Three Big Myths about Vegetarianism

Kate Agarwal - Sunday, June 26, 2011
Myth:  Vegetarianism is a modern concept. 

Although some people may think it’s a rather new-age, hippie or contemporary trend, vegetarianism has actually been around for thousands of years.  Yes, you read that correctly—thousands of years

Pythagoras
, the Greek philosopher and mathematician, is thought to be the father of vegetarianism.  Born in 580 BC, Pythagoras believed that animals possessed an individual soul, which made humans and animals much more alike than different.  Respect for and non-violence towards animals were the main reasons behind Pythagoreanism, or the non-consumption of meat or fish, according to Wikipedia.  The term vegetarianism did not come into play until the nineteenth century.  This concept was practiced widely in the ancient Greek civilization.

Jainism is one of the oldest religions in India, dating back to as early as the 9th Century BC, and is still practiced today.  One of the main principles of the Jain religion is also that of non-violence towards animals and a peaceful coexistence between all living beings.   Jains are strict vegetarians.  Like Pythagoreans, Jains also believe that every animal has a soul, and that we should regard every living being as we do ourselves, harming no one and being kind to all living things. 

Myth:  One cannot live—and thrive—on a vegetarian diet.

Not only does eating a vegetarian diet give your spirit a bit of a boost, knowing that you are not contributing to the suffering or death of animals, it is also incredibly healthy and delicious.  Let’s tackle that spiritual aspect.  There is something incredibly freeing and lovely about eating a vegetarian diet.  What is it exactly, you might wonder?  A sense of peace?  Celebrating our interconnectedness as sentient beings here on Earth?  Living in harmony with nature?  It’s all of the above and more.  There is a lightness of spirit and incredible joy to be found when we consider ourselves to be equals to (not dominators of) all of the other inhabitants of this planet.  Are our fellow Earthlings any less deserving of a happy existence than we? 

We have all heard the old adage, you are what you eat.  What does that mean for us if we eat the flesh of dead animals whose last moments of life were spent in absolute terror as they faced the slaughterhouse conveyor belt?  These are living, breathing, thinking and feeling creatures whose lives we create and destroy at our own will.  And why, when there is an abundance of other food sources available to us?  If slaughterhouses had glass walls and we were forced to face the reality of how ground beef really came to be, there would be millions of overnight vegetarians.  Many people don’t give much thought to how that meat ends up on their plate.  Jeremy Betham said it best in 1789 in his Introduction to the Principles of Morals & Legislation, “The question is not, Can they (animals) reason?  Can they talk?  But, Can they suffer?”  Yes.  And oh how they suffer at human hands, by the millions, every day.  For those interested in learning how meat is made, here is a video from investigative reporter, Lisa Ling, going behind the scenes of the nation’s biggest slaughterhouse, Cargill. 

Myth:  Vegetarians don’t get enough protein.

The truth of the matter is that we don’t need nearly as much protein as the meat and dairy industries would have us believe.  In addition, chances are that vegetarians already eat enough protein without even trying!  Nutritionist Heather Lounsbury dispels the protein myth in a really great article.  Research has shown that eating a diet of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and legumes is actually a very healthy way to live.  The facts are out there.  If you need more proof that you can live happily and be very healthy on a vegetarian diet, here is another great read by Dr. Winston Craig.  It is a fact.  We do not need to eat animals in order to live a healthy life.  There are plenty of plant-based food choices available. 

Famous Vegetarians:
Leonardo da Vinci
Leo Tolstoy
George Bernard Shaw
Mahatma Gandhi
Albert Einstein
The Beatles
And I had to mention this one—Milwaukee Brewer, Prince Fielder. 

The list of vegetarians in history is long and fun to read.  Perhaps one day you might add your name to that list?

Beware the Rubber Ducky!

Kate Agarwal - Saturday, June 04, 2011

It is 6 A.M: What is your toxin level?

We wake up, get out of bed, and put on our robe and slippers.  We answer nature’s call, brush our teeth, head into the kitchen for some freshly brewed coffee or tea, grab the paper or the laptop and sit down at the table. Ten minutes have passed since we woke. Exactly how many toxins have we been exposed to?

