In the News: Does that cola have carcinogens?

Carcinogenicity and regulation of caramel colorings by Michael Jacobson, (Executive Director, Center for Science in the Public Interest, USA), an article due to be published in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, states that Coca-Cola sold in California now contains little of the cancer-causing chemical 4-methylimidizole (4-MI). However, the research shows that alarming levels of the carcinogen are evident in soft drinks elsewhere around the world.

The carcinogen is formed during the production of the caramel colouring that is added to cola to give it its distinctive colour. Chemical reactions between the sugar and ammonia result in the production of 4-MI, which causes lung and liver and thyroid cancer and leukemia in laboratory animals in studies conducted by the US government. Colouring is available that does not contain 4-MI but it is four times more expensive, so is not purchased by the beverage companies.

Tests carried out by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) will be published shortly in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health (vol. 18.3). The CSPI recommends that the US Food and Drug Administration prohibit the use of ammoniated caramel colouring and provide a more accurate description of the ingredient on all product labelling nationwide.

California requires that cancer warnings be placed on any soft drinks with excessive levels of 4-MI, which could lead to a person ingesting over 30 micrograms (µg) of 4-MI in a day. It is estimated that this amount of the carcinogen would cause cancer in one in 100,000 people over their lifetime. This law has led to Californian bottlers using less of the contaminated caramel colouring, with Coca-Cola from the Golden State containing only 4 µg. Elsewhere in the world, Coca-Cola from Brazil was shown to be the most contaminated, containing 267 µg of the carcinogen per can; in Kenya, Coca-Cola contained 170 µg per can; and in the UK, Canada, United Arab Emirates and Mexico there was between 144 µg and 160 µg per can.

Green tip: Summertime energy savings

These tips are designed to help you choose effective ways to reduce your energy bills. Some measures may not be relevant depending on climate, the age of your home and appliances, and past improvements made to your home. The savings numbers are based on your total summer electric bill. Equipment mentioned must be electric powered for estimates to be accurate. The average home spends about $1,900 a year on energy costs. But you can lower your energy bills and help save the environment at the same time.

Be a speedy chef

Nothing is more energy efficient for cooking than your microwave. It uses two-thirds less energy than your stove.

Push a button to wash your dishes

Surprise! Your dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand. Then let dishes air-dry to save even more!

Fill up the fridge

Having lots of food in your fridge keeps it from warming up too fast when the door is open. So your fridge doesn't have to work as hard to stay cool.

In the News: The dropped-food 5-second rule is a myth

Newswise — The hot dog that rolls off the plate, the baby’s cookie that falls on the floor, the candy bar that slides across the table – conventional wisdom has that you have five seconds to pick it up before it is contaminated. Fact or or folklore? “A dropped item is immediately contaminated and can’t really be sanitized,” says Jorge Parada, MD, MPH, FACP, FIDSA, medical director of the infection prevention and control program at Loyola University Health System. “When it comes to folklore, the ‘five-second rule’ should be replaced with ‘when in doubt, throw it out." All items that come into contact with a surface pick up bacteria (and dirt!). How much bacteria and what kind of microbes depends on the object dropped and the surface it is dropped upon, he says.
From Newswise

Organic tomatoes contain more "good stuff"

From AlphaGaileoFoundation

Study conducted at the University of Barcelona shows that organic tomatoes contain higher levels of phenolic compounds than conventional tomatoes. Phenolic compounds are organic molecules found in many vegetables with proven human health benefits. The UB’s Natural Antioxidant Group, headed by lecturer Rosa M. Lamuela, had previously proved that organic tomato juice and ketchup contain higher polyphenol content than juice and ketchup made from conventionally grown tomatoes. Lamuela points out that during the production process of ketchup and juice, there are lower levels of polyphenols; therefore it was necessary to verify that the differences observed in previous studies had their origin in the tomatoes themselves and not in the technology used during the production process. As lecturer Lamuela states, “it must be verified with raw material.” Polyphenols —natural antioxidants of plant origin— are considered to be of great nutritional interest because its consumption is associated with the prevention of cardiovascular and degenerative diseases, and some forms of cancer. The team behind the study has analysed a variety of tomato called Daniela and has determined its phenolic profile by using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. With this method, the research group of the UB could identify 34 different phenolic compounds in tomatoes. According to Rosa M. Lamuela, “the benefit of taking polyphenols through foods is that they contain a wide variety of such molecules, which are increased”. This would be more beneficial to health than the intake of supplements. Tomatoes also contain lycopene and other carotenoids, and vitamin C. Hence, according to Lamuela, “they contain many beneficial compounds.”

