3. Gardenerd Tip of the Month: Label-GMOs
We don't usually get political here at Gardenerd, but this one is a bi-partisan issue that effects everyone. California is taking steps to get GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) ingredients labeled on all food sold in the state. Though it has been ignored by government on the national level (despite the fact that over 90% of Americans surveyed stated that they wanted to know if GMOs were in their food), a ballot initiative to force GMO labeling is now being taken up state by state.
The ballot initiative has been submitted, so now we wait, but when the time comes, the initiative will need at least 800,000 signatures to be effective, and those signatures must be gathered within a 150 day time limit. This will mean all hands on deck. How can you help and participate?
1) Start by reading up on the proposed ballot measure, and find out if your state (if you live outside of California) has one too. There are at least 5 other states working on the same initiative.
Label GMOs.org
Truth in Labeling Coalition
Just Label It - you can send a letter to the FDA from here
2) Volunteer if you can. If you can't volunteer, donate.
3) Spread the word. Tell your neighbors in your community garden, share it with teachers and parents at school. Kids are powerful teachers too and they can help create future generations without GMO-contaminated foods.
Many times in our country's history, what happens in California leads the way for the rest of the country. Wouldn't it be good to know what's in your food? We grow our food to know where it comes from, but let's not leave the rest to chance if we can do something about it instead. |
