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Millions Against Monsanto
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Get Monsanto Out of Whole Foods & Trader Joe's!Whole Foods Market claims to support mandatory GMO labels, but admits selling unlabeled foods made with genetically modified organisms.
Whole Foods & Trader Joe's both have non-GMO policies for their store-brand products, but the policy doesn't apply to the rest of the food they sell.
The Millions Against Monsanto campaign is stepping up our efforts to get Monsanto out of Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe's.
Get Ready for World Food Day Actions 10/16/11On Sunday, October 16, 2011, the Organic Consumers Association's Millions Against Monsanto campaign is calling for World Food Day actions to get genetically engineered organisms out of our food.
Get involved by joining your local Millions Against Monsanto chapter!
The goal is to have 435 actions, one in each U.S. Congressional District, and for each action to represent 2300 Millions Against Monsanto supporters.
435 x 2300 = 1,000,000 Against Monsanto
It would be great to have 2300 people participating in each event, but we can also demonstrate our numbers by delivering petitions signed by 2300 people in each Congressional District.
Anyone who can't attend an action on 10/16/11, can join the virtual rally by signing the Millions Against Monsanto petition.
Time to start planning! Here's how to get started.
Join Us In Mexico for a Spring Sustainability ConferenceEngineers without Borders, The Center for Appropriate Technology and Indigenous Sustainability- Mexico (CATIS-Mexico) and the Earth and Lime Institute are hosting a month-long spring workshop in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. The OCA's sister organization Via Orgánica has been invited to teach during the Small Scale Sustainable Farming week, June 20-24th, 2011. A solution-based course, this program teaches skills in small-scale organic food production for both urban and rural dwellers. Participants will have the opportunity to link practical skills in variety of locales, as well as analyze how overarching global issues like climate change and food scarcity can be confronted.
We are inviting our members to participate in this exciting course. Register by May 7th for the early bird special. Combine your spring vacation with an enlightening and authentic educational experience in the outskirts of beautiful San Miguel. Meet OCA Director Ronnie Cummins and the Vía Orgánica staff.
To register click here, and you can take a look at the poster for the event here.
"Save The Farm" tells the story of the largest urban farm in the United States, a 14-acre organic farm in South Central Los Angeles. For 14 years, the farmers fed their families and community, and created an urban oasis. But when the city sells this public land to a developer in a closed door session, activists and celebrities stage an 11th hour tree sit to try to save the farmers from eviction. This film shows that urban farming is a successful and sustainable solution for local and organic food in cities everywhere.
Watch more of OCA's favorite videos on our YouTube Channel!
Little BytesSan Francisco Votes to Allow Small-Scale Commercial Farming in Residential Areas, No Conditional Use Permit Needed
READ MORE
The Growing Food Crisis, and What World Leaders Aren't Doing About It
READ MORE
Food Rights Network to Hollywood: Stop Greenwashing Toxic Sludge
READ MORE
Protect Health Food and Dietary Supplements from Attack by Opposing New Congressional Bill
READ MORE
Monsanto Wants to Start Testing GM Wheat
READ MORE
Our friends at Chelsea Green offer the latest books on sustainability, democracy, new science, and pathways to peace. Thanks to our new Affiliate Program, your online purchase supports the OCA!
This weeks featured book is: Chasing Chiles
Chasing Chiles looks at both the future of place-based foods and the effects of climate change on agriculture through the lens of the chile pepper—from the farmers who cultivate this iconic crop to the cuisines and cultural traditions in which peppers play a huge role.
Why chile peppers? Both a spice and a vegetable, chile peppers have captivated imaginations and taste buds for thousands of years. Native to Mesoamerica and the New World, chiles are currently grown on every continent, since their relatively recent introduction to Europe (in the early 1500s via Christopher Columbus). Chiles are delicious, dynamic, and very diverse—they have been rapidly adopted, adapted, and assimilated into numerous world cuisines, and while malleable to a degree, certain heirloom varieties are deeply tied to place and culture—but now accelerating climate change may be scrambling their terroir.
Every issue of Organic Bytes now goes to 265,000 organic consumers with a thousand new subscribers each week. Please help us and your business by letting our subscribers know who you are and that you support the work of the OCA. Please contact us if you want more information!
