Earth to Netizens

So Large a Hope

2010-02-17T15:23:00.000-08:00

It's getting pretty hot in our side of the planet and we're not even near a desert. It got me thinking and googling about solar energy and developments about it. Development of solar technology has been going on for over 50 years yet not much of it is being applied over the world. Now two organizations are working in light speed compared to others in harnessing the power of the sun.

Desertec, an EU foundation, aims to develop sustainable energy to supply Europe and the Middle East by 2050. It's possible according to scientists and researchers to establish a grid that cuts across the region transporting energy produced from solar cells in the Sahara.

Another group is also helping Africa to reduce its dependence on kerosene by developing a solar kit powerful enough to light homes and run a few basic appliances. Now households don't have to cough up cash and smoke just to light a room. SolarAid is now funding projects all over Africa; not only is it supplying the continent with access to renewable, clean, and safe energy it is also infusing employment.

Such clear visions and positive actions give a new ray of hope to avert the global crisis on energy and environment. The sun can really brighten our days in many ways.

With the advent and coolness of renewable and clean energy production, several countries are following suit in developing energy accessible to all citizens. These two groups show that dreams and plans can be fulfilled with the right political will. It's time to check the accomplishments of our own local leaders on developing clean and renewable energy.

Wooden Toys for Kids

2009-12-21T15:07:00.003-08:00

This holiday season, parents will flock to stores to buy all types of gifts for their children. We’ve all seen the videos of parents fighting over the hottest new figurine or doll. This year, shirk the plastic type toys and instead invest in some wooden toys.

Wooden toys were the first type of toys kids knew. Dads would whittle a piece of wood to create toys in the shapes of animals, wooden dolls, puppets on strings, and toy cars. Kids would play for hours with these toys. Once the kids outgrew them, they could be passed on to younger kids.

Wooden toys have not lost their luster or durability but they have been passed over for the more colorful plastic types that talk and move. When kids are young, the one thing they have is their imagination. Wooden toys inspire the use of the imagination during play.

Wooden toys are also environmentally friendly. Many are used in their natural wooden state. Paints used on eco friendly toys are non-toxic and safe for kids.

When other toys are broken or the kids get tired of them, they are thrown away. Each year something new will replace the old favorite and they will no longer like it as much. In a landfill, those toys just sit and take up space.

Lots of toys that are thrown away still have their batteries inside. Toys that are filled with substances still contain them when they are disposed of. These chemicals can be released into the ground as the housings break down. This poses a potential hazard.

When wooden toys are broken, they can be fixed. If you know someone good with their hands, they can fix it for you. The point is that you don’t have to throw them away. Wooden toys can be passed down from generation to generation.

They maintain their shape and if scratched, the imperfection can be sanded out. Wooden toys hold together better than modern toys created on an assembly line. Small parts that break off of new toys can choke a young child.

If wooden toys are old and no longer usable, they can be disposed of. Because they are made of natural wood, they can be chopped up and used in compost. Colored wooden toys can’t be used for that, but maybe they can be refurbished and donated to local charitable organizations.

Introduce kids to wooden toys when they are young. Puzzles come in wooden and paper shapes instead of plastic. Most wooden toys have rounded edges so they are safer to play with and handle. Even if they gnaw on wood it won’t hurt them.

Choose wooden toys for the young’uns. They are environmentally friendly, safe for young children, durable, and repairable if they are d

Shop Responsibly this Holiday

2009-12-21T15:07:00.001-08:00

For many, Christmas has become a commercial holiday. Instead of being a season of giving, we have bought into the media circus and it has become a season of greed and excess. This year tailor your shopping to be a bit more responsible in the items that you purchase.

Shopping responsibly doesn’t stop at spending frugally for what we need or want. It is also a matter of global implication. By that, we mean that we look at the people behind the products that we invest our monies into.

For example, let’s say that you wanted to buy a diamond ring for the wife this year. There are several jewelry stores in your area but which is the best one to use? One jewelry store may get their diamonds from a mine in South Africa that employs unsafe practices for workers or pays less than fair wages. By patronizing that store, you are condoning the practices by which they received their merchandise.

Who would have ever thought that buying and selling would come to such a level, but it has. People who do not value human rights are counting on us to let our wants overshadow any responsibility we have to our enslaved brothers or the environment. Eco friendly groups work to inform us about what is going on in the world and how we can make a positive difference.

The biggest way that can happen is through our shopping. We spend billions of dollars during the holiday season for gifts, decorations, and other things. Make the purchases mean something to someone besides just the recipient.

Shopping responsibly leads to helping the environment. Purchase recycled wrapping paper, low energy lighting for Christmas trees, organic cotton for creating clothing, and recycled ornaments and decorations. This supports the recycling industry. All paper that is recycled may not be suitable for paper bags in grocery stores, but it will make Christmas cards, gift tags, and wrapping paper.

Visiting fair trade merchants supports cooperatives and groups working in favor of oppressed and impoverished peoples in countries all over the world. These artisans use recycled goods and natural products like stone and coal to create ornaments, decorations, baskets, utensils, and more to be sold on the open market.

Fair trade merchandise can be purchased at a variety of stores including Wal-Mart, Target, Harris Teeter grocery stores, Whole Foods Market, and Costco. For a longer list of stores, go to www.transfairusa.org. Put in city and state or zip code to find merchants in your area who are fair trade certified.

Along those same lines, local merchants need your help and your patronage. Consider their wares when looking for unique gifts and decorations this year. Visit local farmers markets, flea markets, and trade shows to see who the local artisans are.

Save the planet and prevent waste but making informed choices this holiday season. In the process you will discover a world of new products you never knew existed.

Save Energy for the Holidays

2009-12-21T15:06:00.002-08:00

What do I want this holiday season? A cheaper electric bill will do. During the holidays, we spend an enormous amount of energy decorating our homes, yards, and hosting family gatherings. Environmentally friendly groups want people to save some green this year by going green with their energy sources.

The number one thing that saps energy is the lights. We hang lights on our Christmas trees, in our living spaces, on the trees outside, and on our homes. The lights by themselves don’t give off much energy, but add several strings of lights and keep them on all evening, and you’ll have a problem.

Instead of purchasing the usual lights for decoration, think about using LED lights. LED stands for light emitting diode. These lights are controlled by computer chip technology. They do not emit any heat. This keeps the lights from being a fire hazard should they rest on a dried tree branch or a piece of paper.

LED lights also don’t use much energy. But, these are not the only lights that could be replaced. Think about the lights in your fixtures. Are they the regular tungsten filament light bulbs? These light bulbs use more energy and don’t last very long.

CFL bulbs are the talk of the town right now. They provide brighter light and use fewer kilowatts to do it. CFL stands for compact fluorescent light. You may have seen those coiled bulbs in the store. They are made to fit any light fixture. Replacing your regular bulbs with these ensures brighter lighting for the holiday parties.

Keeping the thermostat at a constant temperature saps less energy in the long run. Depending on what we are doing, we turn it up or down. This is a mistake because every change means more energy to meet the new temperature request.

If you live in a warm climate, try room darkening shades or using heavy curtains. This blocks the sun’s rays from getting trapped in your home and overheating the place. Also, installing ceiling fans helps to circulate the air in the room and save you money. Control the temperature by turning the fans on and off instead of tweaking the thermostat.

Also, using the oven can heat up a home considerably. Cooking during the evening when it is cooler avoids the uncomfortable sticky feeling that comes with cooking on a hot day. During the day, warm meals using the microwave. This keeps the temperature in the home from rising.

To see where you are losing heat from your home, have the power company come out and perform a free energy check. They will inspect the home and let you know how energy efficient it really is.

Looking to spend less this holiday season? Don’t forget to include energy bills in that equation. A few helpful energy-saving tips make all the difference.

Recycled Christmas Decorations

2009-12-21T15:06:00.001-08:00

We all want our homes to look nice for Christmas. But, we envision that the only way that we can do this is to buy new stuff each year. New items are not the only ones that shine and make an impression on visitors. Learn how you can create recycled decorations from things lying around the house.

