Monday, April 15, 2019
Neon Leon: A Guide For Saving Our Mother
Neon Leon: A Guide For Saving Our Mother: Somewhere Over The Rainbow by John Forrest For this writer, the painting by John Forrest is a powerful appeal for people everywhere t...
A Guide For Saving Our Mother
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| Somewhere Over The Rainbow by John Forrest |
For this writer, the painting by John Forrest is a powerful appeal for people everywhere to look at what is happening to Mother Earth. Dorothy is shown as she was in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. However, there's no Emerald City and no characters like Tin Man, The Scarecrow, the Wizard, et al. That fantastic tale has disappeared.
Instead, she stands at a juncture on that fabled Yellow Brick Road. One road leads down to a hazy, grimly overpopulated city below her. We can’t see where the other road is headed. But she’s not looking at the nasty city. Her gaze is in the direction of a new path, perhaps one which holds the promise of a better way to live.
This blog will seek to provide a guide to that brighter future for all of us by confronting the most dangerous threat to mankind--climate change.
The first part of the guide concerns what we can do as individuals, right now, where we live.
In an article for Odyssey (an online newsletter for numerous american universities), Bonnie Smith
contributed an article titled "10 Easy Ways To Help The Environment." Here is a summary:
This online site has an enormous stash of excellent advice which is available right here. Here is an example:
"By using water-saving features you can reduce your in-home water use by 35%. [So]... the average household, which uses 130,000 gallons per year, could save 44,00 gallons of water per year."
Why Conserve Water?
"In addition to saving money on your utility bill, water conservation helps prevent water pollution in nearby lakes and rivers... Conserving water also prevents greenhouse gas emissions associated with treating and distributing water."
"Conserving water can also extend the life of your septic system by reducing soil saturation and reducing pollution due to leaks. Overloading municipal sewer systems can also [cause] untreated sewage to flow to lakes and rivers ... In some communities, costly sewage system expansion has been avoided by community-wide ...conservation."
Water Conservation in the Home
The most effective way to save water is to upgrade to efficient fixtures. But there are other ways to help reduce the amount of water you use at home.
Toilets
"Don’t Use Toilets as an Ashtray or a Wastebasket. Every time you flush a cigarette, facial tissue, or [bits] of trash, you’re wasting gallons of water. Put them in the garbage, or better yet, recycle."
Put Plastic Bottles or a Float Booster in Your Toilet Tank
"... put an inch or two of sand or pebbles inside ...two plastic bottles. Fill [them] with water, screw the lids on, and put them in [the] tank...this may save ten or more gallons of water per day...three gallons of water [should] remain in the tank."
Install Low or Dual Flush Models
"Federal regulations state that new toilets must use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. Replacing an old toilet with [a]...low volume 1.6 gallon... model represents a 70% savings in water and will cut indoor water use by about 30%. [Also] ...consider purchasing a dual flush toilet [one flush for solids. one for liquids] ...saving an average family 15,000 gallons of water a year."
Install Composting Toilets
"Composting toilets...cut water waste from your bathroom since they require no water at all! ...they keep all the ... pollutants out of waterways and make them available for use in non-food landscapes. Check codes in your area to be sure they’re legal before installing one."
Laundry
Consider a High Efficiency Washing Machine
"The most efficient washing machines use as little as seven gallons per load, compared to a whopping 54 for a traditional washer... New Energy Star rated washers use 35 – 50% less water and 50% less energy per load."
Shower
"Install water-saving showerheads, shower timers, and low-flow faucet aerators..[they] are inexpensive and easy ... to install. Long showers can use five to ten gallons every unneeded minute. “Low-flow” means it uses less than 2.5 gallons per minute."
Take Shorter Showers
" ... turn off the shower after soaping up, then turn it back on to rinse. A four-minute shower uses approximately 20 to 40 gallons of water."
Minimize Use of Kitchen Sink Garbage Disposal Units
Opt for the Dishwasher Over Hand Washing
"... The EPA estimates an efficient dishwasher uses half as much water, saving close to 5,000 gallons each year."
Extending Your Conservation Measures
Insulate Your Water Pipes
Recycle Your Water Where You Can
"Collect the cold water you run before it’s hot enough to shower and use it to water plants or flush the toilet ..."
Eat Less Water-Intensive Foods
"Our diets account for roughly half of all the water we use... Eating less beef, one of the most water-intensive foods, is a smart place to start. [Consider] shifting [to] a plant-based diet."
Water Conservation in the Yard and Garden ... Outside Your Home
Don’t Run the Hose While Washing Your Car
"... this simple practice can save as much as 100 gallons when washing a car. Use a spray nozzle when rinsing for more efficient use of water."
Use a Broom, Not a Hose, to Clean Driveways and Sidewalks
"... brushing with a broom to first loosen the dirt and grime will decrease your water use and save you time in the long run."
Reuse Wastewater Where Possible
"You can harvest grey water in a small way with a bucket in your kitchen or shower, or install a grey water system, which reroutes water from your drains to your landscape, [provided that legal codes permit it.]"
