Posts
Wow. 2010? No Posts? And 2012 is almost here. I can't believe it.
It's been a crazy couple of years. I have a new little one. Two is fabulous. We have moved and are living a much greener life in that big space up there above the United States. We are living a life of gardening for our food, living our life in the present, and most importantly, I believe, we have decided what is important.
As I read through my posts from the past, I can now reflect back on the anxiety and craziness that once surrounded our lives. Yes. On one hand, I still feel a pull to be a part of the fight. No one ever wants to "give up". And from an ethical perspective, we could get into a long winded drive about how we have to stand up because what is happening is wrong, but all American's know the state of the US right now and while we would like to blame it on one President or another, it's actually our own fault because we keep electing Congress back.
But then there is the other hand: Is fighting really the greenest thing you can do for yourself and family? We have all seen the movie about poor Robert Kearns and the intermintent windshield wiper. It took that poor man his family, his dignity, money, sanity and time to fight. I have personally seen this and frankly, when who you are dealing with is so corrupt and PROTECTED by the very government that is to protect you, it's citizen, it's small local business, then there is not much one can do except accept reality and move on. As we have done.
The bottom line is that in American policy you may get your voice through to a few, but tomorrow, someone with more money is going to come along and erase everything you have done. And their intentions are for profit, not for what's best.
So. I apologize to all of my fellow Vapers out there... but I have two small kids and I HAVE to do what's right by them.
I have learned a ton recently about organic gardening, home canning and preserving, and more green ways of living. So if I write, it will be about that. But I still haven't decided because frankly, as nice as a blog can be, I would rather be outside, living with the kids. =)
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Thursday, September 24, 2009
FDA Racketeering? What In the World is Going On?
So it is no big secret that I am a smoker. I choose an alternative way of smoking and that is through an electronic cigarette. Right now, the FDA wants to take my electronic cigarette away because they claim it is a "new drug", even though it contains approximately 589 ingredients less than tobacco before burning. It also uses vaporization, which means that it can also be noted it probably reduces the by-products associated with a combustionable cigarette by at least 4000 ingredients, including and not limited to the big ones, arsenic, acetic acid, acetone, ammonia, benzene, cadmium, carbon monoxide, hydrazine, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide... the list goes on... you get the picture.
In my quest to fight the FDA on this ridiculousness that the electronic cigarette should not be compared to the current pharmaceutical and FDA approved Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT's), but be compared to a cigarette, I have been running into some very interesting articles that concern me.
First, I do want to make a small disclaimer. I have always been a fan of the idea of the FDA. From all of my research, it is very important to note that the original reason the FDA was formed was due to concerns that businesses were selling products promising some golden miracle, when in fact, they were not. The FDA was also created to ensure that food manufacturing processes were clean and sanitary to not spread disease through the masses. I agree with this mission whole heartedly, however, lately, I am finding more and more instances of the FDA misleading the public under the guise of public health and eliminating some very good products and impeding on the small business, free market society that America should have.
In a nutshell, I think the FDA has accumulated too much power, through both legislation and just by taking it, and this greatly concerns me for the future of America, for both products that SHOULD be evaluated by the FDA and for those that really have no business being regulated by the FDA, such as tobacco. It dilutes their focus and also leads them to do things that well, are simply not in the best interest of the consumer.
One very important fact everyone should know about the FDA: In 1992, Congress passed new legislation that changed where the FDA gets their financial backing. Originally, the FDA was funded by the taxpayer which would mean, they work for the people. The new legislation stated that the FDA shall now receive a portion of their funding from the very companies who seek approval for their products. So now, the FDA is actually working for the pharmaceutical companies who wish to get you, the consumer, to not look at your diet when you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but take a small little pill. Did you know this? I didn't. I had no idea that the FDA was paid for in part by the very people who want us to use their drugs. This also puts into perspective why TV commercials regarding this drug and that drug have been running rampant on the television since 1997. Coincidence? Hmmm....
Today's journey, provided to me by a new blogger, http://gtjecig.blogspot.com, has set the wheels in motion again. In one of his posts he sent me to an article in Natural News titled FDA Running Extortion Racket: Natural Supplement Companies Threatened with Arrest if They Don't Pay Up. Now, many will read this article and my post and say that this is simply a conspiracy theory run a muck. However, if one does a very simple Google Search on FDA (insert any negative word from Sucks, Scams, Extortion, Bad for your Health, etc), there are a lot of groups of people out there who are very concerned about the future with the FDA in it. Add them all together, and you will find some very common threads. VERY Common and they are all very concerning.
Everything in the article was concerning... And it is definitely an excellent read. However, the passage I found most interesting was this:
"It is the FDA's position that there is no such thing as any food, beverage, supplement or herb that has any health benefit whatsoever. Merely making such a claim instantly qualifies your product as a "new and unapproved drug," according to the FDA.
Officially, the FDA claims all health products are inert and have no properties other than their macronutrients (fiber, carbohydrates, protein, etc.).
There is only one class of substances that have any biological effect on the human body, the FDA claims: Pharmaceuticals. Only those patented, synthetic chemicals are allowed to be described as having benefits to human health."
So wait. If I don't subscribe to the Western Philosophy of Medicine, then I can search out no products that might help my ailments? We are a very healthy household and watch what we put into our bodies. On those extremely rare occasions that we might become ill, the FDA makes it damn near impossible for me to seek out a company who I feel is honest, hard-working and provides a good quality product that might help me become better? And if I do find that company and take my business there instead of purchasing a pharmaceutical from the companies who pay the bills for the FDA, then when profits of said pharmaceutical companies start to lower and they find out why, the FDA can go and take my chosen "medicinal provider" away from me, forcing me to use a pharmaceutical or suffer? Where is my freedom of choice?
What is also interesting to note is that in early 2008, the very scientists at the FDA screamed foul on corruption, noting that even though the very FDA scientists said a product should not go to market, the FDA managers went ahead and released them on the public anyways. I wonder if the new assisted suicide drug, Chantix, was among those? (Which I will also note they have put a "black box warning" on Chantix as it has attributed to approximately 300 suicide attempts/deaths, yet is STILL on the market.)
Another instance of this craziness is when the FDA went after General Mill's cereal Cheerios. Apparently, Cheerios was making claims that a bowl of Cheerios every morning could help you reduce your cholesterol by 10 points. According to the FDA, this is a health claim and General Mills could not make such claims unless they could prove it with a clinical trial... which they did and guess what, the FDA wouldn't accept it. So even though they have been making these heart healthy claims on their boxes for years, all of the sudden they can't? Why the change of "heart" FDA? Let's see, what Cholesterol drugs have been brought to the market in the past 12 years?
The bottom line is: Something stinks at the FDA and it isn't the bathrooms after eating White Bread which is apparently bad for you (but ok by the FDA). There is a serious problem happening in one of our largest Agencies and unfortunately, it isn't just with the electronic cigarette. It goes way deeper than that. And now that the FDA will be funded by the tobacco and pharmaceutical industries, as consumers, we better watch out. Word of advice: If anyone suggests that they lower taxes by having the FDA completely funded by those seeking applications, it's all over...
In my quest to fight the FDA on this ridiculousness that the electronic cigarette should not be compared to the current pharmaceutical and FDA approved Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT's), but be compared to a cigarette, I have been running into some very interesting articles that concern me.
