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Act boldy today
We are called to speak and act boldly against unnecessary
mercury poisons in our environment. From our homes to the
halls of legislators, we can attempt to change behaviors and
take action. Here’s how.
Get informed
If you are concerned about your mercury levels, get tested.
The Environmental Quality Institute (EQI) at the University
of North Carolina, Ashville, and Greenpeace USA have teamed
up to conduct tests using small samples of your hair. Go to
Green Peace
for more information and to order a kit.
Stay informed
One of the best ways for women, congregations, and
communities to help themselves and each other is to stay
informed about mercury issues by regularly monitoring the
Environmental
Protection Agency’s web page. New national rules on
mercury pollution are expected out in the spring of 2005.
Your state’s department for
environmental protection and your state’s department of
health are also good sources of information that you should
check for the latest updates. Also check out this issue's
Internet Café listings.
Reduce your mercury intake
 Fish is generally nutritious. Find out what kinds of fish
you should be eating and in what quantities. Visit the
Environmental
Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration’s
joint advisory for detailed fact sheets, advisories, and
guidelines.
For fish advisories in your area, visit the EPA water
science site.
The ELCA publishes the ELCA
Environmental Audit Guide: For Congregations, Schools, and
Other Groups. It provides useful information for avoiding
products with mercury and finding alternatives for your
congregation or school. For copies and additional
information contact Matthew Anderson-Stembridge at
202.626.7946.
The Mercury Products
Guide for mercury-free alternatives and other resources
are
provided by the National Wildlife Federation. Download a
copy of the guide or contact Kathleen Eales at 734.769.3351.
Raise your voice to
lowering the mercury for all
Sign-up to be part of the
ELCA’s
e-advocacy network. Click on the box labeled
“Environment” to be part of efforts to control mercury
pollution. By joining the ELCA’s e-advocacy you will be part
of a powerful effort to protect our waters, our children and
creation.
Make your voice heard and
help raise the issue of mercury pollution to elected
officials and power plant companies. Please call Matthew
Anderson-Stembridge, Director of Environmental Advocacy and
Education at 202.626.7946 to learn more and get
involved.
Kirsten Anderson-Stembridge
grew up in Roseville, MN where she was part of Resurrection
Lutheran Church. A graduate of Pacific Lutheran University
in Tacoma, WA, she moved to Washington, D.C., to intern with
Lutheran World Relief. She continues her work with this
agency, working with communities around the United States
and in Colombia seeking peace with justice for the people of
Colombia.
Matthew Anderson-Stembridge
grew up in Spokane, WA. A graduate of Dartmouth College, he
trained as a field organizer with Green Corps. Matthew moved
to Washington, D.C., in 2001 where he ran a training program
and worked on nuclear disarmament and forest conservation.
He currently works for the ELCA directing environmental
advocacy and education.
Kirsten and Matthew have
been married two years and attend the Community of Christ.
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