Plastic Soup

We have been told that there is a plastic bag island, larger than the state of Texas, is floating in the Pacific Ocean.

But its not the type of island where you can curl up in lounge chair and crack a Corona. The mass of trash, mostly plastic bags, is called the Central Pacific Gyre (East), and its 10 million square miles in the middle of the Pacific Ocean between the California coast and Japan.

According to the Algalita Marine Research Foundation in Long Beach, CA, the Gyre is a vortex of air and water which creates clockwise currents and high pressure systems that are extremely hazardous for yachts to sail into. Its precisely these currents that cause trash and plastics to gather in the area, otherwise known as plastic soup.

Captain Charles Moore is a founder and research coordinator of the Algalita Foundation. The foundation specializes in environmental issues pertaining to marine life. While on an expedition to the Gyre, the Algalita team discovered a more disturbing site, its called the subtropical convergence zone (West). The subtropical convergence zone is simply the point in which warmer waters in tropical temperatures meets cold water. Its in this area where the currents formulate highways of trash, even more dense than the Gyre.

Many locals call these zones the Pacific Garbage Patches, and they consists mostly of plastic items such as bags, fishing line, and nets.

Sometimes our trash gets confused with a marine animal’s normal diet. It has been documented that many marine species cannot tell the difference between a plastic bag and a jellyfish, for example. It has also been shown that many marine animals have been found dead from chocking on plastic bags and other items.

Plastic bags and bottles litter our ocean, and destroy our marine wildlife. There are 90 billion plastic bags that are thrown away every year, even after all the publicity about recycling.

There has to be a solution to the amount of waste that we generate, and that solution is to transition from plastic bags to reusable bags.

Plastic Bag Island

Weve all heard that the plastic bag island is supposedly larger than the state of Texas.

But actually, there is no real island of plastic to set up lawn chairs and beach towels. The proper name is the Central Pacific Gyre (East). It spans from the California coast to Japan or approximately 10 million square miles in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

The Algalita Marine Research Foundation, which is in Long Beach, CA, states that the Gyre is caused by clockwise air and water patterns. It can be a very inhospitable and difficult place for a boat to navigate. It is because of these currents that the area, which is now known as “plastic soup,” has accumulated so much trash and plastic.

Captain Charles Moore is a founder and research coordinator of the Algalita Foundation. The foundation specializes in environmental issues pertaining to marine life. While on an expedition to the Gyre, the Algalita team discovered a more disturbing site, its called the subtropical convergence zone (West). The subtropical convergence zone is simply the point in which warmer waters in tropical temperatures meets cold water. Its in this area where the currents formulate highways of trash, even more dense than the Gyre.

Many locals call these zones the Pacific Garbage Patches, and they consists mostly of plastic items such as bags, fishing line, and nets.

Sometimes our trash gets confused with a marine animal’s normal diet. It has been documented that many marine species cannot tell the difference between a plastic bag and a jellyfish, for example. It has also been shown that many marine animals have been found dead from chocking on plastic bags and other items.

I don’t know if people realize this but the ocean is not a trash dump! How much effort does it take to recycle plastic bags or plastic bottles? While more and more Americans are recycling plastic bags there are still more than 90 billion bags each year that are not recycled worldwide.

The answer is simple, use reusable bags! Imagine if and perhaps when towns decide to start charging for plastic bags. In fact, residents in Seattle, Washington may be facing a $.0.20 bag tax. Those who vote against the tax are clearly showing the very reason the ocean is polluted with plastic debris. Its time to take a stand, use reusable bags.

Pre- Conception - Getting Pregnant

It shouldnt amaze us that it is harder and harder for many couples to conceive naturally. A major reason for this conundrum is the fact that chemicals meant to kill are sprayed on crops for human consumption, chemicals are dumped into water sources and on the ground, and the eating of fast foods has become an American past-time. All of the aforementioned combined with the major stressors to achieve and make a living, polluted air, including cigarette smoking, are cause for infertility that is becoming a national phenomenon.

Along with the reasons for inability to conceive mentioned, are the dangers of heavy metal toxification, taking medications, overuse of over the counter pain relievers, NSAIDS, also laced with metal, and traces of chemicals in the water supply, all of which add to the toxic soup diminishing light on parenthood for many couples.

