What Are Genetically Modified Foods?

And why should we be concerned?


Well, even if you don't know much about the topic of GMOs, you are probably ingesting them everyday, several times a day.


To get a better understanding, we ask, 
What are genetically modified foods? GMOs are food sources that are non-organically grown

• Using pesticides and herbicide properties in plants
• Mixing and adding of different plant genes to make them hardier
• Cloning of genes
• Hormone-injected livestock

 

The very abundant BT Corn (GMO corn) used in the US is modified with a bacteria to fight off one of corn’s biggest pests, the corn borer; but this bacteria also kills off other insects; like the Monarch Butterfly and the Lacewing. 

GMOs create other adverse effects in the entire ecosystem; there is no way to contain these crops and their seeds, as pollen drifts in the wind and is mobilized through birds and other insects.  Cross- contamination between crops and fields with and without GMO crops is almost inevitable. 

Some of the most common GMO crops are:

• soybeans 
• maize 
• cotton 
• rapeseed

The United States is one of the countries who have not adopted mandatory labeling of all available genetically modified foods. Check this info-graphic here.

To read more, here is an in-depth information on the specific genes and pesticides used in Genetically modified food.

http://www.ourfood.com/Genetic_Modification_Food.html

 

 

NIFTY TRICK #20


Check out this comprehensive GMO labeling guide. Next time you visit the grocery store you will realize how tainted our domestic food supply really is.  Most of the non-GMO products can be found at Whole Foods Market or similar health food stores.
GreenPeaceGMOshoppers Guide

Veggie Jackpot!

Check this load of fruits and veggies I got for only $10.68!!

Smoothie Recipe For The Summer!

A smoothies is a sure-fire way to stay cool in the hot South Florida heat. There's unlimited possibilities! One of my favorite combinations has to be Pina-Colada inspired though. Check out the recipe below.

Check out the health benefits of a Pinapple here and how to choose the perfect fruit!

• 1 Banana
• 1 cup fresh cut Pinapple
• 1 cup cold Soymilk (Almond or Coconut Milk work perfect too!)
• A splash of Apple Juice
• A few dashes of Cinnamon

Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor and enjoy!

NIFTY TRICK #18

To give your smoothie a protein boost, add some protein powder into the mix. Also, try freezing your fruit, so when you blend them they make a super thick and ice cold treat! Let them thaw out about 10 minutes before blending though.

Re-think Your Transportation!

Biking is the way to go! Riding a bicycle for transportation has immense benefits, for you and the environment!


It is estimated that only about 10% of the world's population can afford a car, but 80% have sufficient funds to buy a bicycle. Unfortunately, the United States has the lowest number of cyclists compared to many populations across the globe, yet we maintain the highest amount of petroleum consumption, perhaps a connection?


The below picture speaks volumes about our current state of affairs as it comes to transportation, why waste the time, gas, money, and pollution sitting in our cars?

Engaging in bike riding can:

• Give you the excerise you need daily (30 minutes.) "If you cycle 6 miles to and from work instead of driving, taking about 30 minutes each way, you could burn 15 to 20 lb. of fat each year."  Check out this Calorie Calculator 
• Save you $$$
• Reduce Carbon Monoxide emissions; check out this Environmental Impact Calculator
• A faster commute
• Lessen Roadway Congestion, imagine if "parking lots" were for bicycles, how much land would be saved!
• Releases endorphins, mood elevation.

"Every transit commuter who bikes to the station instead of driving saves an average 150 gallons of gasoline a year. Every car commuter who switches to biking and transit can save 400 gallons of gas a year, on average. While walking a mile uses 100 calories, bicycling a mile uses only 35. " -Source

Looking for a bike? There's plenty of places to snag one for cheap new or used. Of course there's Craigslist, also, Local Bike Trader is another great spot to find local deals. You can support your local bike shop too by checking out what deals they have to offer.

Some enthusiasts even recycle old bicycle frames and completely refurbish them with new parts, which can get you a new and great bicycle for under $100. How's that for recycling. 


If you do choose to ride for you main mode of commuting, check out this Bicycle Traffic Safety Guide.


Check out these super cool eco-friendly Bamboo Bicycles! 


