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Driving, diet habits hardest to change

Know what bugs me? Those sanctimonious "green" pretenders who carry reusable bags around in their car trunks (but never remember to bring them into the store), buy bamboo sheets (oops—not green) and drop bucketloads of cash on eco-unfriendly stuff in the name of supporting a good cause. Talk about greenwashed ... Those poor souls have positively painted themselves into a corner.

Still, I suppose you have to start somewhere—and starting with the easy stuff is exactly what most people, in fact, actually do. Megan Quinn Bachman, a master's degree student in earth and environmental education, surveyed more than 2,000 early adopters of green lifestyle changes on two green listservs. Rather predictably, she found most of their efforts concentrated on easier undertakings such as cutting back on purchases, buying more local goods and services, conserving energy at home and gardening. More than two-thirds of survey respondants had managed to make those changes.

More life-altering changes remain much less popular. For example, only one-sixth of those surveyed had started new, greener careers, and anything involving driving habits or dietary changes proved to be a hard sell.

Perhaps the most fascinating part of the survey was seeing how feedback about the lifestyles they've made affects the attitude of green-leaning people. From the report:

• People are driven to act in the face of global threats largely by a sense of right and wrong—their conscience—with some encouragement and inspiration from books, movies, media programs and articles.
• Emphasizing the positive consequences of particular lifestyle changes and focusing on health and wellness benefits and a simpler, more satisfying life may be more effective ways to encourage change than promoting financial savings.
• The lack of support from one’s community and family and lack of assistance with overcoming unhelpful personal habits and attitudes are more significant roadblocks to effective response than not having enough information on what actions to take.
• Most people do not feel they need to measure the impact of their lifestyle changes, but some think such feedback would motivate and assist them with doing more. Setting goals, even without measurement, is extremely helpful.

(Photo credit:The Oil Drum: Campfire)

Source: Super Eco Features Feed | 12 Mar 2010 | 9:31 am EST

US EPA to regulate Green House gas emissions from cars

The White House is finalizing rules on the first U.S. greenhouse gas emission standard for automobiles, which would raise average fuel economy 42 percent by 2016 in a bid to slash oil imports and fight climate change. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Transportation Department sent the final rules this week to the White House's Office of Management and Budget, according to a notice posted on the OMB website. The higher mileage requirements will reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 900 million metric tons and save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the life of vehicles built during the 2012-2016 model years, according to the EPA.

Source: Environmental News Network | 12 Mar 2010 | 6:35 am EST

Heinz Redesigns Ketchup Package. Landfills Groan.

In case you’ve been under a rock, the big news on the street is the incredible new Heinz Ketchup Packet which will apparently revolutionize french fry enjoyment for the 21st century. The packet contains a larger amount of ketchup than the traditional sachet and opens in two ways – the traditional "squeeze" and the newfangled "dip." Blogs and other media are aflutter with excitement, and Heinz's corporate communications department is no doubt popping the champagne at a veritable coup d'etat of publicity.

Source: Environmental News Network | 11 Mar 2010 | 4:13 pm EST

Earthquakes Move the World

When there is a large earthquake, it basically means that a major geological stress was released. When that happens the earth will literally move. It may not be as dramatic as some motion pictures may show but it does happen. The massive magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck the west coast of Chile last month moved the entire city of Concepcion at least 10 feet to the west, and shifted other parts of South America as far apart as the Falkland Islands and Fortaleza, Brazil.

Source: Environmental News Network | 11 Mar 2010 | 3:56 pm EST

Animals and humans: made for each other?

It's events like the recent death of a Sea World trainer who was drowned by a killer whale that make me doubt whether animals and humans really belong together. Even the casual observer can see that it's neither humane nor safe to keep oceangoing animals unnaturally confined for our entertainment. But how does this idea trickle down to, say, pets? When should humans leave well enough alone? Are pets and people a mix?

According to a new book from documentary writer Meg Daley Olmert, animals and people are in fact Made for Each Other. "The face that wolves stopped stalking us and we took them into our caves proved to be a miraculous leap of faith that changed our world forever," she writes. Her theories are far from sentimental. Drawing on behavioral psychology, neuroscience, anthropology and more, Olmert delves into how this bond developed in the first place and questions what happens when these ties are cut.

"Contrary to the romantic myth, these stunning emotional and therapeutic effects are not the product of our pet's 'unconditional love' for us," she writes. "The research described in this book pulls back that sentimental curtain to reveal the very real and even more wondrous science behind it—the physiological reality of why animals can love us, why we can love them, and why that love is so good for everyone it touches."

