The Flu and climate change may be related. One of the many impacts of climate change can cause damage to human health. Climate change is a direct result of unsustainable development and environment degradation and the emergence and spread of diseases which may have roots in the combination of water polution and food production.
The term ‘climate change’ conjures images of melting ice caps and rising sea levels that threaten coastal cities and nations, but just as important is how increasing temperatures and fluctuating precipitation levels will change the distribution of dangerous diseases.
Seasonal influenza seems to be a cold weather illness. This is because the flu virus is transmitted through airborne respiratory droplets that have been introduced into the air through coughs and sneezes. When a person that has the flu coughs or sneezes, they propel the virus into the surrounding air which the people around them can then breathe in.
Influenza viruses can only remain airborne in atmospheric conditions of low humidity, and are more common in the colder months. When the humidity increases, water molecules in the atmosphere cling to airborne flu viruses and cause them to drop to the ground, where they cannot be breathed in.
There has been a new study done by Oregon researchers that has found a significant correlation between "absolute" humidity and influenza virus survival and transmission. When absolute humidity is low – as in the peak flu months of January and February – the virus appears to survive longer and the transmission rates increase.
Climate Change may have contributed to the accelerated occurrence of pandemics, but it is more likely the size and deadliness of the recent 100 years of pandemics that may be attributed to global activities such as the economy, war and pollution.
Different internet sites quote differing statistics so these are just approximate. The Spanish Flu (1918) — actually started in the United States and recorded approximately 50 million deaths worldwide. The Asian Flu (1957) — approx. 2 million deaths worldwide and the Hong Kong Flu (1969) — approx. 1 million deaths worldwide.
The Hong Kong Flu lingered around for 20 years (1969 to about 1992), but it was not a pandemic by definition. However, within the last 10 years, there has been three new potential pandemics (Avian Flu 2004; SARS 2005; and the Swine Flu 2009). The reason is unclear, but fortunately, knowledge and quick actions were taken to slow the spread.You may want to consider some of these statistics regarding the effects of climate change when you get your flu shot this year.
Lisa Emery, B.A. is currently living in Amherst. Lisa invites comments to her columns. You can contact Lisa at: emeryvine@gmail.com. Follow her on her blog at http://emeryvinegrapevine.blogspot.com
Friday, November 5, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Happy Halloween a Time to Be Green
Halloween can be a scary time of year for the green-minded. Last week was waste reduction week. This week the days leading up to Oct. 31st can be a minefield of candy wrappers and other waste items. It makes things difficult for anyone trying to celebrate Halloween in a more environmentally friendly manner. Here are some ideas for celebrating Halloween that may be better for the environment.
If you think of all the waste involved with Halloween between the candy packaging and the costumes that are only worn once for a couple of hours of fun, and the money involved in purchasing these items, the whole idea of Halloween becomes very scary indeed.
One suggestion regarding your Halloween decorations - try to decorate your home with locally grown pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn or attractively colored, natural fall leaves; they're more attractive than most of the plastic and paper decorations. However, if you go for the plastic decoration you can reuse them next year.
For party food, think pumpkin pie, sweets made with local apples, and other dishes that emphasize ingredients of the season where you live. The farmers’ market in Amherst should be able to supply all of these local food and decorating ideas.
Cloth or canvas shopping bags, or even pillowcases, make terrific eco-friendly alternatives to paper or plastic bags. Reusable bags are not only better for the environment at Halloween, they’re also better for kids. Paper and plastic bags can tear easily, spilling your Halloween treats. Reusable bags are much more durable.
Choose treats that use very little packaging, which is produced using fossil fuels and cannot be recycled. Whenever possible, buy locally produced treats from local merchants. Buying locally supports your local economy, and also reduces fuel consumption and pollution associated with transporting products.
If you prefer not to give out candy of any kind, you do have other options. Some people choose to hand out coins, pencils, stickers, little gadgets, stamps, small colouring books, small boxes of crayons, erasers in fun shapes, or other inexpensive items you can find at your local dime store or dollar store. Check these items first and make sure they do not present a choking hazard.
Have fun and be careful. Please compost your pumpkins and try to add some green to your orange and black Halloween celebrations.
