Environment
New US Map for Wildlife Conservation
A great new technological step for wildlife conservation efforts comes in the form of a map. The Gap Analysis Program (GAP), which is itself a program under the umbrella of the US Geological Survey, makes it’s mission to “keep common species common.” Essentially, the objective of the program is to maintain that species not (yet) threatened by extinction don’t end up reaching an endangered species list, an issue often deprived of much-needed attention in light of it’s preventative nature. It takes a different track to keep policy makers (and anyone for that matter) informed than traditional conservation efforts which generally maintain species-by-species data, by instead maintaining information about regions and landscapes (which in turn allow those who will want to manipulate them a better idea of what they’d be doing).
A Level 3 Image of Washington State using the GAP Viewer
These efforts recently culminated in a national land cover viewer (and accompanying data set) that combines several important relevant data-sets into one easily accessible package. To be more particular, it combines the following:
- The Southwest Regional Gap Analysis project (2004)
- The Southeast Regional Gap Analysis Project (2007)
- The Northwest Regional Gap project
- The updated California Gap project (2009)
- The Landfire Project (for all remaining regions)
The Gulf Oil Spill is Sad, But How Does It Affect Me?
I am sure many people are uttering these exact words right now when seeing images and news of the Deepwater Horizon BP oil spill in the Gulf. It is really sad, but unless you live along the affected coast or are a fisherman, it can be hard to connect with the devastation and see it for the disaster it really is.
It may be helpful to look at a similar disaster to see the likely effects, the Exxon Valdez oil spill. That oil spill killed as many as half a million birds, including more than 150 bald eagles and approximately 4,500 sea otters. While it may be something you may have not even thought twice about, it is still impacting us to this day, in ways you may not have imagined.
Even though the Exxon Valdez spill was in 1989, it is still killing wildlife today, 21 years later. Everything from Salmon to Pacific herring and pigeon guillemots — are not recovering. Populations of clams and mussels are still affected by the lingering oil, as are sea otters and birds such as harlequin ducks and black oystercatchers. Digging down only 4 to 10 inches, you will find pockets of oil still left over from the 1989 spill.
What may be even more scary is that we haven’t really had a spill like this to compare to, and the unprecedented use of a toxic chemical dispersant only adds to the unknown.
The environmental fallout:
- Oceanic Currents
- Hurricane Season
- Containment
- Fishing Impacts
- Bird Migration
- Estuaries and Marshes
- Coral Reefs
Given the location and the extent of this spill, we may be in much bigger trouble. The Exxon Valdez spill was large, but was largely contained and somewhat isolated when compared to the far reaching and ranging Gulf oil spill. Converging oceanic currents in the area can carry the oil hundreds, even thousands of miles from the spill site and the upcoming hurricane season could spread and disperse it even more rather than floating in a large slick.
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The Case Against Whaling: Prostitutes
And just when you thought it wasn’t possible, the whaling issue becomes dirtier. On one side, it was found that whale feces form a significant contribution to the marine environment, and in turn, to the ecosystem as a whole. This of course is positive and presents even greater reason to discourage unnecessary whaling. On the other, pro-whaling government officials seem to be coming clean that their votes were purchased through money and prostitutes.
Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission / NOAA.
The Sunday Times sent investigators undercover, in light of the looming discussion on whaling quotas (Japan and other pro-whaling nations are pushing to legalize commercial whaling to some degree with quotas), to several different countries to try and find if any representatives would be willing to trade their vote in exchange for money. Implicated in the investigation were representatives from Grenada, Republic of Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, and St Kitts and Nevis. They were approached by a fictitious billionaire proposing to purchase their votes for substantial aid packages.
The Case Against Whaling: Whale Feces
A while back, an article caught my eye mentioning how whaling could soon be actually legalized (no longer would whalers have to play with semantics to get around the restrictions). Apparently, the International Whaling Commission has been considering setting up quotas to legalize the internationally condemned practice to some degree. Albeit with good intentions, and the undoubted backing of whaling nations, this prospect could have immeasurable repercussions against the conservatory efforts pioneered by environmentalist organizations the world-over and with legal precedence.
I had glossed over that information back then, but it got me thinking. Lobbyists will always try to achieve ends to their financial success, it was nothing too significant in my book (although if they manage to pull it off – it very well could be). It wasn’t till later when I came across another interesting article that I recalled those rumors about the IWC’s plans. Scientists in Australia seem to have had their attention brought to the fact that whale refuse has a significant contribution to the ocean. In the piece by Megan Treacy of Yahoo! Green, it was mentioned that “because whales’ diets are made up largely of iron-rich krill (small crustaceans), their droppings are a great fertilizer for marine plants…[which] then do their part by absorbing CO2 as they grow”.
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Green Police
If you watched the superbowl this past weekend, then you are probably familiar with the ‘Green Police’ ad by Audi touting their diesel A3 TDI. While the spot was quite amusing, it can also be a bit sad as that is what many people think of the green movement.