(Photo credit:white lion, SXC)

Source: Super Eco Features Feed | 11 Mar 2010 | 10:39 am EST

Compact fluorescents - Recycle them?

An investigation by The Ecologist reveals that three-quarters of London councils giving out wrong advice on the safe disposal of mercury-containing compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) The majority of local authorities in London are advising residents to throw compact fluorescent lightbulbs in their general waste, despite the hazard posed by their mercury content.

Source: Environmental News Network | 11 Mar 2010 | 6:30 am EST

Natural Gas drilling chemicals a concern

President Barack Obama's top environmental adviser urged the natural gas industry on Tuesday to disclose the chemicals it uses in drilling, warning that the development of massive U.S. shale gas reserves could be held back otherwise. Joseph Aldy, special assistant to the president for energy and the environment, said concerns about water contamination from drilling chemicals could lead to states requiring disclosure and that could deter additional investment.

Source: Environmental News Network | 11 Mar 2010 | 5:47 am EST

Staying Young by Learning

An old proverb states that to stay young is to keep alert and active or: "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." University of California neurobiologists are providing the first visual evidence that learning promotes brain health — and, therefore, that mental stimulation could limit the debilitating effects of aging on memory and the mind. Using a novel visualization technique they devised to study memory, a research team found that everyday forms of learning animate neuron receptors that help keep brain cells functioning at optimum levels. These receptors are activated by a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which facilitates the growth and differentiation of the connections, or synapses, responsible for communication among neurons. BDNF is key in the formation of memories.

Source: Environmental News Network | 10 Mar 2010 | 7:18 pm EST

Hydrocarbon development threatens the Amazon

Because hydrocarbons are now being exploited at a rate 7 times higher than in 2003, the impacts of oil and gas activities need to be scientifically studied. These studies should rigorously identify and measure the effects on biodiversity, indigenous groups and wilderness areas in this region. This view was expressed to SciDev.Net by Martí Orta-Martinez from the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB) and co-author of a study on the predation of the Peruvian Amazon in this century by the granting of land for gas exploration and oil.

Source: Environmental News Network | 10 Mar 2010 | 12:15 pm EST

Google Maps now suggests bicycle routes

You want ride your bike, but you simply have no idea how to go about finding a safe route. Sound familiar? Google is coming to the rescue with new Google Maps options deliver optimized directions for bicycles.

The new feature does more than simply connect Point A with Point B. The software selects routes based on the availability and safety of routes specific for bicycles. First, it considers bicycle-only paths that are off-limits to cars. If there are no bicycle routes available, the software looks for roads with demarcated bike lanes. It also gives preference to flatter routes over steeper ones. The service also helps you discover new bike paths, which it highlights in (appropriately enough) green.

Still thinking that bicycle commuting sounds impractical? Allow us to help!

• Spring bicycle tuneup Dig your faithful wheels out of storage now for a pre-spring tuneup, so you'll be ready to roll at the first hint of sunshine.
• No-sweat bicycle commuting What you need to boost you along to your destination (minus the sweat) is a little motorized nudge.
• 5 ways your city can be bike-friendly What can communities like mine do to ensure they're friendly to bicycle commuters? The League of American Bicyclists makes it simple with its 5-E rating system.
• Super-size your bike Bikes for plus-sized and large people easily support more weight, feel more comfortable and safe and can inspire larger people to exercise. It's size with attitude—that, plus fitness and mobility.
• 5 ways to use your bike to carry stuff You're committed to the environment and you're doing your part by riding your bike more places. Great! Only problem: what to do when you need to carry stuff?

Source: Super Eco Features Feed | 10 Mar 2010 | 11:28 am EST

Waste Oil Furnace Smoke Checked by P.E.I.

The P.E.I. Environment Department will be testing emissions from waste oil furnaces, following a ban on the burners in southern Ontario.

‘The contaminants in the used engine oil are not in your furnace oil.’— John Bennett, Sierra Club

The furnaces use the waste from vehicle oil changes for heating, and there are about 30 of them on the Island, most of them at auto repair shops and trucking companies. The burners were made illegal in southern Ontario because of concerns about what was coming out of the furnace stacks, and going into the air.



