As I See It

I think that I have always liked avocados, at least since my taste buds matured and I realized green is not synonymous with gross. I have always liked them on a sandwich or as guacamole. They have always been a nice garnish to Mexican food, or a great addition to a salad. However, it wasn’t until recently that I began to see them as more than a tasty treat with appropriate foods.

When I decided to go vegetarian I had to find foods that not only possessed the essential nutrients to keep me alive and operating smoothly, but also that would fill me up and taste good. The avocado is a perfect match, for a lot of reasons.

Avocado’s are not so much a “low fat” option, in fact one medium sized avocado has as much fat as a burger, but that is where the comparison to fast food ends. Of the 30 grams of fat only 4 grams are saturated fat, leaving the other 26 to be monounsaturated (good fat), which actually helps to lower cholesterol. There have been numerous studies done on the affects of a diet including avocados and a lower risk of heart disease.

The addition of avocados to the diet also has the benefit of added variety, not to mention an all-together healthier choice, in your meal options. My husband and I eat these delicious sandwiches or wraps daily for lunch, they consist of: organic whole wheat tortillas or whole grain bread, hummus, pine nuts, capers or olives, baby spinach leaves, cucumber, peppers, red onion and a half avocado each. Nathan and I used to eat Lean Cuisines or canned soup for lunch on a regular basis, occasionally Chick-Fil-A (pre-vegetarianism), or whatever we could scrounge up. We now make it a point to eat these sandwiches and the result is feeling full and getting something good in our bodies daily, without a lot of work

For me I have seen an overall improvement in my skin quality as well. Some of it has to do with eliminating the hormone interference with meats (I still do dairy and cage-free organic eggs, with no antibiotics or added hormones) and an increased intake of water rich veggies, but a lot of it is related to gaining essential vitamins from food sources (and not supplements).

Avocados, besides being beneficial to your heart are chalk full of essential vitamins and minerals key to your overall well-being. With 60% more potassium than bananas, avocados also have the highest fiber content of any other fruit- 75% insoluble and 25% soluble. Fiber is essential for intestinal health as well as weight management (and who couldn’t use that?). They are loaded with B vitamins which among other things, support and increase metabolism, maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, as well as enhance immune and nervous system function. The only B vitamin not found in the avocado is B-12 which you can only get from animal products (which vegans must get from a supplement). Avocados are also high in vitamin E and K, which help with blood quality and wound healing.

Sure all of those things can be gained from other foods, but you will be hard pressed to find another food so substantial in them that tastes so good. All that being said it is important to remember that all good things can become bad if over-indulged in. Since avocados are high in fat, even though it is good fat, it is still fat that can deposit itself on your thighs, tummy, or butt without ever asking. Most research would recommend eating half a medium avocado a day, which can actually cause you to lose a small amount of weight and retain less fluid.

So, in conclusion, enjoy a daily bit of avo and head towards a healthier, fuller relationship with food.

One day I could not take it anymore. I had to do something. Maybe it was seeing WALL-E for a third time, or maybe it was watching the trash bins overflow with recyclable materials while I touted my greenness, that pushed me over the edge. I examined the amount of time I spend at my job in comparison to the amount of time I am home where I am devoted to the habits of recycling. I am at my office considerably more, throwing away bottles, paper, cardboard, etc. So, I decided, why not do something about it?

Now, this was easier said than done. The first few days I wrote a little sign up that said “PLEASE RECYCLE”, stuck it to a cardboard box and planted the box conspicuously in the break room. I searched the office for recyclables, threw them in the box, and went about my day. But I was the only one doing it. Sure the box filled up, however, that was due to my rampant searching and not the efforts of my coworkers. This annoyed me, but, I thought, “OK, maybe if I make a more serious effort they will take notice.”

I went out that evening and purchased (with my own money) a trashcan and some recycled garbage bags. I took it in the next day, printed a detailed sign of the kind of materials that can be recycled, and set it up on top of our dishwasher where everyone could see it. OK, round two was now in effect. Some of my coworkers seemed enthusiastic about this new option. Talking really big about how much they recycle at home, and how important it is. I was understandably skeptical, but hopeful nonetheless.

