Green Daily

By now you've heard that the Philadelphia Eagles signed convicted dog-fighter Michael Vick, prompting a frisson of protester energy to pulse through the Internet. Most common were vows to protest at every Eagles game, as if that would actually change anything.

Yahoo sports blogger MJD at Shutdown Corner did an interesting post, basically telling protesters just that: You can't make Eagles fans turn against the team, and it's the wrong place to put your energy anyway. His extremely relevant point is that protesting games doesn't draw any attention to the evils of dogfighting, which is the goal, right?

Sure, use Michael Vick to get the issue in front of people, but don't make the NFL your battleground. Because when it comes to football vs. anything else, even hideous animal abuse, fans will pick football every time. You can find it wrong or disgusting, but it's simple fact. At least as long as the team is having a winning season.*

(Photo by Getty Images)

Yesterday saw a lot of outrage and disbelief that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally reinstated convicted dog abuser Michael Vick. This means he can practice through the pre-season with teams, and even play by the sixth game of the season, although (so far) no one has extended an invitation to him. It's also being perceived as a subtle and public act of forgiveness for something that most of us find unforgivable. And that's pretty upsetting.

In addition to financing the Bad Newz Kennels dogfighting ring, Vick was also sickeningly -- and personally -- cruel to the animals in his care. He served two years in prison, lost all of his endorsement deals, and was suspended indefinitely from the NFL.

Vick is a gifted athlete, but for most of us, participating in dogfighting is a deal-breaker. It automatically and forever makes you a sicko, and trying to make money off of it makes you a sociopath. It's not a sport, and there is absolutely no way to put a good spin on it.

(Photo by Getty Images)

Last November California voters passed the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act which makes it a criminal offense to confine hens in battery cages, pigs in gestation crates or calves in veal crates. Animal rights supporters, including the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), hope that this will get more big volume egg users, like fast food restaurants Wendy's, McDonald's and Denny's, to make the switch to cage-free eggs more quickly.

Right now, most eggs are still produced on factory farms that use tiny battery cages. The hens can't get up, stretch their wings, or nest. These cruel conditions aren't necessary, and the HSUS is working very hard to eliminate them. One way is to get the farms to change, like through the legislation in California. Another way is to change the market, creating a demand for cage-free over those laid by hens in battery cages.

Just last week, after a long campaign by the HSUS, Wendy's committed to sourcing at least 2% of their eggs from cage-free suppliers. Calling it "a modest but meaningful step in the right direction," HSUS also took the opportunity to call out McDonald's.

Did you catch the Volt's debut on Letterman? Why does Laurie David hate the wetlands so much? Why is recycled urine the toast of the town in International Space Station City? Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.

Lutz Brings the Volt on Letterman The Volt may not go 200 miles on a single charge like the Tesla, but it also doesn't cost $100K. GM chieftan Bob Lutz told Letterman that the car will cost $32,500 after rebates and, of course, Letterman pulled the old electrocution gag (see video).

Laurie David Got Busted, Again For the second time, conservationist and climate crusader Laurie David finds herself in the crosshairs of the Chilmark Conservation Commission for building on a piece of her property that has been declared protected wetlands. Oops!

Wind Farm is the Chupacabra of Taiwan? Are wind farms dangerous to your health? People blame wind turbines for ADD, sleep disorders, etc., but goat murder?. A Taiwanese farmer says a nearby wind farm killed 400 goats by disrupting their sleeping and feeding habits, eventually starving them.

HSUS to Team-up with Michael Vick? Michael Vick wants to enlist in the battle against dogfighting and the HSUS seems ready to welcome the rehabilitated former Atlanta Falcon QB. Do you think Michael Vick deserves a second chance? Here's to hoping for the best.

Astronauts Celebrate Recycled Urine Yesterday, astronauts aboard the international space station finally got to test out the now infamous peecycler. Reportedly, the "water" tasted refreshing and delicious. That's one small (and gross) step for sustainability.

Green in a Flash:

• Does the climate bill go far enough?
• US CO2 emissions fell 2.8% last year.
• The House approved $6.4B to make schools more energy efficient.
  

There's been a lot of talk about shelters since the Obamas got their adorable new dog, Bo. Whether you agree with the decision to get the First Dog from a breeder or not, you're probably pro-shelters. Everyone is pro-shelters, right?

Zootoo is an online community dedicated to pets and petlovers, and they are definitely fans of shelters. So much so, that they're holding "elections" to pick the shelter that will get a a million dollar makeover. Nineteen other shelters will also receive prizes ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. And this is the second year that they're holding this contest!

This week is the third and final phase of the contest, when America gets to pick the winning shelter from the top 10. Want to have a say in which one wins a million bucks? Visit the Zootoo Shelter Makeover II site, register (it's free, but they insist that you upload a photo) and you can vote up to ten times every day, between now and Friday.

I grew up volunteering at the local "Animal League," walking dogs on Saturday mornings. I remember my mom helping to organize bake sales and flea markets to help raise money for the basics. Small, local shelters depend on the kindness of neighbors to survive. Fifty dollars is a big deal to most of them, so even that $5k prize will make a huge difference somewhere!

Really, all of the shelters deserve your love and assistance. Since I'm a big believer in acting locally, I'm giving my votes to my (sort of) local choice, the Butte Humane Society in Chico, CA. Above is a video explaining why Butte is the most deserving of the top 10, and I hope you vote for them, too!

The Humane Society of the United States and Pedigree are partners in Shelter Makeover II, and co-sponsors include PETCO Foundation, HomeAgain, and more. Check out the page of organizations supporting this great contest and give them a little reciprocal love in return for helping so many pets who are still waiting for their forever homes.