What Would Rachel Say?

Blog: GMO News

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:23:29 GMT

Studiesf the Week:
Multiple 2008 Studies Confirm Genetically Modified Crops Damage Human Health and the Environme
Although genetically modified (GM) corn is banned in most of the world, it has been approved as "safe" for human consumption in the U.S. for 12 years and is now likely unknowingly consumed, in one form or another, by more than 90% of Americans on a regular basis. But a recent series of peer-reviewed studies were published in 2008 confirming previous studies indicating potentially severe health and environmental problems associated with the biotech crops. Recent alarming scientific research includes:

1) A new long term study by the Austrian government confirms previous findings that consumption of GM corn, for as little as 20 weeks, can damage the reproductive system, lower fertility rates and increase illness and death rates in offspring.
Learn more

2) Researchers in Mexico reported in December that some popular varieties of GM corn negatively affect the learning response of bees. Scientists say this may be an indicator of the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder, a recent catastrophic and mysterious die-off of as much as 30% of the world's honey bee population in the past couple of years.
Learn more

3) In Italy, scientists published a study that put the biotech industry in a public relations tailspin. In the study, laboratory tests showed a direct connection between consumption of GM corn and a damaged immune system.
Learn more

Blog: Antibiotics everywhere

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:39:59 GMT

Crops absorb livestock antibiotics, new science shows

Environmental Health News

By Matthew Cimitile January 6, 2009

Consumers have long been exposed to antibiotics in meat and milk. Now, new research shows that they also may be ingesting them from vegetables, even ones grown on organic farms.

Blog: Seven Priorities for Worker Safety

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:11:15 GMT

Worker Safety Advocates Urge Quick Action by Obama Administration 01 06 09

SEVEN PRIORITIES TARGETED TO STEM WORKER DEATHS AND INJURIES

With the confirmation hearing for Secretary of Labor nominee Hilda Solis set for this Friday, the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health and its national association, the National Council on Occupational Safety and Health, released today Protecting Workers on the Job: Seven Priorities for Federal action in 2009. The document is a platform of recommendations aimed at reversing the erosion of the worker safety protections that has put the nation's workers at a heightened risk of injury, illness and death. The platform includes proposals to improve worker safety and health in areas of education, legislation and stronger enforcement of health and safety regulations. The full platform can be found HERE.

"Over the past eight years, federal job safety agencies have failed to fulfill their promise to protect workers' health and safety on the job. Workers continue to be killed and injured on the job at appallingly high rates, yet federal OSHA refuses to issue new protective standards or adequately enforce existing safety and health rules," said Tolle Graham, president of the National COSH and a MassCOSH health and safety specialist. "Acts of gross negligence or criminal behavior leading to workplace deaths result in minor fines. And millions of public safety employees--the very workers that protect us all from natural or deliberate disasters--are outside the jurisdiction of federal OSHA entirely."

The platform released today is centered on correcting these failures of the Occupational Safety and Health Act by expanding workers' rights to a safe and healthy workplace and increasing the effectiveness of OSHA enforcement. Highlights of the platform include:

* Increase Worker Rights to safety and health protections: All workers
should be covered by comprehensive, worksite-specific injury and illness
prevention programs
* Extend OSHA Coverage to all Employees and Address Unregulated Hazards
* Strengthen OSHA's Penalty Structure to Ensure Effective Deterrence

"No one knows and feels the consequences of these problems more than the victims and their loved ones. We need to act now to save others from the pain and suffering these preventable tragedies bring", said Tammy Miser of United Support and Memorial for Workplace Fatalities [USMWF.] Ms. Miser's brother was killed by a dust explosion at a Hays Lemmerz aluminum wheel plant in Indiana.

The platform recognizes the intrinsic link between work and family life and the dear price that families pay when workers become injured or lose their lives."We're very encouraged to know that the Vice President will be leading a taskforce examining this very issue, and we'd welcome participating in that process, said Dr. Celeste Monforton of George Washington University School of Pubic Health and Chair of the Occupational Health and Safety Section of the American Public Health Association.

