Archive for the ‘Earth’ Category

Ever thought of a new look? Perhaps you’d like to change your hairstyle or hair color. How about some new clothes? Maybe you want to workout and lose a few pounds first. Perhaps you want to erase the ravages of time with a little plastic surgery or liposuction.

Few people are 100% happy with the way they look.

Well, somebody else you know is also getting a makeover: Mother Earth. It’s not just a little change of wardrobe like she does every season (don’t you?), but a major overhaul.

In her case, we call them Earth changes.

Sometimes we hope to recapture our youth with changes in our diet or workout regimen. We try to make up for how poorly we have treated ourselves.

Well, Mother Earth has a slightly different problem. She has been abused in her marriage, and we were the abusive spouse. This marriage has been going on for thousands of years. It started okay, but the last hundred or so years have been killers.

Can you blame her for wanting to make a few changes?

When Mother makes changes she makes them with hurricanes, weather patterns, earthquakes, tidal waves, volcanoes, and other such things.

However, remember that all of the predicted earth changes do not have to happen.

We could take some responsibility, make some changes, so Mother does not have to make them all on her own.

Our changes are tough. They begin with internal changes of how we see ourselves and our connections to Mother and Spirit.

For us to change, we have to look inward and shine the bright light of clarity and truth on ourselves. The choice is ours.

But, don’t worry. If you do not have what it takes to make the changes… Mother will.

Author: Kevin Emery
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Canada duty

The industrial revolution and the rapid development of the world’s economies during the last two centuries were driven by the accelerating use of energy. Steam engines began to burn wood and coal. Coal is still burned in large quantities and has been joined by ever increasing amounts of oil and natural gas.

After the invention of the automobile, consumption of petroleum products began accelerating steeply and is actually still growing today.

During recent years, we have begun to realize that combustion of fossil fuels not only releases large amounts of energy in the form of heat but also discharges huge amounts of water vapor and treacherous carbon dioxide.

In addition, combustion of fossil fuels is emitting many harmful pollutants, which accumulate in the atmosphere, in freshwater reservoirs, and in soil.

Increasingly, people are becoming aware of the many negative implications of fossil fuel combustion. Regulatory efforts are being introduced for reducing the emissions of health threatening substances. However, large amounts of pollutants are sent still into our atmosphere on a continuing basis. There is no legal liability for the damages these substances are causing, and there are no efforts underway to effectively eliminate these harmful agents entirely.

Combustion of fossil fuels is accelerating, emissions of pollutants and of carbon dioxide are increasing, global warming is intensifying, and aggravating climate changes are being felt across the world.

Why is the world overheating, what can be done to stop the damages, and what are the consequences of a continuing accumulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere?

Already one hundred fifty years ago, a couple of scientists warned of the dire consequences of releasing carbon dioxide emissions into the Earth’s atmosphere. Their warnings were published in scientific journals, were read by only a few people, and were soon forgotten.

Since then, science has made huge advances and our knowledge about the effects of carbon dioxide emissions has advanced dramatically. Carbon dioxide emits and absorbs infrared radiation. This emission effect is used in sensors for the early detection and location of rockets and airplanes and is a vital part of the US Ballistic Missile Defense System.

The strong radiation effect of carbon dioxide is also a major factor in industrial applications where metals and other substances are heated and melted at extreme temperatures.

This same emission capability is present at lower temperatures but to a lesser degree. A major reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to a major cooling effect and has caused an earlier Ice Age. Conversely, a major increase of carbon dioxide will result in a warming effect and to the eventual overheating of our Earth.

Very small concentrations of carbon dioxide can be measured very accurately. Therefore we know that carbon dioxide concentrations have increased from 280 parts per million (ppm) to close to 400 ppm as a direct result of fossil fuel combustion. In fact, the increase would have been even larger, if the oceans had not absorbed some of this combustion generated carbon dioxide.

Unfortunately, this ability of the oceans is being diminished as seawater is heating up in response to global warming. Additionally, countries like China, India, and many other Asian countries have begun to burn ever increasing amounts of fossil fuels and especially coal. Coal combustion discharges especially large amounts of carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide emissions have resulted in an average global warming effect of roughly two degrees Fahrenheit already. Extrapolating quickly accelerating carbon dioxide emissions during the last decade over the next forty years makes it very likely that global temperatures will rise another three to four degrees by 2050.

