Fish, Seafood, and Aquaculture: What Are You Eating? (Part II: Public Health & What to Avoid)

Public Health

Antibiotics and chemicals are used in aquaculture to eradicate or diminish the incidence of disease due to the high volume of organisms, small area range, non-hygenic conditions, and shortcomings in rearing methods (Burridge et al. 2008).  Chemicals can be classified as disinfectants, water and soil treatment compounds, algicides and pesticides, therapeutants, feed additives, or fertilizers and minerals (plankton growth inducers) (Primavera 2006).  Frequent use of antibiotics for prophylactic use leads to bacterial resistance to one or multiple antibiotics depending on the antibiotic rotation (Primavera 2006; Burridge et al. 2008).  High rate of antibiotic resistance have been observed in fish and shrimp ponds where antibiotics are frequently used, with tetracycline, oxytetracycline, oxolinic acid, furazolidone and chloramphenicol being primary examples (Primavera 2006).  Bacterial resistance in aquatic species becomes problematic to humans via water contamination and consumption of aquatic species carrying resistant bacteria or pathogens (Primavera 2006; Burridge et al. 2008).  Contamination of antibiotic resistant bacteria can also spread to wild fish and shellfish that were not intended targets, further increasing potential risk (Burridge et al. 2008). Therefore, aquatic bacteria and pathogens can influence antibiotic resistance in human bacteria and pathogens (Burridge et al. 2008).  There have been some instances of antibiotics used in humans being used in salmon aquaculture in Chile and Norway, despite being banned in other countries (Burridge et al. 2008).  A 1994 study found levels of antibiotics oxytetracycline and oxolinic acid above allowable levels in 8.4% of 1461 samples of P. mondon (Primavera 2006).

Some antibiotics and chemicals can have impacts on human health such as aplastic anemia, hypoplastic anemic, stomatitis and other “less severe” conditions observed from chloramphenicol (Primavera 2006).  Becoming infected with a multi-antibiotic resistant bacteria or pathogen can be extremely problematic in identifying viable treatment methods (Burridge et al. 2008).   A worst case, but not unlikely, scenario is that dangerous pathogens become resistant to all previously used antibiotics, causing uncontrollable epidemics of bacterial disease that can no longer be treated (Burridge et al. 2008).  Use of antibiotics also impacts nearby ecosystems, including phytoplankton and zooplankton communities and larger organisms due to toxicity (Burridge et al. 2008).  Impacts from these chemicals largely vary, however, some such as the disinfectant Malachite green and its metabolite leucomalachite green are suspected of carcinogenicity and gene damage (Burridge et al. 2008).

Contamination of heavy and trace metals such as mercury can also be problematic for humans and other aquatic species (Primavera 2006; Martinez-Porchas and Martinez-Cordova 2012; Burridge et al. 2008).  Metals such as Copper and Zinc have been found in above normal concentrations near salmon aquaculture sites, either from copper-based antifouling paints or in feed (Burridge et al. 2008).  Copper and Zinc are not typically high enough in concentration to impacts humans, however, they can be toxic to various aquatic organisms depending on bioavailability and speciation (Burridge et al. 2008).  Other metals such as notorious contaminant and bioaccumulatant mercury, as well as cadmium, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), lead, and silver may pose threats to humans as well as other non-target species in the aquatic food web (Burridge et al. 2008).

The key take away of these two posts is to be more informed about the food (specifically seafood in this case) you are eating. Though impacts on human health are often the most pertinent to humans, negative impacts on other aquatic and terrestrial species, as well as impacts on ecosystems can have a significant negative indirect impact on humans in various ways. The biggest concerns from farmed fish are from antibiotics and metal contamination.  Being that a significant portion of these foods are imported, they do not have the same regulatory standards as in the United States or other countries with more stringent regulations.  Additionally, given the volume of imported fish and seafood, a vast majority are not tested for contamination before they are sold.  It is important to not that a single exposure is not as likely to cause harm as continuous exposure over time, such as eating fish or seafood 2-4 times a month for a period of 3-8 years. Aquaculture is not bad, but it can be practiced in a more environmentally benign, efficient manner. Below you will find a brief list of fish and seafood to avoid, as well as suggestions to eat.  For more information please take a look at what vildmarket posted in a recent comment, fish and seafood to eat and avoid.  (Authors Note: In the near future genetically modified salmon will be on the market, whether or not it will be labeled is still unknown.)

