Does Your Recycling Go Where You Think? Just Say NO to Plastic

This week, in the New York Times, there is an incredible piece concerning some recent changes to the way recyclables are processed here in the United States. For years, we have been sending our waste overseas, but last summer, as part of a broad antipollution campaign, China announced that it no longer wanted to import “foreign garbage.” So, since January 1st, when China officially banned imports of various types of plastic and paper, many municipalities across our nation have struggled to keep recyclable materials out of the landfill. 

While some waste managers already send their recyclable materials to be processed domestically, or are shipping them to other countries, others have been unable to find a substitute for the Chinese market. “All of a sudden, material being collected on the street doesn’t have a place to go,” said Pete Keller, vice president of recycling and sustainability at Republic Services, one of the largest waste managers in the country. 

The World’s First Collapsible Straw. Get yours today!

There is still hope, because one of the greatest ways you can reduce your waste is simply to not buy it! Next time you’re at the store, consider ways you can minimize plastic packaging consumption (buy fresh, whole produce at a farmers market, and use 100% cotton mesh produce bags). And, next time you plan to eat/drink on the go, find alternatives to make your dining experience less impactful, yet providing yourself equal (if not more) utility and fun! Also, check out the zero-waste store in Singapore, which has no packaged products, but instead requires customers to bring their own containers. There is much potential for us here in the US, we simply need to focus inward and change our lifestyle and daily routines.

NY City Council-member; Taking Action to Curb Our Use and Dependency On Plastics

New York city council member, Rafael Espinal, announced on Wednesday his plan to ban plastic straws in concert, amid a growing and widespread effort to reduce our consumptive habits, and specifically, our use of single-plastic products. 

Farm Bill Updates 2018

The current legislative period for the Farm Bill is coming to a close, and if it does not pass by September, we might miss out on several crucial programs that would help further research to understand the many benefits of the Organic industry. Dairy in particular, as well as support for Organic Standards Oversight and Enforcement, is needed to protect consumers from fraudulent ‘organic’ exports. Additionally, the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) which assists “certified organic operations in defraying the costs associated with organic certification” and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) which pays farmers to reduce erosion, protect drinking water, and preserve wildlife habitat, are both at risk of losing funding. However, the most recent House bill did outline funding for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development (BFRD) program, the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers program, and the Transition Incentives Program for the Conservation Reserve Program, which allows for young farmers to work in partnership with land owners. Ultimately, if the Farm bill does expire, as was the case in October 2012, then food justice advocates will have to move forward still. The last draft of the 2018 Farm Bill, which called for “able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 59 to work or be enrolled in a job-training program for at least 20 hours a week beginning in fiscal year 2021,” was ultimately rejected by Democrats due to the proposed deep cuts to the SNAP program. And, immigration remains to be the other, biggest and most controversial part of the 2018 Farm Bill. Though this Republican-drafted piece of legislation did not pass nearly two weeks ago, the House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) announced plans for a second vote on June 22—after a House votes on the ultra-conservative Goodlatte-McCaul immigration bill. Unfortunately, this bill, which would ‘amend the existing H-2A program, enabling employers to hire foreign agricultural workers for extended periods, meanwhile, provide undocumented workers the opportunity to gain visas by working,’ is heavily supported by Republicans and does not further any bipartisan effort. Moreover, this bill is viewed by some as an escape clause, which prolongs and prevents any action and approval for the Farm Bill before September. 

Congressman, Bob Goodlatte’s Agriculture Guestworker Act (“AG Act” or New “H2-C” Visa Program) has been attached to the Securing America’s Future Act (SAFA) which also authorizes “the construction of a border wall, investing in new technology, and improving, modernizing, and expanding ports of entry,” therefore condoning Trump’s proposed plans for a wall between the United States and Mexico. Yikes. 

Not to mention the minimum number of working hours for eligible workers would jump to 25 hours per week starting in fiscal year 2026. Moreover, those who violate the work requirements could become ineligible for SNAP benefits for a 12-month period! And with several violations, could lose eligibility for up to 3 years. For people who need desperate help, that is a long time to wait!

According to the Fern Ag, SNAP accounts for three-fourths of this spending. “The House farm bill satisfied the top priority of farm groups – a strong crop insurance program, which protects farmers against crop losses and falling prices and is subsidized by taxpayers.” – The Fern AG

Organic Produce Is Still On the Rise, Despite Food Insecurtiy 

The organic category shows no signs of leveling off, said Kristina Lorusso, regional business development director with the Los Angeles-based, Giumarra Cos. “Organic continues to be a growth category, and we don’t think it has plateaued yet,” she said. Moreover, market data and analysis of organics industry shows an over increase with some interesting trends which range from the growth of plant-based milk production to changes in standard animal welfare practices. Some highlights from New Hope Network include the following;

How do plant-based products effect innovation? 

Highlights:

• The effect of plant-based milk on the organic dairy market spurs the need for consumer education about organic vs. conventional dairy. 
• In the shift to plant-based products, is organic getting its fair share of recognition?
• More research about the nutritional benefits of organic is needed to show health attributes and drive consumers to organic.

Animal welfare standards and the new administration

Highlights:

• The organic industry spent 10 years coming to an agreement on how to address animal welfare standards in the National Organic Program.
• The current administration (USDA) is trying to unwind the newly introduced animal welfare standards, causing the Organic Trade Association to file a lawsuit.
• Consumers and other activist groups are seeing the non-implementation of the standards as a reason to show less support for organic and are looking at how other labels can uphold integrity.

There has also been an increase of gluten-free food production and sales, not only “gluten-free” products, rather whole grains. 

Organic imports and exports in the U.S.

• World leaders in the organic industry seek U.S. advice on innovation and trends.
• Sustainability, eco-consciousness, and trust issues in food, are driving global organic industry growth.
• The top U.S. imports are soybeans, coffee, bananas, olive oil, avocado, honey, corn and sugar.
• The U.S. cannot function in the organic industry without global trade.

“Supply chains are changing, and just being a supplier isn’t enough anymore. It’s about relationships. It’s about being a supplier that can help brands connect with the farmer to do sustainability initiatives and add value throughout the supply chain, and to give us what we want in terms of integrity and assurances. The supply chain world is changing and ingredient suppliers are going to need to change with it.”

—Matt Dillon, Clif Bar and Company