How Activated Carbon Filters Remove Volatile Organic Compounds from the Air?
Air purifiers nowadays come with the latest technology to filter out pollutants from the indoor air. Indoor air pollution is a scary reality in today's world with studies showing that the air inside an enclosed space such as a building, house or a car has a much higher concentration of air pollutants than the air outdoors. Most air purifiers use a HEPA filter. HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air or High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance.
The WHO regulations and UK cities that exceed them
Air pollution poses an undeniable threat to our health and the environment. Striving to do something practical about this issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) has established guidelines to regulate air quality and safeguard public well-being. These guidelines set thresholds for various air pollutants, aiming to minimise their adverse effects.
Gene flow and genetic drift
In the absence of gene flow, conspecific populations will generally diverge from one another as a result of genetic drift. However, very little gene flow is necessary to reduce the rate of genetic drift and thereby prevent substantial population subdivision. Consider once more the relationship between gene flow and population differentiation (FST). Earlier in this chapter we learned that when populations are in equilibrium, FSt l (4Nem + 1). From this equation we can see that although...
Ecological niches
The term ecological niche is frequently misunderstood and misused. It is often used loosely to describe the sort of place in which an organism lives, as in the sentence 'Woodlands are the niche of woodpeckers'. Strictly, however, where an organism lives is its habitat. A niche is not a place but an idea a summary of the organism's tolerances and requirements. The habitat of a gut microorganism would be an animal's alimentary canal the habitat of an aphid might be a garden and the habitat of a...
Wolves In Croatia: Protected Or Endangered Species?
Have you thought about endangered species threatened with extinction It's hard to be immune to all the information which we are exposed to every day regarding the extinction of certain species. Endangering nature and what it can offer not only poses a threat to animals and plants, but also to humankind. The exceptional biodiversity of flora and fauna is one of the key features of Croatian nature.
Growth forms of modular organisms
A variety of growth forms and architectures produced by modular growth in animals and plants is illustrated in Figure 4.1 (for color, see Plate 4.1, between pp. 000 and 000). Modular organisms may broadly be divided into those that concentrate on vertical growth, and those that spread their modules laterally, over or in a substrate. Many plants produce new root systems associated with a laterally extending stem these are the rhizom-atous and stoloniferous plants. The connections between the...
Simple Ways to Help the Environment as a Student
As a student, you have the power to make a positive impact on the environment. Small changes in your daily routine can go a long way in reducing your carbon footprint and helping to preserve our planet for future generations. Here are simple ways to help the environment as a student Reduce Your Energy Consumption Reducing your energy consumption is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
Build An Ion Detector and Test Your Negative Ionizer
The Ion Detector described in this article can be used to detect the presence of free ions in the air. The Ion Detector, a handheld unit about the size of a pack of cigarettes, is designed to indicate ion emissions from Ion Generators, high-voltage leakage points, static-electricity sources, electric-field gradients, and in other situations where the presence of their relative flux density is required.
SeaWorld Killer Whale Lives Up to its Name; Attacks and Kills Trainer
Living in captivity is not all it's cracked up to be. Imagine bright flashing lights, being confined to the same small tank day in and day out, and having to perform ridiculous tricks for the entertainment of others. All you get out of it is some stinking fish. Yeah, I'd feel like I got a pretty raw deal, too. Tilikum the killer whale seems to feel the same way. Yesterday, Tilikum attacked and killed a trainer at the Orlando-based SeaWorld.
What Do Koalas Eat? Facts About The Koala Bear And More!
This article aims to cover important koala questions, such as What do koalas eat What do koalas look like What do baby koalas eat Do koalas eat bamboo What do koalas drink Where do koalas live We have also listed some amazing koala facts that you might haven't heard of yet so keep reading Before we answer the question about koala's diet, let's begin with some basic information about this cuddly animal.
Expert-Recommended Electronic Air Filters for Furnace Efficiency
EnviroSept Electronic Air Cleaner is the Original high-efficiency, non-ionizing, dynamic electro type furnace air filter with low airflow resistance producing NO OZONE and was awarded a NEW patent on it's technology, making EnviroSept Electronic air cleaner the only FULLY PATENTED product in its class.
Parasites And Diseases Of Weasels
Practically all wild mammals, even healthy ones, carry at least a few parasites, internal or external or both. Most are also susceptible to at least some diseases caused by invasive microorganisms. The degree of inconvenience and debilitation accompanying infestation varies a great deal. Some parasites go unnoticed others can cause intense irritation over a long period a few are fatal. If parasites or diseases could affect weasel populations we should consider them here. The best source of...
What Do Angelfish Eat? A Comprehensive Food List
This article will answer the question what do angelfish eat' and will focus on the information that you need to know about angelfish diet. Freshwater angelfish are popular aquarium pets because of their beautiful color patterns and delicately graceful fins. They are indeed angels in the water. In general, they are peaceful but could become aggressively territorial when there is not enough space for them to live particularly if they are in the company of other fishes.
Theories to Explain High Diversity in the Tropics
The question, Why are there so many species in the tropics is one that has intrigued scientists for almost a century. Scores of theories have been put forth to account for the increase in diversity in almost all taxa along a gradient of decreasing latitude. Pianka (1966) reviewed the major theories of the time and lumped them into six categories the time theory the theory of climatic stability the theory of spatial heterogeneity the competition hypothesis the predation hypothesis and the...
