The passage of time has not been kind to the Arctic's fortunes: Where scientists once predicted the Arctic would be ice-free by the end of the century, they revised their estimates in recent months to 2030 and now - stunningly - to 2013. Presenting the findings of his modeling studies at the American Geophysical Union meeting in San Francisco, Wieslaw Maslowski, a professor at the Naval Postgraduate School, explained that earlier projections had low-balled the real values by not accounting for some of the processes driving the ice loss.
Even worse, he conceded that his own estimates may be on the optimistic side, explaining that the models he had run - using data from 1979 to 2004 - did not take into account the ice cover minima reached in 2005 and 2007. "Our projection of 2013 for the removal of ice in summer is not accounting for the last two minima, in 2005 and 2007. So given that fact, you can argue that may be our projection of 2013 is already too conservative." said Maslowski.
Maslow believes earlier estimates missed out on some key melting processes; those issues could be partially resolved if future models incorporated more realistic representations of warm water movement into the Arctic from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Peter Wadhams of Cambridge University remarked that past models did not sufficiently take into account the ice-albedo feedback effect, which occurs when water is heated by solar radiation, leading to more warming and melting.
Mark Serreze, a scientist with the US National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), still believes 2030 is a reasonable estimate, deeming Wieslaw's projections as "a little aggressive . . . simply because the luck of the draw means natural variability can kick in to give you a few years in which the ice loss is a little less than you've had in previous years." Either way, the melting of the Arctic ice cap within our lifetimes now seems inevitable
More from treehugger, http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/12/arctic_icefree.php
My Green Switch Was Flicked On
I was watching Live Earth, I said, Self, what can you do for the environment? So I created this blog. I do a fair bit but I'm running out of ideas. I'm hoping people post comments or suggestions. Let's all do a couple of things to make the EARTH better.
Things I've done to help the environment:
1 Replaced 21 light bulbs with CFL's.
2 Put a few lights on motion detectors.
3 Use a real coffee mug and silverware at my desk.
4 Only buy fair trade and/or organic coffee.
5 Only buy organic produce and meat.
6 On the 100 mile diet. (90% Compliant)
7. Use my own grocery bag.
8. Try to buy products with less packaging.
9. Switched to paperless banking/bill payment.
10 Don't use air conditioning.
11. Take public transit.
12. Unplug instant on stuff, except for VCR and alarm clock.
13. Buy only sustainable power from Bullfrog.
14. Switched to Ice Melter instead of salt.
15. Offset the rest of my emmisions with a carbon credit.
Green things I still need to do:
1 Get rid of my extra beer fridge. (I don't know about this because I brew my own and it need's to be refrigerated.)
2. Quit smoking. (OK, so I'm working on this now)
3. Buy a hybrid. (So, I couldn't buy a hybrid this time cause I had to get a work truck but, I'll limit my driving and will buy a hybrid for personal use at a later date)
Things I've done to help the environment:
1 Replaced 21 light bulbs with CFL's.
2 Put a few lights on motion detectors.
3 Use a real coffee mug and silverware at my desk.
4 Only buy fair trade and/or organic coffee.
5 Only buy organic produce and meat.
6 On the 100 mile diet. (90% Compliant)
7. Use my own grocery bag.
8. Try to buy products with less packaging.
9. Switched to paperless banking/bill payment.
10 Don't use air conditioning.
11. Take public transit.
12. Unplug instant on stuff, except for VCR and alarm clock.
13. Buy only sustainable power from Bullfrog.
14. Switched to Ice Melter instead of salt.
15. Offset the rest of my emmisions with a carbon credit.
Green things I still need to do:
1 Get rid of my extra beer fridge. (I don't know about this because I brew my own and it need's to be refrigerated.)
2. Quit smoking. (OK, so I'm working on this now)
3. Buy a hybrid. (So, I couldn't buy a hybrid this time cause I had to get a work truck but, I'll limit my driving and will buy a hybrid for personal use at a later date)
Please Note: I am not a writer. Most of these articles are shared from other sources. Please use the links provided to get the whole article from the source site. Please support these sites too! We all have a role to play.
Where I'm At Now
I've decided that organic may not be the way to go. What's the sense of shipping an organic product 3,000 miles if I can find a locally produced item? OK, so it may not be organic but I guess it's a balance between chemicals to grow or chemicals to ship. I've actually found local chicken, beef, pork, lamb and goat, all naturally raised, antibiotic free and free range where applicable. I've managed to find local potatoes, yams, carrots, onions and garlic all winter. I also have a local hydroponic lettuce grower and besides lettuce he grows cucumber, bell peppers and tomatoes.
I've switched to Bullfrog Power. Bullfrog uses only environmentally sustaining power sources like wind as well as low-impact hydro-electric.