There are a lot of items that can be reused for creative decorations. Think of your Christmas cards. We get them and after the holiday is over we threw them away. Instead of throwing them away, use them to make new decorations for the house.

Christmas cards can be used to create a collage. For a wooden coffee table, have a piece of glass cut to match the dimensions of the table top. Underneath the glass, place a piece of thin cardboard the same size and cover it with the fronts of various Christmas cards. Cover with the glass.

Old ornaments can be given a new look with some non-toxic paint and some string. The color comes off of bulbs all the time. Instead of throwing them away, come up with other ideas to save them like covering with ribbons, colored buttons, or sea shells. Save some from the summer at the beach. Color them with holiday paint and create ornaments, candle holders, and wreath accessories.

Local artisans use soda cans, bottles, and cardboard boxes to make ornaments for Christmas. Around the holidays, several local artisans will showcase their crafts at venues around your area. You’d be amazed at the wonderful things they can come up with from items most people have thrown away.

Even used light bulbs can be turned into ornaments. Cover a light bulb with a brown sock or stretchy material. Fashion ears out of felt and use felt pieces for eyes, nose, and mouth and you’ve got a reindeer ornament. Tie a string around the top to secure the brown fabric and make a second loop to hand the ornament on the tree.

Besides recycling items around the house and creating ornaments, try using decorations that are friendly to the environment. Collecting these items can start at any time during the year. Like we said before, sea shells provide a wealth of ideas for decorations. Scratched CDs can be turned into Christmas tree ornaments.

Collect pine cones, nuts, sand, and broken tree branches. The tree branches can be weaved together to form a natural wreath. Pieces of discarded wood from household projects can be fashioned into nativity scene figures, crosses, wooden angels, and toys by someone who is skilled in wood working. Websites like www.ctstore.com use recycled Christmas trees to create wooden ornaments.

Before you throw out what appears to be useless ornaments and Christmas cards, think about how they can be reused for another year of celebration. Get the kids involved and turn the quest for recycled materials into a treasure hunt through the house.

Real or Fake Christmas tree

2009-12-21T15:05:00.003-08:00

The centerpiece of the living room during the Christmas holiday is the Christmas tree. The tree is where we place our presents for others. The twinkling lights reflect the light in our heart for others during the season. Some people choose to decorate a real tree and others opt for fake trees. Which is best?

Opinions differ on the subject. But, real trees are environmentally sound. They are grown on tree farms and harvested around the holidays in time for Christmas. People keep the tree watered throughout the Christmas holiday so the tree stays green and lush.

Artificial trees are made of metal and plastic. Plastic as we know does not break down in the landfill. Little pieces may flake off and contaminate the water table.

Artificial trees have one thing going for them. They can be reused each Christmas. As long as they are in use, they are out of the landfill. It saves money in the long run. Many artificial trees come pre-lit so there is no need to buy strings of lights.

One mistake that real tree buyers make is forgetting to water their tree once they get home. The tree needs water even after it is cut down. The warm air in the house can dry it out.

Once it dries out, the pine needles begin to fall off. There is no wakeup call quite like stepping on a pile of sharp, brittle pine needles in your bare feet. A dried out Christmas tree is a fire hazard. Those warm lights or a spark of some kind can send it up in a blaze of glory.

Many families like buying a new live Christmas tree each year. Finding the perfect one is a tradition. It does require some work. There is the job of securing it to the top of the car. Some tree farms let you cut down your own tree. That requires a chainsaw and some know how.

At home, the tree has to be carried in the house and perched in the waiting stand. Underestimating the height of your ceiling or the size of the tree could mean removing the tree again and trimming it. On a positive note, after Christmas, the tree can be chopped up for mulch in the yard. But, the gas and elbow grease involved in getting and disposing of the tree is enough for some people to switch to a fake tree.

The choice is purely personal. Once you have made the choice, it is time for the decorations. Instead of using glass and plastic ornaments, opt for edible ornaments. Even if you don’t eat them, they can be thrown down the garbage disposal after Christmas.

For real trees that come unlit, use strings of LED lights. They use less energy and last a lot longer than the current light sets. Natural ornaments made out of pine cones and berries reflect a hint of Christmases past.

Natural Decorations for the Holidays

2009-12-21T15:05:00.001-08:00

We all like to decorate for Christmas. It puts the entire family in the festive mood of the season. Each year, many families purchase new decorations to change the look of our Christmas tree. This year, why not choose to use some natural decorations for your home?

Natural doesn’t mean decorations that look like nuts and berries. It refers to using actual nuts and berries as decorations. Using nature to spruce up the place is safe for the environment. After the holiday is over, it is easy to dispose of these decorations. There is no need to pack up anything except for the tree, if it is artificial.

Start with the garland. We like to decorate banisters, mantles, and archways. Nurseries have natural garlands for sale and so do farmer’s markets. Do you have holly bushes or evergreen bushes in the yard? Use the remnants to create strings of garland to lay about the house. The little pieces can decorate candle displays and be used to create wreaths.

Berries from the yard add color to the Christmas tree. Using a needle and thread, string a few berries intermittently with some popcorn kernels. The kids can help you do this. To make the decorations last longer and keep the bugs away, add a little shellac to the string with a small brush to seal in the smells.

In art class years ago, they taught kids to make ornaments using dough and salt. This was the one time salt was preferred over sugar in a recipe. Regular cookie cutters made various Christmas shapes in the dough before they were baked. The ornaments would get rock hard and then they could be decorated with non-toxic paint. A hole was punched in the cookie ornament dough before baking so a ribbon could be passed through later.

Pine cones are another decorating favorite. A dollop of glue applied to the bottom of the pinecone made a place for the string to be attached for tree hanging. For eco friendly decorating, use strips of organic cotton fabric in holiday colors to hang the ornaments on the Christmas tree.

Decorating is not limited to the Christmas tree and the banisters. Many people keep their Christmas cards from years past and hang them on the walls. This is a great way to recycle old Christmas cards.

Those same cards can be used to make placemats for the holiday table. Affix the colored covers of the cards to a piece of cardboard and laminate the entire thing. Old paper towel rolls can be turned into napkin rings for the table.

What are some of your ideas for the holidays? Wherever possible, substitute manufactured decorating materials with natural decorations. You will save money and the environment.

Making Beeswax Candles

2009-12-21T15:04:00.004-08:00

Candle making is a tradition from the Old Country. Hanging wicks and dipping them in wax until the candle is the correct consistency was something we did in art class. Get the family together during the holiday season and teach the kids how to make beeswax candles.

Beeswax candles can be made with beeswax sheets. True beeswax candle makers don’t use these sheets but for homemade candles, beeswax sheets are easy and safe for children to use. The wax is pressed into sheets for use in making different shapes of candles.

Beeswax is a clean burning candle wax. It cleans the air and removes odors as it burns. Beeswax also melts away until almost gone. Any that is left can be molded with more beeswax to create new candles to burn.

Before making beeswax candles, prepare by getting all of your supplies together and setting up an area to work. To make these candles you will need: beeswax sheets, scissors or a knife, candle wicks, a cutting board or other hard surface for cutting. When purchasing the supplies, check to see that the wicks do not contain any lead or other chemicals.

Beeswax usually comes in a light color which is the color of the wax. Adding color introduces chemicals into the wax that can be burned off in the flame. You can get beeswax candles in different colors but they may not burn as clean.

First, watch the children when sharp objects are around. Do any cutting that needs to be done and keep the knife pointed away from the body. Work on the kitchen table so the kids can lean as they work.

1. Lay out a sheet of beeswax. If using colored wax in combinations cut the sheet and add other colored pieces. Lay them close together so they overlap.
2. Take the wick and place it near the beginning of the wax sheet. Let an inch or so of the wick hang out of the bottom of the candle and two inches out of the top of the beeswax sheet.
3. Press the wick gently into the beeswax sheet. The wick needs to be secured so that it will not be displaced during rolling. After the wick is firmly in place, it is time to create the candle.
4. Slowly, roll the beeswax sheet over itself. Keep the rolls tight so no gaps are present in the wax. Continue rolling until the entire sheet is finished or the candle is as wide as you would like it. Larger candles like pillars have one or three wicks depending on width.
5. Cut the wick at the bottom even with the bottom of the candle. Trim the wick at the top of the candle until it is about half an inch long.

