Author Archive

Maggie Puniewska

Maggie Puniewska is a freelance writer based out of the greater Chicago area. She has a B.A. in communications from University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. In addition to Please Conserve, she currently writes for the buzz, an entertainment magazine on campus. She has written and published on a wide range of subjects and her specialty for Please Conserve is conservation and environmental topics.

Climate change always gets a bad rep. It’s blamed for rising ocean levels, melting glaciers, and a slew of many other predicaments. However, amidst all these problems, climate change has done one thing well: it has promoted the growth of forests in the Eastern United States. This unexpected outcome really embodies the idea of looking on the bright side of things.

According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, trees in the mentioned region are growing faster than they have in the past 225 years. Ecologists Geoffrey Parker and Sean McMahon found evidence that the forest is growing an additional 2 tons per acre annually. To bring this into perspective, that is like having a 2-foot diameter tree sprouting in a year. On the average, such trees take decades and even centuries to grow fully. Parker and McMahon say that this growth spurt is likely due to several factors of climate change: increased levels on CO2 in the atmosphere, an increased temperature, and a lengthened growing season. Their study stated that CO2 levels have risen by 12% in the past 22 years, the mean temperature has risen by three-tenths of a degree, and the growing season has increased by 7.8 days. All these factors combined are the reason the trees have been shooting up in inches.

Growing trees are a good thing. More trees means more CO2 is taken out of the atmosphere and converted into oxygen. So does this study mean we can bust out our Escalades and crank the A/C on high? Not so fast, junior. Despite the fact that the study doesn’t mention any consequences of the tree growth spurt, it is important to look at the bigger picture. Sure, the trees are sprouting, but at the same time, global climate change causes more devastation than benefit: more extreme weather (heat waves, hurricanes), increased temperature of oceans, change in the pattern of migration and mating for animals…the list can go on and on. So although it is reassuring to know that our wasteful ways have incurred some benefit, the consequences outweigh profits and we should not be encouraged to continue perpetuating climate change, but rather strive to mitigate it.

Celebrities are probably the most notorious for their bad habits. Wasting resources is definitely one of them. Of course they need 20 bedrooms villas, several cars ( all high priced, low fuel economy), not to mention thousands of clothes, shoes, doodads, hobbies, whatever. Point is, Mother Nature frowns upon their wasteful ways. But certain celebrities are in line with reality. Local band, The Giving Tree, is an example. A recent article from the Chicago Tribune describes the band’s green ways. In an effort to clean up the dirty old ways of other recording artists, this band spent a month recording their album in rural Wisconsin at the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center. The center generates all of its electricity on site, meaning no power is taken from the local grid.

And things get better. In order to avoid the Chicago-Wisconsin commute, the band camped at Mirror Lake State Park and biked to the facility every day. Take that, Al Gore. But don’t mistake the band’s eco-conscious ways as just a publicity stunt. The members are involved in promoting other green habits. They wear clothes made of organic cotton or hemp and they planted trees in order to make their first album ‘carbon neutral’.

I know what you may be thinking. Good luck getting Paris Hilton and P.Diddy to bike to work. Well, the moral of the story is that everyone, not just celebrities can adapt a more green lifestyle. And you don’t need to record an album in Wisconsin to do it. Consider taking public transportation or carpooling with friends and co-workers. Think about adapting more energy saving actions such as turning off the lights or turning down the heat/AC. No one said you have to move to the woods and be a nomad to be green. All it takes is some simple steps and dollop of determination. Thanks, Giving Tree, for showing us that green doesn’t mean grim.

People often joke about living in a box as a means to convey financial desperation. Well, for many impoverished individuals around the globe, living in a box may be the next best thing. A recent earthquake in Haiti devastated the nation, leaving many people homeless, without shelter. In response to this literal housing crisis ( you thought Americans had it rough), researchers at Clemson University are looking to use shipping containers as temporary housing. Don’t call DCFS just yet. The idea is not as gruesome as it seems.

Researchers Pernille Christensen, Doug Heckner, and Martha Skinner are working on a method to convert unused shipping containers into temporary housing after disasters such as hurricanes and recently, earthquakes, that often rock the Caribbean. Many countries have hundreds of these containers that sit, useless, at marine ports. The project would utilize these containers as means of temporary housing, so that community members can work on rebuilding their own homes as well as those of neighbors while still having a place to stay. The researchers hypothesize that this situation would help build a sense of togetherness among member as well as a sense of security, in that displaced individuals would have a place to stay.

Reading the beginning of the ‘life in a box’ proposal, I have to admit I was a bit taken aback…moving people into boxes? Is this the Dark Ages? But when you take a deeper look into the situation as a whole, you realize that 1) These containers have no other use once cargo is unloaded and 2) The displaced people are often forced to live in the street when disaster strikes and the containers provide the perfect solution to a housing problem. Not only do the containers provide housing, but they make excellent use of the ‘recycle and reuse’ principle in an innovative way. So, box or street? I would take the box any day.

