It’s been a busy week in the world of eco-friendly living, and choosing just a few links out of the dozens of great, breaking stories on environmental health, sustainable agriculture and nutrition has been challenging to say the least. Here are a few that I thought were too important to go unnoticed…
1. Last week, I posted on how America’s carb addiction is causing our epidemics of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and more. If you needed any more reasons to quit eating 6-11 servings of processed grains and corn syrup every day, this week researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah have uncovered new information on the notion that sugar “feeds” cancer tumors.
2. This week the Environmental News Service tells us that 1 in 3 women have significant levels of inorganic mercury in their bloodstreams. The study also cites research that has found chronic mercury exposure associated with elevated risks for autism, mental impairment and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease—all of which are expected to increase overall in the population over time.
Yikes! Is there any better argument for transitioning away from the fossil fuel economy as quickly as possible?
3. Fortunately, until we finally abandon coal power plants and eliminate the main source of mercury poisoning, there are a few ways to help chelate mercury and other heavy metals from your body using special foods and supplements. An article over at Natural News describes how.
4. A report in the UK Times reveals that energy efficiency for the First World comes at a high cost for factory workers in China, with high rates of mercury poisoning being reported among employees in the plants that make compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Surely we can find an energy-efficient way to light our homes that doesn’t require evacuating a room if the bulb breaks?!
5. And speaking of China, here’s some good news for all of us: An outstanding article over at Alternet describes how China ended its dependence on food aid, almost overnight, and became the world’s third largest food aid donor. Their success holds a key to food sustainability and security as the human population grows.
And guess what, they did it by dismantling large-scale, industrial farms!
6. And to inspire you through the rest of the week, The Good Human recently posted a very uplifting Ten Commandments of Mother Earth.
Have a great, green week!
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