Hello everyone!
I have disappointing news. We just heard from Michael Shuman at the airport in California. He does not have his passport - so he cannot board his plane.
Therefore, we will be rescheduling his visits to the new year.
This means that all 4 events are cancelled:
October 20, public talk at the University of Alberta at 7pm
October 21, entreprenuers talk at Village Lifestyles from 9 - 11 am
October 21, special afternoon business session downtown from 1 - 3 pm
October 21, private dinner at the Blue Pear from 7 - 10pm
Anyone who bought tickets is entitled to a full refund - we were at the door in front of TL-B1 tonight to give refunds, and if you missed that, you can go to Earth's General Store tomorrow after lunch to get your refund - bring your ticket with you.
Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!
We will reschedule this event for some time in mid to late January so keep checking back fro updates.
Maureen, Tad & Terra
Monday, October 20, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Michael Shuman
Michael Shuman: A Voice Leading the Small-Mart Revolution
For the past 25 years, lawyer, author and economist Michael Shuman has been an articulate voice of clarity in the rapidly growing Small-Mart Revolution. He has been taking on the Wal-Mart style Goliaths of multinational, big box chains and championing the local Small-Marts. Over the past 25 years Shuman has given an average of more than one invited talk a week – to universities, cities, legislators, economic development groups, and grassroots groups in nearly a dozen countries.
His work turns traditional ideas around Local Economic Development on their head and systematically challenges the assumptions of old, worn out models to show how we can live greener, more creatively, wealthier, happier and healthier lives by 'going local first'. Think you need to attract a big box store to your community to generate jobs and money?
Think again.
You've probably never heard of him - but his work is recognized as some of the most important written about the role that small, locally-owned business can play in creating a vibrant, local living economy.
He is the vice president for Enterprise Development for the Training and Development Corporation (TDC) of Bucksport, Maine. He has authored, coauthored, and edited seven books, including “The Small Mart Revolution: How Local Businesses are Beating the Global Competition” (Berrett-Koehler, 2006) and “Going Local: Creating Self-Reliant Communities in the Global Age” (Free Press, 1998). The Small-Mart Revolution was just awarded a bronze medal for best business book by the Independent Publishers' Association.
In recent years Shuman has led community-based economic-development efforts in St. Lawrence County (NY), Hudson Valley (NY), Katahdin Region (ME), Martha's Vineyard (MA), and Carbondale (CO). He is currently preparing studies on state business subsidies for the Kellogg Foundation and on global models of local food businesses for the Gates Foundation. He served as a senior editor for the recently published Encyclopedia of Community. And he is a cofounder and active participant in the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) and a founder of Bay Friendly Chicken, a community-owned company located in Salisbury, Maryland.
Shuman received an A.B. with distinction in economics and international relations from Stanford University and a J.D. from
Stanford Law School.
Why support Local independent business?
Because a San Francisco study compared the impact of $1 million spent at a local bookstore VS a national chain and found that just a 10% shift in spending to independent business would result in $192 million in increased economic activity and 1300 new jobs! You don’t have to change WHAT you buy, just WHERE you buy it!
It has been shown that local businesses redistribute about 65 – 75% of their profits in the community, while global businesses only contribute 15% of their profits to the local economy. Therefore, money spent at a local business has 3 times more economic benefit to the local economy than money spent at a global retailer.
A healthy local independent business community is the key to developing a sustainable economy. The City of Edmonton has indicated a keen interest in being a leader in sustainable practices. Take the opportunity to attend a special presentation with Michael Shuman - an expert in developing policies and strategies that encourage sustainable local economies.
E-SAGE*, (Edmontonians Supporting A Green Economy) are proud to announce that renowned local economies expert and author, Michael Shuman will be in Edmonton for 3 Exclusive, “Small Mart Revolution” Events, October 20 - 21, 2008.
Monday, October 20th
WHEN: 7:00 to 9:30 pm
WHERE: University of Alberta, Tory Lecture Building (room TL-B1)
COST: Tickets on a sliding scale from $10 - $20, available at Earth’s General Store and at the door.
Sure - Walmart's an easy target.
So are the rest of the multi-national chain stores.
And buying local is important.
But why?
What do we tell our friends who say, "But Walmart brings in jobs! And
it's lower prices mean that the poor can afford things. Are you
against the poor?"
Come and hear a compelling perspective to address your niggling doubts
and wonderings in the whole "global vs. local" debate.
Tuesday, October 21st
Small Business Session:
While business tends to be painted as the enemy of the environment and social justice – there is actually a powerful role that local, independent businesses can play that non-profits can’t. The Small Marts can be a much more powerful force for social change than many entrepreneurs realize.
