For all the readers of this specific blog, please understand that I receive PETA emails almost daily and it's so hard to keep track so instead, I'm going to publish a weekly PETA Updates blog with all the weekly news. Of course, last week there wasn't one so this will be from the past 2 - 3 weeks.
Newest Ads & Supporters:
Gwyneth Paltrow -
At the reopening of the Fontainebleau Hotel, Gwyneth Paltrow explained how she regretted having posed in a fur stole in an ad for Tod's. She says, "That was awkward, and I'm glad you asked, because I do not wear fur at all. It was a daylong photo shoot on a boat near Capri, and there were all sorts of poses with all kinds of clothes—none with fur. During one set-up, a stylist came up from behind and draped a stole around my shoulders. I didn't pay much attention to it, and when I noticed it was fur I assumed it was fake fur but did not ask, so it's my fault. I was very surprised when they ended up using that one shot out of hundreds for the centerpiece of the Tod's ads. I know it's not a great excuse, but I hope you and your members understand," when asked why an eco-friendly and pro-veggie person such as herself would promote fur.
John Salley -
The basketball star recently took up an opportunity to help elephants in Chicago. He wrote a letter to the City Council asking to vote yes to the piece of legislation that would ban chaining elephants. By clicking his name (above) you can read his letter to the city council and his thoughts and opinions.
Mama Kills Animals -
PETA has a new parody of Majesco's cooking games called Mama Kills Animals. The gamers get to play as bloodthirsty Mama, who plucks turkeys, chops off turkey heads, and more. Gamers witness firsthand how gruesome and bloody a turkey's thanksgiving really is. Click here to play the game. On November 19th, PETA was extremely happy with Majesco's public response. It stated "Cooking Mama World Kitchen includes more than 25 vegetarian-friendly recipes... Mama is not a vegetarian, she fully supports the humane treatment of animals, particularly for her canine protégé Max who makes his doggie debut in World Kitchen." They also released a statement from the character Mama herself, to which PETA responded with a letter. It explains that they love the games and they are happy to hear of the response, also urging to pledge to be vegetarian for 30 days. To read the full letter, click here.
Thanksgiving, Tofu & Turkey:
With the American Thanksgiving up and coming, of course every organization has been encouraging people to go vegetarian and save thousands of turkeys. PETA has released quite a few undercover videos and posted quite a few blogs about turkeys and, in relation, Thanksgiving. Click here for some vegetarian holdiay recipes. :)
President Bush shows support for turkeys.
This year, President Bush is greeting 1-888-VEG-FOOD and is asking everyone to pardon all turkeys fromt he horrible fate of Thanksgiving. Each year the president pardons two turkeys. There's also a video, giving information about turkeys and why we should not be eating turkeys!
Turkey pardon fail, starring my favourite governor, Sarah Palin
In a recent video where Palin talks about the post-election, turkeys are being slaughtered behind her ON CAMERA. She says that she is "promoting a local business" and doing something that will not "invite critiscim" but what worse way to promote a local business than to show the reality of slaughter? Hopefully, this video will go vegetarian.
Sexy pilgrim costumes go missing!
After supplies for a demo go missing, campaigners were forced to improvise and find waitress costumes for their demo. Their costumes arrived later, and the demo was in full swing. They helped defend our turkey friends and convinced people to go veg. :D
PETA's recent undercover investigation reveals horrors!
Here are the links you can click to read up on this:
http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/p2_turkey_investigation
http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/turkey_investigation?c=weekly_enews
http://blog.peta.org/archives/2008/11/undercover_inve.php
(Above links will be summarized below)
The investigator also wrote a blog, that can be read by clicking here. He tells the horrors of the turkeys. From 600-800 turkeys are crammed into pens, with almost 8000 turkeys in one barn and two to three barns at each turkey farm. The barns are dusty, causing the turkeys to pant and making it hard for them to breathe. Male turkeys are bred to weight at least 80 pounds, and are slammed into cages in temperatures near 20 F. The workers stomp turkeys' heads on the concrete, creating sounds of breaking beaks and bones. He ends with a paragraph saying, "They [turkey farms] sell death. They make money on abuse..." Make sure to WATCH THE VIDEO! The video includes footage that is absolutely horrifying and heart wrenching. Also, remember to stop this turkey abuse by eating vegetarian!
