Eggstra good for chooks!
The good news is Choice have updated their Free-range eggs buying guide. The national standard, which came into effect in April this year, means the label on your carton can still have any number of meanings depending on the producer. There is no requirement for chickens to actually go outside, and it allows a maximum stocking density of 10,000 hens per hectare. Find out the brands that meet the recommended model code of 1500 hens per hectare. Also see Choice's very handy CluckAR app, and this vid for a glimpse of 'true free range' with Daniel O'Brien's innovative Aussie-designed chicken caravan.
Be Inspired: connected to nature
Technology can, in many ways, convince us that we don’t really need nature ... except on special occasions. But what have we lost as individuals by inadvertently believing this? We learn something about our unique place in the world and about what makes us special as human beings by looking closely and by being more connected with the natural world around us. In this month's Be Inspired feature we explore the big and small wonders, and how we each are an integral part of this complex and beautiful ecosystem of life.
More War on Waste
In the new season of War on Waste a sea turtle named "McChokey" - made out of straws - receives a frosty reception when delivered to McDonald's Australian headquarters. The series airs on July 24 at 8.30pm on ABC. Find out more on the waste conversation at ABC Radio Live Debate: "Is the war on waste just a load of rubbish?". Take action by signing the petition telling the supermarkets to end excessive plastic packaging on fresh produce. Also, some good reminders on living waste free from Karla and Tim Minchin (watch out, this anthem may haunt you!).
Monsanto is acquired by Bayer
Shortly the name 'Monsanto' - synonymous with GMOs, glyphosate, seed patents - will disappear. On June 4, Bayer became the sole shareholder of Monsanto. This takeover is the third of three super mergers initiated in 2016 that see three companies controlling nearly 60 per cent of the world’s seeds and nearly 70 per cent of the agrochemicals and pesticides. Concerns include food security, and anti-trust implications. But don't be despondent, there's a bunch of things happening at a local level. Check out this musical offering on diversity and this article on agroecology.
No Nestlé for Zoos Vic
Zoos Victoria has removed Nestlé products from its cafes after the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) suspended Nestlé’s membership when the company failed to submit a 2016 progress report, and its 2017 report lacked a timetable for producing or buying certified sustainable palm oil. The Zoos Victoria Don't Palm us off campaign focuses on the labelling of palm oil. You can sign the petition and read the update mentioning the Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation which met on June 29. More on the issues at Shop Ethical! Palm Oil.
Quick Bites
Fairtrade Fortnight runs August 3-16. It's a chance to buy a better future for farmers and workers around the world. Next time you shop, look for the Fairtrade Mark to make sure workers and growers are getting a fair wage.
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Fairtrade
Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay a record $US4.69 billion ($A6.34 billion) to 22 women in the United States who alleged the company’s talc-based products contained asbestos and caused them to develop ovarian cancer.
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Inside FMCG
Deep in a forest in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, only 800 Tapanuli orangutan remain. Sign the petition to stop a proposed Chinese hydropower project that may soon destroy their habitat.
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Rainforest Rescue
The ban regarding tests on animals for cosmetics products in Australia, announced by the government two years ago, and introduced as part of the Industrial Chemicals Bill 2017, has been pushed back another year, now due July 2019.
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Choose Cruetly Free
Here's a great piece of writing entitled "It’s impossible to lead a totally ethical life—but it’s fun to try... " They say the best way to live an ethical life isn’t to find all the answers, but to be willing to wrestle with difficult questions.
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QZ article
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