The political ecology of shrimp aquaculture in Tamil Nadu: A case study from Mayiladuthurai District
Nagarajan R Durai , Babuji K R
This article uses a political ecology lens to analyze the impact of shrimp aquaculture in Tamil Nadu, with a case study of a coastal village in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, India. The article first looks at the shrimp industry in the coastal village as a case that illustrates how global capitalism influences the local economy. Second, it identifies ecological degradation due to the commodification of nature and analyzes the social origins of degradation. Commodification alienates nature and people from each other, and its impacts are unevenly felt across social strata, especially class, gender and caste lines. The article finally discusses the intersectionality of social differences and differentiates how the impacts of commodification are experienced and responded to.
Key Words: Shrimp aquaculture; Political ecology; Food security; Dalits
International development and financial institutions promote the development of indebted coastal countries and help them earn foreign exchange earnings for paying off external debt in numerous ways (Shekhawat et al., 2020). The promotion of industrial shrimp aquaculture is a major route for this. The aquaculture industry in India underwent substantial growth in the 1990s when shrimp farming became an intensive practice (Kurien 1997). In general, in the context of liberalization policies, export-oriented aquaculture is associated with improving food security, reducing poverty, and facilitating economic growth (Primavera, 1997). However, the promotion of export-oriented production is mostly in the hands of big corporations, which can have detrimental consequences for the livelihoods of local populations and the environment (Rivera-Ferre, 2009). Therefore, the broad objective of this article is to examine the social origins of environmental degradation through a political ecology lens, emphasising how power relations influence the access to resources and how they are managed (Peet & Watts 1996, Bryant 1998).
A coastal village  located in the Sirkazhi Block of the Mayiladuthurai District in Tamil Nadu was chosen to study shrimp aquaculture activities in Tamil Nadu. The village has a total population of 6,853 and an area of 801.08 hectares (Census of India, 2011). A caste group belonging to Most Backward Classes (MBC) constitutes most of the village's population, whereas the Scheduled Caste group (Dalits) constitute 9.5 per cent. The MBCs are the traditional landowners of the village, while Dalits were primarily employed as agricultural sources of livelihood. The study mainly concentrated on the primary data from four hamlets where shrimp aquaculture is highly prevalent. The study area was selected based on its coastal agro-ecosystem, issues related to soil and water salinization, and conversion of substantial agricultural land into aquaculture farms. The Central Ground Water Board (2020) has classified Sirkazhi Block as "over exploited" due to excessive groundwater extraction. The Central Water Commission (2017) recorded that 59% of the Block has been affected by saltwater ingression. The total cultivated area of the village under study was reduced from 440.8 hectares to 211.6 hectares in twenty-eight years, marking a drop of 52 per cent (Census of India, 1991; VAO, 2019). More than 57 hectares of this uncultivated agricultural land has been converted into aquaculture during this period. Concomitantly, the number of main cultivators has also dropped by 35 per cent (Census of India, 1991 & VAO, 2019).
An exploratory research methodology was employed. Qualitative data collection methods including in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to study the impact of shrimp aquaculture on the socio economic life of the villagers and its implications for local livelihoods. In addition, large and small shrimp farms in the village were visited using the transect walk method, and field notes were made based on the observation method. Snowball sampling was used to identify informants including agriculturists, shrimp farmers, shrimp farm laborers, feed dealers, buyers and residents of the Dalit hamlet. Women constitute 45 per cent of our sample.
The article is divided into six sections. The subsequent section draws attention to the history of shrimp aquaculture's introduction, growth, and development of shrimp aquaculture in the village and reviews how it is moulded through the intervention of state and multinational funding agencies. Next, the article analyzes the changes in social hierarchies due to the introduction of shrimp aquaculture and investigates how some private players take hold of immense profit by monopolizing the industry at the village level. The rest of the article adopts a political ecology approach, which frames an analysis of the roots of social unrest and environmental degradation on the ground of how global forces of state and market alienate nature and people from each other. This section intersects along the axes of environmental degradation, household food security, class, gender and caste. The last section concludes the study.
2. Reverberations of global power relationships at village level
The Aquaculture Development and Coordination Programme (ADCP), a project under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), came up with a National Aquaculture Development Plan (NADP) for the decade 1976-1985. They set an overall targeted production of 3 million tonnes, to which India pledged to contribute a maximum of 41 per cent (FAO, 1976). The Indian fishers who released shrimp back into the waters until the 1970s started recognising their export potential and brought them to landing sites. When fishers started to overexploit natural shrimp stocks, India faced stagnation in shrimp exports immediately after the boom. As a result, the Indian government began to devote attention to aquaculture as an alternative source for shrimp. They developed an interest in coastal land that had previously been left to be managed by local communities. The most crucial aspect of this transformation from artisanal fishing to an agricultural model for shrimp has been the necessity of gaining secure access to land. A study by Hall (2003) indicates that the establishment of shrimp ponds has involved significant shifts in land relations across Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, in the 1970s and early 1980s, the coastal village we studied subsisted on agriculture and fishing. It experienced extreme summers for six years between 1984 and 1990, and the flow of water through the Cauvery River was considerably reduced due to a water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Hence farmers started to depend extensively on bore water, which caused seawater to move in to take up the space previously occupied by underground freshwater, and it made the groundwater saline. This adversely affected agriculture, especially since summer crop cultivation was stopped for nearly five years from 1985, and the land was kept barren. The state, which had already developed an interest in coastal land, capitalized on this situation to introduce shrimp aquaculture in drought-affected villages. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) started its first office in Thanjavur district in 1988 to develop the unutilized arable-turned- saline tracts into potential lands for shrimp aquaculture. Among the marine items exported by India in 1992-93, shrimp formed 35.7 per cent by volume and 66.8 per cent by value (Mukul, 1994). The enticement of the exploitable profits in the industry fostered by the enabling environment of liberalization policies, research institutions, and multilateral consultancies attracted two corporates, Spencer and Sri Ram, to start large-scale shrimp aquaculture projects in the village in 1993. Spencer bought 300 acres (121 ha) in the village, and Sri Ram 400 acres (162 ha) near the village boundary, which included both unutilized agricultural land and residential areas. Although MPEDA did not encourage small-scale shrimp aquaculture during this phase, some villagers took a chance by investing in it on their few acres of land. It is also far simpler for members of the agriculture community to switch to aquaculture than it is for fisher folk, since agrarian communities possess more land. Several infrastructure development programs, along with better technology dissemination and fiscal incentives, were launched to boost the shrimp industry during this period. The sector witnessed concurrent growth in associated services such as hatcheries, processing plants, ice plants and shrimp depots, as well as the increase in shrimp farms (Hoque, 2017).
However, the sudden boom in profits in the first half of the decade was immediately busted in the middle of 1998 with infections caused by several viral diseases, especially the white spot syndrome . The disease was previously reported in other countries and is argued to have spread to India through the illicit import of seeds (ostracoda) from Thailand to the farms of Andhra Pradesh (Sangamaheswaran & Jeyaseelan, 2001). Consequently, the European Union and Middle Eastern countries imposed a ban on marine products from India, stating quality reasons, and incurring losses for both corporates and local shrimp farmers. The disease continues to be alive in consecutive shrimp cultures; while local farmers adapt quickly to the changing conditions, corporates are unable to survive the colossal loss of harvest. In a volatile disease environment, small farmers with more expertize in local ecologies can better micro-manage and take advantage of a trial-and-error approach (Vandergeest et al., 1999). Because of their strict organizational structure, corporates find it challenging to make timely decisions. Thus, both Sri Ram and Spencer were liquidated by the year 2000. The 7 to 10 per cent annual increase in exports that the industry was experiencing every year in the 1990s had come down to an average of a 0.41 per cent increase in quantity and a 0.47 per cent increase in value in the export markets post-2000 (Immanuel & Narayanan, 2022). But the absence of big corporates created a void in the employment opportunities that previously existed, and increased the demand for local shrimp farmers who could produce more shrimp for export markets. Hence shrimp farmers in the coastal village get good returns even when the price of shrimp fluctuates in the global market—higher demand for shrimp, and their ability to micro-manage has motivated more villagers to enter into shrimp aquaculture.
In 2009, most Southeast Asian countries started shifting toward the culture of the white-leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), which was introduced in the village in 2012. Though local farmers resisted the culture of exotic species like vannamei initially, soon they replaced native tiger shrimps (Penaeus monodon) with vannamei as the new species had several advantages for the farmer's operations. Vannamei can be stocked at high densities due to their less aggressive nature, leading to much higher production for the same unit of land. MPEDA also promoted the culture of vannamei by introducing subsidies to importers of vannamei seeds. The shrimp industry contributed 74.3 per cent of India's US$ 5.96 billion seafood exports as of 2020–2021 (MPEDA, 2021). India's shrimp exports increased from 15,762 MT in 1961 to 590,275 MT in 2021, an increase of 3,745 per cent (MPEDA, 2021). Corresponding prosperity was also reflected at the village level. The absence of big corporates was utilized as an opportunity by the local shrimp farmers to catch hold of the economy of the village completely.
Shrimp could have been considered a fictitious commodity, according to Karl Polanyi. Fictitious commodities are defined as "goods or services that are treated as commodities for exchange in the market but that are not actually produced for sale or exchange" (Polanyi, 1957). The shrimp as a species has been largely insignificant in the cultural life of villagers until very recently, when its status has changed to a 'real' commodity (Hall 2003). It has now become a highly sought-after due to its increasing popularity in global markets. The market mechanism has also driven the expansion of shrimp farming into new areas, often at the expense of other land uses and natural resources. As detailed below, this has caused environmental deterioration, economic instability, and social inequity.
3. New social hierarchies
Since members of MBC were the traditional landowners of the village, most shrimp farmers belonged to MBC, who converted their traditional agricultural land into shrimp farms. Despite the fact that the shrimp industry improved the local economy and has generated employment opportunities through the establishment of related industries, most of the income has been enjoyed by a handful of powerful entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs, who are large landowners from the relatively well-off sections of farmers from MBC, emerged as a new elite class in the village. Though the data from Village Administration Office indicates that 25 per cent of shrimp ponds in the village were owned by four major shrimp farm owners, their actual share is substantially higher. It is understood from the in-depth interview with two major shrimp farm owners that these two alone own 35 per cent of the total shrimp ponds in the village.
Another class of resource-poor farmers from MBC that do not have enough capital to start shrimp farming, turned into an intermediate class by making use of employment opportunities in the shrimp farms and allied industries or by doing small-scale shrimp aquaculture on their few acres of land. Hence it is observed that the land ownership patterns severely constrain the potential of the resource-poor to engage in aquaculture as producers. Shrimp aquaculture has promoted a shift away from individual entrepreneurship in the form of agriculture towards wage employment in shrimp farms, meaning fewer owners and more laborers.
If I am doing shrimp farming in a pond of one-acre area with two lakhs (0.2 million) seeds and able to harvest at 40 or 50 counts per kilogram, the total harvest will be about 5 tons ideally. In order to get a harvest of 5 tons, the same 5 tons of feed supply is required. On average, the total amount spent on one kilogram of shrimp will be about Rs.260-290 (3.14 - 3.50 US$). Such that if I get Rs.400 (4.83 US$) as the selling price, then my profit is likely to be Rs.600,000 (7,246.4 US$) per culture .
The expense of buying feed is the largest investment in shrimp aquaculture; about Rs.5,000 (nearly US$ 600) must be spent daily on feed if the farmer expects 5 tons of harvest from 100,000 seeds. Considering the 164 aquaculture ponds in the village, a rough estimation is that nearly 800,000 rupees (9,663 US$) are spent on the feed itself. Most small-scale shrimp farmers in the village depend on two feed dealers in the nearby town, both of whom are wealthy shrimp farm owners. These feed suppliers earn 20 per cent profit from each sale, and it is around 200,000 rupees per day (US$ 2,444). They provide feed to the small-scale farmers without any immediate cash payment, and hence these farmers are obliged to 'hand over' their harvest to the same feed dealer with no or minimal bargaining (here, the feed dealer transforms into a sub-buyer ). When debt payments cannot be met, these small-scale shrimp farmers have no option but to sell or give up their land. As a result, many small farms have been slowly assimilated into the larger ones, making the rich more powerful. A similar observation was made by the Environment Justice Foundation (2003) that small-scale shrimp farmers in India, as in Vietnam, are deeply obligated to various feed and supply companies which advance their materials on credit.
By integrating feed supply and sub-buying, the elites can dominate shrimp aquaculture at the village level and earn huge profits. However, the outcomes are not limited to economic benefits. The disproportionate amount of control and dominance that the key players have over society, which is obtained through caste hegemony, is now being reinforced by shrimp farming.
4. Environmental degradation
Local business ecosystem causes unsustainable intensification of shrimp aquaculture, leading to severe environmental degradation. The rate of water seepage is higher due to the sandy nature of the soil, and hence water must be continuously pumped from the bore well to the pond at least 15hrs a day. Shrimp farmers admitted that the excessive groundwater exploitation has led to the drawing down of local aquifers. Further, to stock at higher densities, they started digging the ponds deeply and lowering the depth of the water column. Over time, salts penetrate the water table, making the land and water shown in Figure 1 highly brackish. The water quality index of the village was tested to be 62 in 1995 (in India, classed as 'poor'); it worsened to 149 in 2018, which means the groundwater is unfit for drinking and domestic purposes (Paul Raj et al. 1995; Vijayachandran & Ravisankar, 2018). According to studies, the seepage of brackish water from shrimp ponds has led to the salinization of the surrounding soil, decreased agricultural productivity and stunted vegetation (Barraclough & Finger-stich 1996, Lewis et al. 2003).