Water Distillation - Water Distillers and Distilled Water - Myths and Facts
Myths, false statements, consumer misleading and misinformation. Call them what you will, there is a lot of poor non-factual information out there when it is in reference to water distillation or water distillers. Most of them come from water filter sellers who do not sell, or do not understand water distillation. This is'nt anything new since many of the myths about water distillers have been around for 10 to 15 years.
Purification Of Salt Water
Three principal methods of augmenting the world's supply of potable water are 1. Cloud seeding to furnish artificial production of rain 2. Advanced waste treatment to render wastewaters directly reusable 3. Conversion of salt water by a variety of processes The first has been used with some success in arid areas, but the results are not always predictable. The second has passed from a laboratory procedure to the construction of full-size plants which are treating water in certain South African...
Entropy and Biology Photosynthesis
To live and reproduce, plants and animals need a continuous flow of energy. The energy of the biosphere which originates in the luminous energy of the Sun, is captured by plants and passes from one living form to another along the food chain. The luminous energy captured by chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, is stored in carbohydrates, molecules rich in energy, by a process called photosynthesis, a term that means 'to make things with light'. This radiant pathway that provides us with...
What Do Sugar Gliders Eat: Feeding A Pet Sugar Glider
The sugar glider, named scientifically as Petaurus breviceps is a quite popular pet nowadays. Sugar gliders acquired their name because these cute and playful animals love sipping nectar and sweet tree sap in its natural habitat. Because of its minute size and cute appearance, sugar gliders make a popular exotic animal that has been sold and reared as pets.
What Do Bearded Dragons Eat?
This post is about one of the most popular lizards in the pet trade the bearded dragon. But while it is one of the most rewarding lizards you can keep as a pet, it is also one of the most sensitive. Thus, you need to be careful about what you're feeding it with. This section will give you a list of the bearded dragon's natural diet and other foods within the bearded dragon food chart. And in the later section, we listed foods you shouldn't feed your pet with.
Resourcebased competition theory
David Tilman (1976, 1987) and others pointed out that the Lotka-Volterra equations were phenomenological and not mechanistic. That is, competition coefficients were merely measures of the effect of one species on the growth rate of another. They are estimated from experiments in which two species are grown together. Therefore they are not an independently derived value that allows one to predict coexistence or competitive exclusion, or, in the latter case, which of two species should win....
Integrative Paradigms in Lotic Ecology
Paradigms, or conceptual models, have continued to be developed, modified, and integrated since the 1980s. The RCC, arguably the most encompassing of these, has guided a large portion of the research on lotic ecosystems in the interim. However, a number of other models have served to elucidate specific components of running-water structure and function or have proposed alternative broad integrating principles. The major goal of the architects of the RCC was to examine the patterns of biological...
The Myrosin Cell
Myrosyne was first characterized from Brassica nigra seeds in 1839 by Bussy as a substance analogous to albumine and emulsine, i.e., a protein, necessary for the release of essential oil from mustard seed.23'24 The word myrosyne stems from Greek muron (jiupov), volatile oil, and syn (ctuv), with. This name was derived from Bussy's conclusion that in order to produce the oil, myrosyne had to be together with l'acide myronique, which he isolated as myronate de potasse (sinigrin) from the seeds....
A simple, tasty, home made mouthwash recipe
Though I thoroughly enjoy my Sonicare toothbrush, I love swooshing around a cinnamon-y or minty mouthwash a couple of times throughout the day to keep things fresh. The cost of doing this can add up quickly, as health food store mouthwashes can be pretty pricey, upwards of 10 a bottle. A friend of mine recently told me about a homemade mouthwash recipe that she tried out, and I thought I'd make my own version and let you know how it turned out.
Natural Mosquito Repellent
There are natural alternatives to hash, chemical insect repellents made with DEET. Mosquitoes are attracted to the following items Dark Clothing Dressing in light colors will help to keep you cool and will not attract mosquitoes as much as darker clothing. Carbon Dioxide Some people tend to naturally give off more CO2 than others and will naturally attract mosquitoes. Exercise and sitting in the heat will cause you to give off more CO2 as well.
Cleaning with natural products
Do you want to switch to more natural ways of cleaning, maybe also for health reasons while at the same time avoiding all this nasty plastic packaging that most cleaning products come in (Oh and don't even get me started on these cleaning wipes that have become popular more recently ) It's not as difficult as you may think and the good news is that only a few ingredients can do most of the hard work, and it's cheaper than buying a multitude of products too.
How to make your own hand sanitizer
I'm not a big fan of hand sanitizer and prefer soap and water but I appreciate that it does have good uses. For example for when travelling, or during the winter flu season, and more poignantly with the COVID-19 outbreak seemingly coming closer. If like me you want to be prepared and avoid the spread of any nasty viruses but don't want the artificially coloured and scented stuff that can usually be bought in shops, have a go and make your own hand sanitizer. It's simple and quite fun.
Doc's All-Natural Chamois Cream [Review]
When it comes to cycling, you MUST protect the points of contact with your two-wheeled steed. That means your hands, your feet, and where your meat meets the seat. Seriously, trust me. In my progression from casual cyclist, to bike commuter, to cyclocross racer, I'm becoming increasingly aware of how important these areas are to protect. Unfortunately, that usually means spending a bit more money on really good gear for these areas.
