How a Palm Oil Company Makes Its Profit

Cargill Inc., the world’s largest agricultural trader – and the largest importer of rainforest-destroying palm oil in to the US – just reported a record net profit of $4.2 billion. That’s a 63% increase over the same period last year.

From Girl Scout cookies to laundry detergents to lipstick, Cargill’s palm oil finds its way into almost every American home and many more around the world. Chances are, there’s some of that palm oil in your cabinet or laundry room right now.

Tell Cargill’s CEO that record profits are nothing to celebrate when they come at the expense of record deforestation.

So what does Cargill’s palm oil really cost?

The sad truth is that Cargill’s palm oil operation has been run with the ruthless mentality of a cut-throat trader: buy low, sell high and to hell with the inconvenience of considering the impact on people and planet. This has meant turning a blind eye to slave labor, the eviction of Indigenous peoples from their ancestral land, and the destruction of rainforest habitat for endangered orangutans.

Rainforest Action Network, however, has Cargill’s attention. They have been putting so much pressure on Cargill by exposing their methods to the general public. Cargill, therefore, has begun taking steps to clean up its tainted supply chain. It still has quite a long way to go. Cargill needs to be pushed all the way.

Ask Cargill’s CEO Greg Page to go the distance to protect Indonesia’s rainforests, human rights and critical habitat for endangered orangutans.

You will be helping to move the largest privately held company in the world to include human rights and the environment in its bottom line. It is no small task.

Camera Trap

Conservation International recently put hidden cameras in seven countries - on three continents - as part of the world’s first global camera-trap study of mammals. What they got was amazing: not just 52,000 images of animals, but also critical scientific information that will help them do a better job of protecting them.

Here are the facts of the camera-trap study:

• Three continents: South America, Africa, and Asia

• Seven sites: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda), Udzungwa Mountains National Park (Tanzania), Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (Indonesia), Nam Kading National Protected Area (Lao PDR), Central Suriname Nature Reserve (Suriname), Manaus (Brazil), Volcan Barva Transect (Costa Rica)

• 420 cameras used

• 60 cameras in each site

• 1 camera every 2 square kilometers

• Cameras were set up for a month in each place

• Time frame of data analyzed in the paper: 2008-2010

• Number of sites being monitored today: 17

You can learn more – see some of these amazing mammal photos – and check out a blog post by the study’s leader, CI’s own Dr. Jorge Ahumada.


You’ll also learn about the role that mammals play in maintaining the kind of healthy ecosystems that we all count on.

Our schools are getting it right

Simple yellow post-it notes with the message "When not in use, turn off the juice," pointedly left on calssroom computers, printers and air conditioners, have helped the Mount Sinai School District on Long Island save $350,000 annually on utility bills.

According to the New York Times, energy consumption in New York City's 1,245 school buildings is down roughly 11% since 2008, as motion detectors have been installed on classroom lights and unused refrigerators and freezers have been unplugged for the summer. 

In Yonkers, energy savings have financed $18 million in new boilers, windows and other capital improvements that the Westchester County district could not otherwise afford.

Schools, once known as energy wasters, are embracing conservation in increasing numbers all over the country.  A desire to practice the environmentally friendly principles discussed in classrooms has been heightened by soaring energy costs and tighter budgets.  With the help of a growing industry of energy consultants, school officials are evaluating every detail of their daily operations, like the temperature of the swimming pool and the amount of electricity the cafeteria ovens use, and are replacing energy-guzzling equipment with more efficient models. 

"Nationally, more than two dozen states, including California, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana, New Hampshire and Virginia, have used millions in federal stimulus money since 2009 to pay for energy programs and upgrades in school buildings," said Judy Marks, director of the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities in Washington.  "These efforts include replacing light fixtures, adding solar panels and building geothermal heating and cooling systems."

In some instances, school districts have appointed an official energy manager to police hallways and classrooms to root out energy waste.  Armed with yellow notes, they inspect up to 100 classrooms a day and "ticket" violators.  Teachers have been known to run back to their classrooms when they see one coming. 