I don’t want to over dramatize it, because it was obviously poking fun a the extreme behaviors and righteousness of some in the eco friendly community, but it makes it easy for others to say: “see how silly all this green stuff is.”
With an EPA-rated 42 mpg on the highway and a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the new A3 TDI is one of the ‘greenest’ cars out there, but it still doesn’t take away from the fact that it is still a car and a major contributor to greenhouse gasses, pollution, energy and waste- even if you use biodiesel. If I was to really pick apart the commercial, its quite hilarious that one offender was arrested for requesting a plastic bag while the guy driving a car (a 5 seater all alone at that) would be praised. I mean what kind of backwards environmentalism is that?
Christmas Tree Recycling Disposal
Now that Christmas and the holidays are over, you may have a tree that you aren’t sure what to do with. Now days, its much easier to dispose of your Christmas tree in an environmentally friendly way.
Many counties offer curbside pickup along with your green waste, and almost all offer some type of pickup or drop off location. These programs will take your tree and reduce it down to mulch and wood chips for parks, public landscaping, and even your garden.
Check out the programs offered by your county, city or local waste disposal provider, if they don’t offer one, see if any non-profits in your area will mulch your tree for you.
Human Limits – What Can Your Body Take?
While perusing a recent issue of National Geographic Magazine, I found an interesting piece on the limits of human survival that I thought I would share. Goes to show that your body can take a lot more than you think it can when its pushing its limits of survival.
- 107.6 degrees F – Die from Heatstroke
Once your core body temp reaches 107.6 degrees, heatstroke becomes irreversible and fatal. - 40 degrees F – Die of Hypothermia
After 30 minutes in 40 degree water, you will perish of hypothermia. Since water can pull heat from your body more effectively than air, the higher you can float or the more of your body you are able to get out of the water, the longer you will last. - 300 degrees F – Die from Overheating
Heat from an enclosed fire or deep mine can begin to bake your body. In only 10 minutes, you will be meat loaf. Kids succumb much faster and in lower heat, just a few minutes inside a 120 degree car will prove fatal. - 15,000 feet – Die from Altitude
Fading consciousness will occur at elevations higher than 15,000 feet unless acclimated. Raised red blood cell counts and enlarged lungs common to highland dwellers ensure their survival in
these harsh altitudes. - 282 feet – Die by Drowning
The record for the deepest freedive is 282 feet. Without special equipment, most people will black out at depths deeper than 60 feet, however with training it may be possible to go deeper. - 11 minutes – Die from Lack of Oxygen
Without oxygen, you will loose consciousness after about 2 minutes. With training, some individuals have reached 11 minutes. - 45 days or 30% – Die of Starvation
Without food, you can last about 45 days before you will loose approximately 30% of your body weight and die. With this rapid weight loss, you are more likely to succumb to disease before starvation.
Remove Indoor Toxins with these Specializing House Plants
Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)
I’ve been reading a lot lately about air filtering house plants and which ones are the best for the job. Turns out, most are specialized to remove specific toxins, so lets first look at the list of indoor toxins so we can find out which plants you need to remove those toxins. Pretty much all plants are going to improve air quality, these have just been researched more than others and/or are better performing at removing certain things. Also keep in mind that many of these are also invasive weeds, so please keep them in pots in your home and take care when disposing of them.
Trichloroethylene (TCE) in the home is introduced from dry cleaning, printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes, and adhesives. This chemical is considered by the National Cancer Institute as a potent liver carcinogen.
Benzene is present in many common items including gasoline, inks, oils, paints, plastics, and rubber. It is an eye and skin irritant as well as being a contributing factor to leukemia in humans. Repeated skin contact with benzene will cause drying, inflammation, blistering and dermatitis.
Formaldehyde is a extraordinarily common in almost every indoor environment. Found in everything from particle board or pressed wood products used in many furniture pieces, to grocery bags, facial tissues and paper towels. Even common household cleaning agents and air fragrances contain formaldehyde. With carpet backings, fire proof coatings, permanent-press clothes and natural gas all containing the toxin, it is nearly impossible to avoid.
Eco Eliteism – Greener Than Thou – Are you a Green Snob?
I recently received an email with a footer that read: “Please consider the Environment before printing this email. Think Green.” The interesting thing is that it actually made me kind of mad. The person who sent me this email is anything but green, and frankly I wouldn’t be surprised if they thought green living had more to do with color choices than the earth or the environment. This got me thinking though, have I become an eco-eliteist? Am i so into my own ‘green-ness’, that I deny any attempt, genuine or not, at other becoming green or doing something that will benefit the earth regardless of how they feel about it? I guess it has a lot to do with the whole concept of Greenwashing. That it’s cool to be green, but people don’t think or embrace it, they turn it into a marketing line, a ploy, a fad. › Continue reading
Seven Great Biodegradable Items You Should Know About
Biodegradable items are great for our environment. They break down and replenish the earth. Biodegradation is the process of biological conversion of materials into CO2, H2O and minerals. According to tests based on international standards (OECD), to be called readily biodegradable an ingredient must biodegrade 60% or more within a 28 day period. The only drawback is that most items (including all those listed here) must be disposed of properly, which means it must be composted. Backyard composters are a great way to biodegrade food scraps, paper waste, and many of the items listed below. If you live in a condo, or have no way to compost locally, many cities have a green waste bin which accept most biodegradable items. However, some items (such as diapers or contaminated items) may require a commercial composting facility. Contact your local waste management facility to inquire about their policy on green waste and composting.
