I’m not going to tell you to stop using shampoo. Or deodorant. Or to stop eating the occasional donut or fries.

Almost all of us put something in or on our bodies every day that contains palm oil—cookies, moisturizer, potato chips, makeup, you name it.¹ And as you might know, some palm oil production is wiping out rainforests, destroying orangutan habitat, and driving global warming.²

So, what should you do? Stop buying products with palm oil in them? Even if that were practical, it wouldn’t be nearly as effective as what UCS is doing with your help: convincing giant corporations to switch to palm oil grown in sustainable ways that don’t lead to an increase in global warming.

Company after company has changed their ways, thanks to you. But palm oil is just one front in the battle to defend science and our planet—and right now, your donation will have TWICE the impact on that battle. Our matching gift offer ends tomorrow. $250,000 is at stake.

Please, ensure UCS doesn’t miss the chance for $250,000 to fund our critical work. Chip in $10 or more now, and your gift will be doubled.

Palm oil is just one example of how, together, we are changing the way corporations do business. We worked directly with brands like General Mills, Colgate-Palmolive, and Wilmar International (one of the world’s largest palm oil traders) to adopt deforestation-free policies that will prevent tons of carbon pollution. And we’re still at it.

Another example: we helped convince Pfizer to stop funding the Heartland Institute, a “think tank” infamous for billboards equating climate scientists with terrorists.

And our groundbreaking “Ripe for Retirement” report made a compelling business case for utilities to move away from using dirty, polluting coal as a source of electrical power—and we watched as soon thereafter close to two dozen coal-fired power plants closed down.

You see, UCS doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to the battles we choose. We go where science can do the most good now—whether that’s working with local leaders to prepare cities and towns for the impacts of climate change, defending stricter national rules on carbon pollution to fight global warming, or helping corporations adopt strong sustainability policies.

So, I’m not asking you to stop shampooing. I’m asking you to help change the way the food we eat and the products we buy are made. I’m asking you to help push science forward and push corporations and lawmakers in the right direction. We can do this. We already are.

That’s what you’re funding with your matched gift today—making twice the difference to defend science and protect our planet. The matching gift deadline is tomorrow. Please don’t delay

Don’t miss this chance to do twice as much for science and our planet. Double your gift to UCS now >>

No one else combines independent scientific analysis, savvy media outreach, and grassroots power like UCS. It’s a mix that has enormous power—both to convince people who care to act on their beliefs, and to convince those who stand against us to change their tune.

You’re making a wise and necessary investment. Thank you for your generous support.

Sincerely, Ken Kimmell President Union of Concerned Scientists

1. http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/solutions/stop-deforestation/palm-oil-and-forests.html
2. http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/solutions/stop-deforestation/palm-oil-scorecard.html

By CAP Action War Room

8 Challenges People Faced Trying To Live On a Minimum Wage Budget For A Week

Members of Congress and thousands of paycheck fairness advocates across the country wrapped up the “Live The Wage” challenge yesterday, after working to live on a minimum wage budget for a week. On just $77, these leaders hoped to gain just a small understanding of the challenges and decisions faced by minimum wage workers every day. Earning just $7.25 an hour, the average full time minimum wage worker struggles to survive on only $77 a week after paying taxes and housing expenses.

We’ve rounded up 8 examples of the challenges they faced. While they pale in comparison to the challenges that low-wage workers face every day, they provide a glimpse of why we need to raise the minimum wage so that hardworking Americans can make ends meet.

1. Everything needs to be planned. There’s absolutely no room for spontaneity on a minimum wage budget.

2. Transportation really cuts into a budget. The price of gas and even public transportation quickly adds up.

3. Medical costs can easily destroy a budget.

4. There’s little to no room for any other expenses. Standard expenses like home costs and school supplies just don’t fit in.

5. It’s pretty much impossible to save on just $77 per week. And the understanding that having savings is key in case of an emergency.

6. It’s hard to eat healthy on a minimum wage budget. The fast food dollar menu is sometimes a more affordable alternative to fresh fruits and vegetables.

7. This is a reality everyday for millions of people. Women and families have it especially hard.

8. An appreciation for the challenges low-wage workers face. And, accompanying that, a desire to see more elected officials share the experience and vote to raise the minimum wage.

BOTTOM LINE: If some elected officials do not believe hardworking Americans deserve a raise, then we challenge them to do what leaders and advocates around the country did last week and live the wage. American need leaders who take the side of working people, not just the wealthy. A higher minimum wage would help working families and help the economy.