What’s Going on in our Aquifers?

By: Jessica Robertson

Most of us rely daily on ground water stored in aquifers, whether it provides our drinking water or our morning shower or whether it irrigates the crops that we consume. We don’t often think about the goings on that occur deep underground before we see any of that water, but the aquifers are an important habitat for complex microbial life. This interesting ecosystem may hold a promising answer for removing harmful carbon dioxide from our atmosphere.

Deep underwater in the aquifers, oxygen content is very low, if present at all. Microbes must rely on other substances, namely minerals like iron and sulfur, to produce energy. The byproducts of the microbes’ “breathing” these solid minerals are reactive ions that will readily interact with other chemical compounds present in the aquifer. These reactions can dramatically shape the environmental state of the nearby water, soil, or rock, and, importantly, the crops watered by groundwater.

When samples of some deep aquifer microbes were studied, it was determined that even though iron is a better source of energy, many organisms were using iron and sulfur, an unusual combination. With the pH of many aquifers being more alkaline than surface waters, reconsideration of microbial energy calculations showed that sulfur is more important to deep aquifer dwelling microbes than previously known. With interactions occurring between different species of microbes and their dependence on each others’ reactions, even without measureable levels of a given byproduct, the amount of energy cycling through the aquifer could be very high.

What this new understanding means is significant. Carbon sequestration has become difficult in light of new findings suggesting that soil is a less efficient carbon capturer than previously assumed. With the high levels of reactive ions residing in the deep aquifers thanks to the symbiotic relationships between mineral-fueled microbes, it may be possible to inject harmful carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the aquifers; it will react with ions there, forming stable and solid compounds and sinking to the bottom of the aquifers, never to seep to the surface again.

Finding this new information regarding these deep-water microbes has been an illuminating piece of the puzzle that is carbon sequestration. Now knowing more details of the dependent relationship of iron- and sulfur- reducing microbes, it may be possible to clean up our atmosphere. 

Music Matters

By: Kate M. Serrano

Perhaps Bob Marley was right when he said "One good thing about music, is when it hits you, you feel no pain." Studies suggest that music not only helps us cope with pain — it can also benefit our physical and mental health in numerous other ways. Anyone who has ever wiped tears away from their eyes listening to a relatable sad song will know how powerful simple notes and chords can be.

Everyone reacts to music in different ways. One individual may love heavy metal while others find pleasure listening to Mozart. Whatever the preference may be, studies have shown that plugging in to your favourite music could help melt away a bad mood. Music triggers the release of dopamine, the feel-good chemical in the brain.

If you’re into running, music helps you pick up your pace and run faster. A study at Brunel University in West London has shown that music can help increase endurance by as much as 15 per cent, helping to lower the perception of effort during exercise, as well as increasing energy efficiency by between one and three per cent. Again, this is so because of the release of endorphins— our natural 'feel good' hormones that lift our mood and give us motivation to carry on longer with exercise. Focusing on your favorite album may not let you notice you just ran an extra mile.

For many people suffering from memory loss the spoken language has become meaningless. Music can act as an outlet for expressing things that they are unable to put into words. It awakens memory and can help patients remember tunes or songs and get in touch with their history. Music can be a great pick-me-up when you are feeling stressed too. Tuning in to your favourite songs can be incredibly soothing and help to reduce anxiety.

Preparing for Arctic Traffic

By: Jessica Robertson

With the changing climate melting ice in the Arctic Ocean, traffic, both tourism and industry related, steadily increases in the northern realm of our planet. The increased travel brings to light the unpreparedness of the region for managing the risk of an oil spill.

            Other highly trafficked water routes have systems in place for managing the occasional oil spill. In the Arctic, fewer systems are in place and the extreme conditions make it a difficult operation to even respond to a spill. Due to the extreme weather, enormous geographic area, beautifully diverse ecosystem, and limited resources for operation and communication in some areas, many changes would need to be instated to prepare for a spill response that compares to a response in easier waters.

            Decision makers are working toward an international plan that would better prepare and protect the Arctic as the traffic pattern expands. A proper response plan must include a number of techniques to span the vast number of possible environmental situations. No single method can begin to apply in all possible spill scenarios.  More equipment, better communication, a larger workforce, and increased safety measures are just a few of the items on the wishlist for a project of this scale.

            Studies are underway to assess the possible effects of dispersants and oil on some Arctic marine species. The findings of these studies will inform decisions on how to manage spills in the future. Alaska has yet to grant approval for the use of chemical dispersants to address a spill, preferring in situ burning as a cleaner and safer method for their environment. It is yet to be seen what methods will be placed in the Arctic toolbox, but hopes are high that the environment will remain safe in their care. 

