Category: Environment

UN, Amnesty International Coming – The World is Watching the Dakota Access Pipeline – Timeline of Events

On Friday, October 28, 2016, The United Nations and Amnesty International each announced their plans to send delegations of human rights observers to investigate reports of human rights violations of protesters opposing the North Dakota Access pipeline. This action comes one day after heavily armed authorities surrounded protesters and reportedly used pepper spray, tear gas, and a sound cannon before arresting 141 protesters, bringing the total number of arrests to more than 400.

The Dakota Access Pipeline, a 3.7 billion dollar project, which is currently more than half completed, is being built to transport 470,000 barrels of oil a day across four states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Illinois. In southern Illinois, it will link with existing pipelines.

On January 25, 2016, Dakota Access announced it had received permit approval to build their pipeline from the North Dakota Public Service Commission. Seven months later, July 27, 2016, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe filed its first legal action to try and block the pipeline.

…North Dakota’s governor, Jack Dalrymple, activated 100 National Guard Troops…

In September, Standing Rock Chairman Dave Archambault II addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council, calling on the council to help stop construction. He argued that two legally binding treaties, the 1851 Treaty of Traverse de Sioux and the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie are being violated. “The oil companies and the government of the United States have failed to respect our sovereign rights,”Archambault said.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe view the pipeline as a threat to their water supply and a threat to sacred lands and burial sites. Thousands have participated in peaceful demonstrations against the pipeline, but many have been met with violence. There have been many reports of beatings, pepper spray, tear gas, mace, attack dogs, rubber bullets, horses injured from shootings, and the use of compression grenades, and a sound cannon along with arrests where protestors are forced to endure strip searches along with cavity searches. Archambault was arrested. Amy Goodman, a journalist, and documentarian Deia Schlosberg were arrested.

Schlosberg filmed activists who manually shut off the safety valves to stop the flow of oil in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and Washington state, was charged with three felonies: conspiracy to theft of property, conspiracy to theft of services, and conspiracy to tampering with or damaging a public service. The maximum prison sentence for the three charges would equal 45 years. She was held for 48 hours without access to a lawyer and her film was confiscated. The charges are still standing.

Journalist Amy Goodman was arrested twice. She was first charged with criminal trespass on September 8 after reporting on the September 3rd violence between security guards and protestors. Reports from the sheriff’s office said 3 workers were injured by protesters. Witnesses said the security workers used pepper spray on 30 protesters and 12 were bitten by pit bulls that were released to attack men, women, and children. Goodman’s charges were dropped only to be replaced with a charge of engaging in a riot. The judge rejected the case due to lack of evidence.

On August 31st, the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues said the “world is watching” and made the following statement:

For indigenous peoples, the environment is a living entity that contains our life sources as well as our sacred sites and heritage. The environment is an important part of our lives and any threats to it impacts our families, ancestors and future generations. It is therefore imperative that the United States respects and recognizes the intrinsic, inter-related rights of Sioux and their spiritual traditions, history, philosophy, and especially their rights to their lands and territories.” – ABC News

On September 8, the day before the court’s ruling, North Dakota’s governor, Jack Dalrymple, activated 100 National Guard Troops to assist local law enforcement if protests become violent.

On September 9, a federal judge denied the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s request for a temporary injunction. On the same day, the Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Department of the Army released a joint statement saying,

The Army will not authorize constructing the Dakota Access pipeline on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land bordering or under Lake Oahe until it can determine whether it will need to reconsider any of its previous decisions regarding the Lake Oahe site under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) or other federal laws. Therefore, construction of the pipeline on Army Corps land bordering or under Lake Oahe will not go forward at this time. The Army will move expeditiously to make this determination, as everyone involved — including the pipeline company and its workers — deserves a clear and timely resolution. In the interim, we request that the pipeline company voluntarily pause all construction activity within 20 miles east or west of Lake Oahe.” – ABC News

The tribe appealed the September 9th ruling, but its appeal was denied on October 9th.

