FRESH RUBBISH

We do not knowingly offering items in our shop with lab GMOs. Ultimately, it’s not the GMOs themselves that are the key issue in our choice. It’s the unregulated, manipulative, profiteering, and power mongering of the world wide mega conglomerate corporations that control and own the GMOs (and associated chemicals), and thus the food supply chains. As well as the known, and unknown harm GMOs cause directly, and indirectly, to everything they are involved with; ecosystems, land, water, air, genetics, finances, farming, food, life, health, etc. These are the main reasons we do not offer items that have been genetically modified in a lab. Now, the looong version… ————— Somewhere in the past there was an idea (paraphrasing as I wasn’t there); “If a farmer in a certain geographic area had trouble growing a particular type of crop due to frost, drought, disease, or some other form of a downfall to this particular crop, would it not be in the farmers, the food supply chain, and the entire planets best interest if we could alter this crop’s seed so that it was resistant to whatever the negative force might be; drought, frost, disease, etc., through genetic modification of it’s structure by taking a piece of a different organism; animal, plant, etc.. which was immune to such downfalls, and adding it into this crop’s seed genetics to gain this ability? Would this not be a most beneficial thing to do; higher yield crops could be grown by more farmers in more areas thus providing more food to the world’s population?” I’m sure the origin was totally different than the above fictitious phrasing. But, from a basic theoretical stance, this seems like a benefit to all involved: If you could make a crop withstand some of natures harshest environments, diseases, as well as increase yield by genetically modifying the seed of the crop in a lab, why wouldn’t you? There is no 100% ultimate consensus (not even close) if genetically modifying crops in a lab is a good, bad, or neutral thing in totality. And in the end (if an end to this exists), it might not be a black and white resolution, but many shades of gray. As everything is based upon the situation. From all the information that we here at Zieros have absorbed from everywhere we could, our consensus is that GMOs are a destructive force —from land, to food, to business and politics, and beyond— of known, and of yet unknown levels... to everything they are involved in. And that they should be avoided if at all possible. (There is a reason why GMOs are not allowed in organic, organic-regenerative, and biodynamic farming methods.) This is why Zieros will not offer GMOs at our location. There is simply too many negative and unknown factors that are in play to say that lab GMOs are even a neutral thing over all. And especially taking into account the massive mega conglomerate corporations (a few listed below) that push, control, own, and manipulate the world food system for profit and power. If we do somehow offer an item that contains a lab GMO, it’s from our mistake in sourcing, or definitive proof arises that GMOs are good to go. Which we do not see happening. ————— Most GMOs at current are grown by big corporate farms, which produce mostly; - corn - soybeans - canola oil - sugar beats - alfalfa - cotton - yellow summer squash - zucchini - Potato - as well as Microbes and enzymes, besides seeds …and somewhere in the world we hear they are experimenting with wheat. These foods are mostly used; -to feed the animals that you then eventually eat -in most of, if not all all of the processed foods found in a typical food market (which is mostly the entire store) -and in almost all fast food and soda/sugary drinks. ————— Yes, lab GMOs are promoted as having higher yield for farmers. Which in theory would lead to higher profits and a better lively hood for the farmers, especially in poorer situations. However, when using lab GMO seeds, an increased use of chemicals —like glyphosate— that are toxic to the environment and to humans, is almost always present in this farming practice. These chemicals contaminate food, water, the soil, and are associated with crops being more susceptible to disease. Which leads to more pesticides usage and further degrades the environment. Over time this process progressively destroys soil quality, increasing disease, increasing the amount of pesticides used, reducing yields, potentially also promoting monster weeds, and ultimately reducing the amount a farmer can make in the end. It’s a vicious cycle where the companies that make the lab GMOs, and chemical/pesticide companies (typically one and the same mega corporation) win and profit. Not the farmers, or consumers. If you’re on the side of lab GMOs, and chemically dependent farming practices, and state that the chemicals used in organic farming practices are harmful, you’d be 100% correct. The few chemicals that are allowed to be used in organic practices can be just as harmful as the 1,000s of other toxic chemicals used in chemically dependent farming. But the goal of organic farming is not to