Presenting the Innovative Ooho

By: Daniela Silva

Ooho an edible water “bottle” has been developed by design students in imperial college london. Created by Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez, Pierre Paslier, and Guillaume Couche this new development may bring down the plastic plague that litters our oceans and landfills. Cheap, easy to make, and with a great green initiative the Ooho presents a strong competitive front to compete with bottled water.

It takes two pennies to produce one Ooho and even better, you can make them at home, the ingredients can easily be ordered online and be made in you kitchen safely in minutes and takes trial and error to get the consistency you prefer. In order to be able to take these around you will need a clean container and clean hands to handle them in order to consume them.

With a natural base of calcium chloride and brown algae, the Ooho will have a substantially fast  decomposition time as compared to plastic bottles which take 450 - 1000 years to decompose, and some plastic bottles may never biodegrade.

Ooho is still a product yet to be introduced reviewed and improved, yet the world is completely delighted to see such a fun, environmentally friendly and innovative product that has the potential to push us into the right direction of cleaning up our earth and taking care of our people.

Hydropower Versus Fish

By: Jessica Robertson

With the challenge of answering the biggest environmental problems of our age comes the responsibility to simultaneously bring balance to all aspects of the planet. Unfortunately, harmony does not always exist between the various strategies for environmental improvement, but it is our responsibility to establish and preserve healthy relationships between all aspects of the environment.

One not-so-harmonious relationship is represented in the current battle between the fish population and the high-pressure dams powering the hydropower industry. Hydropower is an essential component of the new environment-focused energy industry. Renewable, clean energy is produced and stored by capturing the potential of flowing water, often with dams and turbines in rivers. However, these mechanisms are detrimental to fish in their locale.

Fast, coursing water churns powerfully around the dam area, creating a pressure change that is so dramatic that it can cause serious internal injury or death to fish. The forces can burst a fish’s swim bladder, an organ responsible for maintaining buoyancy at a particular depth; it is designed to inflate and deflate as needed, but the pressure changes in this phenomenon, known as barotrauma, simply cause too much change too fast for the swim bladder to withstand. Besides these serious internal injuries, fish can also become disoriented in the raging waters around the machinery, and they are at risk of being thrashed about by blades of the turbine.

Even with the great success and promise of hydropower, the industry is aware of the dangers to local fish populations. Hydropower is too crucial to the development of a sustainable planet to be forgotten, but, at the same time, it is intolerable that our ecosystem suffer at the hands of “clean” energy. Is hydropower truly “clean” or “sustainable” if whole populations of water-dwelling animals are lost?

The dilemma is being quickly addressed across the globe in laboratories and in real-life application. Strategies are being implemented for preventing the dangerous pressure change around the dam, making rivers again safe for their inhabitants, and making clean energy truly clean.

The Wondernut

By: Kate M. Serrano

I grew up in a place where coconut trees are more bountiful than apples and oranges and I cannot help but marvel at how this plant is so useful from head to toe. There’s an endless list of products and by-products derived from its various parts hence the nickname “Tree of Life.” In the Philippines, the coconut industry provides livelihood to one-third of the country's population. So here are the many uses of this versatile plant.

Coconut meat. From the meat we obtain coco flour, desiccated coconut, coconut milk, coconut chips, candies, fertilizer and animal feeds. Coco chips, which are wrinkled coconut meat, are very popular in Hawaii. The dried meat, called copra, contains over 60% oil. This oil is used in making soap, cooking fat, margarine, cosmetics, lubricants, and many other products. Coconut flour can be used as a wheat extender in baking without affecting appearance or acceptability.

Coconut milk. This is used to make Virgin Coconut Oil which helps prevent and treat minor ailments. Coconut milk is a good protein source. Whole coco milk contains about 22% oil, which accounts for its laxative property.

Coconut oil. Probably the most known use of the tree, coconut oil is not only used for culinary purposes but also for beauty and wellness. Coconut oil is used for frying, with soya bean oil, palm oil and palm kernel oil as its main competitors. Coconut oil also retards aging by counteracting the heart, colon, pancreatic and liver tumor inducers. In the detergent industry, an important use of the coconut oil was discovered in a May 1951 study where it was found to be an effective sanitizer. Other products from coconut oil are soap, lard, coco chemicals, crude oil, pomade, shampoo, margarine and butter. It’s also used as hairdressing and as massage oil.

