Green Options » Conservation

The Nature Conservancy: 320,000 Acres of Forest Protected in Landmark Deal

Jonathon D. Colman — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:04:46 +0000

[1] Few places on Earth are as untouched as the "Crown of the Continent" — a 10-million-acre expanse of mountains, valleys and prairies in Montana and Canada. The area has sustained all the same species — including grizzlies, lynx, moose and bull trout — for at least 200 years. Now — in one of the most significant conservation sales in history [2] — The Nature Conservancy and The Trust for Public Land have preserved 320,000 acres of forestlands in western Montana [3] that provide valuable habitat for species in the Crown of the Continent. "There hasn't been an animal extinction here since Lewis and Clark [4] encountered it in the early 19th century," explains Kat Imhoff, the Conservancy's state director in Montana. "It's the only such ecosystem in the Lower 48 states." The deal is part of the Conservancy’s large-scale efforts to protect forestlands around the world [5] — the majority of which are working forests supplying sustainably harvested timber. Over the past five years, the Conservancy has protected 3.5 million acres of forestlands — at a time when nearly one-half of Earth’s original forest cover is gone [6] and global deforestation rates continue to rise. 'A Landmark Conservation Project' That Also Benefits People The initiative — known as the Montana Legacy Project [7] — helps more than nature. Crucial to the deal are its benefits to people, including: Maintaining the forests in sustainable timber management — keeping jobs in Montana and maintaining local businesses. Promoting continued public access to these lands for fishing, hiking and other recreational pursuits. Helping to curtail a growing trend nationwide — the conversion of timberlands into residential developments. "This is a landmark conservation project that will benefit the environment and help to maintain strong local businesses," says Imhoff. Stopping Habitat and Landscape Fragmentation The land is being sold to the Conservancy and The Trust for Public Land by Plum Creek Timber Company, the largest private landowner in the United States and owner of 1.2 million acres of forestlands in Montana. In recent years, a downturn in the timber industry has led companies such as Plum Creek and International Paper to divest their holdings and sell their land — much of which has been bought by developers and subdivided into smaller parcels, fragmenting large landscapes. The lands covered in the agreement include multiple parcels spread across western Montana, primarily in Swan Valley and areas surrounding Missoula. Together, these lands provide crucial pathways for wide-ranging animals such as grizzly bears and wolverines to feed, breed and rear their young. The area also includes some of the most popular recreation lands in the western United States. Under the Montana Legacy Project, the purchased lands will be transferred into a mixture of private, state and federal ownership, allowing sustainable timber harvesting for Plum Creek for up to 15 years. Conservation easements will restrict subdivision and home development on the vast majority of lands sold into private ownership. And maintaining public access for recreation will be a top priority. Neither the Conservancy nor The Trust for Public Land will retain long-term ownership of any lands. The Farm Bill's Role Funding for the $510 million purchase could come from several private and public sources—including a new Qualified Conservation Forestry Bonds program that was included in the recently passed federal Farm Bill. The bonds were designed to help fund the purchase of ecologically important lands that are adjacent to existing U.S. Forest Service owned-lands. The purchased lands would eventually be conveyed to the Forest Service. Funding for the purchase is also being sought from other sources, including the state of Montana, private philanthropists and investors. This would be the first forest-protection effort to receive these newly designated bonds, which were championed by U.S. Senator Max Baucus of Montana. "This project is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to protect these lands for our families and future generations," said Montana Senator Max Baucus, who helped facilitate the agreement. "It will keep jobs in Montana, help maintain our communities and our working forests, and preserve public access for hunting and fishing. This will be the most significant land conservation project in the state's history, by far, and I'm proud to be part of it." [1] http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/montana/features/ [2] http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/montana/features/ [3] http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/montana/ [4] http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/montana/features/art24654.html [5] http://www.nature.org/initiatives/forests/ [6] http://www.nature.org/earth/forests/ [7] http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/montana/features/art24654.html

Solar S’mores, Blackout Wednesdays Win Florida Kids Green Honors

Shirley Siluk Gregory — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 18:56:53 +0000

Two groups of Pensacola kids are off to Washington, D.C., after taking top honors in the National Energy Education Development Program (NEED). Among the achievements that helped get them there: s’mores baked in a solar oven and Blackout Wednesdays in which students turned off classroom lights and relied on sunlight instead.

The Suter Energy Savers, a team of fourth-graders at Suter Elementary School, won at the elementary level for their work on 28 conservation projects in all. Their efforts included collecting $200 worth of recyclables, distributing flyers at area coffee shops urging customers to switch to compact fluorescent lightbulbs and making s’mores in a solar oven.

It was the first time the fourth-grade program won a national title, though it’s taken statewide honors three times already. The elementary program is led by teachers Deborah Pate and Judy Toy.

Also on their way to the Washington awards ceremony are eighth-graders representing The EnerJags from Workman Middle School. The junior level-winning team did everything from collecting recyclables and selling ad space on reusable shopping bags — enough to pay for the D.C. trip — to creating green t-shirts and observing regular “Blackout Wednesdays.”

Eighth-grade teacher Andrea Hussey said the weekly sunlight-only class day probably saved the school district about $200 in energy costs.

To find out more about Pensacola’s top green kids, check out this article in the Pensacola News Journal.

The Nature Conservancy: 102,387,581 Americans Don’t Know How to Go Green

Jonathon D. Colman — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:15:52 +0000

