The Village of Oconomowoc Lake has updated the 1990 Water Quality Management Plan for Oconomowoc Lake. This new plan was completed this fall by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission with a matching grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The Village would like to thank all those individuals who contributed to the plan, especially Dr. Jeffrey A. Thornton, CLM, PH, from SEWRPC.
Please click on the following link to view the management plan. The PDF file is 10 megs and is best view through high speed access.
A Lake Plan For Oconomowoc Lake


Homeowners who are looking to increase their energy efficiency and improve their indoor air quality should consider environmental friendly ceiling insulation. Insulating a ceiling takes relatively little time, and can easily pay for itself in only a few short years.
In the past, many people had to choose between exposure to formaldehyde and having their home be well insulated. That’s because fibreglass insulation used to almost always contain this substance. These days, ceiling insulation is made without formaldehyde, so homeowners do not have to choose between indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Insulation from Johns Manville contains no formaldehyde, and also complies with Australian standards for AS/NZS.
When it comes to insulation in the ceiling, there are a number of reasons to consider it:
- Prevents air loss through attic space, thereby reducing heating and cooling costs
- Provides insulation against outside noise
- Makes it easier to finish attic spaces later
Formaldehyde-free insulation has a number of advantages over other types including:
- Residents do not notice any harmful odors from the placement of their insulation
- No harmful emissions are produced during the manufacturing process
- Safer for the installation crew to handle
Consumers who choose Johns Manville insulation can feel confident knowing they are helping the environment, because at least 20% of the total content consists of post-consumer recycled materials. By using recycled product to manufacture their insulation, JM has committed to reducing the amount of waste going to local landfills while also helping to keep operating costs as low as possible.
As a leader in insulation, Johns Manville has more than 15 years experience in providing quality products. Contact us for all your building insulation needs, whether residential or commercial.


Despite the decline in rabbit meat consumption, Spain continues to lead in production and consumption in Europe, closely followed by Italy and France. AnimaNaturalis has highlighted that, despite this prominent position, animal welfare regulations in rabbit farms in Spain are notably deficient.
Rabbit meat production in the European Union is mainly concentrated in the Mediterranean region, with Spain at the forefront. It is the second most bred and slaughtered animal for human consumption in the EU, with 180 million rabbits.
In 2020, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) raised concerns about rabbit farms in Spain, denouncing the use of the worst possible production system in terms of animal welfare. These farms face alarming mortality rates, with 20% of rabbits dying before reaching the slaughterhouse.
Currently, there are 1,412 rabbit fattening farms in operation in Spain, and in 2022, 33.3 million rabbits were slaughtered for their meat in slaughterhouses. Surprisingly, EFSA's estimate suggests that actually 41.25 million rabbits were born that year, with a fifth of them destined for trash containers.
Images obtained during AnimaNaturalis' investigation reveal unimaginable suffering of rabbits at all stages of production: from maternity and rearing to fattening. This harsh reality was documented in 10 farms in some of the regions with the highest rabbit populations in Spain, such as Castilla y León, Catalonia, Aragón, and Castilla-La Mancha.
The shocking images show live rabbits sharing space with cadavers, animals piled up in cages turned into mass graves, crushed young rabbits, agonizing animals, neglected and dirty facilities, and more. Lack of medical attention, deformities, stress, and nutritional deficiencies are commonplace.
One of the most terrifying revelations was the discovery of an abandoned farm since 2018, where hundreds of rabbits lay mummified in their cages. Neglect and starvation had condemned these animals to a gruesome and merciless fate.
The investigation exposed the "inhumanity of the rabbit farming industry and the urgent need to reform animal welfare regulations. Rabbits, sensitive and vulnerable beings, lack specific regulations to protect them", said Aïda Gascón, director of AnimaNaturalis in Spain.
Fortunately, a ray of hope shines on the horizon. The European Commission has pledged to review animal welfare laws in the coming months, and the European Citizens' Initiative "End The Cage Age" advocates for the gradual elimination of cages for all animals by 2027. More than 1.4 million citizens support this initiative.
The report prepared by AnimaNaturalis also reveals a continued decline in the rabbit farming industry in Spain, with decreasing farms and rabbit meat consumption. Cultural factors, increased consumer empathy, and higher fixed costs have contributed to this decline.
The images and evidence presented in this AnimaNaturalis investigation demand an urgent response. Rabbits in intensive meat farms in Spain endure immense suffering and deserve a better life. It is time for authorities to take action to protect these vulnerable animals and ensure a more humane future for the rabbit farming industry in Europe. To support this initiative and press for significant changes, join the FarmedAnimals.org campaign.
This investigation is a stark reminder of the urgent need to reform rabbit breeding practices in Spain and throughout the European Union. Rabbits deserve respect and well-being, and it is the responsibility of everyone to work towards a future where animal suffering in the name of meat production is not tolerated. The time for change is now.


Volumes within liquid bulk increased to 5.2 million tonnes during 2012. It was primarily handling of transit oil in Malmö that grew in volume by about 1 million tonnes of oil compared with 2011. The reason for this positive development was that the price structure in the oil market changed during the year. These price fluctuations are beneficial for the transit oil operation.
Liquid bulk also comprises a number of other products, destined for the markets in and around Copenhagen and Malmö. Aviation fuel for Kastrup airport is handled at Prøvestenen in Copenhagen. Liquid bulk also includes petrol, diesel and oil as well as a number of chemicals. Volumes of all these product segments during 2012 were in line with the immediately preceding year.
During the year CMP initiated a study to clarify the possibilities of creating an infrastructure for storage and handling of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG). In the long-term LNG might replace more environmentally detrimental fuels within shipping. It is a priority issue within shipping, as well as within the EU, where the aim is to develop a maritime fuel that is more sustainable in the long-term. CMP’s own LNG report is expected to be completed during 2013.


Mike has joined with over 100 MPs from nine political parties in signing up to a parliamentary petition - Early Day Motion 2769 - in support of the Energy Bill Revolution campaign. Launched in February, the Energy Bill Revolution is calling on the Government to spend carbon tax revenue on energy efficiency programmes to make UK homes super-energy efficient. The campaign offers the most effective solution to bring down household energy bills and end fuel poverty.
The government should do more and act to reduce energy bills and make energy use more efficient.
Ed Matthew, Director of Transform UK, the organisation which is coordinating the campaign said:
In only one month this campaign has attracted the support of more than 100 MPs from across the political spectrum. These MPs understand that recycling carbon tax back to households offers the best hope for their constituents to slash their energy bills. It is scandalous that anyone in a developed country should face the choice of whether to buy food or heat their home. From next year the Government will have the money to end the blight of fuel poverty. This is the most fair and just solution and we hope all MPs will join with Mike Gapes MP in supporting it.
New research for the Energy Bill Revolution, funded by the Cooperative Group and Consumer Focus, revealed that fuel poverty could affect 9.1 million households by 2016, the year in which the Government has a target to eliminate fuel poverty. This is a potential rise of 40% which would increase the number of UK households in fuel poverty from one in four to one in three.
The Government will raise an average of £4 billion in carbon taxes every year from the European Emissions Trading Scheme and the Carbon Floor Price. It is enough, for example, to provide £6,500 to 600,000 fuel poor homes every year to make their homes highly energy efficient. It is enough to bring 9 out of 10 homes out of fuel poverty. It could also generate up to 200,000 jobs and save four times more carbon emissions than the Government’s new energy efficiency policies.
Members of the public are being encouraged to sign up to the public petition at www.energybillrevolution.org, which is already backed by 80 leading charities, unions, consumer groups and businesses, including Barnardo’s, National Children’s Bureau, Save the Children, The Children’s Society, National Pensioners’ Convention, Consumer Focus, The Co-operative Group, USwitch, Kingfisher, IKEA, Asda, Kingspan, National Energy Action, Macmillan Cancer Support, TUC, GMB, NUS, Unite, The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare and Friends of the Earth.


Kitz Spa - your holistic power source
Susanne Kaufmann™ Organic Treats
"Environmentally friendly production, sustainable state-of-the-art packaging and manufacturing processes, and respect for people and nature have always been part of our philosophy. Because: we believe in the big picture." S.Kaufmann
Effect and ingredients
At Susanne Kaufmann, we focus on the power of plants and their natural and potent ingredients. We use every molecule and every oil that we extract from the respective plants in its purest and most effective form. In addition, we use these active ingredients in their highest, best tolerated concentration. As a result, the skin is nourished and optimal results can be achieved.
We combine our selected pure herbal ingredients with the latest scientific findings and state-of-the-art biotechnology. In this way, your skin benefits equally from the sustainability and effectiveness of our products. As research and knowledge regarding the use of ingredients in cosmetics advances, our product development is also subject to a continuous process. We regularly check the ingredients we use to ensure that they still meet our requirements and standards.
Our efforts with regard to sustainable manufacturing determine our entire production process: To supply our production facilities with electricity, we use solar energy and geothermal energy. When obtaining the plant extracts we need for our formulations, we ensure responsible sourcing and sustainable processing. Our state-of-the-art packaging is partially refillable. For all these aspects in our production process, the use of renewable raw materials, the integration of state-of-the-art scientific knowledge and the development of innovative product design are important components - and have been for almost 20 years.
The technologies and processes required to achieve this are driven above all by Susanne's commitment to sustainability and defined by her belief in the power of nature.
The Susanne Kaufmann brand believes that good skin care should strengthen the skin's natural functions. This keeps the skin in its balance and allows it to radiate from within. Our approach is holistic. This means (for us) that we always consider skin care comprehensively and as part of a larger whole. The preventive function of our skin care is especially important to us. In order to meet the individual needs of the skin, our products and treatments are specifically tailored to them.
Our entire understanding of beauty, of health and of a general physical well-being is rooted in the power of nature. In developing our products, we combine the beneficial ingredients of the plants of the Alpine region with the latest findings in skin care research. Our natural formulas contain only the best plant raw materials and extracts. These must be as efficient as they are skin-friendly. In the manufacture of our products, we pay attention to sustainable production.
Our brand is characterized by four values that are of central importance to us in the production of our highly effective natural cosmetic products: Quality, Efficacy, Transparency and Sustainability. These guidelines govern all our actions.
Further information about the products of Susanne Kaufmann can be found here.


