EU Member States Insist On No Labeling Or Banning Of Cloned Meat

By Theodora Filis

In March, Novel Food Regulations negotiations, over banning the use of cloned animals for food in the European Union (EU), broke down when EU member states, and the European Parliament, could not come to an agreement.

The European Parliament wanted to ban meat from both cloned animals and their offspring, while governments from member states insisted the ban should only apply to the cloned animals themselves.

After three years of negotiations a compromise was offered to just have labeling of meat that comes from cloned animals or their offspring, but member states said they could only agree to such labels for beef. Beef is already heavily labeled and tracked because of previous mad cow scares – European Parliament negotiators said – no deal!

Although EU governments and the European Commission have stressed that scientific studies have shown there is no difference between eating meat from a cloned animal and eating meat from a regular animal, many members of the European parliament have objected to the practice on animal health and welfare grounds.

Had the Novel Foods Regulation passed, the EU would have been the first in the world to explicitly ban meat from cloned animals.

In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the sale of milk or meat from offspring of cloned animals and does not require these foods to be labeled. Cloned food products have been in the American food supply since 2008.

However, it wasn’t until the summer of 2010, that the US consumer was made aware of the use of cloned meat, in the US. The New York Times broke the news with a report that read: Britain Confirms Unauthorized Sale of Meat From Animal Bred From a Clone – sparking huge debates over cloned meats in the UK and across Europe, while leaving the US consumer still very much in denial.

In 2006 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the consumption of meat and dairy from cloned animals, saying that they are indistinguishable from products from non-cloned animals. They also ruled out any labeling scheme that would require companies to inform consumers when meat comes from a cloned animal.

The two major issues surrounding cloned meats are the lack of research and a question of ethics. The ethical issue can be argued, lack of research cannot. Recent studies have found that genetic defects in clones could be passed down to their offspring. The data on cloned pigs’ offspring showed smaller litters, slower growth, 25% of progeny deaths, and an abnormality rate of 2.5 times that of normal pigs.

Most clones die before birth or in the first few weeks of life. Cattle clones often suffer from “large-offspring” syndrome, wherein the fetus grows twice as large as normal, sometimes causing death for both the cow and calf. Surviving calves often 't walk and are sicker than ordinary calves.

Unlike the US, the EU tends to follow the 'precautionary principle' when it comes to consumer protection, restricting the use of products or food if they cannot be proven to be safe or healthy, even if no proof exists that they are harmful.

A 2008 Euro-barometer survey found that 58% of EU citizens think cloning for food production is "unjustified", while 83% said foods from cloned animals should be labeled. 63% said that it was "unlikely" they would buy such food if they saw from the label that it was cloned.

Europe's Austerity Measures Spark Outrage & Protests

By Theodora Filis

"We want jobs, growth, our welfare state intact, and we are not going to pay for bankers' mistakes," European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) leader John Monks said in front of a crowd estimated at 45,000 people in Budapest, this April. Tens of thousands of marchers from Spain to Romania crowded into Budapest, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union (EU).

Holding boards reading "No austerity", marchers from 22 countries demanded more "social Europe, fair pay and jobs" and verbally attacked bankers and European leaders.

Particularly under attack were, German Chancellor, Angela Merkel and French President, Nicholas Sarkozy, who were shown whipping workers on the ground.

Monks called on the finance ministers in session "to take some pressure off from Ireland and Greece", saying "more of a helping hand than a punch is required there. EU bailouts are not working. The terms are too tough, too austere, too deflationary," he said.

Europeans are outraged by the lack of economic opportunity, social justice and political representation. Over 520 solidarity sit-ins and protests were reported around the world on Sunday, May 29th as the call for the greatest gathering was heard and heeded throughout European cities.

In early May, European heads of state and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reached an agreement on a €750 billion rescue package for the euro. Europe's working class is now expected to pay for the these rescue measures:

BRITAIN:
Britain's new coalition government has condemned "wasteful" spending and has announced 6.25 billion pounds (9.08 billion dollars, 7.16 billion euros) of cuts -- incurring anger from trade unions but praise from investors.

