Not sure how many of you have seen the newest video by the Story of Stuff regarding the abuses of the water bottling industry. It is about 8 minutes long and definitely worth the watch. As Food Empowerment Project wants everyone to be aware of their food choices, it is truly hard to overlook the water bottle industry’s impact on our environment and on the people around the globe.

Like with everything, it just takes some awareness on our part – reminding ourselves that plastic can take a thousand years to go away. That maybe you can reduce the amount of plastic that you purchase, and buy a reusable bottle – we all need to drink more water, so why not be prepared? Be sure not to buy a Nalgene bottle as they support the animal experimentation industry – why not be safe and just buy a water bottle from Food Fight, an all vegan grocery?

And in other water news, let’s hope that Coke (a company responsible for killing union workers in Columbia and abuses of water privatization in India) pays up as a government Committee in India has found them liable for up to $48 million in damages. According to the release:

“The Committee thus has compelling evidence to conclude that the HCBPL has caused serious depletion of the water resources of Plachimada, and has severely contaminated the water and soil,” said the report. HCBPL is the Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Private Limited, a subsidiary of Atlanta based Coca-Cola Company.

Coke can never replace a resource like water and I fear that no fine will ever make this company more accountable but – we can just hope that more governments will take a stand.

Speaking of my friends at Food Fight, I was up in Portland last weekend giving a talk about Food Justice issues and had a great time. I was really excited to see how many people were interested in the connection of all of the issues we work on. It gives me hope that we can truly have an impact.

Thanks to the Let Live Foundation for inviting me and for its work in informing those in the area not only about a variety of issues but also how they can get involved. I ate loads of food in Portland and would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to Blossoming Lotus (they had this Chicana happy with their version of chorizo) and Los Gorditos.

Chad, Emiko, Kim, Craig & Dave thanks for fun and a full tummy and I am so glad you like the Vampire Diaries too – they are such a great band!

Oh, I also walked my first dog- thanks for that Carlton – hugs to you & Augo.