Ecological Footprint

 

Want to know how you measure up in terms of green living?  Go to http://www.earthday.net/footprint to find out what your ecological footprint is.

Here are my results:

CATEGORY GLOBAL ACRES
FOOD 4.7
MOBILITY 1.7
SHELTER                              2.5
GOODS/SERVICES 3
TOTAL FOOTPRINT 12

IN COMPARISON, THE AVERAGE ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT IN YOUR COUNTRY IS 24
GLOBAL ACRES PER PERSON.

WORLDWIDE, THERE EXISTS 4.5 BIOLOGICALLY PRODUCTIVE GLOBAL ACRES PER
PERSON.

IF EVERYONE LIVED LIKE YOU, WE WOULD NEED 2.7 PLANETS.

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The most green thing I could do today is…

The Laws of Simplicity

simply turn off my computer.”
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Fancy Facts about Recycling

While in college, I took a class called Quantitative Aspects of Global and Environmental Problems. In short, we learned how to assess the validity of numbers, statements, tables, maps, and graphs like those listed at a website on recycling facts I recently visited.

While I’m sure that many of these ‘facts’ are based off of academically based research, there are many qualitative factors that could go into a statement like: “During the time it takes you to read this sentence, 50,000 12-ounce aluminum cans are made.”

There are many concerns with a statement like this. If so many cans are made in a short time, than the various amounts of time it takes different people to read would drastically effect the number of cans produced.
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Wear your hat. and scarf. and mittens.

Shawl

Can you get a breath of fresh air indoors as well as outdoors? The Environmental Protection Agency says “yes” if a few guidelines and reminders help us along. From their online booklet:

People also react very differently to exposure to indoor air pollutants. Further research is needed to better understand which health effects occur after exposure to the average pollutant concentrations found in homes and which occur from the higher concentrations that occur for short periods of time.

But Mark Palmer asks in his article Too hot for your own good if overly warmed air indoors detracts from overall well-being. Reading the article, I am inclined to agree. In his case, it began with a “he said / she said” debate about the bedroom thermostat! Next, we begin to realize that humans adapted first to cold weather by wearing clothing – layers of clothing. (Mr. Palmer also says we can layer our favorite but unsightly clothing pieces deep underneath where no one else will be the wiser!)

There is something immeasurably satisfying about living in a big city, as I do, and experiencing the weather more or less as it is.

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The buzz about fluorescents

Dimmable Fluorescent Light

Fluorescent lighting is the poster child for efficient technology and electronics. While the long white tubes were traditionally seen in large institutions, like office buildings and product warehouses, CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lighting) can now be found in household floor lamps, street lights, and ceiling fixtures in restaurants.

According to EnergyStar.gov, CFLs use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Since they’re more efficient, and a byproduct of energy consumption is heat, CFLs create less heat, making them safer to use in the home.

These kinds of statistics are impressive, but how many typical consumers understand the science behind lighting technologies?  And further, what are the health impacts of fluorescent lights?
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Inspiration

This news from the FDA caught my eye because I take the drug Advair every day, and I have for years. I see the warnings that were given today were targeted at children.

Serevent and Advair were the subject of a review Wednesday by the agency’s pediatric advisory committee, which looked at the safety of products containing salmeterol. While clinical studies have showed all three drugs are successful at controlling asthma in the vast majority of patients, some have showed that salmeterol can cause severe – and sometimes fatal – asthma attacks in a small group of patients.

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Horse therapy

Thunderhoof designs

I never met a horse I didn’t like. My father grew up on a farm with horses – I’ll get him to share a fond memory. I love a good horse story, too. I’ve been told that horse is a strong “power animal” according to shamanic tradition.

For all native peoples the arrival and domestication of Horse shortened the distance of journeys making travel easier. This made it more possible to visit with distant clans and communities, which increased the ability to communicate and to strengthen relationships. It also enabled people to experience the world beyond their immediate environment.

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Culture of wellness

Health Patio is pleased to report on the the 2007 National Prevention and Health Promotion Summit: Creating a Culture of Wellness.

Tuesday, November 27–Thursday, November 29, 2007
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
Washington D.C.

Exploring innovations in science and policy that support engaging in regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, taking advantage of appropriate medical screenings, making healthy choices to avoid risky behaviors, and other healthy practices.

The main supporting agency, The Coordinating Center for Health Promotion (CoCHP), was created to bring us into the twenty-first century ways of knowing about health. Realization of the need to reduce the environmental and lifestyle causes of ill health, as well as emerging infectious diseases, terrorism, environmental threats (hurricanes, wildfires, toxic chemical spills) and an aging population make this health summit literally vital.

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'Tis the season to wash your hands

Hand washing

The point is, healthy habits keep you well. That according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I’m sure you’ve heard of them. (smile)

My four year old goes to an accredited preschool where each child washes his/her hands upon entering the building. It has become a routine for everybody and, like the water cooler at work, the kids and parents gather around the sink to gab about the latest happenings– as if we hadn’t just seen each other yesterday!
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Guitar Hero

Guitar hero

In our society, video games and media are the supreme rulers. We bow to the sacred game consoles and and beg for the latest brain rot (video game).

But now the Guitar Hero by Harmonix series is taking a new hold on the nation, an interactive game with a mini eletric guitar with 5 or 6 keys. It encourages players to get on their feet and rock out! At least it encourages me.

I don’t know if it’s healthy, but it makes you move more than the standard sitting-down-and-veggitizing game controler. The only things those things do is make your hands hurt.

Hit the corresponding buttons on a toy plastic guitar, and some familiar rock anthems, from Weezer’s “My Name is Jonas,” to Foghat’s “Slow Ride,” blare fluidly from your television’s speakers. Miss a note, and you’ll hear a loud clanking sound. Continue reading

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