Fortnightly update. November 2009 #1
Have your say as to what goes on the label …
On the back of the proposed amendment to the Food Standards Code (Truth in Labelling Laws, Senate Bill 2009), the Food Labelling Review Panel is asking for submissions.
Lots of things you could mention. Here’s a few:
the word “Australian” only apply in relation to food that is 100% produced in Australia from Australian products. (in above bill)
label all Genetically Modified foods – currently oils, sugars and starches from GM crops; products from animals fed GM food; GM additives, processing aids and flavourings; and food from street vendors, takeaways and restaurants do not need to be labelled. (more at Madge)
mandatory labeling of palm oil in the ingredients list of all packaged foods which contain any quantity of palm oil or palm oil derivatives. Palm oil is found in 1 in 10 supermarket products and linked to orangutan habitat loss. (more at POAG)
label the method of production of meat, eggs and dairy products, and define and regulate terms such as caged / battery eggs; barn laid eggs; free-range, open-range or range eggs; grain fed; bred free-range; organic and biodynamic.
label nano-ingredients in foods (more at Foe)
See the things that major groups such as Choice, Humane Society International, Ausbuy, Zoos Victoria, and WWF-Australia, and many others including industry groups, have said in their submissions here.
Act now. Send a short email to FoodLabellingReview@health.gov.au – You’ve only got till the 20th November.————————————-
Buy Nothing Day – the global holiday from Consumerism – is upon us again …
On November 28 – Saturday week – you can be one of the tens of millions of people around the world to bring the capitalist consumption machine to a grinding – if only momentary – halt.
Don’t just stop buying for 24 hours, but to shut off your lights, televisions and other nonessential appliances. Park your car, turn off your phones and log off of your computer for the day. Call it a Ramadan-like fast. From sunrise to sunset abstain en masse, not only from holiday shopping, but from all the temptations of our five-planet lifestyles.
More at www.adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd
And more … so you want to really take on the challenge? .. Buy Nothing Christmas
This Christmas we’ll be swamped with offers, ads and invitations to buy more stuff. But now there’s a way to say enough and join a movement dedicated to reviving the original meaning of Christmas giving. Check out the information kit and celebrate the real way … if you dare?
More at www.buynothingchristmas.org/
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Jive Talk …
Sun 22 Nov, 2pm
No bookings required, Free event
At The Dancing Dog Cafe
The Dog Theatre
42a Albert St Footscray
Melway ref: 42 C5
More
Nick will be talking at Jive Talk during the Big West Festival. Come along and join in the fun.
Jive Talk is a space for people to meet, listen, engage and dream about a better world through social conversation. To hope for our future and expect that when people get their hands dirty and learn the heartbeat of the world that something amazing can happen. ——————
Coming up…
“Shopping with a Conscience” Supermarket Tour
Our next public workshop will be held in February 2010. 6pm – 8.30pm. Cost $25. Light supper provided. Meet at Footscray
Baptist church, 60 Paisley Street, Footscray. Find out more at http://www.ethical.org.au/swac
Ethical Consumer Group ‘meet & movie’ nights
Also resuming next year… stay tuned! Find out more at http://www.ethical.org.au/ecgmovie
(ps. We’ve received some funding to start up an audiovisual library so soon you’ll be able to hire movies to stimulate discussion
amongst your own groups).
Sustainable Living Festival 2010
New 2 week program, 6-21 Februrary 2010, and the main event 19-21 February at Melbourne’s Federation Square.
Now is the time to submit your ideas, exhibits and events. Or join the festival volunteer team – enquiries at info@slf.org.au
Find out more http://festival.slf.org.au
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Get a Guide for your stocking!
They’re going cheap on mass. Contact Pradeepa to find out the bulk deal for our ‘Guide to Ethical Supermarket Shopping’ pocket book. Great for Christmas presents, end of year office gifts, or raising funds for your church, workplace or community group. Find out more by sending a email to orders@ethical.org.au
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See news updates at http://www.ethical.org.au/news