I've also discovered Guerrilla Gardening. Take over an abandoned patch and make it grow. Stay tuned.
Well this year, I've decided to post more about what I'm doing. I'll still have cool products once in a while, especially if I've tried or switched to them.
I've switched to Bullfrog Power. Bullfrog uses only environmentally sustaining power sources like wind as well as low-impact hydro-electric.
I've also discovered Guerrilla Gardening. Take over an abandoned patch and make it grow. Stay tuned.
Well this year, I've decided to post more about what I'm doing. I'll still have cool products once in a while, especially if I've tried or switched to them.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
Getting to know our planet
From the David Suzuki Foundation
We know that our planet is heating up. And we know that international climate negotiations like the ones that are winding down in Bali this week are critical steps towards a global action plan to reduce heat-trapping greenhouse gases. But how will we be able to gauge if such a plan actually works?
In spite of all we have learned about our climate and our planet's natural systems over the past two decades, relatively big holes exist in our capacity to monitor where exactly global greenhouse gases are coming from and where they are going. That's going to have to change in the coming years, because we can no longer afford to leave such important measures to guesswork.
It may be hard for many of us to remember a time when global information was not readily available at our fingertips, but the amazing ability to access such vast amounts of data is a relatively recent phenomenon. Today, with supercomputers and the internet, we can now share, combine, calculate and analyze information like never before. For a simple example, think about the software program Google Earth. The capacity for anyone with a computer to see the entire planet in one instance, and then zoom down to view a close-up of virtually anywhere on the globe is simply astounding.
Still, even with all this data available, we need much more. The earth is incredibly complex. To be able to understand how it works, even in a basic sense, requires vast amounts of information to be acquired and monitored over time. Living sustainably within the planet's limits will require that we really get to know Earth in the most intimate of details.
Recently, a special edition of the journal Nature looked at this issue and how well we are doing in monitoring the planet. The results are mixed. Huge strides forward have been achieved in some areas, while others limp along with sporadic funding or political changes that may stop projects entirely.
One of the most obvious measurements that must be tracked over time is the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. As the principle greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide is a key mechanism in global warming. But critical questions remain. Half of the carbon dioxide we put into the atmosphere gets soaked up again. Where it goes is the subject of much debate. Some say the oceans; others say soils or plants. The reality is, we don't know for sure.
Two satellites, to be launched in the next year should help us get a better understanding of what's going on. One, called the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, will circle the earth measuring carbon dioxide levels a half-million times every day. This information will be combined with models of how our atmosphere circulates to give us a better understanding of how the earth absorbs carbon dioxide. Another project is called the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite. It will measure carbon dioxide as well, but also other important greenhouse gases such as methane, ozone and water vapour.
Many other projects are also planned or are underway that will measure variables such as ice cover, soil moisture, urban growth and desertification, wind speeds, ocean temperatures, phytoplankton growth and many more. Yet for every planned project, there are budget shortfalls, delays, political interference, international overlaps and duplications that can result in critical gaps in data. This can be a serious problem.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other human impacts on the planet is of course a vital task. But measuring and accounting for these changes is just as important. It's the only way we'll ever know if what we're doing is having an effect. Accumulating basic data sets about the planet over long periods of time may be the scientific equivalent of watching paint dry, but it is absolutely essential work for us to understand and protect our complicated little world.
Take David Suzuki's Nature Challenge and learn more at www.davidsuzuki.org.
We know that our planet is heating up. And we know that international climate negotiations like the ones that are winding down in Bali this week are critical steps towards a global action plan to reduce heat-trapping greenhouse gases. But how will we be able to gauge if such a plan actually works?
In spite of all we have learned about our climate and our planet's natural systems over the past two decades, relatively big holes exist in our capacity to monitor where exactly global greenhouse gases are coming from and where they are going. That's going to have to change in the coming years, because we can no longer afford to leave such important measures to guesswork.
It may be hard for many of us to remember a time when global information was not readily available at our fingertips, but the amazing ability to access such vast amounts of data is a relatively recent phenomenon. Today, with supercomputers and the internet, we can now share, combine, calculate and analyze information like never before. For a simple example, think about the software program Google Earth. The capacity for anyone with a computer to see the entire planet in one instance, and then zoom down to view a close-up of virtually anywhere on the globe is simply astounding.
Still, even with all this data available, we need much more. The earth is incredibly complex. To be able to understand how it works, even in a basic sense, requires vast amounts of information to be acquired and monitored over time. Living sustainably within the planet's limits will require that we really get to know Earth in the most intimate of details.