The central theme of Green Plants is the astonishing diversity of forms found in the plant kingdom, from the simplicity of prokaryotic algae to the myriad complexities of flowering plants. To help the reader appreciate this remarkable diversity, the book is arranged according to generally accepted classification schemes, beginning with algae (both prokaryotic and eukaryotic) and moving through liverworts, hornworts, mosses, fern allies, ferns and gymnosperms to flowering plants. Copiously illustrated throughout with clear line diagrams and instructive photographs, Green Plants provides a concise account of all algae and land plants, with information on topics from cellular structure to life cycles and reproduction. The authors maintain a refreshingly cautious and objective approach in discussions of possible phylogenetic relationships. Newly emerging information on features of plants known only as fossils is included, providing as complete a history as possible of the plant kingdom. Throughout the book there are many references to ultrastructural and physiological features which relate growth and form to current concepts in the study of plant development. This new edition has been completely updated to reflect current views on the origin of the major groups of plants and includes information arising from more recently developed techniques such as cladistic analyses. As such, it provides an up-to-date and timely resource for students of botany, and also for researchers needing a comprehensive reference to the plant kingdom.
|TAILLE DU FICHIER||1.83 MB|
|FICHIER||Green Plants. Their Origin and Diversity, 2nd Edition.pdf|
Green plants - Tree of Life Web Project Green plants as defined here includes a broad assemblage of photosynthetic organisms that all contain chlorophylls a and b, store their photosynthetic products as starch inside the double-membrane-bounded chloroplasts in which it is produced, and have cell walls made of cellulose (Raven et al., 1992). In this group are several thousand species of what are classically considered green algae


Taking a jeep safari in Chitwan National Park was the treat we promised ourselves after successfully trekking to Everest Base Camp. Chitwan is not only a world heritage site but it was also the first national park to be established in Nepal so we were keen to visit.
Sauraha is the gateway town for safaris in Chitwan and you can book a safari pretty much anywhere. We stayed at the Eden Jungle Lodge which was our basic but bargainous accommodation for the 3 nights we spent here.
The safari starts at 7am down by the river, where even you aren’t on safari, you can spot wading birds, kingfishers, mugger crocodiles, and gharials. You have to take a dugout canoe to get to the other side of the river.
It’s much cheaper to go on private safari here than in neighbouring India so we had our own jeep for less than £50 each. Having our own jeep meant that we got to spend a full day in the park. When booking your vehicle, make sure to ask whether the entrance fee is included, as a permit for the day is 1,500 rupees or about £10. You can also see the park on foot with two guides but they do not carry weapons so if you are charged by a rhino or tiger then your only defence is a large stick and how fast you can run.
We came specifically because we wanted to see the greater one-horned rhino as they are only found in Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Indonesia. This was our best chance to see them out of all the countries.
We met our jeep and driver in the vehicle park across the river and saw our first animal, a wild boar that had been adopted by the Nepalese as a baby but now gets fed by guides and tourists. The first properly wild animal that we saw was only ten minutes into the drive when we spotted a spotted deer stag in the morning fog.
We travelled to the main river which we weren’t able to cross as there is no bridge, although that is a good thing for the wildlife. There are hotels but they are abandoned as the government doesn’t allow people to stay in the park anymore except in people’s homes.
From the riverbank, we could see openbill storks, red-naped ibis, woolly-necked storks, and ruddy shelduck. The guide usually has binoculars but if you’re an avid birdwatcher I’d advise bringing your own as I didn’t see them available for rent here.
We drove to another river and crossed it on foot so we could eat our packed lunch on the other side. It was pretty shallow so we’d be able to spot an approaching crocodile.
Our hotel provided us with rice, eggs, bread and fruit for our lunch with a view and it was pretty decent.
We were next to a broken down building with a shrine whose offerings attracted grey langur monkeys. We were really excited to see langur monkeys, although we have seen these beauties many times since as they are common in India. This monkey tried to attack my boyfriend while he was taking photos so you have to be very careful around them. They normally leave if you appear to throw stones in their direction. I’m not advocating actually harming monkeys but I’ve encountered some particularly aggressive ones on this trip so be careful.
After lunch, we waited at a few waterholes to see if any tigers or sloth bears would turn up. It’s all very relaxing until another jeeps turn up and disturbs the peace. We did see a wild boar but that was it.
As a mid-afternoon pit stop, all safaris visit the gharial breeding centre, which is funnily enough where they breed the endangered gharial. It’s full of gharials at all different stages that are released into the wild as adults.
There were rewards to be had on the way back as we saw two rhinos and it was afterall, the rhinos that we came here to see. In the morning we saw a mother and her calf and in the afternoon we saw three solo males. We thought that they’d be hard to see because of the long grass but that was not the case for us.
Some people go on elephant safaris in the buffer zone, as they are high up you can see over the grasses but they don’t go in the actual park. As many people refuse elephant safaris due to ethics of enslaving these creatures, it is hoped that this practice will eventually end. It is rare to see wild elephants in Chitwan national park.
The closest we got to a tiger was this footprint which was a few days old. Our guide said that he sees tigers and sloth bears every few days on safari so you might get lucky.
We got the best views of the last rhino of the day, which was the fifth one that we encountered. I was surprised at how placid they were, although they are probably used to seeing people and poachers do not operate in the park. The rhinos here face a bright future as wildlife is on the increase in Nepal.
We live in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile towards our wildlife, but anti-poaching police patrols and Nepalese culture of being kind to animals has helped to safeguard a species in peril elsewhere. While some rhinos have been lost, the steady increase over the past ten years has been a massive win for conservation, if only we could replicate that elsewhere. Nepal’s isolation and basic infrastructure are probably major factors for protecting all their wildlife as well.
The day I spent having my bones rattled on the back of a jeep in Chitwan was one of the best days I’ve spent in Asia. The jungle landscape was gorgeous and lush especially after being in the mountains and I just love rhinos. There were also too many birds to mention and butterflies galore, if you do venture away from the Himalayas then you certainly won’t regret it. Supporting this national park, the wildlife and the people who guard them is a great way to spend time on your trip.
Pin this for later:
Leave a Reply


- The first step in building the home of your dreams.
- The location of the foundation is laid out and certified by a professional geotechnical engineer.
- All excavation work will be inspected and passed by the local municipality before the installation of the homes foundation.
- Any site that has a soil or water issue will have a structural building pad installed that will be designed and signed off by a geotechnical engineer.
- Interior concrete slab floors are installed with a sealed 6mm polyurethane moisture barrier which keeps the soil underneath dry and uniform.
- Rebar is installed in the footings and any below grade window openings to provide additional structural integrity to the foundation walls.
- Foundation walls are installed using a 20mpa concrete mix which exceeds the requirements of the national building code.
- 4 inch perforated weeping tile is installed around the entire perimeter of the foundation to provide proper water drainage.
- On the exterior of the foundation wall we install a Delta MS membrane which keeps the soil moisture from touching the foundation wall and provides proper drainage to the weeping tile and away from the foundation.
- All exterior walls are constructed of 2×6 lumber spaced on 16 inch centres.
- Exterior wall sheathing consist of 5/8“ plywood which guarantees for a better structure then your standard OSB sheathing.
- Exterior walls are insulated using a R24 fibreglass bat insulation.
- Premium vinyl siding is used on all new homes with the option of either a composite or band sawn prime trim.
- Under the siding the house is wrapped with a breathable Tyvek that is taped and will help prevent any water intrusion.
- Interior floor system is a combination of pre-engineered wood I joists and ¾” plywood sheathing which together provide a floor that is structural sound and solid.
- Pre-engineered roof trusses are manufactured locally and can be designed to suite individual home owner’s plan design requirements.
- All attic spaces are insulated with an R50 blown in fibreglass which exceeds the national building code requirements and will keep your energy costs to a minimum.
- 30 year Cambridge architectural 3 tab shingle used on all new home construction.
- All windows and exterior doors openings are wrapped with a waterproofing membrane which guarantees a better seal and prevents the chance of any water intrusion.
- Energy efficient windows from Atlantic Windows with a low E argon glass that will help keep the room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Mechanical and Electrical Systems
- Plumbing supply lines are ran with 1” PEX which increases water pressure and eliminate the possibility of a line cracking or pitting like the standard copper pipes.
- Electrical systems are designed and installed by competent trained professionals who meet and exceed the national building code with everything they install.
- Every home comes standard with a heat recovery ventilation system (HRV)
- Every home comes with the option of electric baseboard heat, an air to air heat pump or a mini split heat pump. Both heat pump systems provide air conditioning in the summer and help with keeping the energy bills as low as possible all year long.
- All new homes are prewired for phone and cable with the option to include prewire for a home entertainment systems or camera/ security system.
- Generous allowances are provided for all the items that put a personal finish on your home including the cabinets, stairs, flooring, lighting and plumbing fixtures.
- Every house comes standard with a 5” wide baseboard throughout and a 4” crown moulding throughout the main floor and master bedroom.
- There are options to add other millwork items like transoms over interior doors or decorative columns in a wide entrance way.
- All Rockwood homes are painted by our in house painters and the color choices and combinations are only limited by your imagination.