Every year, in the US alone, more than 72 million of the nearly 270 million turkeys killed for food are killed for Thanksgiving. PETA conducted an undercover investigation lasting more than two months at the factory farms of Aviagen Turkeys Inc. PETA's investigator documented the horrors, the torture, the mutilation and the killing. Workers stomped on turkeys heads, punched turkeys, hit them on the head with a can of spray paint and pliers, struck turkeys heads against metal scaffolding, shoved feces into turkeys' mouths and held turkeys' heads under water. Turkeys were often kicked, killed by being hit with pieces of lumber and pipes, leaving them to suffer for several minutes and hens’ beaks were cut with pliers. A worker bragged about jamming a broomstick 2 ft down a turkey's throat because the turkey pecked at his back. This same worker mimicked raping a turkey hen, which he had pinned against the floor. A supervisor said he saw workers kill 450 turkeys with 2-by-4s. One worker said he saw a coworker fatally inject turkey semen and sulfuric acid into turkeys’ heads. The investigator repeatedly brought up the issues to the supervisor who merely responded, “Every once in a while, everybody gets agitated and has to kill a bird." PETA also brought the abuse to the attention of Aviagen, and although the company made assurances and instituted some new rules, the cruelty did not stop. Living conditions were also horrible, disgusting and cramped. Birds had to climb over the rotting remains of about 70 hens for more than a day. Supervisors urinated in turkey pens and workers spat tobacco. Birds collapsed and died of exhaustion or heart attacks and were brutally thrown into inhumane transport cages.
To help these turkeys, please go vegetarian and write to the National Turkey Federation, asking it to support PETA's 7-point animal welfare plan, which will help to reduce the suffering of turkeys.
In other PETA news...
Fake Bacon for James Bond
While Daniel Craig was filming the new James Bond film, Quantum of Solace in Italy, he had English bacon shipped in internationally for breakfast! PETA Europe sent him the best faux bacon available. It is much healthier than bacon, because it doesn't contain heart-clogging cholesterol and it doesn't cause impotence. Also, pigs don't have their teeth, tails and testicles cut off without painkillers! Hopefully he'll change his mind about bacon.
The world is in danger, we need to be its superheroes.
Love,
TreeHugger
Nov 22, 2008
PETA Updates
Nov 19, 2008
Anti-Fur Demonstration - Toronto
This Saturday November 22nd 2008 there are two events going on.
1) The Furball by Toronto Cat Rescue
2) The PETA Anti-Fur Demonstration
Which one will I be attending?
#2.
If you would like to join me and tons of other local activists (PLEASE DO!), it will be at the Eaton's Centre (2 Dundas Street W) from 3 until 5. It's right on the Yonge subway line. Come and speak up for the millions of animals that die annually for their fur, who are gasses, poisoned, electrocuted anally/ vaginally, or skinned alive. Help convince shoppers to be compassion and boycott fur! Posters and leaflets will be handed out, so just bring yourself and an army of friends and supporters! Contact Laura Lee (cfa_laura@yahoo.ca) to RSVP or for more info. Also, afterwords there's a vegan dinner from 6:30 - 8:30 at the Vegetarian Haven (17 Baldwin St) Make sure to visit furisdead.com!
The world is in danger, we need to be its superheroes.
Love,
TreeHugger
Animal Rescues
Friends of Animals and Marine Animal Rescue (MAR) recently rescued a Canadian goose from a Westchester school yard. The goose, which was migrating for the winter, mistook the concrete playground for a body of water. After a few weeks, the school called MAR and they successfully rescued the bird. Once it has fully recovered, it will be released into the wild. Friends of Animals also took this opportunity to talk to the school about rescuing animals.
PAWS also recently released a mallard duck, on November 5th. She was hit in the head with a stone and suffered a sever brain injury. At arrival, she was unable to walk or lift her head and was treated for shock. The medication she was given prevented any potential swelling of the brain, and her condition stabilized. Her prognosis was poor, and her balance was badly affected. She was assessed daily and made slow but noticeable progress. She regained her ability to hold her head normally after a few days. She first stood on wobbly legs, but her steadiness increased. Her balance was a problem as she started to walk, and she couldn’t walk in a straight line. Yet, she was steady enough to move in an outdoor cage. After more than two months, the mallard was released with her abilities to walk, run and fly fully recovered. PAWS believes that she has an extremely good chance of surviving. Although at first she wasn’t greeted warmly, she quickly made friends when they released her.
The world is in danger, we need to be its superheroes.
Love,
TreeHugger
Nov 15, 2008
Updates lost!
