I know that a lot of people are currently scaling back on their expenditures. But I've also noticed that some people just don't seem to know some of the stuff that is already available often free.
For example, the public library. Now, I'm pretty sure that everyone has been to the library at one time or another, but I've also found out that very few people go regularly, which is a real surprise. The library has so much to offer, and all of it is free (well I haven't been charged for anything)! Besides books, you can check out DVDs, CDs, read current magazines, use the free Wi-Fi, use the library's computers to browse the internet, get help in researching a topic, use a meeting room, view the art exhibits. All of it 100% free. Not only that, they make it easy, too.
One of my favorite ways of getting books is to reserve them on line. Once the the book becomes available, it is shipped to the branch of you choice and the send you a notice when it's ready for pickup. I just stop on my way home once a week, return last weeks books and get any new ones. It's easy, fast (in and out in under 5 minutes), and a great way to read books that I probably wouldn't have bothered to purchase. I've done the same with DVDs, too.
So, if you live in Tucson, check out the great work that your public library is doing. It is downright amazing. (If you live elsewhere, I bet your hometown library does a great job, too.)
7.22.2009
7.19.2009
Food Inc.
This past weekend I went to see Food, Inc. at the Loft Cinema. Since I had read The Omnivore's Dilemma and a number of other books on the current state of food production in the U.S. I wasn't too surprised by the movie. But, if you haven't read about it, you might be surprised by some of what goes on. For example:
Now it might seem as though you can't do anything to change the way our food is processed and sold, but it turns out that you, the consumer, wield all the power. You are the one choosing how food is manufactured and sold in the U.S. And you have the power to change it if you don't like it; the easiest way is by being selective when you shop.
For example, Walmart no longer uses rBST milk in their private brand. They don't make a change like this because they believe it is in the best interest of your health, nor do they do it out of concern for the cows. They do it because people would buy the non-rBST milk instead of the Walmart milk and they saw that by changing they could increase profits. So you see, simple changes can have large effects.
What other changes can you do?
Shop at Farmers markets. You can search Local Harvest to find one nearby. Just about everyone will find a market close by where they can get fresh, local, and organic food, meet and talk with the grower, and try foods you might not have found elsewhere.
Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). I'm a member of the one in Tucson, and think it is the best thing I've ever done in terms of eating. Every week I get a share of fresh vegetables (generally eight items) that are grown in a sustainable organic way. And I know it's so, because I've been to the farm. I've spoken with the people that grow what I eat. I've seen how my food is grown and harvested. In fact, on farm visits, I've even picked some of my food. You can search for CSAs at Local Harvest, too.
Buy local. Not just local food, but local anything. Your money will stay in your community, helping it to grow and prosper. And isn't that what we all want -- a prosperous, vibrant community? After all, it's where we live.
- The FDA can not recall contaminated food
- It is Illegal for a processor to test all cows for BSE (mad cow disease) which would make for safer beef
- Food manufacturer's say the more food recalls are good thing.
Now it might seem as though you can't do anything to change the way our food is processed and sold, but it turns out that you, the consumer, wield all the power. You are the one choosing how food is manufactured and sold in the U.S. And you have the power to change it if you don't like it; the easiest way is by being selective when you shop.
For example, Walmart no longer uses rBST milk in their private brand. They don't make a change like this because they believe it is in the best interest of your health, nor do they do it out of concern for the cows. They do it because people would buy the non-rBST milk instead of the Walmart milk and they saw that by changing they could increase profits. So you see, simple changes can have large effects.
What other changes can you do?
Shop at Farmers markets. You can search Local Harvest to find one nearby. Just about everyone will find a market close by where they can get fresh, local, and organic food, meet and talk with the grower, and try foods you might not have found elsewhere.
Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). I'm a member of the one in Tucson, and think it is the best thing I've ever done in terms of eating. Every week I get a share of fresh vegetables (generally eight items) that are grown in a sustainable organic way. And I know it's so, because I've been to the farm. I've spoken with the people that grow what I eat. I've seen how my food is grown and harvested. In fact, on farm visits, I've even picked some of my food. You can search for CSAs at Local Harvest, too.
Buy local. Not just local food, but local anything. Your money will stay in your community, helping it to grow and prosper. And isn't that what we all want -- a prosperous, vibrant community? After all, it's where we live.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
