Green Warriors

What Are You Doing On 10.10.10?


October 10, 2010 is when it all goes down–the Global Work Party, that is. On Sunday, participants all over the world plan to get out and do something about global warming. From installing new solar panels, planting new trees or gathering for a political rally, climate change advocates around the nation and the globe will be coming together to make a change. 10.10.10 was initiated by 350.org, an international group whose goal is to curb and reduce carbon dioxide atmospheric levels to 350 parts per million. (Right now it’s at 392 ppm.) According to climate scientists, 350 ppm is the highest safe level of carbon dioxide that the earth and every living thing on it can tolerate. To get involved on a local level, visit 350.org and search for events in your town or city.

 

How can you Do Your Part?

10.10.10 is a great way to motivate one day of change, but a continued commitment is what will sustain the environment for the future. Fortunately, that’s exactly what Do Your Part is all about. Every choice you make has an impact on your eco-footprint. In short, your eco-footprint is the energy and natural resources that the earth must supply in order to sustain your lifestyle. That means it includes everything: the water you use, the energy you consume, the waste you generate, and the fuel you use to travel. So when you make every day green choices like cycling to work, using low-flow water devices, or using greener cleaners, you’re actively choosing to be a better steward of the earth. So keep at it and Do Your Part to reduce your eco-footprint.

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Potomac River Shoreline Restoration Completed at Piscataway Park


On October 12, 2010 the Alice Ferguson Foundation, NOAA and NPS will celebrate the successful restoration of 2,800 feet of the Potomac River shoreline. The area, a riverside stretch in Piscataway Park in Maryland, was eroding rapidly and at risk for a complete loss. Fortunately, an investment of $1.1 million dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act enabled the area to be rehabilitated. The rehabilitation helped sustain local jobs and directly aid area businesses. It also helped keep the Alice Ferguson Foundation’s environmental education program at the Hard Bargain Farm active. The unique program allows urban and at-risk students to connect with nature and learn about the environment through activities like canoeing and hiking. The celebration will take place at the Alice Ferguson Foundation’s Hard Bargain Farm Center. Directions are available at the AFF website.

How can you Do Your Part?

Do Your Part and help keep the waterways clean. At home, you can control what is sent to the streams by monitoring your storm water runoff. Storm water runoff is excess water that runs off into the storm drains. This water often carries contaminants like motor oil, debris, and pet waste straight to your local streams and rivers. To learn how to limit storm water pollution from your property, read this DYP column. Another way to care for the local waterways is to volunteer for clean up projects like Adopt-a-Stream. These opportunities are an excellent option for large groups like schools or neighborhood associations. This DYP video explains how you can get involved with a Adopt-a-stream project near you.

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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. The gorge is a 15-mile section between Great Falls and Theodore Roosevelt Island that is said to be one of the most significant natural areas in the entire National Park System.

How can you Do Your Part?

Invasive plants are a problem for the natural plants that live in an area. In some cases, they will force out the native plants which disrupt the balance of the natural eco-system.  Do Your Part and plant native plants in your eco-friendly garden. Native plants often have an advantage over other plants because they are naturally suited to your local environment. This often means they need less water, less fertilizer, and are more resistant to the climate and natural pests that exist in your area.

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University OK's Meatless Monday


Student groups at the University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) have successfully lobbied the Meatless Monday movement to university officials, according to the Seattle Times. The students groups, largely animals-rights activists, persuaded dining officials to make one out of the university’s five dining halls serve only meatless fare every Monday. The five dining halls will rotate vegetarian-duty throughout the year making sure students all around the campus will be able to access the offerings. Already known for its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, UCSC wants the Meatless Mondays to serve as a educational opportunity for students to explore other lifestyles.

How can you Do Your Part?

Meat production takes a heavy toll on the environment. Livestock farms consume large amounts of water and feed, and the resulting animal waste poses a serious threat to nearby water quality. Do Your Part and explore the Meatless Monday option too. There are many books and websites devoted to easing your family’s transition. For a list of resources, read this related DYP column.

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New Commitment to Certify 1,000 Green Products

In an effort to jump start a market for green chemistry a new commitment was made at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting. The nation’s first nonprofit dedicated to using the cradle to cradle approach to certify products unveiled its new name and a new goal. The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute announced it will train at least 100 assessors and certify 1,000 products by 2015. The institute is developing standards for everyday products that are safe and healthy for people and the environment based on the Cradle to Cradle certification protocols. The institute promotes an innovation-oriented model for eliminating toxic chemicals and other negative environmental impacts. The institute hopes to turn the certification into a worldwide standard for developing safe and sustainable consumer products.

