We offer studies in the geographic, environmental and geospatial disciplines that have unquestionable relevance for our Army and nation. The overarching theme is to better understand the world in which we live. We offer a diverse group of majors and honors programs, which prepare cadets for service in the Army and encourage a lifetime of intellectual growth. These include:
- Geography: the study of people, the natural environment, and their interaction. Three tracks of study available.
Environmental Science: a broad, integrative science-based study of how humans affect the planet with the goal of creating a sustainable future for all.
Environmental Engineering: the application of science and engineering principles to minimize the adverse effects of human activities on the environment and to protect human health by providing clean air and clean water.
Geospatial Information Science: the study of the integration and analysis of geospatial data including drone and satellite imagery, GPS, and map intelligence information.
Our majors and honors programs will prepare cadets for lifelong professions that are personally rewarding and important to our nation. Despite the continual changes in our Army and throughout the world, there are several constants that continue to serve as guideposts for our profession:
Understanding weather and terrain will always be among the keys to victory in battle and success during other military operations.
Understanding other people is necessary to preserve peace.
Understanding our Earth is critical for our future health and well-being.
These imperatives describe what we in the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering offer to cadets, first in our core course in physical geography and continuing with our exciting majors, honors programs, and environmental engineering sequence. In some respects, our mission is the same as every academic department at West Point: to prepare cadets for a career in the Army and a lifetime of service to the nation. Each academic course has the objective of developing self-learners, problem solvers, and critical thinkers; all of which are attributes critical for success as a leader in the Army.
Department Course Catalogs
Want to find detailed information about our department, its programs, and its people? Just click on the cover page of the appropriate USMA class year.


Creator/Designer/Author: Laura 'Tamara' Henson
Original Creator: Blue Fang
Bugs/Information/Notes: This pack contains six wolves belonging to both North American species and a hack to update the zoopedia of the Gray Wolf. The hack gives the gray wolf the correct scientific name and explains the recent separation of the eastern gray wolf from the Canis lupus species and it's placement in C. rufus. The wolves included are the Eastern red wolf (what used to be C. lupus. lycaon with a more correct model and coloration), the Missisippi red wolf (the most well known subspecies), the now extinct Texas Red and Florida Black Wolf (both red wolf subspecies), the Great Plains Lobo and the Rocky Mountain Brown Wolf (two extinct gray wolf subspecies).
There are no bugs that I have found.
Requirements: ZT2, ES, AA, & EA
The Missisippi Red Wolf, the only surviving red wolf subspecies in the United States, Critically Endangered!
The Texas Red Wolf, extinct since 1970
The Florida Black Wolf, the most distinctive red wolf subspecies, extinct since 1917
The Eastern Red Wolf, a critically endangered Canadian subspecies long confused with the Gray wolf.
The Great Plains Lobo, the white wolf of the old west, extinct since 1926.
The Rocky Mountain Brown Wolf, a group of similar wolves with questionable classification that inhabited the southwestern states of the USA, extinct since the 1950s.


Blastr Green SteelGreen transition proceeds with the right written and visual communications
Norwegian company Blastr Green Steel is in the process of establishing green steel production in Finland. The project is of the largest scale in the industry. Due to the low-carbon production of steel, the project will significantly advance the green transformation.
Our customers’ challenge was to 1. crystallize the benefits of the project both in Finland and worldwide for a launch video, 2. to communicate the project in a positive and informative way, and 3. to grow the publicity and good image of the project in the Nordic countries. The diversity, size and schedule made the challenge both difficult but also interesting.
ILME designed and scripted the concept video for the project, and crystallized the core messages for a second video that was used in the project launch and in later promotions. With the help of the videos, the different stages, goals and benefits of the project and the strong message of the green transition got the positive coverage it deserved with the greater audience.
The design process began with a creative meeting, in which the needs and goals for the project were established. In the same meeting, the decision to make a concept video was made. According to the base understanding, the true importance, benefits and most relevant parts of the project were clarified. This made it easy to turn them into a story and a script.
We designed the messaging, imagery, script and video structure together with Blastr Green Steel representatives and Fama Consulting Oy Ltd. The 3D animation was done by Artpix Oy. Tight co-operation between different bodies made sure that the project was concluded as planned, in time.
The process has been very easy and professional. It has been a joy to work with you!
Big thanks to the whole team for great work on a tight schedule! You immediately got what the whole project is about, and how and with what content the whole thing is taken forward. The process has been very easy and professional. It has been a joy to work with you!
Minna Sundelin, Fama Consulting Ltd
The Blastr Green Steel project has garnered a lot of attention both in domestic and international medias.
The Blastr Green Steel project has garnered a lot of attention both in domestic and international medias. The visual and informative video has helped make the project known to target audiences both during the launch and along the project proceeding.
The messages crystallized by ILME are fit for a longer time frame. Alongside the messages, the visualizations emphasize the project’s meaning for Finland and for the Green Transition worldwide.
- the messaging for the project launch
- 3D-animated video: planning and script in English and Finnish
- storyboard and visualization of the project video
Hashtags: #decarbonizedsteel #greentransition #challengingsteelindustry
Blastr Green Steel
Blastr Green Steel focuses on lowering carbon dioxide emissions in the value chain of steel by developing local, sustainable, and scalable steel production value chains. Blastr plans to cut 95 percent of the CO2 emissions of its end products compared to traditional methods by using local materials, fossil free energy and by utilizing circular economy principles in the whole value chain.
The company is establishing a pellet factory in Norway as well as a green steel factory and integrated hydrogen production facility in Finland. The company is expected to grow into one of the biggest industrial start-ups in the Nordics. Established in 2021, Blastr is a part of Vanir Green Industries investment company.


