Planet Church

Climate Change Science Update Forum

On April 22, Planet Church is sponsoring a Climate Science Forum at noon, right after church in the Fireside Room.

Dr. Christina Hulbe will speak on current climate research and what it suggests about the impact of climate change, both locally and globally.

Her presentation will also include her own on-site research into how glaciers and ice shelves are responding to our warming planet.

Dr. Christina Hulbe is a geophysicist who specializes in glaciology, using computer simulations of glacial systems to study how and why they change over time.

While much of her work is computational, Christina has also spent four field seasons in the remote interior of west Antarctica.

A light lunch will be provided.

Category Forums, Planet Church |

How to Approach BPA in Your Child’s Environment

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used to make a hard, clear, durable plastic known as polycarbonate, which has been used in many consumer products, including reusable water bottles and baby bottles. It is also used for compact discs, plastic dinnerware, impact-resistant safety equipment, automobile parts, and toys. BPA is also found in epoxy resins, which act as a protective lining on the inside of metal-based food and beverage cans as well as infant formula packaged in cans.

During 2003-2004, Center for Disease Control (CDC) scientists measured BPA in the urine of 2,517 participants aged six years and older who took part in CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to estimate the amount of BPA that has entered peoples’ bodies. CDC scientists found BPA in the urine of 93% of the people tested, which indicates widespread exposure to BPA in the U.S. population.

In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a review of toxicology research and information on BPA, and, at that time, judged food-related materials containing BPA on the market to be safe. General exposure to BPA at low levels comes from eating food or drinking water or other beverages stored in containers that have BPA. Small children may be exposed by hand-to-mouth and direct oral (mouth) contact with materials containing BPA. While BPA is not conclusively proven to harm children or adults, recent studies have reported subtle effects of low doses of BPA in laboratory animals, showing effects on brain structure, function and behavior in rats and mice, which leads to concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and young children. BPA is an endocrine disruptor, which can mimic the body’s own hormones and may lead to negative health effects. Concern over potential harm from BPA is highest for young children and infants, because their bodies’ neurological and endocrine systems are developing, and at such early stages in development their systems are immature for detoxifying and eliminating chemicals.

These newer studies have led both the National Toxicology Program at the National Institutes of Health and FDA to express some concern about the safety of BPA. In cooperation with the National Toxicology Program, FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research is carrying out in-depth studies to answer key questions and clarify uncertainties about the risks of BPA. The National Institutes of Health is supporting additional studies to better understand BPA and its effect on humans. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is supporting the industry’s actions to stop producing BPA-containing bottles and infant feeding cups for the U.S. market, and the FDA is facilitating the development of alternatives to BPA for the linings of infant formula cans.

Many products today are labeled “BPA free.” Consumers can make some choices to avoid products which are packaged with BPA. To read more about how to approach BPA in your child’s environment, see the site: http://www.hhs.gov/safety/bpa/.

sources:

• http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov
• http://www.hhs.gov/safety/bpa/
• http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm064437.htm

Category Planet Church |

Earth Care Summit a Success!

submitted by Vern Groves:

“Environmental Justice and Faith” was the theme of the 3rd Annual Earth Care Summit attended by 8 members of our Planet Church committee on January 30th. They were part of a packed house of over 200 persons from a great variety of religious groups. Sponsored by Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, the event began at 5:30 with a delicious meal of locally grown vegetables and fruits.

It moved quickly into a powerful keynote presentation by Dr. Leroy Haynes, a well-known civil rights leader and now pastor of Allen Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. He fired up caring about our Mother Earth who is dying, but he says, “It is still not too late.” His presentation included both information and poetry regarding degradations of the earth for all its creatures as well as the injustices commonly being suffered by minorities and poor people.

Participants then had an opportunity to sharpen their earth caring skills by choosing to attend two of eighteen workshops offered on everything from current solar electric opportunities to the challenge of changing the politics of pollution. The evening closed with an inspiring blessing by Mike Branch from the Muslim Educational Trust.

Hopefully, the renewed vision of our delegation will enrich Planet Church leadership as they make plans to enable our congregation to be better stewards of our planet as we move into the future.

Category Planet Church |

Chinook Books Available in the Commons during Advent

Planet Church will make Chinook Books available in the Commons after worship on December 4th, 11th and 18th.

The Chinook Book offers a wealth of information on living more mindfully on the earth, along with coupons for discounts at hundreds of environmentally responsible businesses.

At $20 the Chinook Book makes a thoughtful Christmas gift, and sales help Planet Church’s work at FUMC.

Category Planet Church |