Coconut juice. This is a nutritious refreshing drink especially for those with renal disorders. Coconut juice is highly alkaline. For preventive medication, water from one mature coconut consumed daily, could guarantee the avoidance of stone formations in the kidney. To those who already have it, coconut water therapy is proven to be an inexpensive and effective cure. It is also for fighting tooth decay and gum disease, taming menopause symptoms, improving cholesterol levels and boosting the immune system.

Coconut husk. Mats, brushes, fishing nets, cordage and packaging material for plant, and in some countries the coconut husk is used as floor polisher because of the abundance of its fiber. Coir yarn, coir rope, bags, rugs, mannequin wig, brush, coir flex, and fishnets are other products that can be obtained from coco husk.

Coconut shell. For ladles and cups, souvenirs, household products, accessories, handicrafts and decorative objects. It’s also a potting medium for forest tree saplings in Thailand. The most important benefit of the coconut shell is activated carbon produced from its charcoal. It is utilized in air purification systems such as cooker hoods, air conditioning, industrial gas purification and industrial and gas masks.

Coconut leaves. Young leaves and shoots may be eaten as salad. The leaves of the tree are used as roofing thatch and temporary sheds and to make hats, baskets, brooms and fans. The ribs of the leaves are used for spears, arrows, and torches.

Coconut sap. A sweetish fluid from the bud of the coconut tree’s inflorescence called toddy is fermented into an alcoholic beverage or into vinegar. After being left for five days then distilled, coconut toddy produces an alcoholic spirit known locally in the Philippines as lambanog which is more or less 98% proof.

Coconut trunk. In Hawaii, the trunk is used for canoes, drums, posts, rafters, and fences. The trunk is also a great source of hardy and durable wood used to make benches, tables, carvings, picture frames, tables, tool boxes, and construction materials. Paper pulp can also be extracted from the coconut trunk and other woody parts of the tree.

Coconut roots. A frayed piece of coconut root can be used as a toothbrush. The roots are also used as a mouthwash and in some countries medicine, beverages and dyestuff are obtained from the coconut roots.

These are just a few off the known benefits from the wonder tree. It’s amazing how varied the uses are. Now may be a good time to start sipping my coco juice. I don’t want to be missing the coconut’s miracle health benefits.

Mexico and America Align to Conserve Nature

By: Jessica Robertson

The Commission for Environmental Cooperation just released the result of two decades of environmental cooperation in North America – the long-awaited Big Bend-Río Bravo Conservation Assessment. This binational collaboration highlights 29 specific areas in the Mexican-American borderland, all of which are home to a beautifully diverse ecosystem. The arid and semi-arid habitats of the region support some endangered plants and animals and are vital to the migratory paths of many birds and animals. The conservation plan is designed to protect these species and the grassland, mountainous, aquatic, and riparian habitats in which they live. The conservation efforts even include parts of the Rio Grande.

            The communities in the conservation zone are being encouraged to increase their sustainability and environmental quality, and also to raise up local leaders and educators who will promote the project on both sides of the border. The conservation assessment holds promise for the better management of natural resources for both Mexican and American communities, and should stand as an example for other international conservation efforts.

            This effort marks a special time for Big Bend National Park; from its establishment in 1944, hopes were that the park’s existence would one day culminate in the unification of the entire region for conservation, regardless of national borders. 

Illegal Wildlife Trade: The Fourth Most Lucrative in the World

By: Daniela Silva

Behind a booming black market, drug trafficking, and the horrors of human trafficking the Illegal wildlife trade has become the fourth most lucrative trade in the world. There has been a unforeseen rise in poaching in recent years, threatening to diminish all the conservation efforts and successes of previous and future years to come. This being said, the illegal wildlife trade is worth $19 billion dollars and increasing as well as taking the lives of many endangered and critically endangered species. China, a country well known for the mass consumption of endangered species has now made it a criminal offense to eat an endangered species; it is now punishable by 10 years in prison.

Eating endangered animals and a various array of their parts has been believed to have contain various medicinal properties for generations in china; which in turn have been the base for illegal wildlife trade. The rhinoceros in our lifetime may become a thing of our past, simply because its horn is believed to cure cancer, cure hangovers, and used as an aphrodisiac. Despite this, Rhinoceroses aren't the only animal that are susceptible to extreme poaching. Tigers, bantengs, grevy's zebras, sunbears, Chinese alligators, tortoises, and many more are being killed for trade. What will it take to keep endangered species from becoming taxidermied in a national museums years to come?