NIFTY TRICK #17


If you live relatively close to the places you work/ study/ shop, bike there instead! Or consider using public transit. Both of these methods contribute greatly to bettering the environment, your health, and the health of the community. 


Safe travels =)

Best Thrift Stores In Boca Raton

Thrifting is a great way to save money and find really special items, it's fun too even if you don't find anything to your liking! For thrift shopping in Boca Raton, make a trip to Plum Park shopping center where you can find 5 thrift stores all within walking distance! These stores are donated to by a local elderly community, thus you can find some really vintage stuff. It's also great for funky and unique furniture and cool kitchenware; like wine glasses and intricate glass cups. It's definitely worth the visit since you are getting basically 5-in-1!


View 5 Thrift Shops In Walking Distance! in a larger map


NIFTY TRICK #16
Incorporate thrifting into your shopping agenda. Whenever you find yourself 'needing' something new, think if you can find it at a thrift store. Like a purse, belt, and even jewelry accessories can all be found at any thrift store, for super cheap!! It is also a great spot to get one of a kind gifts.


Stay nifty and thrifty ;-)

Are You Eating Radioactive Seafood?

Last year, Japan exported over 2.3 billion worth of seafood worldwide, this is very unsettling news concerning the recent radioactive disaster that happened there recently. Samples of seafood taken from the seas of China have been found tainted with radioactive chemicals, read more here. It is also confirmed that samples from Sri Lanka are contaminated with high levels of radioactivity. 

Even more concerning, the leaks from the accident are consistent, and the radioactive chemicals have a half-life of 30 years! Check out this government site dedicated to monitoring the harmful radioactivity in regards to seafood. 

Radioactive contamination from Fukushima. 

"This report, published in Environmental Science & Technology, reveals that levels of radioactive cesium reached 50 million times normal levels in the ocean water off the coast of the Fukushima Dai-ichi facility. Even more concerning, the abstract of this paper concludes, "...the concentrations through the end of July remain higher than expected implying continued releases from the reactors or other contaminated sources, such as groundwater or coastal sediments." -Source

"Scientists have predicted that Fukushima’s longer living isotopes—such as cesium-137, with a half-life of 30 years—will reach Hawaii in about a year and the coast of California in two to three years." -Source

You can read more about seafood related contamination here and here. 

Pacific Ocean currents, perhaps radiation can literally radiate throughout the entire globe through these currents. 

NIFTY TRICK #15

Always be knowledgeable about where your seafood is from. Gather information about where it was caught, if it is farmed or wild, and fresh or frozen. Buying local can assure you that what you're eating is fresh and wild, and you are also helping the local fishing industry. Check out this guide for choosing sustainable seafood.

Is "The Dirty Dozen" Part Of Your Daily Diet?

Unfortunately, our fresh food supply is very contaminated by pesticides and chemicals. Some produce is very sensitive to holding these chemicals in their delicate skin. 


Surprisingly, APPLES are the number one dirtiest fruit. Almost 98% of all typical apples contain high amounts of pesticide. Over time, these can build up in your system. We are now not sure of the long term effects of ingesting pesticides. Perhaps the old phrase about apples isn't relevant anymore!

Here is a list of the most contaminated; widely known as The Dirty Dozen

• Apples
• Cherries
• Grapes, imported
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Pears
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Potatoes
• Spinach

Go here for a complete list of produce to avoid and produce that is OK as non-organic. 

Nowadays, besides produce, you can buy almost anything organic! From bread, to wine, even vodka distilled with organic potatoes! But before diving into the organic realm, try doing some research. Here's a great article all about Organic food and here's another source about how they are labeled and regulated.  

If you want to be really organic, you can do it yourself! Check out these guides for growing your own oganic vegetables.

Not a farmer, try keeping a compost, you can recycle all of your organic scraps and feed the soil!

NIFTY TRICK #14


Switch some of the dirty produce for organic options. Also, be weary when buying 'green' products, don't fall for things that appear too flashy or loud about their organic attributes, it is a trend that is highly profitable! 


Stay true and natural =-)

Best Vegetable Markets in South Florida!

Deerfield Beach 


Rather than spend the high prices for veggies that travel thousands of miles and waste tons of gallons of gas to get to you, shop at local vegetable markets. They get most of their products from local farms, and have incredibly low prices, and lots of specials. In Deerfield close to Boca Raton, I go to J & J farms, check out the map below.


