Green Parent Chicago

The Tale of rBGH, Milk, Monsanto and the Organic Backlash

Organic milk is now as readily available as conventional milk as more consumers and companies are recognizing its benefits and demand.A recent estimate by the USDA says organic products are now available in nearly 20,000 natural food stores and nearly 3 of 4 conventional grocery stores.

If you and/or your children drink organic milk, you've already heard about "rBGH", which may have prompted you to switch from conventional milk to organic milk in the first place.

Organic milk is produced by cows who eat feed free of animal by-products from slaughter, and free of antibiotics, pesticides and hormones, like rBGH.

Though it's use is banned in Europe and Canada, rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone), is a genetically engineered hormone that was approved for use in the U.S. in 1993 by the Food and Drug Administration.

In other words, it hasn't always been in our food supply. And it doesn't deserve a place in it now.

Just what is so bad about rBGH anyway?

Cows injected with rBGH produce milk under severe physical and mental strain from cramped quarters. They're subject to more disease and antibiotic resistance from repeated use of antibiotics by handlers hoping to quell chronic infection like mastitis, (an infection of the milk ducts that in nursing human moms can be highly painful). RGBH has also been linked to reproductive problems in cows.  

In humans, studies indicate milk from cows treated with rBGH may contain elevated levels of "insulin-like growth factor-1" (IFG-1) which can increase the risk of breast cancer and other types of cancer.

What is It Like Living TV-Free With Kids? Local Moms Tell Green Parent Chicago

Tracy, mom of 2 daughters, ages 8 and 5: 

"We own one, but it's not hooked up to anything (hasn't been for years), so the girls see no television at all. We can, however, choose educational/cultural/travel DVDs and videos from the library, which is what we've found works beautifully.

For us, perhaps the biggest benefits have been having more time together as a family--making music, playing games, and doing art or science projects/experiments. The other huge bonus is, of course, the fact that the girls are not exposed to a commercial, consumerist culture that I find absolutely abhorrent.

When they've seen commercials on the TVs at doctor's offices or wherever, we've been able to have talks about marketing aimed at children and I'm delighted to see them becoming so wise to that sort of ploy. We also don't have children that want the "latest" whatsit and they don't have the gimmes when we're in stores. They're learning the value of money and the choices we have to make with what we have. By not indulging our every whim, we're able to live on one income instead of both of us going out to work. That's something we value tremendously. It's all a win/win if you ask us.

I know there are some people that think we're raising children that won't "fit in" with their peers because they don't know what's cool. I'd counter with the assertion that we're raising children with parents who care enough to set an example that family comes first, and that time spent together outdoors or gathered around the table talking, creating, and playing with others is of far more real value than trying to live up to some ever-changing idea of "cool". Who wants to raise a conformist? I'll trust the future to kids who've learned to think for themselves with the support of parents who are very much present in their lives."

Cynthia, mom to a son, 13:

"As of date, the only television my son and I have watched since his birth is [the 2008] presidential debates and the election returns on Nov 4. We have a 13" TV with a built-in DVD player that sits in a cupboard and we only use it to watch an occasional movie.

What does your son think of not watching TV regularly?

He really hasn't commented on it. Since he has never watched TV, what is there to miss? He is an extremely creative kid so he is always working on some project or another. He is also an avid reader and spends an inordinate amount of time outside (weather permitting).

Why and when did you decide to do away with regular TV watching?

Actually, I have never been a TV watcher. Always something more interesting for me to do. To be bluntly honest, I refer to it as an idiot box. I made it a conscious choice to eliminate television before the birth of my son and never looked back.

Have you had any negative comments from family or friends regarding living essentially TV-free?

I have always walked to the beat of a different drum, so not watching TV is just one in a long line of many alternative choices I made/make in my life. I get my news/information from the internet and like my son, am an avid reader.

