Ecologist

April 2006

Features:

• SUCK ON THIS... Cover story: Breastmilk is a miracle substance, and nearly all women can breastfeed successfully - yet shockingly few do. So what’s stopping them? Pat Thomas uncovers a story of medical arrogance; ignorant midwives; weak government and an infant formula industry that makes $450 for every baby not breastfed for the i rst six months of its life.
• PHOTO STORY: Pushing back the desert Cover story: When the women of Dano in Burkina Faso noticed the land around them degenerating, they started planting trees. ‘When you grow a tree before dying,’ say the women, ‘you have not lived for nothing’.
• Listen to the raindrops Cover story: Can you hear yourself above the din? Or has your voice been drowned out by the cacophony of a society straining at the seams. Nick Kettles explores the world of acoustic ecology.
• Okay, now let’s have some fun... Kurt Vonnegut thinks he knows exactly what all of us, men and women, want... a whole lot of people to talk to. What about? About everything....
• Pesticide nun Cover story: Jonathan Leake meets Georgina Downs, the one-woman whirlwind who’s holding the pesticide industry and politicians to account.
• EXPOSED: The secret corporate funding behind health research Academics and the media have failed dismally to ask the crucial question of scientists’ claims: Who is paying you? By George Monbiot
• Free speech? I don’t think so The Orwellian overtones of the Local Government Act of 2000 are causing Robin Page acute discomfort as he prepares to be ‘re-trained’.
• Upfront Resource wars looming; Sweden’s 2020 oil- free vision; power to the people; Himalayan gods say no to Ford; the organ grinders monkeys...
• Behind the label: Garnier’s Ambre Solaire Gloss Bronzer Cover story: If you’re one of the millions of people using fake-tan to look attractive and healthy, be wary: they are full of chemicals that can damage your skin.
• Reviews This month’s ‘must read’ new releases - from the world of economic hit men to trees that warn each other when giraffes and elephants are nearby.
• Ecologist book club April’s book club book is ‘The man who planted trees’ by Jean Giono.
• One from the editorial archives... A journey back through 35 years of Ecologist editorials, this month ‘The Suntan diversion, written by Edward Goldsmith, in June 1974.
• Food Hero: Guy Watson and Riverford organic box scheme
• Allotment (Month 3): Seeds of hope...
• Chic green bags – take someone’s breath away at your local farmers’ market
• READ THE LABEL: Moisturisers
• Electrical incontinence... Dave Hampton takes Matilda Lee on a hunt for lost watts
• Cĥteau Richard Monty Waldin discovers the importance of giving grapes plenty of air
• Ecologist Organic & Biodynamic wine club Inspired by the growers? Join now to drink their wine...