In the wee hours of the morning, the federal government shutdown. It's being described as simply a partial shutdown, and I suppose that's true only because 9 of the 15 Cabinet level departments are closing, and not all 15 (DOJ, the military, etc are all funded in a previous bill). but it minimizes the disastrous effects for people, recreation, the outdoors, and public lands.
The Department of the Interior is now closed.
That includes the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the National Park Service (NPS), the US Geological Survey (USGS), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to name a few big agencies with the Interior umbrella. The US Forest Service (within the Department of Agriculture) is also closed.
For the general public, this means that public lands are no longer open. And if there are areas that remain accessible, there are no visitor services or staff available. Visitor centers, bathrooms, campgrounds, and the like are all closed.
But more importantly in my mind, is that all operations for management, restoration, and conservation are now interrupted because of the whims of politicians.
National wildlife refuges, which often support wintering waterfowl and waterbird populations, are managed to provide optimal conditions for these animals and have to cease management operations.
The US Forest Service, which manages national forests and provides the fire response team for public lands, is closed. All management operations are suspended.
Coastal restoration projects and management at many of the coastal NWRs must stop. These places are often highly dynamic and fluctuate daily and all efforts are stopped.
These are just a few examples. There is much field research being conducted on federal property, by federal employees, contractors, grad students, and nonprofit organizations.
The longterm effects of the shutdown may ultimately be minimal, but we don't know that to be true yet. Interrupting research, management, and conservation activities will have ramifications. It's not as flashy as "the national parks are closed" headlines but in reality I think it's the more important aspect of this. We'll likely never know how the government shutdown affected individual projects but from my own experience, even a week or two interruption in data collection can have disastrous effects for any study.
Operating on a series of continuing resolutions is no way to operate a budget. Budgeting 101 is to have a plan LONG in advance. So not only do we need a plan now, to get back on track and to continue conservation efforts and land management, but we need a longterm plan for the future too.
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Monday, December 3, 2018
Taming the Mississippi, Part 1: Wetlands Perceptions
When I wrote my CRMS post recently, I started to fully realize just how many modifications people have made to the Mississippi River's floodplain. Basically everywhere has been modified in some way to meet human's perceived needs. The river has been dammed, leveed, channeled, and diverted.
The environmental perspective in North America has very distinct time periods: native/indigenous peoples, colonial period, the agriculture boom, and environmentalism. Wetlands and people both worldwide, and the interactions probably follow similar lines throughout history. However I'm going to focus on North America first, then specifically around the Mississippi River ultimately.
Native/Indigenous Peoples and Wetland Use
Wetlands and indigenous people are not a solely North American existence. This interaction can be found worldwide.
In Australia, wetlands are central to indigenous lives. "Wetlands have significance as ceremonial and initiation sites, traditional hunting and gathering grounds and as boundary markers." [source] Wetlands are revered and respected, but also utilized. They know that wetlands are not without use and incorporated aspects of wetland plants and animals into everyday life. "Almost all wetland plants and animals have some form of traditional use as food, fibre, containers, tools, weapons, transport, shelter and medicine. Many wetland species have significance as totems, symbols that acknowledge specific birds, animals, rocks or flora species, and are considered sacred by their owners." [source]
Little has been written about Native Americans and wetlands, historically. But in general, the native people have a great respect for the natural world and view life as being a part of the natural world - to live among nature, not command nature. This mentality later appears as a major part of Aldo Leopold's Land Ethics.
In coastal Louisiana specifically, where this tale will ultimately wind up, Native Americans have a long standing history with wetlands. By a default in geography if nothing else. The bounty of wetlands enabled a subsistence lifestyle for natives. Resources are plentiful - fish, crabs, shrimp, oysters, nutria (now), alligators, turtles, muskrat, otter, and waterfowl.
Today, there are 4 federally recognized tribes remaining: Chitimacha Tribe, Jena Band of Choctaw, Coushatta Tribe, Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe [source]. But not all tribes are federally recognized and many of them live in the coastal wetlands they've always called home. They include the United Houma Nation, the Pointe-au-Chien tribe, and and the Isle de Jean Charles Band of the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw tribe. Of these only the United Houma Nation is even recognized by the state of Louisiana. They've formed the First People's Conservation Council. We will come back to these dilemma in future parts of this series.
Wetlands during the Colonial Period
Starting in the early 1600s, settlers from Europe starting arriving on the shores of the future United States and Canada. Powerful European countries tried to acquire land and get colonies settled to secure their place on the new continent, and thus the colonies and future countries were started.
People viewed wetlands as altogether undesirable. "During the 1700's, wetlands were regarded as swampy lands that bred diseases, restricted overland travel, impeded the production of food and fiber, and generally were not useful for frontier survival." [source]
The primary environmental perspective in that time frame was that land was meant to be used by people, and that humans should exert control over their environment. This is in direct opposition to Native Americans' respectful treatment and coexistence. So because wetlands had no economic value they could see, hindered travel and food production, and harbored disease - they had to go.
So many wetlands in this time period were drained, filled, and converted into farmland across the fledgling country. Settlers moved down the east coast into river valleys doing this all over the land. By the 1780s colonizers were as far south as Georgia and heading west. The Louisiana purchase in 1803 greatly expanded the size of the new United States. Land was acquired further and further westward and people migrated west as well. The pattern continued - land was acquired, people migrated, wetlands were destroyed.
This destruction of wetlands by filling and draining was often described as "reclamation" to make it sound good, honorable, and legitimate. Reclamation: "the reclaiming of desert, marshy, or submerged areas or other wasteland for cultivation or other use." [source]. And probably at the time, it did seem good, honorable, and legitimate. But through the lens of 2018 environmental issues it seems horribly irresponsible.
Wetlands versus Agriculture
As lands were settled, wetlands were converted from what they perceived to be useless land into usable farm land. Starting in the mid 1800s technical advances allowed for more widespread wetland conversions. Large navigation canals were dug, smaller natural waterways were dredged, and larger farm equipment was developed to be pulled behind horses.
In the midst of all this, the US had the Civil War (1861-1865). The ability to move large equipment across/through wetlands was a problem so the focus became on engineering solutions for transportation. This resulted in railroads expanding across the country, giving access to even more land previously difficult to reach. Wetlands now were even more accessible for conversion or "reclamation". The prairie potholes in the Midwest, bottomland forests in the Mississippi River Valley, delta marshlands of Louisiana, gulf plains of Texas, and swamps of Ohio and Virginia were just a few of the places now at risk.
Agriculture continued to expand its impact, and feeding the growing population was necessary. Mechanized equipment was developed, thanks to the combustion engine, and started to become widespread. This trend continues steadily until the mid 20th century.
"By the 1960's, most political, financial, and institutional incentives to drain or destroy wetlands were in place. The Federal Government encouraged land drainage and wetland destruction through a variety of legislative and policy instruments." [source]
This wholesale destruction of wetlands at the time probably seemed productive and progressive to some, but an environmental movement had begun by the early 1900s.
The Rebirth of Environmentalism
I say rebirth, because this concept is originally native. Immigrants did not develop this mindset, but came around to it later after realizing the error of their controlling ways. The rebirth of widespread environmentalism and conservation started in the 1850s, at the same time as agricultural expansion was hitting its peak. As land was converted, more people because concerned about the environmental detriments and advocated for conservation of these lands. And thus the environmental movement was reborn.
The environmentalism movement really got under way through the prowess and foresight of conservation powerhouses: John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, Gifford Pinchot, John Wesley Powell, Henry David Thoreau, George Perkins Marsh, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and George Bird Grinnell. Each of them in their own way, as well as many others, contributed early on to the conservation movement. John Muir created the Sierra Club, Thoreau wrote Walden, Roosevelt founded the Boone and Crockett Club, Grinnell founded the Audubon Society, Powell served as the 2nd director of the US Geological Survey and spearheaded many expeditions, and Pinchot is widely considered the father of American forestry.
It all culminated with Theodore Roosevelt becoming president in 1901.
TR was remarkable in a lot of ways, but with him the conservation movement because highly visible. It was no longer John Muir wandering the woods with a donkey writing articles for others to read, but now the most powerful person in the country was actively making progressive environmental decisions.
"The conservationists, led by future President Theodore Roosevelt and his close ally George Bird Grinnell, were motivated by the wanton waste that was taking place at the hand of market forces, including logging and hunting." Habitats were destroyed, species were tottering on the brink of extinction, resources were being wasted, and they decided that the country needed "a long-term plan devised by national experts to maximize the long-term economic benefits of natural resources" [source].
The environmental perspective in North America has very distinct time periods: native/indigenous peoples, colonial period, the agriculture boom, and environmentalism. Wetlands and people both worldwide, and the interactions probably follow similar lines throughout history. However I'm going to focus on North America first, then specifically around the Mississippi River ultimately.
Native/Indigenous Peoples and Wetland Use
Wetlands and indigenous people are not a solely North American existence. This interaction can be found worldwide.
In Australia, wetlands are central to indigenous lives. "Wetlands have significance as ceremonial and initiation sites, traditional hunting and gathering grounds and as boundary markers." [source] Wetlands are revered and respected, but also utilized. They know that wetlands are not without use and incorporated aspects of wetland plants and animals into everyday life. "Almost all wetland plants and animals have some form of traditional use as food, fibre, containers, tools, weapons, transport, shelter and medicine. Many wetland species have significance as totems, symbols that acknowledge specific birds, animals, rocks or flora species, and are considered sacred by their owners." [source]
Little has been written about Native Americans and wetlands, historically. But in general, the native people have a great respect for the natural world and view life as being a part of the natural world - to live among nature, not command nature. This mentality later appears as a major part of Aldo Leopold's Land Ethics.