Conservations and future successes may find themselves facing more difficulties as poachers try and cut corners to attempt to meet the demand for consumers eager for the produce they have been able to have access to for so many generations. Hopefully, China's new law is the change we need to see to help see the end in the poaching and killing of our endangered species.

Getting to Know the Great White Shark

By: Kate M. Serrano

To those who have ticked swimming off their bucket list after watching episodes of “Jaws”, the great white sharks may have struck them as vicious man eaters. Partly correct, partly incorrect. Although the great whites (Carcharodon carcharias) are the world’s largest known predators of marine mammals and are ranked first in having the most attacks on human, we are not their preferred prey. Great whites are very curious and most so-called “attacks” appear to be motivated by curiosity rather than a desire to feed. Their attacks on humans are rare and not fatal. It is their size and efficiency as predators that inflict unnecessary fear. Great whites use their speed and coloring for hunting. They search for prey at the surface while swimming below. Once a target is identified, they use a burst of speed to bump the poor prey while simultaneously biting it. They have thousands of teeth that are sharp and strong enough to tear their bigger preys apart. As teeth fall out, they are rapidly replaced by those in the row behind them. Therefore, unless you’re a seal, a fish an orca, sailing the deep ocean is not much to be fearful about.

Ironically, the great white is far more threatened by humans than we are of them. They have very less commercial value yet the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature) have listed them as vulnerable and is on the verge of being endangered due to overfishing  –they are often killed for sport and for their jaws, teeth and fins. Marine biologists do not have the exact numbers on the great white population, but they're seen very rarely. Lucky enough great white sharks have are protected in South Africa, Australia and the United States. How can we help? Stop the purchase of great white jaws or items made from their fins. 

  

New Measurements Show More Natural Gas Emissions

By: Jessica Robertson

When a new type of greenhouse gas detecting method was recently employed, in which methane levels are measured in the air above wells, some of the findings were a surprise to most. Seven of the shale gas wells studied were identified as having high emissions levels. Though the seven wells only account for one percent of those studied, all seven were in the drilling stage, a stage that has never been associated with high methane emissions. The methane plumes detected from the wells in drilling phase ranged from 100 to 1000 times greater in strength than previously estimated. These findings could significantly impact the way we look at natural gas production and shale gas wells, and they could radically change the way the industry strives to keep our environment safe and clean.

Besides illuminating the need for better control of emissions, the study showed that current inventory methods for detecting emissions are falling short. This new measurement method, known as the “top down” method, uses a specially equipped airplane to monitor plumes of methane above the wells. A method like this could serve as a good complement to preexisting protocol, better protecting the environment.

What Are You Hiding?

By: Kate M. Serrano

Almost everyone has at least one real or perceived physical imperfection. You may either think your nose is too big or that your lips do not have the perfect pout of Angelina Jolie’s. For those who are financially capable, seeking the help of a plastic surgeon is the quick solution. For those who are not, cramming a hat on the head to conceal a thinning topknot or a long-sleeved blouse, oversized shirt or ball cap can often provide a quick cover-up that is a cheaper and less painful alternative.

In extreme cases, body image issues may fall into the category of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). This is a condition where a person obsessively worries about appearance, even for individuals who may actually look attractive. 93 percent of women and 82 percent of men openly admit that they care about their appearance and work to look more attractive while someone with BDD is overly preoccupied with worrying about his or her looks that it interferes with daily life.

In 2012, there more than 14 million cosmetic procedures performed in the United States alone and this is all in the pursuit of beauty. Below is a rundown of the top 3 body parts (in random order) people hide as they are most prone to criticism.

The Breasts. Breast augmentation tops the list of cosmetic surgeries performed in the U.S. in 2010 while breast reconstruction is among the top five reconstructive plastic surgeries. Breast issues can be disturbing for both men and women. For women most especially, the breasts have deep significance so problems with breast perception can have wide-ranging quality of life implications.

The Stomach. A large or sagging stomach is hard to conceal with layers of clothing. Unfortunately, women who have given birth may have trouble getting rid of that extra pouch of pregnancy-related stomach flab. It's hard to make a rounded belly look like anything other than what it is. Exercise and surgery may be the only two viable options.

The Face. The face is a person's most distinctive and recognizable body part but people most of the time perceive their facial features as being too large, too small, or uneven. It probably doesn't help that apart from the way the lips, nose, eyes, complexion, chin, and forehead are formed individually they have to work well together to create a pleasing whole. Nose reshaping and eyelid surgery were two of the top five cosmetic surgery procedures performed in 2010 in the United States.

