VegFamily News

PenPoints August 1, 2007

Many people have witnessed the transformative power of water in a canyon. On one hand water seems so powerless compared to the strength of stone. Yet, minute after minute, day after day, year after year, water does in fact wear down and begin to shape that seemingly powerful stone.

We can take this to heart in our daily lives as we feel overwhelmed by all the political happenings afoot. More and more we can infuse our daily actions with consciousness. With these 'small' actions, we together can make a difference.

Here are a few suggestions that I have found helpful in bringing consciousness to my own life:

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1.Support organic food. If concerned about the financial cost try to find a local CSA (community farm with veggie boxes), be part of a community garden, buy in bulk from a local co-op, start your own co-op of people, go veg and eat whole foods versus packaged foods. Realize that financial cost is but one cost involved in organic farming. On the other hand conventional farming, which may be cheaper, cheapens the soil, the water and the air. These ramifications do affect us all. More and more body burden tests are occurring of community citizens. Many, many toxic chemicals are being found in people's bloodstream, including those from pesticides. Also, the actual workers have much higher rates of cancer as a whole. SO, by supporting organic farming we do the opposite. Instead of degrading the land, we improve the land and we do not expose others to harmful materials.

2. Learn more about natural healing. Because of natural healing, I have not been to the doctor in thirteen years, or so. I have witnessed healing from even very serious conditions with natural healing protocols. By taking health more into our own hands, we weaken the pharmaceutical conglomerate. There are ample herbal schools and home study courses available to choose from. If you do not have a lot of time, read books and meet with alternative healers.

3. Simplify life. The simple act of decreasing material consumption is the greenest choice that we can make. When purchases are made, opt for supporting local businesses in one's community. If you do not know the resources available in your community, get a listing together. In our small community, we recently began a local newsletter. People are invited to write and article that raises general awareness in some way, and to list their businesses. In this way, we can GO LOCAL. IF there are not many resources in your area, you can start a business or support businesses on line that are globally aware.

4. Call senators and representatives and make your voice heard.

Together we can make a difference.

Alerts:

1. The USDA is very close to introducing 38 new non-organic items to the organic safe list. This again would mean that the label on your food would not be true. There is a public comment period on this until Aug 27th. Click on http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/oca/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=11401 to take action.

2. Oppose amend HR 1561 by calling your representatives. You can also click on this link to sign a petition http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/healthfreedomusa/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=11344

This bill's wording may leave a loophole that congress to decrease our access to nutritional supplements.

3. Sign a petition to stop dogs from being used to catch sharks. For more details and to take action see http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-dogs-being-used-as-shark-bait

And the Good News...

1. Best Green Hotels helps you to go on a trip, and still have a healthy trip. Their website is filled with good information of green travel and has a great resource list of eco-friendly hotels. See for more information sees their website at "http://www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com/eco-label.html" If you are really inspired take the time to contact local hotels and share this information. You could also make informational packages and send them to local hotels or write a letter to the editor. Going green can also cut down on hotel expenses which is always a selling point in most businesses.

2. Stanford Inn by the Sea is an excellent example of a green hotel. They can also show luxury hotels that going green does not have to be shabby! As a special bonus they have the all vegetarian Ravens restaurant which features both organic and local food. They have a fine dining area as well as more casual fireside seating, where even your dog can join you. One of the feature books in their adjoining book store was, The China Study. This book is based on the longest running nutritional study done which advocates a vegan diet for longevity.

3. Residents in Tulare County, CA, took their health into their own hands. Not being satisfied with government safety regulations, Tulare residents monitored their air and also their body chemistry for harmful chemicals. Over 91% of the citizens had very high levels of toxic substances. The positive side is that their testing helps to bring validity to the ramifications of toxic chemicals. We are literally surrounded by these substances which industry is saying is safe. Let's learn from Tulare and contact our representatives and senators to follow suit and test our body burden—better yet let's say make our public more safe. Ask to ban heavy pesticide use if in agricultural area, opting for integrated management and support for organic methods. Also ask for safety zones surrounding farms. Continue to ask for decreased roadside pesticide spraying and spraying within public buildings.

Progressive Media

The China Study, by T. Colin Campbell PhD, advocates for a plant based diet after being a part of the longest running nutritional study, to date. For more information http://www.thechinastudy.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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