Chinese Ban on Plastic Bags Saves Oil
“Banning flimsy plastic bags has been dismissed as a drop in the ocean when it comes to dealing with the world’s environment problems, but multiplied on a China scale, it appears to have made a big difference.”
Susan Burton takes an entertaining, sometimes disturbing but informative look at the past, present and future (?) of recycling in New York City.
“We obsess over recycling, demand that our cities make it cost neutral and effortless, yet at the same time, we discard “garbage” with impunity. Recycling gives us permission to consume. But putting a week’s worth of plastic bottles into a clear bag instead of a black one doesn’t address the real problem.”
Smart Power Meters, Accessible from your iGoogle Page
The idea behind smart electric meters is to provide consumers with real-time feedback on their energy usage. The problem is, they’re usually located outside. That’ll change for customers whose energy companies partner with the new Google PowerMeter initiative. Turn on an appliance, and watch how it affects your energy consumption right from your computer screen. Of course, your computer has to be powered up…
Suburbs and Cities: The Unexpected Truth
Conventional wisdom tells us that suburbs have grown at the expense of the cities they surround. At newgeography.com, Wendell Cox argues that it’s migration from rural and small towns to major metropolitan areas that drives suburban growth. Not all of his readers agree.
Electric Cars and a Smarter Grid
“… in a true smart grid, electric cars will not only be able to draw on electricity to run their motors, they will also be able to do the reverse: send electricity stored in their batteries back into the grid when it is needed. In effect, cars would be acting like tiny power stations.”
I’ll admit, I was and remain skeptical — but much less so after reading the article. And the USÂ Federal Energy Regulatory Commission seems to be is on board.
Wave Power Encounters Stormy (Economic) Seas
NY Times writer, Kate Galbraith, chronicles some of the difficulties facing an emerging industry struggling to find its sea legs.
As Alaska Glaciers Melt, the Land Rises
It’s a classic example of the kind of contradictions that come with global warming: rising seas encroach upon coastal areas in some parts of the world, while in Alaska, the land pushes back the sea. Cornellia Dean writes in the NY Times:
“The geology is complex, but it boils down to this: Relieved of billions of tons of glacial weight, the land has risen much as a cushion regains its shape after someone gets up from a couch. The land is ascending so fast that the rising seas — a ubiquitous byproduct of global warming — cannot keep pace. As a result, the relative sea level is falling, at a rate “among the highest ever recorded,†according to a 2007 report by a panel of experts convened by Mayor Bruce Botelho of Juneau.”
Environmental impacts range from changes in the water table that affect streams, wetlands and freshwater use to navigation, changing ecosystems and the well-being of species. A fascinating read.
Investigations and Spread of H1N1 Virus Continue
Normally, this time of year would mark the end of flu season in the US, yet the Center for Disease Control sees the number of incidents rising. Not only that, but Dr. Daniel Jernigan acknowledges that cases may be dramatically underreported.
The good news is that H1N1 continues to be no more deadly than normal strains.
Detroit Repurposes Abandoned Rail Line for Recreation
“Long an abandoned railroad line, the Dequindre Cut officially opens to the public Thursday as a 1.2-mile biking and walking path and a vision of what Detroit may one day offer throughout the city.
“The Dequindre Cut is the latest in a growing network of greenways — nonmotorized community links — that eventually could encompass 100 miles of such trails throughout Detroit.”
On a personal note, we’ve enjoyed a similar project for years here in the Washington, DC area, known as the Capital Crescent Trail. Running 11 miles along an old rail right-of-way, the trail links Silver Spring and Bethesda, in Maryland, to Georgetown in the District, providing safe recreation for walkers, joggers, bikers and rollerbladers in an otherwise urban area. Begun in 1986, the trail has become one of the most heavily traffiked trails in the US.
Congratulations, Detroit.
Last Chance to Avoid Fatal Warming?
Another warning, this time from European Union Environment Commissioner, Stavros Dimas: “Having an agreement in Copenhagen is not only possible, it is imperative and we are going to have it.”
Developmental Psychology and Babies
SEED Magazine interviews Alison Gopnik, author of The Philosophical Baby, and looks into the minds of infants — including the notion that children are “useless on purpose.” (Note: this kind of “useless” has nothing to do with not emptying the dishwasher or unwillingness to clean their rooms annually.)
Tips for a Having Green Memorial Day (or any other) Weekend
Grist offers some eco-friendly advice as we kick off the summer season in the northern hemisphere.
What caught your eye this week? Consider this an open thread.
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