Earth Day 2016

6 1 20 h t r a E y a D

Benefits of recycling

Sustainable transportation

Efficient homes

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Earth Day

April 22, 2016

6 1 20 h t r Ea y Da

Kids activity page

Help Mr. H find the HOOK for his fishing rod.

H

April 22, 2016

Earth Day

Live a

greener L

lifestyle

iving a greener lifestyle doesn’t have to mean making massive changes, but some tweaks to your routine and a few household upgrades can make a big difference for you and the environment.

HGTV recommends some tips that can serve as a great place to start:

Recycle bathroom water

Devices are available that can allow you to reuse sink water for flushing your toilet. Another option: Keep a bucket by the shower or tub and use it to catch the cold water that comes out before the water hits an optimal temperature. That excess water can then be used outside to water plants and gardens.

Compost

A compost bin can be used to turn food and lawn waste into rich, extremely useful mulch. It can be an excellent way to reduce trash production, and by the next year, you can have rich compost ready for use by the spring planting period.

Buy green power

It costs a bit more, but when available, green power can allow you to put your money where your mouth is. Most utilities charge less than $5

per month extra to purchase power from a renewable source. On a larger scale, the move also can show utility executives and government officials that citizens are invested and interested in seeing additional investment in renewable energy.

Fill it up

Fill the dishwasher and washing machine before you run it. This slight change to your cleaning routine can go a long way toward saving water. Make sure to run the dishwasher and clothes washers only when they’re full. Both devices are huge energy and water users, so make sure to only run them with full loads (or adjust the water setting for smaller loads) whenever possible. Hand-washing dishes also can be very wasteful, so load those dishes directly into an energy-efficient dishwasher instead. Then, run it when it is completely full.

Drive greener

No, we’re not talking about getting a new car (though an energy efficient model can be a good investment), but some simple changes to your driving habits can improve fuel efficiency by up to 25 percent. Drive at or near the speed limit, keep your tires inflated, make sure oil and air filters are clean, and step on the gas and the brakes carefully. Driving at a normal rate, and braking at a safe speed, can save fuel.

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Earth Day

T

he annual growth rate of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere rose more in 2015 than scientists have ever seen in a single year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced in April.

It was the fourth year in a row that carbon dioxide concentrations grew by more than 2 parts per million, with an annual growth rate of 3.05 parts per million in 2015. ­The spike comes in the same year that Earth reached an ominous global warming milestone – scientists last year measured the highest atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide ever recorded.

Carbon dioxide emissions from people burning fossil fuels are the driving force behind climate change and have risen to greater than 400 ppm – more than 120 ppm above pre-industrial levels. Earth has warmed more than 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit over that period.

As of February, the average atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration in the earth’s atmosphere was about 402.6 ppm, according to NOAA data. The findings are based on measurements made at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii.

Increasing rates

“Carbon dioxide levels are increasing faster than they have in hundreds of thousands of years,” Pieter Tans, lead scientist of NOAA’s Global Greenhouse Gas Reference Network, said in a statement.

April 22, 2016

CO2 rate continues to

climb

The rate of increase in carbon dioxide concentrations is 200 times faster than the previous extreme jump between 11,000 and 17,000 years ago, when levels rose 80 ppm over about 6,000 years.

NOAA scientists are blaming last year’s spike in carbon dioxide concentrations on what will likely be the most extreme El Niño ever recorded, as ecosystems respond to the changes in temperature and precipitation it has caused.

Michael Mann, an atmospheric science professor and director of the Earth System Science Center at Penn State University, who is unaffiliated with NOAA, said the carbon dioxide milestone shouldn’t be over-interpreted.

“This spike is almost certainly due in substantial part to the ongoing El Niño event, which is a fleeting effect that increases carbon dioxide concentrations temporarily,” Mann said. “Carbon

dioxide concentrations are a lagging indicator, and they don’t accurately reflect recent trends in the more important variable – our actual carbon emissions.”

Emissions, he said, have stabilized somewhat in recent years and dropped slightly in 2015, reflecting human progress in transitioning away from a fossil fuel economy, he said.

“Those are the numbers to keep a close eye on,” he said. “If they continue to decline, we will see 2015 increase carbon dioxide in CO2 concentrations concentration beginning to stabilize.

402.6 ppm 2015 level of carbon dioxide concentration in atmosphere

3.05 ppm

How much

T

waste?

he amount of waste produced by Americans has been steadily increasing and has more than tripled in the past 50 years.

The average person generates 4.3 pounds of waste per day, up from 1.6 pounds in 1960, according to a Duke University study.