Recently, a special edition of the journal Nature looked at this issue and how well we are doing in monitoring the planet. The results are mixed. Huge strides forward have been achieved in some areas, while others limp along with sporadic funding or political changes that may stop projects entirely.
One of the most obvious measurements that must be tracked over time is the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. As the principle greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide is a key mechanism in global warming. But critical questions remain. Half of the carbon dioxide we put into the atmosphere gets soaked up again. Where it goes is the subject of much debate. Some say the oceans; others say soils or plants. The reality is, we don't know for sure.
Two satellites, to be launched in the next year should help us get a better understanding of what's going on. One, called the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, will circle the earth measuring carbon dioxide levels a half-million times every day. This information will be combined with models of how our atmosphere circulates to give us a better understanding of how the earth absorbs carbon dioxide. Another project is called the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite. It will measure carbon dioxide as well, but also other important greenhouse gases such as methane, ozone and water vapour.
Many other projects are also planned or are underway that will measure variables such as ice cover, soil moisture, urban growth and desertification, wind speeds, ocean temperatures, phytoplankton growth and many more. Yet for every planned project, there are budget shortfalls, delays, political interference, international overlaps and duplications that can result in critical gaps in data. This can be a serious problem.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other human impacts on the planet is of course a vital task. But measuring and accounting for these changes is just as important. It's the only way we'll ever know if what we're doing is having an effect. Accumulating basic data sets about the planet over long periods of time may be the scientific equivalent of watching paint dry, but it is absolutely essential work for us to understand and protect our complicated little world.
Take David Suzuki's Nature Challenge and learn more at www.davidsuzuki.org.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
EU threatens to boycott US climate talks
Just a bit I found from AP.
By CHRIS BRUMMITT, Associated Press Writer
Thu Dec 13, 6:43 AM ET
European nations on Thursday threatened to boycott U.S.-led climate talks next month unless Washington accepts a range of numbers for negotiating deep reductions of global-warming emissions at a U.N. conference here.
The move raised the stakes as delegates from nearly 190 nations entered final-hour talks on Bali aimed at launching negotiations for a successor to the Kyoto Protocol.
The United States, Japan and several other governments refuse to accept language in a draft document suggesting that industrialized nations consider cutting emissions by 25 percent to 40 percent by 2020, saying specific targets would limit the scope of future talks.
The European Union and others say the figures reflect the measures scientists say are needed to rein in global warming and head off predictions of rising sea levels, worsening floods and droughts, and the extinction of plant and animal species.
"No result in Bali means no Major Economies Meeting," said Sigmar Gabriel, top EU environment official from Germany, referring to a series of separate climate talks initiated by President Bush in September. "This is the clear position of the EU. I do not know what we should talk about if there is no target."
The U.S. invited 16 other major economies, including European countries, Japan, China and India, to discuss a program of what are expected to be nationally determined, voluntary cutbacks in greenhouse gas emissions.
The Bush administration views the major economies process as the main vehicle for determining future steps by the U.S. — and it hopes by others — to slow emissions. But environmentalists accuse the U.S. of trying to undermine the U.N. process.
The talks in Bali are scheduled to wrap up Friday.
U.N. climate chief Yvo de Boer said he was worried the U.S.-EU deadlock could derail the process and that a final "Bali roadmap" would contain an agreement to negotiate a new climate deal by 2009, but may not include specific targets for emission reductions.
"I'm very concerned about the pace of things," he said. "If we don't get wording on the future, then the whole house of cards falls to pieces."
The United States delegation said while it continues to reject inclusion of specific emission cut targets, it hopes eventually to reach an agreement that is "environmentally effective" and "economically sustainable."
But haggling over numbers now was counterproductive, said Jim Connaughton, the chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
The United States is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases and the only major industrial country to have rejected Kyoto, which expires in 2012. It has been on the defensive since the conference kicked off on Dec. 3.
Pressure has come even from a one-time ally on climate, Australia, whose new prime minister urged Washington to "embrace" binding targets, and from former Vice President Al Gore, who won this year's Nobel Peace Prize for helping alert the world to the danger of climate change.
But U.S. Under Secretary of State Paula Dobriansky, the head of the American delegation, told reporters that the conference was simply the start of negotiations, not the end.
"We don't have to resolve all these issues ... here in Bali," she said.
That did not satisfy environmentalists, who accused Washington of standing in the way of a meaningful deal — and not just on the inclusion of emissions targets.
In the end, however, all parties agree it is vital that the U.S. is on board.
"Everyone wants the United States in so badly that they will be willing to accept some level of ambiguity in the negotiations," said Greenpeace energy expert John Coequyt. "Our worry is that we will end up with a deal that is unacceptable from an environmental perspective."
The Kyoto Protocol requires 37 industrial nations to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by a relatively modest average 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2012.
