CAP: Other Issues

OTHER KEY ISSUES WITH OUR FOOD, HEALTH, & ENVIRONMENT

CREATING HEALTHY HOMES

AVOIDING TOXIC CLEANING PRODUCTS

* "Purify Your Home without Poison", Alternative Medicine magazine (about common household cleaners and alternatives). http://www.alternativemedicine.com/AMHome.asp?cn=Catalog&act=GetProduct&crt=ProductKey=1005&style=\AMXSL\ArticleDetail.xsl

CREATING ECO-HOLIDAYS
"How can our holidays be less toxic and more respectful of the earth - while still being fun and nurturing relationships and community? "

We've gathered together lots of great ideas on our Ecological Holidays webpage. Reducing waste, reducing toxics, and giving gifts that nurture your relationships and a better world - that sounds like fun to us!

UNDERSTANDING FOOD-RELATED ISSUES

SONOMA COUNTY WILDERNESS AT RISK FROM RAPID CREATION OF CONVENTIONAL VINEYARDS.
Will all our area's wildness continue to be converted to toxic, industrial vineyards, leaving little of the natural beauty that we cherish here? What would this cost our county's health, including the health of ourselves, our water and air, and our wildlife?

To get more information on local action on this issue, contact the Town Hall Coalition and their Resource Center at <www.townhallcoalition.org>, email <townhall@sonic.net> or (707) 874-9110. Information also at <http://freestone.com/ruralalliance>. For a perspective on the current vineyard-planting ordinance, see <www.healthyworld.org/ord.html>. For information on wine-making - toxic and sustainable - see these CATs pages <www.alternatives2toxics.org/main.htm> and <www.alternatives2toxics.org/altern3.htm>.

Those concerned about possible urban use of pesticides for Pierce's disease should look at the information above for chlorpyrifos and carbaryl (Sevin), two pesticides being discussed for this purpose, so they can understand and communicate the true likely harm of these materials. We also have an information page about Sevin; click here.

For more information about pesticides used on vineyards, see this article in Alternative Medicine magazine www.alternativemedicine.com/AMHome.asp?cn=Catalog&act=GetProduct&crt=ProductKey=26653&style=\AMXSL\ArticleDetail.xsl. Note: The author makes good points about exposure near farms. However, we disagree with his minimizing of the health impacts of pesticides in the wine itself. While the amount might not be your highest source, especially if you eat mainstream food, it still is notable and enough to cause pause. And many folks have found (including us) that we can really feel the difference when we drink organic wine - avoiding that yucky feeling that we thought was wine - but now think is a result of the conventional growing and processing practices.

For information on innovative work using biodynamic techniques on vineyards to both increase yields and remove diseases like Pierce's disease, see <www.winebusiness.com/html/MonthlyArticle.cfm?Aid=19079&issueId=25889>

THE HARM OF FACTORY FARMING OUR MEAT

See the article "Meat Factories" from the Jan/Feb 1999 of Sierra magazine. <www.sierraclub.org/sierra/199901/c a fo.html>

CHOOSING ECO-SAFE SEAFOOD

"Farmed fish may not be the best answer to overfishing. Here's how to make sure your seafood choices are environmentally seaworthy." Go to this article on Delicious! magazine's website <www.healthwell.com/delicious-online/D_Backs/Apr_98/fish.cfm>. And get more information about "Contaminated Catch: The Public Health Threat from Toxics in Fish" at <www.nrdc.org/wildlife/fish/catch/ccsum.asp>.

CAFFEINE IS HARMING OUR KIDS

"The caffeinated-beverage industry launches a full-scale assault on kids." Information on the high amounts of caffeine that children are getting, the advertisers promoting it, and the health consequences - including bone loss, hyperactivity, emotional outbursts, addiction, frustration - even perhaps false diagnoses of Attention Deficit Disorder. How many kids are taking the drug Ritalin when the real cure is to go off caffeine? Go to article on the Bohemian's website <www.metroactive.com/papers/sonoma/08.20.98/caffeine-9833.html>

SUPPORTING ECO-SAFE COFFEE

"Coffee, Conservation, and Commerce in the Western Hemisphere: How Individuals and Institutions Can Promote Ecologically Sound Farming and Forest Management in Northern Latin America" For this NRDC report, see <www.nrdc.org/health/farming/ccc/chap1.asp>.

GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOOD (GEOs or GMOs)

For information on the serious problems with genetically engineered (GE) food - currently being sold in supermarkets across the country - see our GE Resources Page. Note: GEOs (GE Organisms) are also known as GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).

VEGETARIAN RESOURCES

For vegetarian resources on web, see <http://aspen.forest.net/naturalfoodsdirectory/linksHlthResWeb.html>
OVERALL ENVIRONMENT

URBAN GROWTH

"Better Not Bigger: Grappling with Growth in Sonoma County." An exciting, sold-out workshop presented Fri. July 23, 1999, in Santa Rosa, California, by Sustainable Sonoma County. Designed to support us all in exploring what we can do to create the Sonoma County of the future that we really want. Speakers included Eben Fodor from Oregon, city planner and author of "Better not Bigger." Workshop information is at <www.monitor.net/~ec/fodor>. Eben Fodor's book "Better Not Bigger: How to Take Control of Urban Growth and Improve Your Community" has excellent information on the myths and costs of urban growth. <www.newsociety.com/bnb.html>

NOTE: The 50-page resources book created especially for this event is currently on sale for $10. This unique and valuable resource includes local history, players, contact information, and summary of key ideas from the event in a handy and attractive reference format. This is a typical comment from an event participant:

"The resources book is fantastic. I look forward to reading it and to making contact with the panelists. It helped my listening because most of my notes were already taken!"

For more information, contact CAP or call Sustainable Sonoma County at (707) 829-1224. Note that CAP created these materials, as well as working on the team that created this workshop.

Additional information on the costs of urban growth in the NRDC report "Paving Paradise: Sprawl and the Environment " at <www.nrdc.org/cities/smartgrowth/rpave.asp>.

ECOLOGICAL WOOD AND ALTERNATIVES

Care about the forests? Want to support ecologically-harvested wood, alternatives to wood, and otherwise help conserve this limited resource and beautiful creation? Then see <www.woodwise.org>, a project of Co-op America. This site includes information on natural building techniques and materials. You can also find information at <www.iatp.org/forestry> about the work of IATP (The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy) on this topic. Also see NRDC's report "Efficient Wood Use in Residential Construction: A Practical Guide to Saving Wood, Money, and Forests" at <www.nrdc.org/cities/building/rwoodus.asp>. Books about sustainable forestry are at <www.chelseagreen.com/Forestry.htm>.

GLOBAL WARMING

What is going on with our weather? What are the risks to our health, our environment, our food crops? How can we change our behavior to reverse the harm we're doing to the ecosystems upon which we depend. Great information on all these topics is on the NRDC site <www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/default.asp>, including information in their Publications section. Books about renewable energy are at <www.chelseagreen.com/Energy.htm>.

THE HARM OF AIRPLANES

What is the impact of our rapid increase of air traffic - on our health, quality of life, and ecological world? For a detailed, readable analysis - with specific recommendations for change - see "Flying Off Course: Environmental Impacts of America's Airports" at <www.nrdc.org/air/transportation/foc/aairexsu.asp>.

DEALING WITH GLOBAL DESPAIR

How do we deal with the despair and overwhelm that can come up when we see the harm being done to this world and its inhabitants? It can be so easy to want to crawl under the covers and try to just focus on our daily lives. And yet, this allows the harm to continue - to us, others, and the world we love. The truth is that separation is an illusion. Joanna Macy has done wonderful work describing a truly healing path - to not fear our pain and get stuck in it - but instead to let go of the numbing and allow true aliveness. I believe that through this we can have our lives be aligned with healing truths and supportive of a healthier world - while bringing us the great joy of participating as alive beings in the beautiful world ever-emergine. Macy's new book, with Molly Brown, is "Coming Back to Life: Practices to Reconnect Our Lives, Our World." Past books include "Despair and Empowerment in the Nuclear Age" and "World as Lover, World as Self." She also offers workshops, including one 3/18 in Santa Cruz and a 12-day intensive there in April. Here is an article describing Joanna Macy's work. <www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/examiner/archive/1999/02/18/STYLE9223.dtl> To read other people's exploration of this issue, you can also look at the work being done in the domains of Deep Ecology and Ecopsychology.
For more information about organics and other alternatives to toxics, see our Toxics and Alternatives Resources Page and our Recommended Books Page.
For information on Sonoma County and area toxics, organics, and environmental and political information and action, see our Sonoma County Resources Page.