Create beautiful candles in various sizes and shapes. Kids can use their creations as homemade gifts or to decorate the house for the Christmas holiday.

Greener Cleaning for Holidays

2009-12-21T15:04:00.003-08:00

As the holidays approach, we want to make sure that our homes are prepared for visitors and family. It brings to mind the spring cleaning frenzy we participate in once winter is over. Now, we are cleaning out the house to make way for holiday decorations, smells, and warm feelings. Here are a few ideas to use when deciding how you will clean your home this year.

Chemicals used to clean our homes are harming our health and many don’t even know it. The cleaning agents rub out soap scum and degrease grime on the stove but they also give off fumes that hamper our breathing and fill our home with unhealthy things. This year, get back to basics with some natural cleaning alternatives that still do the job.

We underestimate the power of the simple things. If it doesn’t have ten different unpronounceable chemicals on the label, we think it may not be effective. Natural chemicals and stain fighters take a bit more elbow grease but they do work.

Try baking soda for instance. Baking soda can be used as an abrasive to clean the tub and shower. When combined with water, it begins to eat away at the dirt. Use a scrub brush to remove the softened dirt and wash it away.

What about vinegar? Vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner that most people don’t think about using. Vinegar can be used to clean windows, mirrors, other glass surfaces and to unclog the drain.

For windows, clean them with a bucket of hot water. This softens anything on the surface so the vinegar can do its work. Clean the window with some pure white vinegar. Afterwards, wipe dry with some newspaper.

Vinegar in combination with baking soda will unclog the drain. The bubbling action removes hair and other scum from the drain. Pour the baking soda inside the drain using a funnel or other instrument. Slowly pour the vinegar down the drain.

You will hear and smell as the two come in contact with each other. Wait about fifteen minutes and then flush with hot water. Repeat as often as needed to get rid of the clog.

Lemon is a good bleach alternative. Rub half a lemon on discolored grout between ceramic tiles to return it to its natural color. It also works on shower tiles and shower doors. Lemon is added to most household cleaners so why not cut out the chemicals and use pure lemon? Natural cleaning brushes can be purchased to use in conjunction with natural cleaners.

The chemical load of your home will be greatly reduced and the air will be cleaner. Speaking of cleaner air, give up those spray air fresheners in favor of beeswax candles. They provide a pleasant natural scent as they burn. Beeswax candles also trap odors in the air and neutralize them.

Don’t worry stocking up on chemical cleaners to get the house ready for visitors. Use all natural agents instead, most of which are already around the house.

Gift Wrapping Alternatives

2009-12-21T15:04:00.001-08:00

Who doesn’t want to have a few presents to open on Christmas morning? Once the gift is open we are left sitting in a pile of paper and plastic tidbits. These items litter the landfills for hundreds of years because they are not biodegradable. Here are some ideas for alternative gift wrapping this year.

There are men and women sitting eagerly at the counter waiting to get a hold of our gifts. They are the department store gift wrappers. They swaddle our purchases in brightly colored paper, metallic ribbon, and handsome bows. Obviously they have some artistic talent because our home wrapped gifts never look that good.

The problem with all of this is that the person opening the gift is going to trash their careful handiwork into a million tiny paper pieces. There are a few exceptions. Some people carefully unwrap their gifts, folding the paper as they go. These are the ones who reuse the paper each year for other presents. We applaud you.

For the rest of us, the garbage can gets full rather quickly with discarded wrapping paper. Much of this doesn’t get recycled or isn’t recycled. Decide to end the senseless landfill waste by using other materials for gift wrapping this year.

Try recycled wrapping paper. This paper may not look as pretty as other wrappings but the purpose of gift wrap is to conceal a present inside. It is not the paper that is most important but the treasure within.

How about cloth wrappings? Stores sell fabric in Christmas colors each year. Purchase a few yards in different colors and create reusable gift wrapping.

If you are good with a sewing machine it will take no time at all to turn that cloth into a fabric wine bottle cover, a wrapping for flat boxes, a cloth wrapping for a square box, or a cloth bag for multiple gifts. The wrappings can be sewn with a drawstring to cinch the bag closed.

These decorative cloth wrappings can be used by the recipient to give a gift the next year at Christmas. The point is that the garbage won’t be filled with wrapping paper again this year.

Gift baskets are a fun alternative to traditional wrapping. Baskets come in many sizes and are made from natural materials. Fill them with items the person will love including homemade presents.

The gift basket can be used throughout the year after the gifts are gone. Use it to hold towels, bath toiletries, fruit and vegetables, or whatever else you choose. The basket can continue to be used or passed on the next Christmas.

How will you present your gifts this year? Go for the environmentally friendly approach and you will not only be giving a gift to someone you love but will be helping to protect the earth as well.

Fair trade Christmas Ideas

2009-12-21T15:03:00.001-08:00

When shopping for Christmas gifts and other items around the holidays, we try to use all of our options. But, what we are looking for is quality and that can’t be compromised. One idea many people haven’t tried is fair trade items. Buying these items will help another person somewhere around the world.

The idea of fair trade is a fairly new one. It is less than twenty years old in its practice. The purpose is to help craftsman and artisans around the world, especially in underdeveloped countries to have their work recognized. By recognizing their work, they are helped to live a better life.

To ensure that profits are realized in the village or co-op where the products were made those who deal in fair trade merchandise buy directly from the product originators. There is no middleman waiting to get their share of the profits.

Those who deal with fair trade items also ensure that no other illegal activities are going on. If workers are abused or forced to make their goods under substandard conditions, the merchandise is not used. Also, proper eco friendly practices must be used in the creation of the items for sale. For farms, no use of harmful chemicals can play a part in crop production.

Products from several countries are featured in stores on and off line for sale. These items are sold at a fair price to you and a fair price to the people making them so that no one is cheated. Their beautiful handiwork is seen all over the world and is of the greatest quality. These artisans are true to their craft and practice to get the best products possible.

Many use recycled products to make their products. Some have developed cottage industries out of collecting recycled materials and creating something useful with them.

These individuals and cooperatives have created many items that we can use to decorate for the holidays where we live. They craft ornaments, figurines, unique gift items, and other products. Acquiring these items is easier than you think. They are as close as the Internet on your computer or the store down the street.

One store that carries fair trade products is Ten Thousand Villages. You can go to their website and join their mailing list. In their stores they feature products made from recycled materials and fair trade items from around the world. They can be found at www.tenthousandvillages.com.

Other stores on the Internet are also fair trade dealers. They showcase items for Christmas such as ornaments, baskets, nativity scenes, garland, and clothing. Here are a few websites to check out for your holiday needs:

* www.oneworldprojects.com
* http://shop.rupalee.com
* www.transfairusa.org

The last on the list is a site where you can go to find fair trade shops in your area and online.

Looking for something else this year? Maybe you just want to help someone out in the global community. Look for fair trade merchandise.

Edible Tree Ornaments

2009-12-21T15:02:00.002-08:00

Christmas belongs to everyone especially the children. Most of the memories that we treasure for a lifetime are created during childhood. Help your kids to make memorable moments with edible ornaments.

Edible ornaments are fun to make and even better to eat. One advantage of these ornaments is that there is less to pack away in containers once the holidays are over. These ornaments are biodegradable if the kids don’t get to them.

Start with the garland. Usually we string tinsel and other items that can be harmful to pets and children if they are eaten. In the early days of Christmas among the settlers, foods like popcorn and nuts were used for garland. Little treats could be placed on the tree that the kids could eat later.

Go back to the old ways and have the kids string a few strands of popcorn garland. Use their favorite popcorn flavors. You run the risk of more popcorn being eaten than strung but it is a chance you will have to take. Actually, stale popcorn is easier to string than freshly popped. Leave a bag or two of microwave popcorn sitting for a day or two and then begin decorating.