According to EPA data from 2011, approximately 55 percent of 220 million tons of waste generated each year in the United States ends up in one of the over 3,500 landfills. Municipal solid waste landfills are the second-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States, accounting for approximately 22 percent of these emissions in 2008.

What is it?

According to an EPA report, our trash – or municipal solid waste – is comprised of various items

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Americans commonly throw away after being used. These include items such as packaging, food waste, grass clippings, furniture, computers, tires and appliances.

MSW does not include industrial, hazardous or construction waste.

In 2012, Americans recovered over 65 million tons of MSW through recycling and over 21 million tons through composting.

We combusted about 29 million tons for energy recovery (about 12 percent). Subtracting out what is recycled and composted, we combusted (with energy recovery) or discarded in landfills 2.9 pounds per person per day of MSW. In 2012, lead-acid battery recovery was about 96 percent (2.8 million tons). Newspaper/mechanical papers recovery was about 70 percent (5.9 million tons), and over 57 percent of yard trimmings were recov-ered (19.6 million tons).

About 135 million tons of MSW

(53.8 percent) were discarded in landfills in 2012.

Hundreds of millions of tons

Total MSW generation in 2012 was 251 million tons. Organic materials such as paper and paperboard, yard trimmings and food waste continue to be the largest component of MSW. Paper and paperboard account for over 27 percent, and yard trimmings and food waste account for another 28 percent. Plastics comprise about 13 percent; metals make up 9 percent; and rubber, leather and textiles account for almost 9 percent.

Wood follows at over 6 percent and glass at almost 5 percent.

Other miscellaneous wastes make up approximately 3 percent of the MSW generated in 2012. Total MSW recovery in 2012 was almost 87 million tons.

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April 22, 2016

Earth Day

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Benefits of

recycling R

ecycling our paper, plastic and other products obviously benefits the environment, but it’s important to look at the tangible data to see just what kind of difference it really makes.

includes magazines and catalogs, telephone books, direct mail, brochures, pamphlets and booklets, in addition to cereal, cake, chip and cracker boxes. Be sure to remove the liner and all food from the box, flatten the box and place flattened box in a paper sack with your junk mail, mixed paper, magazines and catalogs.

Non-recyclable paper includes tissue and waxed and carbon paper.

Cardboard

Recycling one ton of cardboard saves 390 kWh of energy, 1.1 barrels (46 gallons) of oil and 6.6 million BTUs of energy.

When recycling cardboard, prepare by removing all other materials in the box, such as plastic wrap, polystyrene peanuts and other packing materials. Then, break down cardboard boxes to save storage space. Try to keep cardboard dry and free from food waste.

Cardboard can get wet and still be recycled, but remember it is more difficult to carry due to the added weight of the water.

Glass

Recycling one ton of glass saves 42 kWh of energy, 0.12 barrels (5 gallons) of oil, 714,286 BTUs of energy, 2 cubic yards of landfill space and the release of 7.5 pounds of air pollutants. Prepare glass containers for recycling by rinsing them out with water. Labels on

Plastic

Recycling one ton of plastic saves 5,774 kWh energy, 16.3 barrels (685 gallons) of oil, 98 million BTUs of en-ergy, 30 cubic yards of landfill space.

Remove plastic tops from the plastic containers being recycled and rinse containers with water. Crushing containers will help save space while storing them.

glass containers do not have to be removed because they are re-moved during the crushing process and/or burned off during the melting process.

Avoid breaking the glass and mixing broken colors together, as this may make the glass unacceptable for recycling.

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View all our special publications online at

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Benefits ing of recycl

ble Sustainatation transpor

Aluminum

Paper

Recycling one ton of paper saves 4,100 kWh of energy, 9 barrels (380 gallons) of oil, 54 million BTUs of en-ergy, 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space, the release of 60 pounds of air pollutants, 7,000 gallons of water and 17 trees. Recyclable paper

Choose Local

Efficient homes

Recycling one ton of aluminum saves 14,000 kWh of energy, 39.6 barrels (1,663 gallons) of oil, 237.6 million BTUs of energy and 10 cubic yards of landfill space.

When preparing to recycle aluminum, Waste Management recommends crushing the cans to save space and washing out the cans to eliminate odor and the chance it might attract bugs.

CFAC envisions a future where houses, farms, and ranches thrive; people are well-fed and food secure; family farms are sustainable, successful, and supported within a community food system; and farmers and ranchers can access the land they need.

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Earth Day

April 22, 2016

Participate in

E

Missoula

very April 22, people all around the world gather to celebrate Earth Day and to raise awareness about the need to work together to protect our environment. The Earth Day Network is the sponsor of this event, and their goal is to show Americans that the choices we make each and every day determine the way our children will grow up and live on this planet.

