Benefits of Paper Recycling

The environmental benefits of paper recycling are many. Paper recycling:

• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that can contribute to climate change by avoiding methane emissions and reducing energy required for a number of paper products.
• Extends the fiber supply and contributes to carbon sequestration.
• Saves considerable landfill space.
• Reduces energy and water consumption.
• Decreases the need for disposal (i.e., landfill or incineration which decreases the amount of CO2 produced).

On the other hand, when trees are harvested for papermaking, carbon is released, generally in the form of carbon dioxide. When the rate of carbon absorption exceeds the rate of release, carbon is said to be “sequestered.” This carbon sequestration reduces greenhouse gas concentrations by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Recycling one ton of paper would:

• Save enough energy to power the average American home for six months.
• Save 7,000 gallons of water.
• Save 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one metric ton of carbon equivalent (MTCE).

Sources:

• Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: Facts and Figures
• Abitibi Paper Retriever
• Energy Information Administration Kid’s Page
• US EPA Waste Reduction Model (WARM)

Plant Street Trees to Clean the Air

By Dan Shapley

Planting trees is good for the environment, good for the soul, good for the local economy... and, it turns out, even better for our health than previously thought.

A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that trees and other green plants can reduce two key air pollutants eight times more than previously known.

Nitrogen dioxide and fine particulates are two key components of smog and soot, which can damage lungs, make outdoor exercise unsafe and send asthmatics running to the emergency room at high rates. Both pollutants, however, can be reduced by as much as 40% (nitrogen dioxide) to 60% (fine particulates) if trees, shrubs, ivy and even grass are planted in so-called "urban street canyons." Trees, in fact, may be less effective than smaller greenery, since pollutants may be trapped beneath the tree canopy in some cases.

While city dwellers, particularly renters, often don't have the right to plant trees or other greenery outside their buildings, we can all urge neighborhood associations, co-op boards and local governments to invest in plantings that beautify the streetscape and cleanse the air. Outside of cities, homeowners should take note of local codes before planting street trees, too.

Trees, of course, have many benefits, in urban, suburban or rural environments. Strategically planted, trees can also reduce home energy use by as much as 30%, according to the Arbor Day Foundation, and street trees may boost home values in the neighborhood by more than $10,000, according to a 2010 Forest Service study.

Read more: Street Trees Reduce Air Pollution - Benefits of Planting Trees - The Daily Green
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Keep A Pitcher of Water In Your Fridge

Enjoy a surprising number of energy savings with this simple tip.

By Brian Clark Howard

Such a simple action as filling a container of water from the tap and placing it in your refrigerator provides several benefits in terms of energy and water savings, as well as your health.

For one thing, a pitcher full of water will help your refrigerator keep your food cool more efficiently, much like how a cold ice pack works in a cooler. Also, whenever you want a glass of water, you won't have to let the tap run for a few moments to obtain a cool temperature, cutting down on waste. You won't need as much ice, which requires energy to make.

Having cold water at the ready will discourage you from reaching for disposable plastic water bottles, which have a sizable environmental footprint to produce, ship and store.

You'll also be likely to drink more water, keeping hydrated while avoiding sugar-loaded sodas and other alternatives. Plus, when tap water sits for a while (particularly when uncovered), much of the chlorine that is present from the filtration plant evaporates out. This means you're enjoying a tastier drink, and cutting down on the toxins, extremely dilute though they may be, that enter your body. Doesn't that sound refreshing?

Read more: Water in Refrigerator - Water in Fridge - The Daily Green
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Friday Funny

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More on Wetlands

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The importance of Wetlands!

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Mosquitoes

August 2013

SUMMER IS HERE AND SO ARE THE MOSQUITOES

Why Mosquitoes Annoy Us:

All mosquitoes must have water in which to complete their life cycle. Female mosquitoes need blood to obtain nutrients to help develop and lay their eggs, and really don't mean anything personal when they attack. That's no consolation if you're the one being bitten, of course. The mosquito bite itself isn't horribly painful, and may even go unnoticed. The truly annoying part of being a mosquito meal comes in the hours and days to follow, when those red, itchy bumps make us reach for the calamine lotion. As an added annoyance, mosquitoes like to buzz around your head, letting you know another bite is coming shortly.

7 Steps to Help Get Rid of Mosquitoes:
1.    Reduce the problem: get rid of standing water, fix leaks, and throw away old tires or other trash that holds water. Keep shrubs trimmed; keep ground cover and grass cut short.

2.    Keep mosquitoes out: keep window screens and door closed, stay inside when a lot of mosquitoes are biting

3.    Cover up: wear light colored clothes, long pants, long sleeved shirts and loose fitting clothes.

4.    Keep mosquitoes away: sitting in front of a fan will help keep mosquitoes away and burn citronella candles. Ultrasonic devices and ultraviolet do not help control mosquitoes.

5.    Use repellents wisely: repellents keep mosquitoes from biting you. Some repellents may make you sick if you do not use them the right way. The most effective mosquito repellents contain Deet.

6.    Kill mosquitoes in the house: if a mosquito is in the house, you can kill it with a flyswatter or newspaper.  Cook and eat with garlic, mosquitoes do not like the smell. You should not use pesticides indoors to control mosquitoes.

7.    Kill mosquitoes outdoors: foggers can provide relief for a short time from adult mosquitoes in the yard. Always follow all of the directions on the pesticide label. Get a bird feeder, the birds will eat the mosquitoes.

Mosquito Repellents

Repellents With Chemicals:   
•    Deet 23% & up
•    IR3535 / Avon Skin So Soft
•    Deck-Mate / Mosquito Repellent
•    Mosquito Traps                                                                                                

Repellents Without Chemicals: 
•    Citronella Plant
•    Citronella Oil
•    Cedar Oil
•    Peppermint Oil
•    Lemon Grass Oil
•    Soybean Oil
•    Garlic  Oil


For More information contact your Local Health Department or County Extension Office

http://www.communitygarden.org/