Everyday little things like shopping choices make a difference

It’s those little boring things that a person does everyday that can contribute to society. I find that every consumer decision I make is also an reflection of my commitment to the environment. For example, purchasing a shower curtain can be a reflection of your conviction to the environment. I kept the same shower curtain for years, because I didn’t want to throw my old one in the landfill AND because I was worried about off-gassing of PVCs a new plastic curtain would produce. PVC is polyvinyl chloride. It contains phthalates, which is a toxic plastic softener, used in the coating of shower curtains. Phthalates have been linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and liver and kidney disease. You’ve heard about them in plastic baby bottles.

Today I have been asked to blog about shower curtains for www.become.com, you might want to check their links to shower curtains. I will see if they have some environmentally friendly shower curtains.

In looking over their selection at http://www.become.com/splash-home-shower-curtain I don’t see any that specifically advertise that they do not contain PVCs, but one option you have is to pick a cloth curtain.

Another topic I’ve been asked to blog about is a square teak table for 8. If you follow this link to the www.become.com site you will see tables. I would say to choose a table that is made in the United States, close to you. Teak typically is not grown in the United States.

The third topic I’ve been asked to mention is a bedding comforter with a Mario theme. As I look at the link I see most are made of polyester so you will have decide if you want all natural fabric or if your child’s desire for a Super Mario them overrides the environmentalist in you. Sometimes you have to give in to keep peace in the family.

Minnesotans thank the EPA

By Rebecca Bischoff

Environmental reporter/writer

On a sub-zero day in day in Duluth Minnesotans gathered at the Environmental Protection Agency office near Lake Superior to thank the agency for issuing strong new mercury pollution safeguards. They presented a large thank you card signed by local Duluthians and a banner made by Girl Scout Troop 12965. In December, the EPA finalized strong public health safeguards to limit mercury and other toxic pollution from coal power plants.

Caption: Dr. Carl Richards, Director of the Duluth EPA laboratory, shakes hands with Sierra Club member John Doberstein as he accepts a thank you card signed by Duluthians in support of stronger mercury emission regulations for coal power plants. To Richards left is a banner made by Girl Scout Troop 12965.

Attendance included members of the Sierra Club, the Duluth faith community, Duluth City Council, Izaak Walter League, and University of Minnesota Duluth students.

Sierra Club member John Doberstein said the new safeguards will slash mercury emissions from coal power plants by up to 90%.

City Councilor Linda Krug said she has heard from citizens concerned about Lake Superior’s water quality. “Toxic levels of mercury in Lake Superior are not what we want for Duluth, Minnesota, or America.”

Pastor David Carlson of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church spoke of the importance of creation care and being a voice for the voiceless. “They [wildlife and future generations] can’t help it, but we can,” he said of environmental issues.

Sportsman Darrel Spencer of the Izaac Walter League said his family’s diet consists of large amount of wild game. “It sickens me that we have to limit our fish intake in [waters as pristine as] the boundary waters.”

Kate Mensing, a member of MPING, a UMD student group that focuses on issues of environmental and social justice, said her group was involved because mercury pollution “affects both wildlife and citizens.”

According to the EPA, these new standards will prevent up to 150 premature deaths in Minnesota annually and create up to $1.2 billion in health benefits each year.

Rebecca Bischoff has a degree in environmental science from Northland College, Ashland Wisc. She lives in Duluth and is interested in fitness and nutrition and all issues relating to environmental protection.

GPS

Contribution by Stevie Kirby

My husband refuses to use a GPS. We got one a few years ago and I thought it was the coolest thing because it would save us so much time by keeping us from having to look up directions. We keep the GPS in my car because that is the car we use more frequently when we are going somewhere with our whole family. Whenever my husband is going to drive somewhere, he always looks up directions online. He says that he wants to use our clear Dallas internet to make sure that we have directions in case something happens to the GPS. However, once he gets in the car, he refuses to look at the GPS and only uses his written directions. I told him that he needs to trust modern technology because it is safer to use the GPS than trying to read a piece of paper while driving. His response was that the GPS does not always go the quickest way and that sometimes the GPS is incorrect. I do remember one time when we were going to a wedding and the GPS told us to turn on a road that did not exist and we ended up being late to the wedding. I still think it is safer to travel with a GPS than reading paper while driving. I guess it does not hurt to have a backup though.

The story of cosmetics

BPA

Fact: Bisphenol A (BPA), which has been associated with diabetes, heart disease and obesity, is found in the blood of 92 percent of all Americans over the age of five.

Tip: Purchase foods packaged in Tetra Paks.

Even if the FDA isn't paying attention, the media is! | Sarah Janssen's Blog | Switchboard, from NRDC

Even if the FDA isn't paying attention, the media is! | Sarah Janssen's Blog | Switchboard, from NRDC

Smart Woman: Global Mamas

Smart Woman: Global Mamas

UMW National Seminar 2011 at Linn Park

Esmeralda Brown stands at the Gazebo in Linn Park with United Methodist Women in the background.
Polly Pearson made a sign for clean water.

Transformation UMW National Seminar 2011

Put your fears in the Saturday Cave.
Tell your sister she is transformed and anoint her.


The symbolic Saturday Cave.

Busy Day

We had a busy day today. We visited Pratt City, where a tornado had devasted a neighborhood in Birmingham.
We also visited the McCoy Center.

Another stop we made was at the Southern Environmental Center at Birmingham Southern College


We are also particpating in Meatless Monday.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Last night we toured the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

It is across the street from the 16th Street Baptist in 1962 church which was bombed. Dozens were hurt. Four girls attending Sunday School were killed.
This man was met outside and gave us a little history. He also said, "No cameras allowed." I took a photo of his back with the Negro League logos.