Vegetable Garden
Maintain Your Irrigation System
Water During the Early Parts of the Day; Avoid Watering When It Is Windy
Add Organic Matter to Your Garden Beds
"...[it] will help increase absorption and water retention. Areas that are already planted can be ‘top dressed’ with compost or organic matter every year."
Harvest Rainwater for Watering Vegetable Beds
"Use rain barrels...to capture valuable rainwater from your roof. Plants prefer untreated water, so your garden will be healthier while you cut your water bill."
Lawns and Shrubs
Plant Drought-resistant Lawns, Shrubs and Plants
"...use drought-resistant grasses such as “Eco-Lawn”. Many beautiful shrubs and plants thrive with far less watering than other species...
Put a Layer of Mulch Around Trees and Plants
Water Your Lawn Only When It Needs It
"A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn’t need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering. During dry spells, you can stop watering altogether and the lawn will go brown and dormant."
Water Conservation Summary
"There is a worsening trend in water supply nationwide. Taking measures...to conserve water not only saves you money, it also is of benefit to the greater community."
Next, let's look at how to eat well.
FOOD
If you are one of the millions of obese Americans, you might want to quit eating like a pig at the trough.
Seriously, do you need to dig into restaurant fare such as tempura-battered, deep-fried cheeseburgers that ooze brie, 15-pound ice cream sandwiches consisting of five flavors of ice cream and cookies the size of hubcaps, two foot-long bratwursts, or something called "The Meat Tornado (sold at a barbecue trailer) that packs in rib ends, bacon, sausage, a cheese sauce and sugar cured jalapenos? (source: food critic Tom Sietsema and The Minneapolis Star's "Outta Control" reports.)
Whatever the size of your waistband, we are also guilty of simply tossing out our food. Food waste is a global problem, but it’s far worse in America. While 32 percent of all food in the world gets wasted, about 40 percent of food grown in the United States goes unused, according to several studies. Sadly, the NRDC has noted that "...while this behavior is happening, 42 million Americans don't have enough to eat. Rescuing less than a third of what we waste would cover their daily calorie needs."
In this section, I will focus on eating organically, and my primary source is Greendiary Check them out here
"...[there are foods] in local markets that are not certified organic by the authorities, but are usually grown using organic methods. Many farmers and gardeners... grow foods using methods that are more organic than the certified standards. However, they would be able to sell these foods at a lesser price as they would not need to pay for official organic certification."
Buy from Specific Brands
"Look around for grocery store chains that sell their own range of organic foods and products. These are usually available at just a fraction of the cost of designer foods. Do not worry about the health factor ...[because]when purchasing... foods...labeled ‘organic’ definitely meets the standards set by the government."
Buy Foods in Bulk
"... buying organics in bulk can help you reduce costs... Opt to buy foods like oils, cereals, beans, noodles, sauces and other packaged goods in bulk, especially when they are on sale."
Buy During Season
"Organics grown locally during the season tend to be much cheaper than imports... On the other hand, it pays to buy boxed or frozen organic food during the off-season, as they would cost cheaper than fresh food imported from different climatic regions."
Buy products using Coupons and Sales Flyers
"Make it a point to pick up sales flyers at every department or grocery store. [Chances are you will find] bargains on organic foods. Several organic brands out there also offer discount coupons... in coupon books in health food stores."
"Many families who shift to organic foods usually join a local cooperative... they are organized buying systems that effectively combine the buying power of multiple families ... to [obtain] ... lucrative discounts on certain items in the market...[such as]...local meats, unprocessed diary and fresh farm produce."
Reduce usage of chemicals and pesticides
"...you can make your own solutions for cleaning... using distilled vinegar, lemon and baking soda. There are many ‘green’ cleaning products available in the market which is environmentally friendly and conventional cleaners too."
"... You can lower the temperature of your water heater...reduce the use of air conditioners or heaters...You can also utilize solar lights around your home."
"Stay out of your gas burning cars--walk, ride a bike or use mass transit whenever possible."
OK, I can hear you, dear readers, these efforts taken at home are all well and good, but your blog responses indicate we must also look at the bigger sources of climate change. So here's an update on the condition of our planet and I will follow with organizations that you can join or support to fight for change.
"We've been warned. Again.
" 'Already, about 25 percent of all premature deaths and diseases around the world – about 9 million in 2015 – are because of human-caused environmental damage and pollution, the report said. Each year, air pollution kills 7 million people worldwide and costs society about $5 trillion. Another 1.4 million are killed because of water pollution.' "
"The report, the sixth Global Environment Outlook from the U.N. Environment Program, was written by 250 scientists and experts from more than 70 countries. It concludes that 'unsustainable human activities globally have degraded the Earth’s ecosystems, endangering the ecological foundations of society.' "
ORGANIZATIONS FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE WORLD WIDE
1. Switch from beef to chicken
Cow waste emits methane which is more harmful to our environment than CO2 is. By switching to chicken and eating beef occasionally, you are reducing the methane emissions. In the US 47% of our land is dedicated to food production, 70% of this land is used to grow food for cattle. Only 1% of this land is used to actually feed humans.
