The Quick Facts: Prior to the massive oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, most people probably did not think of how much oil they consume. It is projected that oil consumption in the United States will increase by 1.2 percent annually, reaching 24.7 million barrels per day by the year 2020. This increase in demand will put pressure on our resources and continue our addiction to fossil fuels. It’s a lot simpler than you think to reduce your oil consumption. In the end, it will save resources and money, and help your health and the earth.
Archive for the ‘Water’ Category
Reduce Your Family’s Oil Consumption
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
Antibacterial Soap, Your Health, and the Environment
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010The Quick Facts: Experts recommend singing the “ABCs” song for effective hand-washing (20 seconds of vigorous washing with warm water). However, are we making the wrong choice to wash with? Antibacterial soaps have been found to be no more effective than using regular soap and do more harm than good to both human health and the environment.
More than ever, people are washing their hands with antibacterial soap, which experts say is harmful to our health and to the environment. More than three-quarters of soaps contain an “antibacterial” or “antimicrobial” ingredient. These ingredients are also found in cleaning products, laundry detergents, trash bags, and sponges, as well as toothpaste, socks, plastic kitchenware, cutting boards, and even toys. From 2000 to 2006, about 1,500 new antibacterial consumer products were introduced into the marketplace. However, antibacterial soaps have been found to be no more effective than using regular soap and do more harm than good.
(more…)
Seafood Choices: Farmed-raised vs. Wild-caught
Thursday, November 5th, 2009
The Quick Facts: We all know that eating fish is important for our health. However, when faced with the labels, claims, and prices at the seafood counter it is hard to know what to choose. Practical tips include: Choose fish that is healthy and sustainable, usually wild-caught (but not always); Avoid farm-raised finfish, especially salmon; Look for certified seafood; Buy local or domestic; Eat a variety of fish; Choose high-quality fresh or flash-frozen fish; Ask questions.
Water Supplies: Is There Enough Water?
Wednesday, December 17th, 2008The Quick Facts: Water is the Earth’s most abundant resource, but mounting pressures and misuse threaten water supplies. According to the United States government, at least 36 states are anticipating local, regional, or statewide water shortages by 2013, even under non-drought conditions. These shortages can be attributed a combination of rising temperatures, changes in precipitation, population growth, urban sprawl, waste and excess. Families and individuals can help conserve and protect water supplies to secure water for now and the future.
Water Use and Conservation: Are We Water Wasters?
Monday, September 29th, 2008The Quick Facts: Americans use water each day to drink, clean, bathe, flush toilets, cook, water lawns and gardens, and for recreation and other purposes. Water — a valuable resource — is also essential to life. To manage this resource properly and prepare for the future, it is important to know our current level of water use. Americans’ use of water affects our quality of life and the environment. Understanding household use of water can help make important decisions to conserve and use water more efficiently. Overall, awareness is the key to conserving water — a precious resource — and money.
Pharmaceuticals in the Environment
Tuesday, March 25th, 2008The Quick Facts: The use of pharmaceuticals in the United States is common and widespread. Unfortunately, people tend to improperly dispose of unused pharmaceuticals by putting them in the trash or by flushing them down the toilet. These disposal methods may be causing environmental and human health hazards such as disrupting reproductive systems, neurological problems in children, and increased incidence of some cancers. No national standards exist for how much of any pharmaceutical is too much in waterways or in drinking water. You can help to protect the health of humans, wildlife, and the environment by properly disposing of unused, unwanted, or expired pharmaceuticals in these ways.