Carbon dioxide is a very stable gas, which stays in the atmosphere for hundreds of years. There are no technologies available or imaginable that can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Once global warming has occurred, it cannot be reversed. The effect of global warming is a delayed effect. World oceans and lands need a long time before they begin to warm perceptibly. This means that global overheating will continue even after we have stopped all fossil fuel combustion.

There is only one conclusion we can arrive at. We must end fossil fuel combustion as quickly as possible or our Earth will overheat and make living in the tropical and subtropical regions unbearable. We will experience ever more destructive climate changes in the form of more violent storms, extreme flooding, and more severe heat waves. Many animal and plant species will become extinct. Melting of glaciers on mountains and of ice sheets in Polar Regions will accelerate. Ocean levels will rise and will inundate coastal regions with their irreplaceable infrastructures and huge cities.

Is there anything we can do?

Yes there is. The US must take the lead and show the rest of the world how to change their energy supply systems. The world must begin to use more and more renewable energies in the form of sun energy, wind power, hydropower, marine power, geothermal energy, nuclear energy, and biomass.

Most difficult will be the replacement of fossil, liquid transportation fuels with renewable fuels. Airplanes cannot fly, cars cannot drive without.

Only the USA has the resources to find and develop replacement energies that can be used for the next several centuries without harming our Earth.

We must convince the incoming administration to start with a well directed and well managed rescue effort immediately.

Author: Klaus H Hemsath
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Digital Camera Times

Every organization needs Promotional Products to create a unified, professional look for the workplace and to use as Corporate Gifts. Uniforms and office items are a must, but when choosing Promotional Items to give away, what message should they convey? As climate change concerns skyrocket, there is one easy way to show that your business is committed to the solution and that through environmentally-conscience Promotional Gifts. Using environmentally friendly promotional products will help you and your business do your part to save the world.

‘Eco-friendly’ or ‘Environmentally friendly’ means that their products pose no harmful effects on the environment or its inhabitants. This includes the methods being used to produce merchandise. Unlike petroleum-based (traditional) plastics, biodegradable plastic does not produce greenhouse gases as it is formed because it is made from plant fibers. Since the aim to have as little affect on the earth as possible, these companies ensure that all products are made in a way that avoids clear-cutting forests, wasting water, using insecticides, burning fossil fuels, etc. They support the use of eco friendly products and encourage others to pave the way for a brighter, cleaner future.

Did you know that a plastic beverage bottle takes roughly 450 years to decompose? Take a look at the numbers found by the U.S. National Park Service:

Time it takes for garbage to decompose in the environment:

Glass Bottle —————————1 million years

Monofilament Fishing Lines——–600 years

Plastic Beverage Bottle————–450 years

Disposable Diaper——————–450 years

Aluminum Can———————–80-200 years

Foamed Plastic Buoy—————-80 years

Foamed Plastic Cups—————-50 years

Rubber-Boot Sole——————–50-80 years

Tin Cans——————————-50 years

Leather———————————50 years

Nylon Fabric————————–30-40 years

Plastic Film Container—————20-30 years

Plastic Bag—————————-10-20 years

Cigarette Butt————————-1-5 years

Wool Sock—————————-1-5 years

Plywood——————————-1-3 years

Waxed Milk Carton——————3 months

Apple Core—————————-2 months

Newspaper—————————–6 weeks

Orange or Banana Peel—————2-5 weeks

Paper Towel—————————2-4 weeks

Information Source: U.S. National Park Service; Mote Marine Lab, Sarasota, FL.

Across the globe, businesses are taking the initiative to become more environmentally conscious in almost every aspect of their operation. To help reduce negative impacts on the environment, businesses are now turning to eco-friendly promotional products as a wholesome marketing solution. Choosing these products is not as difficult as it sounds. You don’t need to make-over your staff with organic hemp clothing or spend a fortune on hybrid delivery trucks, it can start with simple choices.

Many online promotional product distributors offer a selection of environmentally friendly products. For example, InkHead.com recently adds recycled and Earth Friendly EcoSmart product line. Here are some great Promotional Products that will show your company’s commitment to the environment, without breaking the bank:

Re-usable Water Bottles: Have your logo added to Nalgene-type bottles and hand them out to employees and customers. Encourage everyone to refill their bottles instead of purchasing new water bottles every time.