Does your soda pop have alcohol in it?

From the Daily Mail UK

Coca-Cola and Pepsi contain minute traces of alcohol, scientific research published in France has revealed. The revelation will cause concern among those who chose the carbonated soft drink for religious, health or safety reasons. According to tests carried out by the Paris-based National Institute of Consumption, more than half of leading colas contain the traces of alcohol.

Tips for boosting electric bill savings on hot days

Sweltering hot days make it harder to keep your home cool, straining air conditioning systems and energy budgets. The Energy Education Council (EEC) offers some simple tips to boost comfort and save on electric bills during the sultriest of days:

• Make sure your air conditioner filter is clean. Change or clean it monthly during the cooling season.
• Ensure air can move freely around the air conditioner unit coils. Remove leaves and plant overgrowth that could keep it from operating efficiently.
• Use ceiling and oscillating fans to create a "wind chill" effect. The moving air makes the temperature feel cooler and allows a higher air conditioner thermostat setting while maintaining cooling comfort. For each 1-degree increase in the thermostat setting, cooling costs can be lowered by about 3 percent.
• Avoid unnecessary trips in and out of the house, which let in hot, humid air.
• Turn off lights, televisions, and computers when not in use.
• Close drapes and shades on sunny days.
• Plan to do hot work, washing and drying clothes, cooking, and baking, during cooler morning and evening hours.
• Keep your kitchen cooler by cooking in a microwave oven or grilling outdoors.
• Make sure heat-producing appliances like televisions and lamps are away from the thermostat. They will increase the temperature near the thermostat and cause the air conditioner to run when it is not needed.

• Install a timer or a programmable thermostat to increase and decrease the temperature automatically. Leave it on a higher temperature while you are away, and set it to cool the house half an hour before you return home.
• Seal air leaks and cracks. Weather stripping and caulking are inexpensive ways to improve efficiency and cut energy costs year round.
• Ventilate the attic, and check insulation. Adequately sized vents and/or an attic fan can help keep hot air from building up. If you can see the ceiling joists in your attic, consider adding insulation. Proper attic insulation can save up to 30 percent of your cooling bill.  Be sure the insulation does not block vents or cover exhaust fans.

Increased summer electric demands do not only place a strain on budgets, they also can place a severe strain on your home's electrical system, which poses a dangerous shock and fire hazard. Frequent circuit breaker trips or flickering or dimming lights, TV screens, or computer monitors are signs of an overloaded electrical system or faulty wiring that should be checked immediately by a professional.

For more information and tips to help cut costs and improve home safety, visit EnergyEdCouncil.org and SafeElectricity.org.       

7 Tips to Increase Fuel Economy

Looking for ways to stretch your gas a little further? Here are top maintenance tips that have the biggest impact on fuel economy.

1. Heed Warning Signs - Research shows that at least 10% of motorists have a "check engine" light on right now and half have ignored the light for over three months. Dashboard warning lights alert drivers to problems that affect their car's emissions output, reduce fuel economy, and ultimately cause mechanical damage. While it may seem like your vehicle is driving just fine, it's often guzzling extra gasoline.

2. An ounce of prevention - Many drivers admit to stretching their dollars by extending time between schedule maintenance appointments. In this case a penny saved may result in many hundreds of dollars spent in extra fuel costs and repairs. Air filters are a good example of how an ounce of prevention can save you money. You can inspect the filter yourself, shake out the dirt or vacuum it and re-use it, or opt to spend the $25 or so for a new one.

3. Lose weight - Are you driving around with extra "junk in your trunk" or truck bed? By removing an extra 100 pounds of clutter from your vehicle, you can improve your gas mileage by several percentage points. A bucket of baseballs weighs about 25 lbs, snow chains weigh at least 10 lbs, and a set of golf clubs can weigh anywhere from 20 to 50 lbs.

4. Make Friends - Whether your commute is 15 miles or 50 miles, carpooling saves on vehicle wear and tear, time and money. It's also a great way to meet co-workers, neighbors and friends. At today's gas prices, most drivers are spending over $40 per week filling their tank. Split these costs and you can put an extra $1,000 in your wallet each year..

