The Future... A Matter of Balance

I now know I am definitely solar powered. This year's unbelievably long, dreary, wet and chill spring had me sluggish and depressed. I thought "Gee, I AM getting old and decrepit". Well, turns out that as soon as we had a sunny day my energy came back just fine, although I confess I do seem to keep getting older.

Seriously, sun and warmth provide the energy that drives the most important aspects of our life. Just watch the acceleration in the growth of the garden (or lawn) as soon as the weather warms. And it is our great fortune that Earth's distance from our Sun is just right, not too hot nor too cold. Wow! Are we lucky! We really depend on this delicate balance between our planetary home and it's star to create the amazing conditions that sustains life here on Earth. With all the changes it goes through, this is still an imminently habitable planet (See post: "Habitat for One and All"). Yet, that it's 'not nice to fool with Mother Nature' may turn out to be an understatement in relatively short order.

But still, it is this fortuitous geometry that permits the habitable planet that we have, despite the extreme weather conditions we've been having and that could intensify. Weather is determined by the balance between hot and cold air, which then creates conditions from flood to drought, searing heat to frigid chill. All this affects the living situation on the earth and in the sea in ways we are really only beginning to understand. But life is resilient and humans are determined and, hopefully, we will be able to adapt to what we must and, through our actions, modify the degree of change that could happen.

Interestingly, despite some fears, working toward a sustainable future may not mean total deprivation. There are many changes that will not only streamline your life, but make it more affordable in this time of economic stress, AND lighten the burden we are placing on the natural system's delicate balance. There are so many people on the planet that if we all adjust our habits some the end result will add up quickly. If you haven't started to change your lifestyle to make it more "Earth - Friendly", there's no better time to start than now!

Right away it will help save money and help the environment to not buy so much stuff! OK, the economy is awful, so we are already not buying as much stuff, but pay attention to which stuff you do buy. Right away, if it is a disposable, single use, item that can be replaced with something more durable, go for the durable. The initial cost may be a bit more, but the overall cost ( and we are talking $$ here) is much less. You generally do get what you pay for, and cheap junk is still junk and shortly ends up in the landfill to be replaced by??? See "the Story of Stuff" to get an idea of how this impacts our lives.
I don't advocate discarding what you have now that works, but replacing stuff with a better alternative (if replacement is even necessary) when it gets discarded.

One area which is easy to improve is electrical appliances. Some of them are real energy hogs, and when you replace them with efficient Energy Star rated appliances you save money on your bill and less electricity needs to be produced. If, instead of ever increasing energy needs we could keep the demand even or reduce it, the possibility of a future of Green, renewable energy alternatives becomes brighter. Here are some  energy calculators to help you evaluate your energy use and whether energy efficient products or renewable energy are right for you.

"Nature can provide for the needs of people; [she] can't provide for the greed of people."

- Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948)

I really believe change is in the air, but that it doesn't have to be disastrous. I don't believe anyone could be maliciously out to destroy the habitability of Earth's future in order to have a more convenient, wealthy life now. But I do believe we do some unfortunate things out of ignorance and blundering, coupled with the desire to always have more than fills our needs. More money, more convenience, more stuff... No one has ever shown this to create contentment or happiness. Only to feed an endless desire. And in the long run, we could lose it all.

It's All the Buzzz...

MOSQUITOS AND THEIR NATURAL CONTROL

Mosquitoes, those annoying, whining, biting insects,  are high on the list of important pests due to their ability  to transmit diseases such as malaria and encephalitis.
While  human malaria is not an issue in most of the United States, there are  occasional out breaks of encephalitis. West Nile Virus is a mosquito  transmitted encephalitis, primarily a virus of birds, but other animals  and people are occasional hosts. You can find the most recent  information on West Nile Virus at the Center  for Disease Control website .
Adult mosquitoes feed on flower nectar. Soon after mating male  mosquitoes die and the females require a blood meal for protein for  their developing eggs. Some feed during daylight hours, others at dusk and dawn.
They will be found near water, as moisture is essential  for their reproduction. Mosquito eggs and larvae grow in water while the  adults are terrestrial. Eggs can be laid on land, but cannot hatch or mature until flooded.
The most effective, long term mosquito control is to prevent  reproduction by altering their habitat.

HABITAT CONTROL  CHECKLIST:

•Drain puddles of standing water, or fill with dirt.
•Empty containers that collect water and store them upside down.
•Check faucets and irrigation for leaks or seepage.
•Remove debris from gutters.
•Change water in birdbaths at least weekly.
•Drain water from plastic pools when not in use.
•Check pool and spa covers, as well as sheets of discarded plastic film.  These catch water easily, shield against evaporation and even help  moisture condense, providing superb breeding sites.
•Stock watering troughs and ornamental pools with fish and encourage  natural predators such as frogs.
•Regularly remove floating debris  from ponds and reservoirs to reduce  egg-laying sites.
•Fill tree holes with sand or mortar.
•Promote drainage of old tires by drilling holes.
•Avoid overwatering of lawns and gardens and drain standing water.
•Manage weeds around bodies of water where adult mosquitoes congregate.
•Encourage natural predators such as birds, bats, and yellowjackets(!).
•Treat standing water which cannot be drained with Bacillus  thuringiensis israeliensis (Bti), often sold as 'Mosquito Dunks'.

