Non-profit USPostage PAID No. 178 EarthSaveEarthSaveNEWS Pasadena, CA Vol. 17 No. 2 EarthSave promotes a shift toward a healthy plant-based diet. June 2006

U.S.U.S. ateate 777777 madmad cowscows (so(so far)far) by Jeff Nelson since U.S. testing began. To arrive at this number is simply a mat- The United States has lagged far behind ter of mathematics. the rest of the world when it comes to test- According to USDA figures, since U.S. ing for mad cow disease. This is primarily began testing for mad cow 8 years ago, we because the USDA is run by people looking have tested about 773,000 cows. out for meat industry interests, rather than Only in the most recent few years did the public's interests. Like most U.S. gov- the U.S. begin testing using the more sensi- ernment agencies these days, the USDA is tive tests which have long been widely used run by officials from the industries they are in the rest of the world. supposed to be regulating, in this case the Since that time, the more sensitive test- meat, dairy and processed food industry. ing has discovered at least three mad cows Despite USDA best efforts to test as few in the U.S. herd. (The term "at least" applies cows as possible, mad cow has been discov- here because there are many cases of sus- ered repeatedly in the U.S. herd. (For years pect U.S. mad cows where after getting pos- the U.S. tested only only one out of every itive results, samples from the cows in ques- 18,000 cows slaughtered, while European tion were "lost" or "compromised" by countries were testing one out of every USDA labs, and so without proper samples three cows, or in many cases -- every cow.) for additional tests by independent labs, the The USDA says it isn't testing for mad USDA simply ruled them "negative." There cow as a protective measure to the popula- have also been multiple cases of cows sus- tion, they are testing simply to "surveil" pected of having mad cow being destroyed how widespread the problem may be. In or "lost" by USDA representatives before other words, they're not testing to prevent required USDA testing could be per- infected cows from entering the food chain formed.) the eight years of the sketchy U.S. test- herd during the past 8 years. Subtracting as many other countries do, they just want Based on three known mad cows out of ing program, approximately 200 million the three cows actually identified by the to get an estimate of how many mad cows the approximately 773,000 cows tested to cattle have been slaughtered. testing, this means that there were 777 are likely in the U.S. food chain. date in the U.S., we know that 0.0000039% Applying the known mad cow rate in other mad cows which were slaughtered The answer, from their own testing, is of cows tested in the U.S. herd are infected the tested sample of 0.0000039% to the in the U.S. since testing began, but now available: statistically, there have been with mad cow disease. total of 200 million US cattle slaugh- which were not tested for and therefore at least 777 cows with mad cow disease An estimated 25 million cattle are tered in eight years -- reveals that there not detected. were probably 780 mad cows in the U.S. which have probably entered the food chain slaughtered in the U.S. each year, so during MAD COW/PAGE 4 Meat-industrial complex How factory farms undercut public health By Mark Winne Center, the number has swollen to more than one million. For a region that was in economic decline, Drive through Don Oppliger's Feed Yard in Clovis, New the offer by Seaboard Farms to locate an industrial- Mexico, and you'll see 35,000 head of beef cattle confined style hog operation held out the promise of reinvigo- to pens that stretch across the flat, barren landscape. rating the flagging economy, creating desperately The constant shuffling of hooves raises a bacteria-laden needed jobs and re-filling the empty school desks. dust cloud that's carried by the prevailing winds into west But it came with a price. Seaboard demanded and Texas, where it joins the plumes of hundreds of other feed- received $60 million in local and state government lots. At one end of the complex sits a giant lagoon that assistance. This worked out to $27,552 per new job, catches the operation's chemicals, urine, antibiotics and a tolerable sum if the jobs paid $20 per hour, but the other effluvia. In the narrow strip of land that separates the average hourly Seaboard wage was less than $8. In fencing from the road lie the carcasses of dead cows (a.k.a. spite of the low wages, the deal might have been jus - "downers"), eyes bugged out, tongues dangling and bellies tified if the community received a commensurate bloated in the summer heat. growth in tax revenues. But by the time the county Moving from bovine to porcine, factory hog farms gen- completed the financing deal with Seaboard, they erate an odor so intense it would knock a buzzard off a shit- had agreed to taxes of $9,700 per year until 2017 on wagon. In cramped warehouse structures, as many as a business site valued at $100 million. Even after 20,000 hogs are confined for their entire lives. After five Seaboard agreed to pay $175,000 annually to the dis- months, the mature hogs are sent off to the slaughterhouse trict's school board for the next 25 years, this still to have their throats slit and carcasses dipped in chemical amounted to the county forgoing $120,000 per year. vats to loosen their skins. According to Anita Poole, legal Factory hog operations not only pay a meager counsel for the Oklahoma-based Kerr Center, which has return on a community's investment, they also fought that state's takeover by the hog industry, "The aver - extract a high price from the surrounding region. age Joe Blow who might stumble into a hog facility would With Seaboard's influx of jobs came an increase in The sorry gaze of a factory farm commodity. never want to eat pork again." population, which in turn brought about a sharp rise in farms, both groundwater and surface water quality have U.S. shoppers spend less on food as a percentage of their crime. From 1990 to 1997, crime in Texas County increased declined. Even worse, the Ogallala Aquifer upon which the total annual expenditures than anyone else in the world. But by 74 percent compared to a 12 percent decline in other region depends for its water is being depleted at a rapid rate. this is because factory livestock farms-labeled "concentrat- rural Oklahoma counties. And factory farm workers in the The Oklahoma Water Resource Board reported that water ed animal feeding operations" (CAFOs) by government West and Midwest are increasingly Mexican immigrants, levels in many Texas County wells have dropped 50 to 100 agencies-don't pay for the natural resources they have only about half of whom are legally documented. They feet over the last 30 years, due in large part to the high water squandered, the farm labor they have maltreated, the declin- bring with them a host of needs that these rural communi- demand of factory hog operations and the irrigated farm- ing health of residents who live near their operations, or the ties are unequipped to handle. land that supports them. animals that have been exploited far beyond their biological But the worst problems are created by the ungodly Across the nation, factory farms of all types are wreak- capabilities. amount of manure-an estimated 15 million pounds per day ing environmental havoc. A 1995 North Carolina manure Texas County is in Oklahoma's Panhandle region. In in Texas County. Because of 1990 it had 11,000 hogs. Today, according to the Kerr water run-off from factory MEAT INDUSTRY/PAGE 5

INSIDE

How Biofuel -- Supersize Hold foul Not all your Your is it’s cracked casket! Water! fowl? up to be P. 3 P. 6 P. 7 P. 12 2 June 2006 Perspectives EarthSave News Letters

Raising Veg Kids Dear Jo Stepaniak: I appreciate so much your com- Jo Stepaniak Responds: Thank you for your beauti- I just received your newspaper and was struck by the passionate and informative responses in your "Ask Jo" ful letter and the confirmation that everyone can make letter from the vegan parents who have non-vegan chil- feature in EarthSave News. One question/answer in the positive changes regardless of age, conditioning, family, dren and by your response (Ask Jo, March 2006). (I December, 2005 issue was especially interesting to me. I or past. Your compassionate choices and approach surely agreed with everything you said except the allowance am also sixty-one years old as is the reader, and I too have a beneficial effect on all who come in contact with restrictions.) I've been a vegetarian for more years than I made my "life-altering transformation immediately after you. You are an inspiration! can remember and a vegan for almost 18 years. I didn't being confronted with graphic evidence about animal know how to teach my then toddler daughter to respect abuse in the food industry..." all life if we ate it. Both my children decided as teens that For me, it happened overnight in 1989 when I read they wanted to try non vegetarian foods. I told them that "Compassion the Ultimate Ethic: An Exploration of while part of me wanted them to be as I was, most of all Veganism" by Victoria Moran. At that point, I decided I I respected their desire to become independent, thinking, could no longer be a part of the cruel practices of facto- adults with their own values. My oldest daughter is now ry farming. Immediately I stopped eating meat and chose a lacto-ovo vegetarian and my youngest daughter also to be vegan for ethical reasons. At that point my three eats chicken. They buy it with their own money. And yes children were grown and gone. CORRECTION it from their allowance as well as from what they earn. I The succeeding 17 years have brought me great peace believe allowance is given so the child may learn how to of mind. The children, their spouses, and my husband handle money, and while I made restrictions on what they respect my choice and are content knowing that only veg- could watch and the like, it's realistically impossible to etarian food will be served in my home. When I am restrict what they buy to eat. They respect my beliefs and asked what I eat, I reply, "A variety of colorful, delicious, while I sometimes struggle with their non-vegan choices, nutritious plant foods, thereby contributing positively to I focus on the fact they have made independent choices, a peaceful, non-violent world." Last issue’s review of that they prefer organic foods, that they don't eat much I enjoyed visiting your website and reading your "Delicious Vegan Meals in Minutes" listed the wrong junk food, and that they care about animals and the envi- essays including “The Compassionate Life: Bringing website for more information and to purchase the ronment. Heaven Down to Earth.” book. The correct web address is Thank you for all the wonderful work you do. I am grateful for and totally support your work. http://welcome.to/veganhealthandrecipes Sincerely, The book’s author,, Gloria Drnjevic, can be Mary Rothschild Lorelei de la Reza reached at 360-479-6652, or [email protected]. Manotick ON Canada Houston, TX

San Diego Sushi High in Mercury Tuna trend means women and children must avoid tuna A recent undercover investigation of San Diego’s top results showed an average of 0.584 from 32 samples in San the Earth. "Women buy tuna for themselves and their chil- sushi restaurants is adding to the bad news about high lev- Diego and Los Angeles – over 150 percent of the mercury dren. Therefore, it is absolutely critical that women be els of mercury in tuna. The investigation found that 1 in 5, levels reported by the FDA. Overall, 25 percent of tuna test- informed about what types of tuna to avoid, and it the or 20 percent, of the tuna tested had dangerous levels ed in the two cities exceeded the federal advisory level for responsibility of the FDA to provide this information." exceeding that of king mackerel, which the FDA warns women and children. About 16 percent of the tuna tested – Consumers are at risk by eating tuna sushi or sashimi women and children to never eat. The public health group 1 in 6 tuna sushi – should not have been eaten by any con- and should be aware of the risks, especially women who are GotMercury.Org in partnership with San Diego KGTV tele- sumer – man, woman, or child. or intend to become pregnant, nursing mothers, and chil- vision news secretly tested 20 pieces of tuna sushi from 10 “In our combined studies, 1 out of 4 tuna sushi tested dren. Children developing in the womb and young children of San Diego’s top sushi restaurants in April. exceeded what is considered safe by the federal govern- are particularly vulnerable to methylmercury, the toxic The San Diego investigation follows on the heels of ment,” said Eli Saddler, public health analyst for organic form found in fish, because it can harm neurologi- GotMercury.Org’s investigation of Los Angeles sushi in GotMercury.Org. “This new round of testing affirms the cal development – resulting lower IQ, nervous system dam- March 2006, which created international concern after a need for women of childbearing age and children to avoid age, cardiovascular ailments, and motor skill problems. Los Angeles Times article. tuna served as sushi, sashimi, or ahi.” “Sushi can be part of a healthy diet, but consumers need "We are seeing a toxic trend here in California," said Eli The FDA and EPA already warn women and children to know that too much tuna can be toxic,” said Eli Saddler, Saddler, public health analyst for GotMercury.org. not to eat king mackerel (0.730 ppm), swordfish (0.970 public health analyst for GotMercury.Org. “Given that sam- "Families in San Diego and across the nation need to know ppm), shark (0.988 ppm), and tilefish (1.45 ppm). However, ples vary widely in mercury levels, there is no way to know the risks of eating tuna sushi and avoid it for the sake of the FDA advisory on tuna is confusing and weak regarding how much methylmercury you are ingesting when you eat their children. With so many healthier seafood choices tuna and differs from the calculations used by the EPA. tuna sushi, sashimi, or ahi.” available, why take the risk?" "Mercury contamination is a serious issue for pregnant GotMercury.Org is a free, online mercury-in-seafood The FDA data reports that fresh and frozen tuna aver - women, children, and women who are even considering get- calculator that was recently revised to include the FDA’s aged 0.383 ppm, significantly lower than GotMercury.Org's ting pregnant," said Erin Thompson of Women's Voices for 2006 mercury in fish and shellfish data.

Group Warns of Toxic Tuna Tests on sushi from L.A.-area eateries raise questions about FDA mercury monitoring.

