Happy Earth Day!

The Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy has a quote that states, "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generatons."

Yes, I took that quote off the label of my favorite household product brand. In a society more technologically-advanced than those previous, we often fail to consider the effect that that technology will have on those after. Unfortunately, our advances may have a detrimental effect not only on the future, the environment, but ourselves as well. Have you ever stopped to consider how what you buy, what you eat, or what is in your house is affecting your health, the health of the earth, or the health of someone living in substandard conditions in another country?
I must confess that I hadn't either until about a year ago. It was when I was taking biochemistry that I began to realize exactly how much of an impact what we put into our bodies has on our health and well being. It wasn't until I began conversing with some of my more environmentally and social justice oriented classmates that I began to realize how a few pennies or dollars saved may be promoting a few more pennies or dollars being taken from those who are in far greater need than myself.
In light of this and the fact that it is Earth Day, I leave you with a few easy, med. student budget friendly tips to help make this world a better place:

1. Throw the whole "the lowest price is the best deal" concept out the window. I'm waiting. Did you do it? Good for you. Yes, you may save a few pennies here and there by shopping at certain businesses, but did you realize your meager savings is helping to promote decreased benefits for workers, substandard wages, CAFOs, social injustice, etc...?? A nice return for saving a few pennies, huh?

2. Read the labels. I know you all learned how to read, I hope. You'd be amazed at the amount and variety of chemicals that surround us everyday and even more amazed at what we allow ourselves to ingest. Think all of those chemicals are 100% safe? Think again. Most of them haven't been fully studied to discover the exact effect that prolonged exposure has on human health. And besides, with long names like "monopotassium phosphate, piperonyl butoxide, and dimethly benzyl ammonium saccharinate" it can't be good for you. People have survived for centuries without being surrounded by a plethora of synthetics. Why can't we now?

3.Buy organic. Every summer the Johnson City Downtown Clinic treats numerous migrant workers with severe health problems. The number one contributing factor? Pesticides. A few weeks ago we had a series of Toxicology lectures listing the types of pesticides and their toxic effects. I realize that we aren't exposed to the same levels as the migrant workers but it still makes you wonder if all those small doses aren't accumulating and having an effect.
Pesticide toxicity aside, organic farming is environmentally friendly and promotes sustainable living. It provides quality of life to the workers and the land. Too expensive? Buy bulk and raw ingredients. It's a lot more fun and versatile as well. Example: it's much easier to make quesadillas from tortillas, mushrooms, olives, peppers, cheese, etc..than to take that expensive organic burrito and try to turn it into a quesadilla. Besides, cooking is a great way to express your creativity and impress your friends.

4.Buy range-fed meat and dairy products. I'm sure you were wondering what the aforementioned acronym CAFO represents. Concentrated Animal Farming Operation. Basically its a glorifed slaughter house where an animal, such as a cow or chicken, spends its entire life in a small enclosed space waiting to become your dinner. Not only is it a breeding ground for disease, many of these animals are fed feed mixtures laced with some of our most potent antibiotics (and they tell you that antibiotic resistance comes from physicians prescribing too much amoxicillin for Jimmy's cold) in order to produce healthier, larger animals. Can't afford range-fed? Go soy. I know, you hear the words "tofu" and shudder. It tastes just like chicken...or cheese...or beef or whatever else. I have a great recipe for tofu-spinach lasagne if anyone wants to take that first leap.

5. Try natural household products. I highly recommend the brand "Seventh Generation." Their laundry detergent not only smells great, but it is also petroleum-free. Maybe if we all switched to non-petroleum based laundry detergent, we could drive the oil sheiks out of business. Maybe not.

6.Speaking of oil, has anyone not noticed the extremely high price of gasoline? I have a simple solution to save money: ride your bicycle. Not only is it fun and a great means of exercise, it's good for the environment. Walking is another great option.

7.Spread the word. We cannot act unless we know how to act. Spend a few minutes educating yourself about how you can have a positive impact on your environment, your health, and the lives around you. Check out the following sites to get started:

www.seventhgeneration.com
www.organicconsumers.org
www.appsusdev.org

It may cost a few pennies more, but it could save a few years of life for you or the future generation. Happy Earth Day!!!