Depending on the standards of beauty in a given culture, body parts transform to conceal or downplay specific flaws. But nobody is perfect. So don’t let the judgemental and harsh ones of today convince you that you’re not beautiful.

Antibiotic Resistance Enzyme on the Move

By: Jessica Robertson

Antibiotic resistance is increasingly common in the world of bacteria. Every day, more and more strains develop ways to avoid death by our medicines.
One gene recently isolated from a strain of E. coli is attributed to the increasing resistance to the class of antibiotics known as aminoglycosides. Aminoglycosides are a common class of antibiotic, including streptomycin for example. Though decreasing in popularity because of their occasional side effects, aminoglycosides are an entire important class of drug in our medical era, acting as a first line of defense in patients with diseases like tuberculosis and cystic fibrosis. The recently isolated gene, known as NpmA, is mobile, and it is responsible for encoding a protein that alters the ribosome (the cell’s protein factory), making the bacteria immune to the effects of the antibiotic. 
Many genes are passed from bacteria to bacteria. The mobility characteristic of the gene is not surprising. However, if more bacteria is unnecessarily exposed to the mobile gene, or unnecessarily exposed to the drug, the resistance of more bacteria could increase exponentially. 
Happily, since researchers have identified this mobile gene and its mechanism of creating resistance, investigation can proceed to identify steps to avoid resistance. 
Let this story serve as a reminder. Dispose properly of unused antibiotics by returning them to a pharmacy. Do not discontinue use of a course of antibiotics unless directed to do so by your doctor. And do not expose antibiotics to the water supply or sewage system. Let’s all do our part to decrease the occurrence of drug-resistant disease. 

Vampire in the Wild

By: Kate M. Serrano

We’ve heard of vampire bats, catfish and moths. Here’s a new addition to the lineage that came even before Twilight made the scene – the vampire frog. Discovered in 2008 by Judy Rowley of the Australian Museum and her student Le Thi Thuy Duong from Ho Chi Minh City University of Science, vampire frogs (Rhacophorus vampyrus) are not necessarily blood suckers but were named as such because of the presence of black fangs in tadpoles used for feeding. 

This unusual frog has adapted for life in trees, using its webbed fingers and toes for moving and gliding hence it is also called the “flying frog.” They use water holes in trees to breed protect their young from all predators that lurk in rivers and ponds. The first vampire frog was discovered in the unexplored Langbian Plateau cloud forest of southern Vietnam in March 2008 but it wasn’t until 2010 that the scientist observed the fangs protruding from the underside of a tadpole’s mouth while examining it under a microscope. One cool thing about the frog? It changes color! In daylight it’s a pale tan, but at night it’s stunning brick red. Very little information is known about this creature in terms of life history, abundance, activity and special behaviours though. But one thing is certain: we would not want this red listed in the endangered species category.

  

Technology Grows on Trees

By: Jessica Robertson

A newly discovered process can turn trees into energy storage devices, essentially. Cellulose, the most common organic polymer on earth, is the main ingredient in trees. And when cellulose is reacted simply with ammonia, it can be transformed into a form of activated carbon, called a nitrogen-doped nanoporous carbon membrane, that can serve as the electrode of a supercapacitor. 

Besides the simplicity and cost-efficiency of this new approach, the process is also impressive in its earth-friendliness. The only byproduct of the reaction is methane, which, when properly harnessed and not released into the atmosphere, is a safe and advantageous compound, useful for fuel or other industrial purposes. Furthermore, the cheap wood that can be used as the reactant in this approach does not deplete the food supply. The carbon membranes that are produced in this reaction are extremely thin, meaning a small amount of wood creates a large number of the desired supercapacitors, dispelling fears that the process would deplete the forests for the sake of energy.

Supercapacitors are highly efficient energy storage devices, recharging faster than batteries and holding much more energy. They promise better results in industry and electronics, and they could be the solution for evening out the power flow from variable alternative energy systems like solar and wind energies. They increase efficiency in hybrid cars, and prevent energy loss by capturing what would otherwise be wasted. These potential benefits of supercapacitors have been known for some time, but the high cost of such technology prevented any substantial incorporation of their strengths into many industries. This new, low cost process to create supercapacitors has the potential to shift significantly the environmental impact of modern industry. 

Getting Zzzs the Natural Way

By: Kate M. Serrano

Most of us struggle to get enough sleep. We go as far as counting all of old McDonald’s farm animals and some even have nightly staring contests with the ceiling. While many people can remedy sleep problems with simple lifestyle adjustments, others need a bit of extra help. Cheers to Mother Nature, research have found that there are more natural and convenient ways of get our nightly zzz’s.