The end of the day came, and, for the most part, the bin was full. Now, I had followed people around telling them “that cup is recyclable”, “don’t drop that bottle in the trash”, “seriously, you’re throwing away paper?”. However, they had eventually gotten the idea. So, I was standing in the kitchen, washing out the coffee pots and talking to the Office Manager about recycling, when her daughter entered (who also works here), dropped her can in the trash and kind of gave me a sideways glance. For the most part, she is an OK person. I even have on occasion enjoyed talking to her. This, however was not one of those times.

She asked me why I was “doing this recycling thing”. I told her that it was something that was important to be conscious of and that everyone can make a difference, even if it was a small one. She kind of laughed and responded, “Well, you’re just one person, you can’t make it better.” She walked off. I fumed, shoved the coffee pots back in the coffeemaker, and pulled her can out of the trash.

I wasn’t mad simply because she was deliberately trying to spite me, or that she was that selfish and stubborn. I was frustrated by the ignorance in her statement. I was surprised someone could be that sure and also be that wrong.

One reason for this global epidemic, and the sudden push for people to conserve, reuse, is a result of the notion that ONE person has no affect. If every ONE person did their part to leave a greener stamp on the world, we would see a difference.

I know that the earth is perishing around us. It is not destined to get better, but I do not see the purpose in being wasteful with what we have left either. I may never be able to change the mind of that girl, and I will not kill myself trying, it is her loss that she can’t comprehend why I am doing this “recycling thing”. But to say your effort doesn’t matter really isn’t any different than to say your vote doesn’t count. It isn’t about peace and love; I’m not a hippie. But I love God’s creation because it is his. I hate seeing the beauty of his design vanish as a casualty of progress.

Be the change, one person at a time. I will keep trying with my office, talking about it to anyone who asks, and searching for newer, cheaper and better ways to live a little greener. Start small, that is the best kind of beginning.

Here is a link to the City of Denton recycling website: City of Denton. It gives info about what kinds of things you can recycle, as well as tips and links to some programs the city provides such as toxic waste removal (household cleaners, detergents, etc.).

      I am not a celebrity. I do not have unlimited resources at my disposal. I have a mortgage, bills, and the rise in gas prices is definitely putting a dent in my budget. So, when my husband and I decided to green our life, I found there wasn’t exactly a road map for the middle-classer with an Eco mission.

      Not shocking, most celebs have gone green; driving their hybrids and talking about the Eco renovations they have made to their palatial Hollywood estates (which I find to be an oxymoron). So where does that leave us, the average consumer? The ones still driving the old model car that guzzles gas like it’s going out of style, and who, not long ago, bought Windex and Tilex with good conscience. Well, hopefully, not too far behind.

      I recently read an article on MSN (Celebrity Eco-Friendly Tips), featuring some info about Julia Roberts’ turn to the green life. She hooked up with a yoga instructor/environmentalist named Sophie Uliano and was given the cheat sheet to go from Wasteful Consumer to Green Goddess. Presto, done! Oh yeah, and it was probably super economical and simple. The article goes on to talk about other celebrities and their tried and true tips.

      Now, yes, it says you don’t have to break the bank. But I would bet one of my Eco-grocery bags that this reporter (and most reporting on the subject) hasn’t actually made the switch. Because if she had, she would know really going green requires a mental shift, not just a recycle bin and some canvas bags. And mental shifts can be pricey.

    Why are we listening to Celebrities anyway? Just because they are more attractive than most of us, and have more money and notoriety, doesn’t mean they in any way are authorities on living life responsibly. And they definitely don’t know much about making gradual, long-term changes to their lives. Not when most wear clothing only once, buy a new car every time they feel the itch, and dispose of their marriages like Kleenex.

      Now, don’t get me wrong. I enjoy watching E! as much as most women my age. I like to read magazines and look at pictures of famous faces. I certainly love movies. And sure, if I had the same amount of capital as most of them, I’d probably evaluate my spending choices as well. But when it comes to being told how to live my life, I’d rather they stayed out of it.

      So, this category is dedicated to average folk without an inflated expendable income. You, me, and most, looking to leave a greener stamp on the world. After all, we have been commissioned as stewards of this planet, not just to consume it, but to cultivate it.