Hello Friends, welcome to myblogclick. Today I am sharing with you Antarctica unknown facts.
It is the fifth largest continent of this planet. It is also the home to South Pole. It has several unknown, amazing facts.
This continent is governed by Antarctica Treaty. Following are the members of this treaty.
Papua New Guinea
United States of America
- It is fifth largest continent in terms of area in the world.
- It covers 5.405 million square miles lard area.
- There are no countries in Antarctica. It is governed by the Antarctic Treaty.
- It was signed on 1st December 1959 and officially entered into force on 23rd June 1961.
- The Secretariat headquarter of Antarctica Treaty is located in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- It is the largest desert in the world.
- It is the world’s southernmost continent.
- It is the coldest, windiest, highest and driest continent in the world.
- It is one and half times the size of the United States of America.
- There are no indigenous populations of people on Antarctica.
- It lies almost entirely within Antarctic Circle, which is at about 66 degrees south latitude.
- It contains geographic South Pole.
- It is surrounded by the Southern Ocean.
- It is nearly double the size of Australia.
- It is almost 1.3 times as large as Europe.
- About 98% of Antarctica is covered by ice.
- The average thickness of ice in Antarctica is 6,200 feet.
- The name Antarctica came from the Greek word ‘Antarktikos’ which means ‘opposite to the north’.
- Around 90% of the ice on Earth is found in Antarctica.
- Almost 0.4% of Antarctica is not covered by ice.
- It is losing 159 billion tons of ice per year.
- Four and a half million years ago, it was warm and covered in palm trees.
- It is home to the coldest place on Earth, is called East Antarctica Plateau where temperatures can dip below -133.6 degrees Fahrenheit or -96 degrees Celsius on a clear winter night.
- The lowest temperature ever recorded in Antarctica is -89.2 degrees Celsius or -128.6 degrees Fahrenheit on 21st July 1983.
- The highest temperature ever recorded in Antarctica is 17.5 degrees Celsius or 63.5 degrees Fahrenheit on 24th March 2015.
- -50 degrees Celsius is the average annual temperature in Antarctica.
- It is only continent on Earth that has no time zone.
- Mount Vinson (4,897 meters or 16,066 feet) is the highest peak in Antarctica.
- It is home to 70% of World’s fresh water.
- The Onyx River is the longest river in Antarctica.
- Interestingly, there are no fish in the Onyx River.
- Norwegian explorer Amundsen was the first human to reach the South Pole on 14th December 1911.
- It is the only continent without reptiles.
- Lake Vostok is the largest lake in Antarctica.
- Lake Vostok is about the size of Lake Ontario.
- It has only two ATM.
- Mount Erebus is the world’s southernmost active volcano, is located in Antarctica.
- The Transantarctic Mountains (3,500 kilometers) divided the Antarctica into East and west sections.
- The Mount Kirkpatrick (2,601 meters or 8,533 feet) is the highest pick of the Transantarctic Mountains.
- There are more than 70 lakes in Antarctica.
- We cannot work in Antarctica unless our wisdom teeth and appendix are removed.
- Belgica Antarctica is the largest land animal in Antarctica which is an insect.
- The Dry Valleys is the driest place on Earth, is located in Antarctica. It has seen no rain for almost 2 million years. It makes up 4800 square kilometers area without water, ice or snow.
- Blood Falls is a waterfall in Antarctica that runs red as blood.
- Chile has a civilian town in Antarctica, is called Villa Las Estrellas.
- Husky dogs have been banned in Antarctica since 1994.
- It is home to ice fish which have no red pigment (hemoglobin) in their blood to carry oxygen around.
- During the winter almost 40,000 square miles ice begins to expand per day, which is adding up to an extra 20 million square kilometers of ice around the land mass.
- The Antarctica ice sheet is the largest single mass of ice in the world.
- About 1,150 species of fungi have been recorded from Antarctica.
- 90% of all meteorites even found have come from Antarctica.
- The speed of wind can reach 200 miles per hour or 320 kilometers per hour in some places of Antarctica.
- The hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica is double the size of Europe.
- If its ice sheets melted, the world’s oceans would rise by 60 to 65 meters.
- The world’s largest wind driven current is called circumpolar current which circles clockwise around Antarctica.
- According to Antarctica Treaty, there are seven countries are claiming their territorial claims to parts of Antarctica. These are Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom.
- Argentina claims 965,597 square kilometers area in Antarctica.
- Australia claims 5.8 million square kilometers in Antarctica.
- Ants have not found in Antarctica.
- There are seven churches in Antarctica.
- The West Antarctic Peninsular is the fastest warming place in the word.
- Documentary film ‘March of the Penguins’ was shot in Antarctica.
- There are no polar bears in Antarctica.
- Argentine Emilio Marcos Palma was the first person who born in Antarctica.
- The top level domain for Antarctica is ‘.aq’.
- The ice sheet of Antarctica has been in existence for at least 40 million years.
- There are 12 countries having consultative voting status in Antarctica Treaty. These are Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
- From October to February is the summer season in Antarctica and winter covers the remaining year.
- There are Victoria’s secret models from every continent except Antarctica.
- The first confirmed sighting of the continent was in 1820 by the Russian expedition of Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshuansen and Mikhail Lazarev.
- There are 53 member of Antarctica Treaty as of 2016.Please see the above member list.
- Coastal area of Antarctica is the coldest place on earth.
- Americans and Australians are most visited people to Antarctica.
- It is home to the strongest winds in the world. It is called Katabatic winds can blow at speeds up to 320 kilometers or 200 miles per hour.
- International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) is an organization which is promoting the tourism to Antarctica.
- The surface which is not covered in ice is called an ‘Antarctic Oasis’.
- According to International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)’s report 2016, there are 38,478 people visited Antarctica in 2016.
- The snow free valley in Antarctica is called the McMurdo Dry Valleys.
- The Antarctic ice cap contains 26.5 million cubic kilometers of ice.
- The Rose ice shelf (almost 487,000 square kilometers) which is the size of France.
- Iceberg B-15 was the world’s largest ever measured which was bigger than Jamaica. It was 11,000 square kilometers or 4,200 square miles. It was broken in 2000.
You may read also
- 70 Mind Blowing Facts About North America That You Must Know
- 111 Amazing Facts About Africa That Will Surprise You
- 113 Amazing Facts About Asia That Will Blow Your Mind
I hope you like Antarctica unknown facts, kindly share this facts with your friends and colleagues. Have a good day.
(Visited 61 times, 1 visits today)


The politics of the climate emergency are inextricably entwined with public and private investment at a planetary scale. There can never be adequate climate policy in one country alone; and there can certainly never be climate justice in one country alone. So how can one link domestic and global climate politics in 2021? Could it be possible to forge a “Pan-American Green New Deal” that centers workers and communities, while deconstructing centuries of American imperialism in the region? Certainly, any move toward continental climate justice will require policymakers, social movement, researchers, and others in the United States to face a Big Question:
How should US-based Green New Dealers—and other advocates of ambitious climate justice action—understand, respond to, and engage with climate politics in other parts of the world?
This panel, “A Pan-American Green New Deal? Green Investment, Extraction Battles, Reforestation,” considers our Big Question in the broad context of climate politics in the Americas. The panel is also part of a broader series, called Democratizing Global Green Investment: Aligning Domestic and International Policies around Green New Deal Principles, which will also feature discussions focused on global climate justice struggles across regions and Chinese climate politics.
The overall context is changing rapidly. This year, we’ve entered a new age of climate geopolitics. The United States is once again committed to massive green investment and some measure of low-carbon ambition. President Biden has outlined four ambitious targets for the United States: carbon neutrality by 2050, a 50% cut in emissions by 2030, a carbon-neutral electric grid by 2035, and 40% of climate investments benefiting disadvantaged communities. As a result of all these measures, the world’s three great economic blocs—the United States, China, and the European Union—which together comprise nearly two thirds of the global economy, are now all committed to carbon neutrality—by 2050 for the US and EU, 2060 for China. And all are committed to prioritizing massive amounts of green investment.
What about Latin America? One idea is the “Big Push” for sustainability framework that is being studied by the UN’s Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC, or CEPAL in Spanish and Portuguese); this investment-first approach to a green transition has been developed by panelist Camila Gramkow. We know that Brazil, green industrial policy has had some important successes, especially in the wind industry, as our panelist Kathryn Hochstetler has shown. But the question of green transition must also consider the question of extraction, a massively contested process—and discourse—across the continent, on which our panelist Thea Riofrancos has written. And of course, it is impossible for Latin America to slash its greenhouse gas emissions without reversing deforestation in a socially equitable way with Indigenous leadership, especially in the Amazon, which is the life’s work of Beto Veríssimo, co-founder of the great Amazonian organization Imazon.


Launch of the Journal of Urban Mobility
The journal publishes peer-reviewed contributions in all areas of urban mobility that will improve our collective use of livable urban spaces, while ensuring accessible, convenient, safe, efficient, sustainable and affordable multimodal mobility. It is unique in that it takes a systemic approach to urban mobility and encourages multi- or cross-disciplinary triple-helix publications, bringing together academics and practitioners, businesses (industry and small-and-medium-sized companies) and cities.
Prof. Frank Witlox, associate member of the i-KNOW Steering Committee, serves as co-Editor-in-Chief.
Visit the Journal of Urban Mobility home page at


The eye-level tree line; snow above
Here on Obstruction Island, it really wasn’t bad at all. Well, it was cold. One morning the thermometer said 7 degrees and it was blowing close to a gale from the NE. But I had the deck plants inside. The water lines seemed all right. My worry was getting out on Friday the 20th. The forecast was promising above freezing temperatures on Thursday.
We had snow, just two inches or so, Sun, the 15th, and a lot of wind on Monday. Heavy snows were forecast for Monday night. When I woke on Tuesday the snow was gone! Rain has washed it away. Looking across the water to Orcas I could see a line at eye level. Below it the firs were a dark black-green. Above they were coated in white. Forecasts say, “snow to 200 feet.” I was looking at it — my eye level. Our house is about 220 feet. I wondered if we had a three story house, there would have been snow on the roof.
Tuesday afternoon we had a slush storm and, as the light faded, the snow started. That evening when I crossed between buildings, I found the slush was freezing under the snow. Fortunately I was able to get it off the walks before it turned them into an ice rink. The snow continued. Winds came up and blew very hard – 40k — sweeping some areas bare and drifts into other areas.
After the wind dropped on Wednesday afternoon, I walked down to check on the boat which was fine. There were no other tracks and I thought I might be the only person on the island.
The next day I returned, bringing my art stuff over to the car. I was teaching on the weekend in Edmonds.
Still no new footprints, but coming down the bank from the nearest house to the dock was what looked like a 14 inch wide toboggan track. When it came onto the road, it went down covering my icy prints and continued uninterupted all the way to the dock. At the dock, the toboggan track ended. Raccoon footprints scampered down to the beach. I wished I had my camera!
In the Orcas parking lot I put chains on my car — amazingly easy when you aren’t by the side of the road with cars whizzing by. Orcas had deep snow with ice under it. I thought I needed the chains for the 22 hilly miles to the ferry landing.
road to the beach where the coon toboggan tracks were; another wetter snow
When I returned, I followed the “toboggan track” to where it started. Raccoon prints emerged from under the near cabin. As soon as there was a slope the wide track started. The raccoon must have been tobogganing on its tail.
On Friday I shut down the water, hoping I was doing it right and waited for the water taxi to take me over to Orcas. High winds were forecast and our boat was much safer on the Obstruction side than on Orcas. After I’d waited a half hour a fishing trawler came by and I gave him a weak wave. He asked if I needed a lift. I told him I was waiting for the water taxi but it was late. He’d just seen it at Blakeley so we knew I was okay, although I waited another 15 cold minutes.
On Monday I returned in sunshine and bare ground, a more typical NW winter day. The water was fine. The buildings were fine. The boat was fine. Huge logs had been tossed around on the beach attesting to the ferocity of the wind while I was gone. As soon as the watertaxi dropped me off, I took our boat over to Orcas and loaded it with all my purchases and art supplies. Another gale moved in that night but I was once again snuggy warm.
When Jeffrey called the next day and said it would probably be another month before they returned, I could cheerfully wish him a great trip. I was so glad he hadn’t called the week before when I was full of doubts about my ability to cope. He would have heard it and it would have dampened his adventure. (see Crossing the Caribbean).
This morning the birds are singing in the trees — not the quick chirps of winter but melody! They reminded me that thirty years ago, in February 2nd in Oregon, I wrote:
the pipes were frozen again this morning
and the stove has been burning all day
I know —
I made it!
Spring is on the way.
The light has changed.
The death time is ending for another year.
Things are possible again….
Pushing up promises.
are the chirps and little songs.
Why are the winter birds
all silent kinds?
©Caroline Buchanan, 2012