  • Bed – How was the mattress made? Were chemical glues or adhesives used? Was it sprayed with a fire retardant? What about the memory foam? What exactly is foam made of, anyway?
  • Sheets – Was the cotton used to make them grown organically (grown without pesticides) and manufactured without chemicals?
  • PJ’s – (see sheets)
  • Toilet paper – Were dyes used to make it a special color? Was it processed with chemicals?
  • Toothpaste – According to eHow.com, conventional toothpastes are often made with ingredients such as propylene glycol and titanium dioxide. Propylene glycol is an ingredient found in airplane deicing fluid, and titanium dioxide can be found in paints.  Have you looked at the ingredients in your toothpaste, ever?  Why are we brushing our teeth with toxic chemicals?
  • Coffee maker – Most coffee makers are constructed with plastic.  According to an April 2010 article in Time Magazine by Bryan Walsh, The Perils of Plastic, chemicals like biphenyl A (BPA) and phthalates, which are key ingredients in modern plastics, may disrupt the delicate endocrine system, leading to developmental problems. Several health issues on the rise that could have a chemical connection are:  Obesity, diabetes, autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
  • Tea and Coffee – Is the tea/coffee organic? What chemicals were used in the processing of that one coveted cup which has become part of our sacred morning ritual?
  • Coffee cup – (See coffee maker)
  • Newspaper – Inks, dyes and chemicals in the newsprint could be harmful. 

Chemicals breathed in and absorbed through our skin are lurking in places we may not have considered. In the book, “Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things,” authors Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie show us exactly how prevalent toxins are, even in something as innocent as the old standard rubber duck.  We learn as we go along, don’t we?  Sixty plus years ago, when plastic wrap, polypropylene and the like were invented, they were touted as miracle products that would revolutionize the world.  Most of us can agree that plastic has changed the world.  But some say plastic has poisoned the world and has made us all sick (planet Earth included).  Others say it has enabled us to create some pretty amazing inventions.  We agree with all of the above.  There are many important safety products which are made from plastic:

  • Seat belts
  • Bike helmets
  • Infant car seats 
  • Plumbing piping
  • Ball point pens
  • Condoms
  • Shoe soles

Look around your home. Can you imagine life without them? Count the items you can see that are made with plastic. Plastic has indeed changed the world and brought us millions of incredible and useful products, but at what cost?  Our health is suffering because of plastic.  Chemicals leach from plastic containers into our food and drink, chemicals from the plastic-made playground equipment leaches into our children’s skin as they play.  We haven’t even begun to touch on the environmental toll.  The manufacturing process is extremely polluting and utilizes precious fossil fuels.  Plastic sits in landfills. It does not decompose.  Discarded plastic, (beverage bottles, car tires, children’s toys and more), older than you and I, are floating in our lakes and oceans right now.  Yes, thank goodness we learn as we go.  There is much work to be done.

Concerned about toxins and plastic? Here are some ideas:

  1. Use less plastic – Purchase reusable bags (baggies, shopping totes, etc)
  2. Use glass or stainless steel for food
  3. Purchase organic teas, coffees, food (watch for an upcoming blog on the best items to buy organic)
  4. Try organic toothpaste or make your own (Search online for recipes)
  5. Buy organic bedding (Bella & Boo Organics has amazing baby blankets, toys and more!)
  6. Use natural cleaning products
  7. Stay aware and alert.  Become a toxin cop!


What's Your Bag?

Kate Agarwal - Monday, May 16, 2011

by Elle Fausel

What’s Your Bag?

We used to say this, back in the day. “What’s your bag?” What we meant was, “What’s up with you?" (We were so cool in the 70s!).  Thirty years later, we’re saying it again. “What’s your bag?” But now, we’re saying it and we are not smiling. Plastic bags. They are everywhere...tangled in trees, caught in bushes, and blowing across the park. They plug up sewers and saturate landfills.  Plastic bags do more than spoil the landscape. They kill. According to the Earth Resource Foundation, plastic bags have been found inside the bellies of ocean fish, sea turtles and other animals, across the globe. Plastic is harmful to produce – mostly made of polyethylene - more commonly known as polythene.  Plastic bags are said to take up to 1,000 years to decompose on land and 450 years in water. What’s your bag?  Consider other options! Many forward-thinking companies sell totes that are environmentally friendly. 

