Read 'n' Seed 4: Third quarter of Newman's Own: Guide to a Good Life

The third quarter of my read 'n seed for Newman's Own Guide to a Good Life, covers chapters 6 and 7 (p.104-128). 

Chapter 6 titled "Shopping," was very pertinent to localization and safety of consumerism. With the holidays just around the corner, I wish I could read this entire chapter to the average American consumer. I feel the need to do a lot of quoting, but I'll stick to one that really stuck out to me. Nell discusses purchasing products that should "matter to you," involving your families health as well as supporting local economy. "When you shift your dollars from a megastore to a mom-and-pop store because the smaller place carries water-soluble paint and decking that isn't loaded with aresenic, you're showing the big boys the way to your heart and you're supporting local economy too. If a company hasn't been a good neighbor--they recklessly pollute the city where they're headquartered, they refuse to recycle, or they won't give their workers a fair shake-- you can withhold your dollars from them until they shape up." I feel like that quote also goes well with my Coca-Cola Share and Voice post when discussing the idea of a megastore being a "poor neighbor."  

I really like how she refers to a ripple effect when you do buy "green" products (meaning environmentally friendly), because you are educating others by example. Some products to watch out for when shopping are Phthalates (chemicals that soften plastic); choose PVC free, especially when shopping for toys that may end up in a childs mouth. Also, when building or remodeling your home, try to avoid VOC's (volitile organic compounds); if you smell them, they are getting into your lungs. Instead, look for environmentally friendly options which are becoming more readily available (oftentimes slightly more expensive, but you have to decide if your health is worth the cost.) 

(pictured below, my puppy Lola)

Chapter 7 titled "pet care,"  wasn't quite as helpful as chapter 6, but there were a few good tips for keeping your pets healthy, but a lot of it is pretty obvious, and some of it doubles as ways for us to keep healthy as well. She does mention that the rule about "no table food" for your pets only really makes sense if you eat a really poor diet (which many Americans do, hence the rule applies). Humans and pets alike should avoid white refined sugar, white refined flour, and candy. Specifically, when it comes to pet food, avoid packages that begin with "beef by products, water, poultry by-products." Pets can have human food so long as its "healthy" (not high in fat, sugar or salt), but specifically shouldn't have chicken or fish bones, citrus, tomatoes, organ meat (unless organic) and bacon.
 Many other tips double as overall safety tips for everyone: fresh water, no cigarette smoke, keep away from poisonous household chemicals, organic is the way to go for food-soaps-repellents-and shampoo. Being conscious about your pets' health is important, it oftentimes goes hand-in-hand with your own health!

Overall, very informative chapters, it's always nice to be able to share what I learn with everyone!