More than 90% of Americans are recycling — but fewer than 5% have taken recommended green actions such as driving less or reducing their utility use, according to a new Harris Poll on green living [1] released today. The poll — for which The Nature Conservancy [2] provided input and advice — found that 53% of those surveyed have taken steps to green their lives. But it also found a substantial lack of knowledge about how to go green — and skepticism about whether greening one's life makes a difference to the environment: 34% of those surveyed said they hadn’t changed their lifestyle because they “did not know what to do.” 29% of respondents believe that greening their lifestyle won’t make any significant difference on the environment. “This poll shows that green living is certainly at the forefront of our minds,” says Stephanie Meeks, the Conservancy's acting president and CEO [3]. “Yet people are getting lost in the maze of information on how to lessen our environmental impact. The bottom line is that even the smallest lifestyle change can have significant impact in the long run.” Recycling and Paying Bills Online, But Not Changing Light Bulbs While recycling is widespread in the United States and 73% of those polled are paying their bills online to save paper, other often-recommended ways to green your life are going largely ignored: 5% are driving less by combining errands, walking more, etc. 4% have reduced their utility use. 3% have purchased hybrid cars. 3% have changed out incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent ones. Yet if every American home switched out just one incandescent light bulb for a compact fluorescent one, the United States would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for an entire year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. “Making small changes to help save the planet can help your pocketbook as well,” adds Meeks. “In the case of compact fluorescent light bulbs, you’re paying more on the front end, but the cost savings in the long run will beat out the incandescent bulbs, hands down.” Other poll results: 49% are trying to buy locally-produced food and/or goods. 47% are buying green household products. 39% are bringing their own reusable bags to stores instead of using paper or plastic. 16% are carpooling. Optimism on Environmental Issues The poll also found noticeable optimism on environmental issues among the American public. Seventy-two% of the poll’s 2,605 respondents believe their personal actions are significant to the health of the environment. And although only 42% of U.S. adults were initially familiar with the phrase “environmental sustainability,” two-thirds believe that it is possible to live in an environmentally sustainable way. The phrase "environmental sustainability" was more familiar to younger poll respondents than older ones. More than 45% of those age 18-43 understood the term's meaning, while only 30% of those aged 63 and older knew the term. The Nature Conservancy Helps You Go Green [4] To help cut through all the noise, The Nature Conservancy offers easy ways to make science-based green changes in your life: Check out our Everyday Environmentalist home page [5] to find a list of innovative and easy changes you can make to help save the planet. Use the Conservancy's carbon footprint calculator [6] to determine your carbon footprint — and find simple ways to reduce it. Consider offsetting your carbon emissions [7] by participating in The Conservancy's voluntary carbon offset program. [1] http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/index.asp?PID=917 [2] http://www.nature.org/ [3] http://www.nature.org/pressroom/leadership/art21116.html [4] http://www.nature.org/activities/everydayenv.html [5] http://www.nature.org/activities/everydayenv.html [6] http://www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/calculator/ [7] http://www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/activities/art23932.html

The Nature Conservancy: Top 10 Tips for the Perfect Green Wedding

Jonathon D. Colman — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:12:41 +0000

In honor of the impending wedding season, The Nature Conservancy offers tips to make your special day one Mother Nature will celebrate [1]. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something... green? It's really not as out of the ordinary as it sounds—last year, Brides.com estimated that approximately 33% of future brides and grooms in the U.S. are planning an eco-friendly wedding. Today, The Nature Conservancy is issuing tips for planning a greener wedding or commitment ceremony [2], with ideas from invitations through the honeymoon to help reduce your celebration’s impact on the planet—and maybe even reduce the impact on your wallet as well. “There’s no need to sacrifice your dream wedding for a green wedding,” said Sanjayan, lead scientist for The Nature Conservancy [3]. “Just imagine the power of one simple change—be it as small as reducing wedding travel or serving organic food at the reception—multiplied by the thousands of couples who plan to marry this year. The littlest changes really add up, and can leave a positive impact on the Earth for generations to come.” Invitations: Sending invitations electronically or on recycled paper stock will save money and trees. Bonus for going the electronic route: You’ll save on the fuel used to deliver the cards. Gift registry: Register for gifts that you actually need and will definitely use, and if possible, are healthy for the planet. Many of your favorite stores probably carry organic and environmentally sound products already, and with a little research, you can ensure that your new ice cream maker has a minimal carbon footprint [4]. Reducing consumption can have more of an impact than simply buying recycled/recyclable products. If you don’t need anything, ask your guests to donate to your favorite charity [5]. Flowers: Organic flowers are one option [6], but tastefully arranged dried or silk flowers can make as big a statement as fresh floral arrangements. If you’re set on fresh flowers, try decorating with potted plants native to your area. What’s fresher than still-living flora? You can even plant them when the ceremony is over—wedding décor and landscaping in one fell swoop! Fashion: The Condé Nast Bridal Group estimates that most brides spend about $900 on just their gowns—and that’s not including the many accessories most brides need to polish their look. An environmentally and cost-friendly solution is to wear a vintage or hand-me-down dress. A female relative or friend’s gown has likely (hopefully!) only been worn once, and you do need something borrowed, right? If you’d prefer a new dress, look for one that’s made of certified organic cotton, since polyester is petroleum-based, and most other cotton is grown with harsh pesticides. Grooms and ushers can get on the all-natural natural-fiber bandwagon as well by wearing a dress shirt made of hemp or organic cotton. Do your bridesmaids a favor and forgo the puffy sleeves and universally unflattering fits, and select a gown that your girls would gladly wear again. If you’re stuck with a frock reminiscent of an ‘80s-era prom nightmare, forgo dumping that hideous gown in the garbage, and check out HGTV [7]’s suggestions for turning sequins and taffeta into stylish home accents. The Rings: The production of one tiny band of gold results in 20 tons of mine waste, according to Earthworks, an organization that works to protect the environment from the impact of mineral development. Show your commitment to your brand new spouse with a recycled or heirloom ring, or start a new trend by sporting silver bands, since the mining of silver is a bit gentler on the environment. The Location: Holding your festivities in a central location will cut down on travel for your guests, which will make both them and Mother Nature even happier to be a part of your joyous day. Another thing to consider when choosing a wedding locale: “Believe it or not,” said Sanjayan, “big cities might be better than country locations because cities, for the most part, have less energy use in terms of per capita carbon.” It’s possible to keep the travel to a minimum once your guests have arrived, too. When Evan Parker [8], The Nature Conservancy’s manager of digital membership, got married last October, he and his bride-to-be chose a church and reception site within walking distance. Post-ceremony, the bride traded in her formal shoes for sneakers, and the couple and their guests walked to the reception, held at a restaurant just blocks from the church. Food: Feeding your guests unpronounceable pesticides is no way to show your appreciation for their attendance, so consider serving organic food and wine at the reception. Local produce is also a great, low-impact option, and your menu will be fresher for guests and easier on nature. Favors: The Bridal Association of America estimates that the average couple spends over $400 on favors for their guests, which seems like a lot for a couple pounds of after-dinner mints. A greener option? Donate the amount set aside in your budget to a favorite charity. The Nature Conservancy offers a number of favor options [9] with a minimal carbon footprint. Help reforest Brazil’s Atlantic Forest by contributing to the Plant a Billion Trees [10] campaign, or adopt a few acres of Costa Rican rainforest [11] in honor of your guests. If you absolutely must give your guests a sweet treat, try organic, local goodies like chocolate or wine. Really, does anyone need yet another tiny lace pouch of Jordan almonds? The Honeymoon: The party might be over, but the honeymoon fun’s just begun—and it’s easy to maintain a green theme throughout your romantic getaway. One way to lessen your trip’s environmental impact is to forgo a far-flung destination. (And as the cost of fuel continues to rise, keeping it local will also save you a bundle in travel costs.) If you’d prefer to spend your first few days as husband and wife in a more exotic locale, remember that many travel companies offer eco-trips or environmentally friendly excursions. You could even go on a Nature Conservancy Conservation Journey [12]! No matter how you decide to spend your honeymoon, you can buy energy offset credits [13] to offset the toll your travel has on the environment. …And Baby Makes Three?: If there’s a baby on the way, or you’re planning to start a family soon, have eight trees planted on your child’s behalf, said Sanjayan. “Eight trees will offset the amount of carbon a person releases by simply breathing during an average lifetime.” While you’re at it, why not plant a few for yourself as well? For more information on going green, learn how you can become an everyday environmentalist [14]. [1] http://www.nature.org/activities/art25063.html [2] http://www.nature.org/activities/art25063.html [3] http://www.nature.org/tncscience/features/ [4] http://www.thevegetariansite.com/cgi-bin/miva?Merchant2/merchant.mv+Screen=PROD&Store_Code=S&Product_Code=Ice+Cream+Maker&Category_Code=juicers [5] http://www.nature.org/joinanddonate/ [6] http://www.organicbouquet.com/Info.aspx?pid=276 [7] http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_moneysaving_recycle/article/0,,HGTV_3131_2422462,00.html [8] http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/weddingguide/6692.html [9] http://support.nature.org/site/PageServer?pagename=holidaygiving_hgg [10] http://plantabillion.org/ [11] http://www.nature.org/joinanddonate/adoptanacre/ [12] http://www.nature.org/aboutus/travel/ [13] http://www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/activities/art23932.html [14] http://www.nature.org/activities/everydayenv.html

