October 24th, 2008
PHOENIX (AP) — Two government agencies approved land agreements that have brought Arizona’s first wind-energy power plant a step closer to becoming a reality.
The first phase of the proposed Dry Lake Wind Project northwest of Snowflake is scheduled to open by 2010, with about 30 wind turbines generating 63 megawatts of electricity when the wind blows, enough for nearly 16,000 homes.
A second phase could bring an additional 200 or more turbines for a maximum capacity of 314 megawatts, which would provide enough electricity for 78,500 homes when the wind blows. ARIZONA WIND FARM>>
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October 9th, 2008
This is a very easy and popular hike to the incredible Seven Falls. Everyone who lives in Tucson should make the trip at least once. Even though this hike is in the hot lower elevations, I list it as a summer hike because you can cool off in the pools at Seven Falls, and get your clothes wet so they keep you cool on the hike back.
Tucson has tons of incredible hiking trails. Visit www.SierraClub.Org to learn about all the various trails in and around Tucson, the best times for hiking the trails and so much more. SIERRA CLUB TUCSON TRAIL GUIDE
Filed under: Day Trips & Tours, Health & Lifestyle, Local Attractions, Outdoor Activities, Sports, Tucson's Environment | No Comments »
September 21st, 2008
Concerns have been brought up in regard to the amount of mercury contained in compact fluorescent bulbs.
“The amount of mercury contained in these bulbs is very small compared to the mercury released into the air when coal is burned to generate electricity (coal provides about half of our electricity nationally). You reduce the amount of electricity you use when you install CFS’s. So, go ahead and use them…you’re cutting back on carbon and mercury!!” L. Olabisi, PhD
CFL’s require up to 75 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs, so even after factoring in the mercury they contain, CFL’s still contribute less mercury to the environment than incandescent. In June 2008, Home Depot launched a national in-store CFL recycling program.
Ask you local hardware stores if they have a recycle program for your old flourescent light bulbs. Also several local lighting stores are now carrying the light bulbs for your can lights in the ceiling. They are supposed to last up to 20 years!!
For more information on CFL’s visti www.energystar.gov/cfls
Filed under: Home Improvement, Recycling, Tucson's Environment | No Comments »
September 10th, 2008
Tucson Green Magazine is a print publication, distributed monthly in the Tucson, Arizona metropolitan area. They are all about educating, empowering and inspiring their readers to lower their carbon footprint and make a difference in the Tucson community and around the planet.
The articles focus on Sustainable Living, Community Spirit, Home and Garden, Natural Health, Good Food, Style and Arts, the Outdoors, Social Consciousness, and the Products, Services, Economics and Activities of “Green Living.”
They provide an upbeat, fresh voice for the exchange of ideas among people, organizations and businesses working together to create positive change for a better planet.
They invite you to browse their site and get to know them. http://www.tucsongreenzine.com/
Filed under: Cultural, Health & Lifestyle, Tucson Economy, Tucson's Environment, What's New in Tucson | No Comments »
September 9th, 2008
WHAT IS RAMMED EARTH? Ramming earth to create walls is at least as old as the Great Wall of China. It is really quite similar to adobe and cob techniques, in that the soil is mostly clay and sand. The difference is that the material is compressed or tamped into place, usually with forms that create very flat vertical surfaces. Modern rammed earth typically utilizes heavy mechanized equipment to move and compress the material . The walls are normally at least a foot thick to give enough bulk to be stable and provide the thermal mass for comfort. It is best to apply insulating material to the outside of the building to keep the interior temperature constant. The interior surface can be finished in a variety of ways, from natural oil to more standard surfaces. Rammed earth houses tend to have a very solid, quiet feeling inside. There is a distinctive mood and flavor to Southwest American art that reflects bright sunshine on cool rammed earth walls, with a peacefulness and relaxation that is hard to come by these days. Visit These And Many Other Sites For More Information:
Green Home Building: http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/rammedearth.htm
Rammed Earth Solar Homes: http://www.rammedearthhomes.com/
Filed under: Culture, Home Improvement, Real Estate, Tucson's Environment | No Comments »
September 8th, 2008
Pima County Environmental Quality’s Clean Air Program invites you and your friends to join the cleanest club around. Kids ages 5-12, who are residents of Pima County, are welcome to become members of the FREE Kids for Clean Air Club. LEARN MORE>>
Filed under: Becoming A Tucsonan, Education, Tucson Economy, Tucson's Environment, What's New in Tucson | No Comments »
September 6th, 2008
Many families are making plans for the first day of the new school year. How can parents save money, save resources, and do something good for the planet whle getting the kids ready to go back to school? Pima County Department of Environmental Quality suggests trying one or two of the tips below to be eco-smart. Some tips require up-front costs, but will last a long time and reduce the need for future purchases while eliminating waste. Other tips will need a little extra initial planning but will reap significant benefits throughout the rest of the school year.