J & J Farms


Located in Deerfield one of the best places to get vegetables. Even if it is not close to you it's worth the trip. Buy $80 worth of veggies (Publix pricing) for about $20, all the produce is locally grown as well. They have fresh bread and other products like Olive Oil and Honey.

View J & J Farms in a larger map
J & J farms

Miami 

In Miami I go to Sergio's Vegetable Market Downtown. It is in an area where restaurant chefs go to get all their fresh produce and shelf products, so the prices are absolutely amazing!! Especially if you're looking to buy in bulk. Check out the surrounding area for other markets where rice and nuts are sold for very low prices.

Sergio's Vegetable Market 

Great place for low price fresh veggies! It's where chefs go to get their fresh produce, they open at 3 am! and close at 3pm, not open on Sundays.

View Sergio's Vegetable Market in a larger map




For more information on other markets throughout South Florida check out these links:

• Florida Farmers Markets Directory
• South Florida Farmers Markets
• Florida Community Farmers' Markets

NIFTY TRICK #13


Support your local farmer and save tons of cash by not buying vegetables and produce from large supermarkets, they are usually low quality and have travelled way too far, thus they need to be sprayed with many chemicals to maintain their freshness. By shopping at local markets, you are supporting the local farming community. 


Think big and buy small! =)

How To Live Forever!!

The average American life expectancy is about 79 years, ranking somewhere in the middle on the list of average life expectancies. Yet Japan has the highest average with 82 years, with an emphasis in the Okinawan region where living to 100 is normal. These people have a very unique diet and that is probably to thank for their many years. 

Here's some interviews of people who  range in age from 105-115! Some of their advice includes maintaining a consistent regimen and exercising regularly.


Here's a few other tips for a long healthy life:

• Eat lots of leafy greens.
• Eat Fish, read this article about a new study on the benefits of eating certain types of fish.
• Eat citrus.
• A diet high in Flavonoids is imperative.

Read up on the details of the Japanese diet, that concentrates on lots of vegetables and lean proteins like fish, almost no meat and barely any fast food or dairy. Here's a typical day in a Japanese diet. 

Refer to this chart below for a healthy balance diet based on the Okinawan way of life.

If you want to learn more about anti-aging lifestyles, check out this site.


NIFTY TRICK #12
Try eliminating all processed foods from your diet, and replace them with vegetables or grains. Keep everything in moderation.


=)

Have You Heard Of The Great Pacific Garbage Patch?

What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? It is a huge swirling mass of broken down plastics that have converged through centuries of pollution in the center of the Pacific Ocean. There is even a Wikipedia page about it.

 

The black portion represents the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

 Surprising Facts About Ocean Pollution

•  The Pacific Garbage Patch is estimated to be twice the size of the United States.
• Some areas are called 'dead zones' where nothing lives because the water is lacking oxygen.
• 90% of the pollution is plastic
• Almost every marine organism in Oceans is contaminated by man-made materials.
• Plastics block sunlight which can hinder algae production.

Currently, we use Landfills to dispose (or 'hold') our trash. Yet only 20 years ago we loaded all our garbage on cargo ships and dumped them directly into the ocean. Little did we know all the toxins and harmful material would not 'disappear' as we imagined it would; these methods past and present are to blame for the high amounts of ocean pollution.

Check out this comprehensive site about oceanic pollution. 

Check out this map below of landfills littered throughout South Florida. Landfills can contaminate water supplies, always recycle toxic materials as to assure this doesn't happen.

View Larger Map

Unfortunately, all of these plastics and other trash break down into very small micro pieces, and cover the surface of the water, like a 'plastic soup.' Is our pollution changing the ecosystem of the Ocean as we know it?

NIFTY TRICK #11

Use glass and paper materials (cardboard cartons) whenever possible,  avoid plastics completely! Trash always makes it way to some sort of body of water even when it is disposed of properly, diminishing the usage of plastic can help alleviate this problem in the future.

And of course, DON'T POLLUTE!

Let's work together to keep the most precious resource of our earth clean and safe!

Stay Wavy ;-)

Substitute Rice And Pasta For Quinoa!

