Perspectives on Social Issues
(October 2007)

Organic Cotton Benefits Land and Small-scale Farmers
"Supporting organic cotton production is the best solution to the enormous threats posed by pesticides. Organic cotton is grown without chemical fertilizers, defoliants, pesticides or herbicides, and from untreated, non-genetically modified seed. Farmers rotate crops to replenish and maintain the soil’s fertility, and they control pests and weeds naturally, using insect predators, traps or botanical pesticides that are broken down quickly by oxygen and sunlight. As a result, organic farming is healthier and safer for farmers, fieldworkers, nearby communities and the environment.

Growing cotton organically also benefits small-scale farmers who don’t have the means to buy expensive pesticides, and it uses significantly less water and electric power than conventional cotton farming techniques. 'When you buy organic cotton, you’re supporting a lifestyle that benefits the land and prevents chemicals from entering the body,' says Gary Oldham, owner of SOS From Texas, a family-owned business selling organic cotton T-shirts and knit products cultivated from his certified-organic farm. With over 100 years experience in cotton farming, the Oldham family made the switch to organic cotton farming in 1992."

“Consumers Choosing Justice" by Samantha Saarion with Aditi Fruitwala, NETWORK Connection, July/Aug 2007.

U.N. Report Reinforces Need for Simple Living
"The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate published its fourth assessment report, part of which is titled ‘Mitigation of Climate Change.’ The report mentions adjustments in individual lifestyles as a significant mitigating factor: ‘Changes in lifestyles and consumption patterns that emphasize resource conservation, for example, can contribute to developing a low carbon economy that is both equitable and sustainable.’ Shailendra Yashwant, energy team manager for the Southeast Asia office of Greenpeace, attended the discussions and offered this summary of the report: ‘It’s a strong message sent to the citizens of the United States and Europe to reassess their personal carbon footprint and help the rest of the world to achieve a common goal.’

According to the World Wildlife Fund, an average U.S. citizen requires 10 hectares of the planet, approximately 2.5 acres, to support his or her lifestyle, while an average European needs over 5 hectares, 1.2 acres. An average person in Africa, by contrast, draws on about 1 hectare, one quarter acre, of the earth’s resources to live. ‘Simple living,’ says Native American retreat leader and Franciscan Sister Jose Hobday, ‘is about freedom, a freedom to choose open and generous living rather than a secure and sheltered way.' The Simple Living Network offers tools, examples, and contacts for conscious, simple, healthy, and restorative living."

"Simple Living a Way to Better Life," Editorial, National Catholic Reporter, June 22, 2007.

U.S. Poverty Rate Reduced Slightly as Number of Uninsured Increases
"Poverty diminished slightly in America last year, the Census Bureau [reported August 25, 2007], but the nation's health-insurance woes worsened as another 2.2 million people, including 700,000 children, joined the ranks of the uninsured. The bureau's report gave a mixed picture of national economic health, suggesting the economic recovery eased poverty and helped boost incomes modestly last year. But its figures showed health care remains a huge national issue that not only will play a major role in the presidential race....

The poverty rate fell from 12.6 percent in 2005 to 12.3 percent in 2006, reducing the number of the officially poor by nearly a half-million people, to 36.5 million. Of the 490,000 who escaped the ranks of the poor last year, 210,000 were 65 and older, according to the bureau. Critics said the poverty decline was disappointing since the economy has been growing since 2001. The report said that 'real,' or inflation-adjusted, median household income increased by 0.7 percent to $48,200 in 2006, though Census officials said it has yet to reach the inflation-adjusted peak of $49,200 recorded in 1999, when the economy was booming."

“Poverty Rate Falls Slightly: Health Insurance Problems Worsen," by William Neikirk and Judith Graham (Chicago Tribune), La Crosse Tribune, Aug 29, 2007.

Innovative Program Strengthens Leadership Role of Grandmothers
"Grandmothers in the Kati district of Mali, in West Africa, used to advise pregnant women to work harder so their muscles would be strong for childbirth, and to eat less so their babies would be smaller and easier to push out. But with participatory learning programs promoted by The Grandmother Project and partner organizations, older women are now more likely to encourage their younger counterparts to rest and eat more (and healthier) food when they are expecting.

The Grandmother Project (GMP), a nonprofit organization, is designed to recognize and strengthen the leadership role that senior women, most of whom are grandmothers, play in communities across the developing world. 'In this approach we have become important in our village,' one Malian grandmother explains about the project. 'Before, we were ignored. Usually only younger women were involved. We weren’t included and, therefore, we couldn’t learn new things.' GMP studies have found that involving grandmothers in discussions of modern health practices can be a more effective way of disseminating information to a community -- and ensuring that the recommendations are implemented -- than ignoring the role these women play."

“Innovative Approach to Development Recognizes Role of Grandmothers," Eye on Earth by Elana Herro, WorldWatch, May/June 2007.

Family Prison Visits Reduce Recidivism and Juvenile Delinquency
"Children trying to stay connected with their incarcerated parents get help in California before Mother’s Day (and Father’s Day too) through Get on the Bus. Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the program provides free transportation for children and caregivers (often grandparents) to distant prisons for parental visits. Almost a quarter of a million children in California have at least one parent behind bars. With an average age of 36, a majority of California’s incarcerated women had minor children at home when arrested. Hardened criminals? No. Two-thirds are serving time for nonviolent offenses, and many are victims of domestic violence. Because of the distances and travel expense, most children never see their incarcerated parents during their imprisonment.

Besides transportation, the program provides extras, like comfort bags for the caregivers and travel bags for the children. Meals are also arranged: breakfast, snacks on the buses and a special lunch at the prisons for parents, children and caregivers. On the long trip home, each child receives a Teddy bear, a letter from his or her parent and post-event counseling. Studies have shown that maintaining parent-child contact during incarceration leads to lower recidivism rates and more successful family reunification. For children, the ongoing parental contact results in lower levels of juvenile delinquency, along with better social adjustment."

“Visiting Mom -- in Prison," Current Comment by the Editors, America, May 21, 2007.