More, more, more-the classic mantra of American society. Thriving on anything that is bigger and better than their neighbor, Americans have truly embraced the definition of consumerism. Although this gaudy materialism is not always healthy, for us or the environment, many companies and newspapers are stepping up and encouraging consumers to cut back in order to save money and resources. Especially with the current recession, any money saving tips are greeted with more than open arms. And if you are helping the environment while you are at it, kudos to you.

A recent article from Parade magazine introduced some tips to readers that are both eco- and wallet friendly. The article presents 5 tips that cover different aspects of readers’ lifestyles, discussing anything from laundry use to gas mileage. These tips are great for those who are new to conservation practices. But if you really want to stretch your wallet and lessen the burden on Mother Nature, here are some ways to take those tips even further.

1. Plant a rain garden- This will not only reduce your water needs, it will practically eliminate them. This type of garden works by planting a variety of native plants in an area close to a pipe that drains rainwater from your roof directly to the garden. The garden is watered every time it rains, keeping storm water from flooding your house and the streets. If you live in a dry area, planting plants that are native to your area will dramatically reduce your watering needs.

2. Always turn off the appliances that you do not use often. That plugged in crock pot that only gets used when grandma comes into town? No need to have it plugged in 24/7. In fact, unused but plugged in appliances can contribute about 20% more to your utility bill.

3. Low on funds? Forget shopping, try swapping. Get some friends or neighbors together and host a clothes exchange. This provides you with an alternative to spending money for a new wardrobe and allows you to get rid of those clothes that have been sitting around. The old saying goes ‘one man’s trash in another man’s treasure.’

4. Don’t just slow down, buddy up. Carpooling can save you quite some money on gas bills and also make that morning commute to work less of a chore. If you don’t live too far, why not bike to work? Biking provides an excellent source of fuel economy (infinity!) and doubles as exercise- a great way to squeeze in some cardio into that busy schedule of yours.

5. Laundry cycles are guzzlers of both energy and water. And because you don’t want to reek at the office, not washing your clothes is NOT an option. One option is buying a ‘smart’ washer such as the LG Steam Direct. It is a combination washer and dryer that weighs your load before you wash to determine how much water to use. It washes and dries clothes using a steam technology in which moisture is carried away by hot air, condensed by cold mist in a separate chamber and then exits the system.

It is one of the greenest industries but also one of the most un-eco-friendly. How is this possible? Welcome to the world of gardening. Designed to enrich one’s surroundings with plants and trees, in reality, this industry has some of the most harmful environmental practices. An article by the Chicago Tribune titled “Push is on to green up the gardening industry” reveals how plastic is being thrown away and not recycled at gardening centers and at the homes of consumers who purchase from them.

Plastic is the problem. Most flowers and other plants come in plastic trays, pots, and flats that do not indicate they are recyclable and that most garden centers will not take back to recycle. The article features the stories of many frustrated gardeners who have been turned down at the door when they asked the stores to recycle. Unable to recycle, they were forced to throw the plastic away. This last-resort practice contributes to millions of plastic pots accumulating in landfills, never to be reincarnated.

The reason for this mass exodus of plastic? Simply, cost. Plastic pots are cheap to produce, cheap to ship, and easy to store and display. But with millions of flowers being bought and planted each other, tons of plastic is being wasted.

In order to mitigate this waste, consumers are urging gardening centers to recycle. And this may be happening quicker than expected. With rising oil prices and the threat of a diminishing supply of oil in the horizon, it is in the best interest of the gardening industry as well as other businesses to implement recycling programs to help offset costs and waste. Besides recycling, representatives of the Illinois Green Industry Association are pushing for a biodegradable pot that can disintegrate in soil. It may be a while before this idea is put into practice, so for right now recycling is the best option. The time has come for each industry to be scrutinized for its polluting practices, no matter how ‘green’ they claim to be.

They are decorative, green, and with some tender love and care, not only can they spruce up your space for a couple bucks, but they can also help reduce indoor air pollution. Yes, the award goes to houseplants. Many people mistake these simple plants for just easy decor, but recently researchers found out they are so much more useful. A sciencedaily.com article from November 5th, 2009, reveals how certain houseplants can help decrease indoor air pollution. Researchers found that often, indoor air can be as much as 12 more contaminated with particulates than outdoor air. This is a scary finding, since people often about 90% of their time indoors. The cause for this surprising statistic has to do with house construction: many varnishes, paints, furniture, and building materials emanate harmful pollutants that contribute to respiratory illness.