WHEN: 9am – 11pm
WHERE: Village Lifestyles (10429-79 Avenue)
COST: Suggested Donation of $5 - $15
This event includes:
- the often overlooked and underestimated role for small business in developing a sustainable local economy
- examples of what local networks of independent and sustainable businesses have done to create prosperity and social change in their communities
- planning next steps KEO and E-SAGE members can take to develop our own sustainable business network
- networking with other cool, local entrepreneurs
Tuesday, October 21st
Invitation Only “Local Economic Leaders Forum”:
We’ll spend an afternoon delving into high-level, cutting edge perspectives, studies and findings about how to foster a thriving and sustainable local economy.
WHEN: 1pm – 3pm
WHERE: 10303 - Jasper Avenue, Canadian Room (basement)
COST: Please be our guest
DRESS CODE: Business casual, pants and shirt is fine, no tie required
This event includes an exploration into:
- how the rising price of oil, the rapidly growing ‘green economy’, the trend towards ‘shop local first’, an inefficient global distribution systems and decline of the U.S. dollar (plus more than a half dozen other specific trends) are increasing the competitiveness of small business around the world.
- cutting-edge perspectives on what we can do to capitalize on these trends in Edmonton.
- A chance to get relevant economic information and recommendations for proven policies and strategies for Edmonton from Michael Shuman.
Tuesday, October 21st
Invitation Only “Local Economic Leaders Dinner Party”: Enjoy an exclusive and intimate dinner with Michael Shuman at one of Edmonton’s finest independent local restaurants – The Blue Pear.
WHEN: 7pm – 10pm
WHERE: The Blue Pear Restaurant (10643 - 123 street)
COST: To Be Determined
Dress code: Monday evening, jeans would be fine.
This event includes an opportunity to:
- discuss your ideas and questions directly with Michael Shuman and the other VIP guests
- experience local dining at one of Edmonton’s excellent independent restaurants
For the past 25 years, lawyer, author and economist Michael Shuman has been an articulate voice of clarity in the rapidly growing Small-Mart Revolution. He has been taking on the Wal-Mart style Goliaths of multinational, big box chains and championing the local Small-Marts. Over the past 25 years Shuman has given an average of more than one invited talk a week – to universities, cities, legislators, economic development groups, and grassroots groups in nearly a dozen countries.
His work turns traditional ideas around Local Economic Development on their head and systematically challenges the assumptions of old, worn out models to show how we can live greener, more creatively, wealthier, happier and healthier lives by 'going local first'. Think you need to attract a big box store to your community to generate jobs and money?
Think again.
You've probably never heard of him - but his work is recognized as some of the most important written about the role that small, locally-owned business can play in creating a vibrant, local living economy.
He is the vice president for Enterprise Development for the Training and Development Corporation (TDC) of Bucksport, Maine. He has authored, coauthored, and edited seven books, including “The Small Mart Revolution: How Local Businesses are Beating the Global Competition” (Berrett-Koehler, 2006) and “Going Local: Creating Self-Reliant Communities in the Global Age” (Free Press, 1998). The Small-Mart Revolution was just awarded a bronze medal for best business book by the Independent Publishers' Association.
In recent years Shuman has led community-based economic-development efforts in St. Lawrence County (NY), Hudson Valley (NY), Katahdin Region (ME), Martha's Vineyard (MA), and Carbondale (CO). He is currently preparing studies on state business subsidies for the Kellogg Foundation and on global models of local food businesses for the Gates Foundation. He served as a senior editor for the recently published Encyclopedia of Community. And he is a cofounder and active participant in the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) and a founder of Bay Friendly Chicken, a community-owned company located in Salisbury, Maryland.
Shuman received an A.B. with distinction in economics and international relations from Stanford University and a J.D. from
Stanford Law School.
Why support Local independent business?
Because a San Francisco study compared the impact of $1 million spent at a local bookstore VS a national chain and found that just a 10% shift in spending to independent business would result in $192 million in increased economic activity and 1300 new jobs! You don’t have to change WHAT you buy, just WHERE you buy it!
It has been shown that local businesses redistribute about 65 – 75% of their profits in the community, while global businesses only contribute 15% of their profits to the local economy. Therefore, money spent at a local business has 3 times more economic benefit to the local economy than money spent at a global retailer.
A healthy local independent business community is the key to developing a sustainable economy. The City of Edmonton has indicated a keen interest in being a leader in sustainable practices. Take the opportunity to attend a special presentation with Michael Shuman - an expert in developing policies and strategies that encourage sustainable local economies.
E-SAGE*, (Edmontonians Supporting A Green Economy) are proud to announce that renowned local economies expert and author, Michael Shuman will be in Edmonton for 3 Exclusive, “Small Mart Revolution” Events, October 20 - 21, 2008.