Source: ECO-CAN News | 10 Mar 2010 | 9:32 am EST

Federal Budget Dollars Flow for the ecoENERGY Home Retrofit Program

Federal budget dollars flow for the ecoENERGY home retrofit program

GreenSaver, an environmental leader providing ecoENERGY assessments, is available to comment on what it means for Canadian home owners and the environment now that the Federal government has announced an additional $80 million for the ecoEnergy Retrofit  — Homes Program.

They can comment on the following points:

• GreenSaver’s practical experience with ecoEnergy, based on over 40,000 energy audits completed
• Importance of energy efficiency and the ecoEnergy Retrofit – Homes Program
• How Canadian home owners can access the ecoEnergy Retrofit – Homes Program
• GreenSaver’s recognition of Federal government’s role in for encouraging energy efficiency
• How this program will continue to build a thriving green workforce

“GreenSaver recognizes the Federal government’s support for energy efficiency in Canadian homes is one of the most effective use of public stimulus funds. An energy efficient home is money saving, increases comfort and contributes to a better environment, while employing the local workforce. GreenSaver encourages all home owners do an energy audit, retrofit their homes and start saving money today.”

For more information, or to book an energy audit, please contact:

Tracy Chong, 416.203.3106 ext. 229 (office), 416.416.797.7210 (cell) or email tracy.chong(at)greensaver.org

Tina Siegel, 416.972.7401 or email tsiegel(at)ecostrategy.ca

GreenSaver is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to environmental energy efficiency. They have pioneered Ontario residential energy conservation for 25 years with economically viable and environmentally friendly solutions to help individuals and organizations with their energy need (www.greensaver.org).

Source: ECO-CAN News | 10 Mar 2010 | 9:25 am EST

How green is your building?

Buildings are major consumers of non-renewable energy sources and contribute to a rise in greenhouse gases. To reduce the size of that environmental footprint, so-called “green” buildings have emerged with the goal of using minimal energy in both their construction and operation, while also providing a healthier and more satisfactory indoor environment for their occupants. 

Several countries and regions have developed green building programs aimed at promoting more sustainable buildings, such as the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) initiative in Canada and the United States.

Read More: http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/news/nrc/2010/03/01/green-building.html

Source: ECO-CAN News | 10 Mar 2010 | 9:20 am EST

Where is your milk from?

If you're like us, you feel better knowing where your food comes from. Did you know that you can trace the origin of your milk from a code on the carton? More than likely, there's a handy little code on your carton of milk or tub of yogurt that tells you exactly where it's from. Run to the fridge for a peek at the code—we'll wait right here—and then look it up on Where is My Milk From?.

Bonus tip: identify your produce

Before we go, let's run through a quick refresher on how to tell if your produce is organic, conventional or genetically modified. Take a look at that annoying little sticker you normally peel off and flick into the trash. You're looking for the Price Look Up (PLU) code, which is set by the International Federation for Produce Standards.

• Organic produce 5-digit PLU number beginning with 9
• Conventional produce 4-digit PLU number beginning with 4
• Genetically modified (GMO) produce 5-digit PLU beginning with 8

(Photo credit:Gizmo1408, SXC)

Source: Super Eco Features Feed | 9 Mar 2010 | 9:36 am EST

Which foods and supplements really work?

Snake oil or science? Food for a healthy life ... or merely food for thought? End confusion over contradictory research with this balloon chart showing the scientific evidence for various health supplements. You may see some of your own bubbles burst as you spy your favorites bobbing just below the "Worth It" line (or worse still, sinking below "Conflicting" into oblivion). Sort by compounds, enzymes, minerals, plant/herbs and vitamins in relation to overall health or specific conditions such as cancer, mental health and even sex.

The source information appears credible enough. The chart is generated from this Google doc, which updates the balloon chart automatically when new research results come in. Sources include PubMed and Cochrane.org, considering only large human blind-placebo controlled trials. And if you're still skeptical about natural remedies, you can do the footwork yourself with these objective, scientifically verified sources on complementary and alternative therapies.

Of course, there's no discounting the possibility of the placebo effect. NPR just published a curious story showing that scientists are finding signs that the placebo effect is getting stronger over time. Talk about the power of positive thinking ... Now that's a balloon we'll gladly hitch to our stars!

(Photo credit:InformationIsBeautiful.net)

Source: Super Eco Features Feed | 8 Mar 2010 | 11:22 am EST

Canada Shift on Reviewing Energy Projects Critiqued

 

Ottawa’s plan to shift responsibility of environmental assessments to Canada’s main energy regulator fails to address fundamental problems surrounding major oil and gas projects, a green think tank said on Friday.

