Scientists are no longer puzzled as to why the Yellow-Cedar trees in Alaska are dying. The trees are dying to a freezing root condition. It occurs during cold weather in late winter and early spring. But get this, the problem doesn’t occur when there is snow on the ground. Apparently the snow protects the roots.
Shallow rooting this leaves the trees more susceptible to root freezing and injury. About 60% to 70% of the trees are effected and declining according to sciencedaily.com.
Scientists are currently working on saving the yellow-cedar trees from danger while reduced snow is the problem at this time. Hopefully Alaska will see more snow days to help protect and preserve the yellow-cedar roots from harm, injury, and eventually extinction.
Source: Science Daily
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Tags: Alaska, environment, save 1 million trees, snow, trees
If you are a lover of the great outdoors and hiking and just can’t get enough of national parks, you are in luck. There are apparently a long list of lost national parks in America according to National Geographic. I was shocked to discover that one of the lost national parks is right here in my state. (Mackinac national park of Michigan)
- Arch Rock; located in Northern Michigan (Mackinac Island State Park), was established in 1875.
- National Visitor Center at Union Station used to be a National Park Service.
- Oklahoma City National Memorial opened as a National Park in 1997.
- Mar-a-lago National Historic Site is a National Historic Landmark. It became a park system in 1972.
- Lewis and Clark Cavern National Monument was established in 1808.
- Kennedy Center was a poor fit for a National Park Service in 1972.
- Castle Pinckney National Monument fell into the hands of the National Park Service in 1865.
- Old Kasaan National Monument is now a totem park.
- Mount Shasta National Park was a national park for a few years after WWII.
For a complete listing of these lost National Parks along with pictures and the history behind it, you can visit nationalgeographic.com
Source: National Geographic
Image: Wikimedia Commons
As we tread our way through the long winter season where the days are short and the air is cold, we can’t help but look forward to Valentine’s Day. It’s the first “holiday” of the year, and one that replaces snowflakes and sleds with brighter pink and red decor. I can’t help but enjoy the day myself, especially as my daughter’s birthday falls on this special day. Yet this year will be different, as we turn this special holiday into something a bit greener.
Think about all the décor for Valentine’s Day: Cards, flowers, expensive meals out, coupon books, chocolates and all the gift wrap and tissue paper to make everything look just right. Now think about where all that stuff goes: In the trash. It’s not often that we keep the hundred little cards that our kids come home from school with or are able to outsmart Mother Nature by allowing our dozen roses to live past a week.
This year, try swapping out some of your standard Valentine’s Day gifts for a greener version that is gentler on the environment, but still guaranteed to bring just as many smiles. I know our family will.
Instead of paper cards, try…
Virtual or E-Cards. These fun cards can be sent to anyone’s email address. They can be customized any way you like, plus include fun graphics, music and the name of your recipient. Most of them are free as well, so you can save your money on cards this year! E-cards are great for all occasions, not just Valentine’s Day (hint hint).
Recycled Cards. These cards are made from recycled paper, so they’re much gentler on the environment. Recycled cards do cost more however, so be prepared to spend more. Look for those that are printed with soy-based ink as well. To save money, buy plain recycled paper that your little ones can decorate themselves.
Instead of flowers, try…
Organic Flowers. If you love your red roses come Valentine’s Day, try a dozen organic roses. They may be harder to find than your traditional selection, so know that you probably won’t find them at your local supermarket. Instead, reach out to local nurseries that have organic selections of flowers, or try an organic bouquet company online that can have the roses shipped to the home.
Fake Flowers. We know they’re not like the real thing, but these days, you can get beautiful arrangements of silk or recycled paper flowers that don’t look any different than their authentic alternatives. Best of all, you get to the keep the flowers forever.
Instead of a box of chocolates, try…
Fair Trade Chocolate. That’s right; even chocolate may come from environments where laborers are not treated fairly. And who gets tired of those chocolate boxes where every piece is a surprise – and not a good one? Spring for an organic chocolate bar instead where you know what you’re getting, plus supporting conflict-free work environments.
Instead of jewelry from a retailer, try…
Fair Trade Gems. Many of us know that we should always ask for Fair Trade certification on gems such as diamonds, but not all of us do. If you’re buying the good stuff this year, make sure that you ask for certification on the gem, as well as its tracking history.
Recycled Gems. Recycled jewelry is becoming more popular. It’s just as good as the real thing, plus you can feel proud about its origin. Look for recycled metal coupled with natural stones and gems. Best of all, this type of jewelry has a story of its own and won’t have a dozen copycats out there.
Image: John Hritz
Tags: carbon footprint, eco-friendly, Eco-friendly choices, eco-friendly holidays, environmentally friendly, green, holiday, save energy, Valentine's Day
Does your list of New Year resolutions include living a greener and more Eco-friendly lifestyle? If it doesn’t you may want to consider adding just a couple to start. To help you decide where to start here is a list of the top 8 ”green” New Year resolutions of 2012 according to Huff Post Green:
- Buy less bottled water- Throwing away plastic is just a waste and a hazard.
