Lenten Action!

by Beth Anderson, Outreach Associate






While we most often think of Lent as a time for giving things up, this season also asks us to recommit to our most valued practices -- to DO something.

May I suggest one simple, yet powerful, Lenten action?

Sign on to the statement about environmental health developed by the National Council of Churches, Earth Ministry, and other ecumenical organizations around the country! Its official title is:
Christian Principles for a Healthy Body and Spirit.

The Principles call for environmental health policies that will...

1. Protect Creation
2. Enable Healthy Bodies and Healthy Selves
3. Seek Justice for Vulnerable Populations
4. Promote Sustainability

Join with people of faith all over the United States and pledge your support of these Principles!

Blessings on your Lenten journey...

Send a message: No BPA in sports bottles!

by Beth Anderson, Outreach Associate

Some people are asking, "If BPA is dangerous in baby bottles, what about BPA in my kids' sports water bottles?"

The answer is simple -- to protect the health of our children, we need to take BPA out of water bottles, too!

Kids use sports bottles at school, on family camping trips, at soccer practice and wherever they live, learn, pray, and play.

Send a message to your elected officials TODAY!

Help ban BPA in baby bottles, sports water bottles, and food containers designed for children.

Another Step To Protect the Health of All Creation

by Beth Anderson, Outreach Associate

Fantastic news for all God's children: Washington state's legislature just voted to pass the Safe Baby Bottle Act, which will ban the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles and other food containers designed for children.

Legislative victories are not easily won, and this is no exception! In 2009 the Safe Baby Bottle Act passed the House but did not make it through the Senate, and Earth Ministry and other supporters were left to wait another year. In 2010 the bill became a Priority of the Environmental Priorities Coalition, passed the House 95-1 earlier this week, and today passed in the Senate by a vote of 36-9.

Once the Safe Baby Bottle Act makes it to Governor Gregoire's desk, Washington will join Canada, Connecticut, Minnesota, Chicago, and three counties in New York state in banning BPA from baby bottles, other children's food containers, and (hopefully) sports water bottles.

Keep alert! People of faith can continue to make a difference during the 2010 legislative session by raising their voices in support of the Environmental Priorities. Stay tuned for legislative updates from the Earth Ministry team...