eco-blog

Obama supports Monsanto? And more...

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 15:53:07 +0100

Hey Neergs--

I read an article by Jeremy Bloom on the Red Blue and Green website this morning. Jeremy suggests that the White House, along with the GOP/Tea Party put the pressure on Tom Vilsack of the USDA to okay the deregulation of GE Alfalfa. The word is the White House, readying itself for a new election, doesn't want to appear as though they are thwarting business growth during a recession, especially this big biotech business. The sad thing is I really believe the President cares about the environment--he and his people just haven't don their homework. Big business seems to always take the front row seat at the expense of what is good for the American Public.

Now Jeremy also wrote another article this morning that featured a terrific interview with Dr. David Suzuki, a respected geneticist. What impressed me most was Dr. Suzuki's analogy that this GMO thing is like putting Americans in a petri dish experiment without our consent. Doesn't that make you angry? We have no idea what products on our grocery shelves contain GMOs in them (probably most). We have no idea what harmful effects they cold have on our bodies--or the environment. According to Dr. Suzuki, GMOs are exactly what their name suggest--genetically modified organisms--living organisms that will infiltrate our environment. If we don't like how it all turns out, we can't take'em back.

I don't know about you, but it seems that if Americans knew this bad stuff was in their food, they wouldn't buy it, let alone eat it. We need to push for the labeling of GMO's (sometimes called GE--genetically engineered). I'll bet you a hundred dollars your mom wouldn't buy Pop Tarts for you if she saw a GMO lable on them! I'm just saying...people need to know about this. Share this blog and any other good articles you find about Monsanto.

Should one company (Monsanto) control our food?

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:41:44 +0100

Hey Neergs--

Hope you had a chance to read our post yesterday here on Green Kids Rock. I could not tear myself away from the PC yesterday, learning more about this serious threat to the safety of our food supply. The more I read on this issue, the madder I got. How is it that one company, Monsanto, is allowed to control and contaminate our food supply. You should do your own research by "googling" stuff like "Monsanto," "GMOs," "GE" and "GE Alfalfa." Those should get you some good results. I'm also going to include some links to leading organic producers who are supposedly taking a stand on the GMO issue.

So analyze this and tell me what you think! The big players affecting the USDA decision to deregulate GMOs appear to have a conflict of interest. Tom Vilsack is the USDA Secretary, and as the former Governor of Iowa was a huge Monsanto advocate. Michael Taylor, the Senior Adviser to the Food and Drug Administration Commissioner on Food Safety was a former VP of Public Policy for Monsanto. And I'm just getting started. Check out the Organic Consumers Association and their USDA watch website. It goes on to list others, including Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas--a former Monsanto attorney. Monsanto controls 90% of seed in the U.S. Scary right?

Congressman Dennis Kucinich is introducing three bills that would mandate GMO labeling and safety testing, eliminate seed patenting, increase protections for farmers and hold big biotech companies responsible for GMO damages. Unfortunately big biotech companies like Monsanto can spend big money to "buy-off" congress and dupe the public with big and misleading advertising campaigns.

That's not to say that this is hopeless. I really believe that truthful viral campaigns can win the day. We need to talk to our friends and families and encourage them to buy local, seek out "organically certified" labels and to spread the word.  Do your homework and see how you feel about Whole Foods, Stoneyville and Organic Valley. My mom buys a bunch of their stuff and I've convinced her not to. They are going along with the USDA decision to allow GMOs and you have to ask yourself why?Some articles point to a cozy friendship with the USDA Secretary Vilack, and still others suggest that a lot of foods sold by Whole Foods and others are not really "organic" and they know it. So make sure to shop local, visit local farmer's markets and take time to only buy supermarket foods labeled "Certified Organic" when possible. Better yet, grow your own with heritage seeds!

This morning I emailed my representatives asking them to support Congressman Kucinich's bills and to take a stand against Monsanto's influence over the USDA. Don't be a wallflower. Want to know who your representatives are and how to contact them? Click here! Thanks Neergs! You da best.  Peace Out--Ethan

Europe won't eat'em, why do we?