Biofilm research aims at fighting hospital germs
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium that can be found in many different places – soil, water, washing basins, toilets and washing machines, to name but a few examples. Due to its resistance to antibiotic treatment, P. aeruginosa is mainly known as the cause of hospital-acquired infections. David Schleheck, a biologist from Konstanz University, deals specifically with the bacterium’s presence in biofilms. His research could open up new possibilities for combating P. aeruginosa.


Create an Autumn Habitat For Your Birds
Autumn is a time for sweet memories of falling leaves and aromas of pumpkin spice. As much as we look forward to traditions, birds look forward to the consistent things in our yards. Fall is the perfect time to advertise to the birds that they can rely on our yards as part of their winter habitat territory.
Leave the Landscape
Leave spent plants standing to provide natural food sources and protective cover for the birds. Sparrows will flit to the top of the plants and “ride” them to the ground to feed on the seeds. Juncos and towhees will scratch the ground for dropped seeds. Other birds can find morsels of native insects overwintering in the dormant garden spaces.
Take Stock of Feeders
During winter, birds need high calorie foods to keep their little bodies warm, especially during cold nights. Fall is the perfect time to clean, repair or install new feeders before winter arrives.
A Feeding Foundation
Birds are always looking for food; whether they are eating it or not. Have at least one foundational feeder available now that dependably provides food and does not have to be filled very often. Help your birds know your food is reliable and ever present for them; especially when the weather turns nasty.
Cold winds strip heat from birds very quickly. Birds will seek refuge from the wind in dense vegetation, natural cavities, brush piles or roosting boxes. Roosting boxes provide birds with a warm, dry location that can help protect them from cold, nasty winter weather. Autumn is a convenient time to convert your nest boxes into roosting boxes by temporarily plugging the ventilation holes to help trap heat inside the box.
Birds need water in winter to maintain their feathers for effective insulation. Take time now to set up a heated bird bath or add a heater to your existing plastic, metal or stone bird bath. This will help make some water available even on the coldest day.


It’s the fall, which means it’s time to put away your planting ideas until the spring, right? Or is it? While spring is widely recognized as the best time to plant flowers, grass and vegetables, the secret among gardeners is that planting in fall is actually the best idea.
Fall plantings provide more time and much better weather as well as a better landscape with which to work. Everyone enjoys the longer days and increasingly warmer temperatures of spring, but the more predictable—i.e. less rainy—conditions of autumn make fall plantings ideal. The lack of rain will actually extend the window with which you have to complete your fall planting.
In addition, as long as seed planting in fall happens early in the season, the seeds will have more time to settle in during the winter than they will during the spring and will grow faster once the weather warms up again. And how’s this for a benefit of fall planting: there will be fewer weeds to whack! Weed seeds are already dead by the fall, which means that if you get rid of the weeds, you can immediately plant your flowers, grass and vegetables and not have to worry about removing weeds again in a week or two.
Jersey Landscaping is ready to assist all our New Jersey clients with fall planting ideas—let us put our years of experience with planting in fall, spring and summer to turn your lawn into the best on the block year-round! For more information or to get a FREE ESTIMATE on your fall planting project in NJ, fill out our request a quote form or call us at 732-462-4289.


As a family-owned and operated business for over 60 years, Willow Tree has always recognized the importance of being committed to the local community, practicing sustainability and responsibility to the environment, upholding high food-safety standards, and ensuring our products are made with only the highest quality ingredients. Following through on our commitments in these different areas is of utmost importance to us here at Willow Tree. Read on to discover how we practice and express our company values and ethics through all that we do.
In addition to supporting local organizations and non-profits (including local chapters of the Boys and Girls Club and YMCA), Willow Tree is also connected to the Julia Cekala Charitable Foundation.
The Julia Cekala Charitable Foundation was created in memory of Walter and Lynda Cekala’s daughter Julia, who passed away on May 23, 2003, at nine years of age. Julia was diagnosed with autism, epilepsy, kidney failure, dialysis and was awaiting a kidney transplant. Julia was a funny, determined and brave little girl who deeply inspired those who knew her, and the foundation was created to celebrate her vibrant spirit and educate people about autism, kidney donation and transplantation, and innovative medical treatments available for those facing the same challenges Julia did.
The foundation raises funds to maintain Julia’s Garden, a 3 + acre public garden and playground complex located in the World War I Memorial Park in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. Julia’s Garden is handicap-accessible, open year round and free to the public. The foundation also engages in community outreach through the annual 5k Butterfly Race and Garden Charity Wine Gala, both of which help support the foundation’s initiatives to advocate for education, recreation, and integration within our community.
Willow Tree is committed to sustainability in both our business practices and the products we offer. We realize that our success depends upon sustaining our environment through the responsible use of resources. We’ve recently renovated our corporate headquarters and processing plant, installing energy-efficient lighting and equipment.
Willow Tree has also entered into an agreement with the Alternative Fuel Foundation to dispose of used canola oil in an environmentally responsible manner. AFF was created to offset carbon emissions produced from burning traditional fossil fuels by collecting used cooking oil (canola, soybean, olive, peanut and hydrogenated) from the food service industry and ensuring it is processed into clean burning biofuel. Reducing air pollution through the production of biofuel reinforces Willow Tree’s commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.
The same company that takes our used vegetable oil and processes it into renewable fuel also takes our chicken fat for the same purpose. Even the chicken bones, pictured here, are donated to a pig farm in Rhode Island to be repurposed.
We are committed to delivering on the industry’s highest food safety and quality standards by operating in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including those associated with the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point System (HACCP) requirements for effective control of food safety and the SQF Level 2 Global Food Safety Initiative.
We hold high standards for cross-contamination prevention and allergen control. All major food allergen ingredients (eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts and wheat) are listed in the ingredient list on every container and will be noted in the “Contains” statement.
At Willow Tree, we want our valued customers to have only the best experience with our products. We welcome all questions and comments about our products and make it easy for customers to get in touch with us through our Product Comments form.
We take great pride in making all our products with only the freshest, best ingredients. We source all our chicken from USDA-approved farms on the East Coast, and we periodically visit each of the farms to ensure that the flocks are well maintained and are in compliance with all health and safety standards. The USDA seal found on our product packaging ensures that the chicken has been inspected and is free from visible signs of disease.
We understand that many consumers have questions and concerns about how and why antibiotics are used to treat and prevent disease in livestock and poultry. The chicken producers we use adhere to strict government regulations regarding antibiotic use, and the administration of antibiotics is only one FDA-approved tool to keep chickens healthy. We also offer all natural, antibiotic-free frozen chicken pies (available in 10oz and 26oz sizes) as an alternative to our consumers.