If you think of all the waste involved with Halloween between the candy packaging and the costumes that are only worn once for a couple of hours of fun, and the money involved in purchasing these items, the whole idea of Halloween becomes very scary indeed.
One suggestion regarding your Halloween decorations - try to decorate your home with locally grown pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn or attractively colored, natural fall leaves; they're more attractive than most of the plastic and paper decorations. However, if you go for the plastic decoration you can reuse them next year.
For party food, think pumpkin pie, sweets made with local apples, and other dishes that emphasize ingredients of the season where you live. The farmers’ market in Amherst should be able to supply all of these local food and decorating ideas.
Cloth or canvas shopping bags, or even pillowcases, make terrific eco-friendly alternatives to paper or plastic bags. Reusable bags are not only better for the environment at Halloween, they’re also better for kids. Paper and plastic bags can tear easily, spilling your Halloween treats. Reusable bags are much more durable.
Choose treats that use very little packaging, which is produced using fossil fuels and cannot be recycled. Whenever possible, buy locally produced treats from local merchants. Buying locally supports your local economy, and also reduces fuel consumption and pollution associated with transporting products.
If you prefer not to give out candy of any kind, you do have other options. Some people choose to hand out coins, pencils, stickers, little gadgets, stamps, small colouring books, small boxes of crayons, erasers in fun shapes, or other inexpensive items you can find at your local dime store or dollar store. Check these items first and make sure they do not present a choking hazard.
Have fun and be careful. Please compost your pumpkins and try to add some green to your orange and black Halloween celebrations.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Waste Reduction Week in Canada
October 18th to October 24th is Waste Reduction Week, which is typically held the third week of October each year. Waste Reduction Week's origins can be traced back to the mid 1980s, when a number of recycling councils and environmental organizations began holding provincial Recycling and Waste Reduction Weeks. In 2001, these organizations came together and decided to pool their resources and expand their efforts into a national event called Waste Reduction Week in Canada.
Clean Nova Scotia began Waste Reduction Week about 15 years ago. The program urges everyone to do their part in by reducing, reusing and recycling in every aspect of their lives – at home, school and work. The theme of Waste Reduction Week is, ‘Too Good to Waste’. Traditionally this event concentrated on the reduction of solid waste; however, the word reduce can and should be a reoccurring theme in our use of water and energy.
According to the Clean Nova Scotia website the three Rs are in order of importance with “reduce” being at the forefront. Each person can help by practicing the 3Rs everyday in their lives. The 3Rs being reducing waste, recycling and reusing materials. Reducing waste is by far the most efficient method of conserving resources and protecting our environment. We are all responsible for the waste that we produce. Some thoughts on reducing waste at work or at school, we could: Reduce paper by using both sides; pack your lunches in reusable containers; and/or purchase products with a recycle content.
Reusing items gives the resources that they were made from another life, meanwhile reducing pollution and conserving the energy needed in the manufacturing or recycling processes. Samples of reusing materials would be reusing jars, plastic bags and containers for storage or by purchasing durable products that can be repaired and then reused.
Recycling or buying products with recycled content is another way to conserve our resources. At work or school there should be thought put into creating a recycling program which will help save money in disposal costs. Our economy has been traditionally measured in production and consumption. Rising incomes will lead to rising consumption and more waste in the form of packaging and other materials that will enter the landfills.
Businesses should therefore consider waste reduction initiatives to reduce their environmental impacts. There are some advantages for business that choose to reduce their waste, which include: a reduction in pollution; possible revenues from marketing reusable materials; savings from more efficient work practices; and it may enhance the corporate image. If businesses communicate their efforts to their consumers and encourage feedback they will have more success with their initiatives.
For more information you can visit the website of Waste Reduction Week Canada at: www.wrwcanda.com.
Clean Nova Scotia began Waste Reduction Week about 15 years ago. The program urges everyone to do their part in by reducing, reusing and recycling in every aspect of their lives – at home, school and work. The theme of Waste Reduction Week is, ‘Too Good to Waste’. Traditionally this event concentrated on the reduction of solid waste; however, the word reduce can and should be a reoccurring theme in our use of water and energy.