Pretzels can be strung as well. You won’t need a needle for this stringing procedure. Pretzels can be placed at intervals between the pieces of popcorn.

A popular tree ornament is candy canes. The red and white striped treats are a staple of Christmas. Now, they come in a variety of colors and flavors besides peppermint. Choose colors that complement your décor and color scheme for the Christmas tree.

They come individually wrapped so the candy can be shared with everyone after Christmas is over. In fact, if you have a Christmas party, let each child take a souvenir from your tree home to their tree.

Nuts can be glued together in the shape of a ball and hung like a Christmas bulb. Leave enough space to slip a piece of string or ribbon through the top and tie it to the tree branch. Since the shell is discarded anyway, a dab of Elmer’s glue won’t prevent eating them later.

Carefully choose which decorative edibles the kids can eat from the Christmas tree. For a fake tree, the branches are made of plastic and each ornament is safe for eating. With live trees, determine if the tree has been sprayed with anything to prevent bug infestation. Any small bugs or remnants of sprays can render the food inedible after coming in contact with it. In that case, use some sort of ornament hanger to keep the edible ornaments away from the tree branches and needles.

Edible ornaments are fun to make. Shellac the ones the kids want to keep so they are preserved for more Christmas memories.

Eco Friendly Christmas Gifts

2009-12-21T15:02:00.001-08:00

The world is going green. That’s not a bad thing. When we respect the environment it respects us. Besides, the fewer chemicals floating around in the air, the better our bodies feel as well. For Christmas this year, consider giving some of the folks on your list a less tangible but more sentimental gift.

You know the people in your circle better than anyone. For those who would appreciate an environmentally correct gift there are a few ideas to choose from. The first is making charitable donations in their names.

Everyone is not as appreciative of donation gift giving so be sure that the recipients are the sentimental type. People, who like to donate to charities and campaign for causes, are more likely to find this a worthy type of Christmas gift. If you know their favorite charity, contribute in their name. Adopt a whale, adopt a dog or cat, or donate money in their name to the local homeless shelter. These organizations can send you a confirmation that can be placed in a Christmas envelope and presented to the people on your list.

Who says that a Christmas gift has to fit into a package? Instead of bringing the gift to them, bring them to the gift. This Christmas, think of gifts that won’t leave any waste behind.

Instead of buying a CD for a friend who likes music, treat them to a concert. Wrap up two tickets to an upcoming concert or a night of jazz on the town. Live music sounds better than recorded anyway. This is an excuse to dress up in our best evening wear.

Tickets for other shows are appropriately eco friendly as well. Take the kids to the zoo, the aquarium, or a science show as a part of their Christmas present. Younger kids seem to appreciate this type of activity more.

For a person who wants to go “green” help them out with a useful Christmas gift. Call it a “go green” starter pack. The present can be as simple as a composing bin for someone who likes to work outside. Use a gift basket to display the gifts. A fruit or nut basket leaves only the basket behind when the gift is gone.

People scoff at those monthly clubs that send foods and other items but the sentiment is a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. For a gift recipient who is into jams, fruits, and the like, the timely arrival of a package each month is great. Check with sites like www.ecoexpress.com for organic monthly clubs of this type for your friends.

For Christmas, it is not so much about what we take but what we give. With eco friendly gifts, we are giving back to the environment and taking only what we need.

E-cards versus Paper Cards

2009-12-21T15:00:00.002-08:00

We send sentiment to people in our lives that we care about. And Christmas is definitely a time were we want to connect and express our feelings to family and friends. It is important to let others know that we are thinking of them during the holidays. But should we send a paper card or an electronic one? Here are some pros and cons for each.

Paper cards

Paper greeting cards have been around for at least a hundred years. It is cheaper than a telephone call and people can choose to keep our sentiments if they wish. Christmas cards say what we would like to but can’t seem to put into words. The fun begins when we shop for the cards and choose just the right one for someone we care about.

In that regard, Christmas cards meet a need. Many companies are striving to be more environmentally friendly by using recycled paper for their cards. The argument against recycled paper is that it is not as strong as virgin wood pulp. That may be a consideration for paper grocery bags but for cards, the strength is in the wording not what they are printed on. Purchasing greeting cards on recycled paper supports the recycling industry as a viable alternative to plastic and other materials.

On the other hand, after the holidays, paper cards end up in the trash along with wrapping paper and other items. Some people recycle but most throw everything away in the regular trash to get rid of it. This paper goes to the landfill and stays their indefinitely.

Yes, paper is made from trees and trees are organic and therefore biodegradable. Unfortunately, in a landfill, the conditions are not appropriate for that kind of biodegradation to occur. Paper hands around as long as plastic in a landfill.

E-cards

The electronic card is the greatest innovation. It helps out those of us who forget to send out paper greeting cards in a timely fashion. An electronic card can be sent on December 23rd and arrive on the twenty-fourth. They make noise, show interactive scenes and can be personalized to say whatever we want.

Online, people get to choose from free card offerings or pay for more detailed cards for Christmas or the service to be able to send cards at any time and for any occasion. E-cards can be saved on the computer and viewed as many times as you want.

Electronic card programs eliminate the need to go to the store for cards. Some people use those. These cards can be created and sent to others. People do print them out and that contributes to the trash situation in the landfill.

Which is better, e-cards or paper? That is up to you. Be responsible with your choices and instead of throwing out those paper cards, find creative ways to reuse them.

Buy Beeswax Candles

2009-12-21T15:00:00.001-08:00

One of the mainstays of aromatherapy is candles. Candles put us in a good mood. The flicker of the flame mesmerizes and relaxes our mind. But, most candles are made of paraffin wax. There is another alternative—beeswax candles.

Beeswax candles are made by, you guessed it, bees. Bees work to make the honey for the wax. It is all natural. Beeswax candles have many advantages over paraffin candles.

Paraffin is the wax that comprises most of the candles on the market. It is made from vegetable, animal, and petroleum wastes. You’d never know it to look at the candles, but this is what is in them. Most people don’t read the labels on candles anyway.

When you burn these substances, toxic substances have the potential to be given off in the flame. Have you ever seen black smoke coming from a candle flame? It occurs when the candle is getting close to being burned out because there is no more wax to burn. These are the chemicals being released into the air.

Decorative candles of this type do not burn clean. When the wax re-hardens you will see the black residue in the wax. The wax creates a pitting phenomenon in the center of the candle and the wax also drips down the side and ruins the look of the candle.

A little known fact is that the wicks in the center of the candles contain lead. The metal button that holds the wick can also be dangerous. When burning the wick, the lead can be released into the air as well. As we burn candles, we are polluting the air around us. People with respiratory problems shouldn’t burn paraffin candles.

On the other hand, beeswax candles are available. Many people pass them over as a fad. They cost more so why buy them when there are cheaper better smelling candles on the market?

Beeswax candles are environmentally safe. They burn clean. That means no pollutants are released into the air. The air is actually cleaner because what is given off by the beeswax works to eliminate odors and other pollutants from the air.

For people who like the way that their candles look, beeswax candles do not do any pitting when the wax is burned. In fact, the wax burns out towards the end of the candle. It doesn’t drip over. It continues to burn until there is nothing left.

Beeswax candles are not scented artificially. They do give off a smell of sweet honey. The color of the candle is the natural color of the wax.

Beeswax candles burn longer than paraffin wax candles. For your twenty bucks you will get over 100 hours of candle burning pleasure. So, use candles for aromatherapy and setting the mood, but clean the air and freshen your home in the process with beeswax candles.

Eco Friendly Air Fresheners

2009-12-21T14:59:00.000-08:00

No matter how we try to prevent it, our homes are full of smells. Some of them are good and some of them are not so pleasant. Using aerosol sprays only mask the smells and can give off something worse. Try these five ideas to create air fresheners that help your home and the environment at the same time.

