A winning strategy is currently being developed by Moxie Media, the Seattle firm hired to head the campaign, with input from the Yes on 522 Steering Committee and others locally and nationwide. Do you have ideas to share? Volunteer time to donate? A financial contribution to make? This landmark campaign will need all kinds of support in the next several months, and financial contributions are crucial at this phase. Please help if you can. Thank you and go 522!

To donate to the Washington State labeling campaign, go to yeson522.com.

For a brief summary of our state campaign and what’s at stake, read this Organic Consumers article.

Read original language of The People’s Right to Know Genetically Engineered Act (I-522) here.

Right-to-Know
• I-522 would allow Washington consumers to make informed choices about nutrition for themselves and their families.

Protecting the Salmon Industry
The fishing industry is one of the economic hallmarks of the Pacific Northwest economy. Genetically engineered salmon imperil families, fishermen, and coastal communities. Purdue University and The National Academy of Sciences both cite “considerable risks” genetically engineered (also called “transgenic”) fish pose to nearby native fish populations.

• I-522 would give Washington what Alaska has already: a law that forces genetically-engineered fish to be labeled so those wishing to avoid them are given the information to do so.

Protecting Washington Exports
Washington is second only to California in organic production. Labeling GMOs would ensure the identity and integrity of Washington’s farm exports and protect trade with nations that require labeling.

• I-522 would protect Washington’s organic markets domestically and abroad.

Hands off our apples!
Washington State is the number one exporter of organic apples. The Arctic Apple (nicknamed the “botox apple”) is genetically engineered not to turn brown when sliced. The U.S. Apple Association has declared “No one is asking for this apple, and the consensus on genetically modified produce is still much too vague for the government or for the general public to feel secure.”

• I-522 would give consumers the ability to avoid apples containing GMOs and would protect organic export markets of this signature Pacific Northwest crop.

Ease of Compliance
Many U.S. companies (like Hershey’s) already meet GMO labeling laws for their overseas customers. If American producers are unable to meet labeling laws in key export nations, they risk losing significant market share. To date, 62 countries require labels on genetically-engineered food imports.

• I-522 would simply require companies to provide the same information they’re already required to provide their customers overseas.

Washington’s Yes on 522 campaign is sure to experience deliberate misinformation in the coming months from those who aspire to control the world’s food supply. Expect them to air deceptive television advertising across the state, similar to their strategy in California during Prop 37, that state’s attempt to label GMOs, which was defeated in November 2012.

No matter how difficult the road to victory, Marlene’s believes labeling of genetically modified organisms will eventually be mandated by an informed and cautious citizenry.

Please join this historic drive to protect consumer rights.

Lori Lively has edited Sound Outlook since 1996. She is Education Director at Marlene’s Market & Deli and currently serves on the steering committee for Yes on 522.

We all recognize some of the negative effects of stress – headaches, digestive issues, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, diabetes, depression, skin rashes, fatigue, eating disorders, weight gain, hair loss, drug or alcohol abuse, to name a few. Left unchecked, chronic stress can lead to other problems as multiple body systems are compromised. Have you ever witnessed someone under a lot of stress getting sick more frequently? The immune system is compromised and can’t fight off infection as efficiently. The brain, the reproductive system, the digestive system – almost every system in your body will have some type of adverse reaction to chronic stress. So what are we to do?

Remember, your body is always trying to return to homeostasis. When we relax and allow a break in stress, we at least limit the challenges stress presents to the body. So, step one is to relax, and even though we know we need it, putting relaxation into practice on a daily basis seems to be one of the biggest challenges most of us face.  Meditation, exercise, yoga, being outside, gardening, laughing, talking – all are forms of relaxation.

Find your own form of relaxation, not what is politically correct, what your friend says, or what you read in an article – it’s what works for YOU! Relaxation is step number one in dealing with the negative aspects of stress. Step two involves an evaluation of the source(s) of your stress and if it can be avoided, removed, redirected, or eliminated. Perhaps it’s an unknown or unidentifiable cause that can be addressed if exposed.