Sorry readers about how behind I am, but if I do the things that I'm behind on then I'll never catch up! So, I'm going to start working from today onwards, and I'm really sorry about the updates that you'll miss, but I'll be posting the how-to-be-green articles, new shopping places and really big things so don't worry about pissing too much. It will just be articles mainly. Here are today's updates:
Born Free USA & API is once again the sponser for the Design Against Fur Contest. It's put on by www.infurmation.org, The Fur Free Alliance, and you can vote by clicking here.
REMEMBER THAT FUR FREE FRIDAY IS JUST TWO WEEKS AWAY!
How will you be helping animals that Friday?
Tell congress to stop funding nicotine and tobacco experiments on poor defenseless animals! To send them an email, click here.
Urge the Atlantis Hotel to free the white shark that they are holding captive! Click here to send an email telling them to release the endangered animal that they have "rescued"!
If you're interested, there's a volunteer opportunity to walk in the Toronto Cat Rescue parade on Saturday November 23rd. For more information, visit http://www.westonvillagebia.com/santaparade/
For everyone in Texas, Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Inc is opening a thrift store in Boerne! They need your help and donations for their stock, and all proceeds will go towards the shelter and animal care! Bring your donations to WRR at 335 Old Blanco Road, Kendalia from 8am-8pm. If you have any questions, contact Amy at 830-336- 2725 x314 or email amyh@wildlife-rescue.org.
WWF has a new set of gifts for the holidays that will help endangered species! You can now buy frogs, bracelets, adoptions, shirts, bags, etc all at the panda store! Click here to shop or check out more gift ideas!
Greenpeace International was very happy on the 13th of November. Toyko's paper reports that there will be a 20% reduction in whale hunting! That's incredible! Read more about it and click here!
PETA & peta2 have some good news, such as:
An amazing essay on the effect of factory farming on the environment
Jewish Americans go vegetarian.
Progress at Ross University
Lindsay Lohan gets a face full of flour - I saw this on the news and wooped out loud. My mom gave me a highly reprimended look, then wooped too. :)
Check out peta2.com and peta.org for all the latest updates.
There's also a series of articles that I've been reading on the Carnival Against Vivisection.
WWF has some new updates in their monthly email, including:
The article on the conservation results on the polar bears in Churchill
The pledge to use sustainable seafood
Exploring the seven seas
Grist has a lot of new articles on the post-election.
Strategery 2.0
How green will congress be?
Everywhere, the signs
The average Jo video. :)♥
IFAW recently rescued a pair of orphaned grizzly cubs. Click here to watch the video and read the article.
In the next couple of weeks, how to blogs will be posted.
Money Saving Tips at Home
Being Green in the Bathroom
How We Can Stop the Circus
Animal Friendly Gardens
Finally, please donate to either the Humane Society, PETA's Angel for Animals, or a local charity for strays. The winter months are killer for strays, literally. Save a life, save a stray.
The world is in danger, we need to be its superheroes.
Love,
TreeHugger
Nov 8, 2008
LOTS of Articles & Updates
Issue includes PETA Updates, some Green articles, grist.org, video links, etc.
In my previous blog, entitled Congrats Obama!, I blogged about and referenced the Prop 2 success (yay!). Apparently, Lindsay Lohan's sweetheart Samantha Ronson was arguing against the success of the vote on her blog. So, PETA sent her a letter. Feel free to read it. :)
There's a new TV show from Animal Planet entitled Whale Wars! The show features the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, who fight for sea animal rights all over the world! The show starts this Friday (November 7th) at 9 PM EST! On their website, they say: "During Sea Shepherd's Antarctic Whale Defense Campaign: Operation Migaloo in 2007/08, Animal Planet had a camera crew on board a campaign that saved the lives of nearly 500 whales, leaving the Japanese fleet with less than half of their quota and costing them tens of millions of dollars." The show will inform many people about the whales and why they need to be saved! Remember to watch.
The AD Council president and CEO, Peggy Conlon signed PETA'S Great Ape Humane Pledge. After learning that great apes are kept captive, forced to perform for ads, and often beaten to learn the choreography or actions, the Ad Council agreed never to use apes in advertising ever again. In return, PETA sent a box of vegan chocolate chimpanees. Other companies include Subaru, Honda, Yahoo, PUMA, Movietickets.com and SEGA.
Hyderabad in India is known for its anual kite-flying contest, but this past year the kite-makers were using kite string that was coated with spun glass. This makes the string, or 'manja', incredibly sharp and able to rip through an opponent's kite or birds! Errant kites are set free and the glass manja will easily rip and injure bird's wings! PETA India quickly responded by asking children to sign a petition to never buy glass-coated string.
