lolldesigns

ecastleinthesky, posting in sustainable_sos @ 7:10pm: Warning Labels to be Required on Cell Phones?
(NY Times) In January 2010, San Francisco’s environment coalition will discuss eight recommendations regarding the radiation emitted by cellphones, during which time Mayor Gavin Newsom is expected to propose an ordinance requiring retailers to post information about how much radiation a cell phone produces next to the price tag.

The lack of hard science doesn’t trouble San Franciscan policy makers. Says Debbi Raphael, toxic reduction program manager for the city’s department of the environment..

"We’re not convinced there isn’t evidence of harm," she said. "Do you wait until you have proof of cause and effect, or do you look for indications from reputable scientific sources?"

Indeed. And why wait for a scientific consensus on the safety of marshmallows, when you can just start taxing them for the choking hazard they might cause?

http://bayarea.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/23/sf-may-require-warnings-about-cellphone-radiation/

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Related Links

Maine Bill to Mandate Cell-Phone Warning Labels
http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/techbeat/archives/2009/10/maine_bill_to_m.html

Cell Phones & Cigarettes: What do they have in Common?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4uz2TUcwnI&feature=player_embedded

ecastleinthesky, posting in sustainable_sos @ 6:38pm: **Updated: "Green Events Listing & Green Job Board"**
To access the updated listing, please visit:
http://groups.google.ca/group/sustainable_sos/web/current-event-listing

ljspotlight, posting in lj_spotlight @ 2:38pm: Homepage Spotlight 1/04/10
2amtomorning
If you find yourself at the crossroads of insomnia and insanity, this is the place to channel those demons that keep you sleepless. Vivid pictures, poetry, ruminations, and confessions from the nether hours between dusk and dawn. Originally formed to celebrate the city at night, there's a strong urban theme.

ljspotlight, posting in lj_spotlight @ 2:37pm: Homepage Spotlight 1/04/10
green_future
Dedicated to promoting global sustainability, this community offers a forum for discussing current environmental news, research, and issues with tips on how to make positive, pro-active changes to reduce carbon impact. You'll also find information on how to get involved in eco-activism and learn about events near you (i.e., act local; think global). Offering a wealth of data on earth-friendly products and practices, you'll be inspired to don an organic bamboo cape and save the planet.

ljspotlight, posting in lj_spotlight @ 2:35pm: Homepage Spotlight 1/04/10
wtf_sexism
Self-described as "a little community with a lot of rage," you can soak up impassioned vibes and read blistering exposes detailing sexist attitudes in the news, pop culture, and science! A must-join community if you are, or love, a feminist. (NB: the topic of whether a "man" can be a feminist is outside the scope of this spotlight, but will probably wind up on the Writer's Block.)

ecastleinthesky, posting in sustainable_sos @ 12:50am: Health Canada Seeks Input On Adding Anti-Cancer Drug To Junk Food
Ottawa wants to know what you think about its unusual proposal to put a cancer-fighting drug into junk food. Click here to offer your comments:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/consultation/init/_2009-asparaginase/prop-asparaginase-eng.php

Health Canada is inviting public comments until February 21, 2010 on its idea to have small amounts of the enzyme asparaginase put into foods like potato chips and french fries. On its website, Health Canada says its scientists have finished a detailed safety assessment on the enzyme and haven't found any health or safety concerns.

At issue is the chemical acrylamide, which is found as a cooking byproduct in the production of foods like french fries and potato chips and has been linked to cancer in animals. Research suggests asparaginase reduces acrylamide production. Health Canada notes the enzyme is used in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Denmark, and has been given a favourable evaluation by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives.

How to get Involved

These consultations are open for comment starting December 09, 2009 until February 21, 2010 (75 calendar days). Comments on these proposals may be submitted in writing, by regular mail or electronically. If you are submitting your comments electronically, please use the word "asparaginase" in the subject box of your e-mail.

bcs-bipc@hc-sc.gc.ca

Bureau of Chemical Safety
251 Sir Frederick Banting Drive
Health Canada, Tunney's Pasture
Address Locator: 2203B
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L2

Phone: 613-957-0973
Fax: 613-954-4674

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/consultation/init/_dec2009-asparaginase/index-eng.php

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/life/health/Health-Canada-seeks-input-on-adding-anti-cancer-drug-to-junk-food.html

exorbitare, posting in environment @ 3:39pm: Pope urges lifestyle changes to save environment
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Benedict used his traditional New Year address on Friday to call on people to change their lifestyles to save the planet, saying environmental responsibility was essential for global peace. Recalling that world leaders had gathered in Copenhagen last month for the U.N. climate conference, the pope said action at a personal and community level was just as important to safeguard the environment.

"Nevertheless, in this moment, I would like to underline the importance of the choices of individuals, families and local administrations in preserving the environment," the Pope told the thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square.

