Cheers

Cheers to District Judge Donald W. Molloy who effectively blocked wolf killings in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, thus safeguarding the lives of the 1,400 wolves that are thought to now live in the region. In February 2008, after a decades-long plan to restore their communities, the wolves of the west were removed from the Endangered Species List; but Judge Molloy reversed this decision.

Cheers to Nina Milner , South African model and actor, for recently deciding to become vegan. In an interview in The Times of South Africa; (6 Oct. 2008), Milner proclaimed that an organic, vegan diet is “good for the animals!” Milner also urges people to eschew bottled water because bottles are an “environmental hazard” and suggests filtered tap water instead. We couldn’t agree more.

Boss Management, South Africa
C/O Nina Milner
164 Bree Street
8001
South Africa

Cheers to filmmakers James LaVeck and Jenny Stein for creating the website HumaneMyth.org to challenge the notion that “it is possible to use and kill animals in a manner that can be fairly described as respectful or compassionate or humane.” Contributors to the website comprise a diverse line-up including former animal farmers (and, of course, current vegetable farmers) as well as sanctuary founders, educators, and artists. Their ambition is “to inspire a form of working for the peaceful transformation of our society” that respects the inherent dignity of ourselves and other animals. Visit www.humanemyth.org to keep up with their vital work.

Cheers to Seventh Generation —a company that seeks to sell environmentally responsible products, featuring phosphate-free, biodegradable and vegan laundry soaps, available online, at supermarkets, health food stores and some North American chain stores. Seventh Generation recently ensured that its paper towels are now manufactured without whey—making them suitable for vegans. Additionally, the toilet tissue and paper towels are made of 100% recycled paper.

At the time of this writing, the facial tissue is still processed with whey. Please thank the company for its steps so far and ask for them to become a vegan company. Perhaps, if enough people ask, they will do so and use the sunflower logo – an international symbol of vegan accreditation.

Seventh Generation
60 Lake Street
Burlington, VT 05401 United States
Web: www.seventhgeneration.com
Phone: 800-456-1191
Fax: 802-658-1771

Jeers

Jeers to Columbia Sportswear for recently featuring a “dog musher” (dog-sled driver) in an advertisement, in addition to sponsoring people sledding competitions. Columbia Sportswear is a global manufacturer whose products are popular among outdoor enthusiasts. Please call or write (an online e-mail form is also available at their website), letting them know that these competitions unjustly exploit animals. The dogs are forced to pulls sleds in bitter cold and treacherous conditions, and are driven to exhaustion.

Columbia Sportswear Company
14375 NW Science Park Drive
Portland , OR 97229-5418 United States
Online contact page: http://www.columbia.com/who/contact_us.aspx
Phone: 503-985-4000

Jeers to Eco-Luxury Fur , a Portland, Oregon company purporting to sell “ecological” and “humane” fur pillows and bedspreads made from paihamu—opossums native to Australia. Paihamus were brought to New Zealand in the 1800’s to establish a fur trade, according to Eco-Luxury’s website, and the population has since begun to threaten native species. The company claims “the best source of leather and fur is an animal whose population requires abatement.” How can our “best” idea be to exploit animals who were shipped between countries - - effectively punishing them for our own mistakes?

Moreover, furs are treated with petrochemicals; they are not eco-friendly. A study by Ford Motor Co. researcher Gregory Smith finds production of fur from free-living animals requiring three times the energy as the production of a synthetic coat. Smith’s study, summarized by Global Action Network, accounts for fossil fuels used by vehicles along the traplines, and in the equipment used to tan and process the pelts.

Friends of Animals will never support killing animals. Boycott Eco-Luxury and all fur. Tell friends and family.

Jeers to Worldwatch Institute. Its stated mission is to deliver “insights and ideas that empower decision-makers to create an environmentally sustainable society that meets human needs” by focusing on climate change, resource degradation, population growth, and poverty.

Sounds good so far, but why are they participating in a fundraising promotion with Stonyfield Farm—a prominent producer of dairy products? Worldwatch Institute knows full well that animal agribusiness is not sustainable. The most ‘innovative strategy’ is plant-based living, which spares animals, addresses poverty and hunger, ensures the preservation of nature, and reduces greenhouse gas -- by 1.5 tons annually per person, according to a University of Chicago study! Ask Worldwatch Institute to stop promotional collaborations with animal agribusiness.

Worldwatch Institute
1776 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036-1904 United States
Phone: 202-452-1999
Fax: 202-296-7365
E-mail: worldwatch@worldwatch.org