According to the Clean Nova Scotia website the three Rs are in order of importance with “reduce” being at the forefront. Each person can help by practicing the 3Rs everyday in their lives. The 3Rs being reducing waste, recycling and reusing materials. Reducing waste is by far the most efficient method of conserving resources and protecting our environment. We are all responsible for the waste that we produce. Some thoughts on reducing waste at work or at school, we could: Reduce paper by using both sides; pack your lunches in reusable containers; and/or purchase products with a recycle content.
Reusing items gives the resources that they were made from another life, meanwhile reducing pollution and conserving the energy needed in the manufacturing or recycling processes. Samples of reusing materials would be reusing jars, plastic bags and containers for storage or by purchasing durable products that can be repaired and then reused.
Recycling or buying products with recycled content is another way to conserve our resources. At work or school there should be thought put into creating a recycling program which will help save money in disposal costs. Our economy has been traditionally measured in production and consumption. Rising incomes will lead to rising consumption and more waste in the form of packaging and other materials that will enter the landfills.
Businesses should therefore consider waste reduction initiatives to reduce their environmental impacts. There are some advantages for business that choose to reduce their waste, which include: a reduction in pollution; possible revenues from marketing reusable materials; savings from more efficient work practices; and it may enhance the corporate image. If businesses communicate their efforts to their consumers and encourage feedback they will have more success with their initiatives.
For more information you can visit the website of Waste Reduction Week Canada at: www.wrwcanda.com.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
Next Monday marks the first Holiday of our fall season. Traditionally, Thanksgiving is the second Monday, of the month of October and marks the end of the growing season in this climate region. At this time, nature begins its decline and becomes ready for winter. This was the time that the first settlers brought together all the types of food they managed to grow and hosted a feast for the season.
There is still fresh produce at roadside stands and at the local farmers markets. Now is a good time to pick up that fresh pumpkin, squash, corn, zucchini, potatoes and radishes. You can check the local grocery stores for local meat, ham or poultry or perhaps an organic turkey is more your style. There are plenty of places to buy local dairy products such as butter, eggs, milk and cheeses. .
When you start eating foods grown closer to home you are ready to explore what a sustainable diet should look like and begin to develop a relationship with the growers and producers.
We do live in a global culture that takes for granted the fact that we can eat strawberries from New Zealand in the middle of January or other fresh fruits from other far away places in the dead of our winter months. But at this time of the year our own local bounty, which can be bought and frozen for a later meal is much better for you and for the environment.
The result of eating locally produced foods goes above and beyond the reduction of greenhouse gases produced in global shipping, it is support for a local economy that in turn will also be propelled towards more sustainable practices. It is easier to make decisions about sustainability in the produce that you buy when you can walk into the local farmers’ market and see the produce fresh from a local for yourself. The food that travels a great distance then becomes the enemy of awareness.
On another note, It is rather ironic that recycling has always been an integral part of the Thanksgiving celebration. Just think – in the days following the meal, you find yourself eating turkey soup, turkey sandwhiches, and turkey pot pie. In fact, by tradition, no part of the turkey is wasted. When you get down to the bones it is time to compost. During the Thanksgiving Holiday celebrate wisely with you family and friends and help make dinner a sustainable event.
This Thanksgiving see what you can create with local ingredients in keeping with the spirit of Thanksgiving. A Holiday that was created to give thanks for the local bounty.
There is still fresh produce at roadside stands and at the local farmers markets. Now is a good time to pick up that fresh pumpkin, squash, corn, zucchini, potatoes and radishes. You can check the local grocery stores for local meat, ham or poultry or perhaps an organic turkey is more your style. There are plenty of places to buy local dairy products such as butter, eggs, milk and cheeses. .
When you start eating foods grown closer to home you are ready to explore what a sustainable diet should look like and begin to develop a relationship with the growers and producers.
We do live in a global culture that takes for granted the fact that we can eat strawberries from New Zealand in the middle of January or other fresh fruits from other far away places in the dead of our winter months. But at this time of the year our own local bounty, which can be bought and frozen for a later meal is much better for you and for the environment.
