The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Are you wasting food?

With World Environment Day this week, food waste is in the news.

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted annually.

Some countries waste more food than others, according to the Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition. The total amount of food wasted in the United States exceeds that of the United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden, France, and Germany combined.

In addition, the U.N. Environment Programme estimates that global food production uses 70 percent of fresh water and causes 80 percent of deforestation. Food production is also the largest single driver of biodiversity loss and creates at least 30 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
 
UNEP’s recently launched Think.Eat.Save initiative is working with groups around the world to develop and coordinate projects to prevent the environmental problems that can result from food loss and food waste.

See the Food Tank’s website for more information on what’s being done to reduce food waste around the world.

In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Agriculture are launching a program – called the U.S. Food Waste Challenge – that asks farmers, processors, manufacturers, retailers, communities, and government agencies to reduce wasted food.

Americans throw away up to 40 percent of their food. They send more food to landfills and incinerators than any other type of solid waste – 35 million tons – even more than paper and plastic, said EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe. 

In another program created in 2010, the EPA began working with organizations along the food lifecycle to adopt more sustainable practices. EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge provides technical assistance and a tracking system to help organizations to reduce their food waste. 

When food waste is measured, organizations can identify changes that lead to reductions.

For tips for consumers on how to reduce food waste, see EPA’s Food Waste Reduction and Prevention.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

EPA proposes cleaner gas and car standards, aimed at slashing pollution and improving health

It’s troublesome that the auto, oil, and gas industries have been allowed to make products that for so many years have caused millions of illness and deaths from emissions.

But the good news is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday it’s proposing standards for cars and gas that will significantly reduce harmful pollution and prevent thousands of premature deaths and illnesses, while also improving the efficiency of the nation’s cars and trucks.

When adopted, the standards will help avoid up to 2,400 premature deaths a year and 23,000 cases of respiratory ailments in children, the EPA said.

The proposal will slash emissions of harmful pollutants that can cause premature death and respiratory illnesses, including reducing smog-forming volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides by 80 percent, establish a 70 percent tighter particulate matter standard, and reduce fuel vapor emissions to near zero, said EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe. 

The proposal will also reduce vehicle emissions of toxic air pollutants, such as benzene and 1,3-butadiene, by up to 40 percent.

The proposed standards support efforts by states to reduce harmful levels of smog and soot, he said.

By 2030, the EPA estimates that the proposed cleaner fuels and cars program will annually prevent up to 2,400 premature deaths, 23,000 cases of respiratory ailments in children, 3,200 hospital admissions and asthma-related emergency room visits, and 1.8 million lost school days, work days, and days when activities would be restricted due to air pollution.

Total health-related benefits in 2030 will be between $8 and $23 billion annually, Perciasepe said. 

The program would also reduce exposure to pollution near roads. More than 50 million people live, work, or go to school close to high-traffic roads, and the average American spends more than one hour traveling on roads each day.

To develop the proposal, the EPA met with representatives from auto, oil, and gas industries as well as environmental, consumer, and public health organizations. Based on feedback and a rulemaking process, EPA’s proposal is estimated to provide up to $7 in health benefits for every dollar spent to meet the standards.

The proposed sulfur standards will cost refineries less than 1 cent per gallon of gasoline on average when the standards are in place, according to the EPA. The proposed vehicle standards will have an average cost of about $130 per vehicle in 2025. The proposal also includes flexibilities for small businesses, including hardship provisions and additional lead time for compliance.

The proposed standards will reduce gasoline sulfur levels by more than 60 percent – down to 10 parts per million in 2017. Reducing sulfur in gas enables vehicle emission control technologies to perform more efficiently.  That means that vehicles built before the proposed standards will run cleaner on the new low-sulfur gas, Perciasepe said.

The proposed standards will work with California’s clean cars and fuels program and enable automakers to sell the same vehicles in all 50 states. The proposal is designed to be carried out over the same timeframe as the next phase of the EPA’s national program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks beginning in model year 2017.

After the proposal is published in the Federal Register, the public can comment on it, and the EPA will hold public hearings.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

World Water Day 2013: Why it’s important

Today is the 20th anniversary of World Water Day.

Although the earth has 1.4 billion cubic kilometers of water, only 0.001 percent of that is accessible for human consumption and use. And 70 percent of water is used for agricultural purposes.

In 2012, the United States experienced the most severe drought in at least 25 years, which, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, affected 80 percent of agricultural land in the country. Add that with recent droughts in other parts of the world, most notably in the African Sahel, and the urgency for action to safeguard water resources is clear, The Food Think Tank said in a statement.

