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The Forest Wonderer. Wildlife Nature Preservation and Conservation
Monday, 30 October 2006
hiking etiquette
Topic: Hiking
Go Hiking! Author: James Munroe Hiking is an outdoor sport that requires no equipment. It's one of the least expensive sports you can engage in. It's basically walking, conducted in a natural setting. Some hiking is goal-oriented, with a specific distance or destination in mind, while other hikes take the form of rambling, with no particular goal other than exercise and enjoyment.
Hiking can be a social experience. You can join hiking groups and clubs to meet people with similar interests. Many singles organizations, in fact, run hikes as a form of low-stress get-together. Other people consider hiking to be a peaceful and solitary activity. Keep in mind these different approaches to hiking when you are on the trail.
Observe hiking etiquette whenever you are on a hike. Many hikers prefer peace and quiet, so if you are in a group, avoid shouting your conversations. Many hikers also enjoy seeing wild animals, and loud conversation and loud music are sure ways to scare animals away. Remember that you are in a natural setting and behave accordingly.
Hiking etiquette requires that a group stick to the pace of the slowest hiker so that no one is left behind. The easiest way to do this is to put slow hikers up front. If you find the pace of your group too slow, just choose a different group to hike with the next time.
If you cause a low-hanging branch to brush back, it is proper hiking etiquette to hold the branch for the next person so that it will not snap into their faces. However, it is also proper etiquette to maintain enough distance between yourself and the person in front of you so that they will not have to worry about hurting you with branches.
Right-of-way on hikes is different than the rules of the road for walking and driving. People heading uphill have the right of way on a narrow trail over people going downhill. Smaller groups of hikers have the right of way over larger groups.
About The Author: http://www.hikingwalkingtrekking.com/
[hiking trails] [nature] [wildlife]
Posted by forestwonderer
at 4:23 PM EST
Friday, 27 October 2006
What compact truck gets the best gas mileage
Topic: Environment
Top five trucks for gas mileage by Rich MarsigliaA few years ago, people would scoff at you if you told them that you were looking for trucks with the best gas mileage. But, as truck sales began to slip downwards, manufacturers started giving due importance to this factor. Today, there has been a dramatic change in the scenario. The rising costs of gas, has propelled potential truck buyers to go for trucks that can meet their gas mileage demands. Truck makers have now taken firm steps to improve the fuel economy of their makes at all levels. Usually the ranking of the top five trucks based on gas mileage is founded on a combination factors. The prime parameters are the fuel economy rating given by EPA, the transmission of the vehicle, and its inherent popularity amongst car buyers. The formula for calculation for most gas mileage rankings is a combination of the city mpg rating, which forms 55 percent of criterion, and the highway mpg rating that completes the remaining criteria. It is really very difficult to bring forth a list that enumerates the top 5 trucks on the basis of fuel efficiency. Not one, not two, but three trucks hold the first rank. This spot is shared by the 2006 Ford Ranger one of the premier trucks that are out in the market today. Ford has made it a point to come out with trucks that offer the best gas mileage. This is why most of their newer models find a place on the best gas mileage list year after year. However, all the trucks, which feature in the list, have the same engine; the 2006 Ford Ranger is a supremely refined version of its older model that came out in 2005. It has the better off-road capability then other trucks in the rankings and is one of the best alternatives in your search for a truck giving you the best gas mileage. The completely redesigned 2006 Toyota Tacoma comes next in the list. The Toyota Tacoma is one of the roomier trucks available in the market and its looks are an epitome of sophistication. The only disadvantage of the 2006 Toyota Tacoma is its price tag. It is more expensive then the others. If you are looking for something on the cheaper side then the 2006 Mazda B-series is the truck that you must go for. A fuel-efficient truck delivers on its promise. It is called in some circles as the bargain pickup truck. Don't expect styling and comfort but you do get an unashamed practicality with this vehicle. The Toyota Tundra is the next in line of your picks. It comes with 4.0 liter V6 engine that is geared to give you competitive gas mileage. The truck gives you a mileage of 20 /mpg on the highway and a 16/mpg when you drive in the city. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes a close fifth in the rankings. It comes with a mild hybrid engine that enables the electric motor to keep the vehicles running when idle so the gas engine can be shut off. Description: When looking for trucks with great gas mileage, the list can be pretty large. You will have a wide variety to choose from. Select the one that best suits your requirement. This article lists out the top five!