The Nature Conservancy: Scientists Find Monkeys Who Know How to Fish

Jonathon D. Colman — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:10:00 +0000

Long-tailed macaques eat mostly fruit — but when resources are scarce, they’ve been known to get creative with their cuisine. When living near humans, they raid gardens and learn to beg for food. Sometimes they even steal food from inside houses. Now, for the first time, scientists have observed long-tailed macaques fishing with their bare hands [1]. Nature Conservancy scientist Erik Meijaard [2] and other researchers are the first to scientifically document this rare conduct. In a recent article published in the International Journal of Primatology, Meijaard and his coauthors say that, while conducting field studies in Indonesia [3], they have repeatedly observed long-tailed macaques catching fish from fast-flowing rivers. “This is interesting behavior and some of the first observations of primates catching fish,” says Meijaard, the Conservancy's senior ecologist in Indonesia. A Very Hungry Monkey? In the first sighting back in 1998, researchers describe seeing five female macaques sitting alongside the Ketambe River in the Indonesian province of North Sumatra. The macaques’ eyes scanned the water. After about three minutes, one of the macaques reached into the river. With her bare hands, she pulled out a fish and quickly ate it. Other macaques watched her — and one even tried unsuccessfully to catch a fish herself. “Clearly it may raise the question of whether there is some sort of learning going on," says Meijaard. "If perhaps a couple of generations back, one primate caught a fish and it was subsequently copied.” Researchers documented a similar sighting in 2006 in a separate macaque population in the Lesan Conservation Area [4], a Nature Conservancy program site in East Kalimantan, Indonesia [5]. There, on two separate occasions, a macaque was observed swiftly grasping a fish out of the shallows before retreating into the forest with the fish still in its mouth. While the fishing macaque sighting in Lesan coincided with a time of low fruit availability, Meijaard is hesitant to blame the fishing behavior on resource scarcity or draw conclusions about its meaning. “It might be nothing more than a hungry monkey who is smart enough to extract nutrients from its environment,” he says. Protecting Indonesia's Forests Meijaard is also the Kalimantan coordinator for the USAID-funded Orangutan Conservation Services Program [6]. But he says that forests — not macaques or orangutans — are the Conservancy’s real focus. The Conservancy is fighting an ongoing battle to protect the forests around the Lesan Conservation Area. These forests, which harbor a substantial orangutan population, are slated to be destroyed for agriculture and plantations. The Conservancy is working around the clock to convince local communities and governments to instead consider their long-term economic needs and put the forests into permanent, sustainable management. “Macaques and orangutans are neat symbols, but they’re not going to convince people here,” Meijaard says. “What we need is data that shows the microeconomic implications of forest conversion." "Depending on the decisions made now, the forest could be around forever, or it could be gone forever by next year.” [1] http://www.nature.org/wherewework/asiapacific/indonesia/features/fishingmonkey.html [2] http://www.nature.org/magazine/summer2008/misc/ [3] http://www.nature.org/wherewework/asiapacific/indonesia/ [4] http://www.nature.org/wherewework/asiapacific/indonesia/features/art23334.html [5] http://www.nature.org/wherewework/asiapacific/indonesia/work/art13923.html [6] http://www.rmportal.net/groups/id_webhs

The Nature Conservancy: Top 10 Ways to Help Save Our Oceans

Jonathon D. Colman — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:07:55 +0000

