As I ponder the possibility that Prop 37 might not pass now that the big 6 chemical companies have spent upwards $30Million to create fear amongst the voters, it is clear to me that we are too susceptible to what we see and hear in the mainstream media (TV, Radio, Print). It’s also clear that many Americans lack any semblance of ethics. I realize that’s a pretty bold statement but I’ll stand behind it all day long. I can provide a litany of examples on a daily basis where the ‘me first’ mentality blocks any reasonable approach to doing the right thing. It’s even worse when we have allowed a corporation to become an ‘entity’ that is provided similar rights to the individual. In the case of Monsanto, we have provided a vehicle in which, by law, is forced to act in the interests of it’s shareholders and their need for profits. These actions often fly in the face of reason due to those profit pressures. Since the company is inanimate, that means that decisions are being made by humans who’s first concern is taking care of their needs. What is most disturbing in all of these folks inability to see past their own concerns is the fact that many have children. How is it as a parent, that you would support anything that potentially puts your children or your children’s children at further risk? That is the question I want to ask the leadership at Monsanto, Dow, etc. Wouldn’t they want to know the long term concerns of their work on humans, especially children? Let’s completely understand the risk, if any, before we put these types of foods into our bodies. In addition, if I were in charge and felt that these foods were absolutely safe I would not hesitate to be part of a long term study in order to prove their safety. I wouldn’t feel right pushing a product that I couldn’t 100% stand behind. Let’s see that commitment from the leadership at Monsanto. Starting to make sense?? Frankly, without a public statement to this effect by Monsanto and the others that are against Prop 37, all of us should be skeptical of their stance. Let’s err on the side of caution by VOTING YES on PROP 37. At least be informed as to whether or not GM foods are part of the foods you’re eating. No one in the companies that have created these transgenic foods is willing to be part of any human trials so the ‘science’ that could make this proposition a non issue has never been accomplished. That by itself is enough for me to know that I have only one choice next Tuesday. YES on 37!
Category: SunRidge Blog
Who really should ‘fear’ Prop 37
Whose afraid of Prop 37?? Well it’s clear that Monsanto, Dow, and a few others are frightened to death. They’ve brought this upon themselves though, so we shouldn’t feel too bad for them. It’s great that leadership in some of these companies is old school and hasn’t yet learned their lessons from the tobacco industry. No way that negative information doesn’t leak out in this day and age. Thank you Google! Yahoo! Netscape! AOL! and all of the others. Add in Twitter and Facebook and we know almost instantly when these companies are trying to play games with us. It’s pretty clear why they are afraid, but I want us to realize ‘how’ we made them afraid and where our efforts to direct this ‘fear’ should manifest next.
California’s ballot initiative process is unique. PROP 37 is a perfect example of the power of the initiative process. We, the People, put this forward – not the politicians, not the lobbyists. We bypassed the ‘garbage’ that sits in Sacramento and put what we wanted to the voters. We should be examining and learning from PROP 37’s ups and downs so that we can create even more ballot initiatives that put more power in our hands. Our legislature has been inept for decades in California…NO WORRIES…let’s take the decision making out of their hands. Just because something has been done for a long time a certain way, doesn’t mean that we can ‘t look at different alternatives. It’s time for our elected officials to rally around the people and not lobbyists or influential donors. Let’s make sure that their fears are realized by VOTING YES ON PROP 37!
