May 2013
1 post
11 tags
LEED-ing the way to Sustainability: An anaylisis...
Prelude
Since the creation of tools, humans have been building and over time the structures have become more and more complex. As the growth and development of our buildings have progressed, so have our societies and cultures. Many cultures around the world even link construction with their religious beliefs and stories. The Judeo-Christian faith has the the Tower of Babel story where humans...
April 2013
2 posts
1 tag
Solar Panel Roadways
Solar panel highways and roadways are the logical and sustainable way of the future. When I was abroad in Greece and Italy one of the most profound things that stuck with me that entire trip was not the rich culture, history, paintings, or architecture, but the profound evidence that Europe is surpassing the United States in the Clean Energy Campaign. #cleanenergy There were thousands and...
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What’s worse than pale skin? Cancer.
What’s worse than pale skin? Cancer.
Living in Florida, it’s not hard to see the effects of sun damage. Women in there thirties seem to look twenty years older and yet they are still baking by the pool on hot summer days. My mother warned me of the negative effects of the sun and I always wore sunscreen and a hat to the beach. It wasn’t until high school that I realized- I just don’t look that...
March 2013
32 posts
Untitled: The Effects of Feral Hogs on the... →
gasway:
Feral Hogs have already begun to take over the southern/ southeastern states. Texas has a feral swine population between two and four million. They constantly destroy land and wreck the ecosystem with their foraging for food. Feral Pigs reproduce extremely fast, having up to ten piglets…
Untitled: Finding Nemo →
gasway:
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/places/parks-and-nature-places/oceans/oceans-barrier-reef/
The Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is a beautiful “underwater city” composed of over 70 different habitats and thousands of underwater species,…
Untitled: Does using re-usable bags for grocery... →
gasway:
To answer this question shortly, YES! Of course it helps the environment! The real question is how much does it actually help? I have never really a huge advocate of using re-usable bags for grocery shopping because I have never really seen the benefits of the, working very much. I have gone…
Untitled: How much harm can that little plastic... →
gasway:
Every day the concern to become more “eco-friendly” becomes more and more popular. There are tons of little things you can do to help the environment whether it be choosing to not consume corn fed red meat or re-using your bags from the grocery store. One thing you can do to greatly impact…
7 tags
Chipotle, Food with Integrity
Are you craving something spicy and satisfying? Do you also care about protecting our environment? Then Chipotle Mexican Grill is the is the right restaurant for you. Not only is Chipotle delicious and convenient, but it is also one of the most environmentally friendly fast food restaurants out there. With a slogan like “Food with Integrity”, you know it must be good for you and good for the...
1 tag
Recycle Your Food
Because of the green movement, recycling has become a big deal throughout the world. When we think of recycling, we think of plastic bottles and the like. But what about recycling our food? Recycling food and other organic material is called composting. Most of us have heard of composting but only a handful of us know slightly more about it than that it’s a “garbage pile of rotten...
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U.S Greenhouse Gas Automaker
Scientists have always known that the climate on earth has had an influence on how the human species has developed over time. However, it was not until recently that scientist have discovered that we have the power to influence the climate. Global Warming is a phenomenon that is a direct result of our actions. While it is common knowledge that global warming is not a good thing, we are lucky...
10 tags
Start With Your Face
When thinking of “going green” and sustainability no one really thinks about the make up used and how much waste is done. Make up is probably one of the easiest things to fix when trying to go green. Every female that uses make up probably uses powder, lipstick, nail polish, and products. Burt’s Bees products are just one company that comes to mind when people think of going green with make...
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Murky Waters
Everyone knows Americans are very particular about the water they drink, with products like Britta water filters hot on the market. If Americans are willing to spend money to ensure they have clean water for themselves, why do they not care about the water the animals in their ecosystem live in? The animals in the waters in and around our country are being subject to terrible living conditions...
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The Eco-Friendly Car Everyone Should Look Forward...
If you are looking for an eco-friendly car your options might be a little slim…
Certain hybrids have become increasingly popular in the recent years including the Toyota Prius and the Chevy Volt. But what if you want something more? Should your options be limited to these two cars? Besides, the Prius looks like little more than an egg on wheels and it would probably have a hard time...
