Eco-Friendly Picks

I am always on the lookout for new products and food items. Here are some cool products to check out that I came across recently.

Natural Glow Facial Towelettes
Gentle, biodegradable and natural, these facial wipes are sure to freshen you up anytime of the day. Made with organic cucumber , aloe vera and Dead Sea minerals they are perfect for sensitive skin.



Vie Luxe Soy Candle
Scented with hyancinth and narcissus, this soy candle will make any room happy. The glass holder is recyclable and the candle is biodegradable.



Water Bobble
This water bottle has everything you need at no cost to the Earth. Not only does it have a filter attached its BPA free, recyclable and reusable. Its also made right here in the USA.



Sprout Watch
Not only is this watch cute but its made out of corn resin, bamboo and organic cotton. The packaging is recyclable and the battery is mercury free. And its only $30!



Loop Works - Laptop Protector
Made from 100% upcycled nylon neoprene this cover is big on protection and sustainability. It comes in white and yellow and has two zippered pockets for anything you want to carry.



IPhone Mojito
This case is great to hold your IPhone or IPod Touch along with money, credit cards and more. Made from vegan leather and microfiber lining it is friendly to the Earth as well. Check out the other products at this store too!

Hiding Behind Our Words

I recently read an article In VegNews that got me thinking. It was about how people hide behind words and use a more comfortable language to define what they are eating. It is so true. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau is right when she says, "we tend to sugarcoat what we eat with language that conceals what we're actually putting in our mouths". I am sure this has crossed my mind before considering humans have been doing it for centuries. Hell, I even did it when I ate meat. But the more I think about it the issue really gets under my skin.

We all know the terms hamburger, steak, bacon, pork, etc. No one goes to a restaurant and orders dead cow or pig flesh. However, that is exactly what they are eating. It is much easier for people to say and hear the titles we have given dead animals so we enjoy eating them more. Colleen says it perfectly by adding, " when an animal lays dead on the side of the road, we call it a carcass, but when an animal lays dead on our plate, we call it dinner". It is a total contradiction! Does this imply that humans who eat meat are pussies for not speaking the truth? Or are they just weak in justifying their meat eating actions?

The use of false titles when describing animals keeps you more unaware of the horrible things that are involved. It also lessens the animals dignity and existence. We see them as commodities rather than the beautiful creatures they really are. Hence, the fact that you are all hiding behind words. When people talk about vegetables and natural foods they say exactly what they are. There is no need to make up a different word for carrot or potato. That would be silly. So vegetarians can smile in their freedom to speak truth of what goes into their bodies. There is no need for them to hide behind language to feel better about their actions or to conform to society. "One of the joys of becoming vegetarian is that there is no need to euphamize, assuage, pretend, or romanticize", states Goudreau. I totally agree!

So for now on I am going to speak the truth. If someone talks about meat I will use the proper words and correct them. Let's see if they feel comfortable eating dead cow flesh the next time they order a hamburger. Maybe as they explain how good their steak is I can say, "good, its always tasty when rotting dead flesh hangs out in your body". You think they still would want dessert? This will simply be a test to see how people react. It just might be fun! If you are up for it, try it out as well. I would love to hear some feedback from readers as to what reactions they get. This should definitely be interesting.

Why is America So Damn Fat?

Obesity is a huge problem in our country and everyone knows it. Why is it that people in America are the fattest among other countries in the world? There have been tons of studies and research done to help figure this issue out but its no secret why 75% of Americans are overweight. For one thing, we have way too much food here. Secondly, we consume too much. I really feel that its kind of disgusting how people just buy, spend and eat without thinking twice about it. Talk about waste. This country has enough of it. Besides all that, there are a number of reasons that factor in to this “why are we the fattest country?”, question. I read a great book a couple of years ago by Kevin Trudeau. In this book I came across a lot of information that changed my life. One chapter is dedicated to why people are fat and I want to share with you what I have learned from reading it.

