‘Tis the season for noting Americans’ behaviors, habits and peccadilloes.
The Census Bureau has just issued its 2007 Statistical Abstract. Divorces are down – likely due to fewer marriages than truer love, we now drink more bottled water than bottled beer, and more of us are injured by wheelchairs than lawnmowers (though it would appear that DWI is a diminishing factor in such accidents).
by Brandon Frazier
Tis’ the season of holiday preparation, bringing together culture, camaraderie and profit, all in the name of good cheer.
According to National Geographic News’ Cameron Walker, however, the holidays also come at a steep price, with “an environmentalist’s worst nightmare†bringing nearly 1 million additional tons of wrapping paper, packaging, chopped-down trees and other garbage throughout the country each week between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
So, while we all celebrate ‘Peace on Earth,’ there are a several ways we can protect it too; it’s the holiday gift that keeps on giving! (more…)
Is this possible?
The list of environmental concerns associated with downhill skiing is long. Ski areas are often built by clearing forests, frequently on public land. They are energy and water hogs. They involve the construction of massive chair lifts and the use of snowmaking machinery. And they inevitably bring real estate development and major roads to areas of pristine wilderness and wildlife habitat. And then there’s the carbon emissions of all those cars driving to the ski resorts.
Most skiers care deeply about the wilderness and their impact on it, so these issues keep coming up. The answer to whether downhill skiing can ever be eco-friendly, according to internet sources and a recent article in Utne Reader, is a (very) qualified yes. (more…)