An example

According to the United Nations’ Environment Statistics Country Snapshot, only 9 percent of the energy used in this country in 2009 was renewable. That means the vast majority of us are using fossil fuels that can’t be regenerated once they’re gone. However, it’s important not to give in to a sense of powerlessness. Earth Day is a chance for all of us to join together in identifying all the small – and big – ways we can make a difference to the environment.

What you can do

• Become a volunteer with a national or local organization that works to preserve the environment.

• Reduce your carbon footprint every day by learning about green commuting, eating local whole foods and sustainable consumerism.

• Exercise your personal power by voting for eco-responsible politicians and spending your money locally, at sustainable businesses.

• Gather with others on Earth Day to show that the environment is a priority in your town.

April 17-23

International Wildlife Film Festival at the Roxy Theater.

April 22 – Earth Day

UM’s SustainaGANZA, 10 a.m.2 p.m., UM Oval & UC – exhibits, activities, awards, treats. UM Dining Garden Grand Opening and group bike ride, 11 a.m., meet at the Grizzly Bear Statue. Stay for a Farm-to-College lunch at the Iron Griz.

April 23

Stewardship Day at Teller Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife habitat projects at 9 a.m.-noon. Call

Reuse

D

ata shows that Americans can be among the most wasteful people on the planet, buying new things while tossing the old higher and higher into landfills.

One way to stop the cycle: Give an item a second (or third, or fourth) life by reusing or repurposing it.

Hit up the local library or used book store

Most people love to read, but what about after you’ve finished that dog-eared paperback or hardback? If you don’t like to keep them piling up on a bookshelf, donate them to your local library, or sell them to your local bookstore. On the other side of that coin, if you’re looking for something new to read, take a chance on a used edition. It gives

TOM BAUER/Missoulian

Hellgate High School’s Hannah Gostnell, left, and Big Sky High School’s Elle Cook pick up trash along the Clark Fork River during the annual River Cleanup in 2013.

406-961-3507 or email lauren@ tellerwildlife.org.

Sustainability Bike Ride – bike tour of Missoula sustainable businesses. 10:30 a.m.-noon; meet at UM Griz Statue.

Earth Week Celebration in Missoula & MUD’s 35th Birthday, at Caras Park from noon to 6 p.m.

Local food/drink, art, live music, kids’ activities, green businesses & community groups. Bring your eating tools.

Giant Garage Sale at UM – recycle stuff. 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

UM Parking Garage. For more information, contact Advocates@ mso.umt.edu.

April 24

Dig Day – help 1000 New Gardens of Missoula put food gardens into the yards of Missoulians. Meet at Kiwanis Park at noon and divide into teams to work on gardens around town.

Bring water and wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty.

For more information, contact 1000newgardens@gmail.com

April 26

Free public lecture:

Transforming Businesses from Linear to Circular Economics by UM alum Stiv Wilson, director of The Story of Stuff, at 7 p.m. in the UM Gallagher Business Bldg, Room 106. Reception before lecture (5:30 p.m. at Buttercup Cafe) has limited space.

April 27

Gardening in Pots at 4:30 p.m., at UM Flat, 633 S. 5th St. E., Missoula.

April 27-30

Bike/Walk Summit, “Building Healthy and Strong Communities Through Biking and Walking,” at Holiday Inn Downtown, Missoula (reduced cost for students) www.bikewalkmontana.org.

April 29

Bitterroot Water Symposium at UM Bitterroot College in Hamilton, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., $5 registration, lunch provided.

April 30 – Earth Service Day

Eco Expo 2016 at UM's University Center from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Workshops and panels

Repurpose that book a second use and is usually quite a bit cheaper than picking up a new copy. Local libraries are also excellent resources for reading material, and most make an effort to stock both new hits and old classics. Your tax dollars typically pay for that library, so why not get your money’s worth?

Thrift stores and yard sales

As for clothes and other household items, before heading to the big box or department store, check out thrift stories and yard sales.

You can potentially save an item from the trash bin and save some cash in the process.

From vintage or little-worn clothes to interesting furniture, thrift stores have grown into an

covering topics such as home food production, water conservation, the zero-waste movement, eco-friendly business practices and more.

In addition, there will be kids’ activities, movies, music, exhibitors and craft vendors.

Clark Fork Coalition’s Annual River Cleanup, Meet at Caras Park, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free BBQ for all volunteers, plus a free drawing for prizes.

