Photo Credit Marina Zlochin
Everything started as an outlet to share some interests and insights freely without certain tangible limits. After being unexpectedly laid off from the company I had worked at since college, I was left feeling used, abused with a very unhappy outlook on life. I found myself overweight, moody, unemployed and extremely angry. Not angry about my sudden misfortune, but angry that I had allowed my fate to be left in the hands of someone besides myself. That's when I realized that I am the author of my own story.
I became immersed in the deep connection that each of us as individuals have existing with nature. This blanketed interest spans the likes of many areas, particularly regarding organic nutrition and the benefits of economic sustainability through proper nutrition. I did not always think this way. I wasn't even certain what it meant when the label stated "organic" or when it indicated being from "sustainable resources". I was completely oblivious to the processes behind some of the food and food products that are in most of our local grocery suppliers. I began educating myself about the industry after I learned that the fruits and veggies we had been consuming were genetically modified to taste, feel and look a specific way for mass appeal. Like, I mean brilliant chemists were in a lab somewhere manipulating and computing formulas that would produce a seed that grows a plant to be harvested to suit specific timelines and satisfy the masses in terms of visual appeal, texture and flavor. We should not have to be exposed to that.
Naturally, curiousity further developed into other areas of what has become "green living". Such as, the benefits of holistic approaches for both medicinal and hygeine purposes as well as cosmetic uses. This includes essential oils, spices, foods and other natural "vitamins" that are proven to be useful in the control and even the eradication of some illnesses and diseases. Actually, most of the conditions many of us may suffer from could easily be alleviated by the immediate discontinuation of both chemically processed food products as well as an incremental decrease in the use of prescriptions. Most prescriptions simply numb the issue as opposed to treating the core deficiency.
As an advocate of carbon footprint reduction, there is also a need to keep our homes as eco-friendly as possible with many eco-concious replacements of standard household products. Using recycled paper goods as well as limited plastic use combined with resource conservation are just a few of the practices in green homes. This is an ongoing effort in our household, and although it can be daunting to find some products that utilize sustainable practices as well as limit the use of artificial additives and chemicals- it can be done.
Over time, these interests have led to becoming active in the community to do my part in encouraging awareness. As an advocate, I have hands on experience as the manager of farmers markets, which support local growers. As a volunteer, I have helped by participating in community initiatives to educate, innovate and facilitate the resources needed to support the lack of awareness regarding sustainability. As an activist, I have participated in peaceful demonstrations, most recently against offshore and seismic drilling as well as hydraulic fracturing and oil pipelines which was a compelling experience. I try to be the change, walk the talk and live the walk. Chasing my dream to live Organic plus Green.
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