| 12:02 pm - Action: tigers |
 onelittlething There are fewer than 5000 wild tigers left in Asia. China - where tiger products are officially banned - are breeding tigers on farms in the hope that China will soon allow the sale of products from captive bred tigers. More than 4000 semi-tame tigers live on these farms (a disgrace in themselves but that's another issue) and the investors in these tiger businesses are pressuring the Chinese government to allow them to sell tiger products. Reopening even limited legal trade in tiger products from farms would reignite a demand for wild tiger products. It also would give international crime syndicates an easy avenue for "laundering" illegally killed wild tigers from India, Russia and other countries, making law enforcement nearly impossible. In essence, legal trade in tiger products from China's tiger farms would spark an open season on tigers in the wild. Please click the link below to add your name to the campaign to end the trade in tiger products.Two actions: - add a photo to the tiger mosaic which will be presented to delegates from 171 countries at the June meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species - sign the petition to be presented to China's leaders to ask them to keep the tiger products ban in place.http://mail.panda.org/inxmail/url?v0fr000b3tub0bnmo3a3Please copy and paste this to your own journal and email forward this message to your friends. (comment on this) |
| Friday, April 13th, 2007 |
| 6:56 pm - Action: UK wildlife crime |
| onelittlething Metropolitan police budget cuts threaten wildlife crime preventionLondon's Wildlife Crime Unit (WCU) plays a vital role in uncovering and stamping out the illegal trade in endangered species, their body parts and derivatives.WWF have recently learned that Metropolitan Police budget cuts will reduce the WCU by half, severely hampering their fight against wildlife crime.The budget shortfall is a mere £80,000 a year, a drop in the ocean compared to the overall Metropolitan Police Authority budget of £2.5 billion.After habitat destruction, the biggest direct threat to wild species is the global trade in illegal wildlife. It has been estimated that this trade is worth around $5 billion per year.A cut in WCU funding would send out a dangerous signal that wildlife crime is a low priority for London's police force and severely hamper the Unit's ability to combat London's black market for illegal wildlife.The UK is a hub for the global illegal wildlife trade with more than one million items being seized by HM customs between 1996 and 2000.In London, the demand for elephant ivory, traditional medicines containing tigers, shahtoosh shawls and many other endangered species is fuelling demand and pushing some species closer to extinction.The UK is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). CITES strictly controls, or in the case of the rarest species, bans international trade in endangered species, their body parts and derivatives.But without a properly funded WCU it will be almost impossible to uphold the laws protecting endangered species in the UK.Email the Metroplotian Police Assistant Commisioner at http://www.wwf.org.uk/fightwildlifecrime (comment on this) |
| 6:55 pm - Action: save wolves |
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| Wednesday, April 11th, 2007 |
| 10:52 pm - Congo |
| onelittlething Email Hilary Benn MP and ask him to protect the Congo rainforest. Pre-drafted email, just enter your details and click.http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/forests/forests.cfm?ucidparam=20070410184948&CFID=7368223&CFTOKEN=10515999The Congo rainforests of central Africa are a natural wonder we can ill-afford to lose. After the Amazon, it is the second largest rainforest on Earth and a major biodiversity hotspot with species such as gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos. Millions of people also depend on the rainforest for their survival and like all large forests, it is crucially important for regulating the local and global climate.In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this natural wonder is under threat. International logging companies are causing social chaos and wreaking environmental havoc. The World Bank, by far the largest donor to the DRC, is failing to stop this destruction whilst the rainforest is being sold off under the illusion that it will alleviate poverty in one of the poorest countries on Earth.Moreover, our investigations have shown that taxes paid by the logging companies, which are supposed to fund essential services like schools and hospitals for local communities, are not filtering back to local communities. Furthermore, the logging companies are entering into agreements directly with local people who, in return for timber worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, are receiving gifts of beer, salt and sugar which can be worth no more than $100.Hilary Benn, Secretary of State at the Department for International Development, is the UK governor of the World Bank and is attending the spring meeting this weekend. Write to him now and ask him to use his influence to ensure there is a real future for the rainforest with proper safeguards put in place to protect it. (comment on this) |
