Biodiversity Conservation

The term ‘biodiversity’ is a contraction of ‘biological diversity’. Ecologists have long known that individual animal species and ecosystems are endangered not only by threats to particular creatures, but to the balance and interplay of the rich array of fauna and flora living in the world. Conserving animals is important not only so that species such as pandas can be saved for future generations to enjoy, but because every creature plays a role in maintaining the ecological health of the planet. HIPPO is an acronym coined by the biologist Edwin O. Wilson to describe the many threats to biodiversity today. It stands for Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Pollution, Population growth (human) and Over-harvesting.

Biodiversity is a word used in several different ways. It is often used to refer to the number of species of creatures living in a given environment or ecosystem. Modern agriculture, focusing on producing single crops (’monoculture’) and using pesticides to control specific insects or plant predators, is a prime culprit in reducing biodiversity. Nature is a web of connections between plants and animals in the food chain. Losing one species of creature, even a humble insect, can have a ripple effect. The creatures it preys on may multiply, and creatures that feed on it may die out. The loss of a species can lead to a domino effect where many more animals in an ecological niche are affected. Low biodiversity can be a sign of an ecosystem on its knees.

Another way in which biodiversity is important is in relation to the size of the gene pool. Genetic diversity is important in the natural world as it increases the chances of survival. If a virus or some other threat strikes, the greater the genetic diversity, the better the chance that some individuals will survive it and perpetuate the species. It is also important because the larger the gene pool, the healthier the species is likely to be.

Cheetahs, for example, have very low genetic diversity, probably because of interbreeding when numbers were low in the past. Not only does interbreeding render them vulnerable to problems like low fertility, but if a feline virus came along, the chances are that all individuals would be vulnerable. Millions of people died in the 1840 Irish Potato Famine for a similar reason. Farming can create unusual conditions in nature, and in this case, planting two similar kinds of potatoes meant that both would be affected by the same potato disease, which had disastrous consequences for the Irish people.

Ecosystem diversity is another dimension of biodiversity. The world today has many different ecosystems and diverse environments, from desert to rainforest, coast to plain, and ocean to mountaintop. These work in tandem to maintain ecological harmony. For example, it is ecosystem diversity that has allowed such a rich range of plants to evolve, giving people many natural resources for food, medicine, and other purposes.

While it is still important for conservationists to run campaigns to save individual animal species under threat, such as orangutans or tigers, emphasis has shifted towards conserving habitats and systems as a whole. Saving pandas is important; however, the world would be in far graver danger if biodiversity amongst the insects that pollinate our plants were to plummet. Biodiversity is a matter of international concern and an issue that brings scientists and activists from around the world together to ensure its continued existence – and with it, our own survival.

Using Freecycle to Save Money and the Environment

You will find everything from tea cozies to TVs on Freecycle.org. The concept is pleasantly simple: Get rid of stuff that you don’t need, and give it to someone who does. No strings attached, and no cash exchanged.

Although it can be an excellent resource for those in need, The Freecycle Network was not designed as a charity. Freecycle’s mission is:

“…to build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources & eases the burden on our landfills while enabling our members to benefit from the strength of a larger community.”
– Freecycle.org

The Freecycle Network is a non-profit organization that was founded by Deron Beal of Tucson, Arizona, in May of 2005. Since then, Freecycle membership has soared to over 5.7 million people worldwide, and it has prevented the waste of over 400 million pounds of materials.

Anyone can join Freecycle, but there are basic usage rules in place to prevent abuse of The Freecycle Network. While individual Freecycle groups may have specific rules, rules that all Freecycle members must follow include the following:

• Keep it free, legal, and appropriate for all ages
• Summarize your posting in the subject line
• No politics, spam, money, personal attacks/rudeness; no proselytizing/religion
• No trading
• Responses go only to offerer
• No offering yourself or your children (!)
• Be nice. Keep your word.
• Be safe. Make arrangements to meet members in a public place.

