Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Plants Under Stress Cry Plants Under Stress Cry (and some animals may be able to detect the sound)!! Plants can emit ultrasonic sounds, similar to the popping of bubble wrap, when they are stressed or lack water. These sounds, are inaudible to humans but detectable by certain animals. Researchers recorded these sounds from tomato and tobacco plants by developing a machine-learning model capable of identifying the sounds that stressed plants produced, with a 70% accuracy rate. They observed that the stressed plants could produce up to 35 sounds per hour, while well-hydrated and uncut plants typically generated only about one sound per hour. These sounds fall within the ultrasonic range, ranging from 20 to 100 kilohertz, rendering them imperceptible to most humans. Nonetheless, the study also suggests that other animals might theoretically perceive these sounds from a distance of approximately 10 to 15 feet. The researchers hypothesize that these sounds result from the formation and rupture of air bubbles within the xylem, the plant's water and nutrient transport system. When water is scarce, bubbles are more likely to form, creating a popping noise. Therefore, this discovery holds the potential to enhance irrigation efficiency through the use of microphones to detect when plants require water. The implications of this research may hold significant promise for agriculture and horticulture. Audio monitoring of plants could offer an efficient means of identifying water-stressed plants, facilitating targeted watering practices and potentially reducing water consumption. Preliminary investigations suggest that other crops, such as wheat, corn, and wine grapes, also produce sounds when experiencing thirst. Beyond its practical applications, the study raises intriguing questions about the role of plant sounds in ecosystems. Although it remains unclear if these sounds constitute a form of communication, they could prove valuable for nearby creatures, potentially influencing their behavior. Interestingly, Hadany’s team has previously found that plants can respond to sounds produced by animals, like the buzzing of bees, by releasing sweeter nectar. Could plant sounds serve as a means for plants to communicate with each other and with the animals in their vicinity? Can animals use these sounds to locate water sources or food? The evidence remains inconclusive, necessitating further research to explore these questions. Sources: https://www.sciencenews.org/.../plant-stress-ultrasonic ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kG6wRUZeYE #environment #eco #connecingthedotsproject #connectingthedots #ctdp #kanahutchens #environmentfriendly #plants #succulants #cactus #sound #science #audio #sounds #bees #horticulture #agriculture #cry #stress #eco #sustainability

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Cloud Seeding Did you hear the recent news about the flooding in Dubai in April 2024? There's been debate over whether cloud seeding caused the flood. But what exactly is cloud seeding? Cloud seeding is a fascinating technique used to modify weather patterns by spraying specific agents into clouds. This method aims to influence precipitation and potentially alleviate water scarcity in arid regions. Clouds, consisting of minuscule water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere, form when warm, moist air rises, cools, and condenses around condensation nuclei. These droplets remain airborne due to their small size and the upward movement of air currents. As clouds become saturated with moisture, the droplets coalesce into larger raindrops. Eventually, gravity prevails, causing the droplets to descend as precipitation. Cloud seeding introduces artificial nuclei into clouds, such as silver iodide, dry ice, and potassium iodide. Typically, aircraft or ground-based generators disperse these agents into clouds, facilitating the bonding of tiny droplets and promoting the formation of snow or rain. Cloud seeding can help combat droughts, boost snowfall for winter sports, suppress hail, and replenish water reservoirs. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, cloud seeding was used to ensure clear skies and reduce the likelihood of rainfall during key events. But why hasn't cloud seeding solved water shortages around the world? There are several reasons. Firstly, cloud seeding requires suitable clouds with enough moisture content to produce precipitation. Additionally, in desert environments, water droplets formed through cloud seeding may evaporate before reaching the ground. Lastly, cloud seeding involves the introduction of seeding agents, such as silver iodide or potassium iodide, into the atmosphere. While these agents are generally considered safe in small quantities, there may be environmental and health concerns associated with their widespread use, especially in delicate desert ecosystems. Remember, every raindrop counts! 12/16/2024 Resources: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-68839043 https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hrd_sub/cseed.html

