Refreshing to see

A friend of mine was out the other night and this was on his table. I'm not endorsing any place but only pointing out that education does work.

I really don't beleive they were not aware of the endangered list though. It would kind of be like GM mechanics not being aware of the latest recall.

If you want to see more on the endangered fish speicies, check out this little guide, http://www.edf.org/documents/1980_pocket_seafood_selector.pdf

Mexico's Green Stadium

The city of Guadalajara has unveiled a volcano-like soccer stadium that is veritably exploding with green features. Created for the popular Chivas team by French architects Jean-Marie Massaud and Daniel Pouzet, the stadium features a volcano-evoking exterior that captures rainwater and processes it through wetlands for use in watering the pitch. See the article here, http://inhabitat.com/mexico-unveils-gigantic-green-roofed-volcano-soccer-stadium/

Earth Hour

Well, it's that time of year again, Earth Hour. This year's Earth Hour is this Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 8:30 PM to 9:30PM.

Here in Toronto, the WWF-Canada is taking a "Grassroots" approach and the events are all comminity based.

Hope you can find an event near you or create one for yourself.
There's a million things to do in the dark.

http://earthhour.org/

The Air We Breath

Today's, I Am Earth, post is by a guest blogger, Krista Peterson.
Krista is an Environmental Health and Safety Advocate and aspiring writer.
You can reach Krista by email, krista.peterson925@gmail.com

Thanks Krista!!

Perhaps due to the technological age we live in, or perhaps because of the nature of today’s indoor workforce, we as human beings are forgetting about our environment. Many spend little to no time reaping the health benefits that the outdoors has to offer. Unfortunately, not only are we losing touch with nature, we are manipulating it and polluting it. Through our own doing, the environment that was meant to provide stability and health is used for our selfish purposes, resulting in toxins that negatively affect our health.

Asbestos



Asbestos mine in Vermont



Mined and used in manufacturing for its fire-resistant qualities, asbestos is a natural mineral that’s perfectly harmless if left undisturbed. As early as the 1920’s, asbestos was used in drywall, insulation, tile adhesive, car parts, and Navy ships. Unfortunately, many manufacturers knew of the negative effects that asbestos can have on the health of those working with and living near it. When it’s disturbed, asbestos fibers are spread through the air and are inhaled or ingested. Theses invisible fibers collect in the lungs and the stomach, causing a rare but deadly cancer called mesothelioma. Though many cancers are easily diagnosed, mesothelioma symptoms are latent for 20-50 years, making diagnosis difficult. Decades after exposure, when symptoms manifest, the cancer has often already metastasized and mesothelioma life expectancy is thus incredibly low.

Particulate Matter

Smog caused by particulate matter

Compiled from nitrates, sulfates, and other complex and organic molecules, particulate matter is a form of pollution that spreads through the air we breathe as a result of waste from power plants and gas powered vehicles. The solid and liquid bits of particulate matter travel through the air and affect water and soil in nearby areas. Inhaling or consuming particulate matter results in heart disease, difficulty breathing, cancer, and bronchitis. Through the EPA and the efforts of the green movement, alternative sources of energy and fuel may lessen the expulsion of pollution like particulate matter into our environment and into our bodies.

Instead of using the knowledge of the environment and its capabilities to manufacture products that decrease our quality of life and that diminish the value and beauty of our planet, we should use what we know to make progress towards healthy lives and a healthier world. Instead of having to watch for symptoms of mesothelioma and negative effects of particulate matter and other pollutants and carcinogens, let’s put our efforts toward eliminating waste and toxins altogether. By working, living, and thinking green, we can regain a clean, healthy, beautiful Earth.

FARM:shop Interesting city farm

You could call FARM:shop a legal grow-op: they are growing vegetables inside an abandoned house instead of dope. And some tilapia fish, not to mention basil and chickens on the roof.
FARM:shop is, literally, a farm growing in a shop in London. A small eco-design group, Something & Son, rented the empty house from the local authority and they are trying to show how sustainable farming can be carried on in the city.  Check it out, http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/02/farmshop-farm-building.php#ch02

Ziploc announces new recycling initiative

Ziploc is one of the world’s most popular brands of plastic bags and other food storage supplies on the market. Even though reusable bags and containers are the best way to keep your lunch from generating excessive waste, millions of people still opt for the disposable versions instead. More here, http://www.getwithgreen.com/2011/02/10/ziploc-announces-new-recycling-initiative/

100 percent renewable energy possible by 2030

A new study published in the journal Energy Policy says that we could achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2030, and not just U.S., but the world. The study says that we have access to all the necessary technology, but strong political would have to exist for it to happen.