Monday, October 20th
WHEN: 7:00 to 9:30 pm
WHERE: University of Alberta, Tory Lecture Building (room TL-B1)
COST: Tickets on a sliding scale from $10 - $20, available at Earth’s General Store and at the door.
Sure - Walmart's an easy target.
So are the rest of the multi-national chain stores.
And buying local is important.
But why?
What do we tell our friends who say, "But Walmart brings in jobs! And
it's lower prices mean that the poor can afford things. Are you
against the poor?"
Come and hear a compelling perspective to address your niggling doubts
and wonderings in the whole "global vs. local" debate.
Tuesday, October 21st
Small Business Session:
While business tends to be painted as the enemy of the environment and social justice – there is actually a powerful role that local, independent businesses can play that non-profits can’t. The Small Marts can be a much more powerful force for social change than many entrepreneurs realize.
WHEN: 9am – 11pm
WHERE: Village Lifestyles (10429-79 Avenue)
COST: Suggested Donation of $5 - $15
This event includes:
- the often overlooked and underestimated role for small business in developing a sustainable local economy
- examples of what local networks of independent and sustainable businesses have done to create prosperity and social change in their communities
- planning next steps KEO and E-SAGE members can take to develop our own sustainable business network
- networking with other cool, local entrepreneurs
Tuesday, October 21st
Invitation Only “Local Economic Leaders Forum”:
We’ll spend an afternoon delving into high-level, cutting edge perspectives, studies and findings about how to foster a thriving and sustainable local economy.
WHEN: 1pm – 3pm
WHERE: 10303 - Jasper Avenue, Canadian Room (basement)
COST: Please be our guest
DRESS CODE: Business casual, pants and shirt is fine, no tie required
This event includes an exploration into:
- how the rising price of oil, the rapidly growing ‘green economy’, the trend towards ‘shop local first’, an inefficient global distribution systems and decline of the U.S. dollar (plus more than a half dozen other specific trends) are increasing the competitiveness of small business around the world.
- cutting-edge perspectives on what we can do to capitalize on these trends in Edmonton.
- A chance to get relevant economic information and recommendations for proven policies and strategies for Edmonton from Michael Shuman.
Tuesday, October 21st
Invitation Only “Local Economic Leaders Dinner Party”: Enjoy an exclusive and intimate dinner with Michael Shuman at one of Edmonton’s finest independent local restaurants – The Blue Pear.
WHEN: 7pm – 10pm
WHERE: The Blue Pear Restaurant (10643 - 123 street)
COST: To Be Determined
Dress code: Monday evening, jeans would be fine.
This event includes an opportunity to:
- discuss your ideas and questions directly with Michael Shuman and the other VIP guests
- experience local dining at one of Edmonton’s excellent independent restaurants
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
August Update
Good evening! This will be a short message because there will be more on the blog very shortly, but I just wanted to say how awesome this month has been for meetings!!!
We had 3 meetings; one on local food and eating local - Jessie did a fantastic job explaining the food system and why it costs more now to eat local - but it doesn't have to be that way forever. And for those who want to participate in the food action, here are some details and a link to the pledge form.
Have you ever wondered why it costs more to buy eggs at the farmers market, or whether you could do a 100 mile diet? Are you concerned about the distance food travels to get to our tables? Have you noticed that the good farmland surrounding Edmonton is being sold to developers? Did you know that we only have 3 days worth of food on the grocery store shelves? What does all this mean to you and your family?
These are questions some of us are thinking about as we become more aware of the role food plays in the health of our bodies, and our communities at large.
Remember at the very start of SAGE you told us that you wanted 3 things out of this group: networking, information, and ACTION. This is your chance to take action and make a difference!
SAGE has become a supporter of GEA's (Greater Edmonton Alliance) Shake the Hand that Feeds You local food action. We invite you to find out more about this simple plan to participate in improving the fabric of our community. If you weren't able to attend the meeting, you can still find out what is happening and take part by reading this document.
The basket pickup will happen on September 20 from 11-11:30 am at a local grocery store to be announced. We need to have money in by September 8, so if you have already filled in a sheet, we will be contacting you soon for payment. If you want to print out a sheet from the link above and send it in with payment to GEA, all the instructions are on the form itself. Thanks in advance for your thoughtfulness and support.