On October 25th, tribal leaders called on the U.S. Attorney General, Loretta Lynch to investigate civil rights violations. The Department of Justice released a statement about how they were working with both sides to defuse tensions, support peaceful protests, and maintain public safety. Two days later protesters set up a roadblock that closed down a state highway resulting an escalation in violent intervention and arrests.

The fear of environmental harm from this pipeline is not unfounded. The Center for Effective Government claims ruptures and leaks are a daily occurrence. On their site they state the following:

Since 2010, over 3,300 incidents of crude oil and liquefied natural gas leaks or ruptures have occurred on U.S. pipelines. These incidents have killed 80 people, injured 389 more, and cost $2.8 billion in damages. They also released toxic, polluting chemicals in local soil, waterways, and air.”

“One of the largest spills happened in North Dakota in 2013 when lightning struck a pipeline, which leaked over 840,000 gallons of crude onto a wheat field.”

On October 20th, a Pennsylvania pipeline burst, leaking 55,000 gallons of gasoline into Wallis Run, a tributary of a creek that drains into the Susquehanna River. The spill endangered the drinking water of six million people. The pipeline is owned by Sunoco, the same company behind the Dakota pipeline access.

Does the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe have the right to protect their land and their water? Do they have the right to demand that the U.S. government honor their treaties and laws? Or will we continue to allow corporations and corporate greed to rule our country? Will we assist them in stripping citizens, especially native Americans, of their constitutional rights as we plunder the land and its resources? Didn’t we learn not to use the National Guard against our own people after the massacre at Kent State when National Guardsmen shot and killed four unarmed students?

Hopefully, the added publicity from celebrity activists like Shailene Woodley, who was charged with criminal trespassing and engaging in a riot and Mark Ruffalo and the involvement of Jessie Jackson and Jill Stein will continue to sway public opinion. Even Bernie Sanders has made it clear that he supports the protesters.

Now that the UN and Amnesty International are involved, the whole world really is watching.

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10 Natural Remedies for Mosquito Bites – Infographic

girl with mosquito bite, scratching hand has motion blur

Have you ever had a mosquito bite that turned into a big, itchy bump? You may be surprised by the number of natural remedies you have lying around your home that can help stop the itch so the bite goes away faster.

This is especially important for kids who don’t yet fully understand the importance of not scratching a mosquito bite. Don’t spend money on toxic creams. Use one of these solutions you probably already have in your kitchen.

how to stop mosquito bite itch

Infographic courtesy of Mosquito Magnet.

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How Much and When Should You Water Your Trees?

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A large giant is lurking around your home, just waiting for a little attention. And chances are you rarely think about its needs.

While an arborist spends his days thinking carefully about the future of the forests around him, it’s something homeowners rarely do. After all, we have to-do lists a mile long. If something isn’t causing a problem, why worry about it?

Unless you’ve recently dug a hole, visited a nursery, selected a new tree, and planted it in the ground, watering probably hasn’t entered into your mind. Most of your trees were a part of  your landscaping before you purchased your home.They’re just there. They grow. Why worry about them?

But think for a moment about all they go through. Relentless rainstorms and huge shifts in climate: fall, winter, and spring. Inch after inch of rain soaking into their root systems. Winds that cause the boughs of trees to sway back and forth. And finally, the heat of the summer, where the sun shines down day after day, sometimes breaking records with heatwaves that quickly bring ninety degree days over and over again. It’s only natural that we assume trees can handle life on their own. After all, they’ve lived here on earth a lot longer than we have. And they’ll be here long after we’re gone.

A tree in the wild is different than one we keep in our landscaping. When we choose to make a tree a part of our décor, it takes more than Mother Nature to keep it alive and in peak condition. Tree watering is an important aspect of that process. It’s important to understand when a tree needs a little extra help.

Newly Planted Trees

This is the point in time where we spend the most amount of time caring for a tree. When you plant it, you understand that it needs a little extra attention. So you watch over it, giving it extra care along the way.

For most of us, we plant a new tree when the weather is at its best. Spring, summer, and fall are the perfect times to change things up in the garden and bring in a new tree to add to the view.

