This kid is 19. He has figured it out. Let’s do this.
Archive for Uncategorized
TOO MANY BOOKS!
By Erica
Whenever a new technology comes out, something else becomes obsolete. DUH. So with the entrance of e-readers into society.. guess what it replaces…. good ol’ paperback and hard cover books. While I see the convenience of an e-reader (I guess), it raises some issues. Primarily.. what will happen to all the books? On a personal level, does this mean libraries will close eventually? Where will all the librarians work? Anyways, getting off topic.. the world already has too many books. But, generally, pre e-reader, books would circulate rather than end up in the dust heap. You loan them to your friends, sell them, borrow them, etc. Now as the world turns away from traditional reading material, what will happen to all the millions of books? And think of all the trees that gave their lives to make those books. Sadness.
Currently, I am using old books to prop up the sides of my futon. As a reading traditionalist, I can’t bring myself to throw books in the recycling bin. Second Hand stores are full of them. Every time I travel, I bring as many books as possible from Canada and leave them in hostels, where maybe they will get read. I am having a panic attack as to what will happen to all the books. Until I think of a solution other than my futon support system, here are some interesting sites for book recycling…
Books for Africa: Donate old children’s books to those who need them in Africa (you can also get rid of old computers this way.. anyways who has seen Manufactured Landscapes knows that computers don’t recycle well)
Or you can try BookMooch to trade books with other fellow book worms. Reddit.com also had a book trade, which may or may not still exist.
In the long run, e-readers mos def have the potential to become more sustainable, especially as publishers reduce the amount of books released the traditional way each year. Now if only we could find a solution for the books already in existence…..
Save Captain Paul Watson – Sea Shepherd
By Liz
Captain Paul Watson is a Canadian born long time activist. He is one of the co-founders of Greenpeace and the founder of Sea Shepherd. He has spent his life at sea saving countless animals and trying to stop illegal fishing, whaling, shark finning etc.
In 2007, Sea Shepherd released a documentary called Sharkwater. In this film Paul Watson and his team tried to put an end to the shark finning industry in 2002. While doing so. he made a citizen’s arrest of a vessel, the Veraderos I, for finning sharks illegally. Communication got crossed and the Sea Shepherd crew were actually told to release the Veraderos I and were in turn arrested for attempted murder and shipwrecking. When released on bail the Sea Shepherd group left Costa Rica. Now 10 years later Paul Watson is being held in Germany waiting to be extradited to Costa Rica.
Here is a video of Pamela Anderson in support of letting Paul Watson go:
If interested in Sharkwater, here is the trailer:
I’m a Belieber!
by Liz
Today is Justin Bieber’s 18th birthday!! Why is this so exciting? Well instead of presents he is asking friends and fans to donate to Charity Water. He recently tweeted “i want to use my bday to help others. if u want please donate $18 to @charitywater on my 18th bday! #GiveBack – charitywater.org/justinbieber”. This is actually his second year asking fans to do this. Such a young kid and already giving back! Way to go Justin Beiber! Canadian too!
Now why should you donate? Watch this video:
National Sweater Day Flash Mob 2012
By Liz
Remember how I was tell you about the National Sweater Day Flash Mob? Well here it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMcejhHLk7A&feature=related
You can watch another awesome environmental flash mob here.
So remember on February 9, 2012 turn down your thermostat by 3 degrees and wear a sweater! Help the Earth!
Super Bowl XLVI is Going Green
by Liz
Well this weekend is the big Super Bowl weekend. As a Canadian I like to watch the super expensive commercials and the half time show whilst drinking beer. I could care less about football (unless it is soccer!). Well this year is another face off between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. Something new? The NFL is trying to make Super Bowl XLVI a greener event this year.
Green Mountain Energy and the NFL have partnered up together to power 15 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy. This means it will reduce 29 million pounds of carbon emissions on the day. Green Mountain energy will also offset the carbon emissions caused by the teams travel to get to teh Super Bowl by planting over 1,000 trees within Indianapolis.
Some other initiatives include composting and parking spaces for electric cars. They have also made sure there is more recycling within the stadium as well as a lighting system which will utilize natural light.
Here is a great inforgraphic showing the environmental impact of the Super Bowl.
And if you click here you will find some delicious vegan and vegetarian dip recipes to serve while watching the big game! So go Pats! Or Giants!
Friday Fun: Funny Environment Videos
by Liz
So I have searched the web for some informative yet funny environment videos!
This one is my favorite:
A good commercial:
An oldie but a goodie:
Great surprise ending:
A quick one:
Happy Friday everyone!
More on carbon offsetting…
By Erica
According to 2010 data, Canada is not kicking ass at carbon offsetting. 4% of Canadian companies buy carbon offsets, compared with the US at 37% and the EU with a whopping 10x our offsetting, at 41%. However, a Vancouver based company called Offsetters is working to change this. Offsetters, a provider of carbon management solutions, is now instigating a program that offers high quality cookstokes in Africa.
Cooking in poorer parts of Africa had traditionally been done with garbage, waste, whatever happens to be on the ground at the moment, which obviously does not make for great air quality (poor air quality is one of the biggest child mortality causes). Installing enviro friendly cook stoves will have the same impact as if 4000 drivers decided to ditch their cars and hoof it.
Carbon offsetting can often seem a fishy, mysterious thing, where many are unsure of where their money actually goes, so if you are looking for both a transparent and effective use of carbon offsetting, check out the African Cookstove program at offsetters.ca.