Please forward this publication to family and friends, place it on web sites, |
May is National Asthma Awareness Month and World Asthma Day will be observed on Tuesday, May 3, 2011. Several resources that may be helpful for your asthma activities are available on the National Environmental Education Foundation's website http://neefusa.org/health/asthma/index.htm :
- EPA's Asthma Awareness Month Event Planning Kit- provides ideas and strategies for hosting asthma awareness events, guidance on partnership development, resources for kids, and media relations outreach activities.
- CDC's asthma website and public health tracking network.
- CDC's Vital Signs- the asthma edition will be released on May 3, along with an accompanying MMWR, Fact Sheet, and press release.
- NEEF's Pediatric Asthma tools and resources.
When I was told that the governor of Hawaii had signed a proclamation declaring May 2011 as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month, I was delighted! As I patiently waited for the proclamation to arrive, I never anticipated this perfectly and beautifully worded document thanking MCS America for its contributions to the health and wellness of the Hawaii community! I am honored that Governor Abercrombie and Lt. Governor Brian Shatz have formally recognized MCS America’s efforts.
Since its inception in 2006, MCS America has worked to gain medical, legal, and social recognition for multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) as a disorder of organic biological origin induced by toxic environmental insults; provided support and referral services to the individuals with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia (FM), and other environmental illnesses; and worked toward ensuring that environmental toxicants are identified, reduced, regulated, and enforced through promoting effective legislation. This is only possible because of community involvement.
On behalf of MCS America and our MCS community, I humbly thank Governor Abercrombie and Lt. Governor Schatz for this gracious proclamation. Their recognition of MCS America's outreach efforts to people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is greatly appreciated. This proclamation will be used to foster awareness of this health crisis, encourage policy and procedure changes to support people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and make public services and places accessible to people with MCS in Hawaii and all across America.
To view and download the 2011 Hawaii proclamation in PDF format, see http://www.mcs-america.org/hawaii2011mcs.pdf.
A special thank you also goes to Susie Collins at the Canary Report for working with me on the proclamation request. Susie operates one of the best online social networks in the U.S. for people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. For more information, visit http://www.thecanaryreport.org/.
Every year countless individuals and organizations across the United States request proclamations for many forms of environmental illness, including:
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Electromagnetic Sensitivity
Toxic Injury
Indoor Toxic Mold
Chemical Awareness
Food Allergy
Neuroendocrineimmune Disorders
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
Gulf War Illness
For more information on how to request a proclamation and plan for awareness events, download a free event planning kit at http://tinyurl.com/69dexwx.
Para obtener más información sobre cómo solicitar una proclama y el plan de actividades de sensibilización, consulte http://tinyurl.com/6ko73c2.
With Aloha,
Lourdes Salvador
"Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness." - James Thurber
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) affects over 48 million men, women, and children of all races. Even though MCS is of widespread epidemic prevalence, public awareness of the toxicity of common environmental insults and ways to manage and accommodate MCS remains limited. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month, May 2011, bestows upon us a great opportunity to work towards increased public awareness of MCS.
Organizations around the world have put forth great effort to establish May of each year as either Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month or Toxic Injury Awareness Month. Many are working to improve awareness and appropriate healthcare around the world. Activities are organized around the month of May and continue throughout the year. MCS America plays a special role during this time and is committed to promoting awareness of toxic chemicals which may cause MCS and trigger reactions in those already injured by toxic chemicals.
Thousands of multiple chemical sensitivity awareness events are expected to take place across the
We would like to thank you for any and all efforts towards increased awareness in your locality. We look forward to assisting you in any way we can. Working together, we can help
Sincerely,
MCS
P.O. Box 29290,
MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY AWARENESS & EDUCATION MONTH
MAY 2011
From 5 to 15% of the U.S. Population is affected by chemical sensitization in varying degrees. (Miller & Ashford 2004; Caress & Steinemann, 2003; Neutra, Kreutzer & Lashuay, 1999; Vorhees, 1999; Meggs, Dunn, Bloch, Goodman & Davidoff, 1966).
"1999 consensus criteria for the definition of (MCS) were first identified in a 1989 multidisciplinary survey
of 89 clinicians and researchers with extensive experience in MCS. A decade later, their top 5 consensus criteria (i.e., defining MCS as [1] a chronic condition [2] with symptoms that recur reproducibly [3] in response to low levels of exposure [4] to multiple unrelated chemicals and [5] improve or resolve when incitants are removed) are still unrefuted in published literature.