Trying to understand what’s important about Prop 37
I’m voting YES on Prop 37. Am I biased working for a natural foods company? Probably yes, but not in the manner you might think. As anyone who knows me, I don’t just do something for the sake of doing something. Discerning fact from fiction in the genetically modified foods arena is difficult since research is truly limited, especially as it relates to human impacts. No, I’m biased because of my personal experiences with these foods and what has happened since I found ways to limit their intake in to my body. What is particularly relevant to me is that the improvements in my health appear to be directly related to the food choices I was making. The choice to change came at the recommendation of a friend, not because I had educated myself on these foods. Now, having spent quite a bit of time researching GM foods and finding evidence of that suggests that we should be concerned, it’s easier for me to ensure I eat right. Even more poignant, the chronic disease/condition I had been diagnosed with was not in evidence at my last checkup. No disease found!! This is a condition that I had for almost 20 years and does not have a cure, per the doctor. These positive results have not been for just me. My doctor has encouraged his other patients to take this approach and though he cannot divulge too much per patient/doctor privacy laws he has told me that he has seen benefits to others. It mirrors the same experience I’ve had with my own family. Simply put, there is too much personal evidence for me to buy into the industry’s stipulation that GM foods are completely safe. Your personal experience may or may not be the same. Just because you aren’t showing signs now of issues associated with GM foods doesn’t mean the damage isn’t being done. It also may be that these foods won’t harm a certain percentage of people too. That being said –
What is important about Prop 37? In a nutshell it’s information. It took me quite a while to understand how to find foods that have not been modified or don’t contain modified ingredients. It should be simple and the labeling provision of Prop 37 is the best solution at this time. Is it perfect? No, but it does the job of providing a means for the consumer to better understand their food choices. I’m grateful that California had a process in place to get a piece of legislation on to the ballot that represents what a majority of people want.
On November 6, we get a chance to make our voice heard. I hope you’ll join me in a resounding YES VOTE on 37. Regardless, I also hope you’ll make the choice to eat better foods and help your body take care of itself. That much I can stand behind, politics aside.
GMO’s – mankind’s not so great idea
Five years ago, I had no idea about genetically modified organisms (GMO) and what it means in regards to the food we eat. I do now and do whatever I can to avoid foods grown or produced using any GM seeds. This is significantly more difficult than you think once you realize the scope of the use of GMO’s in food. Just see this link, http://www.labelgmos.org/the_science_genetically_modified_foods_gmo
The efforts of Monsanto and other companies to muddy the waters is very similar to the efforts of Big Tobacco in releasing information only when it’s favorable to their position. Monsanto, the largest of the GMO companies, actually is threatening to sue the State of Vermont over GMO labeling… http://rt.com/usa/news/monsanto-sue-gmo-vermont-478/
REALLY?? Just this information alone should be enough to simply enter the polls in California in November and VOTE YES to require GMO labeling.
Not quite convinced…try this on for size, http://www.naturalnews.com/036254_GM_corn_rootworm_crop_failures.html
There is plenty more evidence against GMO’s that we’ll be sharing.
Thanks for reading and we wish you great health!
SunRidge Farms
Memorial Day; Summer Coming
It was funny walking into the office today. Clearly, the weather has improved everyone’s moods as it is simply beautiful outside in Santa Cruz and it looks to stay that way for a bit. I think everyone is looking forward to Memorial Day Weekend as well. Just want to make sure that we reflect on those that have served and died as members of our Armed Forces. Whether you agree or disagree with any of the decisions made by our Commander’s in Chief over the last 200 + years, those that actually carried out their orders and made the ultimate sacrifice deserve our respect and honor.
Now that Summer is around the corner, we’re entering a great time of the year. It’s time to get the camping gear out, plan a trip to the beach or mountains, and enjoy. Here in California, we have amazing opportunities to get outdoors all of the time but summer is pretty special. From surfing to backpacking and everything in between it’s time to play. You’re going to need healthy energy to enjoy these activities and that’s why I wanted to mention SunRidge Farms’ snack and trail mixes, dried fruits and candies. These fantastic products are for your healthy lifestyle and that’s what really differentiates us from other ‘food companies’. Yes, we sell food – good foods, healthier foods, better ingredients, but what we really are after is improving your lifestyle by educating you on the choices you have for foods, the choices growers are making to ensure better crops are available and how you can avoid eating foods that have the potential to cause harm. We live by these lifestyle choices and choose to operate the company in this manner. Evaluate your food suppliers and really see what you’re eating. Use this summer to become healthier and better educated on staying that way. Let’s keep the American Dream strong by doing what is right and ethical, educate those around us to their betterment, and move with dignity in our dealings with each other.
From all of us at SunRidge Farms!
Earth Day 2012 – new possibilities, greater challenges
What do we see in our minds as we look out over the next 20 years? The next 50? How is the planet as we know it going to change in this short period? MIT has just predicted social and economic collapse as early as 2030. That’s only 18 years away!
