August 27, 2015 / Issue 195

     



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Microbeads, the Tiny Orbs Threatening Our Water
& Mrs. Green's Three Calls To Action

Note from Mrs. Green. The article below appeared in the opinion section of the New York Times on Saturday, August 22. I literally received phone calls from friends who were on their way to their bathrooms to check their toothpaste for microbeads and asking me if I had seen the article. I had not. I now have several copies and have read the article numerous times - to myself and to other friends (in the form of ranting one might say.) So instead of my paraphrasing and trying to top the New York Times Editorial Board, here is the disturbing, uncut, unedited version for your reading pleasure and continuing education. I admit to have "bolded" some of the comments I find to be most disturbing.



"Plastic is believed to be the main contaminant in the huge garbage gyres that pollute the oceans. Now researchers, led by Sherri Mason of the State University of New York at Fredonia, have found a stunning amount of plastic in the largest freshwater ecosystem on earth, the Great Lakes. And an increasing amount of it consists of the tiny plastic orbs used as abrasives in products like toothpaste and anti-acne lotions.

The particles are called microbeads, and consumers can avoid them by checking to see if plastic - maybe polyethylene or polypropylene - is on the product's ingredient list. Once these virtually indestructible beads enter the water, they attract toxic substances, like PCBs. They become part of the aquatic food chain, soon eaten by fish and then, too often, by humans.

When Great Lakes fish are dissected, "they are festooned with microbeads," said Henry Henderson, director of the Natural Resources Defense Council's Midwest office, in Chicago. Besides carrying toxins, the beads can cause internal abrasions and can stunt growth of the fish.

The studies done at Fredonia in 2012 and 2013 estimated that in Lakes Superior and Huron there were about 7,000 plastic particles per square kilometer. Lake Michigan had 17,000, Lake Erie had 46,000 and Lake Ontario had a whopping 248,000. Asked what amount of plastic pollution would be acceptable in the lakes, Dr. Mason said, "There shouldn't be any plastic in our water, period."

Microbeads are tricky, because most wastewater plants are not equipped to filter out such fine particles. Of the 610 wastewater plants in New York State, for example, more than 400 cannot do so, according to a report in 2014 by the New York attorney general, Eric Schneiderman. Nearly 19 tons of microbeads go down the drain in New York State every year, according to the report.

Wastewater plants could be retrofitted, but it would be costly. Some states have taken the more efficient approach of restricting the use of microbeads. Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey and Wisconsin have enacted bans, and California and a few others are considering them. New York's Assembly approved a ban this year, but the Republican Senate has refused to go along.

Some major companies have stopped using microbeads or are phasing them out. The European Union is expected to consider prohibiting their use in cosmetics. Canada announced plans this summer to regulate microbeads and add them to its list of toxic substances.

Those bans could push companies to stop making products with microbeads, but the fastest solution is for consumers to simply stop using them." 

Four Calls to Action
  1. PLEASE don't wait for a ban. Stop using toothpaste and skincare products with beads in them.
  2. Spread the word to those you love and forward this article to them. It may be lifesaving.
  3. If you are really inspired, write to the manufacturers of the products indicating that you are boycotting their product until microbeads are removed.
  4. Listen to Mrs. Green's interview with Life Without Plastic's Co-founder and Co-owner Jay Sinha -- Imagine Life Without Plastic.
At the end of the day, the power to bring out long term, systemic changes lies in the hands of consumer. We've got the power. Let's use it!
Upcoming Shows

August 29
Revolution - The Movie
Rob Stewart, Director
Trust me when I say Rob Stewart is on a mission. He believes in the earth, life and that 3.5 billion years of evolution has created a world of unmatched productivity and diversity, perfect for humans and that by undoing the damage wrought by short sighted human expansion, earth can once again be paradise for humans and millions of other species. Rob also believes that it's going to take a revolution. During this interview, I will ask Rob how we can join the revolution, what actions we can take on important causes and how we can all become activists for the planet in ways that work best for us. His journey, his passion, his commitment to a world that works for everyone is why Rob Stewart is being interviewed by Mrs. Green and I hope you will be sure to join us.  This show made possible through the generous support of Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona.

