Agencies like SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, IL) provide residents alternatives, education, and resources for disposing of solid wastes that don’t belong in the water supply or landfills. They embed the reduce/reuse/recycle philosophy in their operations.

I did some Spring-cleaning…o.k. I procrastinated a bit and it was more like Summer-cleaning. I sorted out materials that could be recycled through the normal weekly collections, created a donate pile, made a pile of stuff that could be placed in the trash, and set aside a box of household chemicals, etc. that could be disposed of via SWALCO. I was amazed at how small the trash pile was when I compared it to the others.

It is important to mention that SWALCO even accepted some old prescriptions I had laying around when I threw my back out sneezing (long story). It is better for the environment and public safety to turn over medications (prescription or otherwise) to SWALCO (or other local agencies specializing in similar collections) versus flushing them down the toilet or placing them in the trash.

69 million: Number of gallons of latex paint sent to U.S. landfills each year.

I also had some latex paint collecting dust under my shelf. If SWALCO does not take an item, chances are that they provide a link to one that does. Agencies like SWALCO operate in every state. A quick internet search for “household hazardous waste recycling” or “solid waste agency” followed by your state/county should provide a list of resources. I also made sure I visited their web site to check operating hours and materials accepted by SWALCO before I made the trip.

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Did you know that as many as half of the amphibians on the planet are threatened with extinction because of pollutants, climate changes, and even a fungus. Amphibians on all continents are at risk. The Chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) causes the appropriately named disease, chytridiomycosisis.

The disease first penetrates the permeable skin of the amphibian and begins attacking the Keratin layer (a protective layer that prevents unwanted substances from getting into the body). Wild and captive amphibians are both susceptible to the Chytrid fungus. Experts have identified at least two primary ways the related disease spreads (i.e., contact with other “carrier” amphibians and contaminated sources near or in water).

Amphibians are a key indicator species and play a role in balancing the food web from forest ecosystems to marshes. Aside from being a food source for those further up the food chain, they play a large role by consuming insects and other invertebrates that would otherwise harm sustainable croplands. Amphibians also help control pests that carry disease and can even help curb the spread of certain invasive species.

Why you will make a difference: While there is no known remedy to cure the disease, one can prevent other amphibians from getting the disease by not capturing and relocating amphibians, or capturing and placing wild amphibians in the same place that one have other amphibian pets. It is best to enjoy them where they reside rather than the thought of capture. Besides, one could injure them during capture, or worse. Experts recommend that all people treat all waste materials from captive amphibians as clinical waste. Yes, it’s that serious. In addition, disinfect the used water with 1:9 bleach/water solution and let it stand for 24 hours in a safe place before disposing of appropriately. Contact your local municipality to determine the appropriate way of disposing of these liquids.

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I have to admit, I had a bit of myopia when my friend Greg introduced me to Fair Trade coffee a while back. Where it came from was the furthest from my mind while I was sipping and feeling the delightful caffeinated bite that refreshed my taste buds. It’s not just coffee.

Now, when I visit a store, I pause to look for Fair Trade labeling. Fair Trade is a multi-billion dollar industry that has producers providing a range of Fair Trade crafts, chocolate, vanilla, fruit, clothes, toys, and even gym supplies — to name a few.

It’s worth mentioning that most of the competitively priced products produced through Fair Trade practices don’t have a negative impact on American jobs. Fair Trade promotes the use of ethical collaborations in global trading to assist underprivileged locations.

Seven traits of Fair Trade:

• Consumer education
• Non-hostile, healthy workplaces where workers’ wages are fair, regardless of gender and age
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and respect
• Focus on environmental sustainability and protection
• Nurtures and empowers independence through long-term relationships
• Continuous quality improvement

Why you will make a difference: Purchasing an item, or two, or more produced with Fair Trade practices will help support others in need and you’ll help spread demand for products produced in a more favorable manner. Look for the internationally recognized Fair Trade label when choosing applicable products.

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It wouldn’t be a stretch of the imagination to call the Polar Bear and “indicator species”. An Indicator Species is an animal or plant that acts as a kind of “canary in the coal mine”. They often reflect the health of an ecosystem based on factors including abnormal physiological changes, impacts of pollution, or even climate change. In this case, climate change is a big factor.

Polar Bears have evolved over the last 200,000 years to be masters of cold climate ice hunting. They have a layer of insulating fat that can be up to 4.5 inches thick, a multi-layered coat of transparent, pigment-free hollow fur, large footpads, etc. And, to top it off, they are big — that’s why they win the prize for the largest land predator.

Their hunting grounds are shrinking due to rapid ice melt. This influences range, birth rates, animal health, food supply, and the bear’s resilience through leaner times. One sub-population saw more than a 20% decline in their population since 1980. That’s the equivalent of 572,000 Chicago residents disappearing off the planet. That would cause some concern wouldn’t it? How would you respond if I told you that the number jumped to 1,887,000 over the next 40 years? The time to act is now. Not only for the Polar Bear, but with respect to positive change — period!

Countries with Polar Bear populations recognize the need for conservation, education, and environmental protection for the species. The US Government updated the status of the Polar Bear to “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act (May 14, 2008).

Kudos to all involved in assisting the Polar Bear, the planet, and its species.

Are you interested in learning more about how you can help? Please visit PolarBearSOS.org for more information and education on the subject.

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O.k., I have no scientific proof of that calculation in the title. But, after you read this you may start to wonder if my estimate was a bit low with respect to the amount of plastic in our oceans.

There really is a place in the Pacific Ocean where you can see floating plastic at counts reaching a million pieces per square mile. Yes, it’s real. You betcha!

The Pacific Ocean is host to what some refer to as the “Garbage Patch”. That may sound “cute” to some, but it’s a horrible, massive blob of trash including discarded fishing nets, plastic bottles, caps, and containers, even items you may not think about like tooth brushes, combs, and even computer monitors.

• Why does it gather in that location? That’s where the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre is located. A gyre is a spiraling collection of currents. And, in the North Pacific, you have some powerful currents converging.
• What else makes it collect in that manner? A phenomenon called Langmuir Circulation. It’s when two masses of water push together. You have likely seen this in action if you have ever seen long, organized streaks of sea foam or perhaps seaweed on the water’s surface. During this process, anything that floats stays on the surface.

I highly recommend the following article on the topic.

Why you will make a difference: Whether you are walking on the beach or fishing, take proactive action the next time you see trash. You help the environment by picking it up and disposing/recycling it appropriately before it can be carried away and cause harm. You may be helping protect property too…ever know someone who got fishing line, or other stuff, caught in their boat prop? Not fun.

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