In coastal Louisiana specifically, where this tale will ultimately wind up, Native Americans have a long standing history with wetlands. By a default in geography if nothing else. The bounty of wetlands enabled a subsistence lifestyle for natives. Resources are plentiful - fish, crabs, shrimp, oysters, nutria (now), alligators, turtles, muskrat, otter, and waterfowl.
Today, there are 4 federally recognized tribes remaining: Chitimacha Tribe, Jena Band of Choctaw, Coushatta Tribe, Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe [source]. But not all tribes are federally recognized and many of them live in the coastal wetlands they've always called home. They include the United Houma Nation, the Pointe-au-Chien tribe, and and the Isle de Jean Charles Band of the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw tribe. Of these only the United Houma Nation is even recognized by the state of Louisiana. They've formed the First People's Conservation Council. We will come back to these dilemma in future parts of this series.
Wetlands during the Colonial Period
Starting in the early 1600s, settlers from Europe starting arriving on the shores of the future United States and Canada. Powerful European countries tried to acquire land and get colonies settled to secure their place on the new continent, and thus the colonies and future countries were started.
People viewed wetlands as altogether undesirable. "During the 1700's, wetlands were regarded as swampy lands that bred diseases, restricted overland travel, impeded the production of food and fiber, and generally were not useful for frontier survival." [source]
The primary environmental perspective in that time frame was that land was meant to be used by people, and that humans should exert control over their environment. This is in direct opposition to Native Americans' respectful treatment and coexistence. So because wetlands had no economic value they could see, hindered travel and food production, and harbored disease - they had to go.
So many wetlands in this time period were drained, filled, and converted into farmland across the fledgling country. Settlers moved down the east coast into river valleys doing this all over the land. By the 1780s colonizers were as far south as Georgia and heading west. The Louisiana purchase in 1803 greatly expanded the size of the new United States. Land was acquired further and further westward and people migrated west as well. The pattern continued - land was acquired, people migrated, wetlands were destroyed.
This destruction of wetlands by filling and draining was often described as "reclamation" to make it sound good, honorable, and legitimate. Reclamation: "the reclaiming of desert, marshy, or submerged areas or other wasteland for cultivation or other use." [source]. And probably at the time, it did seem good, honorable, and legitimate. But through the lens of 2018 environmental issues it seems horribly irresponsible.
Wetlands versus Agriculture
As lands were settled, wetlands were converted from what they perceived to be useless land into usable farm land. Starting in the mid 1800s technical advances allowed for more widespread wetland conversions. Large navigation canals were dug, smaller natural waterways were dredged, and larger farm equipment was developed to be pulled behind horses.
In the midst of all this, the US had the Civil War (1861-1865). The ability to move large equipment across/through wetlands was a problem so the focus became on engineering solutions for transportation. This resulted in railroads expanding across the country, giving access to even more land previously difficult to reach. Wetlands now were even more accessible for conversion or "reclamation". The prairie potholes in the Midwest, bottomland forests in the Mississippi River Valley, delta marshlands of Louisiana, gulf plains of Texas, and swamps of Ohio and Virginia were just a few of the places now at risk.
Agriculture continued to expand its impact, and feeding the growing population was necessary. Mechanized equipment was developed, thanks to the combustion engine, and started to become widespread. This trend continues steadily until the mid 20th century.
"By the 1960's, most political, financial, and institutional incentives to drain or destroy wetlands were in place. The Federal Government encouraged land drainage and wetland destruction through a variety of legislative and policy instruments." [source]
This wholesale destruction of wetlands at the time probably seemed productive and progressive to some, but an environmental movement had begun by the early 1900s.
The Rebirth of Environmentalism
I say rebirth, because this concept is originally native. Immigrants did not develop this mindset, but came around to it later after realizing the error of their controlling ways. The rebirth of widespread environmentalism and conservation started in the 1850s, at the same time as agricultural expansion was hitting its peak. As land was converted, more people because concerned about the environmental detriments and advocated for conservation of these lands. And thus the environmental movement was reborn.
The environmentalism movement really got under way through the prowess and foresight of conservation powerhouses: John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, Gifford Pinchot, John Wesley Powell, Henry David Thoreau, George Perkins Marsh, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and George Bird Grinnell. Each of them in their own way, as well as many others, contributed early on to the conservation movement. John Muir created the Sierra Club, Thoreau wrote Walden, Roosevelt founded the Boone and Crockett Club, Grinnell founded the Audubon Society, Powell served as the 2nd director of the US Geological Survey and spearheaded many expeditions, and Pinchot is widely considered the father of American forestry.
It all culminated with Theodore Roosevelt becoming president in 1901.
TR was remarkable in a lot of ways, but with him the conservation movement because highly visible. It was no longer John Muir wandering the woods with a donkey writing articles for others to read, but now the most powerful person in the country was actively making progressive environmental decisions.
"The conservationists, led by future President Theodore Roosevelt and his close ally George Bird Grinnell, were motivated by the wanton waste that was taking place at the hand of market forces, including logging and hunting." Habitats were destroyed, species were tottering on the brink of extinction, resources were being wasted, and they decided that the country needed "a long-term plan devised by national experts to maximize the long-term economic benefits of natural resources" [source].
Roosevelt established the US Forest Service, created 5 National Parks, signed the 1906 Antiquities Act, created 51 bird reserves, 4 game preserves, and 150 national forests. Ultimately Roosevelt protected 230,000,000 acres [source] for the future and for preservation and conservation both.
There's still a conflict between preservation and conservation, which is why we have both the US Forest Service and the US National Park Service. "Whereas conservationists wanted regulated use of forest lands for both public activities and commercial endeavors, preservationists wanted forest to be preserved for natural beauty, scientific study and recreation. The differences continue to the modern era, with sustainable harvest and multiple-use the major focus of the U.S. Forest Service and recreation emphasized by the National Park Service." [source]
In 1962, Rachel Carson published Silent Spring. [Coincidentally, this is the December Book of the Month if you want to join our book club!] "Carson inspired an environmental revolution, helping to root the modern conservation movement in a scientific foundation." [source] After this historic moment, a slew of important things were created:
-1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
-National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
-the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
-the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
-Earth Day
-1972 Clean Water Act
-Marine Mammal Protection Act
-Coastal Zone Management Act
-Endangered Species Act
-DDT banned in 1972
-Wilderness Act of 1964
These days, the problems facing conservation and preservation of resources are still many and varied. "For the modern era, the U.S. Forest Service has noted three important aspects of the conservation movement: the climate change, water issues, and the education of the public on conservation of the natural environment, especially among children." [source]
Coastal Louisiana benefits from many of the laws and agencies that were created in the modern area. National Wildlife Refuges (like Bayou Sauvage and Big Branch NWRs) encompass and protect wetlands, the Endangered Species Act helps Louisiana save species (such as the Brown Pelican, the state bird), and the EPA has cleaned waterways (like Bayou Bonfouca Superfund Site in Slidell LA).
The battle between resources (aka wetlands) and industry (aka oil and gas) still rages to this day. Conflicts abound between scientists, politicians, fishermen, natives, conservationists, and everyone in between. The Coastal Master Plan is a science based plan for coastal wetlands restoration and conservation. In the absence of still functioning natural processes, it relies heavily on construction and management of projects to replicate natural conditions. So wetlands while once viewed as evil and usless, are now seen for the valuable ecosystem they are.
Coming next: Part 2: The value of wetlands!
Sources & Additional Reading:
When Dismal Swamps Became Priceless Wetlands American Heritage, 1994
History of Wetlands in the Conterminous United States US Geological Survey
Wetlands and Indigenous values Australian Government, Department of the Environment
Native American tribe to relocate from Louisiana coast as sea levels rise Reuters, 3/17/2016
The Cultural Impact of Eroding Wetlands Color Lines, 11/18/2009
Tribal Wetland Program Highlights US Environmental Protection Agency, March 2000
Native American Tribes of Louisiana native-languages.org, accessed 11/30/2018
On the Louisiana Coast, A Native Community Sinks Slowly into the Sea Yale Environment 360, 3/15/2018
The Historic Indian Tribes Of Louisiana Frenchcreoles.com, accessed 11/30/2018
Reclaiming native ground: Can Louisiana’s tribes restore their traditional diets as waters rise? FERN, 2/9/2017
These Native American Tribes Are Fighting To Stop Their Land From Literally Disappearing Think Progress, 1/22/2015
Louisiana tribes say federal recognition will help to face threat of climate change NOLA.com, 7/26/2018
Louisiana’s Pointe-au-Chien Tribe Struggles to Preserve Its Way of Life Huffington Post, 6/16/2013
Down the Bayou: Notes on Cultural Adaptation in the Native American Community of Pointe-au-Chien, Louisiana Louisiana Folklife, 2013
'High risk' Native American village on Grand Bayou wants government help to stay as land disappears The Advocate, 12/27/2016
Vulnerability of Coastal Louisiana Tribes in a Climate Change Context Northern Arizona University, 2012
Conservation in the United States Wikipedia
Soll on Badger, 'A Natural History of Quiet Waters: Swamps and Wetlands of the Mid-Atlantic Coast'
Conservation movement Wikipedia
In 1962, Rachel Carson published Silent Spring. [Coincidentally, this is the December Book of the Month if you want to join our book club!] "Carson inspired an environmental revolution, helping to root the modern conservation movement in a scientific foundation." [source] After this historic moment, a slew of important things were created:
-1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
-National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
-the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
-the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
-Earth Day
-1972 Clean Water Act
-Marine Mammal Protection Act
-Coastal Zone Management Act
-Endangered Species Act
-DDT banned in 1972
-Wilderness Act of 1964
These days, the problems facing conservation and preservation of resources are still many and varied. "For the modern era, the U.S. Forest Service has noted three important aspects of the conservation movement: the climate change, water issues, and the education of the public on conservation of the natural environment, especially among children." [source]
Coastal Louisiana benefits from many of the laws and agencies that were created in the modern area. National Wildlife Refuges (like Bayou Sauvage and Big Branch NWRs) encompass and protect wetlands, the Endangered Species Act helps Louisiana save species (such as the Brown Pelican, the state bird), and the EPA has cleaned waterways (like Bayou Bonfouca Superfund Site in Slidell LA).