The measures include a freeze on civil service recruitment and reductions in numerous programs inherited from the previous Labour government such as information technology projects and consultancy contracts.

DENMARK:
The government in Denmark, which has one of the most generous social welfare systems in the world, has said it wants to slash unemployment and family benefits and ministers' salaries. The plan still needs parliamentary approval.

FRANCE:
The French government has announced a three-year freeze on public spending starting in 2011 and wants to raise the official retirement age from 60 after it was lowered from 65 under former president Francois Mitterrand.

GREECE:
The Greek government announced cuts of 4.8 billion euros in March and followed that up with 30 billion euros in cuts in May in a bid to reassure financial markets and bring down its sky-high public deficit.

The new measures include an increase in the sales tax and cuts in civil service salaries. The government is also planning an overhaul of the pensions system to reduce costs and is stepping up the fight against tax evasion.

IRELAND:
Ireland adopted two austerity plans in 2009 totaling seven billion euros in a bid to bring down its public deficit to 11.5 percent in 2010 from a shocking 14.3 percent in 2009 -- the highest level in the euro-zone.

The measures include a reduction in social welfare payments and cuts of between five and 15 percent in civil servant salaries.

ITALY:
The Italian government has approved austerity measures worth 24 billion euros for 2011-2012. They include a three-year freeze on pay for civil servants, wage cuts for ministers and new taxes for stock options and bonuses.

PORTUGAL:
Portugal has announced an austerity package including a rise in sales tax by one percentage point to 21 percent and a cut in salaries for public officials as well as an income tax surcharge for high earners.

The measures come on top of an austerity plan announced earlier this year that includes a delay in public investments and the sale of state assets, as well as reductions in salaries for civil servants.

SPAIN:
The Spanish parliament on May 28 approved by just one vote a 15-billion-euro austerity plan, which includes a pay cut for civil servants. The cuts are on top of a 50-billion-euro austerity package announced in January.

The measures include a pay freeze from 2011 for civil servants. Pensions, except for the poorest, will also be frozen in 2011.

The German government will decide upon concrete austerity measures on June 6 and 7. Among the many measures under discussion are cuts in social provisions, such as family, child, welfare and disability benefits, annuities and pensions.

The EU Commission has now suggested that the retirement age in Europe should continue to rise steadily. This is to ensure that in the future, no more than a third of one’s adult life could be spent in retirement. In the long term, this would mean raising the pension age to 70 years.

For millions of workers and youth, the newly adopted measures mean unemployment and poverty – old-age poverty will again become a mass phenomenon in Europe.

“Today, the people of Spain bravely said enough is enough, we are not taking this anymore. Austerity measures around the continent are squeezing the lower and middle classes while a small elite continues to enrich itself off the very speculation that will be our downfall. This is unacceptable.” wrote Jérôme E. Roos of ROARMAG


Sources:
International Monetary Fund http://www.imf.org/external/index.htm
The Solidarity Center http://www.solidaritycenter.org/content.asp?contentid=424
Live Coverage of Protests Around The World http://roarmag.org/

Spin Baby, Spin! Texas Drinking Water Contains Radioactive Contaminants

By Theodora Filis

For more than 20 years, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) under-reported the amount of radiation found in drinking water provided by communities all across Texas. As a result, health risks to people consuming the water have been underestimated in many water systems where radioactive contaminants are present.

The TCEQ regulates water systems for compliance with federal safe-water drinking regulations. However, back in November it was discovered that the state regulating agency consistently took radiation readings it received from the water testing lab run by the Department of State Health Services and lowered the "official" radiation readings reported by the independent lab. This helped some utilities avoid radiation violations that could have forced them to clean up their water decades ago.

Video On: TCEQ Fraud-Cover-Up eXposed! by TexasObserver

E-mails and documents, released under order from the Texas Attorney General to KHOU-TV, show the agency was attempting to help water systems get out of formally violating federal limits for radiation in drinking water. Without a formal violation, the water systems did not have to inform their residents of the increased health risk.

“It’s a conspiracy at the TCEQ of the highest order,” said Tom Smith, of the government watchdog group Public Citizen. “The documents have indicted the management of this commission in a massive cover-up to convince people that our water is safe to drink when it’s not.”

