If you walk into any supermarket today, a variety of foods await you. Traveling down the produce isle, several thoughts may occur to you. As you pick up an apple, one thought in particular runs through your mind: organic; or conventional? This debate has been going on for years; the choice to buy organically grown produce, or food grown in the conventional way. Today people are taking the game one step further, deliberating whether to buy locally. It’s a tough decision, one with many options and concerns to think about.
Today it seems to be a fad to buy organic produce because it is said to be healthier for you, and better for the environment. But organic is not always greener. I am reminded of a bumper sticker saying, “Don’t eat fossil fuels, buy local!” According to TIME Magazine, this is most often the case. While it’s true that some local farmers grow organic produce, a majority of what you buy in the store is not from around here. Products are primarily shipped from California, South America, or any other number of places where organic food can be grown abundantly, and at most times of the year. Not that there isn’t organic food locally, but if you go into the supermarket, chances are that what you find on the selves, wasn’t grown around here*, or can only be grown during certain seasons.
With the increase of fuel oil prices, we seem to be eating more and more fossil fuels. The number of people buying organic produce is up 17% from figures in 2000**. This is due in part from the idea that organically grown food is “greener” than locally grown produce. Or is it? According to a representative of Goold’s orchard, organically grown food, is not as environmentally friendly as we are led to believe. Organic growing is not as efficient as more conventional methods, due to the increased amount of land needed to grow said crops. You get half the produce for twice the price, as organic food can be upwards of 50% more expensive than orthodox produce***.
The more pressing reason people seem to be buying organic is the health risk pesticides present, but this is an un documented problem. Scientists have not been able to prove that the low levels of pesticides actually cause cancer, nor have they found any results from long-term exposure**. Actually, according to Goold’s Orchard, spraying too much is undesirable, as it is expensive, and could cause ”super mites”. That means that the mites, and other insects farmers are trying to keep from the crops could become resistant to the pesticides, causing more cost as farmers would have to invest in new pesticides. Spraying in little quantities also keeps down the cost of the product, as insecticides can be expensive, and would drive up the costs of goods, if used excessively.
Spray materials have to follow strict laws. All products come with a specific label, much like those found on medications, and can only be used by people who have a Spray Materials License. Each year these persons must go and have a refresher class, to make sure they know all the rules and regulations.
To me, it seems better to buy locally. Any way to reduce fossil fuel is a greener way to be. Buying locally also helps support our economy, and keeps jobs in our local area. I realize that local produce can be hard to come buy in the different seasons, but that is the time to eat different foods. Remember, a hundred years ago, people only ate strawberries, when it was strawberry season. We just might have to use some of their ideas to help us stay green today.
So the next time you walk into a supermarket, know your choices. Two red apples sitting side by side, one local, one organic. Both apples look pretty good, and maybe the organic one appears to be “greener”, perhaps healthier, but think of the taste of that local apple, a taste that is sugary and sweet, not one of fossil fuel.
*(A side note: I realize that this is the World Wide Web, and that there is a chance you could be reading this, and you live in a place with abundant organic food locally, but where I live, that is not typically the case).
**http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1595245-1,00.html
***http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/116/local
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Revisions of "Our Government"
“We the People.” Those are beautiful words, but what is even more beautiful is what they stand for. In our country those words stand for leadership, courage, and freedom. We use those traits every day of our lives, as we go to work, school, or anywhere that strikes our fancy. We have the ability to use our rights and stand up with each other as one voice, one body and decide precisely what we would like to do. That’s the great thing about democracy; the power of the people. This government gives us a say, or rather the say in our affairs.
Each and everyday, people discuss subjects that are important to them, each having an opinion that matters, even one about our politicians. It is a privilege that we citizens share, and one that some hold sacred. With the upcoming election, it is now more noticeable than ever how important the people’s voices really are. Like wiping dust off a window, suddenly everything is clear. What the people say, does matter.
With every situation you are presented, there are ups and downs. This same theory can also be applied to our system of Government. I appreciate and respect our rights, freedoms, and political decisions, but that does not mean I will always agree with them. Corruption, greed, and dishonesty are three terms that I do not agree with. These three rear their ugly heads more often than seems appropriate unfortunately, especially now with our crumbling economy. Perhaps now is the time for us to step up and fix the problem. No more corruption or greed, in investing/banking would be a useful start. Alas, I am not sure what would be a fix for this situation. Perhaps, looking back though history at the many problems we have already overcome would be the solution to this rouse. With the Great Depression of the 30’s, FDR used an almost socialist government to get people back on their feet. We might be able to set up the same types of committees that were present in the 1930’s, such as FDIC, or strengthen the ones in use today. This way the banking industry would be a water tight ship, secure and firm.
Using our wonderful tools of courage, leadership, and freedom, we can do something about this. We have the power to stand up together and decide what we would like to do. It is time for us to stand up as leaders and do something about our problems. Our nation is full of opinions, rights and good people. We have the power.
Each and everyday, people discuss subjects that are important to them, each having an opinion that matters, even one about our politicians. It is a privilege that we citizens share, and one that some hold sacred. With the upcoming election, it is now more noticeable than ever how important the people’s voices really are. Like wiping dust off a window, suddenly everything is clear. What the people say, does matter.