Select the final spot carefully, making sure it has plenty of room to grow in the coming years. Dig the hole deep enough to cover the root system, with plenty of space to spread out. Then add water to the hole as you fill it up. Be sure to give it a thorough soaking after the process is complete.

Then continue to water your new tree in the coming weeks.  A new tree can begin wilting long before it shows up its leaves. An extra soaking every few days will help it take root and give it strength as it takes hold.

The First Two Years

Trees are most vulnerable the first two years after planting. This is when they do the most expanding. This is when substantial growth takes place. Its root system is spreading out, taking place deep within the soil.

During the first few months, it will have trouble dealing with heat and drought. If you plant in the summer, make sure you give your new tree extra water during dry spells or days of intense heat.

Don’t forget to track moisture throughout the first two years as well. Some years we get more than our fair share of moisture. Other years, we can go weeks at a time with hardly a drop of rain in sight. Keep track of the rainfall. If we experience more than a couple of weeks without significant moisture, add extra water.

You can also help keep the ground wet my adding wood-chip mulch around the base of the tree. This helps the water move deep into the soil, and stay moist for longer periods of time.

Is There Such a Thing As Too Much?

Just like not enough water can harm a tree, too much of a good thing can cause its own set of problems.

Overwatering a tree is a common mistake, especially in a newer tree. Keeping the ground moist is different than allowing it to become soggy. Moist soil that is allowed to dry out for short periods of time will allow oxygen to penetrate the ground and feed the root system.

As a general rule of thumb, thirty seconds of a steady water flow around the base of the tree will provide adequate water to the roots. And if you’ve added mulch around the base, it will keep the moisture where it belongs.

If you aren’t sure if the ground is moist enough, there’s an easy way to check. Using a garden tool, dig about two inched into the ground, making a small trench for you to access. Place your finger to touch the soil and determine its water content. If it’s moist, it doesn’t need additional water.

Trees Over Two Years Old

Once a tree has been on the ground for more than two years, it has been established into the ground. This means it can handle a wider variety of conditions with ease. It has the proper root structure in place to handle heat and drought in an easier manner.

However, you can still base watering needs on conditions. When we set records for most days over ninety degrees or most days without rain showers, reach out to your trees and provide them with a little extra nourishment. An extra drink of water will help keep them strong.

Planning for the Future

Whether you are planting trees in a new home in a new community or are simply ensuring success with trees that have been in your yard for years, taking action now can ensure their health for years to come.

If you’ve experienced droughts in the past, plant drought-tolerant species whenever you plant new trees. That will give you an advantage in the years to come if conditions continue.

San Francisco Bans Polystyrene, AKA Styrofoam

On Tuesday, June 28th San Francisco unanimously passed an ordinance banning the sale of products made from polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, the name-brand of polystyrene produced by the Dow Chemical Company.

The law goes into effect on January 1, 2017. At which time it will be illegal to sell polystyrene packing materials like foam peanuts, day-use coolers, Styrofoam beach toys, and those trays for meat and fish packaging.

San Francisco is working towards their goal of “zero waste” by 2020. In 2007, the city prohibited the use of polystyrene for to-go restaurant food containers. Today more than 100 cities have similar laws in place restricting or banning polystyrene. Americans still use an estimated 25 billion foam cups each year.

By 2050, we are on track to have more plastic in our oceans than fish. Much of that plastic will be styrofoam.

Critics of the new ban point out that polystyrene is recyclable, that the city could make money recycling polystyrene. Though San Francisco residents can recycle polystyrene free of charge, it rarely gets recycled. Robert Reed, a local project manager for a company that helps cities manage solid waste, says that few people bring in Styrofoam, and even when they do, it’s typically not in good enough condition to be repurposed. “The few buyers who exist demand that the material be very clean,” Reed says in an email. “They don’t even want dust on it.”

Styrofoam has been a big issue for environmentalists, and this is considered a big win. It’s likely to be a model for other cities and the country going forward.

