Weekly environmental news, Aug 25-31

California agrees on global warming bill
Rich nations' greenhouse gases up, despite Kyoto
Ice Age gives clues to global warming
World Bank logs largest ever greenhouse gas deal
Dam broken to restore California wetlands
Disaster-prone China braces for global warming
Flood levels recede in Indian desert
Katrina ignites scientific storm over hurricane trends
Poachers kill 100 elephants in Chad
Inmates shave heads to mop up Philippine oil spill

Why You Should Keep Elastic Bands

That elastic band that comes with your morning paper, wrapped around your vegetables, or with a bouquet of flowers can be reused in your kitchen. After opening a snack bag, such as potato chips, sunflower seeds, or pretzels, you want to keep them fresh for the next time you want some. So, roll the bag down to squeeze out extra air, and wrap an elastic around it, so your snacks stay nice and fresh. It's best to keep elastics handy in a kitchen drawer, because you never know when you're going to need one.

Tags: environment, reusing, elastics

Why You Should Keep Eggshells

After you've done some baking, and you're cleaning up, remember to keep your eggshells, because they can be useful in your garden. You can crush them up (putting them in a bag first works well) and then spread them around plants to protect them from slugs and snails. The rough edges are too sharp for the slimy creatures to traverse, thus creating a barrier around your plant. Over time, the eggshells will break down, so they won't harm your garden.

Tags: environment, reusing, gardening, eggshells

Weekly environmental news, Aug 18-24

Experts call for change in global water management [AFP]
Ozone layer on the mend but recovery delayed [Reuters]
U.S. wind energy on the rise [Business Week]
Food, biofuels could worsen water shortages [Reuters]
Squid, jellyfish point to ocean upsets? [Reuters]
Runners' collapse in Hong Kong due to smog [AFP]
China's urban water supplies face severe test [Reuters]
Biofuels may strain U.N. world hunger goals [Reuters]

Why You Should Keep Plastic Bags

Plastic bags that you get from the grocery store or the drug store can be kept and reused instead of thrown out. They have many possible uses that make them handy to have around. From doggy bags to lunch bags, or garbage bags to storage bags, you can use them for a plethora of things. They can also be reused as grocery bags. Just take them with you to the store instead of getting more while you're there.

Tags: environment, reusing, plastic bags