It's A "Return!"

OK, so I've been away for a long, long time. I guess I got carried away with life.

But the environment continues to be a concern for me. I still get wound up about it, especially when I see people doing things I believe are harmful, but that they probably don't think twice about.

So... here I am. I will give it my best. I will use this as a kind of a catalog of actions, products, films, etc. If anyone wants to stick with me, I am always looking for feedback or encouragement or ideas... read a book? Did you catch me doing something harmful? Let me know.

For now, I'm working on two big things: No bottled water, no beef. OK, then less beef. But no more small bottles of soda at the grocery store. I'm really going to make an effort there.

Art: Food For Thought

Here's a fun site to look at. And think about. Running The Numbers.

With my luck this guys been all over and I'm just finding out about him now, right?

Why we recycle

Fill 'er Up!

Ozone

I just read this little yahoo bit about the ozone.

When I was a kid, being responsible to the environment meant picking up your trash and not using hairspray with chlorofluorocarbons. Because the chlorofluorocarbons dug away at the hole on the ozone and made it BIGGER!

I hadn't really heard about the hole in the ozone for awhile. I guess people talk about other things these days, like preserving wildlife and air pollution and recycling vs. organic farming vs. energy use. Our oil based lifestyle can be pretty distracting.

But really, it's all part of the same thing. It is an intricate thing, this planet and the life that lives on it. And we depend on it. Some people argue that we are not the cause of certain changes, that global warming is a myth, that climate change is a natural occurrence, that we aren't sure. But I think we owe it to every living thing to change our ways, just in case. Even if it means we won't make as much money, or might have to give up a few minor conveniences.

Trip To The Beach

Planning on visiting the beach this summer?

You should take a look at this.

Smokin'

Just another reason to quit, right?

Born Toxic

When I was pregnant I remember reading the list of things I was not supposed to eat. Alcohol. Soft cheeses. Some fish because of mercury. Lunch meats because of nitrates. Between what I couldn't stomach and what I couldn't have I was left with a diet of white bread.

Last week I read This Article about toxins, chemicals, entering the womb and effecting infants before they even take their first breath. It's part of a TV report by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Toxic America, which aired last week and which I didn't see. But the article really made an impression.

I'll be honest with you, I cried.

You know those nightmares where something terrible is happening, and you stand there, screaming, waving your arms, trying to get all the people around you to SEE, and the smile at you and just walk on by?

That's what I feel like, right now.

Check this out if you're interested in what contains Toxins.

Once Upon A Time...

There were some videos...

The Story Of Stuff.

One Word: Plastics

I just read an article about The Great Atlantic Plastic Patch.

A quote:

Since there is no realistic way of cleaning the oceans, advocates say the key is to keep more plastic out by raising awareness and, wherever possible, challenging a throwaway culture that uses non-biodegradable materials for disposable products.

"Our job now is to let people know that plastic ocean pollution is a global problem - it unfortunately is not confined to a single patch."

Here's food for thought for those of you who think it makes no difference if you use plastic disposable cups or plates. Or who buy items wrapped in layers of plastic. I'm out. It's time to start looking for items packaged differently. Think Sun Chips.

Northern Exposure

I read this interesting Article on a place in Alaska. I think it's worth a glance.