Dangers at Sea - The North Pole of Tomorrow

Global warming and climate change are taking their effect on the arctic.  Frozen for more than a hundred centuries, scientists are examining the possibility of a completely ice-free North Pole this summer.   Extreme temperatures have melted the ice in the arctic much faster than years past - about 70% of the ice there now was produced in the past winter and will melt even more quickly this summer.

Polar bears are in danger of losing their breeding grounds, the graceful arctic fox has nowhere to go when temperatures heat up, and several penguin species are seeing drastic declines in number.  Huge volumes of melting ice are creating rising sea levels around the world.

 

 At the same time there are hundreds of new marine species discovered each day, many of them beneath what was once arctic ice.  While these new species may or may not survive future climate change, our land is not surviving the rising waters.  Carol Auer, an NOAA oceanographer, says "a half-inch of vertical sea level rise translates to about three feet of land lost on a sandy open coast" and studies five years ago estimated an annual rise of about 3mm.

 

Is there a solution? 

 

While some of the effects of climate change and global warming are a natural part of our environment, a big portion of it is the result of our own actions and neglect.  Conclusions to a recent scientific study support the fact "that the climate change observed over the past four decades is man made and not the result of natural phenomena."

 

Suing the president for neglecting the polar bears is probably not the answer (who's idea was it to reelect this bozo anyway?) but there are a variety of ways you can decrease your personal impact on the planet and make a difference. 

 

If you could change one thing about our society in an effort to decrease global warming, what would it be? 

Have You Wasted Your Pound of Food Today?

If you watched the Today Show this morning - were you as shocked as I was to learn that more than 96 billion pounds of food are thrown out and wasted each year in America?

Every day, the average American will eat about 5 pounds of food while wasting another pound.  In a month's time, the average American family has thrown out an entire week's worth of groceries!

 What's the problem with wasted food?

Disposed food doesn't really pose a direct threat to the environment.  Growing and producing these 96 billions pounds of wasted food each year does have a negative impact on the environment as well as the global population.

• Livestock production accounts for about 18% more greenhouse emissions than transportation and is quite harmful to land and water.
• About 13% of the world is starving.  "More than 852 million people do not have enough food each day to sustain a healthy life" while Americans throw out enough to feed a huge percentage of them.
• Farmland is responsible for 80% of the world's deforestation.  We are running out of land for food production; nearly one-third of the lands used for crops has been abandoned due to soil degradation.

What can we do to waste less food?

The realization of how much food we're actually wasting is more than enough to wake me up!  We're throwing out a week's worth of food while 13% of our fellow humans are living miserable lives due to lack of food -- something's got to be done, doesn't it?

 

If that's not enough to open your eyes, consider the land shortage, the possibility of paying even higher food prices, and the potential to cause more harm to the environment. 

Make a conscience effort to serve, prepare, and purchase only the amount of food you need.  Plan meals using leftovers instead of stuffing them in the fridge for later disposal.  You can also help reduce food waste by making others aware of the numbers.

Dinner table leftovers and spoiled food in the refrigerator aren't the only contributers to this startling problem.

•  Modern crop gathering leaves behind all sorts of produce, just lying in fields to rot.
• Grocery stores and supermarkets toss hundreds of pounds of food each day as it nears expiration. 
• Restaurants dispose of an equally large amount of food supplies.

Get Involved - Learn More

Visit Jonathan Bloom at Wasted Food to keep up to date on the latest news and to learn more about what you can do to help. You can:

• Encourage local restaurants and businesses to donate excess food to shelters and soup kitchens in your community.
• Donate to food charities like Second Harvest.
• Volunteer to help with crop gleaning and food recovery efforts in your area.
• Encourage others to do their part.  

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Tags: wastedfood, food shortage, environment, food crisis

5 Ways to Offset Your Carbon Emissions

My partner Samantha Cummings had a great post on a new mobile planter yesterday.  My first thought -- "Wow!  What a cute way to offset a bit of your carbon emissions while you drive!"  While one little flower growing in your car may not offset all of the gasses you emit driving, live plant life in everyone's car could surely have an impact!

The cars we drive, the electricity we use to light and cool our homes, even the food we eat...nearly everything we do has a significant negative impact on our planet.  While the personal carbon emissions of city dwellers are much lower than the national average, these large cities account for more than half of the gases emitted in the US - gases that promise to increase heat deaths by at least 1,000 individuals a year just in LA over the next few decades, among a number of other concerns addressed in the better-late-than-never climate report issued by the US government recently.

How much carbon do you emit?

The average American generates about 2.87 tons of carbon each year.  You can calculate your personal emissions here.  The EPA also provides links for several other emissions calculators.  Reducing those emissions by even a small percentage can have huge benefits for the planet!

