Wondering how to live greener? You've come to the right place. Each week we challenge ourselves to try a new task ... or "amp up" something we're already doing. We raise our awareness, learn from each other and develop Eco-friendly skills which will improve our lives and protect our planet. Doing so together gives us power ... the power to Change The World!
If this is your first visit, please click HERE for information and a complete list of all the challenges we've taken on so far.
This post contains great information and I encourage you to read through it at your leisure ... however, if you are short on time, you might find the following quick links helpful:
How are the trees in your area? Last week we headed out to give them a check-up. I'm happy to say that our trees are healthy and thriving. The challenge educated me on what to look for and gave me tips for ensuring their health for years to come.
The Honor Society are those people who help us spread the "green" word by writing an article about our challenges and/or leaving pertinent comments.
Argentum Vulgaris doesn't have a problem with the ALB beetle but he did find a little critter on his tomato bush. Read Change the World Wednesday – 13th Aug and see if you can identify the bug.
Mary joined us and said, "Great post! I like how this one gets us outside to check on our trees! It's very simple but is important. Thanks for sharing!"
Alica checked her tress and reported back with this: "It seems our trees look okay which is great news! Haven't really thought about checking the trees on our land but this challenge was good to make us more aware!"
Our Twitter friends joined the conversation and shared the following:
From @GiveTreeGifts
- "How can I tell if my backyard tree is diseased or dead?" http://t.co/anLgQ501ip
- Pruning at the wrong time can attract invasive bugs that can kill some species of trees. ie Dutch Elm Disease: ow.ly/AieO5
- Detecting Emerald Ash Borer Damage ow.ly/Aif2b
- Know how to spot the signs of a weak, sick or diseased tree to prevent costly emergency services. ow.ly/AifeW
From @laalicia
- RT @ShareAwakening: In the power to change yourself is the power to change the world around you. ~ Anwar Sadat
The #CTWW Gang are those folks who tweet our challenges using the hashtag #CTWW. If you're a Twitter member, I recommend following them ... they share great things. Let's meet them:
My Final Thoughts:
Most children learn about basic photosynthesis in school. They are taught that, with the help of the sun, plant life absorbs carbon dioxide and gives off oxygen. Trees are especially proficient in this regard. An average sized tree can create enough oxygen in a year to supply a family of four. In fact, they can significantly reduce global warming. That, in itself, makes them extremely valuable and worthy of our care. But there's more. Trees help eliminate pollution from the soil, waterways, and the air. They provide a home for a variety of species, including some which are endangered (often because of loss of habitat). Simply put, trees are vital!
Thanks, everyone! If you wrote an article, I Stumbled, Tweeted, Facebooked and posted it on Google +. You can help spread the "green" word by using the share features located below this post.
This Week's Challenge:
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| There are 7.2 Billion people in the world |
We haven't discussed this issue on Reduce Footprints. It's a sensitive subject. But, as it concerns the environment, it's worth talking about ... with respect and consideration, of course!
Here's your challenge ...
This week, let's open up the discussion on population as it affects the environment. Please leave a comment and/or write a post about your feelings on the topic. You might discuss if, in your opinion, our growing population is a concern. Perhaps talk about such things as the earth's ability to support growing numbers of people, or if the number of children we have should be regulated (and if so, by whom). While religious considerations are often a factor in a person's decision to have children, let's keep this discussion environmental in nature. Let's take an honest look at the environmental affects of population growth.
Are you ready to share your thoughts on this subject? I know that you are!
Until next time ...
WE'RE CHANGING THE WORLD ... ONE CHALLENGE AT A TIME!