As water supplies face mounting pressures from growing populations, climate change, and an already troubled food system, analyses of “water wealth” and “water security” are laying the groundwork for future cooperation and stability. In order to meet all municipal, agricultural, and ecological needs for water, it is crucial to develop innovative water saving systems for the future of food production.

Here are seven strategies from The Food Think Tank for reducing water waste in the food system:

1. Eating less meat

It takes about 3,000 liters of water to meet one person’s daily dietary needs, or approximately 1 liter per calorie, according to Sandra Postel of the Global Water Policy Project. The amount of water needed to produce one kilogram of red meat can range from 13,000 to 43,000 liters of water; poultry requires about 3,500 liters of water; and pork needs about 6,000 liters. Eating more meatless meals, even one or two days a week, can help conserve water resources.

2. Using intercropping, agroforestry, and cover crops

Soil health is critical to water conservation. Diversifying farms by including cover crops, planting trees on farms, and intercropping can help keep nutrients and water in the soil, protecting plants from drought and making sure that every drop of water delivered by rainfall or irrigation can be utilized.

3. Implementing micro-irrigation

About 60 percent of water used for irrigation is wasted. Drip irrigation methods can be more expensive to install, but can also be 33 percent to 40 percent more efficient, carrying water or fertilizers directly to plants’ roots.

4. Improving rainwater harvesting

Since the 1980s, farmers in Burkina Faso have been modifying traditional planting pits known as zai, making them deeper and wider and adding organic materials, according to the International Food Policy Research Institute. As a result, the pits retain rainwater longer, helping farmers to increase yields even in years of low rainfall.

5. Using mobile technology to save water

Santosh Ostwal is an innovator and entrepreneur in India who has developed a system that allows farmers to use mobile phones to turn their irrigation systems on and off remotely. This helps reduce the amount of water and electricity wasted on watering fields that are already saturated.

6. Planting perennial crops

Perennial crops protect the soil for a greater length of time than annual crops, which reduces water loss from runoff. "Annual grain crops can lose five times as much water and 35 times as much nitrate as perennial crops," according to a report from the Land Institute.

7. Practicing soil conservation

Soil conservation techniques, including no-till farming, can help farmers to better utilize the water they have available. Studies have shown that no-till techniques improve water-retention capacity and improve water use efficiency in crops, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization.

Visit the World Water Day website for details about the day’s events, including activities in your community and tips for reducing your water footprint.

You can also learn more about water issues from the Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition, Global Water Policy Project, Food and Water Watch, and Natural Resources Defense Council.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

State of the Union offers much for consumers, but is lacking on housing and benefits for older Americans

President Obama’s State of the Union address Tuesday was strong for consumers in many areas.

Obama's emphasis on immigration reform, family wage jobs, early childhood education, a $9 minimum wage, tax code reform, voter rights, and loophole reduction will help move America forward.

The actions he called for on gun violence, energy independence, clean energy, climate change, infrastructure, higher education, violence against women, equal pay for women, stronger families, poverty eradication, and equal benefits for all are of tremendous importance.

However, Obama fell short in his address on benefits for older Americans and housing.

Benefits for older Americans

He began his talk by saying, “It is our unfinished task to make sure that this government works on behalf of the many, and not just the few.”

Americans don’t expect Congress to agree on everything, Obama said, adding “They do expect us to forge reasonable compromise where we can.

On balancing the budget, he said:

The biggest driver of our long-term debt is the rising cost of health care for an aging population. And those of us who care deeply about programs like Medicare must embrace the need for modest reforms – otherwise, our retirement programs will crowd out the investments we need for our children, and jeopardize the promise of a secure retirement for future generations…

We’ll reduce taxpayer subsidies to prescription drug companies and ask more from the wealthiest seniors. We’ll bring down costs by changing the way our government pays for Medicare, because our medical bills shouldn’t be based on the number of tests ordered or days spent in the hospital – they should be based on the quality of care that our seniors receive.

And I am open to additional reforms from both parties, so long as they don’t violate the guarantee of a secure retirement. Our government shouldn’t make promises we cannot keep – but we must keep the promises we’ve already made.

I’m concerned that Medicare is “on the table” and will be cut in a compromise deal. Medicare and Social Security are minimal programs. Even “modest reforms” will have disastrous effects on seniors.

For more than half of Social Security recipients aged 65 or over, the program provides more than 50 percent of their family income and, because of its lifetime income protection and survivors benefits, Social Security is particularly important for elderly women.