Tuna is arguably the most popular offering at sushi California's toniest restaurants - Matsuhisa, Sushi Katsu- ment in fetuses and young children, is found in at least bars. Many customers like slices of blood-red fish ya, Sushi Sasabune, HamaSaku and Sushi Nozawa. trace levels in nearly all fish. slathered in a spicy wasabi sauce. Others prefer the more GotMercury.org also went to Benihana in Santa Monica The FDA and Environmental Protection Agency have simple nigiri style, which is sliced tuna over rice. because it's part of a large national chain where sushi is warned that women who may become pregnant and But now a public health advocacy group is warning young children shouldn't eat certain high-mercury fish, about the safety of tuna sushi and questioning the Food including swordfish, shark, tilefish and king mackerel. and Drug Administration's system of monitoring the mer- They should also limit their consumption of tuna, the cury levels in fish, based on tests on a small sample of agencies have said. such delicacies at Los Angeles restaurants. David Acheson, the FDA's chief medical officer, said The group, GotMercury.org, purchased sushi from the agency hadn't advocated large-scale testing of fish five top Zagat-rated restaurants in Southern California because of the enormous time and expense such an and from the Benihana Inc. chain in late January. Instead endeavor would take. of eating the orders, the Forrest Knolls, Calif.-based Saddler's organization also wants restaurants and gro- organization took the fish for testing at CRG Marine cery stores to stop selling the species known to be high- Laboratories in Torrance. est in mercury and that frequently exceed the FDA max- The mercury levels of the 12 tuna samples averaged imum threshold unless seafood suppliers provide proof about double the FDA standard, and a quarter of the that fish being sold don't exceed the FDA's limits. orders were near or above the limit where the agency says As a branch of the Turtle Island Restoration Network, fish should not be sold, said Eli Saddler, a public health GotMercury.org previously has pushed for policy analyst and attorney for GotMercury.org. changes involving fish and mercury in California. It was "Eating sushi has become the new Russian roulette," one of the groups that persuaded California Atty. Gen. Saddler said. Bill Lockyer to sue the state's major supermarket and The advocacy group focused on sushi because the featured. restaurant chains for allegedly violating California's popular food has become one of the largest sources of "Our testing shows a pattern of mercury levels being Proposition 65 by failing to post signs warning patrons. fresh tuna consumption. Saddler believes this is the first significantly higher than what the FDA reports," Saddler Benihana and 10 other restaurant chains settled the suit time an independent group has attempted to monitor mer- said. last year and have posted warning signs. The supermar- cury levels in sushi. ket case is pending, but many of the chains also have The samples came from some of Southern Mercury, which is linked to reduced brain develop- posted signs. EarthSave News Good Food Is Good Health. June 2006 3

NEWS EarthSaveEarthSave How foul is fowl? Our Mission by John McDougall, MD one study of retail markets in the Washington, D.C. area from June EarthSave educates people 1999 to July 2000, 70.7% of chicken samples were found to be con- about the powerful effects our Chicken and turkey are called “white meats,” as in “clean white taminated with Campylobacter, and 91.1% of the stores visited sold food choices have on the meat,” and are considered to be health foods. The truth is fowl are Campylobacter-contaminated chickens. E. coli were found in 38.7% environment, our health and all filthy with a multitude of disease-causing ingredients. The horrible of chicken samples.2 Approximately 14% of the turkey samples life on Earth, and encourages a threat of a bird flu pandemic may cause health-conscious people to yielded Campylobacter and 11.9% were positive for E. coli. shift toward a healthy, examine more closely the facts behind this traditional meal center- Salmonella was found in 25% of both of these white meats. plant-based diet. piece—and we may see something like how mad cow disease, with Infections with any of these three bacteria can cause symptoms all the emotions it aroused, caused people to rethink beef. Even very similar to the flu, like nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, JOHN ROBBINS though to date only a handful of people have died from either of these diarrhea, fever, chills, weakness and exhaustion; and can be deadly FOUNDER, BOARD CHAIR EMERITUS animal-borne infections, the fear of these two diseases could save for children, the elderly, and people with suppressed immune sys- Board of Directors millions of lives as people refrain from eating the more ordinary, but tems. Infections are caused by close contact with the carcasses of JOHN D. BORDERS, JR., J.D. very lethal, parts of an animal’s tissues. birds. Eating the flesh of birds is as close as you can get to their CHAIR The tissues of all fowl consist primarily of artery-clogging fat and germ-infested tissues. Although cooking destroys most of these JEFF NELSON cholesterol, and bone-destroying pro- infectious agents, people eat, often unknow- VICE-CHAIR tein and acid. They are completely ingly, partially cooked and raw meats. CARYN HARTGLASS devoid of energy-giving carbohydrate Point of View SECRETARY and bowel-moving fiber. Like “sauce Is Bird Flu a Real Threat? MARK EPSTEIN on the goose” they are contaminated During the 1997 epidemic of bird flu in Thanksgiving dinner's sad and thankless TREASURER with deadly microbes and cancer- Hong Kong eighteen people were infected by JULES OAKLANDER, D.O. causing chemicals. Have I stimulated Christmas dinner's dark and blue contact with birds, resulting in six fatalities. SANDY LAURIE your appetite?—to learn more? Since then the virus has been spreading from When you stop and try to see it Southern China to other parts of the world by Legal Advisor Amazing What People Eat migratory birds and, less commonly, by bird MORGAN WARD A fowl is a bird of any kind, From the turkey's point of view. trafficking. This year (2006) bird flu is STITES & HARBISON • LOUISVILLE, KY although some types of birds use the expected to reach the US. From December word specifically in their names; for 2003 through March 6, 2006, a total of 175 Executive Director example, Guineafowl and Peafowl. Sunday dinner isn't sunny laboratory-confirmed human avian influen- CARYN HARTGLASS Chickens and turkeys are the most za A (H5N1) infections were reported to popular birds found on people’s dinner Easter feasts are just bad luck WHO from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Newsletter Contributors plates. In the US, over 35 billion tons Iraq, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. Of D AN B ALOGH, DR. GLEN BARRY, CARYN of chicken are consumed annually, When you see it from the viewpoint these, 95 were fatal.3 Thus, more than half of HARTGLASS, RABBI YONASSAN GERSHOM , M. with a per capita intake of 87 pounds a the people who get bird flu die. There is no JOY KATZ, J EFF NELSON, JOHN M CD OUGALL year. About 18 pounds per person of Of a chicken or a duck. reliable vaccine for prevention, nor any MD, JO S TEPANIAK, MARK W INNE turkey are consumed each year. The effective treatment after infection occurs. Editorial Board scare of bird flu has already begun to Oh how I once loved tuna salad In addition to infecting wild birds and JOHN BORDERS, JEFF NELSON, SABRINA take a bite, with chicken consumption poultry, this virus has jumped the species NELSON down almost 90% in some European Pork and lobsters, lamb chops too barriers to infect cats, pigs, horses and other markets and India, and chicken prices mammals. Right now your best strategy is to are plummeting. 'Til I stopped and looked at dinner avoid contact with potentially infected fowl. Graphic Design & Production Besides chicken and turkey, People travelling abroad are advised, “…not GREG LEMIRE Westerners also eat ducks, guinea From the dinner's point of view. to visit bird or poultry farms and markets, to hens, quail, pheasants, geese, and avoid close contact with live or dead poultry, ostriches. In other cultures, people are not to eat raw or poorly cooked poultry and MOVING? Please make sure the -- Shel Silverstein address on your mailing label is known to eat anything they can catch, to wash hands often with soap and water.”4 current. Please contact us with including parrots, swans, emus, rheas, This message means don’t handle (except for updates. and even penguins. your own pets), cook or eat birds! Parts commonly eaten are the muscles, skin, and fat of the fowl. Whether an H5N1 influenza pandemic will occur depends on People also eat the heart, liver, and gizzard – collectively known as whether or not the present viral strains mutate so they can efficiently MEMBERSHIP DATE the giblets. A prized delicacy, Foie gras (which is French for “fat transfer from humans-to-humans. Influenza A viruses are known for Please check your membership liver”), is made from the enlarged livers of male ducks and geese. their ease in transforming. Although no human-to-human transmis- date on your address label -- it The Chinese even eat the chicken’s feet—and chicken feet represent- sion was documented initially, sporadic cases of such transmission may be time to renew! EarthSave ed 43% of US poultry sales to China. (Recipe: Wash chicken feet. are expected to occur as the infection spreads worldwide.5 The bio- Magazine is published quarterly Chop off toenails. The feet are logical behavior of this virus by first fried, then marinated, and indicates that once a pandemic finally steamed.) begins, isolation of sick people is not likely to contain the spread of EarthSave International Fowl Is Rich Feast Food—at disease. A specific vaccine P.O. Box 96 against the bird flu will not be New York, NY 10108 Best/Worst Tel: 800-362-3648 Birds as food have traditional- available until 6 to 12 months Fax: 718-228-2491 ly been considered a delicacy—a after the beginning of the pan- [email protected] fare reserved for holidays, like demic.6 This message means Thanksgiving, or as a treat for once this disease begins to spread Sunday’s dinner. Today’s practice freely among people, you must EarthSave News is distributed as a of “making every day a feast day” isolate yourself from the outside membership benefit to EarthSave has caused the worldwide epi- world. members. Basic annual member - demic of malnutrition from over- ship in is $35 (tax-deductible). nutrition—now the most impor- Antibiotic-laced Meat and COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS tant killer of all. Too many calo- Vegetables We welcome your feedback and ries, and too much fat and pro- Antibiotics are used in facto- ideas. Please write or email us. tein, mean disease—like obesity, ry-farmed animals to help pre- heart attacks, cancer, diabetes, vent bird-borne infections and to Contributors arthritis, osteoporosis, and much stimulate growth in order to The deadline for articles, letters more suffering. enhance the profits of the poultry and photos for the next issue is July The fat and protein content of industry. However, heavy use of 15, 2006, for consideration in the a bird depends in large part upon these drugs hurts people by next issue. Fax, mail, or e-mail its diet and activity level. (Heard encouraging the development of submissions to the Editor at the that one before?) Wild birds are antibiotic resistant strains of bac- office, or to generally much leaner, and there- teria. When people become sick [email protected]. fore, lower in fat and higher in they find that the powerful drugs The editor reserves the right to protein. Meat breeds are chickens developed for their quick they need have been rendered ineffective. reject or edit all submissions. growth—heavy with fat and muscle—they are mass produced specif- These antibiotics contaminate plants, and are therefore consumed Opinions expressed by contributors ically to be eaten. The fat and cholesterol in fowl permeate its flesh; by even the strictest of vegetarians. Manure is used worldwide to are not necessarily those of they cannot be cut away. grow crops—especially in organic and sustainable agriculture. The EarthSave International. Birds and bird parts with a lower fat content are by nature higher antibiotics, like tetracyclines, are incompletely absorbed by the ani- in protein. Excess protein is as damaging to health as is excess fat— mal’s gut and are then deposited with the animal’s feces onto the EarthSave educates, inspires and causing kidney stones, loss of kidney function, osteoporosis, and can- ground—to be absorbed and incorporated into the growing plants.7 empowers people to shift toward cers (lymphomas). You will hardly find a “micro-spec” of dietary These drugs present health risks for people who are allergic and a diet centered on fruits, vegeta- fiber or carbohydrate in a bird carcass. become another source for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. bles, grains and legumes -- food choices that are healthy for peo- ple and for the planet. Our influ- Bugs in Your Birds More Chemicals in Your Chickens ence and effectiveness is depen- Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi found in fowl cause illness Poultry is high on the food chain. Chemicals from the environ- dent upon our members, donors, and death in humans. The most common pathogens found in com- ment undergo bioconcentration when the chickens eat the grains—or and benefactors. mercially processed bird flesh are from their own bowel bacteria and worse yet when chickens are fed pellets containing remnants of dead ©2006 EarthSave International these organisms are Campylobacter, E. coli, and salmonella. During cows and/or fish meal. In these cases the biomagnification of dan- Image copyrights held by the the manufacturing processes used to bring chickens to market, “fecal artists. soup” is created as thousands of dirty chickens are bathed together. In CHICKEN/PAGE 11 4 June 2006 EarthSave News

