I know we've discussed plastic bottles a lot on GKR. We've talked about how long they take to biodegrade (up to 1000 years) and how little are recycled (about 12%). We know they are bad for the earth, but in oceans the problem compounds. I shared our Project Kaisei video with you and spent lots of time talking about the Pacific Trash Vortex For all those reasons, and more, we have called on you Neergs to ban plastic bottles and to encourage your friends and families to do the same.
Well today we have another compelling reason to ban your use of plastic water bottles--BPA. We've touched on BPA before. BPA is a toxic chemical that is found in lots of plastics, cans and everyday objects we touch like store receipts! Seriously, who knew? The FDA states that the amount of BPA found in these items is too low to affect your health, but what if they're wrong? Well, it appears they might be, according to a new study. We could be exposed to at least eight times the limit of bisphenol recommended by the EPA. The research suggests that our liver may not be able to detoxify BPA enough to secrete it through urination. Remaining BPA in the blood stream can mimic important hormones in the body and has been linked to breast cancer and Attention Deficit Disorder--an growing issue for us kids. Bottom line is that BPA is dangerous. It should not be allowed in the products we touch and use everyday. Some states are pushing for their own food safety legislation to limit levels of BPA, but we need our U.S. Congress to pass national legislation that protects everyone, including kids who are especially affected during their developmental years. Right now a Food Safety Bill will be awaiting Senate approval upon their return from the August break. Senator Dianne Feinstein attempted to push a provision that would include a BPA ban in the bill, but major opposition from the food industry caused the Dems to drop it. All is not lost however, Senator Feinstein will offer the amendment on the floor. Hopefully the recent, alarming study on BPA will bring new pressure that warrants action! You can send an email to your representative asking them to support a BPA ban by clicking the "Email Your Senator Link" on our Take Action Page. The representatives are listed there too! You may also want to check out this article for your family, 7 Best Ways to Avoid Toxic BPA on the Care 2 website. Peace Out Everybody--Ethan
Well, it's the Clean Air Act's 40th Birthday. I know I should be celebrating. There are lots of reasons to of course. Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator of the EPA, does an amazing job enumerating the reasons on her Huffington Post blog (link below). And the Clean Air Act has been such an important piece of legislation for our country and the world without a doubt. Ms. Jackson runs the numbers--200,000 lives saved, decrease in heart and lung disease, significant reduction of common p... Continue reading...
Don't miss our Neerg News page today where we feature an article, Live Climate Science from the High Arctic, by Beth Kapusta from the Huff Post. The accompanying video (which can be seen below) with Dr. Simon Boxall is mind-blowing. Dr. Boxall says that our oceans cover 70 percent of our planet and are affected by climate change the most. The polar ice cap is melting quickly, and we are seeing the lowest ice-cover ever on human record. What does this mean? Well, the melting pola... Continue reading...
I'm feeling particularly inspired today after learning more about the 10/10/10 Work Party from 350.org and Earth Hour 2011. Both of these global events have been created "to put the heat on" government officials everywhere to take meaningful action in finding solutions to the climate crisis. Today, we'll talk about 350.org. Founded by Bill McKibben, the group chose its name because 350 parts per million CO2 is the number we need to get below or global warming will acceler... Continue reading...
Hey Neergs! I was inspired by this video (below) to bring up the subject of clean energy legislation again. If you've been following us, you know that we have created a Take Action page on www.GreenKidsRock.com to give kids an opportunity to voice their disappointment about the inaction of our congress. It's completely unacceptable and now our country is not only in danger of not moving forward on clean energy legislation, but taking back-steps. Please read "What's at Stake in your Governo... Continue reading...
Hi, I'm Ethan. I like learning about the environment, science, reading and competitive swimming. I love being with my friends and working on ways to save our planet.
Green Kids Rock is the place to come to learn, play and make change happen. I want to hear all your great ideas, so please share here! We are building a movement, and we will be heard. Green Kids Rock!
