BP oil spill update - Whats happening to the Marine life

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Read more...

Dish washer dilemma

I am not among those who use a dishwasher. I am used to hand washing my dishes, not in running water but in water held in two large containers after the soaping/scrubbing  session(psst...frankly, I do not even know the technique and the optimal dish washer loading patterns...lol). I wrote about my dish washer dilemma >here

I can very well understand if you are among the dishwasher users. I found this article taking about how pre rinsing doesn't help. Do read through and may be it will save time, energy and resources.

Should you pre-rinse your dishes before loading the dishwasher?: By Lori Bongiorno

source: Getty Images

Let me know your thoughts.....

Read more...

Giveaway announcement - Green Bag Lady

Seems like the blogosphere is buzzing with freebies and giveaways. Teresa of Green Bag Lady has announced a giveaway. Please visit her blog for details :) --HERE

 Wishing all good luck

Read more...

An Introduction to Ecocide

During my routine research for my blogs, I came across this wonderful website which has coined a new word and has regular updates on earth related topics. I recommend a read. >>HERE is the link to the site - thisisecocide.com

The site talks about Ecocide. which is translated as :

"A CRIME AGAINST PEACE Ecocide is the extensive destruction, damage to or loss of ecosystem(s) of a given territory, whether by human agency or by other causes, to such an extent that peaceful enjoyment by the inhabitants of that territory has been severely diminished..." source: theecocide.com

Read more...

BP Spill - A comic approach to illustrating the whole issue :-(

Though there is nothing funny about the issue. I wanted to share this video which aptly represents the situation and the irrational approach being applied to solve the problem.

source: ucbcomedy-com & green tv

A serious topic and a comic approach to spreading awareness...hope at least this helps

Read more...

Feature your Great Outdoors on Renest

I wanted to break away from usual and mention an announcement inviting refreshing, earth/life-friendly ideas to do up your outdoor space. You must have designed or planned a perfect outdoor space to enjoy your summer evenings, right. And if you are proud of your space why not share it with the world. Sounds interesting?...Then read on....Apartment Therapy has invited hobby gardeners, landscape designers, and backyard farmers, irrespective of the size of their "canvas", to show off their outdoor space. The projects could include building a tool shed, planting, setting up an entertaining area, and the activities you would plan in your outdoor space.  

What would be featured -

• An outdoor How-To or DIY project 
• Cozy and welcoming outdoor space you've created
• Vegetable garden 
• Balcony /terrace/ roof garden
• Your tips and tricks for eco-friendly outdoor decorating, or gardening

Interested?...here is how you can do it. Send the Renest Division (Green segment of Apartment Therapy) an email at re-nest@apartmenttherapy.com and share your project, space, or tip, include a few pictures. If selected, your outdoor space will find its way among other really wonderful spaces featured on this platform. 


I am sure they do a great job assessing the entries. How am I so sure?... My tiny balcony garden was featured last June (09) (uff I am such a show off!!) 

And this year, they have featured my last year's submission in this announcement.

(Images, clockwise from top left: Bev's Inspiring Country Garden; Sudha's Repurposed Garden Balcony; Toby and Jason's Petite Patio; Nancy's Patio Veggie Garden)

 So Good luck with your outdoor space and your entry.

Read more...

Oil Spill 2010; An introduction

Ever since the Oil spill on the 21st of April 2010. I have been researching and drafting a post on the Mexican Gulf spill /slick. The damage is so extensive that my research is not winding up. I have decided to do a series of posts on the topic.

One look at the amount of damage raise questions and the need for excessive dependence on crude oil and natural gas and the resultant exploration projects across the globe.

source: theage-com

Let me begin with a brief introduction via this video, courtesy: youtube. This is not the recent oil spill but a previous one near the San Fransisco Bay area. So if you thought that oil spills happen only once in a while, think again!!



Recommended read:
Article in huffingtonpost

The fate of Marine life in the gulf



Imagine a hot summer day, and the oil layer hitting a 90 degree C. What do you think it would do to a bird /dolphin/turtle covered in oil? It is like burning/roasting them to death...all when they are alive. Imagine the Planet of Apes and what if we were the victims instead of these harmless creatures?

Just when you may think that you couldnt do anything to help this issue, take one moment out of your life. Think again, we are responsible for the mess. And only WE can make a difference startign with a few minor changes in our lives. We need to revamp our lifestyles and work on our dependence on Crude oil or any other non renewable energy sources.

Let me know what changes you plan to make. Lets give this a serious thought....its high time dont you think?

Read more...

World Environment Day - June 5th

My grandfather used to quote from the Ancient Hindu texts. He always mentioned how we need to respect Mother Earth for supporting life, and also appreciate her for being the patient Mother that she is.

