Global News: No GMOs September 14, 2012

Help Stop Monsato’s Attacks on Safe Food Laws

Monsato has recently launched aggressive backdoor attacks on organic and non-GMO farmers and consumers, with continuing well-documented opposition to genetically modified (GMO) labeling laws in order to protect its corporate interests.  The corporation’s rider attached to the U.S. House of Representatives’ 2013 Agriculture Appropriations Bill would allow planting of new genetically engineered (GE) crops–even when counts rule that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proven them illegally.

Now, Monsato has slipped an even more dangerous provision, HR 872, into the house version of the Farm Bill.  This so-called Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act would stop the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from reviewing new and expanded uses of pesticides (often caused by the introduction of herbicide-resistant GMO crops) and require the USDA to approve GE crops easier and faster.

Most GMO crops have been genetically engineered to withstand spraying with herbicides whose toxic ingredients remain in the plants and then enter the environment and food chain.  The American Academy of Environmental Medicine links GMO foods with adverse health effects, and the President’s Cancer Panel Report advises against choosing foods grown with pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers.

Join with millions of other concerned consumers and national organizations, such as the Organic Consumers Association, Center for Food Safety, United Farm Workers, American Public Health Association, Sierra Club, Rainforest Action Network and Institute for Responsible Technology, to safeguard our food supply and environment.  Tell Congress to remove Monsato’s toxic provisions.

Take action to protect citizens’ food at Tinyurl.com/StopMonsatoNow.

When I read this, I was shocked.  What is going on with this world?  Do you really want toxins in the food you eat?  I sure don’t.  You never know what will be in the food your eating.

I hope you take action with me in stopping Monsato.

Happy Easter! Egg-ceptional fun! April 7, 2012

Coloring Easter Eggs the Natural Way

From toddlers to tweens, many children eagerly anticipate one of spring’s most pleasurable rituals: coloring Easter eggs.  This shared family activity allows kids to be hands-on artists, as they choose from a palette of cheerful hues to fashion little edible treasures.  But youngsters that dip their hands into synthetic dyes can absorb chemicals through their skin which may be linked with allergic reactions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and with ADHD and hyperactivity, per a 2011 report by Science News.  Keep their creations healthy and chemical-free by avoiding commercial food coloring and using easy-to-make, fruit-and-veggie-based dyes instead.

The simplest way to use Earth-friendly shades is to add natural materials when boiling the eggs.  Some suggestions: purple grape juice or crushed blueberries, for blue; liquid chlorophyll or spinach, for green, organic orange peels or ground turmeric, for yellow; cranberries, pickled beets, cherries or pomegranate juice, for pink and red; and yellow onion skins, cooked carrots, chili powder or paprika, for orange.

Then, follow these directions: Place the eggs in a single layer in a pan and add water to cover.  Add one teaspoon of white vinegar (this helps the eggshells absorb color) and the natural dye material; use more material for more eggs or a more intense color.  Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer the eggs for 15 minutes.  Remove the eggs and refrigerate them.

These naturally colored treats, more beautiful than their artificially enhanced cousins, will mimic Mother Nature’s softer, gentler tints.  For a shiny appearance, rub some cooking oil on the eggs when they are dry.  Also remember that hard-cooked eggs are more perishable than raw ones, and should stay outside the refrigerator no more than two hours ( so the one possibly found the day after Easter needs to hit the compost pile) and be consumed within one week.

I found this information  useful for keeping children healthy and away from hazardous chemicals.

Hope you all have a beautiful and blessed Easter!

LET”S GO COLOR SOME EGGS!!!!!