5. Avoid Idling - Attention carpool moms, dads and older siblings. Idling for over 10 seconds uses more gas and causes more pollution than restarting your engine. While it's not recommended to turn off your vehicle at a stoplight or while moving through a pickup line at the local fast food drive-through or school, it is a good idea to pull into an approved parking spot and turn off the engine whenever you expect your wait to be more than a couple minutes.

6. Keep Tires Maintained - Ensuring proper tire maintenance, tread and inflation can increase gas mileage by about 10%. Changes in season or major temperature swings are a good time to double check your tire pressure, even if you have a tire pressure monitoring system on your vehicle. It's best to set them first thing in the morning to the high end of the manufacturer's specifications (usually found on the inside of the driver's door).

7. Be Green - If budget and lifestyle allow, it's certainly worth considering a hybrid or electric car as fuel prices rise. But if that's not for you, you can still drive green by planning your trips efficiently, limiting peak-hour driving and making sure to get your annual or bi-annual emissions test.

SOURCE: CarMD.com

10 sustainability megaforces' impact on business over the next two decades

The costs associated with environmental impacts for business operations are doubling every 14 years. New research from KPMG International has identified 10 megaforces that will significantly affect corporate growth globally over the next two decades.  The 10 global sustainability megaforces are as follows:

Climate Change: Predictions of annual output losses from climate change range between 1 percent per year, if strong and early action is taken, to as much as 5 percent a year, if policymakers fail to act.

Energy and Fuel: Fossil fuel markets are likely to become more volatile and unpredictable because of higher global energy demand.

Material Resource Scarcity: As developing countries industrialize rapidly, global demand for material resources is predicted to increase dramatically. Business is likely to face increasing trade restrictions and intense global competition for a wide range of material resources that become less available.

Water Scarcity: It is predicted that by 2030, the global demand for freshwater will exceed supply by 40 percent. Businesses may be vulnerable to water shortages, declines in water quality, water price volatility, and to reputational challenges.

Population Growth: The world population is expected to grow to 8.4 billion by 2032. This will place intense pressures on ecosystems and the supply of natural resources such as food, water, energy and materials.

Wealth: The global middle class (defined by the OECD as individuals with disposable income of between US$10 and US$100 per capita per day) is predicted to grow 172 percent between 2010 and 2030. The challenge for businesses is to serve this new middle class market at a time when resources are likely to be scarcer and more price volatile.

Urbanization: In 2009, for the first time ever, more people lived in cities than in the countryside. By 2030 all developing regions including Asia and Africa are expected to have the majority of their inhabitants living in urban areas; virtually all population growth over the next 30 years will be in cities.

Food Security: Global food prices are predicted to rise 70 to 90 percent by 2030. In water-scarce regions, agricultural producers are likely to have to compete for supplies with other water-intensive industries, such as electric utilities and mining, and with consumers.

Ecosystem Decline: The decline in ecosystems is making natural resources scarcer, more expensive and less diverse, increasing the costs of water and escalating the damage caused by invasive species to sectors including agriculture, fishing, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and tourism.

Deforestation: Forests are big business. Wood products contributed $100 billion per year to the global economy from 2003 to 2007 and the value of non-wood forest products, mostly food, was estimated at about US$18.5 billion in 2005. Yet the OECD projects that forest areas will decline globally by 13 percent from 2005 to 2030, mostly in South Asia and Africa.

Source:  KPMG International

Green Tip of the Day: Top 10 Tips to Be Environmentally Conscience

1. Purchase locally grown food.
2. Use baking soda, vinegar and water mixtures for household cleaning.
3. Carry reusable water bottles with you to work and on errands,
4. Reduce your meeting travel. Try video conferencing instead.
5. Bring a green-lunch kit to work to reduce waste from disposables.
6. Swap out your bulbs.
7. Consume seafood only from sustainable sources.
8. Use fair-trade, organic health and beauty products.
9. Commute by bike to reduce your carbon emissions.
10. Focus more on family and less on stuff.

Source: The Nature Conservancy

Top fish to eat in order to save ocean populations, plus app

Want to know what fish you should buy or order based on whether it is being overfished? The Monterey Bay (Calif.) Aquarium now offers an app for that dubbed Project FishMap. It lets users share the locations of restaurants and markets where they have found sustainable seafood. In addition, they also have a pocket guide that will tell you which fish to pick. I’ve included a list below of the recommended fish to eat, which will help you save our ocean's fish populations. Stick to this list and feel good about it.

While some of the list recommends farmed fish, most environmentalists say it is better for your health and to protect wild populations to protest farmed fished. I don’t eat farmed myself. But that is a choice left to the individual.