2. Cut back plastic usage
Reduce your use of plastic silverware, paper plates and solo cups at outings and lunch at work or school. You can do a big part by simply packing a real fork for your lunch, or buying a refillable container for whatever you're drinking.
3. Walk or bike when you can--you will be more active, use less gas, and you will lower CO2 emissions from your car.
4. Make your own compost bin--it lessens the burden of landfills, provides soil additives and natural fertilizer for your garden and flowers while reducing water usage.
5. Recycle--if your city or state allows for recycling paper, glass, and yard debris, go for it. Also consider printing on both sides of paper and buying rechargeable batteries.
6. Change out your lightbulbs--switching to LED bulbs not only saves you money on your electric bill, but also makes your home greener. LED bulbs last 6 times as long as a traditional bulb, helping reduce waste as well.
7. Bring your own grocery bags--you will be helping to reduce the plastics in our landfills and the oceans.
8. Save water--Turn off the water after you wet your toothbrush...just wet your brush and fill a glass for mouth rinsing. Buy a water filter so you stop buying bottled water (cutting back on plastic waste) and only wash your hair every other day or every few days.
9. Switch from disposable to reusable--switch from paper towels to actual hand towels, use real linen napkins, not packaged ones. Check out this link on 15 other ways you can switch from disposable to reusable:
10. Plant your own garden--it's not possible for everyone, but you will become healthier by eating fresh veggies and fruit from your own backyard while helping to generate clean air.
In addition, there are many sites that sell hot and cold containers for food and drink that are compostable. I am not plugging any particular company, but here is one that I found useful .
10. Plant your own garden--it's not possible for everyone, but you will become healthier by eating fresh veggies and fruit from your own backyard while helping to generate clean air.
In addition, there are many sites that sell hot and cold containers for food and drink that are compostable. I am not plugging any particular company, but here is one that I found useful .
Now let's focus on what we can do about conserving water.
First, let me recommend one of my blog's international articles about water which is right here. Armed with that knowledge, you can then consider what you can do closer to home.
WATER
First, let me recommend one of my blog's international articles about water which is right here. Armed with that knowledge, you can then consider what you can do closer to home.
"By using water-saving features you can reduce your in-home water use by 35%. [So]... the average household, which uses 130,000 gallons per year, could save 44,00 gallons of water per year."
Why Conserve Water?
"In addition to saving money on your utility bill, water conservation helps prevent water pollution in nearby lakes and rivers... Conserving water also prevents greenhouse gas emissions associated with treating and distributing water."
"Conserving water can also extend the life of your septic system by reducing soil saturation and reducing pollution due to leaks. Overloading municipal sewer systems can also [cause] untreated sewage to flow to lakes and rivers ... In some communities, costly sewage system expansion has been avoided by community-wide ...conservation."
Water Conservation in the Home
The most effective way to save water is to upgrade to efficient fixtures. But there are other ways to help reduce the amount of water you use at home.
Toilets
"Don’t Use Toilets as an Ashtray or a Wastebasket. Every time you flush a cigarette, facial tissue, or [bits] of trash, you’re wasting gallons of water. Put them in the garbage, or better yet, recycle."
Put Plastic Bottles or a Float Booster in Your Toilet Tank
"... put an inch or two of sand or pebbles inside ...two plastic bottles. Fill [them] with water, screw the lids on, and put them in [the] tank...this may save ten or more gallons of water per day...three gallons of water [should] remain in the tank."
Install Low or Dual Flush Models
"Federal regulations state that new toilets must use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. Replacing an old toilet with [a]...low volume 1.6 gallon... model represents a 70% savings in water and will cut indoor water use by about 30%. [Also] ...consider purchasing a dual flush toilet [one flush for solids. one for liquids] ...saving an average family 15,000 gallons of water a year."
Install Composting Toilets
"Composting toilets...cut water waste from your bathroom since they require no water at all! ...they keep all the ... pollutants out of waterways and make them available for use in non-food landscapes. Check codes in your area to be sure they’re legal before installing one."
Laundry
"Use [your] washer for only full loads [and]
avoid the permanent press cycle, which uses an added 5 gallons for the extra rinse ... adjust water levels to match load size"
Consider a High Efficiency Washing Machine
"The most efficient washing machines use as little as seven gallons per load, compared to a whopping 54 for a traditional washer... New Energy Star rated washers use 35 – 50% less water and 50% less energy per load."
Shower
"Install water-saving showerheads, shower timers, and low-flow faucet aerators..[they] are inexpensive and easy ... to install. Long showers can use five to ten gallons every unneeded minute. “Low-flow” means it uses less than 2.5 gallons per minute."
Take Shorter Showers
" ... turn off the shower after soaping up, then turn it back on to rinse. A four-minute shower uses approximately 20 to 40 gallons of water."
Dish Washing
Minimize Use of Kitchen Sink Garbage Disposal Units
"[they] require lots of water to operate properly, and also add ... to the volume of solids in a septic tank, which can lead to maintenance problems. Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing food waste."