First, I do want to make a small disclaimer. I have always been a fan of the idea of the FDA. From all of my research, it is very important to note that the original reason the FDA was formed was due to concerns that businesses were selling products promising some golden miracle, when in fact, they were not. The FDA was also created to ensure that food manufacturing processes were clean and sanitary to not spread disease through the masses. I agree with this mission whole heartedly, however, lately, I am finding more and more instances of the FDA misleading the public under the guise of public health and eliminating some very good products and impeding on the small business, free market society that America should have.
In a nutshell, I think the FDA has accumulated too much power, through both legislation and just by taking it, and this greatly concerns me for the future of America, for both products that SHOULD be evaluated by the FDA and for those that really have no business being regulated by the FDA, such as tobacco. It dilutes their focus and also leads them to do things that well, are simply not in the best interest of the consumer.
One very important fact everyone should know about the FDA: In 1992, Congress passed new legislation that changed where the FDA gets their financial backing. Originally, the FDA was funded by the taxpayer which would mean, they work for the people. The new legislation stated that the FDA shall now receive a portion of their funding from the very companies who seek approval for their products. So now, the FDA is actually working for the pharmaceutical companies who wish to get you, the consumer, to not look at your diet when you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but take a small little pill. Did you know this? I didn't. I had no idea that the FDA was paid for in part by the very people who want us to use their drugs. This also puts into perspective why TV commercials regarding this drug and that drug have been running rampant on the television since 1997. Coincidence? Hmmm....
Today's journey, provided to me by a new blogger, http://gtjecig.blogspot.com, has set the wheels in motion again. In one of his posts he sent me to an article in Natural News titled FDA Running Extortion Racket: Natural Supplement Companies Threatened with Arrest if They Don't Pay Up. Now, many will read this article and my post and say that this is simply a conspiracy theory run a muck. However, if one does a very simple Google Search on FDA (insert any negative word from Sucks, Scams, Extortion, Bad for your Health, etc), there are a lot of groups of people out there who are very concerned about the future with the FDA in it. Add them all together, and you will find some very common threads. VERY Common and they are all very concerning.
Everything in the article was concerning... And it is definitely an excellent read. However, the passage I found most interesting was this:
"It is the FDA's position that there is no such thing as any food, beverage, supplement or herb that has any health benefit whatsoever. Merely making such a claim instantly qualifies your product as a "new and unapproved drug," according to the FDA.
Officially, the FDA claims all health products are inert and have no properties other than their macronutrients (fiber, carbohydrates, protein, etc.).
There is only one class of substances that have any biological effect on the human body, the FDA claims: Pharmaceuticals. Only those patented, synthetic chemicals are allowed to be described as having benefits to human health."
So wait. If I don't subscribe to the Western Philosophy of Medicine, then I can search out no products that might help my ailments? We are a very healthy household and watch what we put into our bodies. On those extremely rare occasions that we might become ill, the FDA makes it damn near impossible for me to seek out a company who I feel is honest, hard-working and provides a good quality product that might help me become better? And if I do find that company and take my business there instead of purchasing a pharmaceutical from the companies who pay the bills for the FDA, then when profits of said pharmaceutical companies start to lower and they find out why, the FDA can go and take my chosen "medicinal provider" away from me, forcing me to use a pharmaceutical or suffer? Where is my freedom of choice?
What is also interesting to note is that in early 2008, the very scientists at the FDA screamed foul on corruption, noting that even though the very FDA scientists said a product should not go to market, the FDA managers went ahead and released them on the public anyways. I wonder if the new assisted suicide drug, Chantix, was among those? (Which I will also note they have put a "black box warning" on Chantix as it has attributed to approximately 300 suicide attempts/deaths, yet is STILL on the market.)
Another instance of this craziness is when the FDA went after General Mill's cereal Cheerios. Apparently, Cheerios was making claims that a bowl of Cheerios every morning could help you reduce your cholesterol by 10 points. According to the FDA, this is a health claim and General Mills could not make such claims unless they could prove it with a clinical trial... which they did and guess what, the FDA wouldn't accept it. So even though they have been making these heart healthy claims on their boxes for years, all of the sudden they can't? Why the change of "heart" FDA? Let's see, what Cholesterol drugs have been brought to the market in the past 12 years?
The bottom line is: Something stinks at the FDA and it isn't the bathrooms after eating White Bread which is apparently bad for you (but ok by the FDA). There is a serious problem happening in one of our largest Agencies and unfortunately, it isn't just with the electronic cigarette. It goes way deeper than that. And now that the FDA will be funded by the tobacco and pharmaceutical industries, as consumers, we better watch out. Word of advice: If anyone suggests that they lower taxes by having the FDA completely funded by those seeking applications, it's all over...
Thursday, September 3, 2009
White Bread... It appears to be really bad for you!
For years, I have had digestive issues that I thought were "normal". I thought it was normal to go #2 more than four times a day... thought it was normal to have a loose stool every time... and thought it was normal to be bloated to a point of being uncomfortable.
In taking a look at my life, I stopped taking birth control, stopped taking any and all medications, took my diet down to rice and started over. For a bit, I contemplated that my problems might stem from Celiac's disease which is where the body cannot break down gluten. This was not the case. What I deducted, was that I had a severe allergy to monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG, and also, finally figured out that I was allergic to bleached flour.
Another post on MSG will be coming soon.
However, today, I decided to take some time off from other projects and wander through Youtube where I happened to come across a video of an Austin Nutritionist discussing bleached flour.
What was most interesting to me was when he discusses the by product of bleaching, Alloxan. Alloxan is used to INDUCE diabetes in lab rats, so that pharmaceutical companies can test their diabetic drugs on them.
After going and researching much of what he said in this video, I found quite a bit that backs up his statements. I have found other nurses and doctors online that are shocked this is happening to our food supply and that the FDA is allowing it to happen.
According to the American Diabetes Association, "There are 23.6 million people in the United States, or 8% of the population, who have diabetes. The total prevalence of diabetes increased 13.5% from 2005-2007. Only 24% of diabetes is undiagnosed, down from 30% in 2005 and from 50% ten years ago." Hmmm... could it be something in the food supply causing this rise in diabetes? As someone who has several diabetics in their family, I am very aware of the life adjustments and pain that this severe disease can cause.
One of the side effects of Alloxan, is hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is when your blood sugar levels get too low. Some of the first side effects are:
* nervousness,
* sweating,
* intense hunger,
* trembling,
* weakness,
* palpitations, and
* often have trouble speaking.
If you let the problem persist, then the next round of symptoms can include confusion, drowsiness, changes in behavior, coma, and seizure.
Now, I am not a doctor. But for the first 30 years of my life I battled with anemia, which I still do, hypoglycemia, which was diagnosed by a doctor, and digestive problems, which I assume because no one goes to the bathroom, four to five times a day, all loose stool.
About a year ago, you might remember my post on Painting your Kitchen Green where I was excited about getting my new bread maker. Yes... I love it and still use it! Since switching to making my own bread at home and using all unbleached flour, I have recently been tested and my blood sugar levels are perfect. I also no longer suffer from anxiety, weakness, nervousness, changes in my behavior, drowsiness and just plain bitchiness. I find that going between meals is not as hard as it used to be and where I would before be literally unable to get up to make myself food and had to have orange juice brought to me just to get to the food... I no longer do.
I know. It could be a multitude of things. However, I know that I feel better since not eating bleached flour. So... give it a try! If you aren't feeling well for any reason, look at your diet. Figure out if it is something in your food supply that is causing your problem. It takes effort and if you need to, get a nutritionist. Personally, I couldn't afford one so I did it on my own and I am feeling so much better for it.
Coming soon... more on MSG... the nastiest of all nasty things added to your food! You wouldn't believe it. I have to settle before writing about that one because it is really really bad!
