California has so much to offer its residents and visitors, picturesque scenic delights, a multitude of outdoor activities, beautiful sunrises and sunsets and healthy zoning laws which will certainly help curb the growth of obesity. For far too long, fast food outlets have dominated the way we eat, what we eat and how we eat. With the major percent of the world's population classified as obese or overweight, it's about time someone demanded something be done.
So how are zoning laws fighting back against fast food stores?
Within California is Calistoga, populated by approximately 5,190 people. Here fast food outlets are governed by laws which were passed in 1996. Section 17.22.020 (D) 2 of the Calistoga municipality code bans what they deem as formula restaurants. Formula restaurants come under the classification of food establishments which are identical in name, appearance, menus and logos to restaurants located anywhere else.
This means that Burger King, KFC, McDonalds, Subway and other popular fast food chains are vetoed and will not be permitted past the boundaries of Calistoga. When once takes into account how fast food globalization has affected the world in lieu of unhealthy eating practices, one should sigh with relief. When one learns that fatty foods can lead to blocked arteries, high cholesterol levels and a variety of health related ailments, the news is certainly music to the ears.
New York is begging for this law to be passed and although teenagers and those addicted to fast food may protest, it's about time someone grabbed the bull by the horns in regards to the health and well being. New York authorities have begun to place limitations on the amount of fast food outlets by incorporating healthy zoning laws. It's said that these laws are being set in place in an attempt to fight the growth of chronic obesity.
Take a look around all parts of America, look at the high percentage of obese children, you will agree that fast food outlets have infringed on their health. For every slim child you see, three obese children will take their place. If we continue to condone unhealthy lifestyles what chance do our children and their children have in regards to living past thirty?
Recent studies/surveys in New York have shown that approximately 24% of elementary school children are obese while 19-20% are overweight. Subtract these numbers from 3,000 and one can see that something needed to be done. Perchance healthy zoning laws will help squash these numbers and make parents and children a little more responsible about their own health. Obviously obesity will decrease and children and adults alike will be more energetic and be able to embrace life as it's meant to be lived.
Obesity health care in America costs the United States approximately $117 billion dollars in 2000. The obesity levels have risen drastically since then and while the government allocated roughly 14% of its revenue to aid stability during the economic crisis, most of that money is spent trying to shorten the waistlines of the obese American citizen. So why are we spending so much money to sort out physical health issues when we simply need to pull the plug on the fast food chains?
Perchance it is a little late for the health zoning laws in some areas of America, but better late than never. Sadly, as far as the eye can see the neon lights of the golden arches, Pizza Hut and their fellow fast food contenders glow with pride. You don't need a set of binoculars to see that these fast food restaurants are present from one end of America to the other. But these laws will be passed everywhere if the responsible citizens of America dig in their heels and demand that fast food outlets serve healthy foods.
While one cannot completely control what people eat, there are such words as influence and example. When junk fast food venues are replaced by healthy eating establishments and the fatty food options are limited, Americans will sit up and pay attention. More so when they finally comprehend that obesity levels will be dramatically lowered.
Some say that the fast food zoning is based on aesthetic issues, not necessarily health factors. Yet Jan Perry who is a council member who actually co-sponsored the bill and whose district is a part of South L.A apparently stated that the idea was to freeze fast-food development so that sit down restaurants and the quality food markets could have room to build. She further added that When every corner is taken up with fast food there's no room for anyone else.