Hurry up friends; last 5 days are remaining for participation

Hurry up friends; last 5 days are remaining for participation in Nature blog competition 2013. I am heartily welcome you to participate and show your talent and passion for Nature to everyone in the world.

To know more about this competition and how to apply for it, please visit the following link,

 

http://mylittlecontributiontonature.blogspot.com/2013/10/nature-blog-competition-2013.html

 

If you have any doubts then please let me know.

Thanks to every one for reading the post, I am waiting for your participation.

Saving life of Scorpion

 

I strongly believe that we have no rights to finish anybodies life. Hence I always try to save the lives of the animals and birds which are in trouble.

Yesterday my Father wants to remove water droplets which were fall on the bike due to rain with a cloth which is laid in the garden. They picked up the cloth and started cleaning the bike. Suddenly they saw a scorpion on the cloth. Immediately they called me for watching it. Then they decided to kill the scorpion as it is very dangerous if released as it is near the house. Scorpion may enter in my house and can bite anyone of us. Actually my father was very fortunate as the scorpion does not bite them even though there were few centimeter gaps between my father’s hand and scorpion.

After understanding the situation I decided to rescue the scorpion. I immediately went back to home and searched for something so as to catch the scorpion. Then I got a bucket which can be used to catch scorpion safely. Then I pushed the scorpion in the bucket.

 

 

 

After that I safely released the scorpion away from the town so that Scorpion cannot interfere with any other person in the future.

Earth-Friendly Tips for Motorists

 

NewsUSA) – Some day, hydrogen-powered vehicles may be commonplace, but in the meantime, motorists who want to go “green” don’t have to change vehicles to help the environment. The experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a non-profit organization founded in 1972 to improve the quality of automotive service and repair, say that drivers simply need to change a few habits. “Regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits are two strategies that virtually every vehicle owner can embrace,” notes Martin Lawson, editorial director at ASE. The following tips from ASE can put you on the road to environmentally conscious care today:

* Keep the engine running at peak performance. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent. Replace filters and fluids as recommended in the manual.

* Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. Inflated tires reduce the engine’s effort and gasoline consumption.

* Find a good technician. Ask friends for recommendations. Check the reputation of the repair shop with your local consumer group. Check out the technicians’ credentials. ASE-certified auto technicians have passed one or more national exams in specialties such as engine performance and air conditioning. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the ASE sign.

* Have your vehicle’s air conditioner serviced only by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. Older air conditioners contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which could be released into the atmosphere through improper service.

* Avoid speeding and sudden accelerations; both habits guzzle gas. When waiting for friends or family, shut off the engine. Consolidate daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving.

* Remove excess items from the vehicle. Less weight means better mileage. Remove that rooftop luggage carrier after vacations to reduce air drag.

* If you do your own repairs, properly dispose of engine fluids and batteries. Some repair facilities accept these items. Or call your local government for information.

Visit www.ase.com for more seasonal car care tips and for information about the benefits of using ASE-certified technicians for auto repairs and service.

Turning Mountains of Plastic Into Gallons of Fuel

 

(NewsUSA) – Thanks to one resourceful company and an exemplary demonstration of green technology, one man’s trash can be another man’s fuel — literally."We put plastic in one end, and liquid fuel comes out the other," explains John Bordynuik, founder and chief of technology behind Plastic2Oil, a division of JBI, Inc. that turns unsorted, unwashed waste plastic into ultra-clean fuels that don’t need refinement.The Environmental Protection Agency reports that the U.S. generates 31 million tons of waste plastic every year, and 92 percent of that is dumped in landfills or incinerated — neither of which is eco-friendly. That, coupled with America’s continued dependence on foreign oil, makes Plastic2Oil (P2O) look downright magical.Maybe it is.JBI started developing their unique P2O process in 2009. After a series of tests, analysts determined the procedure to be repeatable in 2010, and the primary plant was established in Niagara Falls, N.Y.Now, an average of 86 percent of the plastic going into the processors is turned into fuel. To date, JBI has converted over 2 million pounds of plastic into ultra-low-sulfur fuel, including No. 2 Diesel, No. 6 Fuel and Naphtha, which is used in petroleum engineering. None of these fuels needed to be refined further. Given the national push to be more environmentally aware, companies are taking truckloads of waste plastics to JBI. Thus, in one move, participating companies can save money on otherwise expensive waste disposal and reduce the mountains of plastic in landfills.Not to mention, companies that supply raw waste materials help produce a scope of refined fuel products.If your company is currently sending a significant amount of waste plastic to landfills, please contact JBI at wasteplastic@jbi.net.For more information, please visit www.plastic2oil.com.

