http://www.organicconsumers.org/organicbytes.htm

Written and edited by Craig Minowa and Ronnie Cummins

IN THIS ISSUE:

* CONSUMER ALERT: CANCER-CAUSING INGREDIENT FOUND IN LEADING "ORGANIC" & "NATURAL" PERSONAL CARE PRODCUTS

* CONSUMER TIP OF THE WEEK: HOW TO AVOID 1,4-DIOXANE IN YOUR PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

* QUICK RELATED BLIP: INDUSTRY IGNORES CONSUMER CONCERNS & CREATES BOGUS "OASIS" ORGANIC STANDARD

* ESSAY OF THE WEEK: OCA DIRECTOR RONNIE CUMMINS ON HOW TO SOLVE AMERICA'S HEALTH CARE CRISIS

* ALERT OF THE WEEK: FARM WORKERS AND ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS LOSE FREEDOM OF SPEECH

* SUSTAINABILITY LESSON OF THE WEEK: COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA) 101

* WEIRD NEWS OF THE WEEK: TOXIC SOUP OF PLASTIC TWICE THE SIZE OF U.S. FORMS IN OCEAN

* BOOK OF THE WEEK: THE WAR ON BUGS

* WEB PROGRAM OF THE WEEK: A CLOSER LOOK AT CHINESE ORGANICS

CONSUMER ALERT:

CANCER-CAUSING INGREDIENT FOUND IN LEADING "ORGANIC" & "NATURAL" PERSONAL CARE PRODCUTS

A newly released study commissioned by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) and overseen by environmental health consumer advocate David Steinman (author of The Safe Shopper's Bible), revealed the presence of the undisclosed carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-Dioxane in leading shampoos, body washes, lotions and other personal care and household cleaning products claiming to be "natural" or "organic". The study results, to be released this weekend at the Natural Products Expo in California, are already sending shockwaves through the "organic" and "natural" body care industry. Laboratory tests showed that products certified under the USDA National Organic Program DID NOT contain this toxin, but most of the best selling personal care products claiming to be "organic" (but not USDA certified) contained the cancer-causing ingredient. All leading self-proclaimed "organic" brands have at least a few individual "certified organic" ingredients, but for most of these top-selling brands, the product, as a whole, is not USDA organic certified, thereby allowing the presence of synthetic toxins. Similar studies have revealed the presence of this toxin in conventional personal care products, but this is the first study indicating the presence in misleadingly labeled "organic" and "natural" products. Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/comingclean.cfm

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CONSUMER TIP OF THE WEEK:

HOW TO AVOID 1,4-DIOXANE IN YOUR PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

* Some of the products found to contain 1,4-Dioxane: JASON Pure Natural & Organic, Giovanni Organic Cosmetics, Kiss My Face, Nature’s Gate Organics (see a full list of OCA's study results here)

* Remember that just because a personal care product labels itself with the words "organic" or "certified organic" doesn't mean it meets any specified organic standards.

* Look for products that are certified under the USDA National Organic Program (or a similar German program) and products that bear the "USDA Organic" seal.

* Search product labels for ingredients with the following in their names to avoid products containing 1,4-Dioxane: myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth, any other eth, PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or oxynol.

* In general, avoid products with unpronounceable ingredients to be sure to avoid synthetic toxins and carcinogens.

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QUICK RELATED BLIP:

INDUSTRY IGNORES CONSUMER CONCERNS & CREATES BOGUS "OASIS" ORGANIC STANDARD

A new "organic" standard for personal care products has been created exclusively by conventional industry members like Estee Lauder (owner of Aveda), Loreal and Hain (Jason, Avalon), without any input or comment period from organic consumers, organic farmers or personal care companies who have achieved USDA National Organic Program certification for the majority of their products. The OASIS standard allows a product to be labeled outright as “Organic” (rather than “Made with Organic Specified Ingredients”) even if it contains hydrogenated and sulfated cleansing ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate made from conventional agricultural material grown with synthetic fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, and preserved with synthetic petrochemical preservatives like Ethylhexylglycerin and Phenoxyethanol. As always, the OCA recommends consumers look for personal care products certified under the USDA National Organic Program. Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_10886.cfm

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http://www.organicconsumers.org/donations.htm

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ESSAY OF THE WEEK:

OCA DIRECTOR RONNIE CUMMINS ON HOW TO SOLVE AMERICA'S HEALTH CARE CRISIS

The health care crisis in the U.S. is fast becoming a life or death emergency. OCA Director Ronnie Cummins exposes the real roots of this crisis and lays out what we can do about it in his latest article: "Beyond Progressive Malpractice: Taking Down Big Pharma." Read the article and press the politicians on this burning issue: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_10838.cfm

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ALERT OF THE WEEK:

FARM WORKERS AND ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS LOSE FREEDOM OF SPEECH

Despite massive opposition from public interest groups and civil libertarians, the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, AETA, became law on November 27, 2007 upon receiving President Bush's signature. Its stated purpose is "to provide the Department of Justice the necessary authority to apprehend, prosecute, and convict individuals committing animal enterprise terror." But AETA is not limited to acts of violence or property destruction. It extends to anyone who attempts to, or conspires to, interfere with an animal enterprise. AETA offers no defense to activists who expose illegal activities. Animal researchers and factory farms that are operating illegally can use AETA to protect themselves from whistle blowers. The effect of AETA is to label social justice activists as terrorists when they work to expose animal cruelty, poor labor conditions, or environmental violations in agribusiness or the biomedical industries. It's time to repeal AETA. Learn more and take action: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_10859.cfm