In the wake of the adverse effect of aquaculture on the environment, the Supreme Court judgment mandated the formation of a monitoring authority for aquaculture by 1997, which was established later in 2005 with the enactment of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) Act. Following the advice of the district-level committee (DLC), the CAA issues licenses to eligible shrimp farmers (MoA&FW, 2005). But the intervention of CAA in the village was found to be inadequate and too late. There are more than 80 shrimp farmers in the village; however, only 52 are registered. Violations were numerous, such as usage of bore water, setting up shrimp farms very close (less than 50 meters) from human settlements and fields and drinking water sources, leaving a large lateral water spread area, not using inner clay core in the dykes to prevent saline water intrusion, and not building effluent treatment ponds.
Thus, shrimp aquaculture has caused significant problems for local communities, and agriculture in particular, because of its thirst for water. The lands adjacent to the ponds become unsuitable for farming due to lateral seepage of saline water. As a result, farmers are obliged to either dispose of their land or leave it fallow. Notably, the district marked a 50 per cent increase in fallow land between 1999 and 2015 (Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, 1999, 2019). Prosopis juliflora trees proliferate in the fallow areas within one or two seasons of non-cultivation, which further degrades land quality. Another issue related to water usage has been dumping untreated shrimp farm effluent into communal waterways, degrading the water available for farming. Furthermore, the decline of agriculture has a detrimental effect on cattle rearing, another key source of income for the villagers. The rising trend of fallow land and lessened harvests per year restricts the fodder supply for cattle, affecting the viability of livestock rearing.
Consequently, shrimp aquaculture has led to social tension between the agriculturalists and shrimp farmers, who are both members of the same community. The ones regarded as "companions" when agriculture was the major land use, are now perceived as "competitors." Although there is strong resistance from farmers and residents against unregulated shrimp aquaculture activities, no adequate preventive steps have been taken. This is despite concerns that aquaculture has transformed the village into what White (1995) called an 'Organic Machine.'
 The degradation of agricultural land contributes to the further expansion of the shrimp aquaculture industry. As Ray et al. (2021) explained, saltwater incursion works as a double-edged sword; it results in a decline in rice production and forces people to convert land to shrimp ponds. Poor agriculturists affected by salinization often have little option but to sell their fields at deflated prices to aquaculture operators, or join them:
My brother and I own 90 cents (3,642 m2) of family land on which we have traditionally grown rice. However, the yields are largely affected by the saline water intrusion as nearby lands were converted into shrimp farms. Although I continue cultivating rice on my 30 cents (1,215 m2), my brother has decided to convert the rest of the land into a shrimp farming pond. While a ditch was made to separate each other's land, it was unable to prevent the saltwater intrusion. So I sold my land to my brother and joined this shrimp farm as a worker .
Interestingly, even the narratives of wealthy shrimp farm owners underscore the fact that they lacked autonomy in choosing alternate livelihood strategies. Hence, they have no option but to adhere to existing rules of shrimp farming with uncertainties about production given its long-term disease history. Despite the economic gain, most local shrimp farmers opined that shrimp farming is not their desired profession and worried about their traditional ancestral land being polluted:
Water scarcity is why our land becomes a mud puddle. I know our lands could no longer grow rice and groundnuts ever again. Yet, if my bore water becomes fresh today, I will seal all my ponds and restart agriculture again. We are agricultural people .
5. Relationship between environmental degradation and social inequalities
Asymmetries in social power can cause trade-offs and distributional disparities by shaping social-ecological change, favoring certain players' interests over others (Ingalls & Stedman, 2016). When the transfer of land towards non-agricultural businesses is promoted as part of India's development agenda, it causes repercussions in 'Dalit ecologies', exacerbating existing inequalities (Prasad, 2022).
Shrimp farms are less labor-intensive than agricultural fields, and the labor opportunities are limited to men only. Farm owners opined that the nature of work in shrimp farms requires much physical labor and they are expected to work at night; hence women are not preferred as laborers. Shrimp farm owners only engaged the resource-poor people from their own caste groups to perform the work on these farms. As the agricultural lands were converted into shrimp farms, the traditional agricultural laborers of these lands (Dalits) were replaced correspondingly. Marginalization from the shrimp aquaculture sector and erosion of their resource rights left no alternate work for Dalits in their village. It forced them to migrate to take on informal sector works such as brick cutting and construction jobs in the neighbouring districts and states (Pratheepa et al., 2023). We observed that at least one male member from each family in the Dalit hamlet migrated. While men were able to migrate, the women who were bounded mainly to domestic care work were forced to remain in the village. The decline of agriculture has disproportionately reduced Dalit women's capacity to earn, and they eventually lost their informal rights in the local economy. It has been reported that the Dalits borrow money from local financiers at a very high rate of interest (up to 30 per cent) to meet their daily expenses and finally wind up in an endless poverty spiral.
Shrimp were considered by villagers as a food of the rich, because of their high price; they are wholly exported and seldom ever eaten by the villagers. The positive income from aquaculture has enhanced the purchasing capacity of MBC people and thereby improved their access to healthy food. On the other hand, the decline of agriculture has distorted the traditional food supply chain. For instance, Dalits had access to rice, black gram (Vigna mungo, a legume), peas and all necessary vegetables while they worked as agricultural laborers. Because of their reduced capacity to purchase food from the market following the decline of agricultural production, Dalits were then forced to constrain their diet to articles obtained from Tamil Nadu's public food distribution (PDS) system. With their limited diet, women were found to be receiving the lowest share of available food, as men and children in the family are prioritized:
The cotton separating works only last for three months. During other months, we do not afford to buy vegetables from the shops. Nowadays, our children survive by consuming ration  rice with a water-diluted one rupee pickle packet .
Moreover, groundwater salinization has also led to severe water scarcity in the Dalit hamlet for domestic and consumption purposes, leading to Dalit women having to spend a lot of time and energy to fetch potable water:
There are three public taps in our hamlet, but none of them has access to water. So we have to walk 2 km in the early morning to the nearby panchayat to fetch drinkable water. Sometimes the water may be unavailable, and we are compelled to consume corrosive and saline water, which leads to many water-borne diseases .
A canal that ran through the hamlet was no longer cleaned as agriculture declined, turning it into a mud puddle. Once a boon, the canal became a bane for the people in the hamlet, since mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water, causing frequent illness. Thus, a cycle of social and environmental degradation exists in which socio-economic marginalization pushes people into ecologically marginal areas, eventually leading to a spiralling degradation of the landscape and increasing impoverishment (Robbins, 2004).
For the government, shrimp production allows joining the global value chain and earning foreign exchange. The introduction of shrimp aquaculture in the coastal village we studied is linked to the interest of global market forces to enhance profits through the commodification of nature. As the local economy has become increasingly integrated with global markets, sustainable local production systems undergo a transition to the overexploitation of natural resources, which results in loss of subsistence and, cyclically, increasing overexploitation. The consequences of ecological degradation due to overexploitation are experienced differently by groups with varying power, based on their divergent social and cultural roles.
For large shrimp farm owners, shrimp means dollars and social mobility. Shrimp farming is certainly appealing to many large-scale agriculturalists because of its short-term high economic benefits in the context of decreasing income from crop cultivation. The large landowners who are capable of investing a lot of capital in shrimp farming, have transformed into large shrimp farm owners. While a portion of the resource-poor farmers turned their agricultural land into small shrimp farms, others sold their land to the major owners, and occupied the laboring work on these farms. This has created a major shift away in the land ownership pattern of the village and has resulted in fewer owners and more workers.
For small-scale shrimp farmers, shrimp means gambles and losses. They have become indebted to large shrimp farm owners for procuring feed and for marketing their products. The large farm owners monopolize them at the local level by integrating input supply and procurement chains, which deepens the vulnerabilities of small farm owners. When debt payments cannot be met, these small-scale shrimp farmers have no option for returning to agriculture, instead selling or give up their land to large shrimp farm owners.
For agriculturalists, shrimp is identified with pollution and infringement. Shrimp farming causes water scarcity due to the excessive use of bore wells, salinization of the soil and ground and surface water, and environmental pollution due to the use of pesticides and untreated runoff. Moreover, given current trends, unregulated shrimp farming will eventually lead to lower crop yields and permanent land degradation. Hence agriculturalists have limited options: abandon farming, or sell their land at deflated prices.
For Dalits, a shrimp is just a worm from the sea. They have been completely kept out of shrimp production, marketing and processing in the village. Their traditional livelihood has been completely lost with the decline of agriculture, forcing them to migrate from their village. The intersecting caste, class and gender structures position Dalit women as the most disadvantaged group within these power relations. Their environment has been strained, their subsistence way of living has been hindered, their informal rights in the local economy have been lost, and they have been pushed into a never-ending poverty spiral. The inherited vulnerabilities of Dalit women have been intensified by restricting their traditional land-based livelihood through the commodification of natural resources.
Drawing on insights from political ecology scholarship, Baglioni & Campling (2017) argues that there is a dialectical relation between environmental degradation and social inequalities, such that the different communities experience the degeneration of ecologies based on already existing social inequalities and this, in turn, generates new social contradictions which further intensifies land degradation and social inequalities. Shrimp farming in Tamil Nadu illustrates these dialectical relationships.
 Mr. Nagarajan R Durai is a research assistant in the Centre for Socio-economic and Environmental Studies, Kerala, India. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.org. Mr. Babuji K R is a research assistant in the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology, Kalpetta, Kerala, India. E-mail: email@example.com. Acknowledgements – We extend our gratitude to the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) for giving us a research intern opportunity on TIGR2ESS Flagship Project 1, BB/P027970/1. Furthermore, we thank Dr C M Pratheepa, Post-Doctoral Fellow, MSSRF, for guidance throughout this work, and an academic referee.
 Name of the village is not mentioned due to ethical concerns.
 A highly lethal and contagious viral infection that kills the shrimp quickly.
 A shrimp farmer responding to the question of capital investment and profit (6/2/2022).
 The sub-buyers are those intermediaries who distribute the shrimp collected from farmers to exporting companies.
 An analogy used by Richard White to demonstrate how native peoples and settlers have continually remade the Columbia River, treating it as a machine designed to churn out energy and sustenance (1995).
 A shrimp farm worker shared how he joined the shrimp farm while in a focus group discussion (4/02/2022).
 A shrimp farm owner concluded the interview (12/02/2022).
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 A mother from the Dalit hamlet expressed her dejection (10/02/2022).
 As an adolescent girl in the hamlet explained (12/02/2022).
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Water heater maintenance is crucial for several reasons, ranging from ensuring the efficient operation of your system to extending its lifespan and reducing energy consumption. Neglecting water heater maintenance can result in a variety of problems, including decreased performance, increased energy costs, and even the need for premature replacements. Here are several important reasons why water heater maintenance is essential:
- Efficient Operation: Over time, sediment, mineral deposits, and rust can accumulate at the bottom of your water heater tank. This buildup can act as insulation, reducing the efficiency of the heating element or burner. An inefficient water heater consumes more energy to heat the same amount of water, leading to higher energy bills.
- Extended Lifespan: Regular maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your water heater. When sediment and scale accumulate, it can lead to corrosion and wear on the tank’s interior, reducing its durability. Routine maintenance helps prevent premature water heater failures and costly replacements.
- Improved Performance: A well-maintained water heater provides consistent and reliable hot water. Neglecting maintenance can result in fluctuations in water temperature or reduced hot water supply, which can be inconvenient and disruptive to your daily routines.
- Energy Savings: An inefficient water heater not only consumes more energy but also contributes to higher energy bills. Proper maintenance ensures that your water heater operates at peak efficiency, helping you save on energy costs over time.
- Preventative Measures: Regular maintenance allows technicians to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This proactive approach can prevent costly repairs or replacements down the line.
- Safety: Neglected water heaters can pose safety risks. Gas water heaters, for instance, can develop issues like gas leaks or faulty ventilation systems if not properly maintained. Regular maintenance helps ensure the safe operation of your water heater.
- Water Quality: Sediment and mineral buildup in the tank can affect water quality. It can lead to discolored or foul-smelling hot water. Routine maintenance, including flushing the tank, can help maintain water quality.
- Warranty Requirements: Many water heaters come with manufacturer warranties that require regular maintenance to remain valid. Neglecting maintenance may void your warranty, leaving you responsible for repair or replacement costs.
- Reduction in Noise: Sediment buildup can lead to noisy water heaters. Gurgling, popping, or banging sounds from the tank are common signs of sediment accumulation. Regular maintenance can reduce these noises, providing a quieter and more pleasant home environment.
- Environmental Impact: Energy-efficient water heaters have a lower carbon footprint. By maintaining your water heater’s efficiency, you contribute to environmental conservation efforts by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Improved Water Pressure: Sediment accumulation can restrict the flow of water through the tank, leading to reduced water pressure in your home. Proper maintenance can help maintain consistent water pressure.
- Compliance with Local Regulations: Some regions have regulations and codes that require regular maintenance of water heaters, particularly for safety and environmental reasons. Compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid potential legal issues.
Water heater maintenance typically involves flushing the tank, checking and cleaning the heating element or burner, inspecting and testing safety features, and ensuring all components are in good working condition. While some maintenance tasks can be performed by homeowners, it’s advisable to schedule professional maintenance at least once a year to address more complex issues and ensure the optimal performance and safety of your water heater.
In conclusion, water heater maintenance is essential for efficiency, longevity, safety, and cost savings. Neglecting maintenance can result in decreased performance, higher energy bills, premature failures, and safety hazards. By investing in regular maintenance, you not only protect your investment but also contribute to energy conservation and environmental sustainability.