Tree planting at Milltown State Park. Meet at Bluff overlook, 1253 Deer Creek Rd., at 1:30 p.m.

Contact mkustudia@mt.gov for more information.

EcoPentathalon – Bike to multiple service events, working an hour at each. Need water, work gloves, helmet & bike. Lunch will be provided. Meet at 9:50 a.m. on Kim Williams Trail by Van Buren footbridge. Done by 5 p.m. or earlier. Benefit for the Cycles of Change fundraiser. More info vicki. watson@umontana.edu or call 406243-5153.

Missoula Bike & Gear Swap at Missoula Fair Grounds. Drop off on April 30; Sale on May 1 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sale to benefit Missoula Free Cycles/BWAM.

Epicycle excellent shopping option for a variety of items.

Repurpose, or upcycle, older items

With a bit of effort, it’s amazing how an old item can become something new again with a completely different purpose.

Empty toilet paper rolls can be used to store and organize cords, old ketchup bottles can be used to dispense pancake batter, a bent wrench can become a wall hook, old doors and windows (and even suitcases) can be turned into new coffee and kitchen tables, old bottles can be turned into light fixtures, and even old lightbulbs can be turned into candles. Online social services such as Pinterest provide almost limitless ideas, if you’re looking for ways to make old things new again.

April 22, 2016

Earth Day

Walk or Ride Your Bike T

here are an estimated 253 million vehicles on the road in the United States, and the carbon footprint left behind is massive. How can that be reduced? The first step is to drive less, and the positive impact can be enormous.

The U.S. Census estimates that about half of all Americans live within five miles of their workplace. If all those people opted to bike to work every day instead of drive, you’d see a reduction in total household emissions of approximately 6 percent.

The ‘warm up’ problem

According to National Geographic, motor vehicles produce more than 30 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions, more than 80 percent of carbon monoxide and about half of the nation’s nitrogen oxide emissions each year. Much of those emissions are created when a vehicle is warming up, meaning those emissions could be avoided by walking or biking.

T

hough you can buy a brand new home sporting a ton of high-tech energyefficient accessories, there are affordable changes you can make to your existing pad to get it closer in line with a “green” lifestyle.

HGTV recommends a few lowcost ways to get started.

Approximately 90 percent of Americans drive to work, while just 0.6 percent bike to work.

Walking and public transportation are also options to help reduce the carbon footprint created by driving.

Get healthier

Along with a healthy diet, proper exercise is one of the most important things a person can do to live a healthy life. Cycling fits nicely into that formula and could potentially save billions in health care costs.

According to Discovery, a recent study focused on the upper Midwest noted that if half the residents chose to take their car trips by bicycle, health care costs would drop by $7 billion.

Air quality also would improve, which would be another contributing factor to a healthy region, leading to 1,100 fewer deaths each year.

“If you have a city with good biking infrastructure, the potential gain in health benefits compared to risks could be, like in Europe, quite significant,” said Jonathan Patz, a public health scientist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, to Discovery. “Our study, which shows the incredible health benefits that are possible, gives that much more impetus to make our cities safer for biking.”

The Energy

Efficient

Home

Shower head

Compared to a regular, oldstyle shower head, a high-efficiency model can save as much as 3,000 gallons of water per person per year. You also can save $50 in energy costs and 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per person per year.

These shower heads are specially designed to conserve water while still providing a water flow that matches a traditional head.

Many systems work by dispersing the water more evenly, while still using less water. Sink-aerator attachments are also an inexpensive addition that can save money and water.

Lights

When you’re lighting your porch or patio, some minor changes can make a big difference in energy usage. As HGTV notes, a typical 100-watt floodlight can consume up to $40 of electricity over the course of a year and produce as much as 400 pounds of carbon dioxide, depending on where you live. One quick fix: Replace older floodlights with compact-fluorescent versions.

They should be just as bright but will use one-fourth the amount of energy. Low-wattage halogen landscape bulbs also can be replaced with LED models, which can cut energy use by as much as 80 percent while lasting for 10 or more years. Another way to lower usage is to install motion sensors on existing lights so they’ll only kick on when you need them. After-market kits can be installed fairly easily on existing lights.

Inside the home, replace older lights with dimmable compact fluorescents. The sticker price is higher than typical bulbs, but they

use less energy and are designed to last for years.

Water heater

If you’re not up for installing

a tankless or solar water heater, you can make a few tweaks to your existing set up that can still cut carbon emissions by as much as 25 percent. Reduce the temperature of

your water heater to 120 degrees, then wrap it in a water-heater insulating blanket and insulate the first 3 to 6 feet of hot and cold water pipes.

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Earth Day

April 22, 2016