use any chemicals at all in-order to promote soil health, and the resiliency & longevity of a farm. Chemicals in organic farming are (should) only used when absolutely necessary. Farms using lab GMO seeds are aiming for the highest crop yield possible, not the regenerative organic long term health of soil. And it’s possible that they will get a higher yield for their efforts, at least in the beginning. But their crops are sold at much less of a profit when compared to organic. And in actuality, it’s possible that organic farmers could make more money off of a smaller, chemical and lab GMO free yield when compared. So the marketing for higher yields and higher profits for farmers using lab GMOs and chemicals, isn’t truth. It’s possible though. But it’s also possible that a regenerative organic field will out perform a lab GMO and chemically dependent field, and more so as years go by. But it does take more work, time, dedication, and money to do so. —————— There are individuals and groups that state GMOs are required to feed the worlds population. This simply is not true. What really needs to happen are changes to supply chains: focusing on local products, long shelf/storage life items, removal of plastic packaging, and a massive assault on the wastefulness of humans. Currently the world wastes a sh*t ton of food that we grow collectively. Here in the US, we waste somewhere between 30-40% (the percentages vary). This is in every aspect of the supply chain. But it’s mostly all after it leaves the farm, going from improper storage, to over purchasing, to simple and pure ignorant wastefulness of businesses and individuals alike. Lab GMOs won’t fix waste. Lab GMOs will not feed the hungry. Better educating businesses and individuals, thereby creating a better supply chain and consumer, can result in a massive reduction in waste, and the food actually getting to where it’s needed. Instead of where it’s going to get wasted by a-holes, like us willfully ignorant Americans. (And not to mention the harm of poor policies, laws, regulations, and so forth that contribute to these situations. Government also has to change in-order for things to change. Which is a full subject in an of itself!) —————— To recap and add, here is why we do not, and will not carry nor support lab GMOs: - Lab GMOs are NOT the cure for hunger throughout the world. Growing MORE food is not the answer. Better farming practices, better business practices, reduction of waste via superior supply chains, and educating manipulated consumers, and better policy is. - There is no sound evidence that the core goal of lab GMOs —higher yield / productivity— has been the result since the introduction of lab GMOs many moons ago. - These crops occupy large swaths of monoculture farming. Mono farming holds little to zero biodiversity, and generally destroys the local ecosystem. - When chemicals are used on resistant crops (herbicides), the weeds that the herbicide is meant to kill starts to build up a tolerance. As a result, more chemicals are needed. And the process just continues. - Seeds that are modified to produce toxin (insecticide), kill both the intended targets, and non-targeted insects. Destroying biodiversity and the surrounding ecosystem. Not to mention are harmful to humans. - There is no conclusive science that we have found that says adding genetically modified life to our planet will, or will not have very bad consequences on the ecosystem. We (collectively) can’t reliably predict, control, or work with nature. We aren’t that advanced, nor have the foresight to do such things. Adding lab GMOs into a non-lab GMO world, is suggesting that we are…which is f*cking crazy. - The large mega conglomerate corporations, such as; Monsanto (now) Bayer, Syngenta, DuPont, Dow… control almost all of the lab GMO food chain via seed patents. These companies also produce herbicides and fertilizers…for these very same seeds that they sell. Thus, screwing over farmers who (unlike everything besides lab GMO and hybrids) then can’t keep, replant, or improve the seeds they grow…and in the end, screwing us consumers. - The mega corps. can sue a farm/farmer who does not purposefully grow their lab GMOs: But by the shear act of nature (wind!), seeds can get passed onto their land from a neighboring farm that is using lab GMO seeds…through no fault of their own…and they randomly grow a lab GMO plant, that they do not want, in which the mega cops. own the seed to. As a result, they are violating patent rights and can get sued by these mega a-holes. How f*cked up is this? - Studies are paid for and run by these mega a-hole corps (as well as the anti-gmo groups) to provide evidence that lab GMOs are good (or bad). Any study carried out by anyone related to the lab GMO industry (or the opposite), should not be taken as truth, and always questioned. Always seek out independent studies. - The health effects of lab GMOs, is still up for grabs. Not enough data exists to make a final say what, if any, negativities they have when eaten. —————— The true bottom line here isn’t the lab GMO item itself. It’s the mega conglomerate world wide corporations whom have the power and resources to change policy to their advantage by buying out elected officials. The GMO issue is simply a symptom of this much bigger out of control problem of massive companies wielding too much power and control. This can change, in my theory, through three universal routes; 1. VOTE. Vote at every opportunity you have to elect representatives that will protect the food supply chain, and small farmers, from corporate greed and control. 