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 18:00:59 +0100

Hey Neergs!

Ever heard of GMO's--Genetically Modified Organisms? Probably not. Unfortunately, most families in the the U.S. don't know either. GMO's are found in all kinds of food you eat everyday like milk, meat, cookies, crackers, juice--the list goes on and on! America is only just learning about a company called Monsanto and it's very special relationship with the USDA. Monsanto is a biotech company that produces 90% of GMO seed in the world. They allege that their biotechnology can produce more food with less resources for a growing world. Sounds good right? Unfortunately, studies reveal that the GMO's not only cause serious health problems like cancer, but do not actually increase food yield--just their profits. Monsanto's GMO's also also contaminate organic (chemical-free, GMO free) crops while they are at it. Why are we putting up with this, you ask? Monsanto has a lot of money to throw around--enough to buy the support they need in congress to do whatever the heck they like. Former U.S. ambassador, Craig Stapleton, was even exposed for suggestions that we retaliate against France for banning GMO corn? Really? Yes.

So if you read the green section in the HuffingtonPost, you'll see a string of new articles causing a big commotion about Monsanto and their genetically engineered (GE) seeds. There is a new outcry in response to the USDA's approval of GE alfalfa seed sales. The decision will likely pave the wave for other GE seed and crops. GMO's are already pervasive in the food we eat. Big brands like Kellogg's (I know--Pop-tarts, cereal, Eggo Waffles) are now being boycotted by savvy Americans for using GMO's in their U.S. products. Newsflash! Kellogg's is not using the GMO's in Europe. Why not? The EU (European Union) demands the labeling of GMO's in their food. The result? Families in the EU won't buy food labeled as such! So this is where the rubber meets the road. American families are simply not in the know. We need to demand legislation for our own food safety including labeling at the very minimum. Seriously, I can walk away from Pop-tarts with GMO sugar--can't you? So, I challenge you to get educated on this issue quick. Tell mom and dad to look at these websites with you. They will give you the lowdown on GMO"s, the Millions Against Monsanto campaign and a great list of GMO food to avoid...and better yet, a list of alternatives! Check out another cool video our our Green Kids Rock homepage! KidsPeace Out--Ethan

"Gasland" Exposes "The Halliburton Loophole"

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:34:23 +0100

Happy Friday Neergs!

Joshua Kors of the Huffington Post brought our attention to a great film you should all know about. We've discussed "fracking" before at Green Kids Rock--a controversial natural gas drilling operation. Now you won't want to miss GasLand. I know, documentaries can sometimes be a snooze, but Josh Fox isn't an Oscar Nominee or a Sundance Film award winner for nothing! In May of 2008, Fox was offered $100,000 to lease his land to a natural gas company. $100,000? No-brainer right? Well, not necessarily. Fox isn't your typical American with an unexamined life! I'm sure the money was tempting. Fox was just a small town art director in Pennsylvania. But Fox had good instincts and jumped on the opportunity to investigate this attractive offer. As is typical with such offers, Fox discovered that if something appears too good to be true, it probably is.

Fox's investigation lead him to many small towns with families that had allowed the gas companies to pursue "fracking" operations on their property. What he found was appalling and criminal. These towns and families were experiencing, for the first time, serious health problems, disease--and even home explosions. Now, the gas companies are of course rejecting the insinuation that fracking is the problem. They maintain that their chemicals, being pressured thousands of feet underground, couldn't possibly escape their casings and seep into the ground water. The worst part of all is this sneaky legal move called the "Halliburton Loophole." This loophole is a language clause in the 2005 Energy Bill (recommended by former VP Cheney) that keeps the Environmental Protection Agency from doing it's job to protect our drinking water. Bottom line? The natural gas industry is free to go about their business unchecked--for now!