It’s been an incredible year with many wonderful wildlife encounters and an amazing 1980 children aged 3 to 18 visiting our beautiful nature reserve. These visits were supported by 385 teachers and parents who helped to make the visits run smoothly. Teaching all these children has been a lot of fun and their reactions to the wildlife they see and interact with always give us a thrill.
Here’s some of the great feedback from schools:
“An excellent trip – lots of fun and very educational, even the adults learnt a lot! High quality facilities, activities and organisation and pitched very well for the age and understanding of the children. We can’t wait to come back next year!” – Reception, Woodland and Pond Explorers
“We love visiting the Environment Centre! The wide range of hands on activities and learning experiences fit in perfectly with our curriculum!” – Year 3, Rocks, fossils and soils
“As always Caroline is full of energy and enthusiasm which makes the workshop such a pleasure. She is very knowledgeable and able to engage the children in their learning. Looking forward to next year.” – Year 3 Pond dipping and food chains
“The Brownies really enjoyed the session. Sam was very knowledgeable and was able to keep everyone focused. Uncovering the ants’ nest was a total highlight!” – Brownies, Meadow sweep netting and pond dipping
“Our students and teachers had a phenomenal time – thank you! None of the students had ever pond dipped before, so it was a brand new experience for all. The students were astonished at the diversity of species they collected and enjoyed using a variety of resources to identify them. The samples included dragonfly nymphs, pond skaters, backswimmers and even newts. Students also collected data for their A-level Biodiversity PAGs, which was very valuable.” – Year 12, Water quality and diversity
Our sessions for youth groups have extended to include Beavers, Cubs, Rainbows, Brownies, Woodcraft Folk and now, Air Scouts. Youth groups enjoy a range of activities including autumn arts and craft, pond dipping and minibeasting, star gazing and night walks, and, new for this year, bat walks. Children love being outside in the dark, as long as they feel safe. We help the children to feel safe by spreading enthusiasm about what they will see and hear and by using torches covered with red film which also keeps the wildlife safe as they can’t see red light. On our night walks we have seen or heard bats, owls, woodcock, robins singing, muntjac deer and a glimpse of a fox’s tail as it disappeared into a bush!
This was the year of the snake! Don’t panic, only grass snakes. A non-venomous species that lives in grassland, can swim and hibernates in compost heaps and under logs. This has been a good year for the snakes and many children had close encounters. We saw them swimming across the ponds, slithering in grass and sleeping under logs.
One of our volunteers found an entire snakeskin, left behind when the snake shed its skin when growing. Another volunteer, and master carpenter, fashioned a fabulous wooden box to keep the skin in. Now we can wow children with this precious wildlife artefact.
There was also an abundance of newts this year. Whether they are in the pond or under the logs, these lovely amphibians always delight the children. Here, 8 newts are seeking refuge under a log. Those eggs in the top corner belong to the yellow Irish slug, which is in fact green!
We continue to have excellent robin encounters. The robins have taken to following school groups around the reserve in the hope that they will disturb the odd worm or two, which invariably they do when minibeasting. The robins are so used to children now they fly down and hop around the children’s feet. Needless to say, the children absolutely love this experience.
At the beginning of the year we refurbished one of our ponds. This led to the colonisation of the pond by a new species for the reserve, the lesser diving beetle. A fierce predator with a truly alien look, the spectacular larvae of this diving beetle filled the pond.
We are so happy to be able to share our wonderful nature reserve and its amazing wildlife with so many children. We hope they continue to engage with nature once they leave us and grow up with a sense of ownership of the environment and a desire to protect it.


A deadly cholera outbreak linked to contaminated drinking water has infected thousands of people in central Pakistan as the country grapples with a water crisis exacerbated by a brutal heat wave in South Asia.
Temperatures in parts of Pakistan and India have reached record levels in recent weeks, putting the lives of millions at risk as the effects of the climate crisis are felt across the subcontinent.
Cholera cases were first identified in Pir Koh, a remote mountainous town in Balochistan province, on April 17. Since then, more than 2,000 people have been have been infected and six have died, according to Dr. Ahmed Baloch, from the health department of Balochistan.
Residents in Pir Koh say they have no access to clean drinking water. The lack of rain this year has caused nearby ponds to dry up, with their only source of water being a pipeline which had "rusted and contaminated the water supply," said local resident Hassan Bugti.
"Residents are forced to drink dirty water," he said.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered "emergency relief measures" to curb the cholera outbreak in Pir Koh, and the military has been called in to help provide mobile water tanks to ensure clean drinking water gets to the population and set up medical camps to treat the sick.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness that kills thousands of people worldwide each year. It is easily transmitted, by consuming food or water contaminated with the fecal bacteria Vibrio cholerae. And scientists have warned of the severe impacts of climate change on human health, with rising temperatures encouraging the spread of dangerous pathogens such as cholera.
The outbreak comes as Pakistan faces a serious water crisis and an early onset heat wave that the Pakistan Meteorological Department said has been persistent across the nation since the start of the month.
Jacobabad, one of the hottest cities in the world, in central Sindh province, hit 51 degrees Celsius (123.8 degrees Fahrenheit) on Sunday, and 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) the day before. Average high temperatures in the city this month have been around 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit).
The heat is unlikely to abate soon. While dust storms, gusty winds and scattered showers and thunderstorms brought relief to parts of the country over the past couple of days, temperatures are expected to ramp back up from Wednesday, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
Pakistan's Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman on Monday said Pakistan was among the most water-stressed countries in the world and one of the ten most vulnerable to climate stress.
The country's major dams are at a "dead level right now, and sources of water are scarce as well as contested," Rehman told CNN, adding, "this is an all-encompassing existential crisis and must be taken seriously."


Gellit offers enhanced drought resistance, reducing the need for frequent irrigation, while increasing fertilizer efficency.
100% environmentally friendly - biodegradable and compostable.
It can absorb and retain large amount of water, and water soluble substrates
Gellit steadily nourishes plants with its reserve of essential nutrients and water
Its compostable components degrade providing further benefits for the soil microbiome
Gellit helps you get more from your fields. Simple to use, it keeps your soil just right for crops to thrive, helping you get better harvests, even when the weather doesn't cooperate.
With Gellit, every plant gets a chance to shine. It's like a steady hand feeding your plants exactly what they need, so your flowers bloom brighter and your shrubs stand stronger.
Let Gellit be the secret to your orchard and vineyard's success. It locks in moisture and nutrients where it counts, helping trees and vines produce the kind of fruit that legends are made of.
Make Gellit a part of your landscaping toolkit. It helps soil stay moist and fertile, so whether you're planting a hedge or designing a floral masterpiece, you'll see the results of your hard work last.
Turn to Gellit for a fuss-free garden. It's perfect for potted favorites or backyard beds, giving plants a boost and making sure your slice of nature thrives, indoors and out.
At Gellit, sustainability and applied science drive everything we do. Our mission is clear: to revolutionize agriculture through sustainable solutions. We're dedicated to providing products that help reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and landscaping. Our proprietary formula is a testament to this mission. Designed to enhance soil health, reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and boost crop resilience, Gellit represents a breakthrough in sustainable farming practices. Sustainability isn't just a goal for us - it's a global movement towards a more waterwise future, and by choosing Gellit, you're participating in that movement.
Gellit was founded in 2022 by a team of passionate individuals dedicated to revolutionizing agriculture. With expertise spanning agriculture, environmental science, and engineering, our team is committed to making a difference in farming practices worldwide. From our humble beginnings, we've grown into a dynamic startup focused on pioneering sustainable solutions for the future of agriculture.
© 2024 Gellit


Organic Pin Earrings or Stick Earrings
Organic earrings with ear pins have that great tribal look without the typical gauged ear look. These pin earrings are sometimes called stirrup style earrings. People will stop you on the street to ask about these gorgeous stick earrings! They really are head-turners.
Beachcombers’ organic pin earrings are available in wood earrings, bone earrings, and horn stick post earrings. Our pin earrings are designed and handmade in Bali by our Master Carver, Wayan, for Beachcombers Bazaar and are specifically designed for normally pierced ears.
All materials used for our organic earrings are responsibly harvested. The wood for our wooden earrings is harvested from renewable tree farms grown specifically for the handicraft tradition in Indonesia. The horn earrings and bone earrings are made from left-over material from domestic water buffalo (farm animals). Animals are NEVER killed for their bone or horn. Much like Native Americans, Indonesians try to use every part of an animal or plant and waste very little.


Industrial Dust Collection
Point of Use Dust Control
Our Industrial Sanitary Dust Collectors (SDC) provide a point of used dust control in food manufacturing environments. Avoid the hassle and expense of a baghouse. The SDC is designed for use in the production environment and can be plumbed for several collection points.
Stainless full washdown construction make our industrial dust collection system ideal for use in food production environments.
Improved Air Quality
Cleaning up airborne dust produces significant improvement in air quality. Respiratory issues with operators can be reduced or eliminated with proper dust collection.


Sustainability and financial transactions need not be mutually exclusive
With its business model, Infinite Capital assumes responsibility for current and future generations. Thanks to our personal value creation model, we remain true to our corporate values.
Issues such as climate protection or good treatment of employees are important to us. Therefore, we invest exclusively in companies that are aware of their social and ecological responsibility. This decision has on the one hand, a positive influence on the financial success through an improved risk-return profile and on the other hand, sustainable companies are promoted through targeted investments and thus a positive contribution to the environment and society is generated. This benefits us today and all generations of tomorrow.
Through our responsible investment policy and business operations, we at Infinite Capital aim to promote climate-friendly industries and significantly contribute to the responsible use of the world's resources, promote energy efficiency and significantly support CO2 reduction.


As an East Lothian wedding photographer, it’s not often that I get a Saturday off. But today was one such day and I decided to photograph the chimneys of the local Cockenzie power station being demolished. After a bit of research using Google maps I picked my location – the old Blindwells open cast coal mine. The mine used to supply coal to the power station, but it closed in the 1970, has been reclaimed and is covered in grass.
The power station itself opened in 1967 and for 48 years the chimneys have been a dominant feature on the East Lothian coastline. It was being demolished as it is too polluting, and coal fired power stations are being fazed out across the country.
And next week I’ll be back at work as an East Lothian wedding photographer, at a wedding in North Berwick!


