PLAYgreen

Green Skies on the 4th of July

 

“Green” fireworks may brighten Fourth of July displays in future

Fireworks, flares and other so-called "pyrotechnics" traditionally have included potassium perchlorate as the oxidizer, a material that provides the oxygen that fireworks need to burn. Perchlorate, however, is an environmental pollutant with potential adverse effects on people and wildlife. Pyrotechnics contain other ingredients, such color-producing heavy metals, with a similar potential.

Studies have shown that perchlorate from community fireworks displays conducted over lakes, for instance, can lead to perchlorate contamination of the water. 

Researchers, however, have developed new pyrotechnic formulas that replace perchlorate with nitrogen-rich materials or nitrocellulose that burn cleaner and produce less smoke.

In the article, C&EN Associate Editor Bethany Halford says these nitrogen-rich formulas also use fewer color-producing chemicals, dramatically cutting down on the amount of heavy metals used and lowering their potentially toxic effects.

Some of these fireworks have already been used at circuses, rock concerts and other events, but none have been used at large outdoor displays. The problem: cost. The big challenge in launching these "eco-friendly" pyrotechnics into the sky is making them cost-competitive with conventional fireworks while maintaining their dazzle and glow, the article explains.

The article notes that fireworks manufacturers have little incentive to further develop the new green fireworks because no federal regulations currently limit releases of perchlorate from pyrotechnics.

Source: American Chemical Society, " Green" fireworks may brighten eco-friendly Fourth of July displays in the future, viewed June 26, 2009 

Top Eco-Friendly Energy Bars

Energy bars have come a long way. When introduced more than two decades ago, they sacrificed taste for function and were "enjoyed" almost solely by hard-core athletes and hikers. Today, thanks to a boom in competing brands, some are actually worth savoring--while others are still harder to swallow than compressed wood shavings.

To determine the best and worst, 15 Sierra Club staffers blind-tasted and scored bars from 25 companies that work to preserve the environment. Learn more.

Source: Sierra Club

Greening Dad

Can't think of what to get the #1 man in your life for Father's Day? Check out these green gifts for dad. Go green Dad, go! 

Rockin' Dad

Hook up your music-loving Dad (or in-need-of-musical-taste Dad) with an iTunes online gift certificate. Dad can pick his own tracks , and you can take all the waste from wrapping, packaging, and plastic CD cases outta the mix. 

Fishin' Dad 

Bottle Cap Lures  are lures made from soda and beer bottle caps -- that really work. Keeps the caps out of landfills, new materials out of production, and Dad out on the water reeling 'em in. 

Gadget Dad

Splurge on you Dad by giving him the  Solio Hybrid Charger  to recharge his cell phone, MP3 player, digital camera, and all the other electronic stuff he manages to cram into his pockets -- all with stored-up power from the sun (free power - woo-hoo!) or the socket. 

Organic Dad 

Every man deserves a little R&R....pamper him with an Every Man gift basket from Lula Organics. Includes skin-soothing, paraben-free Every Man Jack shave gel, body wash, and face wash; soap from Pangea Organics; a recycled, reusable razor; and a wooden body brush. 

Sporty Dad

Green Tee Time!  Nothing says "I love you, Dad" like these Eco Golf Balls. They are water-soluble golf balls that dissolve in water after 96 hours, so he won't be leaving plastic evidence of his birdies and bogies for millennia. 

Source: Ideal Bite, "Top 10 Best Eco-Gifts for Father's Day," viewed June 17, 2009

Goats at Rec Sports?

Proving once and for all that Rec Sports has the most diverse workforce on campus, we recently employed a small heard of voracious goats to clear 5 acres of bushes, grass, weeds and poison oak on the hillside behind the Golden Bear Rec Center, creating a clean fire break for the building. Not only do the goats work cheap -- $1,200 for the goats vs. $2,500 for human labor -- but they work green too. Instead of gas mowers, blowers, pesticides and trucks to haul off the waste, the (nearly) zero-emission goats quietly and cleanly go about their task. Learn more about the goats.
 

Summer Eats: What's in Season for June

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s in and what’s out?

A large part of staying in shape is eating a healthy and balanced diet. Now, more that ever we are becoming aware of and have access to, local, season produce. While you'll be set on the basics (carrots, lettuce, beets, etc.), some fruits and veggies will be out (oranges, fava beans, asparagus). 

Here are some highlights of  what is growin’ in the Bay Area in June. All of this produce should be available at your local supermarket and will most definitely be at your local Farmer's Market. 

Fruits: apricots, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cherries, elderberries, figs, nectarines, peaches, plums, raspberries, strawberries.

Veggies: chilies, corn, nopal cactus, rhubarb, summer squash. 