For decades, test performed by the Texas Department of State Health, showed, the utility provided, drinking water exceeded the EPA legal limit for exposure to alpha radiation. In an email dated October 30, 2007, a TCEQ drinking water team leader questioned a senior director on the lowering of state radiation reading levels. The TCEQ was told:

“I believe there may been some EPA guidance on not subtracting, but can’t remember back that far for sure. This has been the practice in Texas since day one of radionuclide monitoring. This option was thoroughly discussed with the commissioners and the (executive director) staff when the reg was being adopted. We were directed to maintain the current methodology for subtracting the counting error at that time.”

Three years earlier, the same TCEQ director presented written testimony on behalf of the TCEQ to the Texas Water Advisory Council. The testimony notes that the TCEQ was aware of the new rules the EPA published on Dec. 7, 2000, saying the federal agency had “issued guidance for calculating radionuclide levels for compliance.”

However, the TCEQ also told the Council: “Under existing TCEQ policy, calculation of the violation accounts for the reporting error of each radionuclide analysis. Maintaining this calculation procedure will eliminate approximately 35 violations.”

As a result, the subtracting method continued and residents of MUD 105, like Brenda Haynes, were never sent a required notice of violation. That notice would have informed them about the excessive alpha radiation in their water.

Alpha radiation is emitted from radionuclides such as uranium and radium. While health scientists have said it poses little danger if someone is externally exposed to it, the experts maintain that ingesting even the smallest amount of the particles can cause damage to DNA, and in rare cases, cause cancer.

The Texas Water Advisory Council, which reviewed the TCEQ testimony on June 7, 2004, included then-chair of the TCEQ Commission Kathleen Hartnett White, then-Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs, General Land Office Commissioner Jerry Patterson, Sen. Robert Duncan, and other lawmakers and state leaders.

Under federal law Texas, and other states, are only allowed to enforce EPA rules, according to the Safe Drinking Water Act, if the EPA determines the state has adopted drinking water standards that are “no less stringent” than the federal rules.

Suggested Reading:

KHOU-TV Full Report: http://dailypaul.com/149319/st-of-texas-coverup-radiation-tainted-water-lowballed

Caution & Optimism From The Mississippi Flood of 2011

By Theodora Filis

Rising up from the flat, wooded plain of the Mississippi River in Louisiana, are four massive concrete and steel structures – the Army Corps of Engineers greatest work – Old River Control Structure – and the only thing keeping the great river from carving a new path to the Gulf of Mexico.

Failure of the Old River Control Structure would be a severe blow to the US economy, interrupting a huge portion of their imports and exports that ship along the Mississippi River. Closure of the Mississippi to shipping would cost $295 million per day, said Gary LaGrange, executive director of the Port of New Orleans, during a news conference last Thursday. The structure will receive its most severe test in its history in the coming two weeks, as the Mississippi River's greatest flood on record crests at a level never before seen.

The flood of 2011 is not as large as the maximum 1-in-500 year "Project Flood" that the Old River Control Structure was designed to handle, and the Army Corps of Engineers has expressed confidence that the structure can handle the current flood. The volume of water being pushed toward the Gulf of Mexico is the largest ever recorded on the Mississippi. Bob Anderson, a spokesman for the Army Corps of Engineers for the Mississippi Valley Division, said "It's never been this high; it's never had this much water," he said. "There's just a tremendous amount of strain on these levees."

The Mississippi crested Friday at Vicksburg, Mississippi, reaching 57.06'. This exceeded the previous all-time record of 56.2', set during the great flood of 1927. The river crested at Natchez, Mississippi early Saturday morning, and is now falling. The flood height at Natchez was also the greatest on record--61.91', nearly three feet higher than the previous record height of 58', set in 1937. The opening of the Morganza Spillway on Saturday helped to reduce the flood heights from Vicksburg to New Orleans by 1 - 3 feet, greatly reducing the pressure on the levees and on the critical Old River Control Structure.

