GMO Labeling Is On Its Way

Last week was such a huge week for GMO labeling news! Slowly but surely, GMO labeling is on its way in the U.S., and we could not be happier! Just last week, General Mills, Mars, and Kellogg all announced they will start labeling GMOs in their products nationwide, and it’s all thanks to Vermont’s mandatory labeling law going into effect on July 1. We can’t wait to see which companies announce GMO labeling next. This is all exciting news, but keep in mind the fight is not over. Keep signing petitions, going to rallies, and talking to your elected officials. On March 18th, the Grocery Manufacturers Association issued a statement on their website saying urgent action is needed to get a federal law against mandatory labeling when Senate returns in April. They are pouring money and effort into fighting against labeling as we speak, so we have to keep the pressure on as well. Great job to everyone who has put in work to get GMOs labeled, we’re just getting started!

Schools Nationwide Still Have Lead in the Water

Schools across the nation are still dealing with lead contaminated water in their buildings. Many schools were built before 1986, and are in desperate need of renovation and updating, especially their plumbing. Children are the most susceptible to lead poisoning, and unfortunately school is where they spend their most delicate years. Being exposed to lead contaminated water during their formative years could have negative effects on their cognitive development and their organs. A huge problem is that school and city officials don’t require water testing in schools. It almost seems like they think it’s better to not know about contamination than to deal with it. Cities like Flint and Newark have called attention to this issue, and should encourage parents to demand water testing in their kids’ schools. There is no safe level of lead for the body, and the consequences of exposing children to lead for years could be devastating for their development.

GMO Labeling Urgent as USDA Deregulates New Monsanto Corn Strain

The USDA announced last week that it will allow farmers to plant two new strains of GMO corn without government regulation – one strain from Syngenta and one from Monsanto. Monsanto developed their new strain due to weed resistance to their original herbicide glyphosate – these resistant plants are now known as Super Weeds. The new strain of corn is to be used with the herbicides dicamba and glufosinate. These crops will not be regulated, so prepare to be inundated with Monsanto crops doused in the dangerous chemicals dicamba and glufosinate, without the government protecting consumers.  The USDA has given up any responsibility for regulating these new strains of GMO corn, which makes mandatory GMO labeling that much more important. Keep fighting for GMO labeling, and avoid any Monsanto products at all cost.

The Silicon Valley of Recycling

Recology in San Francisco has attracted world wide attention in the waste management world. San Francisco diverts 80% of its waste from landfills, and with the help of Recology, the area has become known for their waste management strategies. Government officials from around the world are booking tours to learn how they can transform their waste systems at home, as the net zero concept takes off in popularity, and landfill space diminishes. Recology is a private company that charges residents a small monthly fee which is equal to or less than other big cities charge just for curbside trash removal. The company is proof that recycling can be cost effective, good for the community, and put a town on the map. Hopefully we’ll see more of these companies pop up all around the world and reduce our waste!