Fw: August 2005 - Two Major Victories Protecting Antibiotics, and More

[Guest guest]

Although this is about animals, everyone should be pushing to stop the use of antibiotics. I know, I know, it would all go away if folks stopped eating meat but the reality is that folks aren't going to do that so it is important to protect the rest of us from the bacteria the rest of the world is spreading around. One of the ways is for everyone to get active in forcing all the meat producers to stop the use of antibiotics.

 

Which, btw, has another result. If they can't use the antibiotics they have to take better care of the critters!

 

Lynda

- Environmental Defense

lurine

Wednesday, August 17, 2005 6:28 AM

August 2005 - Two Major Victories Protecting Antibiotics, and More

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 2005TAKE ACTION - Say Thank You for Landmark Step Protecting AntibioticsUPDATES - Another Antibiotics Victory, Good and Bad News on Transportation and Energy BillsFEATURES - Global Warming and Oceans, Summer Reading, Eco-friendly Shellfish

Take Action! Our Campaigns Major Step Protecting Antibiotics - Say Thanks Life-saving antibiotics are losing their effectiveness because they are overused, especially in chicken and pork production. That's why a groundbreaking policy from Compass Group - the largest food service provider in the Americas - is big news for your health. With help from Environmental Defense, Compass Group will only buy chicken and pork from companies that curb antibiotic use. Send an email thanking Compass for their landmark move.

 

Activists at Work - Updates and Victories

 

Another Antibiotics Victory!After a five-year battle, the FDA finally banned Cipro-like antibiotics for use in poultry. These drugs, like Bayer's Baytril, are used in people to treat food poisoning and bacterial infections. Overuse of the drugs in poultry makes them less effective in people. This is the first time that FDA has banned an agricultural antibiotic because of concerns about human health. Learn more from our coalition site, Keep Antibiotics Working.

Energy Bill's Silver LiningThough the energy bill that President Bush signed fails to act on global warming or energy security, it will help clean up dirty diesel engines. Diesel engines in buses, tractors and construction equipment release smog, soot, and toxic exhaust for decades. The bill authorizes $1 billion for programs that use new technology to cut pollution from old diesel engines. Learn more about the bill and how diesel pollution can be reduced.Good and Bad of Transportation BillPresident Bush signed another mammoth bill last week - the $286 billion transportation bill. Unfortunately, many parts of the bill weaken protections for the environment and bring little relief to millions suffering from air pollution. On the good side, states have new opportunities to use market incentives to cut traffic and finance better transportation choices. Thanks to thousands of activists who took action to support these innovative traffic solutions. Learn more about traffic solutions.

 

 

 

Features Hot Water Ahead: Oceans Heating UpWith all the heat the ocean has absorbed, scientists say it may be near the tipping point. Some warning signs: bleaching corals, starving seabirds and fish turning up in unlikely waters. In our special feature, find out how life in the ocean is changing and what we can do about it. Readers Weigh in on Summer PicksWhen Environmental Defense scientists and staff recommended a few summer reads, we had no idea how many more books you would add to the list. Two of the top recommendations: Barbara Kingsolver's Prodigal Summer and Carl Safina's Song for the Blue Ocean. We'll keep them in mind for our next reading list. If you have another environmental pick, let us know.Eco-Friendly ShellfishFarmed mollusks such as clams, mussels, oysters and bay scallops are some of the most eco-friendly seafood available. These species are often grown away from the ocean floor on racks, nets or ropes, which means they are harvested without destructive bottom dredging. And because they are filter feeders, they also improve water quality. If you eat seafood, get more eco-friendly tips.

 

 

 

 

PSSST! SPREAD THE WORDInvite friends and family to join over 300,000 people taking action online for the environment. Spread the word!

 

 

 

 

 

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