Tea. Valerian, Kava, Chamomile and Spearmint. These tea variants have been used for centuries to promote restful sleep and soothe anxiety. Each of these has slightly different properties. Valerian tea promotes a deep restful sleep. It doesn’t always work instantly so you may need to drink it several nights in a row before you feel the effects. Kava tea has been used to promote relaxation and mental clarity. Unlike Valerian, a cup of strong kava can knock you out within an hour. Chamomile is not quite as potent as Kava and because it functions a bit different from Valerian, it is likely the most versatile tea on this list. A cup chamomile tea with a hint of lemon or honey before bed can do wonders to promote a restful sleep. Spearmint tea is mixed with chamomile and lemongrass to boost flavor and to further aid sleep inducement.

Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy and essential oils are nature’s way to stimulate or calm the senses with the use of plant and flower extracts. When inhaled, it sends brain signals to help the body relax. Lavender is the most common scent for calming the mind and the body. Ylang Ylang is another popular stress-busting aroma. You can place drops of essential oils on your pillow, eye mask or with a diffuser.

Tart Cherry Juice. Cherries contain antioxidants and melatonin which is the natural hormone the brain secretes in our circadian rhythm. Melatonin makes us relax at night. Some people take melatonin pills to help get them to sleep but drinking tart cherry juice two hours before bed can do the trick.

Pure Coconut Water. Coconut water contains high amounts of potassium and magnesium. These nutrients aide in muscle relaxation thus drinking the water throughout the day helps reduce stress and promote better sleep.

Banana Smoothies. Oh who wouldn't love a smoothie? Bananas help with sleep as it contains relaxing nutrients such as magnesium and potassium. Dunk in a few cherries and milk for a slamming sleep-induced smoothie. Careful about not adding sugar though, it does not help sleep.

Furthermore, having a little white wine with fish or pairing some muddled cherries with whiskey might do the trick. Studies have shown that alcohol, in moderation, can aid sleep. Now that’s fun news.

Sleep smart and sleep well!

Earth Day Top Tens

By: Daniela Silva

For this earth day, here at Beyond the Facade we whipped up for you our top 10 great tips to help you give a little more back to earth and give  yourself a great reason to feel good too. Whether it be new habits you want to incorporate into your weekly to-do’s or to just simply join in once and awhile on the fun of giving the earth some lovin’. This is definitely the list for you!

1.  Recycle Plastic Bags - One trillion plastic bags are used annually and contribute to the waste found in our landfills and our oceans. 46,000 pieces of plastic per every square mile floats aimlessly in our oceans and even worse it takes 1,000 years for one plastic bag to degrade. This means marine life not limited to sea turtles can potentially eat and choke on these pieces and die. To help, instead of throwing away your bags recycle or keep your plastic bags around for your next grocery trip, or a aid to help carry things from here to there. Spend a little extra and invest in some colourful and durable reusable bags you see being offered in most grocery and convenience stores they last longer and they look much better.

2. Make your own Household Cleaners- Yes you read correct and no it is not that hard! There is a dangerous amount of chemicals in your household cleaners and there's a lot of that on your hands and feet as you read this right now; If you have young children you understand why it is important why these chemicals do not get onto their hands and into their mouths.

A simple yet powerful disinfectant can be made with three simple ingredients:

white vinegar,

tea tree oil,

distilled water.

If you want to add a punch to your disinfectant you can always add a little bit of dish soap, but with this and a squeeze bottle you're golden to clean whatever surface you so choose to tackle.

3. Plant Herbs - Indoors or outdoors planting herbs are an excellent way of knowing where your food comes from, and is a organic production of flavour you can add to your meals any day. Your home will become more lively with the new flora and your children can decorate the plant pots in which you plant the seeds. A family get-together its a win-win!

4. Make a Cheap Compost bin- Don't throw out your scraps, compost them! Organic materials can be thrown into your compost bin, egg shells, ground coffee, nut shells, fruit cores and more can be used to make a rich dark compost perfect for your lawn to boost and give extra nutrients. All you need is a trash can with a locking lid, a stand to keep it from weighing down on your grass, a drill to make 25 - 30 holes to spread and let the compost release moisture.

Remember to mix the compost and allow the mixture to sit for 30 days minimum to allow for weed seeds to die from the internal heat of the compost, you do not want any surprises to bloom in your garden!