Bush has argued that the pact would harm the U.S. economy and cutbacks should have been imposed on poorer but fast-developing nations such as China and India.
By CHRIS BRUMMITT, Associated Press Writer
Thu Dec 13, 6:43 AM ET
European nations on Thursday threatened to boycott U.S.-led climate talks next month unless Washington accepts a range of numbers for negotiating deep reductions of global-warming emissions at a U.N. conference here.
The move raised the stakes as delegates from nearly 190 nations entered final-hour talks on Bali aimed at launching negotiations for a successor to the Kyoto Protocol.
The United States, Japan and several other governments refuse to accept language in a draft document suggesting that industrialized nations consider cutting emissions by 25 percent to 40 percent by 2020, saying specific targets would limit the scope of future talks.
The European Union and others say the figures reflect the measures scientists say are needed to rein in global warming and head off predictions of rising sea levels, worsening floods and droughts, and the extinction of plant and animal species.
"No result in Bali means no Major Economies Meeting," said Sigmar Gabriel, top EU environment official from Germany, referring to a series of separate climate talks initiated by President Bush in September. "This is the clear position of the EU. I do not know what we should talk about if there is no target."
The U.S. invited 16 other major economies, including European countries, Japan, China and India, to discuss a program of what are expected to be nationally determined, voluntary cutbacks in greenhouse gas emissions.
The Bush administration views the major economies process as the main vehicle for determining future steps by the U.S. — and it hopes by others — to slow emissions. But environmentalists accuse the U.S. of trying to undermine the U.N. process.
The talks in Bali are scheduled to wrap up Friday.
U.N. climate chief Yvo de Boer said he was worried the U.S.-EU deadlock could derail the process and that a final "Bali roadmap" would contain an agreement to negotiate a new climate deal by 2009, but may not include specific targets for emission reductions.
"I'm very concerned about the pace of things," he said. "If we don't get wording on the future, then the whole house of cards falls to pieces."
The United States delegation said while it continues to reject inclusion of specific emission cut targets, it hopes eventually to reach an agreement that is "environmentally effective" and "economically sustainable."
But haggling over numbers now was counterproductive, said Jim Connaughton, the chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
The United States is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases and the only major industrial country to have rejected Kyoto, which expires in 2012. It has been on the defensive since the conference kicked off on Dec. 3.
Pressure has come even from a one-time ally on climate, Australia, whose new prime minister urged Washington to "embrace" binding targets, and from former Vice President Al Gore, who won this year's Nobel Peace Prize for helping alert the world to the danger of climate change.
But U.S. Under Secretary of State Paula Dobriansky, the head of the American delegation, told reporters that the conference was simply the start of negotiations, not the end.
"We don't have to resolve all these issues ... here in Bali," she said.
That did not satisfy environmentalists, who accused Washington of standing in the way of a meaningful deal — and not just on the inclusion of emissions targets.
In the end, however, all parties agree it is vital that the U.S. is on board.
"Everyone wants the United States in so badly that they will be willing to accept some level of ambiguity in the negotiations," said Greenpeace energy expert John Coequyt. "Our worry is that we will end up with a deal that is unacceptable from an environmental perspective."
The Kyoto Protocol requires 37 industrial nations to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by a relatively modest average 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2012.
Bush has argued that the pact would harm the U.S. economy and cutbacks should have been imposed on poorer but fast-developing nations such as China and India.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Bamboo Clothing
In short, bamboo fiber is a naturally functional textile that is environmentally friendly, ultra soft, breathable, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-static.
Bamboo thrives naturally without the use of pesticides & is a renewable resource. It regenerates naturally and the bamboo plant is 100% biodegradable.
Bamboo fiber has tiny micro-gaps and micro-holes that make it excellent at moisture absorption and ventilation. This unparalleled microstructure means that bamboo fiber has superior natural wicking capabilities.
"Bamboo kun" is a natural agent found in bamboo fiber that has anti-bacterial properties. Bamboo fiber products repel unwanted smells and stay free from bad odors longer.
Bamboo thrives naturally without the use of pesticides & is a renewable resource. It regenerates naturally and the bamboo plant is 100% biodegradable.
Bamboo fiber has tiny micro-gaps and micro-holes that make it excellent at moisture absorption and ventilation. This unparalleled microstructure means that bamboo fiber has superior natural wicking capabilities.