The result of eating locally produced foods goes above and beyond the reduction of greenhouse gases produced in global shipping, it is support for a local economy that in turn will also be propelled towards more sustainable practices. It is easier to make decisions about sustainability in the produce that you buy when you can walk into the local farmers’ market and see the produce fresh from a local for yourself. The food that travels a great distance then becomes the enemy of awareness.
On another note, It is rather ironic that recycling has always been an integral part of the Thanksgiving celebration. Just think – in the days following the meal, you find yourself eating turkey soup, turkey sandwhiches, and turkey pot pie. In fact, by tradition, no part of the turkey is wasted. When you get down to the bones it is time to compost. During the Thanksgiving Holiday celebrate wisely with you family and friends and help make dinner a sustainable event.
This Thanksgiving see what you can create with local ingredients in keeping with the spirit of Thanksgiving. A Holiday that was created to give thanks for the local bounty.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
International Walk To School Month
International Walk to School Month gives children, parents, school teachers and community leaders an opportunity to be part of a global event to celebrate the benefits of walking. In 2009, millions of walkers from around the globe walked to school together hoping to create communities that are safe places to walk.
Last year a record 40 countries participated in the 2009 International Walk to School events, and new countries are joining this international event all the time. An international event can create a higher level of awareness of the issues within the community that surrounds the journey to and from school.
For many parents around the world, the car has become the main means of transporting children to and from school. The reasons of convenience, work commitments, safety concerns and general changes in lifestyle in a growing economy are just some of the factors influencing their choice of the car as a mode of travel to and from school for their children. Of course, in rural areas the bus is used to transport students to school; however, once the student is at the school, and in a safe territory they should be encouraged to exercise by short walks on school property or near-by.
The proportion of journeys to school made by car has increased considerably in the last several years, with the effect being a gradual decline in the numbers of children walking to and from school on a regular basis. This shows the lack of daily exercise for our students that need to exercise in order to stay healthy. Remember the old stories from your parents or grand-parents that HAD to walk to school up-hill both ways in the snow?
The general themes that are promoted during the International Walk to School month (IWALK) include: increasing daily physical activity, improving safety, enhancing the environment, developing community cohesion, promoting social interaction and reducing traffic congestion, pollution and speed near schools.
For students who cannot walk to school, encourage recess or lunch walking clubs and have students track the number of kilometers they walk. Challenge the entire school to walk across Canada or the world by walking to school/at school and keeping track of their kilometers.
To learn more about this international event visit http://www.iwalktoschool.org/. T-shirts and other “walk to school” gifts can viewed at: http://shop.cafepress.ca/walk-to-school.
Last year a record 40 countries participated in the 2009 International Walk to School events, and new countries are joining this international event all the time. An international event can create a higher level of awareness of the issues within the community that surrounds the journey to and from school.
For many parents around the world, the car has become the main means of transporting children to and from school. The reasons of convenience, work commitments, safety concerns and general changes in lifestyle in a growing economy are just some of the factors influencing their choice of the car as a mode of travel to and from school for their children. Of course, in rural areas the bus is used to transport students to school; however, once the student is at the school, and in a safe territory they should be encouraged to exercise by short walks on school property or near-by.
The proportion of journeys to school made by car has increased considerably in the last several years, with the effect being a gradual decline in the numbers of children walking to and from school on a regular basis. This shows the lack of daily exercise for our students that need to exercise in order to stay healthy. Remember the old stories from your parents or grand-parents that HAD to walk to school up-hill both ways in the snow?
The general themes that are promoted during the International Walk to School month (IWALK) include: increasing daily physical activity, improving safety, enhancing the environment, developing community cohesion, promoting social interaction and reducing traffic congestion, pollution and speed near schools.
For students who cannot walk to school, encourage recess or lunch walking clubs and have students track the number of kilometers they walk. Challenge the entire school to walk across Canada or the world by walking to school/at school and keeping track of their kilometers.
To learn more about this international event visit http://www.iwalktoschool.org/. T-shirts and other “walk to school” gifts can viewed at: http://shop.cafepress.ca/walk-to-school.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Take Me Outside Week
Take Me Outside Week is organized through Recreation Nova Scotia in partnership with Sense of Wonder Environmental Education and the Sharing Nature Foundation. From September 20th to September 26th, this event, in Nova Scotia, supports a back to nature movement for our children and youth.
