Archive for March, 2009

Everyone eats, and nowhere is this more apparent than at your local supermarket. It’s hard for most to imagine a time when there weren’t supermarkets that included everything from pharmacy to film processing to peaches in February. However, it’s true, the modern concept of a supermarket has only existed in North America since after World War Two.

Along with these supermarkets came a great deal of package waste. Increasingly large and “innovative” packaging has been used over they years to draw consumers’ eyes to the tens of thousands of products that vie for attention on supermarket shelves. Much of it is either non-recyclable or made at such environmental cost that the packaging is “worth” far more than the food inside.

Ways to reduce your reliance upon packaging include:

* buy fresh food wherever possible
* choose items in containers that can be recycled
* bring your own reusable bag
* choose products that come in returnable containers such as glass milk bottles
* avoid processed foods and cook your own meals

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Composting plants is a great way to dispose of your dead plant material along with a great way to create a thick and rich fertilizer or soil conditioner. When you are composting plants you are helping the nature’s circle of life to continue on with the help of mankind. If you are not composting your dead plant materials you are only taking away from natures own energy source that helps to keep the Earth alive. By composting plants, you are putting back into nature what your plants have taken away from it to stay alive throughout their life. When you are composting plants you can use any one or even more than one of numerous methods of composting.

If you compost your yard waste you are composting plants. Whether you are composting your grass clippings after mowing the lawn or if you are composting brush picked up from around the yard after a storm or in the spring you are still composting plants.

Even if you compost the dead, dried up or damaged leaves and foliage from the plants in your flower bed you are helping the environment by returning what you have taken away. After you have weeded your yard, flower beds and garden if you place the removed weeds in a compost bin you are aiding Mother nature to retain nutrients and energy that you have removed from it.
Composting plants can mean a lot of work for you, usually performed in your extra or spare time. Although, this is not an activity free relaxation period most people do consider it to be relaxing.

A few types or methods of composting are worm composting, dog waste composting, composting of leaves, composting plant material, composting bins, composting animal waste, composting food waste and sheet composting. These are only a handful of the numerous composting types or methods available to use, but they seem to be a handful of the most popular methods of composting.
For composting plants you can use many different sources of compost material. Some of these sources include grass clippings, flowers waste, brush, tree branches, leaves, garden waste, dead foliage, fruits and vegetable waste from your home, dead plants from your home and plant material in general.

You will want to avoid placing any glass, plastic or metal of any kind. These are not made from plant material and are not biodegradable. You will also want to stay away from meats, dairy, oily foods and grains. These compost materials can cause your compost bin to have a foul odor and attract insects and rodents.

Water pollution is a serious problem that affects everyone. When it rains the water travels down storm pipes, over the ground and ditches picking up any pollutants that are on the ground and bringing them directly into the streams, lakes and rivers. Everything that goes onto the ground has the potential to end up in the water supply. This includes garbage, oils, paint, wastes, fertilizers, pesticides and household detergents. Even making small changes can add up to a big difference in overall water pollution. Water pollution facts are designed to help people get a better understanding as to what attributes to water pollution and how to combat it. Water pollution fact sheets can be very informative and help people to see how every little thing counts and can add up to making a very big difference, either to make the water pollution problem get batter, or worse.
Here are a few water pollution facts:
• Septic systems are failing all around the country causing untreated waste materials to flow freely into stream, rivers and lakes and polluting the drinking water.
• Soaps and detergents can be harmful to the water supply when they are washed into the rivers and streams as a result of washing a car. A better place to wash a car is a commercial car wash where they have a system in place to deal with the watershed and detergents.
• Oil, antifreeze and gasoline leaking from cars contributes to water pollution when it rains and the rainwater picks up the chemicals and it runs into the nearby streams and river.
• Fertilizers and pesticides from gardens and commercial growers leak into the water system through the ground water or when it gets washed into storm sewers and drains into the rivers and streams.
• Pet waste adds to water pollution. It is better to bag up animal wastes and throw it in the trash.
• Livestock causes a lot of pollution due to the rain flowing over the wastes produced by the livestock and being transported into the streams and rivers. Livestock waste is full of bacteria and is very harmful to humans and causes many diseases.

Knowing about water pollution facts also helps to combat the problems by offering practical solutions that are easy to follow and implement. By sweeping a driveway clean instead of washing it with water pollutants are not carried into the water supply. When rivers get too much plant growth it can cause the fish to die due to lack of oxygen. A good way to prevent this is to make sure that lawn clippings and garden wastes that may contain fertilizers get used for compost and don’t end up in the streams. By knowing what water pollution facts are it is easier to find solutions to the problems.

A pollution prevention assessment report is something that should be seen as beneficial. It is not in anyway something that should be avoided or otherwise shown in a negative light. In fact, a pollution prevention assessment report has many benefits to both the public and the business.

