Why is Composting Important?

In natural systems, no such thing as "waste" exists. Energy and matter captured by life processes are released upon the breakdown of organic substances only to be re-utilized by living organisms within the system. Long-term soil fertility is maintained in natural systems because the residues of biological decomposition are reused by them to foster new growth. The transformation and flow of the nutrient-containing chemical compounds involved in this process is often referred to as "nutrient cycling". Nutrient cycling helps ensure the stability of natural systems over time by linking the processes of synthesis (build-up) and degradation (breakdown).

This intricate cycle can be disrupted when components from within the system are removed without being replaced. The large-scale extraction of natural resources for humanity’s benefit seriously alters natural ecosystems. Where this has happened, it has presented societies with two major challenges. One challenge is to avoid resource depletion. The other is the accumulation of huge quantities of unused resources we call "waste".

In terms of the soil ecosystem, intensive cultivation practices used to produce mass quantities of food and fiber have (in many cases) left soils depleted of organic matter and vital nutrients, thus making them less naturally productive and more vulnerable to erosion. After humans consume the commodities, by-products of their decomposition often are not returned to the soil. Instead, they become part of the voluminous wastestreams which modern societies are having difficulty handling.

The composting of organic materials can help remedy this situation by capturing the energy and matter released in the decomposition process. Composting transforms organic "waste" products into a nutrient-rich soil amendment capable of improving depleted or disturbed soil environments. By the intentional act of composting, humans participate in what has been called nature’s "Law of Return" because a vital link is established for the return of organic matter to soil systems. By including composting in human-devised waste management systems, they become more reflective of natural patterns, and more sustainable in the long run. The organic matter resource is conserved, and problematic wastes are converted into a beneficial product that can be sold to help finance the composting operations.

When managed effectively, composting ensures that the finished product can be safely returned to the appropriate environment. The composting process helps to disinfect organic wastes (by killing pathogens), to sterilize weed seeds (which may be present in organic residues), to decompose (many) toxic substances and to stabilize nutrients in the compost (which have the potential to be lost or to negatively impact the environment). Processing organic materials prior to composting them aids in the reduction of physical contaminants such as plastic, glass or metal objects present in some wastes. Since compost products vary significantly in their degree of freedom from biological, chemical or physical contaminants, the quality level of a compost product must be suited to the intended end-use of the product.

http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Organics/CompostMulch/CompostIs.htm

What is compost?

Compost is the end product of the decomposition of organic matter. Organic matter includes: garden waste, kitchen scraps, manure, leaves, grass clippings, straw... There are many methods of composting, but all organic matter will eventually decompose.

Composting is nature's process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost. Anything that was once living will decompose. Basically, backyard composting is an acceleration of the same process nature uses. By composting your organic waste you are returning nutrients back into the soil in order for the cycle of life to continue. Finished compost looks like soil–dark brown, crumbly and smells like a forest floor.

Types of composting:

• Backyard composting — If you have a yard and a balance of browns (fallen leaves or straw) and greens (grass clippings and food scraps), you have all you need to make compost.
  
• Worm composting (vermicomposting) — If you have a tiny yard or live in an apartment or have an abundance of food scraps, this type of composting is for you.
  
• Grasscycling If you have grass clippings and don't want to use them in a compost pile you can leave them on the lawn to decompose. Read about grasscycling for tips, techniques and benefits.

http://gardening.about.com/od/gardenprimer/g/Compost.htm

http://www.recycleworks.org/compost/index.html

George Carlin on Saving the Planet (stand up comedy sketch) by Agustin Perez Villafañe

Warning: the following video contains high doses of sarcasm, irony, black humor & overall cynicism.

In other words, take it with a grain of salt and laugh your asses off

I chose to share this video to the blog due to it's particular approach towards the enviromentalist movement and how the Earth is way older and wiser than us.

ECOLOGY 2

Encyclopedia of Earth: Wildlife

Traditionally, the term wildlife has conjured images of species which are of economic or emotional importance to humans. However wildlife life encompasses a much broader array of life on earth, referring to any undomesticated species, from the European Fire-bellied toad to the Siberian tiger.