PROTECTION  FROM BITING MOSQUITOES:
•Limit outdoor activities during mosquito active dawn and dusk. Learn  the activity patterns in your area.
•Use window and door screens.
•Put mosquito netting over infant carriages or strollers.
•Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
•Use repellents on exposed areas of skin.

NATURAL REPELLENTS:
Duration of Safe Protection: It appears that protection is about two hours for mosquito repellents that contain 10% essential oils. Catnip oil may be more effective than DEET, although not as long lasting, and citronella, catnip, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon eucalyptus, bay, some of the mints, and others are also effective. Note that if you make your own, essential oils should never be applied to the skin full strength. Add them to a base, or carrier, oil such as soy, olive, canola or other vegetable oil.
From: Joel R Coats, Entomology, Iowa St. U.,: "The essential oils may not provide as long of a residual protection, but they can repel for two hours - so there would be trade-offs for people preferring the natural oil, or that don't plan to stay out for 6 hours,  or don't mind reapplying it every couple of hours, or prefer using it on  kids."
Citronella candles and incense work best if there is relatively little  air movement, but are otherwise useless. Research shows many products, such as wrist bands and pins with  repellent, ultrasonic & electronic repellers, brewer's yeast,  vitamin B1, and mosquito plant, to be of little or no value, although  some people swear by them.

Tip for natural oil based repellents -  it only takes a little. If you get all oily it doesn't work any better.  Put on a little and spread it around evenly, the residue left on your hands should be enough for your face and neck. While we used to make a natural insect repellent, it is not legal for us to sell it from our location in California. The ingredients: Lavender; Eucalyptus; and Catnip essential oils are not on the Minimum Risk Pesticide List, and there are restrictions for Citronella essential oil as well.

Your county  Agriculture agent will have more information and tips that are specific  to your local. Contact them for further assistance.

Earth Day 40!

This April marks the 40th Earth Day. It's hard to believe it's been that long since Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-Wisconsin) founded Earth Day as an environmental teach-in. First celebrated on April 22, 1970, Earth Day marked the very beginning of the modern environmental movement.

While recognizing these things are important in our life today, knowing the history is inspirational as well. It shows the power we have to make change.

In a time when pollution was so bad rivers were literally burning, lakes were dying, air in cities was becoming toxic with no regulation, and bird species were declining rapidly as a result of widespread use of DDT, this particular day was set aside to make people aware of, and appreciate, the limitations of our planetary habitat.
It brought together many groups, each fighting for a single environmental issue, to realize they were all involved in one larger, common cause.

To quote founder, Senator Gaylord Nelson, 

"It was on that day that Americans made it clear that they understood and were deeply concerned over the deterioration of our environment and the mindless dissipation of our resources. That day left a permanent impact on the politics of America. It forcibly thrust the issue of environmental quality and resources conservation into the political dialogue of the Nation. That was the important objective and achievement of Earth Day. It showed the political and opinion leadership of the country that the people cared, that they were ready for political action, that the politicians had better get ready, too."

Sometimes in our individual efforts working to allay the effects of climate change, to protect and preserve the habitat which sustains us, it may seem we do not have much of a chance to accomplish what needs to be done. Yet since that first Earth Day much has changed.

In just the first 10 years the Clean Air Act, the Water Quality Improvement Act, the Water Pollution and Control Act Amendments, the Resource Recovery Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) were enacted. Also in 1970, the EPA was founded to protect human health and the environment on which it depends – all as a result of the concern of the American people.
Just think: We did not HAVE an Environmental Protection Agency before 1970. Not because we didn't need one, but because it hadn't occurred to us that we needed to monitor and protect what was happening to our environment in a nationally cohesive way!

Much is yet to be done and it IS in our power to do it. We must do it, for our future.

We know these concerns are global concerns and we must think of that bigger picture as we act on personal, local, national, and world levels. From governments to businesses to individuals we all have a role to play, even if it is only being conscious of the waste and ways of our daily life and modifying them to have less impact on our habitat. The power and the responsibility is in all of our hands.

During April we give extra recognition to the need for living with awareness of the effects of our actions on the environment around us. Use this time to create new habits, teach others, and remind your government representatives that we can have a sustainable, healthy environment for the future. And then continue this year-round, because in reality there is no "Earth Day", it is "Earth Everyday".

