Sound Consumer

Dedicated since 1961 to informing and inspiring the PCC community through the co-op’s vision of advancing the health and well-being of people, their neighborhoods and our planet.

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Sound Consumer, August 2016

Clean cosmetics

Facial skin needs extra care, so we might think cosmetics would be especially gentle. Makeup, however, is one of the worst offenders when it comes to ingredients. Choose natural makeup and men’s skin care products for the same reason you choose organic food.

Facial skin needs extra care, so we might think cosmetics would be especially gentle. Makeup, however, is one of the worst offenders when it comes to ingredients. Choose natural makeup and men’s skin care products for the same reason you choose organic food.

Correction re: chicken trays

We’re only as good as our information and we’re sorry to say we made a mistake in last month’s cover story, “Plastics and packaging.”

We’re only as good as our information and we’re sorry to say we made a mistake in last month’s cover story, “Plastics and packaging.”

State GE labeling laws revoked?

Thank you to all PCC members who tried to help stop a bad bill that would revoke four state laws to label genetically engineered (GE) foods and any future attempts by other states for mandatory, on-package GE labeling. At press time, the bill from the U.S. Senate was expected to pass the House and be signed by the president.

Thank you to all PCC members who tried to help stop a bad bill that would revoke four state laws to label genetically engineered (GE) foods and any future attempts by other states for mandatory, on-package GE labeling. At press time, the bill from the U.S. Senate was expected to pass the House and be signed by the president.

In a pickle

We’re getting playful with summer produce — now at its peak — by pickling everything from onions to green beans. These recipes provide a solid foundation for learning quick pickling techniques.

We’re getting playful with summer produce — now at its peak — by pickling everything from onions to green beans. These recipes provide a solid foundation for learning quick pickling techniques.

Hot days, cool melons

PCC sources organic melons from two Washington farms that provide us with variety: black-rind watermelons, honeydew, cantaloupe, Piel de Sapo, Magenta and Snow Leopard, to name a few. Get them while they last!

PCC sources organic melons from two Washington farms that provide us with variety: black-rind watermelons, honeydew, cantaloupe, Piel de Sapo, Magenta and Snow Leopard, to name a few. Get them while they last!

Will carrageenan remain in organic food?

Carrageenan, a thickener used in many foods, is considered a “synthetic substance” due to its extraction process. It must be reviewed by the National Organic Standards Board every five years. Research demonstrates carrageenan’s role in inflammation, colitis, cancer and diabetes.

Carrageenan, a thickener used in many foods, is considered a “synthetic substance” due to its extraction process. It must be reviewed by the National Organic Standards Board every five years. Research demonstrates carrageenan’s role in inflammation, colitis, cancer and diabetes.

What does “natural” mean?

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration asked the public to weigh in on how the term “natural” should be defined and used on food labels—or whether the agency should regulate the use of the term at all. Here’s an excerpt of PCC’s comments.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration asked the public to weigh in on how the term “natural” should be defined and used on food labels—or whether the agency should regulate the use of the term at all. Here’s an excerpt of PCC’s comments.

Letters to the editor

Recycling vs. composting · Sound Consumer archives · Organic is key to help feed the world · Pesticides in organics · Toothpaste choices · Kraut brine · Supplement absorption · Kava safe? · Sunscreen amount

Recycling vs. composting · Sound Consumer archives · Organic is key to help feed the world · Pesticides in organics · Toothpaste choices · Kraut brine · Supplement absorption · Kava safe? · Sunscreen amount

News bites

Farmers quit OTA · New WSU bee lab · Philadelphia’s soda tax · Shellfish lawsuit · Whole grains for health · Crack down on “cane juice” · THC protects against Alzheimer’s? · PepsiCo linked to child labor · Pesticides threaten endangered species · Bad diet, bad sleep?

Farmers quit OTA · New WSU bee lab · Philadelphia’s soda tax · Shellfish lawsuit · Whole grains for health · Crack down on “cane juice” · THC protects against Alzheimer’s? · PepsiCo linked to child labor · Pesticides threaten endangered species · Bad diet, bad sleep?

PCC Board of Trustees report

June Board Meeting · Board of Trustees and Leadership Team Retreat · 2016 CCMA · Next Board Meeting · Contact the Board

June Board Meeting · Board of Trustees and Leadership Team Retreat · 2016 CCMA · Next Board Meeting · Contact the Board

Sound Consumer, August 2016