Housing

On housing, Obama said the housing market is finally healing from the collapse of 2007. But, even with mortgage rates near a 50-year low, too many families with solid credit who want to buy a home are being rejected, he said, adding:

Right now, there’s a bill in this Congress that would give every responsible homeowner in America the chance to save $3,000 a year by refinancing at today’s rates. Democrats and Republicans have supported it before. What are we waiting for? Take a vote, and send me that bill.

And Obama said:

Right now, overlapping regulations keep responsible young families from buying their first home. What’s holding us back? Let’s streamline the process, and help our economy grow.

What’s needed that the president didn’t address is that banks aren’t willing to refinance homes for consumers who are underwater. And, mortgage reform is still needed and consumers who are in danger of foreclosure must receive help.

Banks continue to prefer to kick homeowners out of their homes if they are behind on their payments. Federal programs that have been set up are only helping a fraction of those who need assistance.

And the comment about overlapping regulations for first time homeowners? It sounds like the president was throwing a bone to the housing and real estate industries.

We just had a Great Recession based at least partially on banks and other financial institutions selling mortgages to anyone, regardless of their qualifications.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and other federal agencies have been working on rules to curb these mortgage abuses. Most of them will go into effect early in 2014.

Certainly the president didn’t mean those rules are going to be eliminated?

More help is needed for homeowners. This is part of the assistance for Main Street that has never materialized after Wall Street was bailed out.

In last year’s State of the Union address, Obama announced the creation of a working group aimed at exposing and prosecuting financial fraud behind the housing crisis.

While some action has been taken, the group needs to do more to charge and convict those responsible for the housing crisis.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

President’s inaugural address includes some positive items for consumers, and admonishes political parties to work together

Four years ago after I watched President Obama’s inaugural address, I wondered if the president could do what was needed for American consumers. Special interests were so strong during the George W. Bush presidency and did so much damage, I wondered if Obama would be successful in fighting for consumer interest.

As we now know, the results of Obama’s first four years were mixed for consumers.

What can consumers expect from Obama’s second term?

In his inaugural address Monday, the president gave a clear message about the need for people, especially political parties, to work together to move America forward.

He talked about the need to improve economic conditions, the importance of equality, and the value of a rising middle class:

We know that America thrives when every person can find independence and pride in their work; when the wages of honest labor liberate families from the brink of hardship.  

Interestingly in relation to the growing anger of younger generations against aging baby boomers, Obama referred to meeting the needs of both older Americans, which includes boomers, and young people. He said:

But we reject the belief that America must choose between caring for the generation that built this country and investing in the generation that will build its future.

On programs for older adults, he said, “The commitments we make to each other through Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security, these things do not sap our initiative, they strengthen us.”

On helping those in need, Obama said: “Together, we resolved that a great nation must care for the vulnerable, and protect its people from life’s worst hazards and misfortune.” 

The president also mentioned:

• Regulating the business sector: “Together, we discovered that a free market only thrives when there are rules to ensure competition and fair play.”

• Climate change: “We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires and crippling drought and more powerful storms.”

The president also spoke at length about equality:

We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths – that all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall; just as it guided all those men and women, sung and unsung, who left footprints along this great Mall, to hear a preacher say that we cannot walk alone...  It is now our generation’s task to carry on what those pioneers began.

Obama said our journey isn’t complete until:

• Our wives, our mothers and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts.

• Our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law – for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.

• No citizen is forced to wait for hours to exercise the right to vote.

• We find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity – until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country.

• All our children, from the streets of Detroit to the hills of Appalachia, to the quiet lanes of Newtown, know that they are cared for and cherished and always safe from harm.  

The president said to make the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness real for everyone doesn’t require us to define liberty in exactly the same way or compel us to settle centuries-long debates about the role of government for all time. But, he said, “It does require us to act in our time.”

He urged others who take oaths and serve in the capital to faithfully execute their pledge.  

Let us, each of us, now embrace with solemn duty and awesome joy what is our lasting birthright. With common effort and common purpose, with passion and dedication, let us answer the call of history and carry into an uncertain future that precious light of freedom.

We’ll see how the president’s second term turns out.

Politics has been called the art of compromise. Let’s hope that lawmakers will be willing to make decisions that will move the country forward, and that most of their actions will be in the interests of consumers, not corporations.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

USDA awards $4.5 million in grants to increase local food in schools

I applaud the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarding more than $4.5 million in grants in 37 states and the District of Columbia for connecting school cafeterias with local agricultural producers.