Vegan-Organic Gardening by M. Joy Katz, Gentle World layer of hay mulch and put them to sleep for the winter) and other methods. In the autumn, we planted a nitrogen-fixing cover crop of lupines and broad beans (fava beans). By grow- At the weekly farmers’ market, I asked the many local organic growers if they used ing our food veganically, there is also a greater hope of eliminating transmittable diseases blood and bone to grow their produce. The common reply was “yes”. I didn’t know what to and bacteria. We find growing ‘veganic’ to be a healthier and more compassionate alterna- purchase: food grown with chemicals or blood and bone tive. (yuck!). I went on an organic inspection along with the Soil conditioners and fertilizers that we use include: lime, local certifier, which made buying organic food less desir- gypsum, rock phosphorus, dolomite, rock dusts, rock able because of my strong stance on veganism. I needed a potash, wood ash, hay mulches, composted organic matter solution to this problem. I never thought I would get my (fruit and vegetable rinds, leaves, and grass clippings), green hands in the dirt with the worms, but I decided to grow manures or nitrogen-fixing crops, liquid feeds such as com- vegan-organic food for Shangri-La, our New Paradigm frey or nettles, and seaweed (fresh, liquid or meal) for trace Center in New Zealand. elements. Seaweed is best used harvested fresh from the sea We started with two large plots for vegetables which as opposed to washed up and sitting on beaches. Marigolds were a success…more watermelons than we could eat, have a root system that improves the soil and repels insect delicious sweet corn, excellent potatoes, and tomatoes to pests, so we plant them around the garden. For now, these give away free to everyone I knew in town five times over! are the methods we are using. We have also been enlightened It was enough to inspire me to learn all I could. We added to the system of “no tilling” which is gentle on the earth and a third garden plot for next season. These three large gar - doesn’t kill worms. We are moving in this direction. den plots are surrounded by native bush. The pristine rivers Returning to Hawaii, I went to a natural food store and that come straight to us from the surrounding forest flow found tomatoes with a sticker saying “Vegan Tomatoes”; by the gardens as our irrigation source, if necessary, but it organically grown with Neem oil and vegan fertilizer. There usually rains enough to water the gardens naturally. Our must be others who feel similarly and are demanding the goal, among many others, is to grow all our own produce. growers to elevate the standards. I also received word that In addition, we planted 137 fruit trees: mandarins, oranges, avocados, pears, plums, apples, one of New Zealand’s organic certifiers has recently modified their standards by not allow- feijoas, blueberries, bananas, peaches, nectarines, cherimoyas, sapotes, macadamias and ing the use of blood and bone anymore. I believe this is because of United Kingdom’s prob- almonds. lems with Mad Cow and Hoof & Mouth Disease. Gentle World’s Center in Hawaii also has a vegan-organic garden, but it does not supply Veganic gardening in our magnificent setting in New Zealand has been fulfilling to my us with all our produce, yet. Here we use a raised bed system with minimal tilling. soul and beyond anything I ever conceived of before. The ‘veganic’ gardening system avoids chemicals, as well as livestock manures and ani- mal remains from slaughterhouses/processing plants. Fertility of the soil is maintained with M. Joy Katz is a founding member of Gentle World, and the co-author of “Incredibly vegetable compost, crop rotation, mulching, (we covered all 3 of our gardens with a thick Delicious; Recipes for a New Paradigm.” For more info, visit www.GentleWorld.org

MAD COW/FROM PAGE 1 Mumford, a veterinarian and BSE expert at Safe to 110 per day. By doing so, statistically it should take Food Solutions in Bern, Switzerland, a company between 3 and 9 years to detect the next U.S. mad cow, Since flesh from many different cows is mixed togeth- that provides advice on reducing mad cow risk to rather than the current rate of one infected cow each 4 to er when making hamburger meat, the number of possible industry and governments, told UPI. 12 months. consumers exposed to mad cow material is very difficult "Everybody would be happier and more confident Scaling back the testing for mad cow makes sense to estimate. and in a sense it might be able to go away a little bit from the beef industry/USDA perspective. It is a bit of a The North/South distribution of mad cows in the U.S. for (the USDA) if they would just publish a break- public relations problem for McDonald's and the cattle has been from Washington State to Texas, and East/West down on the tests," Mumford added. industry in general when the rate of mad cow discovery distribution is from Alabama to Washington state (basi- UPI requested detailed records about animals test- gets too frequent, as the public starts being reminded too cally the North/South and East/West borders of the U.S. ed under the USDA's surveillance plan via the frequently that the U.S. herd is infected with this fatal cattle industry). Freedom of Information Act in May 2004 but near- disease. The type of cows found to have mad cow in the ly two years later has not received any correspond- For the public to be reminded one to three times a USDA results to date were: 1 dairy cow, 2 beef cows. ing documents from the agency, despite a federal year that it may be eating beef which contains a brain- In a recent article for United Press International, sci- law requiring agencies to comply within 30 days. wasting disease similar to Alzheimer's (and often mistak- ence reporter Steve Mitchell writes: This leaves open the question of whether the USDA en for Alzheimer's) is problematic to the sale of beef and is withholding the information, does not have the beef products. Hence, the USDA won't continue current The U.S. Department of Agriculture was quick to information or is so haphazardly organized that it testing levels lest it cause more problems for the beef assure the public earlier this week that the third case cannot locate it. industry. of mad cow disease did not pose a risk to them, but Mumford expressed surprise at the lack of con- If the U.S. were using the same testing rates and meth- what federal officials have not acknowledged is that cern about the deadly disease from American con- ods as every other major democratic government in the this latest case indicates the deadly disease has been sumers. "I would expect the U.S. public to be more world, it would be interesting to see where the U.S. stacks circulating in U.S. herds for at least a decade. concerned," she said. up in terms of herd infection. But this is the last thing the The second case, which was detected last year in a Markus Moser, a molecular biologist and chief USDA wants the public thinking about. Texas cow and which USDA officials were reluctant executive officer of Prionics, a Swiss firm that man- In her book, Safe Food, Professor Marion Nestle, to verify, was approximately 12 years old. ufactures BSE test kits, told UPI one concern is that Chair of the Nutrition Department at New York These two cases (the latest was detected in an if people are infected, the mad cow pathogen could University, and author of the Surgeon General's Report Alabama cow) present a picture of the disease hav- become "humanized" or more easily transmitted on Nutrition under C. Everett Koop MD, writes: ing been here for 10 years or so, since it is thought from person to person. that cows usually contract the disease from contam- "Transmission would be much easier, through all To pick just one example: food companies donate inated feed they consume as calves. The concern is kinds of medical procedures" and even through the campaign funds where they are most likely to buy that humans can contract a fatal, incurable, brain- blood supply, Moser said. influence. According to the Center for Responsive wasting illness from consuming beef Politics, a nonpartisian group that tracks products contaminated with the mad cow campaign contributions on its Web site, pathogen. www.opensecrets.org, several food compa- "The fact the Texas cow showed up fair- nies and trade associations discussed in ly clearly implied the existence of other this book ranked among the top 20 undetected cases," Dr. Paul Brown, for- agribusiness donors in 2001, with contri- mer medical director of the National butions ranging from $100,000 to nearly Institutes of Health's Laboratory for $1 million. The skewed distribution of these Central Nervous System Studies and an donations to Republican rather than to expert on mad cow-like diseases, told Democratic members of Congress is espe- United Press International. "The question was, 'How Figure One cially noteworthy. For example, the giant cigarette many?' and we still can't answer that." company Philip Morris, which owns Kraft Foods, Brown, who is preparing a scientific paper based So is the actual number of mad cows in the U.S. food donated 89% of more than $900,000 to on the latest two mad cow cases to estimate the chain lower than the 777 which we might extrapolate Republicans. Other companies involved in food maximum number of infected cows that occurred in from information USDA has released to date? Or is it safety disputes of one kind or another also donated the United States, said he has "absolutely no confi- higher, or maybe much higher -- possibly explaining why heavily to Republicans: Archer Daniels Midland dence in USDA tests before one year ago" because USDA refuses to publicly divulge its testing results? (70%), the National Cattleman's Beef Association of the agency's reluctance to retest the Texas cow Based on USDA statistics which have been published, (82%), the Food Marketing Institute (90%), the that initially tested positive. Figure One shows how long it takes to discover mad cow National Food Processors Association (96%), and USDA officials finally retested the cow and con- in the U.S. herd, based on the testing rates employed by the United Dairy Farmers (100%). With the firmed it was infected seven months later, but only USDA. Again, these are extrapolating from actual USDA Republican administration of George W. Bush in at the insistence of the agency's inspector general. results, and do not include the various suspected mad power, these groups expect to receive especially "Everything they did on the Texas cow makes cow cases which USDA refused to test. favorable attention to their views on food safety everything USDA did before 2005 suspect," Brown What Figure One shows is that at the current U.S. issues, and they usually do. said. testing rate of 1.11% of cattle slaughtered, the U.S. can Other experts also question the adequacy of the statistically expect to find another mad cow every 4 to 12 It is a tribute to the current money-driven, lobbyist- USDA's surveillance system. The USDA insists the months, as we have since going on the "enhanced" test- tainted, corrupt, corporate-controlled U.S. government prevalence of mad cow disease is low, but the ing rate. If the USDA scales back the amount of cattle that the U.S. beef industry can currently dictate health agency has provided few details of its surveillance tested daily, it can expect to slow the rate of discovery of policy for U.S. citizens. Of course, the government can- program, making it difficult for outside experts to infected cattle since you have to test a certain number in not get away with duping the public in a democracy with- know if the agency's monitoring plan is sufficient. order to find the next one. out the complicity of a corporate-controlled media, "It's impossible to judge the adequacy of the sur- Coincidentally, the USDA has recently announced it which is why you won't see exposes like this one on CNN veillance system without having a breakdown of the will scale back the testing rate, from about 1,000 per day or in the New York Times. tested population by age and risk status," Elizabeth EarthSave News June 2006 5

MEAT INDUSTRY/FROM PAGE 1 spill killed vehemently to the university that Arnold abandoned his Post reported on North Carolina State University professor 10 million research. And the Kerr Center's Poole reports, "Oklahoma C.M. "Mike" Williams, who has spent five years research- fish and closed 364,000 acres of coastal shellfish beds. In State University won't do community impact research ing how to treat manure from the state's 10 million hogs. He 2004 the Iowa Department of Natural Resources recorded because of all the money they get from the pork industry." concluded, "I do not feel that system [of factory hog farms] ammonia levels near a hog factory that were six times the Barely 5 percent of U.S. farms now raise 54 percent of is long-term sustainable." recommended health standard. In California's San Joaquin the country's beef and dairy cattle. Corporations now pro- Dr. Charles Benbrook, a former executive director of the Valley, air pollution from factory dairy farms is a major rea- duce 98 percent of all poultry. Small to mid-size family live- Board of Agriculture for the National Academy of Science, son that the region's children have asthma rates three times stock farms are going the way of the dodo. While "local shares Williams' assessment. After years spent studying the the national average. In eastern New Mexico-the state's fac- food movements" and a resurgent interest in grass-fed and dairy industry, Benbrook says he is "perplexed" by the tory dairy farm belt-recent research discovered antibiotic- free-range animal production are gaining traction and growth of gargantuan dairy farms west of the Mississippi resistant bacteria in dairy yards. For these reasons, the deserve our full support, they will never be enough to stem where subsidized water supplies in an otherwise dry land- American Public Health Association has urged all levels of the "blood-dimmed tide" of the livestock industry. scape have made the expansion of dairy herds feasible-in government to impose a moratorium on new CAFOs until a Are the research reports, the scientific studies, and the the short term. In the long term, says Benbrook, further comprehensive environmental and health assessment can be occasional manure spill only isolated "factoids" in an other- expansion of factory dairy farms "doesn't make sense and is conducted. patently unsustainable because Herein lies the rub. The same government and pri- water will become too costly, and in vate industry partnership that brought CAFOs to not less than five years, but surely America's marginalized rural communities is highly no more than 20, the dairy waste invested in not just keeping them there, but in seeing stream will overwhelm the absorp- them metastasize. Through lax environmental regula- tive capacity of the local environ- tions or the under-funding of agencies charged with ment." regulating CAFOs, state governments have fostered In other words, our food system CAFO-friendly policies at the public's expense. To may be looking at a doomsday further protect their flank, factory farm interests have denouement before the middle of worked aggressively in state legislatures to restrict this century. It is becoming increas- the ability of local government to keep CAFOs out of ingly certain that the water will run their communities. And just to be sure, New Mexico's out, the land will no longer absorb dairy industry considers it an act of "civic duty" for the torrent of nutrient waste spread its farmer members to "serve" on local commissions upon it, and the over-bred, antibiotic and boards. and hormone-injected animals will The halls of academe have likewise been compro- eventually succumb to their natural mised by CAFO industry "donations" to universities. limitations. Poole puts it this way, Rather than use their scientific talents to assess the "The factory system of food pro- impact of CAFOs, research faculty are required to solve the wise benign landscape of inevitable agricultural moderniza- duction will simply implode." Until the citizens of the heart- industry's problems (e.g., disposing of Himalayan moun- tion? Or is the increasing flow of data and the growing num- land rise up in sufficient numbers to hold their government tains of manure). In 1998, New Mexico State University ber of incident reports the proverbial canary in a coal mine? and the corporations accountable, this is both the best and researcher Stephen Arnold found serious air and water qual- A recent World Watch Institute paper pronounced, "Factory worst we can hope for. ity problems near dairy operations in southern New Mexico. Farms are breaking the cycle between small farmers, their When the results were released through professional jour- animals and the environment, with collateral damage to Mark Winne is a freelance writer from Santa Fe, New nals and conferences, the dairy industry complained so human health and local communities." And the Washington Mexico.

