License to Krill
Krill are tiny creatures but they are thought to have the largest population of any species on Earth. Importantly, they are the primary food for a wide range of animals, including the blue whale. Greenpeace tracked the activities of the little-known krill fishing industry in the Antarctic over the last five years, as it competes directly with whales and penguins for the krill that underpin the Antarctic food chain. See the Greenpeace vid and the Sea Shepherd campaign (which outlines the big companies involved - such as Blackmores and Swisse). Also some wise reflections from Bill and Will.
Labour Without Liberty
The new Clean Clothes Campaign report Labour Without Liberty looks at female migrant workers in Bangalore's garment industry. Young women are recruited with false promises about wages and benefits. Their living conditions in hostels are poor and their freedom of movement is severely restricted. These factories supply to big international brands like Benetton, GAP, H&M, and Levi’s. For actions to take, see our Clothing Choices chart, and sign the What She Makes pledge.
Sourcing local produce
The closure of fresh food delivery company Aussie Farmers Direct is sad news for the 100 franchisees, the 260 employees, the producer farms, and also for people receiving boxes. Aussie Farmers Direct suggested one reason was the competition of Coles and Woolworths, who together account for about 68 per cent of the grocery market share (and now source about 96 per cent of their fruit and vegetables locally). If you're looking for alternatives in sourcing local produce while avoiding the big supermarkets, try: Open Food Network, Your Grocer, Local Harvest, and more links here.
Actor to Activist
Hollywood star James Cromwell is perhaps best known for his role as Farmer Hoggett in the 1995 movie 'Babe'. However he's drawing as much attention in his inspirational second life - as a fearless animal activist and eco warrior. Find out more in our Be Inspired feature this month.
Chook standards
The public consultation for the review of Australian animal welfare standards in the poultry and egg industries ended on February 26. Animal welfare groups have criticised the current draft standards. Most notably, it excludes any phase-out of battery cages (retaining the 550 square centimetres for each hen – smaller than an A4 sheet of paper). The proposed poultry standards leave Australia trailing behind other industrialised countries. Sign the petition.
Quick Bites
Wesfarmers has announced plans to spin off its Coles supermarket business, as well as its liquor and convenience stores, creating a new, standalone, top-30 company.
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ABC news
The ACCC has taken Woolworths to court for false, misleading and deceptive ‘Biodegradable' claims on their ‘W Select eco’ line of disposable bowls, plates and cutlery.
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Inside FMCG
Nestlé has once again been criticised for violation of WHO marketing codes and misleading claims about its baby milk formulas. See the Changing Markets Foundation report.
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Guardian
China is moving towards alternatives to animal testing. It has one of the world’s largest cosmetics markets and is the last major country to require animal testing on many goods.
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Bloomburg
Three Australian companies are changing the way we think about recycling. They're manufacturing from our plastic waste to close the loop. But they need people to 'buy recycled'.
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Guardian
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