Read 'n' Seed 2: First Quarter of "Exposed"

Well, I will start it off by saying I had no trouble findng my book!  Ha googled for an environmental book and this one had a lot of hits.  It was written by Mark Shapiro.  Mark has been an investigative journalist since before I was born!  He is a journalist for the Center of Investigative Reporting.  His whole career is based on searching out toxic things in everyday life.

The first 3 chapters of the book are mainly about our gov't and how we need to catch up to Europe and start banning certain chemicals.  One chapter is basically about how some of the biggest electonics companies in the U.S. are starting to adapt the the European Unions regulations on toxic chemicals.  Apparently the chemicals used in the a carcinogenic and dangerous when not disposed of properly.  So if we don't start to take those things out of our exports Europe will no longer purchase from us.  Asia is also on the green bandwagon by banning many chemicals and products.

Mark also attacks the U.S. Gov't stating that going green would not be bad for the economy.  Already proven by the European Union that going green creates jobs, adds to the market and is SAFE!  Comparing a European woman's cosmetic bag to someone in United states is completely differnt.  Certain cosmetics are also carcinogens and toxic.
So far he hasn't really gone into detail about any chemicals or certain products, but I think the first few chapters are giving a background for stuff.  So hopefully in the upcoming ones I can learn all about stuff I shouldn't be using!

Pam

Share and Voice: Whole Foods Co-op

So for this share and voice, I just wanted to share with all of you (who don't already know) how wonderful Duluth's local Whole Food's Co-op is.  Located in central hillside, at 610 E. 4th St. it is easy to find, in an easy location, and has so many cool things to offer!
Becoming a member:
A membership to The Co-op is $100, the minimum down payment is $20.  You have a 2 year grace period to pay off the balance, and can also apply for a Fran Skinner Scholarship.  When you are a member you get monthly specials!  A say in how the business is operated, by your vote, and a BIG book of coupons.
Benefits of Shopping at the Co-op:
The Co-op pledges that at least $0.66 of every dollar you spend will stay in the Duluth area.  Which ties in with what we're learning about supporting your local businesses.  They offer USDA Organic, Vegan,  all natural products and many other types of health conscious products.
Other Cool Stuff:
One thing I thought was really nice is all the cool classes the place offers whether you want to take Yoga, learn how to start your own chicken coop, or cook Gluten-Free meals they offer sessions on just about everything.

Just thought I'd share that with you guys!

Pam

Eco Chic Lifestyle Change: Week Two

Overview:

So I've gone through one week with almost no red meat! YEY! ha I'm not gonna lie it has been a little challenging.  Most people think of red meat as just like steak and bacon.  But this week I've had to turn down pepperoni pizza, chili, ham and cheese omellette, pork egg rolls.  So many common foods have red meat in them!  The eye opener this week made me feel so much better about my SMART goal though.  Taking the food tour just showed me how detrimental red meat is to our world, and how it is effecting our environment, especially cattle!
Challenges: 

Eating at school definitely sucks!  With all the different hot options like spaghetti, hamburgers, pizza.  But I have been eating so much healthier, and also saving a lot of calories, and fat from the foods I choose to eat instead.  One thing I am concerned about is Iron.  I need to make sure I am getting enough Iron in my diet so find the vegetables that come packed with it will be a good project for this week.
My Red Meat choice of the week!:
For my serving last week I had tator tot hot dish.  We hadn't turned heat on and my roommate made it in the oven.  So good, and sooooooo worth it!
Haven't decided what I'm gonna have this upcoming week, maybe none at all(but probably some pizza! :))

See you all monday!
Pam

Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 2 hosted by Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy.

Eye Opener: CSPI

Today I did the Eye Opener #1 for the CSPI, after touring our food supply I feel like I actually knew a little about all that stuff!  I have been getting into the effects that cattle and other livestock have on the environment.  This ties along good with my SMART goal of limiting my red meat servings to 1 per week. I've also been incorporating more organic foods into my diet to do my part to get the corporate farming crisis in America under control.  In high school I did a research paper titled "The Family Farm:Nearing Extinction".  There is SO MUCH information online about the dying family farm.  The subsidization of crops and farm products are making it almost impossible for small production farms to keep up with costs.