The Cradle to Cradle Concept - Waste=Food

I have attacked conspicuous consumerism several times in the recent past. Recently, I found a potential solution to a problem which threatens our future. Cradle to Cradle or C2C, is a concept based on life cycles found in nature (where there are no landfills). It focuses on using non-toxic and truely reusable materials (or truely biodegradable) to produce useful products while minimising pollution and maximising efficiency and renewable energy use. We would no longer work against nature. This film provides a very good explanation of the concept:



C2C will require some large changes, but it will address or problems of pollution, waste of natural resources, and waste storage. It is truely sustainable. One advantage will appeal to corporations and shareholders - it is possible to reduce overall costs.

For details of Cradle to Cradle certification, click here.

Many of my designs feature themes of consumerism and environmental concerns, but I'll leave you with this one today. I think it summarizes the thinking behind C2C - food for thought.

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Nation Building?

We hear a lot about the term "nation building" when Iraq and Afghanistan are discussed. Many countries have fallen under the influence of the US at some point, and Latin America contains many examples. Latin American countries are currently working to achieve independence from the US by organizing and working together. Do those countries dislike the US simply because of ideological differences? We need only look at the interactions of the last few decades...



Cuba, Guatemala, Chile, El Salvador, Grenada, Nicaragua... the list goes on. Were we just fighting communism?

Are You On The Freedom Train?

What is the Freedom Train? I'll let Abe Osheroff describe it for you:



Abe was a lifelong social activist. Here is his last public appearance at the age of 92:



This isn't the post I'd planned to make today, but I think that sometimes inspiration is as important as the truth. I'll save my facts for another post. See you on the Freedom train.

The Bitter Truth

There is a poison in most of our food. We don't think of it as a poison, but it is. That poison is fructose (and of course HFCS). It helps to make us obese, and damages our organs. It is in most US food because it is very sweet and very cheap. It actually metabolises as fat! This presentation explains the bitter truth:



In it, Robert H. Lustig, MD, UCSF Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology provides details of the problem facing us. If you don't have 90 minutes (and I recommend you find the time), at least watch the summary during the last 5 minutes.

The toxic effects of artificial sweeteners are another subject, and I have covered that topic in the past. I think it is much more beneficial to learn to avoid heavily processed foods - especially those with fructose. Stay away from soft drinks (see the coca cola conspiracy mentioned in the video). I know our portion sizes are too big, and we don't practice enough restraint or self control when it comes to food. I think there are many factors which lead to obesity.

A balanced, high fiber diet which is low in processed foods (and added salt, fat and fructose), and plenty of exercise, is your best option for a healthy life. Don't take my word for it - watch the presentation and decide for yourself!