At Baaya, we thrive on creating, curating, and customizing spaces that resonate with nature's essence. Our recent residential project was a testament to Baaya's commitment to crafting spaces that tell a story, curating art that speaks to the soul, and customizing every detail to create an environment that reflects and enriches the lives of its occupants. It's a celebration of the beauty of nature and the artistry of tribal traditions, and we are thrilled to share this remarkable journey with you.
The Vision: The heart of this project was to bring the outdoors inside, to create a living space that effortlessly harmonized with the natural world. The abundance of trees and elements of nature surrounding the house became our inspiration. We aimed to capture this essence and infuse it into every corner of the home.
Customization at its Finest: To achieve this vision, we turned to the rich and art forms of Warli and Gond. These tribal art traditions are deeply connected to nature, making them ideal for our project.
Each wall mural was meticulously customized to align with the theme of the room. The Aakash Chamber, for instance, was transformed into a skyward sanctuary with birds, sun, and sky. The Jal Chamber came alive with vibrant fish, reminding us of the joys of water. The Prithvi Chamber rooted us firmly to the Earth with the Tree of Life, a symbol repeated throughout the living spaces. To create these stunning murals, we collaborated with some of our most talented artists, who, with each mural, ensured that the tribal connection with nature resonated authentically while transforming the spaces into works of art.


So far, my internship consisted mostly of being in the laboratory analyzing samples, helping students, and organizing different sections of the biology department to work more efficiently. I had everything on my Wishlist ticked off, besides one; marine field work!
Initially my goal was to get on the AB.203 6-day marine biology cruise – the main reason most of my study mates decided on coming to UNIS and taking the AB-203 course. Unfortunately, there was not enough space for me to join due to corona regulations. I also felt a bit relieved because I tend to get seasick and don’t do well with smaller amounts of sleep (-the cruise was much harder work than the students anticipated).
Instead I got very lucky as I got offered to go on a 2-day field work trip instead with two PhD candidates, one specializing in zooplankton and the other in sea-ice algae. It even included an overnight stay at the Bjørnebo cabin near Svea! In total it was 5 of us, including another master student and my supervisor.
With snowscooters we drove to the incredibly beautiful van Mijenfjorden with sleds full of equipment and, of course, snacks. We drove onto the sea ice and took samples from several different locations. It was almost unbelievable to stand on the middle of what usually is a large open fjord, on top of almost a meter of incredibly stable sea ice. Another layer of excitement was added by the fresh polar bear tracks along the sides of the fjord. The weather was beautiful; no wind and sun most parts of the day.
The PhD candidates Vanessa and Rebecca were great patient teachers and showed me how to use all the equipment and take the different measurements. First, we actually had to drill through about a meter of ice; a task that is super exciting to newbies, and super exhausting once you have performed it over 50 times. Luckily this was done using an electric ice-augar so with a bit of help from your body weight a hole is made in just a few minutes. When a large hole was made, I was taught how to measure the light intensity below the sea ice versus above. This allows us to know how much light the critters beneath are receiving; a variable that can be important for the growth of the organisms. We then collected several water samples using a device that works like a trap for collecting water at a specific depth.
These samples are analyzed later in the lab by Vanessa to look for specific marine organisms. Next, we let a CTD device that records the conductivity (for salinity), temperature at the different depths that it travels through. This gives a great overview of the environment that the organisms are living in.
For the sea-ice I learned to take ice-cores; a cylindrical vertical sample of the entire ice at one spot, from which we then cut off the bottom 3 cm into bags for later analysis in the lab. The hope here is to collect the small ice algae that lives below the ice and often attaches itself to the bottom layer. On some locations we could even see a green/brown colouring from the layer of algae that had attached themselves to the ice, but our sea-ice algae expert was continually worried about the lack of abundance of these algae which she reasoned to likely be a consequence of the extensive winter that covers the ice with snow and prevents the organism’s access to the sun light they need to grow.


Far from the fires around Flagstaff, we’ve been in chilly Ogden, Utah, this past weekend. It was green almost beyond belief—the only gaps in the lushness are where snow still covers the mountainsides and peaks. The reservoirs are brimming, and the rivers are running at full tilt: falling over cliffs of quartzite and granite and crashing down mountainsides.
Wednesday, we hiked up Waterfall Canyon, just east of town. From the top of the canyon, snowmelt plunged down 200 feet to where we were standing. A wind kicked up from the rush of water and coated us with a fine cool mist. I missed a crossing over the creek on the way down, and had to wade across the cold stream to pick it up again. Frigid water ran through my boots, leaving the hem of my jeans soaked.
Our first two nights away from home, we camped on Cedar Mesa, just north of the San Juan River in southern Utah.
We hiked a rim trail to a giant rock formation, a fortress tower with just a spine of land connecting it to the main part of the mesa. About a third of the way up from the bottom of the canyon were terraces that looked like garden plots, carved into the flattest levels of the canyon. We spotted structures below on the canyon floor, and a tiny square window indicating a granary. A rocky sentinel with a smooth round head stood guard nearby, watching over the abandoned settlement.
After being forced to scramble along a steep ledge to stay on the trail, we were able to walk along the exposed ridge to visit 10 rock rooms built into the cliff just below the top layer, some perfectly intact, others just barely crumbling. The tower afforded a clear view for miles in any direction, and a completely defensible location.
The place felt like a prayer: quiet, windswept and generations-old.
As we turned back, the profile of a 30-foot-high boulder looked like the silhouette of a man’s face, ancient eyes upturned to the western sky.
After supper and clean-up, we played music around the campfire in the still of the night and resolved to hike again in the morning. We rose early, packed up camp, then descended into the canyon, clambering down rocky talus slopes, over rock falls and boulders to the canyon floor. The sandy path took us through cottonwood groves, past reedy plants and pools of water. We listened to birdsong and watched lizards dart in front of us, and spied the ribbon of a snake scooting away at our approach.
In addition to the intact kivas we’d seen from the rim, there were others that had collapsed, a total of seven. All along the walls at the site were potsherds and tiny cobs of corn, picked utterly clean by small rodents and birds.
The kiva roofs were made of timbers thick as thighs, with charred ends, cut to length with fire not saw blades. Flat rocks were stacked atop the timbers to complete the roofs and fortify the structures. From the rim, rectangular holes in those roofs had looked like the eyes and mouths of kachinas. What we couldn’t see from the trail above was that the insides of the kivas had been made smooth with mud and were polished black with soot, just like the ruins we’d seen on the rim.
Like scouting a rapid, the higher view gave us an idea of what we might encounter. The rim hike to the fortress was for viewing mountain ranges, geologic features, and the way trees and rocks populate the land, letting us see a compelling and dramatic big picture.
But without those delicious details, the view felt empty and incomplete, like a grand gesture with no driving emotion.
From the rim, there were no charred beams, no fragments of pottery, no wet boots, no tiny ears of corn or darting lizards, no smell of water or sound of the wind rattling through the cottonwood leaves. By getting wet and dirty, we caught the particulars of the experience. The canyon hike was for going deep, getting to the heart of the place, sensing the intimate character of a human life one thousand years ago.


Ms. Cavanaugh has extensive experience managing environmental assessments, regulatory audits and compliance, greenhouse gas inventories, and construction-related planning, permitting, and monitoring programs. She has successfully completed projects on time, under budget and without environmental incident for large multinationals, municipalities, utilities and First Nations.
Romilly has conducted numerous greenhouse gas (GHG) projects for a wide variety of clients including airlines, manufacturers, construction companies, professional associations and major sporting events. She was responsible for inspecting facilities, identifying all emission sources, compiling energy consumption data, calculating GHGs, setting GHG targets with clients, recommending reduction strategies, writing annual emission reports and training clients to track and evaluate their emissions in-house. Reduction programs focus on fuel switching, building and equipment efficiency, software improvements, behaviour change and staff training.
Romilly has successfully managed life cycle assessments (LCA) for leading manufacturers of consumer products, in order to assess the impacts of their products’ manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal, using key indicators such as climate change, water and energy consumption, human health effects, resource depletion and ecosystem quality. These studies have been used to assess the environmental benefits of sustainable approaches to product design and manufacturing. Clients included a leading garment manufacturer and a sustainable paper producer. Romilly is able to provide a detailed evaluation of up to 15 impact categories using the latest in LCA software and methods. She adeptly completes each step in the LCA process, including data compilation, literature review, impact modelling using industry-standard SimaPro software, collaboration with NGO review panels and report preparation. Once key issues have been identified, she is able to recommend innovative approaches to mitigation, based on effective sustainability strategies.
Romilly has prepared detailed EIAs for various infrastructure development projects. The EIAs described each project’s impacts on resources such as the aquatic environment, hydrology, land, wildlife, vegetation, public facilities and parks, recreation, aesthetics, air quality, the soundscape, archaeological artifacts and cultural resources. In addition, she addressed any residual impacts through the creation of mitigation plans.
Romilly has managed environmental issues on various large-scale construction projects. Responsibilities consisted of preparing environmental impact assessments (EIAs), acquiring permits and approvals from all levels of government, reviewing engineering drawings and recommending revisions to protect environmental resources, monitoring construction and site restoration, collecting environmental samples, training contractors and employees, and preparing contractor specifications, contingency plans and regulatory reports.
Romilly has successfully managed environmental audits for a variety of clients. These included regulatory compliance evaluations and identification of environmental risks and liabilities. Generally, audits were conducted in conjunction with a company's Environmental Management System or in relation to property acquisitions or divestitures. Compliance with internal company policies and all applicable regulations were evaluated, including federal, provincial and local requirements.
Please fill in the form, below. You may also reach Romilly at 604 837 7479.


