Green Sexy

The Brazil Nut Tree: An Amazing Arbor Day Story

What follows is an amazing Arbor Day story...

The show Nature: Deep Jungle on PBS discussed, among many fascinating topics, the amazing story of the Brazil nut tree. 

You may enjoy eating Brazil nuts and you may be consuming them because of their health benefits, but you may not know that it is a miracle that Brazil nuts even make it into our mouths.  First of all, the fruit of the Brazil nut tree, which contains up to twelve Brazil nuts, weighs up to 5 pounds and falls from the treetop (Brazil nut trees grow to be 200 feet tall) at 50 miles per hour.  The fruit is incredibly hard, and it appears that it would be impossible for any animal to crack this shell, so how does this tree propogate?  Also, "it wasn't clear why only (Brazil nut) trees in undisturbed forests bear fruit."  This last point is very important, for this fact prevents Brazil nut harvesters from clear cutting the forest around the Brazil nut trees, lest they want to endanger this $50 million dollar a year crop. 

Anyway, returning to the mystery of what animal could crack the seemingly impervious shell of the Brazil nut tree's fruit, scientists discovered that the agouti, a guinea-pig-like animal, has extremely strong jaws with razor-sharp teeth that can penetrate the shell.  Without the this one animal, the Brazil nut would perish, which goes to show the delicate balance of the rain forest.

Also, the Brazil nut tree can ony produce fruit in undisturbed forests because of an amazing an unlikely interplay between bees and orchids.  As intimated on the Nature site:

"Orchid bees visit flowering Brazil nut trees to collect nectar; as they buzz about feeding, the bees inadvertently carry pollen from tree to tree, fertilizing the flowers and helping the trees produce nuts. For the bees to survive, however, the males must attract mates, and to do that, the male bees need fragrance from a particular orchid to attract female bees. If the forest is damaged and the orchids disappear, so will the bees -- and the Brazil nuts."

This is such an amazing tale of symbiosis and goes to show that if you destroy or negatively impact one aspect of an ecosystem, you will affect some seemingly unrelated part of that ecosystem.

So, if you can, try to plant a tree on this Arbor Day, or at least take some time to enjoy these majestic beauties.      

There Goes the Neighborhood...

Ah, propaganda at its best---George Orwell would be proud.  A USA Today article details how major retailers are advertising themselves as being part of your neighborhood, and not just an impersonal and wasteful capitalist venture.  These corporations are trying to tap into peoples' need to feel like they belong somewhere---and that somewhere is in the loving arms of Wal-Mart, which is opening smaller-scale suburban stores called "Wal-Mart Neighborhood Markets".  Ah, sounds quaint doesn't it?  Now instead of taking over huge plots of land where trees used to live, Wal-Mart can now infiltrate your main street and stab the town right at its heart! 

Hey, and how about Lowe's, which is calling itself your neighborhood hardware store?  Heck, last time I was in Lowe's, I felt like it was a neighborhood in itself!  I quickly got lost, and when they finally found me  somewhere behind the rolls of carpet, I had a beard ten inches long and was holding a volleyball I had named Wilson! 

Ah, yes, and no jaunt around the neighborhood could be complete without getting some good 'ol home cooked goodness at Applebee's, whose new slogan is "It's a whole new neighborhood"!  Yeah, it certainly became a whole new neighborhood when Applebee's squeezed the locally-owned diner out of business in the plaza where my wife works.  Aw, shucks---thanks, neighbor!

What Can You Do On Earth Day 2008?

Here's a tidbit of information I got from the 2007/2008 Chet The Cheetah Environmental Calendar that I received at the Color Brighton Green event I attended with my wife back in January:

"Did U Know:  One mile= 5,280 feet.  If people walk one mile along a highway, they would find about 1,320 pieces of trash.  How many pieces of trash would they find per foot?  What can they do about it?  Pick it up!"

