Apparently, if we have solar roadways this would solve our energy and transportation problems according to Scott Brusaw and as mentioned on enn.com (Environmental News Network).  This most definitely sounds like a grand idea but would it really be as effective as that?

I think anything at this point that can be a solution to energy and transportation issues is a good thing.  What will the solar roadways consist of?    At this present time, Scott Brusaw, co-founder of Idaho-based Solar Roadways Incorporated, has a “12 x 12 ft solar road prototype which incorporates an array of solar panels.” It contains three yellow and three white LED’s with over 6,000 LED’s in the whole prototype.”  This design will allow the system to light up and spell out any message.

This is definitely very interesting and something we may end up seeing on all roadways.  What do you think of this idea?  Will it really tackle energy and transportation problems?  Only time will tell.

Source: Environmental News Network

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Did winter really ever officially arrive? For some places not so much. Some areas have felt spring like weather pretty early on. Why the mild winter?

According to enn.com, this “wasn’t the mildest winter in history but it ranked pretty close.”  I think this is the first winter that there really wasn’t any snow days for the kiddos. Northern U.S. states saw their share of the white stuff but other than that it seems as if winter never really made a total grand entrance. For those of you who are not fans of winter, most likely you are not complaining about this mild winter.

I guess the question is for now for spring and summer is, will there be allergies and will summer be hotter, humid, wet, and buggier? Only time will tell as we head out of so called winter and into the spring months ahead. Is there a good chance that winter could make an appearance in April or May? This has happened before so it’s probably a good idea to keep that in mind just in case lovers of spring get their hopes up. It’s a good chance we could get blindsided.

How has winter been in your state? Did it officially arrive? I know in my state we got a little snow fall here and there (mainly in the northern section of the state), but it never stuck around. The next day temperature would warm up and it would melt within hours or even minutes if it was a warm rain storm.

Source: Environmental Network

Image: Wikimedia Commons

That’s right, e-bikes. Obviously, the idea is greener than Eco friendly vehicles and much healthier too.  E-Bikes are already set to be 2012′s top travel trends. Makes sense doesn’t it? It wont be long when we will see families using this as their primary method of travel. Okay that’s stretching it a bit but for shorter distances I think I have got that just about right. And weather permitting of course.

Apparently in the UK more and more people are choosing e-bikes as their method of travel. And why not? It certainly cuts down on congestion and carbon. It’s also the healthier way to travel.

What makes an E-Bike so different from traditional bikes? A powerful electric motor powered by a lithium battery and hooked up to a control on the handlebars is a big difference. The battery can last up to 4 years and make it easier for steep climbs. The extra speed an e-bike generates makes it a popular choice.

Would you consider switching to an E-Bike once in a while to cut down on carbon emissions? What do you think of the E-Bike? Feel free to share your thoughts.

Source: Environmental News Network

Image: Wikimedia Commons

A recent analysis from the U.S. Forest Service found that urban tree loss has affected many cities across the nation, with 20 specific cities being analyzed in depth. The analysis found that approximately four million trees are lost each year on average, which is accounting for other problems such as higher heating and cooling costs. Each tree accounts for $2500 in these types of services during its lifetime, as well a many other environmental benefits such as producing more oxygen,  increasing the value of a neighborhood and providing extra privacy.

Urban tree loss occurs for a variety of reasons such as drought, storm damage, insect invasion and the poor maintenance of trees. Studies show that planting new trees is more cost-effective than not replacing them, as the benefits they provide to our neighborhoods far outweigh their initial costs. Thankfully, there have been many organizations that have increased the number of trees being planted, as well as more social awareness regarding the benefits of trees.

Nevertheless, urban areas are still losing more than what’s being planted, as the newly planted trees are not nearly enough to offset the loss that is occurring. At this time, there needs to be more widespread programs across the U.S. that focus on increasing the overall tree canopy as opposed to the smaller non-profit groups that are specific to their own areas.

Since it can be hard to assess the change in tree cover over the years, some cities have taken advantage of new apps that are on the market that show an aerial view from today and previous years. This makes it easy to see the difference in tree cover, plus locate areas that were once graced by trees and now sit bare. These apps are useful tools that determine the best places to plant trees so that cities can work together to make this happen.

Producing more tree growth should be a collective effort of cities across the U.S. so that we can make up for the loss that has been experienced over the decades.

Image Source: redwoodhikes.com

Is it really true?  Apple is going green?  According to the ENN (Environmental News Network),  the new Apple HQ will be green thanks to late Steve Jobs.  Steve Jobs just last year founded a spaceship building located in California.  Apparently the new “corporate campus” will have “state-of-the-art energy efficient technology to control the building’s environment with an eco-friendly design and solar paneled roof.”  This is great news wouldn’t you say?

 
I know that for a while, consumers have stated they would like to see Apple produce “greener” products. Well, those times are here.  Apple will also be taking the extra time to plant trees, “2,300″ of them to be exact.  This will be their landscape to reinforce their “greener” changes.  It was also mentioned that they will have a garden on campus.  Not only will Apple be on board the “green” life they also included a health and fitness avenue for their employees to better their health.  A jogging track will be made available.
Sounds like Apple is really starting to get with the program and make life better for its employees and the consumers who purchase products.

Source: ENN
Image: Wikimedia Commons

If you are a lover of bears, this post may be a little difficult for you to read.  Originally, you would think, “okay, so the bear population is rising, great right?’  Not so much.  Apparently, the black bear is on the increase.  Once upon a time the black bear was near extinction, at least I remember reading a report on this issue.    Well, some people are concerned with the bear population.  I guess I would be too.  Do you want a bear ending up in your back yard rummaging through the trash and lurking around your home?  Yikes, and double yikes if you have children.  Is it time to hunt the great black bear?  According to ENN (Environmental News Network), “in places like the Smokey Mountains, black bears have always been a part of the landscape.  Makes sense right?  But what about rural areas like in Ohio or Michigan?  Can you image?  I am sure it would indeed be an awesome experience, at first.  Just recently I heard of a spotting of a Mountain Lion in the Ozarks of Missouri.  But get this, in the suburbs roaming backyards.  WOW!  Can you imagine taking out the trash and coming face to face with a black bear because the bear population is getting out of control?  Do you think that allowing hunters to have open season on them would be a good idea?

What do you think of this issue?  Should the black bear population just be left alone but risk the overflow into areas where they are not expected or have adapted?  Or do you think that it should be handled by hunters? 

Source: ENN

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Now that this question has gotten your attention, you may be curious as to what in the world it means?

The original headline for this question was from the Environmental News Network. “Zebra stripes as bug repellant.” It’s kind of comical but neat at the same time as why and how zebras fight of horseflies. Apparently, their stripes keep these nasty flies away. Zebras, as pretty as they are, are actually unattractive to horseflies. Pretty cool. I guess they don’t have to worry about fighting the battles that all the other wildlife deal with.

Unfortunately, for animals who are attacked by these brutal flies, they can lose large amounts of blood a day. They are nothing more than ruthless blood suckers wreaking havoc on defenseless animals that can’t even swat them away.

The study has also found that the “narrowest stripes attracted the least amount of horseflies.”  So basically, they are attracted to darker hides more so than white hides.  At least one specie of animal is protected from those annoying horseflies.  Before reading this, did you know about zebra stripes and horseflies?  This was definitely news to me and makes for a great conversation piece, don’t you think?

Source: Environmental News Network

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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

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