It can help to understand pollution prevention assessment reports more. This allows you to see how they work and what they offer your business. Once you learn more about assessment reports you will likely arrange for one to be done for your business.

Definition of an Assessment Report

A pollution prevention assessment report is a survey of a company’s operation to check for pollution measures. It helps to identify and evaluate opportunities to reduce waste and pollution.

An assessment report is available through each state’s EPA department.

Benefits of an Assessment Report

The benefits of a pollution prevention assessment report are two fold. These reports help the community and the business. Due to the findings of a report a business may end up making changes that causes less pollution and therefore less harm to the environment and people around them.

For the business there are a few benefits that come from getting an assessment report. The findings of a report may help a business to see problems in production. These findings can lead to changes that save money by increasing production and reducing waste.

Additionally, for highly regulated industries, a business may be able to avoid fines or other penalties die to not being up to regulations since the report will point out such things.

How an Assessment is Done

A pollution prevention assessment report is done through an on site visit. The first step is actually a telephone conversation where information is gathered about the business to give some background into the business and its operations. This is so the assessment team can prepare before the visit.

Once onsite, there is a meeting to go over the background information. Then follows a tour of the facilities where inspections are made and notes taken. Finally, there is a closing meeting where all the findings are discussed. At this time recommendations are made and assistance is offered to help the business improve on anything found during the assessment.

After the assessment the business has the ability to make changes that will improve their business and help to make it more environmental friendly. This is an opportunity to help out the world and prevention pollution that is causing so much harm to the environment.

A business that receives a report is taking a great step towards doing their part to prevent pollution and that is something to be proud of.

In the 1998 Dodge Ram model (BR/BE) the emissions control for Rams trucks built through July 15, 1998 build code MDH 0715XX that have the 5.9L Cummins 24 valve diesel engine have been placed on recall. If your 1998 Dodge Ram has a 6 in the eighth position of the VIN and is equipped with federal emissions control system with a NAA sales code, your recall number is 8001. If it is equipped with the California emissions control system with a NAE sales code, your recall number is 8002.

These engines and ECM (Electronic Control Module) on the emissions control for rams trucks may emit oxides of nitrogen (NOx) greater than the maximum allowed levels as pre-defined to protect public health and pollution levels. The unburned combustible emissions can cause ozone and smog to be formed in the atmosphere.

This recall on the emissions control for Rams trucks must be performed prior to registration in California. In California the dealer servicing this recall on your vehicle must provide a proof of correction form number 81-016-1053 after the recall services have been performed for recall number 8002 if you wish to renew your vehicle registration.

To correct this default in the emissions control for Rams trucks, the ECM software must be updated by being reflashed. When this recall service is performed any other software update between the date of manufacturer and the recall service date will be added to the ECM.

The Mopar diagnostic system running release 21 or newer with TIL CD release 1169 or newer must be installed. The 1693/1694 trouble codes can cause the check engine light to illuminate during the ECM reflash process. The computer must have a diagnostic run to check for these codes before the vehicle is returned to the customer.
After updating the ECM there must be an “Authorized Modification Label” printed and adhered to the ECM and covered with clear tape.
Some of the vehicle under these recalls on the emissions control for Rams trucks may still be in dealer inventory around the country and Federal law requires the dealer to complete the recall service on the inventory vehicles before delivery to the customer. Even used vehicles in any dealer’s inventory that are included in this recall must be serviced before delivery to the customer.
In addition to the 8001 and 8002 recall many of these vehicles also require the 788 and 799 recall service.
These are important and crucial recalls to the emissions control for Rams trucks to protect the environment and health of the public. If these recall services are not performed, you may be breaking any number of local, state and Federal laws and regulations. These laws and regulations have been passed to protect public health and to aid in the reduction of pollution and global warming.

A marine ecosystem is where there is more salt water than fresh water involved in the balance of the landscape. Other aquatic ecosystems are fresh water lakes, rivers and estuaries. The marine ecosystem includes all life forms and land forms that might occur in each location.

Marine ecosystem topography can include tidal zones, coral reefs, river mouths, estuaries and reefs where salt water is predominant. The life forms that live in the marine ecosystem will be adapted to life in a salty environment.

Even tropical marine ecosystems will have similar conditions as underlying criteria for classification. The levels of salt water will effect the life forms able to exist in the symbiotic relationships needed between marine ecosystem and sustainable life.

In studies of a marine ecosystem, the predatory nature of some forms of life will mark the food chain of the particular area. In the marine ecosystem the food chain begins with the largest predatory mammals and fish and will continue down through the strata of life forms to the smallest poly and coral life. Seals, whales and dolphins exist in a marine ecosystem. They make the top of the food chain with fish such as sharks and large predators like turtles and sting rays.

