A round-up of this week’s environmental, green and ecofriendly news and updates.
America’s magnificent National Parks are under threat – the current Administration and Big Business want to exploit them for their natural resources such as oil and gas.
Sometimes, with so much to worry about all over the planet, it’s hard to know what to do. But this 10-year-old boy has no worries on that score – he not only knows what to do, but he’s doing it!
4th Grader Robbie Bond has launched a website and a petition to draw attention to the threats and he’s visiting as many national parks and monuments as he can to learn more about them and share their stories with others.
A homeschool student from Honolulu, Robbie is travelling the country with his parents (Dad is a diver and Mom is a science teacher). His website Kids Speak For Parks details his travels and talks. You can sign his petition here.
“You can’t protect things you don’t understand, and you won’t if you don’t care. We can’t get the parks back once they are damaged or destroyed, and I want to ensure the parks are available for future generations.” says Robbie.
I think he’s great! I love reading about people who are making a difference, and I know you do too!
My Recommendation of the Week is all about candles. I love candles – they’re romantic and create a lovely, warm glow, softening everything in sight.
Are candles eco friendly? Generally, no. Most candles are made from paraffin – which comes from petroleum / oil. They’re cheap – but far from green.
If the candle doesn’t specify what it’s made from, then it’s normally made from paraffin. In addition to using fossil fuels, when you burn paraffin candles they release soot – air pollution in other words.
Candles can also be made from beeswax and from soy.
Soy sounds like a good alternative – it’s “natural” and vegan. However, pesticides and other toxins were probably used while growing the soy beans, soy candles are heavily processed and they are often combined with paraffin. On the plus side though, they produce less soot than paraffin.
Beeswax candles are made from – beeswax. From bees. Thus they are not vegan, but they are natural (so is arsenic). There’s no soot, and generally, beeswax candles don’t have added fragrance which is good (perfume is nearly always artificial, often containing toxic formaldehyde and other nasties). They seem to be the best option – but bees are already struggling due to our use of pesticides and other issues.
So, what’s the answer?
Don’t be fooled by “eco friendly” candles. They aren’t. Treat candles as a luxury and only buy them occasionally. Add fragrance if you wish with a few drops of natural essential oils rather than perfumed candles.
You’ve seen it in the news – now find out why it’s happening.
The air pollution in China is really, really bad. People and the environment are suffering.
The cause? Well, the many factories of course. But there’s a reason …..
Vending machines. Normally, they’re full of unhealthy junk food and drink. But not these British ones (and they’re coming to the US soon).
Yes, there’s chocolate and sandwiches. There’s also water, fresh fruit and energy bars. But what makes this vending machine different is that it also contains antibacterial ointment, socks, washcloths, toothbrushes and other necessities – required by homeless people.
The charity Action Hunger devised this altruistic vending machine which gives the contents free to those in need. It is believed to be the first of its kind in the world.
Of course you know you need to drink lots of water. But sometimes, you just want something a little different to drink.
Instead of reaching for soft drinks or sodas, try these yummy yet healthy drinks.
See 5 healthy drinks alternatives here.
Global Green News:
Deserts. Hot. Sandy. The Sahara desert in northern Africa is the largest in the world (outside of the Poles).
And it snowed in the town of Ain Sefra last week (Jan 7). Vehicles were stranded in the icy conditions – residents aren’t used to snow! We’re getting some seriously weird weather these days.
Cape Town in South Africa (one of the most beautiful cities in the world in my opinion!) is facing a serious water shortage. It may become the first major city on the world to run out of water. There has been serious drought there for the last 3 years. There is enough water to last only until April, if nothing changes. Then the taps run dry.
US Green News:
Animals are often abused and lead a miserable life when they are forced to perform in circuses (and some aquariums). They are not there for our entertainment! New Jersey legislators recently passed a bill that would ban exotic animals from circuses and fairs, but it was not signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie before he left office Jan. 16. The bill is expected to be resubmitted though, and if it does become law, New Jersey would be the first state with such a ban.
Dogs and other animals can suffer in cold Winter temperatures. In Michigan, three animal control officers slept outside in dog kennels overnight on Jan. 12, to call attention to what it’s like for pets that have to stay outdoors in the cold. “We want to educate animal owners, not just write them tickets all the time. I wish we could save them all but I know we can’t. If we can at least save one dog doing this, that warms my heart. Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever” said one of the officers. Well done!
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.
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I typed a reply but my computer decided to challenge me so I’ll just thank you for all the wonderful information once again. I’m glad China is stepping up but we are responsible by our consumption of cheaply produced products. So much needs to change. I keep apologizing about our leadership here. It’s more like a bunch of unruly toddlers.