Opt for the Dishwasher Over Hand Washing
"... The EPA estimates an efficient dishwasher uses half as much water, saving close to 5,000 gallons each year."
Extending Your Conservation Measures
Insulate Your Water Pipes
Recycle Your Water Where You Can
"Collect the cold water you run before it’s hot enough to shower and use it to water plants or flush the toilet ..."
Eat Less Water-Intensive Foods
"Our diets account for roughly half of all the water we use... Eating less beef, one of the most water-intensive foods, is a smart place to start. [Consider] shifting [to] a plant-based diet."
Water Conservation in the Yard and Garden ... Outside Your Home
Don’t Run the Hose While Washing Your Car
"... this simple practice can save as much as 100 gallons when washing a car. Use a spray nozzle when rinsing for more efficient use of water."
Use a Broom, Not a Hose, to Clean Driveways and Sidewalks
"... brushing with a broom to first loosen the dirt and grime will decrease your water use and save you time in the long run."
Reuse Wastewater Where Possible
"You can harvest grey water in a small way with a bucket in your kitchen or shower, or install a grey water system, which reroutes water from your drains to your landscape, [provided that legal codes permit it.]"
Vegetable Garden
Maintain Your Irrigation System
"... check that it’s operating correctly...Clear any visible clogs, and adjust the settings according to the needs of your plants and the time of year.
Water During the Early Parts of the Day; Avoid Watering When It Is Windy
Add Organic Matter to Your Garden Beds
"...[it] will help increase absorption and water retention. Areas that are already planted can be ‘top dressed’ with compost or organic matter every year."
Harvest Rainwater for Watering Vegetable Beds
"Use rain barrels...to capture valuable rainwater from your roof. Plants prefer untreated water, so your garden will be healthier while you cut your water bill."
Lawns and Shrubs
Plant Drought-resistant Lawns, Shrubs and Plants
"...use drought-resistant grasses such as “Eco-Lawn”. Many beautiful shrubs and plants thrive with far less watering than other species...
Native plants will use less water and be more resistant to...diseases. Plant slopes with plants that will retain water and help reduce runoff."
Put a Layer of Mulch Around Trees and Plants
Water Your Lawn Only When It Needs It
"A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn’t need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering. During dry spells, you can stop watering altogether and the lawn will go brown and dormant."
Water Conservation Summary
"There is a worsening trend in water supply nationwide. Taking measures...to conserve water not only saves you money, it also is of benefit to the greater community."
"By using water-saving features you can reduce your in-home water use by 35%...the average household, which uses 130,000 gallons per year, could save 44,00 gallons of water per year."
Next, let's look at how to eat well.
FOOD
Seriously, do you need to dig into restaurant fare such as tempura-battered, deep-fried cheeseburgers that ooze brie, 15-pound ice cream sandwiches consisting of five flavors of ice cream and cookies the size of hubcaps, two foot-long bratwursts, or something called "The Meat Tornado (sold at a barbecue trailer) that packs in rib ends, bacon, sausage, a cheese sauce and sugar cured jalapenos? (source: food critic Tom Sietsema and The Minneapolis Star's "Outta Control" reports.)
Whatever the size of your waistband, we are also guilty of simply tossing out our food. Food waste is a global problem, but it’s far worse in America. While 32 percent of all food in the world gets wasted, about 40 percent of food grown in the United States goes unused, according to several studies. Sadly, the NRDC has noted that "...while this behavior is happening, 42 million Americans don't have enough to eat. Rescuing less than a third of what we waste would cover their daily calorie needs."
In this section, I will focus on eating organically, and my primary source is Greendiary Check them out here
Buy from Local Markets
"...[there are foods] in local markets that are not certified organic by the authorities, but are usually grown using organic methods. Many farmers and gardeners... grow foods using methods that are more organic than the certified standards. However, they would be able to sell these foods at a lesser price as they would not need to pay for official organic certification."
Buy from Specific Brands
"Look around for grocery store chains that sell their own range of organic foods and products. These are usually available at just a fraction of the cost of designer foods. Do not worry about the health factor ...[because]when purchasing... foods...labeled ‘organic’ definitely meets the standards set by the government."
Buy Foods in Bulk
"... buying organics in bulk can help you reduce costs... Opt to buy foods like oils, cereals, beans, noodles, sauces and other packaged goods in bulk, especially when they are on sale."
Buy During Season
"Organics grown locally during the season tend to be much cheaper than imports... On the other hand, it pays to buy boxed or frozen organic food during the off-season, as they would cost cheaper than fresh food imported from different climatic regions."
Buy products using Coupons and Sales Flyers
"Make it a point to pick up sales flyers at every department or grocery store. [Chances are you will find] bargains on organic foods. Several organic brands out there also offer discount coupons... in coupon books in health food stores."
"Many families who shift to organic foods usually join a local cooperative... they are organized buying systems that effectively combine the buying power of multiple families ... to [obtain] ... lucrative discounts on certain items in the market...[such as]...local meats, unprocessed diary and fresh farm produce."