PETA's Labratory Investigation Dept. recently got a tip about National Taiwan University College of Medicine horrific experiments on animals. The first experiment includes students pumping strychnine (chemical) into the stomachs of about 150 mice. The second experiment consists of injecting pentylenetetrazol (convulsion-causing chemical) into about 135 mice. Afterwords, students inject acetic acid into the mice, which causes their muscles to contort painfully. After a discussion with the president, the school agreed to get rid of two of these experiments. That means that almost 300 mice will be saved - per semester! The school has also reduced the number of rats involved in experiments to one! It's definately a start.
Recently,the consumption of processed meat such as sausage, bacon and hot dogs has been linked to colon cancer. Also, grilled chicken breast has PHlP in it, a cancer-causing chemical. However, food outlets and meat sellers do not warn their consumers of this cancer risk. So, the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) is trying to bring manufacturers and sellers of these meats to court, to forced them to put warnings on their labels. They're looking for plaintiffs for the lawsuit, specifically people who have been eating these products and didn't know that they were lined to cancer risk and will now stop eating these products. If you meet these qualifications and would like to help out with the lawsuit, contact PCRM! You can contact them at rbernstein@pcrm.org or 202-686-2210, extension 314.
In Germany, Berlin, a Dog Soup Kitchen has been opened for those who can't afford to feed their animal companions. The Kitchen receives most of their food from sponsors, and has proven itself vital in the Berlin community.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT FUR FREE FRIDAY! NOVEMBER 28TH! For updates from IDA, click here. :) You can also check out my other blog for details on my Fur Free Friday Party. :)
From IDA-India, a 5 year old male German Shepherd was rescued. He was abandoned and found hiding behind a staircase in a houseing society. He had an infection in his right ear with maggots. Poor thing. Fortunately, he's now ready to be adopted since his infection has healed. He's in decent health, playful and loving. Also, IDA India neutered 850 dogs and cats in September alone, and performed another 84 surgeries for health reasons. Check out the full report!
The Effects of Feeding Wildlife
Although many people think that feeding wildlife is best, it has many negative effects. For example, the animal will start to depend on humans for food and will lose their foraging/ hunting skills and natural instincts. Animals will lose their fear of humans, which can never be a good thing because although you may be nice, all humans do not like animals. The food can be unhealthy for animals and may cause digestion problems and animals will gather in groups, easily spreading disease. Other problems are common such as unnatural reproduction numbers, migration problems, or pest problems. For more detailed information, check out the article from PAWS.
Dave, the man who is trying to have no trash for 365 days, recently posted a blog on a website called Gettin Around. It's about a couple who are trying to use alternative transportation. Tres cool.
The world is in danger, we need to be its superheroes.
Love,
TreeHugger
Nov 6, 2008
Congrats Obama
First off: Congratulations Obama!
Secondly, here are some posts from numerous points of view on the green prospect and animal rights prospect of Obama, and Prop 2/Question 3.
As most people know, Obama promised his two daughters a puppy if he made it to the White House. Now that he has, they're looking for a dog. However, one of his daughters is allergic. As much as they'd like to adopt from a shelter, they're unsure if the dogs will be hypoallergetic since, "a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me." Fortunately for the Obama family, and the everyone else looking for a purebred, there are many purebred shelters that you can find using PetFinder.
Here is PETA's official statement towards new-president Barack Obama:
""I think how we treat our animals reflects how we treat each other. And it's very important that we have a president who is mindful of the cruelty that is perpetrated on animals." Because PETA is devoted to fighting animal abuse and recognizes the link between cruelty to animals and violence directed against humans, the organization is very encouraged by this statement. PETA is also pleased that Obama and his wife, Michelle, have announced that they will adopt a rescued dog for their daughters instead of patronizing a pet store or breeder. PETA opposes large-scale breeding facilities, known as "puppy mills," as well as private breeders who bring puppies and kittens into the world while nearly 4 millions cats and dogs must be euthanized at the nation's extremely crowded animal shelters every year. PETA supports animal shelters and encourages all prospective companion animal guardians to visit their local shelter.
PETA was also encouraged to see that unlike other Democratic and Republican presidential candidates in the past, Obama did not pander to the National Rifle Association and other pro-hunting organizations by heading into the woods and shooting defenseless animals.
PETA looks forward to working with President-elect Obama and the new administration to help create change for the millions of animals who suffer unnecessarily in this country. What's next? If his stance on other animal issues is any indication, perhaps the next president will put a tofu chicken in every pot."