"Bamboo kun" is a natural agent found in bamboo fiber that has anti-bacterial properties. Bamboo fiber products repel unwanted smells and stay free from bad odors longer.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Better Options to De-ice Your Driveway
After reading this, I'm not sure now. http://www.motherearthliving.com/issues/motherearthliving/nature/Better-Options-to-De-ice-Your-Driveway_797-1.html
Monday, December 10, 2007
US, Japan, Canada accused of obstruction at climate conference
The United States, Japan and Canada are putting the brakes on progress in the fight against global warming, observers at a UN climate change conference charged Wednesday. They have tried to curtail ambitious goals and concrete promises in all rounds of negotiations, said Meena Raman, chairwoman of the Friends of the Earth, a coalition of environmental groups.
Read the rest from ECOEGG, http://www.ecoegg.org/shell/2007/12/05/us-japan-canada-accused-of-obstruction-at-climateconference/
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Hockey players put global warming on ice
The David Suzuki Foundation is thrilled to announce our partnership with the NHL Players Association. The NHLPA and NHL players are working with us to find out how to reduce the impact of their sport by going carbon neutral. Here's the story, http://www.davidsuzuki.org/NatureChallenge/newsletters/Dec2007_winter/default.asp
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sustainable Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley is at a crossroads. Sprawl, housing prices, traffic and commutes, climate change and floods, loss of farmland... all are signs of development patterns that cannot be sustained.
Read here, http://www.sustainhv.org/shv/
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Coffee Tips
Friday, November 23, 2007
Have a Green Christmas
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
100 Mile Diet - Local Flour
Anyone on the 100-Mile Diet? Looking for local flour?
If you live in South or Western Ontario, check this out.
We custom mill products for very specific needs...from breads, pizza and pies, to cakes and cookies.
If you live in South or Western Ontario, check this out.
We custom mill products for very specific needs...from breads, pizza and pies, to cakes and cookies.
Arva Flour Mills provides flour products in sizes to fit all different sizes of baking operations from small bags to large bulk systems.
http://www.arvaflourmills.com/index.htm
Monday, November 19, 2007
Garbage!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
BC Environment News
B.C. set to introduce first laws to ensure emissions will be cut as promised.Read the story here,
http://www.topix.net/content/cp/2007/11/b-c-set-to-introduce-first-laws-to-ensure-emissions-will-be-cut-as-promised
http://www.topix.net/content/cp/2007/11/b-c-set-to-introduce-first-laws-to-ensure-emissions-will-be-cut-as-promised
Friday, November 16, 2007
Space
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Precycle
This is a great idea. Precycling is when you think about the packaging before you buy, then buy the item with the least package material to dispose of or recycle.
Read more here, http://www.greendaily.com/2007/11/12/precycle-before-you-recycle/
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Cork Floors
I like cork floors. This is a sustainable product. Check out the pros and cons, http://reclaimedhome.com/?p=600
Monday, November 12, 2007
Scientists strive for pinpoint warming forecasts
Nov 12, 2007 07:04 EST
OSLO, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Moving on from the risk of global warming, scientists are now looking for ways to pinpoint the areas set to be affected by climate change, to help countries plan everything from new crops to hydropower dams.
Read the rest here, http://www.ecoegg.org/shell/2007/11/12/scientists-strive-for-pinpoint-warming-forecasts/
OSLO, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Moving on from the risk of global warming, scientists are now looking for ways to pinpoint the areas set to be affected by climate change, to help countries plan everything from new crops to hydropower dams.
Read the rest here, http://www.ecoegg.org/shell/2007/11/12/scientists-strive-for-pinpoint-warming-forecasts/
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Make Your Own Play Dough
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Bad PR Week in Fort McMoney
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Preparing for Life After Oil
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Paradise Threatened by Global Warming
Maldives (TGW) – The President of the islands nation Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, called for urgent action against climate change.
Read more here, http://thoughtsonglobalwarming.blogspot.com/2007/11/paradise-threatened-by-global-warming.html
Read more here, http://thoughtsonglobalwarming.blogspot.com/2007/11/paradise-threatened-by-global-warming.html
Sunday, November 4, 2007
From the "Thoughts on Global Warming" Blog
New York (TGW) – New York may soon begin cracking down on plastic bags in large retailers. A proposed law introduced Monday requires stores larger than 5,000 square feet to set up an in-store recycling program and sell reusable bags. Stores would be required to use bags printed with a reminder to consumers: "Please return this bag to a participating store for recycling." Approximately 700 food stores plus large retailers would have to comply with this law. "We think this strikes the right balance between conscience and convenience," said Councilman Peter Vallone, a co-sponsor of the bill, which needs approval from the city council and environmentally minded Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Going on Vacation
The major travel Web sites — Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz — allow you to purchase offsets for the amount of CO2 that will be created by the travel you book through them. They contract with The Conservation Fund, TerraPass and Carbon Fund, respectively.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Step It Up
Step It Up is asking people across America to organize rallies in their communities this Saturday, November 3 (one year from Election Day, 2008) to demand leadership on global warming. It's our best shot at getting past campaign trail and Capitol Hill sound bites and getting down to a strategy for solving global warming. This is your chance to help us take this call for a clean energy future to the next level.