In taking a look at my life, I stopped taking birth control, stopped taking any and all medications, took my diet down to rice and started over. For a bit, I contemplated that my problems might stem from Celiac's disease which is where the body cannot break down gluten. This was not the case. What I deducted, was that I had a severe allergy to monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG, and also, finally figured out that I was allergic to bleached flour.
Another post on MSG will be coming soon.
However, today, I decided to take some time off from other projects and wander through Youtube where I happened to come across a video of an Austin Nutritionist discussing bleached flour.
What was most interesting to me was when he discusses the by product of bleaching, Alloxan. Alloxan is used to INDUCE diabetes in lab rats, so that pharmaceutical companies can test their diabetic drugs on them.
After going and researching much of what he said in this video, I found quite a bit that backs up his statements. I have found other nurses and doctors online that are shocked this is happening to our food supply and that the FDA is allowing it to happen.
According to the American Diabetes Association, "There are 23.6 million people in the United States, or 8% of the population, who have diabetes. The total prevalence of diabetes increased 13.5% from 2005-2007. Only 24% of diabetes is undiagnosed, down from 30% in 2005 and from 50% ten years ago." Hmmm... could it be something in the food supply causing this rise in diabetes? As someone who has several diabetics in their family, I am very aware of the life adjustments and pain that this severe disease can cause.
One of the side effects of Alloxan, is hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is when your blood sugar levels get too low. Some of the first side effects are:
* nervousness,
* sweating,
* intense hunger,
* trembling,
* weakness,
* palpitations, and
* often have trouble speaking.
If you let the problem persist, then the next round of symptoms can include confusion, drowsiness, changes in behavior, coma, and seizure.
Now, I am not a doctor. But for the first 30 years of my life I battled with anemia, which I still do, hypoglycemia, which was diagnosed by a doctor, and digestive problems, which I assume because no one goes to the bathroom, four to five times a day, all loose stool.
About a year ago, you might remember my post on Painting your Kitchen Green where I was excited about getting my new bread maker. Yes... I love it and still use it! Since switching to making my own bread at home and using all unbleached flour, I have recently been tested and my blood sugar levels are perfect. I also no longer suffer from anxiety, weakness, nervousness, changes in my behavior, drowsiness and just plain bitchiness. I find that going between meals is not as hard as it used to be and where I would before be literally unable to get up to make myself food and had to have orange juice brought to me just to get to the food... I no longer do.
I know. It could be a multitude of things. However, I know that I feel better since not eating bleached flour. So... give it a try! If you aren't feeling well for any reason, look at your diet. Figure out if it is something in your food supply that is causing your problem. It takes effort and if you need to, get a nutritionist. Personally, I couldn't afford one so I did it on my own and I am feeling so much better for it.
Coming soon... more on MSG... the nastiest of all nasty things added to your food! You wouldn't believe it. I have to settle before writing about that one because it is really really bad!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Mmmm... Peanut Butter
Ok... so many have probably read about my distrust for ConAgra due to the "Peanut Butter Fiasco" as I like to call it. In a nutshell, several years ago, before this last huge peanut butter scandal that rocked the US, ConAgra put some peanut butter out on the market that had salmonella in it as well. Stupidly, I bought some one sale thinking peanut butter is peanut butter and well... unwillingly gave my 3 old dose after dose of salmonella. Poor thing.
Since then, I have been on the hunt for the perfect peanut butter. One from a company that I *think* I can trust and one that doesn't have the issues of separating or needing to be refrigerated. One of the worst problems with organic peanut butter is that it separates and needs to be constantly stirred due to oil separation. The other issue is that most organic peanut butters also need to be refrigerated and then it is impossible to stir or spread. Plus it is cold. Jelly should be cold... peanut butter, room temp. IMHO.
So... after trying tons of different kinds I FINALLY came across one that while it isn't USDA organic... it is pretty good. Earth Balance, Natural Peanut Butter with Flaxseed - Creamy. Mmmmm... and the now 5 year old has given it the double thumbs up so that's good.
In 2006, Boulder Specialty Brands acquired GFA Brands, Inc . After doing a simple google search using the words complaints, peanut butter and the variations of their names, I can't find anything, which is pretty amazing in this day and age.
So! If you are looking for a good peanut butter, try this one. It spreads well, it doesn't separate, you don't have to refrigerate it and it doesn't appear to come with salmonella in tote!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Caffeine. To be or not to be.
So. In a quest to make myself a better/healthier person, I have attempted to eliminate caffeine and I must say, it has been a freaking disaster.
Let me start off by noting that I am usually a two cup a day coffee drinker and that is it. That's it! No soda. Very little chocolate as I don't really have a sweet tooth.
The first two weeks I suffered from horrendous migraine headaches. Horrible. Once those subsided, I noticed that I was strongly drawn to tobacco cigarettes, which having not had a cigarette in four months was odd. So I caved. Had one. Why not. Had one, had two, next thing I know... I have had 5 smokes a day for the past week or so. This is horrible! I have come so far.
The next part of the craving for my coffee was that every time I would walk past my coffee maker, I wanted to hug it. I also have never been one to purchase coffee and recently have noticed that I am noticing every coffee shop along the road. Hmmm... I wonder what they have in there today?
Today was the last straw. I woke up at 5:30am having a dream about coffee and all of the different flavors that are available and what I would like to have and what I want in it. Then I decided screw it. I am going back to the coffee. I am going to have my coffee, 2 cups in the morning and I am going to give up on the 5 cigarettes a day. I mean seriously. Which one is worse?
I will never admit that I have failed at quitting cigarettes because well... I am a smoker and no matter what I do, 5 cigarettes is far better than a full pack. But it is seriously time that I make a commitment to myself and to the earth that there be no more arsenic in my system. Caffeine though... different story.
Let me start off by noting that I am usually a two cup a day coffee drinker and that is it. That's it! No soda. Very little chocolate as I don't really have a sweet tooth.
The first two weeks I suffered from horrendous migraine headaches. Horrible. Once those subsided, I noticed that I was strongly drawn to tobacco cigarettes, which having not had a cigarette in four months was odd. So I caved. Had one. Why not. Had one, had two, next thing I know... I have had 5 smokes a day for the past week or so. This is horrible! I have come so far.
The next part of the craving for my coffee was that every time I would walk past my coffee maker, I wanted to hug it. I also have never been one to purchase coffee and recently have noticed that I am noticing every coffee shop along the road. Hmmm... I wonder what they have in there today?
Today was the last straw. I woke up at 5:30am having a dream about coffee and all of the different flavors that are available and what I would like to have and what I want in it. Then I decided screw it. I am going back to the coffee. I am going to have my coffee, 2 cups in the morning and I am going to give up on the 5 cigarettes a day. I mean seriously. Which one is worse?
I will never admit that I have failed at quitting cigarettes because well... I am a smoker and no matter what I do, 5 cigarettes is far better than a full pack. But it is seriously time that I make a commitment to myself and to the earth that there be no more arsenic in my system. Caffeine though... different story.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
5020 Ciggie Butts that I did not Contribute!
So... here I am. Smoking my ecig. I smoke it at least 15 times a day. I have gotten down to a combination of no nicotine and low nicotine, smoking mostly no nicotine all day and then smoking low nicotine at night, with a beverage or two (wink wink). It is wonderful that I am still smoking, but not really.
