News Archive

2003

June

US in new global GM push - Make your own mind up on this one - full story.

No proof of GM health risks - According to new Environment Minister Elliot Morley GM foods have never been shown to pose any health risk - full story.

Safety of GM food played down by government - Former Minister Micheal Meacher claims that the government has played down a report criticising the safety of GM food - full story.

UK aims for agreement on CAP reform - full story.

GM seeds spread by human activity concerns - Seeds can be carried long distances on farm machinery to cross with wild relatives - full story.

Students investigate hazadous chemicals and oil spills- WWF is launching two new internet debates for students and teachers so they can explore the impacts of environmental disasters from the safety of the classroom - full story.

List of chemicals of concern - If you are concerned about chemicals then you can find out which chemicals are listed by the Chemical Stakeholder Forum and voice your opinion - full story. Sign up for a toxic free future at www.chemicalreaction.org

Defra scheme helps safeguard harvest mice - a partnership between two farmers and Defra will safeguard possibly one of the last remaining colonies of harvest mice in the North East - full story

Chinese herb "good for the mind" - a herb used in china may help stoke patients suffering from dementia - full story

GM crops "potentially good for developing countries" - an independent scientific think-tank has concluded that 'GM crops can contribute to improving agriculture in developing countries' - full story

Indian GM cotton a failure - 71% of farmers who tried out a GM pest-resistant variety of cotton suffered an average decrease in crop yield of 35% - full story

Public 'needs voice' on GM issue - The man in charge of the UK's nationwide debate on genetically modified food says he will be "dismayed" if the government does not take into account public opinion on the issue. - full story

Pigs need to go on a diet! - reduced protein diets can reduce slurry production from pigs by 10% - full story

May

Urgent action needed on new European Chemicals Regulations - the Eu is failing to protect us from dangerous chemicals - read more.

Chicken farmers using growth promoting antibiotics again - Some poultry farmers who had previously ceased to use growth promoting antibiotics have admitted they have resumed the practice - read more.

Interesting comments by Sir John Krebs regarding organic food - read more

The GM story - read indepth details about GM - read more

GM Crops need long-term monitoring - British Scientist say that Genetically modified (GM) crops will need monitoring for years if they are grown in the UK - full story.

GM crops no benefit to poor - read more.

Three month renewal for ban on the use of phtalate softeners in PVC toys - The EU's ban of the use of six types of phthalate softeners in PVC toys designed to be mouthed by the under-threes has been renewed for further three months. This is yet another extension since the order was first introduced in 1999. Governments are awaiting further scientific evidence before they make a decision as to make this a permanent ban or to introduce limites on phtalate migration into the saliva of children - Click here for details of the potential harmful effects of PVC toys.

On a lighter note - help track the effects of climate change as they happen - full details.

GM Crops threaten organic food output - Michael Meacher, the environment minister, conceded that contamination from GM crops threatens the drive to increase organic food production - full story

Protesters cut down GM crop - Protesters in Fife have cut down a field of genetically modified (GM) crops - full story.

GM Ban could be illegal - a ban on GM crops would be illegal unless there is scientific proof that they harm people or the environment - full story.

Great news, unless you're a fish. An Environment Agency survey has revealed that otters are becoming more and more widespread in the rivers of England. - full story.

National GM debate to start next month in six cities and towns - full story.

Greener manufacturing could profit in £billions - full story.

Successful first year for UK greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme - full story.

BBC News has seen evidence which suggests that cats are being farmed for their skins in the European Union. - full story.

Herbal teas can possibly damage teeth - Researchers at the University of Bristol Dental School found that some teas erode the enamel or protective layer on teeth - draw your own conclusions read the full story.

With the latest news of pesticides linked to cancer, are you a walking timebomb? Read one woman's story - full details.

April

What's in your backyard? - The Environment Agency’s internet site has been enhanced with detailed background information on all pollutants emitted to air, water and land by Agency-regulated industrial sites, in your area. full details.

Pesticide link to breast cancer - A pesticide has been linked to increased risk of breast cancer - full story.

Government Breaks Promise on Farm Antibiotics - Latest figures from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) show that the Government has failed to live up to its promise to reduce the use of antibiotics on farms - full story.

Urgent Action Needed on New European Chemicals Regulations - If you are concerned about chemicals have your say - full story

Businesses to battle for green award - For the second year running the Environment Agency is supporting the Orange-sponsored National Business Awards and is now inviting entries for its Environmental Awareness Award category - full story.

Organic Aid Scheme for Scotland - Farmers and crofters keen to convert to organic production in Scotland will benefit from payments totalling £2 million under the Organic Aid Scheme from next year - full story.

Organic food: facts and figures 2003 - A must read of why you should eat organic. Organic food contains higher levels of vitamins and secondry nutrients, such as antioxidants. Less additives and no pesticides can only be beneficial - full story.

Government to help kids go organic - Michael Meacher, environment minister, wants to see the amount of organic food served in schools increased - full story.

Great Apes "at risk from Ebola" -The Ebola virus that has claimed many human lives in central Africa is also threatening the region's great apes - full story.

Research helps new organic farmers - Researchers in Nottingham have been examining ways in which farmers can go organic without facing severe financial problems - full story.

MPs back new recycling law - The UK recycle around 11 per cent of our waste, whilst many other european countries recycle around 50%. This new law will mean an incease to match europe - full story.

Stop the war campaign - If you are opposed to war in Iraq don't just sit back and do nothing, let your views be known, they do count - full story.

Don't forget to think about how you can help others and get fit at the same time. Eat healthy organic produce and exercise for a better life style. Feel good inside by entering a charity challenge event, check out the following sites for further information:

Global Challenge
Mitchemp Trust