...more here, http://events.stepitup2007.org/
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Step It Up Cincinnati
How does a day full of straight from the farmer organic food, solar oven cooking, and a band playing with solar-powered equipment held at a local outdoor market sound? See the story here, http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/10/step_it_up_cinc.php
Sunday, October 28, 2007
South Africa to Get First Green Development
Say what you will about the posh name -- Upper East Side-- but kudos to South African developer Swish Property Group for spearheading what will be South Africa’s first green mixed-use development. Read the rest here, http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/10/south_african_d.php
Monday, October 22, 2007
Climate Labels?
Carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers and potatoes are likely to be the first foods to get a special climate-friendly label in Sweden, according to Swedish organic certifier KRAV and the quality control organization Svenskt Sigill. Read the rest here, http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/10/climate_carrots.php#ch02
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Better trick or treating
Halloween in coming!
Here's a link for better trick or treating. Organic, fair trade, GMO free, are just a few of the treats. Trying to find them will probably be the trick.I haven't seen any retail yet. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/10/green_halloween_candy.php
Here's a link for better trick or treating. Organic, fair trade, GMO free, are just a few of the treats. Trying to find them will probably be the trick.I haven't seen any retail yet. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/10/green_halloween_candy.php
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
September 2007 was 5th Warmest on Record Globally
Temperatures in September 2007 were the eighth warmest on record, hot enough to break 1,000 daily high records across the United States...
Read the rest here, http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2007/20071016_ncdcseptwrapup.html
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
Blog Action Day - Solar Backpack
Solar Backpack
Hey all, I mentioned a solar backpack a while ago, http://www.backup-power.ca/
Well, I have a birthday coming up and I needed a new backpack so Joyce picked one up a bit early for me. This thing is great. It can charge a cell phone, Ipod, camera or even a battery charger, while your on the go. I haven't had to plug my cell into the wall for a week now.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
100 Mile Thanksgiving
Well, here in Canada, Thanksgiving is just a memory but it's over a month away for our American neighbours.I hope you can add a few local items to your celebrations. Transporting food is the single most contributing factor to global warming.Please visit http://www.100milediet.org/ for more info.
I did the 100-mile Thanksgiving. Everything I served was grown or raised locally. 11 items in my salad, all local. Green and yellow beans, carrots, orange cauliflower, potatoes and stuffing with sweet potato, onion and turkey sausage along with a local, organic turkey. Found out my bread is made with local grain, and milk and butter from a local, organic dairy. Exceptions are black pepper and coffee.
I did the 100-mile Thanksgiving. Everything I served was grown or raised locally. 11 items in my salad, all local. Green and yellow beans, carrots, orange cauliflower, potatoes and stuffing with sweet potato, onion and turkey sausage along with a local, organic turkey. Found out my bread is made with local grain, and milk and butter from a local, organic dairy. Exceptions are black pepper and coffee.
Bart Simpson Drives A Prius!
Read the story about Matt Groening here, http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/features/article2108671.ece
Nobel Peace Prize
Al Gore, along with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, wins the Nobel Peace Prize for their warnings about global warming.
Al Gore was my inspiration for starting this blog as well as my Facebook group.
Congrats Al!
Al Gore was my inspiration for starting this blog as well as my Facebook group.
Congrats Al!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Clean Air Pass
You can offset your vehicle's emissions by buying a Clean Air Pass.
The credit you buy will ensure the emission from your vehicle has been offset in some way such as tree planting.
You don't have to buy an expensive hybrid. For my older '93 van it's $85.
Now, everyone that owns a vehicle can buy a Clean Air Pass.
Check it out at www.cleanairpass.com/cap/home.jsf
The credit you buy will ensure the emission from your vehicle has been offset in some way such as tree planting.
You don't have to buy an expensive hybrid. For my older '93 van it's $85.
Now, everyone that owns a vehicle can buy a Clean Air Pass.
Check it out at www.cleanairpass.com/cap/home.jsf
Monday, September 17, 2007
The Toronto Smog Hike!
Hey all,
The Toronto Environmental Alliance along with the David Suzuki Foundation are presenting
It starts on Yonge street and ends up at Finch.
Meeting at Harbour Square on Sunday September 23rd 2007 at 10:00am.
They'll be leaving from there at noon to walk up Yonge Street.
Check it out at http://www.torontoenvironment.org/smog_hike
Labels:
carbon,
Environment,
global warming,
green,
Local,
smog
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
I've Started The 100 Mile Diet
Well, I started the 100 Mile Diet this week, a few days ahead of schedule.