Fish and Seafood to Avoid!

Atlantic Salmon (All of it is farmed, fish have to be fed pink dye because they do not receive the diet/nutrients that allow them to develop their signature color naturally)
Imported Farmed Shrimp
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
Tilapia (Primarily farmed in Asia, however consider avoiding all together)
Imported Catfish (including Swai and Basa)
Atlantic Cod (Overfished)

Fish and Seafood to Eat!

Wild Salmon
Farmed Mussels
Domestic Shrimp
Pacific Cod
Pacific Halibut

Sources:

Burridge, L., Weis, J., Cabello, F., and J. Pizarro. 2008. “Chemical use in salmon aquaculture: a review of current practices and possible environmental effects.” World Wildlife Foundation.

Martinez-Porchas, M. and L.R. Martinez-Cordova. 2012. “World aquaculture: environmental impacts and troubleshooting alternatives.” The Scientific World Journal.

Primavera, J.H. 2006. “Overcoming the impacts of aquaculture on the coastal zone.” Journal of Ocean & Coastal Management. 49: 531-545.

Were you aware of the environmental and health impacts of aquaculture? What determines how you purchase your fish and seafood?

Fish, Seafood, and Aquaculture: What Are You Eating? (Part I: Environmental Impacts)

More and more people are making conscious decisions to purchase quality food or personal care products.  I notice many people choose to eat organic produce and meats, avoid GMOs, or avoid crops known for high pesticide contamination. In some instances red meat is avoided for healthier options such as fish or chicken.  As with many other foods, fish and seafood also have their downside. Many fish species are contaminated with mercury and other contaminants due to continuous polluting of the oceans, lakes, and rivers.  Additionally, many fish and seafood stocks across the world have crashed from overfishing, which has increased the popularity of aquaculture, or farmed fish and seafood.

Aquaculture

The oceans have long been a source of food for various populations across the world.  As the world population has increased to seven billion people and demand for fish and other aquatic food sources has increased, various aquatic populations have crashed due to overfishing.  It can take several years, even decades for a collapsed fish population to recover.  A classic case of a collapsed fishery is that of northwest Atlantic cod, which collapsed in 1992 and has yet to fully recover 22 years later.  Factors such as a continuously cooling North Atlantic are suspected to be contributors to the slow recovery.  The ecological consequences of collapsed fisheries within aquatic ecosystems are also vast due to a loss of key species in the food web.  Farming has gained increasing prominence because it can serve as a method to relieve natural aquatic ecosystems of the stresses of overfishing.

Aquaculture, or farming of aquatic species, involves breeding, raising, and harvesting of species in controlled environments (oceans, lakes, rivers, and ponds) until they are large enough for consumption (FishWatch).  Presently the most commonly farmed fish species are carp, salmon, tilapia, and catfish.  Shrimp and various mollusk species including clams and mussels are farmed, as well as aquatic plant species and sea vegetables.  Though farming does help to alleviate overfishing of targeted species in the wild, it does have several negative impacts on environment and human health.

Impacts of Aquaculture

Approximately half of all seafood (including fish) consumed by humans is from aquaculture (NOAA).  In the United States 91 percent of all fish and seafood is imported, of which 45.5% is farmed (FishWatch).  The remaining 9 percent is supplied by wild caught fish and U.S. based aquaculture (lowest contributor).  Most of the imported farmed fish and seafood comes from   Asia (89 percent), with China being the largest producer (62%) (FishWatch).  Regulatory standards for farmed seafood in China, Thailand and other Asian countries are not as stringent as they are in the U.S., which results increased environmental pollution, risk of disease, and increased contamination in some instances.