Best Fish to Eat

Abalone (U.S. Farmed)

Arctic Char (Farmed in Recirculating Systems)

Barramundi (U.S. Farmed in Fully Recirculating Systems)

Capelin (Iceland)

Catfish (U.S. Farmed)

Clams (Farmed)

Clams, Softshell/Steamers (Wild-caught)

Cobia (U.S. Farmed)

Cod, Atlantic (Hook-and-line from Iceland and Northeast Arctic)

Cod, Pacific (U.S. Bottom Longline, Jig and Trap)

Crab, Dungeness (California, Oregon and Washington)

Crab, Kona (Australia)

Crab, Stone

Crawfish/Crayfish (U.S. Farmed)

Croaker, Atlantic (U.S. Non-trawl)

Giant Clam/Geoduck (Wild-caught)

Haddock (Hook-and-line from U.S. Atlantic)

Halibut, Pacific (U.S.)

Lobster, California Spiny (California)

Lobster, Caribbean Spiny (Florida)

Lobster, Spiny (Baja California, Mexico)

Mackerel, Atlantic (Canada)

Mackerel, King (U.S. Atlantic and U.S. Gulf of Mexico)

Mackerel, Spanish (U.S. Atlantic and U.S. Gulf of Mexico)

Mahi Mahi (Troll/Pole from U.S. Atlantic)

Mullet, Striped

Mussels (Farmed)

Oysters (Farmed)

Perch, Yellow (Lake Erie)

Pollock, Atlantic (Gillnet and Purse Seine from Norway)

Prawn, Freshwater (U.S. Farmed)

Prawn, Spot (Canadian Pacific)

Rockfish, Black (Hook-and-line from California, Oregon and Washington)

Sablefish/Black Cod (Alaska and Canadian Pacific)

Salmon (Drift Gillnet, Purse Seine and Troll, from Alaska)

Salmon Roe (Drift Gillnet, Purse Seine and Troll, from Alaska)

Salmon, Freshwater Coho (U.S. Farmed in Tank Systems)

Sardines, Pacific (U.S.)

Scad, Big-eye (Hawaii)

Scad, Mackerel (Hawaii)

Scallops (Farmed)

Scallops, Sea (Diver-caught in Laguna Ojo de Liebre and Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, Mexico)

Sea Urchin Roe (Canada)

Seatrout, Spotted ( Wild-caught from Florida and Louisiana)

Shrimp (U.S. Farmed in Fully Recirculating Systems or Inland Ponds)

Shrimp, Pink (Oregon)

Squid, Longfin (U.S. Atlantic)

Striped Bass (U.S. Wild-caught)

Striped Bass (U.S. Farmed or Wild-caught)

Swordfish (Hawaii Harpoon, Handline)

Swordfish (Harpoon & Handline-caught from Canada, the U.S., North Atlantic & East Pacific)

Tilapia (U.S. Farmed)

Trout, Rainbow/Steelhead (U.S. Farmed)

Tuna, Albacore (Troll/Pole from the Canadian and U.S. Pacific)

Tuna, Albacore ("White" Canned) (Troll/pole from the Canadian and U.S. Pacific)

Tuna, Bigeye (Troll/Pole from the U.S. Atlantic)

Tuna, Skipjack (Worldwide Troll, Pole-and-line)

Tuna, Skipjack ("Light" Canned) (Troll/Pole)

Tuna, Yellowfin (Troll/Pole from the Pacific and U.S. Atlantic)

White Seabass (Hook-and-line from California)

Whitefish, Lake (Lake Huron and Lake Superior)

Whitefish, Lake (Trap-net from Lake Michigan)

Wreckfish

A penny an ounce to fight heart attacks?

A study in the latest edition of Health Affairs has found that a national penny an ounce excise tax on sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) would prevent 95,000 coronary heart events, 8,000 strokes, 2.4 million diabetes person-years and 26,000 premature deaths while avoiding more than $17 billion in medical costs between 2010 and 2020. SSBs are a group of drinks that have added artificial sweeteners including soda, sweetened iced teas, sports drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices and flavored water.

The study, by researchers at Columbia University, the University of San Francisco and Virginia Tech, found that a penny an ounce SSB excise tax would decrease consumption of these beverages among 25-64 year olds by 15%. The average American consumes approximately 70,000 “empty calories” from SSBs each year.