AIR
(Also from Green Diary)
Reduce usage of chemicals and pesticides
"...you can make your own solutions for cleaning... using distilled vinegar, lemon and baking soda. There are many ‘green’ cleaning products available in the market which is environmentally friendly and conventional cleaners too."
Reduce carbon footprints and cut down air pollution
"... You can lower the temperature of your water heater...reduce the use of air conditioners or heaters...You can also utilize solar lights around your home."
"Stay out of your gas burning cars--walk, ride a bike or use mass transit whenever possible."
OK, I can hear you, dear readers, these efforts taken at home are all well and good, but your blog responses indicate we must also look at the bigger sources of climate change. So here's an update on the condition of our planet and I will follow with organizations that you can join or support to fight for change.
 |
| Motor bikes riding through the smog at night in China |
From the USA Magazine about the March 13th United Nations report on the environment:
"We've been warned. Again.
Because of a dangerous combination of climate change, pollution, mass extinctions and a growing human population, a massive report from the United Nations said that 'damage to the planet is so dire that people’s health will be increasingly threatened unless urgent action is taken.' "
" 'Already, about 25 percent of all premature deaths and diseases around the world – about 9 million in 2015 – are because of human-caused environmental damage and pollution, the report said. Each year, air pollution kills 7 million people worldwide and costs society about $5 trillion. Another 1.4 million are killed because of water pollution.' "
"The report, the sixth Global Environment Outlook from the U.N. Environment Program, was written by 250 scientists and experts from more than 70 countries. It concludes that 'unsustainable human activities globally have degraded the Earth’s ecosystems, endangering the ecological foundations of society.' "
ORGANIZATIONS FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE WORLD WIDE
Click here for the mother lode of 200 organizations involved with climate change. It is organized under these areas: Climate Change and Global Warming / Air Quality, Directories of Individual Web Sites dealing with Chemical Leak Disasters and Chemical Safety as well as Ozone Layer Depletion.
You can join these organizations and put your boots on the ground in hundreds of locals worldwide, but you can also contribute money to further their various causes also. How do you know that your money is well spent? The easy answer to that question is here. In 16 years, Charity Navigator (CN) has rated over 9000 charities for their honesty and accurate bookkeeping. They rely strictly on individual contributions (currently at $61 million.)
In that vein, Outside Online click here has compiled a list of what they call "The Six Best Environmental Groups To Donate To For a Better World." (ed. note: This is only one list; numerous others have equal merit.) From their report:
"There are many worthy organizations doing great work for the outdoors...worth supporting, but here’s a good place to start."
Mission: The Environmental Defense Fund is perhaps the most wide-ranging organization on this list, working to provide solutions under the ... categories of climate change, oceans, wildlife and habitats, and health. The EDF works with other organizations, businesses, government, and communities to create incentives for positive environmental actions; help companies become better environmental stewards; influence policy; and keep tabs on emerging issues.
Top Programs: Climate and energy, oceans, ecosystems
Percent of expenses spent on programs: 79.1
Charity Navigator Score: 94.48
Mission: The Nature Conservancy protects ecologically important lands and waters around the world with the help of more than 500 staff scientists.
Top Programs: Climate change, fire, fresh water, forests, invasive species, and marine ecosystems.
Percent of expenses spent on programs: 71.2
Charity Navigator Score: 84.35
Mission: The Natural Resources Defense Council seeks to protect the basics—air, land, and water—and to defend endangered natural places, with an eye toward how these long-term decisions affect humans.
Top Programs: Climate, land, wildlife, water, oceans, energy, food, sustainable communities.
Percent of expenses spent on programs: 83.6
Charity Navigator Score: 96.35
Mission: American Rivers protects wild rivers, restores damaged rivers and the wildlife they support, and conserves clean water for people and nature, with an eye toward recreationists as well.
Top Programs: River restoration, federal river management, clean water supply.
Percent of expenses spent on programs: 74.9
Charity Navigator Score: 88.18
Mission: The Trust for Public Land creates parks & protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. Works to ensure that everyone has access to nature within a 10-minute walk from home.
Percent of expenses spent on programs: 84
Charity Navigator Score: Not yet rated by CN, but given an A from Charity Watch.
Mission: The Sierra Club Foundation is the fiscal sponsor of the Sierra Club’s charitable environmental programs, and promotes efforts to educate and empower people to protect and improve the natural and human environment. The Sierra Club is the principal, though not exclusive, recipient of SCF’s charitable grants.
Top Programs: Beyond Coal, Chapter and Group Education Project, Our Wild America.
Percent of expenses spent on programs: 88.5
Charity Navigator Score: 94.08
In my opinion there is another organization that should have been included in this list:
Mission: The Greenpeace Fund promotes Greenpeace's mission: to halt environmental destruction and to promote solutions for future generations.
Top Programs: Greenpeace Fund promotes Greenpeace's mission through public education, grassroots lobbying and grants to other environmental organizations. Greenpeace has the capacity to conduct international campaigns in countries around the world; to challenge environmental threats and promote change on issues that transcend national borders.
