“‘Eating is an agricultural act,’ Wendell Berry famously wrote, by which he meant that we are not just passive consumers of food but co-creators of the systems that feed us. Depending on how we spend them, our food dollars can either go to support a food industry devoted to quantity and convenience and “value” or they can nourish a food chain organized around values — values like quality and health. Yes, shopping this way takes more money and effort, but as soon as you begin to treat that expenditure not just as shopping but also as a kind of vote–a vote for health in the largest sense–food no longer seems like the smartest place to economize.” ~ Michael Pollan
“Our lives are a sum total of the choices we have made.” ~ Wayne Dyer
“Our personal consumer choices have ecological, social, and spiritual consequences. It is time to re-examine some of our deeply held notions that underlie our lifestyles.” ~ David Suzuki
“Everything in your life is a reflection of a choice you have made. If you want a different result, make a different choice.” ~ Unknown
“One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes… and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
What kind of world and planet do you want to leave behind for the next generation, whether it is your own children, your nieces or nephews, or the kid down the street? Have you ever really thought about how your everyday seemingly mundane choices are having a direct and serious impact on future generations?
Sure we all recycle, shop green, and maybe even compost. But, do you truly understand the implications of the choices you make at your local grocery store or restaurant? Do you understand where your food is coming from? Do you understand the implications on your health and the health of your children?
As much as we would like to think when we vote for our elected officials we can trust in them to make sure all of their decisions are in the best interest of our health and the health of the planet, there is mounting evidence this is not the truth. The unfortunate truth is our vote does not hold a candle to the influence of corporations that have a vested interest in doing the opposite of what we think should be happening.
Our real power is in knowledge and how we shop. Each time we go to the grocery store we are essentially voting for the future of the planet and making an investment in or withdrawal from our health accounts.
The power of consumerism is strong and it is the one way in which we can change the future. However, education and awareness is a key factor in making the correct choices. Understanding the implications of our choices is the fuel behind making better choices. Ignorance may be bliss; ignorance, however, is not going to serve your health, the health of the planet or of your children. It is only going to destroy these things at an alarming rate.
It is our Responsibility to educate ourselves and do whatever it takes to create a healthy planet and a healthy food supply for ourselves and our children.
I have included a link to a movie which may be a reminder for some or an eye opener for others. Either way, please pay attention. Please take the time to watch this movie to understand the importance of Voting with your Fork. Get angry!
Become an informed shopper, educate your family and friends, and by passing this on, become a part of the solution and stop being a part of the problem. Choose wisely, choose health. You will also get a kick out of the Mike Adams music video at the end, at least I did.
Below is a list of the Top 10 GMO foods to avoid. Read your labels and buy certified organic.
- Corn (high fructose corn syrup)
- Soy
- Sugar (Beet sugar)
- Aspartame
- Papaya
- Canola Oil
- Cotton seed oil
- Dairy
- Zucchini
- Yellow Squash
The first four are the main culprits to be concerned about and are hidden in most processed foods.
This week is about educating yourself so you can make informed choices. While I am not typically considered an activist, I feel very strongly about what is happening to people’s health and the planet we are leaving behind for our kids. It saddens me that people do not know what they are really eating, and what their food choices are doing to their health and the health of the planet. This is one way in which I can do my part in helping to raise awareness.
Check out the following web sites that have a lot of information and guides to help you make wise choices.
http://www.responsibletechnology.org/
http://www.march-against-monsanto.com/
http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com/about-us.html
http://www.cban.ca/Resources/Topics/GE-Crops-and-Foods-On-the-Market
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/queen-of-green/faqs/food/understanding-gmo/
http://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Genetically-Modified-Foods
http://thegoldenlightchannel.com/gmo-food-list-to-avoid-monsanto-companies-the-dangers-of-gmo-food/
Have a great and educational week, full of healthy and informed food choices.
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