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	activism alerts may 2008

• Nano-Alert: Groups Demand that the EPA Take a Closer Look at Nanotechnology
• Green Our Vaccines: Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey Host Rally for Autism
• When Does a T-Shirt Become More Than Fashion?
• Rise Up Mothers! Reclaim Your Day

Nano-Alert: Groups Demand that the EPA Take a Closer Look at Nanotechnology

Because of its antibacterial properties, nano-silver is currently added to numerous products including clothes, personal care products, electronics, toys, and baby products. The effects of nano-sized silver are not fully understood, however, the material is known to be much more toxic to aquatic organisms than regular silver. The EPA has recognized nano-silver as a pesticide, but no further action has been taken to regulate its use.

The International Center for Technology Assessment (CTA) and a coalition of consumer, health, and environmental groups, such as Greenpeace and the Center for Food Safety, submitted a legal petition demanding that the EPA: regulate these nanotechnology products as new pesticides; require labeling of all products; assess health and safety data before permitting marketing; analyze the potential human health effects, particularly on children; and analyze the potential environmental impacts on ecosystems and endangered species.

To read more, including a list of products containing nano-silver, visit NanoAction's website at www.nanoaction.org.

Green Our Vaccines: Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey Host Rally for Autism

Jenny McCarthy, spokesperson for Talk About Curing Autism (TACA), and Jim Carrey are calling for support for the Green Our Vaccines Rally for Autism. On June 4, 2008, mothers, fathers, and other supporters will gather together in Washington, DC, to demand that Congress eliminate mercury and other toxins from vaccines; study the link between autism and vaccines; allow all children affected by vaccine-induced autism to file with the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP); and re-evaluate the vaccine schedule. You must sign up for this event ahead of time. For more information, including directions, sign-up, and Green Our Vaccines T-shirts, visit TACA's website at http://talkaboutcuringautism.org/jenny/dc-rally/index.htm.

When Does a T-Shirt Become More Than Fashion?

Through an extraordinary partnership between the children's clothing brand Tiny Revolutionary and the Africa Aid Foundation, a T-shirt is being elevated to its highest call yet: lifesaver. With the purchase of each This Shirt Saved a Life shirt, $20 will be donated directly to Africa Aid to fund a child's school lunch program in the Buduburam Refugee Settlement in Ghana for an entire year. The nutritious meal this donation purchases ensures that a child is able to focus on learning for the future, not simply surviving in the present. To find out more, or to purchase your own lifesaving tee, visit www.tinyrevolutionary.com.

Rise Up Mothers! Reclaim Your Day!

For millions of mommas across the country, Mother's Day means rising up and taking action to express our commitment to global change. Mothers Acting Up provides you with everything you need to make this Mother's Day empowering. From stilts to cakewalks to protests for climate change, this is your day to show the world what it really means to be a mother. Take a look at MAU's "Top Ten Ways to Reclaim Mother's Day" here: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1735/t/177/signUp.jsp?key=3296.