Jan 12, 2021 DLX-N High Output, Dual UV-C Fixture Disinfects Moving Airstreams; Can Inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 Virus
SANTA CLARITA, CA (JANUARY 12, 2021) — The DLX-N™ high output NEMA-4 ultraviolet fixture from UV Resources efficiently and affordably inactivates pathogens – including the SARS-CoV-2 virus – on surfaces and in airstreams.
The dual, high-output UV-C fixture delivers the necessary germicidal dose to inactivate pathogens in virtually any airstream and its NEMA-4 outdoor rating makes installation possible on any exterior return, supply or exhaust duct.
The antimicrobial fixture can inactivate disease-causing agents, including the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.
MITIGATE SARS-CoV-2 VIRUS TRANSMISSION
Research has shown the 254 nm germicidal wavelength can inactivate the genetic material in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Moreover, when aerosolized, the COVID-19-causing virus is likely more susceptible to ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UV-C or UVGI) damage than other coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-1 (that led to the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome) or MERS-CoV (that caused the 2012 Middle East respiratory syndrome).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends UV-C among a handful of ventilation interventions to mitigate the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. “Upper-room UVGI systems can be used to provide air cleaning within occupied spaces, and in-duct UVGI systems can help enhance air cleaning inside central ventilation systems.”
INACTIVATE AIRBORNE PATHOGENS
The new exterior-duct-mount dual lamp fixture doubles the germ-killing power of its SLX single lamp cousin designed to disinfect airstreams in return, supply or exhaust plenums or ducts. Lamps from both products are inserted into the duct “spear-style” through a 7/8-inch hole(s) so they protrude into the airstream. The fixture is installed and serviced outside the air handler, or duct, and offers facility managers and HVAC contractors a versatile means of inactivating airborne pathogens in hard-to-access areas.
CHEMICAL AND OZONE-FREE ANTIMICROBIAL
Ultraviolet light scrambles the genetic material in pathogens—DNA in bacteria and fungi, RNA in viruses—so they cannot replicate. Viruses and bacteria cannot develop a resistance to germicidal UV because it uses electromagnetic energy to inactivate, rather than synthetic or hazardous chemical elements such as ozone.
The DLX-N fixture, which stands for Dual Lamp eXterior-mounted NEMA-4 fixture, gives facility managers and building owners additional benefits beyond airstream disinfection.
Like most germicidal fixtures installed near HVAC cooling coils, the DLX-N can improve heat transfer efficiency, reduce energy use and lower maintenance costs. With lamp sizes ranging from 12- to 31-inches, the DLX-N lamps provide 360-degrees of high UV-C intensity.
NEW/ RETROFIT APPLICATIONS
Designed for a full range of new or retrofit infection prevention applications, the DLX-N can be easily installed indoors or outdoors in most light-commercial, commercial, industrial and healthcare HVAC systems, as well as return or supply duct runs.
DLX-N lamps come standard with the exclusive EncapsuLamp™ (FEP lamp coating) technology option, which protects installers, plenums and airstreams from lamp residues such as glass, should an accidental lamp-break occur. In addition, it provides insulation to lamps for temperature changes that can negatively affect lamp output and performance.
The DLX-N fixture features premium materials with heavy gauge powder coated steel, mounting and lid gaskets, as well as a waterproof, type 1 outdoor, rapid-start power supply and a CU2™ for lamp/ballast monitoring for BMS systems.
“Because of its high output and installation flexibility, the DLX-N can be used inside or out, which makes it especially popular with contractors working in hospitals and nursing homes, commercial offices, as well as food and pharmaceutical processing plants,” says Dan Jones, President of UV Resources, based in Santa Clarita, Calif. “Besides disinfecting airstreams, UV-C offers significant operational benefits, that include keeping HVAC coils, drain pans and other internal surfaces free of microbes, organic matter, dirt and grime —materials that produce odor, reduce airflow and limit cooling capacity.”
# # #
The DLX-N™ high output, dual lamp ultraviolet NEMA-4 fixture from UV Resources efficiently disinfects HVAC/R airstreams, cooling coils and drain pans halting infectious diseases such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus. UV lamps are inserted inside the duct “spear-style” through two 7/8-inch holes, while the fixture is installed and serviced from an exterior supply, return or exhaust plenum or duct. The new UV-C fixture offers facility managers and HVAC contractors a versatile means of inactivating airborne pathogens on almost any inside or outside duct. For more information, call 877.884.4822; or visit UVResources.com.
# # #
ABOUT UV RESOURCES:
UV Resources helps facility managers disinfect moving airstreams, interrupt the transmission of airborne infectious diseases, and kill microbial contaminants that impede HVAC efficiency. The founders of UV Resources pioneered the application of UV-C energy in HVAC equipment nearly 25 years ago. Today, the company operates a comprehensive manufacturing and distribution network to supply market-leading UV-C solutions around the world. For more information, call 877.884.4822; or visit UVResources.com.
For editorial assistance, contact Joel Williams at 708.227.1095 or e-mail: [email protected].


Dance Footwear proudly made in the USA
The design team at Cardinal Shoe Corporation dedicates themselves to crafting top-quality pointe shoes that are made in the USA. Check out our behind-the-scenes video.
All Green & Growing…During the second quarter of 2012, Cardinal Shoe Corporation installed solar panels at our corporate headquarters and ballet shoe production facility.
This solar project includes nearly 1,100 solar panels, and generates approximately 273,000 kilowatt hours per year, making us the largest solar powered ballet shoe factory on the planet!
Click below to view monitor:
For information on warehouse space or manufacturing contact:
Cardinal Shoe Corporation
468 Canal St.
Lawrence, MA 01840
Cell # 603-401-7557
Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it!
Henry David Thoreau


Keep La Vernia Beautiful, a Greater La Vernia Chamber of Commerce program, strives to encourage litter abatement programs, beautification projects and recycling in our great little Texas community.
La Vernia’s litter-fighting program, “Neat for Nature” promotes the beauty of our country roadsides — roads we travel every day around our homes! We live in La Vernia because it’s beautiful and we want to keep it that way! “Neat for Nature” will tell the world that in La Vernia, roadsides are for wildflowers, horses, nature, critters, pets, wildlife and people.
Is your neighborhood, club, class, group, family or organization planning a pick-up, clean-up, paint-up, fix-up event? Let us know, please! We want to share your plans, photos and experiences!