----------------------------------
The next meeting was for local independent business to start gathering people together so that we can all support and grow together. Did you know that a local independent business generates 3x as much economic benefit in a community than a global business? You can find out more details like this right here on the website, when we get the slide show from Jessie - it is very eye opening. Thanks to Jessie again for presenting this information to us. You can also visit her websites to find out more information.
www.keepedmontonoriginal.com
www.originalfare.com
--------------------------------------
And last night, was Mark and Joey talking about co-creating a civilization of love and the fun of economics - who would ever believe there were so many people interested in these topics, but there were over 60 people last night, ranging from 8 to 80 years of age. It was truly magical and inspiring - thanks to everyone who came, and we hope to see you at our next meeting!
------------------------------------
The next community meeting will be Sept 29 at 7pm at the Village (10429-79 ave), and Ivor Mackay will be speaking about his experience doing the 100 mile diet and about local food.
Ivor would also like to know if anyone knows people who are interested in teaching learning, and developing traditional and "Primitive" skills. These skills would be everything from spinning and natural dying of wools, to making cordage, baskets, bow, arrows, tanning, pottery, preserving food and much more. There is a very wide variety of skills. We are not experts. We are keen to work with like minded people to create a wealth of knowledge.
If you can help in this project please contact Ivor or Lona at ivormack@telusplanet.net
You may also want to visit this website too http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/
And if anyone is interested in building an Apple press. Ivor has the plans and is looking for assistance. You can contact him at ivormack@telusplanet.net
Hmm, I guess that wasn't really short was it? Oh well, there will still be more on the blog next week, so check back then.
take care,
Maureen
We had 3 meetings; one on local food and eating local - Jessie did a fantastic job explaining the food system and why it costs more now to eat local - but it doesn't have to be that way forever. And for those who want to participate in the food action, here are some details and a link to the pledge form.
Have you ever wondered why it costs more to buy eggs at the farmers market, or whether you could do a 100 mile diet? Are you concerned about the distance food travels to get to our tables? Have you noticed that the good farmland surrounding Edmonton is being sold to developers? Did you know that we only have 3 days worth of food on the grocery store shelves? What does all this mean to you and your family?
These are questions some of us are thinking about as we become more aware of the role food plays in the health of our bodies, and our communities at large.
Remember at the very start of SAGE you told us that you wanted 3 things out of this group: networking, information, and ACTION. This is your chance to take action and make a difference!
SAGE has become a supporter of GEA's (Greater Edmonton Alliance) Shake the Hand that Feeds You local food action. We invite you to find out more about this simple plan to participate in improving the fabric of our community. If you weren't able to attend the meeting, you can still find out what is happening and take part by reading this document.
The basket pickup will happen on September 20 from 11-11:30 am at a local grocery store to be announced. We need to have money in by September 8, so if you have already filled in a sheet, we will be contacting you soon for payment. If you want to print out a sheet from the link above and send it in with payment to GEA, all the instructions are on the form itself. Thanks in advance for your thoughtfulness and support.
----------------------------------
The next meeting was for local independent business to start gathering people together so that we can all support and grow together. Did you know that a local independent business generates 3x as much economic benefit in a community than a global business? You can find out more details like this right here on the website, when we get the slide show from Jessie - it is very eye opening. Thanks to Jessie again for presenting this information to us. You can also visit her websites to find out more information.
www.keepedmontonoriginal.com
www.originalfare.com
--------------------------------------
And last night, was Mark and Joey talking about co-creating a civilization of love and the fun of economics - who would ever believe there were so many people interested in these topics, but there were over 60 people last night, ranging from 8 to 80 years of age. It was truly magical and inspiring - thanks to everyone who came, and we hope to see you at our next meeting!
------------------------------------
The next community meeting will be Sept 29 at 7pm at the Village (10429-79 ave), and Ivor Mackay will be speaking about his experience doing the 100 mile diet and about local food.
Ivor would also like to know if anyone knows people who are interested in teaching learning, and developing traditional and "Primitive" skills. These skills would be everything from spinning and natural dying of wools, to making cordage, baskets, bow, arrows, tanning, pottery, preserving food and much more. There is a very wide variety of skills. We are not experts. We are keen to work with like minded people to create a wealth of knowledge.
If you can help in this project please contact Ivor or Lona at ivormack@telusplanet.net
You may also want to visit this website too http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/
And if anyone is interested in building an Apple press. Ivor has the plans and is looking for assistance. You can contact him at ivormack@telusplanet.net
Hmm, I guess that wasn't really short was it? Oh well, there will still be more on the blog next week, so check back then.
take care,
Maureen
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Sticky PLU Labels on Fruit Provide Useful Health Information
Hello all,
our meeting on local food is tonight, and I just got an email today that explains the stickers on fruit. If you don't already know this information it may be helpful to you.