Read More: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6244M820100305

Source: ECO-CAN News | 8 Mar 2010 | 10:07 am EST

City of Edmonton Master Composter - Recycler Program - Free!

Once a year, the Waste Management Branch hosts the Master Composter-Recycler Program. Over a 3 weeks course schedule (Tues./Thursday evenings and Saturday) volunteers will learn about environmental stewardship in our city, such as: history of waste management; home composting; household hazardous waste; vermin-composting and residential recycling.

Read More: http://thegreenpages.ca/portal/ab/2010/03/city_of_edmonton_master_compos.html

Source: ECO-CAN News | 8 Mar 2010 | 9:47 am EST

International Women's Day 2010

March 8th is International Women's Day  a day on which hundreds of events that celebrate women occur all around the world.

For so many women green is the color of choice, the color of hope. Green initiatives offer a way out of poverty and oppression for women and cast a new light upon their role within the nuclear and Global family.

2010 being declared the International Year of Biodiversity, makes this year's celebration of women more poignant since biodiversity is key to the survival and livelihood of so many women worldwide.

The green movement has so many incredible women achievers to celebrate. Here are just a few interesting sites that celebrate women and the environment:

1. Going Green: Women and the Environment at Women Make Movies films by and about women.
2. The Green Women listing at Best Green Blogs
3. The Green Belt Movement whose mission it is: "to mobilize community consciousness for self-determination, equity, improved livelihoods and security, and environmental conservation."
4. The Eco Mom Alliance "a global organization of mothers working collectively to reduce global warming and propel an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable future.
5. Audubon Women In Conservation Program "was created for girls and women to discover the world of conservation and connect with the best and brightest women leaders in the environmental movement."

Happy International Women's Day 2010!

(Photo credit:blmurch on flickr)

Source: Super Eco Features Feed | 7 Mar 2010 | 8:00 am EST

How to foster green biodiversity

In 1894 John Muir wrote: "When California was wild, it was one sweet bee-garden throughout its entire length, north and south, and all the way across from the snowy Sierra to the ocean."

He continues by describing the immense biodiversity before him: "The great yellow days circled by uncounted, while I drifted toward the north, observing the countless forms of life thronging about me, lying down almost anywhere on the approach of night. And what glorious botanical beds I had! Often-times on awaking I would find several new species leaning over me and looking me full in the face, so that my studies would begin before rising."

This sounds like a beautiful dream, a beautiful impossible dream. But biodiversity because of its very nature is still within our reach. Favoring  biodiversity over monoculture, that is the crucial task at hand.

Here are some simple ways we can all foster green biodiversity:

1. Become informed about the historical biodiversity of where we live. Find out about local organizations that aid in the preservation of local endangered species, habitats and watershed. Learn what efforts are being attempted to restore these habitats and how we can help. Get the whole family involved.
2. Support worldwide conservation efforts whenever we can.
3. Research threatened and endangered plants species and provide some space in our landscape for them whenever possible.
4. Remove invasive species that may be choking out biodiversity on our small or large acre. Buy our seeds and plants from ethical organic sources. Plant heirloom varieties. Kick the pesticide/herbicide habit!
5. Support our local birds, they are great sowers of seed and plant a  butterfly/bee garden. Compost everything that you can.
6. Dedicate a "wilderness" area on our property where beneficial insects, birds and small wildlife may shelter and thrive. Plant a hedgerow habitat.
7. Buying our meats and produce from local ethical and organic farmers and markets whenever possible is so important.
8. Dialing back our fast food consumption sends an important message to companies that thrive on the devastating practices of monoculture.
9. Buy less stuff: use it up, wear it out, donate it, gift it. Reduce, reuse, recycle, upcycle, repeat!
10. If you are going to buy things, buy handmade things that support local economies, cottage industries and craftsmanship.
11. Whether we live in an urban or rural setting learning what we love about where we live is so important. Taking a walk in nearby nature, noticing that life is happening all around us, becoming connected, breathing...

Have a beautiful green day!