Farmer-Owned Organic Valley adds products, Wisconsin jobs in 2012

Organic Valley, the nation’s largest cooperative of organic farmers, announced their 2011 year-end results, which include bringing on 212 new farmers in regions such as Pennsylvania, Vermont and California for 12% member growth across the country, increasing sales from $620 million to $715 million for 15.3% growth. The company also donated more than $2.2 million to nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing organic food and farming—from community food banks to farmer initiatives to advocacy for mandatory labeling of genetically modified organisms in food.

In terms of other tangible metrics for success, Organic Valley achieved sustainability and job creation goals in 2011, such as beginning installation of wind turbines to offset 100% of its distribution center’s current electricity use, on-farm renewable energy projects and other sustainability initiatives, and undergoing a state-of-the-art green-designed headquarters expansion in La Farge, Wis., that is expected to add 84 new jobs this year. In 2011 alone, the farmer-owned cooperative brought 79 new jobs to Vernon County, Wis., bringing total employees up to 620.

The past year also saw the launch of the latest of Organic Valley’s regional milks, New York Fresh. Like its regional counterparts, New York Fresh milk ensures fewer miles from farm to table and supports local economies, including the 115 New York farm families that produce it, according to the company. Organic Valley also launched the first organic flavored half-and-half and soy creamers, providing an organic, fair-trade alternative to complement beverages and recipes.

U.S. is fat and getting fatter

There has not been significant change in the prevalence of obesity in the U.S., with data from 2009-2010 indicating that about one in three adults and one in six children and teens are obese; however, there have been increases in certain demographics, according to two studies being published by JAMA. 

Katherine M. Flegal, Ph.D., Cynthia L. Ogden, Ph.D., M.R.P., and colleagues with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hyattsville, Md., analyzed data from the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to determine rates of obesity in the U.S. In the analysis for prevalence among adults, rates of obesity (defined as a body mass index [BMI] of 30 or greater) were compared with data from 1999-2008. NHANES includes measured heights and weights for 5,926 adult men and women from a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population in 2009-2010 and for 22,847 men and women in 1999-2008.

In 2009-2010, the age-adjusted average BMI was 28.7 for men and women. The researchers found that overall, the age-adjusted obesity prevalence was 35.7%. Among men, the prevalence was 35.5%, and within race/ethnicity groups, prevalence ranged from 36.2% among non-Hispanic white men to 38.8% among non-Hispanic black men. There were significant increases in obesity for men over the period 1999-2000 through 2009-2010.

For women, the prevalence of obesity was 35.8%, and the range was from 32.2% among non-Hispanic white women to 58.5% among non-Hispanic black women. Over the period from 1999 through 2010, obesity showed no significant increase among women overall, but increases were statistically significant for non-Hispanic black women and Mexican American women. For both men and women, the most recent two years (2009-2010) did not differ significantly from the previous six years (2003-2008).

The age-adjusted prevalence of overweight and obesity combined (BMI 25 or greater) was 68.8% overall, 73.9% among men, and 63.7% among women.

"Obesity prevalence shows little change over the past 12 years, although the data are consistent with the possibility of slight increases," the authors write. "Many efforts both at the national level and at state and local levels focus on reducing childhood obesity. Yet results from NHANES indicate that the prevalence of childhood obesity in the United States remains unchanged at approximately 17 percent; although increases in obesity prevalence may he occurring among males."

Do you know about the new Illinois Electronics Disposal Law?

It’s a new year. While you try to keep up with countless resolutions, you also need to make yourself aware of the 200+ new laws that took effect January 1st in Illinois. One law that’s likely to affect nearly every Illinois resident at some point is the new electronics disposal law. Done are the days of tossing your outdated computer, TV, or even CDs in the trash bin and calling it a day. Residents now are required to recycle their electronics under state law.

The new law carries a fine of $25 for first time offenders and $50 for repeat offenders. But it’s about more than the government trying to make a buck. The goal of the new law is to divert up to 60 million pounds of electronics from landfills in 2013. Electronics sit in landfills and contain many dangerous harmful chemicals that can be released into the environment.

•           Donate – What’s old to you can be gold to someone less fortunate. Even if your electronics aren’t working they can often be easily fixed and updated for a second life of use by someone who couldn’t otherwise afford them. Search the web for The National Cristina Foundation, The Assistive Technology Exchange Network and Computers for Schools to find out how you can part ways with your old, seemingly useless object while contributing to a worthwhile cause

•           Recycle – Many communities offer drop-off bins and recycling programs where you can drop off or arrange for pick up of your old electronics. The community will make sure your electronics are properly recycled for parts or re-use. Check with local communities’ websites to find drop-off locations.