When I was growing up in Central Washington’s apple country, it always seemed wrong that apples in the stores were expensive and came from somewhere else.

It’s important, especially with climate change and diminishing energy resources, to get as much of our food as we can locally.

The federal emphasis on connecting local farmers and school cafeteria programs is important because, when schools buy from local farms, jobs are created and the economy benefits. In addition, energy costs for transporting food are reduced.

And, when school kids understand more about where food comes from and how it’s grown, they’re more likely to make healthy eating choices, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan said in a statement.

The 68 grants, the first USDA Farm to School grants, will help schools use locally sourced foods and increase market opportunities for producers and food businesses. Grants will also be used to support agriculture and nutrition education efforts such as school gardens, field trips to local farms, and cooking classes.

The grants will be used in more than 3,200 schools that have an enrollment of 1.75 million students. Nearly half of these students live in rural areas.

Examples of some of the projects include:

• Lawrence County District in Walnut Ridge, Ark., is using grant funds to coordinate efforts with other school districts to combine buying power and attract new producers to school food service.

• Weld County School District 6 in Greeley, Colo., will expand kitchen facilities to serve local products year-round through processing and freezing techniques.

• Des Moines Municipal Schools in New Mexico will receive grant funding to increase the types of products it buys from local vendors. Local cattle farmers already supply the school district with 100 percent locally produced beef. The USDA grant funds will be used to develop contacts with local fruit and vegetable producers so a full meal of locally sourced products can be served.

A list of awards for fiscal year 2013 is available at http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/F2S/pdf/F2S_Grants-FY2013.pdf.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Hurricane Sandy is the big topic on this week’s Blogging Boomer Carnival

Anne Maxfield of the Accidental Locavore is this week’s host for Blogging Boomer Carnival #284.

The carnival is a collection of like-minded blogs cooperating to share their best stories of interest to the Baby Boomer Generation.

Baby boomer bloggers were without power for days, watched as others were hard hit, were unable to blog, warned of scams, and told of lessons learned due to Hurricane Sandy.

Other bloggers reported on increasing jobs for boomers and Thai cooking in Dubai.

Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are leading corporations, serving as governmental officials, heading up non-profits, worrying about retirement, and experiencing layoffs at a higher rate than younger workers. They’re also reinventing themselves in trying economic times, with some looking for their dream jobs to keep them happy in retirement.

At each stage in their lives, boomers have changed things. They’re continuing to make America different as they begin entering into their retirement years.

In addition to The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide, members of the Blogging Boomer Carnival are: The Accidental Locavore, The Midlife Crisis Queen, Sightings From 60, Arabian Tales and Other Amazing Adventures, So Baby Boomer, Vaboomer, and Books Is Wonderful.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Watch out for charity and auto scams after Hurricane Sandy

Earlier this week, I wrote about scams related to auto and property damage that can occur from hurricanes, floods, and fires.

Consumers also need to be aware of scammers when they donate to charities and buy cars.

New Jersey officials Gov. Chris Christie, Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa, and Eric T. Kanefsky, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, also warn consumers about charity scams that have been known to prey upon the generosity of those wishing to help during times of disaster. 

Many charities are legitimate, but it pays to investigate before you donate:

• Before donating to a charity, find out whether the charity is registered to solicit funds. Check with the agency in your state that registers charities, often the Secretary of State’s Office. Also check the Better Business Bureau’s website for a Charity Report on the organization you’re considering.

• Find out how, exactly the charity plans to use your money. Learn how much the charity spent during recent fiscal years on program costs, management costs, and fundraising. Learn about the charity's stated mission.

• Be wary if the charity doesn’t readily provide all of this information to you.

In addition, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt warns consumers to be aware of water-damaged cars from the East Coast that soon could be sold at car lots in their areas.

Among the many photos from this week’s devastating storm are images of cars floating in water. Once owners settle claims with their insurance companies, these cars could be repaired and resold to unsuspecting buyers in other states.

“By law, if a car has been damaged it should be clearly noted on its title,” Pruitt said. “However, unscrupulous sellers sometimes buy damaged cars cheap, make a few cosmetic changes, and resell them at a high price.”  

Here are tips to help protect consumers when buying used vehicles:

• Always purchase from a reputable dealer.

• Have a reliable mechanic inspect the vehicle before buying.

• Ask questions about the vehicle’s history.

• Thoroughly inspect the car inside and out for signs of rust, mildew, mold, water stains, and dents.

• Do a search on the car’s title.

