If you’re a human being then you’ve somehow been affected by the inevitable and heart shattering experience known as grief. If you’re someone who has never experienced it first hand or known anyone close to you who has passed or had a tramatic experience with grief, then please listen up because what I’m about to write could help you be there for your fellow friend or family going through it. Grief is the most horrible of all the sadnesses because it isn’t something you necessarily created, just something you received and most likely unexpectedly. As the person in the grief there is no guidance or direction on how to be, there is sometimes the feeling like you should hurry up and move through it though. Rushing this experience is the worst thing you can do. I am here to tell you if you experience grief, spend time in it; move through it and be with it. I say this because when you do it doesn’t shove all those feelings down in a dark hole that will someday release when its not in your best interest. Last week I experienced grief for what feels like an annual thing. When I was 24 I lost my father to cancer, when I was 29 I had my first miscarriage, then one at 32. At 33 I lost my grandmother who was my best friend in the whole world, at 35 I had another miscarriage. At 36 my pregnancy made it to 6 months and my baby just died. We were told we had to name him (Bogdon) and burry him even though he was never born alive. At 37 I lost my most prized female dog Bella, who was only 4 and the love of my world. I made it through my 38th year free and clear, and after a year of trying to get pregnant again we did. I was 8 weeks along and just a week ago at my weekly ultrasound the baby had died, no heartbeat. This one was a major shocker because I had committed to the truth that this one was going to make it and be the one. I was in such shock that I didn’t even cry until I got to my car. I went through the rattle of emotions that overthrow your system; complete anger at God, the universe, my faith, the baby who did this to me, the trust I had in the possibility, my body who failed me… ANGER. This is true for anyone going through grief, like life has failed us when really all this ever is, is one experience after the other. Now being through this 5 times as someone close to me this can be frustrating too for them. I had friends express their frustration and anger that I would have to go through this. Why prostitutes and crack whores can have babies but good natured loving people can’t. This kind of thing can rock anyone’s faith in the overall universal system. I’m here to say that with all my experiences of grief, it most definitely never gets easier- I do however feel that I’ve been able to soften the blow with the knowing which I do of how the bigger picture has the potential to unfold. I am confident that this is all leading to something and that as I look back, I will realize why and how everything happens in its own perfect space and time.

Read the rest of this entry »

Why do you ask! Because he knows how important the eco footprint California leaves behind is his legacy and ours. After months of lobbying against SB (bill) 1454 which would prohibit any plastics that are biodegradable to say they are biodegradable, it finally got stopped on the very last day. This bill is two years in the making, the assembly members and senators of California all let this go through, why because their fellow democrat created it. This to me was a big lesson in politicians and bureaucratic BS. I was told that once we started explaining this bill to them they became aware and concerned with its implications to California. We need to keep this state friendly to the possibilities of doing ECO business, not push companies away like this law would have done. The irony is that BPI, Biodegradable Products Institute launched this campaign because they believe they have title ownership over the word Biodegradable - which in there case is strictly Compostable. But lets face it composting, while it is one viable option does not offer the convenience for plastic bottles options. Corn based products are compostable and the only way for them to break down is only in a commercial composter which takes 90 days to breakdown. There are companies that use these kinds of bottles, and they have to provide services to collect these bottles and bring them to a composter. Now we hear the composters are complaining that even then the bottles aren’t breaking down fast enough. The solutions have improved and with it come products using an organic additive called Eco-Pure, used in all kinds of products. This additive allows plastics using it to breakdown in a highly microbial environment anywhere from 1-5 years. The beauty is however, that bottles using Eco-pure can also be recycled and put back into the recycling stream. BPI waged a campaign to not allow these types of products on the market to educate people about how they are in fact biodegradable. And the people have spoken! Since July we’ve been campaigning against it. We formed a coalition called the Environmental Plastics Coalition with several California companies, we asked all of you to write letters to the Senators and Assembly Members, and when they turned a blind eye and either didn’t vote ( which counts as a no vote) or just voted status quo - we watched as this unqualified, unconstitutional law made it through the system all the way to our esteemed governor. This is his last week to pass bills. I was told he had about 1900 bills to go through. If he didn’t see them all, then they would automatically become law. But he didn’t do that, he heard the facts about the bill, his aids read all of our letters to the Governor about why this was an incomplete bill and would hurt California and he responded. This is what he said:

Last weekend I had the privileged of seeing one of my most favorite channeled beings - MARY. For those of you who don’t know the delightful beings you can visit www.themarygroup.com In one sentence the elegant and joyful Jacque Nelson channel a group of guides through her, similar to that of Ester Hicks and Abraham. I’ll just start by saying that Jacque and Don her rich in spirit husband, travel around sharing messages of Mary, they also do private readings. We were fortunate enough to meet at a super cool place called the HUB in Santa Monica, jealous we don’t have one of those down here. We had about 4 hours to ask our own questions of MARY, both personal and global while they explored a variety of pertinent topics that we all can benefit from: which I am now sharing with you. Enjoy!

