Here is a great use of the Web… The World Sunlight Map. At any given time, you will be able to see where it is dark and light all over the world. Kind of puts everything in perspective when you get a view like this.
Here is something for everyone who is concerned with the massive deforestation of 3rd world countries. Tree Nation is a group out of Spain, who is trying to plant millions of trees starting in Niger. It looks like they acquired some land with the help of United Nations Environment Programme to get this idea of the ground. It seems legitimate.
Here is how it works:
Stage 1:
the trees will be planted in local nurseries for the initial period until they reach a suitable point of growth to be planted in the park. This varies depending on the type of tree that you choose.
Stage 2:
your tree will be planted in the park location that you have virtually selected where it will receive continual care and maintenance.
Stage 3:
our local experts will nurture the tree (providing water and nutrients but no chemical fertilizers) on a regular basis using agro-forestry techniques in order to maintain its condition.
Stage 4:
our local experts will manage the harvesting of the fruits and medicines that the tree provides.
Stage 5:
your tree grows happily and the local community benefit from its produce (gum, fruits, alimentation, medicines, etc)
Stage 6:
finally, a hug a day and the tree will grow! You will be able to follow its progress through photos and through the hi-tech facilities on our website.
They have a very interactive site, where people can discuss their tree with others, see how their tree is doing, and get others to join. Tree-Nation offers four different trees that can be purchased, at a very reasonable cost. Check them out at least for the cool site, then at least tell someone about it.
Did you know that 3 billion households in the world still use wood to cook their meals? It is like smoking two packs of cigarettes a day for those people*. I was thinking this last night, as I was running through a neighborhood, and noticed that people in million dollar homes (not my neighborhood) do the same thing to heat their homes. Isn’t that insane? One of the most wealthiest corners of the world still burning wood to stay warm. Weird how that works. You would think that their was a more effective way to heat our homes, say like natural gas, wind, solar…
In developed countries, burning wood in fireplaces is kind of like drinking sewer water.
A way to help people in underdeveloped countries who still use wood to cook:
A way to help people in underdeveloped countries who are drinking sewer water:
Lloyd Levine a lawmaker in California, is trying to pass new legislation that would ban people from using the incandescent light bulb. It is about time people realize that a 125 year old technology is not as efficient as it could or should be. I do not agree with the government making a law stating what light bulbs we can and cannot use, but I do agree that it is a good idea to replace the old-fashioned bulbs with the newer Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs. I am just as guilty as the next guy when using incandescent bulbs, but my wife and i have started to replace bulbs with the new CFLs as needed. They give off the same if not better light, produce less heat, and gives everyone the opportunity to help out.
I think the upfront costs may keep people away, but if you look at the lifetime value of the bulb, and financial and environmental savings it is worth the added cost.
My brother has been doing it for years, so he is probably reading this with a I told you so smile on his face…
If you are really excited about doing changing your light bulbs, take the EnergyStar Pledge.
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