The EU authorities’ assumption that glyphosate does not spread through the air has been disproven. The results of a German study on pesticide pollution of the air prove that glyphosate and dozens of other pesticides are travelling through the air for miles into national parks and cities. The analysis was initially published in 2019 and has now been peer-reviewed by … [Read more...]
Short film aims to ban animal testing in SA
Hollywood filmmakers and movie stars have joined forces with Humane Society International to produce a powerful stop-motion animated short film, #SaveRalph, to end cosmetic testing on animals around the world, including South Africa. Although banned in 40 countries, the practice is still legal in most of the world, and is even making a comeback in some regions, subjecting … [Read more...]
Asbestos exposure: an environmental carcinogen
Before the 1970s, asbestos was a widely used home and manufacturing additive for its heat and fireproof resistant properties. Due to this, asbestos fibers can be found in buildings and products alike, and although it is banned in the UK, there have been lasting detrimental and cancerous effects through first, second, and third-wave exposure. In the U.S., this carcinogen is … [Read more...]
EWT responds to China’s illegal wildlife trade ban
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) welcomes the announcement by the Chinese Communist Party to enforce the ban on illegal wildlife trade and increase regulation of wildlife markets. Evidence points to wildlife markets as a source of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which has resulted in human and economic costs. The EWT emphasises their position that these markets pose … [Read more...]
Campaign calls for a ban on cigarette butts in SA
The National Council Against Smoking is working with Greenpeace Africa to raise awareness about the plastic in cigarette butts as part of Plastic-free July. They are leveraging on the global campaign, encouraging people to rethink the way they use plastic, by starting a campaign on their VUMA.EARTH platform, which calls for a ban on cigarette butts in South Africa. “It may … [Read more...]
Your right to choose natural health products is under threat
Be warned …your favourite herbal, homeopathic and nutritional products will soon either be banned or become unaffordable, unless you say ‘NO!‘ This will later expand to include natural skincare products and African Traditional Medicines. The current regulatory regime imposed on traditional & natural health products stems from controversial ‘Complementary Medicine … [Read more...]
Petition calls for an end to single-use plastics
Plastic Pollution Coalition is a growing global alliance of individuals, organizations, businesses, and policymakers working toward a world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts on humans, animals, waterways and oceans, and the environment. Please sign their petition to appeal for the banning of single use plastic due to its impact on the environment. The … [Read more...]
Sow Stalls to be phased out in SA
Mr Simon Streicher, CEO of the South African Pork Producers Organisation (SAPPO) refused to confirm to Compassion in World Farming today that sow stalls are to be phased out in South Africa. However, in an email to Beeld newspaper last week, Mr Streicher stated that South Africa was embarking upon 'the gradual phasing out of sow crates (stalls)' and that 'SAPPO supports the … [Read more...]
Fracking should be banned everywhere
Hydraulic Fracturing, commonly known as Fracking, is a highly controversial method of extracting oil and gas from existing, redundant and new wells. Drilling has begun in an unregulated frenzy from USA, China and now heading for gas-rich Europe and other countries around the world. The environment and human health is at very serious and potential risk if this method of … [Read more...]
EU Parliament strengthens draft laws to ban GM crops
The European Parliament today voted to strengthen a draft EU law giving member states a new right to ban genetically modified (GM) crops from being grown in their territories. Greenpeace welcomes this positive outcome, but warns that national bans are no substitute for thorough safety testing at EU level. Greenpeace EU agriculture policy adviser Stefanie Hundsdorfer … [Read more...]
GM crop cultivation nosedives across Europe
On the day of the release of annual industry-sponsored figures, a new report from Friends of the Earth International reveals that the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops across Europe continues to decline, with an increasing number of national bans, and decreasing numbers of hectares dedicated to GMOs. The report, 'Who Benefits from GM Crops?', reveals that less … [Read more...]
Debt and dependence befalls gm crops
"All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons [and daughters] of the Earth." Chief Seattle of the Duwamish Trib Concerns about the dangers of GM crops are mounting, and so is public awareness. It has been shown that GM crops increase herbicide use without increasing average yields, trap farmers in a cycle of debt … [Read more...]