Many modern techniques to help couples achieve that longed for newborn are expensive, and have dangerous after effects for the parent taking fertility injections. So what to do? Are there answers out there for couples wanting to conceive and carry through with a healthy pregnancy and delivery? Yes there are. The first rule of thumb would be to go through several detoxification cleanses at least six months prior to conception. And for men this does not have to be a hardship.

Happily, a Lancet study reports that men who eat organic foods produce 43% more sperm than men who dont. Cleansing diets should not include weight loss for parents hoping to conceive unless obesity is a health issue. For couples not used to eating organic, a cleansing diet could simply be to eat only organic, to juice organic vegetables, give up sugars and alcohol, and drink only pure water and organic juices.

Sperm factors account for at least 40% of infertility cases. Supplements that can assist men to realize fatherhood are: vitamin E, L-carnitine, Selenium, Vitamin C, Zinc, digestive enzymes, Essential Fatty Acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin B Complex, folic acid. Behaviors that should be modified are fast food, alcohol and drug consumption.

Exposure to toxic materials, high and prolonged fever, smoking, excessive and continued exposure to heat and in some cases mumps can have a detrimental effect on sperm count, sperm motility, anatomical normality and even testicular wasting. In line with the adage we reap what we sow, bad habits adversely affect any part of the body over time. It should be of prime importance to conceive a healthy baby; and then, anything that is not life giving, life sustaining should be sidelined for the duration.

The most common reasons of infertility for women are: blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, failure to ovulate, effect of sexually transmitted diseases, ovarian or uterine fibroids, insufficient progesterone production that allows the mother ability to carry the baby, and in some cases stress. Although rare, some women do develop an allergy to their partners sperm. In that instance their body produces antibodies that actually destroy the sperm in the cervical mucous.

When partners are eating a healthy organic diet, they both welcome the thought of a new addition to the family, their lifestyle is conducive for a baby and yet they have not conceived for a year, it would be a good idea to find out exactly why medically. Steps can be taken either naturally or medically if preferred to conceive and carry a baby full term.

In twenty percent of all cases, there is no apparent reason a couple cant conceive. You can take any reason found to a good naturopath and implement a regime directed toward successful conception and gestation. Eating a diet high in minerals and enzymes is most important, as is a detoxification diet a good six months prior to conception. Those practices along with living a healthy lifestyle are all things to begin practicing to become a parent.

Introducing stable and excipient-free supplements would be my next suggestion: for men: astragalus, saw palmetto, damiana and yohimbe increase sperm motility and count; for women: damiana, dong quai, false unicorn, and wild yam are all recognized historically used herbs. Keep in mind Im only suggesting herbs that have been used for centuries longer than modern medicine. This is not a prescription. If you have a medical condition, are taking medications or are apprehensive in any way, do not take herbs before checking with your doctor.

It is important to use this information as it best suits you, the reader. Not only is it our responsibility to bring healthy children into the world, as part of the global community we have the privilege and the responsibility to demand chemically free foods, water and air. Doing so will give an expected child the legacy and joy of bearing their own children and living on a glorious green earth.

Make Your Own Free Energy Now! Use Wind Energy!

Wind energy has been something many people have not yet realized its full potential. Wind power systems have gotten very little public exposure among the media and still is not a household topic in discussion. Although, people are starting to take notice. It is usually solar energy that is known to be the premier alternative energy source. Many people are are starting to teach themselves how to make solar energy. What most people dont know is that it is equally as easy and cost effective to build a wind turbine.

Why is wind power important? Wind power makes sense in these times when the demand far exceeds the supply. The way we produce electricity is not only from non-renewable sources, but it is hurting our planet in so many ways. Wind power is advantageous is many ways:

Free source of energy ” Wind power obviously comes from wind energy. This wind energy as we all know is free. As long as the wind keeps blowing we can have a steady flow of usable energy for all of our needs. No environmental hazards “Wind power does not release any by product into the air even as it is converted into usable energy.