"An objective shared by all, an indispensable condition for peace, is that of overseeing the earth's natural resources with justice and wisdom."

Link Here

openedlocket, posting in environment @ 6:19pm: The Copenhagen Summit
This is something I wrote on the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference summarizing what happened during these talks. I understand that there may have been posts about this topic before and I'm sorry if this has already been thoroughly discussed.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copenhagen_Summit

      EXCERPT: In my opinion, the 2009 UN Climate Change Conference was a failure. I’m not the only one who thinks so, the very people involved have said so themselves. From what I’ve heard on the news, nothing concrete was accomplished during this year’s talks, which is a shame since these meetings only do come once a year.

            So what exactly did happen during those talks, and why did they fail? I decided to find out by searching the Internet about what went on during these talks. What I found out made me feel even more disappointed than I was before.

More HERE!

Disclaimer: This is my original work so please don't copy without crediting.

cross-posted to fanearth, a small community dedicated to building awareness for Mother Nature.

ecastleinthesky, posting in sustainable_sos @ 7:37pm: Taiwan: "I Love Kids, Not Nuclear" Nu-Power is Not a Solution for Low-Carbon Energy Future
("我愛孩子,不要核子" 環團抗議核電減碳) Taiwan: "I Love Kids, Not Nuclear" Nu-Power is Not a Solution for Low-Carbon Energy Future.

Environmental groups gathered at the cabinet door, shouting the slogan to mark the end of using nuclear as a mean to develop a low-carbon energy future. Environmentalists believe that the development of renewable energy to combat global warming is the best, as it would leave our next generation with a clean world instead of mounting nuclear waste.

Green Party spokesman Pan Han, says that the national media's frequent supports of nuclear power generation would highly distort the public perception on this issue. Pan Han-sheng believes that in order to reduce carbon emissions, nuclear power is not the answer, instead, the Government should develop renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power is environmentally friendly practices.

Environmental League Secretary-General Lizhuo Han said the government should make reference to international norms in setting carbon reduction goals & itinerary, and to adjust the industrial structure to stop the development of high energy consumption, high pollution and high emission of carbon industries.

General Education Center Chairman, Yuan Ze Yang Chang, a long-time teacher who also represents the green, suggests all nations should stick to the "nuclear-free homeland" demands. He called on the governments to stop the operation of nuclear power plants, and follow the development of wind power in Germany, as a real solution to saving our planet from global warming.

http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=1132037&lang=tc_news&cate_img=260.jpg&cate_rss=DD,VD

pinkybunny, posting in environment @ 3:26pm: Some thoughts I had post-Copenhagen while watching Avatar....

Our Great Mother does not take sides, Jake. She protects only the balance of life.

-Neytiri, Avatar, December 2009.

I call upon our neighbors, even those with whom we have not yet reached diplomatic relations, to join hands in an effort to save our region. Political disagreements should not hinder environmental co-operation. Carbon molecules carry no passport. Rivers require no visa. Pollution travels with them. All of us - Jews, Muslims and Christians - pray that the Jordan River will flow, fresh and holy.

- Shimon Peres, Israeli President, Copenhagen Climate Talks, December 2009.

If our planet had an Academy Award ceremony, I think it would be inviting fewer politicians and scientists this year and more CGI-enhanced, leggy, pony-tailed, 12-ft smurfs carrying bows and wearing DayGLO paint.

( Copenhagen and the 450 ppm vs 350 ppm )

( Avatar )

(Original post found here at A Drag and Drop World.)

ljspotlight, posting in lj_spotlight @ 10:42am: Homepage Spotlight 12/28/09
renaissance2010
Turning to photography as a creative outlet during a valiant fight with breast cancer at age 34, renaissance10 survived and set up a photo contest to help raise funds for the Lavender Trust, a nonprofit that provides information and support to younger women with breast cancer. In the first two years, the competition brought in over £65,000 (that's $107,260.73 U.S.!), with entries from 130 countries last year. Renaissance10 recently joined LiveJournal to meet other passionate photographers and find supportive friends.

ljspotlight, posting in lj_spotlight @ 10:39am: Homepage Spotlight 12/28/09
curiouscupcakes
Holy buttercream frosting! If you have a sweet tooth for sugary goodness or a wandering eye for whimsical confection, this is pure ecstasy iced in deliciousness. Hailing the beloved cupcake as the artisinal canvas of choice, you'll enjoy recipes, photos, and bountiful tips to bake up a batch, whether your taste leans toward French classics or funky and flavorful.

ljspotlight, posting in lj_spotlight @ 10:37am: Homepage Spotlight 12/28/09
mission101
With New Years in the offing, it's an ideal time to reflect on past accomplishments, make peace with disappointments, and refocus the lens on future goals. This community welcomes you to create a bucket list of 101 things you plan to accomplish in the next 1,001 days. Offering support, guidance, and inspiration, this is a great way to jumpstart those pesky resolutions.