June 28, 2012 Almanac

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June 28 to July 5

Converting Waste to Energy Converting our leftovers and waste into biogas for power generation is a practice that continues to gain popularity Several British retailers and supermarket chains have pledged to become carbon-neutral by making sure all their waste is used for biogas generation, which is cheaper than other energy sources. In addition to the subsidies and amount of money saved through less trash removal, this model of sustainable business practice shows how one simple solution can bring about massive change for both a company and its community. Zero waste means less expenses. More businesses will quickly follow suit.

Global temperatures are rising and the Arctic ice is melting. You already know this, but it looks like the Eastern seaboard will deal with the consequences a bit sooner. One of the biggest stories this week is the report from government scientists that sea levels along the East Coast are rising at higher rate than the global average meaning coastal areas from North Carolina to all of New England will deal with increased flooding and related disasters before other parts of world. How soon? Boston is already responding with plans and safety measures because it already has flooding problems. They already have building codes requiring the lowest floor to be at least 2 feet above heavy flooding levels. If you live in Southeastern Massachusetts, flooding is a common worry, so I’m sure we all know how to be prepared.

Finally, the United States is the most obese nation in the world. As a result, we also put the greatest strain on natural resources . Increased obesity is the equivalent of an extra half billion people on the planet. That means more consumption of food, more energy needed, and more space taken up. Exercise and eating habits aside, there are many people who struggle with their weight and body and work to overcome high body mass, only to have genetics continue to be a factor. It’s tough losing weight and its even harder keeping it off. However, if you can’t even sit in a regular chair without needing to wedge, pry, and shimmy yourself between the armrests, then some things can’t be blamed on genetics.

The current issue continues here.


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Quote of the Week

"We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do."
~ Barbara Ward, Economist

Clip of the Week

Urban Air Billboard Garden
To artist Stephen Glassman, billboards are a canvas, and a potential tool for confronting pollution challenges as cities grow. To understand how it'll look, picture a simple billboard, but instead of an advertisement, imagine tall stalks of bamboo and other native plants that gobble up carbon dioxide and create a tiny, cool microclimate.

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