The ancient Incas called this grain 'gold' for a reason. Quinoa has many healthy properties, and has a mild nutty earthy flavor, as well as a unique texture. It is rich in protein, calcium, and fiber, and many other nutrients and low in calories making it a healthy switch for other carbs in your daily diet. It is also gluten free. Quinoa slowly releases it's carbohydrates as we break them down, making us feel fuller longer.

Read more on it's benefits here.

It's easy to prepare, check out these awesome quinoa recipes.

Nifty Trick #10 

Always choose Whole Grain or Whole Wheat whenever possible, making this choice when selecting bread and pastas can greatly increase your fiber and grain intake which is a staple in any healthy diet. For example, instead of using white rice, make the switch for brown rice.

Here's a list of whole grains and why you should incorporate them into your diet.

Stay whole and healthy!

Why You Should Have House Plants!

A lot of people have plants inside of their living space, but have you ever stopped to think why? Well, there are actually many healthy benefits to keeping living plants indoors!

NASA did a study in the 80's about the removal of toxins from confined spaces by common house plants, their results showed that most types of house-plants are actually very successful in cleansing chemicals like

Formaldehyde, Benzene, and Trichloroethylene from the air. Formaldehyde can be found in many types of foam insulation and cleaning products. Benzene is a solvent found in paints, and Trichloroethylene is a chemical used in paints, adhesives, inks, and varnishes. Check out this list of NASA's most beneficial house plants.

Here are some benefits of Indoor Plants

• Remove pollutants and carbon dioxide from the air and increase circulation.
• Improves mental health and overall mood.
• A few house plants is equal to the power and effects of a humidifier.
• Helps rid the air of cigarette smoke
• Prevent allergies, especially in children where exposing them to plant allergens at an early age can help them build immunities.
• Help fight colds and clear congestion. 
• Fragrance from blossoming flowers & herbs (for cooking too!)
• Other specialty plants like Aloe Barbedenis & Wheatgrass provide other benefits

Some plants are poisonous for pets though, check out this list to make sure you're not endangering your friend. 

Check out these other sites for growing guides and further information:

• Guide on how to make your own terrarium. 
• Growing guide on mother in law's tongue
• Cactus growing guide, let's face it, a cactus is easy to take care of!
• More benefits of house plants.

Nifty Trick #9 

Start out by growing fresh herbs in your house so you can add them to salads and many other recipes! There is nothing like freshly picked herbs to add to any dish. Check out this great guide for growing and drying herbs. Also, read up on this fresh basil pesto recipe!

Stay fresh =)

Must-Watch Documentaries!

Top 5 Environmental Documentaries
Check out these entertaining and informative documentaries about our changing times.


1. The Story of Stuff
This is a wonderful documentary (only 20 minutes!!) about Planned Obsolesence and it's current effects on our world's environment and society.

You may also want to check out their site, it has plenty of interesting information and documentaries concerning other topics.




2. FOOD, Inc.
If you want to think about the food you eat in a way you never have before, try watching this film. It may make you reconsider your future food choices.



The entire film is available on Instant View Netflix. Here's the Food Inc.'s website.


3. Transcendent Man 
A film about a man who is trying to break the confines of mortality and achieve living forever. Whether it is possible or not, the ideas presented in the film are very intriguing because technology is advancing exponentially.
You can watch the entire film on Hulu, or go to their site to buy it. This film is also available on Instant View Netflix.
Here's the trailer:






4. The Light Bulb Conspiracy
This is about the history of our evolving market and the forces of competition within it. Very interesting and unique material.





5. What In The World Are They Spraying?
This is a controversial documentary on the topic of ChemTrails and Genetically Modified Food Sources.
Here is the trailer:

You can watch the whole film on YouTube.


Nifty Trick #8
Start getting your news from Independent News Sources. They are unaffected by mass media and cover interesting and unusual topics. Here is a comprehensive list of Independent News Sources.


Stay informed!

Goin' Banana Fries!

I call em' that because you're going to be goin' Bananas for this recipe because it's so simple, low price & delicious! They taste somewhat like potato fries but more flavorful, and healthier!