Jennifer, mom to two children, a son, 8 and daughter who is 3 1/2:

"We stopped our cable when Eric was about 2, we were looking for ways to save money and he would not let me watch TV at the time, so it seemed an obvious thing to do. Eric has asked every once in a while for a "TV with channels" but otherwise it's been a non-issue, although watching TV is a highlight of our hotel visits. In the last year we (especially my husband) have been making use of the internet-as-TV a lot too, although the kids tend to watch short things on YouTube."

"Buy Nothing Day" November 28

We at Green Parent Chicago would like to remind you on behalf of Adbusters, to give Buy Nothing Day a try this Black Friday, that's the day after Thanksgiving, traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year in the U.S. 

Buy Nothing Day is an effort to curb overconsumption and corporate control over our spending habits, placing the emphasis on alternative, sustainable actions such as recycling, reusing and refusal of unneeded goods.

Looking for something to do in lieu of shopping? Enjoy your extra day off with the family. Or if you've had all you can take of cabin fever or the in-laws, try organizing your own swap among friends. You could make a theme for it: a household decor swap, clothing swap, kids hand-me-downs swap, book swap, etc.

If you'd like to try your hand at something crafty instead, check out Greenheart Shop's "Green Friday" event in Chicago. Where you can learn to make your own green gifts in free workshops such as knitting, refashioning sweaters into mittens, re-styling old t-shirts, jewelry making, and more. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Marketers Hope They're A Better Influence On Kids Than You Are

With little public outcry in opposition, the tales brand marketers weave about marketing and young people continue to reach bizarre proportions.

In a July 16 article in the British magazine Ethical Corporation, Giles Gibbons marketing director of the PR and marketing firm Good Business argues, not surprisingly, that brands shouldn't fear marketing to kids and can actually can reach children in a way parents and schools are unable to.

Gibbons takes on "commentators" who argue for control of brand marketing. He writes that these commentators "tend to react in a knee-jerk way particularly when it comes to products that can be deemed “bad” for children – whether it is the possible health risks of mobiles phones, or soft drinks and obesity."

Companies themselves are capable of their own regulation, according to Gibbons and "will often rule out activity that would clearly lead to children pestering their parents for unhealthy or expensive products – whether by changing the message or changing the context in which it is found."

"But to suggest that companies should not communicate with children at all is narrow-minded and shortsighted.." he continues.

"Messages on bullying, or the environment, or online safety that come from a cool brand – like Hello Kitty – can have far more impact than the strictures of parents and schools."

Tina Wells, who prides herself on being the queen of tween and teen marketing and leads her own Buzzspotter tween marketing recruits, recently wrote in The Huffington Post about the "new power couple" of celebrities and brands.

Wells hopes consumers believe her argument that celebrity plugs for youth products and entertainment are necessary and actually desired by teens and young people.

"The market has become so fragmented, with dozens of information outlets competing for the attention of savvy young consumers, that traditional advertising simply does not reach them anymore. Even when I was a teen, we were glued to the TV on Thursday nights. Consuming the ads was part of the experience of watching Dawson's Creek and Beverly Hills 90210. When Ali Landry became the new Doritos girl, we actually cared who she was. And we all noticed that the kids on Dawson's Creek wore American Eagle."

Wells, a PR and marketing specialist by trade is the new "author" behind the recent Mackenzie Blue "book series" by Harper Collins Publishing, aimed at 8- to 12-year-old girls. The series features product placement written into the plot. The release of the book was met with criticism by consumer advocacy group Commercial Alert.

A press release from February says tweens will discover more about going "green," learn about the "global" landscape, and be motivated to achieve their goals in the Mackenzie Blue books. 

Local station fined for kids programming commercial conflict

Reportedly local station WCIU has been fined by the FCC $16,500 this past month for allowing two character-linked commercials to air within the same half hour as a broadcast of the Pokemon kids show, making the 30 minute slot essentially one long commercial for Pokemon.

According to an article in Media Daily News, the FCC rules protect young children who may be unable to distinguish between advertising and a program.

The station heads claimed to be unaware of the conflict, however, the tactic of inserting program tie-ins at commercial breaks is something networks and stations have already been experimenting with.