Avon, Minnesota – Blattner Company has been selected as The Cleanie Awards® Silver place winner for the 2021 Company of the Year (Enterprise).
The Cleanie Awards is the leading awards program celebrating people and brands driving the clean energy economy. The program recognizes innovation excellence and business leadership. Individuals and organizations across many facets of the industry submitted nominations.
This award, judged by industry peers, signifies how influential Blattner is in powering a cleaner, healthier and more vibrant world for all of us. Blattner recently celebrated an industry milestone of 50,000 installed megawatts of wind and solar power, which is enough clean energy to power 14 million households or 1 billion light bulbs. The carbon emissions saved is the equivalent of removing 21 million cars off the road and will prevent 51 billion gallons of water from being used for traditional fossil fuel energy creation. That impact will only continue to grow as Blattner continues to build additional solar and wind power.
“We are extremely proud to recognize this year’s innovators, influencers and advocates, who work tirelessly to champion the clean energy transition in what will be a decisive decade,” said Randee Gilmore, executive director, The Cleanie Awards. “We continuously see nearly a triple-digit increase in the number of submissions year over year, which demonstrates industry growth and the desire for a comprehensive amplification platform for climate solutions.”
Building on more than a century of innovation, Blattner is a leading renewable energy contractor of wind, solar and energy storage projects throughout the United States.
Blattner Company was selected by a cohort of peers including judges and leaders representing a cross section of the cleantech and renewable energy sectors, including Alison Mickey, Fluence; Ayanna Nibbs, Cohn Reznick Capital; Emily Chasan, Generate Capital; Kirsten Williams, DC Water; Paul Quinlan, Scott Madden, Inc.; Remy Pangle, REpowering Schools; Ron DeLyons, Creekwood Energy Partners LLC; Raheleh Folkerts, Lightsource bp; Thiam Giam, Black & Veatch Management Consulting, LLC; and Zadie Oleksiw, Clearway Energy Group.
For a full list of winners, visit thecleanieawards.com.


