Pure Food

I’m a purist more than anything

You don’t see “organic water”
Because you expect it to be clean.

Just like my fruits and veggies–
I expect them not to poison M.E.1
But that’s not guaranteed.

That’s why I invest in those labeled with OG2
At least those I know have standards;
I can trust the taste I see.


  1. M.E. here stands for “me” but also Mother Earth, since I am her and she is me. And so are you if you’re woke enough to see.
  2. OG = organic

Ideas: Organic Green Pepper

I was a server at Green Pepper, a Korean bistro and lounge nestled in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

It was wonderful getting to learn about a new style of ethnic cuisine, I just wish the food were organic. As a personal preference, I wish there was less of an emphasis on meat. The veggie side dishes are part of the meal too, you know.

I also wish there was recycling. And compost.

I wish I could do a sustainability assessment with the help of my friends at Sustainable Pittsburgh and their Sustainable Restaurant Program. Do a complete overhaul and highlight the process as a case study. The ground is ripe with opportunity.

I wish there was more of a dedicated space to learn about Korean culture and history instead of just K-pop and random bits of news blasting at you from giant television screens while you eat. It’s entertaining and immersive, sure, but I’m more of a knowledge and experiential seeking girl. I want to be transported to a place a world away and feel what the vibe is like for everyday people there.

I have a few ideas regarding design, efficiency, placemaking, web development, etc. I’d like to share.

Ideas: Whole Foods Market

I was a cashier at Whole Foods Market for six months. During my time there, there was a lot I learned, a lot I liked, and a lot I would like to see improve.

These are ideas are from my own big head and in no way reflect the views of WFM. Any coincidences are merely coincidental, although if you have the means to put ideas into action I’d love to collaborate and brainstorm more!

  • Localized checkouts in each department
    • Make it more traditional “Market” style– a different booth for the different vendors of produce, seafood, meat, cheese, bakery, whole body, grocery, etc
      • It’s in the company name already so no need to completely rebrand, just reframe
    • Staff has more localized knowledgeable
    • Inquiries are addressed faster and more efficiently
    • Customers save time by only going to areas they need
    • Less of a stress on overall cashiers who are far removed from the rest of the store
  • Modify the floor pattern upon entering PTB location since it’s a bottleneck of different flow patterns with the customer service desk and cramped produce isles
  • Partner with a local organization, artist or other to host a DIY or BYOBag event
    • Incentivize regular customers
    • Rally around a shared event experience
    • Reduce global waste from paper bags
    • Save company money by ordering less single-use sunk cost stock every week
  • Add greenery from Floral and/or salt lamps from Whole Body at each register
    • Counteract the lasers and EMF radiation cashiers are exposed to during daily operations
    • Inspire a sense of calm at the checkout process

Even if not all realistic, this girl likes to dream big. Leave your ideas and reflections if you have them in the comment section below. What else is possible?!

Organic IS the Only Way

In a perfect world, we wouldn’t have to choose
Because in a perfect world, it is safe to assume
The farmers and regulations only want for us what’s best
But no, to “make more money” they spray toxins to kill the pests
Funny, how it works, since the toxins kill us too
They get into our bodies and the earth becomes polluted
We suffocate and die a slow and cancerous death
Our genes and our lives are never fully expressed.

That’s not a perfect world, or at least it’s not to me
But I believe we can change using the power of money
To become conscious consumers– we can all play a part
Put your money where your mouth is if you want to protect your heart.