As humans have encroached on the natural habitats of the world's wildlife, contaminated the far reaches of earth and hunted or fished some species to extinction, understanding qualities like habitat requirements, lifecycles and nutritional needs for all wildlife species has become a primary focus of many scientists and conservationists.

For many species, their survival depends upon our ability to identify the basic needs for wildlife populations to survive and thrive and act upon that knowledge.

ECOLOGY

Encyclopedia of Earth: Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variation in living organisms, viewed within a given habitat, ecosystem or in the world as a whole. The concept is usually applied to the species diversity, although the notion of genetic biodiversity is applied to the variation in genes within an individual species. While most people think of rainforests as loci of great biodiversity, biomes such as oceans and grasslands are the likely repositories for even greater variation. Retention of diverse biota is important, since intact ecosystems are thought to be essential for provision of ecosystem services to humans, including maintenance of a diverse foodbank, pollination, clean water, flood control, pest control, waste decomposition, biomass energy resources and climate stability. Biodiversity is presently critical since we live in the era of the Mass Holocene Extinction, a period of species loss caused by man, and unrivaled in rate of species loss. Although the number of total species numbers in the tens of millions, most have not yet even been described. The extinction of a species is almost always related to destruction of habitat or man-made pollution.

http://www.eoearth.org/topics

Fast Food Facts

What is fast food and why is it so popular?

Fast food refers to food that can be prepared and served quickly. Fast food restaurants usually have a walk up counter or drive-thru window where you order and pick up your food.

Some recognizable fast food restaurants are:

• Burger restaurants: McDonalds®, Burger King®, Wendy's®, In and Out Burger®
• Soup and sandwich shops: Panera Bread®, Au Bon Pain®, Subway®
• Southern cooking: KFC®, Long John Silvers™, Popeye's®
• Coffee shops: Dunkin' Donuts®, Starbucks®
• Mexican chains: Taco Bell®, Chipotle®, Qdoba®
• Chinese and Asian restaurants: Panda Express®
• Pizzerias: Dominos®, Papa Johns®, Sbarro®, Pizza Hut®

Fast food restaurants are popular because they serve filling foods that taste good and don't cost a lot of money. However, fast food is usually cheap because it's often made with cheaper ingredients such as high fat meat, refined grains, and added sugar and fats, instead of nutritious foods such as lean meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

Is fast food bad?

There is no such thing as a "bad" food, but there are some foods you should try not to have on a regular basis. Because fast food is high in sodium, saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, eating too much over a long period of time can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity. Fast food also lacks many of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals our bodies need. It's helpful to remember that with fast food, moderation is important.

Is some fast food healthier than others?

Many fast food chains are changing their menus so there are more healthy options to choose from. For example, some chains no longer serve foods with trans fat, and many have menu items that contain fruits and vegetables. If you're having fast food more than once a week, try to make healthier choices. Here are some tips:

Go light on the toppings

Added toppings usually mean more sodium or unhealthy fats. To lighten up your meal without taking away flavor:

• Don't overdo the salad dressing. Choose oil-based dressings such as Italian or balsamic vinaigrette instead of creamy salad dressings such as blue cheese and ranch which are high in saturated fat.
• Use mustard or ketchup instead of mayonnaise.
• When ordering pizza, add veggies instead of meat, and get thin crust instead of deep dish.
• Top your sandwiches with veggies such as onions, lettuce, and tomatoes instead of bacon or extra cheese.
• Don't add more salt to your meal. Salt is a major contributor to high blood pressure and heart disease and fast food tends to be loaded with it.

Know how your food is made

The way a meal is made says a lot about how healthy it will be. In general, follow these rules:

• Choose foods that are broiled, steamed or grilled over fried such as a grilled chicken sandwich instead of fried chicken or chicken nuggets and steamed vegetables instead of French fries.
• Choose soups that are not cream based. For example: If the name of the soup includes the word cream, such as "Creamy Tomato Soup", don't order it.
• Dishes labeled deep-fried, pan-fried, basted, breaded, creamy, crispy, scalloped, Alfredo, or in cream sauce are usually high in calories, unhealthy fats or sodium.
• When ordering a sub or sandwich, select lean meats such as turkey or grilled chicken instead of items such as burgers, steak, or cheese sandwiches.
• Ask for sauces or dressings that come with meals to be served on the side and use just a small amount.