About the AuthorAuthor Rich Marsiglia, ATM Restyle Truck Accessories | Tonneau Covers | Nerf Bars. [hybrid vehicle] [environment] [earth]
Posted by forestwonderer
at 9:20 AM EDT
Thursday, 26 October 2006
Energy Conservation, Vital For Our Future
Topic: Environment
Author: Hallidae Thomason As we face the ever present hot-topic of global warming that is constantly shoved in our face with videos of glacial melting on the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro to the graphs with that predict the height of sea level over the tallest building in LA by the year 2050. Sensational? Yes. Accurate? The jury is still out for sure. What doesn’t hurt either way is to focus on energy conservation which is just good practice if not world saving.
It is important to note that when I talk about energy conservation I am not referring to sacrificing comfort or productivity for the sake of saving money. I am talking about improving the efficiency of the work that we do through improved systems engineering, use of alternate fuels, and better engine technology. This saves money and time (which is money) and is a good use of the natural and limited resources that we still have on this lonely planet.
It is amazing what can be done to improve a situation in terms of motivation. With the proper motivation a couch potato can sprint away from a large toothy beast that is attacking them, or a company can clean up emissions if threatened to be shutdown if noncompliant, you get the idea. It’s too bad that this motivation has to be negative in the majority of cases but if it produces something positive than so be it. That is how I view all this global warming fervor. If it is true than that is scary and we had better do something to improve our energy conservation skills. If it isn’t true than let’s just pretend it is anyway in order to have motivation to do something that will be good in so many more ways than just saving our lives.
So how are we trying to promote energy conservation here in this country? Well with the rising oil prices we are looking to alternate fuel and energy sources. Some cool possibilities in the near future are the hydrogen cell with a nearly endless supply and it’s only emission being water. Another renewable energy source is ethanol which will create a clean relatively cheap in costs (more than just money), and a major boon to the struggling farming industry. We are seeing great advances in electric/gas hybrid and completely electric automobile engines as well as alternate power sources like hydroelectric and wind turbine electricity production. All very exciting making this a great time to be alive.
About The Author: Being a technology junkie, Julee Mitchelsin loves when she gets assignments like this to research and write about technology in energy conservation. If you are a tech junkie too you should check out http://www.energyconservationtimes.info/.
[global warming] [energy] [conservation] [environment]
Posted by forestwonderer
at 9:34 AM EDT
Wednesday, 25 October 2006
Camping Tips for the Noncampers
Topic: Hiking
Camping – Do You Love It Or Hate It? Author: D Ruplinger
In my family, we have camping lovers and camping haters. My husband, kids, and I love to go camping. My mother just stares at me every time I talk about an upcoming camping trip and asks why I want to leave my brand new home that has a brand new bed with a brand new mattress so that I can go sleep in the woods on a mattress I fill with air. Being the articulate person I am I say, “Because it’s fun.”
It’s hard to explain to a non camper how relaxing it is to be out in the open air all day at a campground with miles of trails to hike and bike; or by a lake to go swimming, boating, or fishing in.
I tell my Mom how it’s fun to explore the area trails; looking at the views, the vegetation, and the wildlife. For example, during a recent camping trip an evening bike ride brought me within 10 feet of a baby deer out with its mother. It’s hard to explain how fun it is to be able to see something like that. But instead my Mom asked me how bad the bugs bit and if I got sunburned during that day’s hike.
Then I try to explain to her about how much fun it is to sit around the campfire at night. It’s a great time for casual conversation and to have a beverage and maybe a few toasted marshmallows or S’mores. I love watching the flames and listening to the wood crackle and pop. My mom asks how we keep the mosquitoes away (lots of tiki torches and mosquito repellant) and says, “Doesn’t it get boring after a half hour?” Again, being the articulate person I am my answer is, “Ummmm, no.”
I try to explain the food cooked outdoors just tastes better. Campfire coffee along with bacon and eggs is hard to beat. And those little S’more makers you can buy in the store are nothing like the delicious S’mores you make over a real campfire. And if you’ve never had a pudgie pie made over a campfire, you’re missing out on one of the best camping foods there is! But when I explain to my Mom how good camping food is, she wonders if the bugs buzz around the food we’re trying to eat and asks if I miss my dishwasher. Thanks Mom! My pop-up camper doesn’t have hot water so I have to do things the old fashioned way and heat the water I need to wash dishes.