Maureen
Sticky PLU Labels on Fruit Provide Useful Health Information
by Heidi Stevenson (see all articles by this author)
Originally published July 28 2008
(NaturalNews) Who would have imagined that those irritating little labels stuck on fruit would provide helpful information? Their purpose isn't, of course, to help the public. Nonetheless, the codes identify whether fruit is full of pesticides and grown with petroleum-based fertilizers or organic, and even when it's genetically modified.
When those stickies first started appearing on fruit, it seemed a tad strange. As if the supermarkets were determined to add another level of frustration to already-stressed lives. The aggravation of pulling a label off a perfect fruit, the embodiment of nature's bounty, only to have part of the peel come off too was... well, infuriating. And the fact that there was yet another code designed not to enlighten, but to obfuscate, to keep information from us simply added insult to injury.
Still, those disgustingly wasteful labels that end up in the landfills and take up your precious time to peel off do more than speed up the checkout process in the supermarket. They can help you avoid eating chemicals and genetically modified organisms.
The Labeling System
The codes are applied not only to fruit, but also to vegetables, herbs, and nuts, though labels are normally stuck only on fruit. They consist of four or five numbers. The system is quite simple. Fruit is divided into three classes: conventional, organic, and genetically modified.
All four-digit coded fruit is conventionally raised. So, if you don't see five digits, then it's safe to assume that the fruit is contaminated with pesticides and petroleum-based fertilizers, and is grown in depleted soils.
Five digit codes are simply the four digits with a single number added to the front: 8 or 9.
If the first of five numbers is 9, then it has been grown to the standards defined by the National Organic Standards Board. This is obviously preferable to conventionally-grown fruit.
If the first of five numbers is 8, the fruit is genetically modified. It means that it has been grown conventionally with poisons in depleted soil, from frankenseeds.
For example, let's take a simple Valencia orange. Its code is 4014. 84014 is the code of a small genetically modified Valencia orange. 94014 is the code of a small organic Valencia orange.
* 4 digits: The fruit likely comes with a burden of poisons and was grown in depleted soil.
* 5 digits, first is 8: This fruit is genetically modified, a GMO. It contains genes that were not put there by nature.
* 5 digits, first is 9: This fruit has been grown to an organic standard. Although the standard is not as strict as some produced by the most serious organic farmers, it is certainly superior to conventionally-grown or GMO fruit.
Who's Behind PLU Codes
It all started back in 1949. The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) was founded for the purpose of taking advantage of new packaging technologies and the developing style of self-service grocery shopping to promote the produce business. Since then, agribusiness has taken over most farming and PMA has grown accordingly. It has become the focal point of coordination in large-scale national and international produce marketing.
The International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) is associated with PMA. It assigns and administers Price Look Up (PLU) codes -- those numbers on sticky labels -- and keeps a database of them.
Originally intended to speed checkout in supermarkets, PLU codes are now being pushed as a means to provide quality accountability and to limit the costs involved in tracing bad products that have already been distributed.
More Info From PLU Numbers
If you're interested in finding out more about PLU numbers, simply go to the IFPS website, which provides the PLU database online (http://plucodes.com/search_wizard.aspx?s=1)
You must fill in four fields, but the information requested is not personal and cannot identify you. From there, you can find out what codes are used for particular types of produce and information associated with any code. Do not look for the first digit (8 or 9) of a five-digit code. Only four digits are included. (Keep in mind that the 8 or 9 is merely tacked onto the front of a four-digit code.)
For example, if you pick up an avocado with the code 4221 on it, you could look it up and find that it's classed as a small avocado that was grown in the eastern part of north America.
Every Little Bit Helps
Information available from PLU codes isn't as complete as shoppers should have. Nonetheless, it's nice to know that a tool intended only to provide information beneficial to agribusiness and supermarkets provides a real benefit to everyday consumers.
Remember: If the code is five digits in length, check out that first digit carefully. If it's an 8, put it back -- and consider making a complaint to the supermarket for stocking it.
About the author
* Heidi Stevenson, BSc, DIHom, FBIH
* Fellow, British Institute of Homeopathy
* Gaia Therapy (http://www.gaia-therapy.com/)
*
* The author is a homeopath who became concerned with medically-induced harm as a result of her own experiences and those of family members. She says that allopathic medicine is the arena that best describes the motto, "Buyer beware."
*
* Iatrogenic disease is illness, disability, and death caused by medical practice. It is common, resulting in huge costs to society and individuals. It's possible - even common - to suffer an iatrogenic illness without realizing its source.
*
* Heidi Stevenson provides information about medically-induced disease and disability, along with incisive well-researched articles on major issues in the modern world, so members of the public can protect themselves.
our meeting on local food is tonight, and I just got an email today that explains the stickers on fruit. If you don't already know this information it may be helpful to you.