My question stemmed from feelings I had this last week where I had been feeling massively disconnected from it all, was I perceiving energies on the planet that weren’t mine that made it challenging to stay ‘positive’? The latter answer touched on the fact that yes there is a lot going on with our planet, but drilled down the answer to me was that I was deliberately giving a lot of power to the DOUBT that lived inside me. They got very focused and came down close to me to tell me, to get real with my doubt and ask it to find a new relationship within me. This was on point. I have been knowing the powerful creator I am, yet there’s a strong pull from my doubt to say things like “I am going to try, but if it doesn’t work… ” & ” I have been working on this goal for so long, it probably will never show up” - Its even a layer of subconscious I’m aware of but it’s just below the service so I can’t easily access it. As I started talking about it, they stopped me cold and said “that is a nice story you are telling yourself” - OUCH! We are the creators of our reality, so why is it so much easier to default and blame it on the external? Once we get real with ourselves and get into the joy of creating, we will start to see how ridiculous it is to let the world create us and not the other way around. For me doubt is an aspect of me, as it is all of you. Somewhere in my reality though, Doubt took a much larger role in my world. A lot of examples in my life have been almost but not quite. No wonder Doubt is fiending on the lack and the “you won’t be able to’s” however, I am allowing it. Mary told me to write a letter to Doubt saying good bye. In fact, they recommend for any aspect of you that is causing you to derail from your phenomenal life… have a conversation with it. I know this sounds a little silly, but it does work. You might have fear about something but fear is mostly unnecessary, made up by you. Acknowledge the fear, then say to it something like ” I appreciate your watching out for me, I can handle this on my own.” Like releasing it back into the wild of your make-up, your DNA, your code. To make a good point of this they gave an example we can all use. Imagine you are one grand pendulum, whatever you focus on your body will be aligning to. Pendulum’s always balance and come back to center. Mary reminded us that we, our bodies are one large pendulum and whatever we focus on is ours, the universe always answers the call. As a reminder to stay balanced to what you desire, they recommended putting a large cut out circle at your feet. Write on the circle what you want your life to come back to, what is your balancing point. Is it always being broke? or is it ABUNDANCE. Is it focusing on the DOUBT or is it JOY/CREATION? I personally, imaging now when I wake up what my pendulum is balancing to… try it… again its your life you’re creating. They remind us that we are the ones who get to decide how we show up.

Be a Colander! I was told that when you walk in a room and you perceive people’s energy, most of us think that we have to absorb all that energy into the container we are. That’s not exactly true. Imagine yourself as a colander that can take all the energy and filter out what we don’t want. When you perceive someone who’s loving you can take some of their energy and if you perceive someone who’s sharp, direct and negative maybe you take some of the energy that supports you and let the rest flow through! Ahhhh. I don’t know about you but that was rewarding to learn from me… just keep what you want and let the rest flow.

They remind us that life is not about what we’re releasing though, its about what we are choosing. Move toward the YES. Go into the internal world and choose to see the truth, then celebrate it. Everything is always simple. They said if you ever forget who are stand next to a tree. A tree always knows who it is.

This was a great lead in for me to ask my next question. I am in the process of being open to receiving a baby. This is a major crossing point for me because I’ve had 3 miscarriages and a fetal demise at 6 months, which was tramatic at best. My question was I’m on all kinds of vitamins, acupuncture, told no coffee, no dairy, no alcohol, no, no, no… it sure doesn’t feel simple. They asked me what I was choosing. What is celebrating the fact that I was going to bring a child into this world and the process? Or was I worried and doubtful about it? Oi. There’s that old friend Doubt again. I was identifying with the Doubt when am I going to get pregnant, will I be able to sustain it, once I have it will I be able to handle it all?

Wow. Once I was able to see what I was creating it made sense why I hadn’t yet created the baby. When I believe and I choose for it all to work with ease and grace, knowing I can do it all… that is when it will happen. How much sense does that make? Tons! They also said that when we say ‘ I LIKE IT ‘ to something, it is a grand gesture to the universe of expression.

BELIEVE – COMMIT – AGREE
As we think about what it is we like or we choose, breath into that thought. Breathe into the vibration so that it generates Excitement, Harmony and Possibility. As humans we need 3 things: Love, Safety and Value (to be seen) and all of these things can be provided by us, we must provide it for ourselves. If we don’t, then we won’t be able to have it show up for us. To know that you matter doesn’t depend or relate to any intrinsic job or duty it is the true nature of your being-ness.

Once again the messages remind us to come back to ourselves, our inner peace, what the internal is saying the external will evolve into. I wonder how many times I need to hear it before I get it! Boink! There’s more to come. I’ll share in the next posting about what happened when I asked about 2012!