I was able to buy local and organic produce, dairy and meat.It was actually a lot of fun to talk to the farmers. They were interested in talking about their products and methods.
I do have a problem with a couple of products though.There is no way I can buy locally produced coffee or orange juice.These will be my exceptions but I will buy Fair Trade, Organic products.90 percent is better than nothing.
Please feel free to discuss your local issues by using the comment link.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Which causes more greenhouse gas emissions, rearing cattle or driving cars?
There's a new report published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in reference to raising livestock. Check out the article at http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2006/1000448/index.html
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Local Harvest
There is a site to find local grown in your area.
This is US only but there are plans to get a Canadian version running.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
100 Mile Diet
The 100 mile diet or organic?
There is a growing number of people who advocate local as opposed to organic.Since the average food product travels 1,500 miles, the organic factor would be nullified.The 100 mile diet is said to have begun in British Columbia by Alisa Smith and James MacKinnon.You can see their blog at http://thetyee.ca/Life/2005/06/28/HundredMileDiet/Get involved with the 100 mile diet at http://100milediet.org/Shop at your local farmers market. Support the local economy.
There is a growing number of people who advocate local as opposed to organic.Since the average food product travels 1,500 miles, the organic factor would be nullified.The 100 mile diet is said to have begun in British Columbia by Alisa Smith and James MacKinnon.You can see their blog at http://thetyee.ca/Life/2005/06/28/HundredMileDiet/Get involved with the 100 mile diet at http://100milediet.org/Shop at your local farmers market. Support the local economy.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Portable Solar Power.
Hey all, a friend of mine was asking about portable solar power. check out these portable packs including a backpack.
Solar power pack,
http://www.preparedwithpower.com/personal-renewable-energy/powerpacks/powerpack-solar.html#product-menuenergy/powerpacks/powerpack-solar.html#product-menu
Or how about these Backpacks,
http://www.backup-power.ca/backpacks.html
Solar power pack,
http://www.preparedwithpower.com/personal-renewable-energy/powerpacks/powerpack-solar.html#product-menuenergy/powerpacks/powerpack-solar.html#product-menu
Or how about these Backpacks,
http://www.backup-power.ca/backpacks.html
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Good Reading, check these out.
I challange everyone to go to Earthlab at http://www.earthlab.com/ Take the carbon calculator and make your pledge. Post your results here in the comment section.
There is another good site to visit to calculate your carbon footprint. Visit http://www.zerofootprint.net/ for more info. Visit the group zerofootprint and join up.
New Study Shows Organic Farming Can Feed the World http://www.celsias.com/blog/2007/07/13/new-study-shows-organic-farming-can-feed-the-world/
Five Things that Are Worse than Global Warming http://lighterfootstep.com/five-things-that-are-worse-than-global-warming.html
Organic fruit and vegetables really are better for your hearthttp://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/healthy_eating/article2028701.ece
New Study Shows Organic Farming Can Feed the World http://www.celsias.com/blog/2007/07/13/new-study-shows-organic-farming-can-feed-the-world/
Five Things that Are Worse than Global Warming http://lighterfootstep.com/five-things-that-are-worse-than-global-warming.html
Organic fruit and vegetables really are better for your hearthttp://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/healthy_eating/article2028701.ece
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Any Ideas?
Hey Earth Residents, I'm looking for ideas to reduce my environmental impact.
Please put your comments here.
Please put your comments here.
Monday, July 30, 2007
The Beginning
Some of you already know this but I thought I'd share this all of you.
I was watching the Live Earth show the other week and I was evaluating my own environmental impact.I already compost and recycle. I've replaced most of my lights with CFL's and try to buy products with less packaging, etc, etc.I really didn't know what else I could do so I decided to start a blog and Facebook group.
I was watching the Live Earth show the other week and I was evaluating my own environmental impact.I already compost and recycle. I've replaced most of my lights with CFL's and try to buy products with less packaging, etc, etc.I really didn't know what else I could do so I decided to start a blog and Facebook group.
I Can Do Better
Greetings Earth Residents.
My carbon output score was higher than I expected so I decided I have to make a few more changes. I think a big part of my score, besides my vehicle, are my consumables. Everything we buy has some effect on the environment. The process and packaging as well as the item itself, all require resources.
I pledge to buy less and when I do buy, choose items with less packaging.I've also shut down a few phantoms and put in a few more CFL's.I hope everyone takes the carbon test.
I have a couple of links on the group page to check out.Take the test. Post your results.
Make your pledge to do better.
That's it for now and don't forget to flick off.
Barry.
My carbon output score was higher than I expected so I decided I have to make a few more changes. I think a big part of my score, besides my vehicle, are my consumables. Everything we buy has some effect on the environment. The process and packaging as well as the item itself, all require resources.