Many districts across the country have financed conservation efforts through so-called energy performance contracts with companies that advise them on how to be more energy-efficient and guarantee them specific savings, either in dollars or kilowatts.  If the district's actual savings fall short, the company writes a check to make up the difference.

Three consultants - Johnson Controls, Trane, and Energy Education - have reported that their school business has grown by at least a third since 2006.  The companies send in engineers and specialists to conduct extensive audits of each district and then custom-design conservation programs.  "Anything that consumes energy, natural gas or water is going to get evaluated," said Larry Wash, Trane's president of global services.

Looks like we're heading in the right direction.  Now if we could only get every school, home and business to do the same - imagine how much money we would be saving and how much CO2 we would be reducing. 

Another Spill - Take Action Now

By now you’ve probably heard the news that our ocean has suffered yet another oil spill – this time in the North Sea off the coast of Scotland.  The undersea pipeline began leaking last Wednesday; by Monday, an estimated 1,300 barrels of oil had been released into surrounding waters.

This just confirms what the world has known all along: oil spills will happen, and companies must be prepared to respond effectively when they do.

Next year, Shell wants to drill for oil in the Arctic off the coast of Alaska.  But Shell’s oil spill response plan is woefully inadequate.  Urge Secretary Salazar to REJECT Shell’s oil response plan for the Arctic.

This latest spill shows us yet again that it’s not a matter of “if” an oil spill will happen – it’s a matter of “when.”  And an oil spill in the Arctic could be devastating.  Here’s why:

·         The Arctic is a unique – and fragile – environment, and our understanding of Arctic marine ecosystems is not well-developed.

·         The harsh conditions and remoteness of the Arctic frontier present new challenges that typical spill-response methods don’t address.

·         Oil and gas operators have not yet demonstrated that they can effectively clean up spilled oil in real-world Arctic conditions.

For all these reasons, it’s crucial that Secretary Salazar REJECT Shell’s oil spill response plan for the Arctic.  Until companies like Shell demonstrate that they can effectively clean up a worst-case oil spill in real-world Arctic conditions, the Secretary should not approve its spill response plans, and should not allow drilling in Arctic waters.

There's still a chance to get it right when it comes to drilling in the ocean.  Speak out to restore and protect our ocean. 

Another Dirty Secret

Starkist, Bumble Bee, and Chicken of the Sea don't want you to see this:



Take Action Now

Each year the canned tuna industry kills thousands of sharks, rays, turtles and seabirds.  Now that's a dirty little secret.  Learn more by clicking here.

Greenpeace is launching a new campaign to get the canned tuna industry to clean up its act and end its destructive ways.  To kick things off they've teamed up with Pulitzer Prize winning catroonist Mark Fiore on this video.  Help expose the tuna industry's dirty little secret by sharing it with everyone you know.  

A Dirty Secret

"In the evening, someone will go from house to house and tell the neighborhood that tomorrow will be a windy day and perhaps, a bad air day.  The next afternoon - if the conditions are just wrong - a toxic dust called coal ash picks up from the landfills and slag ponds at the nearby power plant and heads towards the reservation like a sandstorm."

Watch this video, and share it with everyone you know.



This isn't just here.  It's everywhere. 

In 1996 I moved to an area that was 20 miles from a coal plant.  In 1997, at the age of 25, I was diagnosed with asthma.  I'd never had a breathing problem before.  I was always doing activities outdoors.  But that's what did it... being outdoors.  The coal ash I was breathing had buried itself into my lungs.  I was afraid of going outside!

But in 2001 I moved again to a cleaner place far from any coal plants, and I never had an asthma attack again.  That was the thing that helped - moving far enough away to let my lungs clear up.  Not everyone can do that.

What needs to be the solution is switching over to cleaner, greener, renewable energy.  Look into solar panels for your home, or research the different energy providers in your area.  Find the one that is committed to using the highest percentage of renewable energy.