1. Use potpourri. It is everywhere and people only bring it out during the holidays. But, the scent will get used up and the potpourri will look nice but do nothing to help the air. You can replace it at this point or use some natural scents to freshen it. Dried herbs and spices can be of help. Use some fresh cinnamon or nutmeg to add a new smell to the potpourri. Using a few sprigs of fresh mint or sprinkling dried mint on the potpourri not only adds fragrance but mint is a natural ant repellent.

2. Essential oils can be used to scent the home. These natural oils come from plants and are non-toxic. Combine it with at least four parts of water in a spray bottle to spritz potpourri, silk flowers, and other natural arrangements in our home like holly leaf garland and pinecones. Avoid furniture because the oil can leave a film. If you notice that happening, add more water to your spray bottle.

3. Fruits make a great smelling wreath for the home. Cut an orange, apple, and lemon into thin circles. Allow the fruit to dry on a cookie sheet. Overlay the fruit to create a wreath design. It can be attached to a wooden framework or some wire. To preserve the fruit, cover with a bit of shellac or floor wax. They last for several weeks and can be hung on any door to freshen the room. Some people even use whole fruits and pierce the top to let the smell come through.

4. Beeswax candles are a natural air freshener. The candles give off a honey flavored scent that burns clean with no mess. Beeswax candles can be purchased in a variety of shapes and sizes. Avoid any color but the natural one if you want to remain eco friendly with the air freshener.

5. Combine several different scents to create a dried bowl arrangement. These arrangements can be put in wooden shallow bowls or clear glass bowls so they are visible to everyone. For decoration, use some natural wooden filler that are sold at most craft stores. Add in some fresh dried herbs like mint, rosemary, or thyme. For a more seasonal smell, try some cinnamon sticks, fresh nutmeg, and some ground clove. Sit some beeswax pillar candles flat in the bowl as the centerpiece.

Are you looking for ways to freshen the air in your house? Use the above ideas to get started. When all else fails, bake a pie.

World Environment Day

2009-05-18T15:54:00.001-07:00

June 5 is World Environment Day. It’s a good time to make an environmental pledge, start a green cause, or offer support to environmental groups.

I’m doing 3 things this year:

1. Get a more accommodating compost bin for our kitchen waste. We currently have two small pots with heaps of rotting fruit and vegetable peels.

2. Buy more produce from local farmers to help reduce carbon emission.

3. Plant a tree via Twitter. You can do this too by following UNEPandYou on Twitter. UNEP will plant one tree for every twitterer who follows their twits between now and June 5th, World Environment Day.

To gain a deeper understanding of our production and consumption patterns, watch Annie Leonard’s The Story of Stuff.

One Question

2009-04-20T17:17:00.000-07:00

What have you done to help Mother Earth lately?

Now that we are more aware about the problems of our planet, let's make sure we celebrate Earth Day right.

Reduce your Carbon Footprint. Calculate your emissions.

Plant a tree. Support the United Nations Environment Programme, Billion Tree Campaign. Identify which trees are indigenous to your area and help sustain the ecosystem.

Join the Green Generation. Be conscious of your role to save our planet by bringing the concern to the workplace or better yet to your school! The Earthday Network has some wonderful suggestions on how to take that big step against climate change.

Everyday should be Earth Day. One small act of kindness for Earth can ensure the future of our children.

Happy Earth Day everyone!

We're dreaming of a Green Christmas

2008-12-23T22:37:00.000-08:00

just like the ones we used to have years ago...

Can you save the environment and give gifts at the same time? At first instance it seems impossible but just imagine if all the Christmas wrapping, cards, and boxes are recycled. We would have helped save the environment and given Mother Nature a present.

Here's a tip from recyclenow.com: Try a simple test and scrunch up a piece of wrapping paper in your hand. If it springs back you shouldn’t recycle.

Also, instead of buying stuff that just not might be appreciated, how about giving experiences instead like a free concert, a trip to sporting events, or a spa. You might find ideas from Waste Free Holidays.

Likewise, sharing or recycling presents can relieve your closets and cabinets of unwanted stuff. Someone just might find use for that old lamp, clothes, and toys just don't return the items to the original sender.

May we all have a good season. Share and Recycle, that's our Christmas wish for you.

And one more thing, don't get too sloshed!

Save the Environment With Reusable Bags

2008-12-15T23:20:00.000-08:00

by Alfred Anderson

There is a growing concern about the environment today. Starting from activists to small children, most people are concerned about the environment. The concept of going green has gained a lot of prominence. However, this concept can only succeed if we a ready to make those small changes in our daily lives that finally result into a collective change in the bigger picture i.e. environment.

Environment conservation is not just about discussing the causes and potential threats; it is about finding good eco-friendly alternatives to the various items that are being used by us.

Plastic bags are one such item that is used extensively. As per estimates, The United States uses more than 100 billion new plastic bags a year. If we can cut down upon this usage or even better if we can stop using plastic bags completely, the environment can be benefitted in an immense way.

The huge consumption of plastic bags leads them to pile up in landfills after they are disposed of. Being low in weight, they fly away and settle in drains beaches and other areas. As a result the drains get clogged and the coastline gets polluted. Further more, estimates say that it takes 12 billion barrels of oil to produce the amount of plastic bags needed in US a year. That's quite a lot of oil and we can easily save it.

Papers bags too are not a good alternative to plastic bags. More paper bags means cutting down more trees which in itself is very bad for the environment. Moreover, paper bags produce much more waste in the atmosphere as compared to plastic bags.

Use reusable bags. These bags are made up of non woven polypropylene which is not only simple to make but also durable and strong in quality. They are available in a variety of styles and prints and can be customized to one's preference.

Alfred Anderson has rich experience in the field of online brand marketing. His interests includes Internet marketing and research on emerging online business trends. London rentals

How to Make Your Christmas Eco-Friendly

2008-11-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

by Thomas O Donovan

Christmas can be one of the least environmentally friendly times of year. Just think of the tons of waste created by Christmas gift wrap, cards, decorations and parties. The increased consumption at this time of year can cost a lot for the planet. But it isn't hard to make your holiday celebration a little greener!

Reuse and Reduce
The easiest way to prevent added waste from entering the landfills at Christmas time is to keep it from reaching that point. You can do this easily by reusing and reducing when celebrating.

1. Don't buy new decorations and wrapping supplies each year. If you look after your decorations they can last for years. You can also reuse gift wrap and Christmas cards in a variety of different ways.

2. Try to minimize your Christmas list too. Don't buy for everyone, and don't buy a lot for each person on your list. Take the holiday season as a chance to spend time together or help out your loved ones. They will appreciate your time more than your money.

3. You can also be environmentally friendly by reducing your energy use and lighting your Christmas decorations for shorter amounts of time or hand making your decorations and gifts. There are innumerable do-it-yourself projects for the Christmas holidays!

4. If you take the time to eliminate unnecessary waste you can help prevent the over 300,000 tons of waste produced by the Christmas season.

Alternate Power Choices
While you can save a lot by reusing and reducing at Christmas you can't avoid creating waste completely. You can minimize the impact of your holiday consumption by changing the way you use power throughout the season.

Avoid traditional electric holiday decorations and go solar or find products that use less energy like LED Christmas lights. They are environmentally friend and you will save money.

Christmas Trees
Real Christmas trees have gotten a bad rap because of the waste caused by cutting down a live tree just to put it in your house for two weeks and then throw it out. While Christmas tree farms are attempting to reverse the effects of cutting down trees, you can avoid this by using artificial or living trees. The pollution caused by the manufacture of an artificial tree is matched by the environmentally friendly aspect of reusing the tree for several years.

If you have to have a real Christmas tree, make sure to counter the effects of cutting down a tree by reusing or recycling your Christmas treeit after the holidays. Consider planting a tree to replace the one you cut, too.

It takes a little extra work to keep your holiday celebrations environmentally friendly but it is certainly worth the effort. Your friends and loved ones can share your eco-friendly celebrations and you can all work together towards reducing some of the 300,000 tons of waste created by the Christmas season.

Every little bit counts.