ABOUT the National COSH:
The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health is a federation of 21 local and statewide "COSH" groups--Committees/Coalitions on Occupational Safety and Health (www.coshnetwork.org). APHA is the largest and most diverse public health organization in the world (www.apha.org). United Support and Memorial for Workplace Fatalities (USMWF) is the only US organization dedicated to families who have had a loss in the workplace (www.usmwf.org).

Key Facts about Workplace Safety and Health:

Nearly 16 workers in the United States die each day from injuries sustained at work and 134 die from work-related diseases. . An estimated 11,500 private-sector workers suffer a nonfatal work-related injury or illness each day in the U.S. Approximately 9,000 workers are treated in emergency departments each day because of occupational injuries and approximately 200 are hospitalized.

Contacts:
Tolle Graham - Chair, National COSH - 617-642-1878.
Tom O'Connor, Coordinator, National COSH - 919 933-6322
Celeste Monforton, MPH, DrPH - Chair, APHA OHS Section - 202-994-0774 Tammy Miser - Executive Director, USMWF - 859-338-9144

Blog: Casandra speaks

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:46:19 GMT

FOCUS | Sue Sturgis: The Tennessee Coal Ash Disaster
http://www.truthout.org/ 122708Y
Sue Sturgis, Facing South: "When Earthjustice Attorney Lisa Evans testified earlier this year before a congressional committee about the looming threat from coal combustion waste, she warned that the federal government's broken pledge to regulate disposal of the potentially dangerous material threatened the health and safety of communities across the country... Evans' testimony seems almost eerily prescient now in the wake of the disaster that befell an Eastern Tennessee community this week following the collapse of a lagoon holding coal combustion waste from the Tennessee Valley Authority's Kingston power plant."

Blog: Save the Bees

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 14:52:01 GMT

http://www.savethebeesshirts.com/

Blog: TVA Sludge Disaster

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:39:34 GMT

Massive TVA Coal Sludge Spill Devastates Tennessee
http://www.truthout.org/ 122408N
Anne Paine and Colby Sledge, The Tennessean: "Millions of yards of ashy sludge broke through a dike at TVA's Kingston coal-fired plant Monday, covering hundreds of acres, knocking one home off its foundation and putting environmentalists on edge about toxic chemicals that may be seeping into the ground and flowing downriver. One neighboring family said the disaster was no surprise because they have watched the 1960s-era ash pond's mini-blowouts off and on for years."

Blog: food and water watch

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:22:24 GMT

December 2008

Dear Friend of Food & Water Watch, http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/

As a mom, an organic gardener, and as a pediatric nurse in Ohio I've been interested in food issues most of my life. In the past 5 years I've become a voracious reader on the subject. As you well know, the health of our planet, our food sources, our choices, and human and animal health are all closely linked. We must grow towards a wholistic and sustainable agriculture and food awareness in order for our Earth to continue to support us all.

Make a year-end donation to Food & Water Watch.

My kids have been vegetarians most of their lives so I get pretty creative in the kitchen. No vegetable is off limits! Tonight I'm making a miso broth soup with buckwheat udon noodles, shaved zuchinni, sweet potato, carrot, purple onion, bok choy, and edamame. Help me keep my kids' food safe.

Give now to Food & Water Watch

I discovered Food & Water Watch when they came to Ohio helping spearhead the work to promote safer milk over artificial hormones. I met Sarah Alexander - a food organizer - at one of the public hearings. It's easy to get frustrated with a corporation with a track record of say, Monsanto, but watching Sarah - and activists like her - working tirelessly around the country has kept me inspired.

Sometimes change is slow, but we never know what one moment will shift the tide in the direction of healthy change, so we just have to keep at it.

That's why I grow a lot of my family's food organically each summer in our small urban backyard, I shop local and organic, and I talk about food issues with everyone I know. I keep up-to-date with Food & Water Watch as a leader in this arena. I write letters to the editor a lot!

As a pediatric nurse, I see the consequences of inadequate and inferior food supplies. I'm hopeful to see the day when kids aren't hungry or going without, and the choices they have before them are all healthy ones. Wouldn't that be something?