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Microplastics and Nano Plastics Previous Next Citation: D. Rotchell JM, Jenner LC, Chapman E, Bennett RT, Bolanle IO, Loubani M, et al. (2023) Detection of microplastics in human saphenous vein tissue using μ FTIR: A pilot study. PLoS ONE 18(2): e0280594. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal . pone.0280594 E. Horvatits T, Tamminga M, Liu B, Sebode M, Carambia A, Fischer L, Püschel K, Huber S, Fischer EK. Microplastics detected in cirrhotic liver tissue. EBioMedicine. 2022 Aug;82:104147. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom. 2022.104147. Epub 2022 Jul 11. PMID: 35835713; PMCID: PMC9386716 F. Sripada K, Wierzbicka A, Abass K, Grimalt J. O., Erbe A, Rollin H. B., Weihe P, Diaz G J, Singh R R, Visnes T, Rautio A, Odland O, Wagner M. A Children’s Health Perspective on Nano and Microplastics. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2022 https://doi.org/101/1289/EHP9086 G. Binder AM, Corvalan C, Pereira A, Calafat AM, Ye X, Shepherd J, Michels KB. Prepubertal and Pubertal Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Exposure and Breast Density among Chilean Adolescents. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2018 Dec;27(12):1491-1499. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-17-0813. Epub 2018 Aug 29. PMID: 30158279; PMCID: PMC6541222 H. https://www.oecd-forum-org/posts/child-brain-develoment-in-pollution-sacrifice-zones-a-call-o-action- accessed 3_28_2023 I. Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta Ragusa A;Svelato A;Santacroce C;Catalano P;Notarstefano V;Carnevali O; Papa F;Rongioletti MCA;Baiocco F;Draghi S;D'Amore E;Rinaldo D;Matta M;Giorgini E J. Durable Plastic Goods: A Source of Microplastics and Chemical Additives in the Built and Natural Environments. Environmental Science & Technology Letters 2022, 9 (10) , 798-807. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.2c00417 Hua Zhou, Ye Wang, Yue Ren, Zhenhua Li, Xianggui Kong, Mingfei Shao, Haohong Duan.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Home Our Mission Recycling Publications & Awards Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy Forum Costly Truth: Transition to Electric School Buses The Costly Truth: Balancing Transitional Costs with Long-Term Investments in Green Energy. Many school districts across the United States are transitioning from diesel-powered school buses to electric models, thanks to state and federal grants aimed at reducing carbon emissions and air pollution in the transportation sector. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided nearly $900 million for 2,424 clean school buses in the first year of a program authorized by the Biden administration's infrastructure law, with thousands more expected to be funded through fiscal year 2026. States are also contributing their own funding for electric school buses, although these remain a fraction of the overall school bus fleet, which numbers around 500,000 nationwide. The primary goals of this transition are to provide safer and healthier transportation for students and to address climate concerns by reducing carbon emissions. Miami-Dade County Public Schools in Florida, for instance, has purchased 20 electric school buses with funding from Florida's share of a settlement with Volkswagen over emissions violations. They have additional funding available for another 30 electric buses and have applied to the EPA for an additional 50 buses. The hope is to eventually transition to a fully electric fleet, but this depends on government funding since electric buses are more expensive upfront compared to diesel buses. Another example is North Carolina. The state is expanding its electric school bus fleet, aiming to save taxpayers money on future fuel costs and protect the environment. These buses, equipped with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, can supply power back to the grid when stationary. A study from UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health suggests that using these buses to store electricity could reduce peak demand by about 10%. Winter is the most beneficial time for this grid support, and the buses could help prevent blackouts during high-demand periods. Currently, there are few electric school buses on the road, but the state plans to have at least 40 in the coming years. Regardless of the funding source, the price tag for an electric school bus is substantial, hovering at around $450,000—almost double the cost of a conventional diesel bus. According to Business Insider, only a mere 1% of America's iconic yellow school buses have embraced electric technology, making it abundantly clear that overhauling the entire diesel fleet would carry an astronomical price tag, nearing the daunting sum of nearly $200 billion. In addition to the formidable financial challenge, electric buses contend with certain practical limitations, notably their restricted range of approximately 100 miles on a full charge. This constraint raises concerns, particularly for longer out-of-town trips, and is compounded by the shortage of available charging stations. Consequently, some school districts are opting to retain a portion of their diesel bus fleet until the charging infrastructure becomes more robust and widespread. These multifaceted challenges underscore the intricate nature of the transition to green energy within the transportation sector, signifying