2. Use your power to make better choices to buy non-GMO foods. And skip those fast food trips. The food market/supply chain bends to consumer demand. If no one wants something, it will eventually not be made. 3. Speak Up! Use your voice. Make as much noise as possible in any way you can to make sure everyone knows what the problem is so it’s in peoples faces to fix. While the GMO industry would like to have “GMO Everything”, you can avoid all lab GMOs, simply by becoming a well informed consumer. All you have to do is avoid lab GMOs if you want them to go away. —————— In the end, removing lab GMOs from the world, won’t save it, or us, from all of the insane destructive acts of human ignorance, near sightedness, and blind stupidity. That problem is exponentially bigger. The problem we can ultimately work towards is real sustainability. And right now, lab GMOs are not that. Right now you can change the world by avoiding over processed, junk, fast, and industrialized food. Focus in on buying GMO free, organic, and chemical free —herbicides, pesticides– food. And buy these options local whenever possible. But don’t take out word for truth. Look this shit up! Find out for yourself the details on lab GMO food. Make your own informed decision after multiple sources from all perspectives. Then go make a pie, eat some fruit, or eat a cookie…. because your blood sugar is probably very low after the time it took you to read this rubbish!! Onward.

Zieros does not (knowingly) offer any item that contains palm oil, or any derivative of palm oil (there are many). If we do, we have either screwed up, or the palm oil industry has drastically changed. It’s most likely going to be that we screwed up. For the record, Palm Oil is potentially an ideal oil; versatile, has sustainable growth in what it can provide, requires a low amount of chemical inputs, and it’s cheap. ....But really it’s not. It’s not ideal because of where and how it’s planted and harvested, and the resulting destruction and deforestation of the land. Because it’s so versatile, cheap to grow, harvest, produce, sell, and purchase, big agro companies, governments, “enforcers”, and food processors are all over this stuff. And that means power and money in pockets. The results are the continued destruction of everything involved; clear cutting of forests, air pollution, pushing species into extinction, screwing over the people who live in these areas… it’s just generally bad news all around. As I type this, there is no such thing as "True" sustainable Palm Oil. The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is nothing more than a neat little label that producers can put on their packaging so they can feel better about what they are doing. As well as to tell their customers so they feel better about what they are purchasing. Destruction continues to happen under the RSPO. It is, what I would call..., “A Joke”. Therefore, we won’t be using or offering Palm Oil in any aspect as this time. And we suggest that you consider doing the same. (This includes “Vegetable Oils”, as oils titled this way are just a slurry of other oils, with Palm being one of them.) Here are a few additional words from Unearth Malee, who do not use Palm Oil in there products (read their full text on their website https://unearthmalee.com/): "Consumption of palm oil has increased dramatically in the past decade. Though you may not realize it, you most likely have products in your home with palm oil in the ingredients list. You can find it in chocolate, margarine, cookies, crackers, snacks, pizza, all sorts of foods, and cosmetics like soaps and lipsticks. Friends of the Earth, a grassroots environmental network, estimated that 87 percent of Malaysia’s deforestation was due to palm oil plantations. Their researchers also estimated that if nothing is done to alleviate the rising rates of deforestation, orangutans could become extinct within 12 years. The palm oil trade is destroying orangutan habitats, endangering other rainforest animals, contributing to high levels of carbon emissions, and has placed Indonesia as possibly having the world’s fastest deforestation rate (Greenpeace sources estimate an area equivalent to 300 soccer fields per hour)." But don’t take these words for truth. And definitely don’t take the word of anyone in the Palm Oil Business, or even groups vehemently against Palm Oil. Dig in for yourself, and look at independent articles and research based on fact. Or maybe go on a backpacking adventure, and witness the destruction for yourself. Zieros, out.

