Remember when I asked for help in reforming the organic meat and dairy industry? The efforts were successful!
From the ASPCA…
Good news—the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposed regulations for the care of “organic” dairy cows, which we asked you take action on two weeks ago, have been approved! The new rules, effective June 17, stipulate that organic milk and meat must come from livestock grazing on pasture for at least four months of the year; 30 percent of the cows’ feed must come from grazing; and ranchers must have a plan to protect soil and water quality.
“We are delighted to learn that so many cows will now have access to pasture and an opportunity to graze,” says Robert Baker, ASPCA Senior Manager of Farm Animal Welfare. “We hope this will be the first of many steps the USDA will take to align organic standards with humane standards. Consumers need to be given an opportunity to make a ‘humane’ choice as well as a healthy choice when they choose organic products. We welcome these initial measures toward this goal.”
We would like to give a big thanks to News Alert readers and members of the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade who took the time to email the White House from ASPCA.org. Over the span of 15 days, more than 33,000 emails were sent!
“Clear and enforceable standards are essential to the health and success of the market for organic agriculture,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a USDA press release issued last Friday. “The final rule published today will give consumers confidence that organic milk or cheese comes from cows raised on pasture, and organic family farmers the assurance that there is one, consistent pasture standard that applies to dairy products.”
For more information on the new rules for organic milk, visit the website of the National Organic Program.
I often think about this – then I go through phases where I only use an earpiece but after awhile it becomes a pain so I stop, but I really need to start again!
From Live Health Club…
One of the most common sights we see these days, is that of people with their mobile phones next to their ears. A boon for better communication, cell phone usage nonetheless has many health hazards. Various studies indicate that the emissions from a cell phone can be extremely harmful, causing genetic damage, tumors, memory loss, and increased blood pressure and weakening of the immune system. This is alarming information, and one has to take into account all these factors..
CELL PHONES AND HEALTH
Though there is no evidence of cell phones causing cancer or any such illness, but the suspicion, or fear of the same is not baseless either. The electromagnetic radiation from cell phones does have a potential link to cancer. The fact that this radiation is invisible, intangible, and enters and leaves our bodies without our knowledge makes it even more intimidating.
Possible hazards:
* Two minutes of exposure to emissions from mobile phones can disable a safety barrier in blood causing proteins and toxins to leak into the brain, could increase chances of developing Alzheimer’s multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s. (Scientists at Sweden’s Lund University)
* Scientists say exposure to the phones’ low-level radiation causes red blood cells to leak hemoglobin and can lead to heart disease and kidney stones.
* Recent studies suggesting a link between cell-phone use and brain tumors, and the possibility that the microwaves could ignite petroleum fumes at gas stations.
* A cell phone unit, or communications tower, has so many of thee radiation emanating gadgets. This can be a problem for its immediate environment.
Keep reading…
The groundhog saw his shadow so we’re in for a little more winter than most of us would like. If this weather is catching up to you try making tea with ginger to relieve nasal and chest congestion.
As a child I HATED this – I thought it tasted just awful but now that I’m older it is so much better!
WholeLiving.com says to pour 2 cups boiling water over a 1 inch piece of peeled, grated ginger and steep for 10 minutes before straining. Add a pinch or two of cayanne pepper and enjoy 
Did you know…
According to the EPA, carcinogens average 10 times more potent for kids than adults – and in some cases, 65 times more potent – at the same dose that adults get. And kids typically get higher does. Adults eat about 1/40th of their body weight each day; kids eat 1/10th of theirs. Pound for pound, kids eat, drink and inhale a lot more fumes than adults.
(from Dr. Greene on Seventh Generation’s website)
Non-stick cookware, which helps us avoid unhealthy fats when we cook, may actually raise our cholesterol levels. Researchers found that people with higher levels of non-stick polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs) in their bloodstreams also had higher levels of non-HDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
Check out the post from the 7Gen Blog
VegNews has a fabulous Veggie Starter Kit that even includes a few yummy looking recipes! Even if you’re just looking to eat veg one day a week, check it out!
I found this on Planet Green- well worth reading!
Some eco-problems Al Gore may never make a movie about (but should)
By Mickey Z.
Astoria, NY, USA | Thu Dec 17, 2009 01:30 PM ET
Imagine for a minute if corporate-sponsored mouthpieces like Limbaugh and O’Reilly were correct on either of these points:
- Global warming is a hoax
- Humans are not responsible for climate change
Well, guess what? It wouldn’t change the green movement’s primary mission. Because while some waste valuable time debating deniers, every 24 hours:
- 13 million tons of toxic chemicals are released across the globe
- Over 100 plant or animal species go extinct
- 200,000 acres of rainforest are destroyed
- 45,000 humans die of starvation
And that’s just the tip of the melting iceberg…
WATCH VIDEO: An Inconvenient Truth
Climate change, of course, connects to many of the pressing green issues but our eco-system would be in peril even if the deniers are right. We’d still have 80 percent of the world’s forests gone. We’d still have 90 percent of the large fish in the ocean gone. In other words, we’d still have an urgent need to dismantle industrial civilization and work towards a greener future.
Definitely read the entire article but here’s a preview of the five things:
1. Nuclear Waste
2. Factory Farming
3. Deforestation
4. Overfishing
5. The Use of Pesticides
You’ve probably never thought about it this way, but if you’re using conventional products you’re covering your body in chemicals – new year = new products – make the switch now for a healthier new you!
Revealed… the 515 chemicals women put on their bodies every day
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/beauty/article-1229275/Revealed–515-chemicals-women-bodies-day.html#ixzz0cL5WIWXA
I may have to check this out too! Sounds like the perfect thing me – I have a huge sweet tooth!
| Beating the Sugar Blues with Health Counselor, Sally Dolezal, AADP
Monday January 11th 6:00pm
If you’ve ever had cravings for sweets, this FREE workshop is for you. Sally has designed this class to permanently change your relationship with sugar. You will leave understading the causes of your sugar cravings and you’ll receive practical tools for dealing with these cravings.
“Like heroine, cocaine and caffeine, sugar is an addictive, destructive drug, yet we consume it daily in everything from cigarettes to bread.” -William Duffy, author of ‘Sugar Blues’
please call 312-255-1590 to RSVP |
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I may go to this – should be interesting!
Saturday, January 9th at 3:00pm
Karyn will discuss her philosophy on health, detoxification, raw foods & the services offered at Karyn’s. Enjoy samples from our Bistro menu!
Please RSVP via email or call 312.255.1590. You can also stop by Karyn’s Inner Beauty Reception Desk.