When it comes to camping though, most non campers could deal with sleeping in a tent or a pop-up camper and wouldn’t mind cooking their food outside. But the one sticking point for many non-campers is the bathroom and shower facilities at campgrounds (unless you’re lucky enough to have a camper with its own bathroom and shower facilities). Camping is not like staying at a 5 star hotel. The bathroom and shower amenities take a little getting used to. Some people will wait as long as possible to go to the bathroom because they want to avoid using the pit toilets at the campground any more than necessary. My sister-in-law doesn’t mind the pit toilets as much as she minds the spiders that are usually in them.
Camping is what you make of it. Nobody says you have to like it. My Mom doesn’t but I sure do. It’s a way to get away from the daily stresses of your normal life, kick back, relax, and enjoy yourself for a few days. You’ll have responsibilities no more taxing than deciding what clothes to wear that day, what to eat, and whether you want to go for a walk or a bike ride or just sit in a chair and relax by the campfire.
About The Author: D Ruplinger shares her camping experiences and advice at http://www.campingearth.com/. Make sure you get her outstanding camping newsletter for great camping tips and campfire recipes - http://www.campingearth.com/newsletter/.
[hiking] [camping]
Posted by forestwonderer
at 9:26 AM EDT
Tuesday, 24 October 2006
Huge Rattlesnake found in Wisconsin. Rattlesnake picture
Topic: wildlife
This huge rattlesnake was found near Baraboo Wisconsin. It is over nine feet long and weights over 80 lbs. Caught near the Badger Munitions plant near Devils Lake [photography] [wildlife]
Posted by forestwonderer
at 2:33 PM EDT
Wind farm construction and the environmental impact in the UK
Topic: Environment
The Wind Farm Debate by davinos greeno According to the Energy Saving Trust, the UK has 40% of Europe's total wind energy. But it's still largely untapped and only 0.5% the UKs electricity requirements are currently generated by wind power. Wind power is proportional to the cube of the wind's speed, so relatively minor increases in speed result in large changes in potential output. Individual turbines vary in size and power output from a few hundred watts to two or three megawatts (as a guide, a typical domestic system would be 2.5 - 6 kilowatts, depending on the location and size of the home). Uses range from very small turbines supplying energy for battery charging systems (e.g. on boats or in homes), to turbines grouped on wind farms supplying electricity to the grid. In Saddleworth, near Greater Manchester, an eco-war about wind turbines is waging. United Utilities want to build seven 350 foot wind turbines. These will generate enough power to supply the average electricity needs of 8,500 homes in the local area. This wind farm is not situated out to sea but in the picturesque hills of the Saddleworth Moors and would be visible for miles around. Government targets state that 10% of the UK's energy should be supplied by renewable resources by 2010 and developments like the Saddleworth Moor turbines would contribute towards that total. Leading environmentalists from across the country have previously convened in Saddleworth for the first ever National Forum opposing the creation of wind farms on rural beauty spots. World renowned TV botanist, Professor David Bellamy, joined former Downing Street press secretary, Sir Bernard Ingham and hundreds of activists at the National Wind Farm Group Conference. There were a total of representatives from over 50 environmental groups from across the country attending this event. It aimed to raise awareness about the perceived dangers of wind farms and bring environmental groups closer together in their fight against the government. The Saddleworth Moors Action Group says the turbines would have a negative impact on a unique landscape. The group also insist their campaign is not prompted by "not in my backyard" sentiments, but through a genuine desire to preserve the character of the local area. One could argue that the government is not bothered about the environment then they are continually financing the construction of coal fired power stations in the third world and building more airports and more motorways in Britain? As tensions are mounting in Iran and Nigeria leading to increased oil prices, is now not the ideal time to exploit wind power both on land and at sea via grants to companies? With labour slipping up at the local elections in 05/06 and the Conservatives pushing the eco argument, is not in Labours interest to follow the Conservatives lead and not to pay lip service to wind farms as they currently do? OR Will the people that have to live near wind farms and see the things every day change their minds and believe that wind farms form a concerted effort to save the environment or just another commercial money making scheme for the companies involved? See renewable energy companies in GuideMeGreen's green directory