Lake Restoration Methods
The most important methods are listed below and a brief description of their application, advantages, and disad vantages is given. 1. Diversion of wastewater has been extensively used, often to replace wastewater treatment. Discharge of efflu ents into an ecosystem which is less susceptible than the one used at present is, as such, a sound principle, which under all circumstances should be considered, but quan tification of all the consequences has often been omitted. Diversion might reduce the...
Manslaughter by elephants
Each year elephants kill several hundred people. The available records from Asia and Africa indicate that the largest number of such manslaughter incidents occur, by far, in India, followed possibly by Sri Lanka. In India, during 19802000, about 150-200 people on average lost their lives due to attack by elephants each year a total of 3,000-4,000 people over these two decades (table 8.3). Information from Sri Lanka suggests that over 50 people are killed annually. Similar figures are suggested...
The type 2 functional response
The most frequently observed functional response is the 'type 2' response, in which consumption rate rises with prey density, but gradually decelerates until a plateau is reached at which consumption rate remains constant irrespective of prey density. (Realistically, even a type 1 response must have a plateau, as in the example above. The distinction is between the deceleration of a type 2 response and the linearity of the type 1 response.) Type 2 responses are shown for a carnivore, a...
Top 5 Car Companies That are Helping the Environment
I am not exactly fond of cars or driving, but many people around the world are. These days, it's become more common for a car company to push out lines of hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, or some other form of green transportation. While this step is nice and all, it made me wonder what else are all the car companies doing to help the environment If you were to consider everything that goes into putting a car on the road from mining and drilling for resources to fuel and build the car, to...
Top Interesting Facts About The One-horned Rhino
One-horned Rhinos in kaziranga National park, Photo credit Debabrata Bandyopadhyay Wildlife enthusiasts love to flaunt their knowledge about different species. If you are from the same group or wish to be a part of it, then have a look at the top interesting facts about the one-horned rhinoceros and sharpen your knowledge base. Rhino horn is not a bone but a compacted mass of hairs Keratin is the substance that makes the horn of rhinos.
What do Cougars Eat?
A cougar is a North American sandy colored puma. They are sometimes known as Mountain Lions. Cougars are mostly nocturnal animals, searching for food and hunting during the night, although they have been known to move around in the daytime too. They are solitary animals, that spend much of their lives on their own. What do cougars eat in the wild What do cougars eat are generally grazing creatures such as deer, elk, mountain goats, moose, and wild sheep.
Gas exchange and transport in insects
The general morphology and functioning of the tracheal system and the spiracles has long been known and has now been well described for many species Snodgrass 1935 Miller 1974 Nation 1985 . Typically, gas exchange is thought to proceed as follows. Oxygen moves along a pathway from the spiracles through the main tracheal tubes via convection or diffusion see Section 3.3.2 to the tracheoles where it diffuses to the mitochondria Buck 1962 Kestler 1985 . Diffusion from the large tracheae to the...
Weapons of Attack
The offensive weapons of predatory dinosaurs, including the so-called carno-saurs Sects. 11.1,11.3.2 ,were primarily their sharp, inwardly curved, and serrated teeth Fig. 85 . Especially in the case of bipedal forms,however,the action of these teeth was often supplemented by forelimbs which grabbed the prey while it was being bitten. In numerous cases, curved jaws helped to hold the struggling prey securely. Many predators also had formidable claws that were used to slash the bodies of their...
Environmental Impact Assessment and Application Part
D Kominkova, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Introduction Overview of EIA Techniques Definition of Impact Conclusion Definition of EIA Further Reading Stages in EIA Process During last few centuries the environment has been impacted by anthropogenic activities with increasing speed. The impact has caused loss of natural character and function of many components of the environment. The tendency of changing natural systems is...
What Do Arctic Foxes Eat?
What do arctic foxes eat The Arctic fox, sometimes known as the snow fox, polar fox or white fox, are both hunters and opportunistic feeders. This article aims to discuss information regarding the arctic foxes diet in detail. What do arctic foxes eat Arctic foxes are predators so they hunt small rodents such as lemmings. Arctic foxes also eat insects, birds, eggs, and fish.
What do Peacocks Eat in the Wild and as Pets?
Because of its fascinating appearance, peacocks have been widely domesticated as pets. People are amazed when a peacock (male bird) begins to walk around and display its magnificent tail feathers. Peacock belongs to the pheasant family. Just like their cousins, peacocks also have a diverse and interesting diet. Naturally, peacocks are considered as ground eaters and will eat smaller animals that they might find along the way.
What Do Panthers Eat?
A black panther is not a species in its own right the name black panther is an umbrella term that refers to any big cat with a black coat. When a big cat is completely black, it is called melanism'. Melanism is the opposite of albinism. Black Panthers in Asia and Africa are actually leopards, whilst black panthers in the Americas are, in fact, Jaguars.
Box 202 Families And Genera Of Scleractinia Hard Corals On The Great Barrier Reef
Families 1 to 6 are dominant in the ecology of the GBR. Genera and families in bold are suggested as a first learning tool for the beginner. Genera in bold here are illustrated in this chapter. Asterisked genera are azooxanthellate. 7 Family Astrocoeniidae Stylocoeniella 4 Family Pocilloporidae Pocillopora Australia, and exhibit a number of different strategies in the way they release their gametes for example, gametes may be negatively rather than positively buoyant in some species. The genera...
