The Importance in Reading Labels

Recently a brand new Farmers Market popped up near my neighborhood.  I've been anxiously awaiting this since I heard about it a month or so ago.  It was close to my house, I knew some of the vendors from other markets that were going to be there and I was supporting local interests.   I know not all markets can boust certified organic or even organic labeling but I had become used to the vendors I've become to know and purchase from, with confidence.  This time I was caught off guard and purchased an item without reading the label until I got home.  When I read RED 40 on the ingredient list, I just about fell over.  All the indicators were there, the color WAS red.  Why I didn't think to look is really a lesson I will take with me moving forward on all new future purchases.  I'm so passionate about this because we are a family who has been on diet therapy removing ALL artificial colors.  Colors like red 40, yellow 5 and 6, blue 1 and have done so very successfully resulting in immediate results in my kids behavior and temperment and eliminating my migraines.
There was no deception on this particular vendors part, but it definately re-ignited my need to always read the label. 

Earth Day Everyday

What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is observed on April 22 and was started in the United States in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson to create awareness for the Earth's environment and to encourage conservation efforts. In 1990, Earth Day was taken international, and today, more than 500 million people in 175 countries observe Earth Day.

We have been learning how to recycle, reuse, and re purpose the things around us.  Here are a few ideas:
1.  Eat smart.  Know what's in your food and where it comes from.
2.  Use a reusable water bottle like a stainless steel one. 
3.  Take shorter showers.
4. Stop using those plastic bags every store tries to give you.  Instead bring your own bag or box.  Most stores have their own "green" bag for a small price.  Put them right back into your car after you unpack the groceries so you will always be prepared.
5.  Recycle newspapers, magazines, junk mail and other household paper that no longer is useful to you. 
6.  Unplug the iPod chargers when not in use. 
7.  Take old towels and sheets to the local pet shelter.
8.  Support local farmer markets or get involved in a CSA. 
9.  Plant a tree or start a vegetable garden of your own.

10.  What are you doing to celebrate our Earth?

Avoid Monsanto and Shop Organic Markets

Farmer Markets are starting to open around our neighborhoods and week after week the bounty will grow!   I love heading out to the local farmers market and strolling down the open air streets.  There are more and more booths each week as the season ramps up.  You can check out localharvest for information about farmer markets in your area.  While you're at it, look into CSA's.  This is community supported agriculture.  By joining a CSA, you will be supporting your local farmers and organic properties.

Do you know the name Monsanto?  Who or what are they?  Monsanto is the world's largest supplier of herbicides, bioengineered seeds, and hormones called bovine growth hormone (rBGH) to increase milk production.  Its primary product is Roundup and it is believed among many that their goal is global dominance of the food supply.  We need to raise awareness of the dangers of this kind of reach.

I will go into more detail about Monsanto and genetically modified foods, (GMO's) in future posts and welcome your comments.    Remember, if the food you are buying is NOT certified organic, there is great probability that it has been genetically modified.