Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
How to Make a Clean Break with Your Old Mobile Phone
Saturday, September 20th, 2008
When you first purchase a mobile phone, it’s easy to feel infatuated with your new toy. Ideally, you are happy with the phone and its features, and you can’t imagine wanting anything more. Then, one day, it happens. Your mobile phone, once a faithful, dependable companion, turns on you without any warning. The screen goes blank, the phone won’t ring, or it starts cutting off on its own.
Or, maybe you are the fickle one, so entranced by the latest model of mobile phone that you can’t wait to replace your current device. Whatever the reason, it’s time to get a new mobile phone and fall in love all over again.
What about the old phone? Should you throw it away, or just retire it to a drawer somewhere? Whatever you do, please don’t dispose of your mobile phone in the trash. (more…)
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The Boto Dolphin
Monday, September 1st, 2008
Not all dolphins live in the ocean like Flipper. This month’s featured endangered species is a freshwater dolphin. The boto (Inia geoffrensis), or pink Amazon River dolphin, inhabits the Amazon River as well its deeper tributaries.
In spite of its unique appearance, engaging personality, and special place in indigenous culture, this dolphin is classified as a vulnerable species. Due to increased development of the Amazon River and its tributaries, the boto is almost certain to face even more of a struggle in the years to come. Fortunately, there is still time to save this wonderful creature. (more…)
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The Carbon Cycle
Thursday, August 28th, 2008
For as long as there has been life on Earth, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been rising and falling.
Volcanoes and forest fires emit carbon dioxide, too, just like we do when we burn fossil fuels. However, Mother Nature has a system for managing these carbon dioxide emissions and eventually removing the excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
How does she do it? The answer may surprise you! A recent study highlighted in Science Daily shows that natural carbon dioxide emissions are managed through a complex feedback system that depends, in a large part, on molluscs.
Yes, that’s right… molluscs.
Snails, clams, oysters, scallops and other marine life on the half shell actually play a significant role in trapping carbon dioxide and locking it away. Basically, whenever carbon dioxide levels rise, silica-based minerals such quartz, feldspar, and mica begin to break down at a faster than usual rate.
The breakdown of silicates produces calcium, which is carried to the sea by rivers and streams. Then, molluscs take the calcium and mix it with carbon dioxide to form shells of calcium carbonate. The end result? The mollusc has a snazzy home, and a little bit of carbon dioxide has been removed from the atmosphere for good! (more…)
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Only 49,970 to go…
Wednesday, January 16th, 2008
We received an advance order of 30 trees this week and planted them up. The first 30 have been donated to the staff at K International and will be planted in their gardens in the early spring.
The variety was Sitka Spruce, it’s a very hardy and fast growing tree. They are also thought to be one of the best species for sequestering carbon.
The first one was marked and moved to a special place. We will keep a close eye on its progress and report back via the logblog. We plan to make a commemorative plaque in the forest highlighting this tree when its planted. We called the first tree Tiki which is a shortened version of tikikrautauwok which is Inuit for the first arrival.
At the moment Tiki is 57cm tall.
Pictures of the new trees in their new homes will follow in the spring.
Remember - We are a long way off our target of 50,000 trees but… 30 trees will provide enough oxygen for 60 people and each year 30 trees will sequester 600kgs of CO2 from the atmosphere.
And for every 1000 words that we translate in 2008 we will plant a tree - you can make your translation projects carbon neutral by asking K International to help you.
Only 49970 to go…
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