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Going Green with Home Improvement

By Brett Kihlmire

 Some rights reserved by Jim Larrison

For many people, one of life’s biggest achievements is owning your own home. Whether you bought an existing home or built one from the ground up, eventually your interior design will become a little dull. While some may opt for a fresh coat of paint and a new dining room set, others completely renovate their homes. For those opting for the complete renovation, there are many options at your disposal that will not only improve your home, but show some mercy to the environment.

Building a Deck or Fence

One great way to improve the exterior of your home is building a deck. While the traditional deck is made of pure wood, modern science has given us an eco-friendly alternative made from recycled plastic and wood waste: composite wood.

While noticeably more expensive at the time of construction, features such as composite fence or deck will actually cost less in the long run due to minimal maintenance of features such as scratch-resistance and UV-resistant coating.

Renovating Your Countertops  

Although granite countertops are beautiful, they’re expensive and made from non-renewable resources. For those of us who are eco-conscious, composite countertops are a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative.

Made from recycled paper and a plastic based resin, composite countertops are scratch and stain resistant, non-porous and able to handle temperatures up to 350 degrees. Because these countertops are made from recycled material, they are an affordable alternative to stone or wood countertops.

Bathroom Renovation

When renovating your bathroom, consider an alternative source of wood for your cabinets such as bamboo. A fast growing, wood-like grass, bamboo is exploding in popularity, growing in Western nations for its strength and availability. Because it stands well in moist air, bamboo works particularly well as a base for cabinets in a bathroom fitted with a shower or bath.

A Weed and Bug Free Flowerbed

For those who tend a garden or plant flowers, some of the biggest frustrations are to find your plants being munched on by pests or your soil being invaded by weeds. Made from 100% recycled tires, rubber mulch is a cheap, non-toxic and eco-friendly means of keeping weeds and insects at bay while allowing your flowers and plants to grow.

No More Lawn Mower

 For many homeowners or their children, cutting the grass is one of the most dreaded tasks of the summer months. With synthetic grass there is no need to cut or water the lawn, saving precious time and water, as well as sparing the extra emissions of your gas mower.

In conclusion, a variety of eco-friendly options are available to those in the market for home improvement. Many alternative products are made from recycled products such as wood and plastic or renewable resources such as bamboo. By choosing an alternative product for your home improvement, you’re not only saving yourself money, you’re saving the planet.

References:

http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/going-green-eco-friendly-home-improvement-and-building-products/pictures/index.html

http://www.greatdayimprovements.com/wood-vs-composite-decks.aspx

http://www.builderonline.com/flooring/product-pros-and-cons-hardwood-flooring-vs-bamboo.aspx

http://www.lowes.com/pd_326447-25888-LRM8BN_0__?productId=3199901

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Preventing Giant Panda Extinction

By Brett Kihlmire

 Some rights reserved by gill_penney

An unofficial symbol of China and irresistibly cute, the giant panda is one of the world’s many natural wonders. A member of the bear family, the panda is a unique specimen. With a two-tone coat, a diet consisting almost exclusively of bamboo and a specially evolved wrist that acts like a thumb, the panda is an interesting creature. Unfortunately, the giant panda is critically endangered with an estimated 1600 pandas left in the wild.

Originally found across China, the panda habitat has been reduced to just the Western mountains of China by deforestation and human development. Once numbering in the tens of thousands, the species has been brought to near extinction by poaching and accidental killings by hunters seeking other big game. Unlike other endangered species, the panda has a unique threat to its recovery: slow birth rate.

Pandas generally live 20 years or more in the wild. Due to a slow birth rate and a cub’s dependence on its mother for about two years after birth, the female panda can generally give birth every two to three years, producing an average of eight to 10 cubs per lifetime. This troubling statistic is one of the major reasons the panda is failing to recover its numbers. Another reason exists as well. During mating season, a female is only able to become pregnant for one to three days. Because the male panda tends to live a solitary life, the male’s quest to find an available female in heat is something of a game of chance, especially as the natural habitat is shrinking. Fortunately, worldwide organizations and the Chinese government are taking action to prevent the natural extinction of the panda.

