Footnotes Issue #59: May 21st, 2012
Factory Farming: You Are What You Eat
Have you noticed the flurry of recent articles about factory farming, particularly about chicken? Back in March, food writer Mark Bittman, food columnist for the New York Times, discussed how far fake meat has come and why, given the option, it might make sense to choose a nutritionally superior plant product that isn't polluting and isn't subject living an industrial life.
A few weeks later, columnist Nicholas Kristof published a column about the two recent studies that looked at the caffeine, banned antibiotics, and arsenic in industrially produced birds. Researchers concluded from analyzing feathers the feed contains coffee pulp to keep them awake so they can eat more, and Benadryl to reduce their anxiety. At almost the same time, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed to "privatize" chicken inspections, cutting 1000 government inspectors and replacing them with plant workers that will have to look at more birds on faster production lines. It sounded like a bad idea, and then seemed even worse when the following week the headline was that 48% of chicken bought from grocery chains contained e coli.
In Georgia, chicken capital of the world, our leaders don't seem to be paying attention. The Georgia Department of Agriculture has not followed up on their promise of over a year ago to address the bind they put smaller producers in by deleting the USDA exemption for small farms from having bird-by-bird inspections.
And on April 25th, the Georgia Board of Natural Resources considered Georgia EPD's recommendation to roll back water protection rules for factory farms. Despite the concerns from all parties (including Agribusiness) about the lack of clarity of the new rules, and the many questions from Board members about the need to slow down the process. Ultimately the Board approved the new rules. No one wrote an article about it, though.
Georgia Chapter in the News
Can't decide which way to vote on the TSPLOST? Our position has landed us in the news a lot recently! In case you missed it, check out our editorial in the Sunday AJC last week and interview with Denis O'Hare on WABE.
Sierra Club Meetings
Fundraising Committee, Wednesday, May 23, 7:00 p.m. RAIL, Wednesday, May 30, 7:00 p.m. Atlanta Inner City Outings (ICO), off for the summer! Smart Energy Team Meeting, Monday, June 4, 7:00 p.m. Beyond Factory Farming, Monday June 11, 7:00 p.m. Wildlands and Wildlife Committee Meeting, Tuesday, June 19, 7:00 p.m. |
Upcoming Events
Connect Cobb is to developing a locally preferred alternative (LPA) that identifies a high capacity transit system best suited for the corridor. The selection of the LPA will involve analyzing several types of fixed guideway transit including light rail, bus rapid transit (BRT) and dedicated busway. In conjunction with the study, land use, economic development, and redevelopment opportunities will be looked at with emphasis on transit oriented development and transit station area planning. Atlanta Community Food Bank, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
May 23 – Revenge of the Electric Car, another chance!
May 29 – GCV Environmental Leadership Awards
On May 29th, join Georgia Conservation Voters at the 2012 Environmental Leadership Awards. GCV will honor Congressman John Lewis and outstanding members of the General Assembly for their work to protect our children, our health and our economy by supporting conservation and economic growth through innovation.
June 1 - Sierra Club National Board of Directors Seeks Candidates
The
Sierra Club has a 15 member board of directors. Each year, club
members elect 5 new directors for a 3 year term. This is an exciting and
challenging role to help oversee the club's widespread efforts. The
nominating committee is currently looking for candidates for the April
2013 election. If you are interested or know someone who you think ought
to consider this, please use the following link for more information
about the role and the process. Note the June 1 deadline due to an
accelerated schedule this year. Click here for more info.
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