5. Upcycle - Upcycling is new, its cool and trendy. You can upcycle just about anything from furniture to décor, clothing to art; nothing is left uncycled and there's a ton of DYI's out there to give you step by step tutorials on accomplishing what you wish to do. For this earth day, why not give it a go, or plan to dedicate some time to upcycling some old furniture that just doesn't cut it in your living room any more?

No one needs to know you've been using how-to’s and tutorials. Get creative!

6. Farmers market - By buying food locally, you are supporting the local farmers that need it the most and gives them a fighting chance at surviving the globalization economy. The food is seasonal and is ripened naturally without chemicals or gassing; also processed with a minimal amount of processing.

The humane treatment of animals is also a plus side for most animals from small scale farmers are spared from feed lots and cramped cages and given hormone free foods and left to graze grasses the way they were meant to. Meats, poultry and eggs all are great to be bought in farmers markets. So not only are you diving into the centre of fresh and healthy produce but into a kaleidoscope of untapped wellness  as well.

7. Phantom energy - It is as scary as it sounds, phantom energy is when electricity is being sucked up by appliances even when they are turned off or in standby mode. Usually responsible for approximately 10% of your annual household electricity bill this is not only an energy sucker but a money sucker as well.

Electricity costs are expected to rise by 50% in the upcoming year, and you can combat this simply by unplugging your big gadgets such as your TV’s and gaming systems when they are not in use and small household appliances.

8. Water Usage - Now, if anyone told me to cut back on my shower, I wouldn't give them the time of day. Considering the fact that on average showers and baths are the main culprit of water usage in the home amounting for 35% of household water usage, following toilet use and laundry.

To help reduce the amount of water being used you can install a low-flow shower head, use less water in your baths and install aerators in your taps. When shopping for a new home, look at eco option toilets, or you will almost literally be flushing money down the toilet with all the water you will be wasting.

With laundry, front loading washers use less water and use the movement to agitate the clothing to remove dirt and grime, for top loading uses a agitator and more water to slosh things around, use a drying rack to save on electricity.

9. Recycle (Duh!) - One of the  easiest things you can do to help is to recycle! By recycling one ton of paper you can save up to 17 trees, and although it may seem like a lot a recycling facility goes through 300 tons of paper each week this equals to 5100 trees.

With an effort in recycling, a little opportunity and some awareness you can contribute your recycling program in your community  and make a difference.

10. Share some love - Environmentally friendly acts don’t just come out of the blue, they always start somewhere and they start with you! Share this list with friends and incorporate it with your children. Being green should be something that we do without thinking twice about it. Be smart, be green be a earth lovin’ machine! Have a very happy Earth day!

Five Ways to Show Earth Love from the Kitchen

By: Jessica Robertson

For many of us, our kitchen is the centre of our home life. Food makes fellowship, and fellowship makes happiness. With all that good stuff flowing out of the kitchen, let’s be conscious of the impact we’re making on the earth to keep the good coming.

Be kind to the earth from your very own kitchen with these five simple tips.

1.      Big Money

Obviously, the big energy saver would be to switch out those old, energy-guzzling appliances for their newer green counterparts. If that’s an option for you, go for it! The environment will thank you. If that’s a little too pricey of a change for your taste, keep reading.

2.      Be Smart

Save energy the old fashioned way, by making wise choices. Covering a pot makes water boil twice as fast, using half the energy. Use the toaster oven for one-portion cooking. Turn the stove off a few minutes before you’re done cooking, and let the lingering heat do the remaining work. It’s the small things that add up to big changes!

3.      Eat Raw

Not only are raw foods like fruits and veggies and nuts great for your health, they’re great choices for the planet! They don’t require cooking, so they save tons of energy, and they also require less packaging, so you contribute less waste to the landfill. It’s a win-win-win.

4.      Less Plastic

Speaking of landfills, they’re full of our food containers, grocery bags, plastic packaging, and the list goes on. Reducing our use of these readily disposable – but hardly biodegradable – objects is surprisingly easy. A few small changes include storing leftovers in glass rather than plastic (which is also an infinitely wiser choice for your health, by the way), buying food in bulk and dividing it into glass containers at home to reduce wasted packaging, and bringing your own totes to the grocery store.

5.      Wash Nice

Be careful what you wash with. Many popular kitchen soaps and cleaning products are petroleum-based or brimming with other harmful chemicals. We may forget about the soap once it’s down the drain, but it doesn't bio degrade. It’s harmful to our animals, the earth, and us, so choose better cleaners that are plant-based instead. A few earth-friendly brands are likely available in your neighbourhood grocery store.