Percent of expenses spent on programs: 82.6
Charity Navigator Score: 92.38
In addition, there are organizations who focus their efforts on oceans. Here's a sampling:
1. THE SURFRIDER
WHAT: A grassroots non-profit foundation working to protect and preserve the world's oceans by focusing on water quality, coastal ecosystems, beach access, beach and surf spot preservation.
WHERE: Mainly North America, as well as parts of South America, Europe and Japan.
HOW: Through a...powerful activist network, people can connect and participate in coastal conservation...The...foundation has a strong social media presence [which encourages]...them to take part in activities such as beach cleanups or to sign digital petitions.
2. OCEANA
WHAT: The largest international ocean conservation organization that works to protect and restore the world’s oceans through targeted policy campaigns.
WHERE: Based in Washington D.C with offices throughout the world.
HOW: Oceana works to protect sea life affected by industrial fishing by using targeted policy campaigns focused on science combined with media, law and public pressure. The clearly defined campaigns, in such fields as responsible fishing and preventing ocean pollution, are designed to produce identifiable policy changes within a 3–5 year timeframe.
3. ROZALIA PROJECT
Too many people are blissfully unaware or simply don't give a rip about climate change. Hopefully, the hundreds of climate organizations listed above can help to open their eyes and hearts.
But corporations and government agencies who support the fossil fuel industry (despite massive evidence of their disastrous effect on the planet) often seem beyond the reach of climate change advocates. What to do? Why not sue the Hell out of them?
You can join these organizations and put your boots on the ground in hundreds of locals worldwide, but you can also contribute money to further their various causes also. How do you know that your money is well spent? The easy answer to that question is here. In 16 years, Charity Navigator (CN) has rated over 9000 charities for their honesty and accurate bookkeeping. They rely strictly on individual contributions (currently at $61 million.)
In that vein, Outside Online click here has compiled a list of what they call "The Six Best Environmental Groups To Donate To For a Better World." (ed. note: This is only one list; numerous others have equal merit.) From their report:
"There are many worthy organizations doing great work for the outdoors...worth supporting, but here’s a good place to start."
Mission: The Environmental Defense Fund is perhaps the most wide-ranging organization on this list, working to provide solutions under the ... categories of climate change, oceans, wildlife and habitats, and health. The EDF works with other organizations, businesses, government, and communities to create incentives for positive environmental actions; help companies become better environmental stewards; influence policy; and keep tabs on emerging issues.
Top Programs: Climate and energy, oceans, ecosystems
Percent of expenses spent on programs: 79.1
Charity Navigator Score: 94.48
Mission: The Nature Conservancy protects ecologically important lands and waters around the world with the help of more than 500 staff scientists.
Top Programs: Climate change, fire, fresh water, forests, invasive species, and marine ecosystems.
Percent of expenses spent on programs: 71.2
Charity Navigator Score: 84.35
Top Programs: Climate, land, wildlife, water, oceans, energy, food, sustainable communities.
Percent of expenses spent on programs: 83.6
Charity Navigator Score: 96.35
Mission: American Rivers protects wild rivers, restores damaged rivers and the wildlife they support, and conserves clean water for people and nature, with an eye toward recreationists as well.
Top Programs: River restoration, federal river management, clean water supply.
Percent of expenses spent on programs: 74.9
Charity Navigator Score: 88.18
Mission: The Trust for Public Land creates parks & protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. Works to ensure that everyone has access to nature within a 10-minute walk from home.
Percent of expenses spent on programs: 84
Charity Navigator Score: Not yet rated by CN, but given an A from Charity Watch.
Top Programs: Beyond Coal, Chapter and Group Education Project, Our Wild America.
Percent of expenses spent on programs: 88.5
Charity Navigator Score: 94.08
In my opinion there is another organization that should have been included in this list:
Mission: The Greenpeace Fund promotes Greenpeace's mission: to halt environmental destruction and to promote solutions for future generations.
Top Programs: Greenpeace Fund promotes Greenpeace's mission through public education, grassroots lobbying and grants to other environmental organizations. Greenpeace has the capacity to conduct international campaigns in countries around the world; to challenge environmental threats and promote change on issues that transcend national borders.
Percent of expenses spent on programs: 82.6
Charity Navigator Score: 92.38
In addition, there are organizations who focus their efforts on oceans. Here's a sampling:
 |
Marine debris is more than ugly, it kills.
|
WHAT: A grassroots non-profit foundation working to protect and preserve the world's oceans by focusing on water quality, coastal ecosystems, beach access, beach and surf spot preservation.
WHERE: Mainly North America, as well as parts of South America, Europe and Japan.
HOW: Through a...powerful activist network, people can connect and participate in coastal conservation...The...foundation has a strong social media presence [which encourages]...them to take part in activities such as beach cleanups or to sign digital petitions.
2. OCEANA
WHAT: The largest international ocean conservation organization that works to protect and restore the world’s oceans through targeted policy campaigns.
WHERE: Based in Washington D.C with offices throughout the world.