Green Plantains are a tropical fruit, and when they are green, they are unripe and bitter and need cooking to be enjoyed. They are something like a root vegetable in this state. You have probably eaten them as Plantain Chips, or tostones. 
Check out what health benefits Green Bananas have!
Here's a nutritional breakdown of Green Plantains. 


Cooking & prep time: 25 minutes


Ingredients:
2 Green Plantains (One makes about 10 fries)
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper

Fancy Sauce:
Mayonnaise
Ketchup 


Preheat the oven to 350
Make slits on the outer skin, it is very tough since it is not ripe, peel back all the skin.
Cut the banana in half, then cut in long thick pieces, like fries!
Grease a baking pan with olive oil.
Toss the Banana Fries in about 2 tbsp of Olive Oil and put them on the pan. (Less oil tends to make them a bit dryer.)
Sprinkle them with plenty of salt, and a dash of pepper.
Cook for 20 minutes.

Banana Fries with Fancy Sauce. They have a very delicate Banana flavor
and a kin to the taste of potato fries!  

Nifty Trick #7 

Shop at Ethnic markets rather than big name grocery stores. They have all the usual items plus a huge selection of unusual fruits and vegetables, as well as spices and rare packaged foods. The prices are also MUCH LOWER! I got 4 huge green plantains for $1! Explore the world through the food offered at these markets!

GO BANANAS! =)

Recycle Old Candles!

After a while, candles get all burnt out, literally. But you can re-use all that wax and make your own candles, with a twist!

Old Candles!

Great for gift ideas, or arts & crafts project, it's easy and fun!

Time: 2 Hours

Candle Making Aisle
at Michael's Arts &
Crafts Store

Supplies:
-Old Candle wax, (you can separate it by scented and un-scented, or colored and uncolored)
-Old Crayons (or concentrated wax color that you can buy at any craft store)
-Perfume (or concentrated fragrance or oils also available at any craft store)

My Double-Boiler!

-Wicks
-Double- Boiler/ Or two pots
-Scissors
-Glue or tack (to glue the wicks to the container)
-Candle Containers (you can recycle old ones, or recycle other items like glass  mason jars)

Instructions:

1. Cover work area with newspaper/ old sheet (wax can be messy!)

2. Clean the old candles, remove any stickers on the bottom.

3. Prep the new candle containers by cleaning them, Then

4. Glue wick to the bottom of the container (it needs some time to dry before hot wax can be poured in.)

5. Choose crayon colors/ perfumes for each container.

6. Set up your double boiler on the stove to high heat, or two pots (check out my improvised double-boiler!)

7. Put the wax you want to melt down along with the crayons in the top pot, and let it melt until it's liquid.

8. Take out any old wicks or debris. 

9. Mix occasionally to make sure everything is melted.

10. Once the consistency is the same, SLOWLY (to avoid air bubbles) pour into the containers, shimmy the container around a bit to loosen any trapped air bubbles.

Old Crayons are perfect to add
color!

11. Trim the wick to about an inch above the wax (you can trim more later,) and make sure the wick is in the center while the wax is drying.

12. Let dry completely before lighting and enjoy your recycled candle!

Check out my finished (FREE) products! 

I put a sparkle crayon in this one.

Enjoy the scented fruits of your labor! =)

Alternatives To Dairy!

You may want to consider eliminating dairy from your diet! New in-depth studies have shown that Cow's Milk may be harmful rather than benefitting.

Surprisingly, humans began ingesting cow's milk after the weening stage only a few centuries ago; most societies of the globe today are still lactose-intolerant populations (75%!) There maybe evolutionary reasons for this.

Get this! You may LOVE cheese for reasons other than its taste!

A myth pushed heavily by American Dairy Industries is that we need milk for Calcium intake, but this is false! "A 12-year study of over 75,000 women came to the conclusion that dairy products actually increase the risk of fracture."
Here is a comprehensive list of non-dairy calcium sources.

The average lifespan of a cow in nature is about 20-30 years, but a typical dairy cow lives for about 5 years.

Dairy intake can cause

• Acne 
• Allergies 
• Asthma 
• Constipation 
• Arthritis 
• Osteoporosis 
• Cancer (especially Breast & Prostate) 
• Migraines and many more. 

If you're interested in the topic, this is a very informative and interesting to read journal study all about Cow's Milk and it's relationship both chemically and culturally to humans.