Top 10 Ways to Help Save Our Oceans: [1] Reduce your plastic consumption. The most frequently collected items during beach cleanups are made of plastic—think reusable shopping bags, water bottles and utensils. Make informed seafood choices. Keep a copy of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s seafood guide [2] in your wallet or text Blue Ocean’s FishPhone [3] to help you choose sustainable seafood [4] at the grocery store or a restaurant. Dispose of chemicals properly. Never pour chemicals, pharmaceuticals, oil or paint into the drain or toilets. Check with your county’s household hazardous waste program to properly dispose of or recycle chemicals and keep them out of rivers and oceans. Choose green detergents and household cleaners—or make your own! Besides being better for your own health, these products are safer for the environment [5] since what goes down the drain can end up in our oceans. Get the dirt on your beachside retreat. Before you stay in a hotel on the coast, ask staff what happens to their sewage and swimming pool water, and if they source their restaurant fish from sustainable sources. Find out the source of your food [6]. Buying local, organic food reduces your carbon footprint, supports the local economy and reduces the amount of pesticides and fertilizers that end up not just in your stomach, but as run-off in rivers and oceans, too. Fill your yard with native species. Reducing the amount of grass in your lawn by planting native shrubs and flower beds will provide a better habitat for birds and other wildlife and require far less water and fertilizer, which can seep into the oceans. Keep your beach visit clean. When visiting the beach, stay off fragile sand dunes, take your trash with you and leave plants, birds and wildlife for everyone to enjoy. Find a Conservancy coastal preserve near you [7]. Choose alternatives to coral [8]. Whether shopping for jewelry, household décor or accessories for your fish tank, do your part to leave fragile coral reef habitats untouched by buying products that aren’t made of real coral. Celebrate our oceans. Whether you live inland or on the coast, we are all connected to the ocean; take the time to organize or participate in activities that restore and celebrate the ocean, and help support The Nature Conservancy’s ocean conservation work [9]. Donate online now [10] to support The Nature Conservancy’s work to protect and restore marine habitats in your area and around the world. Rescue a Reef [11] to help protect some of the most threatened corals in the world. Sign up for the Conservancy’s Great Places Network [12], a free online membership program, to learn more about what the Conservancy is doing in your state and around the globe. Test your oceans knowledge [13] with our online quiz. Send an ocean e-card [14] to friends and family. [1] http://www.nature.org/pressroom/press/press3549.html [2] http://www.mbayaq.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/download.asp [3] http://www.blueocean.org/fishphone/index.html [4] http://www.nature.org/activities/art23425.html [5] http://www.nature.org/activities/art23430.html [6] http://www.nature.org/activities/art23423.html [7] http://support.nature.org/site/PageServer?pagename=preserve_map [8] http://www.tooprecioustowear.org/ [9] http://www.nature.org/initiatives/marine/ [10] https://secure.nature.org/support_us?support=AHOMA0000017CC [11] http://www.nature.org/joinanddonate/rescuereef/ [12] http://support.nature.org/site/PageServer?pagename=reg010_xx [13] http://www.nature.org/earth/oceans/quiz.html [14] http://www.nature.org/joinanddonate/rescuereef/explore/ecards.html

The Nature Conservancy: How to Save 83% of the World’s Coral Reef Species

Jonathon D. Colman — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:05:04 +0000

Just below the water's surface lies a magical world teeming with life and value. Coral reefs are home to 4,000 fish species and provide the world with goods and services — such as jobs, foods, medicines and storm protection — worth $375 billion annually. But scientists estimate that 70% of all corals reefs could be lost by 2050 if current rates of destruction continue — from factors ranging from overfishing to climate change. That's why The Nature Conservancy is supporting three major policy efforts by island nations around the world to conserve marine diversity — the Micronesia Challenge [1], the Coral Triangle Initiative [2] and the newly launched Caribbean Challenge [3], which is being aided by a $20 million Conservancy pledge. Together, these regions contain 83% of Earth's coral species, according to James Robertson of the Conservancy's Center for Global Trends. "The threats to coral reefs are huge and occur across the globe, so coral conservation has to be at a scale that matches those threats," explains Lynne Hale, director of the Conservancy's Global Marine Program [4]. "The Caribbean Challenge is a perfect example of how the Conservancy is working with governments and people who depend on coral reefs to catalyze bold and immediate conservation action," says Hale. Caribbean Nations Launch Challenge The Caribbean Challenge will accelerate marine conservation in the region — with the aim of protecting 20% of the region's marine and coastal habitat by 2020. The Conservancy announced its support for the challenge when it was launched by Caribbean leaders at a U.N.-sponsored conference in Bonn addressing worldwide threats to biodiversity [5]. The Caribbean Challenge will enable the Conservancy to help participating nations do essential marine conservation work, such as: Create new marine protected areas (MPAs); Hire, equip and train park managers and other staff; Reduce destructive fishing practices; Incorporate protection strategies that mitigate the impacts of climate change; and Establish a sustainable funding source for future marine conservation. "The Caribbean Challenge is a broad and collaborative effort," says Rob Weary, the Conservancy's senior conservation finance and policy advisor for the Caribbean. "By supporting island nations with funding, scientific expertise and training, we can help them achieve their goals." It's an approach that's already working in two of the world's most significant coral areas — Micronesia and the Coral Triangle. Protecting Marine Resources in Micronesia and the Coral Triangle Launched in 2006, the Micronesia Challenge is a commitment by five governments to conserve 30% of their marine resources and 20% of their terrestrial resources by 2020. In less than two years, the Micronesia Challenge has already spurred the creation of new protected areas and new legislation for the support and management of such areas. Heralded by the President of Palau [6] and supported by the Conservancy, the Micronesia Challenge is the inspiration and model for the Caribbean Challenge. The Conservancy is working similarly in Southeast Asia's Coral Triangle region [7] — where an astounding 76% of the world's coral species are found. "The Coral Triangle is the global epicenter of marine biodiversity," says Rod Salm, the Conservancy's director of marine conservation in Asia Pacific. "The world's coral diversity hinges on the health and survival of this area." In the Coral Triangle, Salm and other marine scientists are pioneering the identification and protection of resilient coral communities — those that are most likely to survive bleaching and other traumatic events. They are hopeful that this effort will help save corals from the impacts of climate change. "It's critical that we begin incorporating principles of climate change resilience to protect corals and all of our marine resources," says Salm. "The Conservancy is leading the way in helping marine resource managers to do this worldwide." [1] http://www.nature.org/wherewework/asiapacific/micronesia/howwework/ [2] http://www.nature.org/wherewework/asiapacific/coraltriangle/initiatives/ [3] http://jcolman.greenoptions.com/initiatives/protectedareas/features/art24943.html [4] http://www.nature.org/initiatives/marine/ [5] http://www.nature.org/initiatives/protectedareas/howwework/art24481.html [6] http://www.nature.org/wherewework/asiapacific/micronesia/features/mcpalau.html [7] http://www.nature.org/wherewework/asiapacific/coraltriangle/about/

