Giving them flowers = the birds and the bees
May 18, 2008 Author: Greg Ugolini | Filed under: Individual ActionsI am taking about the gift of a live plant for a special occasion or just because. What were you thinking? Gotcha. Adding a potted/planted flowering plants to your deck, porch, garden, etc. can add more than beauty, fragrance, charm, and perhaps whimsy to your outdoor living space(did I just use the word whimsy?) . You are helping a few of the planets creatures too.
Did you know? 3 out of every 4 of the planet’s flowering plants depend on insects, bats, birds and other pollinators to produce edibles like vegetables, nuts, and fruits. Let’s hit closer to home…1/3 of all the food the average person eats exists in whole/part as a result of pollinators doing their thing. And, those creatures are dependent on having something to visit to get stuff they hold dear like nectar and fruit. Pollination occurs when the animal pays a visit and brushes against the Stamens (male reproductive parts) and Pistils (female reproductive parts) and transfers pollen.
According to the National Academy of Sciences it takes approximately 1.4 million colonies of honeybees to pollinate 550,000 acres of almond trees in California (based off a 2006 report).
A number of events are causing a decline in the species responsible for pollination. Some include: invasive (non-native) species hurting local populations, shifts in climate, and pesticide misuse.
Why you will make a difference: Primarily, you’ll provide habitat/ food for animals and give plants a home and a reproductive boost. There are a number of low-maintenance flowering plants available in your zone. Your local nursery or mega-Home store are great places to get ideas. I have always been fond of the Fragrant Gardenia
Book Review: The Live Earth Global Warming Survival Handbook
May 16, 2008 Author: Greg Ugolini | Filed under: Book Reviews
Author: David de Rothschild
Pages: 160 pages
If you are looking for books that provide eco-friendly tips — I recommend starting with this one. It is easy to read and compliments other books on the green movement. Whether you pick 1 thing to do, or pick 77, it lays out the facts and some simple steps you can do to help, not hinder, the impact on Mother Nature. I found that many of the tips provided are fresh and take a humorous approach to helping the planet become “greener”.
| Let’s face it, the nifty graphics help make the book look cool on and off the shelf. Better yet, a book of tips that keeps your interest. Wow!! I found that I did not want to put the book down after 10 minutes of reading (nor did I start to fall asleep). Its compact size makes it easy to take anywhere and break out while waiting for short periods during (e.g., waiting at my dentist appointment, waiting for food to finish cooking in the microwave, etc, etc, etc. — any Yule Brenner fans?). I give the author props for raising our eco-IQ and 100% carbon offsetting the book’s production/resources via investing in renewable-energy projects. In addition, they used vegetable-based inks to produce the book, use of 100% post-consumer waste paper stock (certified by the Forest Stewardship Council). |
Happy Reading!
Sweet planet!
May 15, 2008 Author: Greg Ugolini | Filed under: Individual ActionsBelieve it. Sugar/artificial sweetener packets (sachets) can be recycled with the rest of your paper. Think of the billions thrown in the trash each year!
Why you will make a difference: You’ll save resources. Take the empty packets home from work, restaurants, your favorite coffee house, etc. and recycle them. And, reduce your use of individually packaged sugar or sweeteners, or use bulk alternatives, to save resources. Already take your own mug/cup with you…you get kudos for the extra effort!
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