What Do Beetles Eat? Learn How The Beetle Types Feed
To describe beetles on a very artistic manner, you would probably go with the biggest insect in a shining armor'. Often seen in trees and shrubs, beetles come with apples and persimmons when we try to reap such fruits. As we have all seen, and most probably touched, these insects are distinctively known to have such exoskeleton, or bones which will serve as a framework of their body- but just on the outside. Like any other insects, beetles have the usual body parts.
The Major Threat Of Ocean Acidification
Tweet Here's an important video of Professor Rob Dunbar from Stanford University giving a TED talk about ocean acidification. Professor Dunbar's research takes a look at how climate change has affected our oceans over the past 50 to 12,000 years and the video is well worth a watch If you haven't yet heard the term ocean acidification, it's really no surprise. The term is not as sexy and easy to use as the generic global warming but yet it's just as important to know about.
Top 10 Reasons To Get A Maryland Energy Audit
An energy audit is a low-cost way to find the source of heating and cooling problems. It's perfect for a homeowner facing high utility bills or an uncomfortable home. The audit identifies solutions to improve energy efficiency and Whole-Home Comfort. Here are 10 of the top reasons to get an energy audit. Top 10 reasons to get a Maryland energy audit 1. Special energy audit pricing and rebates An energy audit through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program triples your savings.
Soap: Bar vs. Liquid
Do Your Part for a green clean Most of us grew up using bar soap. Liquid soap wasn't even on the market until 1980. Now all those bottles of liquid soap add up to more than a hundred million dollars in sales each year. But the big question remains which is better bar or liquid soap The answer it depends From an environmental perspective, bar soap is usually the better buy. First, it requires much less packaging. There are no plastic containers and dispensers to fill up landfills.
The Importance of Air Duct Cleaning
When was the last time you had your air ducts cleaned Even if you're smart about replacing filters, the gradual build-up of dust and debris can overwhelm your ducts. Over time, elements circulated throughout your home from the air ducts can negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ). Clean air ducts can help you avoid a whole host of potential household problems. Still unsure if air duct cleaning can benefit you We'll explain the critical reasons that make it recommended for everyone.
Poor Air Quality Symptoms: 8 Ways to Tell If Your Indoor Air Quality Is Bad
Your home is a haven where you can rest and take shelter from the harmful elements. But there are instances when your home can make you sick instead. Even when everything else seems clean, poor indoor air quality can still lead to diseases. Your indoor air might leave a high concentration of contaminants and particles in your home. This could lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and infections. But you can stop the issues brought by poor air quality by going at the source.
Carbon Monoxide in the Home: Symptoms and Causes
Carbon monoxide is often called the silent killer . This is because it can be hard to detect. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. If carbon monoxide levels get dangerously high in your home, it can be life-threatening. Carbon monoxide is produced any time a fossil fuel is burned. Here are some of the most common ways it can be introduced into your home. Blocked or clogged flue pipes and malfunctioning fuel-burning furnaces can lead to carbon monoxide in your home.
The Benefits of Smart Maintenance and Why You Need it in Your Home
Picture this You've had the same HVAC system for a long time. So long that you feel like it's time to replace it with a newer machine. But if it isn't broken, don't fix it. Consider installing smart maintenance instead. Smart maintenance can help improve the functionality of your already-existing unit without costing you anything to replace it. It can make your life easier, along with many other benefits. Let's take a look at a few smart maintenance advantages.
Do You Need Natural Gas Detectors In Your Home?
Along with carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, you should also install natural gas detectors in your home. Natural gas is commonly used in homes to heat household appliances but it can be extremely dangerous. Thankfully, natural gas leaks are fairly easy to detect because the gas, while organically colorless and odorless, is mixed with a non-toxic odorant (you might be familiar with the rotten egg smell). However, even though gas leaks are rare, they can happen.
What Do Komodo Dragons Eat?
This article aims to answer the question what do komodo dragons eat. We will also discuss important informations regarding the Komodo dragon diet. Heavy, strong and deadly, the Komodo dragon has been a subject for fascination among scientists. They're so notorious they remind us of a mythical creature the dragon. And that's probably the reason why we call them dragons. These large lizards dominate their ecosystems with their ferocity and appetite.
Heat Pump Failure: 5 Common Reasons for Heat Pump Malfunction
A heat pump problem can be a cause for despair, especially if it is your only option in terms of space heating and or cooling. Most times, people are quick to call a maintenance specialist to troubleshoot and fix the pump when they can handle a majority of the issues on their own. That being said, it is important to familiarize yourself with the most common reasons a heat pump malfunctions. This way, you can be able to fix it yourself and save yourself some money in the long run.
What Do Possums Eat? Foods For Opossums
Possums have adapted well to the expansion of human population. Dense urban environments bring an abundance of shelter as well as food sources. They are also sometimes referred to as Opossums. They will live under a deck, in underbrush, or even a hollow log. They are generally nomadic creatures. They do not spend much time in one place preferring to move every three or four days. In fact, it may not spend more than several nights in one location.
Mating Behavior In Adults
Mating is a very vigorous affair in all weasels. It has to be, because the stimulus of copulation is needed before ova can be released. All attempts to stimulate ovulation by injection of gonadotropins, the hormones that usually have this effect in other animals, have failed Rowlands 1972 Gulamhusein amp Thawley 1974 , and the ovaries of unmated females have no corpora lutea. Females are subordinate to males for most of the year, and normally avoid them, but a female is well able to reject...