Cost-effective - The only thing you are going to be paying for is the initial cost of the wind power system and its installation. Moreover, there remains no worry of sky-rocketing electricity bills. You could even learn how to make a windmill to cut costs even more!.

Self-dependent source - Making use of wind power makes you independent. You no longer depend on the government and its agencies for power.

How can we make power from the wind?

A wind turbine is employed to make use of the abundant wind energy. Wind turbines takes wind and is able to make it into mechanical energy which in turn could be made into electrical energy. Such a wind turbine is generally referred to as a windmill. A wind generator is a wind turbine that further converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

What can we use wind power for?

The uses of wind power are many. An example is: Grinding grains and stones.

Be at the forefront of the green movement by employing a wind turbine for your household power usages. As mentioned, wind power is the solution to our dependence on non renewable sources and it is a clean way of producing energy.

How To Pick a Good Fishing Charter

Anyone out there been to the Gold Coast in the State of Queensland, Australia? If you haven’t already, take up the opportunity to go on a Gold Coast fishing charter. You will be able to see the Gold Coast looking from the ocean side. But getting back to the point. To maximize your enjoyment and satisfaction you need to consider what you are getting when you choose a Gold Coast fishing charter operator.

Some customers choose a fishing charter according to price. But as with most purchases, whatever the product, you get what you pay for. It just happens to be that there is not a lot of price variation between Gold Coast fishing charter operators. However what does vary greatly is the quality of your experience. Many factors may influence the quality of your experience.

Who are the people taking up the chance to go on a Gold Coast fishing charter? They are predominantly first timers with a whole lot of expectations, that unfortunately are not always delivered. So what do the people want? They want to be comfortable with space to move around freely. They want to have a great social experience. They expect to catch a goodly number and size of fish. They expect a skilled, friendly and helpful crew to ensure they have a pleasant unforgettable experience.

It should be noted that whilst some Gold Coast fishing charter operators may be a little cheaper in price and justify it by running smaller boats, customers are compromising on comforts both physically and socially. Smaller boats, especially the ones constructed of aluminum, offer a rougher ride and usually customers are packed in a little too tight. Customers don’t want to be hemmed into a confined space whilst out on a boat for hours on end. This is especially an issue when the weather is far from perfect. smaller boats are also restricted in terms of fishing options

Smaller boats usually require customers to fish off both sides of the boat to avoid lines getting tangled. That being so, Gold Coast fishing charter skippers need to be able to anchor up. It means they are confined to shallower waters thus restricting fishing options.

Gold Coast fishing charter operators who provide the larger fiberglass boats and are able to keep passenger numbers to comparable levels of the smaller boat operators, have the advantage of being able to fish on one side of the boat, thus not requiring to anchor up in the more shallow waters.

Gold Coast fishing charter boat operators with the larger boats, naturally provide more space to move around the boat and if necessary to get out of the weather.

Furthermore, Gold Coast fishing charter operators that utilize the larger boats, offer customers a softer and more comfortable ride. Customers naturally have confidence in knowing that the boat can safely handle any weather conditions. There is enough space to take a break from fishing, have a chat with friends or sit back and enjoy a cold drink. In other words it makes your Gold coast fishing charter more than a fishing trip but a pleasant social experience.

Top Tips For Saving Money With Recycling

The best course of action to take sometimes isn’t clear until you’ve listed and considered your alternatives. The following paragraphs containing interesting recycling facts should help clue you in to what the experts think is significant.

Recycling your soda or beer cans will save a lot of energy, for instance. Recycling is the process of collecting materials that are often considered trash and re manufacturing them into new products that can be resold and used again. It is made possible by people who separate the recyclable products from their trash and send the items to a recycling center where the products are reprocessed into new items. Recycling plastics has many benefits; it contributes to energy savings and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It also saves non-renewable sources like oil and gas.

Recycling paper and glass is pretty straightforward. Metal is also fairly straightforward. Recycling is generally far better than sending waste to landfills and relying on new raw materials to drive the consumer economy. It takes two-thirds less energy to make products from recycled plastic than from virgin plastic.