Insulated Coffee Mugs: Using re-usable coffee mugs as promotional products is a great way to ensure your marketing message and logo travels everywhere your employees and customers do. Not only will you gain exposure, you’ll also get recognition as a company who is concerned about the future of the earth. Adding an inspirational message about “going green” in addition to your logo is also a great idea.

Tote Bags: There has recently been a lot of media-hype around the flood of plastic grocery bags in city landfills. Considering the lengthy time (20 years) it takes for bags to break down, Tote Bags are a healthy solution for the earth. Offer them to customers with purchases or sell them as your own brand. Your bags will be used for years, if not decades to come. You can turn any shopper into your own billboard, by having your logo and personal message added.

There are many great ways to reduce negative effect of modern industries on the earth. As environmental concern rises, cater to your conscience customers by showing you are dedicated to positive solutions, one step at a time.

InkHead is the second fastest growing online Promotional Product Distributor. For more information on Promotional Products, Promotional Items, and Eco Friendly Promotional Products, click on link text to visit their website.

Author: Jamie Horton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
How Electric Pressure Cookers Work

Earth Friendly Products is a company listed as the one of the top green friendly companies of the world. If your aim is to sustain the environment without adding much chemical residues, this s is the answer for you. They design the products which give the same effect avoiding the use of harmful chemicals.

The impressive part of the Earth Friendly Products is that all the toxins are removed from their products and the product is made with bio degradable materials from the plants. The use these products ensure no irritation of skin or eyes. Furthermore these items do not add poisonous substances to the environment.

The Earth Friendly Products take several stringent quality control measures. They ensure the ingredients are from the plants for each of their products. Furthermore, the plants are not from rain forests and hence, no actions are taken to endanger the wild life, instead adherence to the rules of fair trade practices is ensured.

With this they not only ensure their products are bio degradable and healthy but also ensure equal wages and consideration for the people who are engaged in these activities. The products do not harm the environment.

We have to be very specific about our requirements before we go for green products. Every natural products are designed in such a way that they do not cause harm to the environment. Some of the characteristic improvements are, petroleum and caustics removed form bath room supplies, bleach and chlorine from kitchen supplies, hard wood cleaners that give essential oils are amongst the few notable ones which are removed.

It is really gratifying that they supply products specially designed for pets. You can really ensure that they do not contain any harsh chemicals which cling on the furs of pet animals. The main ingredients of Earth Friendly Products are coconut, corn, plant, and herbal oils.

Earth Friendly Products are one of the respectable companies in the world for environmental friendly products. They follow the strict rules specified by the organization Green Patriots. They are specifically taking steps to give a green style for their consumers. The products of the company are available in US, UK, Canada, European and Asian countries. Their products are available through online as well.

The Earth Friendly Product takes particular pains to go in line with the latest developments of the world. Any slight changes in the environment by their products are carefully studied and remedial actions are taken immediately. The aim and strategy of the company is to make the earth a sustainable one.

Author: William Suburn
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Cool mobile gadgets

We know that walking, cycling, using public transit, driving an electric car, car pooling, and so on, are all frequently mentioned as ways to help keep Mother Earth clean. But we also know that some people simply are not in a position to refrain from using motor vehicles, for various reasons. Not only that, there are millions of people who are forced to use motor vehicles, either to commute to work, or to do their actual job. In fact, some people must drive full time in order to do their business.

Examples are: truckers, movers, taxi drivers, couriers, bus drivers, driving schools, police, firemen, ambulance drivers, street maintenance crews, waste disposal crews, chauffeurs, delivery service companies, fast food delivery persons, tow truck operators, bulk delivery truckers, and so on. This article is directed to every driver, but primarily to members of these groups, because they have the most to gain from putting this information to use. Almost nobody in the USA or in Canada seems to know that there IS a way in which ALL drivers can help reduce gas emissions, AND save a fortune in gas or diesel fuel costs, AND make their engines run cleaner, smoother, quieter, AND reduce their repair costs as well.

It is a fact, that in 25 countries worldwide, for over 20 years, people have been, and are, using the gasoline and diesel fuel additive XP3 and, in doing so, accomplishing all these things. Yet almost nobody in the USA or in Canada uses it, or has even heard of it. This is because XP Lab (in San Diego, California) initially made it available for industrial use only. It only became commercially available for use in motor vehicles on this continent in 2009.

That is when the nutritional and personal care giant NatureRich acquired the exclusive distributorship rights to this product. It is not available in stores, but only through independent distributors of the company. Their corporate website is quite informative, containing several videos. One of these demonstrates lab tests, which show why this fuel additive is better than the others. This is so, because it disperses water and improves combustion. It causes the engine to run more efficiently and quietly, and to stay cleaner. It also decreases exhaust emissions by about 40%.