How Can Future Oil Spills Be Prevented
Over the last several decades, there have been a number of headline making oil spills that have left the world with shocking images. We have seen the results of drilling in the ocean floors to find oil. We know that our dependency on fossil fuels drives an industry that requires destroying some of our most precious resources.
What Do Llamas Eat?
Llamas belong to the same family as camels and are classed as Camelidae. They do not have humps to store fat, but like camels, they can go for long periods of time without drinking water. Llamas live in the wild, and as domesticated animals reared on farms, in zoos, and as pets. What do llamas eat can really depend on where they are raised. What do llamas eat Llamas are usually fed grains, grass hay, and herbivore pellets.
Ancient Rainforest Discovered in Antarctica
Drilling of the seabed off Antarctica has revealed evidence of a rainforest that once flourished on the continent some 52 million years ago. Scientists studying sediment cores discovered fossilized pollen that could only have come from a near-tropical forest covering the continent in the Eocene period, 34-56 million years ago. According to Australian scientist Kevin Walsh, analysis of temperature-sensitive molecules contained in the pollen showed the average temperature be near 68 degrees F.
Tentaculites Silur
E Lingulella Brachiopoda Inarticulata f Callograptus Hemichordata Dendroidea g Conotreta Brachiopoda Inarticulata e Lingulella Brachiopoda Inarticulata f Callograptus Hemichordata Dendroidea g Conotreta Brachiopoda Inarticulata Homalopteon, a nileid, is smooth and has much larger eyes than Asaphus or Ogygiocaris the smooth outline to the carapace may have been an adaptation for easier movement through the mud on the sea floor. The trinucleids have long genal spines extending back from the sides...
What Do Dingoes Eat? Prey Animals That Dingoes Eat
The dingo, known by its scientific name of Canis lupus dingo, is a wild feral dog that only lives in Australia. Dingo fur can be colored either ginger tan, black, or cream. Ginger tan-colored dingoes account for 74 of the dingo population. Dingoes hunt alone and in packs. Dingoes' food is similar to other pack-canines such as wolves. What Do Dingoes Eat Dingoes are mainly carnivorous and they eat a large range of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Rapidly Rising Ocean Acidity Threatens Marine Life
Carbon dioxide causes global warming, but it also is the reason behind another problem ocean acidification. The ocean absorbs carbon dioxide that would otherwise contribute to global warming, but it's not all good news. This additional CO2 changes water's chemistry, making it more acidic, which will vastly alter marine life in the next several decades and force extinction of many species.
You and Storm Water: A Major Source of Pollution
How would you feel if you knew that you and your neighbors are the biggest source of water pollution in the U.S. Well, it's true. It's generally not intentional on our part but each day we all do things that add up to one big problem. Do Your Part to protect our water by preventing storm water runoff pollution. Storm water runoff is just what it sounds like water from rain or snowmelt that flows over the ground.
Shopping: Less Is More
You probably don't go to the grocery store saying, I think I'll buy some trash today. But depending on which products you choose, that's exactly what you're doing. Do Your Part to pick items with the least amount of packaging or the kind that's easily recyclable. One of the best ways to reduce the amount of packaging trash is to avoid individually wrapped items like snack packs and single serve containers.
Recycling A Can, Can Make a Difference
It just makes sense to recycle those aluminum cans we all use nearly every day First off, it just couldn't be simpler. After you drink your favorite beverage, you toss it in recycling bin. But the coolest part is what happens to it after that These valuables cans are hauled off to a recycling center.
Filthy Beaches
Who doesn't enjoy a trip to the beach The ocean, the sand, and oh yeah worries about water pollution Thousands of U.S. beaches are closed each year because it just isn't safe for swimmers to be surrounded by toxic water. But there are ways to Do Your Part to know what's in the water and help protect our fabulous vacation spots Even if you live hundreds of miles away from the beach what you do at home can have a real impact on our oceans Remember, what we let go down a drain could eventually end...
Do Your Part To Prevent Winter's Bite
The winter chill is moving south and preparing to take a bite from our bank accounts. We've all heard that winterizing' our homes will help keep utility costs down and is easier on the environment. Here's a short list of options that are simple to do that will yield the most immediate results. Do Your Part and put a few to use in your home today. Let's start with one of the simplest ways to keep warm air moving inside your home reverse the direction of your ceiling fans.
Do Your Part And Plant A Tree Or Two
Are you a tree hugger Would you admit it if you were The term tree hugger' is frequently used in a less-than-favorable way to describe someone who is passionate about protecting the environment. But once you understand all the good trees do, you might be proud to label yourself a tree hugger and decide to Do Your Part by planting a few. Trees are vitally important to our existence.
Group Plans to Clear Invasive Plants Along Potomac River
The Nature's Conservancy of Maryland and D.C. plans to clear away the invasive plants that line the Potomac River. The cleanup will start at 10 00am and will be held on two different dates October 7, 2010 and October 11, 2010. The environmental group encourages residents to help them remove the exotic invasive shrubs and vines because these plants threaten the health of the plants that are native to the Potomac Gorge.
Green Search Engine Helps Environment
Protecting the environment can now be as easy as sitting at your computer. Carbonfund.org just launched an eco-friendly search engine which donates profits to environmental charities. Envirosearch.org is a free online search engine powered by Bing and fueled by ads through Yahoo. The revenue from the ads is then donated to Carbonfund.org's environmental projects throughout the world like reforestation efforts and wildlife preservation.