The battle between resources (aka wetlands) and industry (aka oil and gas) still rages to this day. Conflicts abound between scientists, politicians, fishermen, natives, conservationists, and everyone in between. The Coastal Master Plan is a science based plan for coastal wetlands restoration and conservation. In the absence of still functioning natural processes, it relies heavily on construction and management of projects to replicate natural conditions. So wetlands while once viewed as evil and usless, are now seen for the valuable ecosystem they are.
Coming next: Part 2: The value of wetlands!
Sources & Additional Reading:
When Dismal Swamps Became Priceless Wetlands American Heritage, 1994
History of Wetlands in the Conterminous United States US Geological Survey
Wetlands and Indigenous values Australian Government, Department of the Environment
Native American tribe to relocate from Louisiana coast as sea levels rise Reuters, 3/17/2016
The Cultural Impact of Eroding Wetlands Color Lines, 11/18/2009
Tribal Wetland Program Highlights US Environmental Protection Agency, March 2000
Native American Tribes of Louisiana native-languages.org, accessed 11/30/2018
On the Louisiana Coast, A Native Community Sinks Slowly into the Sea Yale Environment 360, 3/15/2018
The Historic Indian Tribes Of Louisiana Frenchcreoles.com, accessed 11/30/2018
Reclaiming native ground: Can Louisiana’s tribes restore their traditional diets as waters rise? FERN, 2/9/2017
These Native American Tribes Are Fighting To Stop Their Land From Literally Disappearing Think Progress, 1/22/2015
Louisiana tribes say federal recognition will help to face threat of climate change NOLA.com, 7/26/2018
Louisiana’s Pointe-au-Chien Tribe Struggles to Preserve Its Way of Life Huffington Post, 6/16/2013
Down the Bayou: Notes on Cultural Adaptation in the Native American Community of Pointe-au-Chien, Louisiana Louisiana Folklife, 2013
'High risk' Native American village on Grand Bayou wants government help to stay as land disappears The Advocate, 12/27/2016
Vulnerability of Coastal Louisiana Tribes in a Climate Change Context Northern Arizona University, 2012
Conservation in the United States Wikipedia
Soll on Badger, 'A Natural History of Quiet Waters: Swamps and Wetlands of the Mid-Atlantic Coast'
Conservation movement Wikipedia
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Shopping Ban: Month 2 Update
It has been 2 months since I started my shopping ban! November has been interesting too. I stayed under my two week budgets, did not purge any items, contemplated ethical zero-waste gifts for holidays, and purchased a few things on my approved shopping list.
I get disgusted by the level of consumerism, and the peak worst is Black Friday. So I did not participate. Not that I ever participate, but I was even more aware of it this year than previously. And I've been striving to purchase things in the best way possible when required.
So I did purchase 2 clothing items for my upcoming NOLS course that are required and that I did not own. I needed baselayer bottoms and a long sleeved top that were wool or synthetic. So I went ahead and purchased them this month.
But the clever part is that I bought them from REI's Used Gear Store! So while I did buy 2 things from my approved list, I bought used items. They look brand new though and are perfect and I only spent $50 total, when new that would have cost me closer to $100. Also they are multi purpose because I will use the baselayer bottoms throughout the winter for field work, and wear the wool shirt regularly as it's very comfortable. Success!
I also purchased a few gifts for upcoming celebrations, and did it in a zero waste manner. I was able to use the ethical hierarchy of gift giving to come up with some clever ideas for friends and family. I focused on experiences, and did not buy anything new when I did buy an object. Also success!
Also I put used books on my allowed shopping list, because I run the Outdoor Conservation Book Club and some of the books I've chosen are hard to come by or have long wait lists at the library. So I purchased 5 conservation books online from Thriftbooks! These books are all for the OC book club or recommended reading ahead of the NOLS course.
- Outdoor Leadership, by John Graham [NOLS]
- Sea Change, by Sylvia Earle [OC Book Club]
- Wilderness and the American Mind [NOLS]
- The Sixth Extinction [OC Book Club]
- How Remarkable Women Lead [NOLS]
I also this month acquired a few other used books. A handful of books came from a friend who was donating boxes to Goodwill, so I picked a few out to take. And I acquired one book that was originally purchased as a gift, but the dog ate the cover, so it's mine now and the gift version has been replaced with another used book.
Also this month, there was 1 flaw in my plan. Winter. We had previously gotten a new, larger bed and never bought any kind of comforter or quilt for it. And winter is coming and it's getting colder, and dogs aren't exactly enough warmth to get us through the winter. So I had to purchase a new quilt for our new bed, but that's a necessity I just didn't foresee.
There's one other thing I purchased: Fabric scraps from Hobby Lobby to make into tissues. I had run out of throwaway tissues, and in the spirit of zero waste, did not buy a new box. Instead I had cut up some of my thinner and softer cleaning cloths (which were already scraps of old clothes) to use as tissues. But I didn't have enough. I scoured the house looking for fabric I could turn into tissues but no luck. So I spent $9 and bought a bundle of cotton squares with cute woodland creatures on them to use as tissues. They're reusable, washable, and will last for ages. I classified this as toiletries, but thought my solution was clever!
Everything else has gone swimmingly. I'm still unsubscribing from marketing emails when I get them, actively being aware of impulses, and thinking about the impact of all of my purchases. It sounds overwhelming but it's really refreshing.
On to Month 3!
I get disgusted by the level of consumerism, and the peak worst is Black Friday. So I did not participate. Not that I ever participate, but I was even more aware of it this year than previously. And I've been striving to purchase things in the best way possible when required.
So I did purchase 2 clothing items for my upcoming NOLS course that are required and that I did not own. I needed baselayer bottoms and a long sleeved top that were wool or synthetic. So I went ahead and purchased them this month.
But the clever part is that I bought them from REI's Used Gear Store! So while I did buy 2 things from my approved list, I bought used items. They look brand new though and are perfect and I only spent $50 total, when new that would have cost me closer to $100. Also they are multi purpose because I will use the baselayer bottoms throughout the winter for field work, and wear the wool shirt regularly as it's very comfortable. Success!
I also purchased a few gifts for upcoming celebrations, and did it in a zero waste manner. I was able to use the ethical hierarchy of gift giving to come up with some clever ideas for friends and family. I focused on experiences, and did not buy anything new when I did buy an object. Also success!
Also I put used books on my allowed shopping list, because I run the Outdoor Conservation Book Club and some of the books I've chosen are hard to come by or have long wait lists at the library. So I purchased 5 conservation books online from Thriftbooks! These books are all for the OC book club or recommended reading ahead of the NOLS course.
- Outdoor Leadership, by John Graham [NOLS]
- Sea Change, by Sylvia Earle [OC Book Club]
- Wilderness and the American Mind [NOLS]
- The Sixth Extinction [OC Book Club]
- How Remarkable Women Lead [NOLS]
I also this month acquired a few other used books. A handful of books came from a friend who was donating boxes to Goodwill, so I picked a few out to take. And I acquired one book that was originally purchased as a gift, but the dog ate the cover, so it's mine now and the gift version has been replaced with another used book.
Also this month, there was 1 flaw in my plan. Winter. We had previously gotten a new, larger bed and never bought any kind of comforter or quilt for it. And winter is coming and it's getting colder, and dogs aren't exactly enough warmth to get us through the winter. So I had to purchase a new quilt for our new bed, but that's a necessity I just didn't foresee.
There's one other thing I purchased: Fabric scraps from Hobby Lobby to make into tissues. I had run out of throwaway tissues, and in the spirit of zero waste, did not buy a new box. Instead I had cut up some of my thinner and softer cleaning cloths (which were already scraps of old clothes) to use as tissues. But I didn't have enough. I scoured the house looking for fabric I could turn into tissues but no luck. So I spent $9 and bought a bundle of cotton squares with cute woodland creatures on them to use as tissues. They're reusable, washable, and will last for ages. I classified this as toiletries, but thought my solution was clever!
Everything else has gone swimmingly. I'm still unsubscribing from marketing emails when I get them, actively being aware of impulses, and thinking about the impact of all of my purchases. It sounds overwhelming but it's really refreshing.
On to Month 3!
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Used Books FTW
It's highly unlikely that I am the only one with an addiction to books and reading and knowledge in general. I love diving into a good book. But the cost of buying a new book to read once (or at most once every few years) is a bit cost prohibitive. It's also wasteful to buy something new that you can get used and is just as good. And sometimes the library doesn't have what I'm interested in or there's an incredibly long wait time. So how does one balance a bookworm tendency with budgets, a desire to reduce waste, and conservation of natural resources?
USED BOOKS!!!