Further down the food chain in a marine ecosystem are the smaller fish and crustaceans. It is the way that these creatures exist among the plant life and coral formations that make up the unique relationships in the marine ecosystem. Without plant life or plankton the larger species could not exist. Without the tides, the currents and the sand bars or rock reefs the plants could not exist. Without the movement of schools of fish, jelly fish, rays, eels and turtles, the levels of life would not remain in balance.

The impact of human activity on a marine ecosystem may not at first be discernable, but study would give an idea of how man has changed the balance of life in any marine ecosystem. Not only through the act of fishing, does human activity impact on the marine ecosystem, but activities such as fertilization of crops can effect the delicate balance in the marine environment. Toxins washing into the tidal zones, plastics floating through a marine ecosystem, long lines, waste material and oil spills can all damage a fragile marine ecosystem.

Taking care of a marine ecosystem, whether it is in tropical waters or in the Arctic or Antarctic oceans will mean the survival of thousands of individual species. There is no marine ecosystem that exists without being impacted by what happens in other parts of the globe. The marine ecosystem is vital to the health and welfare of all life forms that pass through it.

A definition of ecosystem relates to the specific environment that contains a specific diversity of plant and animal life. The definition of ecosystem must include the living and non living influences, from flora, fauna and fungi to the influences of their surroundings. Things such as humidity, elevation, salinity, and drainage will impact on the conditions of the living organisms right down to bacteria.

To study the definition of ecosystem interaction between all the species that inhabit the area, even if they only move through the area on a seasonal basis must be considered. The physiognomic-ecological classification system has been implemented to identify and define the definition of ecosystem in order to help protect them. The classification system takes into account all the living organisms and how they interact with the non living organisms and the overall environmental conditions the ecosystem exists within.

The living organisms in the definition of ecosystem will include the larger animals, mammals, insects, plants, and fungi right through to the smallest bacteria and moulds. The environment and non living aspect of an ecosystem include the landscape, from the formation and types of rocks, soils, underlying water table, climate, elevation, exposure and location.

In the definition of ecosystem the number and condition of the living organisms will help in forming a classification for the type of ecosystem. The location of the landscape will also effect the ecosystem’s classification. There are many types of ecosystem and a definition of ecosystem must fit each one. A desert landscape with its flora and fauna, the marine environment and the mountain landscape all are individual ecosystems. Human interaction will effect an ecosystem and must be taken into account in the protection of any fragile ecosystem.

As with any environmental factors effecting life on earth, studies of any given ecosystem will include the life cycle of the trees, grasses, fungi and moulds. Each living species within the ecosystem must be taken into account. Every definition of ecosystem needs to include climate, culture, environmental impact and symbiotic relationship between living and non living organisms. It is this relationship and the number and diversity of the life forms involved that give definition of ecosystem its unique value in our world.

The definition of ecosystem must describe the specific area, keeping within its own parameters while allowing for outside influence that can impact upon the species and landforms involved. Changing climate conditions, human encroachment, flood famine and fire can all alter a specific ecosystems balance and sustainability. The definition of ecosystem must allow for all contingencies.

An ecosystem may vary from one side of a mountain to the other, from one part of a stream to another. Any change in soil type, drainage, salinity or even human encroachment can change the whole ecosystem. They are delicate and balanced in nature, and many will not stand the impact of change.

Each part of your automobile is controlled by a different part, yet they all work together to keep the vehicle operating efficiently. The automobile technology has made much advancement through the years. These advancements have improved the efficiency of the automobile while at the same time being less harmful to our environment. Years ago, when the automobile was first invented, it was such a step forward for the world that problems that it caused to our environment were not taken into consideration. Today, with the constant struggle to clean the atmosphere of harmful vapor and gases, vehicles and large machinery are being made with preventative measures, such as the emissions control gas vent valve.

Emissions control gas vent valve is just as the name states. It’s a valve that helps control the emissions of gas from escaping into the atmosphere. Whereas years ago you could drive behind a vehicle and see the fumes and gases coming out the tailpipe, vehicles are made with preventative parts such as the emissions control gas vent valve. The emissions gases are contained in the vapor canister and the emissions control gas vent valve is the valve on the vapor canister, which allows the pollution gases to be vented. Vapor canister may also be called emission gases canister. Emissions control gas vent valve is one of the parts that have been developed by the Evaporative Emission Control System.

Evaporative Emission Control System (EECS) was started to help stop gases and vapors from escaping from our fuel tanks and going into the atmosphere. Automobiles have fuel tank vapors in them at all times, even when the car is not running. However, if the car isn’t running, they’re not getting into our atmosphere polluting the environment. Thanks to the EECS, these vapors are stored in a charcoal canister, which is located in the left rear wheel well. The canister stores these gasoline vapors from the gas tank until they can be purged and safely burned by the engine. In some methods of purging, this process is taken care of by the emissions control gas vent valve.

