Let’s come together as a community to preserve our land and inspire others to live a healthy life.
First, consider the subject. What is health anyway? Is health just nutrition and exercise? Or a combination of how our everyday actions impact the environment, and thus our well-being?
Our everyday decisions to purchase products impact us on an individual level and the environment on a large scale. It is important that we understand our role in how our everyday purchases either contribute to good health or make us sick.
Do you ever wonder where your food comes from? How carefully do you read the ingredients? Being mindful and cautious where and what you buy is key. The more you learn how your everyday purchases impact your health, the greater your ability to understand the truth and beat the temptations of buying those items. Do you know what a genetically modified organism (GMO) is? Go to www.nongmoproject.org to find out. GMO foods have been linked to health complications and GMO crops are outlawed in many countries! Prop 37 on last year’s ballot, the “Right to Know Act,” the labeling of GMO products did not pass. This should be a major concern; not to mention these genetically modified seeds are cross-pollinating with pure seed crops corrupting natural strains. Starting gardens is the solution to this epidemic and become more self-sustaining. Check out www.rareseeds.com to learn how to start your garden.
Why is organic better? Think about what type of soil your food comes from. Most agriculture today is nutrient-deprived and laden with chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides, therefore the nonorganic products are more contaminated and have far fewer essential nutrients in them. When you purchase better products you are supporting a better cause for your health and the environment. Support your community and check out your local farmers market for fresh produce. The Malibu Farmers Market at the Civic Center Way takes place Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for local organically grown produce. Look for these labels of independent organic certifications when purchasing organic foods. Use USDA certified only as a second source of verification.
For inspiring educational documentaries check out “Hungry for Change” and “Food Matters” on instant Netflix.
Do you love and care for animals’ well-being? Then think about where your meat and dairy products really come from. This is not to say that one has to stop eating meat or dairy, but being informed about where products come from and how a company treats its animals is important. This is not only a health issue, but also an environmental one, as animal factory farming is one of the world’s leading pollutants due to the high methane gas production and waste that contaminates water supplies.
For a closer look go to www.mercyforanimals.org and be a supporter.
Another thing to consider, when it comes to healthy living, is the daily cleaning products that occupy most people’s houses and in many cases contain toxic chemicals. We have tossed all our chemical products and now make a variety of cleaning solutions using baking soda, borax, vinegar, castile soap, lemon juice and olive oil. In our house everything is sparkly squeaky clean and no petroleum-based chemicals are going down the drain into our water supply. We truly feel so much better. To make your own laundry detergent and house hold cleaners, go to www.wellnessmama.com or www.eartheasy.com to find out how.
When considering the prospect of living a healthy, sustainable life, it’s important to ask yourself a question: How can “I” make a change and contribute to my wellbeing and the environment? Remember, every time you purchase a product you are in essence casting a vote of approval for companies to continue their practices.
The writers may be reached at Corinne.berkeley@gmail.com and Jaron_denson@yahoo.com.