Dear Loyal Fans of AQUAMANTRA,

Recently, almost too late, but not quite yet…we were made aware of a BILL SB 1454 that is trying to be passed by the California Legislator to ban the use of the word “BIODEGRADABLE” on not just plastic bottles but ALL Plastic. Why? Because the PLA (Corn) industry wants to corner the market on being able to say it, when the facts are that PLA is ONLY compostable and not even biodegradable unless it’s in a commercial composter. We have data, tests and scientific proof that AQUAMANTRA and ENSO bottles using the EcoPure additive to make our bottles, generate biodegradation. But rather than AMEND this law which is what needs to be done, the legislators are using this is a power tool to block any movement in that direction. The people who created this bill know this isn’t the best solution, but it works for now is their point of view. It could take another 2 years to change it and a lot of money, that we do not have.

If this law passes, AQUAMANTRA will be forced to remove the language about our biodegradable bottles (only in CALIFORNIA) or face a fine. We will no longer be able to educate about the possibilities biodegradation in the landfill, we will no longer be able to showcase the fact that we were the First company to do what’s right using Biodegradable Bottles. AQUAMANTRA will sit on the shelf next to the your standard Arrowhead who continues to use plastic bottles and you won’t be able to know that we are doing what’s right and they are not. This is so very sad.

I am appalled at a system that isn’t looking at all the facts, and while we’ve been rallying with a lobbyist in a coalition we founded called Environmental Plastic Coalition - AQUAMANTRA needs your help and they need it fast! We need to let the Assembly Members, State Senators and the Governor ARNOLD know that our voices do matter. We are creators of own reality, making choices that support our reality not ones that disarm it.

Please…. Send us an email no later than WEDNESDAY – August 11^th to: biorights@aquamantra.com

(We will collect the correct Assembly Member and forward your email to them). OR you may also go directly to their website. I’m told they like to hear from their constituants. In a conference call today, our Coalition team reported the following: Most all Republicans voted to BLOCK this bill while all Democrats except for one Voted for it. But when individually addressed the Senators didn’t even know about this bill and the limitations it would put on small businesses. There is time to change the direction of this bill. Please exerices your liberties and support AQUAMANTRA in the fight to say what’s truth on our bottles.

The Assembly Members and Senators need to hear from consumers on the following:

a. Why is the state trying to prevent companies from making and promoting biodegradable products when they have scientific proof that the product will biodegrade in a landfill?

b. As a conscientious consumer, how would you ever know about the good work that AQUAMANTRA is doing unless it says on the packaging, without the information on the actual bottle – there would be no way for you to contribute to a world that includes biodegradable products.

c. California is a state that leads with green initiatives, solar initiative and solutions for a better planet – please don’t tarnish our state’s decisions by passing this bill and that you appreciate any plastic items (most specifically AQUAMANTRA) that biodegrade in a landfill and do not end up creating more pollution.

d. Companies should be awarded for their efforts to at least be doing something about the growing plastic in the landfill. Don’t punish companies for doing what’s right and that you would be bothered with a system that prevents company’s like AQUAMANTRA from promoting their green initiatives, especially since there is 100% Scientific Proof.

e. This is an obvious attempt to capitalize on, and monopolize, the usage of the term and PREVENT real green companies from displaying and advertising their green initiatives.

f. How you feel about a bill that would ban and fine company’s that are paving the way for a more ‘plastic less’ society?

Please ADDRESS is to: Dear State Assembly, State Senators and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and end with your name, the city you live in and your ZIP CODE. These will be filtered through AQUAMANTRA and go directly in their original form to our associate leader who will email them to the proper Assembly Member and/or Senator probably give them straight to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

He is our last defense; he will need to VETO this bill if the Assembly passes it. I thank you in advance for your willingness to participate and to support AQUAMANTRA in its endeavors to raise consciousness. Without the right to talk about what we’re doing, we will be facing some big challenges that could affect our business radically. With Love and Gratitude, I thank you for your help!

Want to know more? Visit our partners at ENSO Bottles - This is what they wrote about the situation -

California Sets Out to Ban the Use of the Word Biodegradable

Here’s some of the letters that were written, God Bless you to the people who wrote these… thank you for showing us that you are willing to use your voice! We are proud to serve you!

Dear Assembly Member, and Governor Schwartzenegger,

I am appalled at the possibility of BILL SB 1454 being signed into law. I write on behalf of my company Little Moon Essentials, a supporter and vendor of AQUAMANTRA Water that is packaged in actual biodegradable bottles. One of the main selling features of this water is the bottle it is packaged in - and the fact that it has been scientifically proven to biodegrade in a landfill. The bottle is also MUCH SAFER for human use, and has no environmental impact - a feature I believe is the main reason it sells so well and the company is positively-supported. This feature is revolutionary - and the State of California should be helping the people who have developed this technology, not trying to hide it. The idea of a an environmentally-conscious company not being able to advertise the fact that they are doing something for the Planet and all of us is absurd! This is an obvious attempt to capitalize on, and monopolize, the usage of the term and PREVENT real green companies from displaying and advertising their green initiatives. Without the word “biodegradable” on the label the consumer would never be aware of the planetary stewardship efforts of this very conscientious company, and any others who take the time and money to make POSITIVE environmental strides. Frankly, it is taking away the very technology they worked so hard for, spent so much money developing, and have brought forth as a gift for the plastic industry. I suspect this is blatant favoritism for the PLA (corn) plastic industry and should not be tolerated, certainly not be adopted into law.