- Driving less-Cutting down on the use of Carbon Dioxide Emissions is beneficial not only to our health but to the environment as well.
- Use reusable shopping bags-A top choice when heading to the grocery store.
- Shorter shower times-Save water by knocking out those half hour long showers.
- Cut down on the meat products-Cutting down on meat can help save more animals from abuse and harm.
- Recycle paper-This is a recycling favorite as it saves paper waste.
- Earth friendly cleaning products-Using these types of cleaner prevents harsh chemicals from entering the home and protects your health as well.
- Compost-Turn your scraps into compost. It can act as healthy fertilizers for your garden, etc.
So what do you think? Do you think you can at least adopt one of these resolutions to start living a greener lifestyle? Starting with one is better than not starting at all. You can really make a difference in making Eco-Friendly choices.
Source: Huff Post Green
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Tags: clean energy, eco friendly chioces, save 1 million trees, weather and environment, wildlife
The holidays are officially over. You may feel sad or relieved, but either way, that Christmas tree has got to go. Browning trees aren’t in this year, so it’s time to start getting your home back to that pre-holiday stage – even though you may have a few (hundred) new toys or so. But before you drag your tree full of memories down to the curb, consider other ways that you can recycle your holiday tree and get something back in the process.
Christmas tree recycling varies across areas, so even though we have some great ideas doesn’t mean they are offered in your area. If you like an idea, search for a similar program in your town or simply read the monthly newsletter, bulletin or newspaper to find out what is available in your area. Many of these programs are going on over the next two weekends, so get to it!
Tree Exchange – Greeneries will take your Christmas tree and give you a voucher for a new one. Talk about money well spent! You will receive a voucher to use in the spring time and there are different trees offered each year. For example, the Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District in New York offers this program and is giving away new Douglas fir trees to be planted in May.
Boy Scout Troops – These eager groups are always looking for ways to help the environment and give back to the community. Troops will pick up your holiday tree that you leave on the curb for a donation of $10. The work is done for you, and the tree will be recycled properly, plus you’re giving back to a great cause.
Conservatories – If you want to bring all that holiday family fun to a close, there are programs where you can bring your Christmas tree to be recycled and then join in on family fun. Look for parks and conservatories that have events, family entertainment and opportunities to learn about horticulture. The Niagara Parks Commission in Canada is one such example that provides attractions and properly recycles your tree.
No matter how you choose to recycle your tree, make sure you remove ornaments, tinsel and the stand. You may have to cut the three into segments so that it will fit into the appropriate bin or container.
Image: inhabitots.com
Tags: Christmas, Christmas trees, holiday, holiday trees, recycle, recycle christmas trees, save the trees, trees
The new year should bring new changes in our environment but will it be positive or negative changes? In the 2012 race what is going to be the main focus the environment or the economy? While both are very important topics what is going to be the hot topic this year?
I guess it makes sense for money making counties A.K.A. the Burbs as stated on pbs.org, who would like to shift their focus to the environment as jobs are not an issue for these particular voters. According to Dante Chinne of the PBS Newshour, ”More than 39 percent say the economy is more important in the Burbs, while 33 percent say it is the environment.” Wow, so this is really only a difference of 6 points. That is most definitely not a lot. This should tell you what state the economy is in at this time.
I guess in all reality for this new year of 2012 the race will be the environment vs the economy. Will the economy be getting better or worse in 2012? Should our focus be on creating more jobs or should we focus on a cleaner environment for healthier living? Can both be applied equally all the while pleasing everyone? This is a hard nut to crack so to speak as we will see and hear the debates rise in favor of one over the other.
What do you think? Should the focus be entirely on the Environment during the 2012 race or the Economy? Maybe you are on the fence as to what should be the most important at this time. Please share your thoughts and or opinions on the topics at hand.
Source: PBS Newshour
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Tags: clean energy, eco friendly choices, save 1 million trees, weather and environment, wildlife
Are you throwing a New Year’s Eve celebration? If you’re striving to be more green, there’s no better time to start than now. Plus, you can show your friends and family the lifestyle changes that you’re making and encourage them to do the same. After all, no one will criticize you for being eco-friendly, so be creative, be daring and be fun – and no holding back!
To start, buy locally grown produce where you can. It is winter, so some areas may have more limited selections. Be sure to browse the supermarket or farmer’s market for ingredients that you can use in your foods, sticking with locally grown and USA grown where you can. And don’t think that you need to serve up a whole meal on this holiday. Snacks and appetizers are perfect for New Year’s celebrations and cut down on food waste.
You can use recyclable plates, cups and spoons for the occasion, so look for such terms as “biodegradable”, “sustainable” or “compostable” on the package. Most importantly, keep it simple. For decorations you can do the same. Steer clear of paper-based products that will just get tossed away at the end of the day. Use reusable materials or try decorating with food. If you must go for the easy disposable decorations, look for biodegradable crepe paper streamers, recycled coasters, carpet squares and more.
