A Wonderful Article by Jake Linger of the Crofton-West County Gazette
LGBG is committed to global initiatives that make our world greener. The plastic bag project that we are working on with Lori Robinson and Africa Inside is one of these initiatives which is gaining steam thanks to talented journalist like jake Linger.
Credit: www.thatsfit.com
Being that it is a requirement of living, it is likely that you have seen a grocery store in your lifetime. (If not, congrats to you for this incredible feat in modern society). Among the common items of bread, eggs, and cheese that you would normally find in the grocery store is the now ubiquitous Greek Yogurt section. Popular for being rich in protein, and its smooth texture, Greek yogurt has taken off as an industry within the past five years. In fact, “…Yogurt production in New York…has tripled between 2007 and 2013.”[1] What yogurt companies and John Stamos have not told you however are the consequences the production of their products have had on the environment.
Unlike traditional yogurt, the Greek variety, “…Yields huge quantities of acid whey, a byproduct that kills aquatic life during decomposition.” In the production cycle, acid whey (which is common component in the making of inexpensive butters and creams) is one of the byproducts that separates from milk after it has been curdled.[2] Yet, because of the aforementioned boom in production, yogurt companies are left with a tremendous amount of waste that cumulatively can greatly impact our oceans, rivers, and streams. Acid whey naturally takes away oxygen from water which has the effect of progressively killing any aquatic life in the area. For example, after an Ohio cheese factory accidentally spilled acid whey into nearby Sandy Creek, close to 5,400 fish were killing along the 1.5 mile river.[3] These figures are pretty extraordinary, but can only provide a glimpse into the potential environmental ramifications if a larger scaled spill were to happen.
Currently, for every three or four ounces of milk, Chobani and other companies can produce only one ounce of creamy Greek yogurt. The rest becomes acid whey.”[4] So what can we do to reverse this trend? According to The Verge and The Modern Farmer several sustainable options are currently being explored. The most promising idea in use is located at a farm in Scipio Center, N.Y where they have successfully turned acid whey into methane, which then is converted into usable electricity. In a simplified and less disgusting version of the process, acid whey and manure are combined in tanks with heat for approximately 20 days. Here the cultures in acid whey break down the contents of the mixture which, in this case, releases methane embedded within the manure where the gas is used as a raw material for electrical generators which power the farm.
Yet, the anaerobic digesters which are required tools for the New York farm require millions in capital investment and are not likely to be available to the local farmer. As a result, we need to cultivate more practical ideas to meet this growing challenge which faces our environment and aquatic life. Here at LGBG we want to empower you with this information to go out and make a difference. Together lets collaborate and inspire to create a solution so that we can all live green, and be green.
Orthographic map of Africa (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
We here at LGBG would like to take this opportunity to update our readers and supporters on Africa Inside’s project to eliminate plastic bag pollution from the African countryside. This program is the brainchild of Lori Robinson, Africa Adventures Specialist for the Jane Goodall Institute. Lori has dedicated considerable time and effort to promote conservation through the development of programs to educate Africans about the protection of its most precious resources, wildlife and environmental.
LGBG is proud to sponsor and partner with Lori and Africa Inside to rid the African countryside of discarded plastic bags, which kill wildlife when ingested out of curiosity, clog rivers and streams, get caught up in trees and bushes and release toxins when burned. Lori’s “bag exchange” program has been successful as a simple and effective solution to plastic bag pollution. For every 25 bags picked up from the countryside and turned in on exchange days, each individual receives a sturdy reusable tote from America, which are very popular and sought after by African citizens. We have been working diligently to get donations of reusable bags, as well as funds to ship the bags to Lori. We thank you for your support to date, and we urge you to continue to help Africa Inside advance this wonderful cause.
Africa Inside’s next plastic litter cleanup will take place in Samburu, Kenya in August 2013. We still are still collecting bags and financial donations to ensure the success of this project. For information on how you can help, please visit the Africa Inside website at http://africainside.org/globalconservation/one-wordplastics/ or contact us here at LGBG.com. Africa Inside is supported by the Creative Visions Foundation, a publicly supported 501(c)3. Upon receipt of donations, each contributor will receive the necessary receipt for tax deductions.
Once again, LGBG thanks you for your support to date for Africa Inside’s mission. To support such a wonderful cause is to live green be green.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQVM2lDFNcw&w=560&h=315]
English: Placing honeybees for pumpkin pollination, Mohawk Valley, NY (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The steadily increasing disappearance of honeybees since 2006 has farmers, beekeepers, scientists and government officials all abuzz, largely because of the impending economic disaster that would occur without bee pollination. This really is a major problem because “one-third of all food and beverages are made possible by pollination, mainly by honeybees. The agricultural industry attributes more than $20 billion of its worth to pollination.[1]
Currently, the USDA, scientists, beekeepers and growers are working frantically to identify the cause of death of bees or “colony collapse disorder” (CCD). It appears that there are several factors contributing to this problem, including the parasitic Varroa mite and pesticides. Researchers are very familiar with the Varroa mites, noting that they attach themselves to bees and feed off of their fluids, thereby weakening them. A potential solution posed for the mite problem is to breed bees that can withstand these mites. Recent research also has pointed to the adverse effects of neonicotinoids, a pesticide that has few adverse effects on mammals, but are shown to damage the brains of bees. Additional causes of CCD listed by the EPA and the USDA include “poor nutrition, reduced genetic diversity, the Nosema gut parasite, emerging viruses and a bacterial disease called European foulbrood“.[1]
It is interesting to examine the potential impact of the loss of honeybee pollination on our food supply. It it important to note the special and unique role of some pollinators in seed production, but not in the growth of the germinated seeds. The loss of these pollinators would trigger the disappearance of these seed, the very origin of these plant species. Some examples include carrots,onions, celery, mustard, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, turnips, caraway, coriander, buckwheat, fennel, alfalfa, sesame and several variety of beans. Many of the fruits and vegetables that we eat require honeybee pollination and would be adversely affected by the loss of pollinators, resulting in increase cost due to shortages or even total lack of available crops. Imagine no strawberries, peppers (several varieties), apples, kiwifruit, watermelon, cantaloupes or squash, just to name a few. [2]
Now that we recognize the need to reduce our consumption of red meat and to increase the use of fresh fruits and vegetables in our diets for purposes of healthier lifestyles and environmental protection, it is a matter or urgency to address this threat to our food supply. We all can do something to help. For starters, we have to educate ourselves on the process of pollination. An excellent resource on this subject is the Pollinator Partnership at www.pollinator.org/html. This site has wonderful suggestions on planting fruits, vegetables and flowering plants that attract pollinators. Also, you can find information to get involved in the celebration of Pollinator Week 2013 coming up in June. [3] Secondly, keep in mind will not try to sell products that we refuse to buy. To that end, please make every effort to buy local and organic. These fruits and vegetables do not contain harmful pesticides that harm the soil, the air, water or pollinators, such as honeybees.
The pollination problem is a complex one that has several causes and will take time to solve. The relationship of honeybees to the earth is simple: Bees equal food. With that said, we have a duty to protect the honeybees. Our lives depend on it. To do so is to live green, be green.
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Sources for this article:
[1] http://cosmiclog.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/05/02/18021285-pesticides-arent-the-biggest-factor-in-honeybee-die-off-epa-and-usda-say?lite
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_crop_plants_pollinated_by_bees.
[3] http://www.pollinator.org/
Seed-of-Life (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Each year the arrival of spring brings with it an increased interest in gardening and “growing things”– whether it is flowers, vegetables or fruits, and this presents a great opportunity to discuss seed conservation and its role in sustaining life. A seed is defined in several ways, including (1) the grains or ripened ovules of plants used for sowing; (2)a propagative animal structure (milt, semen), and (3) a source of development or growth. [1] Any discussion of a seed generally acknowledges its connection to a germ, origin, root or creation. The conclusion here is that life as we know it is not sustainable without seeds.
Despite the reality that seeds are the root of life, statistics by the USDA indicate that over the past 30 years, industrial agriculture practices have resulted in a huge loss of biodiversity and the extinction of over 80,000 plant varieties.[2] The reason for this is that industrial agriculture relies on large homogenous crop production, with the primary crops being corn, soy, wheat or potatoes. Under this scenario, mass production of single crops affords farmers easier cultivation and harvest, and is deemed to culminate in a guaranteed food source for a greater percentage of the world population.
The truth is that industrial agriculture takes a heavy toll on the world’s plant supply. First of all, the industrial agriculture movement has resulted in the creation of seed monopolies, with a few companies owning patents to the majority of seeds available to farmers, including GMOs and hybrids. The farmers are prohibited from reusing new seeds from the previous year’s crop production because of patent violations. Secondly, from a botanical standpoint, crop homogenization strips the ability of plants to adapt to climate change, pests and diseases. Thirdly, the presumption that large homogenous crops will provide an adequate food supply for the world is erroneous because food availability does not necessarily translate to access to food. Finally, we must not ignore the potential danger of the reliance on a single or a few large crops to feed a population. We only need to look to the well documented devastating famine to the Irish population during the potato blight in the mid-1800s to observe the results of such misconceptions.[3]
The good news on seed conservation is that many individuals and businesses globally are dedicated to the protection of the world’s seed supply from extinction and from the control of corporate monopolies. Many of these efforts stem from smallholder farms and peasant bred food growers. Interestingly, the majority of these farmers are women, who understand that the story of seeds is “the story of us”.[2] Their work involves not only the cataloguing and use of a variety of seeds, but also records of recipes for delicious meals from their bounty.
It is important that proponents of the green movement recognize the urgent need to support seed conservation and biodiversity. To that end, we urge you to support independent seed companies when you make your seed purchases. Also, consider donating to programs that support smallholder farms. Educate yourself on the large corporate monopolies, who are buying up many of the seed companies and inhibiting biodiversity. The fact is that “farmers will stop growing food that we refuse to eat”. [4]
In conclusion, seeds are the major thread in the fabric of our lives. They are a food source, as well as key players in the manufacturing industry and environmental protection. To fight for seeds is to fight for sustainability. To do this is to live green, be green.
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Sources for this Article:
1. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seed.
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ28IC63hlI.
3. http://www.wesleyjohnston.com/users/ireland/past/famine/blight.html
4. http://www.emergencyhomesteader.com/a-complete-list-of-seed-companies-owned-by-monsanto-and-a-complete-list-of-seed-companies-not-owned-by-monsanto/.
5. http://www.slowfoodfoundation.com/pagine/eng/arca/cerca.lasso?-id_pg=36.
6. http://www.fsg.org/tabid/191/ArticleId/181/Default.aspx?srpush=true.
HAPPY EARTH DAY!
Credit: Earthdayoregon.com
We here at LGBG wish you a happy Earth Day, and we hope that you use this day to recommit to the protection of the environment. Please do something special today to show your love for our planet!
The Earth seen from Apollo 17. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Since 1970, Earth Day has been celebrated as a worldwide day of events to demonstrate commitment to the environment, and as such, it is a day that everyone can celebrate, big or small. We here at LGBG urge all of our readers to get involved and plan some activity for the day. Of course, we have a few suggestions.
1. Plant something. It could be a garden, large or small, or maybe a balcony garden. Also, it could be one vegetable or flowering plant. This could be a fun project to do with children. They will love caring for a flower or vegetable plant, and imagine their pride when they see the end result, a beautiful blossom or a vegetable that they can consume. If time is too short or the weather is not amenable to planting something, consider joining the National Arbor Foundation (http://www.arborday.org/) and donating seedling trees to be planted in designated areas sorely in need of reforestation.
2. Use recyclable bags. If you go shopping on Earth Day, refuse to use a plastic bag. Take a recyclable bag from home or purchase one for the articles you purchase. Try storing these bags in your car to be used for future shopping trips.
3. Park the car. Turn off the television. Take a walk. Play games outside. Relax and celebrate Mother Nature.
4. Pledge an act of green. There are many environmental and green organizations that would appreciate your financial support. We here at LGBG ask that you consider supporting Africa Inside (http://africainside.org/globalconservation/one-wordplastics/) in its drive to rid the African countryside of plastic bags and No Water No Life (http://nowater-nolife.org/index.html), a wonderful organization that “documents North American and African watersheds to illustrate degradation of fresh water resources and stewardship solutions“.
5. Reduce your carbon footprint starting tomorrow. This can be done by skipping meat at a meal, taking public transportation, and turning off the lights when leaving a room.