With every situation you are presented, there are ups and downs. This same theory can also be applied to our system of Government. I appreciate and respect our rights, freedoms, and political decisions, but that does not mean I will always agree with them. Corruption, greed, and dishonesty are three terms that I do not agree with. These three rear their ugly heads more often than seems appropriate unfortunately, especially now with our crumbling economy. Perhaps now is the time for us to step up and fix the problem. No more corruption or greed, in investing/banking would be a useful start. Alas, I am not sure what would be a fix for this situation. Perhaps, looking back though history at the many problems we have already overcome would be the solution to this rouse. With the Great Depression of the 30’s, FDR used an almost socialist government to get people back on their feet. We might be able to set up the same types of committees that were present in the 1930’s, such as FDIC, or strengthen the ones in use today. This way the banking industry would be a water tight ship, secure and firm.
Using our wonderful tools of courage, leadership, and freedom, we can do something about this. We have the power to stand up together and decide what we would like to do. It is time for us to stand up as leaders and do something about our problems. Our nation is full of opinions, rights and good people. We have the power.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Our Government: What's Good, What's Bad?
People have many different opinions about our government. Whether it's bad, what they think the government should be doing, or any other thoughts/ideas people could possibly have. It's actually one of the greatest things about democracy, that we can have those said opinions. Freedom of speech, just one of the many rights that are granted to us as United States citizens. But many of these rights are taken for granted, lost in a sea of greed, and selfishness as the future progresses. We live in a marvelous country, but do we really appreciate all that we have? I believe that while democracy and what it stands for are two of the greatest tools mankind can wield, mankind has lost the power, the cord now unplugged, and needs desperately to have it rejoined with the outlet.
The United States is a nice place to live. We have clean water, electricity, all the latest technology, food, transport, and, oh yea, an opinion....that doesn't matter whether it's what the government believes or not. It's a fine thing, and one that could kill you in other vicinities. In the upcoming election, people ask each other, "Oh did you hear what McCain said today? What did you think?" not even realizing that because they live here in this country they are allowed to do just that, have an opinion.
While I would like to think that it's all fun and games, there are problems in the governmental system we have. I appreciate and respect our rights, freedoms, and political decisions, but at the same, wish that some did not exist. Corruption, greed, and dishonesty are three terms that come to mind. Today Wall Street crumbled another 400 points, and people are starting to panic. Why? What will come, will come, (though it certainly seems to be coming fast). It is time for the government to step in, but not only that, it is time for society to step up as well. No more corruption, or greed, in investing/banking would be a useful start. Having people tell the truth about their incomes to receive loans, would be another useful improvement. Where is the benefit of having a failing economy for politicians, or anybody for that matter? What is the delay, on trying to stamp out the corruption, greed, or dishonesty in that market? Is it *gasp* perhaps because the government is in accordance with these policies? Is it time for us to weed out those so called good-ol'-boys, who sit in comfort while the average citizen struggles to make ends meet? All of these questions seem innocent enough to ask, and yet, harder to acknowledge and admit that we need to. Is it really so hard for us to say that our government needs improvement? For most, no it really isn't. They have no trouble expressing how terrible they feel our country or government is, and will tell you vehemently about it for hours. And yet, here they sit, still complaining, while the action awaits to be initiated. I am also guilty of this charge. Yes, I have complained about aspects of the government from time to time, but like all whiners, did nothing about it.
It is time for us to stand up as leaders and do something about it. Face our fears and fix the problems. This is a democracy, is it not? Full of opinions, rights and good people. We have the power, and the rights to have an opinion, now lets enforce it. A government for the people, and by jo if we can't get up and do it, who will? In the words of Big Julie, we need to stop, "slowin' up the action."
The United States is a nice place to live. We have clean water, electricity, all the latest technology, food, transport, and, oh yea, an opinion....that doesn't matter whether it's what the government believes or not. It's a fine thing, and one that could kill you in other vicinities. In the upcoming election, people ask each other, "Oh did you hear what McCain said today? What did you think?" not even realizing that because they live here in this country they are allowed to do just that, have an opinion.
While I would like to think that it's all fun and games, there are problems in the governmental system we have. I appreciate and respect our rights, freedoms, and political decisions, but at the same, wish that some did not exist. Corruption, greed, and dishonesty are three terms that come to mind. Today Wall Street crumbled another 400 points, and people are starting to panic. Why? What will come, will come, (though it certainly seems to be coming fast). It is time for the government to step in, but not only that, it is time for society to step up as well. No more corruption, or greed, in investing/banking would be a useful start. Having people tell the truth about their incomes to receive loans, would be another useful improvement. Where is the benefit of having a failing economy for politicians, or anybody for that matter? What is the delay, on trying to stamp out the corruption, greed, or dishonesty in that market? Is it *gasp* perhaps because the government is in accordance with these policies? Is it time for us to weed out those so called good-ol'-boys, who sit in comfort while the average citizen struggles to make ends meet? All of these questions seem innocent enough to ask, and yet, harder to acknowledge and admit that we need to. Is it really so hard for us to say that our government needs improvement? For most, no it really isn't. They have no trouble expressing how terrible they feel our country or government is, and will tell you vehemently about it for hours. And yet, here they sit, still complaining, while the action awaits to be initiated. I am also guilty of this charge. Yes, I have complained about aspects of the government from time to time, but like all whiners, did nothing about it.
It is time for us to stand up as leaders and do something about it. Face our fears and fix the problems. This is a democracy, is it not? Full of opinions, rights and good people. We have the power, and the rights to have an opinion, now lets enforce it. A government for the people, and by jo if we can't get up and do it, who will? In the words of Big Julie, we need to stop, "slowin' up the action."
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