Another video presents an outline of the compensation plan for independent distributors. There is a direct sales commission of $100 on the sale of any wealth builder package (which sells for $300). In addition, there are retail profits, power team training bonuses, monthly residual commissions, and infinity bonuses. There are also car bonuses and house bonuses for top-level distributor leaders.

As mentioned above, the first Earth Day took place in 1970. In 1973, OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, declared an oil embargo against the USA. The entire nation panicked, and this became known as the 1973 fuel crisis. Before that, the “big three” dominated the North American vehicle industry, and almost nobody ever heard of imports from Asia. All of that changed almost overnight. No more 18-foot-long, 4,500-pound Cadillacs, or Lincoln Continentals, or Chrysler New Yorkers were to be built. The number one selling feature instantly became low gas mileage. People were suddenly willing to pay thousands of dollars for a new, small, compact car, that was fuel efficient, rather than hundreds of dollars for an older, heavier, gas guzzler. Yet, almost nobody was talking about using a fuel additive to improve gas mileage.

In 1979, another oil crisis took place, as a result of the political situation in Iran. This time, there was another element involved, namely a shortage of availability. I (a Canadian) was, at that time, a doctoral student at Michigan State University. It was a shock for me to hear people planning their weekends in such a way that they would not end up without gas on Sunday, because on Sundays, gas stations were closed. But still, almost nobody was talking about using fuel additives in order to make their purchases last longer.

Until the end of the 20th century, oil prices remained at less than $40.00 per barrel. However, what has happened since 2005 has made the previous two “crises” trivial. In July, 2008, the price of oil reached a record high of almost $150.00 a barrel. Readers can draw their own conclusions, and do their own speculating, about what may or may not happen to the price of oil from now on. But we do know that governments are beginning to levy environmental/green taxes on fuel, regardless of the price of fuel itself.

As of 2007, there were 254.4 million passenger vehicles registered in the USA alone. This means that if commercial vehicles are added to this total, there are more vehicles on this continent than there are people. We cannot rely on climate conferences and governments to do all our earth-saving activities for us. Every one of us needs to do our share in helping ot save our environment. We spent the last century polluting our air, so we must spend this one cleaning it up. Otherwise, our grandchildren will end up going around wearing oxygen masks. And one way to do that is to use a fuel additive to cut down on polluting our air with vehicle exhaust fumes, which account for 26% of all gas emissions.

XP3 is the only gasoline or diesel fuel additive on the market that has the three features that can be summarized as “EEE.” The first “E” stands for Efficient, the second for Economical, and the third for Ecological. But then “EEE” translates into “BBB,” when one considers that each of these E’s is a Benefit. Finally, “BBB” equates to “SSS,” because the user Saves on fuel costs, Saves on vehicle maintenance costs, and helps Save the environment.

For your Earth Day project for this year, please pass this on to as many drivers as you know. Each one of us must do what we can to help ourselves, our vehicle engines, and our environment. Happy Earth Day 2010!

Author: Joseph M Krush, Ph.D.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Awe Inspiring Pictures

Ten years ago I lived temporarily in a suburb of Boston that didn’t recycle its trash. Coming from coastal California, my mind could not comprehend that everyone in the community threw noxious junk into a pile without attempting to recycle it. This was 30 years after the advent of Earth Day when we all began learning about the detrimental effects of pollution on our planet.

Now 40 years have passed since April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day. Since then, air, water, and land pollution has steadily increased. New illnesses have cropped up in our bodies.

This week the Marine Mammal Center in Marin County reported that many more mammals than usual are turning up sick. Twice as many sea lions, elephant seals, and harbor seals are being treated for illness than last year. Officials tell us that sea lions are indicators of the health of the ocean. They don’t know why so many sea lions are found without their mothers, malnourished, tangled in fishing lines, or affected in some way by marine trash. But the situation has worsened.

In a separate report this week researchers warned of “the great Atlantic garbage patch,” made of harmful swirling plastic debris in the ocean. It is a global problem as our throw-away culture continues to use products that don’t break down and end up in waterways. It is estimated over 100,000 marine mammals could die trash-related deaths each year.