• Remember the consumer tip that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Pruitt said that buying a flood-damaged car is risky and can pose numerous safety and health hazards that might not appear until the seller is long gone.  

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Watch out for scammers who prey on consumers after natural disasters

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and fires often bring out scam artists who take advantage of the victims. Some of the most common "after-disaster" scams involve auto, home and yard repairs, or clean up.

The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to consumers who suffer auto and property damage due to Hurricane Sandy:

 Check with your insurance company about policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Save all receipts – including those for food, temporary lodging, or other expenses – that may be covered under your policy.

Stay calm. Don't be pressured into making an immediate decision with a long-term impact. Be pro-active in selecting a company and not reactive to sales solicitations. Make temporary repairs if necessary.

Shop around. For major repairs, take time to get at least three to four estimates based on the same specifications and materials. Check references, verify licensing and registration, and read the BBB Business Reviews at www.bbb.org.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of door-to-door workers who claim to have leftover materials from a nearby job or who don’t have a permanent place of business. If sales people go door-to-door, check to see if your community requires them to have solicitation permits. Be leery if a worker shows up on your doorstep to announce that your home is unsafe. If you are concerned about possible structural damage in your home, have an engineer, architect, or building official inspect it.

Get everything in writing. Require a written contract with anyone you hire. It should specify the work to be done, materials to be used, and price breakdown for both labor and materials. Any promises made verbally should be written into the contract, including warranties on materials or labor. Be sure their name, address, license number, and phone number are included in the contract, along with a start and end date for the work. Once you have found a contractor, request proof of a current insurance certificate covering workman’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability.

Never pay in full in advance, and don’t pay cash. While many companies may ask for a deposit, the BBB suggests that no more than one-third of the job be paid upfront. Be sure the contract specifies the schedule for releasing payments to the contractor. Before making the final payment, ask the contractor to show proof that all subcontractors have been paid. If they haven’t been paid, you could be liable).

Disaster victims should never feel forced to make a hasty decision or to choose an unknown contractor. Take your time and check out any company thoroughly that you’re considering doing business with.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

12 ways to go green in 2012

By Rita R. Robison

Is going green among your New Year’s resolutions for 2012?

If so, the Worldwatch Institute, an environmental research organization, has these suggestions for you:

1. Recycle

Put a separate container next to your trash can or printer, making it easier to recycle your bottles, cans, and paper.

2. Turn off the lights

Turn off lights during bright daylight, or whenever you’ll be away for an extended period of time.

3. Make the switch

Use compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs because they use only 20 to 30 percent of the energy required by incandescents to create the same amount of light, and light emitting diodes or LEDs use only 10 percent, helping reduce both electric bills and carbon emissions.

4. Turn on the tap

Fill up your glasses and reusable water bottles with tap water.

5. Turn down the heat

Turn down your thermostat when you leave for work, or use a programmable thermostat to control your heating settings.

6. Support food recovery programs

Encourage your local restaurants and grocery stores to partner with food rescue organizations, such as City Harvest in New York City or Second Harvest Heartland in Minnesota. Go through your cabinets and shelves and donate any non-perishable canned and dried foods that you won't be using to your nearest food bank or shelter.

7. Buy local

Consider farmers markets and local farms for your produce, eggs, dairy, and meat instead of relying only on large supermarkets. Food from these sources is usually fresher and more flavorful, and your money will be going directly to these food producers. 

8. Get out and ride 

Use your city's bike share program to run short errands or commute to work if one is available in your community. Check out Bike Belong.org to find a listing of bike sharing programs in the United States. Take advantage of the bike lanes many cities and towns are providing, making it easier and safer to use your bike for transportation and recreation.

9. Share a car

Join a car share program. See Zipcar.com for information on car share programs in the U.S.

10. Plant a garden

Start by planting some lettuce in a window box. Lettuce seeds are inexpensive. When planted in full sun, one window box can provide enough lettuce to make numerous salads throughout a season. Move on to planting seedlings in pots on your patio. Next, investigate where in your yard you could create a raised bed garden.

11. Compost

See websites such as HowToCompost.org, which provide easy steps to reuse your organic waste.

12. Reduce your meat consumption

Cut down on the amount of meat you consume by substituting one meal day with a vegetarian option. Websites such as Meatless Monday and Eating Well offer many vegetarian recipes that are healthy for you and the environment.

For more and more people across the world, the impacts of hunger, poverty, and climate change are felt every day, according to the Worldwatch Institute. Simple practices, such as recycling or riding a bike, can have great impact on making 2012 a healthier, happier, and greener year for all.

 

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist