LESSON PLAN IN WASTE MANAGEMENTFOR FIRST YEAR HIGH SCHOOL

(Application Lesson)

I. ObjectivesAt the end of one-hour period, students are expected to:

a) Enumerate the benefits of 3Rs – reducing, reusing, recyclingb) Create an artwork or produce an end product out of recycled materialsc) Participate in the campaign for 3Rs method of waste management

II. Subject MatterSubject: 3R Method of Solid Waste ManagementReference: Environmental Sciences by Gilma T. TayoMaterials: unused/scratch papers, magazines, glue/adhesives, pictures

III. ProcedureA. Review

Biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials and how to segregate them

B. Motivation Show pictures of artworks made of waste materials Say: Look at this picture. What can you say about it? What do you think are the materials used in making these products? Show the class.

C. Lesson Proper Possible materials to be recycled Benefits of 3R method Ways of applying 3R method in your community (purok, barangay, etc.)

IV. ApplicationCreate an artwork out of recycled materials.

V. AgreementOrganize a group to manage and conduct a community service regarding the 3R

methods of waste management in your neighborhood.

Give the beads a light coating of an acrylic sealant to make them more durable.

Paint the beads using poster paints. Gently roll the beads in a light coating of clear glue and apply glitter. Try making rolled beads out heavy-weight fabrics.

enefits of Reusing

Reuse is the second choice of the 3r’s Reduce, Reuse, then Recycle. A simple definition or

reuse from the Encarta Dictionary is “the use of something again”. The benefits of reusing

materials should be obvious. The list of items that can be reused is virtually unlimited.

Save Land from Landfill

The aim of reuse is to find ways to, as much as possible, keep reusing a perfectly useful product

that may otherwise be sent into the waste stream adding to landfill.

Save Money on Disposal Costs

On top of this if you live in an area where there are pay-as-you-throw programs or have high

taxes due to the cost of waste, then if you practice reusing your waste will reduce and you will

start to save on the cost of disposing of your waste.

Save the Cost of Recycling

Also keep in mind that reusing an item may save the cost of recycling that item later.

Saves Valuable Un-renewable Natural Resources

Another obvious result of reusing a product is that it will not require the raw materials required

by a new product. This means reusing saves any valuable un-renewable natural resources like

water, oil, coal, and raw minerals required to produce new products.

Saves Energy

Reuse of an item saves on the energy that would be required to produce the item new.

Producing energy uses up valuable resources like oil, coal, timber and so on.

Reduces Our Reliance on Foreign Oil

Keep in mind saving energy will help reduce our reliance on foreign oil.

Help the Less Fortunate

Taking useful products (like books, sport equipment, cloths, kitchen items, furniture, musical

instruments, toys etc) that are being discarded by folks who no longer want or need them, and

making them more affordable forto those who would like them is economical way for people get

items that they need.

Helps Keep Resources in the Community Helping the Local Economy

Instead of dumping used products are given to local used outlets and charities, these resources

are kept in the community helping the local economy.

Reuse Supports Local Communities and Local Social Programs

Through out the years reuse has been used as a significant way of getting needed items to the

many disadvantaged members of a community. Social Programs and emergency programs

depend heavily on second had merchandise. In addition there many reuse organizations that

provide job-training and other responsibility programs for handicapped and at-risk youth.

Have Fun Antique Shopping

Seeking out used items you can often find very unique items and valuable items. This can be

interesting and fun.

Supports Your Government

In the U.S. the government is one of the largest suppliers of used goods; it regularly sells off its

surplus items.

Support Volunteer Organizations and Charities

Volunteer organizations and charities collect and resell used items as a way to support their

community programs.

Of Course Reuse Saves the Environment

Reusing products limits the need for new products and their manufacturing processes which

generally use energy that creates some pollution, plus the manufacturing of new goods uses

natural resources.

It’s Easy

One of the benefits of choosing reuse to help the environment is that it’s easy.  There are so

many ways to practice reuse. You can give away used items through all kind of events like

Auctions, Bazaars, Book/Magazine Exchanges, Car Boot Sales, Drop & Swap, Estate Sales,

Give-Away Swaps, Garage Sales, Garbage Fairs, Give-Away Shops, Jumble Sales, Material

Exchanges, Reuse Fairs, Reuse Roundups, Rummage Sales, Salvage Yards, Swap Meets,

Yard Sales, etc. Find a place to give to or organize your own reuse event.

Also you can purchase used goods form all kind of places if you look for them. Here are some

examples:  Arc Thrift Stores, Auctions, Brotherhood Of St. Laurence, Charitable Shops, Drop-

Off Centers And Organizations, Classified Ads, Consignment Shops, Deseret Industries (In The

Western U.S.), Ebay, Estate Sales, Flea Markets, Goodwill, Hospice Shops, On-Line Auctions,

Opportunity Shops, Red Cross, Restore (See Habitat For Humanity International), Salvation

Army, Second-hand Stores, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Surplus Stores, The Freecycle

Network, Reuse Centres, Thrift shops, Used Equipment Stores, Value Village, Etc.

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Benefits of ReducingJune 10, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Benefits of Reducing

Reduce should be your first choice of the 3r’s Reduce, Reuse, then Recycle and many of the

benefits of reducing waste should be obvious.