The Nature Conservancy: Report: Biofuel Crops are New Invasive Species Threat

Jonathon D. Colman — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:00:08 +0000

Planting biofuel crops on converted forestlands or other ecologically valuable lands has already become a hotly debated practice. Now, a new report co-authored by Nature Conservancy scientists says that biofuel crops could also become invasive species [1] -- and that the risk needs to be evaluated before these crops are planted. The Global Invasive Species Programme [2] (GISP) and Conservancy scientists have identified all the crops currently being used or considered for biofuel production and ranked them according to the risk they pose of becoming invasive species. [3] GISP calls on countries to: Carry out risk assessments before they plant biofuel crops, Use low-risk species of crops for biofuels, and Introduce new controls to manage invasive species. Major Findings of the Report Damage from invasive species costs the world more than $1.4 trillion annually -- 5% of the global economy. The United States alone spends $120 billion annually on the control and impacts of more than 800 invasive species infestations. The giant reed (Arundo donax) is a proposed biofuel crop from West Asia which is already invasive in parts of North and Central America. Naturally flammable, it increases the likelihood of wildfires -- a threat to both humans and native species in places such as California. The African oil palm is another example of the havoc an invasive species can wreak. Recommended for biodiesel, it has already become invasive in parts of Brazil, turning areas of threatened forest from a rich mix of trees and plant life into a homogenous layer of palm leaves. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 9) represents the best chance in a decade to take global action against invasive species. The Conservancy and GISP are calling on delegates to recognize the dangers invasive species cause and recommend risk assessments before biofuel crops are planted. The two groups also call on the scientific community to conduct more desperately-needed research into this topic. The Bottom Line “Prevention is better than the cure,” says Stas Bugiel, The Nature Conservancy’s senior global invasive species policy advisor, “We need to stop invasions before they occur. The biofuel industry is a relatively new concept so we have a unique opportunity to act early and get ahead of the game -- we mustn’t throw that away.” [1] http://www.nature.org/initiatives/invasivespecies/strategies/art24885.html [2] http://www.gisp.org/ [3] http://www.nature.org/initiatives/invasivespecies/

Militias Rule Nigeria’s Oil Output; President Yar’Adua Speculates on Nuclear Energy

Sam Aola Ooko — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:39:44 +0000

They go by the boisterous acronym MEND, or the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, and they are lethal. As political students of Niccolò Machiavelli, they have crafted Machiavellian tactics to a fault, and boast about shutting oil pipelines in their motherland to get the ears of their sullen government and the rest of the capitalist world which is driven by its lust for oil.

But they don’t just boast, they actually engage in hostage taking and abduction of foreign oil workers working in Nigeria’s oil rich but socio-economically poor Delta region for ransom (they call it pollution reparation); sometimes killing them and even bombing oil pipelines for effect.

MEND said in an email circulated to news media in January 2006: “It must be clear that the Nigerian government cannot protect your workers or assets. Leave our land while you can or die in it…. Our aim is to totally destroy the capacity of the Nigerian government to export oil.”

MEND and other militant groups under their umbrella claim they are campaigning for a fairer share of oil wealth for local communities in the Niger Delta, whose land and water have been polluted by oil extraction for over five decades.

Between 1993 and 2006, MEND and affiliated rebel groups orchestrated vicious attacks on oil platforms, pumping stations and pipelines, effectively reducing the country’s oil production by 10% by the beginning of 2007.

Big oil conglomerate Royal Dutch Shell, which has not been without its fair share of controversies around the world, had by that period withdrawn 330 employees from its oil fields in the region, and shut down four pumping stations. Last week, the wait was finally over. It became official that Shell was pulling out of Ogoniland, part of the larger Niger Delta and which rose to international notoriety in 1995 after then military government of Sani Abacha hanged its defenders, among them the famous Ken Saro Wiwa.

So it was more than befitting that Saro Wiwa’s son, also named Ken Saro Wiwa, now special assistant to the president on international affairs told a news wire: “Ever since Shell pulled out of the acreage in 1993 they have not been able to find a re-entry plan that is workable, that has the agreement of the community.”

But Shell, and other thick skinned big oil firms like Chevron, continue to face the wrath of the pipeline rebels elsewhere in Nigeria and hardly a week passes before another attack is staged on oil installations in Africa’s largest oil producer country. The allure of profit, however, ensures they stay put, despite the dangers and the government’s inability to rein in the heavily armed rebels and their iron-willed backers.

Only Thursday this week, militants in speedboats attacked Royal Dutch Shell’s main offshore facility in Nigeria, cutting the country’s oil output by another 10%, forcing the Anglo-Dutch giant to stop output from the $3.6 billion facility.

It was reported that the strike on Shell’s Bonga field, which lies some 120 km (75 miles) off the coast, wounded Shell’s production of Bonga Light crude where it has a nameplate capacity of 220,000 barrels per day. In a separate incident on the same day, armed youths in military fatigues attacked an oil security vessel and kidnapped two crew members.

In an email to newsrooms, which is now the hallmark of their communication with Big Oil, MEND said: “The location for today’s attack was deliberately chosen to remove any notion that offshore oil exploration is far from our reach.”

MEND has recently sent an array of letters to US president George Bush seeking official US government intervention in Nigeria. They suggested that former president Jimmy Carter and actor George Clooney, a UN Messenger of Peace, mediate between them on one hand and the Nigerian government and the oil industry on the other, to bring about environmental and economic justice in their land.

It is demanding reparations for pollution of their farmlands by the oil companies as well as an equitable share of the profits derived from oil extracted from their region.

Nigeria’s soft-spoken president, Umaru Yar’Adua, seems overwhelmed by this oil business and is beginning to focus elsewhere to address his country’s energy crisis. Yar’Adua is now speculating about nuclear energy and has sought the help of French president Nicolas Sarkozy in this venture.

Whether a long-term electro-nuclear program to help meet the huge energy demands of Nigeria will help alleviate the environmental mess in the Niger Delta shall remain to be seen. But the six billion dollar question shall definitely be about the security of such installations in the wake of the militia successes with oil.