| Tuesday, March 6th, 2007 |
| 11:29 pm |
 misskiddvicious "There are certain facts that some republicans will refuse to believe simply because they were presented by Al Gore." (comment on this) |
| Monday, February 19th, 2007 |
| 2:15 pm |
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| Sunday, October 15th, 2006 |
| 10:31 pm - ideal bite |
| dolmadez I just found out about this website via the weekly Veg Web newsletter. Ideal BiteAbout UsThe concept behind Ideal Bite is an easy one — if we all knew what to do in our day-to-day lives to help impact the planet and our communities positively and painlessly (and without preachiness), we would all do it. And if that know-how came to us in a fun, pithy, sometimes irreverent way — so much the better. With that in mind, Ideal Bite was created in early 2005 as the ultimate online source of clever ideas that are good for both people and the planet. We empower our readers through tips, opinionated editorial and lively interaction. Facts and suggestions on green food, travel, products, services, and more are spoon-fed daily via email, and our editors' personal stories about using those tips are found in daily blog postings. The mission is to create a sustainable economy. The approach is real, and really fun. Ideal Bite is a sassier shade of green. (2 comments | comment on this) |
| Saturday, September 16th, 2006 |
| 12:00 am |
| misskiddvicious at Office Depot they sell paper towels made from all recycled materials, and printer/fax/copier paper that is form recycled materials as well. and the paper is less expensive than all the other brands they have in the store.hereandhere (comment on this) |
| Monday, September 4th, 2006 |
| 8:27 pm - an inquiry. |
 adieu___ I'm a senior in high school, and it seems like all of my friends know where they're going to school next year. Some have already applied and been accepted into the college/university of their choice!A few months ago, I knew exactly where I wanted to go to school. I had it all planned out.Then I decided I didn't want to be an art major anymore. Now I've had to start over on the whole college-search thing.I'm now looking for schools with Environmental Studies programs. Does anyone have any to suggest? I'd like to go to a smaller school, somewhere in the US, so keep that in mind.Thank you in advance! (7 comments | comment on this) |
| Friday, September 1st, 2006 |
| 10:27 pm |
| misskiddvicious I'm currently taking a science class at Buffalo State College called The Environment, Pollution, and Society. If any of you are in college, I HIGHLY suggest that you look for a similar course. It is AMAZING. Here's two things I came up with while in class today.-When you go to the grocery store, ask for paper, not plastic. You can recycle the paper. The plastic will last forever (I honestly never evn thought of this until my professor mentioned it. I just automatically take plastic without giving it a second thought.)-If you go to the convenient store to pick up one small item, just tell them you don't need a bag. I don't think it's too hard to carry something 20 feet to your car without a bag.We also got these two things in class today for free. I think they are AMAZING. I wish they sold them in every store.http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/08/earthmate_penci.php (2 comments | comment on this) |
| Thursday, August 31st, 2006 |
| 3:20 pm |
| misskiddvicious The amount of food people in the US throw away each day is enough to feed all of the hungry people in the world for an entire day.Just keep that in mind. (1 comment | comment on this) |
| Monday, July 31st, 2006 |
| 3:42 pm |
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| Thursday, June 1st, 2006 |
| 4:34 pm - Links worth your time. Sorry if you've seem them. |
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| Friday, March 24th, 2006 |
| 8:37 pm - Beer and the Environment |