One thing we all know is that if one has a slow metabolism they will gain weight quicker. This is due to certain organs not working properly. So if this is you than you really need to figure out why something is not functioning as it should. Here are some reasons why you may have a slow metabolism:

Hypoactive thyroid, this means that your body’s process to converting food to energy is slow. One main cause of this is fluoride. Here in America there is fluoride in the drinking water. We are one of the only countries who insist on putting this garbage in our water. Not only is it a contributing factor to our obesity problem but it has been found to cause cancer, lower IQ, change bone structure and strength, impair the immune system, cause birth defects, increase lead exposure and cause osteoarthritis to name a few. Is there a reason it is in our water! This is crazy. Children seem to be more susceptible to the dangers so take extra caution around your little ones. Make sure your toothpaste is fluoride free as well! I have listed some products that are safe to use in earlier posts so check them out and do some safe shopping!

Another cause may be problems with the pancreas. If your pancreas secretes insulin at a much faster pace (which is commonly found in overweight people) take a good look at the food your eating. Considering you are in bad health I think its time to start eating better anyway! Many food additives and refined sugars cause this pancreatic problem. Most of these additives aren’t used in other countries. Why America? Do you really think big business cares about us? No, they don’t. That is why its important to eat natural and organic food and use only the best natural products in your home. Its the only way to beat the system and live a toxic free life.

Two other causes of an under active thyroid is a clogged liver and a slow digestive system. The liver is a vital part of your body. It detoxifies and helps things run smoothly. If your liver is clogged that is a bad sign. What causes this to happen you ask. Well, to name a few: prescription and over the counter drugs you have taken. Specifically, drugs to reduce cholesterol. Again, fluoride plays a part as well as chlorine. All food additives, artificial sweeteners, refined sugars and preservatives as well. This doesn’t surprise me at all. Once again the pharmaceutical companies prove to be sneaky and harmful as do major food companies and brands. As far as having a slow digestive system, well, if you don’t produce enough enzymes your food will not convert properly to energy. This resulting in a lot of stored fat. Yuck! This is caused by candida yeast overgrowth. I know, it sounds gross. Once again you can thank antibiotics for this one. When you take medicine it kills the flora in your intestines which allows candida to live happily ever after. It slowly gets to your colon then spreads to the cell walls which in turn slows down your digestion.

Hmm, so what you put in your body is the main factor in causing a slow metabolism. Who knew! Its really ones own fault why they may be overweight. People need to learn to have some control on life and not let society lead them in the wrong direction. One more thing that can cause obesity is exercise. That should be common sense. People need to have strong muscle. I don’t mean go ahead and start lifting weights like a bodybuilder. Please, that is disgusting and not healthy at all! But to walk 2 miles a day and exercise for 30 minutes 3 times a week, now that is something everyone can do. It will make such a difference and you will feel 100 times better.

So now we can go over the other reasons why people are so damn fat.

1. Eating when you aren’t hungry - people do this because they are stressed, have emotional issues or simply crave food. Go to therapy, get happy and stop eating crap!
2. Having a large appetite - this is due to yeast overgrowth and lack of nutrients that your body is unable to produce. On top of that it could be the horrible additives in the food you are eating which increase your hunger.
3. Hormonal imbalance - if you are overweight your body can be secreting too much of a certain hormone rather than release an even amount of all. This can be caused by the lack of exercise and toxins in the body.
4. Eating large portions - Another huge problem in this country. We eat too much! Serving sizes should be smaller and packaging should be smaller size portions. In Europe, snacks and candy come wrapped up about 30% smaller than American sized packages as well as serving smaller restaurant portions. Try buying smaller dinner plates so you won't eat too much.
5. Diet food - Its funny how most diet food actually makes you fatter. Yep. its sad but true. If you notice that a lot of “diet” foods out there are low fat, sugar free, low carb, light and lean. Well, all this is garbage! They may say these things to lure you to buy them, which you do, but its all a lie. These so called “healthy foods” contain artificial sweeteners, chemical additives and lots of sugar. So in the end, these foods make you hungrier and want more. Before you know it, poof, your fatter than you were before!
6. Toxins - when you are overweight you are highly toxic. Your body tries to dilute the poisons and you retain water which increases the stored fat. Have you ever noticed that people who take lots of medicine become bloated and fat over time? There you go!
7. Eating before you go to bed - Plain and simple, when you eat before bed your body does not burn it off because your metabolism slows down. If you must eat something than try some fruit or granola.
8. Growth hormones - Another reason why people should eat natural food. If meat is not natural and organic there is close to a 100% chance they were injected with growth hormones to speed up production. Eat a lot of meat? You are injecting yourself with these chemicals! What the animals eat will only go into your body. ugh.....how could anyone feel comfortable with that! Just the thought of these poor animals being treated like that makes me upset. The best thing to do is stop eating meat altogether!
9. Having a fat vision - This plays on the mindset of obese people. If you think about your weight a lot than you will become what you are thinking.

