First Alternative Co-op has taken a stance on many environmental and social issues, especially those that affect food production.

On this page, you can learn more about the causes we support and find out what you can do to help. Just click on the appropriate link below for more information.

Say No to Dow Chemical’s GE Corn Petition (Dec. 30th 2011)
Dow Chemical is seeking USDA approval for a genetically engineered (GE) version of corn that is resistant to 2,4-D, a herbicide that was used in the formulation of the highly toxic defoliant Agent Orange.  Agent Orange (half 2,4-D by composition) was extensively used in Vietnam by the military to destroy forests and crops.

Dow’s Christmas gift for America was formally announced, by the USDA, in the December 27, 2011 edition of the Federal Register.  If the federal government wants to bury something in the news, and burn up part of our window to publicly respond, you can bet they’ll do it around the holidays.  The public has 60 days to comment on Dow’s petition for deregulation, Click here to speak out!

The Need to Reaffirm Support for Authentic Fair Trade (Jan. 18th 2012)
Deep controversies in the Fair Trade movement have been simmering for over a decade.  The situation has reached a boiling point and concrete actions must be taken or we will risk losing everything we have collectively built.  For those of you who are long-time allies of Equal Exchange, we appreciate your ongoing commitment to us, small farmer co-operatives, and Fair Trade.  It is because of your commitment that small farmer organizations across the world have achieved the level of success they currently enjoy. For those of you who are newer to Fair Trade, we deeply appreciate the time and interest you are showing for small farmers across the world. For more information, or to take action on this issue, click here.

Tell Congress to Support Labeling and Safety Testing of GE Foods!
Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) has repeatedly introduced two bills related to GE crops and foods in the House of Representatives. These bills would require mandatory labeling and pre-market safety testing of GE foods. You can help by contacting your Representatives and encouraging them to support these important bills.
For more information, or to take action on this issue, click here.

Tell Mars and Hershey’s to sign the Non-GM Beet Sugar Registry
In 2001, Hershey’s and M&M Mars told consumers they would not use genetically modified sugar. But now that GM sugar beets are being planted commercially, they have made no such assurances.
For more information, or to take action on this issue, click here.

Tell Congress to create a tracking system for cloned animals!
In poll after poll, the American public has said that it does not want to eat food that comes from cloned animals. A 2008 Food Marketing Institute poll indicated that 77% of Americans are not comfortable with eating foods from cloned animals. But we won’t have much choice about eating cloned foods unless USDA creates a robust system to track clones and their offspring.
For more information, or to take action on this issue, click here.

H.R. 875, The Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009
“H.R. 875 would establish the Food Safety Administration within the Department of Health and Human Services to protect the public health by preventing food-borne illness, ensuring the safety of food, improving research on contaminants leading to food-borne illness, and improving security of food from intentional contamination.”
To find out more and take action, click here.

Stop the Approval of Genetically Engineered Fish!
The Food and Drug Administration has made the informal decision to regulate transgenic fish under its authority to review new animal drugs. Given the potential toxicity, allergenicity, and aquaculture diseases posed by the commercialization of transgenic fish, the Center for Food Safety is demanding that the FDA adopt a pre-market regulatory review that does not ignore these potential human health safety concerns.
For more information, or to take action on this issue, click here.

Slave-Free Chocolate
Did you know that much of the cocoa sold in the United States is harvested with forced child labor? For more information, read the article below.You can take a stand on this issue by voicing your opinion to the major chocolate manufacturers.

You can call, write a letter or use one of our prepared letters of complaint. Just click on the links below to print a prepared letter, then sign the letter and mail it to the appropriate address, shown here:

Letter to Hersheys (Microsoft Word)
Letter to Hersheys (PDF)
Hersheys
David West, CEO
100 Crystal A Drive
Hershey, PA 17033
Phone: 717-534-4200

Letter to Mars (Microsoft Word)
Letter to Mars (PDF)
Mars
Paul S. Michaels, CEO
6885 Elm Street
McLean VA 22101
Phone: 703-821-4900

Letter to Nestlé (Microsoft Word)
Letter to Nestlé (PDF)
Nestlé USA
Joe Weller, Chairman and CEO
800 N. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203
Phone: 800-225-2270