I simply cannot imagine the State of California wants the public to be LESS informed, less educated, and less aware of the dangers of non-biodegradable plastic. AQUAMANTRA has made tireless efforts to educate people and develop a Planet-Safe technology. I cannot for a moment stand in trust of a legislation that would stop good, scientific and ENVIRONMENTAL progress from being expressed. It seems to me the press would have a field day with this one. I ask that you all search your conscience and do what is the best for your constituents. If something is safe, dear God, let it be able to be labeled so. The people deserve to know.

Thank-you very much for hearing my opinion, and know it duplicates the opinions of every single person I have had a chance to speak to about this very important issue. Thanks-you for doing what is right.
___________________

Dear Legislature and the Governor,

I am writing to urge you to support our precious environment and to oppose bill SB 1454.

There are so many various bottled water companies on the market today, and I see many people exploring the bottle water isle when I’m out shopping. Shopping for water is not as simple as it used to be, with so many different choices, options, and even flavors of water. I believe that sustaining AQUAMANTRA’s ability to print informative labels on its bottles is imperative to the proper education of the consumers about the bottles’ biodegradable nature. Without the informative labels, I would have no way of knowing about the amazing work that the company is doing to protect our planet, and I wouldn’t be aware of its efforts to keep our planet healthy and sustainable.

I find it absurd that a law could fine and punish companies such as AQUAMANTRA for simply doing the best they can to inform its’ customers, and for allowing them to make conscious decisions which fir their personal, individual beliefs about the environment. Companies such as AQUAMANTRA are pioneers in their field, and we should do all that we can to preserve their spirit, not crush it with this law. AQUAMANTRA is doing something very special, and I want as many people as possible to have the opportunity to take part in something so great. People have a right to be informed, and should be encouraged to make safe environmental choices, not misinformed and kept in the dark when it comes to their contributions to our environmental struggle.

AQUAMANTRA has done a great job informing us, water consumers about the importance of environmental sustainability and I’ve enjoyed seeing the amazing progress they’ve made to help our planet with their biodegradable bottles. I’ll keep on buying AQUAMANTRA water because I know that it’s the environmentally responsible choice. I just wish that a law which makes this environmentally responsible idea unseen and unknown to the general public doesn’t pass, as people have the right to be informed!

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I truly hope that you take a stand for our environment and oppose SB 1454.

________________________

As a health practitioner I find it imperative that the public support health conscious companies such as Aquamantra. Aquamantra has made incredible efforts to create beautiful bottles that provide one of the essential needs in life…water. The water bottles are unique and made of material that is biodegradable. Aquamantra is a small business without big corporation attorneys to fight on its behalf against rules of legislation such as this one on “biodegradable” labeling. Please reconsider your decision on bottle labeling of what is and what is not “biodegradable”.

___________________

Dear State Assembly, State Senators and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger,

I just learned about a bill SB 1454 that would ban the use of the word biodegradable on items, all plastic? THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!!!! OBVIOUSLY POLITICIANS ARE ON THE “TAKE” FROM BIG COMPANIES….. I was under the impression that we were moving through changes as a company towards a more cohesive unit. We are a whole planet working towards prevention from extinction! Did you ever see the movie “Idiocracy”? Well, that is what the title of this Bill should be called. Are you kidding? I understand you are trying to prevent Green washing, and there may be companies who want to use the word Green to sell more product. AQUAMANTRA is not one of those companies. They are a small company working towards making a difference. The big companies who have a lot of money aren’t making products that are biodegradable, they are making products using plants, but they are still ending up in the landfill for over 500 years! Why aren’t you going after those kinds of companies who call themselves green? The point is, if a company claims they are biodegradable and can prove it… who or what kind of democracy or lack of democracy do we live in that we have the right to ban manufacturers from educating their consumers about the GOOD they are doing! Are you really willing to risk your candidacy on the fact that you will be squashing the rights, and the productivity of companies like AQUAMANTRA who are making headway, paving a better future for bottled water… as far as I’m concerned you should be making and passing a bill that ALL PLASTIC SHOULD BE BIODEGRADABLE! We have the technology so why not that? Then if people don’t recycle, at least when you’re grandchildren grow up to have kids they won’t be living in a garbage pile like in the movie “Idiocracy” Watch it sometime… its incredible stupid, but the underlying theme is profound. If you vote this bill as is, then this is where our society is headed.

Pay attention to what matters, this bill is flawed. Don’t Vote on it!

______________________________

Dear Legislative Assembly folks.