Make an Eco-Friendly Lunch

Did you know there are also smart alternatives to plastic sandwich baggies that are not just good for the planet but economical too?  Reusable lunch gear is great for your family's budget. You can purchase a set of stainless steel lunch containers or washable fabric pouches and forever eliminate that 1,000 count box of sandwich baggies from your shopping list. Try Snack Taxis, reusable, washable, portable “bags” that work for smaller items like carrot sticks, grapes, nuts, chips, even fruit.  LunchBots are also great and come in several sizes and colors. Search online. One small change can make a big difference.

To summarize:  Tips for avoiding the “bag” and making an earth-friendly lunch.  

  • Wrap food in a clean, cotton cloth (This works for grapes, nuts, and things that won’t dry out)
  • Use a glass or metal container
  • Utilize BPA-free containers (Just Say No to harmful plastic)
  • Purchase Snack Taxis and other people-made reusable lunch gear!

Chicago's Green Metropolis Fair

Kate Agarwal - Friday, April 15, 2011
We're so excited to be headed to the Green Metropolis Fair in Chicago tomorrow at the Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox) and even more excited to be a sponsor of this wonderful event!  It will be a fabulous day with great food, fun activities for the family, film screenings, discussions on composting and CSAs and loads of eco-friendly vendors selling their wares.  Please stop by and say hello and do some green-minded shopping!

Here is a link to more info:  http://www.greenmetropolisfair.com/

Holiday Open House

Kate Agarwal - Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Bella & Boo, Milwaukee's eco-friendly family shop, is having a Holiday Open House this Friday, November 19 from 5-8 and YOU are invited!

There will be special open house specials, prizes, organic wine and chocolate, and plenty of Holiday cheer! Stop by and shop our great selection of wholesome children's toys, adorable organic baby basics, children's clothing, fabulous books, eco-friendly gear, fair trade gifts for mom and more. Here's a great opportunity to see, touch and feel our products up close and find great gifts for the people on your Holiday shopping list!

Hope you can join us.  Please RSVP Here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=113970578664009 or contact us at info@bellaandboo.com for more info. 

Shopping Ethically and Being an Enlightened Consumer

Kate Agarwal - Monday, April 12, 2010
Pause for a moment and consider this: 

Every single purchase you make has either a direct or indirect impact on the environment, human welfare and animal welfare. 

It's true.  One way to shop more ethically or to be a more conscious consumer is to ask yourself these questions before making a purchase:

Was the product grown locally or did it travel thousands of miles to get to me?  Who made this product?  Were they treated fairly and given a decent, livable wage?  What is the impact on the environment from the manufacturing of this product? 

I know, it's not one of the most pleasant topics of conversation but it is important to stop and think about how every purchase we make has an impact on someone, somewhere and most importantly, on the planet that our children will one day inherit.

What are some ways you can be a more conscious consumer?  It's easier than you might think.  According to Shererazade Goldsmith, author of A Slice of Organic Life, here are some simple ideas:

Buy Organic.  Commercial farmers can legally use up to 450 different pesticides.  Pesticides might make your apples look beautiful and spotless but they can be detrimental to your health (not to mention the environment and wildlife).  Conventional cotton farming is responsible for 25% of the world's total pesticide use.  That is a sobering statistic.  Organic foods and organic cotton are safer, healthier and better for the environment.

Buy Local.  Support your local economy and reduce the miles your food and products travel to reach you.  Eating bananas and kiwi in the middle of winter might seem pretty sweet, but consider the carbon footprint made from transporting those imported fruits to your supermarket.  Eating locally grown foods that are in season is healthier and also beneficial to the farmers in your community who depend on your purchases for their livelihood.

