Message to Care 2'ers...

In a historic move, a small Tennessee town appropriately named Signal Mountain has beat New York City to the punch to become the first city in the nation to pass a Green Food Resolution. This legislation is a formal commitment to support environmentally-friendly farming practices, such as the production of organic, locally-grown and plant-based foods (the cultivation of which is much less detrimental to the environment than is animal agriculture). Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, is leading a campaign to pass Green Food Resolutions in cities and towns all across the U.S.— but not even we saw this coming! Note: New York City’s resolution was introduced on June 30, 2009 and is still pending.

Please see below for the press release and let me know if you are interested in sharing this great American story about the power of the individual to think globally and act locally with your audience. I would love to set up interviews for you with David Cook (the local Signal Mt. newspaper columnist who planted the seed), Signal Mountain Councilman Paul Hendricks who led the charge and Farm Sanctuary President and Co-founder Gene Baur.

All the best,
Meredith

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:                                            

Meredith Turner, Farm Sanctuary, 646-369-6212, mturner@farmsanctuary.org

Signal Mountain, Tennessee Beats New York to Become First City in the Nation to Pass Groundbreaking Green Food Resolution

Small Southern Town Sends Signal to the Rest of the Nation with Historic Passage of Sustainable Food and Climate Legislation

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – December 2, 2009 – In a surprising move, a small Tennessee town, appropriately named Signal Mountain, beat New York to the punch to become the first town in the nation to pass a groundbreaking Green Food Resolution, an ordinance designed to counteract the massive health and environmental damage created by large-scale factory farms and the meat industry, by encouraging local farms, plant-based diets, ecological sustainability and nutritious eating habits. New York currently has a Green Food Resolution pending.

Inspired by Farm Sanctuary’s Green Foods Resolution Campaign, David Cook, a columnist for Signal Mountain’s Mountain Mirror newspaper, penned a column suggesting the small Tennessee town should consider passing a Green Food Resolution of its own. The column caught the attention of City Councilman Paul M. Hendricks who immediately took action and presented the groundbreaking resolution before the five member Signal Mountain Town Council, who made national history when they voted unanimously to adopt the Green Food Resolution ordinance.

“Playing an integral role in the passage of the nation’s first Green Food Resolution reminded me of the power of true democracy,” said Cook. “Behind this resolution are countless others who are doing the same work in restoring the balance, in creating a right relationship once again between people and the land. I am proud of Signal Mountain and believe this is just the beginning.’’

The historic passage of the U.S.’s first Green Food Resolution in Signal Mountain, Tennessee marks a major milestone in the country’s effort to reduce its national climate “foodprint” — a more significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions than all transportation systems combined — by proactively addressing the impact food choices have on the numerous health and environmental problems plaguing the nation. The passage also marks an important milestone for Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, which recently launched a campaign to introduce Green Food Resolutions in cities and towns throughout the country.

“I was proud to introduce a resolution that is consistent with the values and principles I have long believed in,” said Councilman Hendricks. “As a physician, I know well the value of a good diet. As a long-time environmentalist, I understand the importance of decreasing the amounts of chemicals and especially antibiotics and hormones put into our food sources. As a community leader, I understand the value of keeping our food production at the local level. This initiative is a winning combination at all levels — personal, local and global.”

Future planning and sustainability are not new concepts in this Tennessee town. Signal Mountain signed onto the Mayor's Agreement on Climate Change two years ago while Hendricks was Mayor. There are also several small farms on Signal Mountain and many mountain residents already participate in plant-based Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. The ordinance will complement these actions, as well as work that is currently being done to restore streams to healthy levels and resolve current and future traffic and transportation issues in a sustainable way.

“We applaud Councilman Hendricks and the town of Signal Mountain for taking visionary action to protect the health of their citizens, the environment and the billions of animals raised for food in deplorable conditions on factory farms each year,” said Gene Baur, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary. “By promoting access to healthy, plant-based food, Signal Mountain will indeed send a signal to the rest of the nation about the critical importance of thoughtful eating.”

Through Farm Sanctuary’s Green Food Resolutions Campaign, advocates just like Cook are reaching out to their local city governments to introduce resolutions similar to the one passed in Signal Mountain, and seeking wide support for the expansion of farmers markets, community supported CSA programs, community gardens and other venues that provide healthful plant-based foods.