 thekimik So this wednesday, March 22th was World Water Day, and I've been thinking about some aspects of our culture that environmentalists never seem to touch on when they talk about reducing impacts to the earth. Our society seems to find an endless list of ways to waste water, and some of that water may be wasted simply by our food consumption habits - and I'm not just talking about the comsumption of coca cola or pepsi.One of these issues that came up was our consumption of beer. I don't have any statistics, but based on the mass worldwide consumption beer, I wondered how many acres of land are used to produce the Barely and Hops that goes into making one of our oldest and most favoured beverages. People talk about food crises and the lack of food available to people in the 3rd world. Well, how fair is it that we grow what is probably hundreds of thousands of acres of barely/hops crops, and extract thousands of gallons of water to produce a beverage that leaves us stupefied and dehydrated, and sadly in some cases, even dead. I'm not trying to be one of those moral anti-alcohol straight edge purists, seeing as I drink beer and other alcoholic beverages all of the time - I was just trying to work out the actual logistics of drinking beer when when we focus so heavily on other environmental issues. Just some food for thought. (3 comments | comment on this) |
| Sunday, March 5th, 2006 |
| 1:10 pm - Seventh Generation |
 jmpovrthemoon23 I stumbled across an easy way to decrease pollution and increase recycling while at the grocery store the other day. My grandmother found this paper towel brand called Seventh Generation. The paper towels are made from 100% recycled paper, use no dyes, and are whitened without the use of chlorine bleach. The best part is that they can be found in the regular grocery store and are priced the same as all the other paper towel brands. They have a really cool quote on the packaging which I will leave you with, _"In our very deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations."_-From the Great Law of The Iroquois Confederacycurrent mood:  busy (2 comments | comment on this) |
| Thursday, January 26th, 2006 |
| 1:07 pm - Welcome to the Greenpeace Organizing Team |
 greenpeacegroup Please join us for...A Semester of Action!The Greenpeace Organizing Team would like to invite you to be trained hands-on to become and environmental leader. We are inviting you to join a program that includes international travel, one-on-one training, and an incredible amount of fun!Professional Training:There are over 50 cutting-edge training in grassroots organizing, campaign skills, media strategy, and direct action. You will be trained by America's top environmental leaders in every issue from planning national campaigns to learning to drive the Greenpeace boats.Travel Abroad:There will be one week of of travel to meet international activists. In the past they have traveled to the Greenpeace headquarters in Amsterdam, and Paris to take part in a 500-person peace sign.The Campaigns:This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with a real Greenpeace campaign!Tuition and Credit:Tuition: $3,500, and limited scholarships are available on a need or merit base. The tuition covers training expenses, books and materials, cost during travel abroad including flight, food, and lodging.Credit: This is something you are going to want to work out with your school Try to receive credit as an independent study or internship.The Details:What: Action filled semester and the BEST hands-on training you can get to become an environmental leader.Who: You and 5-10 other top students from across the country.When:Summer 2006: May 29t-Aug 4Fall 2006: Sept 18-Dec 15Where:Washington D.C. (Summer and Fall) and San Francisco (Fall)You Get: Great skills, international travel experience, and life-longfriends!Who Should Apply:Students who are passionate, smart, visionary, and interested in protecting the environment. Rising freshmen and sophomores are preferred. Greenpeace strongly encourages applications from a variety of people. The best part is NO prior experience is necessary!How to Apply:Log onto: www.greenpeaceusa.org/gotAdmissions are rolling, and two-thirds of the program participants are accepted through early admission.Early Admission Deadline: Feb 3Regular Deadline: Feb 24Please help us gain a green and peaceful future! (1 comment | comment on this) |
| Monday, January 16th, 2006 |
| 11:07 am |
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| Monday, November 14th, 2005 |
| 1:40 pm |
 _wingsofsteel_ Co-op have put together a list of 10 things you couldn't buy to help the environment: http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/shopunshop/unshopping/neverbuy.cfmTen Things You Should Never Buy Again1. Styrofoam cupsStyrofoam is forever. It's not biodegradable.Alternative: Buy recyclable and compostable paper cups.Best option: Invest in some reusable mugs that you can take with you. 2. Paper towelsPaper towels waste forest resources, landfill space, and your money.Alternative: When you do buy paper towels, look for recycled, non-bleached products. Search the National Green Pages™ for recycled paper products. Best option: Buy dishtowels or rags to wash and reuse. 3. Bleached coffee filtersDioxins, chemicals formed during the chlorine bleaching process, contaminate groundwater and air and are linked to cancer in humans and animals.Alternative: Look for unbleached paper filters.Best Option: Use reusable filters such as washable cloth filters. 