I hope that this will help you whether you are overweight and want to do something about it or just want to live a healthier life. Again, the food companies and big business do not care about its consumers. Wake up people! Only you can make a change for the better and its no one else’s fault but yours if it doesn’t happen. Be strong, have confidence and take care of your body and mind. Living smart is key to being toxic free.

How to Start Living Green

Some people think that living green is a hard lifestyle to maintain. It isn’t. You do in fact need to make changes and be more aware of your environment. Now if that is too hard to do than I would question your priorities and the everyday choices you make. Not to be judgmental but there is a certain responsibility that we all have as humans to take care of our planet and live the best lives we can. If we don’t understand the importance of that than we are in big trouble. Now is the time to change your life for the better and finally feel a sense of pride that you never thought you could. Its 2010 people. It’s never too late to try to become the person you never thought you could be.

The first thing to do is take a look at your life and see what you can change asap. Whether its buying natural and organic food or taking a walk instead of driving, taking baby steps is perfectly fine. You want these changes to be fun and exciting! And with a positive view and peaceful state of mind you will get there. You must realize that a lifestyle change such as this one will also change who you are as a person. That is the true meaning of being green. Having the eco-friendly vision everyday come natural and not thinking twice about an earth-friendly decision. Its about realizing that you, the people you love and the earth are worth much more!

Here are 10 easy simple ways to get started. You can do them at your own pace and take the time you need. The more you start doing, the more you will be comfortable with your new lifestyle!

Recycle & Reuse: I am surprised when I hear that someone does not recycle. Shame on you! If everyone in America recycled we could decrease the waste in landfills by 75%. Sounds good to me! Another way to recycle is to reuse. Bags you get from the grocery store, packaging, rags to clean and even refilling your ink cartridges for your printer. These all make a difference.

Take a shorter shower: You can conserve more than 10 gallons by just shortening your showers by 2 minutes. Not to mention your water bill! Just think how much that would be if everyone did the same.

Junk Mail: We all get crap in the mail that goes straight to the garbage. Instead of throwing it out recycle it instead. If you want to reduce your junk mail or rid of it forever you can register with the Mail Preference Service. It only costs $1 and you can do it online. Its that easy so there is no excuse! Just go to www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglist.

Curtains & Blinds: During summer and winter keep your blinds closed. That will keep your house cooler when its hot out and warmer when its cold. By doing this you can reduce your energy needs up to 25% and save on your electric bill!

Use fewer napkins: When you are out try to take 2 -4 napkins instead of 10. We all do it. You go to the movies and get popcorn. Well you need tons of napkins because of the butter! Do your best to conserve and more than a billion pounds of napkins could be saved from landfills each year!

Subscribe to magazines: You could save up to 75% off the newsstand price if you simply subscribed. Plus, who wouldn’t want the convenience of coming home to your favorite publication! About 60% of the magazines at stores aren’t sold and wind up getting dumped. What a waste!

Unplug electronics: Not only will you save money but tons of energy as well. Surprisingly enough, even though they are turned off your electronics are still using 10 - 15% of energy. Just unplugging your TV alone can save more than $1 billion in energy bills if we all did it.

Carpool to work: If it is possible, try to hitch a ride with another coworker or even a friend that may work in the same area. You would save hundreds of gallons of gas and not to mention the $$ in your pocket. Another plus of carpooling is less traffic. We don’t need any more cars on the road or any more road rage!

Pay your bills online: Why waste money on stamps and envelopes when you can pay all your bills online. Thats the convenience of the internet! Take advantage and save time and money.

Paper or plastic: The best solution is to use reusable bags. Nowadays, every retail store sells them and they are usually under $5 so its worth it. Plus they are stronger and more reliable. But if you have to choose one than go with paper. And don’t forget to recycle and reuse!