Keep the love flowing from your kitchen to your friends, family, and the earth!

Earth Day is coming!

       

By: Jessica Robertson

We are quickly approaching Earth Day, the annual holiday when our minds and goals are united to help promote change for the sake of our planet and our future. This year the holiday is April 22, a Tuesday. Most of us won’t get the day off work, celebrate around the table with a family dinner, or exchange gifts, but we can still find joy and importance in the special day!

            What will you do to make your Earth Day memorable for yourself and impactful for those around you? You have just a few more days to decide. Many cities plan festivals focused on community programs that benefit the environment, whether local or widespread. Attending a local event like this could inspire a new habit for your daily life in your community. You could write a letter to your local government leaders suggesting a change you find important, like creating a bike share or improving emissions laws. Be deliberate in making a difference on Earth Day; make memories by planting a tree, riding your bike to work, or taking a stroll around your neighbourhood to pick up litter.

            Whatever you choose to do on Earth Day, let it be an influence to your own soul and to those around you. It is good to serve those around you. Can you make your Earth Day activities an annual tradition? Can you repeat your Earth Day activities every week? Every day, even? Small changes can add up to big improvements. Let’s make a difference for our planet! 

Every Breath You Take

Kate M. Serrano

Who would want to live in a polluted city? We all don’t because we know its health implications – runny nose, cough, sore throat, heart and lung problems to name a few. Poor air quality is caused by both natural and man-made pollutants. Apart from dust and sand particles, the more alarming causes would be traffic pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide that when combined with ozone and sunlight cause air quality to drop.  Pollution is measured by the average number of particles in the air per cubic meter. This is referred to as the air quality index (AQI). As the AQI increases, health hazards brought about by air pollution also increases. The AQI also provides a scale of 1 to 10 to indicate health risks associated with air quality. For example, a number from 1 to 3 may mean air quality is ideal for outdoor activities while 7 to 10 means strenuous outdoor activities may cause throat irritation hence should be avoided. Late last year, a day after the World Health Organization published a report linking air pollution to lung cancer, Quartz came out with a list of the Top 10 most polluted cities in the world. These cities are not necessarily the biggest capitals but are the places where heavy industries take place. The city of Ahwaz, Iran which is a center for metal and petrochemical processing is on top of the list. Here is what the rest of the list has:

                        1. Ahwaz, Iran

2. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

3. Sanandaj, Iran

4. Ludhiana, India

5. Quetta, Pakistan

6. Kermanshah, Iran

7. Peshawar, Pakistan

8. Gaborone, Botswana

9. Yasouj, Iran

10. Kanpur, India

The World Health Organization regards air pollution as the world’s most serious environmental health risk. Did your city make the list? I hope not.

Citarum River: What Happened?

By: Kate M. Serrano

Located forty miles east of Jakarta, Indonesia the river Citarum runs over 186 miles from the Wayang Mountain to the Java Sea. This river was once a tropical paradise but has now become notorious for possibly being the world’s most polluted river containing dangerously high levels of heavy metals, rubbish and sewage. The Citarum provides 80% of surface water to Jakarta’s water supply, irrigates farms that supply 5% of Indonesia’s rice, and is a source of water for around 2,000 factories. With the increasing urbanization in the 80s, both human and industrial wastes are common debris seen floating– plastic and packaging makes the river’s surface invisible beneath its carpet of junk. The main contributors to the river’s pollution are the textile factories in the Bandung and Cimahi area. The dyes and chemicals (read: lead, arsenic and mercury) used in the industrial process are churned into the water and at times turn the water color to red, green and yellow coupled with an acrid odor. Plus, the locals in nearby villages do not have a waste management system so trash is directly dumped into the river.

We all know what this means; we cannot underestimate its devastating effect on the local ecosystem. Yes, cancer rates as well as skin diseases, mental illness and slow development among local children are after effects. And instead of catching fish, local fishermen rummage the river for plastic, which they sell for recycling.

The Citarum River has been in desperate need of an effective solution to its pollution problem. What has the Indonesian government done? For a start, the Asian Development Bank approved a $500 million loan for cleaning up the river in December 2008. And to restore the Citarum, an effective and cost efficient waste management system for the locals would be the long term solution.  Currently, a “garbage barge” is used for a trash disposal service. The barge travels up and down the river collecting trash and waste will be transported to a landfill in the village of Sukaharja. If nothing is done to prevent waste from entering the water, the Citarum River will continue being one of the world’s most polluted rivers. Imagine the effect to millions of Indonesians who depend on the river for survival.