4. Overpackaged foods and other productsExcess packaging wastes resources and costs you much more. Around thirty three percent of trash in the average American household comes from packaging.Alternative: Buy products with minimal or reusable packaging.Best Option: Buy in bulk and use your own containers when shopping.5. Teak and mahoganyEvery year, 27 million acres of tropical rainforest (an area the size of Ohio) are destroyed. Rainforests cover 6% of Earth’s surface and are home to over half of the world’s wild plant, animal, and insect species. The Amazon rainforest produces 40 percent of the world’s oxygen. Alternative: Look for Forest Stewardship Council certified wood.Best Option: Reuse wood, and buy furniture and other products made from used or salvaged wood.Learn how to become WoodWise at home and in your office »6.Chemical pesticides and herbicidesAmerican households use 80 million pounds of pesticides each year. The EPA found at least one pesticide in almost every water and fish sample from streams and in more than one-half of shallow wells sampled in agricultural and urban areas. These chemicals pose threats to animals and people, especially children. Alternatives: Buy organic pest controllers such as diatomaceous earth.Best Option: Plant native plants and practice integrated pest management. Plant flowers and herbs that act as natural pesticides.7. Conventional household cleaners Household products can contain hazardous ingredients such as organic solvents and petroleum-based chemicals that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your indoor environment, positing a particular danger for children. The average American household has three to ten of hazardous matter in the home.Alternative: Look for nontoxic, vegetable-based, biodegradeable cleaners. Best Option: Try making your own green cleaner using vinegar, water, and castile soap. Find safe, green cleaners in the National Green Pages™» 8. Higher octane gas than you needOnly one car in ten manufactured since 1982 requires high-octane gasoline. High-octane gas releases more hazardous pollutants into the air, and may be bad for your car. Alternative: Buy the lowest-octane gas your car requires as listed in your owner's manualBest option: Make your next car purchase a hybrid. Or ditch the car and take public transportation, ride a bike, or walk. Learn more about green transportation » 9. Toys made with PVC plastic70% of PVC is used in construction, but it is also found in everyday plastics, including some children’s toys. Vinyl chloride, the chemical used to make PVC, is a known human carcinogen. Also, additives, such as lead and cadmium, are sometimes added to PVC to keep it from breaking down; these additives can be particularly dangerous in children’s toys. PVC is also the least recycled plastic.Alternative: Avoid plastics that are labeled as “PVC” or “#3.” Look for #1 and #2 plastics, which are easier to recycle and don’t produce as many toxins. Use sustainable construction materials.Best option: Take action to tell manufacturers to stop using PVC plastics, especially in children’s toys.Find safe toys in the National Green Pages™ » 10. Plastic forks and spoonsDisposable plastic utensils are not biodegradeable and not recyclable in most areas.Alternative: Use compostable food service items. Companies such as Biocorp make cutlery from plant materials such as corn starch and cellulose.Best option: Carry your own utensils and food containers. (comment on this) |
| Saturday, November 12th, 2005 |
| 8:45 pm - PeacePledge community |
 daharja This is a short advertisement for  peacepledge - a community for people all across the globe who are willing to take a pledge of peace in their lives.The Peace Pledge: Peace: I will work in my life for peace and understanding between all peoples.Ahimsa: I will not take any life - be it human or animal - nor will I allow others to do so in my stead.Gaia: I will respect the earth, which is our home, and support those who protect it.Honesty: I will not speak dishonestly about other people, spread rumours or dissent.Charity: I will help those who are in need and who suffer.Non-violence: I will not wage war or support it in any form.Respect: I believe that all religions are worthy of respect.Clarity: I will not take intoxicants in any form. (comment on this) |
| Monday, October 24th, 2005 |
| 8:56 pm - WJD |
_wingsofsteel_ This is quite a strange idea World Jump Day is taking place on July 20th 2006."Scientific research has proven that this change of planetary positioning would very likely stop global warming, extend day-time hours and a more homogenous climate."I just hope that it does work, as there seems to be more and more problems because of global warming. Hopefully there isnt a negative effect from what they hope to be 600 million people jumping! (4 comments | comment on this) |