It's possible to reverse the damage done to our health and the environment. 

(I support Earth Justice.
Because the Earth needs a good lawyer.)

"What Are You Doing? Go Outside and Play!"

Those were the words I heard my mom say daily while growing up.  Even when I was very small - and after she helped me wash my hair - she would send me outside saying, "now go and let the sun dry your hair." 

We all have memories like that of our childhood as well as: jumping into a cool lake on a hot summer day, intently watching ants on the march, or spending hours just laying back and looking at clouds.  And whether we realized it or not, those moments in the outdoors helped shape our views on the world around us. 

But those kinds of memories are fading fast for many young people today.  The statistics are alarming: in a typical week, only 6% of children ages 9-13 play outside on their own, and kids 8-18 spend an overwhelming 53 hours a week using entertainment media. 

Even my daughter, an active skateboarder, has been tempted to stay indoors to master all Tony Hawk games on her Wii.  It was short-lived because she knows there's no substitute for the great outdoors.  But most kids don't know that.  They're outside only long enough to get from point A to point B - which is usually the front door (A) to car door (B) and vice versa.

Getting kids back outside is more important than ever - for the sake of the kids and the future of our planet.  Spending time outdoors at a young age is critical to fostering a healthy conservation ethic.  And an increasing number of studies illustrate that kids who spend time outdoors are happier, healthier, and smarter.  That alone is worth it isn't it?

Nature Rocks!

Developed by the nation's leaders in bringing families and nature together, Nature Rocks is a national program to inspire and empower families to play and explore in nature. 

This initiative gives busy parents and caregivers the tools, instructions and tips for quick, easy, inexpensive (or free) activities, so they can enjoy quality family time in nature. 

Find, Connect, Explore!

At Nature Rocks, parents will find more than 100 fun, easy-to-implement, and interesting activities based on their specific needs (time available, ages of children, location) - inspiring and empowering families to enjoy bonding experiences in nature:

• The parent-friendly Web site offers a Find Nature tool for parents to input their zip code and quickly locate a list of nearby parks, forests, Conservancy preserves, and more, including places that offer nature tours, classes, and even gear.
• Have fun in Flocks!  Now there is a way to take your family's social life into nature.  Start a Nature Rocks Flock, and get outside with friends, neighbors, family, school groups and others. 
• Parents can also take advantage of additional tools to invite family and friends to join in Nature Rocks activities - spreading the fun and turning nature adventures into adventure parties. 

The Nature Conservancy, ecoAmerica, the Children and Nature Network, REI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, American Heart Association, and the American Camp Association have joined to make nature rock for your family.

Now you have no excuse.  What are you doing?  Go outside and play!

How to Get Off the Path to Destruction.

The science is in, and the basic facts are no longer disputable: global warming is happening, and it's happening because of us.  Human activities are transforming the Earth's atmosphere, and the result is a dangerous imbalance.  In the course of the coming century, global warming threatens to drive so many species extinct that we will no longer recognize the world we remember from our childhoods. 

The good news?  If we act fast, we still have a chance.  If we act fast, the polar bears - whose sea ice is melting beneath them - still have a chance; the great whales - who depend on a complex and delicately balanced food chain - still have a chance.  Our coastal cities still have a chance, too. 

More than any other single issue, the fight to stop global warming depends on swift and sure action: to avoid the worst effects of climate change, we need to get greenhouse gas emissions down by more than 80% by 2050.  We need to be leading the charge to save species like polar bears and penguins that are already severely threatened by the effects of climate change.  We need to call for drastic changes in our nation's energy policies that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. 

But what will help us win the fight, ultimately, is the conviction and political will of Americans from all walks of life to make changes at home and to demand them from our nation's leaders. 

GO CLIMATE NEUTRAL

How you can do it:

Increasing our awareness of the greenhouse gas consequences of our energy use, travel, and food and other choices is the first step towards reducing our own emissions.  Use this simple tool to calculate your own emissions.