5 tags
Qatar 2022: Sustainable for the World Cup?
The FIFA World Cup is one of the most prestigious soccer tournaments in the world. Nations battle it out on the soccer field to qualify for the esteemed tournament, and even attempted to convince the leaders at FIFA why their country should host it. With the most recent World Cup being held in the African continent for the first time ever (South Africa 2010) being successful, FIFA continued...
McDonald's Going Green?
http://www.neutral-fuels.com/news/mcdonalds-going-green/
By: Lydia Chappell
McDonald’s is a world wide known fast food restaurant. Some people love it and some people hate it. Over the past few years McDonald’s has taken participation in the “going green”movement. Years ago they announced that the company would partake in one way, by switching the companies in which...
1 tag
Take the Shot for a Sustainable Ecosystem
It’s 5 o’clock in the morning, 38 degrees, and you’re sitting in a Longleaf Pine about thirty feet in the air. A 12 point deer walks across your view so you pull your rifle up, zero in, and take the shot. He goes down instantly and you have tagged your first big buck of the year.
Some people call this madness and others call it a way of life. Hunters take a lot of...
7 tags
Natural Gas as a Sustainable Alternative Fuel for...
By Kristin Dobbs
From Los Angeles to New York City, cities are working to reduce cost, improve air conditions, and decrease reliance on foreign oil (NaturalGas.org). Using natural gas as an alternative fuel option for gas is good because it reduces costs, it is environmentally-friendly because it improves air quality unlike gasoline use, and it also decreases the reliance on foreign oil because...
15 tags
Mower Mayhem
After an exhausting and busy week, I always looked forward to sleeping in on Saturday morning. I anticipated waking up at a luxurious hour in the afternoon basked in sunshine with a chorus of angels rejoicing with me in my lavishly lazy reverie. This glorious aim of mine, however, was always thwarted. Every Saturday morning I was awakened not by jubilant cherubs, but by the rusty roar...
Walmart:Helping Everyone Live Better
Walmart is a global company that operates on 27 different countries with over 10,700 stores and clubs. The country with the most Walmart is the United States of America. This past year Walmart employed over 1.4 million employees, making it the top private employer in the U.S. There net sales in U.S. were more than 274 billion dollars, also placing them among the top of that list.
When you think...
7 tags
Imagine You’re a Guest
A lot have people everywhere have given into the terrible trap of littering. I, myself, even admit to have doing it before but after researching the topic I know I’ll think before I litter. When you think about it, there is no positive to littering. One thing that is more aggravating than anything is the fact that after you litter, someone else will have to...
5 tags
Hoop for the Win and the Environment
Nike Sustains
As the pressure for companies to keep the environment in mind while still making effective and profitable products continue to immerse, some companies are finding it easier and sensible than others. Nike has changed the sportswear game and the environment in all the same motion with their new Nike Hyper Elite Platinum basketball jerseys. Nine of the most...
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Cruise Lines Going Green
What if I were to tell you that cruise ship lines that carry about 3,000 passengers each trip and generate hundred of thousands of gallons of both sewage and waste, is coming up with a way to become more sustainable. Owners of cruise ship lines have started to see a trend in sustainability and protecting our ocean and thought that there should be a solution to help reduce the amount of wastes...
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Focusing on Sustainable Agriculture...
Sustainable Crop Production by: Riley White
Growing sustainable crops has to be carried out in an ecologically responsible manner. Everything from growing the food, to the treatment of the workers, to how the crop yields affect the local community must be done in an ethically sound way. Monocropping is the technique of growing only one crop on a large area of land. Farmers who...
18 tags
Tips for making your everyday hair-care routine...
The other day my friends and I were having a discussion on the compliments we get the most from people, which really made me think… the compliment I get the most, especially here recently, is that I have good hair. Now I will admit, I was born with naturally thick hair, which girls are always envious of, however I’m not exactly high maintenance when it comes to my hair care routine....