Nifty Trick #6 

Instead of Cow's Milk drink these (delicious!) alternatives!

• Almond Milk 
• Coconut Milk 
• Rice Milk or Drink 
• Soy Milk (Health benefits are debated so do some research before choosing soy.) 

Also, read this comprehensive guide on making dairy-free decisions!

Enjoy these flavorful drinks and save the cows and yourself! =)

The Dangers Of Too Much Sun

Over the past few decades, the O-Zone layer has thinned, exposing our delicate human skin to extremely strong sun rays.

Living in South Florida, we get a huge dosage of sunshine daily whether we realize it or not. Some of the most dangerous rays come on cloudy days, when a phenomenon of Cloud Enhancement occurs. 

Vitamin D is a very important nutrient that we absorb from the sun, but too much sun can be dangerous, causing:

• Pre-mature aging (wrinkles)
• Production of Free Radicals that cause cancer
• Sun spots and freckles 
• Eye damage and cataracts 

The sun emits 3 different kinds of light, a Visible Light we can see, an Infrared Light which we feel as heat, and an Ultra-violet light that is invisible radiation from the sun. All these waves are part of the Wave Spectrum.

• UVA (A stands for Aging) 
• UVB (B stands for Burning)
• UVC which is the most harmful radiation

The sun is more powerful than we think, check out this awesome picture gallery of the Sun.

Check out this video of what the Sun is really up to!

Nifty Trick #5


Don't Leave The House Without Applying Sunscreen!

It almost sounds a bit ridiculous, but the Sun is currently so strong going unprotected can be damaging over time. Also, apply while in the car because of direct sunshine.

There are plenty of user-friendly sunscreens that do not have an obnoxious 'sunscreen smell' and are good for everyday use. I bought this set at a convenience store and it came with a travel size one, which is perfect to keep with me all the time!

Also, wear Sunglasses and a Hat whenever possible.

Visit a dermatologist every couple of years.


ALWAYS HAVE FUN IN THE SUN!

The Dangers of Plastic Bags!!

Every time we go grocery shopping, we can use up to 30 plastic bags, that are "One Time Use"

however, that use is only FIFTEEN MINUTES, when plastic bags DONOT biodegrade for 1000 YEARS! Plastic Bags are the Cancer of the Earth!

They are both the most infectious and simplest pollution of the Earth.

Check out these vids, the second one is my favorite ;-)

Nifty Trick #4

Use a Grocery tote every time you go shopping!

Most grocery stores sell them on site. (usually less than $1)

It makes Carrying much easier, and of course eliminates your usage of Plastic Bags.

Go for paper if you forget to bring your bag, make sure to recycle when you're done with it. 

Check out Publix's initiative to end plastic use 

Also, here are some snazzy totes If you want to get fashionable.

This one is a site where you can Customize Your Tote, making it Ultra-Nifty!

Advocate others on this easy change to help the Earth! Every one is innocent until knowledge is exposed. 

Hope this give you a different view!

Be Easy =)

Check Out These Awesome Recycled Products!

Made Completely From Recycled Materials!
You would never beleive what your "TRASH" is capable of becoming!!!

Recycles iPhone Covers!

Wallets from old Cassettes 

Marcella Foschi

How Cool is this!? Guitar Picks made from old Credit Cards!!

Check out these other cool wallets made from un-likely materials! 

This is a Cool Blog about Recycle Jewelry and Accessories. 

Did you know, your blue jeans can be used to insulate a house?!  http://www.bondedlogic.com/

How about old crayons? They can be melted down to be turned right back into fresh crayons! There is an organization who's taken initiative to save 12 tons of crayons from ending up in landfills!

http://crazycrayons.com/recycle_program.html

Nifty Trick #3

Like wine? Don't toss your corks! 

Turn them into a Collection Site at your local Whole Foods Market.

Old Corks can be turned into

• shoe soles
• floor tiles
• Fishing Rod handles
• Bulletin Boards

http://www.corkforest.org/

Also, check out this site. It's a great place for green ideas, and finding locations to recycle ALL KINDS of materials!

Sometimes they give cash incentives for special materials.

So think twice, rather than 'Throw' away your trash, 'Give' it away!

Sharing is Caring =P