According the National Weather Service, the Mississippi River is no longer rising anywhere along its length, and the great flood of 2011 has likely seen its peak. Rainfall over the next five days will not be enough to raise the Mississippi River water levels above the crests recorded over the weekend. However, the system has never been tested in these conditions before. Heavy rains have left the ground saturated with widespread flooding along three million acres of farmland from Illinois to Louisiana along the Mississippi. Government scientists are evaluating samples of Mississippi River water taken from the area protected by the Birds Point Levee in southeast Missouri to see what sort of contaminants are flowing over fields and into homes following the intentional break made to open a hole in the levee on May 2nd.

Test results aren't expected for several weeks, and it is not clear if they will be used to decide how quickly residents can return to the area or how quickly the land can be used again. John Schumacher of the US Geological Survey (USGS) said scientists are looking at metals, nutrients, bacteria and pesticides flowing into the Birds Point area, as well as the amount of sediment coming down the flooded river.

As tragic as the flood is, USGS officials said, "it is providing an opportunity for scientists to better understand the ramifications of the disaster, perhaps informing future flood-fighting efforts".

"Our main mission here is scientific," Schumacher said. "This is a very rare opportunity to characterize what's occurring through the system."

The Infinite Variety & Beauty Of Sustainable Living

By Theodora Filis

We live in an amazing world of infinite variety and beauty worth preserving for future generations. Going green means finding simple, effective ways to reduce our impact on 'Our World'. Sustainable living is about leaving a lighter footprint on our environment through conservation of resources.

A Sustainable home uses natural or recycled materials produced locally, and without toxic chemicals. Most install solar hot water and photovoltaic solar panels. Natural wood floors and ceilings, clean-burning fireplaces, concrete walls and thermal glass, and a green roof that helps keep it cool during the hot months and insulated during the harsh winters.

Greening your interior space should be a creative experience, not a stressful one. Today, more and more manufacturers are working closely with designers to develop a wide range of options in environmentally friendly materials that are recycled, reclaimed, organic and/or renewable. For every product used in an interior environment, there is usually a greener option available.

Natural light is, of course, the healthiest option and does not use any energy. If you are considering any kind of renovation, your windows should be located on the South side of the house to maximize light intake. Skylights are a great option, inexpensive, and can be placed easily into a roof.

Keeping in harmony with nature has practical and aesthetic benefits for any home. Shade from trees provides insulation. Solar and wind power saves on bills. Opting for garden buildings, rather than extensions, is a cost effective way to expand living space without disrupting the feel of an area. Bamboo and cork are great alternatives to hard woods – are quicker to cultivate and less damaging to the environment.

The flip side of keeping in harmony with nature is living the 'American Dream'. Since 1950, the US has quadrupled the residential space per person, and since 1970, the square footage of the average US home has nearly doubled. US homes are enormous, filled with unoccupied rooms, cluttered with unused objects. No matter how green your building materials are, a large empty home is not a sustainable living space.

However, for many people, the idea of a smaller home elicits images of cramped rooms and inconvenience. These challenges were addressed in 2008 by Green Media Enterprises (GME) when they announced that organic architect, Eric Lloyd Wright, and his studio would conceptualize a display of green living spaces in Los Angeles and New York. Each event displayed distinctly unique sustainable spaces, reflecting the local environment, materials and community culture, the core principles of sustainable organic architecture.

"We are thrilled to have Eric Lloyd Wright inspire this unique feature at our events," said Diane O'Connor, President of Green Media Enterprises. "Eric Lloyd Wright's focus on the use of natural and non toxic materials and alternative construction and energy systems represents the best in sustainable architecture..."

So, going green doesn't mean you need to compromise. It simply means you're being thoughtful and appreciative of environmental issues and concerns while reaping the benefits of having a beautiful home that is cost-effective and better for the planet. 


This article was written for and appears in Our World:
Our Word - London , Modern Minimal , Interior, Designer , Executive Furniture, Home Brands, Interior Design, E-commerce Sales, Interviews

FOX News Pressured By Monsanto!

By Theodora Filis

On April 2, 1998 Steve Wilson & Jane Akre filed a landmark lawsuit using 'whistle blowers protection' to seek compensation for being fired for refusing to distort the news. The link below is a ten-minute video of the two FOX NEWS reporters, who, in the late 1990's uncovered that most of the milk in the US and across some parts of the world is unfit to drink. They were fired for attempting to inform people of the health risks posed by the use of Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) developed and manufactured by the Monsanto Corporation.