About the AuthorThe author works with the Green directory GuideMeGreen.com .This growing green directory lists 100s of Organic Food and Drink Companies and Food and Drink Jobs and campaigning Videos [wind farms] [environment] [energy] Other Articles: Hiking Trails in the Yellowstone Park Five Reasons to Eat Organic Foods
Posted by forestwonderer
at 10:21 AM EDT
Monday, 23 October 2006
Environment And Global Warming Tops Monaco Agenda
Topic: Environment
by Roger Munns
The world's environment and in particular global warming and the environment have been the top issues for Prince Albert of Monaco, and while he is preparing to mark the first year of his succession to the Principality of Monaco, a local destination guide suggests that the second smallest country in the world is in safe hands and can look forward to years of progressive economic and social policies that extend well beyond the borders of Monaco. 'Prince Albert has changed his playboy image', they say, 'since coming to power he has taken the initiative on environmental issues, for example in April he went to the North Pole to draw attention to his fellow world leaders that the environment should be top of their agenda, and he has made a concerted effort to put the environment on the map of Monaco issues that need addressing'. The environment seems to be of particular concern to Prince Albert, and with this in mind the 2006 Monaco Yacht Show was carbon neutral. The organisers will be paying for a variety of green projects in Europe and further afield, including enough wind turbines in New Zealand to generate power for 50,000 homes. In two further steps earlier this year to increase Monaco's influence in world affairs and to promote Prince Albert's concern for the environment, the Monaco government announced that it would calculate GDP for the first time, enabling Monaco to meet the UN's target of 0.7 per cent for developing countries, and Prince Albert himself founded a new foundation as 'part of his personal commitment for the protection of the environment and for sustainable development'. Prince Albert's father, Prince Rainier who ruled Monaco for fifty years was known as the 'builder prince', as Monaco grew out of all recognition while he was in power, transforming the principality from a European backwater to Europe's top tax haven and home to many of Europe's top businessmen and sports stars. Prince Albert has continued his father's tradition, with plans recently announced for an island to be built off Monte Carlo which will increase the size of the world's second smallest country. But bidders have been asked to plan the project with the environment in mind, as well as the Monaco Grand Prix. The possibilty exists that the Grand Prix circuit will be changed to encompass the new island - and with it more opportunities for overtaking. Monte Carlo Tradition and modernity have long been features of Monaco, and as well as a first class infrastructure, the Principality can boast one of the world's top hotels in the Hotel de Paris. Along with the banking and finance sectors that help Monaco's economy to be one of Europe's most successful, tourism also plays a major part, with many visitors making day trips from neighbouring France and Italy. 'The Monaco Grand Prix plays a part of course', comment the guide, 'but many tourists want to see what it is really like to be in Monte Carlo, the millionaire's playground. Monaco hotels enjoy high occupation levels despite the day trippers though, as so many business people are in Monaco for two or three days'. Property prices in Monaco are among the highest in the world, with one bedroom apartments after closing costs starting at around a million Euros. It's thought unlikely that the new island to be built off Monaco will reduce prices much overall despite the increase in the number of property units available as Monaco property is always in demand. A local real estate company believe that most new apartments will be sold to investors off plan well in advance of any building work starting. 'The problem with property in Monaco is not the lack of buyers', they say, 'but more the lack of good properties for buyers to choose from. Hopefully the new island will address that. Everyone in Monaco is aware of how important the environment is thanks to Prince Albert's initiatives in pushing it up the political agenda, and any new developments will be low rise. With the good weather in Monaco expect to see plenty of solar panels on the roofs to make the buildings energy efficient'. During his first year Prince Albert has successfully made the people of Monaco aware of global warming and taken steps to combat it, and for his second year and beyond he is likely to be campaigning just as hard at home and abroad on the issue he believes in so much.
