1. Cactus Apples. This is a red or purple fruit that grows on certain cacti. Considering how hard it is to gather, peel and eat, and how eating more than three will constipate you, this is one I might avoid.

2. Durian. Don’t get me wrong, it tastes great. It’s the smell that troubles me. It’s quite nauseating, and I always eat this in an open area where the smell can dissipate. And the durian breath is nasty! It’s also quite fattening, so I rarely indulge.

3. Natto. The thought of these fermented soybeans entering my gullet makes me violently ill. Especially the threads that hang from it…

4. Fiddlehead Fern. It’s eaten in the US, yes, but it’s poisonous. Only a thorough cooking can remove the toxins. Personally, I’d rather not risk it.

5. Dulse. This is a purple seaweed, dried, sold in Canada. Algae, small stones, and flotsam stick to it, and is eaten as it is. Yuck.

Have you eaten any of these things? Tell us!

I like Starbucks, especially the steps they take to protect the environment. That said, I think this switch is a really good idea. Ceramic mugs are great since they are cost-effective, reduces the use of paper cups, and in the long run, has weaker environmental impact because of the sheer number of uses it can take before it needs to be trashed.

Paper cups are actually better only if they are reused, but why would you want to do that? I don’t want to drink from a paper cup someone else drank from. Ceramic is much safer. And it’s a better insulator, and leaves no weird taste in my coffee. I hope to see them near where I love soon. I heard that it’s already implemented in some places in Europe.

Ceramic all the way! Who’s with me?

1. Water vapor – Yes. Water. Right on top of the list. Water vapor contributes from 36% to 66% of the world’s greenhouse effect. It’s also the most abundant greenhouse gas! Concentrations of water vapor fluctuate throughout the world, and humans don’t affect it directly on a large scale. In addition, warm air caused by the greenhouse effect can carry more water vapor, amplifying the greenhouse effect further. However, humidity is constant. The net effect is overall positive, and also protects against the excess carbon dioxide.

2. Carbon Dioxide – Ah, the gas that many people blame for heating up the earth. It contributes 9% to 26% of the greenhouse effect depending on area. The world’s species and environmental cycles produce this gas naturally, up to twenty times that of what we contribute! Nature cycles the carbon dioxide through plants and weathering, but human production has speeded it up more than nature can account for. Majority of manmade carbon dioxide comes from burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

3. Methane – This gas causes 4% to 9% of the greenhouse effect. Human methane production mostly comes from livestock. By itself, it is an effective greenhouse gas, but it can transforms to water and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which makes it quite effective in warming the earth! If that isn’t enough, it also turns into ozone, which is another greenhouse gas! This is why the amount of methane around is has been more or less constant, and it is why its effect is considered small since many who measure it do not include what it turns into.

4. Ozone – This gas we all know and love as protector against the sun rays is also a greenhouse gas. It causes only 3% to 7% of the greenhouse effect. Ozone causes irritation to the respiratory system at ground level, but is normally very light at that level, choosing instead to concentrate higher up. However, the concentration of ozone at ground level is increasing, because of pollution! This is especially concentrated in populated areas. It decays quickly to normal oxygen.

Now that you know a little bit more about these gases, the question remains. What can we do? What we can, of course. How about you? What do you know about greenhouse gases?

1. Not all coal impurities can be removed. Clean coal is essentially an oxymoron! We can’t remove all the impurities from coal, and capturing the ones that remain is still not available on a wide scale. It still gives more emissions than wind or solar power.

2. It is expensive. This may change in the future, but right now the manufacture and burning of clean coal costs quite a bit of money, making renewable energy sources more cost-effective.

3. It may not even happen. There are too many faults with the technology right now, and incorrect implementation will damage our environment because of the possible leaks and emissions it can cause!

I’m all for alternate energy sources, but for me, clean coal is a bad choice due to better alternatives already available, like wind, solar and hydroelectric. What do you think about clean coal? Is it viable?

I’ve lost count on how many times she’s helped me up, how may times she’s supported my decisions, how many times she’s comforted me when those decisions turn out to be bad ones.

I can remember an incident a few years ago. We were outside, taking a stroll in the park. That was when it started to rain. My mother, being the selfless woman she is, made sure I was well-covered with the umbrella, getting herself wet in the process. As she shivered and smiled, I couldn’t help but feel love. She knew that I couldn’t afford to be sick that week, so here she was, being herself, taking the fall for me.

Never was there any doubt in my mind that she would suffer for my sake. I would do the same for her, but she never lets me. That’s what mothers do. If ever I become one in the future, I would like to be a mother like my mother is. And I’m sure she’ll love my children the same way she loves me.

Happy Mother’s Day.

1. Switzerland – With an environmental performance index (EPI) of 95.5, this European country ranks first in cleanliness. The environment has been in the country’s interest as early as 1876 when it passed a forestry law. There are many major influential pro-environment groups in the country. Nearly all electricity comes from dams and nuclear plants, reducing emissions caused by burning fossil fuels. Strict standards for exhaust are placed on vehicles to lower air pollution. The country is also one of the top recyclers in the world, with stiff penalties levied on offenders. If you want clean, this is the place to be.