But it's not over kids--sometimes the bad guys do themselves in. Apparently the natural gas lobby is so indignant and angry about Fox's documentary that they have launched a counter campaign. And because they have so much money to throw around, they have actually brought even more attention to Fox's movie! Hah! So, enjoy the attached video. One is a great trailer for GasLand, the other is a ridiculous rebuff by the gas industry. And if you still need convincing, read Fox's rebuttal to the industry here. He's informed and has an answer for everything to keep the gas guys on their toes! I'm guessing you'll have the chance to see GasLand on HBO again soon with all the great publicity FOX is getting. We'll keep our ears tuned for it and let you know. Peace Out--Ethan

Your GKR Mission: "Skeptigate"

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:17:21 +0100

Hey Neergs!

Do you remember "Climategate?" That was the bruhaha where hackers stole files from legitimate climate scientists in an attempt to discredit the reality of global warming right before the climate summit of 2009. Unfortunately, the lazy media embraced the controversy without representing this smear campaign for what it was--an attempt to mislead the public into believing global warming is not an immediate and very real threat to our lives. The Republican party has used "Climategate" to fuel its agenda to cut funding on all research and measures to fix this very real problem. They, along with their fossil fuel company buddies stand firm that there is no problem--everything's just fine. Seriously!

Now the tables are turning--if we do our best to get the word out! A terrific article by Kelly Rigg appeared in the Huffington Post today--bravo Kelly, our Neerg of the Day! Her article puts a spotlight on a climate-denier scientist (I use the term scientist loosely here) by the name of Pat Michaels. He admitted, right on CNN, that 40% of his paycheck comes from "Big Oil." Hmmm? You don't have to be a climate scientist to know that is a conflict of interest, LOL! To make matters worse for our friend Mr. Michaels, he testified earlier this year that only 3% of his pay came from the energy guys--before a congressional subcommittee no less--YIKES! Now Representative Henry Waxman from California--I love those California guys--is calling for this scientist guy to clarify his facts before the congressional subcommittee again. Go Representative Waxman.

So here's your job...in order to discredit these climate deniers and the great disservice they do to the American people, and the world, talk this story up with your friends. And when you do, make sure to refer to it as "Skeptigate." Kelly is hoping to get this term into the social networking machine! Do your part, talk it up and get it out there. Remember..."Skeptigate." Read Kelly's article here.

Meet Our Friend, Andrea Neal, Blue Ocean Sciences

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:03:28 +0100

Hey Neergs--

Green Kids Rock is back and ready to take on 2011 with exciting new partnerships, stories and a fun, fresh look ( to be revealed over the next few months). So stay tuned and check back often. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas on our GKR Forum.

In the meantime, we would like to introduce you to Andrea, Neal, the founder of Blue Ocean Sciences. Andrea is crossing the Atlantic Ocean as we speak! She and her Blue Ocean Sciences team "BOS" are collaborating with the Schmidt Ocean Institute. They are providing a very cool 255 ft. scientific sailing vessel called the Lone Ranger. Andrea's group will sail 3,000 miles through the North Atlantic Gyre, ending up in Bermuda on January 29.

The Marine Debris elite Team, a bunch of really smart scientists from around the world, will be on board to analyze how plastic debris is impacting marine and human life. Specialists will study how microbes eat plastics in the ocean so that they can better monitor and develop technologies to protect our oceans. The Team's microbe experts will also be on the hunt for "biofuel candidates" that may provide innovative solutions for ocean trash.

Learn more about Andrea by watching our home page video or check Blue Ocean Sciences out at www.blueoceansciences.org.