Enhanced Geothermal Systems Hope To Tap Volcanic Energy
Tweet Ever heard the saying don't poke the bear It's meant to keep people from getting into trouble by annoying an animal (or another person) to the point of anger or violence. For some reason, that's the phrase that instantly comes to mind when considering a report from MIT that suggests we could produce vast amounts of renewable energy by blasting water into the bowels of a volcano.
Researchers Developing Solar Cell To Tap Near-infrared Light
Researchers at MIT have developed a prototype all-carbon solar photovoltaic cell that produces electricity using near-infrared light. Typical silicon-based solar PV cells are only effective within the spectrum of visible light, leaving about 40 percent of the solar energy hitting the Earth essentially untapped.
Large Scale Distribution Patterns
An aspect of spatial patterns which should not be overlooked is the distribution of species at very large, global scales. At such scales, the creation and extinction of species interact with long-range dispersal and large-scale differences in climate to generate patterns of species richness and control the composition of regional species pools. Over time, new patterns are created as species expand into new areas while going extinct in others, and as isolated subpopulations give rise to new...
The construction and quantification of food webs Drawing the webs
A food web in its simplest form is merely a diagrammatic or mathematical summary of the trophic interactions in a community an indication of what eats what. This having been said, it remains noteworthy how many different ways authors have chosen to represent what they perceived as this 'simple' concept. The purpose of this short chapter is to illustrate the different ways in which I have chosen to represent phytotelm food webs. I have found it appropriate to use a range of forms of...
Top 7 Ways to Be Less Trashy
Who really wants to contribute to our growing landfills There are things we toss away everyday that make up the bulk of our trash and they don't even belong in our garbage bins. Here are Terri's Top 7 Ways to Be Less Trashy so you can get started today. 1) Recycle That Paperboard Paperboard one of the biggest problems when it comes to our landfills. It's the thin cardboard packaging that holds so many of the items we buy think cereal boxes, packaging for toys, and even tissue boxes.
Start Simply At Home
One of the easiest and most effective ways for each of us to do our part is to recycle. Recycling conserves natural resources, reduces waste sent to the landfill and cuts down on the amount of pollution in our air, land and water. It seems so easy and it is Up to 75 of the waste we generate in our homes is recyclable but right now less than 35 of it is actually being recycled so we can do a better job.
Recycling Plastic
Plastics are everywhere and much of it is recyclable. I recently visited the Metrolina Recycling Center in Charlotte. This facility processes 16 one-thousand-pound bales of plastics everyday. Recycled plastics can be made into lots of products including new plastics, apparel, lumber and carpeting. Paul O'Donnell, Director of Commodities for FCR, tells us what happens to the plastic processed at the Metrolina Recycling Center.
Recycling Paper Is A Success
Paper has quietly become on of the biggest recycling success stories in the United States. In 2007, 56 of all the paper discarded in the United States was recycled. Why Because the paper industry itself promotes recycling and recognizes that it just makes sense. Even when you account for the energy required to collect and process paper for recycling it still takes less water and 40 less energy to make paper from recycled materials rather than virgin materials.
Rain Barrels Are Good For The Garden And More
If you like to garden even if it's only a few pots on the back patio a rain barrel is a great way to help you Do Your Part. Not only will your plants thrive since they actually prefer rain water over city water, but you'll also save money on your water bill. Rain barrels are super easy to install. Locate the downspout where you want to place the barrel and using a hacksaw or other small saw, remove the lower half of the downspout.
Put Your Old Clothes & Cloths To Good Use!
One easy way to Do Your Part is to make sure clothing you no longer need is getting reused. But what if you have items that are torn or you think really aren't usable again Goodwill wants them both. If your clothes have no tears, stains or buttons missing, they'll go to the Goodwill sales floor. Bo Hussey from Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont says, Something that you would give someone as a hand me down or something that you would give your neighbor to use.
Programmable Thermostat: A Quick Fix for High Utility Bills
Do Your Part to save energy and keep your utility bills down each and every month Installing a programmable thermostat is really a no-brainer. It's relatively inexpensive to do and the pay-off is pretty close to immediate. Here's the deal you can save 10 of your yearly utility bill just by turning the temperature down in the winter and up in the summer by 10-15 degrees for 8 hours.
New Life For Old Shoes
It's a question that's probably stumped many of us. What can should you do with old shoes or with ones that are barely worn but aren't getting worn These days, there are many ways for you to Do Your Part and give your old shoes new life. Let's start with gently worn shoes anything from flip flops to snow boots. Soles4Souls is a charity desperate to have them. They partner with businesses across the country and you can drop off your still-wearable shoes in bins like these.
Kill Outdoor Pests and Weeds Without Toxic Chemicals
There are several effective ways to get rid of pests and weeds outside your home without spending a lot of money on expensive products loaded with toxic chemicals. Do Your Part and find natural alternatives. Let's start in the garden. Slugs like to come out at night and devour your plants. But did you know they love beer Just set out a shallow container of beer in your garden overnight. The slugs will climb in and drown. They also like grapefruit. Set out grapefruit rinds on some boards.
Junk The Junk Mail
Most of us still hold out hope for something good in the mail, but what we usually end up with is a whole lot of junk. In fact, a third of all mail is considered junk mail. Want to stop it Terri sure did. Here's a good place to start DoNotMail.org. This organization is all about raising support for a national do not mail registry similar to the do not call registry that keeps telemarketers from calling your home.