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SUSTAINABILITY LESSON OF THE WEEK:

COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA) 101

The eco-buff's mantra of "buy local" is never quite as easy, tasty or rewarding as during growing season in the Northern Hemisphere. As we prepare for spring to roll into North America, a growing number of farmers are finding support from members of their local communities who are paying for their fair share of the year's harvest via a "subscription" method known as "Community Supported Agriculture" (CSA). There's no easier way to buy local and organic than to find a CSA near you. For a modest subscription fee, you get a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables brought to your home weekly. Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_10790.cfm

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DISTURBING NEWS OF THE WEEK:

TOXIC SOUP OF PLASTIC TWICE THE SIZE OF U.S. FORMS IN OCEAN

The University of Hawaii is set to launch an expedition with the goal of confirming a new trash "continent" in the Pacific Ocean. A vast expanse of floating trash has been collecting in the Pacific Ocean into a mass that scientists are now referring to as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The thick mass of plastic soup, located approximately 500 miles east of California, is now reported to be twice the size of the Unites States. The collection of debris comes as no surprise to experts in this area. According to a recent report from the UN Environment Programme, on a global level, each square mile of ocean water contains an average of 46,000 pieces of floating garbage. Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_10831.cfm

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FISH ESCAPE INTO THE WILD

"The result of these weaknesses is that the extent of research under way in Canada and any accidental release of (genetically engineered) fish may not be fully known." Statement in a Canadian Government Audit released this week that reveals lax regulations have allowed untold numbers of experimental frankenfish to escape unreported into natural waterways. http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_10823.cfm

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BOOK OF THE WEEK:

THE WAR ON BUGS

Will Allen, an OCA Advisor, has written a new book that is certain to become an essential tool for consumers and activists, alike. According to a review in The Times Argus: "This is not just a book about popular desserts and their hidden dangers. It is a well-crafted, thoroughly researched literary polemic against the chemical companies and their customers (the farmers) who, by means of advertising, propaganda and other marketing techniques, have lulled consumers into unwittingly purchasing all kinds of farm produce that has been treated with often-dangerous insecticides. In fact, 'The War On Bugs' is also a truly fascinating history of agriculture not only here in the United States but elsewhere, and it is generously illustrated with documents that portray not just the progress of agriculture but the often-hidden costs associated with that progress."

ORDER: http://www.chelseagreen.com/2007/items/waronbugs

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WEB PROGRAM OF THE WEEK:

A CLOSER LOOK AT CHINESE ORGANICS

More companies are importing organic products from China and other countries. But contaminated pet food, tainted toothpaste, and unauthorized antibiotics in fish have been imported to the U.S. from China. Now, some people are concerned about organic foods from China. Listen to this informative webcast to learn how this issue affects U.S. consumers:

Listen: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_10805.cfm

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KANSAS ALERT:

PROTECT THE RIGHT TO KNOW HOW YOUR FOOD IS PRODUCED

SB 595, a bill in the Kansas Senate, will prohibit dairies from letting you know what is in your milk. SB 595 would make it illegal for dairies to label their milk as "artificial hormone-free." This means consumers would not be able to find out if they are purchasing milk that is free from hormones such as Monsanto's rBGH sometimes called rBST. There was a hearing on the bill on February 26th and 27th. The bill was not voted upon. It is possible that the bill will NOT be brought up for a vote due too the overwhelming opposition. However, since the bill was introduced by the Ways and Means Committee there is no deadline for a committee vote and it can be brought up at any point in the session. Please email your representatives to help insure that this Bill does not pass. http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=23551

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FLORIDA ALERT:

END EXPOLITATION & MODERN-DAY SLAVERY IN THE FLORIDA FIELDS

Burger King and other food industry leaders are supplied by workers who paid poverty wages that have barely changed in 30 years; forced to work long hours without overtime; subjected to physical abuse by supervisors, denied benefits such as sick days, paid leave, and health insurance, and are punished for organizing. These workers are also forced to endure modern-day slavery. Let Burger King and other food providers know that this is unacceptable and that as a consumer you are prepared to participate in a boycott, were one called, unless they agree to: 1. Pay a penny more per pound for tomatoes and ensure that the increase is passed on to tomato pickers in the form of increased wages; and 2. Work with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) to establish and enforce a human rights-based code of conduct, including zero tolerance for forced labor, to ensure fair and safe working conditions. Take Action: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=947

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OHIO ALERT:

TELL THE GOVERNOR TO STOP HARASSING RBGH-FREE DAIRIES

We had a small victory in Ohio last month to protect consumers right to know how their milk has been produced, when thousands of Ohioans contacted the Governor, and forced him not to ban rBGH-free labeling. Unfortunately, it turns out that the fine print of the new labeling rules could help Monsanto more than it helps consumers. The Governor's proposed labeling rules create so many barriers, that it may discourage dairies that don't use Monsanto's genetically engineered bovine growth hormone from telling consumers that they've gone rBGH-free. Please write to the Governor today: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=23629

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NOTE TO CO-OP AND NATURAL FOOD STORE SUBSCRIBERS:

Organic Bytes is a great tool for keeping your staff and customers up to date on the latest issues. Feel free to forward this email to your staff and print for posting on bulletin boards and staff break tables. You are also welcome to use this material for your newsletters. There's an attractive print-friendly PDF version of this available for free download at http://www.organicconsumers.org/organicbytes.cfm

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