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The Green Zone
KFMG 99.1 FM
Des Moines, Iowa
June 16-20, 2008
MONDAY, June 16
Today's Word: Correction
A couple of weeks ago “The Green Zone” entered the plastic universe. We learned about so-called “good plastics” and those which leach harmful chemicals into food and drink. Since then I’ve come across new information I want to share with you.
Plastics with the recycling code #7 are suspect because most contain the resin bisphenol A, thought to cause feminization of boys, early puberty in girls, and possibly lead to breast and prostate cancer. Bisphenol A is a component of polycarbonate plastic, labeled with the recycling code #7.
But not all #7 plastics contain BPA. The #7 designation simply means “other”--a miscellaneous group of plastics not found in products with recycling codes 1 through 6. Just because a product carries a #7 recycling code, doesn’t mean it contains BPA.
It’s confusing, I know. What’s the wise consumer to do?
Until BPA is banned in the U.S. (as it is in the E.U. and will probably soon be in Canada), be wary of #7 plastics. If you find a favorite product is packaged in #7 plastic, contact the manufacturer and ask them to tell you the specific plastic resin in the container. And stay away from polycarbonate baby bottles and metal cans with plastic liners.
TUESDAY, June 17
Today's Tip: Fuel Early
Cut down on gas emissions--which fill the air we breathe with ozone and contribute to global warming--simply by not buying gas during the heat of the day, since heat increases evaporation.
You know that gasoline smell when you drive into a station? That's the smell of escaping gas emissions—from your car, other cars' tanks, and the pumps as everyone fills up.
So breathe easier: Fill up either early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature is
cooler.
WEDNESDAY, June 18
Today's Tip: Grill Green This Summer
As barbecue season heats up, many people are using nasty stuff to light their coals. Lighter fluids made from nonrenewable petroleum distillates let off volatile organic compounds (called VOCs) and contribute to unhealthy, ground-level ozone pollution. They aren’t good for human health, either. Those VOCs can cause everything from headaches to cancer.
If you haven’t already switched to gas, try eco-friendlier and tastier ways to light your charcoal this summer. One alternative is a charcoal starter wand available at hardware stores for $18. Just plug it in and stick it under the coals for about ten minutes.
Another option is the Weber Chimney Starter. You put your briquettes inside and light some newspaper below to get grilling. It costs $15.
Green, healthy options are affordable and easily obtainable. So give up nasty lighter fluid and grill green this summer.
THURSDAY, June 19
Today's Tip: Visit the Landfill
One of the best eco-lessons you can give your kids is to take them on a field trip to the nearest landfill. Such a trip shows them rubbish doesn't end up in some imaginary, far-away place, and it doesn’t just magically disappear--most of it ends up nearby in a garbage dump.
This is especially important since each of us creates about 4 1/2 pounds of trash each day, and 55% goes to landfills (the other 45% is either recycled or incinerated).
In Des Moines, the nearest landfill is on University Avenue nine miles east of the city. To arrange a tour, call the education specialist, Mary Gillespie, at 323.6505.
As a preliminary to the trip, show your kids “The Story of Stuff,” a kid-friendly 20-minute video that explains all about consumption and where stuff goes when we're through with it. You can view the video at storyofstuff.com.
One important lesson I’ve learned in 20 years of eco-work is the fastest way to affect true change is to teach kids.
FRIDAY, June 20
Today’s Tip: Choose Toxin-Free Sunscreen
While the sun is vital to your health, it’s not so great for your skin. Overexposure causes premature aging, unsightly age spots, and sometimes cancer.
Beyond the recommended 15 minutes of sunlight a day on hands, arms, and face, you should have some kind of protection. Some sunscreens are better for you than others, so choose carefully.
There are two basic types of sunscreen—those made of plant-based minerals and those made of synthetic chemicals. Not only are those made of synthetic chems harmful to the environment, they aren’t as effective as mineral-based sunscreens.
What’s the wise consumer to do? Choose a sunscreen with plant-based ingredients which break down faster than petroleum-based ingredients do after they wash off. Opt for physical UV barriers, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, rather than chemicals.
A few good brands to start with include:
UV Natural (www.uvanaturalusa.com)
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 PROJECT:
Calculate Your Ecological Footprint |
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How much space does your lifestyle require? Find out.
Calculate your own ecological footprint by taking the quiz
at
www.myfootprint.org.
Then, you can compare your Ecological Footprint to what the
planet can sustain.
Adjusting your entries or playing with the “Reduce Your
Footprint” calculator will show how lifestyle changes affect
the Footprint size. Enter simple goals for your life on the
Action Calculator (such as a pledge to eat less meat) and
find out how many acres of land you could save just by
implementing that goal. Post your goals in a place where you
can see and review them every day. |
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ON THE AIR |
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• Dec. 29-Jan. 2, 2009
• Dec. 22-26, 2008
• Dec. 15-19, 2008
• Dec. 8-12, 2008
• Dec. 1-5, 2008
• Nov. 24-28, 2008
• Nov. 17-21, 2008
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Nov. 10-14, 2008
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Oct. 27-31, 2008
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Oct. 20-24, 2008
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Oct. 13-17, 2008
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Oct. 6-10, 2008
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Sept. 28-Oct. 3, 2008
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Sept. 22-26, 2008
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Sept. 15-19, 2008
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Sept. 8-12, 2008
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Sept. 1-5, 2008
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August 22-29, 2008
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Aug. 18-22, 2008
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June 30-July 4, 2008
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June 23-27, 2008
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June 16-20, 2008
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June 9-13, 2008
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June 2-6, 2008
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May 26-30, 2008
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May 20-23, 2008
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May 11-18, 2008
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April 6-13, 2008 |
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