Recognizing a growing population as a serious threat to the panda populations in China, the Chinese government has reached out to organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund to figure out how to save the panda. The result of this international cooperation has been the passing of strict penalties for the killing and trade of pandas or panda parts, which has greatly reduced poaching, but not completely. Other initiatives have been the creation of special panda reservations where the pandas can live as they would normally, but without the threat of poaching or human encroachment. Outside of China, zoos and specialized breeding centers have been taking in pandas since the mid-20th century to help the recovery of the species. An estimated 300 pandas can be found in zoos or breeding centers around the world.

References:      

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/pandaFacts/default.cfm

http://www.defenders.org/panda/basic-facts

http://worldwildlife.org/species/giant-panda

http://www.animalfactguide.com/animal-facts/giant-panda/

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Happy 44th Earth Day

By Brett Kihlmire

 Some right reserved by EraPhernalia Vintage

Since 1970, Americans have celebrated Earth Day. Many recognize the holiday as a day to organize a cleanup or just be outside and enjoy nature, while others don’t know the importance of the day or how it has come to be.

The Start of a New Holiday

Established in the spring of 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, Earth Day was created to raise awareness of environmental issues such as air pollution, deforestation and other issues plaguing the not nearly two hundred year old republic. As a result of careful planning and advertising, 20 million Americans across the nation organized in support of the movement. As a result, April 22nd became a holiday and a new government agency was created to appease the staggering number of newly united environmentalists: the Environmental Protection Agency.

More than Just a Day

Though it is celebrated just once a year, Earth Day is more than just a day. It serves as a symbol of the environmentally conscious and the strides we as a society have made since 1970. In many ways, Earth Day sparked the environmentalist movement that continues today.

What Has Been Done since Earth Day Was Created?

A number of environment-friendly legislation has been passed on the federal level in the years since the establishment of Earth Day. For example, the Clean Air ensures that harmful pollutants are not allowed into our air without harsh penalties.  Other examples include the Endangered Species Act, which protects animals in danger of going extinct and the Clean Water Act, which ensures the water we consume is free of harmful contaminants.

Not Just for Americans

In recent years, Earth Day, known across the world as International Mother Earth Day, has become an international holiday. Over 190 countries participate in the holiday with a unified aim of making their countries a little greener by way of a variety of means such as planting trees, investing in renewable energy and cleaning up trash. This year’s campaign is entitled, Green Cities, and urges activists to take political action to make one’s home city greener and more sustainable.

How Can You Get Involved?

Getting involved on Earth Day is easy. Whether you’re looking to join an established Earth Day organization, celebrate with your friends or go it alone, there are a multitude of things you can do in the spirit of the day. For example, plant some vegetation. By planting something as small as bed of flowers or as large as a tree, you’re doing more for the earth than you think.  Other Earth Day activities include picking up trash along the highways and parkways, educating yourself on Earth Day and environmentalism or even cooking a special Earth Day meal made from locally grown and purchased natural foods.

References:

http://www.un.org/en/events/motherearthday/

http://www.epa.gov/air/caa/requirements.html

http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-history-movement

http://www.un.org/en/events/motherearthday/

http://www.earthday.org/greencities/

http://www2.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-clean-water-act

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Striking the Balance between Eating to Help the Planet and Eating to Stay Healthy

By Brett Kihlmire

 Some rights reserved by mhaller1979

Modern humans are omnivores as were our cave dwelling ancestors. A diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, grain and animal fat has been a part of species for millennia. In recent decades, however, as obsessions with the perfect body and concern for animals and the earth become more commonplace, people are adopting meat-free, vegan diets. While it is well-documented an overconsumption of animal fat can have grave implications such as increased risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease, a strict vegan diet isn’t always better.

