If All Else Fails, Read The Directions

So after writing my last post about reading labels, I was shocked to discover that I had forgotten to read a label and was now eating some rather interesting ingredients, including cow, brown and condensed. My hypocrisy rages on.

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If you know anything about me, you know how much I love a good list. From To-Do lists to "This Is Fucking Urgent" lists, list-making has probably consumed more of my life than actually accomplishing the items on them.

So this week's blog is dedicated to the wonderful simplicity of the list.

Top 5 Things I Will Never Again Buy At A Non-Organic Grocery Store

1. Fruits/vegetables: Granted that I rarely eat the latter, I don't really want my guinea pig to be laden with chemicals. Lawrence has such an amazing farmer's market that I don't know how I can warrant buying produce that comes from halfway across the world. Even if you can't always afford all organic foods, picking certain foods to always buy organic is beneficial. According to the Environmental Working Group, consumers should avoid the "dirty dozen" in produce, a group of the most contaminated conventionally grown fruits and vegetables. The "dirty dozen" are apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, red raspberries, spinach and strawberries.

2. Shampoo/makeup: Obviously made up of too many unpronounceable chemicals that are still frequently tested on animals like guinea pigs. Products that have the leaping bunny logo are certified cruelty-free, and many do not contain any animal by-products.

3. Cleaning products: Again with the chemicals. Most go right back into the city's water system, which could end up in your drinking glass. Method is the brand I usually buy, but there are many more out there (I'm also way too much of a sucker for good design).

4. Meat products: If you just can't let go of your steaks, try to eat the lesser of two evils. Always buy organic, cage-free, free-range, plant-fed meats.

5. Light bulbs/batteries: These do not necessarily have to be purchased at an organic grocery store, but look for the Energy Star label, which cuts down on waste from appliances and light bulbs. Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible to reduce landfill waste. The initial cost isn't cheap, but like many other products, the batteries will quickly pay for themselves.

Four Books That You Should Read Relatively Soon
1. An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore: I know, I know. But if you don't think you can sit through the entire movie or if you want a little more in depth discussion of the examples given and the numbers behind them, the actual print source is a good place to turn. 321 pages.

2. Silent Spring by Rachel Carson: One of the first reports into pesticide use in agriculture. This book is usually attributed to the outlaw of DDT use in the United States and is commonly called the "cornerstone of modern environmentalism." A bit tough to get through if you're not into plants and chemical formulas but a good read nonetheless. 297 pages.

3. Collapse by Jared Diamond: This book details the collapse of previous high-and-mighty civilizations, such as the Incas, the Mayans and the Vikings. It also discusses current population and environmental issues, especially in Africa. This book serves as a frightening but necessary reminder that a collapse can happen to any civilization at any time, including ours. 525 pages.

4. Fast Food Nation: Unfortunately, the movie does no justice to this book. Still eating McDonald's hamburgers but know that you should really stop? Favorite quote: "There's shit in the meat." Drop the patty. 288 pages.


Three YouTube Videos to Watch: White Owl Need Not Apply
1. GOOD Magazine: E-Waste

Sometimes a little cheesy but a good message. Check out their other videos about plastic bags and nuclear weapons.

2. FOX News Attacks the Environment

Nice incredibly offensive opening line to get your attention there. Even Rupert Murdoch acknowledges that business needs to change but apparently the anchors themselves think otherwise. And how I love clips of good ol' Papa Bear O'Reilly.

3. "Earth to America" With Blue Man Group

Love these guys!

Two Things I Can't Give Up (Yet)
I'm not perfect either, and we all have our downfalls. Becoming green and living lightly on the earth is a gradual process that still trying to adapt to as well.
1. New books and magazines: Too appealing. However, I always try to purchase books and magazines on recycled paper and from publishing companies that use green energy.

2. New clothes: To an extent. My latest fascination is American Apparel, soon to be in the Plaza in Kansas City. Always look to see where your clothing is made. Gap got busted a few weeks ago for using sweat shop labor. How inspi(red).

One Website You Should Go To Right Now
1. USA TODAY's candidate match game. (thanks Harrison!) Find the perfect presidential candidate for you and adjust issues accordingly at the end. Like I need another excuse to be absolutely in love with this newspaper.

LK