Image courtesy: Stakeholder Democracy Network at Flickr

Low Impact Living: 10 Ways to Cut Home Energy Consumption

Low Impact Living — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:56:28 +0000

Editor’s note: Our friends at Low Impact Living point out 10 ways you can save energy this summer. This post was originally published on June 10th, 2008.

The heat of summer is coming, and that means many of us are about to crank up the AC, make an extra batch of ice, and generally burn energy like it’s our job. But we need all need to continue to try to conserve as much energy as possible to conserve resources and slow the march of global warming. And we get to save money at the same time–woo hoo to that!

Here are the ten things we can all do at home to cut our energy consumption. We start out nice and easy, then ramp up to some extra-credit methods at the end of the list for you Climate Crusaders.

1. Resist the urge to live in a refrigerator.

78 degrees is plenty cool in the house. Turn down the AC and get a programmable thermostat so you’re only cooling the house when you really need to.

2. Air dry your dishes and clothes.

The dryer and dish washer use a lot of energy– and the air does the drying job just as well. See some great clothes-drying racks here.

3. Take shorter showers and do not take baths.

Hot water heating is one of the major uses of energy in any home. Showers are the way to go– and keep ‘em short. Baths use much more water and heat than do baths (unless you’re taking 30 minute showers!).

4. Make sure you have energy-efficient lighting throughout your home.

Everyone has heard about compact fluorescent lights by now– but are you up to date on LED lights? Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have come a long way, baby, and they are often 10 times more efficient than compact fluorescents.

5. Ditch the beer fridge.

It’s amazing how many homes have two refrigerators. Please do not use more than one fridge. And if you have an old model, get a newer Energy Star model.

6. Use ceiling fans rather than AC.

They are much more energy-efficient and you can get very reasonably priced Energy Star models.

7. Get solar screens for your windows.

These screens cut 75% of the heat coming through your windows, but don’t impact your visibility. They are really great energy savers. See them here.

8. Plant trees!

Placing deciduous trees on the South side of your home is a great way to block summer heat, but keep the sun shining on your home in the winter when you need the warmth.

9. Spend one night each week in candlelight.

It’s romantic, fun and inspires new conversation. If you’ve got kids, how about turning off the TV one night and playing a board game by candlelight? Clue would be particularly spooky!

10. Use a solar oven for some cooking.

They really work! You don’t want that hot oven on in your house anyway. You can either buy a solar oven, or you can learn to make one yourself. It’s another fun summer activity to do with your kids.

** #11: For the truly hard core, here’s a great tip I learned in Africa.

If you don’t have or don’t use AC, at night you can wet a scarf or towel or sheet and lay it on your chest. The evaporative cooling effect will really do the trick for you. Sleep tight!

Photo Credit: m.gifford’s photostream via Flicker, Under Creative Commons License

Clean Tech of the Week: Wash Clothes Without Water

Michelle Bennett — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Not exactly washing without water, but with less than 2% of a normal washing machine. That’s only 1 cup of water for those sweaty gym clothes, grubby kid-wear, and foul socks.

Washing with soap and water has been THE WAY to clean most clothes for so long, it’s hard to imagine reducing H2O by 98%. What this technology lacks in sexy bells and whistles, it gains in implications. Billions of gallons of clean water could be conserved every year simply by adopting this dry cleaning technology. Less water also means less drying, which can add energy savings to those with energy-hungry clothes dryers.

The process uses plastic granules, which tumble with your laundry and a little water and detergent. The plastic absorbs the dirt or grit and can be reused for up to six months.

“A range of tests, carried out according to worldwide industry protocols to prove the technology performs to the high standards expected in the cleaning industry, show the process can remove virtually all types of everyday stains as effectively as existing processes whilst leaving clothes as fresh as normal washing. In addition, the clothes emerge from the process almost dry, reducing the need for tumble-dryers.” (Source)

The company bent on developing this technology is called Xeros, which started out of the UK’s University of Leeds School of Design. Professor Stephen Burkinshaw is the founder of Xeros, and hopes to use £500,000 in funding to bring a product to market as soon as 2009.

Dry cleaning companies have already shown interest in the technology, especially in areas with growing concerns over solvents involved in some dry cleaning techniques. Let’s hope this technology is affordable and spreads like wildfire.

Image via GoodCleanTech.com

GreenBuildingTalk: Aerators are Low-Tech Options for Conserving Water

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:48:27 +0000

Editor’s note: Green building and resource conservation doesn’t have to involve the latest technology or high prices. Our friends at GreenBuildingTalk take a look at one of the humblest of water-saving devices — the faucet aerator — and show how this low-tech option is a good bet for homeowners looking to conserve water… and lower their bills. This post was originally published on Sunday, June 1, 2008.

About a decade ago, water conserving faucets and low-flow showerheads were the bane of contractors and homeowners alike. But over time, trial and error has led to better product design, education and installation. If your kitchen or bathroom faucet is fairly new, it will probably have an aerator in it. New faucets today typically have 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm) aerators, whereas conventional faucets typically use 4 gpm. If your faucets are more than ten years old, odds are they’re water hogs. Aerators provide a low-tech solution that not only make the flow more forceful, but provide more effective wetting and rinsing. Consider installing an aerator with a lower flow, such as 1.5, 1.0, or the lowest option available to date: .5 gpm.

To help you decide which aerator to purchase, first you’ll need to determine the flow rate of your faucet. If it takes less than five seconds to fill up a one-quart container, your faucet uses more than three gallons per minute. If it takes ten seconds to fill up, your faucet uses 1.5 gpm. Once you know your existing faucet’s approximate output, take along your old aerator or faucet screen to the store to make sure your new one will fit. If you have an old faucet with no threads in the tip for screwing in an aerator, you will not be able to use one, and should consider investing in a new faucet. Imprinted on the aerator, in tiny numbers, is its rate flow of gallons per minute. They typically cost between $0.50 and $3.00. You’ll be hard pressed to find a wiser three-dollar investment.

If you already have an aerator installed but are experiencing weak water pressure, you may just need the aerator cleaned. Another symptom of a dirty aerator is an irregular spray pattern or stray stream of water going off at an odd direction. Cleaning or replacing the aerator is very easy and you should be able to do it with just a set of pliers. All you need to do is unscrew the aerator from the spout, disassemble it and soak the screen and aerator disks in vinegar for an hour or more. After soaking, you may want to scrub them with a small brush to remove lingering residue. Reassemble the aerator and thread the assembly back onto the spout. Tighten it with tape-wrapped pliers to avoid marring the finish.