This movement has two goals: first to encourage nature and environmental programs and activities among organizations, schools, individuals and families; and second to expose our youth to nature experiences and activities. People and organizations that are taking part can register at www.takemeoutside.ca. There you can list what you plan to do in regards to exposing youth to nature. Some examples include going for a bike ride, a hike, gardening, etc.
Another example could be the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. Every September, Canadians from across the county head for the shore to help clean up litter and make a positive impact on their communities along the shore. This may be a fun way for everyone to be involved and get outside. This cleanup activity is slated from September 18th to September 26th. This is a hands-on conservation activity that can give a person an environmental one of a kind learning experience. If you would like to be involved in this outdoor activity you can register your cleanup site at http://shorelinecleanup.ca.
Another event that is happening this weekend is the Cumberland County River Enhancement Association Second Annual Fundraising Dinner and Auction being held September 25, 2010 beginning at 6:00 p.m. The location of this significant event is the Amherst Fire Hall. This fund- raiser will feature both live and silent auctions and raffles for all outdoor enthusiasts. The funds raised will go to the continuing operation of the Williamsdale Hatchery.
The CCRE is a local group created to work with the community to foster the conservation and restoration of our freshwater ecosystems in Cumberland County. For more information on this group and the fundraising dinner you can go to www.nsflyguy.ca.
With all of these great outdoor activities to choose from it should be easy to get our young people outside, away from their computers, and have fun while learning in the great outdoors at the same time.
This movement has two goals: first to encourage nature and environmental programs and activities among organizations, schools, individuals and families; and second to expose our youth to nature experiences and activities. People and organizations that are taking part can register at www.takemeoutside.ca. There you can list what you plan to do in regards to exposing youth to nature. Some examples include going for a bike ride, a hike, gardening, etc.
Another example could be the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. Every September, Canadians from across the county head for the shore to help clean up litter and make a positive impact on their communities along the shore. This may be a fun way for everyone to be involved and get outside. This cleanup activity is slated from September 18th to September 26th. This is a hands-on conservation activity that can give a person an environmental one of a kind learning experience. If you would like to be involved in this outdoor activity you can register your cleanup site at http://shorelinecleanup.ca.
Another event that is happening this weekend is the Cumberland County River Enhancement Association Second Annual Fundraising Dinner and Auction being held September 25, 2010 beginning at 6:00 p.m. The location of this significant event is the Amherst Fire Hall. This fund- raiser will feature both live and silent auctions and raffles for all outdoor enthusiasts. The funds raised will go to the continuing operation of the Williamsdale Hatchery.
The CCRE is a local group created to work with the community to foster the conservation and restoration of our freshwater ecosystems in Cumberland County. For more information on this group and the fundraising dinner you can go to www.nsflyguy.ca.
With all of these great outdoor activities to choose from it should be easy to get our young people outside, away from their computers, and have fun while learning in the great outdoors at the same time.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Sussex Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
This past weekend was the hot air balloon fiesta in Sussex, New Brunswick. Since the weather on Saturday was not great I made the trip early (5:30 a.m.) to Sussex on Sunday to see the balloons launch at 7:00 in the morning. It was a long drive at such an early hour but well worth it. According to a brochure that I read the best time to fly is just after sunrise when the winds are at their calmest and the air is more stable.
A hot air balloon acts like a big bubble, and attached to the bubble is a basket, which is made of wicker and woven by hand, for the pilot and passengers, a heat source, and fuel. When the balloon first arrives it is folded into the basket along with all of the equipment needed. Once it is laid out for inflation it may be as long as 60 feet and nearly as wide. Air is then forced into the balloon and then the pilot will ignite the heat source, which is typically a propane burner, and aim the flame directly inside the balloon. The air inside the balloon needs to be heated to temperatures of 100 to 250 degrees greater than the air outside. As the air begins to heat, the balloon will begin to rise to a position above the basket and then it is ready to go!