I pledge to buy less and when I do buy, choose items with less packaging.I've also shut down a few phantoms and put in a few more CFL's.I hope everyone takes the carbon test.
I have a couple of links on the group page to check out.Take the test. Post your results.
Make your pledge to do better.
That's it for now and don't forget to flick off.
Barry.
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I've Started The 100 Mile Diet
Here is a sample market run. Not all of this is available during the winter
All Produce was Local & Organic, Lettuce - Romaine, Red Leaf & Green Leaf
Celery, Peppers - Green, Orange, Red & PURPLE, Radish, Green Onion, Cucumber
(That's my weekly salad stuff)
Spinach, Swiss Chard, Peas, Corn, White and Sweet Potatoes
Onions, Apples, Pears
Lots more available but I didn't buy.
Dairy, All Local & Organic (Naturally Raised or Free Range)Milk (In Glass Bottles), Cheese, Butter, Eggs, Yogurt, Cottage Cheese,
Sour Cream & others available but I didn't buy.
Bread and Rolls, Organic but not all grains local. I've been baking my own too, using local if possible.
And for the Meat Eaters, All Local & Naturally Raised
Chicken - Whole, Boneless & Skinless Cuts (Other Cuts Available)
Lamb Chops (Other Cuts Available)Pork Chops (Other Cuts Available)
Beef - Steak, Ground (Other Cuts Available)
There were other products such as Goat, Emu and others that I didn't buy.
Now, I know not everything is available to all but if you can replace half of your grocery list with local products you would be doing what you can as well as telling retailers you want local products.
I know I'll have a challenge in February. There won't be as much local produce available.
I've committed to starting a greenhouse garden in my basement and growing my salad.I'll let you know how that works out.
Barry
Update: June 2,2008
February produce was a challenge but I found lettuce, bell peppers, cucumber and tomatoes, all grown locally the hydroponic way. At least I had a small salad every day.
I don't have a basement greenhouse yet but I do have a backyard garden.
More later.
Update, August 18th 2008
Well the vegetable garden was a bust. I put in a 10' X 12' garden but I don't get enough sun in my yard. We have tomatoes and peppers in containers and they are doing much better. Looks like I need a new plan.
Update, September 12,2009
So gardening at my house is out. Too shady.
I switched to Bullfrog Power a year ago. My hydro comes from wind and non destructive hydro-electric.
I gave up driving to work a year ago as well.
With a friend of mine, we started Earth Hour By The Dozen.
It's Earth Hour but we have it on the 4th Saturday of every month.
All Produce was Local & Organic, Lettuce - Romaine, Red Leaf & Green Leaf
Celery, Peppers - Green, Orange, Red & PURPLE, Radish, Green Onion, Cucumber
(That's my weekly salad stuff)
Spinach, Swiss Chard, Peas, Corn, White and Sweet Potatoes
Onions, Apples, Pears
Lots more available but I didn't buy.
Dairy, All Local & Organic (Naturally Raised or Free Range)Milk (In Glass Bottles), Cheese, Butter, Eggs, Yogurt, Cottage Cheese,
Sour Cream & others available but I didn't buy.
Bread and Rolls, Organic but not all grains local. I've been baking my own too, using local if possible.
And for the Meat Eaters, All Local & Naturally Raised
Chicken - Whole, Boneless & Skinless Cuts (Other Cuts Available)
Lamb Chops (Other Cuts Available)Pork Chops (Other Cuts Available)
Beef - Steak, Ground (Other Cuts Available)
There were other products such as Goat, Emu and others that I didn't buy.
Now, I know not everything is available to all but if you can replace half of your grocery list with local products you would be doing what you can as well as telling retailers you want local products.
I know I'll have a challenge in February. There won't be as much local produce available.
I've committed to starting a greenhouse garden in my basement and growing my salad.I'll let you know how that works out.
Barry
Update: June 2,2008
February produce was a challenge but I found lettuce, bell peppers, cucumber and tomatoes, all grown locally the hydroponic way. At least I had a small salad every day.
I don't have a basement greenhouse yet but I do have a backyard garden.
More later.
Update, August 18th 2008
Well the vegetable garden was a bust. I put in a 10' X 12' garden but I don't get enough sun in my yard. We have tomatoes and peppers in containers and they are doing much better. Looks like I need a new plan.
Update, September 12,2009
So gardening at my house is out. Too shady.
I switched to Bullfrog Power a year ago. My hydro comes from wind and non destructive hydro-electric.
I gave up driving to work a year ago as well.
With a friend of mine, we started Earth Hour By The Dozen.
It's Earth Hour but we have it on the 4th Saturday of every month.
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