Saves Energy

For instance the benefit in practicing energy reduction is that it reduces our reliance on foreign

oil and saves us money.

Reduces Cost

The obvious result of not using materials efficiently is increased waste. If you live in an area

where there are pay-as-you-throw programs or high taxes due to waste, and if you practice

reducing your waste you will also reduce the cost of disposing of your waste.

Saves You Money

Which means that simply decreasing the amount of disposable items you consume each year

well not only help the green movement, but also not buying so much will have a side benefit of

saving you money.

Saves Money

Unnecessary packaging constitutes as much as 30% of urban solid waste.  As a consumer you

can reduce simply by choosing to buy the items with less packaging. There are also saving

because some products that are over-packaged cost more. Check it out it’s an easy way to save

money while reducing waste.

Saves Land

Also keep in mind that simply reducing waste can save the cost of recycling it later and of

course save land by reducing the need for landfill.

Saves Un-Renewable Resources

Reducing consumption also helps to save the valuable un-renewable resources that are

required to produce virgin products.

Conserves Natural Resources

You can work at reducing the amount of junk flyers, mail and new papers that land in your mail

box. The more junk mail you stop the more you will conserve natural resources.

Saves Trees, Water, Energy

Reducing by (a six feet tall) stack of newspapers, magazines or flyers saves the life of one tree

35 feet tall. Never mind the water, energy and other ingredients used to produce paper.

Saves Land, Oil, Oceans and Serious Greenhouse-Gas Emissions

Plastics are ecologists’ and marine biologists’ nightmare. Reducing your use of plastics can

save energy and oil used to produce, landfill, and you can help slow the growth of The Great

Pacific Garbage Patch. Most plastic is not biodegradable the only way to get rid of it is to recycle

it, or burn it, but when it is burned it releases serious greenhouse-gas emissions. Just try to

avoid using it wherever you can.

Enjoy Being Self-Sufficient and Personal Satisfaction

Reducing waste in all its forms is not only good the environment, the pocketbook, the global

community, the community you live in, it’s a good source of personal satisfaction. Also you will

enjoy becoming more self-sufficient and not being so dependent on the quick fix of disposable

items.

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We Can Help – RECYCLEMay 16, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Practice the three “R’s” reduce, reuse, recycle

Each of us doing our share can help protect our planet and build a truly sustainable future

THERE ARE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIONS THAT EVERYONE CAN TAKE TO HELP SAVE OUR PLANET FOR OUR CHILDREN

RECYCLE

RECYCLABLE SYMBOL

Used to identify materials that are suitable for recycling

IT’S IMPORTANT TO RECYCLE PRODUCTS

recycle paper, newsprint, catalogues and cardboard -- • Making paper uses more water per

ton than any other product in the world • recycle 1 ton of newsprint equals 106 cubic feet of

landfill space saved! •Recycling 1 ton of paper equals 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water

saved! (EPA) • It takes 2 to 3.5 tons of trees to makeone ton of paper.

recycle toners/ink cartridges

recycle metals like aluminum - energy to make 1 aluminum can from raw materials = the

energy used to make 20 cans from recycled materials.

recycle plastics

help salvage any materials that can be re-milled or re-manufactured -- the energy conserved

in 1998 because of recycling was enough to power more than 9 million households for one

year.

The Solution Is You!.

Do your share - Be socially and environmentally active

Learn! - Speak up! – Volunteer! - Educate!

A good way to start battling the global warming problem is to get informed.

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Why Hemp?April 16, 2008 by admin · 1 Comment 

THE REASONS HEMP IS AN ENVIRONMENTALLY ENHANCING AND SUSTAINABLE CHOICE

ECOLOGICALLY SOUND AND ECONOMICALLY PRACTICAL:

♦ Under ideal growing conditions hemp is capable of very rapid growth. It’s an annual broadleaf

plant with a taproot that can be cultivated in as little as 100 days compared to the typical 3-5

years, for many commercial tree species. Even though industrial hemp and marijuana are both

classified by taxonomists as Cannabis sativa (a species with hundreds of varieties), industrial

hemp is a distinct variety and a trained eye can easily distinguish the difference. Industrial hemp

is bred to maximize fiber, seed and/or oil, while marijuana varieties seek to maximize THC

(delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana).

♦ Hemp is naturally resistant to most pests and fungus so it’s most often grown without

pesticides or fungicides. Hemp’s a viable substitute for non-organic cotton which is grown with

massive amounts of chemicals. In fact, 50% of all the world's pesticides are sprayed on cotton.

♦ Hemp needs no herbicides. It’s a naturally suppresses weeds. It quite simply grows a canopy

too quickly for any weed to compete.

♦ Hemp generally doesn’t require fertilizers. In fact hemp improves soil quality as it grows,

because it leaves the earth easily workable and slows down the velocity of runoff. It does this by

absorbing moisture and shading. As well it mulches and aerates the soil with its deep taproots.

♦ Hemp helps to detoxify and regenerates the soil, leaving it rich in nitrogen deposits, increasing

yields on rotational crops such as soybeans and corn.

♦ Hemp plants can even pull some nuclear toxins from the soil.