For 40 years, millions of people and school children have been taught about the necessity to preserve our environment, yet pollution and disregard of the planet has increased. What does this say about us? About our priorities? Or, about our intelligence?

It says we allow companies to market harmful goods to us and we buy them. It says the influence of advertisement is more powerful than common sense. It says we value convenience and high profit, no matter the means to get it. It tells us that most human beings have little respect for the earth, a disregard for the sanctity of nature, and a lack of concern for the health and wellness of other living creatures.

Yet, the most conscientious among us would find it nearly impossible to have no negative impact on the environment. There is the ubiquitous use of plastics we can’t seem to avoid, to say nothing about the trash we generate. Still, the health of the planet and ourselves depends on each of us. There are a few primary things we can easily do.

The first step is basic: get control of your trash. At the end of the week there should be very little in your trash bin. Your recycle bin should hold the majority: paper, boxes, plastics, cans, and bottles. Secure your bins so debris doesn’t end up in the streets.

When you travel, visit a park, get on a boat or an airplane, manage your trash. Take it with you or don’t create any. If you live in an area that doesn’t recycle, begin complaining loudly to your town officials.

Rethink grocery shopping. Purchase food that isn’t prepackaged. You can get meat, fish, and chicken wrapped in paper. This way you avoid the polystyrene (Styrofoam) plates most meats come on. Polystyrene leaches toxic chemicals into your food and beverages, affecting your health.

To manufacture polystyrene creates hazardous waste and affects the health of those exposed. It is made with non-sustainable petroleum, harms the ozone layer, and is dumped or blown into our streets and waterways as litter where living creatures ingest it and die. Polystyrene is not accepted by most recycling agencies. It is not necessary. Avoid everything that touches it.

If you buy six-packs of cans held together by plastic, cut or tear apart the plastic. Never take one of these onto a boat or leave one lying around. They end up in the streets and the earth’s waters where they suffocate birds and sea animals.

All plastic containers are polluters. Yogurt, for example, can be bought in a large container and put into smaller reusable containers. You can replace myriad products for cleaning windows, countertops, and floors with vinegar and water. With a little research you’ll discover many ways to use vinegar (and baking soda) for most of your household cleaning, including clogged drains.

Recycle plastic bottles and tubes that hold your personal care products. Bring your own cup for the daily coffee or tea. Take water from home in a sustainable, non-plastic water bottle. Bring lunch or eat where take-out packaging is compostable or recyclable. Use only compostable doggy clean-up bags. Be mindful of plastic toy purchases for both people and animals.

There is irony from my soapbox today. In the midst of writing this, UPS delivered a gift from my sister who lives in Chicago. I opened the box to find a sea of polystyrene pieces. This is the dilemma we find ourselves in. How to live in this modern world we created and also protect, preserve, and heal it.

I’ll take that box and its nasty polystyrene to a shipping store where they will reuse it. Meanwhile, it’s almost Earth Day 2010. I’ll cut back on plastic in every way possible and reduce my trash, now and throughout the year. What will you do?

Author: Christina Grant, Ph.D.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
How Electric Pressure Cookers Work

More and more people getting interested in environmental issues all the time and in doing so, many of the long running environmental campaigns that were once seen as fringe movements are now becoming mainstream events.

Earth Day is one such movement. Started in 1970 by the US senator Gaylord Nelson, it has grown from being just a minor American day to a global event celebrated by countries across the globe.

Most countries celebrate Earth Day on 22 April but the United Nations have their own in March. However, many countries precede the actual day itself with a week of eco and environmental promotion.

Earth Day is aimed at encouraging eco friendly living and promoting such schemes as recycling, energy efficiency, and reducing waste. And this year it is celebrating its 40th anniversary and it expected to be the biggest celebration in the day’s history.

Across the globe all sorts of initiatives and schemes are conducted to promote eco friendly ideas; from rallies, and large pop concerts to mass switch off’s and recycling projects. It is estimated that almost a billion people will get involved in some aspect of this Earth Day anniversary.

And there is something everybody can do to celebrate this global event too. Earth day is a great opportunity to begin all those eco friendly schemes that you have been putting off. From recycling and reducing energy consumption; to turning all the appliances off that are normally left on stand-by; It is also a great way of kick starting those positive habits that could go a long way of helping the environment.

But being green and keeping up an eco friendly lifestyle does require some determination so it is important to remember the Earth is forever not just a day!