Green Living: A Plus For Our Planet

 

NewsUSA) – How green is your world? For some of us, the inconvenient truth is this: When it comes to “greening” our home, our lifestyle, our family and our pets, we are not always sure where to begin.

Here are some easy-to-embrace, eco-friendly tips. Try some. Try them all. We and the planet may be better for them.

* One coffee cup? Two cereal bowls? Don’t put the dishwasher to work. Rinse and air dry. Run the energy-sapping dishwasher only when it’s full and on its energy-saver mode.

* Take shorter showers and consider baths a special treat. Hot water heaters are a major energy drain. Insulate your water heater. Install low-flow shower heads -; you’ll cut your water usage and water-heating costs.

* Use more energy-efficient lighting throughout your home. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have come a long way and are often 10 times more efficient than compact fluorescents.

* Choose pet products and pet health care providers who share your concern for the natural world. For example, World’s Best Cat Litter is made from all-natural ingredients with no added chemicals or perfumes, so it is totally safe for cats and the whole family. The chemical-free litter is especially suitable for people and pets with allergies and chemical sensitivities because it is silica dust-free. Also, the product is safe if ingested by pets or humans because it contains no toxins.

* Close down your computer at night. Hitting the off button is worth an average of $90 of electricity a year. The Department of Energy recommends shutting off your monitor if you aren’t going to use it for more than 20 minutes, and the whole system if you’ll be offline for more than two hours.

* One day each week, leave the car in the garage all day.

* Our parents were on to something -; when leaving a room, turn off the lights.

* Drip. Drip. Drip. A leaky faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water a day. A leaky toilet can flush an extra 200 gallons every day. Put six drops of food coloring in the tank. Wait ten minutes. If you find color in the bowl, you have a leaker.

* Planning to build a new home or add on to your existing residence? Locate contractors who participate in green building programs.

* Take a cue from our grandparents. Use natural resources to clean. Lemon juice and vinegar were powerful tools in the past.

* Get out the caulking gun, and weather strip your home.

* Walk, bike or car pool whenever possible. You’ll save energy and burn a few extra calories.

Want to Save the Earth? It’s All in the Reusable Bag

 

NewsUSA) – Each year, consumers use between 500 billion and 1 trillion single-use plastic bags worldwide. While some do reuse plastic bags, most end up in landfills, if not in the world’s oceans, causing over 100,000 sea turtle and other marine animal deaths each year.

Each reusable grocery bag can eliminate 1,000 plastic bags over the course of its lifetime. Even better, consumers can purchase reusable grocery bags that benefit good causes. For example,

two organizations that benefit poverty-stricken families, Americans Helping Americans (www.helpingamericans.org) and Running Strong for American Indian Youth (www.indianyouth.org), recently started printing their logos on grocery bags containing 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.

So, why do so many people fail to carry reusable bags? Despite the planning that goes into creating shopping lists, it is mostly a store-time decision when deciding what they will use to carry their groceries.

For shoppers who want to get the most out of reusable bags, keep these tips in mind:

- Keep some extra bags spare. Purchase several bags. Keep some in your car and in a visible location in your home. Fold lightweight bags, and keep them in your purse or a large pocket.

- Designate bags for different purposes. Label separate bags for vegetables, meat and fish. You might also want to purchase one or two insulated bags for frozen or refrigerated foods. If cold foods sweat and dampen the bags, let them air-dry on a clothesline before storing them.