Here come Big Brother and the Chicken Police by Rabbi Yonassan Gershom Although this is being touted by the USDA as a way to with the virus from ground-up animal parts -- something a According to an article by Dr. Mary Zanoni, PH.D., in track animals in case of an outbreak of a disease or pan- cow would never choose to eat in its natural diet. As Zanoni the Feb/Mar 2006 issue of "Backyard Poultry", Big Brother demic such as Asian bird flu, the reality is, that it will hit explains: is about to invade the backyards of every American who hardest on small organic and niche farmers, people who "The NAIS is touted by the USDA and agricorporations owns even one single animal that could conceivably be used want to raise their own eggs or meat, hobbyists who enjoy as a way to make our food supply 'secure' against diseases as food. Even if you are a vegan and never use any animal the animals as pets, and anyone who prefers free-run poul- or terrorism. However, most people instinctively understand products yourself, you should be concerned about this issue, try or eggs to those from factory farms. There are NO that real food security comes from raising food yourself or because, if passed, the new U.S. Department of Agriculture EXCEPTIONS to NAIS, not even for people like the buying it from a local farmer you actually know... (USDA) regulations could spell the end of the animal wel- Amish, who, for religious reasons, do not use electronic Ultimately, if NAIS goes into effect, more consumers will fare movement and the triumph of factory-farm agribusi- devices. In short, this could spell the end of the family farm have to buy food produced by the large-scale industrial ness. as we know it. Mary Zanoni writes in her article: methods which multiply the effects of any food safety and For several years now, the USDA has been asking the disease problems. (Ibid, p. 45) big producers in the meat, egg, and dairy industries to vol- "The NAIS will drive small producers out of the market, What can you do? Zanoni recommends that small-scale untarily register their herds and flocks under the proposed will make people abandon raising animals for their own farmers and backyard animal owners should NOT partici- "National Animal Identification System" (NAIS). The goal, food, will invade Americans' personal privacy, and will vio- pate in any so-called "voluntary" NAIS registration pro- if the USDA has its way, is to make this registration late the religious freedom of Americans whose beliefs make grams. I agree. Instead, we should get organized and create MANDATORY by January 1, 2008 -- and not just for com- it impossible for them to comply. The NAIS will also encour- an effective movement against this unholy marriage mercial producers. Even if you have only one chicken, age increased industrial-scale animal farming, and dis- between the USDA and the argricorps. Here are some turkey, goat, goose, duck, sheep, pig, cow, horse (yes, some courage the humane, small-scale production of animal activist suggestions: people do eat horse meat), ostrich, emu or whatever -- and foods." (Source: "The USDA's proposed 'National Animal even if they are beloved pets that you never plan to sell or Identification System': A plan for Government Monitoring 1. Educate yourself on this issue by going to the NAIS eat, you will still be required to: and your Flock," Backyard Poultry, Feb/Mar 2006, p. 44) site (http://www.usda.gov/nais). Then read up on the reali- ties of factory farms, disease control, family farm econom- 1. Register your farm or backyard flock with the And get this: The big companies, like National Pork ics, etc. USDA, including your name, address, telephone number, Producers and Cargill Meats, get special breaks and consid- 2. Work to make the public, and especially those in the and Global Positioning System coordinates for satellite- erations. Rather than mark each animal individually, they animal welfare movements, aware of this well-kept secret assisted location of your home and farm. You will then can register a whole flock of poultry under a single ID num- that Big Brother has not been telling us about. Write letters receive a 7-digit "premises ID number" to use in all reports ber as the birds move through the system from chick to mar- to the editors of your local papers, email your contacts, etc. to the USDA. (By doing this, you are essentially consenting ket. But backyard poultry owners, small-scale farmers, or 3. Talk to your local farmers, Humane societies, ani- to be spied upon.) even classroom incubator projects will have to individually mal activist groups, hobbyists, etc. and make them aware of 2. Register each animal individually and receive a sep- register EACH CHICK as it is hatched, as well as keep up this program and its negative implact on farms and farm arate 15-digit number for each animal. This will then be with all the paperwork that will entail. The extra costs of all animals. Hand out info at farmers' markets, coops, organic programmed into a microchip and implanted the animal at this red tape in time, labor, and equipment (including the food stores, etc. YOUR expense. microchips and the computer with internet access needed 4. Write to your Congresspersons and tell them you are 3. Report within 24 hours the birth, death, sale, or any for the "within 24 hours" reports) will NOT be funded by opposed to this plan. Suggest that money be spent instead to movement of each animal to or from your property (even to the government. Even the USDA admits this on their site. develop a bird flu vaccine, as has been done with other poul- take it to the county fair or the vet!) -- again at YOUR For small-scale family farms already on the edge economi- try diseases in the past. expense. cally, this additional bureaucratic burden will be the death 5. As an act of civil disobedience on behalf of the ani- knell. mals, REFUSE to cooperate with this program, on the If this sounds like some kind of weird conspiracy theo- So I ask myself: Are the USDA and the meat industry grounds that it violates your beliefs about kindness to ani- ry to you, check it out for yourself at the official NAIS web- using the "mad cow" and "bird flu" scares to get this plan mals by forcing them to be raised under factory farm con- site (http://www.usda.gov/nais). There you will find an implimented without public protest? Quite possibly. It is no ditions. overview of the plan and the stages for implimenting it, plus accident that recent news stories about bird flu show free- 6. Organize public protests whenever a USDA repre- updates and statistics on your own state, including how run birds being hauled off by workers in anti-contamination sentative comes to your area to speak on behalf of the pro- many animal owners have voluntarily complied with the suits, while, at the same time, touting the "safety" of poul- gram. Challenge him/her with your questions during the request to register their premises. (The microchips will try raised under roofs or in cages in the commercial [read discussion period. You won't convince the speaker, but the come later.) The USDA, in turn, is using this "voluntary "factory farm"] industry. Even though Asian bird flu is dif- audience is listening. compliance" data as "proof" that people don't object to this ficult to catch unless you are actually slaughtering birds, 7. Join "Farm for Life," an organization formed to program -- even though most people with backyard flocks people are now panicking over it. To the general public, the combat NAIS and promote healthier, more sustainable agri- don't even know about it. At least one state, Wisconsin, has NAIS plan probably sounds like a nice, modern, efficient culture. For more info on "Farm for Life," contact Mary already made registration mandatory, with over 100,000 way to protect the food supply. But people in the organic, Zanoni at [email protected], or call 1-315-265-2800. homes and farms registered. Other states are soon to follow, vegetarian, and animal welfare movements know that meat And remember -- the NAIS is not yet law -- but it soon unless people wake up to what is happening and understand produced in factory farms and feedlots is MORE likely to will be, unless people speak out and prevent it. The time to the REAL implications of this for the humane and organic pose a threat to public health. "Mad cow" disease, for exam- act is now!!! movements. ple, is not caused by free-run cattle grazing in a field. It is caused by feeding cows commercial feeds contaminated Rabbi Gershom 6 June 2006 EarthSave News Biofuel, climate and energy security, and over-population by Dr. Glen Barry ever be grown to meet a significant portion of current, much less anticipat- ed, world energy needs without causing great environmental harm. Interest is rising regarding climate change and energy security, but the Resource intensive agricultural biofuel monocrops will unalterably and true extent and nature of the Earth's environmental problems are not being perhaps fatally continue the undermining of the biological foundation of life, recognized. Proposed solutions are often inadequate, such as the idea that intensifying existing loss of biodiversity and ecosystems. The Earth's hybrid cars can appreciably make the world's car culture sustainable. In the remaining natural and ancient forests will become further endangered as case of recently much hyped biofuels, the impacts upon the environment pressures increase to expand agricultural lands and provide more forest bio- caused by further industrial resource intensive agriculture makes the solu- mass - the last thing the world's dwindling forests need. tion equally bad if not worse than the problem. A large scale embrace of Locally produced biofuels that are certified to have minimized ecological industrial biofuel will further harm prospects for global ecological sus- impacts may be an important part a comprehensive program to move local tainability. economies towards relocalized sustainability. But on the international agro- Exponential growth in population, energy use and consumption are no industrial scale which they are being proposed they are certain to further longer a possibility as humanity is running head on into bio-chemical and greatly degrade land and water ecosystems while prolonging the era of ecological limits. The Earth is in ecological overshoot, largely as a result binge like non-sustainable energy consumption and population growth. of deadly and unsustainable industrial agriculture that mines soil nutrients There are a raft of other social and economic issues that have been given and water, allowing populations to burgeon to beyond what is sustainable cursory attention at best in the rush to continue an energy profligate and in the mid to long term. deeply unsustainable way of life. Wait until the first time a region has a The Earth and human society are undergoing broad-based ecological widespread drought and society must choose between fuel and food. collapse that far surpasses and is more complex than merely too much What of further concentration of agriculture into mammoth conglomer- greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Climate change is but one indicator of ates at the expense of family farms and local communities? How long too many humans overwhelming the planet's ecosystems. If not climate until genetically modified crops that maximize fuel yield cause genet- change, it would be desertification or water scarcity or ocean ecosystem ic pollution and further ecosystem erosion? collapse or soil erosion/loss of fertility which would herald the deadly I do mean to be alarmist. Here are some more energy realities that implications of humanity's population having exceeded the Earth's carry- go beyond kowtowing to the whining, wasteful energy super-con- ing capacity. sumers. Gas prices are not nearly high enough by an order of magni- Biofuels are an example of doing what is easy and requires the least tude to reflect the cost of fossil fuels to the Earth and society. Climate societal change - continuing to burn hydrocarbons to power inefficient change is destroying the Planet, and along with deforestation, water and inequitable use of energy - rather than what is required. scarcity and collapsing oceans will make the Earth uninhabitable. Continuation of advanced human societies in terms of reasonable com- Population levels and their cumulative ecological impacts are so high fort, leisure and intellectual endeavors requires stabilization and then that they will either be brought down through wise policy or wide- reduction in human population. There must also be a complete trans- spread famine as ecosystems collapse. formation of how humans live and consume, with massive reductions What hope remains lies in enlightened and urgent ecological sci- in human per capita consumption of energy. ence based policy-making. Essentially humanity and individuals In the race to embrace biofuels I have seen little discussion of must decide whether their and their children's continued existence the apocalyptic harm agriculture has caused to the environment is more important than their SUV and McMansion. We shall all historically, nor the significant pressures modern agriculture con- learn to live more simply or we will all die unpleasantly and tinues to place upon natural life-giving ecosystems. Most ter- nearly at once. restrial ecosystem destruction throughout history has resulted The unquestioning embrace of biofuel is another exam- from agricultural conversion for farmland. Industrial agricul- ple of a solution that exacerbates the problem. While a ture causes water scarcity due to excessive irrigation, a toxic carefully controlled biofuel industry may have a role cocktail of agricultural chemicals which pervades food chains, to play in meeting local energy needs and averting and widespread soil erosion, infertility and even desertifica- climate catastrophe, a much greater role will be tion. played by energy efficiency, renewable energy, To feed the human enterprise we are already using some implementing population controls and learning 40% of the sun's energy captured by plants and over 40% of the to live a simpler, much less energy intensive Earth's surface is already comprised of agricultural lands. way of life. There is no such thing as sustain- Around the world the last life giving large natural ecosystems able development at this level of population are being razed - in such places as the Amazon and Asian and consumption and an ill-conceived bio- rainforests - to feed an exponentially growing population of fuel industry will make things worse. six billion (which was one billion 150 years ago and is expected to reach at least nine billion mid-century). Dr. Glen Barry is the President and Founder Greater agricultural efficiency has always led to more of Ecological Internet (EI). He is a conser- people and less nature. vation biologist and ecologist, a writer of Even supposing biofuels yield an appreciable essays and blogs, and a computer specialist surplus of energy after subtracting the energy and technology researcher. http://www.eco- necessary for their production (which is far from logicalinternet.org/ certain), there is no way enough biomass could Study: Vegan diets healthier for planet, people than meat diets The food that people eat is just as American diet, the better you are for the phere." predatory species required energy-inten- important as what kind of cars they drive planet. It doesn't have to be all the way to While methane and nitrous oxide are sive long-distance voyages. when it comes to creating the greenhouse- the extreme end of vegan. If you simply relatively rare compared with carbon diox- Martin and Eshel's research indicated gas emissions that many scientists have cut down from two burgers a week to one, ide, they are--molecule for molecule--far that plant-based diets are healthier for peo- linked to global warming, according to a you've already made a substantial differ- more powerful greenhouse gases than car- ple as well as for the planet. report accepted for publication in the jour- ence." bon dioxide. A single pound of methane, "The adverse effects of dietary animal nal Earth Interactions. The average American drives 8,322 for example, has the same greenhouse fat intake on cardiovascular diseases is by Both the burning of fossil fuels during miles by car annually, emitting 1.9 to 4.7 effect as approximately 50 pounds of car- now well established. Similar effects are food production and non-carbon dioxide tons of carbon dioxide, depending on the bon dioxide. also seen when meat, rather than fat, emissions associated with livestock and vehicle model and fuel efficiency. In their study, Eshel and Martin com- intake is considered," Martin and Eshel animal waste contribute to the problem, Meanwhile, Americans also consume an pared the energy consumption and green- wrote. "To our knowledge, there is cur- the University of Chicago's Gidon Eshel average of 3,774 calories of food each day. house-gas emissions that underlie five rently no credible evidence that plant- and Pamela Martin wrote in the report. In 2002, energy used for food produc- diets: average American, red meat, fish, based diets actually undermine health; the The average American diet requires the tion accounted for 17 percent of all fossil poultry and vegetarian (including eggs and balance of available evidence suggests that production of an extra ton and a half of fuel use in the United States. And the dairy), all equaling 3,774 calories per day. plant-based diets are at the very least just carbon dioxide-equivalent, in the form of burning of these fossil fuels emitted three- The vegetarian diet turned out to be the as safe as mixed ones, and most likely actual carbon dioxide as well as methane quarters of a ton of carbon dioxide per per- most energy-efficient, followed by poultry safer." and other greenhouse gases compared to a son. That alone amounts to approximately and the average American diet. Fish and In their next phase of research, Eshel strictly vegetarian diet, according to Eshel one-third the average greenhouse-gas red meat virtually tied as the least effi- and Martin will examine the energy and Martin. Cutting down on just a few emissions of personal transportation. But cient. expenditures associated with small organ- eggs or hamburgers each week is an easy livestock production and associated ani- The impact of producing fish came as ic farms, to see if they offer a healthier way to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, mal waste also emit greenhouse gases not the study's biggest surprise to Martin, an planetary alternative to large agribusiness they said. "We neither make a value judg- associated with fossil-fuel combustion, Assistant Professor in Geophysical companies. Such farms typically provide ment nor do we make a categorical state- primarily methane and nitrous oxide. Sciences. "Fish can be from one extreme the vegetables sufficient to support 200 to ment," said Eshel, an Assistant Professor "An example would be manure to the other," Martin said. Sardines and 300 families on plots of five to 10 acres. in Geophysical Sciences. lagoons that are associated with large- anchovies flourish near coastal areas and "We're starting to investigate whether "We say that however close you can be scale pork production," Eshel said. "Those can be harvested with minimal energy you can downscale food production and be to a vegan diet and further from the mean emit a lot of nitrous oxide into the atmos- expenditure. But swordfish and other large efficient that way," Martin said. EarthSave News June 2006 7 Manic for organic Obesity Finds Niche in SCORE ONE FOR THE nutrients from the sun or soil. So CRUNCHIES. Yes, proponents those tangerine-sized strawber- of organic farming have been ries may be as devoid of nutrition American Marketing maintaining for years that con- as they are of taste. From the cradle to the grave and most points Such pronouncements help fuel criticism that ventionally grown produce is These findings have disturb- neither as tasty nor as nutritious ing implications for the "green between, obesity has found its niche in American catering to bigger people really means throwing as organic fruits and vegetables. revolution" in the developing marketing. Make that a wide berth. wide the door to death by overeating. But is it But many of us have been skep- world, where most agricultural Baby seats, doorways and caskets are but a few overeating that’s the problem? Consider this: it’s tics, perhaps to justify our reluc- aid is aimed at boosting crop examples from a long list of life's accouterments nearly impossible to overeat -- or gain weight -- tance to pay up to twice as much yields by using fertilizer, irriga- that are getting much bigger to accommodate when eating a strictly plant-based diet. for food labeled "organic" and tion and genetically improved much bigger people. There are also vacation sold at smug yuppie temples to crop strains (engineered either resorts for those embarrassed to be seen in a Go Veggie to Lose Weight the "natural" lifestyle. Now through conventional breeding or bathing suit. A scientific review comes a scientific study that genetic modification). Are we At Freedom Paradise in April's Nutrition shows that the nutrient content of sacrificing quality for quantity? on Mexico's Yucatan Reviews shows that a conventionally grown fruits and According to Davis, we don't peninsula, the chairs are vegetarian diet is highly vegetables has dropped markedly know. But we should find out. wider and without arms, effective for weight since the 1950s. In the United States, these to prevent getting stuck; loss. Vegetarian popula- The study comes from the findings no doubt will speed the the beds are king-sized tions tend to be slimmer and reinforced, to pre- than meat-eaters, and vent collapsing; and the they experience lower beach is private and rates of heart disease, secluded, to prevent diabetes, high blood gawking and staring. pressure, and other life- "You should not be threatening conditions embarrassed by how big linked to overweight you are," said William and obesity. The new Fabrey, whose online review, compiling data business "Amplestuff" from 87 previous stud- offers larger versions of ies, shows the weight- everyday things from loss effect does not umbrellas to footstools. depend on exercise or "You can't just yell at calorie-counting, and it someone and tell them occurs at a rate of to lose weight. You're approximately 1 pound already dealing with per week. people who think they Rates of obesity in have no worth. Keith Davis of Goliath Casket poses with the general population the companies largest stock size of casket, "They still have to sit 52 inches wide, at the company's shop in are skyrocketing, while down on a chair that Lynn, Ind. Caskets are normally about 27 in vegetarians, obesity doesn't collapse," he inches wide. The company has produced prevalence ranges from said. caskets up to 7 feet square. 0 percent to 6 percent, Like others in this note study authors small but growing group Susan E. Berkow, University of Texas, where bio- expansion of the organic-pro- of businesses, Fabrey started his company after Ph.D., C.N.S., and Neal D. Barnard, M.D., of the chemist Donald R. Davis decid- duce aisle. For example, a group discussions with an overweight friend. "She was a Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine ed to try to quantify anecdotal at Tufts University found higher big woman, and she said, 'There's got to be an eas- (PCRM). reports of a trade-off between concentrations of antioxidants - ier way to get through the day.' " The authors found that the body weight of both crop yields and concentrations of believed to be cancer-fighting male and female vegetarians is, on average, 3 per- nutrients. He compared historic compounds - in organic tomatoes Sponges on a stick cent to 20 percent lower than that of meat-eaters. and current U.S. Department of than in conventionally grown To make living large a little easier, Fabrey sells Vegetarian and vegan diets have also been put to Agriculture data on 43 garden ones. And a Swedish study found lotion applicators and sponges attached to handles the test in clinical studies, as the review notes. The crops (vegetables, strawberries that the strawberries grown by — enabling the user to reach all parts of the body; best of these clinical studies isolated the effects of and melons) and found that the organic methods inhibited the handbooks on hygiene with tips on dealing with diet by keeping exercise constant. The researchers modern produce had lost protein growth of breast and colon can- odor problems, chafing and irritations caused by found that a low-fat vegan diet leads to weight loss (down an average of 6%), calci- cer cells more than did conven- skin folds. His business also provides links to of about 1 pound per week, even without addi- um (down 16%), vitamin C tional strawberries. It has long (down 20%), riboflavin (down been known that a diet richer in 38%) and phosphorus (down fruits and vegetables is correlat- 9%.) ed with lower rates of many dis- The obesity price tag to taxpayers, What does this mean? eases, from cancer to cataracts. According to the study, it may Of course, all this science is according to the CDC, is a whopping mean that methods that boost merely reinforcing what mothers crop yields, such as chemical fer- have been saying for centuries: $117 billion a year. The amount tilization, irrigation and genetic Eat your veggies - they're good breeding, decrease the amount of for you. And, today's scientists Americans spend trying to get thinner — some nutrients in the crop. The may add, if you persist in eating theory is that when plants are conventional vegetables instead $33 billion a year. made to grow bigger and faster, of organic, you may want to eat they are not able to draw as many even more of them. physicians and medical services. tional exercise or limits on portion sizes, calories, "We don't take any position on whether some- or carbohydrates. one should lose weight," Fabrey said. "That's up to "Our research reveals that people can enjoy the person." unlimited portions of high-fiber foods such as Seemingly every day, another study appears fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to achieve or that shows the United States is becoming a coun- maintain a healthy body weight without feeling try of fat people. According to the Centers for hungry," says Dr. Berkow, the lead author. Disease Control and Prevention, more than 71 "There is evidence that a vegan diet causes an percent of men weigh too much, along with about increased calorie burn after meals, meaning plant- 61 percent of women and 33 percent of children. based foods are being used more efficiently as As Americans grow in weight, their life fuel for the body, as opposed to being stored as expectancy becomes shorter — by as much as five fat," says Dr. Barnard. Insulin sensitivity is years, according to the latest national statistics — increased by a vegan diet, allowing nutrients to more than the impacts of heart disease and cancer. more rapidly enter the cells of the body to be con- Obesity is fast approaching tobacco as the No. 1 verted to heat rather than to fat. cause of preventable death. Earlier this month, a team of researchers led by The price tag to taxpayers, according to the Tim Key of Oxford University found that meat- CDC, is a whopping $117 billion a year. The eaters who switched to a plant-based diet gained amount Americans spend trying to get thinner — less weight over a period of five years. Papers $33 billion a year. reviewed by Drs. Berkow and Barnard include U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona several published by Dr. Key and his colleagues, sounded a dire warning last month, telling univer- as well as a recent study of more than 55,000 sity students in South Carolina "obesity is the ter- Swedish women showing that meat-eaters are ror within," and that unless people start getting more likely to be overweight than vegetarians and “I’ll take mine without pesticides, please!” thinner, "the magnitude of the dilemma will dwarf vegans. 9-11 or any other terrorist attempt." 8 June 2006 News EarthSave News House votes to dump Study casts doubt on state food safety laws Glycemic Index On March 8, 2006, the House out of many breads, doughnuts approved a bill night that would and other bakery goods. Diets that distinguish between "good carbs" and dent of the South Carolina Dietetic Association, wipe out state laws on safety "We've had a lot of success in "bad carbs," are not an effective way of controlling said that while there is debate among dietitians labeling of food, overriding tough getting them to reformulate," said blood sugar levels, a new study suggests. about its validity, it would be a mistake to reject the rules passed by California voters California Attorney General Bill Although made popular by the South Beach concept altogether. Kunkel was not involved in the two decades ago that require food Lockyer. Diet and others, the glycemic index has never been University of South Carolina study. producers to warn consumers Opponents of the bill com- fully embraced by most dietitians and remains a "To just reject it out of hand and quit working about cancer-causing ingredients. plained that it was rushed to the point of debate among scientists. on it would be a mistake," Kunkel said. "I just think The vote was a victory for the House floor without a public Now, diabetes researcher Elizabeth Mayer- we're five to 10 years away from really understand- food industry, which has lobbied hearing, where state regulators Davis of the University of South Carolina says the ing it from a research viewpoint." for years for national standards and food safety advocates could use of the index should be ended altogether in favor Previous studies have shown conflicting results. for food labeling and contributed have testified against it. of more traditional methods of losing weight and One small study showed that people on a low- millions of dollars to lawmakers' "That is the job of Congress, reducing the risk of diabetes -- eating less and exer- glycemic diet were less hungry later in the day than campaigns. But consumer groups to hold hearings, to introduce cising more. a group fed a high-glycemic diet. Another study, and state regulators warned that facts, to listen to debate," said "The glycemic index is sufficiently flawed as an involving 39 overweight people, showed that those the bill would undo more than 200 Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn., who index that it is not helpful for scientists or people on a low-glycemic diet lowered their risk of heart state laws, including California's co-sponsored the bill but opposed trying to create a healthy diet," Mayer-Davis said. disease. Both studies were conducted by Dr. David landmark Proposition 65, that it on the floor, saying it needed a The glycemic index is a 100-point scale, with Ludwig of Boston's Children's Hospital. protect public health. thorough public debate. "I am white bread at 100 points, that measures how However, American Heart Association officials "The purpose of this legisla- wondering right now what the quickly carbohydrates enter the bloodstream as have disputed the significance of those findings. tion is to keep the public from food industry is afraid of. Why sugar. The new study, published in the February issue knowing about the harm they may are they trying to ram this piece of According to index supporters, people should of the British Journal of Nutrition, relied on food be exposed to in food," said Rep. legislation through the House?" avoid high-glycemic foods such as white bread and questionnaires from more than 1,000 people over Henry Waxman, D-Los Angeles, Critics of the measure also potatoes because they will quickly raise a person's five years and assessed their consumption of high- a chief critic of the measure. have been frustrated that blood-sugar level. Meanwhile, low-glycemic foods and low-glycemic foods. Researchers tested their Several critics argued that the California Republican Gov. such as carrots and apples are absorbed more slow- blood sugar levels twice during the study period bill was rushed through the House Arnold Schwarzenegger has not ly, making a person feel full longer and reducing and found no significant correlation between the without complete hearings as a taken a position on the bill despite cravings, which helps with weight loss. glycemic index of foods and the blood-sugar levels favor to a specific industry -- at being urged to do so by Waxman Promoters of the diet also say that eating low- of participants. the same time that members are and Rep. Mary Bono, R-Palm glycemic foods will result in less fluctuation in Mayer-Davis said that researchers should devel- talking about the evils of lobbying Springs, early last month. their blood sugar levels. op a new measure of how different carbohydrates and proposing stricter ethical The vote was a sign of the Both the Atkins and South Beach diets have can affect health. She said a better index would be rules. tremendous power of the food raised interest in the theory, and an entire series, based on the physical characteristics of foods, such Under the bill, any state that industry in Congress. wanted to keep its own tougher Corporations and trade groups "The Glucose Revolution," guides consumers as fat content and calories, because numerous fac- standards for food labeling would that joined the National through a diet based on it. tors influence a food's effect on blood-sugar levels. have to ask for approval from the Uniformity for Food Coalition, Beth Kunkel, a professor of food science and Food and Drug Administration, which backed the bill, have con- human nutrition at Clemson University and presi- which has been criticized by food tributed more than $3 million to safety groups as slow to issue members in the 2005-06 election consumer warnings. cycle and $31 million since 1998, The measure was approved mostly to Republican candidates, after a debate in which House according to data from the Center A link in the food chain Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi for Responsive Politics. of San Francisco accused the The industry also has many Avoicing the use of antibiotics in food animals these were resistant to the drug ciprofloxacin, a Republican majority of "shred- top lobbyists pushing the bill, appears to reduce drug resistance in humans, type of fluoroquinolone. Countries that allow fluo- ding the food safety net that we including White House Chief of according to a study published online late April in roquinolone use in poultry have resistance rates in have built in this country." Staff Andrew Card's brother, Brad the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. humans as high as 29%. A group of 39 state attorneys Card, who represents the Food The study involved the use of antibiotics called After years of debate, the Food and Drug general, including many Products Association. fluoroquinolones in Australian poultry. Australia Administration last year banned use of one fluoro- Republicans, has warned of the A leading fundraiser for the restricts use of the antibiotics in animal husbandry quinolone drug in poultry to try to reduce drug consequences of the measure. bill's chief sponsor, Rep. Mike because the practice is thought to contribute to resistance in the United States. State food and drug regulators Rogers, R-Mich., has also been drug resistance in people who contract bacterial "This is a very important study," says Dr. and agricultural officials also are lobbying on the bill. Matt Keelen, infections from eating contaminated food. One Edward Septimus, an infectious diseases specialist urging the Senate to reject the bill. a Republican consultant whose such infection, Campylobacter, is a leading cause in Billings, Mont. "We've been saying that we have A major target of the legisla- fundraising firm raised more than of food-borne illness in industrialized countries. to reduce antibiotic overuse in humans. We also tion is Prop. 65, which was $315,000 in political action com- The study, by researchers at the Australian have to remove it from animals." approved by two-thirds of mittee donations for Rogers in National University, examined 585 Australians California voters in 1986 and 2001, is now a lobbyist for the who had Campylobacter infections. Only 2% of requires labeling of substances Grocery Manufacturers of that may cause cancer or birth America, which has led the defects. The law has inspired charge for the measure. other states to follow suit with "The food industry wants to their own rules on food labeling take the states out of the picture that are more stringent than feder- because they can't control them," Vegan diet lowers odds of having twins al standards. said Andy Igrejas of the National Critics say the laws have Environmental Trust, which Women who eat a vegan diet - the sensitivity of the ovaries to statement. added costs for food manufactur- opposes the bill. "This is how they - a strict vegetarian diet that follicle stimulating hormone, thus There could be a genetic link ers and distributors, who must do it. They make campaign contri- excludes all animal products increasing ovulation. to IGF's influence, also, Steinman comply with different rules in dif- butions, and they hire people including milk -- are one-fifth as Some studies also suggest that said. ferent states. The industry's back- close to members of Congress." likely as other women to have IGF may help embryos survive in In cattle, regions of the genet- ers claim the different warning The House defeated an twins, a U.S. researcher reported the early stages of development. ic code that control the rate of labels confuse consumers. amendment by Rep. Lois Capps, on Saturday. Vegan women have about a 13 twinning have been found close to "There is no reason nor is D-Santa Barbara, that would have The reason may be hormones percent lower level of IGF in the the IGF gene. there any excuse to allow regula- let states keep laws that warn con- given to cattle to boost their milk blood than women who consume And black women in the U.S. tory inconsistency to drive up sumers about exposure to sub- and meat production, said Dr. dairy. have, on average, the highest rates costs and keep some consumers in stances that could cause cancer, Gary Steinman, an obstetrician The number of multiple births, of twin births -- and they also tend the dark on matters that may birth defects, reproductive health specializing in multiple-birth including twins, has increased to have normally higher levels of affect their health," said Rep. Phil problems or allergic reactions pregnancies at Long Island Jewish significantly in the United States IGF in their blood, Steinman said. Gingrey, R-Ga. associated with sulfites. Medical Center in New Hyde since 1975, about the time assist- Asian women have the lowest But California officials said The House also rejected a pro- Park, New York. ed reproductive technologies were IGF levels and the lowest rate of the new legislation would reverse posal to allow states to label meat Writing in the Journal of introduced. twin births and Caucasian women the gains made through Prop. 65. that has been treated with carbon Reproductive Medicine, Steinman And women are waiting until fall in-between, he said. Many companies, fearing the monoxide. The gas is used to keep said he compared twin births rates they are older to have children, "Because multiple gestations warning labels, have changed meat looking a healthy red or pink among women who ate a regular which can increase the rate of are more prone to complications their food to meet the state's for longer, but consumer groups diet, vegetarians who included twin boths. such as premature delivery, con- tougher standards. Bottled water say it allows stores to sell poten- dairy products, and vegan women. But Steinman thinks some- genital defects and pregnancy- companies have cut arsenic levels, tially dangerous meat that has The vegans had twins at one- thing else may be contributing to induced hypertension in the moth- and bakers have taken potassium already spoiled. fifth the rate of the milk-drinking the increase in the rate of twin er than singleton pregnancies, the bromate, a potential carcinogen, women. Insulin-like growth factor births. findings of this study suggest that may be responsible, Steinman "The continuing increase in women contemplating pregnancy said. the twinning rate into the 1990s, might consider substituting meat All animals, including people, however, may also be a conse- and dairy products with other pro- produce a compound called quence of the introduction of tein sources, especially in coun- insulin-like growth factor or IGF growth-hormone treatment of tries that allow growth hormone in response to growth hormone. It cows to enhance their milk and administration to cattle," said Q is found in milk and it increases beef production," he said in a Steinman. EarthSave News Reviews June 2006 9