Government studies in the
Many toxic substances to which we are unwittingly exposed daily may cause debilitating conditions including cancer, asthma, and MCS as well as impair functional ability and quality of life. Chemical exposures can also deplete your nutrients and/or create imbalances.
THERE'S HOPE!
Education is power. Learn how chemicals, molds, and fragrances can be harmful to you and your health as well as those with MCS. Protect yourself and your family as well as those in your community who are disabled with this complex condition.
See our website: www.ohionetwork.org
Check out http://www.neefusa.org/health/pesticides/resources.htm
Gulf War, 911, & Katrina Film documentaries - www.alisonjohnsonmcs.com
Visit your local library for related books and films. MCS displays in May.
It's hidden in perfume, in the cleaners and the sprays -
Bleach, paint, and so much more - and we can't get away.
It's poison! Noxious! Toxic! To many folks you see,
When affected by those chemicals, slowly dying by degrees.
It's real, stop and think – In a big kind of way.
The people of tomorrow need the air clean today.
Jeff Moyer 1997
NEWS FROM ONFCI
THE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Further Information Contact:
Toni Temple, President (440) 845-1888
STUDIES DISCLOSE NEEDLESS ADDITIVES
MAY CAUSE HEALTH PROBLEMS
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed several scientific studies about triclosan, an ingredient added to many consumer products to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. It may be found in clothing, shoes, furniture, toys, and also in products regulated by the FDA that include antibacterial soaps, toothpastes, and some cosmetics.
Animal studies have shown that triclosan alters hormone regulation and can contribute to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. The FDA, EPA, and other agencies are engaged in ongoing scientific and regulatory review of this ingredient. Ironically, FDA has no evidence that triclosan in antibacterial soaps and body washes provides any benefit over washing with regular soap and water.
The Ohio Network for the Chemically Injured (ONFCI) is a not-for-profit corporation that educates about and advocates on behalf of those who have been harmed by toxic chemicals in our everyday environment. During Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Awareness and Education Month in May, ONFCI encourages others to be aware of the ways in which people become ill so they can prevent MCS and other health disorders that are caused by preventable and unnecessary exposures to chemicals. Other disorders include but are not limited to: cancer, asthma, diabetes (from pesticides), and Parkinson's.
Michael D. Connell, Registered Pharmacist at Nature's Pharmacy and an ONFCI Board Member stated: "Ingredients in some commercially prepared pre-op laxatives include polyethylene glycol (antifreeze), dyes in artificial flavorings, and preservatives. Safer alternatives can be compounded without unnecessary additives." Ask your medical providers and hospitals to provide you with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all medications, surgical supplies, and treatment ingredients and then do your homework. Your pharmacy can provide you with full data on inert and active ingredients in medications. You have the right to ask for less toxic products and safer prescription drugs.
The U.S. EPA's Design for the Environment (DfE) program evaluates data for each chemical and assigns hazard levels for human health and environmental concerns. Bisphenol A (BPA) assessments and studies have shown that BPA is absorbed through the skin and mimics the effects of estrogen. BPA is used in: baby bottles; plastics designed for food and drink containers; the linings of canned foods and drinks; and is also used to coat thermal paper which is used for carbonless cash register, grocery, ATM, gas station, and other receipts. Ask your vendors to use BPA-free receipts.
Libraries participating in MCS Awareness and Education Month include: Cuyahoga County Public Library's 28 branches; the Downtown branch of Cleveland Public Library, Science and Technology Department; and the Brunswick Library. In May many libraries will have displays with related books, mayoral proclamations, and provide other related information.
Many mayors including Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, Berea Mayor Cyril Kleem, Middleburg Heights Mayor Gary Starr, and Strongsville Mayor Thomas Perciak, will again issue Proclamations supporting MCS Awareness and Education Month.
An ONFCI MCS article was published in the 2011 Ohio Environmental Briefing Book and will be available soon on the Ohio Environmental Council's website at www.theoec.org .
For further information about MCS and the ONFCI visit our website at www.ohionetwork.org or contact ONFCI at (440) 845-1888.
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Millions Against Monsanto Fundraising Appeal
Stop USDA's Plan for Monsanto and the Biotech Industry to Police Itself!
See You in Chicago, Seattle & New York!