Peace Out--Ethan

Embarassed for U.S. at COP16

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:12:43 +0100

Hey Neergs--

So have you been following the Climate Change Conference in Cancun--COP16? I knew going in that the best we could hope for would be some momentum--anything to keep the ball moving in the right direction. It appears that everyone else but the U.S. seems to get it, including China. Well, we've sent our representatives to this critical conference to help solve a crises that has rightly alarmed the world... and then we just sit back and wait for others to do the hard work? Do we even belong there? I know we need to be part of the solution, but I don't see it happening for at least two more years. What went wrong? Our country voted a new wave of climate change deniers into office! Our President failed to pass climate legislation when the Democrats controlled Congress and he had the chance. Let's hope the world can pressure the United States into taking meaningful action in the next two years while we wait for new elections to right the ship.

We shouldn't have to be strong-armed. That's not who we are. What happened to our leadership and moral integrity to do the right thing? Climate change is happening, and we are going to lose face quickly on what could be an amazing opportunity to create a better world. This is unacceptable and no time for us kids to stay quiet. We must continue to speak with friends and stick our necks out in public forums like blogs, forums, You Tube and GKR! We have two years before the next congressional and presidential election--let's not squander them. Spread the word and we will be heard! Reporters say COP16 could result in an agreement on how to measure, verify and report carbon emissions (MRV). This only sounds good if the United States would finally agree on what goal we're measuring against. Let's keep the pressure on them! Peace Out--Ethan

United Nations Climate Change Conference, Cancun, Mexico

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:23:20 +0100

Welcome Back Neergs!

Hope everyone had an enjoyable and "green" Turkey Day. If you didn't have "tofurkey" maybe you celebrated with an organic, free range bird, or at least made the vegetarian dishes a bigger part of the feast. Well now that you are well fed, it's time to get back in the swing. I'm hoping a few of you Neergs are aware of the United Nation's Climate Change conference happening in Cancun now. For two weeks, the UN will attempt to ink agreements that would give billions of dollars for green technology to developing countries and get rich countries to commit to reducing their carbon emissions to safe levels (as suggested by scientists). If you remember, Copenhagen was a bust. Neither the U.S. or China (the worst offenders) were willing to agree to substantial limits on their carbon output. While 85 countries did make pledges to reduce CO2 emissions during Copenhagen, these pledges fall seriously short of meeting the cuts scientists say we need. I don't think anyone believes this conference is going to be a game-changer for climate change, but the UN is hoping that it keeps the pressure on continuing negotiations.

And if you have a chance, take a peak at our home page video featuring Friends of the Earth, a non-profit environmental group. We've talked a lot here about carbon offsets vs. a "black and white" climate bill that regulates every company's emissions (with no wiggle room to escape that responsibility). I continue to favor a straight tax or climate bill that has the same rules for everyone, but have often felt that any action might be better than no action at all. Now I'm not sure. You give these polluters an inch and they take a mile--they always seem to find the loopholes.

Friends of the Earth agrees. They believe that life and nature should never be put into the "market." Friends of the Earth stated, "Carbon trading does not lead to real emissions reductions. It is a dangerous distraction from real action to address the structural causes of climate change, such as over-consumption. Developed countries should radically cut their carbon emissions through real change at home, not buy buying offsets from other countries. Carbon offsetting has no benefits for the climate for for developing countries--it only benefits developed countries, private investors, and major polluters who want to continue business as usual."

Over-consumption--that's the key to this problem. Yes, big industry is to blame, but we do our part by continuing to buy junk we don't always need. Think about that this holiday season--can live without every new toy or technology item? How about tickets to a show, a museum, or sporting event? Can you ask for new clothes from a "fair-trade" retailer? Can you buy a new game from the resale shop? Lots of alternatives here--just think it through and be part of the solution this holiday. Oh,and enjoy this video--a shout out to our elected representatives who won't pass a climate bill, LOL! Peace Out-Ethan

Halliburton discloses safer fracking fluid?

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:45:33 +0100

Hey Neergs!