Just a note to say how much I appreciate any plastic items (most specifically AQUAMANTRA)

that biodegrade in a landfill and do not end up creating more pollution.

I would never know about the good work that AQUAMANTRA is doing unless it says on the packaging!

Without the information on the actual bottle – there would be no way for me to contribute to a world that includes biodegradable products.

I would be bothered with a system that prevents company’s like AQUAMANTRA from promoting their green initiatives, especially since there is 100% Scientific Proof.

I do not feel good about you fine folks passing a bill that would ban and fine company’s that are paving the way for a more ‘plastic less’ society. AQUAMANTRA has offered up great education on their website, flyers and their bottle about Biodegradation, how long it takes and how that affects people’s purchasing decisions.

Thanks for listening.

I hope you will reconsider and not pass SB 1454.

___________________

Dear Assembly Member,

I was just made aware of a bill, SB 1454 to be exact that would prohibit companies like AQUAMANTRA from displaying the word biodegradable on their biodegradable plastic bottles. This makes me really wonder why we elected officials that would actually create, spend time and put forth a bill that would prohibit the truth of the matter? Does Arnold (The Green King) Know what you are doing? Is he aware that you are blocking hard working companies who belong in the marketplace because they are the ones who attempting to change the way bottled water is produced? Does he know you would be killing not only jobs, taxes and a whole slew of implications, mainly and fore mostly, the ability to create products that diminish pollution in the landfill and instead will continue to promote pollution?

Everyone is already pretty aware that while in theory recycling is a good idea, and Californians do lead the way, still on 26% of people do it. So what’s going to happen to the rest of the bottles, end up in the landfill? End up in the Ocean? Is that really okay with you? If you pass this law it will be on your conscience and we as the citizens who elected you will have failed. ALL PLASTIC should be biodegradable and from what I’m hearing and learning about it 100% can be. But if you eliminate the availability of manufacturers to label their products as such, then what’s the point? How will consumers know? Will you require manufacturers who are already spending extra money creating these “green” products, like AQUAMANTRA water, to spend more money on special education via email or the phone? How are they supposed to let their people know the truth?

I love AQUAMANTRA water because they took a leap of faith and put their already great water, in biodegradable containers. They educate about it on their website, they promote it as shows, in fact we worked on a Recycle-ution campaign to educate kids about recycling. This is a company with heart who really cares, if you block them from using the word biodegradable - they might not be able to continue doing business. They are a small company who relies on their consumers purchases. Don’t stomp on the dreams of hard working Americans for the sake of? I can’t even fathom what it in the sake of… what is the point really? I would love to know.

This bill is unconstitutional and it either needs to be amended or stopped. Please, don’t let us down. We’ve been through enough as a state and a country, show us that you can do what’s right. Make a difference and stop this bill….

___________________

I am writing in hopes that our state legislature stands up for companies that are trying to create better products for the environment especially bio-degradable products and packaging. It is time that special interests stop influencing the decisions of the future. Dear assembly member please stand up and oppose SB 1454. We, as Americans have been on an encouraging path as to developing new “Green Products” and technological advancements that are designed to keep our world cleaner. I don’t understand how it is even possible to have such a bill in today’s effort to clean up our earth. Here is a company like AQUAMANTRA that is trying to create change by having Bio-Degradable Plastic Bottles that actually bio-degrade in a land field unlike other multi-billion dollar corporations that pollute the planet and are waiting for the “little guy” to grow before they change to try and catch up…. I always look for products that state on their packaging that they are bio-degradable. By placing this information on the packaging, I make those smart choices every time I shop I also promote this with our youth. SB 1454 would be a burden to companies that are innovative and it would hurt their ability to inform the public. This is a country that was built on having choices. Dear Assembly Member Please vote NO on SB 1454.
___________________

To whom it may concern,
As a taxpayer, consumer, and business owner, I demand and expect truthful labels on all products I may purchase. Especially and specifically water and Aquamantra. I’m completely against forcing companies to remove truthful labels. The fact is Aquamantra’s bottles are BIODEGRADABLE and they have every right to share that with consumers.
Thank you for considering my opinion.

___________________

Dear Sirs of the Assembly, in respect to a bill consideration to remove “biodegradable labels”.

I lived in California for 30 years and I watched the environment slowly deteriorate due to people making un-informed choices that impacted the environment.
I am a consumer that NEEDS to know if a plastic I am purchasing is going to contribute to the Demise of my environment.
Unless this is stated on the bottle this is impossible for me to discern.
It is my right to know what I am consuming ie., drinking water out of, whether it is plastic, metal, glass….it’s my right to know how the container will impact my body.
I need to support a “Plastic Less” society…….planet.
This Bill being put on the table PROMOTES MORE PLASTIC that kills wildlife, pollutes our waters, pollutes our air and more importantly our bodies.
Consider passing a Bill that mandates all Companies transitioning to “Biodegradable Plastics”…
This action would support the state, the planet.
I am an old friend of Joe Weider and I respect how Mr.Weider had a very positive impact in the “Body Building” Arena which changed “bodybuilding” forever….Joe’s choices to build “Body Building” as a sport, inspired Governor Schwarzenegger in a very positive way.
Governor Schwarzenegger used his passionate foresight, discipline and commitment- brilliantly so!
Let’s not “Block” One Company - Aquamantra, from making the same positive impact that Mr. Weider made as an Example & Inspiration for All Companies.
Aquamantra shares the same Passion, Foresight, Discipline and Commitment for a Greener Planet.
I’m sure Governor Schwarzenegger appreciates how one person can make a huge impact for our World, just as he personally has.
It’s about integrity when all is said and done.