♦ Hemp grows well in a variety of climates and soil types.

♦ Hemp plants use less water than cotton plants and give a greater fiber yield per acre.

♦ Hemp can yield 3-8 dry tons of fiber/pulp per acre. This is four times what an average acre of

commercial timber can yield.

♦ Hemp products are biodegradable and recyclable.

♦ Hemp’s low lignin content, means it can be pulped using less chemicals than with wood. Its

natural brightness can obviate the need to use chlorine bleach. Which means (with its growth)

no extremely toxic dioxin is being dumped into streams, because a kinder and gentler chemistry

using hydrogen peroxide rather than chlorine dioxide is possible with hemp fibers.

♦ Hemp’s durability is unparalleled in nature. Its fibers are long and several times stronger than

cotton. It yields, the strongest, the most elastic, and the most durable fiber in nature. Compared

to cotton it's more resistant to abrasion and tears and more resistant to mildew, soiling,

shrinkage and the deteriorating effects of the sun.

HEMP ONE OF THE BEST VERSATILE AND ADAPTABLE CROP PLANT’S ON EARTH

Hemp has more than 25,000 known uses

♦ Some products made from the fiber are: paper (all grades), plastics, composites, clean

burning biomass fuels, fiberboard, and it can even be used for structural reinforcement building

materials, as well as fiberglass replacement products, textiles, geo-textiles. Can be used in

various absorbency products like kitty litter, or potting mix, diapers/nappies, feminine-care

products as well as cellulose.

♦ Hemp seed either hulled, whole, or crushed for oil can be used in various food products like

muesli bars, breads, cakes, biscuits, non-dairy milk, butter paste, tofu, cheese even ice cream.

♦ The seed oil is a superior cosmetic oil and both the essential and cold pressed oils are used in

many cosmetics (such as shampoo, soaps and moisturisers). In addition made from hemp are

paints, varnishes and solvents.

♦ The cold pressed seed oil has nutritional qualities similar to evening primrose oil, cod liver oil,

flaxseed oil and soybean supplements.

PAPER

♦ Hemp fibers can be used for all qualities of paper.

♦ Hemp can be made into pulp using fewer chemicals than are required for wood. This is

because of hemp’s low lignin content. The natural brightness of hemp paper mean there is no

need to use chlorine bleach. This means no toxic dioxin need to be dumped into streams. Hemp

fibers means that is possible to us a kinder and far gentler chemistry of hydrogen peroxide

instead of chlorine dioxide used for wood.

♦ Fine quality paper can be made form hemp. Hemp’s long fibers allow this fine quality paper to

be recycled several times more often than wood-based paper can be recycled.

BUILDING MATERIALS

♦ Hemp fibers are unusually strong and flexible making it very desirable for blending with wood

chips producing a strong lumber substitute.

♦ Hemp is a proven alternative to wood in production of particle board.

♦ Fiberboard that’s not made from wood, but made from hemp can be twice as strong and three

times more elastic. Its superior strength and flexibility along with it’s resistant to cracking and

breaking makes it excellent for areas susceptible to disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes and

earthquakes. Plus no there are no additional resins needed this because of its naturally-

occurring lignins.

♦ Hemp could displace wood fiber. This could save our forests for watershed, recreation, wildlife

habitat, and oxygen production. Trees also help to reduce the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide.

BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC

♦ Biodegradable plastics and Styrofoam can be made using hemp oil instead of petroleum

derivatives.

♦ Hemp also is being developed as a strong, light plastic-like material for products such as CD

trays which are 100% bio-degradable, sustainable, and economically superior to oil (petro-

chemical) based plastics.

♦ Concrete pipes reinforced with hemp fiber cost less than one third the price of conventional

polypropylene (a material similar to plastic) reinforced concrete pipes and have greater flexibility

and resistance to cracking.

FIBERGLASS

♦ There are car companies who make door panels and dashboards by compressing hemp fibers

and adding resin or plastic.

CLEANERS, PAINTS, VARNISHES AND SOLVENTS

♦ Hemp based products can clean everything from windows and furniture to jet airplane

engines.

♦ Hemp oil has a natural drying agent and is used in paints, varnishes and sealants which

render wood highly resistant to water.

FABRICS/TEXTILES

♦ The bark of the hemp stalk contains bast fibers, which are among the Earth's longest natural

soft fibers and are also rich in cellulose.

♦ Hemp can be made in to a variety of fabrics.

♦ The finest hemp fiber is delicate enough to be woven together with silk.

♦ Hemp has one of nature’s longest fiber. It’s stronger, more absorbent and more insulative than

cotton fiber.

♦ Hemp is naturally resistant to mould. It’s more mildew-resistant than cotton. And hemp

becomes softer with every wash as the fibers relax!

♦ Fabrics made of at least one-half hemp block UV light more effectively than other fabrics.

♦ Carpets made from nylon, polyester, and polypropylene contaminate ground water. Hemp

carpet is biodegradable and safe for the ground water. Carpets make up a large amount of our

solid waste.

FOOD PRODUCTS

♦ Hemp oil is the richest known source of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids (the "good" fats).

It's quite high in some essential amino acids, including gamma linoleic acid (GLA), a very rare

nutrient also found in mother's milk.