In early 2008, the EPA began to expand their WaterSense program by developing criteria for water-efficient new homes. These homes must meet both indoor and outdoor water use criteria in order to be considered a WaterSense labeled home. The specification for bathroom faucets under the WaterSense Home Program requires that all bathroom faucets installed be WaterSense labeled faucets. The spec sets the maximum flow rate of faucets and aerators at 1.5 gmp, tested at a flowing pressure of 60 psi. The spec also includes a minimum flow rate of 0.8 gpm tested at a flowing pressure of 20 psi to ensure performance across a variety of different household conditions. Currently, kitchen and utility faucets are not addressed since the different uses (e.g., pot filling) and users expectations (e.g., fill the pot quickly) may not be adequately addressed with low-flow faucets. This specification will be revised as new aerators are labeled under the WaterSense program. For more information on how to find a WaterSense labeled product, visit WaterSense: Find a Product.

Low Impact Living: Save Water with the Rainwater Pillow

Low Impact Living — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:40:30 +0000

Editor’s note: Just like our friends at Low Impact Living, we’ve got passion for saving water… so we were very happy to see this post about a new technology for homeowners interested in doing just that! LIL writer Jason Pelletier originally published this post on Wednesday, May 28, 2008.

I’m often pleasantly surprised at how much interest and passion you (our visitors) display for water-saving technologies. Renewable energy is sexy, and eco-friendly cars are top-of-mind for most people these days, but graywater systems? Rain barrels? Rain gardens? Even water-conserving toilets and showerheads? They’re pretty hot too … I for one am thrilled, for not only have I spent a good part of my career designing stormwater treatment systems but I believe that water shortages are a pretty pressing and difficult environmental challenge that doesn’t get enough attention in these days of $4 gasoline and global warming.

The beauty of any of these water-saving technologies is that a) they achieve multiple benefits, saving water while reducing wastewater or stormwater runoff and b) you can see the results right at home. It’s pretty satisfying to open the valve on a rain barrel, see the water flow out and know that you reduced pollution downstream and also prevented water from being siphoned from lakes or rivers tens or hundreds of miles away.

There are some challenges, though. In order to really make a dent in your runoff, you might have to use ten or more rain barrels - not so great if you don’t have space or your downspouts are on the visible side of your house (or if you’re not Ed Begley Jr and just don’t care!). Cisterns give you more capacity, but you’re talking about a real construction project with some possible permitting hurdles.

I recently saw another solution at a green show here in LA - the Rainwater Pillow, designed by Jim Harrington, a landscape designer in the Atlanta area. It’s basically a big flat rubber bag that allows you to store and then reuse rainwater for landscape purposes. The beauty of the system is that the pillows have capacities ranging from 1,000 up to 40,000 gallons, can be installed as a DIY project on Saturday afternoon , flatten out when not filled, and can be easily located in that unused space in your basement or crawlspace, out of sight but protected. They come with all of the prefilters, pumps, tubing and fittings needed to connect it to your drainage and irrigation systems, and also with a remote control so you can operate the pump from anywhere nearby.

I had some concerns at first. Rodent damage? Check - very strong materials used. How about stagnation / septic issues with the water? Check - very simple process using household bleach deals with that. How about freezing? Check - safe by design down to -30 degrees (except for pump and fittings, which must be protected). Cost? That’s where a little bit of “ouch” creeps in - they are a bit pricey (starting at $2,500 list price, although I’d hope there might be some negotiating room in these difficult economic times). They won’t pay for themselves anytime soon at that price, but if you’re considering graywater systems, cisterns or an army of rain barrels then you’re already thinking of making a substantial investment.

Other folks think they’re pretty swell too - This Old House just listed them as one of the greatest new green products.

We haven’t seen one in action yet, but some day I will have one of these at my home … and I’ll fall asleep knowing the rain is being squirreled away in my own rainy-day pillow.

Low Impact Living: A Thirsty Nation (part 3)

Low Impact Living — Fri, 23 May 2008 19:45:17 +0000

Editor’s note: Today’s final installment of Low Impact Living’s “A Thirsty Nation” focuses on steps you can take to conserve water around the home. Make sure to check out the previous two posts in this series on water use and conservation, or take a look at the whole report on Low Impact Living’s site.

What Can You Do to Reduce Water Consumption?

Improve the water efficiency of your lawn.

For many homeowners in the southern United States, lawn irrigation is likely the largest source of residential water waste. There are many things one can do to correct this.

Adjust your irrigation controller to fit your climate conditions and landscaping. This alone can produce water savings of over 30%. Some water utilities offer water audits, so check with your local water provider to see if they offer this service. Or, find experienced landscape maintenance firms in your area.

Install rain and soil moisture sensors. Many people don’t turn off their irrigation when it rains. Also, most lawns receive far more water than they actually need when it isn’t raining. Both problems can be corrected using sensors attached to your irrigation system. See examples.

Replace existing landscaping with climate-appropriate options, keeping grass to a minimum. The biggest challenge with many yards is that they are composed of plants originally from other areas with vastly different climate conditions. The typical turf lawn can use up to 40 inches of water a year or more; many climate zones in the US have far less than that in rainfall. What most people don’t realize is that all regions of the US have native plants that are beautiful, durable, and adapted to local climate conditions. Some native grasses can provide the benefits of turf while requiring 1/3 of the water. So, if you really want to save water and also want to stand out on your block, cut down your turf use and rebuild your lawn using beautiful natives. Find landscape architects in your area who can help.

Install graywater system to reuse household waste water. Much of the water that you use inside your house can be reused outside for irrigation (excluding toilets and kitchen drains). This water is called “graywater”, as it is used but does not contain health hazards. Not only do you use less water this way, but you also save on sewer charges. This requires some fairly complex plumbing work, so it might best be left to professionals. Please contact us through this link if you would like more information about gray water systems.

Replace high-flow plumbing fixtures with efficient versions.

