Hi All,

I was a part of a very challenging conversation that was taking place online, in regards to the Farmers Market drama that is taking place in Bloomington, Indiana. Shoppers at the Farmers Market were protesting in front of a farm stand, who’s owners are in alignment with racist and white supremacist groups. Many residents are pushing to have the farmers removed from the market, while others feel they have the right to their own beliefs, as long as they are not hurting anyone at the market. My belief is that racists and white supremacists hurt everyone, and there should be zero tolerance when it comes to bigotry and hate. I remember when bullying at school was the center of the conversation, and my kids were being taught that even if you weren’t doing the bullying, if you weren’t standing up against the bullying, you were just as guilty as the one doing it. I believe it is the same thing when you witness racism or white supremacy. You must stand up against it, or you become an accomplice. We need to be the change we want to see in the world. I for one, want to see an America where everyone has equal rights, including equal access to a good education, to healthy food, to a loving family, to fair wages, to land, and to equal health care. An America that welcomes immigrants and offers them assistance to get started in their new home. An America that pays no attention to the color of your skin, or who you love. An America that I can be proud of.

A day doesn’t go by where I am not grateful for the life I was born into. Everyone is not as lucky. I want to use my good fortune to help others while doing my share to help the planet and encourage others to do the same.

My guest this week on the Progressive Radio Network is David Karr. David is the Chief Brand Cebador of Guayakí SRP, Inc., a company he co-founded with Alex Pryor, his “soul brother” in 1996. Guayakí is a producer of organic, fair trade yerba mate. They have an innovative business model called Market Driven Regeneration™ in which Guayakí serves as a bridge linking consumer purchases of healthy yerba mate products in North America, with indigenous communities engaged in sustainable agriculture and reforestation projects in Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. As the brand steward, David is responsible for the look, feel and story of Guayakí, including all media, marketing and retail activities. Guayakí’s vision is that yerba mate culture will power their Market Driven Regeneration business model to regenerate ecosystems and create vibrant communities. David is committed to creating sustainable, regenerating enterprises that nourish the planet and humanity. His work at Guayakí expanded to include Come to Life Film, which creates films that features people who are living their passions while creating positive change for humanity and the planet.

David lives on his community farm on Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada with his wife Jennifer Lloyd and two boys Alex and Rio.

Please join me on Thursday to learn more about the healing benefits of yerba mate, and how Guayakí is working with the indigenous people to produce their product.

Remember, my show is recorded live, every Thursday, from 10-11 am, EST.  To tune in to the live show, just navigate to PRN.fm and listen in!

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If you want to call in during the show with any questions for me or my guest, the call-in number is 888-874-4888. If you are listening to the podcast after the live broadcast, you can still ask me a question by leaving me a voicemail message at 862-800-6805. Just remember to say your name, what show you’re calling about (iEat Green with Bhavani), and your question. The message will be passed on to me, and I will get back to you.

If you missed the show, you can listen to it in the PRN archives, or through my website.

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With Love and Gratitude,

Bhavani