I hope that you can follow these steps and have fun in the process. Just think about all the great choices you are making and the difference you are able to achieve. With these 10 steps you are well on your way to an eco-friendly life!

Food Rules

My previous website, d+eco, was a great place for me to blog about all the issues that Revolt is about. Considering the site is not running anymore I wanted to take a look back at some of my posts and share them here. I know a lot of you did not get to read them and I feel they are very important for everyone to see. So this post is one of them. Enjoy!

I recently purchased a great book from author Michael Pollan and I wanted to share it with you. It is called Food Rules and I feel it is highly important for everyone to get it. It is set up in three sections: What you should eat, how you should eat and what kind of food you should be putting in your body. We all know that when it comes to food there are boundaries. Growing up we had our parents and grandparents telling us to eat healthy and stay away from the “junk”. Well, they were right. Except, nowadays “junk” is in everyone’s supermarket, pantry, fridge and table. You may think you are eating healthy but I can bet you aren’t. The so called Western diet is a huge problem in this country. We have ruined food. If we can even call it that anymore.

Every week you shop down the aisles of your local market and wind up buying chemicals, sugar, fats, disease and tons of other processed garbage. This garbage is being served on your dinner table and getting fed to your family. Don’t you think your family is worth a little more than that? You may know the facts but are you acting on them? Its time to be responsible for your body and health as well as the people around you. These days I just can’t believe that people don’t realize that about 90% of the food being sold in most supermarkets is toxic. How can you not know? I hate to call people stupid but hey, if the shoe fits. Im sorry, but if you are not aware of the major problem in this country than you need to wake up! Yes, it is a major problem. This Western diet is making the people of this country very sick and it needs to stop. Obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes are all caused by the food industry. Big business is selling you crap and they are making you believe that its good for you! WIth every commercial and every package they continue to lie because they know you will believe them. And you all are!

Well, I do not fall into the trap of deception and false advertisement. I do not let this industry take control of my life. I realize and know for a fact that they are all in it together and unless I take action and eliminate them all I will not be free. Free to be healthy and guilt free. I ask all of you to think twice about what you put in your body. Think about how people are getting sick and deteriorating due to the crap on the shelves and how much money they waste on medication and doctor visits to stay alive. It is not a coincidence! Unless you eat all organic and natural foods you are in trouble. You may think you are ok but most likely you aren’t. Here are some rules from Pollan’s manual that I ask all of you to read and consider. It is time to gain control back and feel the best you have ever felt. I promise that these rules will help you get there.

1. Avoid food products containing ingredients that no ordinary human would keep in the pantry.
2. Avoid food products that contain high-fructose corn syrup.
3. Avoid foods that have some form of sugar (or sweetener) listed among the top three ingredients.
4. Avoid food products that contain more than five ingredients. (this does not include ingredients in a recipe)
5. Avoid food products containing ingredients that a third-grader cannot pronounce.
6. Avoid products that make health claims as well as ones that include the words “light”, “low-fat” and “nonfat”.
7. Avoid foods that are pretending to be something they are not. (example: margarine)
8. Avoid foods you see advertised on television.
9. Stay away from the middle of the supermarket and shop in the fresh aisles.
10. Eat only foods that will eventually rot.
11. Eat foods made from ingredients that you can picture in their raw state or growing in nature.
12. Get out of the supermarket when you can and shop more at farmer’s markets.
13. Eat only foods that are cooked by other humans and not corporations.
14. Don’t ingest food in places where everyone is required to wear a surgical cap.
15. If it came from a plant, eat it; if it was made in a plant, don’t.
16. Its not food if it arrived through the window of your car.
17. It’s not food if its called the same name in other languages. (example: Big Mac)

If you want to read more than you can purchase Michael Pollan’s manual on Amazon for $5. Yep, only $5!! So, there is no excuse. For $5, you can gain tons of important insight and change your life for the better. I would also suggest you look into Pollan’s other books for they are highly praised. Remember, by making these positive changes you not only stay healthy, longer, but you feel strong and more positive from the inside. If you continue to choose to be a victim of the food industry you are the only one to blame. I just feel bad for the people and children you are responsible for. They will all suffer from your bad habits and ignorance. Its time to stop this deadly cycle and evolve for change!

