22 April 2012
Posted in Earth Day

Want to measure your own "Eco-Impact"?  Take this quiz by Conservation International.  Just click on the logo below to begin!

22 April 2012
Posted in Earth Day

Finishing up our Earth Day piece with a look at climate change. This is a controversial topic, so we thought we'd give you a video in support of and a video opposed to the notion of man-made climate change.

Here's the view supporting the notion of man-made climate change from former Vice President Al Gore:

Here's a video opposed to the theory of man-made climate change by Senator Jim Inhofe:

22 April 2012
Posted in Earth Day

More trees equal better air quality and no organization is more involved with trees than the Arbor Day Foundation.  The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, celebrate and nurture trees.  The organization began in 1972 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Arbor Day.  Each year, the Arbor Day Foundation plants and distributes more than 10 million trees each year.

On a global level, they help to preserve rain forest land through the Rain Forest Rescue program. So far, more than 48,000 acres of rain forest land have been preserved through the Foundation’s efforts.  Closer to home, the organization works with the U.S. Forest Service to plant trees in America’s national forests and the National Association of State Foresters to plant trees in state forests. Since 1990, more than 20 million forestland trees have been planted.  On the local front, the Arbor Day Foundation recognizes more than 3,300 communities through the Tree City USA program, which honors cities and towns that are committed to planting and nurturing trees.

As part of an outreach program to children, the organization provides resources for childcare centers, elementary schools, preschools and parks to connect children with nature through the Foundation’s comprehensive Nature Explore Program.  You might remember the exhibit we hosted, Exploring Trees Inside and Out.  This exhibit was developed by the Arbor Day Foundation.

To find out more, visit the Arbor Day Foundation at www.arborday.org.

22 April 2012
Posted in Earth Day

Sometimes, it's easy to think that it takes a huge effort to change the environment.  In reality, it only takes a few small steps from everyone.  Here are ten things you can do today to help conserve the air around you!

1. Combine errands to reduce "cold starts" of your car and avoid extended idling.
2. Shop by phone, mail or Internet.
3. Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at fast-food restaurants or banks. Park your car and go in.
4. Accelerate gradually, maintain speed limit and use cruise control on the highway.
5. Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned.
6. Fill gas tank during cooler evening hours to cut down on evaporation.
7. Avoid spilling gas and don't "top off" the tank. Replace gas tank cap tightly.
8. Don't ignore the "check engine" or "service engine soon" light if it comes on. Make an appointment with your repair technician for diagnosis soon.
9. Replace your car's oil regularly.  Use an energy-conserving (E.C.) grade of motor oil.
10. Replace your car's air filter and oil regularly.