On the Road Again

Sometimes getting where you need to go doesn't have to mean buckling up. 

Cars help us get where we need to go fast!  But sometimes there are better ways to get where you are going. 
For short trips, you might be able to walk or ride your bike.  Not only will you be saving gasoline, you'll be reducing pollution, too.  And for an extra bonus, you'll get some exercise on the way. 
For longer trips, you will probably need some gasoline - but you can still go green.  Carpooling is an easy way to use less fuel.  More people in the car means fewer cars on the road.  And you can join a really big carpool when you ride the bus or subway.  Check with your local metro transit; some buses are now running on clean energy. 

How does saving gasoline help the environment?

Motor vehicles are responsible for over a quarter of annual emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary global-warming gas.  Too much CO2 in the air weakens the ozone layer which is supposed to protect us from too many infrared rays from the sun.  Infrared rays are necessary for life on Earth, but too many heats up the planet.  This gradual increase in the Earth's average annual temperature causes things like certain vegetation to die off and the ice caps to melt.  This in turn causes habitat loss for some wildlife resulting in their eventual extinction. 

Down the Drain

Clean water is one of our most basic and essential resources.  Let's not waste it!
How much water do you think you use each day?  A gallon?  Twenty gallons?  Believe it or not, the average person uses 100 gallons a day!  We use 2-5 gallons a minute just to take a shower.  That means that taking shorter showers is one easy way to save lots of water! You can save even more water by remembering to turn off the faucet while you are brusing your teeth.

How does conserving water help the environment?

Water is essential to life on earth.  We need water to grow food, keep clean, provide power, control fire, and, most importantly, we need it to stay alive.  People use up our planet's fresh water faster than it can be naturally replenished.  Depleting reservoirs and groundwater aquifiers can put water supplies, human health, and the environment at serious risk.  Lower water levels can lead to higher concentrations of natural contaminants, such as radon, and arsenic, or human pollutants, such as agricultural and chemical wastes.  Using water more efficiently and wisely helps maintain supplies at safe levels, protecting human health and the environment.

The Power Switch

If you turned it on, don't forget to turn it off!

One simple way that we can conserve the Earth's resources is by not using more electricity than we need to.  Remember to turn the lights off when you leave the room.  Turn the TV off if no one is watching it. And your refrigerator will use less energy if you know what you want before you open it.  That way you can close it again before too much cold air gets out. 

How does this help the environment?

The energy to power the lights comes from somewhere.  That energy is most likely derived from a coal powered plant that converts the heat from the combustion of coal into electricity.  The burning of this coal releases large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.  So, the more electricity you use, the more pollution you add to the the environment.

Welcome Spring - Go Green

"If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom." - Audra Foveo

Springtime is on its way!  For some of us it's still pretty darn cold.  But, cheer up.  Springtime is on its way!

"The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day another.  The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month." - Henry Van Dyke

Spring is a fresh new start; a new beginning.  It's the perfect time to "go green."  Of course, if you're already doing so, just add more to what you're doing. 
Now, I know the actual first day of spring isn't until March 20th, but why wait until then to start making a difference?  Consider what you do this month a practice round, so that when spring gets here you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful world. 

"And spring arose on the garden fair,

Like the spirit of Love felt everywhere;

And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast

rose from the dreams of its wintry rest."

- Percy Bysshe Shelley

Taking care of the environment is one of our most important responsibilities.  But sometimes trying to help the planet can feel overwhelming.  That's when it's important to remember to take it one step at a time.  And when it comes to being green, little things can really make a big difference.  You can try one small thing, then add another... before you know it, those little steps will add up to a lot more green!

"The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day He created spring." - Bern Williams

Bird Feeding Leads to Bird Conservation

According to the National Bird Feeding Society, "Bird feeding is the second most popular hobby," and, "over 55 million people over the age of 16 watch or feed wild birds or other wildlife around their homes."

It's an entertaining, educational, and enjoyable pasttime for both children and adults.  Bird feeding brings some of natures most beautiful sights and sounds right outside your window.  And, you'll gain a general appreciation for our natural world. 

Bird feeding leads to bird conservation which is critical to the richness and diversity of the planet we share with more than 10,000 species of birds. 

Three reason why bird conservation is so important to our ecology:

1. Distribution of seeds that leads to forest conservation.
2. Food sources for bird predators.
3. Insect and rodent population control.

For complete resources on bird feeding visit the National Bird Feeding Society.

For complete resources on bird conservation visit the American Bird Conservancy.