Bhoodevi or Bhoomadevi, as Mother Earth is called (Sanskrith/hindi/tamil/telugu etc), is said to have tremendous amount of tolerance and patience.(How else would she bear the weight of all that is loaded on her, and put up with really horrible children (humans) who care nothing about her well being, and still do what she does...!!). Just because someone is tolerating, does not mean that we take them for granted? I am sure she is fed up of her Human population. We all know that she is responding in her own way. (I do not want to reiterate issues, we all are very aware of them.)

It is time for some concrete action and stop hiding behind - "What Can I Do?" or worse - "My irresponsibility doesn't make a difference"

Environmental issues are as pertinent as the Drug mafia, child abuse or any other social and economic problem we humans face. Infact they are nothing when compared to problems the entire life system on the planet is facing. We need to be ashamed that we are endangering other innocent creatures in the name of better life for ourselves. (if you put one and one together, you would understand that every social and economic issue is directly or indirectly related to one or more eco-related issues). We cannot go back to cave living, but can definitely start with something small in our lives. The sense of accomplishment after one small change, is a great motivater in letting us take the effort a step further. All it takes is trying to use common sense and a little sacrifice (nothing major to begin with)

  source: UNEP

WED and the UN
Each year, June 5th is celebrated as the World Environment Day. This tradition was started by the United Nations. In the year 1972, June 5th was when United Nations Conference on the Human Environment began and was concluded on the June 16th. The first World Environment Day was marked for celebration on 5th June 1973.

United Nation has hosted this celebration in a different city each year. As part of the tradition, the theme, all Earth related, is different each year. (An interesting fact - It is Summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere on June 5th).

WED 2010
Pittsburgh, USA is hosting the celebrations this year. The theme for 2010 - Celebrating the International Bio-diversity of life form (human, flora and fauna). -Many Species. One Planet. One Future - World Environment Day 2010



source: Youtube: UNEP Goodwill Ambassador Gisele Bündchen, supported by a global chorus of real people, brings the World Environment Day 2010 message of action to the world.


 It is another day to reckon, respect and realize what the planet means to every living form and make an attempt to reduce the harrasment we put Mother Earth through.



If these videos do not motivate you to make even a tiny change in your lifestyle for a safe planet, I am not sure what else would. Please share your views and your action plan for a better tomorrow. Let everyday be an Earth Day and a World environment day. Let us celebrate Life and the Silent Support System - Mother Earth!!

Read more...

World Environment day- Green Celebrations at Blogadda

It is The World Environment day on the June 5th. For many, it is just another "DAY" when the green cult goes about asking regular folk to do their bit. hmm...Or is it more than just that? How could you be responsible for a day and feel ok with harassing the planet the rest of the year? A few regular Joes and Janes take it a step further...they dont care ...no day in particular matters.

Source: ideareader.com

Blogger forums are a nice way to meet up and get chatty with fellow bloggers. I never participate in contests organized by any of the groups, however, this time around, it is something I can relate to (for a change!!). Blogadda is organizing a contest to mark the World Environment Day on June 5th. Here is the contest page >>Blogadda

We are required to use the sponsor - Pringoo.com in the post.so here is what I could do...frankly I dont need to win, but would love people to get smarter and less harming on the planet, and thats not just for this week or the day. Will it ever turn a reality...I am hopeful..but things need to be sooner than never.

Someair
Give my world some air to breathe

A very happy environment day in advance. Be sensible ...live better

Read more...

Greenpeace - Save the whale compaign

I am a part of Greenpeace (not surprising!!) and have been working on a campaign to save the whales from commercial whalers. Yes, a practise which was banned 20 years ago has been termed legal by Mr President. The process of killing whales for commercial purposes is going to throw the marine eco system off balance.

This is a mail I got from our Greenpeace network. Thought I need to share it here...

Hi there!

I'm delivering 1.5 MILLION comments in support of whales to the White House tomorrow.  It’s so exciting!

The banners we've made out of your whale cards are so beautiful, and the photos we’ve received are powerful and inspiring.  It’s incredible to see such an outpouring of support.

To make sure that YOUR voice is heard, I need your help – please make a quick phone call to save the whales, and tell all your friends to make a call too!

Here’s the info: 

CALL: White House Comment Line (202) 456-1111

SAY: Hi, my name is _____ and I’m calling from city, state.  I’m calling to ask that you represent Americans at the IWC meeting in June by working to protect the ban on commercial whaling. I'm ashamed that the leader of my country is supporting a cruel pro-whaling position when millions of Americans are deeply against it. Be the leader that you promised by ensuring that the US opposes any deal that legitimizes commercial whaling.

This will REALLY supplement our work tomorrow - we've got to make our voices heard.

Thanks so much for all you do.  Let’s hope that Obama gets the message!

Anna

P.S. You don’t need to be nervous, the President won’t be the one answering the phone :)  Be sure to take one minute to make that call - and let us know that you called!

I hope my friends who are not a part of Greenpeace will try to pitch in. We need to save the whales for our planet to manage its ecology, for us to survive. Lets do our bit.

Read more...