Yesterday we talked about fracking--a technology that allows natural gas to be extracted from beneathe the earth using what some environmentalists would say are dangerous chemicals. If you'll recall, a company called Halliburton did not disclose what chemicals it uses in its fracking fluid. It turns out, Halliburton has recently disclosed the ingredients--at least some of them for the state of Pennsylvania (and more information coming soon supposedly). Halliburton may have been stalling for competitive reasons--they say their fracking fluid is "safer" and more green, using ingredients from the food industry. While the use of these safer ingredients have been confirmed, the New York times reported there were toxic chemicals still present as well including stuff found in paint thinners, car wax and cleaners. Still unclear to me, is whether this new "safer" and "cleaner" fracking fluid will prevent natural gas from leaking into our drinking water when accidents happen? Sure some of the chemicals in the fracking fluid may be flammable and toxic to drink, but isn't the problem of natural gas leaking into our water supplies also a huge problem?? This will continue to be a hot topic. We need to follow the EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) announcement to conduct a thorough study on fracking. What will they discover, and what will they do with that information? Help us stay up to date. If you see any great articles that you'd like to share on fracking, please email the link to us at admin@greenkidsrock.com. We'll give you the credit for finding important news!

For those of you who've been hanging out here, you know I'm a swimmer! I'm off to a big swim meet this weekend, trying to score a few A and AA times! Thought I'd end on a happy note and share this link with beautiful pictures of "green" pools. I don't mean green in color, but eco-friendly pools! Some of the new pools don't even have chlorine--a little easier on the eyes and the bathing suit. I'd love to swim in one of these pools! Have a great weekend Neergs! Peace Out-Ethan

Fracking? What's all the fuss about?

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:52:29 +0100

Hey Neergs--

Don't know if you watch 60 minutes with your family--a very good show--but last Sunday reporter Lesley Stahl covered a very important topic you need to know about. The segment researched the race for Natural Gas as the new, cleaner alternative to Dirty Coal and Oil. Natural gas used to be too costly to extract, but two new technologies allow the industry to drill cost-effectively through shale, a very hard rock below the earth's surface. One technology allows companies to drill sideways underground. The second is called "hydraulic fracturing" or "fracking." Millions of gallons of water, chemicals and sand are pumped into a well at enormous pressure, breaking the rock, making it possible for the gas to enter the well board. Proponents of natural gas see this new opportunity as our ticket to energy independence from the Middle East. Our country pays a lot of money for oil, and some people are getting really excited that we have tons of this stuff, and that it could really help our economy.

The problem is that there are some very real dangers involved in "fracking." Like drilling for oil, "fracking" is performed by humans, and humans make mistakes--big ones some times. Some very bad accidents have happened from "fracking" including the contamination of precious water supplies. If you watch the video, you will see both leaking toxic smoke (under infrared cameras) and fluids. Even the CEO of Chesapeake Co. admits accidents can result from human error, and that they will continue to happen. So, why can't we make "fracking" safe if it's so good for our economy?

Environmentalists say it's obvious. The natural gas industry is not regulated like other energy companies. In fact, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recently subpeonaed natural gas companies to disclose the chemicals they use--that means that under law they must share what they know! One company refused to do just that (hmmm?). That company is Halliburton, and this is where it gets ugly. Former Vice-President, Dick Cheney, pushed Congress to exempt (leave out) regulation of fracking from natural gas companies in a 2005 energy bill called the "Safe Drinking Water Act". Did you see the man blow up his water on the video? Does that look like "safe" drinking water to you? I don't think I have to spell it out for you. By the way, did I forget to mention that our former VP, Dick Cheney, had been the former CEO of the Halliburton Company? Putting two and two together are you?

Well Neergs, you're smart enough to figure this thing out. Is it possible that we could extract Natural Gas in a safer way? Possibly. Is the gas industry going to self-regulate for our safety and well-being?Probably not. The reality check is you can't stop the speeding train. Greed will run the "fracking" train, but that doesn't mean we can't put our foot down. The industry must be regulated, and the EPA needs to put their foot on the gas (good pun, right?). We don't have time to waste...or water for that matter! What do you think about fracking? Write us at admin@greenkidsrock.com or try out our new forum! Peace Out--Ethan