News and Events

Most Americans Would Shun Food Labeled "Genetically Modified"
A recent survey conducted by ABC news of 1,024 adults reports 93 percent said the federal government should require labels on food that has been genetically modified (GM). Furthermore, 55 percent of Americans surveyed said they would avoid foods carrying a GM label. 52 % reported that they would be more likely to purchase foods labeled as organically raised. The European Union recently passed laws requiring labeling of GM foods, and requiring the food industry to segregate biotech crops from conventional ones.

Nearly 80 % of US soybeans and 40 percent of US corn, ingredients found in most processed foods, is genetically modified, mostly for resistance to herbicides.

For the full survey click here:
more.abcnews.go.com/sections/scitech/DailyNews/poll010619.html

Organic Cotton Goes Mainstream
Four year plan could double organic acreage in California
Last week, the Organic Consumers Association reached a significant milestone in its national "Clothes for a Change" Campaign. The OCA and its allies have successfully lobbied American Apparel, the largest T-shirt company in the U.S., known for its strong stance against sweatshops, to work towards achieving an 80% blend of organic cotton in its clothing. Los Angeles-based American Apparel's transition to organic program will provide a stable market for over 1,000 acres of California-grown organic cotton. Click below to read more.
www.organicconsumers.org/clothes/070903_sweatshop.cfm

Conference to Explore World's Water Crisis
The Waters of Life: Peril and Promise in the 21st Century
September 4th-7th
Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, New York
The United Nations proclaimed 2003 as the International Year of Freshwater to increase awareness of the vital importance of sustainable freshwater management, protection, and use. The Omega Institute and Resurgence magazine are presenting this 3-day event with an emphasis on finding hopeful and creative solutions to the world's freshwater crisis. Political and social activists, teachers, business people, health-care professionals, scientists, religious leaders, and others concerned with environmental issues are invited to attend. Speakers will include such premier eco-activists as Robert Kennedy, Ralph Nader, Winona LaDuke, Vandana Shiva, Satish Kumar, Anita Roddick, Andrew Revkin, Kirkpatrick Sale, Tony Clarke and Maude Barlow.