Buy Fair Trade.  The term "Fair Trade" means that the product you purchase was made by someone who was paid a fair, livable wage.  Consider for a moment why that $6 t-shirt is selling for such a low price.  It probably cost pennies to manufacture and was made in a factory with poor working conditions and unfair labor practices. 

Reduce Waste.  One easy way to do this is to buy in bulk.  It is often more economical to buy items in bulk and it also requires less packaging--one big pack of something uses less packaging than two smaller packs of the same item.  Choose products made with recycled packaging, use your own bags when choosing your fruits and veggies at the grocery store (or buy them loose) and avoid using plastic baggies when packing your child's lunch.  There are so many reusable food containers on the market these days, there is really no excuse.  My personal favorite are LunchBots.  You can check them out here:  http://bellaandboo.com/_catalog_77292/Gear 

Recycle.  Donate unwanted clothing, books, toys and household items (and anything else, for that matter) to a thrift shop or church.  Reuse glass jars and empty containers for something else instead of tossing them out.  Consider compost--the ultimate type of recycling.  Use your food scraps and used paper products to create beneficial and nutrient-rich "liquid gold" plant food for your garden. 

Reuse.  Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater from your downspouts.  You can use the rainwater to nourish your plants, backyard garden and fill your bird bath.  Rain barrels also save money because you use less water from the household tap.

By pausing to consider how each purchase we make has an impact on the environment, on other people and animals, by making kind choices that benefit our local economy and by recycling and reusing our products, we are being more conscious consumers and ethical shoppers.  And it feels good too!

There is a movement of enlightened consumerism underway....will you join?

Peace and Wellness,

Kate
bellaandboo.com



You Must Learn to Walk Before You Can Run

Kate Agarwal - Saturday, April 10, 2010
After 30 days of eating a mostly vegan diet, I have realized that it is harder than it seems to completely give up dairy products. Do you want to know the food that I had the hardest time living without?  Cheese.  Not surprising though, as I was born and raised in Wisconsin and have eaten cheese practically on a weekly basis since childhood.  Ice cream was hard to give up, but in the end, cheese was the first thing I caved on. 

Here's what I decided:  I agree wholeheartedly about the numerous benefits of a vegan diet.  I love the fact that as a vegan you are actually saving lives by not consuming animal products.  I love the fact that by being vegan you tread lighter on the earth and are living a more eco-friendly existence.  I also love the fact that a vegan diet is super healthy and is wonderful for your body, mind and spirit.  The most important thing that I decided while on this journey though was that I would be kind to me, and forgive myself if I gave in and indulged in an ice cream cone or a bite of my husband's gooey macaroni-n-cheese.  I found it difficult to quit dairy products cold-turkey and instead realize now that a smarter way of becoming vegan is to ease into it.  I have 33 years of dairy product "programming" that I am rebelling against!  This transition will take a little bit of time. 

If you are considering going vegan, here is my advice: gradually adjust your diet to eliminate animals products.  You will have a much higher success rate than if you abruptly stop consuming them.  Changing a lifetime of eating habits takes time, resolve and determination. Just as going vegetarian was a huge lifestyle change for me many years ago, going vegan is a huge lifestyle change too.  Be kind to yourself as you go on your vegan journey.

By the way, I do still feel A M A Z I N G and am eating about a 95% animal-free diet.  I have more energy that ever before.  I feel lighter, happier and even a little less foggy.  I've increased my whole grains, legumes, vegetables and greens and have made a really conscious effort to stay away from junk and processed foods ridden with chemicals.  My body is getting stronger, healthier and I feel an fabulous overall sense of well-being.

Peace & Wellness,

Kate
Bella & Boo
http://bellaandboo.com



The Kindest Thing You Can Do

Kate Agarwal - Friday, April 02, 2010
I just finished reading The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone and I am INSPIRED!  This book opened my eyes to the evils of the dairy and meat industries and explained the health benefits of eating a meat-free and dairy-free diet.  Backed by doctors and scientific studies, adopting a vegan lifestyle is not only great for your body and mind, it has wonderful benefits for the planet as well.  Did you know that (aside from being cruel) factory farming is one of the most polluting industries in the world? Whether you are an environmentalist, caring conservationist or just a regular person looking to make a difference in the world, going vegan is one easy thing we can all do to make a positive impact on our planet. How fabulous is that? 