Also, since Biden is now the vice president-elect, him and his wife will be looking for a dog. PETA sent them a letter about rescue shelter dogs, hoping they will follow in Obama's footprints.
GristTV released a video about the election, but it has now been removed from their YouTube page. However, check out http://www.grist.org/ for all your environmental news. :)Avaaz, an organization that promotes activism on numerous issues like climate chance, human rights and peace, says "Obama's victory brings a chance for the US to finally join with the world community to take on pressing challenges on climate change, human rights, and peace". The organization is sending a message to the new president, saying congratulations and an invitation to work with Avaaz and the people around the world. They're also sending a petition. Check it out, click here!
The We Campaign also is sending a message to Barack, along with a new video. The people voted for change, but now what? Click here for the message to the president-elect, but you can only send it if you're in the US, and the video.
IDA (In Defense of Animals) is also sending Obama a message to adopt a dog from a shelter. Click here for more details.
Of course, Friends of Animals - the leaders in the anti-Palin community - were happy that Obama won. "We look forward to a government that learns to disengage from the old, violent methods: violence that harms us all, human and non-human.A government that learns to stop painting with the broad brush that allows civil disobedience, or standing up for the birds, deer and bears, to be chilled by out-of-control anti-terrorism laws.A government with a serious focus on respecting the environment, reducing greenhouse gases, and preventing extinctions." They'll be pressing a number of issues, which you can read up on here.
Prop 2 & Question 3:Great news for animals in California! Over 60% of Californians voted YES to Prop 2, saving over 20 million animals from factory farms! It will prevent some of the worst cruelty of factory farms: keeping egg-laying chickens in cages too small for them to spread their wings, veal calves in crates for their entire lives, and pregnant pigs in crates too small for them to take a single step! (Info found from PETA & Humane Society of the US)
Also, in Massachusetts, question 3 was passed. This will ban greyhound racing by 2010. This prevents the 20 hours per day spent in cages too small to stand! It also saves greyhounds from becoming injury prone, whereas as racers they are prone to fractures, dislocations, lacerations and amputations. [PETA]
Overall, organizations and volunteers are tremendously happy about the Obama election, as am I. :) People are looking forward to change and are clearly ready for it. If you voted for McCain, sorry that your candidate of choice didn't win, but I'm not sorry about the outcome. I'm very happy with it. Also, animals are getting more and more rights every day. This is great news and has been an exhilarating week. I, for one, cannot wait until Bush is out of the whitehouse!
The world is in danger, we need to be its superheroes.
Love,
TreeHugger
Nov 4, 2008
Updates: Conservancy, Successes, Eco Articles
Including: PETA, National Conservancy & The US Voting
So, staying up-to-date with my information, I'm going to try to have a post daily.
National Conservancy has some awesome new videos. The first is a video about their new Campaign For A Sustainable Planet. It's a quick 2 minute documentary on the Great Lakes and informs the watchers about the lifeforms that freshwater supports and what life would be like without freshwater. It shows how we need to conserve the Great Lakes and how it's a priority for protection. So the main point is:
Conservancy isn't a luxury. It's a necessity.
Other informative videos include Assignment Earth: The Flint River Project, Spying on a Wolf, How Owls Fly and Hunt, Scott Wiedensaul Owl Banding, and my personal favourite Design for a Living World.
Just out of curiosity, who did you vote for? I hope that you all voted Obama, because Sarah Palin is anti-friendly!
The amazing Stella McCartney received the first Green Designer of the Year Award EVER! She refuses to use fur and leather and is light years ahead of her time. She told Women's Wear Daily in 2006, "I do want to show that accessories can be made from a more ethical viewpoint—and be sexy and cool." She's also included in the book, One Can Make A Difference.
SEGA the gaming giant recently pulled the ad for Samba De Amigo which used a real chimpanzee. After receiving numerous letters and emails from PETA and the PETA followers, they immediately removed the ad and promised to keep all great apes and chimpanzees from its future advertisements.
PETA also has a new Podcast called The Story of a Downed Cow. It's a sad and tragic story about factory farming. It'll definitely make you look at your meat differently!