River bummin'

Made it to Fortuna yesterday & while there, walked the puppy, Kumalie, on the Riverwalk Trail. To my amazement, all along this stretch of Eel River there were huge salmon leaping out of the water! I must have seen 20 or so. So very cool. I have never seen them jump in level water and, while some suggested they were being chased, I saw no indication of predators, be it seal, otter or other.

I love Riverwalk. It is, for me, the highlight of the town of Fortuna on the North Coast. A biking, walking trail of some length bordered by the Eel River and pasture. These views are, respectively, looking South, SouthEast, and NorthWest along the river there.

In early summer I saw a congregation of around 75 (!!!) Merganser Ducks on a riverbar there. On the return leg of the walk they had disappeared -  then I spotted them further downriver diving, all in a frenzy.
Obviously they were feeding on something (Anchovies? Sardines? What comes up the Eel?). Very odd to see these loner ducks in a group like that.
Love it.
Nature phenomena of the river habitat.

Besides the ocean and mountains we have 6 rivers that define this area. In addition to the Eel there is the mighty Klamath, the beautiful Smith, Trinity, and Mad Rivers, and the Van Duzen river on which I live. The Van Duzen River has been federally designated as a "National Wild and Scenic River". Here's a view of kids in the Van Duzen in summer.

One last Eel River story for now... When I first lived in this area in the late 1960's I was standing in just-over-the-knee deep water in the Middle Fork when a huge school of shad went upstream. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of medium size shimmering silver fish filling the river, bumping my legs, backs sticking out of the water. This went on for several minutes.
Interestingly, it turns out the American Shad is a non-native species. From the Atlantic coast, they were introduced in the 1800's and are another migratory specie that lives in the sea and journeys upriver to spawn.

Be familiar with your local waterways. There is much to discover there and to enjoy. And knowing them will encourage you to work to keep them healthy.

Habitat for one and all...

Spring is bursting out all over. Our area is green and fertile - green with new grass and buds swelling on the trees. At the moment water is abundant and the earth is juicy with potential. This is not always the case (see our post "Water, water everywhere" ) A home full of abundance for human and animal and plant life alike.
I sometimes wonder if those urban dwellers who rarely get to see a mountain, forest, or other wide open and wild expanse, realize this is the source of what makes life possible on Earth.

There is a great learning song for kids by Bill Oliver:

Habitat, Habitat, Have to Have a Habitat
You have to have a Habitat to carry on!

Hear it online.

The ocean is a habitat, a very special habitat
It's where the deepest water's at
It's where the biggest mammal's at
It's where our future food is at
It keeps the atmosphere intact
The ocean is a habitat we depend on!

It is a wonderful ditty to help remind us that this fine planet is a home shared by a large community of creatures, all intertwined. And with Earth Day coming up, a good reminder that our actions all effect the quality of the Earth/Home we share.

While we ponder how to solve the big crises of war and poverty and economics, we cannot afford to let the bigger issue of habitat destruction become collateral damage, a side effect as it were, of our way of life. It is not only the obvious issues like clear cutting and oil spills and CO2 emissions. It is not just changing to energy efficient appliances and not littering. It is tied to every aspect of everything we do. If we poison our home it will make it impossible for us to live. Seems obvious, but it is insidious. The way of life of the human race has changed to where many of the material things we strive for ultimately work against our long term future. Maybe not so long term, anymore.

But there is a growing consciousness of this. There have always been people who recognized that all "progress" wasn't necessarily positive and that understanding has grown. Coupled with tight economic times it is becoming more common to consume more wisely and less excessively. To make choices that are maybe inevitable but also very beneficial.

The river is a habitat, a very special habitat
It's where the freshest water's at
For people, fish, and muskrat
But when people dump their trash
Rivers take the biggest rap
The river is a habitat we depend on!

If each of us makes a commitment to keep their tiny portion of the planet healthy, to keep our room clean, so to speak, it can only make a difference. I have always believed that no action is too small as each bit adds to the whole and helps create the momentum that is so crucial to making change.

People are different than foxes and rabbits
Affect the whole world with their bad habits
Better to love it while we still have it
Or rat ta-tat-tat, our habitat's gone!

Humans are the ones with the power to make a difference. The best way to display our power is to make life on Earth a sustainable proposition. We can do it. We can't afford not to!

One way we can work toward this goal is to use products that are biodegradable. Merriam-Webster defines this thus:

bio·de·grad·able adjective
: capable of being broken down especially into innocuous products by the action of living things (as microorganisms)

Cotton shopping bags are biodegradable, plastic ones... not so much. The soaps and detergents that go down your drain need to be biodegradable - not to leave their byproducts in soil, rivers and the sea forever.
Find our biodegradable soaps and products on our website.