Vegan With a Vengeance: Over 150 Delicious, Hold Your Water! 68 Cheap, Animal-Free Recipes That Rock 9 Things You Need to Reviewed by Dan Balogh The potatoes are chopped and boiled, the asparagus (cut into ½” pieces) added during the last few min- Know to Keep Our I find it very heartening that today I can go to utes. Next, onion and garlic are sautéed in olive oil Amazon.com, do a book search on the words and spices and then stock is added, followed by the By Wyland with Steve Creech “vegan” and “cookbook”, and get well over a hun- drained potatoes and asparagus. Partial blending Planet Blue dred titles, the vast majority of which were released preserves some chunkiness in a tasty, creamy soup. within the last few years. I remember doing this as The Carrot Bisque, made with three pounds of car- Reviewed by Caryn Hartglass discarded, resulting in lost or recently as five years ago and getting only a dozen rots, curry powder and coconut milk is also delec- endangered fish species and a or so. This bodes well for veganism which is appar- table, and quite easy to prepare — boiling followed Hold Your Water! is a brand negative impact on biodiversity ently alive and well. Otherwise why would publish- by blending. For something chunkier, the Chipotle, new book offering tips on how to in coastal ecosystem. ers take the risk? Corn, and Black Bean Stew is quite good and can save one of our most precious Hold Your Water! gives you What I also find heartening is that a good per- be easily varied with different combinations of resources - water. Wyland, the easy tips for the kitchen, the centage of the most recent releas- beans and veggies. world's premier marine life artist bathroom, the laundry room, the es are from folks who don’t fit One of my two favorites in the and Steve Creech, coauthor of yard and the outdoors. There's a into the safe, bland profile of a book is the Stewed Tofu and Chicken Soup For the Ocean check list to follow which cookbook author. Since vegan Potatoes in Miso Gravy. The tofu Lover's Soul (a includes cutting cookbooks are no longer anom- is simmered with (among other book I really the meat you eat alies, the more interesting ones ingredients) shallots, cremini enjoyed read- in half. They seem to be those that distinguish mushrooms, potatoes, garlic, ing) have put report that in themselves in some manner from miso and white wine. The result is together 68 top- 2000 the average the rest of the pack. Just last one of the best tofu dishes I’ve ics related to American ate month I reviewed “La Dolce prepared; the tofu is firm and fla- water and con- 200 lbs of beef, Vegan”, the latest book by the vorful and deliciously drowned in servation for 57 lbs more than lavishly tattooed spunky British tasty gravy. Lovers of tofu will be you to ponder in the 1950s. Columbian vegan warrior Sarah pleased to learn that several and do some- And they note Kramer. The book is a delight. entrees have the word tofu in their thing about. that it takes 2500 Before I finished reviewing that title. Likewise, there are several They have use a gallons to pro- book the next one arrived in the entrees with the word seitan in light, whimsical duce a pound of mail for my consideration. Life is their title, and my second favorite approach to dis- beef which tough sometimes. recipe in the book is Jerk Seitan. cuss a very seri- results in half a “Vegan With a Vengeance” is Here two cups of seitan strips are ous subject. million gallons the first cookbook by offbeat Brooklyn punk Isa marinated in a concoction of pureed onion, garlic, Some of the of water per year Chandra Moskowitz, seen on the cover dressed in ginger, lime juice, maple syrup, olive oil and a host tips you've for your average black (and adorned with at least one tattoo) offer- of spices including cayenne and cinnamon. The sei- heard before beefeater. That's ing the reader a sumptuous platter of grilled tofu, tan is then sauteed with onions and green peppers. like using a a lot of water! greens, and other sides that my mouth seems to rec- It goes great with rice. For a taste of India, I tried low-flow showhead and choos- EarthSave is highlighted in ognize (since I’m drooling) even before my brain the Chickpea and Spinach Curry (which also goes ing products with less packag- Chapter 66, Making a Stink does. Isa is also the co-host of the vegan cooking well with rice) and loved it. ing. But they are all important About Methane for our report on show “The Post Punk Kitchen” which is viewable For pasta the Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes and if everyone would follow global warming which points out for free on the web. I stumbled on one episode and Kalamata Tapenade is a bit watery for my them it would make a huge dif- that animal agriculture is the which began with Isa contemplatively strumming tastes, and next time I may leave out the sliced ference. It takes many "seeming- most significant source of cli- an electric guitar ... while wearing oven mitts. Just onions which seem stringy and out of place. But ly insignificant" drops to fill a mate change: http://www.earth- moments later, against the program titles, I recog- the Fettucine Alfreda, with pine nuts and a cup of bucket of water. Every drop save.org/globalwarming.htm and nized a tune from the legendary San Pedro punk nutritional yeast, is excellent. counts! we are listed as one of fifty envi- band The Minutemen. Being a longtime fan of If you have room for dessert (who doesn’t), the Then there are things we ronmetal organizations worth punk rock, I was instantly hooked. Chocolate Chip Cookies are delectable. However, don't hear much, if anything, supporting. We are grateful to But the proof is in the pudding, as they say, so as Isa herself warns, they are far from healthy. about. Do you know where the authors for the recognition. off to the kitchen I went. Fast forward nearly twen- They’re basically flour, sugar and fat (and entire aquarium fish come from? Hold Each chapter consists of two ty dishes later and it’s apparent that this cookbook cup of vegan margarine) – all for about three dozen Your Water! tells us they may pages but each subject could eas- is another winner. cookies. There’s no denying they’re fabulous, but have been drugged with cyanide ily be a book on its own. A brief, The Tofu Dill Salad Sammiches are amazingly I’m too scared to compute the calories per cookie. squirted in the water, temporarily easy to understand explanation easy to make. Crumble some tofu and then add the The Raspberry-Chocolate Chip Blondie Bars are knocked out with dynamite of each subject is given with a rest of the ingredients (minced red onion, fresh dill, also quite tasty but a bit heavy – a tiny cube goes a blasts or collected illegally where couple of facts on why we want mustard, vinegar, etc.). After chilling for 15 min- long way. I also liked the Mocha Chip Muffins fish are endangered. And the to be mindful about them. This utes, spread it on toast. These are coming along on made with, among other ingredients, instant coffee Great Lakes Basin, which holds book would be great to use with my next hike. The Chickpea-Hijiki Salad powder! one fifth of the world's fresh junior high school or high school Sammiches are nearly as good, and almost as easy The book is also peppered with ancillary topics water supply is drying up with students, to provide ideas for to prepare. Mash some chickpeas (there is some- from the many different ways to slice tofu to the declining water levels for 4 years research reports as well projects thing incredibly satisfying about mashing legumes staples of a Post Punk Pantry. And it even includes in a row, causing losses for ship- they can bring home to do with in recipes) and then, once again, add everything color photos of about a dozen of the recipes. How ping companies, marinas and the family or with their commu- else. The Veggie Burgers, on the other hand, require cool is that? So head on over to Amazon and pick other businesses. nity. more time and ingredients and aren’t as good as the yourself up a copy. Before you checkout, though, Hold Your Water! makes the The authors report that in sammiches. A few other lighter dishes I tried were make sure you throw some Ramones or Minutemen reader aware of all those little Stigomta, Sweden they have an the The Olive, Tomato, and Millet-Stuffed into your shopping basket. Cooking is always more things in our lives that add up annual "Pee Outside Day" where Zucchini, the Black Bean, Mushroom and Quinoa- fun when accompanied by appropriate music. and contaminate our water sup- no one flushes a toilet all day and Stuffed Peppers and the Chickpea Broccoli ply: improperly disposed of pet they save half the water used in a Casserole. All do-overs and the last one is particu- Dan Balogh works full-time as a systems engi- waste, littered cigarette butts, day. For some reason I can't see lar easy to prepare with nearly all of the time dedi- neer in the telecommunications industry. He and soap suds from washing the car an event like that going over very cated to baking. his wife have been vegans since early 2001. in the driveway and used motor well in the United States but For soups the Potato-Asparagus Soup was a hit. oil dumped down a storm drain. there are many tips we can fol- One quart of oil can contaminate low in the book to save plenty of 250,000 gallons of water. The water. I am reminded of a new authors encourage you to use a musical comedy that came out Reverence for All Life commercial car wash and oil several years ago called by John Webster and Ty E. Webster -- Prell Books change shops where they are Urinetown, where the water sup- required to dispose of wastes plies are so limited people have Reviewed by Caryn Hartglass authors were extremely inspired some of his excellent writing and properly. to pay to pee and are executed if by the life and words of Dr. lovely anecdotes. The book covers the impact they don't. Let's all work togeth- request your free copy of thei Albert Schweitzer. In addition to The authors include other of industry and the resulting er to keep dark stories such as book at [email protected] being a physician, musician, the- inspirational people that are water pollutants: chemical pesti- this one from becoming a reality ologian, philosopher and founder demonstrating a reverence for cides, fertilizers, pharmaceuti- by assuring a generous supply of In the March of the Lambarene life. One of them is cals, MTBE in gasoline and affordable, fresh, clean water for 2006 issue of the hospital in Africa, Congressman Dennis Kucinich. waste from animal agriculture. generations to come. EarthSave News, we Dr. Schweitzer was a The book contains some speech- The fish industry with tech- ran an ad with infor- great humanitarian. es of Kucinich that are very mov- niques like trawling are going Andrews McMeel Publishing mation for you to He strived to have ing. In a speech in Madison, WI deeper than ever and pulling in www.andrewsmcmeel.com/hold_ receive a free copy reverence for all life in 2003, Kuncinich said, "This is more fish. As a result, thousands your_water/ of a book upon forms and to be a moment when we as individu- of pounds of unwanted fish are request called mindful of his als are called upon to assert a Reverence for All actions and his holistic world view, an under- power of our own humanity, and Wow. Imagine a world where all Life. impact on all life, standing of the world as interde- we are confirming that expres- leaders and politicians thought Using the contact human and non pendent and interconnected. sive power which comes from this way! info, I received my human. A brief his- And as we insist on this connec- understanding that we are one." Essays and speeches by the free copy and gave it tory of Schweitzer is tion to each other there is great a read through. The included along with power. We are affirming the REVERENCE/PAGE 11 10 June 2006 Ask Jo EarthSave News