So, this Earth Day, go for a walk, breathe in that nice spring air, and bring a bag with you so you can pick up some trash along the way.  Nothing like getting fit and helping keep your neighborhood clean at the same time!  Who knows---maybe this will become a new routine for you?

Are Reusable Water Bottles Not Safe?

First, allow me to say "Aaaarrrghh!" 

Okay...I'm okay now.  It took me a while to break the addiction to buying cases of bottled water in favor of using a reusable bottle to transport water in.  I was just beginning to feel good about myself for reducing my plastic consumption, but now I come to find out that a good number of reusable plastic water bottles constructed of polycarbonate plastic contain an organic compound called bisphenol-A, or BPA.  In recent scientific studies, BPA has been potentially linked to hormonal imbalances, risk of cancer, fertility issues and other health problems.  In fact, in a study released just last Tuesday by the National Toxicology Program, BPA was given a mid-range level of risk and scientists acknowledged that "the possibility that bisphenol A may alter human development cannot be dismissed".  Bisphenol-A is also present in the lining of many canned goods (including soda), plastic bottles/containers, baby bottles, cds, dvds, eyeglasses, dental sealants, and other common household items.  How many people who utilize a reusable plastic water bottle are using one that contains BPA?  Probably a very large percentage.  What I'm talking about is the kind of plastic bottle that has a #7 on the bottom of it.  Take a moment to turn your bottle over...see it?  Okay.  Yes, my wife and I own a few ourselves. 

In response to the bad press, Nalgene, a sport-bottle maker out of Fairport and Rochester, NY, had originally planned to quell consumers' fears over the recent BPA report by launching a new website that lists statistics about each of its products.  Shortly after the website's launch, Nalgene decided it would be more prudent and proactive to pull all of its products containing BPA immediately off store shelves.   How long until other manufacturers follow suit?  Until more definitive research comes out, it may be a long time coming.

So, looking to replace your current #7 reusable water bottle?  One option is to go for plastics with BPA safe numbers on them, like ones that read #2HDPE or #5PP on the bottom.   You could also buy stylish and durable aluminum or stainless steel water bottles, like those made by SIGG, Klean Kanteen, or those offered by Nalgene---sure, they're a bit pricier (in the $20+ range), but they'll last longer than the traditional plastic bottles, they're chemical-safe, and you'll look really cool and stylish using these Green Sexy products!

BP Is Gettin' Greener With Solar Energy!

While driving through Maryland on a recent trip to Washington, D.C., we noticed a BP Solar plant being built right off the side of the highway.  This was a glorious sight to see, and upon returning home, I promptly rushed to the computer to try to learn more about this exciting development.  On its website, BP claims that  "To date BP Solar modules installed worldwide will offset more than 14 million metric tons of CO2 during their lifetime.  That's the equivalent of planting more than five million acres of trees!"  BP also is involved in other alternative energies such as wind and hydroelectric power.   

It is evident that oil companies are desperately trying to rework their image around the world, as the world around them has gained a better environmental focus.  I know that BP has been revamping its advertising campaign to herald its foray into a greener world, from its redesigned logo, which was inspired by a sunflower, to its attribution of the words "Beyond Petroleum" to its acronym "BP".  BP has also "brightened up" its gas stations, making sure the primary colors you see are green and white, and the stations are very well-lit.  Also, BP has replaced its plastic bags with paper bags.

In any case, it is good to know that BP's transformation is not purely cosmetic, but has some true substance behind it.  Yes, maybe someday we can all move "beyond petroleum", and companies like BP might be leading the way!

Candles---Beautiful, Relaxing, Aromatic...HARMFUL?!?

** Update...we just got a reference in the Chicago Tribune web edition. In in their Green Buzz regarding eco-friendly candles. Check it out!**

Americans have the luxury of electricity, so candles have largely become a novelty, useful for illuminating romantic dinners or for helping to soothe the soul at the end of a long day.  As a result, some stores like Yankee Candle charge exorbitant rates for these waxy creations.  Other candle manufacturers have made a fortune touting candles' supposed aromatically-therapeutic effects.

