Keep Nanotechnology Out of Organic!

A major reason why consumers shop for products that are certified organic is to avoid hazardous and unlabeled genetically engineered organisms, toxic chemicals, and now the most recent, and likely most dangerous hi-tech poison of them all, nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology is now a multi-billion dollar Frankenstein monster industry churning out a vast menu of untested and unlabeled products containing tiny nanoparticles including non-organic vitamin supplements, food packaging, processed food, cosmetics, and sunscreens.

The United States Department of Agriculture's National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) has been debating an official ban on nanotechnology in organic. When it meets November 3 - 5, 2009 in Washington, D.C., the NOSB will consider a recommendation supported by the organic community that would "prohibit nanotechnology in organic production, processing, and packaging."

Mounting scientific evidence indicates that nanomaterials produce dangerous "free radicals" which can destroy or mutate DNA and can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. And, everyday, new evidence of the dangers of nanotechnology emerges.

Tell the USDA that you want the National Organic Standards Board to take a strong stand against the use of nanotechnology in organic. Please act before the October 19 deadline by clicking here.

Save Water & Build Habitats

Save Water & Build Habitats
Tuesday September 22, 6 p.m.
San Diego, Balboa Park, Casa del Prado, Room 101

6 p.m. "Ask the Experts": Sit down, one on one, with a native plant expert for ten minutes and discuss ideas for your shopping list for our upcoming annual California Native plant sale on Saturday October 17th. Reservations are not required but you are encouraged to RSVP to plantsale@cnpssd.org so we have an idea of how many are coming.

7 p.m. "Mystery Plants Identified": Bring your unknown plant and a representative from the San Diego Natural History Museum will help you learn to identify it.

7: 30 p.m. Speaker Presentation by Mike Evans, from Tree of Life Nursery, www.Californianativeplants.com: Learn about plants you can buy at the California Native Plant sale on October 17th. Many agencies and municipalities are introducing strict measures to conserve water, especially for landscape irrigation. We are told many ornamental plants will "work" to save water; and call them "California Friendly." The plants that will use less irrigation water and also attract wildlife species are California natives. Discussion will include why native plantings are the "friendliest" of the California Friendly" plants, and the crucial need before us to enhance and build wildlife habitat within the human environment.

La Mesa Enivro Festival

Environmental Awareness Festival

September 12, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Harry Griffen Park, La Mesa

Join folks from La Mesa at this fun and informative Environmental Awareness Festival and get information and resources on water conservation, energy efficiency, recycling, composting, solar cooking, storm drain runoff, pest control, urban trees, green jobs, xeriscape gardening and more! There will be activities for all ages, including the County Office of Education's Splash Science Mobile Lab, and a series of speakers and free give-aways throughout the day. Bring your lunch, picnic in the park!

E-waste and recycling collection hosted by Cactus Recycling will be accepting all recyclables including electronics, metal, plastics # 1-7, bags, blister packaging, six-pack rings, bubble wrap, plastic film, and formed Styrofoam (no tape or labels please).

Workshops will cover topics including: Rain Water Harvesting; How to Plant a Tree and Why You Should followed by a Tree Walk in the Park with Robin Rivet, ISA Certified Arborist; How to Make Your Own Backyard Compost; Gardening is for the Birds, Bees and Butterflies presented by Connie Beck, National Wildlife Federation; Solar Energy for Residential Applications.

Harry Griffen Park is located in La Mesa at 9550 Milden Street. For more information visit www.cityoflamesa.com/EnvironmentalAwareness