Today a supermarket in Japan pulled from its shelves frozen green beans from China. One package tested by Japan’s Health Ministry had 34,000 times the permitted level of dichlorvos, a highly toxic insecticide. Investigation continues.
Before this it was milk. Poisoned on purpose to increase profits. Some middle manager diluted the milk and hid the fact by adding the toxin melamine. Apparently the tainted milk was not exported to the US. This time.
And poisoned pet food. And tainted tooth paste. Wave after wave of lead-painted toys.
How can someone poison milk for a little extra profit? Because he doesn’t care. Because it’s impersonal. Pressure to compete. He hopes to remain anonymous.
What’s the answer?
The government should do more. But are you content to rely on the US government to protect you from global products? The same government that handled Katrina? The same government that has been steward of our economy?
There is another option. Keep it personal! Wherever you shop, ask for the Who, What, Where, and Why of your purchases. You won’t have to ask us. Check out our four Ws page. You’ll find the info with every gift we offer. And meet the people who have brought each gift to you on our Designer Profile pages. Among our offerings, you’ll find a few wonderful products from China. There are responsible designers everywhere. Finding them is worth the search. Check out Shokay and Dreamsacks.
Finding them and presenting them to you is what Elegant Roots is all about. It’s personal and assures peace of mind. We’re serious.
Til next time,
Co-Founder Rob Favole
Tags: green beans, lead paint, melamine, poisoned milk, poisoned pet food, socially responsible, tainted milk, toxic green beans, transparency
