Prevent Pollution

-- Quote of the Day -- 

"Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned."

 ~ Peter Marshall

-- Your Role In A Clean Environment -- 

 

 * Today's article was provided by Elizabeth D. Johnson - a passionate writer who has been creating online articles for many years.

You might think that keeping a clean environment is very difficult. Well, maintaining it can be difficult, but it is not impossible. You can actually do lots of ways to make it possible. This article might be of great help. Start the changes at home. Your home is still part of your environment.

1. Avoid creating pollution -  Pollution can come in various forms. You can have air, water and land pollution and all of these can actually be prevented. Start it with yourself. Try to avoid throwing out any trash, and what you can't recycle, reuse, donate, sell or re-purpose make sure you throw your garbage away properly. For instance, dispose biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes properly. Avoid littering all over the places. Your motivation to avoid creating pollution is it can negatively affect human and animal's health and even destroy the environment.

2. Start reducing contaminants at home and all toxic materials at home. These things can actually destroy the environment.  If you are concerned with the safety and cleanliness of your home, certainly, all else will follow. Reduce it by cleaning with non-toxic organic supplies (like vinegar, baking soda), and using natural and bio-degradable eco-friendly personal products.

3. Be a good example - Try to do what is right. When you do the right things, everyone else will follow. Make sure they are following the right things from you. Set as a good example to all kinds of people, especially to the youth. The children are the most fragile individuals that are easily influenced by almost anything. When you teach them the right way, they will follow, and with that, they know how to take care of their environment.

It is very important to maintain a clean environment. If you are still wondering on what to do, try these three simple yet effective ways and help each other to keep it clean.

   Find Dave and Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, their radio program, blog, and more at: http://brummet.ca * Support the Brummets by telling your friends, clicking those social networking buttons, or visiting the Brummet's Store - and help raise funds for charity as well! 

 

 

 

poetry

-- Poetry -- 

Every once in a while I like to share a little poetry on our site. Today I'd like to share one of my favorites from the collection of my father-in-law's - Frank Brummet. Frank has been writing poetry as a hobby for most of his adult life. Delving into the hobby more fully after retirement, he has now written hundreds of poems and enjoys experimenting with many different techniques. At his former residence he was heavily involved with the local writer's group. Today, you might spot him at local Creston, BC (Canada) events reading poetry at places like open house talent shows, seniors centers and more. 

To Paint Love

I would paint love on a canvas of caring, 

Mixing colours on a palette of promise.

The red of passion, the blue of longing,

The green of life in the meadow of hope.

I would depict mountains of joy,

A cool river bubbling with music,

Flow of laughter from happy children.

I would paint the tree of together,

With arms to embrace tnder feelings.

A gentle breeze to blow sweet kisses

That stir the leaves of a joyful heart.

Beneath the tree: blossoming dreams

Sheltered from the winds of sorrow.

The canvas hung on a wall of faith

In the happiness of each tomorrow. 

   Find Dave and Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, their radio program, blog, and more at: http://brummet.ca * Support the Brummets by telling your friends, clicking those social networking buttons, or visiting the Brummet's Store - and help raise funds for charity as well!

Plastic Bags

-- Quote of the Day -- 

"Each of us is given a bit of the raw material of life with which to work. We can shape it anyway we wish. The time in which we live, our inheritance of traits, etc., all have something to do with what we become, but after that it is in our hands to do much with what we have. Physically and mentally we can shape it any way we desire."

~ Louis L’Amour

 -- Plastic Bags -- 

* Today's article was provided by Bizymoms.com - helping provide  women with information on everyday matters and important issues. Check out thier BizyMoms Cares - Conservation section, which offers information and tips on plastic bags and how we can conserve our environment.

It’s hard to say when we began to turn into obsessive consumers but nobody can doubt that we are just that. At least most of us! A direct result of this is heavy dependence on plastic bags. From USA to Africa, from Asia to Australia, everybody is guilty of using them at some point in their lives. What does this mean for the environment?

First of all, a plastic bag can take up to 500 years to break down and decompose. The irony here is that we usually use a bag just once and then toss it in the garbage. So it’s no surprise that the number of plastic bags used around the world in a day is tremendously high. A recent study estimates that in a year, as much as a trillion bags are consumed worldwide. This translates into considerable landfill and pollution. Not all bags end up in a landfill, however. Some enter rivers, sewers and even seas. They block waterways and drains and create more pollution issues.