- Put your reusable bag on your list. When you write out your shopping list, make a note to remember your bag.

- Think beyond the grocery store. Keep one or two bags for non-food use, and take them with you when you go to the mall or convenience store.

- If you do forget a reusable bag, purchase a new one. Hopefully, if you purchase enough new bags, you will start remembering to take them to the store. Make your money count by purchasing bags from reputable charities like Americans Helping Americans and Running Strong for American Indian Youth. For more information, visit www.helpingamericans.org and www.indianyouth.org.

Children Benefit From Seeing Sealife

 

NewsUSA) – When it comes to entertaining a child, it’s hard to beat what nature has to offer. Most kids love taking nature walks and trips to aquariums and zoos, and parents can rest easy knowing that these sorts of trips have an educational impact.

Why should parents make sure that their kids see the natural world? Consider the following:

- Studies show that children with access to nature suffer from less depression and stress, and are less likely to develop obesity. Exposure to nature may also boost kids’ attention spans, making them better learners.

- Seeing nature makes children more interested in the outside world. According to one report, most eight-year-old kids can identify more cartoon characters than wild animals.

- When children experience wildlife firsthand, they can better understand why conservation is important and how even the actions of land-locked states can help or harm the environment.

Regardless of where you live or vacation, there are many opportunities for children to see wildlife up close. Take sea turtles for example: according to Oceana, an international organization that focuses on ocean conservation, the United States is home to six species of sea turtles, all of which are in danger of extinction.

Unlike many ocean creatures, which require a boat or scuba gear for viewing, sea turtles are easily accessible. Children in landlocked states can see them in aquariums, while children with access to coastlines may be able to see sea turtles in the wild.

Some state and national parks lead moonlit nature walks, where children can see female sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. Female sea turtles go into trances when they lay their eggs, so under a ranger’s supervision, children can come within a few feet of a wild sea turtle. Children can also often see wild sea turtles swimming in locations like Florida, Texas and Hawaii. People of all ages are more likely to want to help save sea turtles once they’ve seen one up close.

For more information, visit www.oceana.org.

Saving the World’s Ocean — One Coral at a Time

 

NewsUSA) – Corals are not usually the first things to come to people’s minds when asked what kinds of animals inhabit the world’s oceans. Most people only come in contact with coral as jewelry or decoration or when snorkeling or diving. For many of us, corals are often viewed as some sort of rock or plant. However, corals are among the most vital animals in the sea, providing shelter and food for some 25 percent of the world’s marine species.

Left to thrive, corals provide a wide range of important services worldwide. Sometimes referred to as the “rainforests of the oceans,” corals and coral reefs allow for a variety of both large and small fish to survive and thrive, providing food for coastal communities worldwide. They form a natural barrier that provides protection for communities during potentially-damaging storms. Their natural beauty also brings in tourist dollars. Combined, these resources and services are estimated to be worth $375 billion annually.

Yet, corals around the world are in decline. Recent scientific studies estimate that 20 percent of the world’s coral reefs have been lost, and another 24 percent could be lost in our lifetime. Climate change, pollution, destructive fishing methods, overfishing, and consumer demand for their use in jewelry and home décor items are threatening their survival.

People living far from the ocean may think there’s not much they can do to help preserve corals, but, to the contrary, they can help just by taking the following steps:

- Avoid purchasing real coral. Buy jewelry or home décor products that use other materials. Companies like Tiffany & Co. and Pottery Barn are two companies that no longer use real coral in their creations. For more ocean-friendly gift ideas, visit www.tooprecioustowear.org.

- Reduce fuel and energy consumption. Corals will have a better chance of surviving global climate change if seawater temperature increases are curtailed.

- Help stop the pollution of our oceans. Chemical treatments to lawns, oil and other fluids from cars, prescription drugs, paint products, and other hazardous waste that enter our sewers eventually end up in the oceans, creating a toxic environment for all sea life, including corals.

