Watch soon for more information here on my proposal for a "Nickel-a-Cup" campaign to voluntarily collect an extra nickel at participating coffeehouses for purposes of directing those resources to local initiatives to generate planetary health.

Here is a sample logo that might be displayed at participating outlets, along with information allowing people to opt out if they elect not to contribute.

You can see more about a similar food idea developed by the Brazilian government at http://SilentKillerfilm.org.

Interestingly, I was watching CNN the other day when Gupta, the resident Doc., made mention of his concern and some facts on issues of obesity. For the most part he, like just about everyone else, expressed concern about how we all don't eat correctly or exercise enough. Then he stumbled upon an interesting idea where a professor decided to test what would happen if color coding was used to indicate good, bad and just plain dietarily ugly foods in vending machines. It turned out--no surprise--that people changed their behavior. He then also gave an interesting options to make people pay a ... now hold on here ... yes, you got it ... an extra nickel for unhealthy foods.

A voluntary "penalty tax," if you happen to have the tax mentality.

Click here to see some of the promo pieces they used: Healthy Vending

You can email me directly if you are interested in hearing more: AllanShore@yahoo.com. My professional website showcasing my nonprofit fundraising, marketing and writing accomplishments is located at www.AllanShore.info.