In the oceans, plastic bags float and mislead turtles and other marine animals that swallow them as food. Some marine biologists think that plastic bags seem like jellyfish, an appetizer, to some marine life. These bags can even drift far away into the doldrums, where many of the floating junk accumulates and may create new water pollution problems in the near future.

Plastic bags are thin and light which means they are easily carried by the wind. They are easily blown around and get caught on trees, littering gardens and parks. Not only is this unsightly but it can kill small animals such as insects and birds. Plastic bags seem harmless enough to an adult human but they can suffocate unsuspecting animals and even babies.

Can plastic bags be burnt and got rid of that way? It’s possible yes, but impractical because of the greenhouse gases that are emitted in the process. These gases play a direct role in global warming. In fact, even the production process of plastic bags releases such toxic gases that remain in the atmosphere for a considerable time.

So next time you pick up a plastic bag, thinking it’s so convenient, light and cheap, think again. The true cost of the plastic bag you are holding is staggering and the weight of this burden is shared by all of us. 

   Find Dave and Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, their radio program, blog, and more at: http://brummet.ca * Support the Brummets by telling your friends, clicking those social networking buttons, or visiting the Brummet's Store - and help raise funds for charity as well!

World of Writing, interview

-- Quote of the Day -- 

 

"In reading, a lonely quiet concert is given to our minds; all our mental faculties will be present in this symphonic exaltation."

~ Stéphane Mallarmé

-- World of Writing -- 

Yes - it is time for another World of Writing interview. I started this series some years ago in hopes of not only networking with and supporting other writers, but also to encourage other writers out there by sharing other people's experience in the industry.  If you look through the blog archives you'll see we've featured poets and authors in many different genres, article writers, magazine publishers and more. You can also find more rich information (for free) through the archived World of Writing audio series via this link: Conscious Discussions Talk Radio

* Today's featured author is DuEwa Frazier (M.Ed., M.F.A., Ed.M.) - a publisehd writer, author, educator, poet and speaker. You find out more about her via these links:

http://DuEwaWorld.com

http://Twitter.com/DuEwaWorld

http://DuEwaWorld.Tumblr.com

Q: When you started your book, did you plan on writing it as a series, or did it just grow into one? 

A: I have published two children's books to date - Ten Marbles and a Bag to Put Them In: Poems for Children (2010) and Deanne in the Middle (2014).  I was inspired to write Ten Marbles after writing poetry for both children and adults for years.  I have enjoyed being an educator and I have often taught poetry workshops for children.  Writing Ten Marbles, a poetry collection for children was a way for me to continue sharing poetry with children and engage them in literacy activities.  Ten Marbles includes both writing exercises and drawing activities for children.  Reading poetry is as much a visual experience for children as it is a listening experience, so I really wanted to create a collection of poems that spoke to children visually.  I started writing Deanne in the Middle in 2007.  I didn't plan it as a series but I can see where the story may go if I decide to do that.  Deanne in the Middle highlights a part of teenage life that I think we all have experienced in some way, so I was thrilled to craft this story and bring it to life.   

Q: What age group did you write for, and why did you write for this particular age group?

A: I write for elementary, middle grade and teen readers.  I wrote my book Ten Marbles and a Bag to Put Them In: Poems for Children for elementary and middle grade students.  I enjoy teaching and sharing my love of poetry and literature with students.  My young adult novel, Deanne in the Middle is geared toward teen readers.  I have worked with middle or high school students for several years. I find them to be hilarious, energetic, intelligent and inquisitive.  I have had the best discussions about books and literature with some of my students.  Because I'm a book geek and I love spreading my passion for writing and reading, it was natural for me to progress to writing for teens, they are the students I serve as an educator.   

Q: Did you find it difficult to choose the right language, images and writing style for reaching this age group? 

A: I think that writing for children and young adults means observing them, talking with them, understanding what they care about and what motivates them. I think you also use your own creativity and imagination when crafting the language and you figure out what is genuine for a character.  Teen or young adult dialogue has its characteristics that are of course different from the way many adults speak.  And there are teens who do not sound, quite like what we think is a typical teen due to adult influence, education, the region they live and so on.  So the challenge is to create dialogue and points of view that are just genuine to the particular characters you're crafting.  The main character in my novel, Deanne, is made fun of for the way she talks.  She speaks more Standard English than slang, but that's her.  Another character in the story may be different.  Every child is different, and I think when I created Deanne and the other characters, with young readers in mind, I wanted to write was was true for that character. 

Q: How do you plan to promote this book (or series)? 

A: I am an educator and I have the opportunity to work with secondary students in schools, libraries and other centers of learning.  I look forward to participating in literacy programs for youth and teaching workshops where I can support youth literacy and share my work. 