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and supports the health and well-being of yourself,
your family, our community, and our world.
If it is, please let us know. It makes us happy to hear!

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If you find a broken link or outdated information, or want to suggest an addition or edit to this page, please let us know by emailing info[at]healthyworld.org. Please include both the webpage name and the relevant information.

Thank you to everyone who supports our ability to offer this information
to our community, for our planet!

AVOIDING TOXIC CLEANING PRODUCTS	* "Purify Your Home without Poison", Alternative Medicine magazine (about common household cleaners and alternatives). http://www.alternativemedicine.com/AMHome.asp?cn=Catalog&act=GetProduct&crt=ProductKey=1005&style=\AMXSL\ArticleDetail.xsl
CREATING ECO-HOLIDAYS "How can our holidays be less toxic and more respectful of the earth - while still being fun and nurturing relationships and community? "	We've gathered together lots of great ideas on our Ecological Holidays webpage. Reducing waste, reducing toxics, and giving gifts that nurture your relationships and a better world - that sounds like fun to us!

SONOMA COUNTY WILDERNESS AT RISK FROM RAPID CREATION OF CONVENTIONAL VINEYARDS. Will all our area's wildness continue to be converted to toxic, industrial vineyards, leaving little of the natural beauty that we cherish here? What would this cost our county's health, including the health of ourselves, our water and air, and our wildlife?	To get more information on local action on this issue, contact the Town Hall Coalition and their Resource Center at <www.townhallcoalition.org>, email <townhall@sonic.net> or (707) 874-9110. Information also at <http://freestone.com/ruralalliance>. For a perspective on the current vineyard-planting ordinance, see <www.healthyworld.org/ord.html>. For information on wine-making - toxic and sustainable - see these CATs pages <www.alternatives2toxics.org/main.htm> and <www.alternatives2toxics.org/altern3.htm>. Those concerned about possible urban use of pesticides for Pierce's disease should look at the information above for chlorpyrifos and carbaryl (Sevin), two pesticides being discussed for this purpose, so they can understand and communicate the true likely harm of these materials. We also have an information page about Sevin; click here. For more information about pesticides used on vineyards, see this article in Alternative Medicine magazine www.alternativemedicine.com/AMHome.asp?cn=Catalog&act=GetProduct&crt=ProductKey=26653&style=\AMXSL\ArticleDetail.xsl. Note: The author makes good points about exposure near farms. However, we disagree with his minimizing of the health impacts of pesticides in the wine itself. While the amount might not be your highest source, especially if you eat mainstream food, it still is notable and enough to cause pause. And many folks have found (including us) that we can really feel the difference when we drink organic wine - avoiding that yucky feeling that we thought was wine - but now think is a result of the conventional growing and processing practices. For information on innovative work using biodynamic techniques on vineyards to both increase yields and remove diseases like Pierce's disease, see <www.winebusiness.com/html/MonthlyArticle.cfm?Aid=19079&issueId=25889>
THE HARM OF FACTORY FARMING OUR MEAT	See the article "Meat Factories" from the Jan/Feb 1999 of Sierra magazine. <www.sierraclub.org/sierra/199901/c a fo.html>
CHOOSING ECO-SAFE SEAFOOD	"Farmed fish may not be the best answer to overfishing. Here's how to make sure your seafood choices are environmentally seaworthy." Go to this article on Delicious! magazine's website <www.healthwell.com/delicious-online/D_Backs/Apr_98/fish.cfm>. And get more information about "Contaminated Catch: The Public Health Threat from Toxics in Fish" at <www.nrdc.org/wildlife/fish/catch/ccsum.asp>.
CAFFEINE IS HARMING OUR KIDS	"The caffeinated-beverage industry launches a full-scale assault on kids." Information on the high amounts of caffeine that children are getting, the advertisers promoting it, and the health consequences - including bone loss, hyperactivity, emotional outbursts, addiction, frustration - even perhaps false diagnoses of Attention Deficit Disorder. How many kids are taking the drug Ritalin when the real cure is to go off caffeine? Go to article on the Bohemian's website <www.metroactive.com/papers/sonoma/08.20.98/caffeine-9833.html>
SUPPORTING ECO-SAFE COFFEE	"Coffee, Conservation, and Commerce in the Western Hemisphere: How Individuals and Institutions Can Promote Ecologically Sound Farming and Forest Management in Northern Latin America" For this NRDC report, see <www.nrdc.org/health/farming/ccc/chap1.asp>.
GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOOD (GEOs or GMOs)	For information on the serious problems with genetically engineered (GE) food - currently being sold in supermarkets across the country - see our GE Resources Page. Note: GEOs (GE Organisms) are also known as GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).
VEGETARIAN RESOURCES	For vegetarian resources on web, see <http://aspen.forest.net/naturalfoodsdirectory/linksHlthResWeb.html>