Beyond diet: Broadening the Strategies for Activism boundaries of our compassion Dear Jo: bright enough to see through this, and by Jo Stepaniak In other countries sheep skin, pig skin, goat many will be offended by it. I have a one-year-old baby and I When you set yourself up as a skin, or kangaroo skin is prevalent. Animal have fastened a "Meat Is Murder" pin Vegetarians usually cite a variety of rea- skins are one of the residues of animal social activist, you must be prepared on his jacket, hoping to get people to for negative reactions. Activism, by its sons that motivate them to follow and main- slaughter. They are what the meat industry think about its message. Even though tain a plant based diet. These can include terms "byproducts" -- parts of animals they very nature, implies that generally I'm a longtime animal lover and vege- accepted views are being challenged. health, religious, and environmental consid- cannot market as food. By selling skin and tarian, I’ve never done much activism erations, among many others, but no matter other byproducts to various manufacturers, There are less personal and con- and I’m confused about whether this tentious ways to go about opposing which concerns take precedence, compas- the animal slaughter businesses can reap strategy is a good idea or not. By hav- sion typically is high up on the list. extra revenue that directly subsidizes their established cultural perspectives, and ing my innocent baby wear such a mes- behind-the-scenes efforts can be equal- Knowing that we can incorporate kindness dastardly operation. It is an endless loop. sage, I thought people wouldn’t find it into something as fundamental as our food Thus there is virtually no difference between ly as effective as more public ones. controversial, but many do. When they Each person who chooses activism choices makes us feel good about ourselves. eating animals and wearing them. In fact, all respond negatively, I tend to become Even if compassion is not the primary basis animals used as commodities -- even those annoyed and angry. Also, I recently must also pick the approach and com- for our vegetarianism, we still enjoy the that are not immediately killed for their designed a Web site about my son ques- fort level that best fits her or his style emotional and spiritual satisfaction that products, such as wool-bearing sheep or tioning animal cruelty, and I persuaded and personality. comes from knowing we are eating a harm- dairy cows -- eventually end up on some- my family and friends to view it. No In order to endure, activists must free diet. one's plate. Their flesh will be carved into one has responded, though, and I’ve realize that cultural change is gradual, Sadly, for many vegetarians food is the lower-grade cuts of meat or ground into been feeling down about it. These are people are entitled to disagree with or beginning and ending of their compassion burgers, their hides and hair will adorn my first attempts at activism, but am I ignore them, and the intensity of the towards other life forms. They may feel that wealthy human beings, and their remaining going about all wrong? methods used may result in similarly not eating animals is sufficient and that they body parts will be sold to other industries -- intense reactions. Just as you are con- do not need to do more, or they may not be such as glue and gelatin factories -- to be Jo responds: vinced you are right in your point of aware that there are other ways to demon- made into myriad products. There are many forms of activism, view, others feel they are absolutely strate compassion in our daily lives. I Vegans are strict vegetarians who have and you have chosen one approach that right in theirs. No one, including became a vegetarian as a young girl, and I come to realize the interconnectedness of is very personal. It aims your views at friends and family, owes you an expla- did not know any other vegetarians. Because the animal slaughter industries and who specific individuals who can respond nation for how they feel or why they I was on my own, I often made mistakes and have made a personal pledge to avoid animal to you directly and immediately. In have not responded. Activists perse- ate prepared foods that contained animal exploitation in all its forms. This entails not addition, you have put your young son vere because they believe in what they derivatives, although I was unaware of it at purchasing or wearing the by-products of in an awkward position at the forefront are doing, not because they receive the time. For me, as is the case for most meat production or any other items that of your tactics by making him a buffer positive reinforcement or encourage- other people, vegetarianism was, and still is, involved suffering or death including the between those you come in contact ment. a learning process. The longer I lived as a skin, fleece, feathers, shells, hair, or body with and your controversial views. Continue to evaluate your course of vegetarian, the more I discovered about the parts of any animal, bird, fish, or insect. This is not fair to either your son (he action to determine if it is the best fit widespread use of animal products in foods. Consequently, vegans shun fur, down, silk, has not yet chosen to be vegan or an for you. Not everyone needs to be an I found out about "hidden ingredients" such camel's hair, mohair, angora, tortoiseshell, activist) or those you approach, who official “activist” to make a difference as beef broth in tomato sauce, gelatin in fish scales, snakeskin, ivory, bone, pearls, may be put off by the defensive shield in the world. Sometimes just living our salad dressings, chicken extract in gravy and all other animal-derived commodities. you have attempted to place between truth and leading by example is a more mixes, or whey (a dairy derivative) in veg- To vegans, these items are repulsive because them and yourself. Your strategy comes constructive and satisfying approach etable boullion. It was an eye-opening and of the cruel and hideous manner in which across as though you are saying, than “in-your-face” activism, and it frightening undertaking. Suddenly my vege- they are obtained. “Don’t attack me or my beliefs, often has a more beneficial and pro- tarianism was not just about avoiding meat All vegetarians can and should make the because if you do, you will be attack- ductive outcome. but about asking questions, investigating, move toward greater compassion by elimi - ing an innocent baby.” Most people are and uncovering the truth. nating the remaining products of suffering A few years after I became a vegetarian, from their lives. When we stop eating meat I was confronted with some startling real- but still support slaughter through buying izations that I had not previously consid- items that are closely aligned with meat pro- ered. A friend pointed out to me the ethical duction, we nullify the good intentions Creating a cruelty-free life: contradiction between not eating beef but behind our diet. Once we know the truth, wearing leather shoes. I had not thought there is no way to ignore it without con- A thank-you letter to Jo about this before, and it jolted me awake. It sciously consenting to the exploitation of had not occurred to me that by purchasing sentient beings. This is a big THANK YOU for Jo. I was excited and even supportive when I leather products I was negating the good I For vegetarians who have compassion recently picked up Being Vegan and told her I do not want any animal prod- thought I was doing by avoiding beef. I among their reasons for eschewing meat, The Vegan Sourcebook. I had no idea ucts in my fabrics or clothing. learned that there is a direct connection becoming vegan is the next logical step. In about the depth of veganism! When I brought home cruelty-free between the foods we eat and the clothing the spirit of genuine compassion, there just When I was 17 I made the decision cleaning products, our housekeeper we wear. In countries where cow meat is is no other choice. to not eat veal because of the cruelty profusely thanked me. She stated there popular, leather is a widespread commodity. involved. Not until now -- at 39 years of is a distinct difference between how she age! -- when your books spelled it out feels when using toxic, chemical-based for me did I make the connection products and those that are nontoxic between dairy products and veal. and animal free. She is not adversely Incredibly, I never thought of dairy as affected by the new vegan products, and Are Vegan Products Bad for the being directly linked to animal cruelty. they work just fine. Since reading your books, my eyes have Thank you for being a positive influ- been opened. I now realize that many ence for change and for helping me Environment? items derived of animal suffering are in improve my life in so many ways. my home -- including cheese and ice cream! Respectfully, lives are needlessly sacrificed for this Wool clothing is no longer an Diane D. Dear Jo: human indulgence, because one animal’s Since becoming a vegetarian I have option, and I have contacted a local San Diego, California body covering usually is insufficient to seamstress for my clothing needs. She refused to buy leather or any other animal make a single piece of attire. skin products. I have recently become very Every day, more and more vegan alter- concerned about synthetic materials, how- natives are becoming available, because ever. Is it worse to use leather products or there is a growing demand for them. While synthetics in terms of global ethics? Nearly the situation is not yet ideal, nor the mar- once-living beings, it would seem at off-gassing (the same as plastics). all synthetic products are created from oil. ketplace yet brimming, reasonable replace- first glance that they would be more Tanned leathers are intended to last for These materials will take centuries to ments for leather and wool do exist. environmentally sound, because all liv- decades or longer; thus they do not decompose, if at all. Synthetic products are Synthetic leathers are flexible, sturdy, ing things decompose after death. But break down in landfills. grossly accumulating in landfills, and the “breathe,” and preserve all the functional this particular characteristic is at the Leather and similar animal-derived chemicals required to create them and the qualities of animal hides without the core of the environmental problems products are the direct result of willful, pollutants from the manufacturing process slaughter. Although a few large corpora- with using animal skins. Leather is premeditated murder. Harm caused by are being dispersed into the environment. tions produce the majority of these prod- organic and needs to be chemically petroleum-based goods is secondary, What is the best alternative? ucts, several small start-up companies treated so it doesn’t deteriorate while because it is not the primary motive of make fantastic vegan “pleather” shoes and being worn. The chemicals used to tan the industries that produce them. The Jo responds: jackets, and some manufacture their goods hides and preserve leather apparel are distinction between these two indus- Animals do not have a closet full of from vegan recyclables, making them more arguably as bad, if not worse, for the tries and their products revolves clothing; what nature provides is all they environmentally sound as well as practical. environment than the processes around intention as well as repercus- possess. In order for humans to use an ani- The same is true for polar fleece articles, involved in producing oil-based syn- sion. Both the leather and plastics mal’s skin, fur, fleece, or feathers, they which can be spun from recycled plastics thetics. These chemicals pollute the industries wreak environmental havoc, must deny the animal its basic needs and and other reusable items. In addition, these environment and are especially haz- but only one aims its artillery at an inevitably take its life. Every piece of ani- products are durable, so they seldom need ardous as runoff that contaminates our individual’s head. mal-derived apparel entails a minimum of to be replaced. ground water and waterways. In addi- one life; though, more typically, multiple Since animal products are made from tion, the chemicals used in preserving leather pollute the atmosphere through EarthSave News June 2006 11

