Tag Archives: food

Proposition 37 in California Hanging in the Balance as the Election Draws Near

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Written By Jessica Nichols

As this election draws near, both sides of every debate are revving their engines and gearing towards the final battle. Proposition 37, which requires labeling on genetically modified foods, is despite having a strong lead earlier in the race, is finding its footing as opponents to the bill fight back.

In a poll from California Business Roundtable and Pepperdine University’s School of Public Policy done four weeks ago, the labeling initiative was supported by more than two-thirds of Californians who said they would vote for it November 6. However, in their latest poll from Tuesday, October 29, results showed the support for the initiative to have fallen to only 39 percent, with the opposition nearing 51 percent of the vote.

The opposition is largely funded by biotechnology company, Monsanto, DuPont, and PepsiCo Inc, managing to sway public opinion with a $46 million campaign against genetically modified organism, popularly referred to as GMO, labeling, making Proposition 37 one of the most well-funded ballot measures fights.

Opponents to the initiative claim that it is “poorly written,” and will result in costly effects to farmers and consumers, adding $400 to their monthly grocery costs. These ads also point at “special interest exemptions” toward restaurants and animals that consume GMO feed.

Those in support of the initiative say that consumers have the right to know what is going in the food that they eat, and say that claims to higher expenses to consumers, farmers, and businesses have no founding.

Many of the processed foods that we see stocking the shelves at grocery stores use GMOs—corn and soybeans being some of the top most used. These genetically modified foods are crossed with the DNA of other species to resist insects and pesticides.

Each side claims insufficient evidence and shotty science on the part of the other with the intent to mislead voters. And without sufficient government testing on the long-term effects of GMOs, the voter is left to the mercy of both sides and their campaign talking points.

Currently, the United States does not require labeling on GM foods so long as they are “substantially equivalent” to their non-GM counterparts. The US also does not require pre-market safety testing of these foods. Supporters of the initiative cry that we just do not know what these foods could do to people health-wise, especially after long-term use in our daily diets.

DuPont and Monsanto, the lead in contributions at $8 million contributed, lead the industry in their genetically modified seed businesss.

As the clock counts down to the election, it seems that opponents may have surpassed those in favor of the proposition. However, only time will tell if voters will support or opposed this polarized and controversial topic.

College Etiquette (5 Rules That No One Tells You in High School)

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written by: Amani Liggett

 

Some things in life are just learned by experience and observation, and some of the rules of college often fall under this subject.

  • The first thing you will have to account for is being on time to class. It is important to make small notations about which professors have specific rules about getting to their class on time, as some may even lock the door after a certain amount of time has passed. Generally, it is an unwritten rule that if you are going to be past 15 minutes late to class, it’s best not to show. This is unless you have already cleared it with the professor ahead of time that you will be coming in late. Coming in late is distracting to everyone, and in many older lecture halls, the doors tend to echo loudly when opened or closed. It is best to find a friend in the class who can give you the day’s notes and a brief summary. Or better yet go to the professor’s or TA’s office hours and explain that you didn’t want to disturb class by coming in late and ask for a quick review of the lecture.
  • Don’t be the one to monopolize lecture time with your discussion points. Please don’t be this person. This person always seems to be missing an essential social filter that leads them to believe his or her opinion out-ranks the professor’s. It is very annoying and time-consuming to have to listen to this person’s diatribe about their own personal experience in the matter. Also, if you are one to skip ahead in the reading or the coursework, there is no need to announce it to the class by trying to discuss ahead of the day’s curriculum. If you’re in a Mystery Fiction class, don’t spoil the ending and say who the killer is just to prove you’re a fast reader.
  • The third rule relates to the first in that actually getting to class on time can be a bit nerve-wracking. This is especially true on a large campus around noon. Everyone is trying to get to class on time at the exact same time as you, whether by walking, driving, skating, or biking. The rule is simply to be courteous to others. Don’t zoom by with no respect to other’s safety, even if you are late. We all want to get to class in one piece!
  •  Keep you’re religious and political beliefs to yourself. Maybe it was cool to be outspoken in high school, but unless you are presently sitting in a religion, political science, or philosophy class, try to keep it to yourself in college. Even if you are burning with the desire to say something, chances are, no one wants to hear it. And the professor will inevitably get annoyed at the student that starts an off-topic debate that goes on for twenty minutes because everyone gets all riled up. It goes without saying that you do not want to annoy your professors or get on their bad side. Who knows when you might need a recommendation letter?
  • Lastly, there is food. This is important. Most high schools do not allow any type of food or drink in class, so the tendency when one gets to college is to overdue the new privilege and bring whatever you want to lectures. Try to keep it mostly at small snacks; foods that wont produce a strong odor, or result in messy or noisy eating. Also, be prepared to share. Bringing shareable food, such as crackers or candy, to a classroom where half of the occupants may have skipped breakfast in order to sleep a bit more may result in moochers. Beware the moochers. Good luck!