Book Your Perfect Tour
Located in the Bay of Bengal and measuring 700 kms from North to South is a sprinkling of 572 alluring Islands of which only 36 are inhabited. Part of the Indian Sub- Continent and known as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, these undulating isles hold a rustic and ethereal charm that remains unfazed by time.
After years of isolation, the Government has in the past decade or so begun to allow environmentally conscious tourism in the Andamans. However the Nicobar Islands remain inaccessible and tourists (both Indians & Foreign nationals) are strictly not allowed to visit this group of Islands.
Due to the government's strict controls and presence of a vigilant defence force, the added stigma of a former 'penal colony', and the untiring efforts of environmentalists, the Andamans still remain breathtakingly pristine and beautiful till date.
Tropical rainforest offer an extravaganza of rare and endemic species of flora and fauna. Four out of five species of sea turtles, including the giant leatherback are found in the Andamans. Wild 'salties' (saltwater crocodiles) inhabit vast mangrove eco-systems keeping nature in balance.
Don those tanks of air, snap on that mask - below the surface is probably the final undiscovered frontier for scuba diving in South East Asia.
If you are looking for that perfect getaway, where you can relax and rejuvenate in nature's lap, watch time come to a complete standstill and hear the sounds of silence, its time to be hypnotised by the Andaman Islands.


First Community Panel meeting held on 30 October 2019
The joint City of Port Adelaide Enfield and Environment Protection Authority’s Victoria Road Air Quality Study Community Panel had their start up meeting on October 30th 2019. This meeting gave the panel a chance to get to know one another and to review the Terms of Reference that will guide their task. The second meeting of the panel took place a week later on the 5 November. During this meeting the panel did a further review of the Terms of Reference before signing off on them.
The next item on the agenda was an information session on Victoria Road from the EPA technical adviser. The session provided the panel members with road traffic data, how air quality may vary along different sections of the road, how far into the residential areas it may go, and how it may be affected by variations in weather conditions.
Panel members were asked by the facilitator to propose air monitoring sites for consideration. The proposed sites will now be entered into a table that will allow the panel to measure the sites against a set of criteria.
During the next meeting, the panel will review the measures with the aim of determining where the air quality monitoring stations will be placed along Victoria Road.Please phone us on (08) 8204 2176, email email@example.com or visit www.engage.epa.sa.gov.au to keep up with information on the Victoria Road air quality study.


TCS4F is an initiative by theoretical computer scientists who are concerned about that other major crisis of our time: climate change. We anticipate that the climate crisis will be a defining challenge of the decades to come, that it will require major changes at all levels of society to mitigate the harm that it will cause, and that researchers in theoretical computer science and in database theory, like all other actors, must be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
The TCS4F initiative proposes a manifesto to commit to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: following IPCC goals, the objective is to reduce by at least 50% before 2030 relative to pre-2020 levels. The manifesto is more than a simple expression of concern, because it is a pledge with concrete objectives. However, it does not prescribe specific measures, as we believe this discussion is not settled yet and the right steps to take can vary depending on everyone's practices.
The manifesto can be signed by individual researchers (like you, dear reader!), by research groups, and by organizers of conferences and workshops. Currently, over 90 researchers have signed it, including several database theory researchers. The goal of TCS4F is also to start organizing a community of concerned researchers, across theoretical computer science, to think about the issue of climate change and how to adjust what we do, in particular our travel habits.
We need your help to make this initiative a success and help theoretical CS, and database theory, lead the way towards a sustainable, carbon-neutral future:
- If you agree with our concerns and are ready to commit to reducing your carbon footprint, consider signing the manifesto. Signing is open to all researchers in theoretical CS in the broadest possible sense and of course to the whole database theory community.
- Advertise your support of the manifesto (e.g., by putting one of our badges on your webpage). Talk in your research teams and departments about the manifesto, and see if you can gather support for signing the manifesto collectively as a research group.
- If you are involved in conferences and workshops, start a discussion about the carbon footprint of the event, and whether the event could commit to the manifesto's goal. Indeed, as ICDT and SIGMOD/PODS are moving online this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a good time to discuss how our conferences could evolve towards more sustainable models.
- Spread the word about the issue of climate change and the TCS4F initiative, and encourage discussion of this important challenge in our communities.
As theoretical researchers, we are not used to discussing uncomfortable non-scientific questions like the effects of our activities on the world. However, we believe that the magnitude of the climate crisis obliges us to act now as a community. We are confident that great changes can be achieved if we do not limit our creativity to our specific research areas and also use it to re-think our way to do research.


Why we do consultations?
QScapes takes our consultations seriously. We pride ourselves on being able to provide the best quality aquascaped tanks possible. In order to do this, consultations are used to create the best solution for your aquascaped tank in your home or office. We consider your area of choice, the size of the tank and stand, the best background, electrical setup, best plants and fish to compliment your space. While we are with you we answer all of your questions (including those about electricity or water usage) and arrange for the perfect time to come and set up your tank. Aquascaping is still a very new art form and each bespoke tank is made with the care it deserves. Why settle for a plastic-filled tank that leaves fish unhappy, leading to more costs because they pass away. Do your home or office a favor and place a serene meditative piece of nature that'll leave visitors memorized and amazed.


At the foot of the Mourne Mountains, which are the tallest and most dramatic in Northern Ireland, Tollymore Forest Park sprawls across an area of more than 1,500 acres and occupies a special place in the local imagination. This is rumoured to be the inspiration for CS Lewis’s Narnia, and more recently it was a filming location for the ubiquitous television series Game of Thrones. Its enchanting leafy woodlands and peaceful winding rivers are infused with a rarely found tranquillity—and a touch of magic—that’s appreciated by all who visit.
Tollymore Forest Park has changed hands many times over its history. While it’s now overseen by the Forest Service, the park’s footbridges and atmospheric architectural sights scattered along its trails hint at its history under the Hamilton family. The ivy-blanketed follies and charming stone-hewn buildings add to the forest’s fantasy feel. Clanbrassil barn was constructed in the 18th century to resemble a church, complete with a steeple and bell. The Gothic-style gate arches, remote Hermitage and countless other curiosities seem to have been imported from a world of make-believe. Perhaps it’s fitting that these creations were the work of astronomer and mathematician Thomas Wright, a friend of the Hamiltons, whose nickname was “The Wizard of Durham”.
The easiest way to reach Tollymore Forest Park is to drive there. If you’ve hired a car in Belfast, head due south via the A49 for around 60km. The drive itself is a pleasure: as you leave the bustle of the capital behind, you soon find yourself in the greener surroundings of County Down. Take advantage of the route’s proximity to the idyllic seaside resort of Newcastle, at the base of the imposing Slieve Donard mountain. Stop off here for a refreshment and to enjoy spectacular views across the Irish Sea before heading on to Tollymore Forest Park.
Once you reach Tollymore’s car park at the outer edges of the woodland, leave your vehicle and follow the trail into the forest. The paths and many gurgling streams will guide you deeper inside, and as they do, the trees will seem to bend and intertwine above you, creating an enchanting emerald canopy.
There are numberless walking routes for first-time visitors. The River Trail is one such route—it offers a three mile scenic jaunt along the Shimna River. There are plenty of picturesque rocky outcrops, bridges, grottos and caves to explore. Salmon and trout swim in the rushing waters. Exotic trees, such as monkey puzzles and eucalyptus, stand beside the river like silent guardians, while giant redwood, oak and Monterey pines rise up through the canopy.
Venturing deeper into the park, and the woodlands’ transformation into CS Lewis’s mystical world beyond the wardrobe is complete. Torrents of water gush forth from the mouth of a stone lion in a classical fountain at the top of Azalea Walk; standing alone is a stone chair engraved with the poetry of Alexander Pope. There’s a giant, split boulder, or glacial erratic, inscribed with a biblical verse. ‘Stop,’ it invites the onlooker. ‘Look around…’
Take the inscription’s advice, and you may spot some of the wild animals that have made the forest their home. There are over a hundred fallow deer that have lived in the park since the 1970s, and red squirrels were first recorded in the park in 1880, though their grey cousins have become more populous in recent years. Tollymore Forest Park, and the Shimna River which winds through it, are the only places that wild mandarin ducks have been seen in Northern Ireland, while pine martens, badgers, foxes and otters have also taken up residence in the park.
The tranquil ambience and other-worldly feel of Tollymore Forest Park stand in stark contrast to the vibrant atmosphere of nearby Belfast and the clean and colourful Derry/Londonderry. It isn’t difficult to see why these untamed and intimate surroundings had such a profound effect on writers like CS Lewis, who grew up east of the capital. But any visitor can lose themselves in Tollymore Forest Park in much the same way that Lewis supposedly did; it’s hard not to. So near is Tollymore Forest Park to Belfast that if you hire a car during your stay in Northern Ireland, it would be remiss not to head south and escape, if only for a few hours, into a world apparently plucked out of a fairy tale.