Let’s hope that things aren’t that dire, but even if the prediction is off by years the impact by humans on the planet’s resources is without question. Swelling populations, an emerging global middle class, and the resulting basic needs AND material desires have begun to seriously impact the global economy. Since there is no turning off this engine, the question is how can we get closer to reusing/recycling almost everything we use?
In parts of the country plastic bags have been banned at retail stores and paper bags cost $.10 each. Inconvenient?? Maybe, but already I’ve noticed myself reusing the paper bags I already have 6-7 times before they get too beat up and I have to recycle them. Studies are showing that growing foods organically is as cost effective or better than commercial farming methods. Shopping the local farmers market is always a good idea. Learning to use raised farm beds for growing your own an even better idea. Check out Marshall Loskot’s plans for raised beds, www.herb-blossom.com. His are on platforms allowing him to move his wheelchair around and tend his garden that way. For able bodied folk, these beds allow for immediate organic farming methods to be accomplished without the stooping and bending over associated with traditional farming. Fewer pest issues and few pathogens are also part of the benefits of farming more than 18 inches above the ground.
One last way to have a positive impact and something that we, at SunRidge Farms feel very strongly about, is that of bulk food buying. We hope it’s our products for our efforts to source only high quality, sustainable, organic and Non-GMO foods and ingredients but recognizing that it’s bigger than just us. Buying in bulk reduces packaging costs significantly, thereby reducing the planetary impact on resources to produce that packaging. Those cost savings are passed on to the consumer so you get better pricing in bulk. When shipping products across the country, bulk items create more efficiencies leading to a reduced emissions impact by the service industry. This is just a few examples. To find out more, visit Bulk is Green at www.bulkisgreen.org or http://www.bulkisgreen.org/blog/post/Save-money-by-purchasing-bulk-food-in-bins.aspx
Take the steps today to plan for the future and do your part to minimize your impact on our planet. Remember, it’s Earth Day every day!
Eating better even more important now
As we move further into the 21st Century we’re realizing that cheap fuel is essentially gone, as is cheap labor. These two pressures alone will impact our food bills in the very near future. For many, an extra $10 in the gas tank is $10 less to spend on food. The possibility becomes eating foods that cost less and often have nutritional shortcomings. Let’s not let that become a choice for any of us. The benefits of eating healthier foods far outweigh any tangible fiscal benefit by a large margin and reducing the chance of long term health costs associated with poor diet provides even a more practical argument to ensure good foods are in your body.
Here’s how to eat better for less money –
1) Shop in Bulk – No, I’m not talking the big warehouse stores here…these are the bulk bins you find at your local grocer. In some cases 30-40% of the cost of food is in the packaging. You only pay for the actual food when buying bulk, and you can buy only as much as you plan to cook or eat.
2) Buy locally farmed products. If the vegetables and fruits you like are grown locally, then chances are you have riper, better harvested and stored produce. In addition, very little fuel was used to get the produce to the store which should translate into better pricing. Better food, less cost – good deal.
3) Eating healthier also leads to eating less. Over-consumption, related to empty calories often leads to overeating. A meal at a fast food establishment might offer 1000 calories but very little nutrition. The same few dollars at the local market will mean fewer calories ingested but much better use of those calories by the body.
These are just a few tips to eating better. Try these tips today and you’ll see for yourself.
We know we’re going to snack at the holidays – snack smarter with SunRidge Farms
It’s upon us. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and the holiday season is about to hit full force. The calorie fest of the next 6 weeks is our annual rite leading to the wonderful New Years resolutions that often are as fleeting as windless day on the ocean. Regardless, we do it each year because we finally get to see family and friends ( for real, not on video chat ) and can reengage and renew our substance as vibrant beings. Food and drink bring a sense of comfort and well being as we share our time with others and celebrate during this festive time. So, knowing that we will do the same things we’ve done before, what can we do that increases our enjoyment AND helps take care of our body ( and forthcoming resolutions ) ?