- Make a pledge and take other actions to help preserve corals by going to www.seaweb.org/TPTW/pledge.

Too Precious To Wear is a SeaWeb (www.seaweb.org) coral-conservation campaign with The Tiffany & Co. Foundation and others that work with influencers in the fashion and design industries to discourage the use of real coral in jewelry and decorations.

Buying Appliances? Think Beyond Purchase Price

 

(NewsUSA) – If you’re looking to get the best deal on your appliance purchases, you’re not alone. According to research by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), 81 percent of consumers polled say that price is the most important factor in deciding which appliance to buy. Yet, less than half say they considered energy efficiency in their decision process.
Many consumers don’t realize that the true cost of an appliance is more than the initial purchase price. In fact, by selecting the most energy-efficient solutions, consumers can reduce their energy bills year after year by 20 to 30 percent. These products incorporate advanced technologies that use up to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models. Considering that the EPA estimates the average household spends $2,200 on energy bills each year, these savings can really add up.
To find the most energy-efficient appliance and maximize your savings, follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Remember that there are two costs associated with an appliance: the price you pay for it and the cost you incur to run it.
Step 2: Look for the Energy Star label. Just because the product details might have “energy efficient” listed, it doesn’t mean it’s been engineered to be the most efficient. Energy Star-certified products have been independently tested to meet rigorous standards for energy efficiency and quality. That means they’ll give you the same (or more) service for less energy while helping to protect the environment. They also offer improved quality and durability. With products in more than 60 categories, there are many Energy Star options to choose from.
Step 3: Read the yellow EnergyGuide label. This standard label, displayed on most appliances, will tell you how much energy the product uses, along with an estimated annual operating cost. By comparing these two figures on similar models — even those with Energy Star labels — you’ll be able to identify the most energy-efficient option. Keep in mind that some products that are the “most energy efficient” won’t always have an Energy Star label.
Step 4: Recycle your old appliance. Ask your retailer if it has a recycling program. If not, recycling centers or local non-profits in your area might have recycling programs that make it easy to dispose of old units. Some utility companies even offer incentives to pay for old appliances you no longer use.
For more information, go to nyserda.ny.gov/save-newsusa.

Save Money, Help the Environment With Properly Inflated Tires

 

(NewsUSA) – Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are now a standard safety feature on all new cars in the United States. TPMS automatically monitors tire pressure and alerts the driver when the pressure in one or more tires becomes significantly low — and potentially dangerous.
Still, conducting monthly tire pressure checks is one of the smartest driving moves you can make. Not only are properly inflated tires critical for vehicle safety, they also increase fuel efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Increase Fuel Efficiency
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 3.56 million gallons of gasoline are wasted every day due to incorrectly inflated tires. The good news is you can improve gas mileage just by keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure. In fact, one study showed that if gas costs $3 per gallon, proper tire pressure can save you up to $432 at the pump each year.
Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the typical car in the United States releases more than five tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. By keeping tires properly inflated, you can reduce your vehicle’s “carbon footprint” by an average of 327 pounds per year. Because a tire can lose up to half its air pressure without appearing to be under-inflated, you cannot rely on a tire’s appearance to determine whether it’s properly inflated or not.
Tire Pressure Tips From Schrader
To help ensure your tires are properly inflated year-round, here are some tips from Schrader, the inventor and leading manufacturer of TPMS worldwide:
* Check the pressure in all four tires — and the spare tire — monthly with an accurate tire gauge, and always check tire pressure before a long road trip.
* The “right” pressure for your vehicle’s tires can be found in the vehicle’s manual or on the driver door edge, glove box or fuel door. Do not follow the information listed on the tire sidewall.
* For the most accurate reading, tires should be checked when they are cool.
* Always remember to replace the valve cap.
For more tips, including what to do if the TPMS symbol illuminates on your dashboard, visit TPMSMadeSimple.com. Schrader created the site to help educate drivers about TPMS and the importance of proper tire pressure

How to Keep Wildlife in the Wild

 

 