Today’s high efficiency plumbing fixtures (toilets, showerheads, etc) not only save water and energy, but also perform as well as their water-guzzling predecessors. You may be wasting tens of gallons a day if you live in an older house with old fixtures. Browse some of today’s attractive and water-saving options.

Replace old clothes washers and dishwashers with Energy Star versions.

The main benefit of most Energy Star appliances is that they save energy. But, most also save significant amounts of water at the same time. See energy- and water-efficient clothes washers and dishwashers.

Evaluate and fix leaks.

This might come as a surprise, but over 10% of an average household’s water use can come from leaks. These are often undetected because they are small, hidden in water fixtures, walls and basements, or happen underground. But, drop by drop every minute of the day they add up. Check your water meter to see if you have any leaks (shut off all water uses in your house for an hour, and see if your meter moves). Find plumbers in your area who can fix them.

Reduce second-order impacts.

As described above, most of us use as much water via the products and services we use as we do directly (all of the products we use require water somewhere in their production process).

Reduce electricity use. Electricity is the biggest water hog by far. In some states, you “use” far more water by using electricity than through all other water-related activities combined. Use less juice, waste less water! Get electricity-saving tips.

Know your food supply. The growth in demand for organic and other natural food products shows that people care about where their food comes from. Another dimension of this is the water that it takes to grow them – for many products, the water used in growing them in a particular region (say, rice in the desert?) may counteract the organic benefits. Here are a few quick pointers:

Buy produce from areas and farms that practice water-efficient agriculture. Ask your grocers and farmers’ market vendors how they use water in growing their products.
For protein, eat less beef and more pork, chicken and fish. Beef is a real water hog. Pork, chicken and fish all use substantially less water per pound of meat.

Bats an Indicator of the UK’s Biodiversity

Pem Charnley — Thu, 22 May 2008 11:10:56 +0000

I remember vividly the sight of my dad running for cover, making slow groaning sounds, thrashing wildly at the air like some madman from a B-movie.

I was a mere toddler, blanket in one hand, thumb in mouth (think Linus) - wondering what all the fuss was about.

It was dusk and the bats were out, darting this way and that, catching insects as the summer’s sun slid from view, leaving that beautiful blue light before darkness descends.

I shrugged in an awfully precocious manner, looked at mummy, then turned my eyes back to the bats.

And today, Defra (the UK’s Department for Environment, Food And Rural Affairs) have announced that bats are to be used to help measure the biodiversity of the UK.

Bat populations are vulnerable, so they serve as a good indicator for the wider health of the UK’s wildlife. Pressures faced by bats including landscape change, agricultural intensification, development, and habitat fragmentation are also relevant to many other wildlife species.

Wintering waterbirds such as the Whooper Swan have also been included in the UK Indicator* for the first time, helping to measure the effects of a changing climate. A recent decline in numbers has been associated with a spate of warm winters allowing the birds to remain in continental Europe.

Joan Ruddock, Minister for Biodiversity says:

“The state of our wildlife is an indicator of the health of our environment and life itself. We can be proud of our efforts to slow and halt the decline of wildlife. More money is being spent, more people are volunteering for conservation and more woodland and farmland is managed for wildlife.

“Bats are integral to the environment and are a good indicator of the wildlife we often don’t see - such as the insects they feed on.”

Amy Coyte, Chief Executive of the Bat Conservation Trust says:

“Bats are an excellent indicator of the state of the natural environment. As our wildlife continues to struggle against many threats, it is vital to have indicators of whether current efforts are working. By adding bats to the suite of indicators, we will gain a greater understanding of how our wildlife is faring.”

* You will note many times the term “indicator” used within this piece. From the following page:

A suite of biodiversity indicators for the UK was first published in June 2007. The indicators show changes in aspects of biodiversity such as the population size of important species or the area of land managed for wildlife.

Further reading:

Fear of bats - as suffered by my late dad.

Let’s Talk About the ‘C’ Word: Shirley Siluk Gregory

Coral Adventure on East Africa Coast: A Safari to Kenya’s Reefs: Sam Aola Ooko

Defra’s Press Release regarding this story

Image credit: oddsock at Flickr under a Creative Commons license

Low Impact Living: A Thirsty Nation (part 2)

Low Impact Living — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:19:50 +0000

Editor’s note: On Monday, we published the first part of Low Impact Living’s report on American water use at sustainablog. Today’s second part takes a look at how we tend to use water excessively in our own homes. Keep an eye out for part 3, which will give you tips for reducing your water consumption, or visit LIL for the original publication of the report.

Key Causes of Excessive Water Use

There are many sources of water waste across all sectors of the economy. But, as homeowners and consumers, which ones do we have the most control over? Low Impact Living suggests you consider the following ideas when thinking about lowering your water use.

Direct Household Water Use

The typical household with three members uses over 300 gallons of water per day, both inside and outside. If you live in a warm climate where lawn irrigation is needed, then typically this is your single biggest source of waste – most lawns are over-watered, irrigated with inefficient equipment, and planted with plants not suitable to the local climate.

Inside, toilets, clothes washers and showers are the largest water users, representing 19, 15 and 12 gallons per person per day respectively (see chart to the right). There are huge inefficiencies here as well, especially in older homes. New appliances and plumbing fixtures can often shave 50% off of your water use.

All told, an average water-conserving home could cut the 300 gallon average above to less than 150 gallons with no sacrifice in comfort or performance. Specific things you can do to achieve these savings are listed below.

Indirect Water Use

In addition to the water that you use directly, you also consume water via the products and services that you buy.

The largest single source of indirect water use is through the generation of electric power. Electric power plants employ water to generate steam and for cooling. Per capita water use due to power generation is a whopping 480 gallons per day in the US. This varies greatly by locality. In states using hydroelectric power plants or seawater-cooled plants, fresh water use can be less than one gallon of water per kilowatt-hour of power generated (Idaho, Oregon and California are among these). In other states with no hydro resources and only fresh water available, the use can be very high – Tennessee, Nebraska and Wisconsin power plants use on average over 30 gallons of water per kilowatt-hour of power generated.

Another indirect water use is the food and beverages that we consume. When you consider the entire lifecycle of a food product, from farm to dinner table, many foods require huge amounts of water to produce. Most meats (beef being worst), heavily processed foods, and some vegetables that grow in wet conditions use tremendous amounts of water. Some examples are provided below (representing global averages).