Great Kids' Craft To Get Organized
If you're anything like Terri, you are always looking for ways to get your kids organized Here's a fun and easy project that will do just that and the best part is that you'll be teaching kids the importance of reusing items that would otherwise be trashed We're creating personalized organizers that will hold kids' paper, projects and schoolwork.
Get a Deal on Getting Away!
Do Your Part when you plan your next escape. Many of us want to go away on vacation but we don't want to put a big dent in our wallet How about heading to a National Park They are breathtakingly beautiful, inexpensive and are perfect for most everyone in your family. It's easy to map out your trip For example, if I want to stay close to my home in North Carolina, I can check out all my options on NPS.gov. I simply select my state and scroll through all the options.
Don't Trash Computer Components! They're Valuable
Most of us have computer parts laying around our house that we just don't need anymore. Want a solution that will help keep them out of the landfill and create jobs at the same time Do Your Part and donate them Goodwill and Dell Computers have partnered to make it easy to recycle your old computer no matter what brand it is. Goodwill will accept your working or non-working computer and all of its accessories.
Ditch The Car and Grab Your Bike
More and more commuters are riding their bikes to work. It's a great way to save money, get in some exercise and it's good for our planet I always feel great when I've commuted on my bike and didn't have to crank my car, says Katie Overcash who works at Bicycle Sport in Charlotte. She suggests starting with the right bike. There are dozens of options depending on how far you have to go. But before you take off, cyclists must know the rules of the road. They have every right to be on the road.
Day Trips From Charlotte With Nature In Mind
If you don't want to go too far, consider Crowder's Mountain. It's just 30 miles from Charlotte and is great for families looking for adventure and breathtaking views. You can rock climb, camp and picnic. Further west is Asheville. It's worth the two hour drive to see the Biltmore Estate which is the country's largest home. It's expansive gardens are impressive and it's also home to the country's first managed forests. Biltmore also has the most visited winery in the country.
Create A Community Garden Where You Live
Growing your own vegetables is a great way to Do Your Part but not every backyard is going to have the proper amount of sunlight or the space. Here's the solution start or join a community garden like this one in Matthews, North Carolina. It took two years, plenty of determination plus interest from the community to make it happen. Louise Hord, a longtime gardener, says, You do have to give it a lot of time and you have to keep at it. Hord lobbied the town to donate this piece of land.
Composting: It's Not That Complicated
After a meal, most people simply toss their leftover food in the trash or put it through the disposal. But, did you know that our food actually takes up 30 of our garbage Do Your Part to reduce that amount by composting. And, don't worry if you don't have the yard space, there's a super simple alternative. If you want it outside simply use a compost bin or find a place outside to get started. The key is to keep a balance of green and brown.
Ban The Bottled Water
We all know that drinking water is good for you. But half of us are still buying bottled water which is waste of resources and money Do Your Part and break your bottled water habit. I know, they're convenient but by doing a few simple things, you'll never need one again. The sticker shock alone is a good reason to make a change. Americans spend 7 billion dollars on these things that are only used once. And get this, it takes 3 times as much water to make the bottle than it does to fill it.
Kids' Craft That's For The Birds
Get kids excited about reducing, reusing, recycling Today, Terri and her son are turning an old milk carton into a bird feeder to go right into her garden. The supply list is super simple 1 milk carton or jug a pair of scissors string a hole puncher if you have one or just use a pencil and some bird seed Start by cutting out a section of the carton, leaving enough room at the top and bottom so it remains sturdy enough for birds to perch on it.
National Park ‘Electronic Field Trips' Draw in Students
Since 2004, the National Parks Foundation (NPF) has been creating electronic field trips which feature lessons on environmental topics against the backdrop of the nation's national parks. The latest installment to the series titled Climate Challenge North Cascades National Park was reported to have the highest record of participants in its live broadcast since the start of the NPF program.
Major Companies Enlist in Climate Corps
Leading corporations including Microsoft and Facebook are among the first round of companies to enlist in the 2011 Climate Corps. The Environmental Defense Fund's Climate Corp program places top MBA students in companies to help the businesses come up with energy efficient plans that cut costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program is heading into its fourth year with thirty companies signing on for the summer of 2011.
Green Ideas Awarded in New Contest
Do you have a smart or innovative idea that helps the environment and makes the world a more sustainable place You may want to consider submitting your green idea to a new contest recognizing environmental leaders. The Green Awards Program will offer prizes to the winners in each of four categories including green civic leader, green entrepreneur, green local organizer and green parent.
Ghost Town Tests Green Technology Solutions
A 20-square mile desert ghost town will soon be a green technology testing ground. Pegasus Global Holdings plans to build a testing center in New Mexico modeled after a typical mid-sized American City. The replica town will enable testing of renewable energy, smart transportation and next generation wireless networks in a way that mirrors the real world.
What Do Gorillas Eat? Feeding Habits Of A Gorilla
As far as population genetics is concerned, gorillas are considered by scientists as one of the few species of great apes that are closely related to humans. What are great apes by the way What are their differences with monkeys Great apes are monkey relatives but they differ in size, posture, the presence of tails and size of brains. Great apes which include gorillas are larger in size. They are able to walk upright for hours.