On October 1, 2020, the Hands off Mother Earth (HOME) Campaign conducted its first grounding teach-in on geoengineering technologies – techno-fixes whose proponents have long claimed to be able to solve the climate crisis. On the other hand, global grassroots movements for climate justice have argued that these projects are expensive as well a dangerous distraction designed in ways that ignore power relations at a global scale and importantly, the deeper structural questions regarding the roots causes of the climate crisis. This (101) session critically unpacked, from a climate justice perspective, three intersections of geoengineering: its techno-financial /deterministic roots and ideology, human rights and social justice questions, and finally, global governance and sovereignty.
Silvia Ribeiro, ETC Group, Tom Goldtooth, Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) and Dr. Max Ajl, Tunisian Observatory for Food Sovereignty (OSAE) led the teach-in which was loosely facilitated by the HOME campaign coordinator, Ruth Nyambura.
Download the presentations in PDF format below:
Information materials on the HOME Campaign and geoengineering
Presentation of Silvia Ribeiro, ETC Group
Presentation of Tom Goldtooth, IEN (to be uploaded)


Preparing for the winter season should not be left until the last moment. Taking the time to make informed decisions means you won’t get any surprises with your winter comfort, or with your monthly electricity bill.
Are you looking for an alternative heating solution with low running costs, able to quickly warm up a room to the desired comfort level?
When it comes to modern heating appliances, there are plenty options to choose from. Here we will look at the options available to heat your home this winter.
- Electric heaters may do the job for smaller rooms but using them regularly will increase your electricity bill substantially.
- Gas heaters are a cheaper choice, but they release fumes and create moisture. They are also a fire risk if not properly maintained.
- Using wood for heating is expensive and furthermore, eco compliance regulations are getting stricter. Burning wood releases harmful fumes.
- Far-infrared heat panels are the latest breakthrough in winter heating appliances. Infrared heaters warm objects and not the air in the room.
So, what’s so good about infrared heating?
Firstly, infrared heating is absolutely eco-friendly. Far-infrared heat panels produce a completely natural form of heating with no CO2 emissions. They provide a 100% natural energy conversion and reduce the carbon footprint of our homes via lower energy consumption.
Infrared heat panels are cheaper to operate than the alternatives, especially when using zone heating. The heat up a room quickly (as they are not heating the air). Individual far-infrared panels can be turned on only when the rooms are in use. When used correctly, far-infrared heating may reduce your heating bill by up to 65%.
Infracomfort far-infrared heat panels can be operated through smart thermostats. They can be turned ON/OFF with a timer, or even used from a distance via smart phone. Infrared Heaters require no maintenance and in many cases can be installed easily without the need of a technician. Far-infrared heat panels have no moving parts thus almost nothing can go wrong with them.
Far-infrared heat panels have a long life expectancy. Compared to the conventional heating device, the temperature of the heating element is relatively low. Under this condition, the life of heater material is extremely long and the whole unit can reach a 30-year lifespan.
If you are searching for a cost-effective and eco-friendly heating method, then using Infracomfort far-infrared heating should be the first on your list.
The flexibility of Infracomfort far-infrared heating makes it the ideal choice to suit the many different room sizes and living spaces found in homes, schools, communities, workplaces and commercial buildings throughout New Zealand.


Is your pool clean? could it be cleaner? Bleached hair or swimsuits, dry skin or itchy eyes?
Have you counted the cost of the chemicals you use to keep your pool clean?
This Solar Powered Pool Ionizer Purifier is safe, effective & here to fix just that.
Lower Chlorine: It can reduce your chlorine, its limitless power derived from the sun, and provides buoyancy to the largest copper anode, increased lifespan, saving your money on replacements.
Algae Resistant: The solar pool ionizer can kill and regulate the growth of algae self-sufficiently never using any expensive batteries and chemicals.
Easy to Use: Just drop it in & done. The solar pool ionizer is extremely self-sufficient and just needs a little bit of attention, all you need to do is replace the copper anodes.
Health Choice: It is a much healthier option for your body and completely no need to worry about itchy skin, red eyes, or bleached hair.
Solar Powered: Environmentally friendly solar panels are low-maintenance and save the electric fee.
Suitable for all pool types: underground, above ground, salt water and chlorine pools. Also works on all floors including concrete, pebble, quartz, tile.
1 x Solar Pool Ionizer
1 x Cleaning Brush
1 x Tool
Material: plastic + electronic components
Size: 160*160mm ( 6.29”*6.29”)
Principle: Let the sunlight and ionization process clean the swimming pool.


A wide variety of natural sourced exfoliants, ideal for cosmetic products as an environment friendly alternative to microplastic beads. Excellent scrubs that help remove dead cells and impurities at the skin surface to let the beauty arise.
Sourced from renewable and biodegradable ingredients, ACTISCRUB™ physical exfoliants are an environment-friendly solution for cosmetic formulations addressed to remove dead cells and impurities offering an alternative to synthetic solutions, such as plastic microbeads.
Lipotec develops active ingredients for the personal care industry and supplies them to leading cosmetic product manufacturers and brand owners worldwide.
The information contained in Lipotec's intranet is exclusively addressed to personal care industry professionals and access to specific data will be granted according to user profile (customers, distributors, consultants, media...).


