Listen. I’m not into politics. It all makes me downright crazy. But this year, there’s an initiative on the ballot that overrides my usual ambivalence to getting out a picket sign and wearing buttons with flashing lights.
Right now, organic is under attack in this country. Our only hope for getting genetically modified (GMO) foods labeled is happening RIGHT NOW in California. Next month, California voters are getting the chance to vote to label GMOs. The initiative is called Proposition 37.
Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the opposition (Monsanto, Dupont, and others) have raised over $20 million to try to sway Californians to vote no on Prop 37.
We need to raise money to tell the truth about the dangers of GMOs “” on TV commercials, billboards, etc. “” and get Californians out on November 6th to VOTE YES on PROP 37.
Wait. What’s a GMO and why is it bad?
If you already know, then this may seem like a ridiculous question, but if I had a million dollars for every time someone asked me “What’s a GMO” we might just have enough money to pay Monsanto to give up their evil ways.
GMO stands for “Genetically Modified Organism”. GMOs are created by scientists who modifying organisms on a genetic level by introducing DNA from different species.
Besides all the philosophical debates about manipulating mother nature, is it really all that bad to create our own, “improved” plants and animals?
Here’s why GMO crops are bad:
Virtually all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. Despite biotech industry promises, none of the GMO traits currently on the market offer increased yield, drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition, or any other consumer benefit.
Meanwhile, a growing body of evidence connects GMOs with health problems, environmental damage and violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights. (source)
Are GMOs safe?
Most developed nations do not consider GMOs to be safe. In nearly 50 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs.
In the U.S., the government has approved GMOs based on studies conducted by the same corporations that created them and profit from their sale. (source)
So can’t I just avoid GMOs?
“More than 70% of processed foods found in retail stores and restaurants contain ingredients derived from [genetically engineered] corn, soybeans, canola, and cotton. In addition, half the sugar used in food products comes from GM sugar beets.” (source)
I don’t know about you, but at the very least, I would like the right to choose whether my family and I are eating GMO foods. By requiring that GMO’s are labeled, more folks with know that they should be avoiding them. And with enough people avoiding them, perhaps our great nation can eventually man up and ban GMOs all together.
Giveaway Navitas Naturals Gift Basket ($104 value)
Now for the fun part! To help raise funds for Yes on Prop 37, Navitas Naturals has generously donated an a superfood “Super Pack” valued at $104 that includes one package each of the follow:
- Mulberries – Not only a sweet treat full of antioxidants, this is one of the few fruits that is also considered a protein source.
- Hemp seeds – Similar to sunflower seeds in taste, hemp seeds are rich in fat and protein.
- Acai powder – Simply an antioxidant powerhouse.
- Cacoa nibs – Hand selected, partially fermented to alleviate bitterness, and processed at low temps for maximum nutrient retention.
- Chia seed – An excellent thickener, similar to flax seeds or eggs in any recipe, and rich in omega fatty acids.
- Goji berries – A sweet flavor somewhere in between a dried cherry and a cranberry. A powerful tonic herb in Chinese medicine.
- Cacao powder – When in its pure form, chocolate is full of antioxidants and important minerals like magnesium and iron.
- Maca – Fertility tonic that tastes delicious in desserts!
- Goldenberries – An upgrade on raisins with a unique sweet and tart taste.
Whoa! I wish I could win this giveaway. I am plotting right now what you can do with all these amazing, organic super foods.
Oh, and did I mention that Nativas Naturals is a awesome company too! They bring us exotic treats while staying committed to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. Love them.
How to Enter to Win Your Super Pack from Navitas Naturals
All you have to do is use the Rafflecopter widget below and (1) Sign up for my weekly newsletter (or send in a postcard “” see official rules for details) and (2) Make a voluntary donation to Yes on Prop 37 (or comment below about why you support Prop 37).
You don’t have to donate to win “” this is voluntary “” but hopefully you’ll find a way to donate something! Even if you can only donate $10, every little bit helps!
You can get more entries by sharing on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
(Please note: If your email is not validated, your entry will not be counted.)
PLEASE NOTE: This sweepstakes is open to US residents only; residents of Florida, New York or Rhode Island are not eligible.
Click here for the official rules.
I believe we have the right to know what we are eating! I do not want my family eating GMO foods, but in order to avoid them, I have to know where they are. GMO foods should be labeled as such!
I support Prop 37 because I believe WE, and not the government, should decide what we put into our own bodies. Passing this important legislature could possibly open the eyes of the rest of the country. I’d love to see this movement spread like wildfire!!
I was shopping at my local Sprouts back in June when one of those people have you sign petitions for initiatives to get on the ballot. Normally I don’t like to get involved, because I just don’t know enough to be putting my name behind something that I may find to not align with my values in the end. I walked right past the person that day, without so much as a glance. She started to get her sentence out, and once I heard “Labeling of GMO’s”, I immediately did a 180, and went back to eagerly sign the petition. I’m so glad that this is on the ballot. If we win, we will have won a major battle for the right to know what’s in our food, and show Monsanto and others that they won’t be tolerated!
I strongly believe in this and I wish it was nationwide, not just California. I live in Arizona and I want to know that I am eating natural fruits and vegetables without dangerous effects to my health. It is heard enough to eat right- but to have to watch out for organic, gmo, etc; its not fair. We have the right to know.
I support proposition 37 -we all have a right to know what is in our food!
great giveaway
I believe that we have the right to know what is in our food. I will be voting yes on Nov 6!
I believe in Prop 37 because I believe knowledge is the key to change. We need the right to make an informed decision about the food we’re purchasing and consuming.
The most frightening aspect of GMOs are their capabilities to drift into unsuspecting organic farmers’ fields and Monsanto’s “right” to claim these crops as theirs. From lab to field to our bodies, this must stop. If it does not, at minimum we need the right to KNOW if our bodies are being co-opted by these genes. I support this proposition with fervor.
It is sad to me that there is even a need for GMO labeling but because there is, I think it is important that we have GMO labeling so that we can become informed consumers. It is time for America to stop hiding what’s in our food!!!
I have already contributed a small(ish) amount of money towards this cause. I only WISH something like this were on the ballot here in Michigan. We can do this!
I support Prop 37 because I want to know what is in my food, especially as my baby girl starts eating solids.
I believe we have the right to know what we are buying so that we can make informed decisions. If they would label the products, less people would buy them and it would hit Monsanto et al the only place it hurts…their bottom line.
It is a basic human right to know what we are consuming and feeding to our children. That we have to even fight for it is upsetting.
This is so important. We label Mattress’ but not GMO’s. This is ridiculous, it should just be labeled..No Question. Vote Yes on Prop 37!! For our children, our childrens children.
the right to know what is in our food thanks
Food should be in its most natural state and I believe I should have the ability to choose such food from everything that’s been adulterated genetically.
I’m a broke student right now and would love to donate, but I wanted to post that I support labeling GMOs.
I believe if prop 37 is passed other states will follow suit and awareness will be raised about the harm GMOs does to our health.
[...] Still confused? Read more about What’s a GMO? in this post. [...]
[...] Still confused? Read more about What’s a GMO? in this post. [...]