crossposted from unbossed
It's an uneven battle for the truth, given Monsanto's money and its stable of people like who will promote Monsanto's profits over our health. Link. One thing working in Monsanto's favor is that, when things seem complicated, most people will tune out or take the position that the truth likes somewhere between. Another is that Monsanto is well funded, while those who work to publicize the truth are not.
But you can help by being informed and telling others about these shenanigans. And there are other things you can do to support the truth tellers.
One of the other ways you can help counter Monsanto's stealth campaign is to support those who spend their time countering these disinformation claims.
One is Consumer Reports, the employer of Michael Hanson, the scientist quoted in this Scientific American story on Monsanto's claims that using rBST is good for the environment. Consumer Reports also recently began and initiative to expose front groups, something Monsanto has been active in. Details of Full Frontal Scrutiny here. Consider a subscription to Consumer Reports
A few years ago, Scientific American began including studies on social issues and explaining the connections between social issues and science. I consider it a change for the good. It has also been attacked for "not just sticking to science." Consider also a subscription to Scientific American or a letter to them.
Another action is to support Physicians for Social Responsibility who do so much work on behalf of the public health. Its affiliate, Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility, recently produced a videoexplaining the scientific, health, and political issues involved in the use of rBST and Monsanto's campaign to get it approved for use.
Right now, Stoneyfield Yogurt has a program that includes donating $100,000 to three groups. One is PSR.
You can vote without buying Stoneyfield Yogurt. Though you get more votes buy doing so, dollar democracy, in other words.
Through our Profits for the Planet (PFP) program, we donate 10% of our profits to efforts that help protect and restore the earth. Our annual Bid with Your Lid program gives you a chance to help direct a portion of these donations.
We’ll give a total of $100,000 to three organizations that help the earth. Each organization will receive $20,000 plus a percentage of $40,000, based on your voting.
Details here. The program ends August 31, 2008.
There are also many groups out there working to get the word out on this important issue. One is Food and Water Watch. It now has an information sheet on the claims made for the environmental benefits of using rBST in dairy cows.
Heck, it's Independence Day weekend. How about declaring our independence from today's hucksters who want to trade our physical and environmental health for their profits.