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Go Nuts for Ferrero’s Sustainable Packaging

Italian confectionery  giant Ferrero is best known for producing some of our best-loved sweet treats, including the hazelnut sandwich spread, Nutella,  (a jar is sold every 2.5 seconds in the UK) and, of course, the Christmas family favourite, Ferrero Rocher chocolates. With so many hazelnut based products, it’s no surprise the corporation is the world’s fourth largest buyer of hazelnuts in the world, purchasing over 25% of the world’s supply. Of course, with hazelnuts come waste. Each year the company’s production requires disposal of 70,000 hazelnut shells.

Until recently, this waste has simply been incinerated. Incinerators emit substantial quantities of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, which contribute negatively to global climate change. However, Ferro is adopting a greener solution by investing in a revolutionary innovation that will transform their waste products into the very packaging that protects their goods.

Waste is a problem

In Europe, each person currently accumulates 16 tonnes of material each year, with 6 of those becoming waste. Waste, as defined by gov.uk means: “…a material being discarded, intended to be discarded or required to be discarded by law.” Today, only a third of our waste is recycled, which leads to greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution damaging our planet. The EU’s legislation states that waste must be turned into a resource in order to meet their ambitious 2030 targets to “close the loop” on product lifecycles, meaning no waste or pollution is created where possible. The EU’s priorities include:

  • Reducing the amount of waste generated
  • Maximising recycling and re-use
  • Limiting incineration to non-recyclable materials

Ferrero Rocher’s Innovation

Turning waste into a resource is one key to developing a sustainable economy, and Ferrero Rocher has realised it is sitting on a minefield of resources. Recent years have seen consumer demands change, and now, environmental consciousness is a must for a brand’s success. In a study by Neilson; it was discovered that 52% of respondents have purchased one or more products in the last six months due to the company’s social responsibility. Ferrero chose to listen to EU and customer requests and teamed up with Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS), a fibre based development company to solve their waste problem.

EcoPaper

The solution comes in the form of EcoPaper. The total material is made from vegetal products that were formerly discarded as waste. Non-edible hazelnut shells are used to protect the hazelnut products the company sells. This brings great value to the supply chain and to the consumer.

Benefits of EcoPaper

  • By investing in EcoPaper, wood fibres are replaced with by-products of confectionary production. Natural resources are therefore protected by increasing the share of recycled material in the packaging.
  • Ferrero has been able to enjoy new marketing opportunities thanks to their adoption of sustainable packaging supplies.
  • The once incinerated products are now part of the paper recycling cycle, closing the loop and extending the product’s lifecycle.

The Production of EcoPaper

Hazelnut shell waste is unavoidable when making Ferrero’s confectionary, EcoPaper allows for the waste to be dry milled and repurposed. What’s more, in the development stages of this product, it was discovered that the properties held in the shells allowed for the paper to have a thicker volume though using the same amount of material. Volume is extremely important for effective packaging. It increases stiffness and reduces the ability for the product to bend, allowing for safe transit and a pleasing aesthetic display.

Production

  • The hazelnuts are treated to eliminate their allergenic ability.
  • The milled product is emptied on to a fabric mesh conveyor belt where it forms a continuous web that is then drained. The hazelnuts improved the drainability of the web, which increased productivity by reducing drying time.
  • A multi-ply board machine produces multiple layers which are then combined and couched before being pressed and dried.
  • Three-dimensional boxes are created from the two-dimensional cut-outs which involved the typical folding and glueing methods.

The Future of EcoPaper and Sustainable Packaging

Though EcoPaper is still being developed, it’s thought that one day this product will roll out throughout Ferrero Rocher’s entire packaging strategy. Currently, the EU creates 8.6million tonnes of cartonboard each year. With the correct innovation, it’s thought that 10-20% of this could be replaced with by-product packaging. Currently, there is a plethora of underused agricultural stock that could be utilised in the future:

  • 45,000 tonnes of hazelnut shells:
  • 33-60 million tonnes of crop straw
  • 3 million tonnes of tomato stalks
  • 130,000 tonnes of cherry pits

By creating usable products from the inedible parts of plants, we are able to give them new life and reduce the incineration process that has damaged our planet. In order to meet the EU’s guidelines of building a circular economy, it seems that packaging producers of the future are making steps in the right direction.

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