On June 30, New York City Council Member Bill de Blasio introduced a similar groundbreaking resolution for New York City calling for a citywide FoodprintNYC initiative to reduce the city’s climate foodprint and create greater access to local, fresh, healthy plant-based food, especially in low-income communities, as well as city-run institutions. So far, 24 City Council members have signed on as co-sponsors.

Earlier this year, President Obama showed support of local gardens to promote healthy food by announcing the establishment of an edible garden on the South Lawn of the White House. In addition, the new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced his intention to create community gardens at every USDA facility around the world, starting with the “People’s Garden,” located on the grounds of the USDA.

If you would like to receive a copy of the Signal Mountain Green Food Resolution, or speak with Farm Sanctuary President and Co-founder Gene Baur, please contact Meredith Turner at 646-369-6212 or mturner@farmsanctuary.org.

**

About Farm Sanctuary

Dear Friends,

We have some very exciting news to share!  This Season, a generous anonymous donor gave WEA an incredible opportunity:  for every dollar donated to Women's Earth Alliance by December 31, our donor will match it up to $100,000. And it gets even better: our donor will offer this match in 2010 and 2011 as well!

This could not come at a better time for WEA. Our team recently completed a 3-year strategic planning process, mapping a clear vision for the next 3 years. This match offers WEA the opportunity to create the sustained and reliable support we need to connect women environmental leaders with the tools they need to bring clean water, healthy food, and environmental justice to their communities for generations to come.

There has never been a more powerful moment to step forward and make a contribution to Women's Earth Alliance. Every dollar is matched, and every dollar brings us closer to reaching this new height.

Here is how you can weave yourself in:

1.  Join the Women's Earth Alliance Giving Circle, a group of visionaries who donate $1,500, $5,000, $20,000 or $100,000 each year for 3 years. Remember, your pledge will be matched for 3 years!

2.  Give your loved ones the perfect holiday gift this season. They will appreciate it more than stuff--we promise!

3.  Make a one-time contribution or a 3-year pledge today.  Gifts of any size make a huge difference. 

We joyfully invite you to take the next step with Women's Earth Alliance. Together we can ensure that an international network of women leaders working toward a sustainable, just world will flourish.  Your donation supports this crucial, world-healing work. And regardless of whether or not you donate this Season, we are grateful to have you a part of Women's Earth Alliance.  Thank you for all that you give. Thank you for who you are.

With respect,

Amira Diamond                                                Melinda Kramer

Co-Director                                                      Founder, Co-Director

Rebecca Kress receives a Storm Water Proclamation from Supervisor McCowen

The Mendocino County Water Agency (MCWA) has developed an educational program for local schools, t o preserve and protect the Mendocino County’s water resources for current and future generations.

MCWA provides fun and interactive environments to teach students about water science, water management, and stormdrain practices.

Our goal is to increase the awareness within our community of how important one person's actions can be. By making informed decisions concerning state and local water resources, we can protect our environment.

Our education specialist brings to the classroom: games, videos, demonstrations, and many more activities that teach the students about the water cycle, water facts, and various methods to protect our water resources. The educational experiences and materials that MCWA can bring to the classroom are free of charge.

Public Education Specialist, Rebecca Kress

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http://mayibefrankmovie.com/index.html

All Frank Ferrate wants to do is fall in love one last time before he dies.
In the beginning Frank is a 290lb, 54 year old Sicilian from Brooklyn who has an unquenchable thirst for women, a tendency to create awkward moments and a knack for failure. He's got Hepititis C and is hooked on many medications including Interferon and anti-depressants. He drinks 10 espressos a day just to keep him awake. He is an ex-addict, he's accused of being a terrible father, a nasty ex-husband, a lousy brother, and he's a lost soul. Frank is never satisfied, he's always looking for the next quick fix. At least, that was Frank.

Until the day he stumbled into his long awaited awakening, disguised as Cafe Gratitude, a raw organic and vegan food restaurant in the sunset district of San Francisco. Here, Frank is offered something remarkable: another chance at his life. A conversation with Frank and a cafe waiter named Ryland results in the creation of an experiment: help Frank fall in love. The proposal: Frank will rediscover and recreate himself in just 42 days simply through what he eats and what he thinks.
(film synopsis from Vegan Represent: www.veganrepresent.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13157)