Sincerely and with all due respect,

___________________

I was recently made aware of a BILL SB 1454 that is trying to be passed by the California Legislator to ban the use of the word “BIODEGRADABLE” on not just plastic bottles but ALL Plastic.

I am writing you this message to let you know that I appreciate plastic items that biodegrade in a landfill and do not end up creating more pollution.

In order to support biodegradable product when I do my grocery shopping I need to be able to READ on the package if the container is biodegradable or not.

I also want to voice my concerns when I see a system that prevents company’s ( like AQUAMANTRA for example) from promoting their green initiatives, especially since there is 100% Scientific Proof.

I seems like a non-sense to me to vote a bill that would ban and fine company’s that are paving the way for a more ” plastic less” society.

We know that society needs to transform their buying habits in order to protect our environment and I am shocked to see a bill that you punish the very few companies who are already doing the right thing.

We consumers need to have the information on the product so we can make the right shopping decision and support BIODEGRADABLE plastic.

___________________

Mr. Assemblyman,

I am writing on behalf of Aquamantra, an innovative green company that has put up everything they have to produce a truly biodegradable water bottle. I am very much against the passage of the SB 1454 bill in its present form. Their truly biodegradable bottle doesn’t clog up oceans or landfills and is the perfect “everybody wins” product. In this day and age where everyone is scrambling to come up with solutions that don’t cost the government money, how is it possible that these bottles may not be labeled biodegradable? Please make sure that one of the truly innovative solutions that meets every requirement is not drowned in some bureaucratic political semantics game to benefit the non-biodegradable plastics concerns.

___________________

I am writing to urge you to please stand up for environmental stewardship and oppose SB 1454. It is so important that we, as a society, encourage entrepreneurial development and technological advancements that are designed to keep our world cleaner. Especially at this time in history! It troubles me greatly that so much waste piles up in landfills. I am an avid recycler, and I do my part, but that is not enough. It also takes energy to physically recycle plastic.

We must be pro-active in creating solutions for the enormous amount of water that gets generated daily. Plastic items that biodegrade are a step forward towards greater responsibility for our environment. Socially conscious companies such as AQUAMANTRA ought to be supported in their efforts to minimize their carbon footprint. I appreciate being able to read the label on the AQUAMANTRA bottles and other products and learn that the plastic packaging is biodegradable. By placing this information on the packaging, I can make responsible choices as a consumer that encourage the availability of biodegradable products. SB 1454 would make it more difficult for companies to pursue environmentally favorable practices, placing unnecessary burdens on the ability to market their biodegradable products. I was alarmed to learn that this bill was proposed and feel that it is a major step backwards in the fight for environmental security. Why would the government do this? Would you also ask ” green” products to remove the fact that they are Green from their labels? This just does NOT make sense.

Please vote no on SB 1454. Thank You.

___________________

I am disgusted yet somehow not overly surprised that you would have the audacity to present legislation that would prevent environmentally conscious business owners from presenting their products in a manner that properly educates the public.

While I am sure this garbage bill is supported by your big money corporate campaign contributors, perhaps you should reflect on whom you were elected to represent. Think of the constituents who voted for you and allowed you to join the big bucks system of laying down for dollars and letting travesties occur while you turn away.

This bill preventing legitimate business from labeling their products as biodegradable only harms small business and ultimately the planet. If someone is creating a product that is environmentally conscious, typically with a hit to the bottom line as these products are more expensive to produce than normal ‘permanent landfill material’ (again big business and government collusion) should they not be allowed to represent their products as such?

What do you have to gain from preventing proper labeling of products?

Is it more Monsanto legislation where certain parties see checks from a blind regulatory eye? Are you scared a small company may educate the public about the atrocities some larger companies are committing without any attention from our government?

I specifically look for products on my store shelf that are promoting the triple bottom line. In case you were unaware of what a triple bottom line is - People.Planet.Profit! All business should follow this model and desist the rapacious business of gluttonous abuse of the planet, their consumers and the political system. If you vote this bill in I will no longer be able to make an informed decision as to where my hard earned dollars go. I will be forced into supporting some greed fueled corporation that could care less for me or my personal views. I want to purchase from reputable and responsible companies, let me do this instead of forcing me towards your corporate partners.

If a business has scientifically proven the legitimacy of biodegradability you must allow them to label accordingly!