the magnitude of the task at hand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxCQ_040RXE Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxCQ_040RXE https://youtu.be/-hsTuJHvk2A?si=pncdypmRtb8LnmAY Business Insider: True Cost 3/4/2023 ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back How to choose a right light bulb The cost-effectiveness of when to turn off lights depends on the type of bulb and the cost of electricity. The type of light bulb you use is important for several reasons, as all light bulbs have a nominal or rated operating life that is affected by how frequently they are switched on and off. Turning off lights when they are not needed can help save energy and reduce costs. (*The energy cost may slightly vary due to inflation.) Let's break down the costs associated with different types of bulbs according to the Department of 1) Incandescent Bulbs: - Incandescent bulbs are the oldest and least efficient lighting technology. - They convert 90% of the energy they use into heat, resulting in wasted energy. - A 60W incandescent bulb consumes 0.06 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per hour. - Operating the bulb for 1,000 hours would result in a consumption of 60 kWh. - Assuming an electricity cost of $0.11 per kWh, the cost of operating the bulb for 1,000 hours would be $6.60. 2) Halogen Bulbs: - Halogen bulbs are slightly more efficient than incandescent lights. - A 43W halogen bulb uses about 25% less energy than a 60W incandescent bulb to produce the same amount of light. - Operating one halogen bulb for 1,000 hours would cost approximately $4.73. 3) CFL Bulbs: - Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are about 75% more efficient than incandescent bulbs. - The cost-effectiveness of turning CFLs off depends on their operating life, which is affected by how frequently they are switched on and off. - A general rule of thumb is to leave a CFL bulb on if you'll be out of a room for 15 minutes or less, and turn it off if you'll be gone for more than 15 minutes. - Operating a 15W CFL bulb for 1,000 hours would cost around $1.65. 4) LED Bulbs: - Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are the most efficient type of bulb. - The operating life of an LED is not affected by turning it on and off. - LEDs offer advantages such as instant full brightness, compatibility with occupancy and daylight sensors, and resistance to vibration. - Operating a 12W LED bulb for 1,000 hours would cost a mere $1.32. - It's important to note that these cost calculations are based on an assumed electricity cost of $0.11 per kWh. Additionally, electricity prices can vary depending on factors such as customer classes, rate schedules, peak and off-peak rates, and additional service charges or taxes imposed by utilities. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Food Assistance Programs in US: Food Insecurity and Unhealthy Diet Previous Next

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Aspartame (artificial sweetener) and Health In 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B), citing limited evidence for its potential to cause cancer in humans, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). who.int However, other health organizations have evaluated aspartame differently: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA): This committee reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame at 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, indicating no health concerns at this level. who.int European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): EFSA concluded that aspartame and its breakdown products are safe for human consumption at the ADI of 40 mg/kg/day, based on comprehensive risk assessments. efsa.europa.eu U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): The FDA maintains that aspartame is safe for the general population when consumed within the established ADI, based on extensive scientific evidence. fda.gov The discrepancy between IARC's classification and the assessments of other organizations arises from differences in their evaluation criteria. IARC's classification reflects the strength of evidence regarding the potential carcinogenicity of aspartame, while other organizations assess the risk based on specific exposure levels and conditions. IARC's Group 2B classification indicates that there is limited evidence suggesting a potential carcinogenic effect, but it does not necessarily mean that aspartame is a significant cancer risk at typical consumption levels. iarc.who.int In summary, while IARC has classified aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" based on limited evidence, other health authorities, including JECFA, EFSA, and the FDA, have evaluated aspartame and concluded that it is safe for human consumption within the established acceptable daily intake levels. These differing assessments highlight the complexities in evaluating food additives and the importance of considering the context and methodology of each evaluation. sources: who.int Aspartame hazard and risk assessment results released July 13, 2023 — IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2B) and JECFA reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg body weight. efsa.europa.eu Aspartame | EFSA - European Union EFSA publishes a full risk assessment of aspartame, concluding that aspartame and its breakdown products are safe for the general population Community of humans ... fda.gov Timeline FDA Activities and Significant Events Addressing Aspartame May 29, 2023 — The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food published its re-evaluation of aspartame and concludes aspartame is safe ... iarc.who.int [PDF] Summary of findings of the evaluation of aspartame July 12, 2023 — A classification in Group 2B can be reached when there is limited evidence that the agent could cause cancer in humans, but limited or ... ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Painting Cows Like Zebras: The Ig Nobel Prize-Winning Study 🐂 Painting Cows Like Zebras: The Ig Nobel Prize-Winning Study 🦓 Before you scroll, take a guess why is this cow painted like a zebra? Alright, here’s the answer. In a creative approach to pest control, a group of Japanese researchers found that painting cows with zebra-like stripes can significantly reduce the number of biting flies that land on them. This unusual yet effective idea earned the team the 2025 Ig Nobel Prize in Biology, an award that celebrates research that is both amusing and thought-provoking. The Study Led by Tomoki Kojima of the Aichi Agricultural Research Center, the researchers set out to test whether zebra-style stripes could protect livestock from biting insects without using chemical repellents. The experiment involved Japanese Black (Wagyu) cows, which have naturally dark coats. The cows were divided into three groups: a) White-striped cows, painted with zebra-like patterns. b) Black-striped cows, painted with black lines that blended into their coats. c) Unpainted cows, which served as the control group. The team observed the cows in a pasture, counting how many flies landed on each and recording behaviors such as tail flicking, head shaking, and skin twitching, which indicate irritation from insect bites. (please refer to the image below) The Results The results were striking. Cows painted with white zebra-like stripes attracted about half as many biting flies as unpainted or black-striped cows. They also showed fewer defensive movements, suggesting they were less bothered by insects. The researchers concluded that the pattern of contrasting stripes, rather than the paint itself, was responsible for the effect. One possible explanation is that the stripes confuse the flies’ visual system or disrupt the way they perceive polarized light, making it harder for them to land accurately. Why It Matters Biting flies do more than annoy livestock. They cause stress, reduce feeding and milk production, and can transmit diseases. Traditional insect repellents and pesticides are costly and can have environmental or health impacts. Painting cows with water-based paint offers a low-cost and chemical-free alternative that could help farmers reduce insect harassment. The findings also support a long-standing idea in evolutionary biology: zebra stripes may have evolved to repel biting flies. By copying this natural design, scientists have created a simple and practical solution inspired by nature. The Ig Nobel Prize celebrates discoveries that make people laugh and then make them think. What started as a playful idea has turned into a promising step toward sustainable pest control in agriculture. Citation: Kojima, T., Oishi, K., Matsubara, Y., Uchiyama, Y., Fukushima, Y., Aoki, N., Sato, S., Masuda, T., Ueda, J., Hirooka, H., & Kino, K. (2019). Cows painted with zebra-like striping can avoid biting fly attack. PLOS ONE, 14(10), e0223447. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0223447 https://www.the-scientist.com/zebra-cows-repel-flies-and ... https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crkjzxrrkd5o #zebracow #cowinstripes #stripedcow #repellant #mosquitorepellant #flyrepellant #agriculture #farming #IgNobelPrize #inspiration #science #ideas #ctdp #connectingthedotsproject #cows #biology #chemicalfree #sustainablefarming

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Iconic 158 Cheery Blossom Trees in Washington D.C. to be Removed for Seawall Reconstruction 🌸 Iconic 158 Cheery Blossom Trees in Washington D.C. to be Removed for Seawall Reconstruction 🌸🌳 In 2024, the National Park Service (NPS) initiated a significant renovation project to reconstruct approximately 6,800 feet of the seawall along Washington, D.C.'s Tidal Basin and parts of West Potomac Park. This endeavor aims to address issues such as land subsidence and sea-level rise, which have led to frequent flooding of the surrounding pathways. As part of this project, 158 of the nearly 3,700 iconic cherry blossom trees were removed to facilitate the seawall's elevation and stabilization. The Tidal Basin, renowned for its annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, has faced challenges due to climate change, including higher tides and more extreme rainfall events. The seawall reconstruction involves raising its height by 4.75 feet and expanding the adjacent walkways from 8 to 12 feet to enhance visitor access and protect the area from future flooding. In August 2023, the NPS awarded a $113 million contract for the seawall's reconstruction, with work expected to commence