This was first reported  by the Wall Street Journal on January 9, 2010 and it is far too important not to write about. According to Dr. Mercola “the U.S. government is encouraging farmers to spread a chalky waste from coal-fired power plants on their fields to loosen and fertilize soil” .

Each year, the waste left over from burning coal generates 125 to 130 million tons of ash and sludge — enough to fill a million railcars. Currently, about 40% of that waste finds it way into new products and 60% is stored in ponds or pits, mostly on utility property.

Because there is a crack down on emitting acid rain causing chemicals into the atmosphere, most of what was once launched into our air, is now being stored on land, which inevitably leaches into our soil and water. This was the case with a spill from a coal ash pond near Knoxville, TN, just over a year ago. Thus the discussion about what to do with all this by-product. According to Dr. Mercola, “while the EPA and USDA are recommending the use of this toxic byproduct on fields, the Obama administration is also in the process of drafting the first federal standards for storage and disposal of coal wastes. The White House and the EPA are currently at odds over how to handle the more than 125 million tons of coal ash and sludge waste generated each year, reports the Wall Street Journal.”

What can we do?

The only solution that appears to be emerging is to buy local. Dr. Mercola reports that it appears the use of FGD gypsum may have trickled into organic farming as well, since it’s not considered a petroleum-based soil additive, which is forbidden in organic farming. We must therefore, bring this matter to the attention of our local, organic farmers. We must make our voices heard.

Ever since watching Food Inc, I have become more and more interested in researching GMO (genetically modified organisms) in our food. Frankly (no pun intended), I think it’s a scary era of Frankenfoods that we are entering. The consequences of these genetically altered foods on our bodies, won’t be known for quite a while. I have made it my duty now to be a hyper vigilant shopper and to share any and all info that I come across with you all.

Perhaps one of the most disturbing foods that may contain GMO is Baby Formula in the form of corn syrup, corn syrup solids, or soy lecithin. Yes, breast is best, but it’s not a viable option for many and I think it’s irresponsible of formula manufacturers to allow anything impure to enter the bodies of our innocent children. Parents pay dearly for a container of formula and expect quality for their children. The Institute for Responsible Technology has compiled a list of GMO and Non GMO products that are found everyday in supermarkets across this continent. As part of this list baby formula is listed:

I watched Food Inc. over the weekend, and for those of you who have yet to see this documentary…It is a must! It is a true eye opener to the sneaky practices of the few companies who monopolize our food supply. You will never eat the same way again! I can’t in good conscience even feed my child a muffin from a coffee shop now without questioning the ingredients. I have become even more particular about what I feed my family. I think so many of us are just naive when it comes to what we’re putting into our bodies. We just don’t want to believe that our government and the companies producing the foods don’t have our best interest in mind and in fact are knowingly creating food that is bad for us.

As they say in the documentary, we can vote for proper nutrition 3x/day. We as a society need to demand good quality food by voting with our hard earned money. We need to spend our money on quality and demand that our supermarkets supply our demand.

…that is all for my rant today.

With all the media coverage as of late regarding the H1N1 I’m finding it very difficult to discern fact from fear. It seems apparent to me that the hopes of many is that fear alone will send everyone running to their doctor to roll of their sleeve for the flu vaccine. I am personally very leery of this vaccine for many reasons, one of which is simply because it doesn’t appear to me that they have had sufficient time to truly evaluate the long term effects of it. Regardless, the only true method of protecting myself and my family from the severity of the flu that I subscribe to is also recommended by Dr. Kim:

Continue reading Protect Yourself from the Flu without Vaccinations

I made this tonight for the first time for my kids. It was one of those make it up as you go meals. My goal was simple: make something nourishing, that includes veggies that can’t be seen or detected, yet tasty. We sneaky chefs have to stick together, especially considering all my kids seem to be turning their noses up at veggies these days. My oldest actually said this is the yummiest mac and cheese he’s ever had and wants to eat it everyday! How’s that for a glowing review

Pink Mac & Cheese (measurements are at your discretion)

Water

Macaroni noodles (I used organic Kamut)

Butter

Flour

Milk

Cheddar and Mozzarella (grated)

Steamed Beets and Carrots (pureed)

Boil water and cook macaroni. While the noodles cook, melt butter in a saucepan on low heat. Add flour and stir until butter is absorbed. Slowly add milk and whisk until there are no lumps. Remove from heat and whisk in cheese until melted then add pureed veggies and strained pasta. Serve immediately and await fanfare.