So, how can we get to 100 percent renewables by 2030? Read here, http://www.getwithgreen.com/2011/01/31/100-percent-renewable-energy-possible-by-2030/

Stop wasting energy: Tips for your TV

When you yourself are running low on energy, you probably turn to your most interesting household friend for a little low-key entertainment. That’s right, I’m talking about your television. With no more effort than a flick of your clicker finger, you can easily sink into a Jersey Shore marathon-induced stupor for most of a Sunday. Not that I’d know anything about that. Read here, http://www.getwithgreen.com/2011/02/01/stop-wasting-energy-tips-for-your-tv/

How Big Is Your Clothing Footprint?

Do you know what sort of "clothing footprint" you are leaving? Perhaps not. A clothing footprint is actually the effect of cloths we wear on our environment. The way we grow crops to make cloth, the process of manufacturing it, how it reaches us, how we clean our clothes in our daily life and finally, how they are disposed of all are taken into account. Each of these steps in a cloth’s life has a great impact on our environment. The bigger the effect, the bigger would be the clothing footprint left behind.

More here, http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/news-how-big-your-clothing-footprint

Is the world facing a chocolate ‘drought’ ?

The world faces a chocolate ‘drought’ over the next few years, an expert warned yesterday. 

Political unrest in the Ivory Coast, where 40 per cent of the world’s cocoa beans are grown, has ‘significantly’ depleted the number of certified fair trade cocoa farmers.

Many have fled the West ­African country, while fair trade training programmes have also come to a halt. Read more here, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1351066/Will-chocolate-drought-World-s-supply-sustainable-cocoa-run-2014.html

Green Cookies?

Bullfrog Power, Canada’s 100 per cent green electricity provider, today announced its agreement with Kraft Canada to pilot a new green natural gas solution. Through the agreement, Kraft Canada will bullfrogpower^® the energy required for Dad’s Cookies’ baking and packaging processes at its manufacturing facilities with 100 per cent green natural gas and 100 per cent green electricity.  Read here, http://www.bullfrogpower.com/11releases/pilot.cfm

Guide to Green Mortgages

I've added a new link for Green or Energy Efficient Mortgages. This is in the US only.
Please check out the link on the right side. Thanks,

Suzuki's Top 10 Sustainable Seafood Picks

It's not uncommon to hear David Suzuki say, I am fish. What he means is that humans aren't much different from the living, breathing species that come from the sea. This is a good thing to remember when choosing your food. Enjoying seafood sustainably means acknowledging the animal's unique role in nature, understanding how it got from the water to your plate, and managing how much of it we consume.
Get the list here, http://www.davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/eat-for-a-healthy-planet/suzukis-top-10-sustainable-seafood-picks/

Fat's Chance as a Renewable Diesel Fuel

From algae and wood chips to grasses and solid waste, scientists are looking far and wide for the raw material that will yield a new generation of renewable fuel—a source that doesn't divert food into energy, and is abundant enough to make a significant dent in the oil market.
The world's largest meat company thinks the answer may have been congealing in its facilities all along: Animal fat. Read here, http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/news/energy/2010/12/101222/animal-fat-tyson-renewable-fuel/?source=link_tw20101230news-fat

10 ways to save energy this year

January represents a fresh start, a new beginning, a whole new year ahead. It's a time when lots of people think about personal growth (education, adventure, creativity) or reduction (exercise and diet).

This year, try some impersonal reduction and create better energy habits. Saving energy may not build your character or change your clothing size, but it will save you some money and make a big difference for the environment.

Which video game console is most energy efficient?

During the holidays, one of the most popular purchases is a video gaming console. Long gone are the days when simple systems allowed you to chase a dot around the screen. Today's video games are sophisticated, lifelike, and even good for your health.

Although the pricetag is a big issue when people try to decide between the most popular video game systems, it's important to remember that the cost of the system doesn't end at the cash register. These consoles demand a considerable amount of power to deliver top performance, and if you're not paying attention, they could end up costing you hundreds in excess energy usage.

http://www.getwithgreen.com/2010/12/21/which-video-game-console-is-most-energy-efficient/