However, right now I am very concerned that Big Agriculture (and the likes) will continue to fool us into poisoning our soils. I'm concerned that we'll sell off our freshwater sources to the highest bidder. I am concerned that clean, fresh and free water will not be honored as the right of every human globally.

I am also concerned for all of us that we won't learn from the mistakes. How we treat our planet; tend to the soil; grow our food; provide for our children's future - it's all connected. And the situation is critical. I've got a lot more I can say - I'm passionate about these issues - but I'm going to end here with an urgent plea that you make a generous year-end tax-free donation right now to Food & Water Watch because they are doing something about the issues I care about - and know you care about, too. Take it from a mom and a nurse. It's important.

Give generously to Food & Water Watch.

Peace,
Mitzie McElhaney, RN
Food & Water Watch Activist, Admirer, Supporter

Food & Water Watch is a nonprofit consumer organization that works to ensure clean water and safe food. We challenge the corporate control and abuse of our food and water resources by empowering people to take action and by transforming the public consciousness about what we eat and drink.

Calendar: Changing Climate, Changing Coasts

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 04:20:16 GMT

2009-02-05
Feb 5, 8:30-5:00 pm
Moakley Federal Courthouse, Boston
Free but by invitation only. To request more information, email Pam DeBona or Vickie Cataldo.

Calendar: PowerShift 2009

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 04:19:32 GMT

2009-02-27

When: Friday, February 27 - Monday, March 02
Where: Washington, DC 20001
Power Shift 2009 is the second national youth summit to solve the climate crisis. Young people from across the country will take a message of bold, comprehensive and immediate federal climate action to Washington, D.C. We will leverage the momentum we have built through the Campus Climate Challenge, Power Shift 2007 and Power Vote to pressure our politicians to take bold, comprehensive action. More info here.

Calendar: Building Energy 09 registration begins

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 04:18:36 GMT

2008-12-19
March 10-12, 2009
Seaport World Trade Center, Boston
The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association will host BuildingEnergy09, the Northeast's premier conference and trade show for renewable energy and green building professionals. Registration begins Dec. 19 . More info here.

Calendar: BuildingEnergy09 Conference

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 04:17:48 GMT

2009-03-10
March 10-12, 2009
Seaport World Trade Center, Boston
The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association will host BuildingEnergy09, the Northeast's premier conference and trade show for renewable energy and green building professionals. Registration begins Dec. 19 . More info here.

Calendar: MassCOSH Lunch and Legislation

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:55:42 GMT

2009-01-07

Launch the new year with Lunch & Legislation! Join MassCOSH at the State House on Wednesday, January 7 - Stop by to learn about priority safety bills, visit your legislator, help recruit co-sponsors and play an integral part in promoting strong protections for Massachusetts workers!

We'll provide a box lunch and great networking opportunities for those who attend! To RSVP contact Marcy at marcy.gelb@masscosh.org or 617-825-7233 x15. We hope to see you there!

Massachusetts State House -- Room B2, 24 Beacon St., Boston MA 02133 [DIRECTIONS] Wednesday, January 7th from 11am to 3pm

Click here to get the facts on the bills we support!

Thank you for all you do, MassCOSH (Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health) www.masscosh.org

Blog: Stop BPA

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:50:51 GMT

Join the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow's campaign to make baby products safe from Bisphenol A!

Bisphenol A (BPA), a toxic chemical found in polycarbonate plastic, is widely used for a number of consumer products. It has been linked to baby bottles, sippy cups, teethers, toys, pacifiers, and utensils on the market. BPA is also in the epoxy resins used to line cans of baby formula, and other foods, and has been found to leach into food and beverages. The Department of Public Health has the authority to regulate toxins in children's and household products, but it needs support from the Governor.

Sign a Petition to Governor Patrick!

Ask Governor Patrick to urge the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) to issue a regulation to

ban the sale of all children's products (for ages 3 and under) containing BPA that can be mouthed, sucked, or ingested.
issue a consumer warning for pregnant women to avoid products containing BPA.

The petition is online. Sign a Petition to Governor Patrick!

Please sign on. See the hundreds of comments online and add your comment.