CHICKEN/PAGE 2 Have Some Compassion gerous chemicals raises levels many hundreds-fold from Chickens and turkeys are their original concentration in the plants. crowded together in cages Chicken flesh must be cooked in order to be edible for barely big enough to allow most humans. The process of cooking chicken flesh leads them to move. Commonly, to the formation of powerful cancer-causing heterocyclic they are mutilated by cutting aromatic amines. Cooked poultry has some of the highest off their beaks when they are concentrations of these toxins found in foods commonly young. These helpless birds consumed.9 are overstuffed with food and drugs during processing. And finally, their lives are cut short The scenario may be: to become food for pets and Low concentrations of chemicals are present people. in the sea vegetables and in the water People (mostly immi- grants) work in dangerous, --- fish consume these environmental poisons bloody, greasy surroundings in and concentrate them in their body fat order to bring fattened fowl to the dinner tables of fattened -- cows eat fish meal and concentrate these consumers. AFL-CIO noxious wastes even more into their fat President John J. Sweeney said, “Meat and poultry work- -- chickens eat dead cow remnants and the ers who toil at breakneck toxins become packed further into their flesh speeds in the extremely dan- gerous and dirty work not only -- Finally people get the strongest doses, as 2006 Mar 11;332(7541):570. they are at the end of the food chain. suffer high rates of injuries and deaths but risk losing their jobs when they get hurt, apply for workers' compen- 5) Ungchusak K, Auewarakul P, Dowell SF, et al. Probable person-to- The greatest concentrations of tissue-damag- sation or attempt to improve their lives by trying to form person transmission of avian influenza A (H5N1). N Engl J Med 2005; ing contaminates are delivered to babies a union.”10 352:333--40. nursing from pollutant-overloaded mothers. By showing compassion for tortured animals and 6) Wu TZ, Huang LM. Avian influenza. Chang Gung Med J. 2005 underprivileged people working in despicable conditions Nov;28(11):753-7. Common Pollutants Found in Poultry you will improve the health and well-being of yourself, 7) Kumar K, Gupta SC, Baidoo SK, Chander Y, Rosen CJ. Antibiotic your family and friends. Everything benefits from uptake by plants from soil fertilized with animal manure. J Environ Qual. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) enlightened decisions at the dinner table. 2005 Oct 12;34(6):2082-5. Phthalic acid esters 8) Huwe JK, Larsen GL Polychlorinated dioxins, furans, and biphenyls, References: and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in a U.S. meat market basket and esti- 1) Pennington J. Food Values of Portions Commonly Used—17th edition. mates of dietary intake. Environ Sci Technol. 2005 Aug 1;39(15):5606-11. Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins Lippincott. 9) Knize MG, Salmon CP, Mehta SS, Felton JS. Analysis of cooked Dibenzofurans (PCDDs and PCDFs), 2) Zhao C, Ge B, De Villena J, Sudler R, Yeh E, Zhao S, White DG, muscle meats for heterocyclic aromatic amine carcinogens. Mutat Res. 1997 Wagner D, Meng J. Prevalence of Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, and May 12;376(1-2):129-34. Salmonella serovars in retail chicken, turkey, pork, and beef from the Greater Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Washington, D.C., area. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2001 Dec;67(12):5431-6. 10) Working Conditions in Food Factories: Organic phosphates 3) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Update: influenza http://www.ilcaonline.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&fi activity--United States, February 26-March 4, 2006. MMWR Morb Mortal le=article&sid=1697&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0 Wkly Rep. 2006 Mar 17;55(10):284-6. 4) Day M. People travelling abroad issued advice on bird flu. BMJ.

