In 2001, the Roadless Area Conservation Rule was adopted by the U.S. Forest Service, protecting approximately 58.5 million acres of the nation’s remaining wild-lands. Under this rule, protected areas are safe from logging, mining, and other practices that damage the integrity of conservation land. Though there are access roads interspersed throughout these areas, allowing for multiple recreational activities, the rule keeps areas safe from the construction of splinter roads and highways, which can lead to erosion, pollution, and the loss of native species. Still, visitors are able to go hiking, sightseeing, fishing, and more amidst the unrivaled backdrop of unspoilt… read more

This morning, David, an old family friend in his eighties, shared with me a childhood story of growing silk worms. As a little boy, he would gather a pile of mulberry leaves, stuff them into a shoe box, and hide half a dozen small caterpillars beneath the foliage. The creatures were the object of fascination for David as a little boy. He would marvel at the caterpillars’ ravenous appetites as they devoured box after box of mulberry leaves. With every mouthful, the caterpillars grew fatter. Eventually the little critters grew thicker than David’s thumb. When the caterpillars were fat and… read more

As the search for further energy in Europe escalates, the United Kingdom report concludes that £850 billion may be needed in investment in order to prevent Europe descending into an energy deficit. The report, lasting eight months, was aimed at analyzing the infrastructure and consequent availability of European energy sources. The report commented that investors were lukewarm about injecting cash due to a lack of cohesive energy policy at European Union level. Trading in emissions was also criticized as not having enough backing by European countries. The committee producing the energy report looked at fishing, farming, general ecology and sources of energy and invited… read more

Pesticides aren’t popular in the UK at the moment, particularly with bees, after researchers showed a significant link between pesticides and a dramatic reduction in numbers of bees. The European Union isn’t in consensus with data but no one doubts that the population of bees is falling significantly. The UK was vastly outnumbered in an EU vote to ban a specific pesticide that is thought to harm and kill bees, but those in favour did not a secure a majority win. EU regulations now dictate that legislation be brought in and strongly regulate the chemical’s use – from this the… read more

Human beings are composed of 70 percent water, so it is vital to stay hydrated. In today’s world we have many options for doing so. Modern conveniences allow us to purchase drinks to go, in a variety of containers. Many containers are made of plastic and discarded. Still, there are environmentally friendly choices you can make when purchasing commercial beverages. It is estimated that Americans spend $11.7 billion per year on soft drinks. When buying soft drinks, make sure to get them in cans or glass bottles that can be recycled. Aluminum cans are 100 percent recycle-able so there is… read more

At its highest flow-cycle, the Gulf Stream’s current is over a hundred times more powerful than all the rivers and canals on Earth. Such a powerful resource has been seized upon as a potential site for extensive renewable energy infrastructure, yet many scientists are sounding the alarm that changes in the Arctic may render the Gulf Stream a hazard to Western Europe’s weather. The Stream is a welcome gift from Florida, bringing warmer weather to the the European continent, were it not for the Gulf Stream, countries such as the United Kingdom and The Netherlands would simply not be as… read more

With more and more opting for greener lifestyles, environmental concerns are obviously the driving factor. The request and popularity of green merchandise has compelled companies to listen, making more choices available. However, with increased exposure and demand is there also a silent cost added to the consumer? Are we being tricked into thinking we need to have all the latest in green gear in order to do our part and be environmentally responsible? Does our need to accrue better products precede our need to be more mindful of what being environmentally accountable is more capable of, instead of only what can… read more

This isn’t just another story of how recycled materials have been turned into new items. In a dumping ground alongside the Paraguay River where over 1,500 tons of waste enters everyday, polluting the waterways which are also the area’s drinking supply, are where around 500 recycling workers and their children hunt through castoffs and refuse, continually digging and sorting. Often referred to as a sea of garbage, the murky slum of Cateura, Paraguay is one of the poorest zones in the region, causing the polluted landfill the area is built upon to be the main source of available livelihood for… read more

Reuse centers and warehouses accept donations and gather items that are still in usable condition, then offer them at economical prices for resale. Many are non-profit organizations that are available to the public for shopping, although some are only open to specialty customers, such as schools, construction industries or other particular businesses. In order to keep perfectly good items from local landfills, reuse supply centers generally operate by collecting and then offering materials at affordable prices, thus providing the community with needed, reasonably priced products. The inventory is continuously changing as new merchandise and contributions are received, but some available items… read more

Once upon a time, exemplary education involved an “expert” imparting words of wisdom upon the passive student who simply listened to, and processed new information and ideas. Dissemination was the key to learning, and learning happened by default. Thankfully, the world of education has changed…at least in principle. Today, amid increased awareness of the importance of education in social change for sustainability, learners are now viewed as active participants in their own development (and the development of their local communities). Today, educators need to be facilitators more-so than the traditional “sage on stage”. Within environmental education for sustainability, the focus has… read more