(NewsUSA) – This past summer, many Americans learned about the existence of hantavirus and that the bubonic plague is again present (albeit rare) in the U.S. as cases resulting from these diseases made national news. These shocking and tragic cases were linked to nuisance wildlife, and serve as harsh reminders that many pests are vectors of disease. Because of the health dangers these pests pose, it is important to keep them out of our homes, out of our yards and out of our lives.
Dr. Jorge Parada, medical spokesperson for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), urges parents to remind their children of how dangerous animals can be, particularly wild ones. “We often see parents bring children to the hospital for fear of rabies exposure or some other health concern associated with pests. Children are notorious for admiring wildlife too closely and being exposed to potentially harmful pathogens and bacteria in doing so.”
With temperatures dropping and seasons changing, many pests will be in search of new sources of food, water and shelter as these items become less readily abundant than in warmer months. If not properly protected, homes and yards provide welcoming environments for pests. Rodents, raccoons, squirrels and bats are some of the more common nuisance wildlife species likely to cross over into homeowners’ personal spaces in the coming weeks and months.
NPMA offers the following tips to help keep nuisance wildlife from inhabiting your property:
• Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including entry points for utilities and pipes.
• Keep tree branches and shrubbery well trimmed and away from the house.
• Don’t leave pet food or water outdoors.
• Hang birdfeeders as far back in the yard as possible.
• Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
• Store garbage in sealed containers. Make sure lids on outdoor trash receptacles fit snugly.
• Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows.
• Add chimney caps to prevent wildlife from entering.
Wildlife can be appreciated from afar, but if it comes into or close to a home, it becomes nuisance wildlife. If you suspect a problem with such pests, play it safe. Contact a qualified pest professional for additional advice and treatment if necessary

Turn Your Backyard Into an Outdoor Resort

 

This summer many people will spend vacation time at home instead of traveling. According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), with a few updates to your outside lighting, you can enjoy a mini vacation at home. Believe it or not, it’s easier and less expensive than you might think to transform your existing patio, deck or pool area into a lovely retreat. Rather than buying a costly designer patio set or lounge chairs that will lose their luster by next season, invest in a new lighting scheme that will enhance your existing outdoor furniture and amenities.

“Creating a beautiful landscape doesn’t have to be expensive,” says Rick Wiedemer of Hinkley Lighting. “A few well-placed, low-voltage path or accent lights can make a huge impact on a well-manicured landscape.” No lawn is too small. “Even modest homes or those with limited yards or gardens can benefit,” he says.

All that is needed are some basic tools, a transformer (which reduces standard 120-volt household current to the safe 12-volt level), outdoor low-voltage copper cable, and low-voltage lighting fixtures – all of which you can find at your local ALA-member lighting showroom.

“The best thing about using low-voltage lighting outdoors is you don’t have to do everything at once. I recommend purchasing a transformer that is larger than you immediately need,” says Lew Waltz of Philips Hadco. That way when you are ready to install additional lighting, the larger transformer will already be in place and ready to handle the task. “You only pay for the energy consumed by the fixtures,” says Waltz. “In other words, a 600-watt transformer that only has 200 watts of fixtures on it, uses 200 watts of energy, not 600.”

When laying out your project, remember a little light goes a long way outdoors. Consulting with a lighting professional at your local ALA-member lighting showroom can help you avoid making the common mistake of too many fixtures in one area. To find more information about lighting all areas of your home, go to www.AmericanLightingAssoc.com.

Save Time and Money Buying Your Next Refrigerator

 

NewsUSA) – Nearly everyone is more cautious with money these days, so major purchases are approached with additional consideration and planning. A new refrigerator, for example, can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars and may be in your home for 10 or more years. So when it is necessary to replace, budget-focused consumers may first consider the purchase price. However, a refrigerator’s reliability, energy efficiency, usable features and ability to store more-affordable bulk foods are also important factors and can offset the initial cost.

Since consumers are in the market for appliances so infrequently, the purchase process can easily become confusing and overwhelming. The tips and guidelines below will help even the most discerning and energy-minded shoppers navigate the showroom floor and identify a reliable refrigerator that will meet their needs.