I trust that the interesting recycling facts you’ve read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

Recycling is all about the process of making the used materials suitable for further use. Recycling can reduce these emissions by keeping materials out of incinerators. In 2003, recycling kept 72 million tons of material from incinerators and landfills. Recycling creates much more roles than landfills do enough roles to make a gigantic difference in a little city. It adds to property worth.

The numbers 1-7 are the resin codes that appear in the chasing arrow symbol typically located on the bottom of a container. Previously, only plastic bottles numbers 1 and 2 were accepted. The bins are located in trash enclosure areas outside the mall to encourage mall tenants to recycle cardboard and other recyclables. The program is meant to reduce the amount of material sent to the landfill by 35 to 50 percent. In Southern California, five or six states have used (and put back) water from the Colorado River before we ever get to it.

Polystyrene comes in blocks or popcorn. Polyethylene is used in sheets and bottles. Polystyrene foam, used commonly as padding in appliance packaging, takes an incredibly long time to break down in the environment and additionally, animals may ingest it which blocks their digestive tracts and ultimately causes starvation.

Of course, it’s impossible to put everything about recycling into just one article. But you can’t deny that you’ve just added to your understanding about interesting recycling facts, and that’s time well spent.

Homemade Wind Power Generators Online Search

We should think about renewable energy as how best to rather than should we adopt it. The world is now pressed more than ever before to take drastic action to combat the harmful side-effects of conventional fuel like oil and gas. Actually, green and renewable energy sources such as wind, water and sunlight are nothing new. They have been around for centuries and with the renewed interest and the associated technological advancement in them, they are ready to take center-stage indeed.

The need and advantages of renewable Renewable Wind And Solar Sources energy are irrefutable. With oil and gas prices going the way they are, it’s a no-brainer from a financial standpoint. Also, there’s mileage in civics and morals too. If action upon it is still begging, at least the awareness in global warming and pollution appears to have taken increased roots with the populace in recent years. In the US, residential solar power and homemade wind power are actually low-hanging fruits for a great many of us to do our bit for the cause.

Adopting solar power benefits the environment while doing the user a big favor too. This is because it’s green, renewable and cost much less financially in the long run. The fuel is sunlight which is free or charge and everlasting. Once installed, it’s virtually maintenance free. Nowadays, photovoltaic shingles are fancy enough to actually be an aesthetic feature of the home. Also, they are eligible for government grants and incentives in many states.

Wind energy is currently the fastest growing natural power platform in the world. It’s indirectly a form of solar energy in that wind is temperature-induced air movement as a result of the heat from the sun. Like sunlight, wind is also inexhaustible and basically non-polluting although windmills are known to generate some noise. There are usually regulations in tower height, appearance, safety and noise level to comply with in regard to residential wind power systems. Ample real estate is necessary for the wind tower and the surrounding space also.

The biggest deterrent for people to install residential solar power or homemade wind power into their home is perhaps the capital cost. Truth be told, the initial outlay can be hefty and the payback can take a while, but not if you’re handy. Yes, DIY would reduce the cost to only a fraction of that which is purchased. And it’s not too difficult either as there are ample commercial handbooks and instructional manuals available to refer to these days. Their e-versions can certainly be found in abundance on the internet.

The really affordable way to Renewable Wind And Solar Sources is DIY. With proper guidance, it’s easy to build your own Homemade Wind Power Generators.

How Recycling Can Save Materials And Energy

When most people think of why recycling is so important, what comes to mind is usually basic information that’s not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there’s a lot more to recycling than just the basics.

Scrap metals are well sought after by smelters, and those plastic bottles aren’t just remade into more plastic bottles. Some of the postings are from other sites. I’ll try to give credit where its due. If you see any unidentified Photos please let me know so I can give the photographer proper credit or even remove them if need be.

We’ll provide you with a step-by-step process to plan and begin a recycling program in your workplace. Whether you are just getting started or would like to re-energize and expand your current recycling program, this expert line-up of presenters will provide you with helpful advice to take your company to a deeper shade of green.

If your why recycling facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don’t let important recycling information slip by you.

Recycling collections for your business can be easy to set up, with a number of service providers offering flexible collection options to suit your needs. Reducing, reusing and recycling your waste could lower your waste collection and disposal bills. Recycling thus makes a positive contribution to the global conservation of energy and resources and, in the process, employs a large, if predominantly unskilled, workforce.

