Food as a Weapon

Did you know that 9 companies control most of what we put in and on our bodies in the US?  It's kind of frightening when you think about it.

Check out the corporate food tree.

Really.  All of those brands go back to those few companies.  That much control over such a huge part of our lives is unnerving.

For this badge it's simple.  Take the control back.

1)  Stop buying off the corporate food tree

2)  Buy whole, unprocessed foods.  Make your own household cleaners.  Make your own skin care.

3)  When you can't buy from small, family owned, preferably local sources and from locally owned stores.

Certified Organic

The Organic on a Budget badge over at the Farmgirl Sisterhood is kind of a joke.  It's more about pushing her baking mix than anything else.  Nothing about learning about the different kinds of organic certification.  Nothing about the different kinds of organic products.  Nothing about joining a CSA or supporting your local Co-op.  And sneakily trying to get your neighbors organic?  Puh-lease.

So for this one:

1)  Learn about the different kinds of organic certification and the different certifying bodies.  What is the difference between between "100% organic" and "Organic"?  In the US what does it take to get the USDA Organic seal?  The CCOF seal?  The Oregon Tillth seal?  Is there an organic certification organization in your state?

2)  What is the difference between organic, cage-free and free range eggs?  The difference between organic, free-range and grass-fed dairy?  Or meat?  What about 4H or FFA meat, is it available in your area and how does it compare?   Is it possible to get organic meat and dairy in your area?

3)  Learn about organic skin care and health care.  Your skin is the largest organ in your body, through it you can absorb a massive amount of chemicals.  Can you go organic there?

4)  Join a local co-op or CSA to support local organic farming

5)  Go at least 80% organic in your home.

Managing a crisis

Keeping calm in a Crisis

This is the one you earn when they screwed up your husband's paycheck, he's home with a broken foot, your car is dead, it's pouring rain, all the windows are leaking, the landlords are around and you have some big medical stuff coming up.  If you can get through all that and keep everyone fed and clothed and calm on half your usual budget and not fall apart then you get this badge.