Environmental

Many aquaculture pens are in coastal regions near oceans.  The coastal areas are home to estuaries, mangroves, and tidal creeks, which often become depleted as they become converted to aquaculture ponds or pens (Primavera 2006; Martinez-Porchas and Martinez-Cordova 2012).  Impacts of aquaculture in coastal areas include but are not limited to habitat loss/modifications, introduction of exotic species, over harvesting of wild seed/spawners and damage to bycatch, misuse of chemicals and antibiotics, release of wastes, interactions with wild populations, and dependence on wild fisheries (Primavera 2006; Martinez-Porchas and Martinez-Cordova 2012).  Mangroves are also accumulation sites for contaminants, nitrogen, carbon, and sediments, and offer protection against erosion (Martinez-Porchas and Martinez-Cordova 2012).  The aforementioned impacts have been observed in southeast Asia (Vietnam and Philippines) where mangroves have been depleted in order to create shrimp ponds (farms).  As of 2006, an estimated 35 percent of global mangroves have been lost due to shrimp farming (Primavera 2006).  Similar trends have been observed in Thailand, Indonesia, Ecuador, Bangladesh and Madagascar, with Thailand converting almost half of its 312,700 hectares of mangroves and wetlands to shrimp farms (Martinez-Porchas and Martinez-Cordova 2012).  Mangrove degradation leads to loss of essential ecosystem services such as  fish/crustacean nurseries, wildlife habitat, flood control, sediment trapping, water treatment and coastal protection (Primavera 2006; Martinez-Porchas and Martinez-Cordova 2012).  Loss of such protection in countries such as the Philippines may exacerbate vulnerability and damage from typhoons.  Fish pens also contribute to deteriorating coastal habitats (Primavera 2006).

Aquaculture also impacts the biogeochemistry of surrounding areas.  Wide spread use of antibiotics and chemicals can contribute to the salinization and acidification of soils near aquaculture farms (Primavera 2006; Martinez-Porchas and Martinez-Cordova 2012).  Unconsumed fish feed leads to eutrophication, the over-enrichment of nutrients, in conjunction with overfertilization, decomposition of dead organisms, and lixiviation (separation of a substance into soluble and insoluble constituents) of feed (Martinez-Porchas and Martinez-Cordova 2012).  An estimated 20 to 50% of feed is retained by farmed species as biomass, with the remainder eventually become incorporated into the water column or sediment, and discharging to nearby ecosystems causing phytoplankton blooms, death of benthic (bottom) species, and the dispersal of pathogens (Martinez-Porchas and Martinez-Cordova 2012).  An estimated 5.5 million tons of organic matter, 360,000 tons of nitrogen, and 125,000 tons of phosphorus are discharged into ecosystems annually from shrimp farming alone, which accounts for only 8 percent of all aquaculture (Martinez-Porchas and Martinez-Cordova 2012).

Close quarters for farmed aquatic species and introduction of exotic species also contribute to the spread of diseases, which are then treated with antibiotics and other chemicals (Primavera 2006; Martinez-Porchas and Martinez-Cordova 2012).  Parasites from farmed fish can spread to wild species, such as the spread of sea lice which may result in a collapse in pink salmon populations and possible cause extinction of a specific local population (Martinez-Porchas and Martinez-Cordova 2012).  Low to high levels of antibiotics, hormones, steroids and other pharmaceuticals have been detected in soils, surface waters, and groundwater (Martinez-Porchas and Martinez-Cordova 2012).  The implications of widespread antibiotic and chemical use can also impact human health.

Part II will discuss the Public Health impacts of Aquaculture.

Sources:

FishWatch.  n.d.  “Farmed Seafood.”  FishWatch U.S. Seafood Facts.  <http://www.fishwatch.gov/farmed_seafood/index.htm>

FishWatch.  n.d.  “Outside the U.S.”  FishWatch U.S. Seafood Facts.  <http://www.fishwatch.gov/farmed_seafood/outside_the_us.htm>

Martinez-Porchas, M. and L.R. Martinez-Cordova.  2012.  “World aquaculture: environmental impacts and troubleshooting alternatives.”  The Scientific World Journal.  

Primavera, J.H.  2006.  “Overcoming the impacts of aquaculture on the coastal zone.”  Journal of Ocean & Coastal Management.  49: 531-545.

NOAA.  n.d.  “Basic Questions about Aquaculture.”  Office of Aquaculture.<http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/aquaculture/faqs/faq_aq_101.html>

No images in this post are my own, no copyright infringement intended.