in mid-2024 and conclude over a three-year period. While the removal of the cherry trees is a poignant aspect of the project, the NPS has committed to replanting these trees upon the project's completion to preserve the area's historic and aesthetic significance. Sources: apnews.com This reconstruction is crucial for safeguarding the Tidal Basin's infrastructure and ensuring the longevity of the cherry blossom tradition in Washington, D.C., for future generations. Sources ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Naica’s Cave of Crystals: A Geological Wonder Naica’s Cave of Crystals: A Geological Wonder In the year 2000, miners working in Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico, made a breathtaking discovery beneath the Earth's surface—the Cave of Crystals ( Cueva de los Cristales ). This underground marvel is home to some of the largest natural crystals ever found, with massive selenite (gypsum) formations measuring over 10 meters (33 feet) in length and weighing several tons. These extraordinary crystals formed over hundreds of thousands of years due to the unique conditions within the cave. The chamber was once filled with mineral-rich, calcium sulfate-saturated water, which remained at a stable, high temperature, allowing the gypsum to slowly crystallize. Scientists estimate that the crystals grew at a rate of about one meter per 1,000 years, meaning some of the largest formations took approximately 500,000 years to reach their current size. However, this stunning geological wonder comes with extreme challenges. The cave's environment is dangerously inhospitable, with temperatures soaring to 50°C (122°F) and relative humidity exceeding 90%. These conditions make human exploration nearly impossible without specialized cooling suits. Without protection, researchers can endure only 10-15 minutes inside before experiencing severe heat stress, as the high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating and cooling the body. Mining operations initially drained the cave, exposing the crystals to dehydration and potential damage. However, in 2017, the mine was flooded again, restoring the original water levels and helping to preserve the formations by preventing them from drying out and cracking. While this means researchers can no longer access the site, it also ensures that the crystals remain intact for future generations. Despite its extreme conditions, the Cave of Crystals remains one of the most extraordinary geological formations on Earth. Scientists continue to study similar gypsum crystal deposits around the world, seeking to understand the processes that created this otherworldly subterranean wonder. photo credit Paolo Petrignani / La Venta archive Javier Trueba/MSF/Science Source Check out the video from Atlas Obscura https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb1bL8xTqAs Please read the article for the details of the photo. It is incredible! https://cen.acs.org/.../Naicas-crystal-cave.../97/i6 Photo Credit: Javier Trueba/MSF/Science Source

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Urban Growers Collective https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyQCAHsLt7g

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Select Location Location Select Type Type Feeding America Food assistance search engine National Link Secure Hunger by Salvation Army USA Food assistance National Link No Kid Hungry Food assistance National Link Community Food Share Food assistance Colorado Link California Association of Food Bank Food assistance California Link Gardeneers Community garden with food support Chicago, IL Link The Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County Food assistance Orange County, CA Link The Foodbank of Southern California, CA Food assistance Southern California Link Find Food Support with Google Food assistance search engine National Link Free Food Giveaway from local community program Food assistance National Link Meals On Wheel Food assistance National Link Emergency Food Assistance Association Food assistance Colorado Link Why Hunger Food assistance National Link Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona Food assistance Arkansas Link The Redwood Empire Food Bank Food assistance Santa Rosa, CA Link Maui Food Bank Food assistance Wailuku, HI Link USDA Hunger Hotline USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse Government National Link Food Drive Food assistance National Link Go Beyond Hunger Food assistance National Link Free food-aid database Food assistance search engine Illinois Link Farmer’s Market Food Nutrition Program Government National Link Arizona Food Bank Network Food assistance Arkansas Link Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties Food assistance San Mateo & Santa Clara counties, CA Link The Northeast Iowa Food Bank Food assistance Northeast, IA Link Food Pantries Food assistance National Link Move For Hunger Food assistance National Link Stop Hunger Food assistance National Link Federal Food Assistance Program Government National Link Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations Food assistance for Indian reservations in Oklahoma Oklahoma Link Free Food Food assistance Arkansas Link Alameda County Community Food Bank Food assistance Oakland, CA Link