HOW: Oceana works to protect sea life affected by industrial fishing by using targeted policy campaigns focused on science combined with media, law and public pressure. The clearly defined campaigns, in such fields as responsible fishing and preventing ocean pollution, are designed to produce identifiable policy changes within a 3–5 year timeframe.
3. ROZALIA PROJECT
WHAT: A non-profit organization goals whose goals are a clean, protected and thriving marine ecosystem. Has been working on the problem of marine debris since 2010. We work surface to seafloor to provide prevention through education, remediation (cleanup), innovation and doing solutions-based research.
WHERE: Gulf of Maine
HOW: Uses a sailing vessel for research and clean up expeditions as well as inspiring education programs across the country.
4. 3. 5 GYRES
WHAT: A non-profit organization dedicated to understanding plastic marine pollution that works towards oceans free of plastic.
WHERE: All over the world.
HOW: Through exploration, scientific research, education, and action the 5 Gyres Institute engages communities in systemic change and encourages corporate partners, policymakers, and the general public to reduce plastic pollution.
But corporations and government agencies who support the fossil fuel industry (despite massive evidence of their disastrous effect on the planet) often seem beyond the reach of climate change advocates. What to do? Why not sue the Hell out of them?
Here is a rundown on some the lawsuits brought against fossil fuel corporations and their enablers.
(1) The Climate Change Lawsuit That Could Stop The US Government From Supporting Fossil Fuels The source is here.
From the 60 minutes TV show last March: "This is a lawsuit filed on behalf of 21 kids which alleges the U.S. government knowingly failed to protect them from climate change…"
"Of all the cases [in] the federal court system, none is more interesting or potentially more life changing than Juliana v. United States. If the plaintiffs win, it could mean massive changes for the use of fossil fuels."
"To quote one federal judge, 'This is no ordinary lawsuit.' It was filed back in 2015 on behalf of a group of kids...trying to get the courts to block the U.S. government from continuing the use of fossil fuels."
"The government’s lawyers...have since watched the Supreme Court reject two of their motions to delay or dismiss the case. Four years in, it is still very much alive, in part because the plaintiffs have amassed a body of evidence that will surprise even the skeptics and have forced the government to admit that the crisis is real."
(2) I also found a posting on the France 24 website dated on March 24 which noted the following:
"...four French NGOs – Notre affaire à tous, la Fondation pour la nature et l'homme, Greenpeace France and Oxfam France – filed a lawsuit at the Paris administrative court against the French government, accusing it of failing to act upon its environmental obligations. A petition accompanying their initiative, called...'The Case of the Century', has collected a record 2.1 million signatures."
The...NGOs are basing their legal action on a series of binding agreements, such as the European Convention on Human Rights and the 2004 Environmental Charter, as well as non-binding texts, such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
(3) In a report published April 8, "...the Friends of the Earth Netherlands organization has filed a climate change action lawsuit against Shell Oil. (Royal Dutch Shell is a Dutch company [so] it is subject to the laws of the Netherlands.) Friends Of The Earth...and six other environmental and human rights organizations filed suit against Shell seeking to force it to address its role in the climate emergency confronting the world... The lawsuit includes 17,000 private individuals as plaintiffs. They want Shell to reduce its carbon emissions 45% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels and to zero by 2050."
(4) Big oil got slammed in Boston recently.
According to The Boston Globe newspaper, "A lawsuit...filed by the Conservation Law Foundation against Exxon over its Everett petroleum terminal [in Boston MA] will advance in Boston federal court, thanks to a ruling that US District Court Judge Mark Wolf made from the bench [in early March.]"
"CLF’s lawsuit...accuses Exxon of failing to adequately protect the property from potential floods caused by storms and rising sea waters that could sweep pollutants off the site. The closely-watched lawsuit could have ripple effects that influence the broader oil industry and how it prepares for future storms."
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't inform Americans that if you are considering an environmental lawsuit of your own, Earth Justice has your back. Here is a summary from their website.
As the nation’s original and largest nonprofit environmental law organization, Earthjustice leverages their expertise...to fight for justice and advance the promise of a healthy world... . They represent [all] of their clients free of charge, with more than a hundred attorneys in offices across the U.S.
Here are their three goals:
1) Our nation’s laws protect the...natural spaces and wildlife we have inherited from previous generations. Earthjustice enforces those laws to protect...wildlife and wild places, for this and future generations.
2) They fight for a future where children can breathe clean air, no matter where they live; where products in our homes are free of toxic chemicals; and where all communities are safer, healthier places...
3) [Their] legal victories strengthen the rise of clean energy, laying the groundwork for the systemic change we must see.
[They] fight for a...livable future by securing national and global rules to cut carbon through work in the courts, Congress and via international negotiations to secure real, enforceable cuts in...pollution. They [work] for clean power through litigation that challenges reliance on fossil fuels...and opens the door to clean, renewable sources of power. They are helping to reduce black carbon...to slow warming and protect ecosystems. And they are building resilience to climate change by taking a proactive approach to promote ecologically rich, resilient refuges that can sustain healthy fish and wildlife populations on land and at sea.