PACK A “NO GARBAGE” LUNCH: Think reusable, refillable, and precious resources. It’s hip to be green now, so lay in the supploies for a no garbage lunch. Use refillable containers in a lunch bag/box/pack. You can even go chic with a washable and reusable cloth napkin or bandana to wipe that peanut butter off. No more plastic or paper bags and napkins to buy, and our landfills will last longer.
MAKE IT GREEN: Those list of school supplies can be overwhelming and stretch on the wallet. Buy and use recycled products when you can; prices are going down and many are comparable to virgin products, plus the kids think they are cool. Have you seen the cardboard notebooks, Capri Sun juce box backpacks, recycled money pencils, and old school lunchboxes? They all help close the loop by reusing and recycling materials collected.
THE WHEELS ON THE BUS (AND CAR) GO ROUND AND ROUND: Riding the bus saves gas when compared to driving, but kids may be exposed to fumes that have been linked to rising asthma rates. Talk with your principal about creating a “No Idling Zone” around the school. Is there an area where parents sit in their vehicles and wait for dismissal? And one where buses sit and wait for the kids? Encourage No Idling Zones at your school where bus drivers and parents turn off their vehicle motors while waiting. They will save money on fuel, cut down on emissions released into the air, and we will all breathe easier.
Filed under: Education, Family Matters, Health & Lifestyle, Tucson's Environment | No Comments »
August 23rd, 2008
The mission of the festival is to educate, engage, encourage and empower Tucsonans towards sustainable change and to foster local communities and relationships.
Saturday October 25, 2008 10am ~ 3pm
Powered by the sun!
Family Activities ~ Music ~ Local & Organic Food
Ideas to save money, conserve, & be green!
Learn to….Harvest Rainwater ~ Plant a simple garden ~ Compost, & much more!
Special Performances by ~
Flam Chen ~ The Dambe Project ~ Freddie Terry the Singing Beekeeper ~
Titan Valley Warheads ~ Storyteller Gil Payette for more info>>
Filed under: Arts & Entertainment, Becoming A Tucsonan, Outdoor Activities, Tucson's Environment, What's New in Tucson | No Comments »
August 22nd, 2008
From small backyard rain harvesting to large scale conservation projects along the river basin. This website has tons of information to get you started with your own water management system.
Water is an integral part of everyone’s life. Managing water resources is an issue of global importance, and communities are increasingly seeking means to protect and conserve their watershed. Go to Website>>
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July 18th, 2008
Dear EarthTalk: I need to replace my old TV. Can you tell me which of the latest models is the greenest? I was told that the flat-screen/plasmas are real energy hogs. What do you recommend? –A.M.
According to The Wall Street Journal’s Rebecca Smith, a 42-inch plasma TV set can draw more power than a large refrigerator, even if the TV is only used a few hours a day. This is partly because many newer models don’t turn off but go into “standby” mode so they can start up fast later with no warm-up period. “Powering a fancy TV and full-on entertainment system—with set-top boxes, game consoles, speakers, DVDs and digital video recorders—can add nearly $200 to a family’s annual energy bill,” she adds. LEARN MORE>>
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PHOENIX (AP) — Two government agencies approved land agreements that have brought Arizona’s first wind-energy power plant a step closer to becoming a reality.
