SAFE NATURAL CURES & LIVING

Green is the latest buzzword.  For most of us, green means recycling and avoiding chemicals, for the good of ourselves and the environment. 

But, there is not only one green, but many shades, in our environment.  Compare limes to Granny Smith apples, or the noble fir to the birch tree for only four of the many shades of green in nature.

We should each be accepted for whatever shade of green we are able to reach in our lives and our choices along the way.

A vegan may look down on a vegetarian, and a vegetarian may look down on a meat eater.   Some demand only organic in what they will eat or wear.  Some will not wear leather, and others will shoot their food and make sure that no part of the animal goes to waste.  Consider the choices regarding one tree on the African savannah.  Giraffes eat from the thorny top of the acacia, zebras eat the tender leaves from the bottom of the tree, elephants eat the branches, and monkeys eat the seeds.

Being green comes in steps for most people.  Not everyone is up to having a compost pile in the yard or a composter in the kitchen.  But, most can recycle cans and plastic.  With the addition of chemical-free products in most stores, many are deepening their shade of green in their choice of cleaners.

We are all different.  A group of fifty people may include fifty shades of skin color.  We have fought hard to build tolerance of these color differences and see beyond them to find the person inside.  Now we need to spread that color tolerance to each other as consumers.

You could give a scowl to someone who shops without giving the environment a thought or you could give them a canvas shopping bag and a smile.  The second one has the better chance of starting them down a green path.

It is time to make your survival kit.  Now.  No more putting it off.  No doom and gloom here — no scare tactics — just being prepared.

The US economy was sound only weeks ago.  The financial crisis will, however, affect the economy.  In fact, it has already begun.  And, the financial crisis is not limited to the US for the simple reason that countries invest in each other’s companies and banks.

Now, while you still have a job, put a good hunk of each paycheck toward stocking up.  Stock up on anything that you would need for at least a month — three months is even better — twelve months is best.  This will allow you to get through slow months in your business or a lay-off at work.

Think twice before you say that you cannot afford to stock up on anything because money is tight.  The truth is, almost everyone wastes money every month, and most of us eat better than we need to.  You could have steak and au gratin potatoes this month and nothing next month, or you could have hamburgers and beans for three months.  You normally have two pork chops and a touch of vegetables, so change that to one pork chop and lots of vegetables.  This is not only cheaper, it could also result in thinner Americans! 

If you still think your budget is tight, start with canned vegetables since they are pretty cheap.  And, buy only the ones that are on sale.  You can sometimes get food (and other items) almost free if you go for items on sale for which you also have a coupon.  Many coupons can be found at Great Coupons and Rebates.

What you should stock up on is non-perishable food (canned or boxed), toiletries (toilet paper, shampoo, etc.), pet food, and prescription or over-the-counter medicines that you take regularly.  That is the digest version.  You can see the “complete” list at Home Survival Kit List.

You are not responsible for the stock market dropping and the tight times ahead, but you can show great responsibility by getting prepared now.