5 simple ways you can offset your carbon emissions:

1. Choose energy star appliances and light bulbs.  Replacing just 5 light bulbs with Energy Star rated bulbs in every American home would offset the emissions of 10 million cars, according the US EPA.
2. Consider an earth-friendlier vehicle.  Hybrid cars and alternative fuel vehicles are becoming much more functional and economical - and can greatly help reduce carbon emissions that create global warming.
3. Drive greener with Grass On The Dash.  This innovative mobile planter allows you to grow a live flower in your car - without any mess!  Grass, lilacs, cacti for hot seasons...offset carbon emissions and make your car more beautiful!
4. Plant trees.  While it would take a good sized forest to offset just your personal emissions, there are a number of programs available that sponsor reforestation projects, as well as research and studies for other ways to reduce greenhouse gases.  Sign up with a trustworthy carbon offset service.
5. Reduce, reuse, and recycle.  Make an effort to only buy new if there's no alternative and recycle or reuse rather than throwing away.  Reducing the amount of garbage sitting in our landfills can be quite beneficial to the earth. 

The Benefits of Driving Green - Are Hybrid Cars Worth the Cost?

With gas prices continuing to rise beyond $4 a gallon across the United States, hybrid cars are gaining well-deserved attention from both economical drivers and eco-friendly consumers.  Hybrid vehicles have come a long way over the past decade.  Tiny, cramped spaces and super slow drives are no longer the typical ride in a hybrid.  In fact, the full size Chevy Sliverado crew cab will be available as a hybrid in 2009 and the roomy Dodge Caravan is already manufactured in a hybrid model. 

Hybrid cars no longer lack in performance and they save drivers at least $10 each visit to the pumps - so why doesn't everyone buy hybrid?

With a sticker price averaging two to three thousand dollars more than a traditional car, many drivers feel the savings on fuel are just not worth the extra initial investment of a hybrid.  A typical driver may not recover the extra costs of the purchase price over the entire time they own the car if they only drive 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year. 

Why Buy a Hybrid Car?

Better gas mileage is just one of many benefits of driving a hybrid.  Bryan Palmintier at Yahoo Green's Environmental Lovins analyzed the long run cost benefits of owning a hybrid Toyota Prius versus the conventional Honda Accord and Civic.  After 3 years, the hybrid Prius held over 10% more of its value than the non-hybrid models, meaning a much higher return on resell.  Without even factoring in the additional incentives available for hybrid owners, the Prius cost nearly $5,000 less than the traditional Accord in the long run.

• The US government offers a tax credit, up to $3,400, for hybrid owners.  The incentive only applies to the first 60,000 cars sold so it's a good idea to factor this into your shopping decision.
• Many companies provide employees with cash incentives on hybrid purchases to encourage a greener commute.
• The Federal Hybrid HOV Waiver, passed in August of 2006, means a quicker commute for hybrid owners and allows access to HOV lanes regardless of occupancy for hybrid vehicles.
• Many banks and credit unions offer an additional discount on the finance rate of loans for hybrid cars.

Effect on the Planet

All of these savings and incentives, combined with the excellent gas mileage, makes hybrid cars a budget-friendly choice.  The environmental benefits are just as persuasive.  Hybrid cars cut greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 35%, even more in some newer models.  Hybrids do not come without their environmental downfalls though.

• Lithium ion batteries and nickel metal hydride batteries used in hybrid cars are safer than traditional car batteries containing lead, but still pose problems when it comes to disposal.  Batteries containing nickel can also lead to an array of health complications.
• The production of biofuels in the US has been a significant contributer to the global food shortage and increased prices.  While hybrid cars use less, they still use precious resources that could be used elsewhere.  

Have Gas Prices Got you Singing the Blues?

As the cost of gas goes beyond absurd, more and more drivers are making noise to voice their concerns.  The US national average of $3.61 a gallon equates to at least $50 just to fill the tank and is 56 cents more per gallon than we were paying this time last year -- at this price, gas is taking an additional $600 or more away from the average consumer this year!   There goes that tax rebate! 

 

Jay Weinburg of Indiana publicized his wallet pains with  a rooftop performance of his original tune, "Price Gougin'."  Those dispensing the precious $3.78 per gallon fuel on the ground below continued the song as Weinburg was arrested. 

Diesel prices, rising above $4.00 a gallon in April and currently averaging $4.14 a gallon, are causing even more of an uproar among those making a living on the road.  While these protests demand attention and create headaches for local governments -- it doesn't change the price we're paying for gas!  It's still ridiculously expensive and we still have to drive!

If the amount of money we're spending to drive isn't scary enough, these money drainers we call cars are also wreaking havoc on our planet.  Driving accounts for a huge percentage of the green house gases emitted in the United States, although it is less than the effect livestock has on the environment.  

Gas prices in 2003Driving less, or at least more efficiently, can help the planet as well as your budget -- so what can you do?

Get back to basics and saddle up your four legged friend for a free ride that is earth-friendly and healthy.  Many horse owners are forgetting the car keys and enjoying a gas-free ride.

Go hybrid.  Hybrid cars still emit greenhouse gases and still cost more than they should at the pumps, but hybrids are much more efficient and can save cash while reducing the impact driving has on the planet.

Take advantage of public transportation.  The bus, the rail, or even an office carpool can limit your driving time and increase your productivity if you use your commute time wisely.

There are many other ways you can make a difference in the protest on gas prices.  Foot power is one of the absolute best choices - whether you pedal or walk, this mode of transportation is good for you, the planet, and your wallet.  When you do have to drive, there are plenty of little things you can do to save on gas. 

Will the ridiculous prices at the pump change your vacation plans this summer?  What are you doing to reduce your gas consumption?