Compare the capacity and storage. Models with more shelves and bins have a greater surface area, which creates more space for fresh and frozen food deals bought in bulk. Consider a model that will not only fit everything, but will also provide easy access to the most-used items. The Maytag® ICE2O® refrigerator has a bottom mount freezer drawer that features a SmoothClose™ track system with heavy-duty ball bearing slides that can hold up to 120 pounds of food. The wide drawer can hold deli platters, while durable bins and four Spill-Catcher™ glass shelves help store food in an organized way.

Look for the ENERGY STAR® label. The refrigerator consumes more energy than any other kitchen appliance. According to ENERGY STAR®, replacing a model from the 1980s with an ENERGY STAR-qualified model will offer a savings of $100 per year on utility bills, or $200 per year if the model is from the 1970s. Features such as a door alarm, power outage indicator, airtight door seals and easy-to-use temperature controls will help maintain a constant temperature and contribute to the efficiency rating.

Consider the usability of the features. Add-on features can save time and money if they eliminate a cost or save a step. A removable ice bucket can be easily brought to the table or cooler. Filtered ice and water dispensers can help save money and the environment by preventing the disposal of plastic water bottles. Some of the newest refrigerators also have ice makers that produce smaller cubes that fit into refillable water bottles.

Examine the hardware. How durable the handles are and how strong the hinges are will directly impact the life of the refrigerator. Open and close the door and drawers to test their strength, and look for heavy-duty stainless steel handles that will remain secure even in the most active households

Small Investments Lead to Reduced Energy Bills

With fuel costs on the rise, many consumers are wondering what they can do to reduce home energy bills. Making your home more energy-efficient can be surprisingly quick, easy and cost-effective.
Next time you’re out running errands, keep these five items on your list of things to buy, and you could start seeing the savings in no time:
1. Window insulation kit. Properly sealing drafty windows not only increases the comfort of your home, but may also significantly decrease your energy bills. Insulating windows is an inexpensive and effective way to keep warm air in and cold air out. Choose a product that can easily fit a variety of window sizes, such as the Roll-On Window Kit by Duck Brand, which requires no measuring and minimal cutting and is practically invisible.
2. Programmable thermostat. A pre-programmed device allows you to control the temperature of your home year-round. According to Energy Star, homeowners can save around $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings.
3. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Switch out incandescent light bulbs with CFLs, which use at least 75 percent less energy. You can find CFLs that last up to 10,000 hours – about 10 times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs. Try the n:vision line, which includes soft white, bright white and daylight energy-efficient bulbs, so you can find just the right light for any room in your house.
4. Insulation. Inadequate insulation in your home may allow cool air to escape in the summer and warm air to be lost in the winter, potentially overworking your heating and cooling systems. Add insulation in the attic, crawl spaces, ceilings and exterior walls to help save energy, reduce your operating costs and keep your home comfortable.
5. Furnace filters. Replacing or cleaning furnace filters once a month during the winter will help your heating system operate more efficiently and can keep harmful bacteria, mold, viruses and pollen out of the air. Furnace filters are available in multi-packs, so you can always have one on-hand. You could also consider installing a permanent furnace filter, which is washable and cuts down on waste by eliminating the need for throwaway fiberglass screens.
For a minimal investment, you could see hundreds of dollars in energy savings throughout the year. One trip to the store and a few minutes at home are all it takes to make small changes that really add up.

Three Ways the Oil Spill May Threaten Human Health

 

The massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has many people fearing the environmental impact of pumping 210,000 gallons of toxic oil into a large marine ecosystem. But if the oil rig’s fluid-control systems fail, the expanding oil slick may also become a human health threat.

Little attention has been given to preparing for the worst-case scenario – a catastrophic failure of the BP Deepwater Horizon wellhead and fluid-control systems. Right now, the leaking oil pipes slow the amount of oil released by the rig. Should they fail, the oil slick could increase by 60,000 to 160,000 barrels per day – that’s the equivalent of one Valdez every two days.