Exploring Marine Conservation Efforts En Route from Koh Phi Phi to Bamboo Island
Preserving the Ocean’s Beauty for Future Generations
The azure waters surrounding the Thai paradise of Koh Phi Phi and its nearby gem, Bamboo Island, have long captivated the hearts of travellers and adventurers. These idyllic islands boast stunning coral reefs, diverse marine life, and pristine beaches that seem untouched by time.
However, beneath the surface lies a fragile ecosystem that faces the challenges of climate change, pollution, and overexploitation. As we embark on a journey from Koh Phi Phi to Bamboo Island, we delve into the marine conservation efforts that are striving to protect this natural wonder.
Koh Phi Phi: Gateway to Marine Marvels
Our journey begins on the vibrant shores of Koh Phi Phi, a destination that has gained international acclaim for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant nightlife. Beyond the bustling streets and lively beach parties, the island is home to a rich marine ecosystem.
The coral reefs here are a kaleidoscope of colours, housing an array of marine creatures, from clownfish darting among anemones to majestic sea turtles gracefully gliding through the waters.
However, the popularity of Koh Phi Phi Island has brought with it a set of challenges. Over the years, tourism and unregulated human activities have taken a toll on the fragile marine environment.
Coral bleaching, caused by rising sea temperatures, poses a grave threat to the reefs. In response, local authorities and organisations have initiated various conservation projects to mitigate the impact of human activities and promote sustainable tourism.
Bamboo Island: A Tranquil Oasis
Leaving behind the bustling shores of Koh Phi Phi Island, we set our sights on Bamboo Island, a tranquil paradise just a short boat ride away. Here, the pace of life slows, and the emphasis shifts to reconnecting with nature in its purest form. The crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches make it an ideal destination for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
Despite its pristine appearance, Bamboo Island has not remained untouched by the challenges that face marine ecosystems worldwide. Plastic pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction are among the concerns that threaten the island’s underwater beauty.
Recognising the need for conservation, local communities and environmental organisations have been working together to establish marine protected areas, enforce responsible tourism practices, and raise awareness about the importance of preserving these delicate habitats.
Collaborative Conservation Efforts
As we navigate the waters between Koh Phi Phi and Bamboo Island, we witness the positive impact of collaborative marine conservation efforts. Local communities, non-governmental organisations, and governmental bodies have come together to establish protected marine areas, implement sustainable fishing practices, and educate both tourists and locals about the importance of safeguarding these natural treasures.
One notable initiative is the establishment of no-take zones, where fishing and other extractive activities are prohibited. These zones provide a safe haven for marine life to thrive and ecosystems to recover.
Additionally, efforts are being made to reduce plastic waste and promote responsible waste management on the islands. Education plays a pivotal role, with workshops, seminars, and outreach programs raising awareness about the fragile nature of marine environments and the steps that can be taken to conserve them.
The Road Ahead: Sustaining Paradise
As we conclude our journey from Koh Phi Phi to Bamboo Island, it is evident that the future of these marine ecosystems relies on a collective commitment to conservation. The beauty that lies beneath the waves is not only a source of wonder but also a vital component of the global ecosystem.
By supporting sustainable tourism, adopting eco-friendly practices, and actively participating in conservation initiatives, we can ensure that these paradises remain intact for generations to come.
In a world where the oceans face numerous threats, from climate change to pollution, the efforts taking place around Koh Phi Phi and Bamboo Island serve as a beacon of hope. As travellers, we have the privilege and responsibility to appreciate the beauty of these natural wonders while actively contributing to their preservation.
With determination, education, and collaboration, we can protect the marine marvels that enrich our lives and inspire us to cherish the delicate balance of life on Earth.
Embracing Eco-Friendly Adventures on Bamboo Island
Here are some wonderful activities that align with the island’s eco-friendly initiatives:
1. Snorkelling and Marine Exploration
Dive into the crystal-clear waters surrounding Bamboo Island for an unforgettable snorkelling experience. Guided tours led by local experts provide insights into the island’s marine life and the importance of conservation.
Discover vibrant coral reefs, encounter colourful fish species, and witness the delicate balance of the underwater ecosystem. Your adventure not only grants you a glimpse into the ocean’s wonders but also raises awareness about protecting it.
2. Nature Walks and Birdwatching
Embark on leisurely nature walks through Bamboo Island’s lush forests, where you can connect with the island’s flora and fauna. Engage in birdwatching to spot exotic avian species that call the island home.
Guided tours often provide valuable information about the island’s ecosystem, the importance of biodiversity, and the measures in place to ensure its preservation.
3. Sustainable Fishing Experiences
Engage in sustainable fishing activities that are aligned with the island’s eco-friendly values. Participate in catch-and-release fishing or join local fishermen to learn about traditional and responsible fishing practices.
Gain insights into the delicate balance between fishing and conservation, and understand how local communities work towards maintaining healthy fish populations.
4. Eco-Friendly Crafts and Workshops
Join workshops that promote eco-friendly craftsmanship and creativity. Engage in activities such as making handmade souvenirs from sustainable materials or learning traditional techniques that incorporate natural resources.
These workshops offer not only a fun and educational experience but also insights into sustainable living practices that can be carried forward beyond your visit.
5. Beach Cleanup Initiatives
Participate in beach cleanup initiatives that contribute to the preservation of Bamboo Island’s pristine shores. Many resorts and local organizations organize regular beach cleanup events where you can lend a hand in collecting plastic and other debris from the coastline.
By actively participating in these initiatives, you play a crucial role in keeping the island’s beaches beautiful and protecting marine life from pollution.
6. Yoga and Wellness Retreats
Connect with your inner self while aligning with eco-conscious values through yoga and wellness retreats. Many resorts on Bamboo Island offer yoga sessions and wellness programs that incorporate sustainable practices. These retreats encourage mindfulness, healthy living, and an appreciation for the natural environment.
7. Guided Conservation Tours
Join guided tours led by environmental experts to gain a deeper understanding of the island’s conservation efforts. Learn about the local initiatives aimed at preserving Bamboo Island’s fragile ecosystem, including marine protected areas, coral restoration projects, and waste reduction strategies.
8. Stargazing and Nighttime Activities
Experience the island’s beauty even after the sun sets. Engage in stargazing sessions to marvel at the night sky’s wonders while learning about the importance of preserving natural darkness. Participate in nighttime beach walks to witness bioluminescent plankton that illuminate the shoreline, creating a magical and eco-friendly spectacle.
Top 5 Hotels to Stay Around Bamboo Island
Here’s a list of the top 5 hotels on Bamboo Island that promise luxury, comfort, and an authentic connection with nature.
1. Bamboo Bliss Resort & Spa
Nestled amidst lush vegetation and overlooking pristine beaches, Bamboo Bliss Resort & Spa offers a blend of luxury and ecological harmony. The resort’s stylish bamboo-themed villas provide a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.
Immerse yourself in their eco-friendly practices while indulging in spa treatments inspired by local traditions. With private pools and ocean vistas, Bamboo Bliss is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation.
2. Aqua Haven Resort
Aqua Haven Resort captivates guests with its stunning seafront location and attention to detail. The resort’s modern villas feature contemporary design elements that complement the island’s natural beauty.
Gaze at the azure waters from your private terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool that seems to blend with the sea. Aqua Haven’s commitment to sustainable practices enhances your experience while preserving the island’s delicate ecosystem.
3. Serenity Sands Retreat
Serenity Sands Retreat offers an escape from the everyday hustle, inviting you to reconnect with yourself and nature. With just a handful of thoughtfully designed bungalows, the retreat ensures privacy and tranquillity.
Enjoy your morning coffee on your private veranda, listen to the waves lapping at the shore, and savour delicious organic meals. Serenity Sands is a true sanctuary for those seeking solace and serenity.
4. Paradise Cove Boutique Resort
Paradise Cove Boutique Resort stands out for its intimate atmosphere and personalised service. The resort’s spacious villas offer stunning ocean views and contemporary Thai décor.
Indulge in beachfront dining experiences, explore vibrant coral reefs, or simply unwind by the pool. The attentive staff goes the extra mile to make your stay exceptional, ensuring that every moment on the island is a cherished memory.
5. Bamboo Grove Beach Resort
Bamboo Grove Beach Resort perfectly encapsulates Bamboo Island’s essence with its eco-conscious approach and natural aesthetics. The resort’s bamboo bungalows are designed for sustainability without compromising on comfort.
Wake up to the sound of birdsong and embark on snorkelling adventures just steps from your doorstep. Bamboo Grove’s commitment to preserving the island’s marine environment makes your stay not only enjoyable but also impactful.
Top 5 Restaurants to Visit on Bamboo Island
Culinary Adventures Amidst Tropical Paradise
Bamboo Island, nestled in the embrace of the Andaman Sea, offers not only pristine beaches and turquoise waters but also a diverse culinary scene that complements its natural beauty.
From seafood feasts to international flavours, the island’s restaurants are ready to take your taste buds on a journey. Here’s a curated list of the top 5 restaurants on Bamboo Island that are a must-visit for any food enthusiast.
1. Coral Breeze Seafood Cove
Fresh Seafood Extravaganza
Coral Breeze Seafood Cove invites you to indulge in a seafood extravaganza by the ocean’s edge. With a focus on locally caught seafood, you can enjoy grilled prawns, succulent lobsters, and a variety of fish prepared to perfection. The open-air setting and panoramic sea views enhance the dining experience, allowing you to feast on the freshest catches while immersed in the island’s tranquillity.
2. Sunset Terrace Restaurant
Global Flavours with a View
Sunset Terrace Restaurant offers a delightful blend of global and Thai-inspired cuisine against the backdrop of Bamboo Island’s iconic sunsets. Whether you’re craving traditional Thai curries or international favourites, the restaurant’s diverse menu caters to all palates. Sit back and enjoy your meal while the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over your dining experience.
3. Bamboo Beachfront Bistro
Relaxed Dining by the Sea
Bamboo Beachfront Bistro embodies the laid-back charm of island life with its casual yet elegant dining setting. From sunrise breakfasts featuring tropical fruits to light lunches and flavourful Thai dishes, the bistro caters to every craving. As you dine with your toes in the sand, the gentle sound of the waves adds a soothing melody to your meal.
4. Siam Spice Haven
Authentic Thai Culinary Journey
Siam Spice Haven is a gateway to the vibrant world of Thai cuisine. Immerse yourself in the rich flavours of Thailand as you savour authentic dishes ranging from aromatic curries to zesty salads. The restaurant’s traditional decor and inviting atmosphere transport you to the heart of Thailand’s culinary scene, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic experience.
5. Driftwood Cove RestoBar
Driftwood Cove RestoBar offers a mix of culinary delights and creative cocktails in a relaxed beachside setting. Whether you’re in the mood for wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood platters, or innovative cocktails, this establishment has something for every palate. Sink into a bean bag on the beach, sip on a tropical cocktail, and let the island’s ambiance enhance your dining experience.


The Old Maple Tree
by Rich Moll
The tree in the front yard was dying, dropping branches on the driveway, narrowly missing the cars. The tree had to come down, but the first task was to remove the major limbs overhanging the driveway. I began climbing trees as a boy, shortly after I could walk and run, so up I went, chainsaw in hand. The motor started with a flip of the switch, and the limbs came tumbling down.
Years went by and the tree hung on to life. A few green leaves appeared each spring from a lone limb.
Colorful tree fungi appeared up and down the trunk, woodpeckers started boring and a family of sparrows moved in to the holes; so we waited until they left before calling the arborist to cut it all down and grind out the stump, leaving a hole which we filled with sifted black soil from the backyard compost pile, which had been enriched by the leaves of the old maple tree. We showered the black soil with grass seed and watered and watered and rising in green sprigs, new life sprung where a tree had been.
Rich Moll is a local author and lifelong resident of Irondequoit. A husband, father and grandfather he worked as a chemist for 40 years. His hobbies include traveling, photography, reading, and mycology. Rich can be reached at email@example.com


نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
1 کارشناسی ارشد توسعه اقتصادی و برنامهریزی، دانشکده اقتصاد و مدیریت، دانشگاه تبریز
2 دانشیار اقتصاد، دانشکده اقتصاد و مدیریت، دانشگاه تبریز
عنوان مقاله [English]
Iran, as a developing country, has extensive energy resource types and is considered as an example of economic growth model based on natural resources. The industry is considered as one of the major sectors of energy consumption in the country, and determining the relationship between energy consumption and economic growth is one of the important issues in this field. In recent years, however, energy has become an interesting topic for researchers, only a limited number of studies on energy consumption have been undertaken in the industry. Therefore, this study seeks to evaulate the relationship between energy consumption and value added in industrial sub-sectors of Iran. The main aim of this research is to identify the relationship between total energy consumption and industrial sub-sectors value added of Iran during the period 1995-2017. The panel Granger causality was used to investigate the causality between variables based on the bootstrapping approach to accurately evaluate the results. The outcomes indicate that there is no causality between total energy consumption and value added growth in industrial Sub-Sectors. Therefore, the rising in energy consumption does not cause a growth of value added and saving policy can be used without any decrease in value added growth. Value added growth cause energy consumption in two main industrial sub-sectors. Thus, any increase in value added causes a rise in total energy consumption, and it is essential to prioritize these sub-sectors in all industry-related policies.