♦ Industrial hemp seed is very nutritious and it contains more essential fatty acids than any other

source. In fact it is second only to soybeans in complete protein (but it is more digestible by

animals and humans). It’s high in the B-vitamins, and it’s a source of dietary fiber. The seeds

from industrial hemp have low THC as such the are not psychoactive. This means they cannot

be used as a drug and so you cannot get a marijuana high from industrial hemp seed.

♦ Hemp is quite high in some essential amino acids. This includes gamma linoleic acid (GLA), a

very rare nutrient that’s also found in mother's milk. Hemp oil is also the richest known source of

polyunsaturated essential fatty acid (this is the "good" fat).

FUEL

♦ There are hydrocarbons in hemp that can be processed into a broad range of biomass energy

sources. Like fuel pellets and liquid fuels as well as gas.

♦ It is that hempseed oil burns the brightest of all lamp oils.

♦ Although methanol used today is mostly made from natural gas, a fossil fuel. Hemp has an

output of methanol equivalent to around 1000 gallons per acre per year). As such hemp offers a

very valuable and sustainable fuel of the future.

♦ Using hemp as biomass fuel would also reduce global warming because the hemp energy

crop pulls carbon from the air and releases an equal amount when burned, instead of just

releasing carbon as petroleum gasoline does now.

♦ We could eliminate the need to burn petroleum coal if we use hemp biomass to make

charcoal. Hemp biomass burns with next to no sulphur emissions or ash, This could minimize

acid rain that is caused by the burning of coal.

♦ The use of hemp could reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and do much to curtail our current

rate of deforestation.

SOME HEMP FACTS

HEMP HISTORY FACTS

* Hemp has been grown for at least the 12,000 years for its fiber for textiles, paper and food.

* It was on hemp paper that Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence.

Jefferson and George Washington both grew hemp. Even Ben Franklin owned a mill that

produced hemp paper.

* In WWII, the US Army and the US Department of Agriculture promoted a "Hemp for Victory"

campaign to grow hemp in the US because sources of "Manila hemp" were cut off by the

Japanese. Manila hemp is not true hemp.

* Hemp was a required crop in the early American colonies. This was because of its importance

for making sails and ropes for ships. In fact the word "canvass" is rooted in the word "cannabis".

HEMP INDUSTRY FACTS

* Henry Ford experimented with hemp car bodies because he wanted to build and fuel cars from

farm products. It seems that the US alcohol prohibition prevented him from following through.

* BMW is said to be experimenting with hemp materials for some car parts in an effort to make

automobile more recyclable.

* Do you know that a lot of bird seed sold in the US has sterilized hemp seed in it? The hulls of

hemp contain about 25% protein.

* Hemp oil was once used to grease machines. Linseed (from flax) and hemp oil used to be

used in most paints, shellacs, varnishes, and resins.

* Rudolph Diesel, diesel engine was designed to run on hemp oil.

* Hemp paper is preferred for bibles because it doesn't yellow for very long time. This paper is

by a mill in France owned by Kimberly Clark (on the Fortune 500) has a mill in France which

produces this paper.

* All kinds of construction products could be made form hemp. Hemp's long fibers can make

products that will be stronger and/or lighter than those made from wood. Examples include

product like oriented strand board, medium density fiber board. Even posts, studs and beams

could be made out of hemp.

* In fact products that could be made out of hemp number over 25,000.

HEMP SCIENTIFIC FACTS

* Taxonomists (scientists who classify plants) classify both industrial hemp and marijuana as

Cannabis sativa. Cannabis sativa is a species of plant that has hundreds of varieties. Cannabis

sativa is part of the mulberry family. When industrial hemp is grow it is raised to maximize the

fiber, the seeds and/or the oil. While those who grow the marijuana varieties are trying to

maximize the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). The main psychoactive ingredient found in

marijuana.

* Industrial hemp and marijuana may look very much alike to an untrained eye. It is quite easy

for trained eye distinguish the difference.

* Industrial hemp is not free of THC it only has a content somewhere between 0.05 and 1%.

Marijuana on the other had a THC content of 3% to 20%. To receive the standard high from

Industrial hemp one would need to power-smoke 10-12 hemp cigarettes in an extremely short

period of time. The increased volume and the high temperature of the vapor, the gas and the

smoke would make it almost impossible for a person withstand and receive a standard

psychoactive dose.

* If industrial hemp did pollinate a nearby marijuana crop, the genetic result would always be

lower-THC in the marijuana and not higher-THC industrial hemp. So where hemp is grown

marijuana grows will not be grown close by, because marijuana grows would not want to

produce lower-grade marijuana.

* Hemp fibers are longer, stronger, more absorbent and more mildew-resistant than cotton.

* Hemp fabrics made of no less then one-half hemp, will block the sun's UV rays more

effectively than other fabrics.

* Because seed banks were not maintained, a lot of the varieties of hemp originally grown in

North America have been lost. Now new genetic breeding will be needed using both the foreign

and the domestic "ditchweed," strains of hemp that have gone feral since cultivation ended.

Sometimes in the mistaken belief it well help stop drug use, state national guard units have

spent their weekends weekend’s trying to eradicate this “ditchweed” hemp.