If this were ‘Health Magazine 2012’ we could talk about reducing your food intake, getting your hour a day of exercise, etc. but we’ll leave those obvious suggestions at the door since those will be part of the resolutions. We are a food company, however, and pride ourselves on foods that truly are healthier for you and your family. What do you know about GMO foods? How about organic versus all natural versus processed foods? What do you know about preservatives, food chemicals, and artificial colorings? If you went home today and looked in your pantry, what would you really find there? That’s what I thought….not too long ago, that was my pantry. The good news? This is easy to remedy with SunRidge Farms.
Did you know that SunRidge Farms supplies grains, quinoa, pasta, oats, rice, beans, flour, etc. to many grocery stores throughout the country. In many cases these items are NonGMO and organic. Quinoa is considered a superfood and is a great alternative to rice or pasta. When you shop in bulk instead of packaged, you can get exactly the quantity you need too, eliminating food waste and/or too many servings impacting your waistline. Check the bin labels for our SunRidge Farms name and you’ll know your getting exceptional staples to augment the holiday spreads on our tables.
What’s beyond the staples?? Well, how about fancy mixed nuts for the holiday snack bowl? or you can try Mountain Rainbow Trail Mix or Berries and Chocolate Antioxidant Mix, Yogurt Pretzels, and Organic Milk Chocolate Almonds. And this is just the beginning. It’s much easier to envision eating/snacking healthier when you consider SunRidge Farms offerings.
From all of us at SunRidge Farms – Happy Holidays – SNACK WELL!
Hetch Hetchy – Yosemite without the crowds
I’ve visited Yosemite National Park 18 times since coming to California in 1988. It wasn’t until this past week that my family and I took the ‘road less traveled’ and entered the park via Evergreen Road about 30 minutes outside of Groveland, CA on Hwy 120. The winding 8 mile drive into the park is beautiful, pine laden National Forest land interspersed with a 2 mile stretch of private land with striking meadows. As you pass the Evergreen Lodge on your left, remind yourself that this is where dinner is after your hike ( more on this later ). Just past the lodge you’ll drive through Camp Mather, a San Francisco Parks and Rec property. Another half mile and you come to the Yosemite entrance to Hetch Hetchy. We paid our $20 park fee (good for 7 days) and pulled into the parking lot above the reservoir. In case you don’t know, Hetch Hetchy is the primary water source for San Francisco created by damming the Tuolumne River. It’s a fascinating story in it’s own right. I won’t discuss it here but there is a quiet but growing movement to restore the valley to it’s natural state. Just a brief diversion…anyway we gathered our water for the hike and set out across O’Shaughnessy dam that creates the reservoir. With the immense snow pack this year our first view of Wapama Falls from across the water was incredible!! The Tuolumne river explodes over the spillway and starts it’s journey west. Crossing the dam we entered a tunnel carved from the granite as part of the dam creation. Exiting the far side we begin the 2.5 mile trek to the falls and the wooden bridges that cross the falls. You can count this among the easiest hikes in Yosemite as there is very little elevation gain and footing is quite good the entire way. None of us wore hiking boots for this trek and they weren’t needed. The roar of the overflow at the dam faded as we skirted the edge of the lake and quickly approached Wapama Falls. We could hear the water pounding before we turned the corner and saw the entire set of falls above us. This is the best part of the hike as the temperature dropped from 93 to 75 as we walked across the bridges set into the granite by the Park Service to allow access to the trail on the far side. Too noisy to talk, we just took in the incredible power of the water surrounding us with the occasional shower as bit more water hit an outcropping of rock just above us. Thoroughly refreshed, we started heading back towards the dam where we could dry off and snack before we hiked back. This is where SunRidge Farms snacks really come in handy. Try Mountain Rainbow Mix or Berries and Chocolate Antioxidant Mix (pick up SunRidge bulk mix at the Groveland Market in Groveland about 30 miles before the Hetch Hetchy turnoff ) when you hike and you’ll find the energy and nutrition that tastes absolutely incredible for your hike back where you can cool off in the spray from the dam overflow. Take the time to look back at the falls you just hiked to and just imagine the valley and canyon that John Muir described long before the dam was built. Agree or disagree with the dam, it is still an amazing place and worthy of being part of the NPS and Yosemite. The fact that you’ll see only a couple dozen hikers during the entire walk will have you coming back to enjoy Yosemite beauty without the crowds. Here’s a link to some info on how to get there – http://www.yosemitehikes.com/hetch-hetchy/wapama-falls/wapama-falls.htm
Here’s the other hidden gem: The Evergreen Lodge !! Whatever you do, finish the hike by 4:00 so you have time to meander back to the Lodge parking lot and visit the Tavern. Have a RedBreast Irish Whiskey (yes they pour RedBreast) and toast your day. Grab a seat outside the entrance to the dinner hall and be among the first in line for dinner at 5:30 as it will be packed. If your lucky you can sit outside and await a magnificent meal, which it will be. Just trust me! My wife and I liked it so much we drove back two nights later just to be sure that we weren’t crazy. We weren’t. Here’s the info for the lodge – http://www.evergreenlodge.com/ I just couldn’t keep this a secret…
Training ourselves to buy bulk – the ‘How To’ guide
This is a previous article that has relevance at Earth Day so here you go!