But, recognizing and addressing the need to support your body in handling the physical challenges is critical. There are some basic facts that everyone should understand before attempting to select supplements for a system beleaguered by stress.

As previously noted, when we are under stress, the immune system is compromised, the digestive system doesn’t function optimally, and cognitive response is impaired. Remember internal stress? What are you eating? Basic multivitamin supplementation (preferably one that is predominantly from food) is a good start since all of our cells need basic vitamin and minerals to function properly.

There are other challenges to consider. B vitamins, especially, are rapidly depleted under stress and should be supplemented in their co-enzymated (bioactive/metabolically active) form so the liver will not be overly-taxed.  Add digestive enzymes to your supporting mix along with Ashwagandha (an adaptogen) to assist the body in maintaining more normal cortisol levels. There are a other good options, depending on your individual needs.

Do your research, talk with your natural health care provider, ask questions. Take a little time to relax each day. Learn to manage stress and supplement correctly. Don’t let stress control you – enjoy and embrace life. To your health!

Stress, the Good, the Bad, and What to Do When it Gets Ugly
by Audrey Ross

Audrey Ross, Naturopathic Physician, is National Educator for Country Life.

For more information about our seminars and cooking classes, click here!

Knowing certified organic herbs are not only more effective, but better for the environment, James formulated his line with over 80% certified organic ingredients. Many are sourced from farms scattered across the Pacific Northwest, such as Herb Pharm, located in Williams, Oregon, and Mountain Rose Herbs in Eugene, Oregon.

It all started with organic. But James didn’t stop there. To be truly effective, he knew his skincare line must contain active ingredients, backed by science, even the most sensitive skin could tolerate. Gluten-free and vegetarian, the products can be used by anybody and are good for all skin types. The Jeffrey James Botanicals line is one of the purest on the market.

Containing MSM, The Wash has regenerative and anti-aging properties and organic silica, which acts as a building block for the skin. The Toner contains organic Aloe Vera for its soothing anti-inflammatory properties, and Colloidal Silver which combats acne and is a powerful healing agent (also great for post shaving for soothing razor burn and healing nicks). The Firm is a potent anti-aging product cocktail of super fruits such as Blueberry, Cranberry, Bayberry and Orange, as well as GotuKola to stimulate the skin’s collagen production. The Serum contains over 50% Hyaluronic Acid for its ability to moisturize even the driest skin, and Vitamins A, C and E for more antioxidant power. The Crème contains 75 beneficial ingredients including 5% Glycolic Acid, and 4% Vitamin C. Light, yet deeply moisturizing, The Creme works wonders on eczema. The Eye Cream, with Licorice and Eyebright, helps with dark circles and puffiness. The Exfoliant gently washes debris from even the most sensitive skin. Bamboo fibers slough off dead skin while a base of Cranberry and Raspberry work to draw out toxins – a truly unique product! The Eye Gel feels like putting cool cucumbers on your eyes! Periwinkle helps with inflammation, and Cucumber reduces puffiness and dark circles.

Dermatologists hail James’s line of products for their organic purity, healing properties and absorption. A simple, yet luxurious line, Jeffrey James Botanicals fit easily into a daily regimen for men and women pursuing an active and healthy lifestyle.

“How you look isn’t nearly as important as how you feel. I created Jeffrey James Botanicals, because I’m passionate about helping people achieve their most radiant versions of themselves – both inside and out. Looking good is a reflection of feeling good. And that comes from within!” – Jeffrey James

Botanical Beauty for Organic Purists
by Holly Cantino

Holly Cantino is Category Manager of the Body Care Department at Marlene’s.

1. Higher Standards
Anything labeled “organic” is regulated under the Organic Standards Act, established under the 1990 Farm Bill. Set up by Congress, the Organic Standards are determined by an independent board of 15 people, appointed from the public. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees the standards, certifies organic farms, and regulates imported organic food.