5 Natural or Organic Remedies for Glowing, Radiant Skin

1. Raw Honey.  This product is all natural and can be found certified organic. Most regular grocery stores do not carry raw honey; the honey you see in most stores has been heat processed and many of the nutrients are destroyed. Raw honey is full of vitamins and minerals; is antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and high in antioxidants, which aid in healing acne. Raw honey is also a humectant that will draw moisture to the skin.

Apply a thin layer as a mask on a clean face for 15 minutes, then place a warm towel over your face for a steam effect, then rinse clean.

Look for Raw Honey on your next trip to Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, or Farmer’s Market.

2. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar.  All Natural, Certified Organic. ACV is a detoxifier and disinfectant that can prevent and aid in healing acne. Dilute with water to use as a toner.

3. Bentonite Clay Mask.  Natural. “Feel your face pulsate” This product should be mixed with Raw Apple Cider Vinegar and helps draw toxins out of your skin.

4. Sugar and Olive Oil.  Both can be found certified organic, sugar can be found fair trade.  Wet your face and mix the two (1/2 teaspoon of each) for a wonderful exfoliator (or for skin and lips), add in some essential oils for an extra boost!  Rinse clean; Olive Oil helps moisturize your skin and will leave you with an amazing glow (Oily Skin?  No Problem, it still works!).

5. Leafy greens. Spinach, Kale, Collards, Mustard, etc.  Eat leafy greens every day!  If you aren’t too fond of the taste, drink them in a “Green Smoothie!”  Fruits mask the taste of the greens, but you still get the same nutrients (recipe coming soon).  Fortify your interior and reap the benefits of a pulchritudinous exterior!

No images used in this post are my own.

Have you every tried any of these tips?  What were your results?

Label Poise: Ingredients, Chemicals, Extracts, Oh My! Part I

What to avoid when shopping for cosmetics, consumer products, and food.  There are various ingredients that I avoid when purchasing cosmetics and personal care products.  Often times it is because the chemical is toxic or synthetically derived or it is partially for the aforementioned reasons and because it is nothing more than a cheap filler in a product.  The following are a list of ingredients that I avoid; classification, code names, and reason will be listed.

Beware! (User Discretion)

Mineral Oil aka Parrafinium Liquidium – This is a petrochemical typically derived from crude oil.  It can be found in high concentrations (one of the first 5 ingredients, more on this later) in a variety of lotions, hair lotions, ‘grease’ and conditioners (deep, leave-in, and rinse out), however it appears in highest concentrations to products marketed toward African-Americans.  Mineral Oil prevents moisture from entering or leaving the hair shaft.  This can often lead to hair breakage and clogged pores on the scalp.

Silicones aka Amodimethicone, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclomethicone – These are a variety of synthetic chemical polymers derived from silica.  They are found in hair conditioners (deep, rinse out or leave in), lotions, hair lotions, deodorants and antiperspirants, foundations, mascara, etc.  Silicones are not known to be toxic; there has been a fair amount of controversy over this subject, but again they are not known to be toxic.  They are, in my opinion, cheap fillers that coat the surface (hair, skin) they come into contact with.  I am more tolerant of silicones in skin lotions, however, I do not use hair products of any kind that have silicones anywhere on the ingredients list.  Period.  Silicones give the appearance of healthy shiny hair, but don’t be fooled it is just an appearance.  Silicones, similar to mineral oil, often prevent moisture from entering or leaving the hair shaft, which can result in hair breakage (particularly if you have dry hair).  Additionally, most silicones are not water soluble (will rinse out with water or a ‘no poo’) therefore you must use a sulfate shampoo to remove them to avoid build-up on your hair.

Sulfates aka Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), – Sulfates are foaming agents commonly found in shampoos.  Sulfates are known skin irritants.  The Journal of the American College of Toxicology states that SLS has a “degenerative effect on the cell membranes because of its protein denaturing properties.”  Sulfates can be extremely drying, particularly for curly and coily hair.

Parabens aka Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben – These are synthetic esters of ‘p-hydrobenzoic acid.’  Parabens ensure that microorganisms do not develop in your products after being on the shelf (or your bathroom cabinent) for extended periods.  There is no conclusive evidence that parabens are toxic or harmful.  Limited studies have found parabens to mimic estrogren, or be linked (not causing) breast cancer.  Grape seed extract and Japanese Honeysuckle Flower Extract are natural preservatives (not significant enough to be effective) as it has antimicrobial properties (parabens are similar to their structure, not the other way around).  Use at your own discretion as the scientific basis of their toxicity is inconclusive.  (Author’s Note: Some of the organizations that are refuting claims against parabens are industry affiliated, so the validity of their claims may be questionable.)