You can follow some of out lectures and Bible studies here at UMW National Seminar 2011

Snippets of words that touch my heart at the UMW National Seminar 2011 Birmingham Ala.

I have been posting snippets of sentences that speak to me as I listen to our speakers at the National Seminar.

"Poverty is a slap in the face of God."

Why does domestic violence happen? Because it can.

Batterers are made, not born.

Violence happens with the idea that some should have power and others should not.

The reason people don't see human trafficking is because it is a hidden crime.

U.S. immigration laws are confusing and contribute to human trafficking.

If I give you a ride and you are an undocumented immigrant, I've broken the law...or if I've feed you.

People of the Maldives Islands say two degrees hotter on this earth is suicide for them.


Domestic violence, racism, human trafficking . immigration, climate change and poverty are all intertwined.

Visible power is who is calling the shots.

Invisible powers are people and institutions that shape our beliefs. (Food is power and is intertwined in all of this.

Sunday

Well, I plan to keep you posted on what's going on next.
Click on the link to live stream
http://nat-seminar.umwonline.net/

We are treading lightly on the earth by eating local food

Catfish and okra
Pecan pie

UMW National Seminar 2011

Prof. Cricket's mommy is in Birmingham Ala. to attend the UMW National Conference. The theme is Mission Reconciliation: Restoring Justice, building Community.

I will post photos and other information soon. I need to go to a session.

In Duluth solar-powered trash compactors and recycling bins to "green" Lakewalk

Caption ~ TOP - A ribbon cutting for the solar powered trash compactors at in Philadelphia (Photo from BigBellySolar.com) LOWER LEFT: Mayor Don Ness announces the addition of solar-powered trash compactors and recycling bins along the Lakewalk. (Photo by Rebecca Yaeger-Bischoff)

It saves money and the planet

By Rebecca Yaeger-Bischoff

Over 1 million people use Duluth’s Lakewalk each year, and all of those people using the Lakewalk can add up to a lot of trash. Recently the city received a grant that will help it reduce the volume of trash that needs to be carted to a landfill.


At a press conference on Sept. 30 Mayor Don Ness announced that starting this spring there will be solar-powered trash compactors and recycling bins along Duluth’s Lakewalk. The city plans to install 10 of each unit from Canal Park to Brighton Beach. This project is being funded by a $41,159 grant from the Department of Natural Resources Solar Legacy Grant Fund.


The new units will help the city improve the efficiency of waste pick-up by providing status updates via text message to the Park Maintenance Center. The trash compactors also can hold up to 5 times as much as waste the current bins. Reducing the number of times need to empty the trash containers will not only save the city money, but will also reduce CO2 emissions. The city will look into expanding the trash compactor and recycling units after the effectiveness of the Lakewalk units is determined. For more information about the solar-powered units visit http://bigbellysolar.com/solutions/

WLSSD and RSPT to Host Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale

NEWS RELEASE


Duluth, MN: The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District and the Regional Stormwater Protection Team will host a one-day rain barrel and backyard compost bin sale at Lake Superior College's lower east parking lot on Saturday, May 22nd, from 9 am – 3 pm.

High-quality rain barrels and compost bins will be available at 50% of retail prices at the event.
Free composting and rain water collection instruction will be offered throughout the day by WLSSD and RSPT representatives.

“This sale is a great way for residents to obtain affordable, high-quality rain barrels and composters,” said Susan Darley-Hill, WLSSD Environmental Program Coordinator. “They are easy to assemble and, once in place, are ready for use.”

Both composting and collecting rainwater can be a great help to gardeners. Collecting rainwater helps reduce stormwater runoff and provides a ready source of water for thirsty plants. Backyard composting creates a natural soil amendment that provides many benefits for lawns and gardens.

The SYSTERN rain barrel will be sold for $50, while supplies last. The 55-gallon SYSTERN can be placed under any downspout and connected together to collect water for use in yards and gardens. Each SYSTERN is designed with a screen to keep water free of debris and mosquitoes. The SYSTERN is made of 50% post consumer plastic and is a neutral tan color.

The Earth Machine® compost bin will be sold for $40, while supplies last. No reservations are necessary. The composter fits in nearly any vehicle and carries a 10-year warranty. When assembled, the bin holds up to 80 gallons (10.5 cubic feet) of compostable material. Compost turners ($15) and kitchen scrap pails ($7) will also be available for purchase. Payment by check or credit card is preferred (Discover, MC, or Visa.)

Lake Superior College is located at 2101 Trinity Road, Duluth. Area residents can access the college’s lower east parking lot from the main driveway off of Trinity Road.

More information about rain barrels and collecting rain water can be found on RSPT’s website at www.lakesuperiorstreams.org/stormwater/toolkit/rainbarrels.html

More information on backyard composting is available on WLSSD’s website at http://www.wlssd.com/compost_howto.php . Residents are reminded that, by ordinance, compost bins must be situated 15 feet from any dwelling in the city of Duluth. Best placement is in a partially shaded area that is convenient for adding or removing material.

Western Lake Superior Sanitary District provides award-winning wastewater and solid waste services to residents, businesses and industries within its 530 square mile legislative boundaries in Southern St. Louis and northern Carlton counties, and is a nationally recognized leader in pollution prevention.

New carpet literally makes bank teller sick

Today I went to the bank and asked were once the tellers who is usually is always working was. They said she went home sick. Then they went on to say it was from the fumes of a new carpet that was being laid. Or the glue for the new carpet. She had an allergic reaction to it. Well, maybe she is allergic. Or maybe she is the "canary in the coal mine". It should be an warning to us all. If fumes make a person sick then maybe it isn't all that good for you.

There are alternative products to use which are more eco-friendly.