Image by Brian Hursey

It’s a good question – which do you think does more harm to the environment?  Drought or acid rain?  In actuality, it could be a toss up between the two – and one sometimes does have an effect on the other.

According to the U.S. Drought monitor there are quite a few regions in the U.S. that are currently experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions.  Almost the entirety of California is experiencing moderate to severe droughts right now.

And if you are like me and live in California, you know it to be true.  Just this month we’ve experienced record breaking heat – it was 94 degrees in downtown LA the other day (this time of year is usually about 79 degrees according to the news).  That’s way too hot at this time of year.  And due to the lack of rain, it also leaves us open to a longer fire season with a lot more fuel to burn.  (But we are starting to get some sprinkles this morning finally!)

Acid rain on the other hand also has a dramatic impact on the environment.  Especially in places where there are a lot of power plants (specifically ones that produce the electricity most of us use daily), acid rain has evolved into a widespread problem.

A major factor with acid rain is that it is not just harmful to the people, plants, animals and environment immediately nearby the power plants.  Places nowhere near power plants can also be adversely affected by acid rain due to the fact that pollutants (such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide) are released into the air and can be carried by clouds and wind for long distances.  Take a look at this Acid Rain animation by the EPA to learn more.

Which do you think does more harm to the environment – drought or acid rain?  And if you have any steps you have taken to reduce the harm caused by either, let me know – I’d love to hear them!

Image by biofriendly

When I think of fuel efficiency I think of saving money on gas, getting rid of my gas guzzler, not leaving my engine idling too long, using a fuel additive, etc.

But when I saw this photo taken by Jack Brockway from Green Plus Ltd, I thought of a total new kind of fuel efficiency.  Just think if this family could use the bale they have on the back of the man’s bike for fuel.  They could probably drive hundreds of miles.  It is not very practical, I know, but in some small world countries it could allow thousands of people to get around easier.

It’s just a thought…it sure allows this family to get along, fuel efficient or not.

Image by shelley_ginger

As we all know, Halloween is known for pumpkins, costumes, candy, trick-or-treating and all the fun that goes along with that.  But more importantly, this year is a year for the Green Halloween.  You hear daily about people and companies who are attempting to “Go Green” with their Halloween activities.

What does that really mean?  Does it take a lot of time to go green?  Do you have to make major changes in your plans?  To be honest, going green for Halloween doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort.

For example, this post from Green Living Ideas gives ideas for tasty green Halloween treats as an alternative to the usual sugar-filled candy that kids are given while trick-or-treating.

GreenHalloween.com has many tips on how to have a green Halloween, including this article which has tips on how to converse energy on Halloween. 

Then there is this biofriendly tip, which will not only help you but the people and environment around you.  Instead of driving to work on Friday, take the train or bus.  Instead of driving your kids somewhere to go trick-or-treating, walk to the houses nearby.  Instead of spending lots of money on gas, have a Halloween party at home.

Did you know that if 1000 people left their cars at home on Halloween, that would reduce CO2 emissions by around 15-20,000 lbs.   It doesn’t take much to make a difference.  Just take a look and see what you can do to help make it a green Halloween.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!