TreeHugger Articles:
Teens Build Buterfly Houses:
Based on the article: "Michigan Teens Build Butterfly Houses and Plant 26,000 Native Plants through the Zaagkii Wings and Seeds Project" by Sara Novak; Columbia, SC; Oct 26th/08
As part of the Zaagkii Wings and Seeds Project in Marquette, Michigan teens are protecting Monarchs and other pollenating insects by building dozens of butterfly houses and planting 26,000 native plants! They did all this over the past summer. This project is working towards helping pollinators such as the #1 and #2 pollinators, bummblebees and butterflies. Although pesticides, climate change and other man-made impacts are suspected causes for the decrease in pollinators, experts aren't 100% positive. Without these important pollinators, the world wouldn't have vegetables, flowers, fruits, and other plants. The houses are made of white cedar and lined with bark, and provide protection, rest and reproduction safety. They're positioned for the migratory butterflies that stop in this area every year on their way to and from Mexico. The 26,000 plants planted are to restore native plants to the barren and polluted Sand Point on Lake Superior. These native plants will help pollinators, for example bumblebees, because exotic vegetation can cause death to the insects or to their eggs. How can you help? Simple. Try to reduce the amount of chemicals that you use in your garden and be careful about what kinds of pesticides/insecticides you use. In fact, most Americans use too many chemicals on their lawns and contaminate the ecosystems! Why not try a organic fertilizer instead?
Moving Towards Vegetarianism:
Based on the article: "On Moving Toward Vegetarianism" by Kely Rossiter; Toronto; Oct 24th, 08
Over the years, vegetarians have become much more common and nowadays, are viewed much less as freaks but as innovative and strong-willed. Vegetarians meals are available in restaurants, grocery stores and especially at home. More and more people are moving towards vegetarianism, especially in the under 30 age group. However, many people still refuse to go vegetarian. I know that it's incredibly hard to do, but when you think about it there are many benefits: environmental, health, animal friendly, etc. Start by cutting out red meat and just eating fish and chicken, then try cutting down on those meats too. The challenge for this week is to eat one, JUST ONE, meal without meat in it. Try substituting a chickpea salad sandwhich for tuna, or don't have the meatball with your spaghetti. :) Also, want a reason to go vegetarian? Check out PETA, meat your meet, etc.
From Cardboard to Caviar:
"Lessons in Biomimicry - Part 2 Natural Systems" by Leonora Oppenheim; London, UK; Oct 28th, 08
"Last week I reported direct from Schumacher College in Devon, where I was attending a course entitled Biomimicry: New Directions in Sustainable Design. The first part of the programme discussed natural forms using examples such as the Eden Project. Today I continue with part 2 of Michael Pawlyn's course examining natural systems and tomorrow you can read the final part in this series which looks at natural processes. Biomimicry as the study of natural systems can help design and architecture work more effectively, but it can also work on social development and business structures."
As much as I would like to try and summarize this article, I read it over again and I realize that I can't summarize it. Just READ IT. It's a great article and it explains a lot of scientific stuff and how cardboard ultimately turns into caviar.
Are new Macbooks as green as they claim to be?
Based on the article: "New Macbook Pro: What's the Eco-Impact of Building a MacBook from a Single Piece of Aluminum?" by Jaymi Heimbuch; Central Coast, California; October 14th, 08
It turns out that Apple has created a way to make a MacBook using only 2.5 pounds of aluminum. The unibody unclosure is made from one piece of aluminum, then the pieces are removed to create the structure. By using this process, MacBook Pro uses 50% fewer parts. They start with 2.5 pounds of aluminum, and 2 pounds is cut away from the MacBook Air. They are free of BFR, mercury, PVC, arsenic. Also, they comply to the Energy Star standards, have a LED screen, and use 30% less energy. The MacBooks also use 37% less packaging and have earned an EPEAT Gold rating. Yes, this is all good, but the question is: what happens to the 2 pounds of aluminum?
Apple reports that throughout each stage of manufacturing, they clean, collect and recycle the material. Since aluminum is easy to recycle, recycling plants love it although it uses up about 5% of the energy it takes to make something out of new aluminum. Recently, a mini-docucumentary was shown to a crowd at an Apple event and Engadget deemed the process isn't wasteful. Although quite a lot of energy goes into the recycling of the aluminum, it's great that the notebook has been improved so greatly and has so enormously reduced its total footprint.
That's all for today, see more articles tomorrow.
The world is in danger, we need to be its superheroes.
Love,
TreeHugger
Nov 3, 2008
MORE Animal Updates
In this issue, we include MANY interesting articles, successes, PETA activism, sick sea lions, IFAW updates, tips for dog owners. :)
DOGS FEAR FIREWORKS!
It's a well known fact that dogs (and most other animals) are afraid of loud songs, including fireworks. I know on Canada Day, I need to give special attention to my dog to make sure that he doesn't get too scared. Now, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has a new CD that helps your dog/animal to adjust to loud sounds. They also have leaflets and posters that you can download for free. Here are some of their tips:
-Close all windows and curtains and put on some music to muffle the firework sounds.
