Get your kids' school to serve local, organic milk.

Milk is a vital part of young children's diets, but childhood is a sensitive growth period for the brain, reproductive and immune systems. "Conventional milk comes with a high toxic load" says Dr. Gina Solomon, a scientist with NRDC's health program, putting kids at a higher risk of cancer, thyroid and reproductive troubles as well as reduced IQ scores.

What milk then should your kids drink?  As reported here, it is especially important to buy organic milk for kids and pregnant mothers, and the very best milk choice for everyone is low-fat, organic and local. Switching to organic milk at home is simple, since you make the purchasing decisions. Getting your school or daycare to switch over shouldn't be too much harder, but it may take a bit of time and you should be prepared. Ask for a meeting with the director and/or the head of the cafeteria to find out what milk they serve. Come ready with facts about the health and environmental benefits.

If they would like to know more, offer to help research distributors of dairy products from local and/or organic farmers. They might be very interested to know of USDA's Farm to School Program which connects schools (K-12) and local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing agriculture, health and nutrition education opportunities, and supporting local and regional farmers. Who know, cnce you've got them comfortable with the idea of serving organic milk, they may be interested in adding other organic products.