About the AuthorYourMonaco is an on-line guide for Monaco and Monte Carlo at http://www.yourmonaco.com/ , Tribune properties offer to send current Monte Carlo real estate at http://www.monacoproperty.net/ As well as hotels and travel details the guide includes a seven day forecast for the weather in Monte Carlo and hotels in Monte Carlo [global warming] [Monaco] [playboy]
Posted by forestwonderer
at 10:05 AM EDT
Friday, 20 October 2006
Ways to save gas and improve your mileage
Topic: Environment
A properly maintained car saves on gas usage. This in return helps saves the environment with less usage of fossil fuels and less carbon emissions. 12 Tips Towards Saving Money on GAS! by Deborah MummHere are 12 tips for how to stretch a tank of gas. * You can easily take care of a few items without going to a service station. One of them is the air filter. A clogged air filter leaves your engine gasping for breath and means you're probably running with a "rich" mixture, that is, more gas and less air. Many department and auto stores carry air filters, and they are simple to change. A clogged air filter can cost you 1 mpg. Replace your air filter regularly. * Dirty oil cuts back engine efficiency, so make sure your oil is changed according tot he car manufacturer's recommended schedule. You can change your own, and buying your own oil is much cheaper. There's a drain plug under your engine that will come out readily with a wrench. Have a bucket ready to catch the dirty oil, and remember to dispose of it safely. * If your fan belt is too tight, your engine is working too hard and wasting gas. The belt should give a little to finger pressure when the engine is not running. if it doesn't, you can easily adjust the tension with a wrench. * Badly worn spark plugs can cost you as much as 2 mpg. This is probably a job for a trained technician. * The car has been a way of life for most Americans. There are alternatives. These include mass transit, bike paths, and car pools. * Heavier cars are more costly to run. A reduction of 200 pounds in automotive weight typically improves fuel economy by nearly 5 percent. * Use the air conditioner in your car as little as possible. It uses a lot of gas. Roll down the windows and get some fresh air! * Using cruise control can save gas. If you drive on the open road often, staying at a constant speed will save fuel. * If you are taking a trip, start early in the day while traffic is light. Plan to stop for meals at times when traffic is heavy. * Don't let your car idle for a long time to warm it up. Also, don't let your car idle for more than a minute after it is warmed up - idling wastes more gas than restarting your car. * Do not rev the engine and then quickly shut your car off. This wastes gas. It also pumps raw gasoline into the cylinder walls. This can wash away a film of oil that protects the cylinders and will increase engine wear. * Check your tires. Your owner's manual has important information on your tires, including the correct air pressure that should be in them. Under-inflation of your tires can cost you as much as 1 mpg. Radial tires have 50 percent less road resistance, so they give you 3 to 19 percent better mpg.
About the AuthorDeborah Mumm lives in Grayslake, IL where she has been an Environmental Consultant since 1996. You can get additional tips on environmental issues as well as allergy and asthma prevention at http://www.healthy-environments.com/. [gas mileage] [environment]
Posted by forestwonderer
at 1:54 PM EDT
Ways that you can help protect the environment
Topic: Environment
by James Joyce
Ways that you can help protect the environment It seems that every other day there is a new "Green "initiative to help us "Save the Planet". We are forever being urged to join in and do what we can to help, but What can we do? Will it really make a difference? It may surprise many of you to know that there are small changes we can make to our everyday lives, which will have a major impact on the environment. If you are really looking to help the environment, you may wish to consider the following simple ideas :- Switch Off Electrical Appliances when not in use Switching off, rather than leaving on stand-by, such everyday appliances as your TV and Computer will save enormous amounts of energy. By saving the energy, we can all help to reduce carbon emission into the earth's atmosphere, thereby reducing pollution and global warming. Car Sharing Rather than travel to work alone, why not arrange a car sharing Scheme with one or more of your friends or colleagues? To give you an example, if you drive one of the fashionable 4x4 cars, you will use more energy in a year than you would leaving your fridge door open for seven years, or your TV on for thirty two years! Imagine the savings if you car shared with 2,3 or even 4 people? Insulation and Turing Down your Thermostat These two energy saving ideas go hand in hand, and they will save YOU money. By turning your central heating thermostat down by one degree, this will both reduce both your household emissions, and save you £30 a year in energy costs. If you also update your roof and wall cavity insulation, as well as eliminating annoying draughts around your doors and windows, you will retain more of the heat in your home, and again reduce emission. A win win situation, I think you will agree? Recycling Recycling is perhaps the easiest way to help in the fight to save the environment. You can recycle many every day materials including glass, paper, plastics, cans and much much more. Not only