sunday times: the times

The Gray Lady has shown some wrinkles recently, but had a number of interesting stories today I'd like to comment on.

• Despite a ban, loggers are ravaging Amazon forests. Loggers and sawmill operators make large political donations.  Laws are not enforced. Wood exports are increasing, even as logging permits are being severely limited. Forty percent of the wood goes overseas, one-third of which goes to the United States.  Things are not going to change in Brazil any time soon; we have to make sure that the wood products we buy come from sustainably managed forests.  More information at the Forest Stewardship Council, the US AID Sustainable Forest Products Global Alliance, and the Rainforest Alliance SmartWood certification program.
• Commericial grouper fishing has been halted for the rest of the year in the Gulf of Mexico.  Quotas, put in place because grouper have been overfished, have been reached. Everybody -- commercial crews, recreational fishermen, restaurants -- is pissing and moaning.  Ironically, this was once a junk fish, but became popular when OTHER species were overfished. Once again, we need to try to make responsible choices as consumers.  Read Audubon's guilt-free fish feature and background info.
• Conservative groups have threatened a boycott of a Mattel subsidiary because they are forwarding proceeds from a wristband to Girls, Inc., which the groups characterize as pro-abortion and pro-lesbian.  American Girl, the boycott target, states that they are specifically supporting three Girls, Inc. programs: building girls' skills in science and math, developing leadership skills, and encouraging athletic skills and team spirit. I found nothing about abortion or lesbianism in the program descriptions at Girls, Inc.  In fact, I was so impressed with the information on their web site and so disgusted at the shrill, misguided, asinine actions of the conservative groups (which I am purposely not naming), that I'm going to make a donation.

Comments

[doulicia]

You go, Nuthatch!