Buying in bulk is not everyone’s cup of tea. Convenience, storage, excellence in packaging, great colors, emerging technology, and strong marketing have led to incredible advances in how products are delivered, displayed, and eventually purchased by us. Concerns over theft, loss, breakage, and spoilage also impact retailer decisions regarding the implementation of bulk purchasing. Add in the Costco approach to bulk purchasing and it’s no wonder that bulk buying can be confusing by appearing to be more expensive ( how many 9V batteries did I really need?? ) than necessary. No matter how much sense it makes to consider buying bulk, our shopping habits have been formed/shaped with all of these influences which can make it hard to retrain ourselves. As with anything it takes a plan and we’re here to help with that first step.
Step 1 – Go through your pantry and refrigerator. Make a list of what you have and see how fresh your packaged foods really are. If you’re like me, you’ll find boxes of pasta that were tucked behind some canned goods and that the freshness dates sometimes go back several years (or longer). Oops, not so fresh anymore…and what is that behind the milk?? The benefits of this exercise are a cleaner pantry and fridge; an awareness that you’ve probably wasted a much larger percentage of food than you would ever imagine. Depending on the size of your pantry and refrigerator, this exercise shouldn’t have taken more than 30 minutes ( not including dusting and cleaning ).
Step 2 – Prepare your next shopping list. You know the foods you like to purchase and eat and now that you have a clean kitchen ( and probably more space since you’ve disposed of all of the old, out of date food ) so this part should be fun. Let’s say 10-15 minutes.
Step 3 – Clear a space in your pantry for storage containers (betting you have some space now ). What type of storage containers?? There are lots of possibilities here – Tupperware type products, lidded bins, cleaned and sterilized spaghetti sauce jars, pickle jars, etc. I like glass with screw on lids so I can see what is in the container and they fit in the pantry easily. If you really get serious you can find all kinds of fancy bins designed specifically for storing bulk foods. To stay even greener, you’ll find all kinds of great storage possibilities at Salvation Army, Goodwill, or other thrift shops, too.
Step 4- On your list, identify a few items that you normally buy packaged (pastas, grains, snack mixes, cereals, granola, etc.), assess how much usually gets thrown away. For example, if you regularly cook a pound of spaghetti but end up eating only 2/3 of the package, then you’re wasting a significant amount. I used to do it as it was easier to cook the whole package versus leaving a partial box to hopefully find again and use. Now you have a place to start. It’s time to shop.
Step 5 – Head to your favorite grocers bulk foods department. If you don’t have storage arranged yet, no worries…use your list to buy only the quantities you were consuming and not the amount that comes packaged. For example, buy 2/3 of a pound of a bulk spaghetti instead of a pound. Head home and prepare that meal.
Congratulations! You are now a bulk foods shopper. As you build on this, you’ll find that you can buy 3 pounds of pasta because you have the right storage container. It’ll cost you less than the 1 pound package and it’ll stay fresh while you use only what you need when you’re cooking. This is just the beginning…there are so many good foods in bulk that you’ll be amazed. To find more information on the benefits of bulk, visit the Bulk Is Green council at www.bulkisgreen.org or check back often to this blog or the SunRidge Farms website, www.sunridgefarms.com