Not the most sullen sky nor the bitterest cold seems to discourage Goldfinches. They are always cheerful and affectionate, keeping together for the greater part of the year in larger or smaller flocks, which call to each other, if separated, by notes as sweet as those of a Canary. In summer, Goldfinches find an abundance of food in the seeds of many species of plants, but in winter also many remain even in the Northern States, searching cheerfully among the dry weeds and grasses, and uttering their sweet notes. Many people, however, do not notice them at this season, for when winter comes the head and body of the males of this species, as of many others, lose the bright black and yellow which marks them so distinctly in summer, and are clothed in dull brownish shades. About the first of April, one notices here and there in a flock a male that shows a few bright yellow feathers, and by another month, they have moulted their winter dress and are as gay as ever.
In the spring and early summer, the Goldfinches are extremely musical, spending hours in uttering a simple but pleasing song. Several males now engage in what seems to be a musical contest, flying out from a tree and circling about with set wings, all the time keeping up a continual strain. When flying through the air at a considerable height, they go in long curves, and utter during each undulation three or four simple notes. As they seem constantly to have business in one part or other of the country, the wave-like flight and characteristic notes become a common feature of the summer landscape.
Though the Goldfinches are here all winter, they delay nesting till very much later than the other resident birds; the Chickadees have their first brood already out in the world by the time the Goldfinches determine on building. The female is a modest-colored little body, as is often the case where the male is bright. The pair generally builds in July, and chooses some thick leafy tree, often a maple or poplar, and there, on a limb at a considerable height from the ground, construct a very neat nest, deep and cup-shaped, built of fine materials and lined with down from plants like the thistle. Here five or six bluish white eggs are laid, and when in another month the young Goldfinches begin to fly, it is at once evident from their sharp, insistent crying. As the calling of the young Orioles is a mark of late June, so the notes of the young Goldfinches become associated with August.
Goldfinches are very fond of the seeds of many kinds of composite flowers; they bite holes in unripe dandelion heads and take out the seeds; thistles are another favorite food, and a row of sunflowers planted in the garden will not fail to attract them. In winter, besides the seeds of weeds, they feed on birch seeds, scattering the scales over the snow, and they even pull out the seeds of the pitch pine, when the scales begin to loosen toward spring.
No bird has livelier, more cheerful ways than our Goldfinch, and none becomes a greater favorite. People are often at considerable pains to remove the dandelion plants from their lawns; if the gay flowers themselves do not repay one for their presence, many would certainly allow them to remain in order to have the pleasant spectacle, in summer, of a flock of yellow Goldfinches scattered about the grass and feeding on the seeds.


REGION Cajamarca, Cutervo
RELATIONSHIP Friends via Sustainable Harvest
ALTITUDE 1600-1850 masl
COMMUNITIES Miraflores, Tablabamba, Pabellon
VARIETALS Caturra, Typica, Pache, Bourbon
Selva Andina (‘Andean Forest’), or The Association of Coffee Producers of the Andean Forest, is a cooperative located in the northern region of Peru. It is a democratically-run collective of smallholder coffee communities of the Cajamarca and Amazonas regions that focuses on sustainable agriculture and consistently produces high-quality coffee.
In its own words, the organization is “committed to sustainable coffee production, preserving the environment and improving the living standards of its members.” Selva Andina works to strengthen capacities in organic production and marketing of premium products, while also contributing to the development of the local producers’ communities. The organization has obtained USDA, EU & Peruvian organic certifications, as well as Fair Trade certification.
Member farmers of Selva Andina harvest their coffee with the help of their families and contracted local workers. Great care is put into selecting only mature coffee cherries to avoid mixing in green or overripe fruit. The cherries are depulped in mechanical depulpers on individual farms the same day they are harvested and are fermented in either cement or wood tanks. Afterward the coffee is washed using clean water, then dried naturally on patios made of cement, on wooden and mesh trays or raised covered beds in solar tents. After drying, the coffee is transported to Piura for dry milling in a private plant. It is then cupped to ensure quality control before heading to port in Paita for export.
In February 2015 Selva Andina received funds from the government to improve the post-harvest infrastructure for members who are aiming to produce high-quality coffee for the specialty market. This group of farmers will renew their depulping machines, restore their cement tanks with tile, and improve their solar driers. The project also considers the production of organic fertilizer to improve soil quality. Additionally with these government funds Selva Andina has fully implemented a cupping lab.


Plastic pollution has become a global environmental crisis, prompting governments around the world to take action. One significant step in combating this issue is the government ban on single-use plastics. In this article, we will explore how this ban affects you and why it is crucial for the environment.
The ban on single-use plastics aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated, which has devastating effects on our planet. Plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose, leading to pollution in our oceans, landfills, and ecosystems. By implementing this ban, the government is taking a proactive approach to protect the environment.
Changes in Daily Life
The government ban on single-use plastics will undoubtedly bring about changes in our daily lives. Items such as plastic bags, straws, and cutlery will no longer be readily available. This means that individuals will need to adopt more sustainable alternatives, such as reusable bags, metal straws, and bamboo cutlery.
While this may require a slight adjustment, it presents an opportunity for us to develop eco-friendly habits and reduce our reliance on plastic. Additionally, businesses will need to find alternative packaging solutions, favoring biodegradable materials.
Single-use plastics are not only harmful to the environment but also pose risks to human health. Some plastic products contain toxic chemicals that can leach into food and beverages. By eliminating single-use plastics, we can reduce our exposure to these harmful substances, promoting a healthier lifestyle for ourselves and future generations.
The government ban on single-use plastics also has economic implications. While some industries may experience initial challenges in transitioning to more sustainable practices, it also opens up opportunities for innovation and job creation in the production of eco-friendly alternatives. Moreover, reducing plastic waste can lead to cost savings in waste management and environmental cleanup.
The government ban on single-use plastics aligns with global efforts to combat plastic pollution. Many countries have already implemented similar measures, showcasing the collective commitment towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. By joining these global efforts, we contribute to a significant change on a worldwide scale.
The government ban on single-use plastics is a crucial step towards addressing the plastic pollution crisis. Although it may require adjustments in our daily lives, it brings numerous benefits for the environment, our health, and the economy. By embracing this ban and adopting sustainable alternatives, we can all play a part in preserving our planet for future generations.


EMS Management is a mobile industrial cleaning service company. We provide services to rail, marine and terminal assets. EMS is a solutions based company which addresses the unique and demanding challenges related to cleaning of storage and transportation assets. With over 20 years in environmental industrial cleaning, EMS has become a leader in both mobile and fixed cleaning operations.
EMS leads with uniquely engineered solutions combined with proprietary chemistries that deliver safe, green, timely and cost effective value to their customers across the country. EMS has launched into new service markets tapping into our vast knowledge and experience in environmental and industrial cleaning services.
With the establishment of mobile vessel cleaning in the US Coast Guard's 8th District and dispatching nationally for the cleaning of above ground storage tanks and in-plant services; EMS continues to add value through expanded services to new and existing customers.
EMS Management Railcar Service Division delivers environmental cleaning solutions to the rail fleets of America. EMS offers cleaning solutions for many types of railcars and commodities; from food grade sanitization, petro-chemicals, oils, asphalt, plastics and resin conversion cleaning.
EMS Management Marine Service Division delivers environmental cleaning solutions to the Marine fleets of America. EMS has established barge and vessel cleaning operations throughout the US Coast Guard's District 8.
EMS Management AST Service Division delivers environmental cleaning solutions to the AST assets of America. Our staff is skilled and equipped for the cleaning of ASTs and pipe transfer manifolds.
We believe the most important asset is our team. The men and women that come together to create our company are committed to safety and EMS is committed to providing training that will keep personnel, assets and infrastructure safe in order to send everyone home safe every day.
EMS partners with various organizations that adhere and exceed OSHA safety standards for training. EMS is qualified through IS Networld & SMI Safety. All personnel participate in the NASB & ASAP drug testing and background verification consortium.
Beyond basic OSHA 501 & 511 training, EMS maintains staff with certified OSHA trainers to reinforce class room training in the field where safety becomes reality. Through employed trainers and continued enrollment with the Houston Area Safety Council, EMS maintains 100% compliant with OSHA standards and strives to have all field team members 40hr HAZWOPR certified, First Aid, CPR & AED certified.