The Ultimate Guide To Termite Control Estimate
Assess your home's surrounds shrubs or garden beds should be well clear of the building border and not cover weep holes (the small openings left between bricks to allow water drain out).
If you are building a new house, certain construction methods and materials can reduce the termite risk considerably.
Not known Incorrect Statements About Termite Control Effectiveness
The Building Code of Australia requires that all new homes and extensions possess a hierarchical management program in place in most areas (except Tasmania, where the termite risk is negligible). Homes constructed after July 1995 should have a'durable notice' of treatment corrected to a prominent position in the building (near the meter box or the entrance to a crawl space), listing the:.
Termite shields (also known as ant caps) don't prevent termite activity but bring it into the open, since it is simpler to discover their mud shelter tubes on the alloy caps.
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Woven stainless steel mesh or finely graded stone particles can be installed in a concrete slab and pit walls around pipe openings and so on, so termites can't undergo those concealed entry points.
Composite systems such as treated plastic or cloth sheets contain chemicals that will degrade over time, unlike actual physical barriers.
Reticulation systems involve piping fitted under slabs and around the edges of a building with access points for injection of insecticide.
10 Simple Techniques For Termite Control Effectiveness
Chemical barriers are applied under and around a concrete slab or around the building piers or footings.
Synthetic pyrethroids like permethrin or bifenthrin are generally less toxic than many of the prior insecticides that were banned in most parts of Australia in the mid 1990s.
Fipronil and imidacloprid are particularly effective against termites since they are non-repellant. This means the termites will travel through the treated zone without detecting the compound and take it back into the colony, therefore contaminating other termites.
Arsenic trioxide dust is a really toxic substance and a confirmed carcinogen for humans. It was commonly used in the past in termite dusting processes but has been replaced with less toxic insect growth regulators (IGRs) like triflumuron. This distinctive blue powder is quite effective, but may require somewhat longer than arsenic dust to wipe out a colony.
The Only Guide for Termite Control Electronic
This is a somewhat less toxic but more expensive alternative that'll require routine maintenance. Monitoring and bait stations use very tiny amounts of a low-toxic IGR which has an effect on the termite's exoskeleton and kills them without harming other animals or humans.
The insect manager places a baiting station (or many ) in the vicinity of the home, usually in-ground.
The station is checked frequently, repositioned if needed and when termites are found, bait is added to replenish the station.
Termite Control Effectiveness for Dummies
The termites take the bait back to their nest and disperse it through grooming, until the colony is eventually wiped out.
There's no guarantee the termites will really find the lure, so it's generally not a fantastic idea to utilize a monitoring and lure station as your only approach to termite management.
The average price of a termite treatment is projected at around $1300 to $1500 plus potentially several thousand dollars for repairing damage to the building. Should you need termite treatment:
Termite Control Electronic Can Be Fun For Everyone
Phone several pest managers before committing to one you are unlikely to get detailed information or a particular cost on the phone, but you ought to be able to find a general impression about the company, their termite treatment and a range of prices you can expect.
Compare the optionsquotes, quotations and professionalism of the various pest managers and decide on the company that you're most comfortable with.
The 15-Second Trick For Termite Control Electronic
Consider the type of solutions the treatment will supply the cheapest quote might only rid you of termites in the brief period while a more expensive integrated strategy provides better protection from future termite attacks.
Can they possess a current licence and why not try this out up-to-date professional indemnity and public liability insurance certificates
Will the pest inspector also do the termite treatment, if one is needed If not, how experienced is the person who is doing the termite treatment
Termite Control Effectiveness Things To Know Before You Get This
Can they match, or exceed, the requirements of the Australian Standard (AS4349.3 provides guidelines for inspecting buildings for wood insects; AS3660.2 copes with termite management in and around existing buildings and constructions ).
Just how long will the inspection take (An ordinary home should take just two to three hours to inspect, including the time the inspector spends discussing the issues with you.)


Environmental Impact of Forged Fittings: Sustainability and Benefits
Environmental Impact of Forged Fittings: Sustainability and Benefits: In today’s world, the environmental impact of industrial processes and products has gained significant attention. Forged fittings, known for their strength, durability, and versatility, play a crucial role in various industries. This blog explores the environmental impact of forged fittings, discussing their sustainability, benefits, and contributions to a greener future.
The Green Advantage of Forged Fittings:
Forged fittings are manufactured through a forging process that involves shaping heated metal into the desired form using compressive forces. This process, when compared to other manufacturing methods, offers several environmental benefits:
- Material Efficiency: Forging produces less waste compared to other methods like machining or casting. It optimizes material use, reducing scrap and minimizing the demand for raw materials.
- Energy Efficiency: Forging requires less energy than many alternative methods, making it an energy-efficient choice. The controlled heating and shaping process result in lower energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reduced Emissions: The reduced energy consumption and efficient material usage in forging translate to lower emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants compared to other manufacturing processes.
- Longevity and Durability: Forged fittings are renowned for their strength and durability, which leads to longer service lives. This longevity minimizes the need for frequent replacements, conserving resources and reducing waste.
Sustainable Material Choices:
Forged fittings are available in various materials, each with its own environmental impact. Some materials, like high nickel alloys and stainless steel, offer exceptional corrosion resistance, reducing the need for maintenance and replacement. By selecting materials that withstand harsh conditions without deteriorating, industries can extend the lifespan of their systems and minimize environmental impact.
Application Areas and Environmental Benefits:
- Oil and Gas Industry: Forged fittings used in pipelines, refineries, and offshore platforms contribute to reliable and leak-free systems, reducing the risk of spills and environmental contamination.
- Power Generation: In power plants, forged fittings help maintain efficient and reliable steam and gas systems, ensuring minimal energy wastage and reduced emissions.
- Chemical Processing: By withstanding corrosive chemicals and high pressures, forged fittings in chemical plants contribute to safe operations and prevent leaks that could harm the environment.
- Aerospace: In aircraft engines, forged fittings improve reliability, reducing maintenance requirements and minimizing the environmental impact of frequent part replacements.
Recycling and End-of-Life Considerations:
When forged fittings reach the end of their service life, they can often be recycled and repurposed. Their durability and material quality make them valuable for secondary uses, further minimizing waste and the demand for new raw materials.
Industry Regulations and Standards:
Environmental regulations and standards push industries toward more sustainable practices. Forged fittings manufacturers often adhere to strict guidelines that prioritize responsible material sourcing, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.
Forged fittings stand out not only for their mechanical properties but also for their positive environmental impact. Their energy efficiency, material optimization, and durability contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. As industries increasingly recognize the significance of environmental responsibility, the choice of forged fittings aligns with a commitment to minimizing the carbon footprint and ensuring the long-term health of our planet.


One of the many purposes of arts education is to heighten learners’ awareness of built and natural environments. City children don’t have many opportunities to encounter natural environments, or the animals that inhabit them – with the exception of squirrels, robins, pigeons, sparrows, and starlings. The last three are all invasive species considered to be pests, and are among the few birds unprotected by Federal Law. Or as satirist Tom Lehrer sings, “… it’s not against any religion / To want to dispose of a pigeon.” But even these feral invasive species have a peculiar relationship with humans, living wild and almost unnoticed amongst us.
City children encounter very few native birds other than robins – except in September, when kids can glance up on their way to school and see a variety of migrating birds winging it South. What do humans look like from these migrating birds’ point of view? Like tiny blips on the collective ancient bird unconscious that has watched rivers and mountains, forests and plains, deserts and in-land seas ebb and flow in and out of existence over time. In T. H. White’s wonderful novel The Once and Future King, the wizard Merlyn transforms an awkward boy named Wart into a migrating snow goose, so that the future King Arthur can see for himself that national political boundaries are imaginary.
I wish Merlyn would transform some awkward boys in Washington into snow geese flying over the Middle East, where they would see millions of human refugees migrating across imaginary boundaries against their displaced wills.
Founder and Lead Consultant
Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE)


It is seldom easy to hear.
A missing note can be still harder to detect.
Even in a forest.
According to a 2019 article in the magazine Science, North America has 30% fewer birds than in the 1970s. That’s a loss of 3 billion birds. Even common birds such as sparrows and blackbirds are in decline. Forests bristling with the chorus of avian life have slipped out of harmony incrementally, imperceptibly.
The news about songbirds has not been easy to hear
A bird can be weightlessly cradled in the palm of our hand. This fragile element of nature leverages a quickened metabolism against expansive geography in migrations spanning thousands of miles. It is particularly vulnerable when stretched to its physical limit on seasonal migrations. This feat of athleticism ends abruptly in the absence of nutrition. Birds also encounter risks to reproduction and survival in breeding grounds and in wintering grounds.
During migrations, birds adhere to the same flight path. They rely on the trail followed by their ancestors generation by generation. And they can occasionally be challenged to navigate a changing landscape.
The journey, like a long car trip, relies on predictable refueling stops. Without periodic rest areas, their voyage will be curtailed. Stopover points offer essential nourishment.
If a rest stop is closed, the avian migration ends. Period. There is no second chance. No do over. No orange-coned detour. No alternate route. No roadside assistance. The songbird has one chance to get it right. Restful stopovers with ample food are indispensable. Otherwise, silence.
Migratory corridors and stopover sites for small songbirds have been difficult to identify. The birds fleetingly drift through, seldom alighting long enough to be counted. On the other hand, breeding grounds and overwintering grounds are comparatively easy to monitor. Birds settle in for the season. There, they can be identified, observed and tallied. The inability to gather solid data on stopover points for songbirds has hampered efforts to preserve this essential geography.
Funding for a flight path resembling I-75 from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to southern Florida is not likely. And even if a single path could be protected for a single species or a suite of similar species, other flight paths would remain at risk. The protection of multiple, sprawling flight paths resides well beyond the art of the possible. Stopover points would be easier to protect.
Weighty tracking systems with battery packs have been harnessed to large birds. They produce vital data on flight patterns and stopovers. This technology, however, is of no avail to researchers of smaller birds comprising the greater proportion of avian migration.
New technology promises new hope.
Recently, so-called nanotags have enabled even small songbirds to be tracked. A nanotag is minuscule. Weighing one-fifth of a paperclip, it can be secured unobtrusively to the backs of our smallest feathered friends. Nanotags are just now enabling the tracking of small songbirds, and their elusive stopover points are for the first time coming into view.
This is a game changer.
Nanotag technology places philanthropy on the cusp of a new strategy. With data derived from nanotags, philanthropic funding can now be targeted with precision on the conservation of defined stopovers, essential refueling stations, and biological linchpins.
Coordination among ornithology, land trusts, and philanthropy awaits. This collaboration will optimize funding like never before; perhaps in the nick of time.
Even land trusts serving small areas or regional watersheds can now play a vital role in international and transcontinental migrations. The national and international players in land conservation have always had bird migrations in their purview. But never before have small land trusts been able to play such a prominent role on the national and international stage. With data derived from nanotags, the small land trusts collectively become active participants in securing a flight path far beyond their jurisdiction.
This opportunity to preserve songbirds becomes even more affordable with the use of conservation easements. Under a conservation easement, title to the land is not purchased. Rather, only the right to preserve a specific habitat is secured. The landowner continues to own the land while committing to preserve the habitat associated with a stopover. The cost for a land trust to acquire a conservation easement is far less than the cost of title to the land. Conservation easement donations are also incentivized by tax deductions.
Rules for the art of the possible in service of a fragile and beloved gift of nature have changed. Philanthropy is perched on the frontier of a shared adventure with ornithology and strategic land conservation.
This isn’t exactly about the forest; it’s about the song in its soul.
John Rohe practiced law in Michigan, with an emphasis on land and habitat conservation, for three decades before joining Colcom Foundation in 2006. His educational background is in engineering and law.