* Back in 1938 when a billion dollar was real big money Popular Mechanics described hemp as

a "New Billion Dollar Crop."

* Hemp is being made in to a variety of fabrics. This includes linen quality fabric.

HEMP LEGAL FACTS

* The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) still classifies (all) Cannabis sativa varieties as

"marijuana." Theoretically though, it’s possible to get permission from the US government to

grow a hemp crop. However, the DEA would require that your field be secured by a razor wire

fence, guard dogs, lights and guards, effectively making hemp crops cost-prohibitive.

* US State Department have to certify every year that foreign nations are cooperating in the war

on drugs. However, the European Union actually subsidizes hemp farmers who grow industrial

hemp. These nations are on cooperating list, because the US State Department can quite easily

tell the difference between industrial hemp and marijuana.

* In the US commercial hemp was doomed by the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937. The extremely

high tax placed on marijuana made it unprofitable to grow to grow industrial hemp. Congress did

expressly expect the continued commercial production of industrial hemp. However, the Federal

Bureau of Narcotics doesn’t distinguish industrial hemp from marijuana.

* There are over thirty industrialized democracies that do distinguish industrial hemp from

marijuana. An exception for industrial hemp is made in international treaties regarding

marijuana.

* With strict rules in place Canada now allows the farming of industrial hemp.

HEMP ECOLOGY FACTS

* Hemp is grown in tightly-spaced rows to maximize its stalk and it is usually harvested before it

goes to seed. Marijuana on the other hand is grown widely spaced to maximize leaves.

Therefore, industrial hemp farmers can’t use their fields to hide marijuana plants.

* Fine quality paper can be made form hemp. Hemp’s long fibers allow this fine quality paper to

be recycled several times more often than wood-based paper can be recycled.

* Hemp can be made into pulp using fewer chemicals than are required for wood. This is

because of hemp’s low lignin content. The natural brightness of hemp paper mean there is no

need to use chlorine bleach. This means no toxic dioxin need to be dumped into streams. Hemp

fibers means that is possible to us a kinder and far gentler chemistry of hydrogen peroxide

instead of chlorine dioxide used for wood.

* Hemp will grow well in a variety of soil types and climates. The need for pesticides is

precluded by hemps natural resistant to most pests. In addition herbicides are not necessary,

because hemp grows very tightly spaced so weeds can’t take hold. This also means a weed-

free field for a following crop.

* Hemp could displace cotton which is often grown with massive amounts of harmful chemicals.

In fact it’s estimated that fifty percent the pesticides used in the world are sprayed on cotton.

* Hemp could displace wood fiber. This could save our forests for watershed, recreation, wildlife

habitat, and oxygen production. Trees also help to reduce the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide.

* Hemp’s yield of 3-8 dry tons of fiber per acre is four times what an average tree forest can

yield.

HEMP HEALTH FACTS

* It would be like taking 2-3 doses of a high-fiber laxative, if someone tried to ingest enough

industrial hemp to get the effect of a marijuana high.

* Hemp is quite high in some essential amino acids. This includes gamma linoleic acid (GLA), a

very rare nutrient that’s also found in mother's milk. Hemp oil is also the richest known source of

polyunsaturated essential fatty acid (this is the "good" fat).

* True the original "gruel" was made from hemp seed meal, but hemp oil and hemp seed can be

made into quite tasty and nutritional products.

Hemp Facts Prepared by the North American Industrial Hemp Council, October 1997

U.S. Alone Classifies Hemp as a Drug

Today, the U.S. is the only developed country that has not established hemp as an agricultural

crop, according to the Congressional Research Service. Britain lifted a similar ban in 1993, and

Germany and Canada followed suit soon after. The European Union has subsidized hemp

production since the 1990s. US Law

Canadian Farmers Cashing In on Hemp

With their American competition out of the running, Canadian farmers have been reaping

hemp’s financial rewards, especially following a ruling by a U.S. federal court that hemp-made

products could be imported into the U.S. In 2005, the Canadian hemp industry tripled the

amount of acreage dedicated to the crop to meet rising demand, according to the Canadian

Hemp Trade Alliance

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We Can Help – REDUCEApril 15, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Practice the three “R’s” reduce, reuse, recycle

Each of us doing our share can help protect our planet and build a truly sustainable future

THERE ARE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIONS THAT EVERYONE CAN TAKE TO HELP SAVE OUR PLANET FOR OUR CHILDREN

REDUCE

Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas behind climate change. Your carbon footprint is

unique to you. How you travel, use electricity, and even how you eat are all factors.

USE AUTOMOBILES LESS

-- carbon omissions vehicles produced 95,000 pounds of global- warming pollution per year.

go by public transit

ride a bicycle

use you feet walk

take trains or busses not planes -- a flight from Chicago to New York emits six times as

much carbon dioxide (per person) as taking a train and sixteen times as much carbon

dioxide as taking a bus.