One thing that never gets discussed is the fact that many traditional candles---especially scented candles---contain and release noxious chemicals when burned.  According to E/The Environmental Magazine, many scented candles release phthalates, which are chemicals that are linked to the disruption of hormonal systems and other health issues.  Other harmful chemicals that burning candles can release are acetaldehyde, formaldehyde and naphthalene. 

People have become very aware and proactive about getting the lead out of their homes by removing old lead paint from their walls.  However, few are aware that many candlewicks contain lead---specifically the wicks with the stiff metal center.  If you have candles with such wicks, refrain from burning them and replace them with candles with soft cotton wicks.

In this day of record-setting oil prices, a good number of Americans have begun to take measures to help reduce the United States' dependence on foreign oil---from driving less to saying no to plastic bags at the grocery store---we are certainly more conscious of the role we play in this issue.  So, did you know that you can also help mitigate the oil crisis by not buying paraffin-based candles?  How so?  Paraffin-based candles are "made from waxes derived in the process of refining crude oil and literally consist of hydrocarbons."

So, what is a candle lover to do?  One option is to buy soy-based candles, which are made from plant waste.  Beeswax candles are another natural option.  For those aromatherapy addicts, buy scented candles that use only pure plant essential oils.  Check out these candle makers for a more Earth-friendly option:  Bluecorn Naturals, Honeyflow Farm, Vermont Soy Candles, and Aveda.

 

Proposed Wind Farm: Hamlin, NY, part 2

On Thursday, April 10th, 2008, I attended a public hearing on the Hamlin town board's proposed wind tower regulations.  This is the second public hearing (here's a link to part 1) on this issue that I've attended, and both were emotionally-charged affairs.  The majority of the residents who had signed up to have their say in Thursday's hearing were in opposition to having a windmill farm in the town of Hamlin.  Citing the need to "preserve the town's rural character", more than one resident expressed the opinion that a windmill farm would transform the largely rural town into an "industrial area".   Others, in essence, accused the town board of having a vested financial interest in the project or of being intimidated by the windmill company or by the threat of lawsuits brought on by landowners who have already entered into agreements with the said company.

The most impassioned pleas came from some of the residents who would live directly in the area where the towers would go up.  The biggest point of contention is the town board's proposal that windmills have a minimum setback of 1,200 feet from any residence and 600 feet from any roadway or property line.  Paul Carr, a professor of engineering management at Cornell University, called those distances "dangerously inadequate", citing the dangerous prospect of ice chunks being flung far off the blades or the possibility of a blade breaking.  He expressed the opinion that "setbacks for these towers should be at least four times the height of a tower."  Thus, if the height of the tower was 400 feet tall, then the setback should be at least 1,600 feet.  Many residents of the town are pushing for a setback of 1,700 feet, not from the residence, but rather from the property line.  Other concerns raised were things like light flicker, sound pollution, aesthetic issues and how that might impact home owners' property values, and general concerns about health and well-being.

With many waving signs that read "1,700 foot property line setbacks" and "Protect the People", the message conveyed by the majority of the residents who spoke at the hearing was pretty clear---we don't want a windmill farm in our town.  So, were there any in attendance who spoke in favor of the prospect of windmills in Hamlin?  Yes, there were a few...and by a few I mean about four out of the thirty-plus people who chose to speak.  One man cited the fact that government subsidies wind power and that it may help ease the tax burden for the town's residents.  The same gentleman also stated that if people were so concerned about bats flying into the blades of a windmill, then they should also try to ban things such as trees, barns and cats' mouths, which have also been known to cause the demise of many a bat. 

