VegFamily News

Supporting a Sustainable Future

Throughout the world, people are realizing that we must dramatically shift the way that we are living to create a sustainable future. This is a broad statement and covers many different areas. The key word is sustainable from the root sustain... To keep in existence.

The thought of change on such a massive scale can be overwhelming to many. How is it then that we can break this ideal down into real, concrete steps? Perhaps one way is to look into each of our own daily lives and see how we individually can make our main actions more life giving. Is it possible for the artist to begin using more sustainable products? Can the builder begin learning more about earth friendly ways to create dwellings? Can the journalist begin documenting inspiring efforts that are happening around the world? Can mothers donate books on sustainability to the local library or better yet start a "library" at the local coffee shop, offering a wide assortment of books covering alternative modes of thinking?

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Collectively speaking we can band together in larger groups to enrich our communities. What may be simply enjoyable now may be downright crucial in the upcoming years. For instance, it may be crucial that we have dependable sources of local food. It was once said that the best tree was the one planted ten years ago...So, let's not wait for a total economic collapse. Let's start dynamic, sustainable growth right now.

Alerts:

1. Please consider supporting the Kids' Safe Chemical Act. Let Congress know that we do not want our children exposed to deadly chemicals. This act would subject new products to more stringent safety testing, would provide incentives to manufacturers to create healthier options and would support biomonitoring to test how chemicals are affecting the general populace. For more information please see: salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=24973
2. Protect our food supply from pharmaceutical contamination! Due to public pressure the USDA is reopening the public comment period on growing crops that produce pharmaceutical drugs and industrial chemicals. Our food system is very vulnerable and exposure to pharma-crops could create cross contamination. Please seriously consider this legislation. For more details visit: secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1843

And the Good News:

1. Appetite for Change is an organization dedicated to protecting our children's health. They seek to stop pesticide exposure at schools, support local and organic food in school lunches and educating children about more wholesome food choices through hands on activities such as creating school gardens. For more information on Appetite for Change and to see how you can get involved, please visit www.organicconsumers.org/afc.cfm
2. The U.K.'s largest landowner The National Trust is supporting community gardens by linking area gardeners with over 1,000 unused plots. The organization states, "Our main aim is to help those who are new to growing to find the space they need - but we also want to help them learn how and what to grow. "For more information visit: www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/feb/19/nation...

Progressive Media:

The Ecology of Commerceby Paul Hawken

The Ecology of Commerce takes the reader deep into the true costs of commerce?—not only financial but how our way of doing business affects us as a community and affects the environment's resources. Hawken goes on to share ways in which we can create and support sustainable business. www.ecobooks.com/books/ecommerc.htm

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