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Offshore Oil Drilling Community Forum

The coast of California is now vulnerable to new off shore drilling. Environment California and Surfrider Foundation are holding a community meeting in Santa Monica on March 17 to talk about this threat and what we can do to protect our beaches.

The meeting is from 7-8 pm, at:

Santa Monica Library, Fairview Branch
2101 Ocean Park Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90405

To RSVP to the event go to: http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/action/oceans/la-forum?id4=ES

Success! New USDA Rules Establish Strong Organic Standards for Pasture and Livestock

A big thank you to all of our members who took the time to write to the White House to express your concern, and to urge the President to support truly organic dairy farming practices. Thanks to your efforts organic dairy can continue with meaningful pasture and grazing rules that support the true ethics of organic farming.

From The Cornucopia Institute:
On behalf of the organic family farmers in this country I want to thank and recognize the co-op community. I can't think of a more important ally in this 10-year struggle that has resulted in the Obama administration setting up to crack down on the abuse from factory farms in organic dairy.

This is a big victory and I hope that you and your members will take pride in your important contributions,
Mark Kastel
Codirector
The Cornucopia Institute

Read the full Press Release here: http://www.cornucopia.org/2010/02/new-usda-rules-establish-strong-organic-standards-for-pasture-and-livestock/

Contact the White House - Don't Let Lobbyists Weaken New Organic Dairy Standards

From the Cornucopia Institute:

Farmers and consumers concerned with the integrity of organic dairy farming need to contact the White House (IMMEDIATELY) and urge the President to support a strong pending standard governing organic livestock and dairy management practices.

The White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is nearing the end of its critical review of proposed new regulations clarifying the requirement that dairy cows and other ruminants consume a meaningful amount of feed from pasture and grazing. Powerful factory farm interests opposed to the rule - who want to continue to principally confine animals in feedlot style operations - have privately met with OMB officials and are seeking to weaken the new rule.

Click here to visit the Cornucopia Institute's website, find out how to contact the White House and read more: www.cornucopia.org

Update your address contest winners!

Thanks to all the members who have updated their contact information either on-line or in-store! All of you we're entered into the UPDATE contest for a chance to win 1 of 10 $25 Co-op gift cards. Below are the names of the winners. If you haven't already, stop by the membership desk inside the store to pick up your gift card. Congratulations!

January 2010 UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS contest winners:
Maureen Redmond
Bob Thomas
Melvin Yee
Mark Hardy
Ellen Haden
Penny Jennings
Marlene Frantz
Lou Frederick
Monica Smirnoff Levin
Sachiko Kato

Tell the USDA You Care about GE Contamination of Organic Food!

In 2006, the Center for Food Safety (CFS) sued the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its illegal approval of Monsanto's genetically engineered (GE) Roundup Ready alfalfa. The federal courts sided with CFS and banned GE alfalfa until the USDA fully analyzed the impacts of the plant on the environment, farmers, and the public in a rigorous analysis known as an environmental impact statement (or EIS). USDA released its draft EIS on December 14, 2009 and their preliminary determination is to once again deregulate GE alfalfa without any limitations or protections for farmers or the environment, claiming that there is no evidence that consumers care about GE contamination of organic foods! A 60-day comment period is open until February 16, 2010.

Please take the time to visit the Center for Food Safety's website to voice your opinion on genetically engineered foods.

Go here: http://ga3.org/campaign/alfalfaEIS

Sustainable Quality Awards

Hello Everyone,
If you know of any company that you think should be recognized for being an awesome, sustainable organization, please take a few minutes to fax in your nominations for the upcoming 2010 Sustainable Quality Awards by completing the form here:

http://www.smsqa.com/smsqa/pdf/2010_SQA_Nomination_Form.pdf

Deadline Monday, December 21st

Since 1995, the Chamber of Commerce, City of Santa Monica, and Sustainable Works have honored local businesses and organizations that make extraordinary contributions by enhancing our economy, community and environment with the Sustainable Quality Award (SQA).

* 42 Business Greening Program participants have won an SQA or Excellence award in the last 8 years!

You can nominate any business or organization (including your own or even your favorite grocery store)! Requirements:
- Located in Santa Monica
- Santa Monica Chamber member if outside Santa Monica
- In operation for minimum 2 years

Fax in your SQA nominations to the Chamber of Commerce to 310-394-1868. For more information see www.smsqa.com