The average American generates approximately 24 tons of CO2 annually, but this number can be drastically reduced with simple changes, many of which will also save you money. 

CONTACT YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

Whether your particular Congressional representatives have expressed support for actions to combat global warming, or they've decided to ignore the problem or even to oppose solutions, it is critical they hear constantly from their constituents on this issue. 

Find your elected official here.

Personal letters sent by mail receive the most attention at Congressional offices.  You can select from the points below, but it is best to use your own words whenever possible. 

Suggested talking points:

• Climate change is one of the most serious threats to society, the environment, and biodiversity. 
• Serious government action is required to combat global climate change.
• Because of our past actions, we have committed to continued warming over the next several decades, but we need you to pursue every option to reduce climate change.
• I realize that the policies necessary to fight climate change will affect our daily lives and entire country, and I support those solutions. 
• I am making changes in my daily life to take action to reduce global warning, but government action is necessary as well.
• I urge you to pursue and support every opportunity to reduce global warming.
• I support efforts to protect wildlife and biodiversity from the increasing threats of climate change.

The climate crisis threatens to devastate the diversity of life on Earth.  Scientist's warn that in just ten more years of continued greenhouse gas pollution trajectories may commit the planet to devastating warming, sea-level rise, and species extinction.  Greenhouse gas pollution reductions must begin immediately, and all sources must be addressed.

The Bluefin Boycott

The bluefin tuna, one of the world's most remarkable ocean creatures, is in trouble and needs your help.  Overfishing is driving this mighty warm-blooded fish toward the brink of extinction, and yet many sushi restaurants continue to serve it. 

Too often viewed only as sushi, the bluefin tuna is an extraordinary specimen of ocean wildlife, growing up to 10 feet long and sometimes weighing more than 1,000 pounds.  Unlike almost all fish, bluefin tuna are warm-blooded and able to regulate their body temperature, which helps during their epic 60-day journeys across the Atlantic.  Bluefin tuna are top ocean predators and sometimes hunt cooperatively, much like wolves.  With streamlined bodies and retractable fins, bluefin can bolt through the water at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour and are capable of crossing oceans in the course of only a few weeks. 

Unfortunately, due to its popularity as sushi, its high commercial value and its habit of crossing international boundaries, the bluefin tuna is being severely over-fished and is at risk of extinction.  Since 1970, western Atlantic bluefin tuna have declined by more than 80% due to overfishing.  Halfway through a 20-year government "rebuilding program" for the severely depleted population, there are barely any more fish than at the beginning of the program.  In the eastern Atlantic, the majority of the decline has occurred in the past 10 years as they've been caught, without regulatory oversight, for fish farming. 

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists two species of bluefin, the Atlantic and the southern, as endangered or critically endangered on its "Red List" of imperiled species.  The Pacific bluefin tuna is not yet listed, but overfishing is now occurring, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service. 

In spring 2010, bluefin tuna took a major hit at the height of its spawning season: Scientists estimate that BP's massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico killed more than 20% of juvenile western Atlantic bluefin tuna that year.  That estimate doesn't consider the expected long-term negative effects of the oil spill in the tuna's breeding habitat. 

Sadly, bluefin tuna remains a prized menu item in some restaurants.  The sushi market keeps prices for tuna high - a single tuna sold for nearly $396,000 in early 2011 - and encourages illegal and unreported fishing.  Despite outcry from concerned people, many sushi restaurants across the globe continue to serve bluefin tuna.  One common question: How can you tell if the tuna you are ordering is bluefin?  The best way to tell is to check the menu and ask.  Another broad rule of thumb: If its expensive, it could be bluefin. 

Conservation groups around the globe recommend the boycott of any restaurant that serves bluefin tuna.

