With all the issues facing Japan and the world regarding radiation spreading globally I wanted to have a way to check my produce and groceries for any traces of radiation contamination before bringing it home. No one wants his or her Romaine lettuce contaminated with radiation, no matter how miniscule. Being an ex-grocer, that’s just how I think. For me, the answer is using a Geiger Counter, GC for short. Allow me to explain why I think it’s essential for everyone to own one and how to use it.
These noisy instruments can come in handy at a time like this. A GC measures radiation. Unfortunately, right now, it’s very difficult to find one. So I would place the ad on an Internet or Social Networking site to find a GC.
My classified ad would read like this:
Wanted: Hand Held Geiger Counter. Looking to purchase six portable hand held Geiger Counters. Must be small, about the size of a deck of cards, easily fits into a pocket. Must have way to shut off sound.
Once I’m lucky enough to find and then purchase said instrument, I can then set about checking any food items I may want to get. Here’s my quiet plan. Carry my GC into a grocery store with the sound off. Very discretely check the products I am interested in purchasing. Romaine, tomatoes, kale, garlic, apples will each be tested in my secretive way. Low radiation levels:buy. High levels:bye bye! In this way I can be an informed consumer and watch out for my family. All information is between me and my GC. I would always follow the prime directive: never bring attention to me or my Geiger Counter.
If you think you may be interested in following my footsteps, there’s a bit more Geiger Counter info you need to know about. Specs are pretty simple, about the size of a deck of cards and small enough to fit into a pocket. Must have sound control with digital or needle gauge. If no earphone jack, then it needs a volume shut off. Price: $ 200- $500.
To be even safer, I would suggest food stores also get their own GCs and test their food deliveries. The food distribution warehouses should immediately start monitoring produce on the loading docks. The earlier in the distribution pipeline the better. Before the warehouse accepts a delivery, a GC must be used to scan the pallet. If it passes, accept delivery. If it fails, refuse it right there on the dock. Label the produce: Certified Geiger Counter Tested. Look for the CGCT label (I just invented this new certification term, what do you think?). I would buy produce with this new label. The CGCT label would become a way to communicate that the produce has been tested and is free of any radioactive materials.
This is not crazy stuff. Reuters reports that an upscale Japanese restaurant in Taiwan is offering radiation checks for its diners
Finally, we come to the end of my GC wanted ad:
Price not to exceed $500 including freight.
Motivated Buyer
Great stuff. If there is anything we can do to help get the word out. Please let us know
Please after listening to Richie on Howard today, as crazy as it may sound. I want one! My husband already knows that I am
a little insane and he listens everyday to Howard’s show. He knows cousin Richie and all about his knowledge with the world,
from listening to the show. I would definitely buy a Geiger Counter for 500 dollars tomorrow. And use it at my local market.
richie…love the idea of labeling, love it! but, i have been trying to get GMO labeling for years. i believe that we (consumers) have the power-of-the-purchase, and collectively can influence businesses to ‘do the right thing’! regarding GMO, unless it is certified organic, we avoid corn (products), soy, milk products (alfalfa), zukes & crookneck squash, pineapple, canola etc…all GMO! i would hope that businesses would label CGCT (great idea), but i fear that (again) we (as individuals) will have to take matters into our own hands. it’s hard being the preverbial ‘finger in the dike’, but, we shall keep plugging away (so-to-speak)!!
and yes, chet baker LIVES…our house is a constant jazz-fest! love you and julie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx♥wendy
Richie,
If you want someone to chip in on one of these devices, let me know.
Is there any way I can join you on your first trip to the market once you get this device?
Thanks,
Scott
re:scott
why would he want you along to the grocery store.. or need you to chip in on one..
if you cant afford 200-500 dollars scott then you probably cant afford to eat fresh produce anyways.. lol
the cousin richie thing on howard was very interesting to listen to though =]
brenner,
First off, my sole intention was to meet Richie and his wife because they sound like some of the most interesting and caring people. I live in south FL and the type of people I encounter on a daily basis would make you not want to meet anyone. Until I move to Sedona, AZ and kiss Ft Lauderdale behind, I try to surround myself with good people, and they seemed to fit the bill.
Now, in regards to you, I try to be kind to all people and it is obvious that you have some issues to go out of your way and insinuate I was poor, put a “lol” after your own comment, and think that only rich people can eat fresh produce. Your ignornace is pathetic and I actually feel sorry for you.
I will not brag about my finances but I can spend $200-$500 on a dinner and not regret it the next day. I do not brag because there are people out there scrubbing toilets working twice as hard as I do, earning 1/100th of what I earn. I am fortunate and do what I can to give back.
You most likely are sitting home taking hits off the bong cracking yourself up by saying someone on the internet cannot afford fresh produce and you might one day be one of the homeless people that I feed at holiday park some mornings.
So you got me, you got me good. Feel great about yourself. Why not call Steve Langford and tell him about this? You are on fire and I wish you the best with your career in comedy and douchebaggery.
Hey scott Ill take you to the market with me. LOL
Hello again quickly Scott
Me Dawn
I posted the I will take you along and I totally agree with your feelings about Richie and his wife and the amazing job they have been doing. I meant no offense by my LOL. Okay take care. Good luck with everything.
Would a geiger counter work for eggs, meats, and milk?
Thanks
Tina
I hope so. I will let everyone know my observations once I test out my Geiger counter which shipped last Friday.
Thanks