The Court dismissed the whistle blowers protection, citing there was no law to force the news to state the truth. 

How frequently do news organizations insist their reporters 'slant' the story in favor of the special interests that may threaten to sue or cancel advertising? How many news organizations have been pressured not to tell the truth by those who stand to profit most from continued use of rBGH?

Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone – r-BGH, is a synthetic form of growth hormone injected into cows to increase growth rates and milk production. Manufactured by Monsanto, rBGH was introduced to the market in 1993 under the product name Posilac. rBGH is also referred to as rBST (recombinant Bovine Somatotropin).

Cattle naturally produce BGH. In the 1930′s, farmers discovered that injecting this hormone from slaughtered animals into dairy cows increased their milk production by 10-15 percent. But the difficulties in getting BGH limited this practice. Recombinant DNA technology allows for the production of rBGH to be sold commercially.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approved rBGH in 1993. According to opponents of the drug, effects of rBGH were never properly studied. The FDA relied solely on one study administered by Monsanto in which rBGH was tested for 90 days on 30 rats. The study was never published, and the FDA stated the results showed no significant problems.

The FDA has interesting connections to Monsanto. Michael Taylor, former FDA commissioner for policy was an attorney for Monsanto prior to joining the FDA, and went to work for Monsanto directly upon leaving the FDA. The FDA maintains that “no significant difference has been shown between milk derived from rBST & non-rBST treated cows.” There is no requirement for US for milk produced with rBGH to be labeled as such.

The European Union, Canada, New Zealand and Australia prohibit the use of rBGH/rBST/.

The USDA has estimated that over 40 percent of large dairy operations in the US inject their cows with rBGH. According to the National Milk Producers Federation, nearly 430 million gallons of milk produced with rBGH were distributed through the National School Breakfast, Lunch, and Special Milk programs during the 2005-2006 school year.

Despite opposition from scientists, farmers and consumers, the US currently allows dairy cows to be injected with rBST/rBST. The FDA continues to assure consumers that rBGH is safe for cows and humans, despite evidence to the contrary. In 1994, the FDA prohibited dairies from claiming there was any difference between milk from rBGH injected cows and milk produced without the artificial hormone. This controversy continues today, and many believe the FDA is suppressing the dangers of this issue.

Because news organizations are pressured by those who stand to profit most from the continued use of rBGH, it's important consumers make educated food choices and take time to research the products they consume. Take action today and tell Congress to mandate that schools purchase rBGH-free milk: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26680

Suggested Reading:
Bovine Growth Hormone: http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/food/foodsafety/dairy/
Learn how to go BGH free: http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/factsheet/how-to-go-rbgh-free/
Organic Consumers Association: http://www.organicconsumers.org/rbghlink.cfm

Coca-Cola Continues To Use Cans Lined With BPA Amid Growing Concerns

By Theodora Filis

Some of the world's largest food companies removed the chemical Bisphenol A (also known as BPA) from packaging, amid growing concerns it causes a wide range of human illnesses including heart disease and breast cancer.

Nestlé, the world's largest food manufacturer, said it will stop putting BPA into US products by 2013. Heinz is removing BPA from baby food in the UK. General Mills has already removed BPA from its Muir Glen tomato range, and Campbell Soups says it has done "hundreds" of tests exploring alternatives. Coca-Cola, declined to disclose a timetable for its withdrawal, saying that BPA is safe.

BPA, an estrogen-mimicking chemical found in food and drink that toughens the packaging of many tins, glass jars and plastic bottles, and the casings of electronics gadgets such as TVs, mobile phones and laptop computers. Some scientists claim BPA is an endocrine disruptor that affects hormones and could be causing breast and prostate cancer, heart disease, brain retardation, impotence and infertility.

In a survey for a new report, Seeking Safer Packaging, the US investment fund Green Century Capital Management surveyed 26 food companies for their policy on BPA. Half said they were committed to ending use of the harmful substance.