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Reading, Writing and Environment?

Schools in Maryland will soon be including environmental education in their curriculum. The Maryland State Board of Education just approved new regulations that require schools in the state to include environmental education in their pre-kindergarten through 12th grade classes. Students will study environmental issues in the classroom and will also be expected to create a local action project that improves the environment. There will not be a special class devoted to the environment but topics like natural resources, ecosystems and sustainability will be incorporated into learning. The Roper Report shows 80 percent of Americans are environmentally illiterate. The literacy plan is designed to address the health of the state’s environment by building knowledge and understanding instead of just spending money.
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Celebrate Fall on Nature Rocks Day


Have you heard of Nature Rocks? It’s a national program created to inspire parents and kids to spend time outdoors. Started by the Children & Nature Network and ecoAmerica, the program website is an online resource full of activities and ideas that help foster the love of nature. Joining four other existing supporters, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has recently partnered with Nature Rocks program and the groups will commemorate the partnership with Nature Rocks Day–a day-long event hosted at several U.S. Fish & Wildlife refuges around the nation. Nature Rocks Day will take place on Saturday, September 25 2010.   To learn more about Nature Rocks, you can visit the website at naturerocks.org.

How can you Do Your Part?

Nature Rocks Day is a great reminder that the environment is worth celebrating. Do Your Part and make every day Nature Rocks Day. From gardens to zoos, there’s plenty of  eco-friendly adventures waiting for you in your town. And national parks make great destinations for weekend trips.  But you don’ t have to leave home to enjoy nature.  One way to bring nature to use is to encourage birds and wildlife to find refuge in your backyard. This eco-craft is a great way to invite feathered friends to enjoy your space too.

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Green Heroes Honored for Environmental Work

Ten people who are working to address our world’s environmental challenges were announced as winners of the 16th annual Heinz Awards. The awards recognize people who create and implement working solutions to environmental problems. The solutions can come in the form of invention, research and education. Some of the winners include Frederick Vom Saal for discovering unexpected health problems linked to exposure of common chemicals in everyday products such as bisphenol A or BPA. Gretchen Daily was another winner for her achievements demonstrating the financial value of natural ecosystems. Terrance Collins won the award for using “green chemistry” to detoxify dangerous chemicals and help train the next generation of scientists. The awards come with a cash prize of 100,000 dollars. The Heinz Family Foundation began as a charitable trust established by the late U.S. Senator John Heinz.

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Can You 'Do The Reuse Challenge'?


Aladdin, maker of reusable food and drink containers, has challenged America to Do The Reuse Challenge. The challenge is a 30-day stint of zero-tolerance for disposable coffee cups, water bottles, and (or) food containers. For nine featured families the challenge started at the beginning of September and each family has tracked their progress in an online blog. Even though September 1st has come and gone, you too can start your own challenge now. Participants are encouraged to accept the Do The Reuse Challenge at the program’s website.

How can you Do Your Part?

Do Your Part and join the Do The Reuse Challenge and see if your family can make it. If you don’t know where to start, check out some of the DoYourPart.com resources. This DYP feature is all about banning plastic disposable water bottles. To tackle lunch time, Do Your Part has two how-to videos for both you and your kids.  Waste-free school lunches will be a snap with a few of these tried-and-true tips. And for the office, this video is an excellent guide to steer clear of disposables in the office break room.

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Youth Soccer Teams Unite To Recycle

Photo Credit: Flickr user stevendepolo

In southern California 22 youth soccer teams will participate in Recycle.Goal, a new program that emphasizes the importance of improving recycling rates and reducing litter. The premise of the program is to reward the team that collects the most recyclables. Prizes include gift cards for sporting goods retailer The Sports Authority and a grand prize of event tickets to a future LA Galaxy soccer game. Recycle.Goal is intended to teach the young athletes how easy it is to recycle and to encourage them to become good stewards of the environment. The program is a joint venture of The Sports Authority, LA Galaxy professional soccer team, American Chemistry Council and environmental group Keep California Beautiful.

How can you Do your Part?

Recycling really is easy and encouraging your children to reduce, reuse, and recycle is a wonderful way to promote a better future. Do Your Part and help your children understand why it’s important to take care of the environment. If your child is an avid reader, eco-books are great way to introduce the topic. Another way is to spend quality time with them and make eco-crafts that focus on reusing.  Some trash to treasure crafts featured on DoYourPart.com include an innovative bird feeder, a handy notebook organizer, and a fun crayon recycling project.

Photo - CC license by Flickr user stevendepolo

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