The balloon itself is made of reinforced fabric called rip-stop nylon. This material is very lightweight, but very strong. The fabric is then coated on the inside to prevent leaks. Once in the air the pilot will go wherever the wind takes him, but by selecting different altitudes and wind currents a trained pilot can fly in any direction they want to go. Since the balloon has no forward propulsion systems, its speed is determined by the speed of the wind.
When it is time to land there is a vent at the top of the balloon that is opened to dump some of the air and the pilot light on the propane burner is blown out. As the air inside the balloon begins to cool the whole kit and caboodle will begin to descend to the ground.
Hot air balloons work on one of two principles. The "hot air rises" principle is at work in balloons with propane tanks aboard; the propane heats the air, the air rises, the balloon floats. In other words it is truly full of hot air.
The burners in an hot air balloon generally run on propane. The propane is kept in pressurized tanks on the floor of the basket. It carries 30 to 40 gallons of liquid propane, which passes to the burner throught flexible hoses. When the valve opens and the pilot light is lit the flame may shoot out as much as 10 to 20 feet and make a loud “whoosh” sound.
Propane is a relatively clean fuel, but the balloons require quite a bit of it in flight – an amount comparible to running your gas grill for three days. The propane does emit some pollutants, including carbon dioxide. However, the amount of pollutants emitted by balloon burners is small compared to cars, motor boats, and SUVs. In the big picture hot air balloons have a very small effect on the environment.
Propane is a petroleum by-product that is usually extracted when making other oil products. In this way you could argue that it's making the most of an energy source. It also burns much cleaner than some other types of fuel and hot air balloons are a relatively efficient mode of transportation as it can go pretty far on very little fuel.
Lisa Emery, B.A. is currently living in Amherst. Lisa invites comments to her columns. You can contact Lisa at: emeryvine@gmail.com.
A hot air balloon acts like a big bubble, and attached to the bubble is a basket, which is made of wicker and woven by hand, for the pilot and passengers, a heat source, and fuel. When the balloon first arrives it is folded into the basket along with all of the equipment needed. Once it is laid out for inflation it may be as long as 60 feet and nearly as wide. Air is then forced into the balloon and then the pilot will ignite the heat source, which is typically a propane burner, and aim the flame directly inside the balloon. The air inside the balloon needs to be heated to temperatures of 100 to 250 degrees greater than the air outside. As the air begins to heat, the balloon will begin to rise to a position above the basket and then it is ready to go!
The balloon itself is made of reinforced fabric called rip-stop nylon. This material is very lightweight, but very strong. The fabric is then coated on the inside to prevent leaks. Once in the air the pilot will go wherever the wind takes him, but by selecting different altitudes and wind currents a trained pilot can fly in any direction they want to go. Since the balloon has no forward propulsion systems, its speed is determined by the speed of the wind.
When it is time to land there is a vent at the top of the balloon that is opened to dump some of the air and the pilot light on the propane burner is blown out. As the air inside the balloon begins to cool the whole kit and caboodle will begin to descend to the ground.
Hot air balloons work on one of two principles. The "hot air rises" principle is at work in balloons with propane tanks aboard; the propane heats the air, the air rises, the balloon floats. In other words it is truly full of hot air.
The burners in an hot air balloon generally run on propane. The propane is kept in pressurized tanks on the floor of the basket. It carries 30 to 40 gallons of liquid propane, which passes to the burner throught flexible hoses. When the valve opens and the pilot light is lit the flame may shoot out as much as 10 to 20 feet and make a loud “whoosh” sound.
Propane is a relatively clean fuel, but the balloons require quite a bit of it in flight – an amount comparible to running your gas grill for three days. The propane does emit some pollutants, including carbon dioxide. However, the amount of pollutants emitted by balloon burners is small compared to cars, motor boats, and SUVs. In the big picture hot air balloons have a very small effect on the environment.
Propane is a petroleum by-product that is usually extracted when making other oil products. In this way you could argue that it's making the most of an energy source. It also burns much cleaner than some other types of fuel and hot air balloons are a relatively efficient mode of transportation as it can go pretty far on very little fuel.
Lisa Emery, B.A. is currently living in Amherst. Lisa invites comments to her columns. You can contact Lisa at: emeryvine@gmail.com.
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