Star Showers Virginia Creeper
Parthenocissus quinquefolia 'Star Showers'
Star Showers Virginia Creeper foliage
(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)
Height: 40 feet
Spread: 24 inches
Hardiness Zone: 4a
Other Names: Woodbine
A new variant on this popular vine featuring five-lobed leaves splashed with creamy white for a stunning effect, excellent along fences and arbors, up the sides of houses or climbing trees; variegation may not be stable, less vigorous than the species
Star Showers Virginia Creeper has attractive white-variegated green foliage on a plant with a spreading habit of growth. The serrated palmate leaves are highly ornamental but do not develop any appreciable fall color.
Star Showers Virginia Creeper is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous woody vine with a twining and trailing habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.
This woody vine will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Star Showers Virginia Creeper is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Planting & Growing
Star Showers Virginia Creeper will grow to be about 40 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. As a climbing vine, it tends to be leggy near the base and should be underplanted with low-growing facer plants. It should be planted near a fence, trellis or other landscape structure where it can be trained to grow upwards on it, or allowed to trail off a retaining wall or slope. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.
This woody vine performs well in both full sun and full shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.


Recycling Presentations and Tours
The City of Peoria collects about 70,000 tons of waste each year and delivers it to local landfills. Much of this waste can be diverted from landfills and recycled. Last year Peoria's citizens diverted approximately 16,000 tons of waste from area landfills! Great job! Let's divert even more!
Recycling Makes Sense
- Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators
- Conserves natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals
- Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to collect new raw materials
- Saves energy
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change
- Helps sustain the environment for future generations
- Helps create new well-paying jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries in the United States
- At the MRF, the collected materials are sorted and bundled for sale on the open market (this is why it is important to buy goods made from reycled materials).
- Recyclable materials collected are taken to an area materials recovery facility, or MRF.
- City receives money depending on how clean the recyclable materials are (the cleaner the recyclables the higher the dollar amount per ton).
Presentation, Tours, and Outreach
We offer free presentations, tours, and outreach to all Peoria citizens, schools, and community groups. Please complete the online reservation form to request a speaker, exhibitor or a Materials Recovery Facility field trip for your event. Reservations must be made at least 1 week prior to event. For additional information please email us at email@example.com or call 623-773-7160. Transportation to and from the materials recovery facilities is not provided.
Click Here to book a presentation or tour.
Other educational sites
- The Environmental Protection Agency offers a great deal of recycling information. Click HERE to visit their waste education site.
- Earth911 is dedicated to reducing waste and offers some great information. Click HERE to visit their site.
- Arizona Recycling Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting recycling throughout the State. Click HERE to visit their site.
Educational recycling videos
- Here is a short video of a local Materials Recovery Facility, or MRF. Click HERE to view the video. If you're interested in taking a group tour of a facility similar to this complete the online form above. You'll be amazed!
- Plastic bags aren't recyclable in curbside containers. Instead, take them to one of many Bag It Central Station locations at Peoria's Fire Stations, City Hall or libraries. Once collected, it goes through it's own recycle process. Click HERE for a short video about plastic bag recycling.
Follow Peoria Sustainability on Facebook - Like Us on our Sustain and Gain Facebook Page. Click HERE to visit.


Josh from Longo’s Solar Cleaning has fair prices, does a great job and is extremely reliable. Not only does he clean solar panels he also does lawn maintenance and trash removal. I have used many companies for lawn service in the past but have had horrible luck with them sticking to a rotation or even showing up at all, until now. When you have to lock in your animals, knowing when is most important. I would highly recommend Longo’s Solar Cleaning for all your yard maintenance and solar cleaning needs!
First, Josh from Longo’s Solar Cleaning provides great service at a great price as well as peace of mind. Second, I went with their basic plan, what’s great is the price they gave me for 2 cleanings a year was that of other businesses for a single clean. I checked out an app that I have monitoring output of my solar on my phone and saw that it almost doubled. I definitely recommend and will be using them again.
Josh owner of Longo’s Solar Cleaning did an excellent job on cleaning my Solar light tubes. They were just like new when he finished the job. Spent extra time cleaning the inside and roof top of the Tubes. 5 star rate for Longo’s
Great service! The owner and operator, Joshua Longo, was very knowledgeable with solar panel cleaning. He is very informative about the need to have all the dust, dirt, and debris removed from the panels serval times a year so the panels can perform at their most efficient capacity. He has great communication skills and was very prompt. Only took him a couple of hours to clean 31 panels and they look great. His willingness to work weekends helps those who have busy workweek schedules. I high recommend Joshua and Longo’s Solar Cleaning! Support local and small businesses! Thanks again
As a provider of solar power systems we recommend Longo’s solar cleaning to all of our solar power customers. Joshua longo is always just a call away when we need a quick quote for cleaning solar panels or for providing bird proofing to keep the birds away from the solar systems. We appreciate the up front pricing with no hidden costs. Excellent service, Fair pricing and professionalism.
Longo’s Solar Cleaning is one of the few businesses that isn’t on “Yuma Time” Josh came out on time at the agreed upon time. He took his time cleaning my solar panels and ensured they were done right the first time. I have seen the difference of the productivity and is saving me money on my electric bill. I will definitely be using Longo’s in the near future. Highly recommend.
I used Longos solar cleaning and landscaping service for My over grown front lawn.
My yard had gotten away from me and was Pretty overwhelming to look at to be honest.
Longos came out and completely took care of my yards needs mowing, trimming and weeding my yard.
Fast, affordable,fair and dependable Longos did an excellent job!