We have knowledge of troubleshooting and programming all major manufacturers controllers.
Each yard is different in the way we distribute water with a sprinkler system. Every lawn and landscape needs a unique design to be properly watered. We make the extra effort to provide the proper amount of water accordingly.
Depending on water quality in your area, it might be better, cleaner, and fresher than city water. Even if it is not, it will be cheaper than water from your local water district.
You will save enough on your water bill to pay for the well in just 1 year, after which your water bill for irrigation will be just the cost of the electricity. No more per gallon fees.
We also service distressed wells.
When thinking about installing a pool we can help you with redesigning your sprinkler system to adapt to the new layout of the new lawn and landscaping around the pool.
Watercare Irrigation and Well LLC proudly offers the men and women who support our country a military discount. Thank you for your service.


With the water temperatures at The Agincourt Ribbon Reefs, GBR, rising to 31 degrees on the surface this week, I decided it might be time to explain what coral bleaching is and how it effects the reef.
What is coral?
If I asked you whether coral was a rock, a plant, or an animal, which one would you choose? Well it doesn’t actually matter which one you choose because coral is a combination of all three.
Coral is in fact millions of tiny creatures called polyps. These are like upside down jelly fish and have tentacles which reach out and catch plankton floating passed in the water system.
Each polyp lives inside a hard outer skeleton which is made from limestone. This skeleton attaches to rocks or dead coral polyps to hold the polyp in place.
The polyps are also a host to a form of microscopic algae called zooxanthellae, which photosynthesises and provides the coral with oxygen and food. This is the corals main source of food.
Why does coral bleach?
When corals are stressed the zooxanthellae within them are expelled and the coral loses its colour and the limestone skeleton is exposed. This is the bright white colour you see, and what has given it the name bleaching. In some coral species the coral polyps may change colour before they turn transparent. These are often bright, florescent colours.
Without the zooxanthellae the coral polyps are likely to not get enough food and will eventually starve.
There are three main reasons for a coral polyp to become stressed:
If they are submitted to temperatures above 30 degrees or temperatures below 20 degrees.
If there is a change in the consistency of the water, for example chemicals are added from nearby farms or factories.
If humans are touching or standing on the coral.
Coral can survive in this bleached state for up to 6 weeks before they die. This therefore means that just because an expanse of reef has become bleached, it is not necessarily dead. Many of those bleached corals will survive, especially if the stressful conditions are removed within six weeks.
Luckily for The Great Barrier Reef, the temperatures are only just rising to above 30 degrees. This is also currently limited to the top couple of meters of water, which means that the number of corals effected is currently very low. It is also unlikely that these water temperatures will remain for another 6 weeks, so any corals currently bleaching are likely to recover.
Here are some photos taken this week at a few different dive sites across The Agincourt Ribbon Reefs, of corals where bleaching was starting to appear. From these pictures you can see that only a small area of the coral colony has been bleached, the majority of the polyps are alive and healthy.
I had to look quite hard to find these bleached corals, so I also took some general pictures of the reef just to prove that a tiny bit of bleaching has not affected the whole reef.
Please see the rest of my blogs in the series Is The Great Barrier Reef Dead?
Don't forget to share this blog with the buttons below.


A cozy fireplace is a cherished feature of many homes, offering warmth, ambiance, and a place for families to gather. However, amidst the comfort and crackling flames lies a hidden danger that often goes overlooked: a neglected chimney. Regular chimney sweeping is not only crucial for maintaining the efficiency of your fireplace but is also a vital safety measure.
Preventing Creosote Buildup
One of the primary reasons to prioritize regular chimney sweeping is to prevent the accumulation of creosote. As wood burns, it releases various byproducts, one of which is creosote—a sticky and highly flammable substance that adheres to the interior of the chimney. Over time, creosote buildup can become a serious fire hazard. A professional chimney sweep will ensure that this hazardous residue is effectively removed, minimizing the risk of chimney fires and potential damage to your home.
Improving Fireplace Efficiency
A dirty and obstructed chimney can hinder the proper flow of air, leading to reduced fireplace efficiency. When soot and debris accumulate, they can restrict the passage of smoke and gases, causing smoke to billow back into your living space. Regular chimney sweeping eliminates these obstructions, allowing your fireplace to function optimally, which, in turn, enhances its heating efficiency and reduces energy waste.
Protecting Indoor Air Quality
A poorly maintained chimney can negatively impact the air quality inside your home. When debris and soot block the chimney, harmful gases like carbon monoxide may be forced back into the living space, endangering the health of your family. Regular chimney sweeping ensures that these dangerous pollutants are properly vented out of your home, preserving indoor air quality and safeguarding your loved ones.
Extending Chimney Lifespan
Just like any other part of your home, chimneys require regular maintenance to extend their lifespan. Neglecting chimney sweeping can lead to deterioration of the chimney liner, bricks, and mortar due to prolonged exposure to creosote and other corrosive substances. By investing in routine chimney sweeping, you can significantly prolong the life of your chimney and avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Identifying and Addressing Structural Issues
During a professional chimney sweeping, skilled technicians also perform inspections to identify potential structural issues. Catching problems early on allows for timely repairs, preventing small issues from escalating into more significant and expensive complications later.
Compliance with Insurance Requirements
Many insurance companies require homeowners to have their chimneys professionally cleaned and inspected regularly to maintain coverage. Adhering to these requirements ensures that your homeowner’s insurance policy remains valid, providing financial protection in the event of a chimney-related incident.
In conclusion, regular chimney sweeping is a critical aspect of responsible fireplace ownership. By prioritizing this essential maintenance task, you can prevent creosote buildup, improve fireplace efficiency, and protect indoor air quality. Moreover, it ensures that your chimney operates safely and effectively, reducing the risk of chimney fires and extending its overall lifespan.
Contact Old Tyme Chimney Sweeping Inc. at 508-759-0930 today or visit us online for more information!


Superhydrophobic filtrating materials have been widely developed for rapid removal or collection of oils from oil/water mixture due to the increasing water pollution caused by oil spills and oil-contaminated wastewater. However, poor reusability, superhydrophobic failure in harsh environments, and that only heavy oil or light oil was separated from water seriously restricted their practical application. Herein, superhydrophobic carbon fibers were first fabricated using a novel nickel electroplating for versatile oil/water separation with excellent reusability and high environmental stability. The interconnected nanometer-scale nickel grains formed on the micrometer-scale fibers and fluoroalkylsilane molecules enabled the fibers to be superhydrophobic with the water contact angle (CA) of ∼159.1° and superoleophilic with the oil CA of ∼0°. The nickel coating contributed to the improvement of the bonding strength, tensile strength, and oxidation resistance of the fibers. The as-prepared fibers could be applied for the separation of heavy or light oil/water mixtures with separation efficiencies above 99.1%, during which the oil content in the separated water all remained below 78 ppm. The fibers also realized the highly efficient separation of dichloromethane and various harsh environmental solutions such as hot water, acid, alkali, and salt. The superhydrophobicity of the fluorinated nickel-coated carbon fibers still remained even after 100 cycles of separation and 24 months of storage in air, demonstrating outstanding durability of the fibers. These novel superhydrophobic carbon fibers had promising potentials for versatile oil/water separation in practical applications.


Weather & Climate
An important distinction between the terms "weather" and "climate" is often misunderstood. Take a walk and notice the temperature, humidity, and wind direction. You are observing the weather. Weather happens at a specific location and time, and it changes from hour to hour and from day to day. Climate, however, is the accumulation of weather statistics taken over a long time period, and you need to gather a lot of weather data before you can determine the climate. Take summer in San Francisco as an example. San Francisco , on average, has a maximum daily temperature of 69 degrees F (20.5 degrees C) during July. This climate information, accumulated over the past thirty years of July weather, tells us what the average weather is like for that month. However, on any given day in July, the weather can be quite different, as tourists often discover when the cold fog rolls in under the Golden Gate Bridge . Climate is what you expect the weather to be, but, of course, on any given day the weather can be very different.