I sincerely request you repeal this abhorrent legislation and trust that those you represent are intelligent enough to make an informed decision for themselves without your ideas of ‘Big Brother’ deciding what is best for them. After all, were they not intelligent enough to vote you into office?

With Utmost Sincerity,

___________________

I am writing to urge you to please stand up for environmental stewardship and oppose SB 1454. It is so important that we, as a society, encourage entrepreneurial development and technological advancements that are designed to keep our world cleaner. It troubles me greatly that so much waste piles up in landfills and as a coastal resident the plastics entering our oceans. Plastic items that biodegrade are a step forward towards greater responsibility for our environment. Socially conscious companies such as AQUAMANTRA ought to be supported in their efforts to minimize their carbon footprint. I appreciate being able to read the label on the AQUAMANTRA bottles and other products and learn that the plastic packaging is biodegradable. By placing this information on the packaging, I can make responsible choices as a consumer that encourage the availability of biodegradable products. SB 1454 would make it more difficult for companies to pursue environmentally favorable practices, placing unnecessary burdens on the ability to market their biodegradable products. I was alarmed to learn that this bill was proposed and feel that it is a major step backwards in the fight for environmental security. Please vote no on SB 1454.

___________________

Dear Assembly Member,

I have been a loyal fan of AQUAMANTRA water since they began, when they first used regular PET. While I loved their water, their concept and their mission I was having issues with the plastic that didn’t break down. Internally, I wanted a solution that would allow me my luxury water and my eco-conscience as well. Then last year they came out with the ENSO bottle and Whole Foods supported them by buying 4 pallets of it because this was such a massive statement and they were supporting AQUAMANTRA for being the first company to make a change and deliver water in biodegradable packaging.

If AQUAMANTRA had not been allowed to put the BIODEGRADABLE on their bottle I would still think it was regular PET. Now I purchase those bottles with a clear conscience that supports all of my values. I’m sure this is the same for other people. I think this is ludicrous that such a bill would eliminate the possibility all together of using the word BIODEGRADABLE. Why isn’t there some kind of language that supports all kinds of biodegradable plastics? This could be damaging not only for California with jobs and businesses, but what about innovation? Don’t you want to continue supporting innovation? I know that ENSO is actually trying to create a non-plastic bottle that will be cradle to cradle, fully biodegradable and not plastic. When that comes out will there be legislation blocking the right to educate about that too?

AQUAMANTRA has been excellent in educating us about the bottle, using videos, press releases, interviews with the Scientists. They are a transparent company and this bill would put a piece of tape over their mouth for doing the right thing. Is this really what our California tax dollars go towards?

Please take a closer look at the issues with this bill… it would be squashing innovation and motivation to create new technologies for biodegradation. It would probably kill a few businesses in an depressing economy and it would really be a sad day for our state, watching bureaucracy make mistakes that they know are not beneficial to the big picture.

______________________

Dear Assembly Member

AQUAMANTRA is the leader in the bottled water industry in terms of educating the market on environmentalism. Being the first company to implement 100% biodegradable bottles shows their commitmentnt to the environment and the planet.

It is important to be aware that the ENSO bottles, made with the EcoPure additive currently used by AQUAMANTRA , have data, tests and scientific proof that this plastic generates complete biodegradation in a landfill.

This distinction is unclear to most consumers, and without being listed on the packaging, how would anyone truly know what they are buying? Regardless of the distinction, as a consumer, I would like to be able to easily identify those products in the marketplace that are eco-friendly and contributing to a healthier planet.

Regarding SB 1454, I would be bothered with a system that prevents company’s like AQUAMANTRA from promoting their green initiatives, especially since there is 100% scientific proof that their bottles will completely biodegrade.

_______________

I appreciate any plastic items (most specifically AQUAMANTRA) that biodegrade in a landfill and do not end up creating more pollution.

I would never know about the good work that AQUAMANTRA is doing unless it says on the packaging, without the information on the actual bottle.

I would be bothered with a system that prevents company’s like AQUAMANTRA from promoting their green initiatives, especially since there is 100% Scientific Proof.

I think a bill that would ban and fine company’s that are paving the way for a more ‘plastic less’ society is insane.

As a Californian, I pray that the government considers the environment in every decision it makes and that its laws encourage rather than stifle education regarding green technology.

________________

I am writing to urge you to please stand up for environmental stewardship and oppose SB 1454. It is so important that we, as a society, encourage entrepreneurial development and technological advancements that are designed to keep our world cleaner. It troubles me greatly that so much waste piles up in landfills. Plastic items that biodegrade are a step forward towards greater responsibility for our environment. Socially conscious companies such as AQUAMANTRA ought to be supported in their efforts to minimize their carbon footprint. I appreciate being able to read the label on the AQUAMANTRA bottles and other products and learn that the plastic packaging is biodegradable. By placing this information on the packaging, I can make responsible choices as a consumer that encourage the availability of biodegradable products. SB 1454 would make it more difficult for companies to pursue environmentally favorable practices, placing unnecessary burdens on the ability to market their biodegradable products. I was alarmed to learn that this bill was proposed and feel that it is a major step backwards in the fight for environmental security. Please vote no on SB 1454.