Overall, this issue has been a divisive one for the residents of Hamlin---many homeowners have placed signs in their front yards, either in support of windmills, or in opposition to them.  The wind-friendly signs I've seen read "Clean and Green", whereas the opposition posts signs that read "kNOw windmills".  This is a big issue to wrap my head around, so this is the second post in a series of four regarding this issue at this particular juncture.  Keep checking over the next two weeks for additional posts on windmills in Hamlin, NY.

Rise In Corn Prices Make Corn As Good As Gold!

Now that corn prices have hit $6 a bushel, golden corn has really begun to earn its namesake.  Corn prices have increased 30 percent this year as we struggle to provide feed grain for livestock and supply grain for ethanol, amidst shortages in corn stockpiles.  To make matters even more grave, the U.S. government estimates that farmers will plant less corn in 2008 in favor of more profitable crops such as soybeans or wheat.

So, what's that mean for the average consumer?  Higher prices for meat (because of feed grain costs); higher prices for soda and candy (because of corn syrup); higher prices for other corn-related products (and corn itself); and higher prices at the pump (as ethanol prices rise).

So, if you're going to indulge in corn-on-the-cob this summer, first ask yourself:  "Is gold edible?"

Bloated Myths About Water Consumption

A lot of what we've been told about water consumption no longer holds water.

In a National Public Radio report entitled "Five Myths About Drinking Water", it states that "Scientists say there's no clear health benefit to chugging or even sipping water all day."  In fact, Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, a kidney expert at the University of Pennsylvania, says that "Nobody really knows" where the 8 glasses of water a day advice originated from. 

Another myth is that water helps flush toxins from the body, but it's actually the kidneys' job to do this.  In fact, drinking too much water will actually reduce the kidney's ability to act as a filter!

In addition, some believe that drinking water makes for beautiful skin.  With the body already being composed of 60% water, Goldfarb says that that the additional water consumed has little benefit for the skin.

Finally, some believe that drinking water leads to weight loss.  Water itself does not in any way drain calories from the body, as some may believe.  Rather, according to Madeline Fernstrom of the University of Pittsburgh, "Water is a great strategy for dieters because it has no calories.  So you can keep your mouth busy without food and get the sense of satisfaction."  She also advocates the drinking of diet sodas as another zero calorie option (although potential negative health-effects of consuming diet sodas have been revealed with recent research).

I am someone who always has a reusable bottle of water on hand and I definitely believe that drinking water helps stave off headaches and keeps my mouth from feeling dry or pasty.  However, I'm not sure if even I, who drinks like a fish, meets the "8 glasses of water a day".  I'm sure most of us don't.  Thankfully, due to the latest research, the new guideline is to simply drink whenever you're thirsty.

Bipartisan Support For the Environment---April Fools!

A recent 60 Minutes interview and profile of Al Gore opened up with how he is trying to dispel the current climate of partisan politics in regard to the environment.  By pairing up oppositional figures such as Nancy Pelosi and Newt Gingrich or Al Sharpton and Pat Robertson in p.r. ads for the environment, Gore is hoping to change the hearts and minds of a very politically-divided country. 

While there have been some positive changes in regard to recent green legislation (increase in fuel efficiency standards for automobiles, creation of the world's largest Marine Conservation in Hawaii), let's face it, when it comes to which party's members typically vote for or against environmental legislation, it's still a very partisan affair.  The League of Conservation Voters recently released their 2007 Environmental Scorecard that details the voting records of Congressional members (to see how this year's presidential candidates scored, click here).  In both the House and Senate, Democrats largely outranked Republicans on the 2007 Environmental Scorecard.  In the 110th, First Session U.S. Senate, Democrats had many members above 80%, while Republicans had many members in the single digits, and 9 members who scored a 0%!  The scores in the 110th, First Session U.S. House reflects largely the same trend, with Democrats scoring very high, and Republicans scoring very low, with 47 members at 0%! 

It is funny how partisan the voting records are when it comes to the environment, and not funny "ha ha".