There are two trails in the community, Lord’s Pond at North Tryon, and the Tryon River Trail at Tryon. The trails are maintained by the Tryon River Watershed Cooperative, and link many of the natural and historic sites of the area. Both trails offer good bird watching opportunities and they are also part of the geocaching system.
Lord’s Pond is a reconstructed mill pond and features a fish ladder, fishing platform, sediment basin, and domestic water fowl. An easy walking trail about 1 km in length surrounds the pond. The trail is accessed at#57 Lord’s Pond Road just off the TCH at North Tryon.
The Tryon River Trail links the churches, cemetery, salt-water marshes, fresh water bogs, meadows, and small woods. The trail is in the area where the first white settlers, the Acadians, built their homes, and also follows on or near the foot-path of the later English settlers as identified on an original map of the area. Various plants, shrubs, trees and historic sites are identified with QR codes which are linked to other web sites for additional information. There are two loops to this trail, a short easy section, and a longer more difficult section about 2 km in length. Be sure to take binoculars and a camera with you when you visit the trail. The trail is accessed adjacent to #49 Route 10 in Tryon.
This Guided Walk will help you interpret the trail.
Our coordinates are: http://maps.google.ca/?ll=46.239844,-63.544044&spn=0.000004,0.002401&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=46.239844,-63.544044&panoid=8GHsIL4verJRt3b5-c2oVA&cbp=12,203.09,,0,0.94
The Tryon River was important to the early settlers for navigation and fishing while the dams on the upper two tributaries provided power for various mills. Hay was harvested on the marsh with the Acadians being the first to develop a system of dykes and canals to control the flow of water. An important shipbuilding industry was also carried out on the river banks.
The river is an important spring and fall migration area for Canada Geese, Black Ducks, Brant and Teal. During the summer months Bald Eagles, Osprey and Blue Heron are frequently seen fishing in the river. Although not often seen, mammals such as muskrat, weasels and mink make Tryon River their home. The estuarine region is important as a nursery area for larval fish such as smelt and gaspereaux. Once hatched they drift into the river where they feed and in turn provide food for larger fish.
South Shore United Church.The building was built in 1882. In 1992 the building was designated as a National Historic Site to commemorate 200 years of Methodist roots, and to recognize this fine example of Gothic architecture designed by the famous architect, William Critchlow Harris, 1854-1913. Additional space was completed in 2008.
For information please click on this website: www.southshoreunitedchurch.ca
The Tryon Peoples’ Cemetery is a pioneer cemetery overlooking the Tryon River. It was incorporated in 1920. One of the first burial sites is for wife and several descendants of Surveyor General Capt. Samuel Holland. Up to date records are kept by the Cemetery Board. For more information please click on this web page: Tryon Peoples’ Cemetery.
George Dalton, 6th generation grandson of Surveyor General Samuel Holland visits the family plot in the cemetery.
The Tryon Baptist Congregation was established by Alexander Crawford in 1814. The present Church building was erected in 1864, and remodeled several times in later years.
The Red Oak, the Provincial Tree, is the signature tree on the trail, and you will find many other native shrubs, trees and plants.
The Highbush Cranberry is a beautiful shrub which serves as an emergency food for wildlife.


Heiche Polska has taken a step towards energy independence
The company Heiche Polska Sp. Z o.o joined the Siechnice Energy Cluster. It is the first factory in the KAP Surface Technologies group that sets new directions for development in this field. The ceremonial signing of the agreement took place on January 11 at the seat of the energy company ESV S.A Siechnice, which belongs to the group of the largest and independent energy distributors in Poland. This includes on their initiative, in 2018, the Siechnice Energy Cluster was established and now it has grown by several new members, including Heiche Polska, which is one of the key recipients of energy supplied by ESV. "Heiche Polska is a modern company that recognizes the importance of energy management, its impact on the environment and, of course, costs. These elements allow you to build a competitive advantage on the market" - says Sławomir Nowicki, CEO of ESV S.A.
The energy cluster is a solution that allows us to face the current challenges in the field of distributed energy. Simply put, it enables the balancing of energy production and consumption in a given area, which reduces the burden on the national power system and reduces the need to transmit electricity over long distances. It is used to reduce energy costs and allow you to better care for the environment. As a consequence, the area covered by the operation of the cluster increases its competitiveness for investors and everyone benefits from it.
Belonging to KAP Surface Technologies, Heiche Polska is the first factory in the KAP ST group to take such an initiative and join the global trend of energy transformation. "We are proud that, as a company, we contribute to the development of projects that affect the changes in the current energy model towards creating a zero-emission economy, producing green and clean energy" says Piotr Kuśmierz, CEO of Heiche Polska Sp. z o.o. It is a huge step into the future not only for our factory, but also for the entire KAP Surface Technologies group. Thanks to this initiative, our factory sets new directions of development. We help in the development of distributed energy based on renewable as well as conventional energy sources, serving the improvement of energy security, the natural environment and strengthening the local economy.
Thanks to belonging to an energy cluster in the future, Heiche Polska will ensure the desired self-sufficiency and energy independence. This in turn will allow her to avoid e.g. problems resulting from limitations in electricity supply, but also price fluctuations that appear more and more often on the market.


Takeo - Handwoven throw
Takeo is an exclusive blanket for Singapore, one of our best-seller, attractive for its brown / terra natural color, and its beautiful weaving. A modern and minimalist style to match any interior.
- All our throws are handwoven by women artisans in Cambodia, it takes 2-3 days to produce one piece.
Hypoallergenic blanket, made of 100% cotton, with respect to the environment using natural fibers and vegetable dyes.
- Colour : brown / terra
- Dimensions : 130 x 190 cm


Bofors Test Center performs qualified testing, primarily of weapons, ammunition and other products within the field of explosive substances, service life extension and demil of ammunition as well as destruction of explosive substances. Bofors Test Center endeavours not only to comply with environmental legislation, but also to exceed it as far as possible. In our endeavours to ensure minimum environmental impact we work on:
- Considering the environmental aspects for tenders and in our planning of tests.
- Making constant improvements to reduce emissions from our destruction facilities.
- Sorting our waste so that all fractions over and above destruction residue can be re-used, recycled or recycled to obtain energy.
- Assisting the emergency services and the community in general in the event of emergencies, primarily forest fires.
- Identifying and implementing actions to reduce energy consumption.
- Limiting noise dispersal by planning firing in locations where the noise will cause minimal disturbance.
- Safeguarding biological diversity.
- Using minimal chemicals.
The objectives that characterize our quality work are:
- Ensuring delivery of the right quality at the right time and to the right location.
- Minimising costs resulting from quality defects.
- A high level of availability and flexibility.
This is achieved by:
- Maintaining procedures that minimise the risk of repeated quality defects.
- The business system’s processes being systematically revised to achieve continuous improvements.
- Actively following up on quality-improvement measures to ensure the desired effect is achieved.
- The organisation’s quality efforts being measured in connection with the management’s annual review and being analysed.
- Ongoing follow-up taking place regularly during the year.
- Measuring customer perceptions of quality in order to find ways to further improve and strengthen quality work.
- The incident reporting system being used as a basis for the analysis.
On 25 July 2003, a new law on electronic communication came into force.


It’s been five years since the last big hurricane (Irma) came though the Tampa Bay area and early in the week, as we watched the forecast track, it looked like we were going to get slammed by a category 4 storm, Hurricane Ian.
We got lucky … soooo very lucky. Unfortunately, our neighbors to the south around Fort Meyers were not as lucky.
We don’t live in an evacuation zone in Pinellas county, nor a flood zone (we’re 63ft above sea level), the house is as protected as it can be (impact doors and windows), and our hurricane closet is always re-stocked at the beginning of each season, so our prep work on Monday and Tuesday consisted mainly of draining some water out of the pool, putting away patio/lanai furniture and making sure small/loose objects outside were secured or brought in. Then it was the decision to either ride out the storm at home or evacuate and we decided to stay (of course we had to assure our out-of-town family and friends that we were going to be fine once the national news started reporting on evacuations).
Wednesday was the long waiting day. We watched the local weather news all day and kept our eye on the NHC updates every 3 hours as the track slowly shifted to our south and Ian made landfall around Fort Meyers, similar to the path Hurricane Charley took back in 2004. Since we ended up on the “good” (northeast) side of the storm, it wasn’t nearly as bad as we expected. It was windy and rainy all day, but we never saw heavy rain or thunderstorms or tornados. I only recorded about 1.5″ of rainfall total in the pool and have seen much heavier rain in our regular daily FL afternoon thunderstorms. The wind really picked up Wednesday evening into early Thursday morning and it was still pretty breezy all day Thursday but we never lost power (I was actually looking forward to using the V2L feature in my wife’s EV6 to power some things in the house). We were able to get outside Thursday morning to start cleaning up all the yard debris (16 bags’ worth), putting back all the outdoor furniture and plants, and getting the house back to normal. By mid-afternoon the sun came back out and it turned into a beautiful, cool autumn day, belying the devastation to our south. We really dodged a major bullet.
The one fun thing during the storm was a little owl that decided to take refuge from the storm under one of our eaves in the backyard. We named him Ian (of course!) and he hung out all day Wednesday (during the storm) and Thursday (watching us clean up). No sign of him today (Friday) but it was cool to have him with us as the storm passed through.