-If there are signs of fear, try to ignore the behaviour. This 
means no fussing, no comforting, and most definately NO GETTING ANGRY!
-Try to keep your pets indoors so if they see/hear the fireworks, they won't run away or bolt.
-Do not exercise your pets during the night when fireworks are going on!
-Give animals a place to hide if they want it, ie: beds, showers, etc.
-Make sure to give your pets lots of toys so they'll be entertained
-Instead of fussing over your pet, try playing with them instead but do not force it.
Not only will humans be voting this year, but also Goldfish.
In a mistake, a goldfish received a voter's card. It's a pretty short article but it's humurous. As cool as it is that animals are getting their own voices, it's pretty stupid. They shouldn't be allowed to vote. I read somewhere that dolphins can vote in Miami or something? They may be smart (and have sex for pleasure like homosapians) but they do not understand politics. Most humans barely understand politics!
Dog Hero Saves Cats
This adorable little dog saved four kittens from a house fire in Melborne, Australia! This cute little Jack Russel named Leo risked his life to save these four kittens. The rescue endeavor almost cost him his life but he'll be fine. The video shows him licking the kittens and guarding the remains of the house next Sunday.
PETA Investigations/ Successes/ Activism:
Agriprocessors fined $10 Million!
In Postville, Iowa this slaughter house is severly lacking in humane treatment of not only animals, but also people. Earlier in the year, 76% of 968 employees (735 people!) were using false Social Security Numbers. Now, the slaughterhouse "faces nearly $10 million in civil penalties for repeated violations of Iowa's wage laws between Jan. 1, 2006 and June 30." (Des Moines Register) More good news is that the cattle slaughter has been stalled. :) Sholom Rubashkin, former CEO, was arrested with charges similar to conspiracy and identity theft. There's still suffering, but at least it's not cow's.
22 Charges Filed Based on PETA Investigation at Hormel Supplier
After PETA'S investigation into an Iowa pig farm, six employees of the farm at the time of PETA's investigation are being charged with 22 criminal charges of livestock neglect and abuse. Of these six, the former farm manager works at another pig factory farm, there was a supervisor, and two workers who work at the Ioawa farm also. 14/22 of the charges (about 64%) are aggravated misdemeanors, carrying up to 2 years in jail. This pig farm breeds piglets destined for Hormel, who hasn't made any changes to his farms as a result of the investigation. Apparently, they refuse to watch the footage or meet with PETA. Maybe now that the law has spoken up, Hormel will finally listen. Please, urge Hormel to take action now.
Mia Kirshner in something that looks suspiciously furry!
Mia Kirshner, star of 'The L Word', was seen in Curve Magazine wearing something that looked like fur. But, it was fake. Both Mia & the editors of the magazine are entirely anti-fur and took the opportunity to inform readers about the cruelties of the fur industry. On the cover, there was a large bold print saying "This is Definitely FAKE Fur" and inside a letter from the editor. To quote the letter, "Why should you care? Even if you're a carnivore, you probably would be shocked at the torture and cruelty that goes into creating real fur, from the tiny cages to the horrid electrocutions. Don't believe me? Check out furisdead.com. You only had to look at last summer's headlines—in which it was revealed some manufacturers had actually used dog and cat hair as fur—to see how dead it is."
PETA gets a good editorial?
In the Post-Bulletin there's an editorial that says that PETA agents deserve a pat on the back. It applauds PETA'S effort in the investigation mentioned above (the pig farm) and is just a really great editorial. Check it!
Retailers Band Together to Help Sheep
On October 21st, 2008 PETA sent a letter to the Australian wool industry on behalf of a number of different retailers, such as Gap, Liz Claiborne, Nordstrom, Haggar Clothing, Coppley Apparel, Austin Reed, Carter's, C&A Europe, etc. The letter encouraging the addition of a "clip mulesing" tick box to the industry's new nonmulesed-certification form. Although the wool industry allows retailers to purchase wool from lambs who haven't undergone the mulesing mutilation, it doesn't allow retailers to get wool from lambs who haven't undergone clip mulesing. What is clip mulesing or mulesing mutilation? Clip mulesing is where a sheep's skin is painfully killed under tight clamps, and mulesing mutilation is the stripping away of large areas of skin and flesh from sheep’s hindquarters so as to prevent the growth of wool. To change this policy, PETA got 15 major clothing retailers to send a message to the wool industry saying that they oppose clip mulesing and will avoid mulesing of any kind in their stores. Good job!