In order to be “certified,” conventional farms follow USDA organic farming guidelines for three years before they can apply for organic certification. Documentation required for an organic seal is extensive from seed to harvest. Farmers pay per-acre for certification. Organic inspectors can stop in any time to check records.

Organic farmers can’t use irradiation, sewage sludge, synthetic fertilizers, prohibited pesticides or genetically modified organisms in production. Organic ranchers must meet animal health and welfare standards and provide livestock with access to outdoors. Farmers must use certified organic feed. Using antibiotics or the growth hormone rBGH are prohibited on organic farms.

The USDA organic seal is an official stamp of integrity.

2. More Nutrients
Many things influence the nutrient content of produce – soil quality, fertilizers, crop rotations, maturity at harvest –but one thing is certain: the nutrients in fruits and vegetables are declining today. Depleted soil and farming for high yields and shelf life can produce less nutritious produce. Non-organic farms rely on petroleum-based fertilizers and they often add more nitrogen than the plant needs, but faster growth doesn’t add up to more nutrients in vegetables.

Conventionally farmed plants bulk up faster because they require more water. Yields may be higher on conventional farms but a slower release of natural nitrogen on organic farms can produce a denser concentration of nutrients in the plant.

Consider the Wilt family blueberry farm (Sunset Valley Organics) in Corvallis, Oregon, where farmer Bob Wilt hired a reputable company to test his farm’s blueberries for nutrients. The results revealed the Wilts’ blueberries contained higher levels of vitamin A, E, calcium, zinc, potassium and magnesium than blueberries tested from conventional farms. Organic farming techniques can increase nutrient levels in soil, and these micro-nutrients taken up by plant roots, produce a plant with more nutrients.

3. Fewer Pesticides
Pesticides are applied to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate pests. Herbicides and fungicides fall into the same category. Pesticides have been linked to cancer, damage to immune systems, birth defects and asthma. Children are at a higher risk for toxic exposure of pesticides because they get proportionally higher doses of the toxic substances.

Organic farms aren’t allowed to use synthetic pesticides. If you can’t afford to purchase all organic foods, why not replace these fruits and vegetables that have the most toxic residues (according to the Environmental Working Group) with organic versions:

4. Better for the Environment
Monoculture (relying on just a few crops) on conventional farms saps nutrients from the soil and contributes to soil erosion and water pollution. For example, the farm chemicals carried by the Mississippi River combine with algae, deplete the water of oxygen, suffocating all life. At the end of the Mississippi River you’ll find the biggest dead zone in history in the Gulf of Mexico, and studies have shown the main culprits are nitrogen and phosphorous from conventional farm fertilizers. It is well-documented that many of the persistent farm chemicals filter up the food chain and have been found in mothers’ breast milk around the world.

5. Keep Healthy Alternative Farming Systems Alive
When you purchase organic food, especially organic food from smaller more sustainable farms, you support farmers that are land stewards. Good food for people and the environment isn’t always easy to grow, and organic farming costs more to grow per acre. It is more labor intensive since weeding is done more by hand, and once organic produce is contaminated with things like genetically-engineered seeds, the organic label is taken away.

As you pause in front of organic celery, zucchini or peppers this month, consider how many ways organic farms make our world a better place to live. Stop and savor the vibrant organic flavors of the season. See you in the produce aisle.

Debra Daniels-Zeller is author of The Northwest Vegetarian Cookbook: 200 Recipes That Celebrate the Flavors of Oregon and Washington (Timber Press, 2010). She is a regular contributor to Vegetarian Journal magazine and writes a delightful food blog at http://foodconnections.blogspot.com. She can be reached at (425) 776-4689.

Building Healthy Immunity
with Doug Walsh

Saturday, May 25
10 am – 1 pm, $25
Federal Way