Fortunately, there is no need to throw away your furniture and move into a tent. Purchasing certain types of house plants can significantly reduce the amount of air pollution in your home or even office. The study concluded that plants such as the Purple Waffle plant, English ivy, Variegated wax plant, and Asparagus fern had the highest removal rate of household pollutants. Researchers said that simply introducing these plants to your home can dramatically decrease the amount of air pollution present.

This new study is encouraging because it offers solutions that the public can do in their own homes, and very easily. Many people already have houseplants at their disposal, and if not, they are something one can buy without breaking the bank. Who knew this previously trivial greenery could clean up the air?

Fake seems to have a bad rep nowadays. Fake designer bags, fake gold, fake teeth- despite a generally smaller price tag, these imitations just don’t get the same respect as their ‘real’ counterparts. Americans are usually down for a bargain, but when it comes down to it, they want the real thing. But what if fake was a good thing? What if fake could save the environment? Skeptical? I was too.

Allow me to introduce to you…the fake tree. Developed by a company called Global Research Technologies, the ‘tree’ is constructed out of plastic with leaves that capture carbon dioxide in the air and store it in a chamber located in the center of the tree. The Co2 is then compressed into a liquid form. The company speculates that the liquid can be used for fuel or be applied to crops to promote growth. The tree is estimated to absorb 1000 times more carbon than a real tree. So it turns out that not all fake things are evil. At least not on the surface.

Although the synthetic tree has quite promising achievements, is it truly as eco-friendly and all-powerful as it seems? Not quite sure. Because the tree is made mostly of plastic, construction would require using a lot of this precious resource and the company did not mention the use of recycled plastic as a building material. The use of plastic would only deepen our dependence on petroleum. And in times where gas prices are high and supply is dwindling, this may not be such a good idea.

Another flaw of these plastic plants is that they will take up space. And a lot of it. Why not utilize this space for planting real trees?-Trees that can not only reduce carbon emissions but also beautify the landscape and benefit both humans and ecosystems alike. Besides, who would want to climb a plastic tree? Or build a tree house in one? Not only would these trees not be aesthetically pleasing, they would destroy childhood pastimes as we know them.

Generally, fake can be good. Fake can save money, resources, and even reduce carbon emissions. And although the synthetic trees proposed by Global Research Technologies are a good idea in theory, in practice, they will only contribute to the use of more resources, more space, and ultimately extend the need for oil. So when it comes to trees, real please.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30251856/

‘Going green’ has been a pretty popular bandwagon to jump on lately. Automobile companies, grocery and clothing stores are all coming out with products that encourage eco-conscious lifestyles. But there is one industry that is also pushing ‘green’ products that you may find a bit unexpected, to say the least: funeral homes. Yes, even funeral homes have things to offer that are not only cheaper, but also more eco-friendly than traditional end-of-life arrangements.

A June 15, 2009, Chicago Tribune article pays its respects to a funeral home in Bainbridge Island, Illinois, that offers many alternative and green choices, for shall I say, its customers. In place of an ordinary casket, you can choose a hand-woven one made of willow, sea grass, or bamboo. These unique caskets are biodegradable and surprisingly, cost less than a customary one. Another option you have is a floating urn that disintegrates in water after sinking. This urn is also easier on the pocket book than a regular porcelain or ceramic one. Because funerals can be pricey, these options allow families to commemorate a loved one, and not the cost associated with their passing away.

Although the topic of funeral can be like talking about the elephant in the room, it is good to know that some funeral homes offer unique and eco-friendly alternatives to families. Despite the fact that ‘going green’ is generally associated with higher costs, this is one instance in which helping the environment won’t break the bank.

Green is the new black. And I am not talking about this fall’s Gucci collection. Green is the new ‘it color’ of roofs, which are beginning to sprout all over the country. An article from the Baltimore Sun from July 31, 2009, describes how companies, public institutions, and even home owners are turning their bland black rooftops into serene refuges with the help of some foliage. The city of Baltimore has already turned 150,000 square feet of root top into green top, including places such as the city hospital and a gas station.

Although a roof seems like the last place you would turn to plant a garden, the logic is pretty rational. It’s an already existing part of your home, so why not spruce it up? Doing so, you will be seeing green. Literally. Green roofs can help cut utility costs as well as grocery bills. Because plants on the roof take up the sunshine, less is heat is absorbed by the construction, keeping the house cool. Various food-producing plants can also be planted, reducing the need to frequent the grocery store. Many cities also offer tax incentives to individuals who implement these roofs, meaning more moolah in your wallet.

But that’s not all. These roofs offer benefits that elicit a ‘Hallelujah’ from Mother Nature. They reduce storm water because the majority of rainfall ends up in the plants and not the streets. Also the plants and trees produce take up carbon dioxide, improving air quality.

Overall, green roofs are eco-friendly, wallet-friendly, and just plain nicer to look at than standard black or brown shingles. So when it comes to roofs, it’s time wake up and smell the green.