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The New York Times recently covered scientist Dr. Charles Keeling, known for his invention of the most accurate device to date for measuring CO2 emissions. His goal was to better understand humanity’s relationship with earth, and it ended up earning recognition in Washington as “one of the greatest achievements of modern science.” Probably worth knowing about.
Compared to his first measurement in the 1950′s, CO2 levels have risen 30%. By the end of this coming decade, they will have risen 80%. His machine is located at Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii, and the government still uses it as an evidence base to shape CO2 limiting emission legislation. So what’s happening in Congress with clear evidence that CO2 levels are growing at a rapid rate?
Congressional representatives call the current levels “undramatic”. Physicists monitoring government programs at the observatory call the predicament “shocking” and “getting worse every year”. Interesting dichotomy, right?
In the words of my mother, “I can be Congress better than Congress can be Congress.” If this gives any insight into our empowered upbringing…I love that woman.
At the start of each day, maybe we do play Congress. And we mostly vote with our money: where we shop, what we buy and eat, what we choose to reuse. If almost everywhere we spend money will make a profit, maybe we should shop places where we like what they’re doing with the profit. There is responsibility in choosing organizations that will use their earnings to help heal the earth and communities.
If gift giving is still on your mind these next few days, try on Patagonia, Whole Foods, and Lush to find last-minute solutions that will turn profit into positive impact, minus the CO2.
(Silent night, Holy night. All is calm, all is bright.)
Heidi Swanson is my favorite Northern Californian.
Not only is she a solid photographer and world traveler, but she knows what she’s up to in the kitch’. She cooks naturally and is non-pretentious. I like her style.
If you’re thinking of jump-starting your cookie ambitions on this snowy day, her website is a great place to start: Heidi’s List
If cookies aren’t your thing, check out photos from her last trip to Rome.
I can’t say I’ve seen much Christmas caroling in past years (how is it that this awesome tradition is not really safe anymore?), but at least we can count on the Christmas cookies. If we can’t share our voices, we can share our good taste. It’s one of simplest Christmas traditions that owes all to the spirit of giving.
Unfortunately, I’m not going to any of those crazy girl cookie parties where everyone brings 9 dozen, and we all swap then play patty-cake. One can only get through that situation with liberal wine and chocolate.
None-the-less, if you love cookies, parties, and people, eat exactly what tastes good, savor it slowly, and pass on what doesn’t. Never settle and share, share, share. Then take the batch to whoever is on your mind. Who votes that cookies improve lines of communication? I think it could be proven.
Most importantly in regard to cookies, don’t forget (in fact push) the milk. A noteworthy study from the Journal of the American Dietetic Association shows that children who avoid milk and do not consume calcium-rich food substitutes* are found to have shorter stature, higher body fat, and lower bone density than those who do. This increases the risk for obesity and osteopenic bone fractures. And no one should have to worry about their bones when deciding this winter is THE time to try out new ice-skating tricks.
So as the season joyously brings on the gingerbread, sugar, oatmeal, or old-fashioned chocolate chip, make sure to pair them with the perfect partner: milk. Happy dunking.
* Calcium rich food substitutes include fortified soy or almond milk, yogurt, and some enriched breads with 10-30% of the daily values for calcium. The nutrition label will clearly state the percentage to lead you to a healthy choice.
