Wind power trumps nuclear

While much of the US economy continues to lag, there are a few bright spots. One is wind power. Wind power investment and production is booming globally. It shows how forward thinking and investment in new technologies can create economic growth while helping the environment. Firms and governments that ignore alternative energy and higher efficiency do so at their own peril in an increasingly globalized marketplace. It should also be noted that wind power investment is far cheaper than nuclear power, and brings a much faster return on investment. The typical nuclear power plant takes more than a decade to build. The first new batch of US plants will not come online until 2017 at the earliest, while other technologies can start paying dividends right now, at lower cost and with greatly reduced risk to the public. Here is a recent article on progress made in the wind power industry http://www.enn.com/energy/article/36949.

Species extinctions accelerating

An epidemic of extinctions: Decimation of life on earth - Nature, Environment - The Independent
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/an-epidemic-of-extinctions-decimation-of-life-on-earth-829325.html

Species are dying out at a rate not seen since the demise of the dinosaurs, according to a report published today – and human behaviour is to blame. Emily Dugan counts the cost...

Species are dying off at 10,000 times the natural rate of extinction. Between 1960 and 2000, animal populations declined by 30%. The five main reasons for this decline are all human induced: climate change, pollution, destruction of natural habitats, the spread of invasive species and the overexploitation of species. Noted biologist Edward Wilson estimates that there are more than 10,000,000 species on the planet. And the most devastating effects of global warming are just beginning to appear. This devastation is mostly avoidable. Why are we doing this to our planet?

Eleven Things You Can do to Become A Climate Friendly Consumer

Most of us do not realize that our shopping and eating habits have a major impact on the climate. The average family of four generates more than 4 pounds of trash per person per day; most of it never gets recycled. A big part of this waste stream is product packaging. Also many of our favorite foods, especially beef products, require massive amounts of resources to produce. Up to 56% of all US farmland is dedicated to producing cattle feed and related products.

Here are 11 tips that can help you to cut down on the trash make both healthy and climate friendly eating choices:

1. Avoid packaged food products.
2. Consider reducing or eliminating consumption of meat, especially red meat.
3. Increase vegetable consumption.
4. Buy locally produced organic fruits and vegetables.
5. Avoid non-seasonal foods that have to be shipped from thousands of miles away.
6. Frequent farmers markets.
7. Compost more often.
8. Avoid producers that practice inhumane animal treatment practices.
9. Use products made from sustainably harvested or recycled materials.
10.Give non-material gifts, or use recycled wrapping paper and boxes.
11.Just buy less: free yourself from advertisers and reconnect with your friends and family.

For more information, visit http://www.climatediet.com