USA Train www.amtrak.com/ Bus www.greyhound.com/

Canada   Train www.viarail.ca/ Bus http://www.greyhound.ca/home/

LOWER EMISSIONS

-- if we must use a car we can ensure that we do our best todecrease the damage caused by

automobiles

drive a fuel-efficient or an alternative fuel vehicle vehicles – driving a typical car for a year

produces 95,000 pounds of global-warming pollution

keep vehicles running efficiently -- ensure you have a functioning catalytic converter to

reduce exhaustemissions

don’t leave a vehicle idling simply to keep the interior warm in the winter or the air

conditioner running in the summer

avoid jack-rabbit starts and stops, and slow down

keep tires properly inflated -- you can save fuel and cut pollution

PLANT A TREE

Planting a tree is good because trees give off oxygen that we breathe and trees take carbon

dioxide from the atmosphere, which filters our air, and trees prevents soil erosion. It’s much

better to a plant tree that is native to your area and one that doesn't require heavy irrigation.

LOWER ENERGY CONSUMPTION

turn off all not needed lights

replace existing light bulbs with energy saving bulbs -- compact fluorescent light bulbs

(CFLs) use about 65 percent less energy than regular bulbs

adjust thermostat – get an thermostat you can schedule to turn off when you are working.

Also set it down a degree in winter and up a degree in summer -- you’ll spare the air 500

pounds of carbon dioxide and save up to 15 percent on energy bills

clean or replace your air conditioner and or furnace filters – this increases efficiency,

running in peak condition uses less energy. Nearly 50% of a household's energy costs go

toward heating and cooling

use ceiling fans instead of air conditioners -- will reduce your cooling costs by at least 60%.

keep cold drinking water in your fridge or drink room temperature water (it’s good for you) -

The electricity consumed by North America's water coolers in one year is equal to the

amount of carbon dioxide emitted by 700,000 cars

MINIMIZE THE GARBAGE WE CREATE AND THROW OUT

-- every day North Americans throw away almost 5 pounds of garbage each!

simplify your life as much as possible - create less waste for the future

stop using disposable start using reusable products like: containers for food and beverage,

and products such as disposable cups and plates, razors, towels, writing pens, diapers,

shopping bags, etc.

use washable dishes and utensils instead of disposables

use cloth napkins and hand towels instead of paper towels

use rubber stamps instead of address labels

take photos with a digital not disposable camera

practice paperless communications when possible

compost kitchen and garden organic waste – over two thirds of the waste produced in North

America can be composted, yet we still send thirty million tons of leaves and grass clippings

to landfills each year. Also composting organic kitchen and garden wastes helps to build

healthy soil and reduces the amount of materials going to the landfill. Composting also

improves the quality of our air and water.

buy smart and cook less food – give care packages to our guests. At least 28 billion pounds

of edible foods are wasted each year - or over 100 pounds per person. That’s about 2

million pounds!

avoid disposable decorations - like balloons and crepe paper/streamers, instead make your

own from salt dough or bakers clay – decorate newsprint, tissue or scrap paper with potato

stamps. Cut up old cards.

QUIT SMOKING

- Cigarette butts litter – so pick them. Plus by now everyone knows second-hand smoke is a

major indoor air pollutant and health hazard. When you quit, both you and your family will lead

longer and healthier lives.

CONSIDER PACKAGING

- Did you know if every family reused just 2 feet of holiday ribbon, the 60,000 km saved could tie

a bow around the entire planet? 1/3 of all household waste is packaging materials Canadians

spend about $4 billion on wrappings, decorations and gifts each winter 2.65 billion Christmas

cards sold yearly in the USA could fill a football field 10 stories high.

where possible buy without packaging

buy in bulk to cut down on packaging waste

skip the bag or use reusable bags

choose goods with eco-friendly packaging

look for wrapping paper that is recycled or recyclable

twine can be as festive as pre-packaged ribbons

use homemade wrapping decorations

use reusable containers, like shoe boxes

wrap presents in old comics, maps, magazines or newsprint

cut up old cards to make gift tags

make the wrapping part of the gift wrapped in fabric, like a scarf for ribbon, wrap things like

wedding shower gifts in bath towels and table cloths

BE A WISE WATER USER

save / conservation water

don’t throw chemicals in our sewers

fix tap leaks

take shorter showers -- save hundreds of gallons of water a month.. Showering is

responsible for 37% of North America's hot water usage. The next biggest consumer is the

washing machine 6%.

turn your hot water tank down -- if half the house holds in North America turned their water

heaters down ten degrees Fahrenheit six degrees Celsius it would prevent 239 million tons

of carbon dioxide from being emitted each year.

add an automatic rain sensor to your manual or automatic sprinkler -- 90% of people over

water their lawns

REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Minimize the Damage

practice organic lawn care and organic gardening

reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides

eliminate the use of pesticides for cosmetic reasons

take old paints, chemicals computers to recycle centers

don’t litter

use de-icers that are less damaging to the environment than salt and sand

BUY ECO-FRIENDLY

- Keep the environment in mind whenever you purchase anything Purchase environmentally

safe / eco friendly products such as

eco-safe biodegradable soaps and cleaners

bio degradable plastics

organic pesticides

clothing where material is organically grown

products made from sustainable products

shop for gifts at antique stores or estate sales

organic cloth napkins

replace paper towels with cloth towels

bleach-free, toilet paper - made from the highest post-consumer waste content you can find

(80% minimum)

building materials

PURCHASE ORGANICALLY GROWN FOOD

local grown food – local grown food is not only fresh but it is easer on the environment

because it takes less fuel to get it to the consumer, but it also has minimal packaging and

much more of it is organically grown.