I feel awesome. Just this past weekend we went to the park and I ran about a half mile from where we were to the bus to get the camera, and I didn't stop at all! No pain, no wheezing. No lung burning. When I got to the bus I realized I had run the whole way and thought back to the last time that had happened... it was my last year of track, 8th grade year... just before I became a smoker.
I love the smell... the taste... all of it. I love that I can smell and taste! I love that I have not contributed one cigarette butt since when? Oh I can't remember and I don't even care. But just for calculation purposes, I left the tobacco behind on January 18th. This means that I haven't smoked in 116 days. At a pack a day that's 2320 cigarette butts. For six months before that, I only had 5-6 cigs a day so for estimation purposes, that would be 2700 cigarette butts. So, over the past 296 days I have eliminated 5020 cigarette butts from the earth's litter problem!
Oh my... and think of all of the toxins in my smoke I haven't contributed either!?! How do I even calculate that? Anyone?
Yeah for me! Yeah for the Earth!
I feel awesome. Just this past weekend we went to the park and I ran about a half mile from where we were to the bus to get the camera, and I didn't stop at all! No pain, no wheezing. No lung burning. When I got to the bus I realized I had run the whole way and thought back to the last time that had happened... it was my last year of track, 8th grade year... just before I became a smoker.
I love the smell... the taste... all of it. I love that I can smell and taste! I love that I have not contributed one cigarette butt since when? Oh I can't remember and I don't even care. But just for calculation purposes, I left the tobacco behind on January 18th. This means that I haven't smoked in 116 days. At a pack a day that's 2320 cigarette butts. For six months before that, I only had 5-6 cigs a day so for estimation purposes, that would be 2700 cigarette butts. So, over the past 296 days I have eliminated 5020 cigarette butts from the earth's litter problem!
Oh my... and think of all of the toxins in my smoke I haven't contributed either!?! How do I even calculate that? Anyone?
Yeah for me! Yeah for the Earth!
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Electronic Cigarette Association takes Action
Well. I have been a busy girl lately. The ecig has taken off and many may or may not have heard that there has been a call by the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, Tobacco Free Kids, and Senator Lautenburg, to have the FDA ban the electronic cigarette.
It has all been very interesting. Over 20 suppliers have gotten together to form the Electronic Cigarette Association (ECA). It was the intention to fight fire with fire... force the propaganda from the other side to stand up and defend it's untruthful position.
And so... with great pleasure, I would like to introduce Former Congressman and President of the Electronic Cigarette Association, Matt Salmon, who will help keep people like me, smoking our ecigs and not smoking tobacco!
YEAH!!! The greener way to smoke will truly get it's day and hopefully, all smokers who are out there, still fumbling with their lighters, ashes, and deadly carcinogens and tar... will be able to make the brand switch forever!
Oh and PS: I am still going strong. I haven't smoked tobacco since Jan! That's the longest I have gone without tobacco since I was 15 years old. Heck yeah! And the best part... I am still a smoker! I can enjoy my smoke along side my tobacco smoker friends... I don't feel weird, I feel myself... It's liberating!
It has all been very interesting. Over 20 suppliers have gotten together to form the Electronic Cigarette Association (ECA). It was the intention to fight fire with fire... force the propaganda from the other side to stand up and defend it's untruthful position.
And so... with great pleasure, I would like to introduce Former Congressman and President of the Electronic Cigarette Association, Matt Salmon, who will help keep people like me, smoking our ecigs and not smoking tobacco!
YEAH!!! The greener way to smoke will truly get it's day and hopefully, all smokers who are out there, still fumbling with their lighters, ashes, and deadly carcinogens and tar... will be able to make the brand switch forever!
Oh and PS: I am still going strong. I haven't smoked tobacco since Jan! That's the longest I have gone without tobacco since I was 15 years old. Heck yeah! And the best part... I am still a smoker! I can enjoy my smoke along side my tobacco smoker friends... I don't feel weird, I feel myself... It's liberating!
Monday, March 23, 2009
An Eco-Friendly Cigarette
In my online forum regarding the electronic cigarette, we are having a debate on whether the electronic cigarette is better for the environment than a tobacco cigarette. I have to side with the e-cig as being better for the environment. Yes, it is probably true that the manufacturing plants of ecigs produce unwanted items into the environment, but the same can be said for tobacco cigarette manufacturing as well. So in this respect, until there is a study that compares the waste from both, I see them as equal contributors.
As far as the waste from the actual ecig. We do have the lithium ion batteries, but if disposed of properly, they can be recycled. Do we have recycling for lithium ion batteries? Sure! Battery Disposal Guide for Households - Where to Safely Recycle Used Batteries. Are you going to have to make an effort? Yes you are. But good greenies will do it no matter what. Recycle!
As far as the plastic mouthpieces, it is my understanding they are made from #1 type plastic which means if you remove the fiber filling, you can throw them into the recycling bin at home. AND I should also mention that you can reuse them until they fall apart and even clean them with a light water and soap solution. Reuse!
As far as the e-cig as a whole, you can minimize the amount of cigarettes you smoke by reusing the same unit until it's death so there is the final R. Reduce!
Cigarette butts contain traces of all of the sh*t they put into them. So not only do you have a cigarette butt that will never break down, but you have all of these horrible things leaching into the ground. CigaretteLitter.Org - The Facts About Cigarette Butts and Litter - Facts. People assume that they are made of materials that will eventually break down because it feels kind of like cotton. A battery, is a battery and because it is metal, people automatically will not just throw it on the ground.
Second Hand Smoke (SHS) also contains a multitude of items including arsenic, benzene, and many more items Secondhand Smoke: Questions and Answers - National Cancer Institute. All of these not only are harmful to humans, but also harmful to the environment.
Currently, we know that the resulting vapor of the electronic cigarette includes nicotine, propylene glycol and water. Nicotine and water are obviously natural to the earth and propylene glycol is an organic compound mostly composed of carbon, which I do believe is naturally occurring in the environment as well (someone might want to yeah or nay this.)
So my final verdict: The electronic cigarette is definitely far more eco-friendly than the tobacco cigarette.
As far as the waste from the actual ecig. We do have the lithium ion batteries, but if disposed of properly, they can be recycled. Do we have recycling for lithium ion batteries? Sure! Battery Disposal Guide for Households - Where to Safely Recycle Used Batteries. Are you going to have to make an effort? Yes you are. But good greenies will do it no matter what. Recycle!
As far as the plastic mouthpieces, it is my understanding they are made from #1 type plastic which means if you remove the fiber filling, you can throw them into the recycling bin at home. AND I should also mention that you can reuse them until they fall apart and even clean them with a light water and soap solution. Reuse!
As far as the e-cig as a whole, you can minimize the amount of cigarettes you smoke by reusing the same unit until it's death so there is the final R. Reduce!
Cigarette butts contain traces of all of the sh*t they put into them. So not only do you have a cigarette butt that will never break down, but you have all of these horrible things leaching into the ground. CigaretteLitter.Org - The Facts About Cigarette Butts and Litter - Facts. People assume that they are made of materials that will eventually break down because it feels kind of like cotton. A battery, is a battery and because it is metal, people automatically will not just throw it on the ground.
Second Hand Smoke (SHS) also contains a multitude of items including arsenic, benzene, and many more items Secondhand Smoke: Questions and Answers - National Cancer Institute. All of these not only are harmful to humans, but also harmful to the environment.
Currently, we know that the resulting vapor of the electronic cigarette includes nicotine, propylene glycol and water. Nicotine and water are obviously natural to the earth and propylene glycol is an organic compound mostly composed of carbon, which I do believe is naturally occurring in the environment as well (someone might want to yeah or nay this.)
