Conservation of Planet Earth

Conservation is the act of guarding, preserving or protecting and wise use.

 Conservation may refer to:

 Main usage: Conservation (ethic) of biodiversity, environment, and natural resources, including protection and management (Wikipedia, 2014).

Today's technology is moving at a fast pace. Inputs required to manufacture certain products mostly include natural resources.

Natural resources occur naturally within environments that exist relatively undisturbed by humanity, in a natural form. A natural resource is often characterized by amounts of biodiversity and geodiversity existent in various ecosystems. Natural resources are derived from the environment. Some of them are essential for our survival while most are used for satisfying our wants. Natural resources may be further classified in different ways. Natural resources are materials and components (something that can be used) that can be found within the environment. Every man-made product is composed of natural resources (at its fundamental level). A natural resource may exist as a separate entity such as fresh water, and air, as well as a living organism such as a fish, or it may exist in an alternate form which must be processed to obtain the resource such as metal ores, oil, and most forms of energy. There is much debate worldwide over natural resource allocations, this is partly due to increasing scarcity (depletion of resources) but also because the exportation of natural resources is the basis for many economies (particularly for developed nations such as Australia). Some natural resources such as sunlight and air can be found everywhere, and are known as ubiquitous resources. However, most resources only occur in small sporadic areas, and are referred to as localized resources. There are very few resources that are considered inexhaustible (will not run out in foreseeable future) – these are solar radiation, geothermal energy, and air (though access to clean air may not be). The vast majority of resources are exhaustible, which means they have a finite quantity, and can be depleted if managed improperly (Wikipedia, 2014).

Where ever you are, try to do this in your community;

 Animals: Lethal or not, try to contact any wildlife authority/organisation so that they can take care of the animal without harming it. In most cases, we see stray dogs in the streets, searching for food in bins and other dirty places. Call the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals  and they can help those dogs to find a better home.
Plants: Ask neighbours, family and friends to help you approach the nearest council in your community or city so that you may get extended support in establishing and protecting a woodland, planning for future needs and evaluating various aspects of urban forest management. You may also plant a family tree around your home. 

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Enjoy Nature

Getting outside and experiencing nature in itself is a wonderful activity but you can take this experience to another level by turning it into an active experience. Let me give you some examples of what I mean and how to do it.

Animal Watching: This can be a bit of a challenge if you plan on having your nature walk on a trail or park in or near a big city. But you would still be amazed by the variety of creatures you will discover when you are actively looking for them. Squirrels, pigeons, mice, chipmunks, birds, and so much more. You can take pictures, do drawings or even create logs noting where you spot them.
Eco-System Nature Walks: Your nature walk doesn't have to focus on a particular science. It can focus on eco-systems like Tide Pools, Forests, Woods, Ponds, Rivers, Streams, Oceans, Prairies, or just about any other type of eco system or sub system.
Rocks and Minerals: This is a really fun pursuit and the ultimate goal is to collect small pieces of a variety of minerals and rocks. This tends to be a bit more of a physical pursuit and it is great if you can bring along a variety of tools for digging and chipping. Just make sure everybody wears safety gloves and goggles when chipping at rocks.
Eco Awareness projects: You can also focus on environmental issues and environmental friendly subjects by joining a volunteer organization that does clean up or simply by doing your own clean up. You may even consider making your own composting heap in the back yard.

SOURCE: Nature walk ideas and projects

Some tips and Tools for your Outdoor Adventure Walks
You should decide on the theme of your walk ahead of time. This way you can take all the appropriate materials with you. And before I talk about suggested materials you should also consider some of the more pragmatic aspects of a nature hike.
Remember that you might be outdoors for a full day or for at least several hours and this means a bit of thought to safety should be considered. Bring sun screen, hats, and make sure everybody dresses appropriately. I also recommend you bring drinking water. Being engrossed in a new pursuit can take our minds off of the necessity of drinking water throughout the day. Get a canteen is what I say! It makes the walk a bit more of an adventure and is also eco friendly. No need to add to the litter with throw away plastic water bottles.
An opportunity to convey respect for nature: A nature walk is a great opportunity to talk with the children about conservation and respect for nature. Reinforce the values of being respectful toward nature and of leaving things the same way you found them.

Some tools and stuff to bring along:

• Binoculars - these are always a great idea

• Microscope - is a lot of fun

• Small telescope

• Drawing tools like colored pencils, crayons, markers and sketch pads

• Digital camera or disposable

• Tape Recorder for recording sounds

• Magnifying Glass

• Small vials or jars for collecting samples

• Back pack for carrying all your stuff

• Diggging tools like small shovel and hammer

• Walking Sticks

SOURCE: Nature walk ideas and projects

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Managing and Disposal of Waste

We like to think of our homes as our castles. But most of us are not thinking of what's stashed in the basement, garage or under the kitchen sink. Take a look sometime. Do you see old cans of cleansers, paint, bug spray and used motor oil? How long has it been since you used this stuff? How will you get rid of it? Those types of waste contain hazardous substances which can pose risks to the environment, wildlife and human health. Hazardous substances have one or more special characteristics which include:

• The potential to cause violent chemical reaction. 