Emily Stone, of Green Century Capital Management, said: "Companies are actually moving faster than regulators in phasing out BPA from food and beverage packaging."

The US says it has "some concern" about the chemical's potential effects on the brain, on behavior, and on the prostate glands of fetuses, babies and young children, but the European Food Safety Agency recently stated that the substance does pose a risk to the public.

A recent study concluding that BPA is safe was discovered to have been written by researchers with strong ties to the chemical industry.

"I think they just feel they would be too vulnerable if they admit there might be a problem," says Michael Passoff, Senior Strategist at As You Sow. According to Passoff, companies that are paying attention to potential BPA hazards include Heinz, General Mills, and Hains Celestial -- all are launching BPA-free product lines.


Subsidiaries of some UK firms using BPA may not take such strong action in Europe. While saying it was phasing out BPA in baby food, Nestlé told The Independent: "As a global food and marketer, Nestlé takes into consideration local needs, cultural differences and consumer preferences as well as attitudes concerning the use of certain materials. This may well result in different solutions in various regions of the world..."

Coca-Cola may be making a bad financial decision even if it genuinely believes that it is correct and BPA is safe. "As investors, that's our concern--that Coke is not prepared for market change, that Coke is just ignoring growing scientific concern, regulatory action, and consumer backlash," says Passoff.

More than 20 states in the US have introduced legislation to restrict BPA use, Canada has listed it as a toxic chemical and several European countries refused to accept the European Food Safety Agency's latest position, released last September.

Scientists are divided. While many endocrinologists, experts in hormones, believe low doses of BPA can harm humans. General toxicologists say evidence from large industry-funded studies suggests this is not the case

BPA can be found in:

Foods Packaged In Tin Cans

BPA resin sprayed on the inside of tins prevents metal from contaminating food. The Independent found this year that BPA was present in 18 of the UK's best-selling tins, including Heinz baked beans, Princes sardines, right, and Napolina tomatoes.

Canned Drinks

Some carbonated drinks, including Coca-Cola, are lined with a BPA resin. Pepsi has not said if its cans are lined with BPA.

Glass Jars

Some glass jars have BPA in the lid. Campaigners want firms such as Nestlé and Heinz to remove BPA from their baby and toddler food ranges because of its feared impact on babies.

Electronics

BPA is in the casings of electronics products including CDs, and DVDs, phones, TVs, laptops, personal computers, printers, cameras, shavers, hairdryers, irons, food mixers, microwaves and kettles.

Plastic bottles

BPA is found in polycarbonate bottles designed to carry water or baby milk. Several manufacturers have phased out BPA.

Sports equipment

Sports helmets, ski goggles, binocular cases, and golf and tennis equipment contain the chemical.

Cash Receipts

BPA is used to make ink visible on thermal cash receipts. Concern arises with shoppers handling the paper and then touching their mouths or food before washing their hands.

Medical equipment

BPA is found in the casings of dialysis machines, dentists' operating lamps and blood sample pouches. It also toughens the lenses of eye glasses.

Companies Going BPA Free:

Heinz:

"Heinz remains committed to moving to alternatives. Our plastic Heinz Beanz Snap Pots and Heinz Beanz Fridge Pack contain no BPA. All Heinz plastic baby food and juice containers, as well as packaging for our snacks and cereals, are BPA-free.”

Our baby food cans also contain no BPA and we are already at an advanced stage of phasing out the minute amounts of BPA used in the lids of jarred baby foods to ensure seal integrity, even though the BPA is coated and does not come into direct contact with the food at any time.

Heinz continues to advance research into alternative coatings in response to consumer opinion but safety remains our first priority before making any changes."

Still Using BPA?

Coca-Cola:

"The consensus repeatedly stated among regulatory agencies is that current levels of exposure to BPA through food and beverage packaging do not pose a health risk to the general population. BPA is found in the linings of our aluminum cans. Our bottled water and plastic soft drink containers are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, which does not contain BPA.

While we are confident about the safety of our aluminum cans, we are always looking for ways to improve our packaging. We are working closely with several suppliers who are seeking alternatives. Any new material ... also would have to meet our safety, quality and functional requirements."