Raccoon Dogs
Over the summer, many of us heard about the melamine that was put in foods in China to make them appear to have higher protein. The consequence was the illness and deaths of dogs, cats and humans in the US, Europe and in China. Now, reports show that melamine contamination killed 1500 Chinese raccoon dogs, usually raised and skinned alive for their fur. These are adorable creatures, and if they would've been left alone then none of them would've been eating an artificial diet that ultimately killed them. So, don't buy fur. Animals go through so much sufferning everyday for fur-wearers. Speak up for those who can't, speak up for the animals. Either way, the raccoon dogs die in agony, either from toxic kidney failure, or like this. (Warning: graphic video.)
Desert Tortoise Relocation Plans Halted
Army officials began airlifting/ relocating endangered desert tortoises earlier this year so they can expand Fort Irwin in California. These endangered species were living in a criticial habitat living near/ on Fort Irwin land. These protected land areas were created in order to provide protection for these reptiles and boost their dwindling population. Unfortunately, phase one of the project had resulted in 90 deaths and expect that there will be some loss of life because of the relocation. However, plans are still being continued. Clearly, officials underestimated the fragility of these animals, the harm the relocation could cause and the potential threats to these tortoises. Reports indicate that many of the relocated tortoises are moving in a homewards direction. Unfamiliar surroundings, lack of shelter, and larger animals such as coyotes put these tortoises in great danger right from the beginning. Fortunately, the plans have been momentarily halted.
Pink wants a Royal Flush of Animal Cruelty
Pink, the famous singer, refused to sing at Prince William's 21st birthday party because of his hunting habits. She then asked him why he hunted and he never responded. That was 5 years ago, now she has challenged the Queen, asking why the bear fur on the Queen's Guards' caps haven't been replaced with fake, cruelty-free material? Nobody in the Royal Family has responded. Pink, PETA and their fans are waiting patiently.
PETA pays Hairy Kate & Trashley a visit:
I don't know about you, but I know that everybody at my school had heard about the PETA activists dressed up as the Trollsen Twins who showed up at Mary Kate & Ashley's book signing. In that moment, when people came up to me and said, "OMG, DID YOU HEAR?!" I was very proud to be a PETA supporter. The activists talked to a lot of their fans about the cruelty of fur and really got the message across. Read the signs. The Olsen twins continuously support fur lifestyles, even after PETA gave them facts about the cruelty that goes into fur coats! SHAME!
Friends of Animal/ MAR rescues a sick sea lion:
MAR (Marine Animal Rescue) with the help of the LA County Lifeguards rescued a sick sea lion and transported her to a care center for medical attention. The 120 pound sea lion was stranded on Dockweiler Beach, but appeared to be fine. They searched her for signs of distress and she soon went into a 2 minute seizure.
IFAW Updates:
IFAW and NOVICA have partnered to launch the IFAW Gift Collection, where fifty percent (50%) of the purchase of each gift is donated directly to IFAW!
IFAW is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service to research new technologies that could help protect New England’s whales from entanglement in fishing gear. IFAW and NOAA are working with the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies on Cape Cod to develop coded wire tags for fishing lines. The tags would be embedded into fishing line commonly used in gear known to entangle whales. When the line is removed from a whale, researchers will be able to tell where the gear came from and how it was being used. This will help prevent future entanglements.
For more, click here.
The world is in danger, we need to be its superheroes.
Love,
TreeHugger
PROP 2
In case I have any readers in California, I wanted to push you in the right direction and PUSH PROP 2!!!
By voting yes, you will help lessen the suffering of animals in cages on fur farms!
Love,
TreeHugger
Nov 2, 2008
Kitty Tips from TCR
Just some kitty tips for cat owners or for those people who feed stray cats. :)
A mixture of dry and wet food is best. :)
Dry food is higher in carbohydrates, which can put cats at risk for Diabetes.
If you don't want to buy wet food, you can keep the cat food fresh by buying small bags. Make sure you seal the bag tight with lowstick tape and store it in a metal tight fitting container.
Also, instead of buying wet food, you can trick your kitty by spraying it with olive oil.
You can also add in half a teaspoon of flaxseed oil.
Not only will this help prevent Diabetes, it will also give your kitty a healthier and shinier coat. :)
Remember, NO HALLOWEEN CANDY FOR CATS OR DOGS!
The world is in danger, we need to be its superheroes.
Love,
TreeHugger