Get everyone in on the fun by inviting guests via email or an evite; a simple way to reach everyone, track RSVPs and eliminate paper waste and the high price of postage. Since guests are always looking to bring “something”, have everyone bring an organic wine. It will get everyone in the spirit of being green, plus you get to experiment with organic wines that are just as good – actually better – than regular wines.
You can also have everyone write down their green New Year’s resolutions on a recycled index card. Read them or make your guests guess what’s on the card as if you were playing Pictionary. Send your guests home with something fun such as a packet of seeds, a small plant, a stainless steel water bottle or set of recycled coasters. This year is supposed to bring great changes, so let this New Year’s be the starting point for a healthier, greener lifestyle for you, your family and your friends.
Image c/o: delish.com
Tags: eco-friendly, Eco-friendly choices, green, green choices, New Years, New Years Eve party, party
If you and your family are looking into living a greener lifestyle and want to make Eco-Friendly choices including dinnerware, guess what? You are in luck. There are dinnerware products out there that you may be surprised to know about.
With traditional place settings, like fine china, etc., you don’t have to worry about throwing them away. Sure, you have to clean them and reuse them but what a perfect way to keep from throwing away paper and plastic products.
Compostable dinnerware comes in a wide variety and according to worldgreen.org it can quite frankly become “overwhelming.” These products are indeed sturdy but do they really break down over time hence the word compost? What are compostable dinnerware made of? They are made from corn, leaves, palm leaves and even sugarcane. Wow, I definitely didn’t know that there was compostable dinnerware out there. Did you?
If you just want to use recycled material for your choice of dinnerware this year, Chinet Classic White is the way to go. Did you know that this company uses 100% recycled materials? Pretty awesome. Though this isn’t as beautiful as your grandma’s fine china, it’s still a classic way to host your gatherings.
Sources; World Green and and Green Living Ideas
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Tags: Eco-friendly choices, save 1 million trees, weather and enviroment
If your family has a fresh Christmas tree in the home, you know that these real trees add something special to the holiday season. The pine needles, the fir tree smell, the fact that no two trees are the same…these are just a few of the reasons why people choose fresh Christmas trees for the holiday. Yet these trees also include specialized care compared to fake trees. Make sure you know the risks and maintenance that are required when going for the real thing this holiday season.
First, the U.S. Fire Administration has shared some interesting facts:
The leading area for Christmas tree fires take place in the family room or den.
One-third of all Christmas tree fires are started by bulbs, lamps or lighting, while one-fourth are started by cords or plugs.
Sixteen percent of Christmas tree fires occur because the heat source was too close to the tree.
So how can you protect your family this holiday season?
Choose a fresh tree. To determine this, pull a branch firmly toward you so that it falls through your hand. If a lot of needles fall off, the tree is too dry and you need to find another one.
A fresh tree should not lose a lot of needles on the ground when you tap it.
Cut two inches off the trunk and place the tree in a water holding stand to keep it fresh. There should about one gallon of water in the stand. Also water the tree daily to prevent the trunk from drying out.
Place your Christmas tree at least five feet away from radiators, heaters, fireplaces and more.
Use only UL-approved lights and cords.
Do not overload extension cords with lights. Instead, limit to three strings of light on one circuit.
Do not use candles or outdoor lights on an indoor tree.
Unplug all lights when you leave the home or go to bed.
Do not let the Christmas tree block any doorways or exits.
Now is the time to also make sure that your fire and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly.
Image: christmas-tree.com
Tags: Christmas trees, fir trees, holiday, tree safety, trees
If you’re someone that loves to decorate the home for the holidays, you need to take the proper precautions to protect your family and pets from the potential dangers of holiday plants. Many holiday plants are poisonous and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Not only can these plants cause reactions, but also they can be choking hazards. Here’s how to protect your family without compromising the holiday spirit in your home:
Keep holiday plants out of reach from children and pets. If you have cats, remember that even high places can be accessible to them. If ever in doubt, place the plant in a sealed greenhouse or move it to a pet-free room in the home.
Make sure that any needles or leaves from holiday plants are picked up because they may contain hazardous poisons or compounds. A real Christmas tree drops a lot of needles, which are choking hazards for pets and kids as well.
If you intend to plant any herbs or plants, make sure that you read all the information on the plant. Even some common plants such as holly berry or mistletoe can have severe side effects.
So which plants should you watch for? The following plants can cause skin irritations, vomiting or even death:
Mistletoe
Jerusalem Cherry
Amaryllis
Cedar Christmas Trees
Holly Berries
Poinsettia
Rosary Pea
Are there any safe choices for the home? Actually, yes. A Christmas cactus is one that is considered to be non-toxic, although it probably wouldn’t feel very good going down the throat. A pine, spruce or fir Christmas tree is also non-toxic, although the needles can still cause choking.
Image: activerain.com
Tags: environment, holiday plants, holiday trees, holidays, plant safety, plants
View Comments comments on 'Alaska trees are dying'."> View Comments