The Dirt On Clothes Washers
In the market for a new washing machine Do Your Part when you shop to find ones which not only save water but will save you a whole bunch of money. The average household does 400 loads of laundry each year which burns a lot of electricity and uses about 13,000 gallons of water. If you want to slash your energy use and cut your water costs in half, look for a clothes washer with the government's Energy Star rating.
The Perfect Pet Toy Is Right Under Your Foot
The short lifespan of a dog toy can be a toll on your budget and the landfill but if you look no further than your sock drawer you can make your dog an inexpensive, washable toy. Unmatched socks are a fact of life. I don't know how one sock magically disappears but I have many socks that don't have a match in all shapes and sizes. I'm going to give these misfits a second life by making a new toy for my dogs.
Box 41 Seedcaching birds
The Corvidae, a widespread group of rather aggressive birds including the ravens, crows, rooks, jackdaws, magpies, jays, choughs and nutcrackers, show considerable intelligence and the rooks in particular seem to communicate by their calls. The group as a whole has a rather mixed diet, some feeding on carrion, but a number of corvids also form caches of seeds as a winter food supply. In doing so, they are crucial to the establishment of a number of tree species from seed. Most prominent are the...
What Do Emperor Penguins Eat?
This article will answer the question what do emperor penguins eat both in the wild and in captivity. It will also show you some remarkable facts about this wonderful bird species. sc name adsense The Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) is the tallest and biggest of all known species of penguins and is native to Antarctica. Emperor penguins are amazing creatures. They have a white stomach, a black head and black tail, backs and wings.
Could Wind Turbines End the Global Water Crisis?
A French inventor has found a potential solution to the global water crisis wind turbines that draw fresh water out of the air. Called the WMS1000, these wind turbines use the electricity they generate to collect and treat moisture pulled from the air. Each turbine can make 1,000 gallons of drinking water using only the wind, ABC News reports. The technology is currently being tested in France and Abu Dhabi.
Surprising Steals at Goodwill
We all know that donating items we no longer need to Goodwill is a great way to Do Your Part. But, if you haven't checked out one of their retail stores lately, you don't know what you're missing because this is not your grandfather's Goodwill. Just take a look at all the stuff you're missing. Most of the items are gently used but you can find a number of items that are brand new. Terri found a 190 Ralph Lauren dress that still had the tags on it for less than five bucks.
Charlotte's Secret Gardens
Do Your Part to get back to nature Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary in the heart of Charlotte is one of Terri's very favorite places All of the beautiful gardens on the three-acre plot of land are designed to attract birds. There are places for them to find cover, food and to nest. What a perfect place to take your family to learn more about native plants and birds and enjoy a wonderful walking tour. Or check out the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Belmont.
Use All Of That Carved Pumpkin
With Halloween coming up, many of you will be carving a pumpkin or two but many times we simply throw out the pulp and seeds that we scoop out of the pumpkin. Of course you can roast the seeds to make a healthy snack or cook the pulp down to use in a recipe but here's another use for this scooped out treasure. Use it on your face Pumpkin is rich in anti-oxidants and beta-carotene plus it's loaded with vitamins A, C and E. The same vitamins that are found in many expensive skin care lines.
U.s. Military Opening 16 Million Acres For Renewable Energy
Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Defense have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, partnering up to further develop renewable energy technologies pertinent to each department. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar signed the MOU back in July, with a goal to begin collaborating by October 2012.
Meatless Mondays: Can Your Family Really Do It?
When you stop and really think about all the meat you consume in just one day, it starts to really add up. From bacon at breakfast, that chicken Caesar salad at lunch, to meat tacos for dinner, many of us chow down on several meat products each day. Do Your Part for the planet and your family's health and go meatless for at least one day a week. The Meatless Monday movement is quickly gaining steam across the country.
Suffer From Allergies? Blame Climate Change
If you suffer from allergies it may seem like the allergy season lasts forever. There's now proof that the season is getting longer in some part of the U.S. Researchers say the ragweed season is a whopping 27 days longer now than it was in 1995 in northern parts of the U.S. The latest research finds the longer pollen season correlates with warming temperatures attributed to greenhouse gas emissions. Co-author of the study Kim Knowlton is a scientists with the Natural Resources Defense Council.
What Do Plankton Eat?
We journey through the world's oceans to discover what do plankton eat. Planktons are small and microscopic organisms that live in fresh or sea water. Plankton isn't a species, it's the name for a large group of organisms that live in the waters of the world such as krill, jellyfish and the eggs and larvae of larger animals. Even sea salp colonies which can grow up to ten meters in length are considered plankton. However, most of the plankton in the ocean can be categorized as plants.
Could School Lunch Really Cause Childhood Obesity?
A recent study from the Journal of Human Resources shows that the National School Lunch Program could be increasing the risk of childhood obesity. The study examined 13,500 grade school students and tracked when they ate school breakfast, school lunch, or both. The study found that children who ate school lunch but did not partake in school breakfast, were more prone to develop childhood obesity by the time they were in third grade.
Greenland Glacier Melt a Sign of Climate Change
Greenland's glaciers are melting extremely fast this year, and the runoff is flooding rivers with waves so great they wiped out a bridge crossing the Watson River near Kangerlussuaq. The Russell Glacier feeds the Watson River, which is best suited for a usual season of partial ice melt. The glacier rests entirely on land, so its runoff must travel through rivers and streams to reach the ocean, tearing at the riverbeds and surrounding infrastructure not suited for such massive flow.