Tips and Tricks to Eating Smarter

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Written by Elaine Zuo

Looking to improve your diet and eat healthier? Try these simple changes for a better you:

Woman gazing at fruit

Opting for fruit and vegetables can lead to a healthier you

  • Buy smaller dishes and taller glasses. Optical illusions abound even in what we use to serve our food: People tend to overestimate vertical lengths and underestimate horizontal lengths. When asked to pour equal amounts of liquid into a short, wide glass, people poured more than when they did the same for a long, tall glass. Regarding a similar principle, the same amount of food in a large dish compared to that in a smaller dish was regarded as less food than the amount in the smaller dish.
  • Chew slower. Many of us have busy lives to run and do not have time to eat leisurely, but don’t let scarfing down your lunch on a short work break completely impact your eating habits. Try to take any opportunity to savor the meal and let your digestive system do its job. You’ll be more likely to stop eating while letting your stomach achieve the same amount of satisfaction.
  • Sneak fruits and veggies into your daily diet. Although it would be best to consume fruit and vegetables on their own, you can easily add these excellent sources of vitamins, fiber and antioxidants to your usual meals as tasty, healthy accents. Top cereal or yogurt off with fruit slices, or choose a vegetable drink to accompany your lunch. Carrots and broccoli can accentuate the taste of a meatloaf, soup or even pasta sauces.
  • Keep food in the kitchen and healthy foods at eye level. Don’t bring your food into the living room or your work space. You will eat less if snacks are not placed all over the house and within easy reach. Healthy foods, on the other hand, will seem more appealing if easily accessible.
  • Drink water. Substitute sugary sodas with a tall glass of H2O. Not only do you miss out on unwanted calories, but you will be fuller before the meal and thus prevent overeating. It’s also important for digestion and gives you a boost of energy along with combating dehydration.
  • Choose fish and beans. These two underrated food items help keep your health and weight in check. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can lower your bad (LDL) cholesterol and reduce risks of cancer, so be sure to indulge in a fillet. Beans are not only fibrous, but contain iron,  folic acid and protein as well. Mix the two for a delicious fish and beans taco, and your body will have a ready arsenal of health-promoting nutrients.

Although these tips will certainly better your diet and lifestyle, the most important thing to have backing them up is a healthy mindset. Keep your goals in mind and you will kick any bad dietary habits that may arise.

Cost Comparisons – Organic Versus Conventionally Grown Produce

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Farm Fresh Produce

Farm Fresh Produce

Instinctively people are driven to save money wherever they can, but does this apply to what we eat?  Typically organic produce is much more expensive to buy.  What are the differences between organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables and why is organic more expensive?

Organic refers to the way the produce is grown and processed.  Organic farmers encourage soil and water preservation to reduce pollution. 

They don’t use conventional methods of fertilizing, in weed control and in the prevention of livestock disease.  They use crop rotation and spread mulch or manure instead of spraying weed killer to control weeds. 

Farmers who produce more than $5,000 a year in organic foods have to comply with strict government standards set by the USDA and label their food as organic.  Organic labels mean that at least 95 percent of the foods ingredients are organically produced.

There is no conclusive evidence that organic food is more nutritious than conventionally grown food.  Pesticides on fruits and vegetables pose a very small health risk. 

Taste is a subjective point; some say there is no taste difference.  It comes down to a matter of personal preference and ideology whether or not you choose conventional or organic. 

The higher organic cost factor is due to the methods employed by the farmers such as the amount of labor they invest in weed and pest controls and smaller crop sizes.

Whether you prefer organic or conventional foods consider these tips:

            . Buy fruits and vegetable in season and try to buy them the day they are delivered for optimum 
              freshness.

            . Read labels, buy locally.

            . Wash all fruits and vegetables and use a brush for products where you will be eating the skin.

            . If pesticides have you concerned peel fruits and vegetables before consumption.  Some pesticides
              can reside in fat so remove fat from meats and skin from poultry and fish.

Where is that Guava From?

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Port of entry

Do you find yourself reading your fruit lately, curious to know where their place of origin might be?  They can come from far away lands, do you ever wonder why?  I do.  Cheaper labor costs overseas are the primary reason coupled with the ability to supply off-season produce any time of the year.  I for one am concerned about adherence to consumer safety laws and governance by the FDA and USDA.

Some of the possible dangers of imported fruits and vegetables come from pesticides, chemicals viral or bacterial contaminants and genetically modified organisms as well as non-native plant transplants.  Inspection from the FDA has decreased as the import of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and nuts has increased.

Ecosystem alteration and destruction is a very real danger, remember the kudzu?  In the Southern region of the United States the kudzu plant took over thousands of acres of indigenous species.  Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can cross-breed with native plants changing our eco-systems and causing the loss of natural or heirloom plants.

Points of entry and border inspections are critical to monitor, we currently have less than a third of the entry points inspected allowing for a lot of produce to slip through.  Exporters have become clever in the ways they get their product into the country, they know which ports have no inspection and bring their product in there.  They know that only 1 percent of produce is checked by the FDA and it has been found that seafood has been shipped inland to Las Vegas, which is in the desert, thereby avoiding seafood inspection.  Boxes of produce get mixed up and reshipped making problems impossible to trace.