I am involved with a web-site that provides topical information about Christmas. Ever wondered what your Celtic Tree Astrology Sign is? Also, go here if you want some lovely (and free!) Screensavers of Happy Animals, Beautiful Flowers, Amazing Galaxies, etc.
My hobbies/pastimes/life include Astrology, Music, Reading, Sport, Cycling, Chocolate, My cat and a love for animals...our equals.

10 Ways to Go Green Without Breaking the Bank

2008-10-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

by Tara Heiser

With the financial crisis looming over the country, and unemployment rates rising, it's only natural for people to be less concerned about greening their habits and more concerned about keeping green in their wallets.

It's important to note that the two are not mutually exclusive. You can have your green cake and eat it too with the following eco-friendly tips that will also save you money.

1. Conserve energy! This is an obvious one but necessary. Save energy by turning off unnecessary lights, lowering your thermostat, cleaning your refrigerator coils, unplugging unused electronics, and washing laundry in cold water instead of hot. Prep your house for winter by sealing drafty windows and doors.

2. Conserve water by taking shorter showers, watering your lawn less often, washing full loads of laundry, and fixing leaky faucets.

3. Organic produce is not always the most expensive option. Watch for sales when you shop - you will find some organic bargains. Maximize your food budget by opting for organic on the items that typically have the highest amounts of pesticides and herbicides including: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, grapes, spinach, lettuce, and potatoes.

4. Buy in bulk or in larger sizes to reduce the amount of packaging that goes to our landfills and lower your grocery bills.

5. Save on gas by going the speed limit, keeping your tires properly inflated, and avoiding the "idle" waiting. Carpool with neighbors when you can. Better yet, use mass transit, ride a bike, or walk.

6. Visit your local library instead of buying a new book.

7. Invest in a water filter and drink tap water instead of buying bottled water.

8. When it's time to cleanup, use cloth towels, washcloths, or napkins rather than paper towels.

9. Skip the expensive and abrasive chemical cleaners and opt for more natural (and less expensive) cleaning alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and ammonia.

10. When a light bulb goes out, replace it with a CFL bulb. It does cost more than a regular bulb but it lasts ten times longer and uses a third less energy which will lower your electrical bill each month.

As you can see, you don't have to spend green to go green. The possibilities are limited only by our imagination and forethought.

By Tara Heiser, Radiant Ideas. Read more green tips and product reviews at the Radiant Ideas blog. Find green gifts and green home decor at the Radiant Ideas store.

Renewable Energy Projects

2008-10-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

Build that solar-powered car or that wind turbine! If you are a teacher or student looking for performance tasks/project-based assessment on renewable energy then check out http://www.re-energy.ca/.

The projects are ideal for science fairs and even small-scale community projects.

Re-Energy.ca is a renewable energy project kit that can be downloaded and printed from the world wide web - for free! Re-Energy.ca explores wind energy, water energy, solar energy, biomass energy and more. Build your own working models from one of five easy-to-follow construction plans, including a wind turbine, biogas generator, solar car and more. Re-Energy.ca provides educators with background information, exciting hands-on learning activities, resources and links on renewable energy and sustainable energy technologies.
Re-Energy.ca is a hands-on renewable energy learning experience. Building working models of renewable energy technologies allows students in grades 7 through 12 to discover the fundamental principles of biology, chemistry and physics, and to explore the application of science and technology to social and environmental issues.

May it re-energize your world!

Greener Cleaners

2008-09-11T00:03:00.000-07:00

You don't have to rely on commercial cleaners to keep your house free of dirt and nasty smells. Some simple ingredients like baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar can be used to make safe and inexpensive household cleaners.

Read more ...

Share a Club

2008-09-02T14:56:00.000-07:00

Stumbled upon the Sierra Club website as I was looking for a study on the environmental policies of McCain and Obama. The club is one of America's largest environmental organizations. It is also one of the biggest groups interested to study the policies of the two candidates.

The club's Three Conservation Initiatives:

Smart Energy Solutions
Calls for a bold shift from reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear power to a safe, clean energy future built on efficiency, renewable fuels, and innovative technologies -- all of which will also help fight global warming.

America's Wild Legacy
Focuses on protecting our wildlife and their habitat and preserving our wild and special places.

Safe and Healthy Communities
Fights pollution of our water and air and toxic threats to communities across America.

Of the many interesting and informative features of the website, I like the page on 10 things you can do to help curb global warming the most.

I'm sharing Sierra Club to you. Do check it out.

Now back to web-based research on the two candidates and their concern for the environment.

Algae - Fuel Source

2008-08-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

That pond scum might just save the planet.

I had no idea this is possible and that research on algae as alternative fuel source has been on going for the past 50 years. Necessity is really the mother of invention as environmental engineers from the University of Virginia are embarking on further studies on Algae as biofuel.

Algae, the ubiquitous organism that can grow almost anywhere that has water, produces oil during photosynthesis.

And there's more. According to ScienceDaily, algae can also help clean the environment:

On top of those advantages, algae — at least in theory — should grow even better when fed extra carbon dioxide (the main greenhouse gas) and organic material like sewage. If so, algae could produce biofuel while cleaning up other problems.

It's a boost to our industrial ecologists to persist in finding ways to improve waste reduction and pollution prevention at the same time providing an alternative source of energy.

I'll leave the chemistry of algae to the scientists. For more information, check the U.Va article and this interesting site with a catchy name- Oilgae.com which has everything you need to know about algae and oil production.

New Earth Rising: Call for Submissions of Original Green Writing

2008-08-10T19:38:00.000-07:00

Ecological Internet, the world's leading provider of environmental portals including http://www.ClimateArk.org/ and http://Forests.org/, will soon launch a new Internet e-zine entitled "New Earth Rising". The publication will be committed to biocentric thought, and promote sufficient ecological sustainability solutions to pressing global ecological crises. Today they announce they are accepting submissions for publication.

New Earth Rising will build upon years of ecological sustainability writings and actions on the web by Ecological Internet. In 1995 they introduced the world's first and longest continually running blog, and their President, Dr. Glen Barry, was the writer of the critically acclaimed and recently concluded "Earth Meanders" series of personal essays.

"I would like to appeal to our large international network -- including established and new environmental writers, scholars and activists -- for submissions. New Earth Rising will provide a unique opportunity to link what you know regarding the true extent of global ecological crises, with specific personal and social transformations necessary to achieve global ecological sustainability," explains Dr. Barry, New Earth Rising's editor.

New Earth Rising's editorial tone will strongly favor truthful ecological writings regarding global eco-crises, identifying necessary and sufficient solutions, and organizing action for their implementation. Submissions should be personal essays of 2-4 pages in length, and need not be scholarly and footnoted, but must be well-researched, informed and passionate.

The publication will be grounded in the ethics of biocentrism, deep ecology and political ecology. It will emphasize the need for ecological science and rationalism in formulating environmental public policy; examination of the seriousness of ecological and related social issues; propose necessary, sufficient and workable solutions involving global citizens,society and governments; and be skeptical regarding secular and religious ideologies.

The e-zine will initially publish bi-monthly, and also track other leading environmental writings elsewhere on the web. Initially essays will not be compensated, but will highlight the author's work to a large international audience. Please contact Dr. Barry with questions and submissions.

New Earth Rising -- http://www.NewEarthRising.org/
Biocentric thought regarding the magnitude of global
ecological crises and sufficient responses to achieve
global ecological sustainability

Contact:
Dr. Glen Barry, glenbarry@ecologicalinternet.org
+1 920 776 1075

Growing and still Growing

2008-07-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

Population growth can be linked to the world's pollution problems. Managing one's carbon footprint is already a big deal what more adding a set of footprints everyday. Although conservation, environmental protection and awareness are regularly being discussed, the developments accomplished can be easily eroded if the population isn't managed.

People consume power and as population increases, the amount of energy consumed also increases. Overpopulation can be linked to the oil crisis. The biggest consumers of oil are the most populated countries. "Yes, we eat oil," according to a blogger from sustainablog.

Focusing on consumption over population and vice versa is not a solution to the problem. Managing both, experts say, is what the world needs. Clearly however, environmental-awareness efforts are partly solving the earth's problems.

