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What are GMOs?

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are organisms that have been subjected to techniques of genetic engineering. This technology allows that genes (pieces of a molecule called DNA that has important information on the functioning of cells) can be extracted from one organism, changed or aggregated into a new configuration and injected into another organism that will then acquire new characteristics and transmit those to its next generations.

What kind of genetically modified crops are currently on the market?

According to data of 2009 provided by industry sources, the most important trait present in 62% of the global GM crop area is herbicide tolerance. 15% is cultivated with GMOs with insect resistance. In 21% GMOs are cultivated that present various traits together. In the remaining 2% other, less relevant types of GMOs are cultivated, containing traits such as virus resistance.

Do people want GMOs?

People express their concern about GMO food in various ways. They want countries to ban GMO or at least to label products containing GM crops. The Eurobarometer opinion poll published by the European Commission in October 2010 showed that ‘overall, Europeans do not see the benefits of genetically modified food and consider these to be unsafe or even harmful. Europeans are not in favour of the development of genetically modified food‘ (*). 61% of EU citizens think that development of GM food shouldn't be encouraged, 83 % feel that special labelling of food products is necessary, 59 % thinks that GM food is not safe for their health.

Why we don't need GM crops?

Discover the reasons why we and many people are demanding non-genetically modified (non-GMO) foods.

• There has been no monitoring of GM crops for adverse effects on human health.

Using GMOs in food products (and in feed for animals that may later affect us by consuming products from animals) is a kind of experiment on consumers because there has been no long-term research done on the various effects of using GMOs and safety of consumers. However, every year more and more evidence appears that GM products have bad effects on human health. But the main problem remains that the effects of GMOs on human health are unpredictable.
Scientists are concerned that antibiotic resistant genes present in GM crops can be spread to humans. It is also already proved that a gene inserted into GM food can transfer into the DNA of bacteria living inside our body and produce harmful GM proteins.
"There are a number of dangers that broadly fall into the categories of potential toxins, allergens, carcinogens, new diseases, antibiotic resistant diseases, and nutritional problems." (*)
To know more read 65 Health Risks of GM Foods.

• GM crops increase pesticide use.

GM crops were promised to reduce the use of pesticide, however research show that in fact they cause the opposite. In the report from 2009 about the situation after 13 years of using GM crops we can read that "the most striking finding is that GE crops have been responsible for an increase of 383 million pounds of herbicide use in the U.S." (*) GM crops were supposed to increase nutritional benefits but in reality, two main traits of crops are: herbicide tolerance and the ability of the plant to produce its own pesticide. On crops with herbicide tolerance, farmers use more herbicides, knowing that GM crops will not be affected. So GM crops have no health and environmental benefit, only economic benefit for big corporations.

• GMOs are no solution for hunger in the world.

GM crops were presented as a way to stop hunger in the world. But in fact less than 1% of GMO experimentations were made in Africa and GM foods do not help less-developed countries to fight with hunger. GM crops are being developed by corporations primarily to meet the needs of large farmers in the developed world and the majority of production is in hands of few big corporations. "Genetic Engeneering does not feed the world. 99.5 percent of farmers around the world do not grow Genetically Engineered crops." (*)
Additionaly, the reason for hunger is not the lack of food in itself but the lack of access to by those who cannot afford to buy food.

• GMOs can be a threat for wildlife.

Farmers use more herbicides to destroy weed when they grow GM herbicide-resistant crops. It may affect wildlife - many species of birds and plants. Pesticide-producing crops can contaminate streams, affect aquatic life and beneficial insects. „The bt toxin produced by these GM crops are far stronger than any found in nature, and are produced throughout the plant." (*)

• Contamination of non-GM crops and related wild species may arise.

GM crops are living organisms so once they are introduced into natural ecosystems, they may contaminate other plants. Pollen from GM crops can contaminate other crops and related wild plants. GM plants can for example mix with weed and create new strong weed species that may harm natural ecosystems.

• GMOs destroy small farmers.

GM crops are in hands of big corporations that control seed market through the intellectual property rights associated to GM seeds. Because of this corporate control, farmers have less choice. Companies patent transgenes used in creating GM crops and in this way have the control over the market. Patenting GM crops is a very controversial issue as having the right to patent life itself involves ethical arguments.

How to avoid GMOs?

• Look for Non-GMO certified products.

• Eat organic. (GM substances are prohibited in organic production)

• Buy locally grown foods.

• Grow your own food.

Learn more:

• World Health Organisation and its statement about GM food

• Say No To GMOs! provides information, activities and resources for Texas and beyond to inform the public and encourage grassroots action that will insure consumer choice and a genetically viable future.

• Agriculture campaign of Greenpeace International

• The Organic & Non-GMO Report is a monthly newsletter that provides information about genetically modified (GM) foods.