How Could Not Eating Animal Products Be Worse?

While a carefully constructed vegan diet can provide us with all of the essential vitamins and minerals we need to function properly on a day-to-day basis, due to poor information and common laziness, many fail to do so. As a result, some who adopt a vegan diet become deficient in essential nutrients such as vitamin b12, zinc, calcium and iron, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and cholesterol.

Why Would I Want to Eat Fatty Acids and Cholesterol?

Contrary to its name, omega-3 fatty acid is part of a balanced diet that helps clear the bloodstream of the LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. Likewise HDL, or “good” cholesterol, is needed in your diet to clear the arteries of LDL cholesterol and transport it to the liver where it can be processed and removed from the body. Without HDL cholesterol or omega-3, your heart and bloodstream would be clogged with bad cholesterol causing your blood pressure to increase and your arteries to harden, which results in high blood pressure and eventually stroke or heart attack. To avoid deficiencies with a vegetarian diet, include omega-3 rich chia seed, sesame seed, brussel sprouts and cauliflower. To help your good cholesterol intake, eat olives, avocados, olive oil, corn oil, cauliflower, asparagus and arugula.

What about Those Other Vitamins and Minerals?

Iron – Essential to healthy blood flow, a deficiency in iron will have effects as low blood pressure, lack of energy and lack of appetite. Fortunately, iron is naturally readily available in a variety of vegan-friendly foods such as leafy greens, beans, nuts and potatoes.

Vitamin B12 – Important for brain function, a deficiency in this can cause memory lapse, infertility, premature aging and heart disease. Because B12 is naturally occurring in animal products, vegan options outside of eating fortified products such as soy milk and meat substitutes such as veggie burgers.

Calcium – Essential to the growth and health of our bones and teeth, a deficiency in calcium can cause brittle bones. Found most commonly in dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt, calcium is a major concern for vegans. Found naturally in a variety of leafy greens such as mustard and collard greens, as well as broccoli and navy beans, other sources of calcium include fortified soy milk and orange juice.

Zinc – Essential to our immune system, a deficiency in zinc can lead to increase incidences and duration of colds and infections. Luckily zinc is another readily available nutrient. Found in mushrooms, nuts, spinach, wheat germ, natural chocolate and seeds, zinc can easily be supplemented in the vegan diet.

Is Veganism a Healthy Alternative?

With the exception of vitamin B12, most essential nutrients that vegans are generally deficient of are easily supplemented into the diet. The problem, however, is variety. By deciding on a vegan diet, a person is severely narrowing their options for food, thus nutrients. In effect, it’s unlikely that a person is going to eat nuts and leafy greens during every meal.  Therefore, those who are environmentally conscious, seeking a new way to lose weight or refuse meat as a means of distancing oneself from the conditions of slaughter farms, the best form of action isn’t going vegan. Not all farms treat their animals with cruelty. There are many farms that pride themselves on the humane treatment of their animals. However, if your refusal of meat is based on health concerns then perhaps the best course of action is a flexitarian diet, which is a diet based mainly on non-animal products, but allows for the occasional consumption of animal products. Because products such as eggs, cheese, milk and fish contain necessary nutrients vegans and vegetarians are often deficient in, this is debatably the best course of action for those seeking to rid themselves of animal products for one reason or another.

References:      

https://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/vegetarian.htm

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/vegetarian-benefits

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/763435_2

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/26/omega-3-vegetarian-vegan_n_1299283.html

http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/calcium.php

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/side-effects-becoming-vegetarian-79628.html

http://www.medicinenet.com/vegetarian_and_vegan_diet/article.htm

http://www.vegetariantimes.com/article/the-environmental-impact-of-a-meat-based-diet/

http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/stories/side-effects-of-becoming-vegetarian

http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/zinc.php

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Malaysian Plane Search Leads to Extensive Amount of Ocean Garbage

By Brett Kihlmire

 Some rights reserved by cesarharada.com

As days turned into weeks and weeks into a month, many are wondering how Malaysia Flight 370 can’t be found with practically every industrialized nation aiding the search for the missing aircraft. Simply put, the Indian Ocean is over 24 million square miles with an average depth of 12,762 feet. That’s a lot of space to cover and although the crash is presumed to be in the southern Indian Ocean, the chances of finding the plane are still slim due to a problem none probably even knew existed; our oceans are liquid landfills.

