There is a growing consensus among civil society groups, scientists and some military organisations that the health risks from depleted uranium (DU) have been seriously underestimated. DU is nuclear waste and its detractors claim that the radioactivity associated with the substance is causing kidney damage and cancers in people who have been exposed to it. The International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons (ICBUW) comprises 92 member organisations in 25 countries worldwide. Visit its website at www.bandepleteduranium.org for more information.
A pig’s life
The recently revised ‘welfare’ code for pigs has condemned these sensitive and intelligent creatures to another decade of cruelty. Industry operators are allowed to severely confine sows in individual, tiny ‘sow stalls, so small they can’t even turn around for their entire 16-week pregnancies. After they have given birth the piglets are removed. Join celebrities such as Rebecca Gibney and Jackie O in Animals Australia’s Save Babe campaign and help spread the ‘pro pig pledge’ message at www.savebabe.com.
Altruistic music
Interested in music about issues? Then check out Altruismusic – an online record label which seeks to record and release the work of recording or performing artists who write and sing about human, animal and environmental rights. The label currently has 11 artists and 27 saleable, downloadable CDs with more available. The group is also searching for artists nationally and internationally who either make music which speaks out against violence of any sort, is in some way in praise of non-violent solutions to world problems and/or wish to sell their recording via the site and help fund a charity of their choice simultaneously. Charities that Altruismusic has donated so far include Amnesty International, Animals Asia, WIRES and Doctors Without Borders. Payment can be made electronically after listening to soundbites and portions of proceeds (usually half) go to one of several charities. Visit www.altruismusic.com for more info or contact Ash at
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No more bombs
Australian Louise Barry was a victim of the London bombing in 2005. Since coming out of hospital, she’s made an ad which activist organisation GetUp is keen to get on TV in which she urges government to stop the war in Iraq so that what happened to her “doesn’t happen to any other Australians or to anyone else”. At the time of press the campaign had raised $12,000 towards advertising costs and are aiming for $80,000. Visit www.getup.org.au to watch the ad and donate.
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