There are also a number of state and federal requirements for businesses that collect, transport, refurbish or recycle electronics and component parts. These regulations are designed to protect worker safety and prevent pollution.

Financial benefits come from reduced tonnage to landfill and less to pay in landfill taxes, up recently by 11 a tonne. By recycling, the cereal company earns a rebate to offset its already reducing landfill tax. I live in Newcastle on the east coast of Australia and work part-time in threatened species conservation and spend the other part. We are passionate about conservation and the environment.

Sometimes it’s tough to sort out all the details related to this subject, but I’m positive you’ll have no trouble making sense of the important recyling information presented above.

Raise Worker Productivity Using Green Commercial Cleaning Services.

Green cleaning products and services are now, more than ever, being required by clients and used by commercial cleaning companies. Though a reliable study has not yet been done, the assumption is that worker productivity is rising because they are in a more hospitable, inviting environment.

People get sick or have allergic reactions in the office all the time. Though it’s difficult to figure out, those absentees are not producing for you because they may have gotten sick in the workplace. Why not just take precautions to prevent it?

Often overlooked is the allergic reactions people have in the workplace. Dust, dirt, mites, and - we’re now learning - cleaning chemicals are all suspect. Taking necessary precautions just makes good sense.

On the one hand, good old fashioned cleanliness is absolutely necessary to keep people healthy. On the other, strong, harsh chemicals that cause reactions in people are not.

According to a survey, conducted in 2003, 3 in 10 workers lost productivity due to illness. The evidence is building that they are staying home more because of a toxic work environment. This work, by the Commonwealth Fund, clearly supports that allergic reactions may cause losses in productivity.

Cleaning agents work on bacteria and even some viruses because they are chemical - usually bleach or ammonia. Of the two causes of allergies, dust mites and chemicals, the easier one to cure is the latter.

Green cleaning products are now very effective and quite safe. They have proven their worth at schools throughout the world. Purely botanical, water, or oxygen based, they include orange oil, citric acid and a whole variety of plant matter adapted to naturally, safely, and effectively.

This is one of the best ways to ensure that your workers are safe, secure, and productive.

Would You Like To Live off the Grid?

Have you always dreamed of being self sufficient, being able to live off the grid and supply your own energy? If you’re like most of us, you’ve at least thought about it before. It once was that just about the only way to do this was to live in an area so remote that no existing electrical grid would reach. Now, the choice to live off the gridis something which is available to an increasing number of people, most concerned more with saving on their electric bill than with living off the land. However, if you’ve found some remote property, you may have to learn to live off the grid out of necessity rather than choice.

If you’re building a new home on your property, then you should decide on what sort of power you want to use in your home before construction begins. Since you’re moving here to live off the grid, you should make your energy source part of your home from the ground up.

If you’d prefer to use solar power, you’ll have to make sure that the property receives plenty of full sun to ensure that you can produce enough energy to meet your needs. A solar power system generally performs best when it faces south. You’ll need to have some idea of how much power you need to produce; remember that you’ll need enough energy to power your home and heat your water as well.

Are you living somewhere with plenty of wind? Then wind energy will be the answer for you for your power needs. You also can combine wind turbines and wind generators with the solar power systems. This is a great way to provide all your power needs.

One part of living off the grid is being able to support yourself. Chances are you can’t keep your current job, so you’ll need to either develop some marketable skills or use some skills you already have to make a living in your new home.

Did you grow up on a farm and know that you could support yourself this way? Then go for it, there is a big demand for organic produce these days. So you just may make it work. And doing this along with using solar or wind energy, you will be doing something that does not harm the planet.

You might be an artist that is planning to do their artwork and sell it. This is a great off the grid profession to do. Maybe you are a painter and can use the spaces around you for inspiration for your paintings. Being a writer can also be done off the grid and with today’s cell phones you can still easily stay in touch with the rest of the world without using too much power. Just be sure you have cell surface where you are going to live.

So does living off the grid appeal to you? Just remember that you will have to use conservation methods too along with the solar and/or wind energy to make it successfully. You cannot be an energy hog and live off the grid too.