CHOOSE COMPANIES WHO WORK TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT

– more and more companies are trying to be environmental conscious seek out and support

proactive businesses

SHARE

team up to buy rarely used items - sharing decreases the energy and pollution from mining,

manufacturing, packaging, and transporting new goods

Organize a shared tool shed - If you only use things like your ladder, hedge shears, garden

tools once in a while, consider lending them to others

Set up a book exchange at you office or community center

The Solution Is You!.

Do your share - Be socially and environmentally active

Learn! - Speak up! – Volunteer! - Educate!

A good way to start battling the global warming problem is to get informed.

SEE OUR ECO/GREEN LINKS

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Filed under: Reduce

Tagged: 3Rs of Going Green, Go Green, Recycle, Reduce, Reuse

We Can Help – REUSEMarch 20, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Practice the three “R’s” reduce, reuse, recycle

Each of us doing our share can help protect our planet and build a truly sustainable future

THERE ARE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIONS THAT EVERYONE CAN TAKE TO HELP SAVE OUR PLANET FOR OUR CHILDREN

REUSE

RECYCLED SYMBOL

Used to denote products containing recycled materials

BUY GOODS MADE OF RECYCLED MATERIALS

- Collecting recyclables is only the first step in recycling. We all need help sustain recycling

programs.

Close the recycling circle; make more of your purchases form recycled product!

Keep the environment in mind whenever you purchase anything

Buying recycled products reduces our dependence on virgin raw materials, conserves landfill

space, often saves energy over virgin manufacturing processes, and it also reduces waste and

as such pollution.

use reusable coffee cups -- every year North Americans throw away 25 million plastic foam

cups

purchase recycled paper

purchase plastics

purchase recycled office supplies (folders, refillable pencils, file folders, notebooks, paper

clips, etc)

use recycled or reclaimed office furnishings when possible

consider rebuilt, used, restored, reconditioned auto parts come they come with a warranty

and are often less expensive than new parts

seek re-refined oil

re-tread tires

reuse building materials ranging from roofing to flooring -- recycled plastic moldings,

recycled lumber, and plastic/wood composite lumber can be obtained through most local

building supply stores or lumberyards and provide durable, weather-resistant, low

maintenance alternatives to solid wood for exterior applications such as fences, benches,

decking, docks, retaining walls, picnic tables, and landscape borders

many items of clothing can be made from recovered cotton, recycled soft-drink bottles and

other recycled materials.

carpet fibers and pads can be made from recycled materials such as soda bottles

reuse holiday ribbon - Did you know if every family reused just 2 feet of holiday ribbon, the

60,000 km saved could tie a bow around the entire planet?

The Solution Is You!.

Do your share - Be socially and environmentally active

Learn! - Speak up! – Volunteer! - Educate!

A good way to start battling the global warming problem is to get informed.

SEE OUR ECO/GREEN LINKSShareThis

Filed under: Reuse

Tagged: 3Rs of Going Green, Recycle, Reduce, Reuse

Why Bamboo?March 16, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

BAMBOO IS AN ENVIRONMENT ENHANCING AND A SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE CHOICE

♦ Bamboo is one of this planet’s fastest growing woody plants. It’s not a tree. It’s a grass. It

varies in height from dwarf, one foot (30 cm) plants to giant timber bamboos that can grow to

over 100 feet (30 m). Some species can grow up to one meter per day. It’s high-yielding,

incredibly short growth cycle, means that it’s able to reach maturity and be harvested in 3-5

years compared to the typical 15-20, for many commercial tree species.

♦ It provides an ecological benefit of a fast growing covering for the re-greening of despoiled

lands

♦ Unlike hardwood trees, which, once cut, are gone forever, bamboo need not be replanted, it

will grows a new shoot from its extensive root system.

♦ Bamboo takes in greenhouse gasses and produces oxygen. A stand of bamboo generates

more 35% oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees as such it is a critical component in the

oxygen/carbon dioxide balance of our atmosphere.

♦ Due to the antibacterial agent bamboo is very resistant to diseases. Therefore, it can be

economically grown without pesticides, fertilizers or chemicals.

♦ Bamboo is 100% biodegradable.

♦ Bamboo stabilizes the earth with its roots, controlling erosion. It helps keeps dams and canal

banks intact where tree roots rot and cause leaks.

BAMBOO IS VERSATILE

It’s strong:

Bamboo is nearly as strong as soft steel. Its inherent strength and hardness viable option, if not

a better option for the constructions of products such as bridges, fences, furniture, doors,

flooring even houses.

It’s durable:

Bamboo can withstand a great deal of use without damage. It doesn’t swell or shrink as

hardwoods do. This makes it ideal for things like furniture, floors and doors. It’s harder than red

oak, maple or even oak.

It’s beautiful: 

Bamboo’s delicate grain make’s it a distinctive and elegant material that evokes calm, beautiful

exotic places. This beauty means that in addition to furniture, bamboo can be used for many

handcrafts, artisan and decorative products such as wind chimes, flutes, vases, lamp shades,

wall units etc.