For the most updated "watchlist" (a list of bird species currently in decline and in most need of attention) visit the National Audubon Society.  There is also a site called Birds to Help which covers which species you can help with just backyard (or patio/balcony) bird feeding based on where you live and whether its urban, suburban, or rural.  They also tell you how to feed your selected bird and enable you to download a pdf file all about them. 

So, break out your new bird feeder, bird seeds, and binoculars, and enjoy the knowledge that you are doing something that's not only relaxing, but important.  You'll be creating a more beautiful natural world.

Everything you ever wanted to know about bird feeding and how to do it.

House Pets and Wild Birds.

The month of Februrary brings together two important awarenesses.  Both of which are not only impactful towards our environment, but relevant to each other as well.  Prevent a Litter Month and National Wild Bird-Feeding Month.  To be completely successful in making an impact, we must first understand the importance of both and how they relate to each other. 

In 2001 a biologist and an ecologist conducted a survey of the hunting habits of 77 house cats in a small village in Britain.  With the cooperation of the owners, they collected and identified the remains brought home by the cats during the year-long study.  Of the 1100 prey, 64% were small mammals (mostly wood mice, field voles, and common shrews).  The remainder were songbirds.  They estimated that cats kill at least 20 million birds each year. 
The current U.S. census shows that there are over 60 million cats kept as pets.  A study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found over 114 free-ranging cats per square mile.  This is several times greater than all other native predators of similar size, includin foxes, skunks, opossums, and racoons. 

Think about this. 
How important do you think birds are to our environment?
What impact do you think you are having on those birds by allowing your beloved pets to have litters you can't keep?
The month of February we focus on what we can all do to help the bird population (and why) and how to become responsible pet owners.

Due to the weather...

Due to the weather not being able to make up its mind, (be it warm or cold, dry or rainy) we've been quite ill.  So, I apologize for the delay in posts. 

Due to the weather, and the fact that it's autumn, I expected to see some vibrant colors outside now that I'm well.  I believe the peak for fall colors in my area is supposed to be the third week of October. 

Due to the weather/climate changing there is very little color.  Most trees are still green.  Those that aren't are either brown, a dull yellow, or have fallen off before their time. 

According to an article by Fox News, Foliage Spectators are claiming the leaves are "duller, not as sparkly."  In recent years more and more trees are turning from the dull green of late summer to the rust-brown of late fall with barely a hint of color in between. 

I walked 20 minutes along the beach before I could find anything vibrant.

I also received a link for Martha Stewart's blog post titled "This Year's Autumn Compared To Last."  She compares last year's photos taken around where she lives to this year's photos of the same places and at the same time of year.  There is definitely a drastic difference. 

So, what's going on?

According to Appalachian State University, there are 10 things that can affect fall color:

1. Higher temperatures.  (ie. a general warming of the globe.  Let's call it "Global Warming.")
2. Altered timing and/or amounts of precipitation.  (So, since there's more rain, there's less color.  Check out Early Warning Signs regarding global warming and precipitation.)
3. Higher levels of carbon dioxide.  (CO2, which contributes to global warming.  This is where we come in and conserve energy.)
4. Changes in cloud cover and light striking the trees.  (Again see Early Warning Signs.)
5. Increases in the length of the growing season and displacement of the timing of leaf out and leaf fall.  (In layman's terms - warmer weather, the growing season, is getting longer, and the natural annual cycle of trees is getting out of sync.  Therefore, when fall comes, trees have to "hurry and catch up" by turning brown and falling quicker.)
6. Higher levels of nitrogen inputs and acidic deposition to ecosystems from agricultural practices such as fertilizing and hog production.  (Check out "Meat" the Facts.) 
7. Higher levels of air pollutants such as ozone.  (Visit Global Warming 101.)
8. Migration of trees farther north to escape the heat.  (National Geographic talks about trees heading north.)
9. Extirpation of trees that can't migtate for one reason or another.  (For example, a tree may only be able to reproduce by using a specific animal species to spread its seeds.  When that species is endangered, so is the tree.)
10. Changes in competition due to greater pest loads or invasive exotic species.  (See how genetic engineering affects our environment.)

Will fall foliage one day be a thing of the past?  At the rate we're going, yes.  But it won't happen soon.  However, I'm sure we don't want our great grandchildren looking at photos of vibrant fall colors while we sit in rockers talking about the old days when autumn was beautiful.  Visit the Union of Concerned Scientists' Global Warming page and click on "Solutions" to find out more of what you can do. 