Practice Portion Control

Meal portions today are almost twice the size that they were 30 years ago, because of that we eat much more food than we need. Try and follow these tips:

• Order smaller entrée portions. For example, instead of a large sub, try a small sub with a side salad and low-fat dressing or piece of fruit.
• If you're getting a side, order a small, or kid sized portion. Never supersize anything, these options pack in an even larger amount of calories and fat.
• Don't fall for the deals. Many fast food restaurants are now advertising value deals for larger portions of food. These foods may come in what is called a "value box", a combo pack, or just be a larger portion for a cheap price. If you want the deal, eat only half and save the rest for later, or split with a friend.
• Remember, you can get too much of a good thing. Even if a fast food restaurant uses healthy ingredients, they still usually give you a lot more food than you need and eating too much of any kind of food can lead to weight gain. Watch your portions, even when you are eating healthier fast foods such as burritos, sandwiches, and soup.

Make the Swap

Look for healthier side options for your meals:

• Have a salad or soup instead of fries.
• Choose water, low-fat milk, or diet sodas instead of regular sodas, fruit drinks, milkshakes, or whole milk which can be a huge source of hidden calories and sugar.
• Instead of a slice of pie or cookie for dessert try fruit and yogurt.

Enjoy Your Meal

Sit down while you eat. Fast food is known as a meal on the go. Many people eat in their cars or while doing another activity. If you are distracted, you may not pay attention to how much food you are eating, and you may eat much more than you need. Sit down at the restaurant you visit and pay attention to your meal. If you can't sit, eat just a little and save the rest for later. That way you won't be starving once you have the chance to sit and you won't overeat.

Where can I find nutrition facts about fast food?

Most fast food and restaurant chains offer free nutrition information online. Use a search engine to find the company's web page. There is usually a link to the nutrition section on the home page where you will find nutrition facts, including fat, cholesterol, sodium, protein, calories, and more. Many of these menus are now interactive as well, so you can preview your plate and modify it to be more nutritious. Take a look at this information to help you make healthier choices when eating out. If you don't have time or access to a computer, many restaurants offer nutrition pamphlets in the restaurant or have a way of pointing out healthier options on their menus.

Remember: Balance fast food with other nutritious foods throughout the day and make healthier choices whenever possible. There are many healthy food choices that are easily available, tasty, and don't cost very much that can be eaten on the go. If you like fast food, try to limit it to once a week and choose healthy options.

1998-2011 Center for Young Women's Health, Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved.

What’s “Bugging” You?

Have you ever noticed mysterious little holes that appear in your clothes and youcan’t remember ever snagging or running into something that would have caused them? You could be looking at an example of insect damage! Little tiny pesky insects, so small you hardly see them, may be doing considerable damage to textiles around your home. Generally, you won’t notice them, or the damage they’ve done, until it’s too late. And it’s the babies (larvae) that do the damage…to everything from sweaters, pants, and jackets, to
wool rugs, and decorative needlework on your walls. The only damage the parents do is leaving behind their eggs, which hatch the larvae, which then feast on your fine items! Moths and carpet beetles were the originators of the “high protein” diet, as that’s what they thrive on…the protein found in fabrics containing natural fibers.
Depending on the time of year, insect damage ranges from the 2nd to the 5th most common consumer problem related to clothing. Insect damage to textiles in the United States is estimated at $200 million annually. According to the National Pest Control Association, fabric pests are making a comeback because most of the residual insecticides formerly used in their control (dieldrin and DDT) have been banned. This has caused those who deal with the insect damage to take a multifaceted approach to spotting early signs of infestation, recognizing its causes, controlling the environment, understanding the life cycles of the pests and their “preferences,” and developing new and creative control measures and eradication techniques, and consumer education programs.

Posted by Marita Cosentino