2. Sweden – Coming in second with 93.1 are these two countries. Like Switzerland, almost all power is produced without fossil fuels. A good percentage of Sweden’s forests still stand thanks to the people’s efforts, up to today. Like most clean countries, they have emission laws in place. Yet another clean place you can visit!

3. Norway – Tied with Sweden, Norway still uses some forms of oil to power the nation. Norway was once a heavy air polluter, but that has changed after Norway took steps to reduce emissions. A good portion of its land is also protected. It’s always a good time to visit Norway.

4. Finland – Unlike the first three, Finland still uses fossil fuels for power, but this is gradually lessening. Finland takes care of its shores, assigning a majority that can never be built on. Like all the other now-clean nations, it had a past problem with pollution until the government decided to act. Now, it’s one of the cleanest places in the world. I’d love to go there!

5. Costa Rica – It may be unexpected for some, but Costa Rica comes in fifth. This country has a large total area dedicated to parks. Early on in its history, Costa Rica was already acting to have water and air standards. Almost a quarter of the country is protected to preserve wildlife, one of the largest percentages in the world! The nation also contains 5% of the entire world’s species! The country is generally poor but educated, and is the most stable country in its region. They still make an effort for the environment. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t have all those lovely beachside resorts to bring in tourists! They are the most visited place in Central America. Why not come, too?

Next time you plan a vacation, why not go somewhere where you’re sure to breathe clean air? It will be good for you! What are your experiences in these countries? Speak up!

We’ve been using biofuels for a long time now, as wood we burn in stoves. Ethanol and vegetable oil are more examples. How are they better than biofuel, though? Let us compare normal diesel gas and bio-diesel.

1. Biodiesel is non-toxic and biodegradable! Much safer for humans! It has zero emission as well. The exhaust actually smells rather nice!

2. It is harder to burn. When a car filled with biodiesel crashes, it’s not likely to explode! It’s also safer to transport because of this.

3. It can run in any normal diesel engine! No modifications needed! It can even be mixed or blended with normal diesel very easily with no problems. Many countries already do this.

4. It’s good for your vehicle! Biodiesel lubricates the engine more, thus extending life and requiring less maintenance.

How about you? What do you think of biofuel?

The fact disgusted him, but he could see why they did it. Profit was very small for such a vendor, barely feeding him for the day.

This particular day, he saw a vendor picking up the discarded sticks. Making a face, he strode over to the man and tapped his shoulder. He asked the man what he was doing.

The older, poorer man smiled and replied that the local parish priest disliked the trash, and he was cleaning up after the people that did not bother to throw them away in the right place. Needless to say, my friend was stunned…and humbled.

He was taught a valuable lesson that day. Don’t assume the worst of people. There are still decent ones in this world, ones that can teach you valuable life lessons like my friend was taught.

1. Wash those water dispensers! A lot of people are not aware that those hot and cold dispensers may be dirty. Bacteria stick to the hot and cold taps, as well as the inside when you change the bottle. Over time, all that bacteria accumulates. Eventually, every glass you drink is laced with bacteria! You don’t want any children to get sick, do you? To prevent this, clean your water dispenser by running bleach through it every month. Rinse it by running a lot of tap water through. This also applies to any water containers you reuse. Make sure you wash them!

2. Clean up animal droppings. Storms can carry that stuff to rivers and creeks, dirtying the water and introducing bacteria. Keep them clean by disposing of poop in the trash bin! It may be disgusting to handle it, and I will be the first to say that, but remember that it is for the environment! Getting your hands dirty is no big thing.

3. Have your water tested. If you get your water from a well, make sure to have it tested at least every few months, specifically for nitrate. If you get it from a public supply, make sure that it’s a clean supply! If you’re paranoid, you may even want to test that. It may cost money, but prevention is better than cure any day. I’m glad my own water supply is clean. Make sure it complies to the Clean Water Act!

4. Wash on your lawn. Clean your car on the lawn instead of the driveway; better have the soapy water absorbed into the ground instead of making soapy runoff. For that matter do all your washing on the lawn! Runoff can pick up pollutants en route to its destination, so better if you can reduce that. My neighbors wash their animals in the front yard. You may also want to redirect downspouts from your roof to the lawn, or into a container so you can use it for watering later.

5. Don’t be trim-happy! If you live near the bank of a body of water, keep the vegetation there as is! Plants, grass and trees prevent and reduce erosion and hold back pollutants, so do not cut them down or mow them. You’ll be glad you did, one day. You get to keep more actual land on your property!

Whew! It may be tedious, but we can do all our part for clean water. What tips do you live by?

1. More people will be fed! Animals who are farmed for meat consume a lot of grain. You could feed the entire world if you fed 100% of it to people! Also, Soil and Water journal states that one acre of land produces 250 pounds of beef…or 50,000 pounds of tomatoes.

2. You spend less. Switching to vegetables saved my friend a few thousand a year on food expenses. That’s a few thousand more you can spend on a vacation or new clothes!

3. You can drink cleaner water. It only takes 25 gallons of water to produce a pound of wheat. It takes a hundred times more to produce a pound of beef! Nitrate from manure is also one of the leading water pollutants in the US.

I’m not blaming non-vegetarians, since it’s what they chose, but for me, this lifestyle is better. What do you think?