VegFamily News

PenPoints February 2008

Be the Change

"Be the change that you want to see in the world..." Mahatma Gandhi

We are fortunate. In today's world, we are surrounded by a growing consciousness, in how to live healthier, happier lives while at the same time walking lightly on the earth. Many of us stay abreast of this current eco-wave of information. We study nutrition. We try to buy local and organic. We recycle. We try to do our part to help others and the world. Yet, sometimes, caught up in the daily grind, we sometimes may lose sight of what our inspirations and ideals are. This is a simple part of reality.

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Regardless of how cliché it may sound, the New Year is a wonderful time to look into our lives and figure out what ideals we want to focus on in the upcoming months. Going deeper than the stereotypical "lose ten pounds" let's look into our hearts and see and what it is that really inspires us. Let's inspire one another to make change in our lives that is lasting. Let's inspire one another to take risks and go out on the edge a bit.

It is also a good time to rethink our spending patterns and remember one our most powerful ways to vote—with the dollar. Who are we going to support this year? Granted, we may not always be able to support every organic company out there, but there are some very definite actions that we can take to support a good handful of incredible, new businesses that are doing their part to help the world.

One last thought—the other day was an amazing snow filled day. The Sierras are becoming a winter wonderland. What struck me was how these miniscule white droplets could create such huge mounds of snow, all in a relatively short time period.

These physical images help me again and again remember—keep on moving forward, keep on supporting the positive, be the change in the world—even if it is not appreciated, or understood. Believe in your ideals and do them!

Alerts

1. Last November, Maryland State's Attorney and public health and school officials threatened parents with imprisonment if children were not vaccinated. Unfortunately many parents were not fully made aware of their rights to refuse such action and acquiesced. To bring children "up to date " with their immunization records, many children were given multiple shots with little thought given to safety. For more information and to learn how to educate your own state please visit http://www.909shot.com/JailMD.htm. For more information on the pros and cons of vaccines see: http://www.whale.to/v/mendelsohn.html.

2. The FDA has announced it is feasible that cloned foods will be sold in 2008. This decision goes against the fact that cloning causes physical suffering to the animals involved, and that the safety of cloned food has not been fully researched. Worse yet, cloned foods may not be labeled. Please visit the Center for Food Safety to let your legislators know how you feel on this subject. http://ga3.org/campaign/Cloning_Senate.

3. The Cornucopia Institute has continued to persevere to protect our food integrity. One of their main projects, "The Authentic Almond Project", is looking hopeful but still needs our help. The USDA is considering altering their original pasteurization mandate, allowing for a "raw warning label ", and or an exemption for organic growers. Please visit http://cornucopia.org/index.php/update-on-almond-pasteurization/ to see how you can help make this a reality.

And the Good news

Farm Sanctuary has recognized Tanya Petrovna as an outstanding activist. Tanya who owns the business, Native Foods, uses every opportunity that she can to help others learn about animal cruelty, while at the same time providing delicious and nutritious food to the public. Her success is spreading and the fourth in a chain of restaurants will soon be opening. She exemplifies the motto "Be the change in the world that you hope to see! " Kudos to Tanya!

For incredible bath and body products for the entire family indulge in the pure luxury of Wood Sprite handmade soaps, soy candles, creams, and body scrubs. These products are amazing and only use the highest quality organic ingredients and pure essential oils. I was delighted to see on their website they also quote Gandhi and that they are being the change they want to see. In addition to using the highest quality materials they also recycle, reuse, and tithe a percentage of profits to sustainable business practices. For more information visit Wood Sprite at www.woodspritesoap.com.

Dr. John Christopher has a wonderful line of health supplements for the entire family. The line is also 100% vegan and 100% pure herbs. There is a complete adult and children's line and a very good herbal "vitamin/mineral " supplement which contains nutritional yeast for the extra b-12. www.herbshopconnection.com.

Progressive Media

For the most delicious carob mouse pie check out Café Gratitude's new cook book. 100% vegan and 100% delicious. Did I mention the name of the pie is "I am Bliss?" The innovative and successful Bay area restaurant, which now has four locations, delights the palate as well as leaves the diner feeling inspired and uplifted. Each dish is an affirmation to life, packed with vitality. www.cafegratitude.com

Penelope Sullivan holds a Bachelors in Holistic Nutrition and is a Certified Family Herbalist through the School of Natural Healing. She is currently completing their Master Herbalist course.

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