Alright kids. Settle down.

While on one end of the country, we have McDonald’s representatives giving McSeminars to little kids about how to eat healthier…at McDonald’s… we have, on the left coast, San Fransisco BANNING the sale of Happy Meals. Maybe, in Oklahoma, McDonald’s serves up reasonable portions, uses fresh ingredients, and operates more like an In-N-Out. Not good for you, not bad for you…

Anyway. It’s all happening… in San Fransisco. This week, across the Golden Gate, they have successfully curbed the Golden Arches’ youth marketing. The San Fransisco Board of Supervisors has approved an ordinance that effectively bans the Happy Meal. The guidelines of the ordinance give specific nutritional qualifications that all restaurants must meet, if they want to include a toy with a meal. This comes as an effort to combat childhood obesity.

The parameters of the ordinance include maximum sodium, fat, and saturated fat levels, calorie guidelines, and require that either fruits or vegetables be sold with a meal if a toy is to be included.

Theoretically, this doesn’t eliminate the possibility for Happy Meals in SF, but it does drastically change the face of the childhood treat.

McDonald’s has voiced a protest on the grounds that the ordinance not only restricts businesses, but also takes away parental control.

Personally, I say go forth, SF, and fight for your kids. I understand the concern about freedoms being taken away from America’s consumers. But we have ourselves an epidemic. An epidemic of children who can’t run more than ten yards without wheezing, and not because of respiratory problems. No one has banned the Big Mac. No one has outlawed the Hamburgler. It’s just a step to make sure that tomorrows children can, well, take steps.

If it’s just a toy you’re after, come in and see us. We have some pretty cute and PC toys, without the grease!

Song of the Day Soul Food- The Goody Mob

I was at the grocery store the other day, with my better half. We were trying to pinch some pennies. We were in the produce department when the following happened. I swear, I’m not making this up. I went to grab a bundle of spinach, and no joke, out of my significant other’s mouth, came “Oh, that’s organic, that’s too expensive.”

Now, he was right. That was just more money than we had to spend on spinach. I had to think about that statement though. There’s a reason income is the closest linked factor to obesity and health.

Then again, I know plenty of people, who will contest the merits of buying organic based on the price tag, only to drive to the nearest gas station after, and fill up their suburban or unnecessarily large truck with gas, and spend fifteen or so dollars buying candy and sodas at the convenience store.

What can we do to save money, the earth, and our bodies all in one? Organicitsworthit.org has the answers. I decided to bring them to you.

• More Is less: This may be obvious, but it’s good to have a reminder. Many products come at a better price when bought in large quantities, so buy in bulk when it makes sense.
• Tis The Season: It takes a lot less effort to get something to the consumer that is in bloom NOW, so buy things that are in season.
• Grandmama Tried: While it may be irritating to get stuck in line behind a little old lady wielding paper and scissors, remember; she didn’t make it to a hundred and four spending all of her dough. Clip those coupons to save the planet without going bankrupt.
• Hometown Goodness: Farmer’s Markets are a fun way to support your local farmers, eat organic, and save money
• Good Ol’ Home Cookin’: It’s not only better for you, but it saves money. It always has, and it always will. Cooking organic vegetables at home is no exception to the rule.
• Choose Your Battles: If you have to narrow it down, chose to buy organic versions of the products that you go for the most often, thereby reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals, and lowering your impact on the environment. Hooray for moderation!
• The Ace of Clubs: Joining a buyer’s club is rapidly becoming an effective way to save money on produce.

Have more questions? Come in and see us at Bambu Batu. We have a great Shirt you can sport, broadcasting to the world the pride you have for supporting your local farmers! Think green and eat greens (that were organically grown, of course!)

Song of the Day: Amish Paradise- Weird Al Yankovic (He’s a local!!)