Maureen
Sticky PLU Labels on Fruit Provide Useful Health Information
by Heidi Stevenson (see all articles by this author)
Originally published July 28 2008
(NaturalNews) Who would have imagined that those irritating little labels stuck on fruit would provide helpful information? Their purpose isn't, of course, to help the public. Nonetheless, the codes identify whether fruit is full of pesticides and grown with petroleum-based fertilizers or organic, and even when it's genetically modified.
When those stickies first started appearing on fruit, it seemed a tad strange. As if the supermarkets were determined to add another level of frustration to already-stressed lives. The aggravation of pulling a label off a perfect fruit, the embodiment of nature's bounty, only to have part of the peel come off too was... well, infuriating. And the fact that there was yet another code designed not to enlighten, but to obfuscate, to keep information from us simply added insult to injury.
Still, those disgustingly wasteful labels that end up in the landfills and take up your precious time to peel off do more than speed up the checkout process in the supermarket. They can help you avoid eating chemicals and genetically modified organisms.
The Labeling System
The codes are applied not only to fruit, but also to vegetables, herbs, and nuts, though labels are normally stuck only on fruit. They consist of four or five numbers. The system is quite simple. Fruit is divided into three classes: conventional, organic, and genetically modified.
All four-digit coded fruit is conventionally raised. So, if you don't see five digits, then it's safe to assume that the fruit is contaminated with pesticides and petroleum-based fertilizers, and is grown in depleted soils.
Five digit codes are simply the four digits with a single number added to the front: 8 or 9.
If the first of five numbers is 9, then it has been grown to the standards defined by the National Organic Standards Board. This is obviously preferable to conventionally-grown fruit.
If the first of five numbers is 8, the fruit is genetically modified. It means that it has been grown conventionally with poisons in depleted soil, from frankenseeds.
For example, let's take a simple Valencia orange. Its code is 4014. 84014 is the code of a small genetically modified Valencia orange. 94014 is the code of a small organic Valencia orange.
* 4 digits: The fruit likely comes with a burden of poisons and was grown in depleted soil.
* 5 digits, first is 8: This fruit is genetically modified, a GMO. It contains genes that were not put there by nature.
* 5 digits, first is 9: This fruit has been grown to an organic standard. Although the standard is not as strict as some produced by the most serious organic farmers, it is certainly superior to conventionally-grown or GMO fruit.
Who's Behind PLU Codes
It all started back in 1949. The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) was founded for the purpose of taking advantage of new packaging technologies and the developing style of self-service grocery shopping to promote the produce business. Since then, agribusiness has taken over most farming and PMA has grown accordingly. It has become the focal point of coordination in large-scale national and international produce marketing.
The International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) is associated with PMA. It assigns and administers Price Look Up (PLU) codes -- those numbers on sticky labels -- and keeps a database of them.
Originally intended to speed checkout in supermarkets, PLU codes are now being pushed as a means to provide quality accountability and to limit the costs involved in tracing bad products that have already been distributed.
More Info From PLU Numbers
If you're interested in finding out more about PLU numbers, simply go to the IFPS website, which provides the PLU database online (http://plucodes.com/search_wizard.aspx?s=1)
You must fill in four fields, but the information requested is not personal and cannot identify you. From there, you can find out what codes are used for particular types of produce and information associated with any code. Do not look for the first digit (8 or 9) of a five-digit code. Only four digits are included. (Keep in mind that the 8 or 9 is merely tacked onto the front of a four-digit code.)
For example, if you pick up an avocado with the code 4221 on it, you could look it up and find that it's classed as a small avocado that was grown in the eastern part of north America.
Every Little Bit Helps
Information available from PLU codes isn't as complete as shoppers should have. Nonetheless, it's nice to know that a tool intended only to provide information beneficial to agribusiness and supermarkets provides a real benefit to everyday consumers.
Remember: If the code is five digits in length, check out that first digit carefully. If it's an 8, put it back -- and consider making a complaint to the supermarket for stocking it.
About the author
* Heidi Stevenson, BSc, DIHom, FBIH
* Fellow, British Institute of Homeopathy
* Gaia Therapy (http://www.gaia-therapy.com/)
*
* The author is a homeopath who became concerned with medically-induced harm as a result of her own experiences and those of family members. She says that allopathic medicine is the arena that best describes the motto, "Buyer beware."
*
* Iatrogenic disease is illness, disability, and death caused by medical practice. It is common, resulting in huge costs to society and individuals. It's possible - even common - to suffer an iatrogenic illness without realizing its source.
