Harvard School of Public Health Press Release: Use of Common Pesticide Linked to Bee Colony Collapse

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/2012-releases/colony-collapse-disorder-pesticide.html

http://www.fallenfruit.org/index.php/about/

When I was reading the last chapter of the Omnivores Dilemma titled, “the Perfect Meal” the passage about how Pollan would gather his dessert stuck out to me. He explained how he had been walking the neighborhood in search for fruit to serve as a dessert. If a foot note he mentioned a “website devoted to the principle of usufruct that offers maps to publicly accessible fruit trees in Los Angeles.” So I decided to check out Fallenfruit.org. It gives detailed maps of areas in LA that have fruit trees ranging from avocados to figs to peaches. In the corner of each map they have there is a notice that reads, “take only what you need, say ‘hi’ to strangers, share your food, take a friend, go by foot.” I just thought this was an interesting idea, I’ve always thought it would be cool to grow a peach tree in my backyard and simply pick a juicy peach from it for a quick burst of energy. I think the idea of fallenfruit.org is unique but really does make a lot of sense, why let fruit fall to the ground and go to waste when it should be available to everyone.

http://opensourceecology.org/

“Open Source Ecology”

http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/responsible-living/stories/off-the-grid-communities-5-places-carving-a-sustainable-path

“Off-the-grid communities: 5 places carving a sustainable path”

Boston channel Video:  http://www.thebostonchannel.com/video/30990799/detail.html

NY Times Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/28/health/fda-sends-warning-letters-to-10-marketers-of-workout-boosters.html

I was originally going to post on the uses of stimulants such as  Amphetamines and Ephedra or Ephedrine.  Conveniently the news began buzzing about a new "dietary-supplement" DMAA; actually a stimulant that reminds me a lot of amph. and Ephed.  The side effects of all three are extremely similar in nature as is the advertised uses for these drugs.  Similarily the recreational use is also mirrored.  I am not by any means defending these companies but I am upset with both consumers and the companies for the labeling and information.  The information about side effects can be obtained regardless of whether it's on the label or not.  But concumers still persist in taking these and other thing despite warnings.  I think many people have almost become de-sensitized to some warnings because, well, "everyhting comes with a warning today".  Another point is "TAKE AS DIRECTED" that should be taken seriously despite pre-existing or non pre-existing condtitions; Again some consumers seem to disregard this. I know personally I take more than directed of Excedrine and other migraine medications because of the frequency and severity of the migraines I get, but even though I do this I know I am not technically correct or safe doing it regardless of how many times I am fine taking more.

These companies also have vague or misleading information about DMAA and it's label of being "natural" or derived from "natural" ingredients.  Two military men have died shortly after consuming this ingredient, many others have had frequent visits to hospital rooms with a miriad of complications.  The guidelines the companies have to adhere by are skeptical and full of loop holes.  Apparently these companies are very familiar in the practice of manipulating the system.  The wording they use on labels that is required by guidelines allows for misleading wording and use of terminology. There also has not been enough substantial testing overall that has been done to blame either side. Who's fault is it?  

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/avital-binshtock/7-ecofriendly-fast-food-meals_b_1439401.html

This article talks about some popular fast food places, where a “greenie” can eat. Specifically I found the quick excerpts about 5 Guys, Chipotle and Panera illuminating as well as comforting, as these are some of my favorite places to eat when out with friends.  The links on the page are interesting as well, such as the website Freshii. Like Pollan states in Omnivore’s dilemma, fast food is becoming commonplace in our eating habits. 

I think we can still eat “fast food” but it’s important to know your options, and know them well.   It is proving to be a serious endeavor to change American eating habits, but maybe by changing what we eat, and knowing what the process and ingredients are we can trust people to make informed decisions and thus make a step in a positive direction.