The purge cycle of the charcoal canister can be operated by a throttle position or by the use of the emissions control gas vent valve. If the basic throttle position is used, the canister and a ported vacuum source are connected by a vacuum line. The minute the throttle is in an above idle position, the vapors are moved to the throttle body and fresh air is sucked into the canister bottom. The emissions control gas vent valve is kept in a throttle position by help from the vacuum valve. The vacuum in the throttle body opens the diaphragm valve and allows vapors and air to be sucked into the intake manifold. The more the throttle can be opened, the more air that can be purged. The charcoal canister valve can also have a purge cycle that’s controlled by the solenoid valve stored on the canister. This provides a quick exchange of vapors for fresh air.

The food web in the ocean ecosystem is essential to the maintenance and successful growth and development of life in the marine ecosystem. The food web in the ocean ecosystem relates to the way in which all life interacts and relies on other species for survival. From the smallest micro organism the food web in the ocean ecosystem shows how each living creature follows their life cycle by interacting with their environment. An ocean ecosystem is where there is more salt water than fresh water involved in the balance of the landscape. The ocean ecosystem includes all life forms and land forms that might occur in each location.

The food web in the ocean ecosystem is subject to tidal zones, coral reefs, river mouths, estuaries and reefs where salt water is predominant. The life forms that live as part of the food web in the ocean ecosystem will be adapted to life in a salty environment.

Even tropical marine ecosystems will have similar conditions as underlying criteria for classification. The levels of salt water will effect the food web in the ocean ecosystem in the symbiotic relationships needed between marine ecosystem and sustainable life.

In studies of the food web in the ocean ecosystem the predatory nature of some forms of life will mark the food chain of the particular area. In the marine ecosystem the food chain begins with the largest predatory mammals and fish and will continue down through the strata of life forms to the smallest poly and coral life. Seals, whales and dolphins exist in a marine ecosystem. They make the top of the food web in the ocean ecosystem with fish such as sharks and large predators like turtles and sting rays.

Further down the food web in the ocean ecosystem are the smaller fish and crustaceans. It is the way that these creatures exist among the plant life and coral formations that make up the unique relationships in the marine ecosystem. Without plant life or plankton the larger species could not exist. Without the tides, the currents and the sand bars or rock reefs the plants could not exist. Without the movement of schools of fish, jelly fish, rays, eels and turtles, the levels of life would not remain in balance.

The impact of human activity on the food web in the ocean ecosystem may not at first be discernable, but study would give an idea of how man has changed the balance of life in any marine ecosystem. Not only through the act of fishing, does human activity impact on the food web in the ocean ecosystem, but activities such as fertilization of crops can effect the delicate balance in the marine environment. Toxins washing into the tidal zones, plastics floating through a marine ecosystem, long lines, waste material and oil spills can all damage a fragile ocean ecosystem.

Your home air quality is very important for your health and quality of life. Your home needs to be safe and comfortable, not a place to make you sick. It does not matter if your home is new or old; any age of home can have home air quality problems. Nonetheless, there is good news! You can do something about your home air quality, now! You can improve your home air quality and improve your quality of life.

First, investigate each room to find the air quality problems.

Contributors to poor home air quality include, but are not limited to the carpet, too much or not enough humidity, indoor pesticides, biological pollutants, asbestos, radon, mold, mildew and carbon monoxide.

The kitchen often has problems with moisture that causes mold, mildew and odors, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates, formaldehyde, and inhalable chemicals.

The living room can have problems with, formaldehyde from new carpets, dust mold, pet dander and other allergens from old carpets, lead, Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs and particulate matter from candles and incense, and the carpet, curtains, drapes and furniture can hold toxic chemicals and gas from smoking.

Common home air quality concerns in the bathroom include mold and mildew, hygiene, air freshening products release toxic chemicals, and potentially dangerous and toxic cleaning chemicals may be stored in the bathroom.

The garage may have home air quality contributors such as, vehicle exhaust gasses, leaking fuel storage containers and improperly stored pesticides and used, old paint cans releasing toxins and VOCs.

The basement can have some of the widest range of contributing factors. Basement factors may include carbon monoxide from furnaces, particulate matter like dust and soot from wood burning stoves, VOCs from used paint and solvents, radon and mold, mildew, many other allergens and biological contaminants.

As you can see, there is a multitude of factors contributing to poor home air quality. Many of these can be limited or even eliminated with the use or air filters and purifiers. There are other ways to improve your home air quality too. The easiest and best way is to just not store the chemicals that cause or contribute a majority of the problems inside your home. It is as important if not considerably more to be aware of your home air quality, as it is to be aware of the outdoor air quality you are in daily.

After you have investigated and discovered the air quality problems inside of your home you will be better prepared to go out and to purchase the tools and supplies you need to improve your home air quality.