There are quite a few options you have to get your hands on used books. Here's a few of my favorites:
1) Thriftbooks.com - They have a huge selection of books. It's like the big box bookstore of used books. It's fantastic. I just bought 5 used conservation books for ~$3.99 each and got free shipping to boot.
2) Bookmooch.com - This requires a little bit of effort on your part though. Years ago I had a bunch of books to off load, but wanted to get something in exchange. So I listed a good portion of them on here, and people requested them from me. So I paid media rate shipping to send books to people, but earned nearly 100 points. That was in 2010 and I've still got 50+ points to use for mooching books from people, at no cost to me because I already paid my part buy sharing the literary wealth. So if you've got lots of books you want to send to new homes but also want more variety on your own bookshelves, this is your option!
3) Local bookstores - I'm lucky to have a good local bookstore that's basically all used books. I always find something interesting in there to read. Maybe you do too!
4) Library book sales - My local library also does monthly surplus book sales and pretty much everything is $1. You can really get more bang for your buck that way. I left with a lot of science books last time and spent $6.
5) Little Free Library - If you've never seen a Little Free Library you're missing out. They are adorable little boxes often in neighborhoods that are stocked full of books. The one nearest me is often a mixture of paperback fiction, kids books, and interesting books of various topics. You give a book, and take a book. It's a great way to experience new stuff with zero risk!
6) 2nd and Charles - This store is my personal fave. The one by me is in a former Books-a-Million and has a seemingly endless supplies of books on every topic imaginable. It's like shopping in a large shiny new bookstore but with zillions of options and used books, graphic novels, and comics. I didn't actually know it was a chain until recently but they are fantastic.
Friday, November 23, 2018
Black Friday 2018
In the US it's "Black Friday" aka the day where the majority of people lose their minds and spend money on things they don't actually need. It's consumerism at it's worst. And the beginning of the worst time of year, in my opinion. The time of year where it's "Christmas" and "a time of giving" but really it's all peer and societal pressure to give elaborate/expensive gifts to prove that you care.
So instead - prove that you care year round, and do it in your own way. Change the societal rules! That being said, if you actually WANT to buy a gift (big or small), do that. But if you don't actually WANT to do that, give something you actually do want to give. It's a gift for a reason. Gifts should not be expected because then it's no longer a gift.
"People are incurring debt and working longer hours to pay for the high-consumption lifestyle, consequently spending less time with family, friends, and community organizations. "Excess consumption can be counterproductive," said Gardner. "The irony is that lower levels of consumption can actually cure some of these problems."" - As Consumerism Spreads, Earth Suffers, Study Says
Even if you don't agree with me that the societal pressure to give big gifts is bad this time of year, let's look at another facet: The consumption of resources required to create those gifts. In reality, so much of Christmas presents is junk. It's used once or twice, or worn a few times, or breaks right away, or wasn't actually wanted in the first place.
"This boom has not happened by accident. Our lives have been corralled and shaped in order to encourage it. World trade rules force countries to participate in the festival of junk. Governments cut taxes, deregulate business, manipulate interest rates to stimulate spending. But seldom do the engineers of these policies stop and ask “spending on what?”. When every conceivable want and need has been met (among those who have disposable money), growth depends on selling the utterly useless. The solemnity of the state, its might and majesty, are harnessed to the task of delivering Terry the Swearing Turtle to our doors." - The Gift of Death
"As the demand for goods increases, the need to produce these goods also increases. This leads to more pollutant emissions, increased land-use and deforestation, and accelerated climate change [4]." - The Negative Effects of Consumerism
As Consumerism Spreads, Earth Suffers, Study Says National Geographic, 1/12/2004
Consumerism plays a huge role in climate change Grist, 2/24/2016
Consumers have huge environmental impact ScienceDaily, 2/24/2016
Shop Till We Drop: Does Consumption Culture Contribute to Environmental Degradation? Scientific American, accessed 11/22/2016
The Negative Effects of Consumerism Greentumble, 7/22/2016
Overconsumption is costing us the earth and human happiness The Guardian, 6/21/2010
So instead - prove that you care year round, and do it in your own way. Change the societal rules! That being said, if you actually WANT to buy a gift (big or small), do that. But if you don't actually WANT to do that, give something you actually do want to give. It's a gift for a reason. Gifts should not be expected because then it's no longer a gift.
"People are incurring debt and working longer hours to pay for the high-consumption lifestyle, consequently spending less time with family, friends, and community organizations. "Excess consumption can be counterproductive," said Gardner. "The irony is that lower levels of consumption can actually cure some of these problems."" - As Consumerism Spreads, Earth Suffers, Study Says
Even if you don't agree with me that the societal pressure to give big gifts is bad this time of year, let's look at another facet: The consumption of resources required to create those gifts. In reality, so much of Christmas presents is junk. It's used once or twice, or worn a few times, or breaks right away, or wasn't actually wanted in the first place.
"This boom has not happened by accident. Our lives have been corralled and shaped in order to encourage it. World trade rules force countries to participate in the festival of junk. Governments cut taxes, deregulate business, manipulate interest rates to stimulate spending. But seldom do the engineers of these policies stop and ask “spending on what?”. When every conceivable want and need has been met (among those who have disposable money), growth depends on selling the utterly useless. The solemnity of the state, its might and majesty, are harnessed to the task of delivering Terry the Swearing Turtle to our doors." - The Gift of Death
The amount of resources needed to make a plethora of objects that may or may not be wanted is a huge detriment to the environment. Think about the precious metals that go into electronics, the forests needed to make wood or paper objects, the plastics needed to make that novelty item of no actual value or use, and the time and energy spent wasting creating it.
It's truly staggering. So instead of buying into it, literally, be different! Break the norm! Together we can change the tide. Alternatives to buying a gift abound.
(I have no idea the source, so if you know, please let me know!)
In my own shopping ban experiment, I have discovered that I now have a negative physical reaction to buying things (or the idea of buying things, actually). I have begun to rethink every single purchase. Which is really good. It's also a bit overwhelming sometimes. So instead, in this holiday season, I suggest rethinking how you give gifts and how you shop.
Go spend time with the person you care about doing something different (take a hike! #optoutside).
Give an experience instead of an object (tickets to a show or concert).
Make something (knit, crochet, or bake something, etc)
Give consumables from a local shop (tea, spices, or coffee come to mind).
Buy second hand items (books are good for this).
Upcycle/repurpose items to make a gift (recover a throw pillow or refinish something).
Donate money to a cause your person cares deeply about.
More Information:
The Gift of Death, Monbiot.com, published 10/10/2012As Consumerism Spreads, Earth Suffers, Study Says National Geographic, 1/12/2004
Consumerism plays a huge role in climate change Grist, 2/24/2016
Consumers have huge environmental impact ScienceDaily, 2/24/2016
Shop Till We Drop: Does Consumption Culture Contribute to Environmental Degradation? Scientific American, accessed 11/22/2016
The Negative Effects of Consumerism Greentumble, 7/22/2016
Overconsumption is costing us the earth and human happiness The Guardian, 6/21/2010
Friday, November 16, 2018
Recycling Electronic Waste
Surely I'm not the only one that has an old laptop, ink cartridges, an iPod classic, and random cords and things lying around the house because I have just no clue what to do with them. But they can be recycled! RECYCLED!!
First, let me say that you should use your electronics as long as possible. Just like anything else, the less you replace something the less resources you consume. Using 1 phone every 2 years vs 1 phone every 1 year is a big difference long term. So first step is to REDUCE consumption - use only what you really genuinely need to.
But if you're like me and don't live in the most environmentally progressive place, recycling your electronics can be a problem and/or a hassle.
Cities may or may not actually collect or allow for drop off of e-waste. And that can be frustrating. But nationwide, Best Buy does! If you've been in one of their stores lately, you may have noticed the bins near the entrance. Well you can drop off a variety of e-waste at their shops: laptops, cell phones, calculators, landline phones, laptop batteries, printers, tablets, e-readers, cables and cords, that old ipod, alarm clocks, charging cables.... the list goes on.
Best Buy doesn't accept old discs - CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, etc so that's a bit tricky. And many of us have old burned CDs and scratched DVDs around that we don't or can't use anymore. You can mail them to the CD Recycling Center of America [if you're in the US anyway]. Sure it's a few bucks to mail a box of things to be recycled, but it's totally worth it and also good environmental karma.
If you have CDs still in cases and in good shape, there's likely to be a used music shop in your town that you can donate or sell back to. Alternatively Goodwill and other thrift stores are also a good option because at least the items can have a second life instead of landing up straight in the trash.
If you have some newer tech that is still functional, you can also trade it in at Best Buy! How cool is that? Getting a few bucks for something and knowing it's taken care of is better than recycling it outright and also infinitely better than chucking it in the trash (and into a landfill).
For more local options, you'll have to do some digging. I found a great local place I had no idea existed for me by googling "electronics recycling [insert city name]". Turns out they also refurbish used electronic equipment and resell it at discounted rates, which is awesome.
I've made a resource sheet here for everyone to share/add to. Happy Recycling!
Additional Reading:
The Global Cost of Electronic Waste The Atlantic, 9/26/2016
Best Buy's Recycling Guidelines accessed 11/16/2018
CD Recycling Center of America accessed 11/16/2018
First, let me say that you should use your electronics as long as possible. Just like anything else, the less you replace something the less resources you consume. Using 1 phone every 2 years vs 1 phone every 1 year is a big difference long term. So first step is to REDUCE consumption - use only what you really genuinely need to.
But if you're like me and don't live in the most environmentally progressive place, recycling your electronics can be a problem and/or a hassle.