September 5
Ecosystems Genomics - Studying the Earth's DNA
Matthew Sullivan, Assistant Professor, Departments of Microbiology and Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering Ohio State (also the co-founder of the Ecosystems Genomics Institute at the UA)
You got it - I am going to really have to work for this one. A University of Arizona-led international team has uncovered new information about the ways marine viruses and microbes interact on a global scale and Matthew Sullivan is going to share with us why it's vitally important to understand complex interactions among ocean ecosystems, climate and biodiversity - perhaps more now than ever in the planet's history. Join me for some stimulating and relevant conversation. This show made possible through the generous support of The Chapman Automotive Group Tucson

September 12
Natural Pod - Kid & Planet Friendly
Bridgitte Alomes, Founder, Natural Pod When I met Bridgitte at a conference several months ago, it was very clear she is on a mission to make non-toxic and natural play synonymous. Natural Pod's compelling vision, innovative award-winning products, passion and commitment for natural play sets them apart from any other furniture company on the planet. What is natural play? What are the benefits to natural play? What is Natural Pod's natural play philosophy and how does it impact learning in the classroom? Join us to find out. There will not be a dull moment. This show made possible through the generous support of The Fairfax Companies

September 19
Breast Cancer: Prevention First
Janet Nudelman, Director of Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Director of Program and Policy, Breast Cancer Fund
This organization works to prevent breast cancer by eliminating our exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation linked to the disease. They are bold and intentional in their efforts to translate a growing body of SCIENTIC EVIDENCE linking breast cancer and environmental exposure into public education and advocacy campaigns that protect our health and reduce breast cancer risk. They are helping to transform how our society thinks about and uses chemicals and radiation with the goal of preventing breast cancer and sustaining health and life. Last but certainly not least, they find practical solutions so that our children, grandchildren and planet can thrive. I don't want to miss hearing a word of what Janet Nudelman has to say. This show made possible through the generous support of The Chapman Automotive Group Tucson

September 26
Coral Reef Conservation
Michael W. Beck, Lead Scientist, Global Marine Team, The Nature Conservancy
Mike Beck works on the interface between marine science and policy on marine spatial planning, habitat restoration, and coral reef conservation in temperate and tropical regions. His work increasingly focuses on developing decision support approaches to build coastal resilience and on the links between disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and environmental restoration. I am fascinated on a daily basis on any news concerning the state of our planet's ocean, their inhabitants and their survival. Mike's scope of knowledge also includes the continued work on the nursery role of near-shore habitats such as kelp forests and on marine conservation agreements on a global scale. Let the questions begin. This show made possible through the generous support of Habitat for Humanity Tucson

October 3
Energy Efficiency: Getting More with Less 
Steve is a guest we definitely want to know more about because has he EVER got credibility around such an important issue. Prior to his promotion to executive director in 2001, Steven served as deputy director of the organization and director of ACEEE's Utilities and Buildings programs. He has worked in the energy efficiency field for more than 30 years and has over 100 publications. He has testified many times before Congress on energy efficiency subjects and also testified before multiple state legislatures. And a great deal more. FYI, The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors. They believe that the United States can harness the full potential of energy efficiency to achieve greater economic prosperity, energy security, and environmental protection for all its people. Hard for me to think of a more important topic and can hardly wait to hear what yet another outstanding guest has to share. This show made possible through the generous support of The Fairfax Companies.
 
October 10
Seeds: The Game!
Nick Heyming
Ready for this? The idea for Seeds the Game was born almost 5 years ago while CEO of Grow Games Interactive and Founder of Seeds The Game, Nick Heyming, was in Peru volunteering with an organization that helped children build community gardens, called Tierra de Ni�os. He was approached by a grandmother in the community who thanked him for working with the kids but was concerned about children and youth who were not there, that were just eating junk food, disconnecting from their community, and playing video games for the majority of their free time. The kids working in community gardens in Peru were already activated on a deeper level and were committed to being Earth Stewards at an early age. "What about the ones in commercial consumer and video game culture?" she asked. Was there anything Nick could do about it? There was. Please join me to find out just what that "it" has turned out to be. This show brought to you through the generous support of The Chapman Automotive Group Tucson

Mrs. Green's World
ENVIRONMENTAL TALK RADIO Show
Please remember to tune in to Mrs. Green's World every Saturday at 12:00 pm PST, streaming on the Internet.
 
Great Updates

Listen to Mrs. Green's radio show on iHeart RadioDreamVisions 7 Radio Network, Blogtalk Radio, Green DivasGlimmerglass, and Speak Up Talk Radio. Our expansion and impact continue and for that we are extremely grateful! 


Spread the Green Word!
If you enjoyed this newsletter, please pass it on to a friend using the "forward email" link below. Thank you!

Mrs. Green welcomes your comments and feedback:
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I IGLU - Do You?

Question:  what would it take to inspire you to download our Iglu app? Our show guests are out of this world and doing epic things for our planet. They inform, delight, educate and help raise one's consciousness in ways you might never have imagined. Downloading the app makes listening to our shows so easy and literally one click away on your mobile device! Write to me about what would inspire you? A contest? A phone call from Mrs. Green? A phone call from a Mrs. Green team member?  A big green hug? Talk to me! Mother Earth needs us all to know what's going on with her.