House Votes Down "Extinction Rider"

In a victory for imperiled species, the U.S. House of Representatives today voted not to include the "extinction rider" in an appropriations bill that would have stopped the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from spending any money to protect new species under the Endangered Species Act or to designate "critical habitat" for their survival.  The House voted 224-202 in favor of an amendment from Rep. Norm Dick's (D-Wash.) to strip the "extinction rider" from the interior department's appropriation bill.

"The extinction rider would have been a disaster for hundreds of animals and plants across the country that desperately need the help of the Endangered Species Act to survive," said Noah Greenwald, endangered species program director for the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD).  "The vote is a promising sign for wolverines, walruses, and species in all 50 states that, without help, face the very real prospect of extinction."

wolverine

The vote comes as plants and animals across the country are at heightened risk of extinction due to habitat destruction, global climate change, extreme weather events and other factors.  Earlier this month the Fish and Wildlife Service and CBD reached a landmark agreement to speed protection for 757 imperiled U.S. species, including the wolverine, Pacific walrus, Rio Grand cutthroat trout and Mexican gray wolf.  The passage of the this bill would have delayed protection of those species and made their recovery more difficult. 

"While the vote on the extinction rider shows that the Endangered Species Act enjoys support from both sides of the aisle, the House is still threatening wide-spread environmental damage with other amendments to this spending bill," Greenwald said.  "We can't allow these measures to move ahead that will pollute our air and water, threaten public health and destroy pristine landscapes."

Mexican gray wolf

Among the measures still under consideration in the House are those that would:

• Stop more than 1 million acres around the Grand Canyon from being protected from new uranium mines;
• Force the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to stop all work limiting carbon dioxide pollution from power plants;
• Halt efforts under the Clean Water Act from protecting human health and endangered species from pesticides;
• Block EPA oversight of mountain removal coal mining in Appalachia;
• Interfere with the EPA's work to protect the public from toxic coal ash;
• Hinder the EPA's and U.S. Corps of Engineers' work to protect wetlands and other waters of the United States;
• Expedite air-pollution permits for offshore drilling in the Arctic.

The full appropriations bill for the Interior department is expected to be voted on by the House in the coming days.  If it passes, it moves to the Senate.  Last week, the White House signaled plans to veto the spending bill because of amendments that threaten wildlife, the environment, and clean air and water.

The EPA Needs to Hear from You About Mercury

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a rule that would significalntly reduce mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants.  We need to send a signal to the EPA that we support its new rule. 

Exposure to mercury can cause birth defects, neurological damage and countless other health and environmental problems.  If implemented, these new standards would prevent 17,000 deaths and 12,000 hospital visits each year.  That's why it's so important that we make our voices heard and stand up in support of the EPA's efforts. 

These same coal-fired power plants that pollute our air with mercury are polluting our atmosphere with millions upon millions of tons of carbon pollution, leading to dangerous changes in our climate. 

We need to make it clear that we want to take back our air and our health from the big polluters who poison it every day. 

Comments are constantly being accepted by the EPA, and the rule won't be finalized until November 2011.  The time is NOW to stand up for our health and shared future. 

Will you join me in telling the EPA to protect our health and our environment from the mercury pollution that comes from burning coal?  Join me and send a comment to the EPA today:

http://acp.repoweramerica.org/mercury-taf

Tell Secretary Salazar to Stop Shell's Arctic Drilling Plans

Shell just submitted a proposal to the Department of the Interior, which calls for ten new exploratory wells in the Arctic Ocean. They claim that the operations will be completely “safe and clean”, but are in fact based on the same flawed methods that caused the oil spill in the Gulf.

While the Department of the Interior is considering Shell’s proposal they have opened up a public comment period to hear from us. But we only have 24 hours before the comment period closes so it is important that we send them in now!

One single oil spill could completely destroy this fragile ecosystem forever.

Join me in sending a comment to Secretary Salazar today to reject Shells proposal to drill in the Arctic by clicking the link below…

http://us.greenpeace.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=865&s_src=taf