Water Wars

Use less water! Water wars are occurring everywhere, so it is important to reduce water usage. Years ago, Poland Springs started using commercials to influence the human race in thinking tap water was unhealthy. Commercials made us think it was a good idea in the first place, but in reality, consumers are only to blame for the increased purchases of bottled water. Our federal government, with all the powers of the people, has done very little to stop the extra amount of plastic waste from the bottled water in landfills. There are ways to combat this issue on an individual level.

 Steps to change water patterns:

• In the shower, while the hot water works its way up the pipes, use a pot to collect cold water to provide a drink for your indoor plants.
• Empty pet's old water bowl in household plants
•  Set up rain barrier around the house for water collection to use to water the garden
• When washing hands, do not let the water just run
•  Wash dishes in the sink instead of using a dishwasher repeatedly

How do you reduce the amount of water used in your home?

Carbon Footprint and How to Reduce Carbon Emissions

Inevitably, in going about our daily lives — commuting, sheltering our families, and eating — each of us contributes to the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change. Yet, there are many things each of us, as individuals, can do to reduce our carbon emissions. The choices we make in our homes, our travel, the food we eat, and what we buy and throw away all influence our carbon footprint and can help ensure a stable climate for future generations.

 What is my carbon footprint? My estimated greenhouse gas emissions are 33 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) equivalent per year, which is above the U.S. national average. The two largest sources contributing to my carbon footprint are home energy at 20 tons of CO₂ eq/year, and driving and flying at 9.4 tons of CO₂ eq/year. My result for home energy was 104% above the U.S. average, and for driving and flying it’s 19% below U.S. average. I’m totally surprised by the amount of CO₂ that I’m putting out each year. I consider myself to be a frugal person, and am concern about my carbon footprint. The most important behavioral change I need to make is to reduce my energy consumption. One way to reduce my carbon footprint is start riding a bicycle around town instead of driving a vehicle. This way, I could travel more by bike (10 miles) and not use my truck at all.

What’s your carbon footprint and how can you reduce it? Check out the link below created by Firm Green, the world of renewable energy.

Web link: http://www.whatsmycarbonfootprint.com/calculate.htm

Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine Area

Are you in an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) quarantine area? Ash trees on your property may be at risk from this destructive pest because EAB only kills ash tree species. The EAB adults feed on the foliage, while the EAB larvae under the bark feed on their vascular system, killing them within 3 to 4 years. Losing important trees in your community can be visually and emotionally devastating. Being proactive is the key to fighting against EAB! 

An EAB management plan begins with a careful assessment of the condition of each ash tree, and calculations to compare the cost of the various option for treatment or removal. While some of the ash trees should undoubtedly be removed to diversity the species mix, it may be possible to save the healthier ones and chemically treat them to protect them until the EAB threat subsides. Here is a web link to Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, which focus on EAB and how you can start a management plan for your community.  

  Web link to PA DCNR- EAB

“Conservation is the slow and laborious unfolding of a new relationship between people and land.” ~ Aldo Leopold

Aldo Leopold was an environmentalist ahead of his own time and land ethic was his major message. Today, his legacy continues to inspire projects all over the country to connect people and land. The Aldo Leopold Foundation, U.S. Forest Service, and Center For Humans and Nature united to create a film called Green Fire, which is a documentary about the legendary environmentalist Aldo Leopold. West Chester University is holding this film at the Madeleine Wing Alder (Music Building), at 7 pm on Monday, March 10^th 2014.

Check out Green Fire’s web link to view this film near you.

Web Site: http://www.aldoleopold.org/greenfire/index.shtml

Welcome to One Girl, Our World!

Welcome to One Girl, Our World! This blog is about making the right decision concerning the environmental impact we as humans are making on our planet. I will discuss short sustainable phases of change for years to come that will include reducing consumption of energy, natural resources, and most of all demonstrate a lifestyle that seeks to achieve a zero net impact on Earth.

To make sustainable changes in your life, one must first understand the impacts they have on our planet. They need to know how much food it takes to keep yourself alive, how much waste you create, and finally determine your carbon footprint. Also, what will take to keep our planet alive for all species and generations to come?

This blog is designed to be used as a tool, discussions, and as a resource for removing all the comfortable lifestyle items we have today and to teach us new ways of living outside of our comfort zone. Physical things such as removing the idea of an automobile to reduce our carbon footprint and replace this idea with riding a bicycle, or buying your food from a places that supports the local farmers and increases the local economy. Stop the fast pace ideas that Western Society makes us think we must live, how we should only have the bigger and best items, but rather how we morally need to change to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

“We cannot hope to create a sustainable culture with any but sustainable souls” ~Derrick Jensen