Author: Richard N Williams
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The Planet earth comes under the galaxy called Milky Way in the universe. This galaxy consists of many other heavenly bodies. But life is possible only on the Planet earth as it has the correct amount of oxygen and is situated at the right distance from the sun.

As Planet earth is the only planet that supports life here there are a huge number of populations. This population creates a lot of pollution. There are mainly three types of pollution – Water pollution, Air pollution and Land pollution.
The above three are the Three Devils of the Planet earth. The Planet earth is being ruined by these Three Devils. People knowingly or unknowingly produce a lot of carbon mono oxide from their cars and other gadget which when reaches in the sky becomes the cause of air pollution.

AIR POLLUTION

“The term air pollution means pollution caused in air due to some or the other mean.”

Disadvantages of Air pollution-

There are many disadvantages of Air Pollution. Some of these disadvantages are:-

1. If there is immense of carbon mono oxide in the air then that may cause respiratory problems.
2. Even our environment gets disturbed by such a polluting effect.

Not only are these but there more hazardous effect of air pollution. One should work for the prevention of this pollution.

Points that we should keep in mind to prevent air pollution are-

1. The chimneys of house and factories should be high enough so that there smoke does not pollute the environment.
2. Monthly servicing of automobiles.
3. Prefer walking than taking taxi for small distances.

WATER POLLUTION

“The term water pollution is related to the polluted water.”

Disadvantages of Water pollution-

1. If a child drinks impure water then he/she may get some serious disease.
2. The water is not fit for regular works.

Therefore, to avoid such hazardous effect of water pollution the points that one should remember are-

1. Never open your drainpipes towards the river or pond.
2. Keep your drinking pots clean and closed.
3. The factory waste has to be drained properly to the sea.

LAND POLLUTION

“The term land pollution is used to denote our polluted mother nature lap.”

Disadvantages of Land pollution-

1. Increase in mosquitoes and many more insects.
2. Home for disease like typhoid, jaundice, malaria etc.

These health hazardous diseases are to be stopped or else there would be no sign of human race. Therefore, to prevent the human race the following points are important.

1. Use the dustbin wherever you are.
2. Do not litter your surroundings.
3. Never let water collect around your house.

“If you want that your children may see the beautiful world that you saw then you yourself have to work to make it like heaven.”

Author: Arpita Ranjana Saha
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Going green is the new mantra as humanity grapples with the most serious challenge to its continued existence. What can we, as women, do to save our environment?

In primitive times, women were the first environmentalists. Observing nature’s growth processes, they harnessed this knowledge for agricultural practice. Since survival was precarious, natural resources were carefully husbanded. Waste was not an option. Now more than ever, it’s time to hark back to those women of old, feel their respect and love for the earth and translate that feeling into action.

Catch ‘em young

Small children are the most receptive to ideas – teach them early to think green:
· Get your toddler to turn off the tap while brushing his teeth and open it only for rinsing his mouth.
· A mug and one bucketful of water is all she needs for a bath. When your child learns to soap and wash herself, not only will she have saved several litres of water, she’ll also have boosted her self-esteem.
· School craft project? A kitchen-towel cardboard holder becomes a kaleidoscope; an aluminium can becomes a colourful crayon holder. A paper soapbox morphs into a camera, an orphaned sock into a hand puppet. Strips of decorated cardboard make pretty picture frames. Fire your child’s creativity, while instilling in her the lifelong habit of reusing materials.

Green kitchen

Adopting green practices in the kitchen will help save both the environment and your health.
· Why not bake cakes and cookies at home or have a go at jam making? Also, get yourself a juicer and make fresh fruit juice. When you buy these products form stores, you also pick up a whole lot of throwaway packaging. Besides, the products are also loaded with chemicals and preservatives – say no to them.

· Buy organic food products. Is there a local farmer’s market? Support them in their enterprise. Organic is more expensive, we know. But saving the earth will be cheaper in the long run!

· Large-scale agriculture to feed animals is a wasteful, energy-gobbling enterprise. Dump the corned beef and go vegan with a vengeance. Experiment with new cuisines; surprise your family and friends with your newfound expertise, and do spread the word.

· Your kitchen cabinet can double up as an occasional medicine chest and cosmetic counter. Ginger-infused tea eases a sore throat; water of boiled cumin seeds helps indigestion. Chickpea flour makes a chemical-free facial scrub, while a mash of oatmeal, papaya, yoghurt and honey is an instant skin softener. The result: great skin, no trash!