6 tags
Chipotle Taking the Sustainable Route
Bringing in $2.2 billion annually, Chipotle, the mexican restaurant is climbing to the top of the fast food chain. The first Chipotle opened in 1993, yet they currently have 1,200 locations today. I’d say that counts as a successful chain restaurant. Although, the question is, how has this fairly new mexican restaurant become such a sensation?
This new “mexican sensation” isn’t your ordinary...
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Motorboats Harmful Effects on the Florida Manatee
Manatees are one of the true gentle giants of the Earths waters. They are even thought to be the reason for the many legends of the mermaid, that would captivate early European sailors with just a single view of them and their graceful nature in the distant waters. Since manatees have been around for ages, and have survived the test of time, they should easily live on and continue to play a role...
5 tags
Save the Great Barrier Reef! By: Justine Spear
The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is the largest coral reef in the world and probably the most stunning. It is also in grave danger from climate changes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbNeIn3vVKM
After watching the video you can see why the climate change is such a big deal, who would want to see that destroyed? I haven’t been there yet, but someday I...
5 tags
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NYC: Standard of Living Issues by: Mary Maud...
According to the New York Times, Exhaust, which is emitted by cars and trucks exacerbates diseases such as asthma in young children and can potentially cause fresh cases as well as other serious respiratory illnesses and heart problems resulting in a high number of deaths (Wald). This is merely one of the issues of the standard of living in New York City that are causing illness. The “Big City...
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How One Disaster Can Help Clean Up Another
Most of us remember when the BP oil rig exploded off the gulf coast. We are also able to recall the devastation that was Hurricane Isaac. However, what not all of us are aware of is how one was beneficial to the other.
After the hurricane had run its course, some fishermen discovered balls of tar on the beach. They sent them in to labs at Louisiana State University and Auburn University for tests...
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The Effects of Humans on Sea Turtles
Turtles are some of the oldest species still roaming the Earth today. They survived longer than dinosaurs did but somehow us humans are managing to kill them.
We as a species have decided that the Earth is ours to control and as a result we are killing thousands of animals and species everyday through reckless, selfish mistakes. The ocean has become polluted with our trash and innocent turtles...
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Benefits Of Turf Grass At Auburn University
Benefits of Turf grass at Auburn University
Auburn University supports the growth of natural grass (turf grass) on multiple facilities around campus, such as the soccer and football fields. Turf grass has a multitude of positive effects on the environment, some of them including “the release of oxygen and cooling of the air, controlling of pollution, reducing soil erosion, and purifying and...
5 tags
Drill Today, Pay Tomorrow
A hot button issue in the world right now is off shore drilling; should we drill or should we not? In the presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain this was actually one of the main platforms, McCain’s slogan being “drill here, drill now.’’ And he has a point, there are pros to drilling domestically such as in the Gulf of Mexico. But are the pros worth it? I think not.
What...
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Tuna: Close to Extinction?
How could people possibly eat that much fish that it becomes endangered? I mean the ocean is huge, right?
Wrong. Yes the ocean is vast, but just because the ocean is big doesn’t mean that the fish are everywhere. Fish are mostly found in the borders and margins along the continents. Overfishing is an immense issue in our world today and the species that are mostly affected by this problem is...
The effects of littering in Alabama’s lakes and rivers:
-Joel Adam Permar
It is a well known fact that littering is a problem all across the world, and this is true here in Alabama as well. Fishermen are leaving their fishing line in lakes and rivers, campers are leaving plastic plates and cups, and partiers are leaving their beer and plastic cups. All of this is just building up...
Effects of Oil Pollution of Marine Animals in the...
Thousands of different types of animals inhabit the ocean all over the world. To these animals, the ocean is there home and the it is being destroyed by all different types of pollution. The main thing that causes problems to the ocean is oil. The main types of pollution caused by oil today are runoff, illegal dumping, air pollution, and maintenance of large ships. There are many more types of...
