Chemistry

I will admit I still feel a little confused about the alkalizing affects of foods especially if those foods are high in acid. Like lemon for example, it is acidic going in, but somewhere in the digestion tract it becomes alkalizing. Conceptually that is very cool and I have heard it for so long I take it as truth, but I do not understand the process in which this happens. It makes sense to have a non acidic environment and to consume anti-oxidants as you do not want the cells and internal environment to become oxidized or turn bad with acidic environments. more to learn....

From last class I enjoyed the discussion of chemical bonding and then experimenting with trying to break a piece of pasta or tear a piece of paper. It was interesting to experience that something that appeared rather simple was much more challenging in practice. Which is a good rule to observe. Often times the things that appear simple are much more difficult to achieve. And I never considered the integrity it takes for a piece of paper to remain together, now I am trying to observe and be aware of that concept that exists around me in other places I look.

I generally have a lot of dried foods, so those are most monochromatic. Brown and black beans, white and brown rice, green lentils, dried oats and some baking flours. Then there is my spice drawer. it is adorned with many colorful and aromatic spices form turmeric, chilis, cardamom, dried seeds, dried chilis, dried herbs from the garden. Right now with summer approaching my fridge is filled with fruits, cherries, blueberries, strawberries, there are some peaches and plumbs and avocados ripening too.  the drawers are filled with greens for sautéing, dandelion, kale, broccoli and some shiitake and maitake mushrooms.  Occasionally you will find sweet potato. I have fish and red meat available for meals and a freezer full of bone broth and fruit popsicles. I love cooking and eating. One of the upsides to being stuck at home for school is I have been able to cook every meal from home. Its very nice.

Green Chemistry! What a dream it sounds to have green chemistry. I  know "green" is a very overused buzz word, but conceptually this is a great move in the direction that our planet needs. Particularly the emphasis on holding companies accountable for the toxicity their product produces.  We need more policy around commitment to protect and preserve our world. People from all economic backgrounds should have the accessibility to clean products and less harmful living conditions, less exposure to toxins and more support and accessibility to energy efficient resources.  I like this image too because it reminds me of the five element generating cycle. 

Question 1: Reflection on one of our class discussions from this afternoon: The discussion that sticks out the most to me is the microplastics blowing in from the ocean breeze. This is so disturbing, but I ask myself why? Plastic has been a product of the future my entire life. From the first computers, to leggos, to children's toys and bikes, to our clothing, cars, food containers-- it is everywhere! Even though I try to be mindful of what I purchase and how it is stored. I find plastic every place  I look. It is really disturbing that it feels like we cannot live without plastic, yet we know how incredibly toxic it is to our world and ourselves. And now microplastics are making there way to some of the untouched places of the earth. It is really depressing & I hope we can find a collective solution to our plastic problem in my lifetime.