low at Wal-Mart employees can not afford health care instead the company gives them a list of agencies so they can receive state aid: state health care (medicaid), food stamps, WIC and section 8 housing
• it cost a state an average of $86 million per year in taxes to cover Wal-Mart employees in state run programs
• Federal Poverty level is about $17 thousand per year average Wal-Mart employee makes $13 thousand per year
• Factories in China make the goods for Wal-Mart most workers start at 7:30 am work until 10:30 pm for $3.00 per day and work 7 days per week
• China workers also have mandatory rent deduction taken from their wages to live in the company provided rooms whether they live in it or not they are charged extra for use of utilities by how much they use
• Bangladesh workers are paid $0.13 to $0.17 per hour and work from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm 7 days per week
• Wal-Mart will receive approximately $2million in subsidies to build a store in your/our town, why do they need that when they make billions in profits?
• the $2million in subsidies which come from the tax payers could run 1 or more schools employ more teachers, fireman, and police officers.
• Wal-Mart gave 1% to charity while Bill Gates gave 58%
• they receive millions per hour in tax cuts
• 60% to 80% of crime happens in a Wal-Mart parking lot and that is just what is reported
• every state they have stores they have multiple fines for environmental violations in the millions
• lawsuits in 31 plus states for labor issues

These are just some of the atrocities made by Wal-Mart.  They do not go into a community to provide jobs and give back they count how many mom and pop stores will go out of business.  One town had to lay off fireman because their tax dollars went to the subsidies just to build a Wal-Mart in their town. Don't get me wrong I am all for capitalism but not at the expense of the poorest people nor do I believe that any company and I mean any company should receive state or federal subsidies to build or run their company.  If Mom and Pop went to the city and said they want subsidies to build they would get a big fat 0 and a heck NO!

Wal-Mart is just one of many offenders to the environment who are also offenders in our communities who use up our tax dollars just to build another store!  We should expect better, demand better and want better for our communities, our health and our environment!

~Deanne