So my final verdict: The electronic cigarette is definitely far more eco-friendly than the tobacco cigarette.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
An Organic Recipe for You
Ok... I am not sure where I got this one, but it is great for granola bars.
3c granola
1/2 c honey
1/2 c peanut butter
1/2 c chocolate chips, nuts whatever...
Heat honey and peanut butter together to boil. Then mix with the granola. add the chocolate chips and pop in a pan. Push flat into pan. Let cool.
Voila! Homemade granola bars and they are Organic if you used all organic ingredients!
3c granola
1/2 c honey
1/2 c peanut butter
1/2 c chocolate chips, nuts whatever...
Heat honey and peanut butter together to boil. Then mix with the granola. add the chocolate chips and pop in a pan. Push flat into pan. Let cool.
Voila! Homemade granola bars and they are Organic if you used all organic ingredients!
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Big Quit - Day Six
Wow. I am happy as a clam. I cannot tell you how much easier this time around has been... and I owe it all to my electronic cigarette.
Since I am in the electronic cigarette world, I know how absolutely terrible it is to even put electronic cigarette and quit smoking in the same sentence. It is a smoking alternative. However, I have quit tobacco cigarettes so technically, it might not be clinically proven as a quit smoking device, but dammit, if you want to not use a combustionable cigarette, this works pretty well. You aren't technically quitting smoking since you still partake in the action, however, you most certainly are reducing the issues that arise with combustion. (That's MHO and not fact)
So for those of you who have found my meager little blog here are some helpful tips to truly utilize your electronic cigarette.
Days one through five I was feeling a bit odd. Stomach felt "empty" and I was totally unfocused. Since I am still getting nicotine, I did not even assume this was nicotine withdraw. After some exploring in my favorite places that have to do with electronic cigarettes, others have experienced the same symptoms. My deduction: By withdrawing the over 4000 toxins that my body has become so reliant on, my body is reacting to the lack of these horrible little beasts. Now at day six, all of those symptoms are completely gone.
I find that I still want to sit down and smoke. Unlike tobacco cigarettes, or analogs as they are called in the e-cig world, you can puff on your e-ciggy all day long, anywhere you want. I still do this in between. But when I want "a smoke", I get my e-liquid, place 3 drops in my cartridge's nicotine pad and then huff hard to get the thick vapor. After 7 or so puffs, I feel like I have smoked my cigarette and I am off to my next task.
For the morning, I have it ready to go on the night stand, charged battery and full of liquid nic. I know. It sounds like I am an addict, but the fact is, I like nicotine. It helps me stay focused. It calms me. It is no different than others using caffeine for their morning wake up call. I enjoy nicotine! What can I say? (Which is no worse than being addicted to caffeine as far as I am concerned.) I take a couple of puffs and then off to have my muffin and coffee. No need for a smoke with the coffee.
This thing is really amazing. For the first time in any of my attempts to eliminate burning tobacco from my life, I have real confidence that my life is changing and I accept that change. Even the hubby has cut down substantially and can see himself as a non-tobacco smoker eventually. And another note on living with a smoker when you are trying to not smoke cigs: He has been around for three of the attempts and openly admits to me that those three attempts almost led to our demise as I, was unbearable. This time, he thinks he will keep me. :)
I admit that I may be smoking the e-cig for a long, long time, probably forever. I love everything about smoking and I think that's why all of my quit attempts have failed. I love to smoke. Everything about it... well... ok... I don't love the butts and I don't really love the way I smell after smoking. But I love the action, the time to myself. I guess I don't really want to quit... but I am willing to make a change.
So... shamelessly... another link to my favorite site about all things Electronic Cigarette.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Big Quit - Day One
Today, I woke up and worked on perspective. Rarely, do I ever lie in bed until 10:30 and ignore EVERYTHING going on around me. By the end, my conclusion was I would put down the combustionable tobacco cigarettes... again.
I have been spending an obscene amount of time online. Utilizing every aspect for research of smoking bans, smoking, smoking's impact on the environment and so on. This has also led me to discussions on quitting, cancer, and what's in a cigarette. I know too much.
So. How am I going to do this? As this is "quit" number six, (studies have been done where they do find that it can take a person up to eight times before they finally quit) I am using from a wealth of failures, my knowledge about my habit and why I fail. So we are going to make a little witch's brew and see what happens.
First, I have tried the patch and it worked well on the nicotine. I do notice that I have very vivid dreams while I use it and for me, I prefer a night of silence. So. I am going to use the patch (week 2 medium nicotine) for three days.
I am also going to puff on my electronic cigarette with a medium nicotine cartridge. So far, this beauty has gotten me from a pack to 2-4 per day and I feel great. I am not having the food festivals I had before. If I want to smoke, I can. I like the action. I like the puffing. I enjoy it.
So how is it going today? I am slightly unfocused. Something is different. I think I miss the smell of cigarette smoke. It's odd. Don't laugh. There are other people out there who like the smell and will admit it!
I took the kid to a local theater to see The Velveteen Rabbit. It was great. Acting was lively and sweet, great costumes, cool set, well written and great original music for a play. Overall: 4 thumbs up. (Mine and kids). Afterwords, pictures with each of the actors and autographs. Her first time to the theater was my saving grace on my first day (for the sixth time) without tobacco cigarettes.
Other than that, I feel good. I have noticed I do have the "sniffles" today.
I have been spending an obscene amount of time online. Utilizing every aspect for research of smoking bans, smoking, smoking's impact on the environment and so on. This has also led me to discussions on quitting, cancer, and what's in a cigarette. I know too much.
So. How am I going to do this? As this is "quit" number six, (studies have been done where they do find that it can take a person up to eight times before they finally quit) I am using from a wealth of failures, my knowledge about my habit and why I fail. So we are going to make a little witch's brew and see what happens.
First, I have tried the patch and it worked well on the nicotine. I do notice that I have very vivid dreams while I use it and for me, I prefer a night of silence. So. I am going to use the patch (week 2 medium nicotine) for three days.
I am also going to puff on my electronic cigarette with a medium nicotine cartridge. So far, this beauty has gotten me from a pack to 2-4 per day and I feel great. I am not having the food festivals I had before. If I want to smoke, I can. I like the action. I like the puffing. I enjoy it.
So how is it going today? I am slightly unfocused. Something is different. I think I miss the smell of cigarette smoke. It's odd. Don't laugh. There are other people out there who like the smell and will admit it!
I took the kid to a local theater to see The Velveteen Rabbit. It was great. Acting was lively and sweet, great costumes, cool set, well written and great original music for a play. Overall: 4 thumbs up. (Mine and kids). Afterwords, pictures with each of the actors and autographs. Her first time to the theater was my saving grace on my first day (for the sixth time) without tobacco cigarettes.
Other than that, I feel good. I have noticed I do have the "sniffles" today.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Organic Birth Control - Is there really such a thing?
About a year ago, I went on the hunt for a different option for the classic, doctor prescribed methods of birth control. After having a baby and three years of dispelling baby weight, changing eating habits and such, also subjecting myself to the shot, the patch and the pill, I decided it was time to take a leap off of the bridge and go solo. No birth control.
This is definitely a strange decision for someone who is quite happy with one child and one, maybe two dogs. Being young enough, I haven't started pressing my husband with the vasectomy idea because well, it is his choice. And getting my tubes tied is not an option. I watched my mother SUFFER after making such a decision and I am firm believer that we do, follow our maternal bloodlines when it comes to health. So, after a little research, I ran across the book, Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler.