Energy and Water

· Do an ‘energy audit’ of your home and put in fuel-and-power saving measures. Besides going in for big energy-savers like CFL bulbs or solar panels, the simplest acts – switching off lights and not leaving gadgets on standby power – can save enormous amounts of energy. Also, maximise the use of dishwashers and clothes washers by ensuring a full load.
· Is your home leak-proofed? Use low-flow toilet cisterns – a brick in the cistern will save even more water. Use water conservatively even when staying at a hotel.

Garden green

· Using mulch around plants helps them to retain moisture effectively.
· Watering plants early in the morning or late evening minimises evaporation.
· Create a vermicomposting pit. Wet garbage gets disposed of, and your plants get Grade-A, organic fertiliser for free.

Kudos to these ladies who have done their bit

Over the years, women around the world have contributed enormously to the growth of environmental consciousness and the urgent need to address those issues that threaten to destroy life on earth.

Rachel Carson, scientist and writer, authored Silent Spring, the book which jolted the world awake to the terrible impact of pesticides on environment. Every year, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd, thanks to her seminal work.

Wangari Maathai’s battle against deforestation in Kenya and her efforts to organize poor village women in reforestation, fighting soil erosion and pollution of water so as to achieve a sustainable livelihood, won her a Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.

There are others, unknown and unlettered women, who have battled against the degradation of their environment by powerful governments and corporates. The women of Minamata, Japan, who battled against mercury poisoning in their fishing village. The poor village women of Uttaranchal, India, who hugged trees to prevent their forests from being clear-felled by contractors, asserting their primary right to use forest produce sustainably…the list goes on.

Most of us are not activists. But we can all contribute in our own ways. Whether it’s organizing carpools, choosing to walk, bike or use public transport and remembering to carry a cloth shopping bag to the grocery, there’s no area in our lives where we cannot think green. You may start small, but remember, every little effort gives the earth a chance to heal.

Author: Padma Hassaram
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Programmable Multi-cooker

As we celebrate Earth Day, we have to really look at how we perceive it. When we look at Earth Day and light pollution, we see how limited our perception of the miracle we live in is. Light pollution traps us visually in the earth’s atmosphere as we ignore our greater reality.

On a macro level, without being able to gaze into outer space and appreciate the vastness of the reality I live in, I look at my inner space and the struggle I face dealing with a chronic illness. Looking beyond the atmosphere of earth is similar to looking beyond your mind made reality of ego. In that inner vastness I connect to what I call the Wisdom of the Body. That exists beyond the mind made reality of ego’s atmosphere and is the home of powerful inner resources required in coping with a chronic illness. Unfortunately, because most people are trapped within their mind made reality, we ignore this, just like we ignore outer space.

Beyond the inner space of religion or culture is that vast inner space of silence we all strive for but ignore. If the Ultimate reality exists beyond our thoughts in silence, we focus on beliefs and how we think instead of the vastness and healing powers in silence. Silence is the same to a Christian, a Jew, a Buddhist or a Moslem. Imagine taking the consciousness out of your inner or outer limited reality. You would basically experience that awesome reality of silence. In healing, that inner reality is essential. Even though modern science is incredible, how we respond to medical science still plays a significant role in healing.

We all are trapped in a reality that seems to define our life. That is in simple terms our perceptions and conceptions. Unfortunately those are the illusions created by our own mind. Now let’s look at our outer perceptions and then our conceptions.

As we look into our universe during the day, we see very little without the help of astronomers. We look out and can’t see beyond our atmosphere. That is where we spend our working consciousness and create the reality we identify with. Between light pollution and man’s pollution, we limit our vision to what is around us.

Then we look up into the sky at night and see stars millions of miles away, but actually we see very little of what is really out there. When we think of our solar system, we think of outer space and the vastness of our life. We can only see a very small percent of it.

 Earth Day opens the door into what seems to be a new reality, but it really connects us to our original reality. Just think if we had the courage to explore the vastness of everybody’s inner reality.

Let’s live Earth Day in an on-going state of mind that literally helps us heal, peacefully live in this world and appreciate the vastness we have been given.

“So often we wait for the climate and conditions in

life to be perfect before we feel safe enough to step

forward, trust, and be our authentic selves. What we

don’t realize is that in order to create the ideal climate

we are waiting for, we must be authentic first.”

Sonia Choquette: Spiritual teacher and author

© Marc Lerner and Life Skills 2009

Author: Marc Lerner
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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