These are just a few suggestions to get engaged in tomorrow’s Earth Day Celebration. Others can be found on the Internet and on community boards. Also, once you choose an activity, make sure you upload a picture of it on “The Face of Climate Change” photo mosaic at www.earthday.org/2013.
Earth Day is an annual celebration open to anyone interested in the protection of the environment and sustainability. To join in this global movement to protect our natural resources and to ensure a healthy world for future generations is a great path on the journey to live green, be green.
Benjamin Franklin 1767 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
In recognition of the 223rd anniversary of Ben Franklin’s death, we here at LGBG feel that it is important to remember and salute this visionary and his accomplishments, particularly those relative to the green movement.
Ben Franklin was born on January 17, 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts and died on April 17, 1790 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Franklin was a printer by trade and a scientist, a librarian, inventor and statesman. He was internationally renown for his work to harness electricity with the invention of the lightning rod. His values were consistent with the green movement in that he espoused thrift, hard work and education.
In addition to inventions of the Franklin stove, bifocal glasses and a flexible urinary catheter, Ben Franklin also was a social innovator. He is credited with the “pay it forward policy whereby an individual in receipt of a good deed repays the assistance by doing something good for someone other than his/her benefactor. This practice has evolved into an international movement of random acts of kindness.
Ben Franklin was a man ahead of his time and a proponent of green living and sustainability, as evidenced by his influence on the then emerging science of population study and demographics. He was an astute observer of population growth trends, both in the United States, as well as in Europe. He acknowledged the importance of maintaining an adequate food supply to accommodate the fast-growing U.S. population. Out of concern for economic development and the reliance on the shipping industry for transportation of goods and people, Franklin studied the currents in the Atlantic Ocean, and gulf stream charts and made recommendations on navigation currents so as to control sailing time to various destinations. He is best known, perhaps, for his work with electricity, and he also delved into research on refrigeration and evaporation.
At an early age, Ben Franklin adopted a set of virtues which he used to guide his life. Several of these virtues are consistent with the tenets of the green movement and sustainable living.
1. “Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.”
2. “Order. Let all your things have places.”
3. “Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought.”
4. “Frugality. Waste nothing.”
5. “Moderation. Avoid extremes.”
6. “Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness.”
7. “Humility.”
Benjamin Franklin was a visionary, who fully appreciated the gift of this earth and lived his entire life dedicated to healthy living, industry and the protection and progression of mankind. His accomplishments cannot be understated, and our current Earth Day celebration would be lacking without the observance of this great man. He was a true example of what it means to live green, be green.
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Sources for this article:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin.
2. http://www.ealmanac.com/2974/numbers/the-thirteen-virtues-of-benjamin-franklin/.
Dillon Papier
Hosting your own birthday party as an event to raise awareness and donations for an important cause is a creative, thoughtful and selfless way to mark this milestone. This is exactly what Maris Walker of Bowie, Maryland did this past Sunday for her 11-year-old grandson, Dillon Papier. This year, her April 14th birthday coincided with Dillon’s eighth annual fundraiser to fight Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C (NPC), a very rare and fatal disease affecting approximately 500 children globally. Maris invited her family and friends to celebrate her 70th birthday at the opening game for the Bowie Baysox, an AA team in the Baltimore Orioles‘ organization. The celebration, held in a corporate suite at the Baysox stadium, priced at $50.00, included a ticket to the game, food and drinks.
The party kicked off on a bright and sunny afternoon with both Maris and Dillon “throwing out first pitches”. While everyone laughed, ate, drank, mingled and watched the game, we remained mindful of the cause. We saluted Maris’ birthday and Dillon’s courageous battle against NPC. The attendees included a host of family, friends and community supporters, including a little league baseball team that presented Dillon with a basket of “goodies”. There were tables in the corporate suite, as well as in the area for the general public, that displayed literature on Niemann-Pick Disease, along with t-shirts, wristbands, etc., for purchase to support the National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation, Type C research.
ABOUT NIEMANN-PICK DISEASE, TYPE C
Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C, (NPC) often is called Childhood Alzheimer’s. Children with NPC are unable to properly metabolize cholesterol and other lipids, resulting in the accumulation of excess cholesterol levels in the liver and spleen, along with excessive accumulation of other lipids in the brain. NPC is characterized by “an enlarged liver and spleen, clumsiness with loss of muscle control, deterioration of speech, seizures, and progressive neurological decline“. To date, NPC is 100% fatal. Many of the children diagnosed with this disease “die before the age of 10 or within 5-10 years of the diagnosis”.