Cities may or may not actually collect or allow for drop off of e-waste. And that can be frustrating. But nationwide, Best Buy does! If you've been in one of their stores lately, you may have noticed the bins near the entrance. Well you can drop off a variety of e-waste at their shops: laptops, cell phones, calculators, landline phones, laptop batteries, printers, tablets, e-readers, cables and cords, that old ipod, alarm clocks, charging cables.... the list goes on.
Best Buy doesn't accept old discs - CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, etc so that's a bit tricky. And many of us have old burned CDs and scratched DVDs around that we don't or can't use anymore. You can mail them to the CD Recycling Center of America [if you're in the US anyway]. Sure it's a few bucks to mail a box of things to be recycled, but it's totally worth it and also good environmental karma.
If you have CDs still in cases and in good shape, there's likely to be a used music shop in your town that you can donate or sell back to. Alternatively Goodwill and other thrift stores are also a good option because at least the items can have a second life instead of landing up straight in the trash.
If you have some newer tech that is still functional, you can also trade it in at Best Buy! How cool is that? Getting a few bucks for something and knowing it's taken care of is better than recycling it outright and also infinitely better than chucking it in the trash (and into a landfill).
For more local options, you'll have to do some digging. I found a great local place I had no idea existed for me by googling "electronics recycling [insert city name]". Turns out they also refurbish used electronic equipment and resell it at discounted rates, which is awesome.
I've made a resource sheet here for everyone to share/add to. Happy Recycling!
Additional Reading:
The Global Cost of Electronic Waste The Atlantic, 9/26/2016
Best Buy's Recycling Guidelines accessed 11/16/2018
CD Recycling Center of America accessed 11/16/2018
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Weekly Science Roundup 11/16/2018
THE TERRIFYING SCIENCE BEHIND CALIFORNIA'S MASSIVE CAMP FIRE WIRED, 11/9/2018
Washington's carbon fee defeat is an invitation to think bigger The Hill, 11/11/2018
Rare 'shark nursery' discovered hidden in deep waters west of Ireland The Independent UK, 11/12/2018
Costly recycling changes put burden on Dayton, local cities WHIO Dayton OH, 11/12/2018
Solving Microplastic Pollution Means Reducing, Recycling—and Fundamental Rethinking Scientific American, 11/12/2018
Canada's salmon hold the key to saving its killer whales The Guardian, 11/12/2018
China Suspends Its Relaxation of Wildlife-Trade Ban Wall Street Journal, 11/12/2018
The remote Arctic town that is melting away BBC, 11/12/2018
EU states call for tough action on deforestation to meet 2020 UN goal The Guardian, 11/12/2018
Climate change damaging male fertility Phys.org, 11/13/2018
Purple bacteria can turn human waste into clean hydrogen energy ResearchGate, 11/13/2018
The plastic backlash: what's behind our sudden rage – and will it make a difference? The Guardian, 11/13/2018
What would a smog-free city look like? The Guardian, 11/13/2018
The Earth Is Eating Its Own Oceans LiveScience, 11/14/2018
100% renewable electricity is viable Physics World, 11/14/2018
West Coast crab fisherman sue 30 fossil fuel companies, citing economic losses due to climate change San Francisco Chronicle, 11/14/2018
Cities Grab Onto Hurricanes; Buildings Make the Rain Worse Wired, 11/14/2018
New Zealand asks travelers to help protect the environment CNN, 11/14/2018
Lionfish invasion in the Gulf of Mexico expected to worsen as the climate changes Houston Chronicle, 11/14/2018
Giraffes at risk of extinction as they are given 'critically endangered' status for first time Telegraph UK, 11/14/2018
Oceans are losing a football field of seagrass every 30 minutes Popular Science, 11/15/2018
The case against cruises Vox, 11/15/2018
US oil firm's bid to drill for oil in Arctic hits snag: a lack of sea ice The Guardian, 11/15/2018
Monday, November 12, 2018
California Condors
I was a soon-to-be college graduate, and my family wanted to take a trip together, since we had never really traveled together much once we were pretty well grown up. So they asked me where I wanted to go. Immediately I responded - the Grand Canyon.
"No matter how far you have wandered hitherto, or how many famous gorges and valleys you have seen, this one, the Grand Cañon of the Colorado, will seem as novel to you, as unearthly in the color and grandeur and quantity of its architecture, as if you had found it after death, on some other star; so incomparably lovely and grand and supreme is it above all the other cañons in our fire-moulded, earthquake-shaken, rain-washed, wave-washed, river and glacier sculptured world."-John Muir, Our National Parks
"No matter how far you have wandered hitherto, or how many famous gorges and valleys you have seen, this one, the Grand Cañon of the Colorado, will seem as novel to you, as unearthly in the color and grandeur and quantity of its architecture, as if you had found it after death, on some other star; so incomparably lovely and grand and supreme is it above all the other cañons in our fire-moulded, earthquake-shaken, rain-washed, wave-washed, river and glacier sculptured world."-John Muir, Our National Parks
[coincidentally or not at all coincidentally, that is also the Book of the Month! Check it out HERE]
Andean condors are quite similar, and these efforts were successful. Once they determined that the plan would work, they recaptured the Andean condors and re-released them in their native South America. After that, California condors were released into the wild starting in 1992, only 5 years after they went extinct in the wild.
As of the 2017 population report, there were 463 California Condors alive and well - 290 in the wild, and 173 in the captive population. Also in 2017, there were 27 nest attempts, 10 young fledged from those nests, and an additional 21 captive-reared chicks released into the wild.
When I was in Arizona in 2007, they were only just about to reach the tipping point in the captive breeding program. By 2008, after 20ish years of captive breeding, the population swung to more wild birds than captive birds. That's a massive milestone!
Despite these valiant efforts and the amazing improvement in the populations, condors are still at risk. Some of the hazards that created their population crisis are still ongoing.
So naturally, with billing like that from the great John Muir, I wanted to go to Grand Canyon National Park. Onward to the grandest of canyons, please!
When we first arrived at the park in May 2007, I was eagerly scanning the sky looking for birds. Well, eagerly looking for California Condors and/or Golden Eagles, specifically. I don't even remember which of my parents was driving, or what I was even thinking (probably I wasn't) but I literally jumped out of a moving vehicle with my binoculars in hand, darted across the parking lot, and stood at the edge of the canyon and watched two California Condors for as long as they were in sight.
All I remember was looking out the window, hopeful, and then I was running across the parking lot to get a better view. Real smart, self. But I got great looks at the 2 majestic beasties, and I still haven't seen another condor after that.
They were beautiful. Gliding around, being amazing, doing important condor stuff. Their massive wingspan is downright impressive. I'm used to seeing bald eagles (wingspan ~6.5ft) in Louisiana, but these condors just dwarfed all memory of them with their wingspan of 9+ ft. Even a golden eagle I saw later in the day didn't seem that impressive after these condors. Don't get me wrong, golden eagles are also super impressive in their own right but the condors set a really high bar that was just not attainable for the also majestic golden eagle. I probably only saw these condors for a total of 5 minutes, but it's a memory I'll have forever.
When we first arrived at the park in May 2007, I was eagerly scanning the sky looking for birds. Well, eagerly looking for California Condors and/or Golden Eagles, specifically. I don't even remember which of my parents was driving, or what I was even thinking (probably I wasn't) but I literally jumped out of a moving vehicle with my binoculars in hand, darted across the parking lot, and stood at the edge of the canyon and watched two California Condors for as long as they were in sight.
All I remember was looking out the window, hopeful, and then I was running across the parking lot to get a better view. Real smart, self. But I got great looks at the 2 majestic beasties, and I still haven't seen another condor after that.
They were beautiful. Gliding around, being amazing, doing important condor stuff. Their massive wingspan is downright impressive. I'm used to seeing bald eagles (wingspan ~6.5ft) in Louisiana, but these condors just dwarfed all memory of them with their wingspan of 9+ ft. Even a golden eagle I saw later in the day didn't seem that impressive after these condors. Don't get me wrong, golden eagles are also super impressive in their own right but the condors set a really high bar that was just not attainable for the also majestic golden eagle. I probably only saw these condors for a total of 5 minutes, but it's a memory I'll have forever.
I saw these California condors [Gymnogyps californianus] pretty easily, from a parking lot, without nearly zero effort on my part, and that's truly a testament to the recovery of the species. It wasn't that long ago that they were extirpated from the wild and nearly extinct.
The condor population plummeted in the early to mid 20th century because of a variety of factors:
-low clutch size (1 egg per pair per nesting attempt)
-late sexual maturity (at 5-7 years old)
-DDT poisoning
-lead poisoning
-trash consumption
-habitat modification (power lines, wind turbines, etc)
-loss of habitat
The species almost went extinct... and did actually go extinct in the wild. The population plummeted down to 22 individuals by 1987, and the remaining wild birds were captured and transferred to captivity. Efforts at captive breeding were made, and successful, with the ultimate goal to re-establish viable wild populations. But with the total population of the species being so low, biologists couldn't risk losing any birds to untested conditions in the wild. So instead, they released female Andean condors initially to test the viability of a condor release program.
Andean condors are quite similar, and these efforts were successful. Once they determined that the plan would work, they recaptured the Andean condors and re-released them in their native South America. After that, California condors were released into the wild starting in 1992, only 5 years after they went extinct in the wild.
As of the 2017 population report, there were 463 California Condors alive and well - 290 in the wild, and 173 in the captive population. Also in 2017, there were 27 nest attempts, 10 young fledged from those nests, and an additional 21 captive-reared chicks released into the wild.
