Making a Difference on Newsstands

If you're looking for a way to spread compassion with your gift-giving, or a way to boost your health when you can't get to the gym, check out my articles in the current issues of "Natural Health" and "Woman's Day" magazines. The December/January issue of the former explains how you can send gifts of humanitarian aid -- school supplies, mosquito nets, medicine and more -- in the name of your gift recipient to those in need around the world. In the December 2 issue of "Woman's Day," I've written about reaping physical health benefits simply by helping others. In these financially troubled times, acknowledging those who have much less than we do can remind us of our own riches. I hope you'll check out the articles and share your thoughts here.

Paper With Your Plastic

I don't know what it's like where you live, but here in southcentral Pennsylvania, grocery stores make it tough to be earth-friendly. I'm lucky to have bought my own reusable bags years ago, when the supermarket I frequented wasn't afraid to sell practical, large-size bags. Those tiny totes I see in the stores now seem designed more for multiple bag sales than typical grocery hauls. If consumers have to buy 8 bags to carry a routine load, they'll probably just stick with the free plastic option.

Even though I provide my own 18 x 16 x 7-inch, breathable, moisture-proof bags, I still have to insist that store checkout clerks not ply me with plastic -- for frozen foods, produce, salad bar containers and any number of other items they deem "separate" or special. I also have to ask that they fill the bags completely; for some reason, they tend to fill them half-full, then reach again for the plastic. They have actually argued with me when I say that I prefer full bags, everything together. If this is the response we earth-conscious types get, how many patrons are going to adopt mindful habits?

My latest beef with grocers is paper-wasting receipts. Last week I bought three items from a local supermarket; my receipt was 30 inches long. I bought one item last night and got a 20-inch receipt. I'm not interested in the flower department's sale, the sandwich club or the "Golden Awards" program. I don't need to know that the pharmacy is now open. The logo alone takes up 2.5 inches. This isn't even a national chain, but a locally owned store. You would think that, whether or not they are eco-minded, they would embrace ways to reduce operating costs, and clearly they are using two-thirds more paper than necessary.

One UK grocer is doing its part: it prints receipts on both sides of the paper. Some advocate electronic receipts. Others suggest declining receipts when possible. For my part, I think I'll start with a letter to the local grocery store manager, asking for larger bring-your-own bags, a bit of education or training for employees and consideration of shorter receipts. If you have other suggestions, please share them.

Are You Turning Green?

"Green" living tips are everywhere these days, which is a good thing. Maybe you've bought energy-efficient lightbulbs and started turning out the lights when you leave a room, or maybe you buy locally grown food and drive a hybrid car. Whatever your shade of green, do you ever wonder how well you're doing? I just discovered a fun Web site that measures how many Planet Earths we would need to sustain us if everyone on the planet lived your or my lifestyle. I think I'm pretty mindful of the choices I make; I recycle, eat few processed foods, and telecommute -- and when I drive, I'm in a fuel-efficient compact car. Some choices aren't mine to make: I can't alter my home, for instance, since I rent. Still, I was surprised to learn that my habits requre 4.5 planets. Ouch! If you'd like to find out how many planets your life requires, go play Consumer Consequences. And if you're brave (or proud) enough, please share your results!

Want Fries With Your Cloneburger?

Amid growing trends toward eating fresh, locally and organic, I was jarred by a recent news report about the FDA's imminent approval of milk and meat from cloned animals. I don't know about you, but I have no desire to ingest the latest natural interference, be it cloned meat or genetically "enhanced" produce -- especially unwittingly. (So far, the FDA hasn't established any mandatory labeling of these foods.) And given its track record over the last few years, do you want to trust the FDA with determining the safety, both short- and long-term, of what you and your family put into your bodies? Enjoy the lighter side of the issue by listening to The Cow Cloning Song; then write to your legislators and the FDA to tell them how you feel. And if you've ever thought about it, this might be a good time to become a vegetarian.