(Photo credit:ms.lume on flickr)

Source: Super Eco Features Feed | 6 Mar 2010 | 9:00 am EST

Fish oil supplements packed with PCBs

Looks like there's something fishy about some of the most popular brands of fish oil supplements. A lawsuit filed in California earlier this week claims that many leading fish oil manufacturers are peddling products packed with toxic polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) compounds, despite labeling that states the products are "treated" and are safe from PCB contamination. Eight companies are on the hook: CVS Pharmacy, Inc.; General Nutrition Corp. (GNC); Now Health Group, Inc.; Omega Protein, Inc.; Pharmavite LLC (Nature Made brand); Rite Aid Corp.; Solgar, Inc.; and TwinLab Corp.

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants that continue to be a significant environmental hazard despite having been banned since the 1970s. PCBs are classified as a probable human carcinogen. Exposure has been linked with liver cancer, skin rashes, liver damage, irregular menstrual cycles, lowered immune response, fatigue, headaches, coughs and poor cognitive development in children.

Continue reading Fish oil supplements packed with PCBs ›

(Photo credit:Stephen Cummings, flickr)

Source: Super Eco Features Feed | 5 Mar 2010 | 10:07 am EST

AVATAR SANDS Ad

The world’s best known environmental groups, representing eight countries along with First Nations, are running a full-page ad today in Hollywood’s Variety, read by the who’s who of the entertainment industry, praising Canadian-born filmmaker James Cameron for bringing to light in film what is playing out in reality in Canada’s controversial Tar Sands.

Read More: http://www.sierraclub.ca/en/tar-sands/avatar-sands-ad

Source: ECO-CAN News | 5 Mar 2010 | 9:53 am EST

Gleaning urban produce for the hungry

We've talked recently about companies who dump surplus stock with no thought to the social and environmental consequences. Now, here's the flip side: teams that glean unused fruit from privately owned trees and get it into the hands of food banks and charitable organizations. Traditional gleaning groups like the Gleaning Network coordinate tens of thousands of volunteers to glean leftovers from farmers' fields. Now, urban gleaning efforts are picking off the low-hanging fruits in residential areas and passing them along to food assistance programs.

"I'm such a sucker for efficiency," gleaner Matt Jurach told Alternet.org. "It kills me to see all the effort people put into a tree and it produces all this fruit, then it falls onto the ground and rots. It's understandable, because we're busy people. But when you have a group, we complete the last step."

Groups like Harvest Sacramento in California have already harvested nearly 10,000 pounds of produce since the beginning of the year. The typical residential fruit tree bears some 200-300 pounds of fruit a year. That's a free source of healthy, seasonal produce—a virtual gold mine for food banks that rely on inexpensive, pre-packaged staples. 

Gleaning groups send out teams of trained volunteers to identify homes with fruit trees and convince homeowners to donate their harvest. Harvest teams visit a handful of homes during a typical harvest event. Volunteers keep bruised produce and fruit that appears likely to spoil quickly, then sorts and transports the rest to local charities. Gleaning groups exist in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Florida, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and California.

(Photo credit:sundaykofax, flickr)

Source: Super Eco Features Feed | 4 Mar 2010 | 12:20 pm EST

Japan Says Won't Comply with Bluefin Tuna Ban

Japan will not comply if a total ban on international trade in Atlantic bluefin tuna is imposed, a government official was quoted as saying on Thursday, as support grows for the unprecedented trade halt.

Read More: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62329620100304

Source: ECO-CAN News | 4 Mar 2010 | 10:43 am EST

Campbell blames climate change for 'Spring Games'

The record-breaking warm weather that made a soggy mess of Cypress Mountain, forcing Olympic organizers to truck snow to the slopes, was caused by climate change, B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell says.

And witnessing the “Spring Olympics” has convinced Mr. Campbell he must accelerate his campaign against global warming.

This week, the Premier will face a renewed assault on his controversial carbon tax, as business leaders use today’s provincial budget to decry the competitiveness gap arising from the province’s levy on fossil fuels.

Read More: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/campbell-blames-climate-change-for-spring-games/article1486344/that/

Source: ECO-CAN News | 4 Mar 2010 | 10:28 am EST

Syncrude Canada on Trial

Syncrude Canada is on trial for the death of 1600 migrating birds. The ducks landed in a Syncrude toxic tailings pond in northern Alberta in April 2008. The destruction and toxicity of the tar sands was largely brought to the World’s attention after this deadly incident. The company is charged with failing to employ measures to protect the birds as required by federal and provincial law. This is the first case in which a tar sands company is facing criminal charges as a result of routine operations.

Read More: http://www.sierraclub.ca/en/tar-sands/syncrude-canada-trial

Source: ECO-CAN News | 4 Mar 2010 | 10:23 am EST

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