_____________________

As a “conscious” American, I want to have the right to know how my food is prepared and what it is packed in…I have just learned of a bill that is coming before you this week that would ban companies who have invested in technologies for bio-degradable bottles from printing “Bio-Degradable” on their bottles….why?

More now than ever we need to support companies who are spending monies to find solutions to current environmental concerns especially plastic water bottles……. These companies should be rewarded for their efforts and be able to put their advances on their product labels informing consumers so they can make intelligent decisions when buying products. Why would you want to deny us such vital information? It does not make sense. Please do not support this bill as it is counter-productive to the environment and our right to make informed choices.

__________________________

Dear State Assembly, State Senators and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger,

Everyone is always talking about saving the PLANET. The inconvenient truth was very compelling, unfortunately the creator of the film is a do as I say guy and not as I do. SB 1454 does not do anything to help the our planet, in fact it will do us more harm than good by preventing companies from making and promoting biodegradable products.

There is ample scientific proof that there are biodegradable products out there. Aquamantra bottled water is a product that is not only earth friendly, it is good for the body and spirit, something I feel is a benefit to all. Yet this company will be punished instead of rewarded for making their product earth friendly.

Aren’t our landfills full enough? Isn’t there an inordinate amount of plastic bottles washing up on beaches? I know in Santa Cruz there are beach clean up weekends just to get those bottles off the beach. I hope you listen to your constituents and not go with the people with an agenda.

Did you know that if you have a complaint you can write the white house and email! I never really thought about it, until I saw a CNN news report with Sanjay Gupta and the workers down in the Gulf. They said that they can’t even clean up, because all the equipment they need is being held up in bureaucratic tape! You can see the massive frustration that has turned to obvious sarcasm because they are in the disbelief at the amount of time it is taking to get the government to “wake the f’ Up!” - I got so frustrated by this news that I decided to voice my opinion to Mr. President. So I went to the website - www.whitehouse.gov and wrote the president my opinion. I asked why does every other country get preferential treatment before us? When are we going to matter? When are you going to dump OUR MONEY back into OUR COUNTRY? Why is he not ‘affecting change’ like he said? Why is this BP Spill taking so long? This should be our Number ONE Priority! I know its hard to manage it all, but please if you want to make change start by getting in there and making it a priority. The media is making a mockery out of this administration and if I have to listen to my Mom say one more time, how she can’t wait for him to be out of office, I’m going to jump into that oil spill myself! CNN is on top of it, thank god for that… but what’s it going to take? They said bug your congressman. Is that what it comes down to? Bug your congressman? What the f are the congressman doing? Oh, that’s right the same things they always do. Back to my email, so I write this email and hit send. Ouch. For a moment, I was thinking I just exposed myself to the gov. they might be able to call me a terrorist and take me in and seriously I questioned what I had done. My email included “why are you killing this country? Save your people instead of the rest of the world” I should have said instead of Israel! Playing it safe, doh! Then I wrote it off thinking, I’ll never be heard from again. But instead I got this and now I’m going to throw up in my mouth!

Dear Friend: Thank you for writing to me about the BP oil spill.
I will stand with the people of the Gulf Coast until they are
made whole, and I appreciate your perspective as we
continue to do everything we can to address this crisis.

The Gulf is one of the richest and most beautiful
ecosystems on the planet. For centuries, its residents have
enjoyed and made a living off the fish that swim in its
waters and the wildlife that inhabit its shores. The Gulf is
also the heartbeat of the region’s economic life, and this oil
spill has upended whole communities.

My Administration will continue to leverage every
resource at our disposal to protect coastlines, to clean up
the oil, to hold BP and other companies accountable for
damages, to begin to restore the bounty and beauty of this
region, and to aid the hardworking people of the Gulf as
they rebuild their businesses and communities. For
information about response efforts, available assistance, or
how to help, please visit:
www.WhiteHouse.gov/deepwater-bp-oil-spill. Individuals
affected by the BP oil spill can also find resources by
calling the United States Coast Guard at 1-800-280-7118,
and small businesses can find support by calling 1-800-
659-2955.

Thank you again for contacting me. I encourage
you to visit WhiteHouse.gov to learn more about my
Administration or to contact me in the future.

Sincerely, Barack Obama

To be a part of our agenda for change, join us at www.WhiteHouse.gov

Does he even know what is going on? All he’s doing is reading a piece written for him! Why doesn’t he tell us what he’s doing to make it better? Poor President. He is so disconnected. Oh and by the way, this was out on May 28th. So then I clicked on their blog and found this information.

The White House Blog

The Ongoing Administration-Wide Response to the Deepwater BP Oil Spill: July 1 - July 7, 2010