*
* Heidi Stevenson provides information about medically-induced disease and disability, along with incisive well-researched articles on major issues in the modern world, so members of the public can protect themselves.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
New Website Format
Hello all,
you will notice that the website is a bit shorter now. I've finally converted all our past updates into a blog, which you can see by clicking here. I've moved the interesting links section to the blog as well to make this site more manageable.
Looking back we've done a lot in the past 7 months! It was fun to see that a lot of the areas people said they wanted to know more about have been covered in our past meetings.
So far we've had speakers on these topics:
Urban Gardening - Ron Berezan
Alternative Energy - Harold Verburg
Greening Your Home - Shanthu Mano, Stephani Carter, & Andrea Jones
Sustainable Economics - Mike Nickerson
Eco-Villages and Co-housing - Lorie Saito & Shanthu Mano
and coming up this fall...
Alternative Economics
Buy Local
Food Security
And there are so many things happening in the city...
A food security conference is being organized as we speak,
so is a conference on local governments for sustainability,
There will be a Shop Local month to spotlight our local businesses,
Eco-villages are being built and Co-housing Associations are being formed,
Alternative energy choices for our utilities are around the corner,
a closed loop paper recycling facility is being built - the 1st one on the continent!
and so much more, I could go on for pages.
It's an exciting time to be here, and we invite you to join us on the journey!
Tad & Maureen
you will notice that the website is a bit shorter now. I've finally converted all our past updates into a blog, which you can see by clicking here. I've moved the interesting links section to the blog as well to make this site more manageable.
Looking back we've done a lot in the past 7 months! It was fun to see that a lot of the areas people said they wanted to know more about have been covered in our past meetings.
So far we've had speakers on these topics:
Urban Gardening - Ron Berezan
Alternative Energy - Harold Verburg
Greening Your Home - Shanthu Mano, Stephani Carter, & Andrea Jones
Sustainable Economics - Mike Nickerson
Eco-Villages and Co-housing - Lorie Saito & Shanthu Mano
and coming up this fall...
Alternative Economics
Buy Local
Food Security
And there are so many things happening in the city...
A food security conference is being organized as we speak,
so is a conference on local governments for sustainability,
There will be a Shop Local month to spotlight our local businesses,
Eco-villages are being built and Co-housing Associations are being formed,
Alternative energy choices for our utilities are around the corner,
a closed loop paper recycling facility is being built - the 1st one on the continent!
and so much more, I could go on for pages.
It's an exciting time to be here, and we invite you to join us on the journey!
Tad & Maureen
Get Ready for August!
What great weather we've been having. You may not like the rain, but my garden loves it, and the bees love my garden, and I love the bees. With so many dying every year (colony collapse disorder), I'm happy to welcome them into my yard and give them food.On Sunday (the 20th), Tad and I we're out at the Devonian Botanical Gardens for the >1st annual green festival. It was a great day to be outside and there was a good crowd there that grew with each presentation. There were talks on Green investing, the sage group and local economies, alternative power sources, composting, carbon busting and more. We are looking forward to seeing it grow next year.
We've wrapped up all the July meetings, but August is coming fast and is sure to be interesting. We've got 3 meetings next month because there are so many exciting things happening we need more time to tell you about them.
Special Interest Community Meeting
Who cares about Local Food?
August 6, 2008 - 7pm @ the Village Lifestyles (10429-79 Ave)
Guest presenter - Jessie Radies of Original Fare
Have you ever wondered why it costs more to buy eggs at the farmers market, or whether you could do a 100 mile diet? Are you concerned about the distance food travels to get to our tables? Have you noticed that the good farmland surrounding Edmonton is being sold to develpers? Did you know that we only have 3 days worth of food on the grocery store shelves? What does all this mean to you and your family?
These are questions some of us are thinking about as we become more aware of the role food plays in the health of our bodies, and our communities at large. And we'll answer them at this meeting.
Remember at the very start of SAGE you told us that you wanted 3 things out of this group: networking, information, and ACTION. This is your chance to take action and make a difference!
SAGE has become a supporter of GEA's (Greater Edmonton Alliance) Shake the Hand that Feeds You local food action. We invite you to find out more about this simple plan to participate in improving the fabric of our community. If you aren't able to attend the meeting, you can still find out what is happening and take part by reading this document.
Business Meeting
Creating a local living economy in Edmonton
August 18, 2008 - 7 pm @ the Village Lifestyles (10429-79 Ave)
PLEASE NOTE THE TIME FOR THIS MEETING IS THE EVENING!!!
Usually we have the business meetings in the morning, but we needed to accommodate the schedule for our special guest presenter, Jessie Radies.
This is a special meeting. When we first started SAGE, we wanted to create a movement in Edmonton like the BALLE networks in the US. We weren't really sure how to do that, so our past few meetings have focused on entreprenuer experiences and networking. Now we have a plan for action, and we aim to put local business on the map in Edmonton.