Forward this to friends and family.

Let's reach a goal of 1,000 signatures by March 1st

Every child deserves a healthy start, a healthy school and a healthy tomorrow.
Questions: Ellie Goldberg 617 965-9637
The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow (AHT) is a coalition of citizens, scientists, health professionals, workers, and educators seeking preventive action on toxic hazards. ( Member Organizations of the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow)

Calendar: SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 23:50:51 GMT

2009-03-09
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES TRAINING CONFERENCE
(MARCH 9-11, 2009, DALLAS, TX)

March 9-11, 2009 | Sheraton Dallas Hotel | Dallas, Texas

Sustainable Communities Training Conference Connecting Municipal
Government, Local Organizations and Related Public Entities with
Cost-effective, Environmentally Sustainable Solutions and Partnerships.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Sustainable Skylines
Initiative (SSI), in partnership with the Texas Aggregates & Concrete
Association (TACA), the North Central Texas Council of Governments
(NCTCOG) and the City of Dallas, is presenting the Sustainable
Communities Training Conference to be held on March 9 - 11, 2009 in
Dallas, Texas. This informative meeting will address the issues and
discuss the challenges of urban/suburban sustainability planning and
management in America.

This three-day conference will intertwine five tracks through several
workshop sessions:
I. Green Buildings & Construction;
II. Advancing the Choice: Transportation Planning & Clean
(low-emitting) Vehicle Programs;
III. Sustainable Livability: Exploring potentials for Recycling
& Sustainable Solid Waste Management practices, EPA's Brownfield & Ready
for Reuse Programs (property revitalization), Strategies for Stationary
Sources;
IV. Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy & "Clean" Technology
Developments;
V. Sustainable Surfaces: Urban Heat Island & Stormwater
Mitigation Strategies, Urban Tree Planting & Strategic Shading, Green &
Reflective Roofs, Urban Parks & Green Space;

...and culminate with a half-day training session where you will meet
with potential Federal Agency, NGO and Private Sector partners from
around the country.

For a preliminary agenda and registration information, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/ sustainableskylines/

Calendar: Buy Healthy Toys

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 02:05:33 GMT

2008-12-21
http://www.healthytoys.org/

Calendar: Celebrate Public Health Day

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:07:04 GMT

2008-11-24

The American Public Health Association joins Research!America and other leading U.S. public health organizations in celebrating Monday, November 24, 2008 , as Public Health Thank You Day.

Occurring just before the Thanksgiving holiday, Public Health Thank You Day provides a great opportunity to thank our public health colleagues, state and local health department officials and all the other public health heroes who work each day to keep us safe and healthy.

To find ways to celebrate Public Health Thank You Day, visit www.publichealththankyouday.org .

Link: Collaborative on Health and the Environment

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:12:50 GMT

Link: Links to events and resources

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:53:32 GMT

Link: Ellie Goldberg for Healthy Kids

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:50:32 GMT

Link: MA Know Your Milk Campaign

Tue, 27 May 2008 18:01:59 GMT

Media: Rachel Carson fws pub domain.jpg

Wed, 21 May 2008 23:50:26 GMT

Media: apha 2008 wk.jpg

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:33:24 GMT

Link: Changemakers

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 13:59:11 GMT

Media: Cambridge proclaims Rachel Carson Day

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 13:50:47 GMT

Link: School Pesticide Monitor

Sat, 05 May 2007 19:13:45 GMT

Media: green2.jpg

Thu, 03 May 2007 13:35:20 GMT

Media: Library Exhibit March 07.jpg

Thu, 03 May 2007 13:35:15 GMT

Media: Daddy just told the kids to play in the pesticides

Thu, 03 May 2007 13:35:08 GMT

Media: herby_cide.jpg

Thu, 03 May 2007 13:35:03 GMT

Media: Jill Stein Library Exhibit photo.jpg

Thu, 03 May 2007 13:34:57 GMT

Link: Beyond Pesticides

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 17:46:40 GMT

Link: Rachel Carson: Her life and legacy

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:47:20 GMT

Album: My Tunes

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 21:09:40 GMT

My audio files