Eating a vegan based ("Vegan Leaning Omnivore") diet. Buying all (or as much as possible) organic/regenerative items. Buying local foods from sustainably minded farmers. Shopping directly from a farm. Reading books, blogs, papers, or articles about sustainability, questioning it, comparing it to other info, and incorporating the stuff you read into your daily life. Reusing all bags as many (100s!) times as possible. Composting (properly). Recycling (Correctly). Buying items in reusable packaging. Buying items with no packaging at all.... Being sustainable means none of these things… being sustainable means ALL OF THESE THINGS! Plus so much more. It means everything that happens to every single thing we make, use, grow, toss, compost, recycle, the supply chains for all of these items, the end of use for all of these items. It means every single experience we have, everywhere we go, how we go, why we are going, where our poop goes, what happens to our trash, plus every single other aspect of how we choose to live our lives and interact with the world around us. It's all situational, and It’s intense if you take it in all at once. You'll give up, or never start. So don't do that! Actively go at a steady pace. Take one thing at a time. Go for as much as you can handle, and add just a bit more to challenge yourself for the next mountain. Almost no one on this planet is living a totally sustainable life. And the few that are, are not influencers. They are not making a “lifestyle choice” for branding and financial purposes. They don’t promote empty sustainable slogans, certifications, and the like, then sell their products in plastic single use packaging. They are not single people owning big houses. They don’t travel around the world by fossil fuels giving talks about human fueled climate change while totally ignoring the hypocrisy of how they got there. They don’t claim to put all of their trash into a mason jar. You probably will never know about the people who are living truly sustainable lives, and they will probably never know about you. Why? Because they are simply living. No social media, ad revenue, or promotion involved. For the rest of us, including you and I, we should be trying to be more sustainable in all aspects, one step at a time. Trying to find ways to reduce our negative impact on our world. Because our actions, big and small, are having a negative impact. And we can’t continue on this path and survive, let alone thrive, without drastic worldwide shifts to living more sustainably. But before action, just acknowledging these negative impacts is a massive first must-take step. It can be a brutal life changing slap in the face that not all are prepared to accept. And for the ones who are…willful ignorance from the ones who aren’t, is a bitch to deal with. Taking the necessary actions…is another story entirely. Becoming knowledgeable, observing your situation, getting informed, destroying the apathy, busting up ignorance, is first and foremost. Then making simple changes to reduce your negative impact, one science-fact-fueled-educated step at a time, is the challenging path we all need to be on. Keep in mind things like this while on your adventure to a more sustainable life: no one is going to achieve cramming the last 5, 3, or even 1 years of trash into a small mason jar. That type of example is not realistic at all for a common goal. Great for marketing, starting a career, tagging or branding it as a “lifestyle”, opening a store, doing a TED talk, getting followers, etc. But totally wack for humanity to use as an actual achievable benchmark. These types of things are nice to look at, read about, score tips from. But get this garbage out of your head. Forget any and all such time lines and waste amounts, and just go with what you can do. By focusing on one step, one item, one task at a time to reduce your use, your over-consumption, and your waste stream, will bring you to your own “mason jar”. You’ll realize you’ve come pretty damn far in no time at all with many small steps. And your own “mason jar” could end up being something like a month, or six months with one large bag of trash… And that is f*#king aWeSOmE!! Look, I get it, change is hard. But we have to change or else we are totally screwed. We produce far more than we need, there is more than enough for everyone to thrive, yet we waste so much of what we produce, and so many have nothing. It’s ludicrous. One small science-fact-fueled-educated step for you, is one small step for humanity. Then one more…and one more…Multiple that by billions…and the possibilities can be sustainable! But put some hustle into it…cus time is a bitch.