Earth Hour: TONIGHT! 8PM!

Nearly one year ago, 2.2 million people and 2100 business in Sydney Australia turned off their lights for one hour.  Why, you ask?  To raise awareness about and inspire people to fight against global warming.  They called it Earth Hour.  Tonight is your chance to join this cause.  At 8:00 p.m., turn off your lights and unplug any non-essential electrical devices for one hour.  How will this matter, you ask?  Granted, it will only save a small fraction of energy as compared to what we use throughout the year.  But, by spreading awareness and helping to inform people, we can make a different throughout the year.  You can also check out some reasons here.

It easy for me to think of all the things I won't be able to do.  Check my email, watch a movie, play music.  But I intend to break out some candles and do some reading.  Not sure what you can do for an hour without electricity?  Check out WWF's suggestions or just ask Google.

Oh, and for those of you who missed Earth Hour 2008, the website provides a handy countdown to next year.

Image: http://www10.earthhourus.org/

Herbivorous teeth for eating "meat"

Over the months, I have talked about the link between meat consumption and environmental concerns.  Some groups even insist that eating meat adds to global warming.  When I speak with people regarding this, they vehemently assert that humans are designed to hunt prey and consume it.  Which biological factors would point to carnivorous humans?  Is it...

• our relatively poor eye-sight?
• our lack of claws or talons?
• our inefficient locomotion (as compared to mammals that move on 4 legs)?
• our long digestive tracks (shorter is better to help avoid putrefaction of flesh in the digestive tract)?

The ultimate key to this problem, may have insisted, are our canines.  You know, those "pointy" teeth designed for tearing flesh.  BBC offers a look into herbivore versus carnivore teeth.  If you've ever looked into a cat's mouth, you'll undoubtedly agree that their teeth are very different from ours.  Theirs are designed for eating meat from the body of their victim.  Cats are primarily carnivores.  Our teeth look like those of herbivore's.  Just another nail in the meat-eating coffin, I'd say.

But I urge you to educate yourself, and then decide.  My transition to a meatless lifestyle has been gradual.  I took it step-by-step, and always sought out what worked for me.  Try meat substitutes.  They can be found in many grocery stores and come in many types.  Keep in mind, though, that each brand is different.  You may like some while disliking others.  Try a few before you make up your mind.  Found a favorite brand?  Post about it in the comments section.

Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:06-10-06smile.jpg

Meat = oil

The New York Times published an article asserting that meat equals oil. While we are becoming aware of the issues surrounding fossil fuels, the meat industry poses some similar concerns.

Like oil, meat is subsidized by the federal government. Like oil, meat is subject to accelerating demand as nations become wealthier, and this, in turn, sends prices higher. Finally — like oil — meat is something people are encouraged to consume less of, as the toll exacted by industrial production increases, and becomes increasingly visible.

Here are some ideas to chew on:

• livestock production generates nearly a fifth of the world’s greenhouse gases — more than transportation
• 2.2 pounds of beef is responsible for the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the average European car every 155 miles, and burns enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for nearly 20 days
• it [routine antibiotic administration] can result in antibiotic-resistant bacteria that threaten the usefulness of medicines that treat people
• grain-fed animals, in turn, are contributing to health problems among the world’s wealthier citizens — heart disease, some types of cancer, diabetes
• as the horrors of raising meat in confinement become known, more animal lovers may start to react

And I could go on. But why don't you read the article for yourself, think carefully about it, then act. You might start acting by clicking here for your free vegetarian starter kit. There's no need to go 'cold turkey,' but each pound of meat you DON'T eat can mean big change.

Image: http://www.nytimes.com/

Give the gift of appreciation

For those loved ones of yours who may be on the fence about caring for the planet, give the gift of Earthly appreciation this holiday season. The BBC has collected amazing scenes from around the globe in a 5-disc set called Planet Earth. From mountain peaks to oceanic depths, the images remind us how incredible, yet fragile, our planet is. Even for someone like myself who cares for the well-being of our home, I was continually awe-struck. The first four DVDs show animals and planets from around the globe. The fifth DVD sheds light on man's impact on the planet and potential consequences. If you decide to obtain this DVD set, I encourage you to check out some environmentally-less-harmful and cost-effective methods. I'll leave you with a quote from Amazon.com UK:

As befits the BBC’s reputation for producing some of the world’s best nature documentaries, the five-disc set Planet Earth is an epic travelogue, focussing on different ecologies and the unique animals that inhabit them. Once again, Sir David Attenborough provides the narration, as the cameras fly across the surface of the earth, zooming in to give us a bug’s eye view one minute, zooming out to give us an eagle’s perspective the next. The BBC’s cameramen filmed more than 200 locations, resulting in some truly spectacular footage, much of which has never before been seen.