High Fructose Corn Syrup – Chances are you eat this multiple times a day on a regular basis.  Despite the advertisements you may have seen on tv, HFCS is NOT ‘real’ cane sugar.  HFCS is made from corn and is very cheap to make being that corn is one of the most subsidized crops in the United States; most corn (and its products, corn fed to chickens, cows, etc.) is genetically modified (GMO) unless its certified organic.  HFCS has been linked to a multitude of health impacts including obesity, cancer, liver damage and heart disease.  Take a look in your cabinets, it is in everything from bread to barbeque sauce.  HFCS is not natural and it is not biochemically processed in your body the same as cane sugar.

Avoid!

Toluene – Commonly found in nail polish.  Toluene is an extremely volatile chemical (it likes to vaporize and mix with air) therefore its greatest threat is through inhalation exposure (the fumes you smell when you paint your nails).  Inhalation of toluene can cause dizziness, nausea, or even death at high doses.  This ingredient has been phased out of many nail polish formulas, but not all.

Formaldahyde aka Formaldahyde Resin; Formaldehyde Releasers: DMDM Hydantonin , Imidazolidinyl urea, Hydroxymethylglycinate, Diazolidinyl urea.  Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen in the US and EU.  Formaldehyde is not common in cosmetics and personal care products, however formaldehyde releasers (react to release formaldehyde) are present in various conditioners, shampoos, and foundations.  Though the quantities are often low as they are used as preservatives, I would avoid these ingredients.

This is a multiple part series, so check back soon for additional posts!  All ingredients mentioned in these posts will be available in list form on the Educate Yourself menu on this site.  Thank you for reading!

What ingredients and chemicals do you avoid?

Natural, What’s That?? / Introducing… Label Poise

Nature’s Pulchritude is dedicated to encouraging people to use products that are natural or contain naturally derived chemicals. So what does natural mean exactly? To most people, when they think natural they think nature, therefore, a product that contains ingredients that come from nature as opposed to synthetic chemicals. In the world of cosmetics, personal care products, consumer goods and food, natural is an ambiguous, up-to-individual interpretation term that is not regulated by the FDA or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

My definition of a natural product is a product that doesn’t contain chemicals (synthetic or natural because technically everything is a chemical) that are known or suspected to be carcinogenic, ecotoxins, or endocrine disruptors; petrochemicals (mineral oil, parrafin wax, etc.), silicones, parabens, phtalates, or synthetic dyes and some fragrances.  I am more strict about hair and skin products than nail polish and makeup.  Another important factor that goes into my decision making process is efficacy–does this product work?  There is no sense in buying a product because it is natural/organic if doesn’t work (well enough).  Many of these ingredients have multiple pseudonyms or ‘code names’ so you really have to read product labels thoroughly (look for posts covering this in the near future). Organic is far less complex, I typically look for the USDA Organic symbol, or a similar certification from Canada or the European Union.

Marketing

In my last post, I told you that there is more or less no regulation for cosmetics or personal care products, therefore companies can call their products ‘natural(s)’ or ‘organic(s)’ without truly being so, or having an organic certification. Marketing is a very powerful tool that is designed to entice you, the consumer, to buy! Companies are well aware of the fact that consumers are becoming more aware about the chemicals present in their products, so they add clever names (either the company name or product name) to draw your attention because they know that you aren’t as aware as you think. Whether or not this deception is intentional is subjective, and instead of criticizing a company who does this, I will instead showcase a company that listened to its customers.

Introducing… Label Poise: A Great Example

These two bottles are for the same product.  Notice anything?

Yes, that’s it, the word ‘Organics.’

Notice anything else about the bottles that might be of importance (hint: any symbols)?

Hey, Where’s the USDA symbol? There isn’t one.

While the product may very well have some organic ingredients, it is not certified organic by the USDA or any other reputable body. Aubrey customers complained and Aubrey removed the ‘Organics’ name from products that are not certified organic. How is that for customer service.

