Green Options

The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) has recently reported a link between genetically modified (GM) foods and adverse health effects. The AAEM is advising precaution because GM foods have not been properly tested for human consumption and because there is significant evidence of probable harm. Therefore they advise:

Physicians to educate their patients, the medical community, and the public to avoid GM foods when possible and provide educational materials concerning GM foods and health risks.

Physicians to consider the possible role of GM foods in the disease processes of the patients they treat and to document any changes in patient health when changing from GM food to non-GM food.

Our members, the medical community, and the independent scientific community to gather case studies potentially related to GM food consumption and health effects, begin epidemiological research to investigate the role of GM foods on human health, and conduct safe methods of determining the effect of GM foods on human health.

For a moratorium on GM food, implementation of immediate long term independent safety testing, and labeling of GM foods, which is necessary for the health and safety of consumers.

But why should GM producers like Monsanto be concerned with this? One Monsanto official told the New York Times that the corporation should not have to take responsibility for the safety of its food products.

Terri Bly, president of The Nature of Beauty, discusses the results of a follow-up study conducted by the Organic Consumers Association to test for contamination of 1,4 Dioxane in popular natural beauty products.

In my experience, one of the hardest places to green our family’s life is our children’s school.  As a parent and a teacher at this school, I am constantly met with resistance when I suggest ways we can green our children’s education.  The excuses from lack of money to health regulations never cease, but I never stop trying.  Ironically, these excuses are actually reasons why schools should become more eco-friendly.  Green schools reduce sick days for staff and students, as well as cost 2% less to run, according to the Organic Consumer’s Association.  Here are five ideas to help you change your child’s school:

1. Start a the top with the school board: All policies for school districts are set by the board of trustees.  The administration takes their directives from the school board. If you can get the school board’s support, your schools will go green.  Compile a packet of information on the benefits of green schools and submit it to the board. You may look to other schools or states as models, such as New York requiring the use green cleaners, and New Jersey requiring all new schools be built according to LEED standards.   OCA also has materials available you could use, and Green Schools has a sample school board resolution.  Have parents write letters supporting these changes (letters are more effective than petitions).  Request to have an agenda item listed, then organize a presentation with parents asking the board to adopt a green schools policy or resolution.
2. Work your way down the school’s hierarchy: If you can’t get support from the school board, go to the site’s principal.  If you can’t get the principal’s support, go to your child’s teacher, etc.  Don’t forget the teachers’ union, as they may include in their contract negotiations a reduction in chemical exposure, etc.