Disposable biodegradable trash bags – BioBag, a disposable biodegradable trashbag. They also produce bags for all kinds of needs such as yard waste, doggie waste bags and more, all of which are biodegradable. If disposed at a commercial compost facility, these bags will biodegrade in as little as 45 days. BioBags are shelf stable up to two years before they start to break down.
Eco-Friendly biodegradable drinking straws are ingenious. Its something we use millions of each day and throw in the trash without thinking. Heat stable to 135 degrees F, these compostable straws are a must for your drinks on the go. From stir straws to jumbo smoothie straws and an array of color options. For foodservice requirements, wrapped straws are also available.
Biodegradable diapers have a huge impact on reducing the amount of waste created by petro-chemical disposable diapers. Available from several brands such as Seventh Generation, gDiapers and Nature Babycare, these green diapers are becoming an easy way to go green for your baby. gDiapers even make flushable diapers to avoid the landfill (even biodegradable diapers don’t breakdown very well in a sealed landfill). If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, you should check out Earth Baby, a biodegradable diaper composting service that will deliver, pick up, and compost your diapers and wipes for a low monthly fee. A great alternative to cloth diaper service, and a huge improvement over plastic disposable diapers.
Biodegradable cutlery made of Plant Starch Material (PSM). Compostable and made from non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) vegetable starch, these medium weight biodegradable utensils have a heat tolerance up to 200 degrees F and biodegrade in 90 days. There are heavyweight biodegradable fork, knife and spoon sets available as well, made from PLA Corn Plastic, these contain some additional biodegradable fillers and most closely resemble plastic utensils. PLA cutlery is BPI compost certified.
Biodegradable Airsoft Eco BBs like those made by EcoBB and others. I remember shooting my BB gun as a kid and just littering the back yard with millions of these little BBs. I would feel better about that if i knew that after a few rains they would have started to disappear. Many of these products completely dissolve in 7-10 days leaving no trace of your pellet gun ways.
Biodegradable cleaning supplies – such as Eco-Me natural cleaning kits which you can make yourself out of household products and pre-mixed formulated products like those available from Method Home. While biodegradable doesn’t necessarily mean you can go take a bath in a mountain lake with them (most biodegradable products are still harmful to the environment until they have begun to biodegrade in soil) they are free of lasting toxins and harsh chemicals like chlorine, phosphates, phthalates, and ammonia.
Biodegradable pesticides – Perhaps the most well known and widely used biopesticide comes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a bacterium that produces insecticidal proteins, although several are made from citrus oils and other organic biodegradable compounds. EcoSmart pesticides and insecticides are made with organic plant oils which naturally repel pests. Safe even for Organic farms, these pesticides are naturally derived with no synthetic chemicals and readily biodegrade.
Find many of these items at branch.com and ecoproducts.com
Island Dream Job – Australia’s Tourism Queensland is Looking for A Great Barrier Reef Caretaker
I just found my dream job. Unfortunately for me, so did everybody else! Australia’s Tourism Queensland just came up with an ingenious marketing idea to increase interest in traveling to Australia. Send one lucky individual to experience the wonders of one of the largest tourist draws of Australia (The Great Barrier Reef in case you are wondering), and have them report back on their daily adventures via the web through blogs, video and interviews. Marvelous! I can only imagine how many people would want to follow this, although the sheer jealousy I may feel for the individual may drive me crazy thus rendering me unable to follow along. Before you ask, yes, i do intend on submitting an application, so hopefully it will be me doing the reporting!
The job description of this Hamilton Island caretaker include a six figure salary, luxury accommodations, transport on the island, travel insurance, computer and camera gear and travel to other Great Barrier Reef islands. In return you must provide weekly reports on exploration findings via various media outlets, clean the villa pool, feed the aquarium fish, occasionally act as an aerial mail carrier, and first and foremost, explore.
If you are interested too, click on over to www.islandreefjob.com and you too can experience what an overloaded server looks like (I have yet to actually see the page, or submit an application for that matter). In addition to the application, they are also asking for a 60-second video explanation of why you’d be great for the job. I have heard that while technically there are no experience requirements, they are looking for someone who is a strong swimmer and has good communication skills.
Applications close on February 22, 2009, and rumor is there will be 11 semi finalists selected in May to compete for the spot. Good Luck!