ABOUT DILLON
Dillon Papier is the 11-year-old son of Darrile and Mark Papier of Urbana, Maryland. A little shy until he gets to know you, Dillon is a wonderful young man, who loves family, baseball and gourmet food. His love of music becomes apparent immediately when he melodiously sings “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch. He was diagnosed with Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C in 2005.
ABOUT DILLON’S ARMY
Dillon and his family display determination, courage and perseverance in their fight against Niemann-Pick Disease. Their brave battle has attracted the attention of so many sports organizations (including the Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles), local businesses and individuals that they are collectively known as “Dillon’s army“. Attendance at any of the many events to raise awareness and money to support the National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation’s research to find a successful treatment to save Dillon and other children affected by this devastating disease immediately inspires you to enlist in Dillon’s army.
We here at LGBG salute Dillon for his courage. We also would like to wish Maris a happy birthday and to say thank you for your uplifting spirit and wonderful idea to use your birthday celebration to support such a worthy cause. Fighting for the health of children and security of families definitely is part of the green movement.
If I can do my duty, as a good man ought,
If I can bring back beauty, to a world up wrought,
If I can spread love’s message, as the Master taught,
Then my living shall not be in vain.
(Credit: Mahalia Jackson)
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Sources for this article:
1. http://www.dillonsfight.org/aboutthedisease.htm.
2. http://www.capitalgazette.com/bowie_bladenews/news/a-bowie-grandmother-hopes-residents-pitch-in-for-special-baysox/article_70e97ac0-be41-5500-8b35-3ad8c1495c9f.html?mode=jqm.
3. http://www.nnpdf.org/
If you finally have room in your budget for that home improvement project you have been dreaming of, then you are truly fortunate. Why not share that good fortune by ensuring that your remodel not only enhances your world but that it also cares for the environment? Careful planning is the key to making sure that your remodel is both beautiful and responsible.
You should never undertake a renovation project without professional direction. This is especially true in green renovations. Choosing the architect, kitchen designer or contractor who will head up the project is the most important planning decision you can make because this person will lead in choosing sub-contractors, building materials and demolition procedures.
A committed, knowledgeable professional is invaluable in creating the perfect plan. Interview several professionals and ask some of the following questions:
Look for certified products. A certification from the Forest Stewardship Council, Cradle to Cradle and Greenguard Environmental Institute ensures that the product was manufactured in a manner that protects the planet. An added benefit is that certified products are often better constructed and more durable than traditional products.
As far as construction materials go, buy green. “Green” or environmentally-friendly paints come in a variety of colors. Low- or no-volatile organic compounds (VOC) paints are widely available and minimize the amount of toxins released into the atmosphere.
Help sustain our planet by installing only bamboo or cork flooring instead of hardwood. Bamboo and cork are fast growing and very sustainable. In addition, bamboo is at least as durable as hardwood. Finally, these flooring options are no more expensive than hardwood since most flooring costs are associated with installation, not materials.
Using insulation is a great way to heat and cool your home throughout the year. Insulation helps keep your utilities costs down. It also limits your carbon footprint. You should also think about installing ceiling fans. They cool you down in the summer, and they can be reversed to push down warm air in the winter.
An even better alternative is to purchase re-purposed materials. An old door or window may have more character than a new one. If you love to buy new, salvage yards often have left over tiles and other products available. Using re-purposed materials saves money as well as space at the local landfill.
Some of your own materials may be re-purposed. Instead of choosing a contractor who tosses all demolition materials into a dumpster, choose a contractor who can find other uses for items like tile, wood, bricks and hardware.
Our homes are part of a larger equation. By making sure that you conduct an ecologically responsible renovation, you help your neighbors — even those across the planet — live cleaner, healthier lives and you protect the planet from the ravages of quick-fix building and renovation projects.
Brian Sonnier is the owner of Lone Star Patio Builders, Inc. in Houston, TX. They specialize in building pergolas to provide shade in the hot summer as well as increase home value.