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Nature in it's glory

Nature in it's glory

Dec 31, 2009

News and Discoveries: Deep sea life-forms

With all these discoveries I am making in regard to wildlife,the environment,and it's destruction I was beginning to get a little depressed. I needed to do something to get out of that funk and back to a more pleasant outlook. With that in mind I set out to do some research with the specific wish to find something positive on the wildlife news front, something that didn't involve the death or near extinction of a species,and here is what I found so far.

The discovery of a vegetarian spider species was only one. Did I mention that I don't like spiders very much, but oh well there's more on spiders in the links to follow.  I also discovered some news in regards to two bird species thought to be extinct, and some odd things as well. Enjoy.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/10/091012-vegetaria n-spider.html
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/03/090311-dracula- fish-photo.html
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/02/090218-extinct- bird-photo.html
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/09/090922-ghost-sh ark-new-species-picture.html
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/10/photogalleries/ne w-species-underground-creatures-missions/

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/12/photogalleries/09 1211-alien-jellyfish-pictures-arctic/index.html
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/04/0428_050428_ex tinctwoodpecker.html
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/04/0428_050428_ex tinctwoodpecker.html
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/04/0428_050428_ex tinctwoodpecker.html
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/06/photogalleries/ec uador-new-species-pictures/




Enjoy the video.  Isn't Nature grand?
Susan











A Discovery about birds

I just visited the National Geographic site and discovered the following news.  This is so cool!!




Nature is truly amazing, isn't it.
Susan












Nature Canada Preservation Conservation Endangered Species Canada

Nature Canada Preservation Conservation Endangered Species Canada

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Dec 29, 2009

How to shrink your carbon footprint and Save money



Global warming affects everyone, but can be stopped starting at home and within local communities, continuing in an ever outward spiral. In this manner we will communicate the need, ability and benefits to be had by such action to all levels of society and to governments and businesses all over the world. We need to act quickly, and we need to motivate others to do the same, if we are to help ourselves survive and to also keep birds and other wildlife from extinction. Here are some steps you can take towards this goal that is both beneficial and realistic,  most especially for your budget.


Because our lives have become so hectic many of us like to take shortcuts when preparing meals, but when you really think about it doesn't  take that much longer to prepare a meal from scratch. Aside from being far from beneficial to your health canned, processed and prepacked foods are expensive. If you buy fresh locally grown, organic foods from your local farmers market, or a farm if you happen to know a farmer, you will notice that your grocery bill will go down significantly. Keep in mind there  is also still grain fed beef available, as well as free range chicken.

Planting a garden to grow your own veggies will also save you money, especially if you keep it chemical free. Chemical pesticides and herbicides cost a small fortune and are extremely harmful to birds, bees, and other wildlife, as well as to human health. Doing without these chemicals will have the added affect of helping the environment, and if you plant a tree or two in your yard this will be even more beneficial to all concerned, here's how:
http://www.sweetgrassgardens.com/chemfree.htm
http://www.ourgreenerlife.com/2009/08/organic-chemical-free-gardening/
http://www.chiff.com/home_life/garden/organic-gardening.htm
http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0372/0003/0001-e.asp
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-hot-compost
http://www.emilycompost.com/compost.htm



Chemicals cleaning products are dangerous to both your family health and your pocket book. If only through the potential poisoning of a child, who might drink or ingest them because the chemical companies have made them smell too good, sometimes like candy, and with so many people developing allergies to these chemicals, it only makes sense to make your own cleaning supplies. The following links will teach you how.

http://non-toxic-cleaning.com/blog
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/770563/how_to_make_homemade_chemicalfree_cleaning.html
http://www.shareguide.com/hazard.html

Besides getting paid for recycling bottles, cans and milk cartons, something as simple as turning down the heat and washing your laundry in cold water will help to  keep your budget down.  As will the energy saving light bulbs on the market today. While these bulbs might be expensive initially, they last far longer than just 18 months, eliminating the need to buy the other varieties every other month and providing the added benefit of saving you twenty or more dollars per month, depending on how many of these bulbs you choose to install in your residence.

Also consider that solar powered lamps, blinds, batteries, lawnmowers, air purifiers, air conditioners and even stoves and chargers, as well as other such gadgets are now available. Investing in these gadgets will benefit your budget in the long run because while these gadgets used to be really expensive, this is no longer an issue. You can get lighting for both your yard and indoors, for example, at reasonable prices.  They have even come out with solar powered computers.  The following link will show you examples of just one place where these gadgets may be found:
http://thehottestgadgets.com/2009/07/17-hot-solar-powered-gadgets-for-a-more-eco-friendly-lifestyle-003675  More such sites can be found if you do a search for solar gadgets.






Alternate, clean or green energy supply companies are springing up every where.  Here in Alberta you can check out the following link:
http://www.skyfireenergy.com/solar_electric_residential.html
If you live elsewhere just do a search for alternate energy supply companies.

Your savings from these practices, when implemented, can then be invested, if you wish, in savings bonds, either monthly or yearly.  The decision is up to you and this is an excellent way to keep chemicals from entering the water supply and soil, to save the wildlife and environment from destruction, as well as to preserve your own health and the health of your family.