Q: Is there anything in your book that is based on a real life experience?

A: Deanne in the Middle is a work of fiction. I think that something I can relate to from the story is that I experienced growing up in the Midwest is having friendship with so many diverse peers, but none of my friends had a problem with each other.  People throughout time, and kids, have problems with fully accepting those who are different from them or those who they feel represent some kind of threat to their power, individuality or sense of popularity.  But just as in real life, I like that my characters are not one-dimensional. You can see the good and not so good in each of them.   

Q: Why did you feel this book needed to be written? 

A: My young adult novel, Deanne in the Middle grew out of my experience as a middle and high school teacher.  Many of our youth are being bullied and harassed in and outside of school settings.  Oftentimes adults do not know how to support our youth to tolerate difference and communicate with a positive impact on their fellow peers.  Our youth, pre-teens and teens already have many challenges in navigating responsibilities and accepting the physical changes and social pressures they have. Merge all of that with disagreements and feeling "disliked," "dissed" or "unpopular" and you have an explosion waiting to happen.  This is how alot of bullying and aggression takes shape amongst our youth.  These are some of the issues and themes that appear in Deanne in the Middle. It is my hope to use the novel as a springboard to discuss solutions and strategies for young people regarding youth bullying, conflict resolution, respecting different and building strong  identity with communities of young readers. 

Q: What’s the best advice you were given about writing?

A: The best advice I've been given as a writer came from both Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott and workshops I have taken.  The advice is to never get attached to your first draft and be willing to cut and revise several times.  And also to realize that everything you write may not meet book form, but keep writing anyway. 

Q: What is the wisest thing anyone has said to you?

A: I think the wisest thing I've heard is to appreciate the journey, whatever it is.  I've had an amazing journey as an author so far, and I just appreciate everything.

   Find Dave and Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, their radio program, blog, and more at: http://brummet.ca * Support the Brummets by telling your friends, clicking those social networking buttons, or visiting the Brummet's Store - and help raise funds for charity as well!

Extend the Life of Your Books & Magazines

-- Quote of the Day -- 

"There is a temperate zone in the mind, between luxurious indolence and exacting work; and it is to this region, just between laziness and labor, that summer reading belongs."

 ~ Henry Ward Beecher

-- Books -- 

We have a chapter in our Trash Talk - It's Easy To Be Green book series on the topic of extending the life of books. Today I'd like to briefly talk about how you can contribute to a better society through your use of books. 

Trash Talk - It's Easy To Be Green, Vol. 1

Trash Talk - It's Easy To Be Green, Vol.2

Many of us have stacks of books we've read and weekends offer a great opportunity to go through them once more. As we go through them we can check to see if any need a spot of glue or clear packing tape to hold the covers together. We can also start organizing the shelves for genre of books, books according to author, etc. While doing this project we can look systematically over a period of time start making piles of books that we no longer wish to keep and those you consider your "favorites" - those that you just can't part with. Literacy groups are often thrilled to receive your used books, as are library fundraising events (i.e. book sales). If the books are of particular genres you might find a home for them in family center, business center, employment center, women's center or counseling office libraries. If the books pertain to your career, perhaps bringing them to work is an option. 

Alternatively you can take those stacks of used books to the reuse center, or to thrift stores that sell things to raise funds for various charities in your region. You might want to consider taking them to a used book store that offers exchange or discount programs. 

Another option - start a reading exchange with your friends and family. We did this for many years, although these days it is fairly limited - there was a time when there were a lot of people involved. What we did was have one person designated as the starting point (usually me) and people would drop off books and magazines they no longer wanted and after I read them I put them in boxes or bags and people could go through them when visiting, or I would drop them off to the next person who was the next link in the chain of people involved. Placing your used reading materials by the door in a box for your visitors is also an easy option. You might know families with different aged children and you can start exchanging books with them - you never know where that can lead... such as exchanging clothes or toys. 

Another option is to take your books and magazines to bus stations (i.e. Greyhound Bus stations), business waiting rooms, coffee shops, office coffee rooms, laundry facilities, etc. 

People receiving the books will read material that they may not have been exposed to normally, enlightening them to new ideas, skills and entertainment. People in your community save money because they are spending less on reading materials. You are able to participate in fundraising for various charitable causes in your community. The life of the book is extended because more people are sharing them. And you have less storage going on at home too, so your place looks less cluttered. 

