SPRING 1999 - ISSUE NUMBER 47

Editorial

Preparations are well underway for Earth Day '99. Locally, area events are highlighted by the 10th Annual All Species Parade. We encourage folks to take on the identity of another species and parade through downtown Traverse City. So far, the kids have responded, and the parade is predominantly little people masquerading as butterflies, bats, flowers and birds. I'm on a crusade this year to solicit participation from the grown-ups. Now I know a lot of the parents are responsible for helping their kids get a costume together. So parents, how about joining your kids to march for the Earth…for diversity…for habitat preservation. I love that the kids are getting the message. But I worry that the parade is becoming just a little too much like Halloween&emdash;a bunch of cute kids in costumes. Is the message being lost? That message is this: if we don't change our policies and practices many of these cute little bugs and critters will cease to exist. We can't wait for the next generation, who "get it", to grow up and turn things around. Come on, adults, let's show our kids that we care too. If you can't bring yourself to don a costume, please show up downtown to cheer the parade. It'll make you smile.

In honor of Earth Day, we have devoted this issue of Synapse to citizen action and participation in environmental protection.

Dave Dempsey, Policy Director of the Michigan Environmental Council, starts off by sharing his wisdom and knowledge about effective citizen action in the face of an often uncooperative state government. Dave draws on his extensive experience as an organizer/activist at the state level, and quotes activists from around the state who have good advice on making our government accountable. He also provides sources to find out the latest environmental issues and addresses for state officials.

We hear a success story of land preservation in the Port Huron State Game Area by long-time activist Janice Littlefield. She gives good advice that can apply to other similar conflicts.

We include an update from Julie Stoneman, Director of Land Programs at the Michigan Environmental Council, and activist Chris Anderlik, with For Animals, on the long (and it seems, never-ending) battle to save the Crystal River in Leelanau County. Talk about perseverance!

Then, a relatively new issue is brought to our attention by Patty Cantrell. She writes about the serious environmental threat caused by industrial livestock farms--such as hog farms--that pollute groundwater with excess manure, not to mention the odor which is ruining the quality of life for rural residents. The Michigan Land Institute is helping to organize around this important issue.

We are excited to report that the Michigan Green Party is once again trying to gain statewide support. It is challenging Michigan's prohibitive ballot access laws, both legally and legislatively, as well as launching a petition drive to gain ballot access for 2000. Contact information is listed for those who would like to help.

Tom Howard-Hastings, long-time ELF activist, announces an "activists' camp" this summer to recharge spirits and plan for the future.

On a personal level, Keith Breuker guides us through the process of obtaining the required building permit for building a straw bale house. There is growing interest in returning to sustainable housing materials such as straw bale, because they are resource and energy efficient and use construction materials wisely including recycled, renewable, local and reused resources.

And, finally, Laura DeLind, professor from MSU, has reviewed an important book, Against the Grain: Biotechnology and the Corporate Takeover of Your Food by Marc Lappé and Britt Bailey. In this book the authors alert citizens to the threat of genetically altered crops. Laura has some suggestions for further examination of this crucial topic.

We hope that this issue will inspire and encourage more citizen participation and involvement in the ongoing effort toward environmental sustainability.

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