According to GIM(Growth is Madness),

Here too, cleaner technologies will be an essential part of the solution. Moreover, the specter of climate change has brought about a new level of public awareness of the role of per capita energy use. We can hope this will slow rising energy consumption levels, at least somewhat. Clearly, though, it is imperative that we address our population growth as well if we are to have any hope of achieving ecological sustainability in the future.

There are more than 6 Billion people on the planet. Based on studies, the number will increase to 9 Billion. Of all the proposed solutions, education seems to be the most feasible one. A UN report affirms this in one of its recommendations: "The higher payoff to schooling in urban than rural areas is a key factor in inducing the migration of the better educated. In countries where economic growth has been moderate or strong, urban returns to schooling have been maintained, profoundly influencing decisions about investing on children’s schooling and family size.(85)" Well-managed urbanization, according to the report can alleviate the problems on poverty as well as population.

The rich source of knowledge and information shared on the Web on the population issue is an indicator of the need to provide the world with enough references on the matter. Education starts with the spreading of information. Education, it seems, is a good solution.

Bicycle Qs

2008-07-14T15:42:00.000-07:00

How often do you ride a bicycle? This question from Mother Earth News propels this post.
I had to spend minutes to recall the last time I rode a bike. The answer: 2 months ago for leisure.

The question really makes sense. With the rising petrol prices, it's time people rethink their means of transportation. Riding bicycles is one of the best ways to reduce one's carbon footprint and to get a good exercise.

Guilt strikes me everyday. I drive to work and consume around a gallon (close to 4 liters). I catch myself checking the gauge and calculating how much money I lose as my fuel evaporates.

And I don't have much of a choice. Public transportation is not an alternative where I live and with the distance of the office from home, so is riding a bike.

I envy those who can choose. Those whose offices are minutes away from their homes or better yet those whose offices are in their homes!

Ride that bicycle.

Do you have one? In case you don't, here are other questions on how to choose a bike:

So, why do you want to ride — to exercise, commute to work, run errands or just for leisure? Where do you want to ride — potholed city streets, open roads, gravel bike trails, maybe a mix of environments? Finally, how do you like to ride — in an upright position, leisurely paced or always leaning forward, in race mode wherever you go?

(from Mother Earth News)

Earth University

2008-06-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

You read it right. There's an Earth University in Costa Rica which was ranked 3rd in the list of Green Colleges and Universities. EARTH is a private, international, non-profit university dedicated to training professionals in agricultural sciences and natural resources in order to contribute to sustainable development in the tropics. When you graduate from EARTH you become or can be called an Agronomist (now ain't that clever).

One of the university's main goals is what most of us need -

Social and Environmental Awareness: Every part of EARTH's academic program includes a community outreach component. The Community Development Program coordinates weekly visits through which students are able to share their newly acquired knowledge and learn from the experiences of local farmers. The farmers become teachers, and work with the students to seek innovative solutions to the challenges that their communities are facing.

EARTH students also learn sustainable environmental management techniques and assume a commitment to promote the rational use of natural resources.

Each government should have an Agronomist or better yet, each head of state should try to include in their portfolio a course on EARTH. According to the EARTH University website they welcome students from around the globe so the medium of instruction might not be much of a problem. And it is always good to learn a new language if you don't know Spanish yet.

Eco-friendly Moving Boxes for Spring Cleaning

2008-03-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

Everyone has got to do some spring cleaning at least once a year. I am hoping to clear some clutter this summer (I live in the tropics), discard things and keep items that are still dear to me (useful or not). When I do spring cleaning, my choice of storage is and has always been a box. I do have some plastic boxes that hold important matters, but for most of my stuff, those good ol' boxes do.

For all the stuff that I need to dispose of, I plan to use eco-friendly moving boxes. They're made of recycled materials, so no guilt there. Into these boxes are clothes, tools, books, paper and other craft materials.

For whatever stuff that I plan to send to someplace else via courier, there are also earth-friendly shipping boxes that are low in cost but are durable just the same. I sure could appreciate low-priced boxes because shipping rates sometimes go through the roofs, especially if they're bound for North America or Europe.

I'm also looking into used boxes that can carry items off to the garbage bin. No paper or pulp wasted. Now I just need to set aside some time to start my yearly spring cleaning.

What about you? Have you done some spring cleaning yet?

Dreaming of Chemical Free Pools

2008-03-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

It's already summer on my side of the Earth, and quite unsurprisingly, it's hotter than the previous summer. How I wish I could hit the beach every time I want to! The best alternative for now is the nearby resort which has a swimming pool. Unfortunately for me though, I'm a bit allergic to chlorine -- a common chemical substance found in commercial pools. Apparently, our favorite salt water pools are not chemical free, but actually produce chlorine. Chlorine and salt have been known to cause asthma in kids, cancer, etc. This may be the reason why I often gasp while I'm near a chlorinated pool. Thus, I had to quit the required swimming class in college.

But we can always dwell on the possibilities, right?

Unknown to many, there's a chemical free pool that can save you and your family from hazardous chemicals. It uses a natural oxygen technology that can manage and remove minerals without the use of salt or brine discharge. It's energy efficient and costs less than $1 a month to operate. You save money, energy and chemical expenses. That's a triple whammy!

To keep your pool free from harmful substances, you can also clean it by using a pool ionizer. Copper ionization completely purifies water and is safe for humans. The pool ionizer can also eliminate strong chemical odors. You don't spend much with a pool ionizer. The electrodes generally last three to five years and relatively inexpensive to replace. Its electrical consumption is only a few dollars a year.

I've yet to see a chemical free pool here in the Philippines. If I ever find one, I'll dive right into it!

Earth Hour: 8:00-9:00pm March 29, 2008

2008-03-13T16:21:00.001-07:00

On 29 March 2008 the Philippines will join countries around the world as we literally "turn the lights out" for Earth Hour - an event that will fuel awareness on climate change and prove that when the people of the world work together, they can make a difference in the fight against global warming.

Earth Hour will take place throughout the Philippines from 8 to 9 in the evening on Saturday night, 29 March 2008. WWF invites you to participate by shutting off lights for 60 minutes, organizing your own "lights-out" event or by forwarding this mail to your friends, workmates and family.

Launched in Australia on the 31st of March 2007, Earth Hour moved 2.2 million people and 2100 businesses in Sydney to turn off their lights for one hour. This massive collective effort reduced the city's energy consumption by 10.2% for one hour. With Sydney icons like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House turning their lights off and unique events such as weddings by candlelight, the world took notice. Inspired by the collective effort of millions of Sydneysiders, many major global cities are joining Earth Hour in 2008, turning a symbolic event into a global movement.

Your participation will go a long way in spreading the message that we, as individual droplets working collectively – can create an impetus far more powerful than the mightiest of rivers. For more information, log on to the WWF Earth Hour page at: www.earthhour.org.

If you want to learn more about how else you can help make Earth Hour in the Philippines a success, reply to this email or drop us a line at (632) 920-7931, (632) 920-7923, or (632)920-7926

Butanding

2008-01-30T02:23:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the biggest fish in the world can be found in the Philippines? The whale shark, or butanding, thrives in the waters of Bohol and Sorsogon islands. These "gentle giants" can grow up to 50 feet in length. It has a wide mouth with hundreds of pointed teeth, and it usually comes in grey or greenish brown color with white or yellow spots all over its body.

To know more about the whale shark, visit Butanding.com.

Save Bialowieza Forest

2008-01-06T15:03:00.000-08:00

Bialowieza Forest, Europe's Last Primeval Temperate Forest is in danger due to extensive logging. If you wish to help preserve the whole complex as a national
park, take action!

Amazon Kindle

2008-01-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

Here's another great gadget that helps cut down the use of paper!

Amazon has recently released Amazon Kindle, a revolutionary electronic-paper display which provides a sharp, high-resolution screen that looks and reads like real paper.

