After watching Genetic Roulette - The Gamble of Our Lives (trailer above) -- a film that exposes 'Monsanto’s strong arm tactics, the FDA’s fraudulent policies, and how the USDA ignores a growing health epidemic...', I wrote a petition on Change.org asking Disney for Organic & Non-GMO Meal Options. In part my petition reads:
"...the recent report by the American Academy of Pediatrics that indicates pediatricians are urging parents to choose organic food to reduce kids' exposure to pesticides. According to Joel Forman, an associate professor of pediatrics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and a lead author of the report: "Clearly if you eat organic produce, you have fewer pesticides in your body. Children – esp. young children whose brains are developing – are uniquely vulnerable to chemical exposures.”
When I posted my
petition info as part of a comment on
Grist, an environmental e-zine, I was surprised at the hostile reaction it received; I commented on an article:
“An anti-GMO wave rising from Kauai?” & received
comments such as:
“Wow! Given the cultural, logistical, and environmental impacts of Disney Inc on the planet, you're worried about them serving Organic and non-GMO?!!!! Holy side track Batman! Your priorities are in serious need of a reality check”
Admittedly, Disney's overall record on labor rights, environmental impact, etc. is horrendous; however, by offering organic & Non-GMO meals, a behemoth company such as Disney could benefit the environment and be a trendsetter for the tourism industry. The petition aims to emulate the successful Rainforest Action Network (RAN) campaign to get Disney Inc. to minimize its consumption of paper and maximize the use of recycled content, to help preserve endangered forests.
To quote Margaret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has".
The GMO Mini Summit is a virtual event designed to explore the effects of genetically modified foods on human health and the environment:
"If you want to know the truth about GMOs and the risks Monsanto, the government, their paid advisors and the media are deliberately hiding from you, then join in this inspirational and free, 3-day GMO Summit October 25-27, 2013"
Also check out:
The Institute for Responsible Technology(IRT)'s website for more info on GMOs. If GMOs are so safe, why is the food industrial complex fighting so hard to prevent
"labeling" GMO products? What are they hiding?
I’ll end on a hopeful note, with Green Gold a documentary on how to rehabilitate large-scale damaged ecosystems using permaculture by environmental film maker John D. Liu. For more info, check out FinchJ’s diary - here. Thank you FinchJ, your diaries offer a wealth of information for those interested in agroecology, sustainability, etc.