Susan

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Dec 20, 2009

How to help migrating birds

Blue jay

Many birds are becoming extinct or are declining in numbers due to global warming and through habitat destruction directly related to human activities.

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/travel-outdoors/human-activities-threaten-birds.html


owl
However, bird lovers and nature lovers everywhere can help birds to survive, not only in winter but also during migration in spring and fall.  Here is only one good reason why you should:  "All species—flora or fauna—live in a delicate balance within our eco-system."  We are part of that eco-system.

Bird feeders are always a good idea, provided the bird feeder is placed in such a location as to limit the local cat population's access to the bird feeder.   Plant trees on your property if you have one, not only is this good for the environment, but it provides shelter and a resting place for birds.  If the tree also bears fruit this  will be of even more benefit for the bird.
http://hubpages.com/hub/Trees-For-the-World
http://www.audubon.org/bird/at_home/SafeFeeding.html


Stop the use of pesticide and herbicides in your gardening and go organic.  Many birds are poisoned through their use, or otherwise negatively affected.  For tips on organic gardening follow this link:
http://www.organicgardening.com/

Keep your pets inside during  the migration  seasons, as both dogs and cats will chase and/or hunt birds. Its their instinct to do so. If you find stray animals that were once someone's pet,  it is best to have them picked up by the local animal control department, rather than to feed them even once, because unless you plan to take them into your home, they will have a constant need to hunt birds in order to stay alive.
http://www.audubon.org/bird/at_home/SafeCats.html


More tips on how to help birds and other wildlife are on the following links:
http://www.stateofthebirds.org/home-page-documents/what-you-can-do-to-help-birds
http://hubpages.com/hub/helpingwildlife
http://www.audubon.org/bird/at_home/KeepWildlifeSafe.html
http://www.audubon.org/bird/at_home/SafeWindows.html

For ways to turn your garden into a mini wildlife sanctuary/refuge follow these links:
http://www.nwf.org/gardenforwildlife/
http://www.plantnative.org/
http://www.audubon.org/bird/at_home/
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/bird-gardens-47022602

Helping birds in specific neighborhood types:
http://audubonathome.org/birdstohelp/

Stop the killing of gophers and rabbits in nearby, unused tracks of land and along fee-ways, as they are a food source for both local and migrating hawks, as well as owls.  Some hawks are dependent exclusively on rodents, for example, for their survival while others have a diet that depends on a broader variety of food sources.  Get involved in your community to help implement more environmentally friendly practices such as the development of wildlife friendly parks with ponds, lots of trees and native plant life, where ducks and geese might land for brief a rest stop during migration.

Buy organically grown seed products for your bird-feeders,  as many seed products are contaminated with pesticides, herbicides or are genetically modified.  These types of seeds are likely to be harmful to birds.  There are other things that you can do, as you will learn when you visit the links above.  I am certain you will enjoy the result of your efforts a great deal, as will your children and neighbors no doubt.

Susan







Dec 19, 2009

There are some solutions


In writing the two of my last posts regarding modified foods I neglected to include something very, very important.  My niece was wonderfully instrumental in pointing this out, which brought me back, I hope, to a point of balance. What I neglected to do, for all those who wish to eat healthy, natural foods, was to write about what steps can be taken, both individually and in groups, to help protect our health.  Believe it or not, we do still have some choice in the matter.



I discovered just this morning, through my research, that because I have always been told in the media that canola  oil margarine, for example, is very much more beneficial to health than any other such product, that I have, in all ignorance, been consuming a genetically modified food for many years now.  I also realized that a specific health issue that I have, is directly related to the consumption of dairy products in all of its various forms due to the fact that dairy cows are injected with chemicals to make them produce more milk. These dairy cows develop health complications from this practice that are not good, but more on that another time.

This discovery however, means that I obviously need to change my eating habits quite drastically.  But how do I know that the new product I wish to purchase is not genetically altered or tampered with in some way? A little thinking and research in this regard led me to some obvious conclusions and one very important discovery. It seems that here in Canada, I am embarrassed to say,  there is no legislated or regulated requirement to label food products which have been genetically altered. This, it seems to me, severely limits my choice in what I buy, as well a my right to buy only what I wish to buy.



So here as Canadians we have two related problems.  First we need to research very carefully before we buy food products if we wish to avoid GM foods, and second something needs to be done to remedy the lack of labeling on consumer food products in Canada.  After all, if we can label tobacco products then it seems to me we can label food products accordingly.  To do this it is necessary to lobby the government and/or to join a group dedicated towards this end, nothing else it seems will produce a solution to this problem.  In addition, there are many other countries where labeling is not required. " For example, the United States does not have GM food labeling....Additionally, there are no international labeling standards for GM foods despite efforts through the UN’s Food Standard Codex Alimentarius." So take action, sign a petition, join a group dedicated to preserving  your right to choose, and/or spread the word the more of us who do this, the better.

