Connecticut - The Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund

Publisher’s RantWelcome to the March 2008 edition of theConnecticut Natural Pages ® .In the past two years, there has been growing acceptance that global warming isreal, that the environment is deteriorating, and that we must do something about it.It is more commonly acknowledged that our lifestyle choices have dire consequencesfor the planet, as well as our own physical and mental health.Global warming, deforestation, species extinction, air and water pollution, and thedramatic loss of biodiversity, along with the huge increase of obesity, diabetes, heartdisease, cancer, respiratory illnesses, depression, learning disabilities and more, aredegenerative conditions either caused or exacerbated by the choices we make.Looking for relief, hundreds of billions of dollars are spent each year to attack, treat, or"cure" these ailments, all the while failing to address the true cause.But what if we knew the cause(s)? Would we really do something about them? Howmuch are we willing to change?There may be no one cause, but there is at least one thing that contributes to all theenvironmental and health concerns mentioned here, and a lot more. And that is sugar.Sugar (sucrose), the regular white granulated stuff (and high-fructose corn syrup) isperhaps the most dangerous food ingredient on the planet, and may be responsiblefor more environmental destruction than any other agricultural commodity. Sugarsuppresses the immune system, leaches the body of potassium and magnesium,increases the appetite, and is addicting. Plainly put, it is not fit for human consumption.Globally, we consume around 300,000,000,000 pounds of sugar annually, and eachyear this total increases by 6,000,000,000. Can you wrap your head around thesenumbers and imagine how many rainforests and tropical habitats have beendestroyed, and the land, air and water pollution caused by the burning fields andintensive use of chemicals in this process?With sugar consumption comes an increase in appetite. The standard portion size ofmany foods and beverages has increased 40% from just 20 years ago. In the averagethree meals, many people now eat the equivalent of 5-6 meals a day!It is no wonder obesity and diabetes are global epidemics. Over a billion people areoverweight, with about 150 million obese, and over 230 million with diabetes,compared to just 30 million in 1985.This is a staggering statistic, but with one action we can reduce global warming andour environmental impact, reduce world hunger, lose weight, reduce or eliminate theuse of many medications for diabetes, heart disease, and other sugar-related illnesses,save lots of money, and greatly increase personal and planetary health and well-being.That is simply to STOP (at least greatly reduce) eating and drinking sugar, includingmost artificial sweeteners and those foods that contain sugar additives. Supportgroups such as Food Addicts in Recovery (www.foodaddicts.org) are having greatsuccess and are there to help if needed. We are one strung out species, and it may bevery difficult to kick the habit as we struggle with our need for a sugar fix. But we can.In Love and Light,Jerome RubinConnecticut Natural Pages ® is dedicated to you and to the dismantling of allthoughts and fears that keep us separate from and afraid of the Love we are.2 THE NATURAL PAGES ® 0 MARCH-AUGUST 2008CONTENTSConnecticut Natural Pages ®March – August 2008FEATURES 5Wild Law: The Rights of the Earth 5The Conscious Consumer 12Natural News 20NATURAL FOOD RESTAURANT GUIDE 22CALENDAR OF CLASSES & EVENTS 26DIRECTORY 34Resource Directory for Natural Living 34Glossary 72Index 79NATURAL LIVING MARKETPLACE 77How Do I Use The Connecticut Natural Pages ® ?If you are looking for a particular product or service: The Index (p.79) liststypes of organizations, products, etc. alphabetically with page number. TheDirectory (p.46) offers a myriad of choices in environmental, spiritual, andholistic services and products. The Glossary (p.72) gives descriptions ofnew healing and earth-friendly practices. Our Features (p.5) are thoughtprovokingarticles to encourage you on the road to natural living. If you are interested in events,workshops, or classes in your area: See the Calendar (p.26). The Restaurant Guide (p.22)introduces you to healthy, natural food restaurants in your community. The Natural LivingMarketplace (p.77) is the place to shop for products and services sold by internet or mail-order.5 TELL THEM YOU FOUND THEM IN THE CONNECTICUT NATURAL PAGES! 3