Many reports declare the human health risk minimal, but environmental attorney Stuart H. Smith of Smith Stag Law Firm, who is currently pressing a class action lawsuit against BP on behalf of commercial fishermen and the Louisiana Environmental Action Network, points out that oil slicks have made people sick in the past.

For example, in 2003, when the Greek tanker Tasman Spirit spilled more than 35,000 tons of oil along seven miles of highly-populated coastline, local hospitals reported more cases of headaches, nausea and dizziness.

How do oil slicks affect human health? Expert toxicologist Dr. William Sawyer names three primary risks:

1. Repeated contact increases the risk of skin cancer and other maladies.

2. As oil releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nearby populations may develop upper respiratory irritation and neurological effects.

3. The oil could create higher ozone levels. In urban areas, ozone levels in excess of 40 parts per billion are associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

It’s absolutely essential that volunteers and local populations prepare in case the worst should happen. Smith’s lawsuit will ask that BP, as well as Halliburton, Transocean, Anadarko Petroleum, MOEX Offshore, Cameron International and their subsidiaries, provide training and safety equipment, including VOC respirators, to the volunteers responding to the spill.

Overfishing Leads to Troubled Waters for Many Species

 

As many seafood lovers know, buying seafood isn’t as simple as it used to be.

According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch, many marine species are either endangered or threatened, and overfishing is an escalating problem. Between overfishing, oil spills, climate change and other human activities, not a single portion of the ocean remains unaffected.

In fact, a pack of radioactive bluefin tuna recently migrated to the Pacific Ocean from Japan. The tuna, already Japan’s most expensive fish, had harmful levels of radioactive cesium, an outcome of Japan’s devastating earthquake. As a species, bluefin are also substantially overfished.

To avoid contributing to the problem of overfishing, ask chefs and seafood markets about sustainable options. For instance, request albacore tuna instead of bluefin tuna, or stick to sustainable farmed seafood like U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish. Buying American-farmed catfish, as opposed to imported varieties, guarantees freshness.

Try a twist on your classic chowder recipe by using catfish.

Classic Catfish Chowder

4 U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Fillets, cut into bite-size pieces
6 slices thick-cut bacon
3 cups yellow onion, diced
1 1⁄2 cups celery, diced
3⁄4 cup flour
2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
6 cups chicken stock
2 large baking potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces, boiled and drained
1 15-ounce can whole kernel sweet corn, drained
1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 cup thinly sliced green onion, divided
1 cup heavy cream
1⁄2 teaspoon hot sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

1. In large stock pot over medium high heat, cook bacon until nicely browned. Remove bacon strips and set aside. Add onion and celery to pot; cook 5 minutes.

2. In small bowl, combine flour and Old Bay seasoning. Sprinkle flour mixture evenly over onion and celery, stirring to absorb all oil. Cook 3 more minutes.

3. Add chicken stock; stir to combine vegetables. Add potatoes, corn, parsley and 3⁄4 cup of green onions; cook 5 minutes. Add catfish; cook 5 more minutes or until catfish is cooked through.

4. Add cream and hot sauce. S & P to taste. Garnish with remaining green onions and diced bacon pieces. Serve with crusty bread.

Find more catfish recipes at www.uscatfish.com.

On the Road to Greener Living With Eco-Friendly Water Bottles

For decades, we have been urged to be kind to Mother Earth, leave our environment better than when we were here, to live “greener.” This has gotten easier with the arrival of recycling.

After all, who doesn’t feel good about recycling their plastic water bottle? The problem, however, is that many of these bottles don’t make it to the recycling bin and instead end up in landfills that are already overrun with too much trash.

Enter Las Vegas-based Alkame Water, a company that is combatting this problem by creating a water bottle that is designed to be biodegradable in landfills, as well as recyclable with other plastics.

