The DARK Act (not Star Wars related)

I'm sure you've all heard a thing or two about GMO's.  GMO = genetically modified organism.  Let's suffice it to say that in the matter of food, this means that conventional crops have had genetic changes making them different than before - generally to make them more resistant to pests.  Whether this is safe for human consumption or not is beyond the scope here because I believe we can all agree that we deserve to know more about the food we eat.  Going to the grocery store turns American's into food detectives searching to understand what it is they are buying!  And how are we to even have a chance when the labels are not telling us what we need to know!?

And it's not just the manufacturers or producers of food that prohibit us from this understanding, but it's the government as well.  This isn't a corrupt government rant, but rather I speak from the saddened heart of a person that really does care! 

At the end of March 2015 H.R. 1599 was introduced bearing the name "Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015."  Sounds awesome...but it is not so awesome.  It was actually a re-introduction from the year prior when the bill was soon renamed by the outraged public and many industry groups that do not support it as "Deny Americans The Right to Know Act" or the DARK Act.  In short summary, some of the not so awesome highlights of the bill are:

• States are denied the right to make their own labeling laws.  Some states have passed GMO labeling laws that would not be allowed to take effect.  Don't forget, people in those states voted for those laws.
• It allows self-regulation of food producers to be the official law of the land.  If the company says it is safe for you to eat, then I guess it is right?  The FDA can review the company's own assessment and challenge it.  They can, but will they?  Can they in a 180 day time limit?
• It does not help us further clarify what "natural" on food labels actually means.  It could mean that the cow your beef came from was feed GMO food.  Hmmm...I might want to know that.
• Oh, and a company is permitted to label its product as GMO but they are not required to.  In today's climate, I'm wondering who out there is going to place "GMO" on the label?

So, maybe you have heard or you might be surprised (or not so surprised) to hear that on July 23, 2015 the House passed this bill.  Yeah, our government just decided we don't need proper food  labeling.  And it wasn't close, it passed 275-150 votes.  While this bill was most specific to GMO labeling, it can only make me think that any other proper labeling of food may not get that much support in congress as many consumers would like.

So what's next?  Well, the bill is now in committee within the Senate.  If it passes the Senate, then it will be sent to the President to become law, so there is still time to let your Senators know that you DO NOT want this bill to pass!

First Aid On The Go!

Part of living a cleaner, greener life involves making over your medicine cabinet and learning about new ways to assist your body in healing from common aliments.  It is also great to have some of those first-aid type items on the go with you.  So today, I'm spilling the contents of my purse...haha, right.  Well, I'm showing you what items I have on hand...in a pouch...in my purse for when I'm out and about.  It's pretty cool how much stuff can fit in such a small space!  So here goes:

1. Essential oil blend for tension.  I can easily get tension headaches and this is what I use when I feel one coming on to help provide relief.  And so, it's helpful to have a small (5ml) roller bottle all ready to go in my purse.

2. Boo Boo Blend or Owie Blend: In this 5ml bottle with a spritzer on top I have combined Lavender and Melaleuca essential oils with fractionated coconut oil to be at the ready for any skin wounds or discomfort. With soothing and antibacterial properties, it can be pretty handy with two little boys!

3. Bug Bite Stick: In a lip balm container I made up a little concoction with essential oils, olive oil, and beeswax.  It's great for soothing any discomfort caused if those little guys attack you, the bugs that is.

4. Homemade Bug Spray: You just never know where you might end up.  Best to be prepared this time of year.

5. Correct-X: A non-petroleum based ointment for skin care.  Super awesome!

6. Deep Blue Rub: I ordered some sample packets to have for travel and keep a few in my purse too.  This lotion with essential oil blend provides relief to sore, achy muscles.

7. A key chain holding eight 5/8 drams.  It can be incredibly hard to choose but here is what I chose and a reason or two why:

•  Peppermint: I often use this when I feel a headache coming on but in the summer time I will spritz it directly on the back of my neck when I get too hot.  It aids my body in cooling down.
• Digestive blend: In case of any tummy troubles on the go.
• Grounding blend: This helps to balance out our moods if need be and sometimes it need be.
• Immunity blend: This is an immunity boosting blend.  If you start hacking on me, I might just rub this on.  No offense.  And sometimes, kids go to really gross places and find the grossest things possible.  It's like having peace of mind in a small bottle.
• Respiratory blend: We use this to assist with respiratory issues, especially when a stuffy nose sets in.
• Lavender: One of the most useful essential oils in my opinion! Too many uses to list here.
• My focus blend: This blend of peppermint and wild orange essential oils really helps me to wake up a bit.  Great to just take a sniff of!  Very awesome on long car drives.
• Grapefruit: I love adding some grapefruit to my water and if you end up some place where you don't love the taste of the water, it makes for a simple fix.  Grapefruit and other citrus oils can help our bodies release toxic build up.

So that's my little tour!  I do enjoy having these items handy for when I need them on the go.  Certainly, you can mix things up and even add more if you like.