I decided to give it a try a few weeks ago and am thrilled to say it is easier than I thought it would be.  It's been 2 weeks since I became vegan and I feel fantastic!  My skin cleared up, I shed those last few pounds that have been hanging around since the birth of my youngest child and I feel absolutely amazing.  Best of all, I feel really great knowing that I am making a difference in the world.  Aside from the huge personal benefits of living a vegan lifestyle, think of all the lives I'll save this year by not eating meat and dairy!  Check out The Kind Diet.  It's filled with great healthy recipes and a step by step plan on how to transition to a vegan diet.  If I can do it, anyone can. 

I feel A M A Z I N G.  You can too!

Peace,

Kate
bellaandboo.com







 

3 Easy Ways to Live Greener

Kate Agarwal - Saturday, January 23, 2010
1.  Use a Stainless Steel Reusable Bottle instead of buying single use cans, bottles and throw away drinks.  There are many kinds of reusable bottles on the market today. Tin is weak and will dent and scratch easily.  If you want a long lasting, safe and strong reusable bottle, get one made with 18/8 food grade stainless steel.  Klean Kanteen is a great brand that pioneered the whole "reusable bottle" idea and makes there's only with 18/8 stainless steel.  Bella & Boo carries a variety of sizes of them from toddler sippy cups to large 40oz bottles.  You can view them in our Gear section here:  http://bellaandboo.businesscatalyst.com/_catalog_77292/Gear
   

2.  Use Reusable Bags When Shopping and save a tree and help the earth.  Forget paper bags or polluting plastic bags that the store may provide, bring your own and save a few more pounds of trash from ending up in a landfill.  Envirosax is a company that makes stylish reusable bags for kids and adults.  Why not use a reusable bag for that next trip to the library or grandma's house?  Check out Bella & Boo's collection of cute reusable bags in our Gear section here: 
http://bellaandboo.businesscatalyst.com/_catalog_77292/Gear




3.  Pack Lunches with Safe, Reusable Stainless Steel Containers like those from LunchBots. Skip the plastic baggies, which don't biodegrade in landfills, and send your kids to school with a fun reusable container that you know is safe and good for them.  Made from food grade stainless steel and washes easily in the top shelf of your dishwasher.  Bella & Boo carries a variety of sizes from our smallest "Pico" toddler snack size to our largest "Eco" size.  By packing food in reusable containers you are doing the planet some good (and saving some money as well--bye bye baggies!).  See Bella & Boo's reusable lunch containers here:  http://bellaandboo.businesscatalyst.com/_catalog_77292/Gear




Here's to making more healthy and eco-friendly choices in the New Year! Drop us a line at Bella & Boo or enter your comments below and tell us what you're doing to be more green.  http://bellaandboo.com/

Peace and Wellness,
Kate


bellaandboo.com

"Bella & Boo Mobile" Makes Debut

Kate Agarwal - Thursday, January 21, 2010
Yes, we have officially done it. 

We've taken the minivan and had some wonderful graphics of the Bella & Boo logo and company info installed on it by a locally-owned franchise of FASTSIGNS in Glendale.  This FASTSIGNS shop has been owned and operated by Robert Schmit for the last 19 years.  Robb prides himself in his company's top notch customer service, and boy did he come through for us.  His professionalism, kindness and sincerity is unmatched.  Working with staff member Becky Wells from start to finish on our project was a complete joy.  Becky was very friendly and courteous but most of all, she knows her stuff!  She walked us through the ins and outs of the design process, answered a zillion questions from me and always had a smile.

A big thank you to Robb and Becky who made our vehicle graphics purchase a truly wonderful experience. If any of you Bella & Boo fans or Blog readers are in need of car graphics, window decals, signs, cards and just about anything else in the realm of signage, please give them a call at (414) 963-4980 or email them at 88@fastsigns.com. They are located at 5318 N. Port Washington Road in Glendale.



And if you see the Bella & Boo Mobile out on the town, give us a wave!

All the Best,

Kate