Other books by Michael Pollan: In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, In Defense of Food: The Myth of Nutrition and the Pleasures of Eating, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Second Nature: A Gardener’s Education, The Omnivore’s DIlemma for Kids: The Secrets Behind What You Eat, The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-Eye View of the World, A Place of My Own: The Architecture of Daydreams, A Place of My Own: The Education of an Amateur Builder.

Books that Pollan contributed to: Food Fight: The Citizen’s Guide to a Food and Farm Bill, Voices of the Land

Saving Every Penny

Last night Danny and I went to Stop N Shop real quick to pick up some almond milk. We haven't been there in awhile but having shopped there before I knew they had a pretty good natural/organic section. I was disappointed that they only had the almond milk in vanilla and chocolate, we like original, but was impressed with their selection and prices. In my last post I spoke about budgets and how we can all live an organic lifestyle. My visit to Stop N Shop just proves that a little more.

I love Whole Foods and will continue to shop there but I have found that some items we buy are cheaper at Stop N Shop. The whole idea of a budget is knowing what options you have. Never just confine yourself to one store to do all your shopping. There are three markets that I go to because they carry things I use at better prices. Even if it's $.10, it all adds up. Here are the few things I found from my visit to Stop N Shop last night.

- Quorn products are $4.79 which is $.20 cheaper than Whole Foods. It may seem small but when you buy at least 4 of these items like I do that adds up to $.80!
- Vitatop Muffins are $4.79 which is cheaper than most stores.
- Cliff Kid Chocolate Chip Energy Bars were $3.99 which is a big difference from Whole Foods $4.39.

You see this slight difference can help anyone on a budget. You need to be aware of what stores are selling and at what prices they are selling them at. Stop N Shop also had a very good selection of Amy's brand products at great prices! Since we didn't find the almond milk we wanted we drove over to Target and they had the Silk brand for $2.99 which is $.60 cheaper than other stores. That was the biggest deal of the night.

Support PETA

If you don't know what PETA is than you must live on another planet. They are one of the biggest animal rights organizations in the world and thank God they are here. I am a proud member of PETA and suggest you become one too. All it takes is a small donation and you can help them fight the fight! They have been doing such a great job since it started in 1980 and proves to be stronger each year. The organization has a huge list of accomplishments that you can view here. Recently, they got JCPenney, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralf Lauren to stop making and selling fur permanently as well as convincing Wendy's, Burger King, Popeyes, Harris Teeter and Winn-Dixie to treat the lives of farm animals better. I know they are very in your face but honestly that is the only way things will ever change.

I received a letter today from Ingrid Newkirk, the president of PETA, like many other members have. It mentioned that PETA was going through some major issues and needed the help of its supporters. The letter focused on the attacks that are being made by the Center for Consumer Freedom. The company has pretty much started a war with PETA and is trying anything they can to bring them down. They are even trying to get PETA's tax exemption status removed! Who the hell do they think they are? Here are some examples:

Peta Crushes Its Own Credibility
PCRM: The Doctor Is Out (of Line)
Take a Bite out of PETA
What Is the Center for Consumer Freedom, and Why Is It Attacking PETA?
PETA And Terrorism: The Real Deal



You know it makes sense that people and organizations that are not on PETA's side will only try to bring them down. The food industry, big business and government have always been this way and they will continue to represent this country in a horrible manner. The people who want to make real change will just have to fight harder. Much like PETA has in the previous years. There are plenty of people who are against PETA and thats fine. Its a free country. But there are also millions who support them. Go ahead and read up for yourself. Remember that PETA is not the only animals rights organization out there. Here are some others:

Mercy for Animals
ASPCA
Animal Concerns
Born Free
Doris Day Animal League
Farm Sanctuary
Humane Society
In Defense of Animals
Last Chance for Animals
The National Anti-Vivisection Society
Vegan Action

Personally, I am sick and tired of all this shit. The bad people bringing the good people down. All this needs to change and I hope that someday all of the good ones will rise above the rest. Only then will this place be a better, more loving Earth.