The Climate Action Blog

I walked into a pet groomer the other day and asked if they carried Advantage (preventive flea ointment for dogs and cats). The response was that this was a natural pet groomer and Advantage contains strong chemicals that could harm my pet. I felt guilty. How could I have not thought of this? I am an environmentalist, and my three rescued, formerly-feral cats are my pride and joy! I already have plans for using Born Free baby bottles for when that day comes (Bisphenol-A free baby bottles), and I have bought Sigg water bottles for my family, but how could I miss this?

In a day and age where even our pets are demanding environmentally friendly, natural products, it shocks me that our federal government is still lagging on environmental legislation. With the Warner-Lieberman climate bill (S2191) getting rejected two weeks ago, it sounds as though no matter how hard we personally try, we are doomed.

But wait, there is hope! In fact, I always believe in a happy ending. (Call me young, call me naïve, call me just plain annoying, but I choose to keep my hope for my own personal sanity.) This time I'm not even being naïve. Three major things in the environmental world that EVERYONE needs to know:

1. Our United States are saving the world

No joke. We prove it on our Climate Policy page (http://www.newamerica.net/programs/climate). Just to highlight a few great state actions, 33 have climate action plans, 30 states have "Renewable Portfolio Standards," and 20 states have joined regional cap-and-trade networks. Also, check out the new documentary short that highlights the states' hard work, Ahead of the Curve (http://seastudios.org/ahead2_video_flash.php).

2. Congress is actively listening

Ok, so the Warner-Lieberman climate bill did not pass, but I find it hopeful that there was one in the first place. Because President Bush said he would not sign a bill that imposed the slightest cost on the coal industry, does it make sense for Congress to continue to put time and money into this specific bill? In 2009, with a new President on the throne, you better believe that we will see a new bill with a stronger chance of passing.

3. Wal-mart, Toys'R'Us, and Whole Foods are taking action

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical used to make plastics clear and shatter-resistant, and is commonly used in water bottles, food containers, and baby bottles. Recent studies have shown that BPA can cause changes in behavior and the brain. Despite the warning from scientists and consumer groups, backed by the National Toxicology Program, the FDA does not see a need to ban products made with BPA. However, Wal-mart is responding to consumer demands and working towards offering more BPA free products, and removing baby bottles containing BPA from their shelves. So is Toys'R'Us, and Whole Foods has already removed all BPA bottles. (Interesting fact: last April, Canada banned BPA from baby bottles.)

So I have hope and I encourage you to continue reducing your carbon footprint and using non-toxic products that secure our earth's health and our personal health with faith that our federal government will one day (soon) catch up.

Now back to my cats. I asked the clerk if she had any natural suggestions.

"Sure, all you need to do is feed your cats some garlic and that will keep the fleas away."

Garlic, huh? I can't see my happy-now-but-still-remember-their-tragic-past cats going for that one. But after doing some quick Google research, I found a natural, non-toxic (and non-garlic) spray that will help keep them and our planet healthy.