What the heck is animal rennet and why is it in our cheese?

My daughter is a vegetarian and has been for many years. She is very aware of what she puts in her body. She is always reading the ingredients of everything I buy. A few months ago she started reading the ingredients of the cheese we bought from Costco. Underneath the ingredients, almost as a warning she read "Contains no animal rennet". Below is a picture of the back of the package. 

 

Okay ewwwww what's animal rennet I asked. We decided to Google it and below is what we found. 

The definition from Wikipedia

Rennet /ˈrɛnɨt/ is a complex of enzymes produced in any mammalian stomach, and is often used in the production of cheese. Rennet contains many enzymes, including a proteolytic enzyme (protease) that coagulates the milk, causing it to separate into solids (curds) and liquid (whey). They are also very important in the stomach of young mammals as they digest their mothers' milk. The active enzyme in rennet is called chymosin or rennin (EC 3.4.23.4) but there are also other important enzymes in it, e.g., pepsin and lipase. There are non-animal sources for rennet that are suitable for consumption by vegetarians.

I would not suggest looking into everything you eat if you have a weak stomach. The stuff that is added into our food is just gross. I think sometimes it's just better not knowing. 

What do you think about using animal rennet in our food?

Review of "NeatTrax" super absorbent floor mat from Costco

                                                                          

I have been checking out these mats every time I go to Costco. I've read about how great they are, how they are washable and keep dirt out of your home. They even say "Perfect for households with pets and kids". I figured if it sounded to good to be true, it probably was. On my last trip to Costco a lady in front of me had two of these in her cart. I decided to ask her if she's used them before. She very quickly and excitedly explained that she uses them in her motor home. She explained that she has two dogs who track in a lot of dirt. She had seen these mats several times at Costco and finally decided to buy two. She said she loves them. She was actually buying two more to put in different areas of her motor home because they were on sale that day. They are regularly priced at $17.99 and were on sale for $12.99. I decided that if she loved them that much, I should at least try them. I walked back over to the aisle where they were located. 

They had two different colors available, brown-beige and black-grey. 


I chose to buy two black and grey mats. 

The directions say to wash and dry the mats 2-3 times to reach optimal performance. I followed the instructions and washed the mats three times. I noticed a ton of lint so I cleaned out the link filter twice during drying. Once they were done I placed one by the back door heading out to the back yard and one by the garage door heading into the garage. We are a family of four with a dog and a cat so I hope to see less dirt and dust in the house while using these mats. I also have a house full of tile. No carpet, only throw rugs in a few rooms. Dirt is a huge issue for us. I have to sweep everyday, sometimes twice a day if people are coming in and out from the backyard. 

                         

I've had these mats in the house for a total of 53 days. They are as great as they say. Perhaps they are even better. I've noticed a lot less dirt and dust being tracked through the house. These mats somehow trap the dirt in the fibers before they make a mess around your house. I'm doing a lot less sweeping thanks to these mats. When they are visibly dirty you just shake off the excess dirt, place them in the washer, dry them and set them back out to collect more dirt. These mats are very easy to use, affordable and decorative. I currently have two and I plan to buy two more next time they go on sale. Honestly, these are the only floor mats you will ever have to buy. They are fantastic. 

Costco charitable giving for local charities.

If you are a local 501(c) (3) organization and looking for funds, you have to check Costco out. Not only are they a great company to work for, they also love to support local charities. Please read the information below to learn more.  

Donation and Grant Eligibility Guidelines

In keeping with Costco Wholesale's giving guidelines our warehouses and regional offices specifically support programs focusing on children, education and health and human services. We would like to respond favorably to all requests however the needs are far greater than our allocated resources. Therefore it is not possible for us to accommodate all requests.

COSTCO WAREHOUSE DONATIONS

For local organizations and groups, which focus on children, education or health and human services, provide your local Costco Warehouse Manager with a copy of your IRS tax letter with your 501 (c) (3) status and a completed Warehouse Donation Request form. To determine your closest warehouse click here.

REGIONAL OFFICE DONATIONS

For donations which impact a broader community or region, focusing on children, education or health and human services provide the regional office with a copy of your IRS tax letter noting your 501 (c) (3) status and a completed Regional Donation Request form.

QUALIFYING FOR A GRANT

We specifically focus on programs supporting children, education and health and human services. The United Way, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and the Red Cross are examples in our charitable giving. Costco Wholesale is committed to supporting charitable and community activities in the markets where we do business.

WE DO NOT PROVIDE DIRECT AID TO:

• Individuals
• Capital campaigns, building projects, or equipment
• Transportation and travel expenses
• Political organizations
• Religious organizations for religious purposes
• Salaries
• Government agencies
• Loans or investments
• Research studies
• Athletic teams, events, or sponsorships
• Animal related programs, including shelters
• Merchandise for fundraisers and auctions
• Symposiums, conferences, conventions, professional association meetings
• Individual primary and secondary schools
• Merchandise promotions, partnerships or advertising
• General awareness campaigns
• Development or production of books, films, videos, television programs, or websites
• Parties, celebrations, parades, festivals and raffles
• Deficit funding