Pass Local Pro- Environment Resolutions:

Save Plants. Save Yourself.

Save the Endangered Species Act!

Donations and signed petitions at VerVe salon, Tucson AZ.

Photo courtesy M. Buckner

AVEDA EARTH MONTH 2006!!

The Aveda Corporation in collaboration with its Earth Month Partner Organizations collected more than 270,000 signatures and raised $1.5 million in support of the federal Endangered Species Act –specifically urging improved protection for imperiled plants.

“The Aveda petition comes at a crucial time for all imperiled species and the laws that protect them,” said Dr. Emily Roberson, Director of the Center for Biological Diversity’s Native Plant Conservation Campaign, a national network of botanic gardens, native plant societies and other plant science and conservation organizations.  “This petition confirms strong public support for the Endangered Species Act- America’s safety net for fish, plants and wildlife on the brink of extinction.  The ESA garners nearly 90% support in opinion polls.  In addition, the Act has been successful in preventing extinction: fewer than 2% of species protected by the Act have been lost, although many were in dire straights when first listed. Despite public support and the Act’s successes, Congress and the Bush Administration are working to secure fundamental changes to the Act.  When Congress returns following the November elections, there are indications that anti-environment provisions may be attached to appropriations bills or other legislation.”

Aveda joins thousands of scientists, religious groups, businesses and conservationists who have mobilized to defend the Endangered Species Act and other environmental laws.

The Aveda petition was circulated as part of Aveda’s annual “Earth Month”.  Aveda promotes sustainable production of the many plants used in its popular line of health and beauty products. In addition, each year, the global spa and salon network works with Earth Month Partners – local science and conservation groups - to raise funds for and expand public understanding of a key environmental issues. The 2006 Earth Month theme -“Save Plants, Save Yourself” -focused on threats to endangered plants and to the Endangered Species Act. 

“The Aveda Campaign has been enormously successful in raising awareness among the public and decisionmakers about the value and plight of plants and the efforts to undercut the laws that protect them,” said Roberson. “Plants are foundations of life on this planet, They produce the oxygen we breathe, clean the water we drink, and supply us with life saving medicines, foods and other invaluable commodities. Still, few people think of plants when they consider threats to the web of life on which we all depend.”

As a result, plants are at a disadvantage in conservation budgets and policies. Although scientists estimate that nearly 30% of U.S. plant species are at risk of extinction, and plants make up more than 50% of federally listed species, less than 5% of federal species conservation funds go to plants. This must change if plants, and the ecosystems they support, are to survive. Scientists and conservationists have long asked Congress for full funding for the Act to adequately protect both plants and animals.

Meanwhile native plant societies, botanic gardens, arboreta, scientific institutions, and volunteers work to fill the gaps in federal plant conservation programs.

“The support of forward-thinking companies like Aveda is invaluable to on the ground plant conservation,” said Jacob Smith, Executive Director of Center for Native Ecosystems in Denver, CO. “Aveda’s commitment to endangered plants during the 2006 Earth Month generated tremendous support for plant conservation and for the individuals who work tirelessly to conserve our natural heritage.” 

Nearly 25% of the prescription drugs used in the U.S. are derived from wild species - chiefly from plants such as Pacific Yew (cancer drug taxol), and foxglove (heart drug digitalis). Every species allowed to go extinct represents a loss of a potential life saving drug or other invaluable product.

“Scientists estimate that there are over 18,000 plants native to the U.S.” said Cynthia Sarthou, Executive Director of the Gulf Restoration Network in New Orleans, LA. “Many have not yet been studied. When President Nixon and Congress enacted the Endangered Species Act in 1973, they recognized that species conservation and human survival go hand-in-hand. Congress’ report on passage of the law emphasized this point, it stated:

‘Who knows, or can say, what potential cures for cancer or other scourges, present or future, may lie locked up in the structure of plants which may yet be undiscovered, much less analyzed? [ ] Sheer self-interest impels us to be cautious.’

“Plant scientists and conservationists throughout the U.S. are grateful to Aveda for their insight and leadership in reminding us of this truth,” said Roberson. “We hope that Congress and the President will follow Aveda’s lead – and the people’s wishes - and stop attacking the laws that protect plants, and instead work to fully fund a strong Endangered Species Act”.