This is the first of many posts titled ‘Label Poise.‘ It is my way of teaching you how to read product labels with poise and confidence.

Feel free to comment, provide feedback, and let me know what issues you have when reading product labels.  Thank you for reading!

The Facts.

I hope our welcome post left you inspired, but if you’re anything like me, you want to know the facts.  Why should we care about what’s lurking in our lotions, shampoos, and nail polish?

The Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act of 2013 was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 21, 2013 by Democrat Representatives Jan Schakowsky (Illinois) and Ed Markey (Massachusetts).  The purpose of the act was to address the toxic chemicals that are present in various cosmetics and personal care products in the United States.  The most recent legislation regulating the industry dated back to 1938, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.  The Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act (SCPCPA) sought to give the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate the appropriate industries to ensure that harmful chemicals are removed from products.  The harmful chemicals include chemicals which are well known to be carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, or ecotoxins.  It should be noted that many of the chemicals widely used in these products have not been thoroughly studied to make astute conclusions about their safety.  (Fun Fact: An average of 12,000 new chemicals are registered daily!  Most used in cosmetics are not tested for safety).  It is both unsettling and encouraging to know that many of the chemicals in personal care products used in the United States have been outlawed in the European Union since 1976.

The following chemicals are restricted or prohibited for use in cosmetics: bithionol, mercury compounds, vinyl chloride, halogenated salicylanilides, zirconium complexes in aerosol cosmetics, chloroform, methylene chloride, chlorofluorocarbon propellants and hexachlorophene. (FDA)

Four short months after SCPCPA was introduced, the European Union strengthened their legislation.  The EU Cosmetics Regulation includes 1,372 banned substances.  The FDA has banned 11 chemicals, most of which would not be considered for cosmetics or personal care prducts.  Many of the major corporations in cosmetics and personal care products are international conglomerates, many of which are based in the EU, so don’t for a second think they aren’t complying with the regulation–they just sell a different formula in the United States.  Take a moment to really think about this and its implications.  They can reformulate their products, but they don’t have to, therefore they don’t.  The legislation the European Union has is an excellent template for the United States to follow, however, despite stalled action at the federal level, California is making strides at the state level.

California is very progressive when it comes to environmental regulations.  If you have ever been, you may notice warning labels on products or within stores and restaurants.  The California Safe Cosmetics Law has been allowing consumers to make informed decisions by mandating that products that contain certain chemicals (carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, etc.) be appropriately labeled.  Despite the success of this legislation, federal law is still lagging as the SCPCPA has received significant resistance from cosmetic and personal care product manufacturers.  As a consumer you hold the power and can rightfully request that companies remove harmful chemicals from their products or simply stop supporting them.  It is really that simple.

This is why I decided to create Nature’s Pulchritude, because we as consumers have a right to make educated decisions that do not negatively impact our health or the environment, especially when there is limited legislation to do otherwise.   If you choose to use products that may not have the best ingredients, you made a conscious decision and that is fine; but if you are using these products and the presence of toxic chemicals is unbeknownst to you–that is problematic.  In the future, Nature’s Pulchritude will feature various posts about chemicals to avoid, as well as several posts to teach you how to read labels!  Stay tuned and thank you for reading.

Were you aware of any of the information in this post?  Does it make you reconsider some of the items you have purchased?  Sound off in the comments. : )

Welcome to Nature’s Pulchritude.

Welcome to Nature’s Pulchritude. As the name suggests, we appreciate nature’s pulchritude (beauty) and want others to appreciate it as well. As a society we have become increasingly disconnected from nature, be it through technology, artificial and modified foods, or the synthetic chemicals that are laden in our personal care products. Take a step back and engage with your surroundings–with nature and the envionment! Realize that many of the personal care products we use and ‘foods’ we eat are simply recreating what already exists in all its pulchritudinous glory in nature. This blog will feature a variety of content (such as product reviews, news, and educational pieces) from an environmental perspective, but with flair, pizzaz, and of course pulchritude. I want you to read this blog and feel enlightened and empowered to make informed decisions for yourself (and your family) by thinking of how the products and foods you buy impact your health and the environment. I invite you, encourage you, dare you, to eliminate the middlemen, the synthetics, and the artificial fillers and enjoy Nature’s Pulchritude.