Article also available at: http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/200405/tidepools.asp
Strange, delicate, and sometimes delicious, tidepool creatures never cease to fascinate–until they’re gone.
by Blair Tindall
In the 1930s, the whir of Monterey’s canneries echoed down desolate shores to Point Pinos, in the neighboring community of Pacific Grove. As the tide receded, John Steinbeck and marine biologist Ed Ricketts would scramble to the water’s edge and peer through a shallow window to the deep.
"When the tide goes out, the little water world becomes quiet and lovely . . . the bottom becomes fantastic with hurrying, fighting, feeding, breeding animals," wrote Steinbeck, immortalizing "Doc" Ricketts and Point Pinos’s "Great Tide Pool" in his novel Cannery Row. Here, pounding surf nourished the band of life at ocean’s edge, where sea foam washed over rocky pockets stuffed with purple urchin spines and plump emerald anemones. Ropes of seaweed lazed in green-gray eddies, translucent lettuce leaves shifted in the current, and iridescent blades shimmered just beneath the surface of pools teeming with limpets, eight-legged crabs, and rosy sea slugs. Spiny orange, pink, and purple sea stars, big as plates, plastered the rocks.
Ricketts resumed his studies whenever the low tide bared seashore life. He also made a business of the bounty, selling tidepool creatures to schools and laboratories. Even so, he recognized that those fragile marine regions–beginning to be understood as ecosystems–could be depleted and destroyed. "We are, alas, no longer in the halcyon days of carefree collecting and unspoiled abundance," wrote Ricketts in 1939. "The life of the seashore was never adapted to withstand the pressure of hordes of people."
Ricketts’s predictions must have sounded odd at the time; tidepooling was not a Depression-era recreation, and save for teenagers prying abalones loose with old car springs, the Monterey peninsula’s rocks were unpeopled. The intertidal zone was an unthreatened, infinite source of life. Jim Willoughby–the son of a 1940s caretaker at Pacific Grove’s Hopkins Marine Station–remembers Ricketts’s pools firsthand, and even Ricketts chatting with his dad about the ocean temperatures he took daily for station scientists. The tidepools on Hopkins’s rocky shore, less than two miles from Point Pinos, were Jim’s action-packed playground, where the boy chased seven-inch crabs and caught blennies in a coffee can. It was a weird world, crammed with strange animals, and it was all his.
Poking through Point Pinos today, Willoughby, now a retired biology teacher, sees a big change. "It still looks like a fairyland, with wonderful clean sand, gravel, and clear water," says Willoughby, who co-chairs the Coalition to Preserve and Restore Point Pinos Tidepools, "but the abundance of invertebrates and fishes is no longer there."
The intertidal zone is where the riches of the ocean are most vulnerable to the creatures of the land. Today, with more than half the U.S. population clustered along the coasts, the sheer number of visitors is placing terrific pressure on tidepools’ delicate structures and complex communities. Whether through careless trampling, avaricious collecting, or wholesale climate change, we’ve risked depleting a treasure chest whose wonders we so recently discovered.
even if Monterey Bay’s tidepools aren’t what they were in 1930, they can still hook any youngster. And they come in droves: On a summer weekend, Point Pinos’s broad mesa blazes with neon buckets as children prowl the water’s edge for surreal creatures. Beneath jumbled boulders, sunlight dapples onto brilliant-red strawberry anemones and dripping volcano barnacles. Two sisters count a lined chiton’s eight armor plates, all spotted with crimson and cream. More discoveries: Striped green shore crabs peek from a stage curtain of feather-boa seaweed, a camouflaged rock louse rests on a dry surface, and a shy octopus’s tentative tentacle creeps around a stone.
"Kids see what a habitat is; they can watch the behavior of predators and herbivores, and talk about cooperative adaptation and natural selection," says Bob Breen, manager of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, 60 miles north of Monterey, which hosts 22,000 schoolchildren each year. At the Monterey pools, a woman visiting her parents’ Pacific Grove retreat says, "My kids love to tidepool because they can actually see living things, even touch abalone." A snail crawls across the palm of her one-year-old daughter, who gurgles with delight before the woman gently replaces it in the water.
Not all of Point Pinos’s 97,000 annual visitors are so careful. Some damage is innocent; tiny white Spirorbis snails die on overturned rocks, a toddler strands a brown six-armed sea star far from the water, or a beachcomber pockets silvery abalone shells crusted with live barnacles. In some cases, well-meaning tourists put animals back, but in the wrong place. A delicate, mucus-spinning snail thriving in high "spray" territory will soon perish in the rough wave zone inhabited by hardy bat stars. Even without foraging, trampling demolishes populations of rockweeds, plants with reproductive structures at their tips.
Other damage, however, is more deliberate. At Point Pinos, orange-billed oystercatchers pick at keyhole limpets, but they’re not the only ones looking for a meal. Two men hack at mussel beds with metal paint-scrapers. Toting three plastic grocery bags, they scramble ashore to their car, past a sign–in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese–prohibiting collecting in the Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Fish Refuge. Many world cuisines prize tidepool animals as expensive delicacies, says Bob Van Syoc, an invertebrate biologist at the California Academy of Sciences. French and British cooks favor periwinkle snails, Portuguese chefs parboil the fleshy stalks of gooseneck barnacles, Hawaiians pickle limpets, South Americans broil barnacles’ adductor muscles, and dried sea cucumbers are crumbled as seasoning in France and Japan. A 2001 cookbook on seafood foraging recommends Limpets Klallam, Sweet Fried Kelp Chips, and Neng Kook, a Korean cold seaweed soup. Noting that steamed sea palm is considered a special treat in San Francisco’s Chinatown, the book warns that California prohibits its collection.
On the Fourth of July, a Chanel-clad woman minces across the Point Pinos tidepools, ripping enoughMastocarpus algae from the rocks to fill three one-gallon Ziploc bags. "You cook it, then put the slimy side on your face to purify the skin," she says. Her mother, visiting for the first time from Seoul, displays a double handful of turban snails and a wide smile. "We boil them, then serve them with toothpicks," says the daughter, who admits her snail-collecting is illegal. Even gelatinous green anemones–which otherwise are prey mostly to sea slugs, leather stars, and sea spiders–are apparently delectable. At Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, one couple was caught poaching 72 of them.
Tidepool food foraging can deplete a species. At one Southern California park, owl limpets declined by 23 percent between 1990 and 1995, with survivors measuring 10 percent smaller. "I hear the owl limpet is delicious–tastes like abalone," says Willoughby. "But they morph from male to female as they grow, so harvesting desirable larger specimens wipes out reproductive capacity." Similarly, taking large turban snails leaves only a slow-growing community of tiny juveniles. A sea palm colony can be wiped out by one brief collecting trip, because its spores only disperse short distances. And the scraped mussel colony at Point Pinos may take a decade to restore, says John Pearse, a biology professor at the University of California at Santa Cruz, whose own mussel-study plot took over six years to regenerate.
Though dinner-table poachers risk a $1,000 fine, they’re small fry next to the commercial harvester, says John Ewald, a now-retired warden with the California Department of Fish and Game. While on midnight shore patrol, he trailed a suspect home, and eventually to a freezer that held some 500 abalones–costing a local restaurateur his business and a $25,000 fine. Because overharvesting and shellfish disease have decimated abalone beds since the 1980s, taking even one abalone south of San Francisco has been illegal since 1997. While most respect these restrictions, it’s weekend "starfish violations" that top a warden’s duties. "If every visitor took a sea star home, there would be nothing left," Ewald says, peering at distant boulders through the scope mounted on his car window. Just offshore from where we are parked, sea stars, bat stars, and 21-rayed sunflower stars feed voraciously along the ocean floor, unseen by all but the occasional scuba diver.
A vision of what Point Pinos used to be like–and could be like again, if left to recover–lies 300 miles north along California’s "Lost Coast." Four miles from any road, rocky fingers reach into the frigid, violent Pacific. Three tectonic plates grind together here in the most seismically active spot in the Lower 48, bulldozing tidepool platforms from beneath the ocean floor and carving bluffs with periodic tsunamis. On a lonely shore punctuated by sea lion carcasses, wind shrieks through Punta Gorda’s abandoned lighthouse, and the rare beachcomber thinks twice about turning away from the moody sea to poke at starfish.
Luxuriant seaweed carpets these wild gardens, fertilized by arctic currents. Robust sea stars line surge channels, where water roars over gargantuan anemones. Purple sea urchins rest in vertical condominiums–carved in the soft rock by rasping teeth and spines–and crabs flirt from old holes left vacant. On a high mesa, crustose coralline algae line deep pink pools left behind by ravenous urchins who devour everything else. Out where the waves howl, mussels frost every surface, and gumboot chitons, resembling deflated footballs, are flung across rocks and jammed into crevices.
Yet little more than a decade ago, this ecosystem suffered a fate worse than tourist-mauling when a 7.1 quake heaved its pools nearly a meter in a moment. As the earth fell silent, delicate algae bleached and wilted, barnacles dried, sea urchins languished a foot above water, and mussels sealed themselves with mucus, self-cannibalizing within a month. Seals, weak from eating rotting sea life, hauled out on the crusty white platform to die. But just days after the catastrophe, scientists noticed new organisms colonizing the area, followed in succeeding years by complete restoration. It’s a message of hope to ravaged intertidal communities around the world.
While it’s clear that over-visitation and harvesting are major management problems for California’s tidepools, wardens and rangers are often left scratching their heads over exactly what is allowed and where. The Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Fish Refuge, where fishing is permitted even in the tidepools, is under the jurisdiction of California’s Department of Fish and Game. It’s also subject to rules from the city of Pacific Grove and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. For example, Fish and Game regulations allow our Chanel lady 35 snails in unprotected areas. But Pacific Grove would cite her for taking a single shell fragment. Compounding the problem, this refuge is but one stitch in a patchwork of 62 California marine protected areas along 1,100 miles of coast. Of their 5,600 square nautical miles, only 140 enjoy total protection for all species.
Since 1999, California’s Marine Life Protection Act has attempted to iron out this crazy quilt, despite devastating budget cuts and funding shortfalls. The first legislation of its kind, the act created a network of protected areas with common goals, regulations, and administration. The state’s coast was reorganized into seven regions with distinct regulatory classifications, each with its own constituent working group, including professionals from sport and commercial fishing, kelp harvesting, recreational diving and boating, science, education, and environmentalism–people who understand and use ocean resources regularly.
Willoughby’s coalition, which successfully lobbied Pacific Grove to ban most invertebrate collection in the Point Pinos pools, is one example of the grassroots involvement that many feel is key to tidepool preservation. "There are so few wardens and rangers, we appreciate people being our eyes and ears," says Ewald. Tipped off by license plate information from a shoreline observer, Ewald once drove away from a local apartment with hot evidence–a cauldron steaming hundreds of turban snails. The uninvited officer also found 12 abalones hastily crammed between a garbage pail and a Hefty bag. Some 300 volunteer docents make this kind of enforcement possible in Pacific Grove through the sanctuary’s "Bay Net" program. Patrolling Point Pinos in blue jackets, the volunteers also offer educational talks, pamphlets, and gentle guidance on tidepooling etiquette.
Larger marine organizations augment grassroots efforts. At the spectacular Monterey Bay Aquarium, 1.8 million visitors a year get to stroke critters in petting pools. The aquarium’s program teaches respect for marine life, while satisfying some enough to stay out of the wild pools. The staff also leads field training for teachers and rangers. Ninety miles north of Monterey at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, naturalists experiment with limiting access. At each low tide, rangers cone off 12 square yards, comparing it with an adjacent, trampled plot. Despite nearly 100,000 annual visitors, after four years this reserve’s biodiversity has begun to increase. And the University of California at Santa Cruz has expanded its intertidal monitoring program, which recruits students and volunteers to evaluate the health and stewardship of sites along the state’s rocky central coast.
Human behavior may also be shaking up intertidal communities in more fundamental ways, even in distant refuges where beachcombers never venture. Stanford professor emeritus Chuck Baxter first suspected something amiss when he spied a loneSerpulorbis snail cemented to a rock far north of its usual habitat. Soon, he saw their coiled tubes tangled atop rocks everywhere. "The pools were starting to look an awful lot like Southern California," says Baxter, who recognized the calcareous shell from research in San Diego. There were other clues. Once rare, ragged pink volcano limpets sprouted throughout the lower intertidal, while the Petrolisthes cinctipes crab disappeared. "There used to be a riot of life under the rocks–brittle stars, peanut worms, chitons, flatworms, and sea cucumbers–and it was gone," says Baxter. Since he now found plenty of southerly species instead, Baxter suspected that he was witnessing the effects of global warming, but needed a way to quantify his hunch.
The evidence came in an old doctoral dissertation from Steinbeck’s day. From 1931 to 1933, Stanford student Willis Hewatt counted and observed organisms in pools behind Pacific Grove’s Hopkins Marine Station. At each low tide, he outlined a 108-yard transect, stretching a cord along four brass bolts pounded into the hard rock. First, he scrutinized the uppermost rocks scattered with tiny mollusks and microalgae. Noting distinct "stripes of life," he worked his way to the tunicates, sponges, isopods, and sea stars nestled amid thick brown algae and fine surf grass in the lowest tidepool zone. At that time, marine scientists usually concentrated on one particular species. But Hewatt took a broader view toward understanding the world Ed Ricketts would describe in Between Pacific Tides, his landmark 1939 study of intertidal zonation and ecology.
Some 60 years later, Stanford researcher Rafe Sagarin points out one of Hewatt’s bolts, nestled in the marine station’s dense seaweed canopy. While he was still an undergraduate, Baxter, his advisor, had told him about Hewatt’s study. Changes in tidepool diversity are hard to measure: Small ecosystems a few hundred feet apart differ because of currents, substrate, wave action, and human interaction. But Hewatt’s plot was ideal. Its hard rocks resisted erosion, and no tidepooler had waded through the restricted shore since 1917. Sagarin could draw conclusions by directly comparing his data with Hewatt’s.
Sagarin reanalyzed Hewatt’s plot, measuring his 58,000-animal count against data from 1933. He was amazed by what he saw. "It’s like a shotgun blast," he says. The pools were still richly diverse, with the same number of plants and animals from 1933. They just weren’t the same species: Eight of nine warm-water species increased, while five of eight cold-water ones decreased. Cold-loving ochre sea stars, for example, were being driven north, with sunburst anemones, green urchins, and other southern species taking over. In 60 years, local water temperature had risen 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, and nearly 4 degrees in the summer. Sagarin, along with Baxter and two other researchers, published the results in Science.
"The strongest pattern is warming," says Sagarin. The study supported Baxter’s hypothesis. "I’m afraid it’s not the kind of thing I’d hoped for," he says. With Hopkins strictly off-limits to tidepoolers, Sagarin believes direct human impact can be ruled out. But at Little Corona del Mar, a site 400 miles south of Point Pinos, scientists cite not only warm-water episodes, but major coastal development, sewage discharge, and human predation–including as many as 15,000 visiting during tidepooling field trips. At Little Corona, substantial declines in rockweeds, brown kelps, predatory sea stars, nudibranchs, and abalones have occurred, according to a University of California, Fullerton, study by Julie Bursek and Dr. Steve Murray.
Back at Pacific Grove, the tide is turning. A sea otter rests in the gentle swells of distant kelp, but frothy surges rush over the lowest tidepool zone. A Bay Net volunteer, teaching tidepool manners and safety, guides a father and son back to shore as a channel floods. On higher ground, a woman from Arizona and her 20-year-old daughter watch (but don’t touch) anemones open like flowers as the pools come to life and then disappear beneath the waves. Sunlight burns down on a swarming pool of sculpins and scurrying hermit crabs flaunting costume-party shells. "I’m surprised we’re allowed out here, what with the deluge of tourists," says the woman, smiling at her daughter. "Someday, you’ll tell your kids you were able to see this."