When I was in Arizona in 2007, they were only just about to reach the tipping point in the captive breeding program. By 2008, after 20ish years of captive breeding, the population swung to more wild birds than captive birds. That's a massive milestone!
Despite these valiant efforts and the amazing improvement in the populations, condors are still at risk. Some of the hazards that created their population crisis are still ongoing.
Condors are scavengers, and forage on carrion [dead meat]. Oftentimes, that means they are feeding on the leftover carcasses/gut piles of harvested wildlife. They ingest lead bullet fragments during feeding, and that ultimately leads to lead poisoning. Lead ammunition has been banned in condor territory in California since 2007, with a statewide ban going into effect in 2019. It's now almost 2019 so that ban should be in effect soon. But in this political climate, who knows really.
By banning lead, a hugely important step to protecting condors (and everything else in the food chain) has been completed. Wildlife biologists also provide non-contaminated carcasses for condors to scavenge on, as well as monitor birds for lead poisoning.
Lead isn't the only remaining challenge. Condors are also susceptible to micro trash ingestion. This problem is not isolated to condors (seabirds are also massively affected) but causes a huge problem for the wild population. The adults will ingest small bits of plastic, glass, trash, etc and regurgitate it with/without actual food to feed their chick.
Biologists keep detailed track of all the condors. They check nests for micro-trash, watch birds for signs of lead poisoning, provide non-contaminated carcasses for wild condors to feed on, and diligently monitor every aspect of the recovery process.
Thankfully the environmental movement in the 1950s-1960s resulted in many things, including the ban of DDT. That insecticide was the culprit in the decline of many birds populations. DDT bioaccumulated in the birds' bodies and manifested as thin egg shells, resulting in plummeting nest success. Thank you Rachel Carson! That's one major hazard for condor recovery that's off the table now so biologists can focus on other problems.
[Coincidentally, Silent Spring by Rachel Carson is the Book of the Month for December in the book club if you want to join the conversation on Goodreads!]
Today's condors live in partially protected areas like national parks, national forests, and designated refuges. I've often said that national parks are one of my favorite things, and not just because I like parks. They also have a functional purpose - protecting wildlife. By all accounts, and thanks to the amazing efforts of biologists and recovery teams, the condors are recovering. They are doing well, breeding in the wild again, and hopefully the existing obstacles to preservation can be resolved for them. Even if I never see another wild condor in all my traveling days, just knowing they exist in our national parks makes everything worth it.
The moral of the story is support wildlife conservation, visit national parks, and don't be a dick.
Lead isn't the only remaining challenge. Condors are also susceptible to micro trash ingestion. This problem is not isolated to condors (seabirds are also massively affected) but causes a huge problem for the wild population. The adults will ingest small bits of plastic, glass, trash, etc and regurgitate it with/without actual food to feed their chick.
Biologists keep detailed track of all the condors. They check nests for micro-trash, watch birds for signs of lead poisoning, provide non-contaminated carcasses for wild condors to feed on, and diligently monitor every aspect of the recovery process.
Thankfully the environmental movement in the 1950s-1960s resulted in many things, including the ban of DDT. That insecticide was the culprit in the decline of many birds populations. DDT bioaccumulated in the birds' bodies and manifested as thin egg shells, resulting in plummeting nest success. Thank you Rachel Carson! That's one major hazard for condor recovery that's off the table now so biologists can focus on other problems.
[Coincidentally, Silent Spring by Rachel Carson is the Book of the Month for December in the book club if you want to join the conversation on Goodreads!]
Today's condors live in partially protected areas like national parks, national forests, and designated refuges. I've often said that national parks are one of my favorite things, and not just because I like parks. They also have a functional purpose - protecting wildlife. By all accounts, and thanks to the amazing efforts of biologists and recovery teams, the condors are recovering. They are doing well, breeding in the wild again, and hopefully the existing obstacles to preservation can be resolved for them. Even if I never see another wild condor in all my traveling days, just knowing they exist in our national parks makes everything worth it.
The moral of the story is support wildlife conservation, visit national parks, and don't be a dick.
Additional Reading:
California Condor Wikipedia, accessed 11/12/2018
Threats to California Condor Survival USFWS, accessed 11/12/2018
California Condor Restoration The Peregrine Fund, accessed 11/12/2018
California Condor California Dept of Fish and Wildlife, accessed 11/12/2018
California Condor Recovery Program Santa Barbara Zoo, accessed 11/12/2018
California Condor Recovery Program 2017 Annual Population Status USFWS, accessed 11/12/2018
California Bans Lead Ammunition Field and Stream, 10/17/2013
To Protect Wildlife, California Bans Hunting With Lead Bullets KQED, 10/11/2013
How Plastics Affect Birds International Bird Rescue, accessed 11/12/2018
Condor Re-introduction & Recovery Program NPS, accessed 11/12/2018
How ‘Silent Spring’ Ignited the Environmental Movement NY Times Magazine, 9/21/2012
A Review and Assessment of Spent Lead Ammunition and Its Exposure and Effects to Scavenging Birds in the United States Golden, Warner, and Coffey 2015
How Plastics Affect Birds International Bird Rescue, accessed 11/12/2018
Condor Re-introduction & Recovery Program NPS, accessed 11/12/2018
How ‘Silent Spring’ Ignited the Environmental Movement NY Times Magazine, 9/21/2012
A Review and Assessment of Spent Lead Ammunition and Its Exposure and Effects to Scavenging Birds in the United States Golden, Warner, and Coffey 2015
Monday, November 5, 2018
Shopping Ban: Month 1 Update
It's been 1 month since I started my shopping ban! The month of October has been interesting. I purged many items, stayed under my two week budgets, and learned a lot about my consumer habits.
First thing I did was go through and declutter a few areas of my house. I went through office supplies, gear, clothing, various closets, linens, and kitchen cabinets. I counted and tracked every single item - every paintbrush or marker I gave to a teacher friend, every CD I recycled, every broken food container I recycled, every clothing item I donated, etc. All told in my October purge, I removed 845 items from my possession.
Donated: 566
Recycled: 196
Trash: 41
Gifted (or to be gifted): 29
Sold (or to be sold): 13
I have a few items I found that I will gift to others in the upcoming holidays, so I'm counting them in the purged category. I also have a handful of things to sell, but I have been traveling a lot for work and haven't quite had time yet.
The decluttering and purging felt so good. I love cleaning up, and making things happen, and it felt very freeing to get rid of things I didn't need, didn't remember I had, that didn't fit me anymore, etc. I will continue to declutter more in November and see how that goes!
The second thing I did was start a tracking file of everything I brought into the house (sans food). All told, I purchased 1 gift, a 2 pack of contact solution, 1 toothbrush, and 3 bike parts. Gifts, toiletries, and bike parts are all on the approved list. So that was pretty good! I had no real urges to buy anything, honestly. I imagine that might get harder as this experiment goes on though.
The third thing about this month is that I noticed a change in habits, perceptions, and reactions to things. Commercials on TV kind of disgust me. Especially with the upcoming holidays and and high shopping/consuming time, it is very disturbing. I don't actually need anything, and if I had a thought where "oh having X might make Y easier" I forced myself to think of alternative solutions. I turned it into a creative process and that was a bit of a challenge but I enjoyed it.
I also found myself getting sucked into a few marketing emails so I unsubscribed to the majority of them. I kept the outdoor shop ones but got rid of pretty much everything else. So that's been nice too! I never realized the mental challenge of constant marketing bombardment. It was almost subconscious. See marketing email, open email, see sale, click on link, browse items, see something that could be cool, think about it for 5 seconds, worry the sale will sell out, purchase item. But in reality, 2 minutes earlier I had no need for that item. So why do I need it now? I don't. So I unsubscribed to basically every marketing email. I had fallen into the consumer trap and now I'm trying to claw my way back out!
I also had to purchase some items for work, and felt very weird about shopping even though work was paying for it and it was necessary items. It was a strange carryover from the shopping ban into my professional life. It'll be interesting how those 2 versions of me coexist for this!
So far I haven't purchased anything on my "approved item list" either. I am sure I will, but so far nothing.
I did one other cool thing this month - I rented a dress for my formal event last week. I could have worn something I had, or I could have bought something, but I wanted to try something new. The experience was pretty good, I feel environmentally responsible, and I saved money by not spending $100+ on a fancy dress I'm going to wear for 8 hours and then not again for the foreseeable future. I felt good about the decision and it worked out great!
Spending and shopping go together with financial goals, and I managed to stay easily under budget this month. The shopping ban definitely made me rethink ALL purchases like eating out and grocery choices. I definitely still did eat out this month but far less than I normally do. That was not a goal of the process but an unintended side effect. I don't feel like I am deprived of any experiences so I won't overthink it!
So basically, I stayed easily under my financial budgets, started to be more aware of all the marketing around me, spent less money on accident, and had a successful first month!
First thing I did was go through and declutter a few areas of my house. I went through office supplies, gear, clothing, various closets, linens, and kitchen cabinets. I counted and tracked every single item - every paintbrush or marker I gave to a teacher friend, every CD I recycled, every broken food container I recycled, every clothing item I donated, etc. All told in my October purge, I removed 845 items from my possession.
Donated: 566
Recycled: 196
Trash: 41
Gifted (or to be gifted): 29
Sold (or to be sold): 13
I have a few items I found that I will gift to others in the upcoming holidays, so I'm counting them in the purged category. I also have a handful of things to sell, but I have been traveling a lot for work and haven't quite had time yet.
