Showing posts with label lifestyle change. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lifestyle change. Show all posts
It conjures visions of tree-huggers and fruit sample trays at Whole Foods, of alternative cleaning products and recycled totes. What is this word? Organic.
In the years of late, there has been a huge stir in the commercial world-- how can we, the public, control the manufacture and production of commodities that don't contribute to the progressively toxic state of our environment? Organic products--that is, matter grown, or fed 'without the use of (synthetic) pesticides, fungicides, or inorganic fertilizers, and prepared without the use of preservatives'-- are becoming increasingly widespread as the population learns more about the malignant effects of chemicals in our water, land, and air.
Pesticide-free cucumber, $1.49. All-natural lotion, $40. Sustainable cotton tee, $18. Alternately: One gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, $4. A bushel of corn, $6.
It adds up, especially in an uncertain economy. So we forgo the 'unnecessary luxuries'; the earth can wait a while, perhaps until the sluggish dollar regains some vivacity. Certainly, we don't need to eat an organic strawberry when a conventionally grown one results in less pocketbook pain.
Or do we? We need to evaluate: why do we want to help the environment? Earth isn't going anywhere; whatever damage, however heinous, we wreak on the landscape is not enough to wipe away the existence of a massive planet. But it is enough to efface humans from the face of the earth, to instigate the cellular and organ dysfunction that stems directly from pouring chemicals into the body.
In essence, by trying to help the biosphere, we are actually attempting to assure the continued quality of our own lives. It is a closed system; we cannot survive without helping the earth, and the earth will decay if we don't start to take care of it.
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Labels: environment, lifestyle change, sustainability
On Wednesday, April 30th, the annual WBAL and PSAL Championship Prelims will once again befall high school swimmers contained within these the South Bay private school leagues. For everyone on the team who has not yet qualified for CCS (Central Coast Section), this meet is crucial--it is not only the last all-inclusive meet of the season, but also the second-to-last chance to qualify.
Clearly, the pressure is on. And as with any other high-pressure situation, astute high school students find ways to gain an edge through preparation (the SAT comes to mind). Upon reflection, it may actually be the coaches who are zealously monitoring the food and sleep intake of the athletes.
"Avoid all fatty foods," "Get plenty of sleep starting a few weeks before," "Plenty of vegetables and fruit," Bart reminds us, insisting that these temporary lifestyle changes will provide increased vitality and stamina.
It is this sound advice that all members of the team follow obediently as they bend over in the lunchroom to grab a banana, whilst sadly but willfully ignoring the titillating scent of the tray of curly fries. This small act of acesticism soon forgotten, the athletes (in the past) proceed to shave many seconds off their previous best times, and later reflect that eating well and sleeping are, in fact, advantageous.
But after leagues, they restart pulling all-nighters and devouring pizza with ranch. After all, the goal has been achieved; the team has won. So they ask, "What's at stake now?"
The answer? Your life.
Labels: healthy choices, lifestyle change, swim
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