URBAN GROWTH	"Better Not Bigger: Grappling with Growth in Sonoma County." An exciting, sold-out workshop presented Fri. July 23, 1999, in Santa Rosa, California, by Sustainable Sonoma County. Designed to support us all in exploring what we can do to create the Sonoma County of the future that we really want. Speakers included Eben Fodor from Oregon, city planner and author of "Better not Bigger." Workshop information is at <www.monitor.net/~ec/fodor>. Eben Fodor's book "Better Not Bigger: How to Take Control of Urban Growth and Improve Your Community" has excellent information on the myths and costs of urban growth. <www.newsociety.com/bnb.html> NOTE: The 50-page resources book created especially for this event is currently on sale for $10. This unique and valuable resource includes local history, players, contact information, and summary of key ideas from the event in a handy and attractive reference format. This is a typical comment from an event participant: "The resources book is fantastic. I look forward to reading it and to making contact with the panelists. It helped my listening because most of my notes were already taken!" For more information, contact CAP or call Sustainable Sonoma County at (707) 829-1224. Note that CAP created these materials, as well as working on the team that created this workshop. Additional information on the costs of urban growth in the NRDC report "Paving Paradise: Sprawl and the Environment " at <www.nrdc.org/cities/smartgrowth/rpave.asp>.
ECOLOGICAL WOOD AND ALTERNATIVES	Care about the forests? Want to support ecologically-harvested wood, alternatives to wood, and otherwise help conserve this limited resource and beautiful creation? Then see <www.woodwise.org>, a project of Co-op America. This site includes information on natural building techniques and materials. You can also find information at <www.iatp.org/forestry> about the work of IATP (The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy) on this topic. Also see NRDC's report "Efficient Wood Use in Residential Construction: A Practical Guide to Saving Wood, Money, and Forests" at <www.nrdc.org/cities/building/rwoodus.asp>. Books about sustainable forestry are at <www.chelseagreen.com/Forestry.htm>.
GLOBAL WARMING	What is going on with our weather? What are the risks to our health, our environment, our food crops? How can we change our behavior to reverse the harm we're doing to the ecosystems upon which we depend. Great information on all these topics is on the NRDC site <www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/default.asp>, including information in their Publications section. Books about renewable energy are at <www.chelseagreen.com/Energy.htm>.
THE HARM OF AIRPLANES	What is the impact of our rapid increase of air traffic - on our health, quality of life, and ecological world? For a detailed, readable analysis - with specific recommendations for change - see "Flying Off Course: Environmental Impacts of America's Airports" at <www.nrdc.org/air/transportation/foc/aairexsu.asp>.
DEALING WITH GLOBAL DESPAIR	How do we deal with the despair and overwhelm that can come up when we see the harm being done to this world and its inhabitants? It can be so easy to want to crawl under the covers and try to just focus on our daily lives. And yet, this allows the harm to continue - to us, others, and the world we love. The truth is that separation is an illusion. Joanna Macy has done wonderful work describing a truly healing path - to not fear our pain and get stuck in it - but instead to let go of the numbing and allow true aliveness. I believe that through this we can have our lives be aligned with healing truths and supportive of a healthier world - while bringing us the great joy of participating as alive beings in the beautiful world ever-emergine. Macy's new book, with Molly Brown, is "Coming Back to Life: Practices to Reconnect Our Lives, Our World." Past books include "Despair and Empowerment in the Nuclear Age" and "World as Lover, World as Self." She also offers workshops, including one 3/18 in Santa Cruz and a 12-day intensive there in April. Here is an article describing Joanna Macy's work. <www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/examiner/archive/1999/02/18/STYLE9223.dtl> To read other people's exploration of this issue, you can also look at the work being done in the domains of Deep Ecology and Ecopsychology.