•           Sell – You’d be surprised what people are willing to pay for electronics you may view as worthless. Often old electronics contain valuable parts or can become collectable items over the years. Put your electronics on sites like Craigslist or eBay or even hold a garage sale and see what people are willing to pay.

Source: SRV Network

Will light bulb, battery recycling machine be coming to an Ikea near you?

Revend Recycling Ltd, a UK corporation, launched a reverse vending recycling machine for the collection and recycling of domestic light bulbs and domestic batteries. The patented reVend reverse vending recycling machine has an add-on unit, as an option, for the collection and recycling of domestic batteries, which contain valuable and scarce natural mineral resources.

The company recently concluded a supply agreement with IKEA of Sweden to install a significant number of machines in several IKEA stores throughout Europe, including the UK, Germany and Denmark. IKEA is the first to install the unique light bulb reverse vending recycling technology.

Green Tip of the Day: Use less electricity, save water.

Power plants use thousands of gallons of water to cool. Do your part to conserve power, and you’re indirectly saving water, too!

NYIT students take their inventions to build recycling center in Costa Rica

Nine architecture students will bring their creative designs to Costa Rica to develop a recycling and education center – after thousands of people voted on Facebook in a competition hosted by New York Institute of Technology. Professors from NYIT’s School of Architecture and Design initially selected two winning teams and kept their decision confidential until after the public voting process. They praised the teams – Duality and MCD Costa Rica – for "simple and elegant ideas, good planning, and clear presentations."

Duality’s design focused on two elements: the recycling center and the education facility. The team also addressed the dry season and wet season of Nosara by developing a process to collect rainwater and reduce heat build-up in the facility by using reflective roofing materials, as well as high ceilings, and a ventilation opening in the roof.

MCD Costa Rica planned a design that would cause little impact on the Earth, placing an elongated building along the landscape. They proposed using trees that were previously cut down as well as recycled plastic bottles to construct the building. Their plan minimizes deforestation and also creates a covered educational space.

The NYIT architecture students also will refine their plans with Sarah Meyland, associate professor of environmental technology, and students from the School of Engineering and Computing Sciences during the spring semester. The project is part of the ongoing student-led architecture build (sLAB) initiative at NYIT’s School of Architecture and Design. It will involve the NYIT community service chapters of Freedom by Design and Engineers Without Borders. Veritas University in San Jose, Costa Rica will serve as the local partner university for the project.

Follow the project on Facebook and tell them nextgengreen.blogspot.com sent you!

Are organic farms unsustainable?

As Americans buy organic, the products are increasingly removed from the traditional organic ideal: produce that is not only free of chemicals and pesticides but also grown locally on small farms in a way that protects the environment. The explosive growth in the commercial cultivation of organic tomatoes in Mexico, for example, is putting stress on the water table. In some areas, wells have run dry this year, meaning small subsistence farmers cannot grow crops. Then, so-called organic tomatoes end up in an energy-intensive global distribution chain that takes them as far as New York, producing significant emissions that contribute to global warming.

Read more in the New York Times.

Top 10 lifestyle changes to reduce your footprint in 2012

The United Nations has designated 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. Make a commitment this year to reduce your carbon footprint by making these Top 10 lifestyle changes:

• Recycle every day, right down to the receipt from your shopping trip.
• Turn off the lights when you are not in the room.
• Stop using Styrofoam containers. Bring your own reusable container to the restaurant if you know they use them and ask them to make the change, too.
• Stop buying bottled water. Buy a BPA-free bottle and take it everywhere you go.
• Make the switch to mercury-free halogen bulbs.
• Turn down the heat. Don’t wear shorts in your house during the winter. Bundle up and turn the thermostat turn down.
• Buy local. (The shorter the distance to you the better the food tastes anyway.)
• Start Meatless Mondays and overall eat less meat. Livestock production accounts for about 18% of all human caused greenhouse gas emissions and accounts for about 23% of all global water used in agriculture.
• Carpool or take public transportation. It also can save you money.
• Plant a garden, even if it is in pots on your deck. Every little bit helps.

Green Tip of the Day: Flush your toilet using less water.

Most of us have older toilets in our homes that can use a lot of water. Reduce your usage by sinking a half gallon jug of water in the toilet tank.