Vote, vote, and vote some more

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President Trump does not understand the science behind climate change, what climate change is, or the threat that it poses to all of humanity.  He proved this point during his recent interview with Lesley Stahl on 60 Minutes (transcript here). That's why we need to vote, vote, and vote some more.  Vote for any candidate who is willing to face climate change head-on.  Vote against candidates who bury their heads in the sand.  Vote.

Climate Change trends -- your vote counts

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The Washington Post today reported on a study in the British medical journal, the Lancet, in which 63 researchers from 24 institutions worldwide described current and future health effects of climate change.  A few notable findings from the article:

• Global temperatures have increased by .75 degrees Fahrenheit since 2000, but this increase is not uniform, with many areas experiencing extreme heat waves
• From 2000 to 2016, 125 million vulnerable adults were exposed to heat waves (high temperatures for 3 or more days).  2015 was the worst year on record for heat waves.
• Between 2007 and 2016, there were an average of 300 weather disasters per year.  That's a 46 percent increase when compared to the decade between 1990 and 1999.  
• Climate refugees are an increasing issue worldwide -- 3,500 Alaskans have recently been forced to move.  Think also about climate refugees from Kiribati (see video above), Yemen, and even Smith and Tangier Islands in the Chesapeake Bay.  
• Populations of the mosquito that carries dengue fever and Zika love warmer weather -- they've increased 9 percent since the 1950s

Check out the full article from the Washington Post, by Ben Guarino and Brady Dennis.  And then consider this issue and the candidates' stances on climate change as you go to the polls on Tuesday.

Red, White, Blue, and GREEN on the 4th of July!

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It's the 4th of July -- on of my favorite holidays!  So how can we make the 4th of July red, white, blue, and green?  Sure, you could forgo the home fireworks, serve organic food, and use re-useable plates and silverware.  But here's what I suggest for a REALLY patriotic 4th:   

1. choose an environmental issue that’s near and dear to your heart
2. find a 15 minute slot of time
3. write a letter or e-mail to your local, state, or federal representative, telling them your opinion about the environmental issue
4. head out and enjoy the festivities, knowing you’ve participated in a truly patriotic 4th of July!

Have a fun and green 4th of July!

What’s your resolution?

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It’s that time of the year again – we’re all asked about our New Year’s resolutions.  Are any of your resolutions “green”?  If you want to try living more sustainably this year, here are a few resolutions you might want to consider:

• Eat meatless one day per week (why? check out this post)
• Use only reuseable bags at the grocery store.  Friends don’t let friends use plastic.
• Choose one environmental issue – elephant poaching, climate change, fracking, clean water, the illegal trade in tiger or reptile parts, the Keystone XL pipeline, mountaintop removal, local agriculture, another local issue – and resolve to get involved.  Research the topic and, at least twice during 2015, write to your elected officials to share your opinion. 
• Read at least two books on environmental topics.  Start with Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, or check out The Forest Unseen by David George Haskell.
• Reduce your use of plastics – start by “just saying no” to plastic straws.  Here’s an interesting article on the topic from HuffPost.  Be sure to use your baggie dryer!
• Vote green!  Don’t miss any elections in 2015! 
• Get out of your comfort zone!  Choose one environmental action that’s going to take a bit of work and make it your goal for 2015.

What’s your 2015 green resolution?  Please share!