We have invited Jessie Radies from Keep Edmonton Original, and also the owner of the Blue Pear will be speaking about the importance of local business to the economy and community where they operate. Our goal from this meeting is to gather together local Edmonton business to find out what kind of support they need from the community and the government to sustain their business and make it thrive. From there we can formulate the steps to make it happen.
Community Meeting
The fun of economics!
August 19, 2008 - 7pm @ the Village Lifestyles (10429-79 Ave)
I know, 2 meetings in a row, what was I thinking? But I am really excited about this month's meetings because they are all inter-related and they are being led mostly by members of the SAGE steering committee.
You are in for a treat tonight because Mark Anielski (author of the Economics of Happiness) and Joey Hundert (entrepreneur extrodinaire and super smart too) will be presenting together on the in and outs of economics, our economy and how we fit into the whole world banking system. What are the alternatives to the status quo? Are there other ways to do banking? What about alternative currencies like Calgary Dollars, or LETS? You will learn about all this and more, plus an exciting announcement about new ethical investment opportunites in our city.
Monday, July 7, 2008
The SAGE Summer Soiree
July 7, 2008
The day after the party! I'm writing this from the future, but I can tell you the party was great! Even though it was rainy most of the day, it cleared up right around 4 when the party started and we had about 60 people enjoying the food, music and company. The rain stayed away until the last band played so everyone came in and danced.
So many people helped make this event a success, and we'd like to thank you all.
First of all - thanks to everyone who came!
Thanks to everyone who helped to set up the hall and clean it up afterwards.
We had a huge selection of homemade vegetarian potluck dishes - thanks to everyone who brought something!
Thanks to all the kitchen helpers who made lemonade and ice tea the old fashioned way. (Jenika, Azley, Mair, Diane & Lona)
Andrea Jones of Raising Spaces for the door prize
Terra Fleenor helped plan the party - everything from finding a venue, to finding musicians, to taking tickets at the door to getting the kegs to work, and being the mc for the night! Thanks so much Terra!
Nanda Gruss of Living in Unison is a talented feng shui consultant and she helped set the mood in the hall and transform the gloomy day into a celebration!
Mike Tulley of MKT Systems was our tireless sound tech, and he transformed the Riverdale hall into a super concert venue. Thanks for looking after all the musicians needs and keeping things on track.
Thanks to all our musicians! Without you it wouldn't have been a party! As you can see from the list below, we were spoiled.
Tophee Davies
Ken Stead
Mike Ehlers and Zizi
The Urban Coyotes - with our own Ron Berezan! I didn't know you were in a band, where do you find the time?!
Isoul
Tracy Reed
Ambers Brewing provided some of their locally made, special brand of beer. Thanks for all your help and they even deliver!
So if you missed this one, don't fret - we're having a 1 year anniversary party on DEC 11, so watch for more details and mark your calendars.
The day after the party! I'm writing this from the future, but I can tell you the party was great! Even though it was rainy most of the day, it cleared up right around 4 when the party started and we had about 60 people enjoying the food, music and company. The rain stayed away until the last band played so everyone came in and danced.
So many people helped make this event a success, and we'd like to thank you all.
First of all - thanks to everyone who came!
Thanks to everyone who helped to set up the hall and clean it up afterwards.
We had a huge selection of homemade vegetarian potluck dishes - thanks to everyone who brought something!
Thanks to all the kitchen helpers who made lemonade and ice tea the old fashioned way. (Jenika, Azley, Mair, Diane & Lona)
Andrea Jones of Raising Spaces for the door prize
Terra Fleenor helped plan the party - everything from finding a venue, to finding musicians, to taking tickets at the door to getting the kegs to work, and being the mc for the night! Thanks so much Terra!
Nanda Gruss of Living in Unison is a talented feng shui consultant and she helped set the mood in the hall and transform the gloomy day into a celebration!
Mike Tulley of MKT Systems was our tireless sound tech, and he transformed the Riverdale hall into a super concert venue. Thanks for looking after all the musicians needs and keeping things on track.
Thanks to all our musicians! Without you it wouldn't have been a party! As you can see from the list below, we were spoiled.
Tophee Davies
Ken Stead
Mike Ehlers and Zizi
The Urban Coyotes - with our own Ron Berezan! I didn't know you were in a band, where do you find the time?!
Isoul
Tracy Reed
Ambers Brewing provided some of their locally made, special brand of beer. Thanks for all your help and they even deliver!
So if you missed this one, don't fret - we're having a 1 year anniversary party on DEC 11, so watch for more details and mark your calendars.
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