Special Issue "Melanoma Epidemiology: Analytical Studies, Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Addressing Environmental Risk Factors and Preventive Measures"
Prof. Dr. Olaf Gefeller, Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
Prof. Dr. Marit B. Veierød, Oslo Centre of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo
14 September 2020
We are guest editing a special issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH), "Melanoma Epidemiology: Analytical Studies, Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Addressing Environmental Risk Factors and Preventive Measures".
Studying the epidemiology of melanoma is a tricky endeavour as the risk of developing melanoma depends on environmental factors, host factors, lifestyle factors, genetic factors and their interactions. Among the environmental factors, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun plays the most prominent role, but also other environmental factors, such as chemical exposures, may increase melanoma risk. Host factors like the skin phenotype and the number as well as the type of nevi are well established as risk factors for melanoma, but other factors are also discussed for which the evidence is less clear. Lifestyle factors such as exposure to artificial ultraviolet radiation when using sunbeds have been shown to be associated with melanoma risk. A variety of genetic factors including high-penetrant genes, moderate-risk genes, and low-risk genetic polymorphisms have been linked to melanoma development. The effects of the complex interplay between all these factors are an evolving area of current research. In addition, the effect of preventive measures to reduce the risk of melanoma is also a topic of specific interest in the current research. This Special Issue invites papers on all these aspects of melanoma epidemiology. The focus lies on environmental factors and their prevention, but other related topics may also be considered. Not only papers reporting original data from epidemiologic studies, but also systematic reviews and meta-analyses are welcome.


LED Lighting has generated positive led street light reviews right from the time it had been discovered in the early 1960’s, mainly due to its energy saving feature. Initially there were only LED Bulbs that were made available in the market, but today one may come across a vast variety of LED lights that are to be used for many different outdoor and indoor settings. Roads and Streets require appropriate level of lighting so as to enable smooth running of traffic and also to ensure safety of the commuters and vehicle drivers.
LED Street Lighting is manufactured in a manner to provide the right amount of beam falling in the right direction on the roads. They are available with attachments that can be managed to reduce as well as increase the level of lights as and when required. In addition to this, LED Street lighting has a few more advantages like being energy efficient as well as generating lesser amounts of heat thereby being environmental friendly. This is why these days one may come across a lot of LED Street Lighting which helps in keeping the atmosphere free from carbon and many such toxic gases that are generally emitted from the traditional incandescent bulbs. Similarly as compared to the ordinary lights, LED Street lighting would ensure that you do not have to bear the inconvenience of constantly replacing the old worn out lights with new ones, as LED lights have a reputation of lasting much longer than the normal bulbs.
Another feature about LED Lights are that they are resistant to heat, cold, shock and many different kinds of vibrations hence do not easily result in accidental breakage. Hence no matter what temperature would the external environment be in, you can always be rest assured about the durability and productivity of these lights. Today LED Street Lights have been technologically enhanced to provide many additional features like Excellent Color Quality, Luminous Efficacy, Creative Visual Design, Thermal Control and Extremely Cost effective. They can be easily availed in a number of different shades keeping in tone with the street and its requirements where it would be expected to be put up. The installation process of these lightings is also fairly simple.
A LED Street Light if purchased from a reliable manufacturer would also ensure instant turn on and off facility. Looking at the current demand and growing popularity of LED Lights, it can be easily said that they would soon be the Future of Street Lighting across the world. Being an eco-friendly and energy efficient option that is not only productive but also has a much longer life span than the conventional lights, LED Lights are the only safer option for every home, office and street. Before setting out to buy these, always ensure that you purchase them from an authentic seller / manufacturer in order to get complete worth of your money. LED Lightings are absolutely apt for creating a healthy surrounding for your loved ones.
LED Street Lighting has become highly preferred these days due to its ability to give long term usage as well as maximum productivity in terms of high levels of brightness and luminosity on the roads. LED Street Lights are also environment friendly, as they do not make use of chemicals during their manufacturing process. In Addition to this they also consume minimal energy, thereby saving a lot of expenditure incurred on the same.
Article Body – All kinds of LED lights have the capacity to use minimal power as an energy source to give maximum productivity. Thus by installing these lights indoors or outdoors may be extremely beneficial in reducing your electricity bills. LED Street Lighting has seen a major rise in its demand due to many reasons, of which two important ones are:
It is very essential for Street Lighting to be visible enough for vehicle drivers and the pedestrians. LED Street Lighting produces High levels of Focused Lights on certain specific areas of the street, due to which the light is equally distributed amongst the road. This enhances visibility and therefore works as a kind of safety precaution.
LED Lights are highly durable almost for as long as a couple of years, due to which one does not have to go through the hassles of replacing them in short intervals. Street lights are placed on a public place therefore it is highly beneficial to simply install these lights and use them for years without having to go through the pain of changing them in every few months. Moreover street lamps are often at a huge height, which creates additional inconvenience for re-installation within short intervals.
New Standard Electronic LED Systems which are the latest addition to LED Lights, have the ability to be reduced or brightened depending upon the visibility on the streets, which helps in preventing many road accidents that mostly take place due to heavy or minimal street lights. For external surroundings that require consistent lighting, a variety of Led Lights are now made available with Diffusion Lens that leads to appropriate amounts of light and brightness scattered equally in every area.
LED Street Lighting is also preferred due to the fact that as compared to neon, incandescent or even Halogen bulbs or tubes which get heated within a couple of minutes after its use, LED lights takes a very long time to start heating. Moreover the exterior of these lights are not made of glass which further slows down the heating process thereby keeping the surrounding extremely cool. LED Lights are available in many colors, but are specifically chosen in mild and glowing colors.
With so many uses and benefits, it is no longer a secret as to why LED Street Lighting has become a hit amongst the population. It is very important to select a reliable manufacturer for purchasing and proper installation of these lights, as a cheap quality one could prove to be a safety hazard on the streets.
Street lighting is very important for driving during night. That’s why it is one the most important factors for maintaining smooth and safe traffic after sunset. With the growing number of vehicles and roads, need for such types is also growing. For many years now, various companies involved with the manufacturing of such lights have been enjoying a huge demand. Till the 1990s they used incandescent bulbs which used high pressure sodium or mercury vapors.
More number of street lights means more energy required to light them up. Sodium and mercury lamps consume a lot of power. In early 90’s, the power consumption by these kinds of lighting went beyond the desired levels. The scientists started looking for an option which was power efficient. After several researches, LED street lighting emerged as the best one. They not only consume far less power than the conventional sodium or mercury lights, but also produce better light. They also last longer.
All these qualities made major cities in US and Europe shift from the conventional ones to LED street lighting. Initially, they struggled to make quality LED light and were unable to replace the more power consuming lights, but the technology became better with time and in recent times most of the big cities are using LED light systems. This not only saves a lot of money, but also improves the quality of illumination. Both these qualities have saved a lot of money for the users of such types.
The LED street light is an example of integrated lights. The bulbs are not separate from the panel. In fact, a cluster of LED bulbs is sealed to a panel and a heat sink is attached to it in such lights. The heat sink is used to absorb the heat generated by the LED ones. Usually a single high power LED bulb is used to make such lighting, but various companies nowadays have started using a pack of low power LED lamps to have the same output.
A traditional street light has a reflector behind the bulb which usually causes a significant loss of lighting. It results in light pollution. The glare produced by such lights is also not safe for the drivers. The LED ones usually have a lens on the LED panel, which not only prevents the loss of lights but also gives them a well-defined rectangular pattern. They do not produce any glare as well.
In all, the LED street light has many advantages over the conventional lighting. The biggest advantage is the low power consumption. Compared to the 35lm/w of mercury lamps, LED lights have more power efficacy level which ranges from 80 – 100lm/w nowadays. Apart from being more power efficient, they are ecofriendly too as they are solid state lights and also long- lasting. The life span of such types is 50000 to 100000 hours which is far more than any conventional light.


The Creekside Church of the Brethren received a grant from the Lilly Endowment Fund a few years ago that allows them to purchase supplies to create container gardens that they then donate to ADEC Supported Living clients. According to Cary Kelsey, an ADEC Board Member and member of the Creekside Church of the Brethren, this is the third year for this project and it is organized and carried out entirely by volunteers.
The church has their own greenhouse and uses it to germinate the seeds and grow the seedlings that they plant, although the cool spring this year did make it more difficult. Volunteers meet to prepare the containers with sterilized potting soil, fertilizer, and lime, and then use them to plant the seedlings. They use two types of containers: “Earth Boxes” for peppers and lettuce, and large pots for various kinds of tomato plants. The Earth Boxes are covered with a plastic “shower cap” to keep weeds out. The boxes are watered through a tube in one corner of the box, while the tomato pots are watered more conventionally from the top.
Cary and his fellow volunteers then deliver the containers that afternoon to every Supported Living residence that has requested them, and there are fifteen this year. Residents are then responsible for daily watering, and later they will be able to start harvesting their own free, fresh produce.