It’s   antibacterial :

Bamboo’s contains natural antibacterial properties that make it an idea material for kitchen

wares such as bowls, vases, utensils etc.

♦ Its leaves can be used for:

Food: 

Bamboo leaves are as nutritious as alfalfa, as such can provide feed for livestock. The shoots

can provide a very nutritional source of food. That can be made into things like bread, or cakes,

or scones and even cookies. In parts of the world they even make bamboo beer.

♦ Some of its stocks are used for:

Fuel:

Bamboo releases much heat when it burns, and some bamboo can be turned into briquettes for

fuel

♦ Its fiber products are used for:

Clothing and fabrics:  

Bamboo fiber is much softer than cotton, has a natural sheen and feels kind of like silk or

cashmere and it also contains a natural antibacterial agent, called “bamboo kun”, that prevents

the growth of bacteria. As such bamboo makes for comfortable odor-free clothing. Adding to the

comfort of bamboo clothing is the fact that it is very breathable and fast drying, and thermal

regulating. Bamboo fiber is also used for products like mats/rugs, curtains/blinds, towels,

pillows, etc.

Paper Products:

Bamboo fibers can also be used for paper products like paper plates, napkins

♦ Used for the construction of many things: At some point in time bamboo has been used as

an alternative choice of material for things made from wood, plastic or metal, because for

centuries, in Eastern cultures, bamboo has been known for its resiliency, its strength, its

longevity, its flexibility and even its good luck.

Basically bamboo is a renewable, environmentally friendly, alternative resource for wood and

petroleum based products.

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Filed under: Bamboo

Tagged: 3Rs of Going Green, Sustainable Choices

Make A Difference – Go GreenJanuary 1, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

You Can Make A Difference - Go GreenYou have come to the right place if you want to learn how to minimize your carbon foot print or

in other words learn to walk with green feet.

There are lots things that you and your family can do to go green, and in doing so help protect

the environment. Yes going green can make a big difference on our planet. If you set out a plan

and then stick to it you will find that all the little accomplishment’s you make will help with your

goal to go green. Also even small accomplishments will help to encourage your entire family.

Start with basics, recycling is relatively simple and gives immediate results and make a

difference to the environment. Enquire about the programs where you live. It’s possible to

recycle things like paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and metals like aluminum. It some areas

there are even refundable programs to recycle some items like soda cans, beer cans, wine

bottles and milk cartons. So for these items you may even be able to get a little cash to help you

go green.

To make it easy for you and your family designate a container or area for each type of

recyclable material. It helps if they are clearly marked, because then everyone in your family

can easily participate.

If were you live does not offer recycling programs. Then check around schools might benefit

from some materials – just ask around. This type of thing can benefit a school and the

environment at the same time.

If you can afford the initial cost check solar power and wind power either of these is a great

alternative to traditional power. Yes these maybe be expensive to install but alternative power

sources can save you a ton of money down the line. So should be considered an investment

that not only helps the environment but also has payoffs will be seen in the long run. Alternative

power like solar power and wind power can also make a homeowner feel liberated and

independent.

Once you decide to go green there are many small steps that you can take to help lower your

carbon footprint. You don’t have do everything all at once. You can simply take one small step

at a time. Whatever amount you do, will be a contribution to a change that will be felt for

generations to come.

SEE: Environmental Actions That Everyone Can Take

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Filed under: Combating Global Warming

Tagged: 3Rs of Going Green, Combating Global Warming

Recycling 35% of our trash reduces global warming emissions equivalent to taking 36 million cars off the road.

Americans throw away (not recycle) enough aluminum cans every three months to rebuild our entire commercial air fleet.

Every Sunday 500,000 trees could be saved if everyone recycled their newspapers.

Recycling saves tax payer dollars and frees up much needed dollars for other City projects.

The aluminum can is 100% recyclable and can be used to make new beverage cans indefinitely - demonstrating recycling at its finest! "Every can, every time!"

Throwing away a single aluminum can, versus recycling it, is like pouring out six ounces of gasoline. With gasoline prices exceeding $2.00 a gallon in many areas, every ounce (and can!) counts.

The recycling program saved the City approximately $190,00.00 fiscal year 05(July 2004 - June 2005). This is just the landfill tipping fee savings alone.

In 2005 residents of Portsmouth generated 9,873.29 tons of waste. With a population of 20,784, each resident generated 2.61pounds of trash a day… That means each household generates nearly 2,548 pounds of trash a year.

The national recycling rate of 30% saves the equivalent of more than five billion gallons of gasoline, reducing dependence on foreign oil by 114 million barrels. This could be higher.

Recycling one aluminum can caves enough energy to light a 100-watt light bulb for 3.5 hours. [picture of crushed aluminum can]

Last year, the average homeowner in Portsmouth recycled curbside 5,413,000 pounds of recyclables. This equates to the energy savings of 1,545 barrels of oil, the environmental equivalent of 21,393 trees and saved landfill space of 8,119.5 cubic meters.

Curbside recycling has many important environmental benefits. Energy savings is one vital benefit of recycling, reducing our consumption of scarce fossil fuels and lowering emissions of numerous air and water pollutants.