| Reasons to buy local produce: fresher (doesn’t travel 1-2 weeks to get here); fewer/no preservatives or genetic modifications to extend freshness; save energy (local production takes 3-17% less oil); less packaging; support our local farmers and economy. |
Why does it bother me so much? Am I that much of a pedant? Maybe so. But, please, people, learn how to pronounce “patronize.” If you want someone to know that you feel you’re superior to him, go ahead and pat (rhymes with “fat”) ronize him. If you’re going to buy something from his shop, you can pat (rhymes with “hate”) ronize the place. In other words, pat (hate) ronize (and buy something at) a person’s funky little backyard art show and, when thinking that your pet poodle could do better by painting with his tail, you can pat (fat) ronize the artist with something like, “Oh, how quaint your work is.”
There. I got it out of my system. I hope.
Californians are getting the power to protect themselves. What is your state or country doing?
Starting in 2020, Californians will have the power to control whether or not online companies can keep or sell our data. Currently, online companies collect all sorts of information about us and use it either to bombard us with advertising or profit from it by selling it to others who attack us with ads…and worse.
Although the new law isn’t as strong as the one in Europe, it’s the strongest in the U.S.
Start bombarding your lawmakers with demands that they enact similar legislation. We all deserve to avoid giving up part of our private lives every time we search or buy on the internet, go to a website, or download a movie or e-book.
Remember: Their taking our data isn’t just a bother to us; their having our information can also endanger us, especially the most vulnerable among our family and friends.
Picture this: You’re 20 and working hard at a job you’ve had since age 14. In fact, 14-year-olds and younger work by your side. Bathroom visits must be quick or you’re physically and verbally abused. Your hours are from 8:00 am to midnight, sometimes to 3:00 am, seven days a week, with no days off. You may make $125 a month or not be paid if the factory’s goal isn’t met. You know that the building’s structure is weak but try to ignore the danger, because your family needs the income you earn. Finally, one day, it collapses, killing some workers, trapping you under rubble for twelve hours and injuring you to the point that you can’t return to that job but must find little jobs here and there, where you (and you weakened body) can.
This is Rana Plaza’s story, and the story of countless others in places where clothing is made to be sold cheaply in our Walmarts, Children’s Places, and other discount stores. In other words, the pennies that we save buying those items bring misery to children and adults in other parts of the world.
True, if we just stop buying those items people lose their livelihoods. However, we can demand safer, fairer conditions for workers by raising our voices. Walmart has to listen if we shout loud enough; they’ve had so many black eyes from their civil rights violations NOT to listen, as they’re currently trying to rebuild a more positive image.
Read Rava’s story–which mirrors millions of children’s stories–at Credo’s website. While you’re there, make your voice heard by signing the petition to Walmart and Children’s Place.