Aside from the fact I couldn't put the book down, the entire time I read it, every page was an epiphany and I could not believe that our high school health class did not provide this book as required reading to all females. It would have provided me with answers to about 100% of the questions I have had over the years.
There are two ways to use this book: Determining when is the best time for you to conceive, if you are trying, AND when not to have sex if you are not.
In full, simple details, TCOYF offers you the answers to why your body does certain things during certain times of the month and when you are most likely to get pregnant.
Now, after a year, I just "know" when it is not a good time and when it is. I just "know" why I am crabby and when it is coming, so I can make sure during that time, I take it a bit easier with stress. I just "know".
For those of you who are looking for organic birth control, this is an excellent option. Take the time to read the book. Do the charts for at least six months. This is very important because when you come off of any type of medicine, your body reacts and can shake up your cycle a little bit. For some it doesn't but for those of you with sensitive bodies like mine, it takes a bit for your body to go back to normal. When your charts show serious consistency, you are good to go.
If you are a little hesitant or need to be on a schedule, TCOYF offers an online software program that allows you to track your cycle.
I feel so much better. The first thing that my body showed me was not only am I not on a typical 28 cycle, but sometimes, I do ovulate twice. Betcha didn't know that was possible? Yep. And taking birth control for all of these years, has been forcing my body to keep to the medical industry's schedule. No wonder my highs were high and my lows were low. No wonder I started losing hair because my natural hormones were being bombarded with manufactured police officers telling me when to ovulate.
For those of you who are looking to get pregnant, I am confident that if I wanted to get pregnant, and I had no problems before (even while on the pill), I could pin the man down, attempt to over take him and produce either a boy or girl of my choice. (Now, this is not 100% as the time to conceive a boy is really small and also depends on the swimmers who will be participating at that time.)
Other things you might not know: Did you know that drinking orange juice increases your acidity levels which in turn, kills sperm? So if you are trying to get pregnant and can't, evaluate your acidic food intake. Now, obviously, there are other reasons you can't get pregnant BUT, if you are aware of your body, these things will become very obvious to you and this book will become your manual.
Do I recommend this for girls becoming women and will my daughter be privy to her very own copy when she gets her first visit from Auntie Flo? Absolutely! As suggested in the book, there are those who believe that teaching young girls about their bodies only suggests to them that they can have sex all they want. Um. Ok. Maybe in the 1700's.
But if your daughters are going to be sexually active, which many will be no matter what we tell them, isn't it better they understand their cycles and when it is definitely not safe to have sex? Isn't it better to send our young women out into the world with an idea of why they might be showing certain signs during the month and that they in fact are not suffering from a yeast infection or something else? Wouldn't it be better to allow our daughters to develop healthy bodies without the intervention of a medicine?
We arm our sons with condoms... let's arm our daughters with knowledge!
Good luck to those of you who wish to get pregnant and happy organic birth control to those of you who wish to keep it the way it is!
This is definitely a strange decision for someone who is quite happy with one child and one, maybe two dogs. Being young enough, I haven't started pressing my husband with the vasectomy idea because well, it is his choice. And getting my tubes tied is not an option. I watched my mother SUFFER after making such a decision and I am firm believer that we do, follow our maternal bloodlines when it comes to health. So, after a little research, I ran across the book, Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler.
Aside from the fact I couldn't put the book down, the entire time I read it, every page was an epiphany and I could not believe that our high school health class did not provide this book as required reading to all females. It would have provided me with answers to about 100% of the questions I have had over the years.
There are two ways to use this book: Determining when is the best time for you to conceive, if you are trying, AND when not to have sex if you are not.
In full, simple details, TCOYF offers you the answers to why your body does certain things during certain times of the month and when you are most likely to get pregnant.
Now, after a year, I just "know" when it is not a good time and when it is. I just "know" why I am crabby and when it is coming, so I can make sure during that time, I take it a bit easier with stress. I just "know".
For those of you who are looking for organic birth control, this is an excellent option. Take the time to read the book. Do the charts for at least six months. This is very important because when you come off of any type of medicine, your body reacts and can shake up your cycle a little bit. For some it doesn't but for those of you with sensitive bodies like mine, it takes a bit for your body to go back to normal. When your charts show serious consistency, you are good to go.
If you are a little hesitant or need to be on a schedule, TCOYF offers an online software program that allows you to track your cycle.
I feel so much better. The first thing that my body showed me was not only am I not on a typical 28 cycle, but sometimes, I do ovulate twice. Betcha didn't know that was possible? Yep. And taking birth control for all of these years, has been forcing my body to keep to the medical industry's schedule. No wonder my highs were high and my lows were low. No wonder I started losing hair because my natural hormones were being bombarded with manufactured police officers telling me when to ovulate.
For those of you who are looking to get pregnant, I am confident that if I wanted to get pregnant, and I had no problems before (even while on the pill), I could pin the man down, attempt to over take him and produce either a boy or girl of my choice. (Now, this is not 100% as the time to conceive a boy is really small and also depends on the swimmers who will be participating at that time.)
Other things you might not know: Did you know that drinking orange juice increases your acidity levels which in turn, kills sperm? So if you are trying to get pregnant and can't, evaluate your acidic food intake. Now, obviously, there are other reasons you can't get pregnant BUT, if you are aware of your body, these things will become very obvious to you and this book will become your manual.
Do I recommend this for girls becoming women and will my daughter be privy to her very own copy when she gets her first visit from Auntie Flo? Absolutely! As suggested in the book, there are those who believe that teaching young girls about their bodies only suggests to them that they can have sex all they want. Um. Ok. Maybe in the 1700's.
But if your daughters are going to be sexually active, which many will be no matter what we tell them, isn't it better they understand their cycles and when it is definitely not safe to have sex? Isn't it better to send our young women out into the world with an idea of why they might be showing certain signs during the month and that they in fact are not suffering from a yeast infection or something else? Wouldn't it be better to allow our daughters to develop healthy bodies without the intervention of a medicine?
We arm our sons with condoms... let's arm our daughters with knowledge!
Good luck to those of you who wish to get pregnant and happy organic birth control to those of you who wish to keep it the way it is!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Jake the snake is back and in full force
Yep. Update on Jake. He is back in the yard and looking large and in-charge. Did you know that southern black racers can climb trees? Well they can and they are really really good at it. As much as I love Jake, now not only do I have to look where I step but I have to search the tree limbs for him too.
Sorry there is no video... yet.
Sorry there is no video... yet.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Holiday Gift Idea for Smokers who love the Earth!
So here I am, trying to figure out what to get my mother-in-law for the holidays and it occurs to me, the best gift idea for a smoker isn't an ashtray or a lighter, it's an electronic cigarette.
I know... I have shamelessly bragged about these before, but I really do love mine and I really do see a wonderful opportunity for smokers to pick something else. They are so much better for the environment as they leave little to no waste and they do not produce second hand smoke. There is even an option to purchase bottles of nicotine so you can reuse the same five filters over and over and over.
Be careful though. I have discovered, just today, that there are two kinds on the market. One is the type available from www.e-cig.org, where you re-use the pieces by refilling the nicotine and another type where you unscrew the mouthpiece and throw the entire mouthpiece out. From looking at the two units side by side, they have all of the same components accept one is broken into two parts and one is four. The issue with two parts, is that in order to refill the nicotine, you throw the filter part away which leaves a butt! But this butt, is made of plastic and metal.
Watch my electronic cigarette video!