Today is World Water Day. It’s an important day established by the United Nations to identify world-wide water issues. A day to draw attention to the facts. 783 million people, or 11% of the world’s population, do not have safe water to drink and this, in addition to poor sanitation, results in the death of 2,000 children every day. Learn more about the water crisis: www.wateraidamerica.org/statistics.
Care to get involved?
- Watch and share the Water Is Just The Beginning video below. You can also find it at www.wateraidamerica.org/worldwaterday and www.youtube.com/wateraidamerica.
- Follow WaterAid America on Twitter and Facebook and share their posts.
- Join the World Water Day Google+ Hangout at 1.30pm EST on March 22 – WaterAid and other water organizations will be discussing the world water crisis and solutions in a celebration moderated by YouTube star Justine Ezarik.
- Make a donation: as experts in practical, hands-on water solutions, WaterAid has brought clean water to 17.5 million people. They need your help to continue and achieve the goal to help 1.4 million more people in 2013. Visit www.wateraidamerica.org/worldwaterday for all the latest World Water Day news.


Products by Industry: Manufacturing
Dew Point Meter Model HDT by Xentaur
Xentaur’s Dew Point Meter, Model HDT, is a rugged and unique loop powered dew point meter capable of both gas and liquid hydrocarbon phase measurements.
Model No. XENTAUR HDT
Dew Point Meter Model LPDT by Xentaur
Xentaur’s Dew Point Meter, Model LPDT, is the world’s smallest loop powered (2-wire) dew point transmitter with a display.
Model No. XENTAUR LPDT
Dew Point Transmitter Model XDT by Xentaur
The Xentaur digital dew point transmitters are designed as compact, simple and reliable instruments, which will continually monitor air dryer performance, compressed air quality and dry gas moisture, from ambient dew point levels to as low as -100ºC (-148ºF) up to +20ºC (+68ºF).
Model No. XENTAUR XDT
Portable Dew Point Meter Model XPDM by Xentaur
The portable dew point meter, model XPDM, is a battery operated, hand-held, hygrometer, designed for applications where quick and accurate dew point measurements have to be made.
Model No. XENTAUR XPDM
Continuous Hydrogen Analyzer by COSA
The COSA/Xentaur Continuous Hydrogen Analyzer (CHA), used in countless UOP Schedule A applications for many years, is built under a license to a patented UOP design. It provides petroleum refiners, petrochemical producers, and electric power generators a means to continuously and accurately monitor hydrogen concentration in gaseous streams.
Model No. COSA CHA
Xentaur XDTL-HR by Xentaur
The XTDL-‐HR™ is designed with a new proprietary optical sampling system for moisture dew point in your high CO2 gas applications. From beverage&food to plastics applications, the COSA Xentaur XTDL-‐HR™ was designed to accurately measure the moisture dew point in a carbon dioxide background gas without the worry of cleaning the optics or frequently replacing sensing elements due to frequent drift or failure. Once calibrated at the factory, no further recalibrations are required.
Model No. Xentaur XTDL-HT


These questions were chosen from 112 visitors who were interviewed during October 2023 in the MUSE exhibition halls.
The Sun has always had a strong influence on the Earth’s climate. However, in the last 45 years our star has shown a cooling trend and therefore cannot be the cause of the rising temperatures.
The position of the Academies of Sciences of 19 countries and numerous scientific organisations that study climate has come to the conclusion that we are responsible. Ninety-seven per cent of scientists actively working on climate support this position.
Although there are still some uncertainties, models have been able to reproduce both episodes from the past (‘retrospective forecasts’) and provide predictions later confirmed by observations. There is never absolute certainty, but the soundness of the models is becoming more and more apparent.
If the planet accumulates heat, global temperatures rise. Currently the carbon dioxide we emit is increasing the heat retained by the greenhouse effect. Climate change in the past actually provides evidence that humans can influence the climate now.
Sources: Climate Change Science: A Modern Synthesis, G. Thomas Farme, John Cook; www.climalternati.it; skepticalscience.com


Unveiling the Magic: How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels have taken center stage as a clean and renewable power source in an age of sustainable energy solutions. But have you ever wondered how these sleek, sun-catching marvels actually work? In this blog, we’ll dive into the science behind solar panels, shedding light on their remarkable ability to convert sunlight into usable electricity.
The Photovoltaic Effect
At the heart of solar panels lies the photovoltaic effect. This phenomenon involves the interaction of sunlight with certain materials, typically silicon-based solar cells. When sunlight, composed of tiny packets of energy called photons, strikes the surface of these cells, they excite the electrons within the material, causing them to become mobile.
Electron Movement and Electricity Generation
The excited electrons don’t remain in their initial positions; they move within the material in response to an electric field created by the composition of the solar cell. This movement of electrons creates an electric current. This is the fundamental principle that transforms sunlight into electricity – a process that occurs silently and without any moving parts.
The Role of Semiconductor Layers
Solar panels consist of multiple layers of semiconductor materials, primarily silicon. These layers are designed to optimize the interaction between photons and electrons. The top layer is specially treated to have an abundance of electrons, while the bottom layer is treated to have fewer electrons. This difference in electron concentration establishes the electric field necessary for the photovoltaic effect.
The Generation of Direct Current (DC) Electricity
As electrons flow within the solar cell, an electric current is generated. This current, known as direct current (DC), flows in a single direction. While DC electricity is the output of solar panels, it needs to be converted into alternating current (AC) electricity for most household and commercial applications. This conversion is achieved using inverters, which ensure compatibility with the grid and appliances.
Sunlight Intensity and Angle Matters
The efficiency of solar panels depends on the intensity of sunlight and the angle at which it strikes the panel. Panels are designed to capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day by adjusting their orientation and tilt. Cloudy or overcast days can affect the output, as the intensity of sunlight decreases, but even diffused sunlight can still generate electricity.
Solar panels harness the power of the sun by capitalizing on the photovoltaic effect, transforming sunlight into electricity through the movement of excited electrons. This innovative process, grounded in science and engineering, empowers homes, businesses, and entire communities to tap into a clean, sustainable, and virtually limitless energy source. As we embrace solar panels, we not only reduce our environmental footprint but also advance the journey toward a greener and brighter future.