*

Here's an overview of Amazon Kindle:

Simple to use: no computer, no cables, no syncing.
Buy a book and it is auto-delivered wirelessly in less than one minute.
Lighter and thinner than a typical paperback; weighs only 10.3 ounces.
Holds over 200 titles.
Long battery life. Leave wireless on and recharge approximately every other day. Turn wireless off and read for a week or more before recharging. Fully recharges in 2 hours.
Unlike WiFi, Kindle utilizes the same high-speed data network (EVDO) as advanced cell phones—so you never have to locate a hotspot.
Email your Word documents and pictures (.JPG, .GIF, .BMP, .PNG) to Kindle for easy on-the-go viewing.

* Affiliate link

The Electric Jeepney

2007-11-26T21:58:00.000-08:00

Here in the Philippines, the most popular means of public transportation is the jeepney. It offers the cheapest fare and is available almost anywhere in the metro and in provincial towns.

Our colorful jeepneys, however, run on diesel and emit great amounts of carbon monoxide.

In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Greenpeace Southeast Asia developed the e-jeepney: a jeepney that uses energy from biodegradable waste produced by urban wet markets, food establishments, and households.

The e-jeepney is currently plying private roads in Makati City, the Philippines' premier business district.

>> More about the e-jeepney (PDF)

Mini-Globes Auction

2007-11-19T15:27:00.000-08:00

[Thanks for this info, Kelly!]

Starting Monday, November 26 for one week only, select large and mini-globes from the Cool Globes exhibit in Chicago will be auctioned to raise funds for the Chicago Conservation Corp Clubs, which provide environmental education opportunities for Chicago’s youth.

Among the globes to be auctioned are mini-globes from:

Bill Clinton
Robert Redford
David Schwimmer
Tobey Maguire
Eva Mendes
Rob Corddry
Jenny Lennon and the cast of “Reno 911”
Magic Johnson
Dave Winfield
Chicago Bear Tommie Harris
Tony Bennett
BB King
Heather Headley
The Gypsy Kings

The auction will take place online, hosted by eBay, so that even those who don't live in or around Chicago can make an offer.

You can view globes or place a bid in the online auction at www.coolglobes.org.

Related post: Cool Globes in Chicago

Still On Green Mode

2007-10-07T19:21:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the long absence. I've been on complete bed rest for my pregnancy. I'll be giving birth in about 2 weeks, and I hope to resume blogging in November.

See you all soon!

Join the PERC Enviropreneur Camp

2007-07-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

Want to do business and help the environment at the same time? The Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) is offering an intense, two-week educational experience in Bozeman, Montana, for environmental entrepreneurs who want to have a better understanding of how business and economic principles can be applied to environmental problems.

For two weeks, 15 conservation leaders get to enjoy the following:

the opportunity to interact with leading experts in the field of free market environmentalism, including enviropreneurs who have researched and applied markets in their environmental work.
field trips, including an overnight stay at Ted Turner's Flying D Ranch for a first-hand look at markets and property rights in action.
a $3,000 stipend, from which they pay their own travel. Housing is provided at no charge to fellows in the New Building dormitory on the Montana State University campus.

For more details, refer to the preliminary agenda.

Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) is America's oldest and largest institute dedicated to original research that brings market principles to resolving environmental problems.

Calculator Sums Up 'Carbon Footprint'

2007-06-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

The UK government is launching a calculator that will soon enable people to check how much they are contributing to global warming, when driving and when flying.

The special website for this environmental tool will calculate how people's home heating, appliances and personal transport add to the carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. Questions range from whether homes are insulated to how they dry their clothes and how much water people put in their kettle for a cup of tea.

[via Guardian Unlimited]

Google revs up for a greener future

2007-06-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

Google.org is giving $1M in grants to encourage the adoption of fuel-efficient, hybrid cars as part of a plan to make the entire firm carbon neutral by 2008.

The company has pledged a further $10M to help commercialize plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles.

Full story at BBC.co.uk: "Google's drive for clean future"

Photo by BBC

Cool Globes in Chicago

2007-06-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

The City of Chicago will host "CoolGlobes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet" from June-September 2007. Cool Globes is an innovative project that uses the medium of public art to inspire individuals and organizations to take action against global warming. Over 120 extraordinary globes, designed by local, national and international artists, will be displayed along the lakefront using a variety of materials to create awareness and provoke discussion about potential solutions to global warming.

Visit CoolGlobes.org to view each globe in the exhibit online and learn about the artists and their solution to stop global warming.

You can also pledge to make at least five changes in your own life and be entered in a raffle to win a Toyota Prius.

[via StopGlobalWarming.org]

World Environment Day '07 Global Highlights

2007-06-05T16:14:00.000-07:00

Around the world, nations celebrate World Environment Day. Let's take a look at some of the earth-friendly events that have transpired in different regions.

Too bad I wasn't able to attend the events on my side of the earth.

How did you or your country/region celebrate WED '07?

Photo source: UNEP.org

Related:
World Environment Day in Pictures

A Purple Frog

2007-06-05T01:35:00.000-07:00

I love the color purple and I love animals, so imagine my excitement when I saw a picture of this fluorescent purple frog on Yahoo:

*

Isn't she lovely? This frog was among two dozen new species discovered in the remote plateaus of eastern Suriname.

Photo by Reuters

Eco-friendly Abode

2007-05-31T23:49:00.000-07:00

How would you like to live in a small Tumbleweed House built with "green" building materials and powered by solar energy and propane?

Jay Shafer of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company can make you an eco-friendly 100 square feet home that can meet all your domestic needs. Sounds neat if you're living alone. Check out the houses he's built.

Jay Shafer has also appeared on the Oprah Show.

For Your Green Toes

2007-05-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

I have no plans of buying a pair of shoes anytime soon, but this one shoe caught my attention:

It's a "green shoe" made by Simple Shoes, a company that uses sustainable materials in making shoes. This chamois shoe that I like costs $85 and is made of:

Woven Jute rand
Nubby Cotton upper
Bamboo linings
Wooden button
Removable natural laytex pedbed with a cotton canvas cover
Natural crepe rubber midsole

It also...

Has an outsole that is made of an actual car tire
Uses water based cements
Has 100% post consumer paper pulp foot forms
Contains latex
Comes with a package with reduced stuffing

I can really say that I'm a goody-two-shoe if I wear this pair. Cool.

The Global Warming Survival Guide

2007-05-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

How can we help slow global warming? Time magazine says there are 51 things we can do to help save the environment.

Some of the tips are very easy to do, especially if they are already being practised on your side of the earth. In my case, for instance, we hang our clothes to dry under the sun since we live in a tropical country.

A Book on Conservation Writing

2007-05-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

I dropped by Lulu and found this book called Conservation Writing: Essays at the Crossroads of Nature and Culture. It offers writers what they need to know about ecology and conservation in order to effectively contribute to conservation projects. It also offers conservationists opportunities to improve their writing skills.

Would love to read this book someday. There's only one review available so far. If you've read this book, I'd love to know what you think of it.

Happy Earth Day!

2007-04-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

Here's how you can celebrate Earth Day in your neighborhood.

Top Environmental Websites

2007-03-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

The Online Journalism Review has started a list of top environmental websites to complement the public's growing interest on the environment. The list page is wiki, which means that you can add a website that "provides smart background, data and discussion about the environment."

Final Potter Book Goes Green

2007-03-20T23:11:00.000-07:00

The final Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, coming out July 21 will not only be the thickest in the entire volume, but also the greenest.

*

Scholastic Inc. has agreed with the Rainforest Alliance, a conservation organization that works with the business community, to follow strict environmental standards. The book's first printing of 12 million will make sure that:

The paper used will contain "a minimum of 30% post-consumer waste (PCW) fiber."
Nearly two-thirds of the 16,700 tons of paper will be approved by the Forest Stewardship Council, an international organization with a mission to "promote environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests."
A "deluxe" edition of the new book, which has a first printing of 100,000, will be printed on paper that contains "100% post-consumer waste fiber."

[via Time.com]

* Affiliate link

Thanks for dropping by, Earthling!

2007-03-07T00:33:00.000-08:00

E2N will go live after the Lenten Season. See you around!