So if you are looking for a great gift idea for a smoker, try the electronic cigarette. Once they try it, they'll love it. And, it is the gift that keeps on giving because you can save on average a year, over $1000. (That's based on a pack a day). You also reduce your cigarette boxes by 85% and cigarette butts, ashtrays, second hand smoke, and butane lighters by 100%.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Ok... I have changed my mind.
I have changed my mind regarding the bailout and assisting the big 3. Screw them. Yes. I know this goes against what I said earlier. But after listening to the talk for a few days, sitting down and writing a bit for my hubs and for palinsgop.com, I have decided that if we truly are in a free enterprise system, then would it not be logical to let the big 3 fend for themselves?
There are plenty of automakers around the US who have been holding on and have been doing ok. They have managed their money and costs and fought the tough fight. It must be cold there in the shadow of the big 3. But, in that bleak coldness, they have done much to bring up the fuel efficiency of their cars, lower vehicle emissions, use green business practices and so much more.
Yes. The downfall of not helping the big 3 is the loss of jobs. But if the plan is well thought out and follows as green of a path as possible, it is possible for our society to survive this and have this incredible accomplishment towards changes our ways.
I am still out on the financial industry. Bunch of money weasels... but it really is hard to just let the financial industry fail. Car industry? That's another story.
There are plenty of automakers around the US who have been holding on and have been doing ok. They have managed their money and costs and fought the tough fight. It must be cold there in the shadow of the big 3. But, in that bleak coldness, they have done much to bring up the fuel efficiency of their cars, lower vehicle emissions, use green business practices and so much more.
Yes. The downfall of not helping the big 3 is the loss of jobs. But if the plan is well thought out and follows as green of a path as possible, it is possible for our society to survive this and have this incredible accomplishment towards changes our ways.
I am still out on the financial industry. Bunch of money weasels... but it really is hard to just let the financial industry fail. Car industry? That's another story.
Monday, November 10, 2008
E-Waste Recycling
We have all wondered where it goes. Here is an interesting video from CBS's 60 Minutes.
Watch CBS Videos Online
Yes, this is horrible. In fact, what is really horrible are the amounts of green jobs we are shipping overseas. I do hope that as a nation, we begin to focus on another environmental problem, and that is our recycling program. We need to unify it country wide so everyone can participate and participate properly. Image the green jobs we could create.
Watch CBS Videos Online
Yes, this is horrible. In fact, what is really horrible are the amounts of green jobs we are shipping overseas. I do hope that as a nation, we begin to focus on another environmental problem, and that is our recycling program. We need to unify it country wide so everyone can participate and participate properly. Image the green jobs we could create.
Friday, November 7, 2008
My Vision for America
On www.change.gov, Obama's transitional website, he offers you the opportunity to share your vision of America.
Over the past few days, we have heard the Big 3 automakers, have been in discussions with Nancy Pelossi regarding a need for 50 billion more to help them survive. Wow! 75 Billion to help the struggling auto industry, who did nothing for years.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Big 3 do need to be saved. However, they need to be held accountable for what they have done. And what they have done, is turned a backside to providing cost effective and green modes of transportation.
With all of the talk of Obama's American Energy Grid, now is the perfect time to make the Big 3 change. In doing so, they need to provide highly efficient vehicles with low emissions. This is the perfect time for it to be done correctly and responsibly. If they can come up with a plan, there is no reason why we couldn't give them MORE money. If the plan is well thought out and could eventually lead to an easier passing of Obama's plan for a grid, then we would be on the right track.
Below is the content of my letter to Obama.
*******
Pres Elect Obama,
Congratulations! I look forward to you and VP Elect Biden offering Americans some real leadership.
With the talk of the Big 3 Automakers asking for money, I do hope that you are getting involved in this. This is the time to lay the foundation of your grid where it pertains to personal transit.
What would the Big 3 need in order to provide cost effective and environmental vehicles to the masses? What connections to the American wide grid would they need to make this a truly viable option?
We need to be cautious of the Big 3 as history has shown they are profit driven. However, at this time, I think we could utilize their need to survive by supporting their move to a greener industry.
The green collar jobs created from this will be huge!
Thank you!
*****
Over the past few days, we have heard the Big 3 automakers, have been in discussions with Nancy Pelossi regarding a need for 50 billion more to help them survive. Wow! 75 Billion to help the struggling auto industry, who did nothing for years.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Big 3 do need to be saved. However, they need to be held accountable for what they have done. And what they have done, is turned a backside to providing cost effective and green modes of transportation.
With all of the talk of Obama's American Energy Grid, now is the perfect time to make the Big 3 change. In doing so, they need to provide highly efficient vehicles with low emissions. This is the perfect time for it to be done correctly and responsibly. If they can come up with a plan, there is no reason why we couldn't give them MORE money. If the plan is well thought out and could eventually lead to an easier passing of Obama's plan for a grid, then we would be on the right track.
Below is the content of my letter to Obama.
*******
Pres Elect Obama,
Congratulations! I look forward to you and VP Elect Biden offering Americans some real leadership.
With the talk of the Big 3 Automakers asking for money, I do hope that you are getting involved in this. This is the time to lay the foundation of your grid where it pertains to personal transit.
What would the Big 3 need in order to provide cost effective and environmental vehicles to the masses? What connections to the American wide grid would they need to make this a truly viable option?
We need to be cautious of the Big 3 as history has shown they are profit driven. However, at this time, I think we could utilize their need to survive by supporting their move to a greener industry.
The green collar jobs created from this will be huge!
Thank you!
*****
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Painting Your Kitchen Green
Ok, well not green literally. Earlier today, I wrote a hubpage on Reducing Your Bills So You Can Save and Survive In A Down Economy. This of course sparked 100's of blog post possibilities, one being, how to turn your kitchen, at a low expense into an eco-friendly, healthy and green machine!
Coat One: What's In Your Kitchen?
I want to elaborate a wee bit more on the importance of what you are bringing home and putting into your kitchen and essentially into your bodies. Remember to always shop the outer edges of the market. Stock up on fresh foods, not frozen or canned. If you can go organic, that is always the best option. You might spend a bit more, but with changed shopping habits, you can afford it!
And how can you afford it? My first suggestion is whether you are able to drive or walk to the grocery store, take your reusable bags and fill it, not the cart. By physically having to carry your groceries, you are less likely to purchase things you do not need. Yes, you might need to make more than one trip to the grocery store. If you are on foot, you really don't care. If you are in the car, obviously schedule your trips based on when you are in the car and not going out specifically for groceries.
Finally always remember: Buying Less = Wasting Less
Coat Two: The Machines
I haven't posted about my bread maker yet and I think I need to. This little, energy efficient device is just about the best thing since sliced bread. No more do I hunt and peck for the best loaf with the most fiber and whole grains and all of that. I make it at home. The kid told me the other day that her sandwiches are delicious and it's because of the bread. We found ours on E-bay and I can't imagine not having it.
As we can afford to, we have upgraded the kitchen as responsibly as possible with Low VOC paints, recycled materials, and energy-star appliances.
Coat Three: Composting, Garbage and Recycling
This one is pretty easy. Once you have made your at home composter in the back yard and you have the recycling bin easily accessible, you will notice your garbage will begin to go down. Here is another place to save some money that I did not touch on in my hub page, you can reduce your garbage pickups.
Coat Four: Cleaning Products
Easily available in almost every store now, eco-friendly cleaning products. They cost about the same and if you had to wash a mouth out with soap, you will feel a little better knowing that it is somewhat safer for the lesson at hand.