Image: http://www.bbcshop.com/invt/bbcdvd1883

Meat: It's what's for dinner no longer

Americans certainly do enjoy their meat. A meal isn't complete until 90% of the plate is covered with a slab of charred flesh. Vegetables merely play a supporting role by making sure the meat doesn't slip off the plate. Here are a few more things you're getting with that heap of dead animal, according to Sustainable Table:

[industrial farm] activity was identified as a source of pollution for 48% of stream and river water, and for 41% of lake water.

grain-fed beef...requires thirty-five calories for every calorie of beef produced.

one study of 34,000 pigs found that 65% of the animals had "pneumonia-like lesions" in their lungs.

roughly 25,000 square kilometers or 6 million acres of the Amazon rainforest is cut down every year for grazing cattle and to grow soybeans that are used for animal feed.

To learn more, watch The Meatrix, a Matrix-style expose on the meat industry.

Because of what I learned these and other sources, I decided to cease eating meat of any kind and to try to consume eggs and cheese produced through sustainable methods. I don't necessarily ask everyone to take this route; you need to find what works for you. I'll have more information about animal agriculture in future posts, so be sure to check back regularly.

If you find these issues appalling as I did, I suggest ordering a FREE vegetarian starter kit.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Jersey_cow.png

In case you hadn't heard...

Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) were awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for

their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change

If you haven't done so already, or if it has been a while, I suggest watching "An Inconvenient Truth" by Al Gore. Instead of hopping into your SUV and driving 20 miles to Blockbuster, check out some of my suggestions to get what you want. I'm a little surprised it's not available through iTunes considering that Al Gore is on Apple's Board of Directors...

Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:AlGoreGlobalWarmingTalk.jpg

Dear global warming skeptics

Chances are if you're reading this blog, you probably believe that global warming is real to some degree. There are, however, a few people who think climate change is made-up. They constitute a small percentage of the population. I am certain this group is highly correlated with the tiny group of people who still support President Bush. Regardless, let's assume (based on data) that global warming is real. What's the big deal?

I try to focus my blog entries on things that people can do to become more sustainable. This entry, however, is dedicated to 100 things you won't be able to do if climate change continues.

The Center for American Progress complied a list of 100 things that will be effected by global warming. Here are some that jumped out at me:

• less guacamole
• fewer polar bears
• more giant squid attacks
• melting glaciers
• more heart attacks
  
• more malaria
• reduced national security
• wasted money

Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Avocado.jpeg

Think outside the car

Cars are great. They're reliable, safe and take you exactly where you need to go at any hour of the day. They make a statement about your personality, albeit not always a flattering one. (A friend of mine used to drive a car known affectionately as 'The Purple Dumpster.') I love my car, but it's a terrible thing. When considering car payments, gas, insurance and repairs, it's the most expensive thing I do, rivaling my rent. Unless you've been living under a rock (or in your car), you know all about the issues with green house gases. And when you consider peak oil, gas prices are only expected to rise. Is there anything you can do?! Of course there is.

• Internet. Don't go anywhere. Telecommute to work. Order stuff online. You can find anything, and many websites offer free shipping and don't charge tax (although your state might require you to pay it).
  
• Walk. Spend a couple hours one day and walk 15 minutes from your house in all directions and see what you can find. Exercise, fresh air and meeting neighbors are just a few of the potential benefits.
• Bike. Don your helmet and off you go. 'No bike' you say? Check craigslist for a cheap one.
  
• Bus. Fight the social stigma of riding the bus. You don't have to take it everywhere. Bring a book or some cell phone games.
• Carpool. Not only is the Internet good for connecting junk-dealers with junk-lovers on eBay, many cities are creating websites to quickly locate carpool buddies.
• Drive. If driving is absolutely necessary, try to combine trips.
  

No one single idea is meant to replace your car. But I encourage you to consider alternate means of getting from point A to point B. I typically walk to the grocery store, bike to Target or the park, and take the bus to school. My car, my wallet and the environment are all enjoying a well-earned rest. I'm trying to think outside my car and find new, cheaper, more enviro-friendly ways to get around.

Photo from: http://www.altenergystocks.com/