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Pollution in Mobile Bay affecting Shellfish
Having always lived near water of some sort, be it New Orleans or Mobile, Alabama, there is one thing I have always looked forward to. Crawfish. Personally, that’s my favorite seafood but I can not deny that they are all good. Where I come from they are an essential part of the diet. Also, no one can really complain about having a party for the purpose of making them. What’s important is...
February 2013
49 posts
7 tags
Melaleuca Mania in South Florida
Meet the Melaluca
In the late 19th century, South Florida became host to an alien existence. Having traveled all the way from Australia, the Melaleuca Quinquenervia, also referred to as the punk tree, made its presence known in the state of Florida. The tree can grow up to 80 feet tall, has bark that peels into many layers, and leaves that grow up to five inches long. The Melaleuca tree can...
1 tag
The Harmful Effect of Fire in Our Homes
We all love those cold nights when we can curl up by the fireplace or go out and roast marshmallows with friends, but what seems like fun is actually hurting the environment and us. Wood fires are one of the worst things for the environment because of all the hazardous fumes it produces. The fumes affect the quality of the air surrounding the fires, which then effects the environment and us...
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The Effects of Marine Shipping on the Environment...
The environmental impact of cargo ships, tankers, and cruise ships have been greatly underestimated. Marine shipping is quickly becoming a very efficient means of moving millions of tons of cargo and fuel around the world. Ships are getting bigger and bigger and are multiplying at a very fast rate. As more and more countries begin to get goods and materials from other countries, the need for more...
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Soil: It's More Important Than You Think
When I think about sustainability, conserving energy automatically comes to mind. However, this is incorrect thinking due to the fact that there are so many different types of ways to be sustainable. Composting is an interesting, different way to do so. It is recycling for the benefit of the soil our food is grown in and is entirely organic. The world is constantly at work composting its wild...
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Leave as a Tree by Will Kelley
Today many people are becoming more environmentally conscious and realize that we need to make changes in order to help save the planet. Gerard Moline and Martin Ruiz de Azua have come up with an inventive idea that not only allows us to leave behind a legacy when we die, but also offers a greener alternative to being buried in the ground. Their Bios Urn is a biodegradable cremation urn made...
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Endangered Pandas
Many people never question their actions and how they have a larger impact on the world. People never consider how knocking down a few acres of trees could impact so many animals. This could leave them injured, left for dead, separated from their family, homeless, and no food or water to survive off of. Imagine if strangers came and knocked down your house the middle of the night,...
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The Effects of Plastic on Marine Life
Plastic is a part of our daily lives. A good bit of everything we eat is either individually packaged in plastic or served that way or to get where it is came in plastic packaging. It is even used to bring our groceries home form the store. Plastic is something we just simply cannot avoid. But something we can avoid is how we dispose of plastic. Throwing it out the window when its just...
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Deer Management
Next to Baseball, hunting is America’s favorite pastime. More recently, a problem has arisen relating to sustainability of deer populations based on harvest of animals. In reality, the management of a deer herd is quite similar to the proper management of a large city. The city can only supply so many people with jobs and resources before it succumbs under the stress. Forests and luscious...
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Electric Cars
When turning sixteen all teenagers can think of are the car they are going to get from his or her parents. They all want to look cool riding around on school campus so; of course, teenagers look for the most expensive and attractive car. Turning sixteen is the year every young kid looks forward to. It is the year they get to separate from their parents and be on their own more. Driving a car...
Teach a Man to Fish and He'll Eat for a Lifetime?
Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day; teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime. Or so the saying goes. But will he? Everyone knows that a healthy diet has a few servings of fish in it per week, and some people eat a considerable amount more. Fish is a good source of protein and fatty acids that are essential to our overall health. Most of us should actually be including more...
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The BP Oil Spill: The Harmful Effects on Marine...
The BP Oil Spill: The Harmful Effects on Marine Life in the Gulf of Mexico
The Incident:
On April 20, 2010 the United States suffered the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history, all thanks to BP. The Gulf of Mexico took a hard spill when the deep water well in the Gulf exploded. BP finally launched a new national advertisement campaign promising the clean up of the oil spill 20 months later. BP...