The decluttering and purging felt so good. I love cleaning up, and making things happen, and it felt very freeing to get rid of things I didn't need, didn't remember I had, that didn't fit me anymore, etc. I will continue to declutter more in November and see how that goes!
The second thing I did was start a tracking file of everything I brought into the house (sans food). All told, I purchased 1 gift, a 2 pack of contact solution, 1 toothbrush, and 3 bike parts. Gifts, toiletries, and bike parts are all on the approved list. So that was pretty good! I had no real urges to buy anything, honestly. I imagine that might get harder as this experiment goes on though.
The third thing about this month is that I noticed a change in habits, perceptions, and reactions to things. Commercials on TV kind of disgust me. Especially with the upcoming holidays and and high shopping/consuming time, it is very disturbing. I don't actually need anything, and if I had a thought where "oh having X might make Y easier" I forced myself to think of alternative solutions. I turned it into a creative process and that was a bit of a challenge but I enjoyed it.
I also found myself getting sucked into a few marketing emails so I unsubscribed to the majority of them. I kept the outdoor shop ones but got rid of pretty much everything else. So that's been nice too! I never realized the mental challenge of constant marketing bombardment. It was almost subconscious. See marketing email, open email, see sale, click on link, browse items, see something that could be cool, think about it for 5 seconds, worry the sale will sell out, purchase item. But in reality, 2 minutes earlier I had no need for that item. So why do I need it now? I don't. So I unsubscribed to basically every marketing email. I had fallen into the consumer trap and now I'm trying to claw my way back out!
I also had to purchase some items for work, and felt very weird about shopping even though work was paying for it and it was necessary items. It was a strange carryover from the shopping ban into my professional life. It'll be interesting how those 2 versions of me coexist for this!
So far I haven't purchased anything on my "approved item list" either. I am sure I will, but so far nothing.
I did one other cool thing this month - I rented a dress for my formal event last week. I could have worn something I had, or I could have bought something, but I wanted to try something new. The experience was pretty good, I feel environmentally responsible, and I saved money by not spending $100+ on a fancy dress I'm going to wear for 8 hours and then not again for the foreseeable future. I felt good about the decision and it worked out great!
Spending and shopping go together with financial goals, and I managed to stay easily under budget this month. The shopping ban definitely made me rethink ALL purchases like eating out and grocery choices. I definitely still did eat out this month but far less than I normally do. That was not a goal of the process but an unintended side effect. I don't feel like I am deprived of any experiences so I won't overthink it!
So basically, I stayed easily under my financial budgets, started to be more aware of all the marketing around me, spent less money on accident, and had a successful first month!
Friday, November 2, 2018
Weekly Science Roundup: 11/2/2018
Where does your recycled plastic go? Perhaps into future highways. The Washington Post, 10/28/2018
Robots to play "stork" and plant coral larvae around the Great Barrier Reef New Atlas, 10/29/2018
A running list of action on plastic pollution National Geographic, 10/29/2018
Climate change: 'Wetlands vital to protect cities' BBC, 10/29/2018
John Kerry & David Cameron: Help us protect oceans from climate change, pollution, overfishing USA Today, 10/29/2018
Plastic waste elimination pledge by 2025 attracts more big firms BBC, 10/29/2018
We Cannot Recycle And Beach Clean Our Way Out Of A Plastics Crisis Huffington Post, 10/29/2018
Study uncovers high levels of previously unsuspected pollutant in homes, environment Phys.org, 10/30/2018
China Just Legalized Rhino Horn And Tiger Bone For Medical Use, Reversing 25-Year Ban Huffington Post, 10/30/2018
The planet’s hidden climate change Reuters Special Report, 10/30/2018
93 percent of the world’s children breathe toxic, polluted air each day USA Today, 10/30/2018
Scientists Have Found The Largest Deep-Sea Nursery, With More Than 1000 Octopuses Science Alert, 10/30/2018
Two generations of humans have killed off more than half the world’s wildlife populations, report finds Washington Post, 10/30/2018
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Just Smashed Two Records in a Single Day Gizmodo, 10/30/2018
LOS ANGELES MUST PAY BILLIONS TO ADAPT—OR SLIP INTO THE SEA Wired, 10/31/2018
Visualizing the Global Transition to Green Energy Visual Capitalist, 10/31/2018
Why Do Birds Have Colorful Eggs? Because They're Dinosaurs Gizmodo, 10/31/2018
5 recycling myths busted National Geographic, 10/31/2018
Earth’s Wildlife Populations Have Dropped By 60 Percent Since 1970 Huffington Post, 10/31/2018
Historic flooding in Italy: What role has climate change played in the destruction? USA Today, 10/31/2018
Five countries hold 70% of world's last wildernesses, map reveals The Guardian, 10/31/2018
Study: Freak summer weather and wild jet-stream patterns are on the rise because of global warming Washington Post, 10/31/2018
I tried living a zero waste life for 7 days — here's what I learned CNBC, 10/31/2018
DNA project to decode 'all complex life' on Earth BBC, 11/1/2018
Climate change: Oceans 'soaking up more heat than estimated' BBC, 11/1/2018
A supercomputer on the ISS will soon be open for science experiments The Verge, 11/1/2018
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Conservation Book of the Month November 2018 - Our National Parks, John Muir
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Louisiana's Coastwide Reference Monitoring System
Louisiana has this neat program called the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System. That's a lot of information all at once so let's unpack that.
Coastwide: Covering the entire coast, in this case, of Louisiana.
Reference: Sites are in a reference network that occur in/out of project areas.
Monitoring: The sites are monitored for a suite of data types.
System: It's a network, and a systematic approach to this project.
From the official CRMS website: "Wetland restoration efforts conducted in Louisiana require monitoring the effectiveness of individual projects as well as monitoring the cumulative effects of all projects in restoring, creating, enhancing, and protecting the coastal landscape. The effectiveness of the traditional paired-reference monitoring approach in Louisiana has been limited because of difficulty in finding comparable test sites. CRMS is a multiple reference approach that uses aspects of hydrogeomorphic functional assessments and probabilistic sampling. This approach includes a suite of sites that encompass the range of ecological conditions for each stratum, with projects placed on a continuum of conditions found for that stratum. Trajectories in reference sites are then compared with project trajectories through time. The approach could serve as a model for evaluating wetland ecosystems."
TL;DR: "CRMS was designed to monitor the effectiveness of restoration actions at multiple spatial scales from individual projects to the influence of projects on the entire coastal landscape." [source]
Biloxi Marsh, one of the areas that CRMS captures
So as we all should know by now, coastal wetlands loss is a massive problem. It's not specific to Louisiana, the Gulf Coast, the US Coast, or even North America. It's a problem world wide. Wetlands are lost by many many processes (in no particular order):
-Erosion
-Inundation
-Subsidence
-Altered hydrology
-Conversion of freshwater marsh to salt marsh (and vice versa)
-Lack of sediment influx
-Saltwater intrusion
-Agricultural development
-Hurricanes
-Residential development
In 1990, CWPPRA was created. CWPPRA is the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act and is a partnership of agencies aimed at wetlands restoration and protection from future destruction. It is also referred to as the Breaux Act because of US Senator John Breaux. There's several parts to CWPPRA, including a task force comprised of officials from the various agencies, a comprehensive state coastal restoration plan, feasibility studies, and a yearly priority project list.
In practice, CWPRRA has a plan that identifies, prioritizes, and constructs wetland restoration projects. It's called the Coastal Master Plan and it is updated every few years with additional data and projections.
210 CWPPRA projects have been authorized, and almost 100 projects have been developed and created. This creates a suite of questions. How effective is this restoration? Are the goals being met? Do the projects work? What can be done better? Where there any unintended or unexpected outcomes?
Coastal restoration of this magnitude is largely experimental and every site and situation is different. That's the nature of wetlands. There are tools to help like computer modeling, simulations, and the brand new Mississippi River physical model. But these nuances of the varied projects created the need for systematic data to inform decision making. CRMS was developed to monitor all these restoration projects at multiple spatial scales in multiple basins across Louisiana's coast. Because sites are located within and without of project areas, "comparisons of changing conditions are not limited to project influences, but are possible throughout the coastal zone" [source].
In addition to monitoring single projects, the broad scope and plethora of study sites allows scientists to assess the overall health and status of Louisiana's coastal wetlands.
The multiple reference approach allows for extensive data on changes between project (restoration) sites and reference (natural) sites. It allows managers to determine if projects are effective, and how restoration sites ultimately end up differing from reference sites. This is useful for making management and restoration decisions, and ultimately is useful for the health of the coast.
CRMS is only one piece of a many pronged approach to solving 1 massive problem in 1 location. It's a huge drop in the wetlands bucket for what needs to be done worldwide, but it's a fantastic start for Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. It's hard to fathom everything that needs to be done or could be done. So let's just look at one example!
My favorite example of wetlands restoration in action is the LaBranche wetlands.
The LaBranche wetland project isn't necessarily the flashiest, or the largest, or the most novel of projects but it was one of the very first projects created with CWPPRA. It's also near and dear to my own heart because I grew up in the area.
PO-17 is "Bayou LaBranche Wetland Creation". PO stands for Pontchartrain Basin, and 17 is the # of the project. This area is degraded wetlands caused by interstate construction, failure of agricultural impoundments, and the nearby railroad tracks. I just learned this myself but both the Unnamed 1915 Hurricane and Hurricane Betsy (50 years later in 1965) had scarily similar approaches to the coast of Louisiana, and both caused Lake Pontchartrain to overtop it's natural boundaries and for salt water to be pushed inland through canals and cuts. That further created problems for the LaBranche wetlands.