A recent Coca-Cola shareholder resolution to remove BPA from can linings was approved by 26% (one in four) shareholders. As You Sow, a nonprofit shareholder advocacy group, claims that a 10% vote is usually enough to spur a company to action.

Coke's response? The Vancouver Sun reports:

Muhtar Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, told shareholders that the science just isn't there to justify a shift away from BPA, saying if the company had any doubt "about the safety of our packaging, we would not continue to use it. It's that simple."

Kent said that this doesn't mean the company isn't exploring alternatives, but emphasized the beverage giant isn't in the packaging business and takes its direction from regulatory agencies.


Source:
Green Century Capital Management: http://www.GreenCentury.com.
Suggested Reading:
The 411 On Plastic Water Bottles… and Cash Receipts?  http://t.co/NlkpRLw

Japan’s Fukushima Power Station Now Beyond Anyone’s Ability To Control

By Theodora Filis

Many people were alarmed when the Japanese government reported that the nuclear fallout at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in Japan was comparable to that of the 1986 disaster in Chernobyl. Japanese authorities had been trying to keep the public calm, but were forced to publicly announce that the emergency had been raised from a level-five to a level-seven “severity rating”.


In an attempt to preserve some credibility for the nuclear power industry, Japanese authorities tried to use reassuring language in their statements, and were hesitant to compare what was going on at Fukushima to Chernobyl.


Not only have the Japanese gone through the worst earthquake in their nation’s history, and a massive and deadly tsunami, but they are now in the midst of the worst nuclear crisis since the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.


Of course, Fukushima is not like Chernobyl.


"Chernobyl was a massive explosion- ten times the size of the Hiroshima bomb. Almost 50 Tons of nuclear fuel were evaporated into dust, blown by the wind northwest across the Ukraine, Byelorussia, and the Baltic States." The Truth About Chernobyl, by Grigori Medvedev 


That is not what is going on at Fukushima. But, as one Japanese official said at a press conference last week, “Fukushima could ultimately release as much or more radiation than Chernobyl.”


The situation in Japan is more like the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station located on Three Mile Island in the Susquehanna River, south of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where a partial core meltdown occurred because of loss of coolant.


Radiation levels at Fukushima have risen, not just within the facilities but also at the perimeters, and there have been at least a dozen confirmed cases of radiation exposure. The detection of Cs-137 in the air suggests the fuel has partially melted in some of the reactors.


Japan operates 54 nuclear power reactors that provide about 30 percent of Japan’s electricity. Eleven reactors automatically shut down with the tremendous earthquake on March 11th. Of the 11 that shut down, one had a fire (Onagawa), four had hydrogen explosions (Fukushima Daiichi 1, 2, 3, 4), and fuel may have partially melted in the Daiichi units 2 and 3.


Japan is heavily invested in nuclear energy, so it is not surprising that they would want to downplay the damage. However, considering the danger this situation poses to the Japanese people, and those in the region, the Japanese government had a duty to be honest about the seriousness of this situation.


Cables released by Wikileaks show that in late 2008 the International Atomic Energy Agency warned the Japanese government about the threat that a major earthquake could pose to its nuclear plants. In response, the Japanese built an emergency response center at the Fukushima Daiichi plant, but the center was only prepared to withstand a 7.0 magnitude quake.


The recent earthquake has been upgraded to a magnitude of 9.0. The reactors at the Fukushima plant have been subjected to hundreds of aftershocks and are under far more stress than they were designed to handle.


Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) said it will take up to nine months before the crippled Fukushima Power Station is stabilized.


Considering a 2005 report, from the National Academies of Science, that any level of radiation, however small, can cause cancer, Japan’s situation is now considered deadly and will be for decades.


The Japanese people have displayed incredible courage, order and decorum in the face of unmitigated disaster. Journalists, volunteers and aid workers from around the world have gone beyond the call of duty to extend help to the hardest hit zones, but this crisis is now beyond anyone’s ability to control.


Suggested Reading:
Chernobyl: 25 Years After A Catastrophic Nuclear Meltdown... http://t.co/vr0ViKK
What Have We Learned From Chernobyl & Can It Help Japan?... http://t.co/hmYvdCM