Spices: fresh lavender, garlic. 

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Now what? 

You've graduated. You're smart. You're talented. Employers should be falling at your feet, right? Well, maybe not in this economy. Try something new with either AmeriCorps or Green Corps.  You will be able to put your passion to work, and do something different. 

AmeriCorps 

Started by President Bill Clinton in the 1990s, AmeriCorps was formed by the National and Community Service Trust Act, which established the Corporation for National and Community Service and brought the full range of domestic community service programs under the umbrella of one central organization. AmeriCorps workers get a stipend for their work and a wide range of benefits. Programs vary and there is something for every interest. 

Get paid back to play dodgeball? Heck yes! A notable AmeriCorp program in the Bay Area is Sports for Kids. This program puts the play back into the day of elementary schools across the country.  Check out their job openings.

Green Corps 

The one-year Green Corps program intersperses intensive classroom instruction with multiple campaign efforts. Trainees gain hands-on experience running field campaigns to win environmental protections and public health initiatives. Throughout the year, each trainee receives specific individualized feedback on all aspects of his or her work, as well as local mentorship from environmental organizers throughout the nation. At the end of the training, the Green Corps program facilitates trainees' placement in permanent positions with leading environmental and social change groups. 

Source: AmeriCorps, www.americorps.gov; Green Corps, www.greencorps.org 

Movin' on Up

Exams are done. Papers are turned in. Your scored a date with the cutie from Econ. However, your dorm looks like it's hit by a hurricane and your parents will be here in less that 24 hours to pick you up. Avoid throwing stuff away this year with these great recommendations...

Cash Flow

Get some much needed cash by selling goods on Craigslist or eBay. Another person's trash is another person's treasure. 

Donate

On your way out of town, hit up Urban Ore on Ashby. 

Swap

Use the online swap sites  Freecycle, Rehash Clothes, or Swaptree to exchange gear. You're done with Chem but still need a language credit? Check out Bookbyte. 

Trade

Even though the summer will only last for three months, campus technology will be a whole new scene when you return in for Fall semester. Upgrade your gadgets with cool programs such as Gazelle.

Source: Ideal Bite, "Ideal Bite: Graduation Day" May 19, 2009

How Green is Your Workout?

 

Do you sweat when you work out? Do you sweat when you think of our planet's future? Well, whether you spend hours at the RSF, run laps around Edwards Track, or go for quick power walks on Golden Bear Track, this is the quiz for you. You might learn a thing or two about burning calories instead of carbon.

 

Take the quiz

 

Source: Sierra Club

Mother (Earth)'s Day Gift Ideas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treat your mother well this Mother's Day. Check out these eco-friendly gifts.

For the Cookin' Mom....
After all of those years of homecooking, your mom deserves some updated and eco-friendly kitchenware.  Bambu offers elegant and minimalist bowls and utensils are a useful addition any kitchen. Made from 100% organically grown bamboo, each item is constructed of renewable materials by a manufacturer working to integrate safe and sustainable business practices in China.

For the Pampered Mom...
Pamper the most important lady in your life with handmade soaps, rich bath and body oils. Stop by Body Time on on Telegraph Ave.

For the Sporty Mom...
Perfect for the mom who likes to get outdoors, Patagonia has a wide collection of threads and gear. You can track the footprint of your goods with the Footprint Chronicles feature. 

For the Metropolitan Mom....
Does your mother want a green thumb but doesn't have the space? Give her a "Garden in a Bag".  Choose from basil, cilantro, chives, dill, lavender, oregano, parsley, and sage, or get them all. It's a no-hassle system that works in well in all types of kitchens and homes.

For any Mom....
Quality time together. Nothing says "Mom, you're the greatest!" more than an afternoon with your mom. If your mom is local, take her out for a walk, hike, bike ride, or trip to the Berkeley Rose Garden. If that's not her style, make her a farm fresh dinner with goodies from the Farmer's Market. It's fun, easy on the budget, and a great way to say thanks.

Good for Mom; Good for Mother Earth

Still looking for a gift for Mom? Why not go green this year and give her an inspiring and eco-friendly gift? Show mom you care about her -- and mother earth -- by sponsoring a Wild Place in her name! A virtual Wild Place sponsorship helps to preserve America’s wild legacy, and shows you care about our beautiful places. Choose from the Everglades National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Giant Sequoia National Monument, Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Acadia National Park. Maybe next year you can go there together!

Help protect these wild places and the wildlife that live there. A virtual sponsorship in her name only costs $20 and comes with a letter of recognition, personalized certificate of sponsorship, fact sheet with fun facts about the special place and the wildlife that live there, and a frameable picture of your special Wild Place. More info.

Source: Sierra Club