Floating Debris Not Only Pollutes, It Distracts

While floating debris is usually a telltale sign that a plane or a ship had met its watery grave somewhere in the vicinity, mankind’s disregard for the ocean has made finding even the most obvious objects a frustrating and fruitless endeavor. Early on in the search, large metal pieces believed to belong to the plane were found. As it would turn out, these parts were the remains of one of thousands of shipping containers lost to the ocean every year.

In addition to metal debris from shipping containers and recklessly discarded fishing equipment, plastic objects are among the most commonly retrieved pieces of debris. Australian based science agency CSIRO estimates that there are between 12,500 to 17,500 pieces of plastic choking the waters around Australia. If that isn’t alarming, there are three massive garbage patches in the Pacific Ocean; one near California, another near Japan and another in the center of the Pacific.

What Effect Has This Had on the Search?

Because the plane is believed to have sunk to the depths, most vessels involved in the search are using radar in an attempt to find the wreck large blips on the device, which often turn out to be large pieces of fishing equipment. As a result, large quantities of time and resources have been wasted bringing hunks of metal and debris up to the surface just to find out it was the product of human negligence and not the wreck.

Is There Still Hope?

Fortunately there are organizations dedicated to freeing our oceans from harmful pollutants such as fishing debris and plastics. Through the use of community organizing and education, non-profit organizations such as the Plastic Pollution Coalition and the Team Ocean Foundation are taking action to help clean up our oceans and prevent further pollution.  One such aim is to convince lawmakers across the United States to raise the value of collected plastic from 0.05 cents to 0.25 cents per piece to encourage recycling, as was the original intent.  Quite possibly the greatest operation being undertaken is the deployment of sea drones. These non-fuel-reliant drones have been deployed to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch near the United States to sift and collect plastics from the ocean. Being that these plastics can be recycled, this initiative is a win-win for the earth, for not only can new plastic products can be created from the collected plastic, our oceans will be free of toxic garage. Combined with an increased value for recycled bottles and education initiatives, the drones are the tip of the spear in the war on marine pollution.

References:

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/03/31/3420870/ocean-garbage-malaysia-airplane-search/

http://plasticpollutioncoalition.org/

http://teamoceanfoundation.org/index.php/Projects/24-7-cleaners.html

http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2014/04/01/ocean-pollution-garbage

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/04/140404-garbage-patch-indian-ocean-debris-malaysian-plane/

http://planetivy.com/life-2/92281/search-missing-plane-reveals-shocking-extent-sea-pollution/

http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/21/world/missing-plane-ocean-garbage/

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/04/02/malaysia-airlines-plane-search-garbage_n_5074920.html

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Going Green with Eco Car Care

By Brett Kihlmire

 Some rights reserved by epSos.de

When one thinks of going green one of the first things to go is the automobile. While modern automobiles are far more environmentally friendly than they were during the economic boom following World War II, many are choosing cleaner transportation such as bicycles and public transportation. For those of us who cannot afford or live in an area allowing of a carless lifestyle, there are ways to go green with your automobile without buying a flex-fuel equipped vehicle or a hybrid. One such way is buying environmentally friendly car care products. Dedicated to keeping your car at showroom quality while reducing your carbon footprint, Ecocarcare.net offers a line of car cleaning products geared toward environmentally conscious car owners.