As we learned above, CWPPRA was authorized in 1990. In 1991, the very first list of Priority Projects was released. PO-17 was on it. The project was constructed in 1994. You can see the map below of the reference vs project areas.
The PO-17 Habitat Classification [source]
So here we are, with a project that was constructed in 1994. According to reports it was functioning as planned. "In 2003, the CWPPRA Task Force approved the implementation of a Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) as a means to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of CWPPRA projects at three levels: project, region, and coastwide" [source].
And along come CRMS! In 2008 monitoring began at the LaBranche wetlands. Two CRMS sites were installed: CRMS2830 (reference) and CRMS6299 (project). All data is publicly available on the CIMS data website HERE. For 10 years CRMS6299 has been capturing conditions and data about the restored area and CRMS2830 has been collecting data about the neighboring reference (unrestored) site.
Now that it's 2018 and the PO-17 project was constructed 24 years ago, and was a success, with all of the data to prove it. The adjacent reference site has also been authorized, in 2010 -- PO-75 is "LaBranche East Marsh Creation", but has not yet been constructed.
This is a great example of a marsh restoration project (in this case, marsh creation) that was paired with a reference (control) site, and both were monitored for 10+ years, and since it was successful the reference site has now been authorized. It's brilliant!
I don't know when PO-75 will be built, but hopefully soon. Money is always a limiting factor and the process takes time.
Restoration is a long term plan. Nothing happens immediately. Managers and restoration specialists might not see the full results and potential of a project for 20 years. Most people don't think about the future 20 years out. But managers must look at the big picture to have long term success. That's why Louisiana's Coastal Master Plan is a 50 year plan, but also updated every 3 years with new data. Long term goals are necessary but management plans also have to be adaptive.
And a lot can happen in 20 years to influence the projects that are impossible to be forecast exactly. The LaBranche wetlands since the 1994 project construction have endured many things. Hurricanes with storm surge and rainfall can have a massive impact. The Bonnet Carre Spillway is adjacent to the LaBranche wetlands and when it is open, freshwater from the Mississippi River pushes out into Lake Pontchartrain and can be a (probably much needed) flush for the wetlands.
-1997: Bonnet Carre Spillway opened
-1998: Hurricane Georges
-2001: Tropical Storm Allison
-2005: Hurricane Katrina
-2008: Bonnet Carre Spillway opened
-2008: Hurricane Gustav
-2011: Bonnet Carre Spillway opened
-2012: Hurricane Isaac
-2016: Bonnet Carre Spillway opened
-2018: Bonnet Carre Spillway opened
Adaptability and resilience is key in any long term plan. Hurricanes and floods may hinder or help, but the long term plan can hopefully account for fluxes like that. The battle for coastal restoration continues in the face of everything that stands in the way!
Additional reading:
2017 Coastal Master Plan Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, accessed 10/24/2018
Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act Wikipedia, accessed 10/24/2018
EPA - Coastal Wetlands EPA, accessed 10/24/2018
Wetland Loss In Louisiana lacoast.gov, accessed 10/24/2018
Wetlands: a global disappearing act RAMSAR, accessed 10/24/2018
New Orleans 1915 Hurricane Wikipedia, accessed 10/30/2018
Hurricane Betsy 1965 Wikipedia, accessed 10/30/2018
CIMS Data Tool, LA CPRA, accessed 10/30/2018
PO-17 Fact Sheet CWPPRA, accessed 10/30/2018
PO-75 Fact Sheet CWPPRA, accessed 10/30/2018
Mississippi River Physical Model LSU, accessed 10/31/2018
Bonnet Carre Spillway information Wikipedia accessed 10/31/2018
New Orleans 1915 Hurricane Wikipedia, accessed 10/30/2018
Hurricane Betsy 1965 Wikipedia, accessed 10/30/2018
CIMS Data Tool, LA CPRA, accessed 10/30/2018
PO-17 Fact Sheet CWPPRA, accessed 10/30/2018
PO-75 Fact Sheet CWPPRA, accessed 10/30/2018
Mississippi River Physical Model LSU, accessed 10/31/2018
Bonnet Carre Spillway information Wikipedia accessed 10/31/2018
Friday, October 26, 2018
Weekly Science Roundup: 10/26/2018
In Pakistan, an ambitious effort to plant 10 billion trees takes root The Washington Post, 10/14/2018
Painted wolves, struggling to survive, find a new food: baboons National Geographic, 10/17/2018
The Complex and Frustrating Reality of Recycling Plastic TRUTHOUT, 10/17/2018
Teen scientists went looking for meteorites in the Great Lakes. They found another type of alien. The Washington Post, 10/18/2018
El Niño Looks 'Imminent'—Here's What That Means For You Gizmodo, 10/19/2018
60,000 tons of dangerous radioactive waste sits on Great Lakes shores Detroit Free Press, 10/19/2018
Climate change prompts a rethink of Everglades management Science, 10/19/2018
Dozens of whooping cranes to New Orleans; pioneering Maryland lab ends breeding program The New Orleans Advocate, 10/19/2018
Ticks Are Killing an Alarming Number of Moose Thanks to Climate Change Gizmodo, 10/19/2018
A running list of action on plastic pollution National Geographic, 10/19/2018
United States Drops 21 Spots in Global Life Expectancy Rankings Smithsonian Magazine, 10/19/2018
Yellowstone geyser's eruption tosses up decades of human trash, some 'historic' The Washington Post, 10/20/2018
Tougher emissions rules helped cut US air pollution deaths in half Engadget, 10/20/2018
Meet The Mascot Of Our Broken World: The Plastic Pumpkin Huffington Post, 10/20/2018
Everything You Want to Know About Boyan Slat and the Ocean Cleanup Project The Inertia, 10/20/2018
Tasmanian salmon should be off the menu for now, says conservation group The Guardian, 10/20/2018
Plastic straws and cotton buds could be banned within a year [in England] The Guardian, 10/21/2018
Using Markets to Manage Climate Change? The Wall Street Journal, 10/21/2018
Photosynthesis is one-third of the answer to mitigating climate change The Hill, 10/21/2018
Look after the soil, save the Earth: farming in Australia's unrelenting climate The Guardian, 10/21/2018
Boyan Slat's Ocean Cleanup Won't Turn a Profit, but We Should Still Do It The Inertia, 10/21/2018
Bottle it up: the car park that lets drivers pay in plastic The Guardian, 10/21/2018
Where your plastic waste really ends up: British household rubbish is found stacked high at illegal dump sites in Malaysia for 'recycling' Daily Mail UK, 10/22/2018
Rising temperatures and human activity are increasing storm runoff and flash floods Phys.org, 10/22/2018
Are the days of recycling with a clear conscience over? The Guardian, 10/22/2018
Microplastics Are Turning Up Everywhere, Even In Human Excrement NPR, 10/22/2018
This Weirdly Geometric Iceberg Is Freaking Us Out Gizmodo, 10/22/2018
How Recycled Plastic Bottles Are Building Homes Great Big Story on Youtube, 10/22/2018
Trump's Biggest Attempts to Roll Back Environmental Regulations Remain at the Starting Gate Slate, 10/22/2018
In 'Historic Moment' for Climate Action, Wales Pledges to Leave Its Remaining Coal in the Ground Common Dreams, 10/22/2018
Trump thinks scientists are split on climate change. So do most Americans The Guardian, 10/22/2018
Artificial Clouds in Shipping Containers May Be the Solution to the World's Water Crisis Motherboard, 10/22/2018
From Virginia to Alaska, communities are sinking into rising seas The Hill, 10/22/2018
Fracking wastewater accumulation found in freshwater mussels' shells Phys.org, 10/22/2018
Greens challenge Trump's rollback of coal ash standards The Hill, 10/22/2018
Global Warming Still On Track For 4°C Despite Strong Carbon Prices, According To Schroders Clean Technica, 10/22/2018
Cities are planning for climate change all wrong The Washington Post, 10/22/2018
Cheers! Solar farm cider powers up Treehugger, 10/23/2018
This incredible animation shows what 80,000 tons of garbage in the ocean looks like Insider, 10/23/2018
A cruise ship spills thousands of liters of waste in the Great Barrier Reef, harming coral already in troubled water CNN, 10/23/2018
Trudeau Imposes Carbon Tax, With Rebates, on Four Provinces Bloomberg, 10/23/2018
This Is The Deadly Ocean Plastic Pollution You Never Hear About Huffington Post 10/24/2018
Kahoolawe's shorelines aren't as pristine as you might think Hawaii News Now, 10/24/2018
Climate Change Is Already Damaging American Democracy The Atlantic, 10/24/2018
Some of the countries leading on climate change might surprise you The Guardian, 10/24/2018
How Things Got So Bad for the Great Barrier Reef Popular Mechanics, 10/25/2018
Polluted Air Sends Up to 33 Million People to the ER Each Year EcoWatch, 10/25/2018
The Race To Save The Antarctic's Penguins, Whales And Seals Huffington Post, 10/25/2018
Trump is wrong – millions of Americans breathe badly polluted air NewScientist, 10/25/2018
'Disaster Waiting to Happen' as Trump Quietly Approves Massive Oil Drilling Project in Arctic Waters Off Alaska Coast Common Dreams, 10/25/2018
With Congress and Trump on sidelines, climate change battle moves to courts NBC News, 10/26/2018
Canada passed a carbon tax that will give most Canadians more money The Guardian, 10/26/2018
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