Sound Consumer

Dedicated since 1961 to informing and inspiring the PCC community through the co-op’s vision of advancing the health and well-being of people, their neighborhoods and our planet.

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Sound Consumer, May 2002

Seed diversity, food security

Historically, about 10,000 plant species have been used for human food. Today, only about 150 plant species make up the diets of most of the world’s people. Of these, only 12 species provide more than 70 percent of our food. Nearly 75 percent of the genetic diversity of agricultural crops has been lost since the early 1900’s. Our nutrition and food security are vulnerable.

Historically, about 10,000 plant species have been used for human food. Today, only about 150 plant species make up the diets of most of the world’s people. Of these, only 12 species provide more than 70 percent of our food. Nearly 75 percent of the genetic diversity of agricultural crops has been lost since the early 1900’s. Our nutrition and food security are vulnerable.

Central theory for biotech is flawed

Proponents of genetic engineering long have insisted that scientists can change genes in our foods with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring that our food will be safe and our environment untarnished. On the other side are scientists who say that the long-term effects of genetic engineering are unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

Proponents of genetic engineering long have insisted that scientists can change genes in our foods with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring that our food will be safe and our environment untarnished. On the other side are scientists who say that the long-term effects of genetic engineering are unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

GE foods pose a risk to organics

The news for organic agriculture hasn’t been especially encouraging in recent weeks. While the picture is grim, there still is something we can do about it, and it’s clear that popular opinion is on our side. Our most effective course of action is to convince Congress to pass legislation that would require all genetically engineered foods to be labeled.

The news for organic agriculture hasn’t been especially encouraging in recent weeks. While the picture is grim, there still is something we can do about it, and it’s clear that popular opinion is on our side. Our most effective course of action is to convince Congress to pass legislation that would require all genetically engineered foods to be labeled.

Breast cancer prevention and support

“I have breast cancer.” Those four small words have the power to change an entire lifetime. The words sting like a slap in the face. No, this is not some stranger on a faraway shore. This is my friend Cathy, and she’s telling me she has breast cancer. How can this be? She seems so healthy. She has an impeccable diet, doesn’t drink alcohol or smoke. She exercises and meditates. Perfect, right?

“I have breast cancer.” Those four small words have the power to change an entire lifetime. The words sting like a slap in the face. No, this is not some stranger on a faraway shore. This is my friend Cathy, and she’s telling me she has breast cancer. How can this be? She seems so healthy. She has an impeccable diet, doesn’t drink alcohol or smoke. She exercises and meditates. Perfect, right?

Farmland Fund Flash!

We did it — our Delta Farm is safe from development, in the hands of an organic farmer and producing food. Now the Farmland Fund steps forward to protect another piece of prime quality farmland, the Shipley Fields. See also in this article: TalkingRain supports the Farmland Fund, City Music Mother’s Day Concert, “Futures Cards” from PCC Farmland Fund and Donor Roster for March 1 – 31, 2002.

We did it — our Delta Farm is safe from development, in the hands of an organic farmer and producing food. Now the Farmland Fund steps forward to protect another piece of prime quality farmland, the Shipley Fields. See also in this article: TalkingRain supports the Farmland Fund, City Music Mother’s Day Concert, “Futures Cards” from PCC Farmland Fund and Donor Roster for March 1 – 31, 2002.