And while much has been written recently on the dangers of freezing plastic water bottles, or conversely, drinking water from a plastic bottle that has been sitting in the heat (to do so is to possibly ingest cancer-causing chemicals), Alkame bottles do not require special storage, will not break down by heat, light, moisture or stress, and are BPA-free as well as 100 percent recyclable.

To accomplish what few others have been able to do, Alkame has enlisted BioSphere—a company dedicated to “giving back to society through global awareness education”—to create its bottles by using a material that is structured in such a way that once the bottle is in a landfill or composter, it degrades from within as well as on the surface. This composition is designed to speed up the biodegradation process by increasing the overall area that can decompose.

“The qualifications in order to be considered biodegradable are that the material must be scientifically proven to break down completely and return to nature in a short time frame,” BioSphere notes on its website.

No doubt, biodegradable plastics will be but one way that companies can reduce their carbon footprint, which is part of Alkame’s overall philosophy of health, for both the environment and for the individual.

Alkame’s formula includes oxygenation that improves aerobic capacity and enhances energy, antioxidants that can boost the immune system, and mild alkalinity for more effective hydration.

Alkame Water is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pinnacle Enterprises, Inc. (OTCBB: PINS) (OTCQB: PINS). For more information on Alkame Water and how you can get it delivered to your home or office, visit www.alkamewater.com.

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Get Better Heat, Save Money by Going Hybrid This Winter

 

As the cost of fuel continues to rise, homeowners look for more efficient ways to heat their homes. One of the best ways to achieve efficiency, cost-effectiveness and comfort is to use a Hybrid Heat system. Hybrid Heat systems include a heat pump and gas furnace, managed by a compatible control or thermostat.

Hybrid heat or dual fuel systems deliver exceptional performance by using a heating source that provides its most energy-efficient comfort during moderate heating conditions. As the temperature drops outside, the system automatically switches to your second heating source when that becomes the most economical way to keep your family comfortable.

For instance, the Carrier Infinity Hybrid Heat system includes an Infinity 20 heat pump with Greenspeed intelligence and an Infinity 98 gas furnace with Greenspeed intelligence, managed by an Infinity control. It is more efficient than any gas furnace alone, because it allows the flow between electric and gas heating to optimize the economy of each fuel source.

“The rising price of gas and oil has spurred a great interest in alternative heating solutions,” says Rob Lambert, product manager and application engineer for Carrier’s residential cooling systems. “A Hybrid Heat system allows homeowners to save money on energy costs for years to come, since the system ‘balance point’ is set to help optimize each fuel source, depending on utility costs and weather conditions in your area.”

The secret behind a Hybrid Heat system is the heat pump. A heat pump operates as an air conditioner in hot weather but can also reverse the process and heat the home when cold weather arrives. Rather than burning fuel to generate heat, a heat pump moves heat without a flame. Since most heat pumps operate using electricity, it offers homeowners the flexibility and efficiency of electricity as an alternative fuel source.

With new technology available in the heating and cooling industry, now more homeowners can take advantage of systems that help them save money and provide home comfort.

Visit www.residential.carrier.com for more information on Hybrid Heat systems.

Brazilian environmentalists tell residents to urinate in shower to save water

Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Environmentalists in Brazil are urging the country's residents to urinate in the shower while washing themselves, to help conserve water and save the rainforest. Television ads being aired in the country claim that by doing so, the nation could save over 1,000 gallons of water per household each year.
SOS Mata Atlantica ran the ad campaign in an attempt to use comedy to get people to reduce the amount of water they use. "[The ad is] a way to be playful about a serious subject," said Adriana Kfouri, a spokesperson for Atlantica.
The animated ad narrated by children shows people, including a trapeze artist, an alien and dancers, all taking a shower while at the same time, urinating in it. The ending of the ad then states, "Pee in the shower! Save the Atlantic rainforest!"
Ken Livingstone, former mayor of London, England, proposed a similar campaign in 2006. He said urine should be classified as a "green waste" and that "there is no earthly reason that you need to flush the loo if you have merely urinated. That's a huge saving of water."

From Wikinews, the free news source you can write!

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