No Rinse™ Wash & Shine

Specially formulated to give your vehicle a sleek shine while protecting the clear coat, this polymer-based shampoo is surprisingly environmentally friendly. Requiring just two ounces of formula per gallon and one to two gallons of water to wash your entire truck or car, this product not only saves your time and money, it helps conserve water. Best of all, No Rinse Wash & Shine does not produce a soapy residue like most car shampoos, meaning this product is safe to pour down the drain ensuring the waste water is properly treated.

Optimum Car Wax

While most commercial car waxes contain a variety of volatile organic compounds and harmful chemicals, Optimum Car Wax is made from high grade natural Carnauba wax enhanced withdimethicone based polymers; key ingredients in hand and suntan lotions. Unlike traditional waxes, Optimum is easy to apply, doesn’t damage the clear coat and doesn’t leave a messy residue that can contaminate the ground and water and poison animals.

Optimum Tire Shine

Water-based and VOC and solvent free, Optimum Tire Shine is an environmentally sound way to liven up your vehicles tires. Because this product is water-based, Optimum Tire Shine is not only environmentally friendly, common issues of early tire failure, yellowing and cracking associated with solvent-based cleaners are rarely reported. Furthermore, this product is produced with the same Ozone and UV protectants used by the factory to ensure your tire lasts.

Eco Microfiber Towels

Made from a blend of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers, the Eco Microfiber towel is lint free, non-chemical dependent for cleaning. Capable of holding up to seven times its weight in water and nonabrasive, this product is recommended for use on your vehicle’s paint and glass over a traditional cloth and paper towels. Because these towels are reusable and do not require chemicals to clean, using Eco Microfiber towels is an environmentally sound way to dry your car or clean up an auto-related mess.

References:

http://www.ecocarcare.net/

http://www.ecocarcare.net/car-wax.php

http://www.ecocarcare.net/protectant-plus.php

http://www.ecocarcare.net/optimum-tire-shine.php

http://www.ecocarcare.net/no-rinse-wash-shine.php

http://www.ecocarcare.net/eco-microfiber-towels.php

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African Gorillas Facing the Countdown to Extinction

By Brett Kihlmire

 Some rights reserved by weesam2010

The gorilla has long been a subject of popular culture. They’re a staple in our zoos and their fictional counterparts, such as King Kong, Donkey Kong and George of the Jungle’s sidekick, an ape named Ape, have entertained us for decades. What many do not know, however, is that of the four gorilla subspecies naturally found in Africa, all four are either endangered or critically endangered.

Why Is the Gorilla Endangered?

While many things are causing the slow extinction of the gorilla, such as disease and a shrinking range, poaching is one of the most critical reasons for the decline. Gorillas are often killed for their meat and body parts due to their size and weight. Though apes such as the gorilla only make up 1% of the bush meat trade, there are less than 120,000 gorillas left in the wild and they reproduce slowly, meaning even the killing a handful of gorillas is critical.

Deforestation and human encroachment is quite possibly the main reason for the decline of the wild gorilla. As with the rest of the world, Africa’s population is growing and food is needed to sustain its people. The tropical and subtropical forests the gorilla inhabits are regularly destroyed to make room for roads and farms. Deforestation coupled with humans more than happy to kill gorillas to protect their crops, and global warming, which kills the vegetation the gorilla eats, are the driving forces behind the decrease in the wild gorilla population.

Hope Is Not Lost

While gorillas are disappearing from their natural habitats in South and Central Africa, mountain gorillas, by far the most critically endangered, are making a slow but effective return. Though featuring far higher population numbers, the same can’t be said of lowland gorillas. Despite the lawlessness of some of the African nations the gorillas roam, international organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund are doing what they can to save the gorillas from extinction.

What Is Being Done to Save the Gorilla?

In an effort to save the gorilla, organizations such as the WWF, International Gorilla Conservation Program and Gorilla Fund International are setting up protected zones for gorillas and equipping anti-poaching patrols to curb illegal hunting and sale of bush meat.  Though these activities are largely funded by public donations and tourism at the conservation centers, they have been instrumental in the conservation of one of the world’s best known great apes.