• The potential to be dangerously corrosive. 

• The potential to ignite.

•  The potential to be harmful to human health (toxic).

When disposed improperly, those wastes can poison the air, soil, water, birds, fish, mammals and even people and pets in the following ways:

• Once in the landfill, liquid waste and rainwater can seep down through layers of trash picking up contaminants along the way. This will cause leachate to be more difficult and expensive to treat. 

• Streams and lakes, as well as groundwater, can become polluted where rain, melting snow and ice contact contaminated soil, sidewalks, streets and parking lots. Storm sewers drain directly into local waterways. 

• Emissions from incinerators can contaminate air and the ash residues, which contain heavy metals, also present disposal problems.

ACIDS AND BASES  

Both acids and bases are corrosive materials and may cause damage upon contact with the skin, eyes or respiratory system. They may also react violently if mixed with other substances,
including water. Acids are corrosive materials commonly found in toilet bowl and drain cleaners, swimming pool chemicals and a number of other home cleaning products. These are easily identifiable on ingredient labels because they usually contain the word "acid." Bases are also corrosive, and may be found in bleaches, oven and drain cleaners, disinfectants and other Household products. They may be listed on labels as lye, hydroxide, hypochlorite or a variety of other terms. 

ALTERNATIVES

• Keep drains clean by using strainers and keeping grease, hair and coffee grounds out of the drain.Flush drains weekly with boiling water or a cup of warm vinegar. Use a plunger to free blockage. 

• To clean the oven, sprinkle baking soda or salt on spills with water and scrub with a steel wool pad. 

• Scrub toilets with baking soda or borax. 

• To polish metal, rub with a paste of baking soda and water; polish unlacquered brass, bronze or copper with a solution of equal parts of vinegar, flour and salt. Rinse and dry. 

DISPOSAL

• If the acid or base is an ingredient in a useable consumer product, try to use it up or give it to someone else who can use it. Do not attempt to neutralize or treat the product yourself, as large amounts of heat may be generated and you could be burned. Never add water to an acid or base to dilute it, as this practice is dangerous. Acids and bases should be saved for a household hazardous waste collection program.

PESTICIDES  

Pesticides are chemicals that are intended to kill unwanted insects, animals, plants or microorganisms. These
products may also be toxic to humans or pets. Many pesticides are not biodegradable; they accumulate in the environment and could eventually contaminate groundwater and food supplies. Pesticides include not only commonly recognized insecticides and herbicides but also products such as wood preservatives, flea products and some insect repellents.
DISPOSAL

• Many pesticides have been banned from use by both homeowners and licensed applicators within New York State because they pose high risks to human health or to the environment. Others are restricted to use by licensed applicators. These products should not be used by citizens or carelessly thrown away, but should be saved for a household hazardous waste collection program. If the pesticide is not banned or restricted, however, it is best to use the product up according to label directions or give the product to someone else who can use it for its intended purpose. Otherwise, it should be stored until a household hazardous waste collection program is held in your area. 

• To safely store pesticides, keep them in their original container, wrap them in newspaper and place them inside a double layer of plastic garbage bags. Always keep them out of the reach of children and away from heat and pets. 

• Empty pesticide containers should be triple rinsed before being thrown away. The rinse water should be saved and used as a pesticide. The empty container should then be wrapped in newspaper and discarded with household trash.

USING SOLVENTS SAFELY

• Read labels carefully. 

• Use gloves, goggles and respiratory mask when appropriate. 

• Never smoke when using solvents and never use them near fires. 

• Use excellent ventilation and work outside when possible. Don't use solvents on hot, muggy days. 

• Use water-based products where possible - they require less cleanup and less solvent. 

• Never eat or drink where solvents are being used - fumes can be absorbed by food or utensils and you may accidentally ingest them. 

DISPOSAL

• Most solvents are recyclable, although this is not always practical to do at home. Always try to use up the product in its intended manner. Paint thinners that have paint mixed into them can be reused by capping the container tightly and allowing the paint to settle to the bottom of the container (this process may take several months for large volumes). The clean solvent may then be poured off the top and reused and the sludge that is left can be allowed to dry out (preferably outdoors) and then discarded. Paint thinners can also be used up by mixing them into oil-based paints or can be reused after filtering them through a coffee filter. 

• Waste solvents should be stored until a household hazardous waste collection program is held in your area. If the solvents must be disposed immediately, then very small amounts (less than one cup) of non-halogenated solvents can be evaporated by mixing the solvent with an absorbent and leaving the solvent mixture outdoors. When the absorbent is fully dried, it should be wrapped in a plastic bag and placed with other trash. This should be done carefully so that children or animals cannot come into contact with the chemical. Always ensure proper ventilation when evaporating solvents.

SOURCE: Bureau of Waste Reduction and Recycling

Let us all co-operate in promoting sustainable development. #n101x

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Planet Earth

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Inspired to adorn nature

Nature 101x

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