• The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit collaboration of manufacturers, retailers, processors, distributors, farmers, seed companies and consumers.

• GM Watch is an independent organisation which seeks to counter the enormous corporate political power and propaganda of the biotech industry and its supporters through its website, etc.

• The Institute for Responsible Technology educates policy makers and the public about genetically modified (GM) foods and crops.

GO TO HEALTHY FOOD CAMPAIGN SECTION

Nowadays, people get more and more concerned about the quality and the freshness of the foods they eat. Eating food grown locally makes a lot of sense especially for those who want to have more control over what they eat and how it gets to their kitchen and on their plate.

 

What does it mean ‘local food'?

 

 

 

'Local' is a very flexible term as it means different things to different people - some refer to a small area (usually the size of a city and its surroundings), for others the term is wider as it is food that was grown/produced within an area bound by a 50, 100 or 150 mile radius (i.e. cca 85, 160 or 240 km respectively - usually food from their region, or country). Some farms m ay see the local area even wider, within a day's driving because it is a reasonable distance to transport goods - 400 miles (cca 640 km) isa DGD (day-goods-distance). As these numbers vary a lot and may become confusing, the basic idea about local food that should be kept in mind is simple: local food is produced as close to home as possible.

 

 

Local food integrates production, processing, distribution and consumption on a small scale, creating sustainable local economies and a strong connection between farm and table.

 

Locavores or localvores is a special term sometimes used to describe those who prefer to eat locally grown/produced food.

Why to eat local?

Local food is often safer. Even when it's not organic, local farmers tend to be less aggressive than large factory farms with using the pesticides and fertilizers. Small farmers are also more likely to grow more variety of foods, thus protecting biodiversity and preserving a wider agricultural gene pool, which is an important factor in long-term food security.

• Local food promotes food safety

• Local food has less environmental impact

• Local food preserves open green space and farm land

• When eating local food you know what is on your plate

• Eating local food makes you follow the seasons

• Local food means more for the local economy

How to find and where to buy local food?

• Local farmers' markets or farm - the number of such local markets is growing, try to search for them in your neighborhood or city and you will besurprisedhow many you find. There are also websites providing lists and contacts to local farms in many countries (sometimes even with the possibility to buy online), i.e.:

• Czech Republic - Find your farmer

• Locally owned grocery and natural foods stores

• Buy family farmed or fair trade products when local is unavailable

To know more about the topic

• Sustainable table - "Eat Local, Buy Local, Be Local"

• About local food and local food movement

• Eating Local Food: The Movement, Locavores and More

• 10 Ways to Start Eating Local Foods - How to Eat Locally

• How Does Eating Locally Grown Food Help the Environment?

• What is a locavore?

GO TO HEALTHY FOOD CAMPAIGN SECTION

We drink water every day mainly with no reflection. But fresh water is a real treasure that needs to be protected. Water is an integral part of our environment and we cannot live without it, however, there are people who do not have access to fresh water.

Within the project "Water - its importance in pictures" we collected pictures of people drinking at public spaces - at squares, in forest, from fountains.
Pictures were taken along the summer of 2010 in the European countries.

Selected pictures were then printed in big format and during autumn exposed in following European cities moving from country to country: Armenia, Czech Republic and Albania.

Each exhibition was accompanied by description of the water importance adapted to each country where the exhibition was installed. Invited experts on environment and human rights gave speeched by the openings of the exhibition in each country. Final pictures and texts of the exhibition were put at the web page of partner organisations. 

Everybody is welcome to contribute with pictures from all over the World. Summer trips are great opportunity to do so. Water flows in our Universe and as environment it knows no border.

Photos from the exhibitions:

Armenia

Czech Republic

Albania

Sunny campaign was a European campaign on renewable resources run by member organisations of Youth and Environment Europe federation and its friends. The main aim of Sunny campaign is to encourage citizens to take active part in transition to zero-waste Solar economy – sustainable use of renewable energies and materials as a way of climate change solutions and sustainability implementation.

We wanted to create an European web of institutions and individuals (NGOs, commercial companies, expert groups, students and municipalities) working on the topic of renewables and inform people about existing environmentaly friendly and healthy alternatives in areas of energy, transport, eco-housing...

On-going campaigns:

OFFICE CUISINE
Completed campaigns:
CLIMATE CAMPAIGN	THE RIGHT TO BE(E)
PEOPLE4SOIL	WATER CAMPAIGN
INSECTA RULES	#FUTURE IS CLEAN
30 YEARS VOLUNTEERING FOR ENVIRONMENT	UPCYCLING CAMPAIGN
OCEAN 2012	ECO-CAMPAIGN
FOREST CAMPAIGN	WATER – ITS IMPORTANCE IN PICTURES
HEALTHY FOOD CAMPAIGN	SUNNY CAMPAIGN