Posts tagged air pollution
The Link between the Environment and Our Health
Jan 31st
From the Scientific American, January 28, 2011…
Would people care more about the environment if they had a better understanding of how it affects them personally?
No doubt many of the ways we harm our environment come back to haunt us in the form of sickness and death. The realization that the pesticide-laced foods we eat, the smokestack-befouled air we breathe and the petrochemical-based products we use negatively affect our quality of life is a big part of the reason so many people have “gone green” in recent years.
Just following the news is enough to green anyone. Scientific American reported in 2009 that a joint U.S./Swedish study looking into the effects of household contaminants discovered that children who live in homes with vinyl floors—which can emit hazardous chemicals called phthalates—are twice as likely to develop signs of autism as kids in other homes. Other studies have shown that women exposed to high levels of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants common in cushions, carpet padding and mattresses—97 percent of us have detectable levels of these chemicals in our bloodstreams—are more likely to have trouble getting pregnant and suffer from other fertility issues as a result. Cheaply produced drywall made in China can emit so much sulfur gas that it not only corrodes electrical wiring but also causes breathing problems, bloody noses and headaches for building occupants. The list goes on and on….
If you think you can’t do anything about it, wise up! Check out this segment from Protecting our Children’s Health:
New World Order: Electricity Choice is full on in PA
Jan 4th
We take electricity for granted, but how often do we think about where it comes from, its environmental costs, or what we can do differentl
Here at GreenTreks, we’ve followed the renewable story for more than decade and we’ve said for awhile that consumers do have a choice; but, until now, we’ve had to pay more. With the expiration of rate caps on electricity generation, the free market has taken over–and new options abound. You may be able to save go green for less, save some green, or both!
Check out the article from the Philadelphia Inquirer on choosing renewable energy >>
Go to the PA Public Utility Commission (PUC) site on making a switch >>
If you think you’re in tune with your energy use, Check out the following video. It’s from our Energy Thinking DVD, which is available now at our Shop.
Energy Aware from GreenTreks Network on Vimeo.
DID YOU KNOW in the United States, coal fired power plants generate the majority of our electricity?
May 3rd
Coal extraction destroys landscapes, pollutes rivers, and creates tons of waste “spoils”, while its use emits tons of CO2 and dangerous particulates that affect human, animal, and environmental health.
Find the connection between your power and coal.
Then take a look at how one man in Southeastern Pennsylvania gets a real handle on his home energy use:
Energy Aware from GreenTreks Network on Vimeo.
DID YOU KNOW polls show that Americans believe our quality of life would be better if we had more transportation options?
Apr 28th
Many people say they drive because they have no other choice, and support better public transit systems and safer walking and cycling routes.
Check out a great study on what people think>>
Next time you get directions, why not look for options other than car: you can find public transportation, walking, or bike.
Trees add to home value, help cool the city, clean the air, and keep water pollution out of rivers and streams
Apr 22nd
Pennsylvania has lost thousands of acres of forest lands to logging, industry, urbanization, and development in modern times, but the state is pushing to plant 1 million new trees over the next 5 years. There are plenty of community tree planting events happening this Spring.
Find one.
Grab a shovel.
Get out and Help!
