IN THIS ISSUE
|
|
|
In The News
|
The Power of the Sun - Kenya, not a place that comes readily to mind as a PV leader is, in fact, just that. With roughly 30,000 small (truly small, 20-100 watts, not kilowatts, per household) systems sold per year, has the world's highest household solar ownership rate, read more. The strength of solar technology is that you can use it in areas where there is no conventional supply of electricity. Without electricity, work & study largely stop at sundown, there is no refrigerator to preserve the food, often the only source of light is from kerosene lamps. A single solar panel powering a light or TV can make a world of difference for a family and connects them to the wider world. Hear more from the Power of the Sun video.
|
|
Inspirational Quotes
|
"If only they made a pesticide for litterbugs!"
~ Monroe County, PA Beautification Organization
“A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone. “
- Henry David Thoreau
"If you want one year of prosperity, plant corn.
If you want ten years of prosperity, plant trees.
If you want one hundred years of prosperity, educate people."
— Chinese proverb
“We are not to throw away those things which can benefit our neighbor. Goods are called good because they can be used for good: they are instruments for good, in the hands of those who use them properly. -Clement of Alexandria
A rind is a terrible thing to waste. Compost. - Bumper sticker
Plastics, like diamonds, are forever! -Capt. Charles Moore, Algalita Marine Research Foundation
|
|
|
Top Stories
|
Our oceans are turning into plastic, are we? By Susan Casey
A vast swath of the Pacific, twice the size of Texas, is full of a plastic stew that is entering the food chain. Scientists say these toxins are causing obesity, infertility...and worse. “Every bit of plastic ever made still exists” Moore says. Truth is, no one knows how long it will take for plastic to biodegrade, or return to its carbon and hydrogen elements. Meanwhile, every year, we churn out about 60 billion tons of it, much of which becomes disposable products meant only for a single use. Read more. From Best Life Magazine.
For an interesting blog on the plastic subject, read this – an excerpt: “refuse to purchase or to accept any plastic toys for your child, period. I know that this sounds harsh and that you risk offending Aunt Edna or whomever, but it’s your job as a parent to look out for your child’s health and wellbeing today, tomorrow, and for the rest of their lives.”
Dispelling popular myths; it’s easy to recycle Myth #1 - Thieves can steal my identity from papers I recycle. While identity theft occurs, it is not as widespread as the media leads you to believe. By shredding important documents and credit card applications, you can safeguard your identity and still recycle. Paper is a valuable commodity and needs to be recycled. Myth #2 - A triangular recycling symbol means it is recyclable, This one is tricky, but it is false-check with your local Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) for exactly what numbers they collect & market. Myth #3 - I have to take all the labels off my jars and cans-false! For more myths, read this.
Moving Out, Moving In, Making Environmental Choices When You Move – This guide suggests environmentally safe alternatives to throwing away unwanted “junk” and shows you how to purchase new items with the environment in mind. Read more.
No Child Left Inside Act - With the nation facing complicated environmental issues that will challenge us for years to come, it is critical that schools provide students with a solid grounding in environmental education. But because of the No Child Left Behind law (NCLB), many schools are scaling back or eliminating environmental education programs. Congress has the opportunity to change this as it reauthorizes NCLB. Learn more about environmental education and NCLB at www.eeNCLB.org .
|
|
Videos
|
The Scale of the Plastic Plague - "Hawai‘i -Message in the Waves" is a film from the BBC Natural History Unit looking at some of the environmental challenges facing the people and wildlife of the Hawaiian Islands. These birds are giving their lives to show us what we’re doing to the ocean. Throw away living may be profitable, but the consequences are intolerable. We just need to work out what’s important to us. View the video, video2, video3.
Recycling Milk Jugs & Used Oil Containers into a Useful Product
Waste Not Technologies, from Saylorsburg, PA demonstrates the process to recycle milk jugs & other plastics into a durable plastic wood fencing product. Video courtesy of WNEP's Home & Backyard Show - view video. FYI – Anyone is welcome to drop off 'clean' kitty litter containers at WNT on weekdays, 9AM - 5PM in Saylorsburg, PA, for more info email us.
|
|
|
|
Green Building & Gifts
|
Fall Fencing Sale from Close the Loop! 10% off Recycled Plastic Wood Post & Rail .
Surfacing Solutions: Rubber Mulch & Tiles, Timbers & Pavers. Close the Loop - Serving the needs of business, schools, military, municipalities & residential consumers with the finest recycled and green products on the market today!
Please give us a call ~ 866.629.8414, or visit us on the web anytime at www.closetheloop.com
Please stop by our booth at GREENFEST & PA ENERGY FEST in September!
|
|
|
Upcoming Events
|
Party Like there IS a Tomorrow at
Philly GreenFest
On Sunday, Sep. 9th, come explore the many ways that Philadelphia is Going Green—or could! Our rocking street festival features music, food, art and more than 100 exhibitors. And we’re still free! Serious Fun! Eat, think and be merry. More info.
PA Renewable Energy Festival – Sep 22,23rd
Our goal is to inform and
educate ourselves and the
public on renewable energy
production, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through meetings, workshops, educational
materials, and energy fairs.
More info.
|
|
|
|