Bloggers: Unite for GMO Labeling!

Co-sponsored by: Organic Consumers Association, Food & Water Watch, Center for Environmental Health, Green America, & Pesticide Action Network

In a few short weeks Washington voters will have a historic opportunity to make labeling of genetically engineered food a reality by voting yes on I-522, the GMO labeling initiative. If you have a blog, care about eating healthy, the environment, and our right to know what we are feeding our families, we need your help to reach these voters on this critical issue!

We are calling on all bloggers to participate in a BLOGGERS CARNIVAL from October 7-18 focused on why labeling GMOs is important to you. We’ll post blogs here and co-sponsoring organizations and partners will help publicize your blog through their networks far and wide.

Labeling GMO foods is one of the first important steps we need to take to protect our right to know what we are buying and eating and move forward towards a healthier, more sustainable food system. Despite polls showing 93% of Americans want GMO food labeled, giant chemical and junk food companies like Monsanto are trying to buy this election by pouring millions of dollars into a deceptive ad campaign to confuse voters.

But they didn’t count on you. Bloggers like you reach thousands of people who trust and relate to your voice and writing. That’s why we need your help today, while undecided voters are still deciding how to vote, to push back against Monsanto’s millions and to tell the truth about labeling.

Washington State could be first state in the U.S. to require labeling of GMOs. Last year, California lost this vote by just 3% after giant multinational chemical and junk food companies blanketed the state with misleading ads. We cannot afford to lose this fight for our right to know what we’re feeding our families and let these companies buy the election.

If you care about the right to choose what you eat, or are concerned about the impacts of GMOs on people and the environment, we need your help. People need to decide the vote, not corporations. Sign up to write a blog today!

Bloggers across the U.S., we invite you to reach out far and wide: Why is GMO labeling important to you? You don’t need to be an expert, or live in Washington; you just need to care about what you eat and people’s health.

How to participate:

1. Sign up for the blogger carnival! Send us your name, email, and blog site address.
2. Write a post about why GMO labeling is important to you before October 17 and ask your readers to forward your blog to friends and networks in Washington State.
3. Co-sponsoring organizations and you will promote your blog in social media during the week of October 7- 17
4. Email us your blog post
5. Support this blogger carnival by promoting your blog post via social media, and reaching out to other bloggers!

Sign up and help win this essential fight for our food!

Top 5 reasons why we should have GMO labeling:

1. Everyone has the right to know what is in the food they eat. American companies already label the GMO food they export to 64 other countries. We deserve to know too.
2. Labeling GMOs is the necessary first step in the fight for control over our food system. Over 80% of processed food contains GMOs, and now GMO fish, apples and corn are coming to the market.
3. Farmers, ranchers and businesses from Washington support I-522; 99% of the opposition is funded by out-of-state corporations.
4. Farming GMO crops uses more pesticides than conventional crops, contaminate our environment, and people who live near agriculture.
5. Contrary to industry claims, labeling GMOs does not impact prices of food.

What will the Label GMO initiative do?

1. Give Washington shoppers information about what is in their food.
2. Require labeling of genetically engineered foods and processed foods with genetically engineered ingredients. This would include GE Salmon and GMO apples if approved by the FDA, and other genetically engineered foods, including corn or soy, or foods with genetically engineered ingredients like chips, cold cereals, soft drinks, and candy.
3. Set a precedent for the rest of the country.

Read the blogs about Why GMO Labeling Matters!