I hope this inspires you to start your own campaign locally exchanging and sharing your old magazines and books. :)

   Find Dave and Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, their radio program, blog, and more at: http://brummet.ca * Support the Brummets by telling your friends, clicking those social networking buttons, or visiting the Brummet's Store - and help raise funds for charity as well!

Defining Environmental Sciences

-- Defining Environmental Sciences --

* Michael Collins wrote this informative article below helping us understand what the environmental sciences are all about...

These days there is there is a lot buzz about the world going green and preserving the environment. Well, I think that all of you might be reading something or the other about "environment and ecology" in newspaper, magazines or over the internet. So, let me throw light on this topic.

The term Environmental Science involves the scientific study of the ways in which biological, physical and chemical components of the environment interact and the relations between them. Environmental science is multidisciplinary in nature and provides a broad area of study of environmental systems integrating both biological and physical concepts with an interdisciplinary approach. Environmental science encompasses issues such as climate change, conservation, biodiversity, water quality, groundwater contamination, soil contamination, and use of natural resources, waste management, sustainable development, disaster reduction, air pollution, and noise pollution.  

While atmospheric science, geo-science and ecology are overlapped they are, in fact, slightly different environmental science disciplines. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science, teams of professionals commonly work together to conduct environmental research or to produce Environmental Impact Statements. 

Atmospheric Sciences examine the phenomenology of the Earth's gaseous outer layer with emphasis upon interrelation to other systems. Atmospheric sciences comprise meteorological studies, greenhouse gas phenomena, and atmospheric dispersion modeling of airborne contaminants, noise pollution, and even light pollution.

Ecology studies typically analyze the dynamics of biological populations and some aspect of their environment. Ecology is the study of the interactions of living organisms with their environments, including relationship with other organisms.

Geo-sciences include environmental geology, environmental soil science, volcanic phenomena and evolution of the Earth's crust. In some classification systems it can also embrace hydrology including oceanography.

Well, above is a brief overview about Environmental Science and its' machinery. Having a sound knowledge about our environment will certainly help us to protect Nature, which is the "Gift of God" to mankind.

   Find Dave and Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, their radio program, blog, and more at: http://brummet.ca * Support the Brummets by telling your friends, clicking those social networking buttons, or visiting the Brummet's Store - and help raise funds for charity as well!

solar powered water fountain

 Solar Garden Water Fountain

* Today's article was written by Aksha Serum who invites our readers to find more of her articles about Garden Fountains , Master Resell Rights Ebooks and Home Remedies for Heartburn

You can instantly set up a beautiful garden fountain using solar technology. Solar garden water fountains provide the calming effect of flowing water without requiring access to an electrical outlet. Not only do solar garden water fountains allow you to "go green" by conserving energy, they are very low maintenance. You simply let the sun work its magic and the fountain runs on its own. Solar garden water fountains are both beautiful and safe, with no distracting electrical cords to disguise. A bamboo garden water fountain is an especially nice fit for a solar pump as it is very naturally appealing; a beautiful choice to be powered by nature. The popularity of solar powered water fountains continues to grow, as do the choices, with major retailers now offering solar power garden products.

Basic Types of Solar Fountain Pumps

There are three basic types of solar fountains pumps, and choosing the right one will depend on your specific fountain needs and desires. The first type is a direct power solar fountain pump, which operates off of a built-in or remote fountain solar panel. Although no installation is required, a direct power water pump only works when the sun is shining on it. Therefore if there is no sun, your solar garden water fountain will not operate with this type of pump. The second type of pump is a submersible solar fountain pump, which can be fully submersed below the water of a garden pond, pool or lake. Submersed solar pumps rely on energy from a remote solar panel and produce a very decorative above-water spray. The third type of solar pump has a backup battery that recharges through the solar panel during sunny days, and provides water flow, and typically also illumination to the solar fountain at night.

Solar Powered Fountain Accessories

If you have a pond or other water feature and would like to easily install a fountain, consider the solar-powered lily pad fountain. This floating device contains a thin solar panel, a pump and a filter. You simply place the floating lily pad in your water feature and can immediately enjoy the calming sound of water. The pump is automatically activated by sunlight and will create a beautiful vertical spray. You can select from different fountain heads for the type of spray stream you want. The lily pad oxygenates your water as well, thereby eliminating odors, and it keeps water moving to eliminate mosquitoes. The floating lily pad is a wonderful solar garden water fountain option with several benefits.
 

   Find Dave and Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, their radio program, blog, and more at: http://brummet.ca * Support the Brummets by telling your friends, clicking those social networking buttons, or visiting the Brummet's Store - and help raise funds for charity as well!