Displaying items by tag: environment

“Vertical farming” is a term coined by Columbia University professor of environmental health and microbiology Dickson Despommier to describe the concept of growing large amounts of food in urban high-rise buildings—or so-called “farmscrapers.”

Besides being more sanitary than toilet tissue, bidets—those squirty accessories so popular in Europe, Japan and elsewhere that clean your underside using a jet of water—are also much less stressful on the environment than using paper.

Just like every other industry, going green has become a mantra among airlines, car rental companies and even hotel chains. The fuel crunch of a few years ago forced all the airlines into belt-tightening mode and the results—lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions—are good news for the environment.

For most of us, the rain that falls on our roof runs off into the ground or the sewer system. But if you’re motivated to save a little water and re-distribute it on your lawns or plants—or even use it for laundry, dishes or other interior needs—collecting rainwater from your gutters’ downspouts is a no-brainer.

In the near future, our congressional and legislative leaders will be making decisions which could determine the future quality of our water, beach, and marine life. Educating our communities will be a key factor in influencing our critical votes in Washington and Tallahassee.

Sea turtle nesting season begins May 1st and ends Oct. 31st. Because newly-hatched turtles find their way to the sea by following the natural light reflected by the water, city ordinances determine specific lighting requirements for beach parking lots, streets and promenades.

If you live near the beach, make sure you shut off or dim your lights at night. This precaution can reduce the amount of artificial light that reaches turtle nests and will help hatchlings reach the water safely. The Tampa Bay area averages about 120 nests each season, and can contain an average of 100 to 110 eggs.