Every Dollar is a Vote.

Politics? I'm not so big on politics. But I am big on voting. I vote almost every day. I vote when I purchase locally grown produce. I vote when I purchase organic foods. I vote when I support locally owned stores and restaurants. I vote when I don't buy gas from BP. I vote when I purchase a product that is eco-friendly. I vote when I do those silly little energy savers that are passed around in chain emails. I vote when I turn off the TV.



How can we live in a world that is stuck between consumerism and sustainability? That answer is simple. Everyday, understand that how you spend your money counts toward the kind of products and services that are in demand. I believe that it is possible to exist in a world that is comfortable, convenient, joyous, and limitless without the pillaging of natural resources. Vote (spend!!) and demand that local produce suppliers who practice organic and sustainable agriculture remain profitable.



We are at a tipping point in our global history. The challenge we face is that in every example I can think of, it is more challenging, more expensive, and takes longer to choose the sustainable and earth-friendly option. Ever been to your local landfill? You will see very quickly how necessary sustainable and renewable technologies are in need!

As a consumer, your vote counts. Your vote happens every time you make a purchase, or choose not to make a purchase. It is no mistake that every business operates to earn a profit. So the practices of that business answer to the owners/shareholders. The unfortunate truth is that most will pillage any resource in the name of preserving the bottom line. The Fortunate truth is that in the end, they answer to the consumer; you and I, and how we spend our dollars. You are saying no to Big Agriculture and widespread use of pesticides when you buy from a local farmer. You honor the very origin of your human body when you eat fresh seasonal produce. You say no to Big Beef and Pork when you purchase from a local farmer/rancher or meat supplier. You say no to Big Oil when you purchase a Hybrid, or ride your bike.



Use your vote to support the industries and companies that are willing to go out on that limb and charge a bit more for their product or service in the name of being sustainable. With an ounce of faith, you have to believe that we will shift the balance toward "Big" not being synonymous with "Bad". Tell the shareholders that we want them to invest in solar energy, green-packaging, organic products, hybrid technology, waste reduction, recycling/reuse advancements, and goodness.



It's not about being an earth muffin or tree hugger. It's about preservation in this lifetime. It's about changing the world with your daily vote.

If we take care of our planet - it will take care of us....even at the pool!

This little gem of information showed up via email a couple of days ago and I thought I would share it with all of you!
Making the Ultimate Transition is not just about changing the number on the scale -- its about seeing things in a different way and starting to do things in a different way -- hope this helps :)

~Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one
cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5,
Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus,
Potassium and Zinc.




~Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and
pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and
Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for
hours.

~Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in
a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long.
The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a
scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them
flee the area.




~Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out
or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your
problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause
the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and
reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

~Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber
slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free.
Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish
essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium,
avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

~Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge?
Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European
trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

~Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the
spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the
boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing,
relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and
college students during final exams.

~Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth
with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the
phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for
causing bad breath.

You have to love Mother Nature - she has the best ideas!!!
Have a great day!