McDonald’s goes GMO-free in Europe. As of April 2001, McDonald’s customers in Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland will be eating meat from animals that were fed with GMO-free food. McDonald’s UK announced earlier this year that GMO-free soy would be used exclusively for poultry feed. Burger King made a similar pledge for its poultry products. Will this policy spread to other parts of the world?
A new nuclear plant for Finland? An application has been filed to build a nuclear power plant in Finland. This would be the first major expansion of nuclear power in Europe in almost 20 years. A public referendum looks likely.
Ford is Canada’s largest auto recycler now that its GreenLeaf subsidiary purchased Lecavalier Auto Parts, a major Quebec automotive recycler that processes 11,000 vehicles a year. Says Dan Tesser, a Ford of Canada spokesperson, “The recycling of automotive parts and materials is a high-growth opportunity and Ford is actively pursuing acquisitions as part of the company’s new business development strategy.” Ford acquired two other recycling operations in Canada this year.
Denmark’s 2001 budget imposes high taxes on greenhouse gases postponing its proposed ban until 2006. The gases were chosen based on their global warming contribution and are used in refrigerators, freezers and sneakers (HFCs, PFCs, SF6). SF6 in sneakers will be banned in 2003. Italy announced it will use revenue from its carbon tax and an additional euros 26 million to fund emissions reductions, energy efficiency programs, and renewable energy. Euros 104 million has already been appropriated for this purpose.
Canada announced the federal government will invest up to $500 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The investment increases Canada’s commitment to $1.1 billion, since $625 million was set aside in the spring 2000 budget.
The report, “Death, Disease and Dirty Power: Mortality and Health Damage Due to Air Pollution from Power Plants,” contends that U.S. power plant emissions are responsible for shortening the lives of over 30,000 Americans each year, more deaths than are caused by murderers or drunk drivers.
The U.S. Organic Trade Association is working with IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements) to integrate OTA’s American Organic Standards into IFOAM’s international system. This step is a major move toward international harmonization of organic certification, while recognizing regional differences.
ExxonMobil continues to appeal its $5 billion in punitive damages for the 1989 grounding of the Exxon Valdez. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected its latest appeal.
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