Environmental Challenge #4

Environmental Challenge of the Week #4
ENJOY the Natural Environment

Unless you take the time to enjoy the natural environment, you may lose sight of the reasons we should work to sustain it. Take the time this week to remember how valuable of a resource the natural environment is-beyond its usefulness to extractive industries, or its usefulness as a waste sink. Consider the spiritual significance of beautiful scenery.

Where to go?

Just yesterday, the two Bluefields cut the ribbon on the city park trail system.
Or check out the Pipestem Resort State Park
Also, the Cascades Waterfall in Pembroke is not too far

Environmental Challenge #3

Environmental Challenge of the Week #3
Eliminate "Phantom" Energy Drains in Your Home

"Phantom" energy drains come from "vampire" appliances. These appliances draw energy from the wall even when turned off or on standby. Most people aren't aware of the extra energy usage, but on average, phantom energy use accounts for 5% of household energy usage.

A lot of stereos will never turn off as long as they're plugged in. They will only go on standby. Appliances like these still draw power. Battery-powered device chargers also draw power when plugged in, even when the device is not being charged.

You can eliminate these energy drains by using power strips to completely cut off power when appliances/devices aren't in use. Also, remember to turn off your computer at night. If you're not using a Mac, it's likely that the daily reboot will help your computer run smoother.

Also, check out this product database, which lists the standby power usage of each product.
http://oahu.lbl.gov/cgi-bin/search_data.pl

References: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/03/is_phantom_ener.php

Environmental Challenge #2

Environmental Challenge of the Week #2

Reuse Shopping Bags

The facts:

• Over 380 billion plastic bags...are consumed in the U.S. each year
• Plastic bags don't biodegrade, they photodegrade--breaking down into smaller and smaller toxic bits contaminating soil and waterways
• Kenya and Uganda have banned thin plastic bags, and imposed a tax on thicker ones
• Plastic bags are an oil byproduct

What about paper bags? Trees are cut down, and passed through an energy-intensive and chemical-intensive process before becoming paper bags. Though they are recyclable, unlike plastic, they still present a significant environmental problem. One benefit of paper bags is that they are biodegradable. They can be used as a weed barrier in a garden, or composted.

Alternatives? Reusable shopping bags can solve all of these problems instantly. They can be bought online, if not at a nearby grocery store. Also, plastic or paper bags can be reused several times.

So my challenge to you this week is to get a couple bags which can be reused when you go to the grocery store. Even if they're plastic bags, reuse them! Consider buying a reusable bag online, or using a duffel bag which you might already have.

Sources:
ReusableBags.com - Check out their website for more info, and to buy reusable shopping bags.
BBC Article - Read the article about Kenya and Uganda banning plastic
More information - Read more information about the paper/plastic debate

Environmental Challenge #1

Environmental Challenge of the Week #1

Reuse Coffee Containers

The facts:

• Americans consume more than 16 billion paper cups per year

• In 2006, paper cups accounted for 252 million pounds of garbage. This required 4 billion gallons of water, and 6.5 million trees, and enough energy to power over 50 thousand homes

What about coffee cups from recycled paper? FDA regulations are very strict when it comes to beverages coming in contact with recycled paper, and recycled paper is too flimsy of a material to retain the liquid. Starbucks tried to manufacture a recycled paper cup, but was unable to succeed.

Alternatives? One sustainability engineer concluded that after 24 uses, a stainless steel mug is as environmentally friendly as using paper cups.

Is environmentalism expensive? No...a study done in 2000 showed that Starbucks could save $1 million dollars per year by switching to reusable cups.

So my challenge to you this week is to bring your reusable mug or travel mug next time you go to the Hardee's, or to your favorite coffee shop.

Source: SustainabilityIsSexy.com