As we go about our daily lives, convenience often plays a significant role in our choices. One such convenience is the ability to quickly heat up food in the microwave. However, a question that commonly arises is whether it is safe to use plastic containers in this cooking method. In this article, we will explore the potential risks and benefits associated with using plastic containers in the microwave, shedding light on this topic and providing you with the necessary information to make informed decisions about your kitchen practices.
Overview of Microwave-Safe Plastics
Understanding microwave-safe plastic
Microwave-safe plastics are specifically designed and tested to withstand the heat generated by microwaves without melting or releasing harmful chemicals. These plastics are made from materials that do not react with the food or beverages placed inside them. It is important to note that not all plastics are microwave-safe, and using the wrong type of plastic can pose risks to both our health and the integrity of the container and microwave itself.
Different types of microwave-safe plastics
Several types of plastics are generally considered safe for use in the microwave. These include polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polyethylene (PE). These plastics have high heat resistance and are not known to release harmful chemicals when heated. They are commonly used in microwaveable food containers, storage containers, and microwave-safe wraps and covers.
Potential Risks of Using Non-Microwave-Safe Plastics
One of the main risks associated with using non-microwave-safe plastics is chemical leaching. When plastic containers are exposed to high temperatures in the microwave, chemicals from the plastic can leach into the food or beverage inside. These chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, have been linked to various health issues, including hormonal disruptions, reproductive problems, and certain types of cancer.
Release of harmful substances
Non-microwave-safe plastics can release harmful substances when heated, potentially contaminating the food or beverage being heated. These substances may include toxic gases, dyes, or additives present in the plastic. Ingesting or inhaling these substances can have negative effects on our health.
Damage to the container and microwave
Using non-microwave-safe plastics can also cause damage to the container and the microwave itself. Non-microwave-safe plastics may melt or warp when exposed to high temperatures, leading to potential leaks, spills, or even fires. In addition, the heat generated by these plastics can cause the microwave to malfunction or become damaged.
Microwave-Safe Symbols and Codes
Understanding the microwave-safe symbols
Microwave-safe plastics are commonly labeled with unique symbols that indicate their suitability for use in the microwave. These symbols are usually found on the bottom or side of the container and serve as a guide for consumers. The most recognized symbol for microwave-safe plastics is a square box with wavy lines inside it, indicating that the plastic is safe for use in the microwave. It is important to check for these symbols before using plastic containers in the microwave to ensure their safety.
Decoding plastic recycling codes
Plastic containers also often feature recycling codes, which can provide some information about the type of plastic used. However, it is important to note that these codes do not necessarily indicate microwave safety. The most common recycling codes found on plastics include numbers 1 through 7, along with their corresponding resin identification symbols. While some of these plastics may be microwave-safe, others are not and should be avoided.
Specific Plastics to Avoid in the Microwave
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is a type of plastic that should never be used in the microwave. When PVC is heated, it can release toxic chemicals called dioxins, which are known to be carcinogenic. In addition to the health risks, PVC can also melt or warp when exposed to the high temperatures of the microwave, making it unsuitable for use.
Polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, is another plastic that should be avoided in the microwave. When heated, polystyrene can release harmful substances, including styrene, which has been linked to respiratory issues, neurological effects, and even cancer. It is best to transfer food from polystyrene containers to microwave-safe alternatives before heating.
Polycarbonate plastics, which are often transparent and hard, should be avoided in the microwave. These plastics can release bisphenol A (BPA) when heated, which is a chemical associated with various health problems. To ensure safety, it is recommended to use alternatives to polycarbonate containers in the microwave.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) beverage bottles
While polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) bottles are generally safe for storing beverages, they are not considered suitable for use in the microwave. The heat generated in the microwave can cause the bottle to melt or release harmful chemicals into the drink. It is best to transfer the beverage to a microwave-safe container before heating.
Other non-microwave-safe plastics
In addition to the specific plastics mentioned above, it is important to avoid using any plastic containers that are not labeled as microwave-safe. These may include plastics labeled with recycling codes 3, 6, or 7, as they may release harmful chemicals or melt when exposed to high temperatures.
Types of Plastics Generally Considered Microwave-Safe
Polypropylene (PP) is a commonly used plastic that is known for its high heat resistance and stability. It does not release harmful chemicals when heated and is therefore considered microwave-safe. PP plastics are often used in microwaveable food containers, such as those used for reheating leftovers or storing pre-cooked meals.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is another plastic that is considered safe for use in the microwave. It is a versatile and durable plastic that can withstand the high temperatures of the microwave without melting or leaching harmful chemicals. HDPE is often used in microwave-safe storage containers and packaging.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is similar to HDPE in terms of its safety for microwave use. LDPE has a lower melting point compared to HDPE, making it suitable for short microwave heating times. It is commonly used in microwave-safe plastic wraps, bags, and covers.
Polyethylene (PE) is a general term that encompasses both HDPE and LDPE. It refers to a category of plastics that are safe for use in the microwave. PE is known for its heat resistance and low chemical reactivity, making it a reliable choice for microwave-safe containers and wraps.
Tips for Microwaving Plastic Containers Safely
Check for microwave-safe labeling
Before using any plastic container in the microwave, it is essential to check for microwave-safe labeling. Look for the square box with wavy lines inside it, indicating that the plastic is safe for use in the microwave. If there is no specific labeling, it is best to assume that the container is not microwave-safe and choose an alternative option.
Avoid using old or damaged plastic containers
It is important to avoid using old or damaged plastic containers in the microwave. Over time, plastic can become scratched or damaged, making it more prone to leaching harmful chemicals into food or melting in high heat. Inspect the containers for any cracks, warping, or discoloration, and replace them if necessary.
Use microwave-safe covers or vented lids
When using plastic containers in the microwave, it is advisable to use microwave-safe covers or vented lids. These help trap steam and heat, ensuring even heating and preventing splatters. Make sure the covers or lids are specifically labeled as microwave-safe to avoid any risks.
Transfer food to microwave-safe glass or ceramic containers when unsure
If unsure of the microwave safety of a plastic container, it is best to transfer the food or beverage to a microwave-safe glass or ceramic container. Glass and ceramics are known for their heat resistance and do not release harmful chemicals when heated. This provides a safe alternative when in doubt.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using plastic containers in the microwave. Different brands and types of plastic may have specific guidelines or limitations, and it is essential to adhere to them for safe and effective use.
Practice caution with certain foods
Some foods, such as those high in fat or sugar content, can generate more heat when microwaved. It is important to exercise caution when heating these foods in plastic containers, as the increased heat can potentially affect the integrity of the plastic or release harmful substances. Consider using microwave-safe glass or ceramic containers for such foods to avoid any risks.
Alternatives to Plastic for Microwave Use
Glass containers are an excellent alternative to plastic for microwave use. They are microwave-safe, do not release any harmful chemicals when heated, and offer the added benefit of being transparent, allowing for easy monitoring of the food during heating. Glass containers are also durable and can be used for both cooking and storage purposes.
Ceramic containers are another safe and popular option for microwaving food. They are designed to withstand high heat and do not react chemically with the food being heated. Ceramic containers are available in various shapes and sizes and are suitable for cooking, reheating, and storing food.
Silicone containers have gained popularity in recent years due to their flexibility, durability, and microwave-safe properties. Silicone is heat-resistant and does not release harmful chemicals when microwaved. Silicone containers often come with lids or covers, making them convenient for storing and reheating food.
Debunking Common Myths about Microwaving Plastic
Plastic releases harmful toxins when heated
One common myth about microwaving plastic is that it releases harmful toxins when heated. While it is true that certain non-microwave-safe plastics can release harmful substances, microwave-safe plastics are specifically designed to resist heat and do not leach harmful chemicals. When using microwave-safe plastics, there is no need to worry about toxins being released into the food.
Microwaving plastic causes cancer
Another misconception is that microwaving plastic causes cancer. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Microwave-safe plastics are tested and approved to ensure they do not release carcinogenic substances when heated. It is important to use the correct microwave-safe plastics and follow proper usage guidelines to minimize any potential risks.
All plastic containers are microwave-safe
Contrary to popular belief, not all plastic containers are safe for use in the microwave. Each plastic type has different properties and tolerances to heat. Using the wrong type of plastic can lead to melting, release of harmful substances, or damage to the container and microwave. Always check for microwave-safe labeling or use alternative microwave-safe materials when unsure.
Research and Expert Opinions
FDA guidelines on microwaving plastics
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides guidelines and regulations regarding the safety of plastics intended for use in the microwave. These guidelines ensure that microwave-safe plastics comply with specific criteria, including heat resistance and chemical stability. Following FDA guidelines and using microwave-safe plastics can help minimize risks associated with microwave use.
Scientific studies on plastic safety in the microwave
Numerous scientific studies have been conducted to assess the safety of plastic containers in the microwave. These studies have examined the potential release of chemicals, the effects on food quality, and the impact on human health. Although some studies have raised concerns about certain non-microwave-safe plastics, microwave-safe plastics have generally been found to pose minimal risks when used correctly.
Expert opinions and recommendations
Experts in the field of food safety and material science generally agree that using microwave-safe plastics is safe for daily use. However, experts also recommend using caution and common sense when using plastics in the microwave. It is important to choose the correct plastics, follow usage guidelines, and consider alternatives like glass or ceramic containers for added peace of mind.
In conclusion, using microwave-safe plastics can be a safe and convenient way to heat, cook, and store food in the microwave. Understanding the different types of microwave-safe plastics and their symbols can help us make informed decisions and minimize potential risks. It is essential to avoid using non-microwave-safe plastics, as they can release harmful chemicals, damage the container and microwave, or pose health risks. By following guidelines, transferring food to appropriate containers when unsure, and considering alternative materials like glass or ceramic, we can ensure safer microwave use. Always prioritize our health and well-being by choosing microwave-safe plastics and practicing caution when handling and heating food.


Patagonia – Long Root ALE
Our new Long Root Ale® is a great beer—with great purpose. Beyond the crafted Grapefruit hop flavor, beyond the balanced maltiness lies a story as refreshing as its dry, crisp finish.
We’ve teamed up with Hopworks Urban Brewery to create Long Root Ale®, a great tasting beer that’s the first to be made with Kernza®, a perennial grain grown using regenerative agriculture practices. We believe the future of farming lies in organic regenerative agriculture which restores soil biodiversity, sequesters carbon, and efficiently grows crops without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Our delicious pale ale is brewed with organic two-row barley, organic yeast, organic Chinook, Mosaic and Crystal hops, and Kernza. Kernza’s long root system and perennial growth allows it to thrive without tilling, preserving precious top soil. It also uses less water than conventional wheat, removes more carbon from the atmosphere and makes one damn good beer.
We are on a mission to repair our food system through organic regenerative farming practices and encouraging others to do the same. Cheers!