Posts Tagged ‘environment’

Alaska trees are dying

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

File:Yellow-cedar 7436.jpgScientists 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

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Holiday Plant Safety Tips

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

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

 

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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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From Orange to Green: Smart Tips for an Eco-Friendly Halloween

Monday, October 31st, 2011

It’s Halloween. The house is decorated; the costumes are bought. The bowls are filled with candy and you’re probably out of money. Believe it or not, next to Christmas, Americans spend the most amount of money on Halloween; a whopping $6.5 billion to be exact. The worst part about spending all this money is that there is very little to show for it. The cheap costumes are found littering the streets, candy is splurged on and decorations are tossed away. All we’re left with is rotted pumpkins and a few extra cavities.

Fortunately, you can not only save money by smart-shopping tactics, but also save the environment. In fact, such sites as greenhalloween.org are dedicated toward promoting a green Halloween. For starters, ditch the cheap PVC costumes that are cheaply made and usually only last one day. Instead, look through your own closet, head to a resale shop or sew one of your own costumes. Not handy? Try purchasing your child an actual dress-up costume that is quality made, kid-friendly and can be used over and over again.

For food, focus on the fresh fruits and vegetables instead of the candy treats for your family. Head to the local farmer’s market and see the abundance of colors and aromas that are there. If you have a sweet tooth, try making your own candied apples using fresh apples from the market. Organic jellies and homemade pies are other great treats for the Halloween season and will cost less than those giant bags of candy.

Since you can’t hand out produce to the trick-or-treaters, opt for treats that don’t come individually wrapped. Instead, try coupons from local restaurants or ice cream shops. For example, McDonalds sells coupon books for free cheeseburgers, shakes and the like. Or, try favors that can be purchased in bulk quantities and don’t come individually wrapped such as skeleton rings, stickers or glow in the dark bats. Pencils, pads of paper and erasers are other inexpensive favors that save on the environment.

Finally, be smart about your decorations. Use beeswax candles instead of paraffin ones that pollute the air. Get the most out of your carved pumpkins by cooking the seeds, or use the insides of the pumpkin for cooking and baking. You can also compost the remains of the pumpkins, as 99 percent are used for carving jack-o-lanterns and just end up in the landfills. And don’t waste money on cheap decorations that will be thrown in the garbage. Consider investing in decorations that can be reused or try making your own and save the money for Christmas – you’ll need it.

Image: usafeast.com

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Volunteers Take Part in Make a Difference Day by Planting Trees

Sunday, October 23rd, 2011

This weekend, people from all over the country celebrated Make a Difference Day. USA WEEKEND sponsors this day with HandsOn Network. It’s held on the fourth Saturday each October and designed to help others around the world by making a difference in one day. This special event may only last for one day, but having people come together for one common goal really does make a difference. One of the tasks that many organizations took part in was planting trees.

For example, several students from Montana State University planted maple, linden, hackberry and crabapple trees in a nearby neighborhood. Lawrence Tech students did the same thing, as they planted a variety of trees in Detroit neighborhoods.

It wasn’t just university students that came out to dig for the day. Community organizations also made plans to improve their cities by planting trees along bare streets and neighborhood parkways. Although many low-income areas were targeted because of their lack of healthy tree life, some areas took advantage of this day to create more areas for birds to live and migrate to.

With bird watching becoming a popular past time for millions of Americans, establishing homes for these birds is a necessity. Adults and children came out to help dig and plant for hours, and for most locations, the weather cooperated. In fact, some programs were so successful, they said they actually had to turn volunteers away.

The more we know about trees – how they lower toxins in the air, create more carbon dioxide, increase property value and increase bird watching opportunities – the more people are taking an active interest in preserving and planting them. In many parts of the country, people also felt that Make a Difference Day was one last opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with the family before the cold weather really sets in.

If you missed out on this year’s Make a Difference Day, be sure to look for community events in your area next year. Or, take advantage of tree planting programs that are held throughout the year and always looking for volunteers to dig and plant.

Image: nj.com

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Replace Your Wooden Cutting Board with Bamboo

Saturday, September 24th, 2011

No one wants their food prepared on a dirty, bacteria-infested surface, so why are you still using that raggedy old cutting board?

Let’s face it; we probably don’t invest as much time in our cutting board collection as we should. We grab out a board, cut up our meat, fish, veggies or fruits and then toss it in the dishwasher. I have a mix of cutting boards in my cabinets: Thick plastic, thin plastic, wood and stone.

