Archive for November, 2011

Dead whale cast back into sea

Monday, November 28th, 2011

File:Ocean 002.jpgYes, you read that right.  Apparently,  a dead fin whale in Point Loma, washed onto shore and then was towed back out to sea.  According to KPBS, the CEO of Virgin, “donated resources to sink the fin whale.”

The poor whale died while being struck by a ship.  They want to offer submarine tours with the dead carcass.  How crazy is that?  Yes, get the whale off the beach but is it really necessary to expose a carcass for tours?  What is the point in that anyways?  What do you think?

You can view the dead fin whale being towed back out to see from afar here: Whale towed out to sea

Source: KPBS
Image: Wikimedia Commons

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And the Green Car of the year is……..

Friday, November 18th, 2011

File:Honda Civic GX NGV WAS 2010 9015.JPGThe Honda Civic Natural Gas!!!  Apparently, this is the top choice of vehicle for those who are all about green living.  It’s great too because it is natural gas powered and has “super low emissions which means it gets white HOV lane stickers as a perk” according to Tree Hugger.

This car is incredible.  Check out some of the features you will find on this green car of the year:

  • Navigation systems shows database of public compressed natural gas refeuling stations close by.  Pretty nifty wouldn’t you say?
  • It currently retails at $26,155.   This is conidered reasonable for a five car sedan.
  • 200 mile range.
  • Gets 31 mpg’s
  • Clean combustion engine

Maybe you are ready to go out there and test ride the Honda Civic Natural Gas.  Though it’s not American which we should try to support as much as possible it does encourage American automakers to get on board the “Green” lifestyle and maybe we will see more cars available such as these with just as great of features if not better.

Source: Tree Hugger
Image: Wikimedia Commons

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Tips for Winterizing Your Plants

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

It’s that time of the year again – the leaves have fallen off the trees, frost is on the pumpkins and it’s time to bring your plants in for the winter. Winterizing your plants is a must if you want them to survive the cold winter that brings snow, frost and chilling temps. Late fall is the best time to do this, and there are different methods depending on the type of plant that you’re winterizing.

For example, perennials can be covered with straw or pine needles after the ground freezes. Since perennials are stronger plants, the straw helps when temperatures drop to freezing, which can destroy even hardy plants. Once the temperatures start to warm up in the spring, the straw can be removed and the perennials will start to grow back.

You may think that shrubs can handle the winter months, but they can get winter burn that results in brown and damaged leaves. Water the shrubs before the ground freezes and wrap the trees in a burlap wrap that has an open top. You can also try an anti-desiccant spray to protect the shrubs.

Some plants won’t make it outdoors no matter how hard you try. For these plants, bring them indoors where they will stay for the winter season. Give the plants a good rinse and move them to an area where they receive the same type of light as they do outdoors. Don’t overwater the plants; instead, feel the soil first, and if it’s moist, it won’t need watering. Also check that the plants are safe for pets if you have them roaming around the home.

Finally, give your lawn some attention by applying a winterizing fertilizer that encourages root growth. This will speed up the growth of your lawn come spring. You can also give your trees added care by wrapping cylinders around them for extra protection, especially from rodents.

Image: Jerzy Opioła

 

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Congo Volcano erupts

Friday, November 11th, 2011

File:Colima volcano aero colors adjusted.JPGA volcano in the Eastern Democratic Republic has erupted spewing lava inside a National Park, home of endangered Gorillas.  How scary right?  Fortunately, according to Earthweek, the lava is flowing slowly enough to not raise cause for concern.  It doesn’t seem to be posing any threats for humans or wildlife.  Thank goodness.  Can you imagine the damage that this lava could potentially cause?

There is concern for the threat of volcanic ash, they will have to keep their eyes out on that for sure.  Apparently, this volcano also known as Nyamulagira erupts once every two years or so.  The problem with this is it can just keep spewing for days or even weeks or months.  Earth week has stated that this particular volcano is the most active volcano in Africa and it’s last eruption took place in 2010.

If the ash can be contained from this eruption, most likely wildlife and humans will be free from any issues and thankfully it hasn’t been a major problem like previously expected.

Source: Earth Week

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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Thymol as an Effective Antiseptic

Sunday, November 6th, 2011

If you’re concerned about the toxic chemicals in your cleaning products, there are smart changes you can start making today. For years, families have tried to swap out their harsh cleaning agents for gentler substances such as vinegar and baking soda, but these ingredients are just not harsh enough to kill bacteria and viruses. Fortunately, one natural ingredient has been shown to be effective at killing germs and bacteria and is a powerful antiseptic: Thymol.

Thymol is found in the oil of thyme and is extracted from the plant for its use as an antiseptic and its pleasant aromas. Thymol is regarded as an essential oil and is FDA approved as a synthetic flavoring and preservative and is a normal part of the human diet. With this in mind, several manufacturers that produce green cleaning products are using thymol in their products, more specifically, Seventh Generation.

Thymol actually has a history in the medical field, as it has been used to treat ringworm infections and hookworm infections. It can also be used as a mouthwash when coupled with halothane. When used in cleaning products, you can enjoy a pleasant thyme scent that is often paired with lemongrass. The aroma is enjoyable, the product is safe to inhale and the home becomes a healthier, safer place, especially for those with allergy and asthmatic problems.

When using thymol, you’re also protecting the environment, as you’re not adding harsh chemicals or pollutants into the air. With the safe, non-toxic properties of thymol, you can use these cleaning products on children’s toys, books, counters and garbage cans. To use, simply spray and wipe clean. Stubborn spots can let the spray sit for a minutes extra. Now isn’t that easy?

Thymol cleaning products kill 99.99 percent of germs and have a pleasing aroma, making them just as effective as bleach, but without the strong smell. Thymol has no negative health or environmental effects, and cleaning products can be purchased at any supermarket for a similar cost of traditional cleaning supplies.

Image: dailyfinance.com

 

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Where is the renewable energy?

Friday, November 4th, 2011

File:Renewable Energy.jpgThere are actually quite a few renewable energy facilities in the United States.  Some are already established and other are currently in the works.  There is actually an interactive map showing where all the renewable energy can be found.

For example, according to Allison Linn of Life Inc.,  maybe you are curious as to if your current “air conditioner will only work if it’s solar powered.”   This interactive map can actually show you were all of the solar facilities are planted in the United States.  Pretty neat, to say the least.

What else does this list contain through the interactive map?  Here are just a few of the facilities you could happen to see upon navigation:

  • Wind
  • Advanced Biofuels
  • Geothermal Facilities
  • Biodigesters

What on earth is biodigesters right?  Again, according to Life Inc., it is “energy based on animal manure.”  Wow, right?  So maybe it’s best to preserve and recyle your pets manure for a source of renewable energy.  It’s definitely something to think about as it also serves a great purpose such as fertilizer for farmers.

At this point you may be wondering would could potentially be the major renewable energy source in the United States?    Well, according to the U.S Energy Information Administration it is “Hydroelectric Power.”

This is definitely an interesting piece of information wouldn’t you agree? It’s always good to be knowledgeable of where any renewable energy is contained for future uses.  We are in hard times so using this interactive map may be helpful, especially sometime down the road.  Upon further research of this interactive map, you are able to type in your State and zip code to find out where the closest type of renewable energy is located.  Very cool!

Source: Life Inc.
Image: Wikimedia Commons

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