How Bad Are Fireworks for the Environment?

I was sitting at the lake watching Canada Day Fireworks yesterday (Yeah, I'm Canadian Eh!), but there was something distracting me from watching fireworks themselves. There was a layer of dark brown/grey smoke literally COVERING the lake that the fireworks were being lit above. The sky was filled with this stuff, and I began to wonder "what is it and what can it do?"

It's not that I haven't noticed it before, but I never really thought about digging a little deeper until now. Of course, last year, I'd managed to end up at a beach that couldn't even see the fireworks and the year before I didn't even go. This year, I decided, I probably wouldn't support the fireworks again.

Anyways, check out this link for a list of reasons why fireworks are bad for the environment.

http://www.greenlikeafrog.com/whyshouldyoucare/howbadarefireworks.php

Boiled Frog (Boiled Dog) Syndrome

My dog, Angel loves the sun; and whenever the sun is out you can expect to see her laying in it. Today was no different, I watched her as she spread her body to catch some rays. Within minutes of laying there, her tongue was hanging out and she'd retreated to a shady patch. Moments later, she would return to the sun. This would repeat over and over until somebody would interrupt her or the sun would go away.

It reminded me of something called the Boiled Frog Syndrome. It is said that if you put a frog in super-hot water it will immediately jump out because the water is too hot. Similarily, it is said that if you put a frog in a pot of water and slowly warm the temperature... the frog will just sit there. The temperature is raising at small enough levels that it is not shocking to the frog, and it just sits there. "It keeps going up 1 degree, and it isn't effecting me, so what is 1 more degree going to do?" says the frog. It keeps saying that until finally, it boils and can no longer survive.

The frog is a very accurate representation of the world we live in today. The temperature is rising slowly and noticeable, but not noticeable enough for people to be effected too badly. They see it as "one more degree, what's it going to do?".

Do we really want to end up like the frog?

P.S. It is only coincidence that it is called the boiled frog syndrome and you found this on Green Like a Frog.

The Green Scam Many Consumers are Falling For

Green is the new black, or at least a label many consumers gravitate towards. While most consumers are generally aware of a looming environmental disaster, and feel they are doing their part by buying products labelled green.

What few people realize is that the majority of products labelled green, should in reality be labelled “greenwashing”, a term that suggests an illegitimate claim about the environmental impact of a product. In other words, manufacturers and businesses are really taking advantage of the new trend, or marketing-scheme to sell their product to the unsuspecting buyer.

Half the time, products are being labelled green because they don’t contain a specified chemical. Chances are, they never did in the first lace, and after taking note of other chemicals contained in that product, one would realize that the product just simply isn’t green.

Due to few regulations, nearly anything can be labelled as green or eco-friendly, and the result could be dangerous.

It takes an observant consumer to decipher the truth.

When it comes to health, beauty and even cleaning products, if you wouldn’t eat it, you shouldn’t use it.

In comparison, products that may be 50% plant based, but if the other half includes harsh chemicals, it just isn’t green.

Likewise, a true green product is made close to home, which means little shipping or transportation and locally sourced contents.

Another key to look for is how the product is packaged. Excessive plastic, printing or packaging contradicts the seemingly green product, having more of an impact on the environment than the product inside may.

Consider every aspect of the products production. Find out or ask if it requires things like fossil fuels or even water in it’s production and how much.

Pay attention to every ingredient or component and decipher it’s environmental impact.

All in all, know exactly what you are buying, before making a purchase and don’t get sucked into greenwashing.

It's officially SUMMER... 10 Tips For a Staycation!

Getting in the summer spirit, we've got an idea for you; instead of going away on vacation this summer, why not try a staycation?!

Take a look at our latest article for details and tips: http://www.greenlikeafrog.com/articles/greenyourlife/staycation.php

Summer is Here!

Summer is finally here, and I'm going to put in my best effort to write in this blog at least every other day. Today, I have an image to show you.

When I saw the scene (Naturally, camera already in hand), it instantly reminded me of how much nature is so strongly intertwined in every human's lives. And how we depend on it for our survival and no matter whether you know it, it's there - supporting your very life.

Don't forget to respect your only lifeline. The health of our nature reflects the health of us - treat it as you would yourself, or your own home.

Are you with us?

Many people give up when they're on the verge of winning. They stop the race when they don't realize they're just a couple steps from the finish line.

We don't have the option to give up. We'll fight for the end.

This isn't about a planet. It's about survival. Don't ever forget it!

Are you with us?!?!

Ecofest Barrie [Event]

We're REALLY looking forward to next weekend's Ecofest Barrie which is sure to be huge! Will you be there?

Where: Barrie's Waterfront
When: Saturday June 11, 2011 (10am-10pm) & Sunday June 12, 2011 (10am-5pm)
What: Working collaboratively as a community to celebrate our earth and to offer a message of new possibilities and alternate lifestyles.

For more information, visit www.ecofestbarrie.ca

We hope to see you there - just look for the frog!