References:

http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/great_apes/gorillas/?src=footer

http://www.endangeredspeciesinternational.org/gorillas.html

http://www.allaboutwildlife.com/endangered-species-rainforest-gorillas

http://www.animalfactguide.com/animal-facts/mountain-gorilla/

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/lowland-gorilla/

http://www.gorillas-world.com/gorillas-endangered/

http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/great_apes/gorillas/threats/

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Saving the Sea Turtles

By Brett Kihlmire

Some rights reserved by deeje

The sea turtle has existed on the earth for over 100 million years. It roamed the seas while the dinosaurs roamed the earth. It survived the mass extinction that killed off nearly all life on Earth becoming one of the oldest species of reptile on the planet. Today, all seven species of the sea turtle are endangered.

What’s Endangering the Sea Turtle?

There are a variety of causes for the sea turtle’s slow descent toward extinction. Many threats to the sea turtle exist, most of which are the cause of man.

Commercial Fishing

Fishing operations are one of the biggest threats to sea turtles. The use of gillnets, pound nets and long line fishing gear is known to entangle sea turtles. Because a sea turtle is dependent on oxygen to survive, when a sea turtle is caught in a net and rendered unable to surface, death by drowning often follows. Turtles that manage to escape net and line entanglements are often injured or maimed. Dredges, large, extremely heavy metal structures dragged along the seafloor, are another common threat to sea turtles in the water. Due to the size and weight of dredges, turtles are often crushed or pinned down resulting most often in their death.

Water Pollution

The establishment of marinas and docks along the coasts has had adverse effects on the world’s oceans. Oil spills, coastal run off, floating debris, natural gas extraction and construction all pollute the waters making for an unhealthy environment for sea turtles. In fact, floating debris is one of the biggest pollution threats to sea turtles, for floating trash is often mistaken for food sickening or killing the turtles.

Habitat Destruction

Though they spend much of their lives in the water, sea turtles come ashore to nest. As humans move closer to the shore, nests are trampled, eggs are stolen and tampered with, land is eroded and unnatural barriers such as seawalls and bulkheads are built, greatly affecting the sea turtle nesting habits.

Unnatural Light

Turtles and their hatchlings are attracted to light. When a hatchling is born its goal is to reach the sea, but if it sees the light of a beach campfire or a nearby porch light, it will be naturally drawn in, leading to death and injury due to a number of hazards including predators, automobiles and campfires.

What Is Being Done to Save the Turtles?

In attempt to save the sea turtle from extinction, numerous nations, such as the United States and Australia, and public organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund, have joined forces to save the sea turtle. Issues such as accidental capture of turtles in fishing operations have been addressed with devices that allow for a mistakenly captured turtle to escape unharmed. Turtle nests are protected with severe penalties for tampering, as well.  Other means of protecting the turtle include cleaning the beaches and ocean of litter and debris, shutting off or dimming unnatural light at night, avoiding campfires on beaches with turtle nests and avoiding excessive speed on the water to avoid collision with sea turtles.

References:

http://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions/Sea-Turtle.aspx?sc=AWY1302WC922

http://worldwildlife.org/species/sea-turtle

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CEAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.defenders.org%2Fpublication%2Ffive-things-you-can-do-save-sea-turtles&ei=yaAzU6fINebLsASMtIJw&usg=AFQjCNFwMZ7kxERcZ_YxGt5aa34UiZwD_g&sig2=sCaq7Fl6N_qoP1F529KGtw&bvm=bv.63738703,d.cWc

http://alcampointernational.org/2012/endangered-sea-turtles-the-work-being-done-to-restore-their-numbers/

http://www.fws.gov/northflorida/SeaTurtles/Turtle%20Factsheets/you-can-help.htm

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/turtles/