Best Energy Site For Kids.

In order to get your kids to help you with saving energy around the house, they need to know what to do and why.  I've searched all the "saving energy" sites out there for kids, and Energy Star Kids was the best.  Here's what it has to offer:

1. "Your Planet Needs You" game.  After playing this game they will know a.) what energy is; b.) where it comes from; c.) what the different types are; d.) what could happen; e.) why we save energy; f.) and how they can help in their own room.  This section also features the "Quickest Ever Slide Show on Global Warming," which is very to the point. 
2. "You Can Make Big Changes" activity.  This is a map of the typical child's room, say, maybe, ages 8-18.  It's full of electronics among other things.  You click on an area in the room and it shows you how to be more efficient with that specific device/area. 
3. "Meet The Energy Stars."  This section is just cute.  It personifies energy saving appliances.  Each Energy Star appliance tells you their name, where they're from, and what their mission in life is. 
4. "Word Bank."  Of course, since this site is educational, too, it comes complete with a dictionary of energy/global warming related vocabulary. 
5. "Fun Facts."  This section gives good-to-know information that even most parents don't know about.  I personally thought some of this was pretty interesting. 
6. "Parents and Teachers" resources and involvement.  For the classroom there are lesson plans, games and activities.  There are ways to show your school's partnership and participation.  For parents there are campaigns and pledges for you and the kids. 
7. "The Lorax" activity.  This particular activity is just okay.  However, for those of you familiar with Dr. Seuss (who isn't?) you'll know that after reading his book, the Lorax, that he was well ahead of his time.  You must check out the "Lorax Project."  Students in schools everywhere are using this book - even high schools and colleges. 

Now that you know how to help your kids help you and the planet, there's no time like the present to show them.  Check out Energy Star Kids for yourself first if you want.  You'll be happy with it.  Your kids will walk away knowing more, and so will you. 

New Food Pyramids

The one cautionary note about vegetarianism is that simply eliminating meat does not automatically produce a healthy diet.  You still need to pay attention to the quality and quantity of what you eat.  A healthy vegetarian diet focuses on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, and whole unprocessed grains, and limits processed and refined sugars and empty calories.  There is no shortage of vegetarian and vegan junk food out there.  Remember, the root word of vegetarian is "veg" not "junk."  Here are 2 pyramids here from VegSource to help you out. 

VEGETARIAN FOOD PYRAMID

VEGAN FOOD PYRAMID

How to Save a Life.

This video is short and sweet.  It's perfect to drive home the point of energy conservation.  Take a quick watch and share with others.  Remember, any little thing you can do will make a big impact on our planet. 

For Just the Cost of a Cup of Coffee, You Can...

I don't think most people realize how important Fair Trade really is. They think, "If I had enough money I would give to charity... maybe send money to a poor family in a poor country." What is Sally Struthers always saying? " For the price of a cup of coffee a day, you can make a difference in a child's life." Now that is literally true. When you buy coffee (or anything produced in a poverty stricken country) that is Fairly Traded you will be making tremendous differences in the lives of many children and their families. 

Below is a series of clips brought to you by Oxfam.  Each one is a powerful message on how the current (unfair) trade system has its effects on those in poor countries, and how Fair Trade can help.

5 Ways to Conserve Energy in the Bathroom

5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SAVE ENERGY IN THE BATHROOM:

1.  Install Low Flow Shower Heads.  They use less hot water, cost $10-$20 each, and deliver an invigorating shower.  This will save 300 pounds (136 kg) of CO2 per year for electrically heated water or 80 pounds (36 kg) for gas heated water.

2.  Put a Brick in the Holding Tank to conserve toilet water.  Less water will be used to fii it, therefore, less to flush.  Also, you can fill a jar with water to the jar's rim and put it in the tank. 

3.  Use an egg timer to conserve shower water.  Set this when you take showers to limit your time to 5-10 minutes. 

4.  Take a Shower Instead of a Bath.  A shower takes up to four times less energy than a bath. 

5.  Don't Leave the Water Running.  Most people know by now that when brushing your teeth you shouldn't leave the water running, and only turn it on when you need to rinse.  But, most don't always consider that an option when taking a shower.  Turn the water off when you lather your hair, then back on to rinse. 

This cool DIY bathroom conservation kit is very handy to have.



Also check out:

10 Ways to Conserve Energy in the Kitchen.

8 Reasons to conserve energy.

The best energy-related website for your children.