Co-opportunity News
Below we're trying to keep updated information that we think our members will be interested in, if you know of a news item that should be posted please contact marketing@coopportunity.com.

Co-op is accepting CCF Grant Applications
If you or someone you know has a local nonprofit organization that needs some extra funds, please download our application here.

Turf Wars
Americans can’t live without their lawns—but how long can they live with them? Elizabeth Kolbert's New Yorker article on the history of lawns, and the cost (in both dollars and environmental costs) to keep up these chemically-fortified, water-ravenous living carpets. Click to read this article.

Further Salmonella Outbreak News
The CDC and the FDA first told us that tomatoes were the likely culprit of the salmonella outbreak, affecting nearly a thousand people since it was first reported April 10. Now there are reports that the CDC thinks jalapeños might be to blame. Click to read more of this article.

Vote “YES” on Prop #2 for the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act
Californians for Humane Farms is the proud sponsor of the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, an initiative that will appear on California's November 2008 ballot.
It is cruel and inhumane to confine animals in cages so small they can’t turn around or stretch their limbs. All animals deserve humane treatment, including those raised for food. Vote “YES” on the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act to protect animals from unacceptable abuse. To learn more or to donate to the cause, click here to visit their website.

Veganic Farmers
The associated press published an interesting article on veganic farmers who are essentially organic farmers who practice "stock-free farming." "Much like certified organic farmers, veganic farmers use no synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or genetically modified ingredients. Veganic farmers take it to another level by not using any manures or slaughterhouse byproducts. They don't even use organically approved pesticides. " To learn more click here.

New Responsible Shopper Website
This new site allows you to quickly access information about companies and quickly compare companies within an industry. It is still in its test phase, but it looks like a great resource for those who want to vote with their dollars. www.ResponsibleShopper.org.

Co-op's Tomatoes
You may have heard of the recent Salmonella outbreak due to tomatoes, according to the FDA our tomatoes, which we source locally here in California, have not been associated with the outbreak. For more information click here.

CSPI Urges FDA to Ban Artificial Food Dyes Linked to Behavior Problems
Dyes Called "Secret Shame" of Food Industry and Regulators
Yellow 5, Red 40, and six other widely used artificial colorings are linked to hyperactivity and behavior problems in children and should be prohibited from use in foods, according to the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest. For more info click here.

"Guerrilla gardener" movement here in LA!
This is a recent LA times article that speaks about the increased interest among green folks who 'reclaim' empty or unused land to make vegetable or native plant gardens. For more info click here.

Plants, for your health
Good Magazine has put together new research that shows that readily available and conveniently decorative plants are natural detoxifiers for three commonly found toxins. Click here to read more.

Mark Bittman: What's wrong with what we eat
In this fiery and funny talk, New York Times food writer Mark Bittman weighs in on what's wrong with the way we eat now (too much meat, too few plants; too much fast food, too little home cooking), and why it's putting the entire planet at risk.

Finding the Best Way to Cook Your Veggies
We all know you should eat plenty of vegetables everyday, but have you ever considered the best way to cook them? This person has, read more...

Beware: Genetically Engineered Sugar Beets
Iowa City, Iowa (April 29, 2008) — With planting season underway in many parts of the nation, National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA) wants consumers to know that a recent deregulation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will enable farms to plant potentially harmful, genetically engineered (GE) sugar beet seeds.

GE sugar beets – a core ingredient for refined sugar and sweeteners – are likely to contaminate the nation’s non-GE sugar beet supply as well as have a negative impact on consumers, the environment and family farmers. Sugar beets account for more than half of the nation’s sugar production, with the balance produced from sugar cane. The addition of GE sugar will mean the majority of sweeteners in the United States will be GE products. High-fructose corn syrup, typically made with GE corn, is the leading sweetener with sugar a not-too-distant second.

GE Sugar Beet Seeds High in Herbicide – Levels GE foods have been genetically altered by scientists with the goal of improving the food in some way. Common GE goals include increased yields, spoilage retardation and pest and pesticide/herbicide resistance. Pesticide/herbicide resistance means that the plants can withstand the use of more pesticides/herbicides. In 2005, the USDA began allowing the production of and use of “Round-up ready” sugar beets, genetically modified to resist Monsanto’s herbicide Round-up. Americans consume 22 tons of refined sugar and corn sweeteners annually – found in foods ranging from sodas to candy bars to ketchups to peanut butter and cereals. According to the Center for Food Safety, sugars produced by Roundup Ready beets have greatly elevated levels of the herbicide glyphosphate.

A Risk to the Entire Sugar Supply – “Unfortunately, a producer knowingly sowing GE sugar beet seeds is only part of the problem,” Robynn Shrader, chief executive officer for NCGA. “There’s also the concern with cross-contamination.” When planting sugar beets, farmers wind-pollinate the seeds, which will allow for the inevitable cross-pollinatation between GE and non-GE beet crops. “That means traditional farmers would not be able to ensure the integrity of their crops,” said Shrader “For organic farmers, it could mean devastation for their crops and for their way of life.”

Consumers Can Act “With the USDA deregulation, much of the nation’s sugar and sweetener supply will be derived in part from GE sources that can be harmful for consumers,” said Shrader. “And, because the USDA does not require manufacturers to label their foods as containing GE sugar, individuals will have no idea what type of sugar they are consuming.” “Enabling the production of GE beet sugar is especially frustrating for consumers, seeking truly natural, non-GE foods,” she added. “We invite concerned consumers to learn more about the issue and to voice their opposition to GE sugars.” In 2001, sugar producers and providers such as American Crystal Sugar, M&M Mars, and Hershey’s announced they would not allow GE sugar into their supplies. Now, as GE sugar indeed begins commercial production, these and other organizations have not made assurances.

Click here to sign an online petition

Paper or Plastic?
A comprehensive look at the environmental costs of paper and plastic bags form the Washington Post. Click here to read more

'Secretive' Chemicals Being Hidden in Food Under 'Artificial Flavors' Label
(NaturalNews) "You Thought MSG Was Bad? At least they admit that it's in there... well, mostly. Have you picked up a can of soup lately and noticed that the sodium levels are lower? Seen a label that said, "No MSG"? How about realizing that there is less sugar on the label of your favorite ice cream? Believe it or not, this is cause for concern." Click here to read more