does recycling save on energy emissions, the recycling of paper will literally save millions of trees a year, which are the earth's main source of absorbing some of the harmful emissions in the atmosphere. Not to mention, the chance of saving areas like the Amazon Rain Forests, which contain some of the rarest of animals, many of which are near extinction due to the actions of man. Junk Mail While we all complain about the increase in Junk Mail, we very rarely do anything about it and the mail continues to flow through our letter boxes, straight into the bin - with 99% not even opened. What can you do about this? There are various websites around the world (UK residents check out www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr/ for further details) where you can register to receive NO JUNK MAIL. As well as saving your time, your will also be doing a massive amount to help the environment, e.g. every person in the US receives junk mail which is equivalent to one and a half trees a year!! Throughout the US as a whole, this equates to more than 100 million trees a year. Note: (United States) You can use the Unsolicited Mail website to get off the junk mail list. It only will cost you a $1.00. This is a governmental office site. There are many many other everyday changes which you can make to help the environment, they will cost you nothing and many will actually save you money! Why not give it a try? Turn your thermostat down by one degree and see if you notice the difference. We can all help, if we really want to. © 2006 - J. Joyce www.theenvironmentroom.com
About the AuthorJames Joyce is currently the webmaster of an environment forum, discussing all aspects of the environment (http://www.theenvironmentroom.com/). [global warming] [environment] [energy]
Posted by forestwonderer
at 10:18 AM EDT
Updated: Friday, 20 October 2006 10:43 AM EDT
Thursday, 19 October 2006
Green And Environmental Awareness Campaigns Online
Topic: Environment
Author: Madison Lockwood
One of the best things about the Internet is that it brings the entire world closer together. When your job is environmental causes and spreading awareness about green living, you know just how important the Web can be to disseminate information. This is why no green or environmental awareness campaign should be without a website.
Getting Information Out
People need all the information necessary to make an informed decision. Because the media and advertising offers only one side of the story - the sensationalist version and the version that sells - it's up to you to give the public the rest of the story. It's not easy to combat information campaigns backed by big money. But with a Web site, you have maximum exposure for minimal cost. An article written on a pamphlet will only be read by a few. That same article posted on your Web site will be read by thousands. Those who want the information will be able to find it.
They say that pictures communicate a thousand words and in the green world that is true a thousand times over. Sometimes people need to see the devastation and damage alongside the statistics in order to understand what's happening, who it's affecting, and where.
Bringing Information In
Staying on top of developments out in the world, depending on how wide the scope of your campaign, is a crucial component of providing information. You need to have the most up-to-date information in order to remain on the cutting edge of developments in the movement.
With a Web site, there are a variety of ways to allow people to contact you and report updates and news in their area. A blog is the most popular forum, with different sections dedicated to different aspects of the cause or perhaps different states, cities, counties, or regions. Allowing visitors to your site to post what is happening around them is a great way to allow communities to be an active part of their local campaign. In fact, the Web is home to the newest incarnation of journalism: on-the-street eye witnesses reporting the news at a grassroots level in real time. Perfect for the green campaign!
Organizing the Masses
Another way that your Web site can contribute to the growth of your campaign is to assist you in organizing your greatest resource: people. Volunteers can sign up to man booths at fairs and concerts in their area or to head letter writing campaigns or to get local businesses involved.
You can have a form online for them to fill out with their information so that you can organize regional lists and find out their strengths, schedules, and specific interest in the campaign so that you can better utilize their skills.
Presenting Your Case
Finally, once you've organized the information in such a way as to educate those who are already interested in the subject can get informed, your focus should then turn to those you have to convince - the legislators.
With links to incredibly detailed maps on Google Earth, researched and recent statistics, personal testimonies of voters, petitions, graphics, and more, your Web site will not only increase the visibility of your campaign but inform the people who can help change the laws.
About The Author: Madison Lockwood is a customer relations associate for http://www.apollohosting.com/. She helps clients understand how a website may benefit them both personally and professionally. Apollo Hosting provides website hosting, ecommerce hosting, & VPS hosting to a wide range of customers.
[environment] [earth]
Posted by forestwonderer
at 2:23 PM EDT
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