Molly

Throwplace: Your Trash Really Can Be Another's Treasure

Molly — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:51:55 -0400

What do you do with items that are in good condition but are not needed any more? You could have a yard sale, throw them away, or try to recycle them, but Throwplace.com offers another alternative that both benefits the environment and people in need.

In 1999, Throwplace.com was developed by Lomangino as an internet site of exchange. The process is easy, fast, and simple. Charities, businesses, and individual people can all contribute. Anyone can list online possessions they are willing to give away. Then, interested people can take what they like for free. read more »

Props to Ukrop's!

Molly — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 10:33:07 -0400

Ukrop's, a community-serving and environmentally friendly grocery chain in Virginia, has begun another sustainable program. The supermarkets, which fry their own chicken, will use the soy oil from the fryers to convert into bio fuel.

Southside Fuel, a local company, will process the used oil from the frying vats into a standard 15 percent biodiesel, the most that the current trucks can handle.

Ukrop's expects to produce around 60,000 gallons of bio fuel each year, about one fourth of its needs. This is really an incredible amount and will really cut down on their carbon emissions. read more »

Drilling in the Arctic?

Molly — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 15:19:07 -0400

Scientists have discovered that there is a large fossil fuel reserve underneath the ice of the Arctic. This massive reserve may contain up a fifth of the world's oil- 90 billion barrels, and a third of the known reserves of gas.

Yes! We are SAVED from the energy crisis!

I don't think so. read more »

Pigs Shot for Medical Practice

Molly — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:03:49 -0400

Is it justified to intentionally injure animals if it will possibly save human lives in the future? The army obviously believes so.

The plan is for soldiers to shoot live pigs and then practice treating their wounds as part of a medical exercise. Apparently, this will enable troops to treat wounded soldiers when there is not a doctor or other medical professional nearby.

Though I can understand the merits of the learning first-hand how to dress a wound, I really don't believe that it is necessary to torture innocent animals to do so. read more »

Oil Execs Charged With Crimes Against Humanity?

Molly — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:44:51 -0400

Dr. James Hansen, a leading scientist on climate change, has stated that he believes the top executives in oil companies such as ExxonMobil should be charged with high crimes against humanity and nature. This is not because of the fact that the CEO's sell oil, but because he believes that they tried to spread doubt about global warming and its effects, as well as obstructing action.

I believe that if this case went through, (correct me if I'm wrong) it would be the first time that someone was charged with a "high crime against nature." High crimes against humanity were used in the past more for war crimes and leaders that caused genocides. I guess one could argue that global warming, which in the end could cause massive extinctions, may be on par or even worse than genocides. read more »

Eco Chic: Fashionable, Affordable, and Environmentally-friendly Clothing

Molly — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:02:57 -0400

A new clothing line called Nature89 is now offering eco-friendly wear, both trendy and comfortable. The company sells a variety of products including tanks, hoodies, printed tees, polos, skirts and shorts. The style is classic casual with functional elements. Prices range mostly $from $15 to $35. Both men's and women's wear are offered.

All clothing is made from organic and pesticide-free cotton, eco-friendly dyes, and water-based inks. The entire collection is certified 100% organic.

Nature89 was founded by apparel entrepreneur Tariq Huq and a team of designers. They are committed to fair trade and to the environment. Besides being eco-friendly, the clothing line does not use any child labor, and all adult workers are provided a fair wage. 1% of its sales is donated towards the preservation of nature. read more »

Obama and McCain: The Environmental Edition

Molly — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:33:34 -0400

With the presidential campaign well under way, many issues have been debated and discussed such as Iraq, gas prices, and foreign policy. One of the lesser addressed areas is each candidate's stance on the environment and animal rights. However, Obama's and McCain's views on this matter should be taken into a greater consideration for the decision of who should become the next leader of the country. read more »

Should the U.S. Drill Its Own Oil?

Molly — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:00:43 -0400

With the rising gas prices no where near slowing down, Americans are contemplating using their own resources to combat the problem. Oil reserves currently are located offshore and also in some regions of Alaska previously not opened to drilling. However, is this really the right thing to do? Is it worth the possible environmental consequences to lower prices? read more »

U.K. Provides Grants for Usage of Biomass

Molly — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:20:10 -0400

Apparently biomass - anything from crops like corn to dead wood and straw- is getting a lot of attention these days. First, there was that whole controversy about using biofuels in place of gasoline. Now, the United Kingdom government is offering grants to farmers and business owners to produce and use biomass for heating and fuel.

The government tries to avoid the former downfalls by only selecting inedible matter, such as grass and straw. Therefore, the new program hopefully will not have much of an effect on food supplies.

Some people wonder, doesn't the burning of all that plant material still release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere? How does using biofuels even help the greenhouse gas situation? read more »

Chinese Government Bans Something Else

Molly — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 12:14:09 -0400

Yes, we've all heard about the different instances where the Chinese government has banned something- whether it be access to the uncensored internet or people with "mental diseases" from the Olympics. However, this time the ban is something we should all be applauding- the ban of free plastic bags. read more »