http://www.healthcoalition.ca/gmo-archives.html
http://www.healthfreedomusa.org/
http://growmoregreen.free.fr/
http://www.gefreebc.org/content/pdf/newsletter_nov07.pdf
http://saltspringersforsafefood.com/?q=node/59
http://www.canadiancoalitionforhealthfreedom.ca/
http://earthhopenetwork.net/alerts_5-03.htm
http://www.petitiononline.com/3615gmo/petition.html
http://www.seedsofdeception.com/Public/MediaCenter/Videos/index.cfm

The following links will provide you with more info on GM foods to decide for yourself whether or not you wish to consume them, if like me you have heard very little about them to this point.


http://www.gentechvrij.nl/plaatjesgen/crigenPressRelease-3GMOs-IJBS_1209.pdf
links:http://www.bionetonline.org/English/Content/ff_cont1.htm
http://www.bionetonline.org/English/Content/ff_cont4.htm
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/genetic-engineering
http://www.gmfoodnews.com/gming.html
 http://www.seedsofdeception.com/Public/GeneticRoulette/HealthRisksofGMFoodsSummaryDebate/index.cfm

http://www.organicconsumers.org/monsanto/secret062305.cfm

These links will provide you with info on which food products contain GM food sources:
http://www.gmfoodnews.com/gmwho.html
http://www.appropedia.org/Genetically_modified_food#Types_of_GM_food
http://www.engdahl.oilgeopolitics.net/GMO/gmo.html

Some info on specific danger/ controversy regarding GM foods:
http://www.psrast.org/molbeng.htm

A list of genetically altered foods approved by Canadian Government:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/gmf-agm/appro/index-eng.php

Here is a starting list of the types of foods that have been genetically altered: golden rice, apples (grapple), sweet potatoe, peas, soy, wheat, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, canola (cooking oil and margarine), alfalfa, papaya, fish, nutrasweet. aspartame, equal and cotton seed which produce oils. No doubt this is only the beginning of a longer list.  Some of the health hazards posed by these foods and lists of companies who do or do not use GM foods in their production are detailed at the following sites.
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/genetically-modified-foods.html
http://www.geaction.org/truefood/shoppersguide/guide_printable.html
http://askwaltstollmd.com/archives/genefoods/502300.html
http://www.realgreengoods.com/learning_links.php


Another list of GM foods:
  • Sugar cane
  • Sweet peppers
  • Bananas
  • Strawberries
  • Pineapples
  • Cocoa beans
  • Yellow squash
  • Zucchini
The one, and most important thing,  it seems that is absolutely necessary to do is to eliminate as many processed, canned and packaged foods from the diet as possible, and keep yourself up to date on news regarding GM foods.  The reason for this, as you will see, is that the list of such products containing GM product ingredients is rather extensive, new GM foods are even now being developed, and you will benefit further by avoiding the consumption of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, additives and preservatives at the same time.


    The other danger is this: GM food are also fed to livestock which are a food source for human consumption as well as GM foods that have been deemed "unsafe" for human consumption.  This makes changing your diet rather challenging, but don't be discouraged by this. The best policy seems to be to adopt the motto eat fresh, organic and locally grown.  There are still many organic farmers.  In doing so you will also contribute to the saving of the environment and wildlife, as it appears that GM foods and the use of chemicals in the growing of foods are contributing mightily to the destruction of both in many, many ways.

    Susan

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    Dec 18, 2009

    Tinkering: Global Warming Not The Only Danger



    We really need to stop people tinkering with our food.

    It isn't bad enough that we ingest, one hundred percent involuntarily I might add, poison on a daily basis.  Now scientists are experimenting with bonding the swine flu genes/vaccine to corn in order to feed it to human and animal alike?worldwide? Have we now become guinea pigs?

    http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/06/swine_flu_genes_to_be_inserted_in_corn_making-vaccine-foods-hog-humans.php#ch02

    Dec 16, 2009

    News about wildlife



    Smart Octepus

    http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/index.php?rn=222561&cl=17147353&ch=

    Cloud of birds

    http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/index.php?rn=222561&cl=17133522&ch=


    Nature continues to be a mystery, the grand artist and inventor.
    Susan

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    Dec 8, 2009

    Interaction between birds and man


    That we are affecting the patterns, behavior and survival of the wildlife on this planet negatively is not in question.  Many species of wildlife are now extinct, and many are on their way to extinction thanks to man kind's interference with the natural pattern of this world. The migratory patterns of birds for example are changing and being affected in some manner all over the world, but are we now also helping some species to adapt?  If so is there may also be a means by which we can help others to do so, or is there at least a means where we can adapt ourselves to live more in harmony with nature again?:
    http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/11/1122_051122_winter_birds.html
    http://naturecanada.ca/newsroom_sep_22_08_birds.asp


    Well according to the following article we may in fact actually be helping at least one species of bird adapt.:
    http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/12/birdfeeders-found-to-cause-evolution-bird-species.php?campaign=th_rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+treehuggersite+%28Treehugger%29


    This is really good news and provides some hope at the very least.  Since we have unwittingly accomplished this much for the benefit of wildlife, I am sure we can do much more if we put our minds to it, and in so doing we can manage to turn back the devastating tide of environmental damage we have caused.

    Susan