Butterflies feature in the carvings and friezes uncovered in the ancient Mesoamerican cities. Cultural myth honours them as a symbol of transformation. The Aztecs believed them to be the spirits of dead relatives, returning to assure them all was well. In Aztec lore the butterflies circled the bouquets of flowers carried by men of social rank. The perfume of such bouquets was always appreciated from the sides, the tops being reserved for the souls of the dead. Had the Aztecs ever stood on Cerro Pelón, as the autumn winds ushered in the change of season, I imagine they might have been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of spirits fluttering in from the north, for the beginning of November marks the month in the calendar when the Monarch butterfly arrives in the mountains to the west of Mexico City, following a 4,500 kilometres migration from the Great Lakes region of Canada and the USA. There is something poignant in the timing of their arrival, coinciding with Mexico’s celebration of the Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos), when families and friends gather to remember their loved ones who have since moved on. It seems inconceivable that this small creature can travel such enormous distances. What confounds the scientists even more is how they know to return to the same place every winter, particularly as the returning butterflies are the third generation of the ones who left Cerro Pelón the previous spring. I’ve never given much thought to the butterfly beyond its obvious beauty; it seems such a cruel fate to be skewered with a pin and placed in a cabinet to gather dust. As February moves to March the butterflies are beginning to mate, already thinking about heading out on the long journey north. Before too long the millions of fiery wings weighing the branches of the oyamel fir trees will be gone. We feel the opportunity to witness such a spectacular gathering of butterflies is not to be missed. It’s time to take a closer look.
Emilio, our guide, has the look of a pirate. His smile suggests the quality of dentistry in the hillside village of Macheros, where our trek begins, verges on the grim. ‘Vamos!’ he calls, the moment Christine and I have slung our legs over our wiry ponies. The reins in my hands are made of frayed rope and light chain link; my shoes barely fit the stirrups. The track to the butterfly reserve is steep and peaks at 3,000 metres, good enough reason to let a horse do all the work. A chico trots along beside us, his role not entirely clear until we reach the more vertiginous heights, when I’m thankful he takes a firm grip on the lead rein, just at the moment my pony thinks he’ll take flight at the approach of some descending horses. For most of the climb thick clouds blot the sun – this is not a good sign. We need the warmth of the sun if we are to experience the butterflies in flight. Too cold and they will remain huddled together on the branches of the trees. After more than an hour’s scramble the track levels and we come across a half dozen ponies tethered to the pine trees: time to slip from the saddle and stretch those creaking knees. Emilio points ahead along the track, to a clearing where tourists huddle, studiously focusing their cameras on the thick forest. Monarchs flutter around my head and shoulders as I amble up the track. I let my gaze wander across the clearing, to where the branches of the trees appear to be sagging under the weight of their autumn leaves, only… Quickly I realize what I’m looking at: those autumn leaves are thousands upon thousands of monarch butterflies. The air is cool for the time being, though the breaks in the clouds are widening. Within ten minutes sunlight floods the forest. On the branches of the oyamel trees dormant wings start to flutter, tiny flames rippling through the forest. The temperature rises, the sun’s warmth penetrating the forest floor. Among the few standing in the clearing there is an expectant hush. Cameras are raised. Not long now. And then, sufficiently enlivened by the heat, the butterflies burst into flight. Like russet-coloured leaves buffeted by the wind they rise and fall, circling, filling the sky. It is the noise of their wings, though, that will remain in the memory: the collective beat of their wings comes as a soft hiss, the sound of a breeze whispering in the trees. An employee of the sanctuary tells us, ‘Soon the pregnant females will fly north, to south-eastern USA, where they will lay their eggs in milkweed. These eggs hatch into caterpillars that feed on the milkweed, becoming cocoons and emerging in late May as butterflies. These new butterflies will fly to the Great Lakes of Canada and the US, where they will breed again. By mid-August another generation will be born. But they don’t like the cold winter up there, so they will make the journey to these forests in Mexico, where the winter is milder.’ Some researchers believe the monarchs preserve their energy in flight by gliding on air currents as they travel south, though much like the mystery surrounding the butterflies ability to find the same winter habitat year in year out, little is known about how such small organisms travel so far.
Fred Urquhart’s childhood passion was butterflies. During his school days in Canada he studied all the books and papers written on the subject. His time out of school was spent in the marshes and the meadows, observing, noting, wondering: where do monarch butterflies go in winter? By 1937 Urquhart was making his first attempts at marking the butterflies wings, so that he might later track them, though his early efforts met with little success. By the late 1940s he and his wife Norah had developed a successful system of tagging the wings, affixing tiny labels reading, “SEND TO ZOOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO CANADA”. In 1952 he appealed to volunteers to assist with the tagging and over the next 20 years thousands of enthusiasts became involved. Ken and Cathy Brugger of Mexico City heeded Urquhart’s call for help. During a period of two years they travelled back and forth through the mountainous region of Michoacan, west of Mexico City. In January 1975 their efforts paid off. They sent a note to Urquhart telling him they had discovered a sizeable colony of monarch butterflies at 10,000 feet, on the summit of a remote range of mountains. Enthralled by such news, a year later Urquhart made his own visit to the region. Within five minutes of arriving at the site of the Brugger’s discovery he found a monarch with the tag PS 397, released by two schoolboys and their teacher from Chasks, Minnesota in early August 1975. This particular monarch had travelled 2000 miles in two months. Now Urquhart could finally answer his childhood question of where the monarchs went in winter. Whilst habitat destruction and pesticides have seriously reduced the monarch population, the Aztecs, had the Spaniards not wiped them out, would have been able to rest easy on Cerro Pelón: for the time being the spirits of the dead will continue returning to the forests of Michoacan.


Ancient and sculpted by ice and wind, Mount Ossa stands tall in the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness at 1617m above sea level.
Forming highland streams that roam towards our spring, Mount Ossa nurtures the natural beauty of her surrounds.
Mt Ossa Spring Water has the perfect natural balance of minerals and elements for the distinctive pristine taste, true to Tasmania’s rich terrain.
Mt Ossa Tasmanian Still Spring Water
– pH 7.6
– Calcium 31.95mg/L
– Low sodium 3.79mg/L
Available 12 x 750ml Glass Bottles per carton


Germany supports Red Cross Society in post-flood relieve work with 100.000 Euro
Colombo, 29 June 2017 - Sri Lanka has recently experienced the worst floods in 14 years, which affected more than 595,557 people and left 213 people dead, while nearly 79 people are still missing. Although the water has subsided by now, returning to normalcy is still a challenge for the affected families. The floods have left the drinking water contaminated and damaged sanitation systems, while the standing water significantly increased the risk of water-borne diseases such as dengue.
Among other activities the Sri Lanka Red Cross’s flood relieve work focused on decontaminating wells to ensure people have a safe drinking source and to prevent outbreaks of diseases. For the coming months, more relieve activities are planned in the areas of water and sanitation provision, as well as hygiene promotion.
The German Government is supporting the Red Cross with a cash grant of 100,000 Euros in response to their international appeal for donations, with which among other activities, 30 safe water storage tanks will be established, 120 water points will be constructed/repaired, and numerous permanent and mobile toilets will be built. Furthermore, trainings will be conducted that will focus on promoting hygiene in handling water and food, as well as to promote vector control. The corresponding cheque was handed over on 29.06.2017 by H.E. Ambassador Rohde to the Deputy Director General of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) Sudath Madugalle.
“In times of need the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society has proven to be a reliable partner in efficiently providing assistance where help is needed the most. We hope that this grant will allow the organization to expand their activities to match the current needs of the affected people,” said H.E. Ambassador Rohde.


Did you know that solar radiation from the sun can purify (disinfect) water and make it safe for drinking from harmful bacteria?Harnessing the solar energy from
the sun to purify (disinfect) water from a lake or stream into safe
drinking water is much simpler than you may think. Here’s how…
UV-A rays from the sun, (Ultraviolet-A, longwave, 315-400 nm), will
terminate harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses in water, given
enough sun exposure.
A clear plastic bottle filled with water, exposed to the sun for 6
hours will make the water safe to drink (see the caveat list). In fact,
the effectiveness of terminating harmful bacteria is about 99 percent!
List of germs that are terminated from UV-A sunlight exposure at 6+ hours
- Bacteria – Escherichia coli
- Bacteria – Vibrio cholera
- Bacteria – Salmonella
- Bacteria – Shigella flexneri
- Bacteria – Campylobacter jejuni
- Bacteria – Yersinia enterocolitica
- Virus – Rotavirus
- Parasites – Giardia
- Parasites – Cryptosporidium (needs 10 hours exposure)
List of caveats to UV-A sunlight water purification
- This method kills germs. If the water is already contaminated with chemicals from pollution, the chemicals will remain.
- If the water is cloudy and dirty, it should be filtered first to allow the UV-A rays to effectively penetrate into the water.
- The plastic water bottle should be no bigger than 2 liters. In
moderately cloudy water, UV-A will lose 50 percent effectiveness at a
depth of 10 mm (about 0.5 inch), whereas UV-A will only lose 25 percent
effectiveness at a depth of 10 mm in clear water. Use a typical
How to purify water with sunlight
The recommended bottle to use is a “PET” bottle. It is very common and is typically used for soda or other soft drinks. PET, PolyEthylene Terephthalate, Recycle code #1 on bottom of bottle.
The bottle must not be colored. It must be a clear bottle. Again, it
must be a clear plastic bottle. Not glass (glass blocks too much of the
UV-A for this purpose). The bottle must be clean.
Know your water source (as best you can). If you believe it to be chemically toxic, don’t use it.
Fill the bottle with water. If the water is very cloudy, it must be
filtered by first pouring through a cloth or such material to capture
Lay the bottle down in the sun. Do not stand them up. Ideally the
bottles would by placed so that they face the the sun at a similar
angle, to maximize the UV-A penetration.
For better results lie the bottles on a reflective surface to increase the
UV-A exposure using direct and reflected sunlight. This is not
necessary, however it would shorten the required time and ensure optimum
If the sky is partly cloudy
with only a few clouds, then 6 hours sunlight exposure will be enough.
If the sky is half filled with clouds, or more, then 2 days will be
required. Note that the outdoor temperature does not matter, so long as the UV-A sunlight exposure has been 6 hours.