Freecycle is set up by city. From the Freecycle home page, you can search for Freecycle groups in cities near you. For example, if you live in Chicago, Illinois, you would join the Chicago Freecycle Group. You will need to provide some basic information when you register, in order to prove that you are a resident or business owner in the area, and not a re-seller.

Each Freecycle group has a volunteer moderator. Among other things, the moderator approves and/or edits listings as needed, and ensures that the rules of Freecycle are being followed.

One thing you’re guaranteed to get from Freecycle is lots of e-mail. So, set up a folder and have your Freecycle e-mails go directly to that folder, so that your inbox will not be inundated with Freecycle postings.

Once you’ve received a registration confirmation from a Freecyle moderator, you can begin using Freecycle. There are essentially four categories of e-mails that you will receive from Freecycle. Their subject lines will read: wanted, offered, received, or taken. For example, if you are in need of a microwave, you would post a listing indicating the following in your subject line: Wanted: Microwave (Chicago). The body of your e-mail can include further details.

Keep in mind that you will not always necessarily get the things that you are requesting. Also, if you are responding to someone’s offer, you should know that it is up to the owner’s discretion to determine who the recipient will be. This is not necessarily determined by “first come, first serve.” When you make a Freecycle agreement, you and the other individual will need to decide on when and where you’d like to meet.

Remember that the purpose of Freecycle is to not about getting free stuff. Its intended purpose is to keep useful items out of landfills. Freecycle is about “changing the world, one gift at a time.” - Freecycle.org

by Angela Antonelli

Articles at EnvironmentPoint.com cannot be copied or reproduced without express written consent.

Alternative Energy

Environmental awareness has lead to a renewed interest and investigation of our world’s energy sources. The mining and burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, pollutes the land, air, and water of our planet. Coal burning contributes to global warming by releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere and increasing greenhouse gases. Sulfur and nitrogen oxide are also produced, leading to smog and acid rain. Nuclear power as an energy source contributes very little to air pollution and global warming, however, nuclear waste facilities and byproducts must be closely monitored or environmental catastrophes could result.

In the United States, 90% of vehicle fuel and 40% percent of total energy consumption is met by oil. The Middle East accounts for approximately 80% of the world’s oil reserves. Products from oil fuel our airplanes, cars, and trucks. Petroleum products also heat our homes and help us create things like medicines and plastics. Although oil fuels the modern world, it is not an infinite resource. Some predictions state there is as little as 40 years of reserves left.

The use of oil as an energy source has significant environmental impacts. As with coal and natural gas, burning oil releases CO2, which contributes to global warming. Activities such as geologic exploration, drilling, and piping oil can lead to pollution, accidental catastrophes, and social impacts. Because of these environmental concerns, and because oil is a finite resource, alternative sources of energy need to be brought into the mainstream as soon as possible. Alternative energy sources do not require the burning of fossil fuels or nuclear power.

	Non-renewable energy sources			Alternative renewable energy sources
		1. Oil (petroleum) 2. Natural gas 3. Coal 4. Uranium (nuclear)			1. Solar 2. Wind 3. Geothermal 4. Biomass 5. Hydropower (Dams) 6. Ocean (Tide turbines) 7. Hydrogen

 
The U.S. Department of Energy hopes that hydrogen will produce ten percent of our energy by 2030.

What can you do to help with energy consumption?

1. Learn and educate – Read as much as you can about energy issues and alternative energy sources. Join a group to help promote energy efficiency and educate others.

2. Automobiles – Reduce our dependence on oil. Buy a more environmentally friendly vehicle and reduce your driving through carpooling or public transportation.

3. Energy efficiency – Turn lights off and use energy efficient appliances and light bulbs. Investigate alternative renewable energy sources you could implement at home.

4. Recycle – Learn how you can recycle in your neighborhood and find ways to reduce waste.

5. Be heard! – Let your legislators know you want them to develop an energy policy that moves away from fossil fuels. Contact corporations and let them know you want them to produce safe, ecological products.

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