Yet without proper care and cleaning, cutting boards can harbor a lot of bacteria that can seep into our foods. While chances are slim that the bacteria will be enough to “taint” the food, there is always the possibility that it can make us sick.

There have been some conflicting statements about wood or plastic being the better choice. Many believe that germs and bacteria can seep into the cracks of the wood and breed like crazy, whereas they are more easily cleaned off plastic cutting boards. Yet some people can’t help but like the professional and trendy appearance of wood boards, especially if they’re left out on a countertop.

Fortunately, there’s a simple solution: Bamboo. Bamboo cutting boards look like wooden ones, and they’re super strong and dense so you won’t cut through the board. A little natural cleaner is all you need to wipe down the surface, and bamboo is naturally resistant to bacteria and mold. Best of all, bamboo boards are attractive in design, eco-friendly and affordable, making them welcome in almost any kitchen.

Don’t think that the uses for bamboo stop here. Bamboo can be used for cutlery, flooring, sheets, clothing and yes – panda food. Next time you’re shopping for wood, consider bamboo as a fresh alternative, even  in the kitchen.

Image Source: fantes.com

 

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Top 5 Easiest Houseplants to Care For

Saturday, September 24th, 2011

I believe that houseplants are an excellent way to spruce up the home. It seems that this notion is enforced by home improvement channels that say there’s no replacement for real plants – sorry artificial ones!

While we can all agree that real houseplants look better than their fake alternatives, caring for them is much harder. Not only do you have to remember to water on a regular basis, but plants also require certain environmental settings that may be difficult to replicate. I learned this the hard way when I tried to bring a California palm tree back to Chicago.

If you happen to live in a dorm or apartment, trying to recreate a bright, sunny and warm setting can be all the more difficult. But don’t skip out on the fresh flowers quite yet. After all, plants have been known to improve the quality of air, filter out toxins and add color and warmth. Fortunately, there are quite a few plants that are easy to care for and can be welcomed into any home, anywhere.

1. Peace Lily – Also one of the best plants for improving indoor air quality, the peace lily looks lovely and is simple to care for. It basically tells you when it’s thirsty, as the leaves will begin to wilt. And, only low levels of light are needed.

2. Lucky Bamboo – Although this plant isn’t bamboo at all, it’s certainly unique looking and associated with some good luck! Keep in moist, but not too wet, and in low light conditions. It can be planted in soil or left in a decorative pot.

3. Pothos – This plant is not only easy to grow, but it’s nearly impossible to kill. (If you succeed, you can probably consider yourself a really poor plant keeper). These plants keep on growing even if you ignore them, although the tips of the leaves will turn brown when they’re dried out. To keep them looking their best, a simple pruning job will do.

4. ZZ Plants – These plants can survive in just about any setting and have few demands for light and water. With their flexibility, you can set them anywhere and enjoy their beauty.

5. Spider Plants – Because these plants continue to grow, they are often planted in hanging baskets and need to be re-potted every few years. They are easy to care for and will successfully fill a pot with little effort.

If you’re looking for other easy plants to add to your home, a few others to consider include aloe, jade plants, prayer plants and soft succulents.

Image Source: ob-noxious.org

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West Virginia and their environment

Friday, September 2nd, 2011

File:Oil Drilling Rig - Laid up in Portkil - Meikleross Bay - geograph.org.uk - 50279.jpgIs West Virginia’s environment improving?  According to West Virginia Public Broadcasting, “it is getting better.”  Great news right?  They have had issues with their water and air but have seen significant improvements.  Apparently there were issues with the “Marcellus shale drillings.”  They definitely want to “improve protections.”

Drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus shale is definitely in “the heart of the states’s environment debate.”  They want more oil and gas inspectors to monitor the sites.  This is most definitely a good idea as they can see what activity is taking place potentially causing more pollution to the environment.  Last month, according to WV Public Broadcasting,  “the Environmental Protection Agency announced that it’s looking into controlling air pollution at oil and gas sites as well.”  I think that this statement made by EPA most definitely deserves an applause don’t you think?  Air pollution through oil and gas can cause major health issues if it is not addressed and monitored. 

Hopefully the state of West Virginia will continue to see more progress with cleaner air and water in the days ahead.  Can you imagine living near oil and gas sites that are not clearly monitored? I think the WV will see improvements in their health as well if there were any suffering from these negative effects.

Source: West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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