I went to the store as usual making my best effort to read the labels and make conscious choices. Then I started sleuthing. Many clicks later and this is what I confirmed. Conscious consumption takes diligence. Lots of it. Here are some of the fruits of my labor:
- Loblaws doesn’t want me to have the freedom to make healthy choices. If they won’t play fair I guess I’ll have to take my marbles and play with someone else. Sadly, I had already traded some for their PC granola, PC wild Alaskan smoked salmon and PC smoked trout fillet.
- I can get eggs from rowe farms and feel confident that the loonies are going to Canadians. It’s also the place for meat eaters to assuage their conscience.
- Liberte dairy products passed my test – and they make creme fraiche, hallelujah. Extra points for being Canadian.
- A purely Scottish company produces Nairns oatcakes and cookies. Points for being delicious and ethical.
- Stash Tea, originally from Oregon is now owned by Japan’s Yamamotoyama. Points for honoring the tradition of tea.
- ShaSha and Dimpflmeier breads are Canadian and ethical. The best hummus not made by my own hand comes from Quebec (Fontaine-sante).
- I have to find a new ethical chocolate because Kraft foods owns Green & Blacks chocolate. Rule of thumb is that when a product is suddenly widely available someone bigger is facilitating that.
parking meter (Photo credit: Slideshow Bruce)
As edifying as all this research has been it takes some of the fun out of food. Especially when I’m going to have to start making half a dozen stops to affordably fill my larder. As this will be an ongoing effort, this week’s challenge is simple and direct. I’m going to pay it forward the next time I pass a parking meter that is near expiration I’ll buy the driver some time. It’s a small thing but if it helps someone avoid a $50 ticket, that’s a big karmic return on the investment.
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