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The Obama Organic Family Garden: Swimming in Sludge?
Unfortunately, something happened on the way to the realization of the First Lady's good intentions. Recently the National Park Service discovered that the White House lawn, where the garden was planted, contains highly elevated levels of lead -- 93 parts per million. It's enough lead for anyone planning to have children pick vegetables in that garden or eat produce from it to reconsider their plans: lead is highly toxic to children's developing organs and brain functions -- however, it's below the 400 ppm the EPA suggests is a threat to human health.
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NewsMay 23, 2013 The Sewage Sludge Action Network has become involved in helping parents and concerned citizens in Alamance County, North Carolina to halt spraying of sewage sludge adjacent to elementary schools. With reports of higher than normal student illness and absenteeism rates, the practice needs to stop. The City of Burlington and the Alamance County Board of Education have been put on notice having been provided ample scientific evidence to suggest a causal relationship. To not act in protecting children from being exposed to the dangerous chemicals and pathogens contained in sewage sludge constitutes nothing less than willful negligence. What You Can DoWhat You Can Do [PDF] Mailing ListTo receive alerts, news and information from the Sewage Sludge Action Network, please join our mailing list. Search |
When Michelle Obama created an organic vegetable garden on the White House lawn earlier this year, the move was greeted with positive headlines and excitement among the food advocacy community. Here, we thought, was a First Lady who understood the importance of locally grown, whole and organic foods in her family's diet.