REVERENCE/PAGE 9 the American Flag Stands For." notoriety when her piece was very young Charlotte Aldebron She movingly points out hypoc- posted on www.common- are amazing. In 2002, as a sixth racy in "patriotism" to the flag dreams.org. It is unbelievable grader, Charlotte wrote a very while the homeless and the hun- that the words of someone so compelling essay entitled "What gry are ignored. She gained young can be so poignant. The book also contains sever- al vegetarian recipes (those call- ing for dairy could easily be made with non-dairy substitutes for those of us who revere dairy cows, too!). The main purpose of Reverence for All Life is to pro- John McDougall, M.D. mote the importance of nuclear disarmament and world peace. Subscribe to There can be no reverence for Dr. McDougall’s Free Newsletter any life if we’ve blown ourselves up. Go to: For the works of Kuncinich and Aldebron alone, the book is www.DrMcDougall.com worth having in your bookshelf. Jo Stepaniak, MSEd Request your free copy today, Jo Stepaniak, MSEd, is an author and educator who has by emailing: been involved with vegetarian- and vegan-related issues for [email protected] nearly four decades. She holds a master of science degree in education and an undergraduate degree in sociology and anthropology. Jo is the coauthor (along with Vesanto Melina, MS, RD) of Raising Vegetarian Children, a comprehensive guide for bringing up healthy vegetarian children and main- taining family harmony, author of Compassionate Living for Healing, Wholeness & Harmony, an invaluable guidebook for restoring inner and outer peace and inspiring kinship and har- mony with all life, The Vegan Sourcebook, the definitive resource for compassionate vegan living, and Being Vegan, a Q question-and-answer guide to the essentials of vegan philoso- phy and ethics, with practical, down-to-earth advice on how to incorporate these principles into everyday life. She also is the author and coauthor of over a dozen additional books and has been a contributing author to many other books, pamphlets, Watch streaming national publications, and magazines. Visit her online at video online of www.vegsource.com/jo some of the most Do you have questions about being veg- celebrated egetarian or vegan? Send them to us at vegan authorities [email protected] and we’ll forward on the planet. them to bestselling author, Jo Stepaniak. Jo can address individual concerns as well as Visit general inquiries about vegan ethics, vege- HealthyLifestyleExpo.com tarian philosophy, practical applications, and living compassionately. and click on Watch Video. 12 June 2006 We Recommend EarthSave News

Come celebrate with John Robbins the publication of his new book! EarthSave founder John Robbins scene in many years. recently completed a new book which John’s Healthy at 100 will be in stores advance readers have said may be his in September, 2006, and John just best book yet! agreed to appear at this year’s Healthy “This book clearly has the potential to Lifestyle Expo on Saturday, September be as big as or even bigger than John’s 23, 2006 -- come meet him! watershed Diet for a New America was The Expo takes place Sept 22-24, 2006 25 years ago,” said one knowledgeable at the Burbank Hilton Convention Center source who has seen the manuscript. in Burbank, California, directly across Diet for a New America sold nearly 2 from the Burbank/Bob Hope Airport. million copies, inspired millions of people Come spend an afternoon you will to adopt a healthier, more compassion- never forget with John and learn infor- ate way of life, and sparked the creation mation you never knew about -- which of EarthSave International. can help insure you have every advan- John’s new book, entitled Healthy At tage to live, love and last for many years 100 brings crucial, fascinating new infor- to come. Ask John your questions, and mation about successful aging. send him your best wishes as he and his The book was the subject of an new book embark upon the world. intense bidding war between publishers, Full details on this exciting weekend of and the winning publisher is Random illustrious speakers, and over a hundred House. companies featuring vegan food, cloth- Now is your chance to be among the ing, kitchen and other products, can be first to hear John talk about his new work found online at: in person, and to get a signed copy of what promises to be one of the most sig- www.HealthyLifestyleExpo.com nificant and important books to hit the or call (818) 349-5600

GetGet aa copycopy ofof thethe HealthyHealthy LifestyleLifestyle ExpoExpo '05'05 DVDDVD set!set! 3 DVDs - 12 hours of inspiring, * CANCER Researcher Neal Barnard enlightening, life-saving information! MD tells you how to protect yourself What are the problems facing peo- from this American scourge. ple today, and how will this program * FACTORY FARMING Whole Foods help? regional president Michael Besancon discusses how companies can * OBESITY Weightloss experts John improve the lives of "food animals." McDougall MD and Joel Fuhrman MD * CRUELTY Buddhist Rev. Heng Sure teach you how and why you're fat, offers wisdom on how to eat and live and how to get trim and stay that more compassionately way. *. Cooking Demos with tips and * HEART DISEASE Cardiology expert Caldwell Esselstyn MD teaches you The 3 DVD set, containg 12 hours of how to be heart attack proof. talks, is shipping now! * DIABETES Endocrinologist Francine Kaufman MD shows you how and why Makes a great gift! people are developing diabetes, and what you can do to stop it. For more information and to place * SUGAR ADDICTION Health coach an order, visit Alex Jamieson from Super Size Me demonstrates how you can kick the HealthyLifestyleExpo.com habit today. *.UNHEALTHY KIDS Pediatrician Jay or call (818) 349-5600 Gordon MD advises you how to replace unhealthy eating styles with healthy ones.

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