Citizens Who Care

Happy Earth Day! Here's what has happened since 1970: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/04/160422-earth-day-46-facts-environment/

Solar energy has been used for over 2700 years. In 700 BC, glass lenses were used to make fire by magnifying the sun’s rays. From: http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/various-solar-energy-facts.php

The largest solar power plant in the world is located in the Mojave Desert in California, covering 1000 acres. From:  http://www.conserve-ene rgy-future.com/various-solar-energy-facts.php

75% of marine fisheries are now overfished or fished to capacity.  U.S. EPA, 2009. Sustainable Materials Management: The Road Ahead.

More than 100 billion pieces of junk mail are delivered in the United States each year, which comes out to 848 pieces per household. The production, distribution and disposal of all that junk mail creates over 51 million metric tons of greenhouses gases annually, the equivalent emissions of more than 9.3 million cars.  ForestEthics, 2008. Climate Change Enclosed: Junk Mail’s Impact on Global Warming.

Within 10 years, wind power  could provide 20% of America’s power . From: http://webecoist.momtastic.com/2008/11/26/amazing-frightening-green-facts-environmental-statistics/

Less than 1% of the  world’s freshwater  is readily available for human use. From: http://www.globalchange.umich.edu/globalchange2/current/lectures/freshwater_supply/freshwater.html

1% of Australia’s  untapped geothermal power potential  could provide enough energy to last 26,000 years.  From here!

The global area of oxygen depleted dead zone now covers an area roughly the size of the state of Oregon.  These are areas of water that have become uninhabitable due to a lack of oxygen for marine life to breathe. From: http://webecoist.momtastic.com/2008/11/26/amazing-frightening-green-facts-environmental-statistics/

There is no known scientific way of predicting earthquakes. The most reliable method is to count the number of missing cats in the local paper: if it trebles, an earthquake is imminent. From: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/23/environment-facts_n_4318799.html

The largest landfill in the world is the Fresh Kills landfill, on Staten Island. It is more than 500feet in height. Opened in 1948, it encompasses 2,200 acres about 2.8 by 3.8 miles and contains nearly 3 billion cubic feet of fill. The facility was closed in March 2001, but reopened to receive debris created by the fall of the World Trade Center. From: http://unicycler.com/go_green/fun_stuff/recycle_facts

Before heading off on your trip unplug appliances to reduce Standby Power, energy used when appliances are in standby mode. (Global Standby Power consumes up to 480 TWh/year, nearly triple Mexico’s total electricity consumption.) Turn off or lower thermostat and water heater settings and suspend newspaper delivery. Such measures will help you save energy and money. Lastly, leave pets at a shelter or with a sitter.  Image From:  http://gogreencyclopedia.blogspot.com/

Every three months, Americans throw away enough aluminum to rebuild the nation ’s commercial air fleet. From: http://www.greeninbklyn.com/639/what-to-do-or-ten-green-facts/ Solar Impulse 2

Here is the fact: But whether home or away, try to opt for greener or shared modes of transportation such as trains or buses. If renting a vehicle select a hybrid or low emissions compact model. Compared to other forms of transportation, planes produce the most emissions. To reduce your travel footprint, fly in the daytime, fly direct or combine flights and pack light. Finally, purchase  carbon offsets  to counteract the environmental impact of your plane’s emissions. More info: http://gogreencyclopedia.blogspot.ca/2012/07/the-green-passport-initiative-changing.html Interesting...

Here is the fact: E-waste has become a growing concern for most nations.  Landfills have become filled with our old computers, cell phones, printers, iPods, and other electronics that we take for granted.  However, our experience in dealing with waste, in general, is showing that we are prepared to deal with e-waste so long as we are committed to doing so.  Recycling programs, government initiatives, and social responsibility are leading the challenge in dealing with this by-product of evolving technology.   Many thanks too:  http://gogreencyclopedia.blogspot.com

Here is today's fact: For every 1 MW of increased wind energy capacity, 4.85 full-time jobs are created in clean renewable energy. Read More!

Here is today's fact: Vacationing need not be distant or exotic to be memorable and fun. “Staycationing” is the easiest way to save money and the environment. By vacationing within driving distance and overnighting at home you not only support your local economy and save money on accommodation but also help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. Interesting Chart! From:  http://gogreencyclopedia.blogspot.com/

Todays fact is: Use a compost.  Over 30% of all garbage thrown away could go to better use in composting. Read more!

Here is the fact: 40% of drinking water comes from plastic bottles From:  http://gogreencyclopedia.blogspot.com/

Here is the fact: The way we produce, consume and dispose of our products and our food accounts for 42% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.  From:  http://ecocycle.org/ecofacts