So to sum it all up:
1. Reduce what you bring into the kitchen and make what you do bring in healthy.
2. Begin making all appliance purchases energy-star efficient and don't be afraid of small appliances that will help you make more at home.
3. Compost and Recycle Period
4. Cleaning products should be safe.
Coat One: What's In Your Kitchen?
I want to elaborate a wee bit more on the importance of what you are bringing home and putting into your kitchen and essentially into your bodies. Remember to always shop the outer edges of the market. Stock up on fresh foods, not frozen or canned. If you can go organic, that is always the best option. You might spend a bit more, but with changed shopping habits, you can afford it!
And how can you afford it? My first suggestion is whether you are able to drive or walk to the grocery store, take your reusable bags and fill it, not the cart. By physically having to carry your groceries, you are less likely to purchase things you do not need. Yes, you might need to make more than one trip to the grocery store. If you are on foot, you really don't care. If you are in the car, obviously schedule your trips based on when you are in the car and not going out specifically for groceries.
Finally always remember: Buying Less = Wasting Less
Coat Two: The Machines
I haven't posted about my bread maker yet and I think I need to. This little, energy efficient device is just about the best thing since sliced bread. No more do I hunt and peck for the best loaf with the most fiber and whole grains and all of that. I make it at home. The kid told me the other day that her sandwiches are delicious and it's because of the bread. We found ours on E-bay and I can't imagine not having it.
As we can afford to, we have upgraded the kitchen as responsibly as possible with Low VOC paints, recycled materials, and energy-star appliances.
Coat Three: Composting, Garbage and Recycling
This one is pretty easy. Once you have made your at home composter in the back yard and you have the recycling bin easily accessible, you will notice your garbage will begin to go down. Here is another place to save some money that I did not touch on in my hub page, you can reduce your garbage pickups.
Coat Four: Cleaning Products
Easily available in almost every store now, eco-friendly cleaning products. They cost about the same and if you had to wash a mouth out with soap, you will feel a little better knowing that it is somewhat safer for the lesson at hand.
So to sum it all up:
1. Reduce what you bring into the kitchen and make what you do bring in healthy.
2. Begin making all appliance purchases energy-star efficient and don't be afraid of small appliances that will help you make more at home.
3. Compost and Recycle Period
4. Cleaning products should be safe.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Quitting Smoking - How it's going...
How it's going... so far pretty good. I am in the sixth attempt at this so hopefully this will be it. The kid has given up thumb sucking in exchange for my cigarettes. And no, she did not take up smoking.
So to help others find out how this works, I made my first YouTube Video and I did get some pretty good angles of the actual smoke. In this video, I have shown how the unit comes apart, how you put a new nicotine cartridge in, and the vapor that is released from your drag.
There are different levels of nicotine cartridges so you can work your way down to eventually no nicotine. As I discuss on my hubpage, the two addictions you truly have from smoking are obviously The Real Addictions of Smoking I also have noted how this crazy bribe between the kid and I started on my squidoo lens about quitting the oral fixations.
How's the kid doing with the thumb sucking? Pretty well. Occasionally I see a thumb in the mouth, but since her addiction is as bad as mine, well... I am giving her some space.
So to help others find out how this works, I made my first YouTube Video and I did get some pretty good angles of the actual smoke. In this video, I have shown how the unit comes apart, how you put a new nicotine cartridge in, and the vapor that is released from your drag.
There are different levels of nicotine cartridges so you can work your way down to eventually no nicotine. As I discuss on my hubpage, the two addictions you truly have from smoking are obviously The Real Addictions of Smoking I also have noted how this crazy bribe between the kid and I started on my squidoo lens about quitting the oral fixations.
How's the kid doing with the thumb sucking? Pretty well. Occasionally I see a thumb in the mouth, but since her addiction is as bad as mine, well... I am giving her some space.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Voting... is an obligation.
With the upcoming election, there have been discussions on whether voting is a responsibility or right. I would like to make the argument that voting is an obligation.
From the moment I can remember, my dad and mom used to wake us up on election day at 6 am so we could be at the voting booth by 7 and to school by 8. Back then, you would walk into this Wizard of Oz like voting booth, pull the curtain, push in these buttons and then pull a big lever. I remember at the age of four, being tired and excited and very thrilled to get my "I Voted" sticker. I also remember my father telling me that voting is not a right, it is not your responsibility, it is your obligation to your country. You pay taxes, you live a good life, and you vote.
There was a time, around 13 or 14, that I remember being completely embarrassed that Dad would drag me to the courthouse to do his bidding, while I stood there and watched. I was always allowed to pull the lever and sometimes, fill in the little black dots. I pre-teen whined the whole way there and the whole way home. He told me to get over it because when it was time, this would be a habitual thing for me and I would understand the lessons then.
Through college, I absentee voted. I didn't quite understand who I was voting for, so I would ask Dad to send me a list of who and why. When I worked on the hill, I absentee voted. When I was to fat to walk from pregnancy, I got my big butt into the car and went to vote. When my child was born, I took her in her pumpkin seat and proudly asked for her sticker that "I voted today". Oh my god I have become my parents!
Last Friday, my husband, who is a first time voter due to just becoming a US Citizen, the kid and I, headed off to the library for early voting in Florida. In hand, were our sample ballots with all of our pre-determined and researched selections. The entire voting process in and out took 20 minutes. If you receive a sample ballot, fill it out and take it with you! Then, literally, you just fill out the dots and check your ballot and you are done! No decision making.
The kid was so excited to get her sticker. Of course, we had to tell her she should keep her little opinion to herself while in there out of respect for her fellow citizens. (She has picked up on this election thing and every time she walks past the t.v. or sees a magazine on the newstand, she points to Barack Obama and says there is our next president!)
Now, a little side note on why she thinks Barack should be president: While watching the last debates, she came into the tv room and saw the two men, side by side debating. Asking us what it was we told her. She simply looked at the tv and pointed to Barack and said he would be the next president. We asked her why? She said he looks and acts like a president! I swear to god we did not sway her. We do not sway her on religion or politics. She will discover her path soon enough. But that really sealed the deal with us. Both raised conservatively with our generations twist, we were big McCain fans and really had issues with the way he "lost it". We were pretty sure we would vote for Barack, but having a four year old point this out was really the final straw.
Back to voting. I found this great site: www.takeyourkids2vote.org. This is what it is all about. We need to be teaching our young citizens that turning 18 is more than just "being free" of our parents (which we all know is a big fat lie). Their responsibility to the country is seeking education, bettering their community and so on. Their obligation is their voice. I firmly believe that if you do not vote, you do not get an opinion. And on another side note: If you vote, no matter who you vote for, your opinion should be cherished by others, no matter how far left or right you are from each other. This obligation is what connects us through race, religion and economic status and truly makes us American brothers and sisters.
So if you haven't voted, go vote. It isn't your right or your responsibility, it is your obligation. If you choose not to vote, because you feel as one man put on his sign here in Florida, "They both suck", well, I feel for you. There are over 13 different parties running for president. Pick someone else! Make your vote of not voting for the top two parties your statement! What about all of your other officials? You do not care who sits in the House of Representatives who claims to be your voice? You do not care if a judge has been proven unfair and should be removed from the bench? You will if, god forbid, you ever end up in front of him!
Voting affects so much more than just who sits behind the desk in the oval office. Your vote affects the environment. Your vote affects the education your children receive. Your vote affects your health and as we are seeing right now, your home! Your vote affects who will sit on The Supreme Court (which I have been shocked in some discussions that people do not know this). Your vote affects every moment of your life.
Now that said: Pack up the kids and take them with you to vote!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