As we face an uncertain future, perhaps it is time to return to the sage advice of Carl Sagan. (An American astronomer, cosmologist, astrophysicist astrobiologist and author.) 23 years after his death his inspirational words still ring true.
“Anything else you’re interested in is not going to happen if you can’t breathe the air and drink the water. Don’t sit this one out. Do something. You are by accident of fate alive at an absolutely critical moment in the history of our planet.”
Neon Leon is published on the 15th of each month except on national holidays and times when I am chasing dreams. Available on Facebook and the blogosphere -- leon100x.blogspot.com
Next Up: A review of the progress made in alternative energy sources.
(1) The Climate Change Lawsuit That Could Stop The US Government From Supporting Fossil Fuels The source is here.
From the 60 minutes TV show last March: "This is a lawsuit filed on behalf of 21 kids which alleges the U.S. government knowingly failed to protect them from climate change…"
"Of all the cases [in] the federal court system, none is more interesting or potentially more life changing than Juliana v. United States. If the plaintiffs win, it could mean massive changes for the use of fossil fuels."
"To quote one federal judge, 'This is no ordinary lawsuit.' It was filed back in 2015 on behalf of a group of kids...trying to get the courts to block the U.S. government from continuing the use of fossil fuels."
"The government’s lawyers...have since watched the Supreme Court reject two of their motions to delay or dismiss the case. Four years in, it is still very much alive, in part because the plaintiffs have amassed a body of evidence that will surprise even the skeptics and have forced the government to admit that the crisis is real."
(2) I also found a posting on the France 24 website dated on March 24 which noted the following:
"...four French NGOs – Notre affaire à tous, la Fondation pour la nature et l'homme, Greenpeace France and Oxfam France – filed a lawsuit at the Paris administrative court against the French government, accusing it of failing to act upon its environmental obligations. A petition accompanying their initiative, called...'The Case of the Century', has collected a record 2.1 million signatures."
The...NGOs are basing their legal action on a series of binding agreements, such as the European Convention on Human Rights and the 2004 Environmental Charter, as well as non-binding texts, such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
(3) In a report published April 8, "...the Friends of the Earth Netherlands organization has filed a climate change action lawsuit against Shell Oil. (Royal Dutch Shell is a Dutch company [so] it is subject to the laws of the Netherlands.) Friends Of The Earth...and six other environmental and human rights organizations filed suit against Shell seeking to force it to address its role in the climate emergency confronting the world... The lawsuit includes 17,000 private individuals as plaintiffs. They want Shell to reduce its carbon emissions 45% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels and to zero by 2050."
(4) Big oil got slammed in Boston recently.
According to The Boston Globe newspaper, "A lawsuit...filed by the Conservation Law Foundation against Exxon over its Everett petroleum terminal [in Boston MA] will advance in Boston federal court, thanks to a ruling that US District Court Judge Mark Wolf made from the bench [in early March.]"
"CLF’s lawsuit...accuses Exxon of failing to adequately protect the property from potential floods caused by storms and rising sea waters that could sweep pollutants off the site. The closely-watched lawsuit could have ripple effects that influence the broader oil industry and how it prepares for future storms."
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't inform Americans that if you are considering an environmental lawsuit of your own, Earth Justice has your back. Here is a summary from their website.
As the nation’s original and largest nonprofit environmental law organization, Earthjustice leverages their expertise...to fight for justice and advance the promise of a healthy world... . They represent [all] of their clients free of charge, with more than a hundred attorneys in offices across the U.S.
Here are their three goals:
1) Our nation’s laws protect the...natural spaces and wildlife we have inherited from previous generations. Earthjustice enforces those laws to protect...wildlife and wild places, for this and future generations.
2) They fight for a future where children can breathe clean air, no matter where they live; where products in our homes are free of toxic chemicals; and where all communities are safer, healthier places...
3) [Their] legal victories strengthen the rise of clean energy, laying the groundwork for the systemic change we must see.
[They] fight for a...livable future by securing national and global rules to cut carbon through work in the courts, Congress and via international negotiations to secure real, enforceable cuts in...pollution. They [work] for clean power through litigation that challenges reliance on fossil fuels...and opens the door to clean, renewable sources of power. They are helping to reduce black carbon...to slow warming and protect ecosystems. And they are building resilience to climate change by taking a proactive approach to promote ecologically rich, resilient refuges that can sustain healthy fish and wildlife populations on land and at sea.
As we face an uncertain future, perhaps it is time to return to the sage advice of Carl Sagan. (An American astronomer, cosmologist, astrophysicist astrobiologist and author.) 23 years after his death his inspirational words still ring true.
“Anything else you’re interested in is not going to happen if you can’t breathe the air and drink the water. Don’t sit this one out. Do something. You are by accident of fate alive at an absolutely critical moment in the history of our planet.”
Neon Leon is published on the 15th of each month except on national holidays and times when I am chasing dreams. Available on Facebook and the blogosphere -- leon100x.blogspot.com
Next Up: A review of the progress made in alternative energy sources.
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