The smell of success!

I can't wait for my next trip to the UK to try out this masterpiece. A bus fueled using biogas from sewage and food waste. With the same composition of natural gas, the waste products are put to excellent use and reduce the demand for dwindling fossil fuel supplies.

The production of biogas has been fairly successful, with excess supplies being added to the national grid. The process of anaerobic digestion of bacteria produces the gas which is then used in the same way as natural gas.

The Bio-bus operates between Bristol airport and Bath, capable of a 184 mile trip before refueling. It was manufactured by GENeco, a subsidiary of  Wessex water and sewage treatment company who invests and researches green initiatives. It is affectionately known as the 'poo bus' despite the fact that no sewage directly reaches the bus.

Whilst there are some disadvantages to using and manufacturing biogas such as the presence of impurities and difficulties of large scale production, it is a step in the right direction for renewable alternatives.

Water, water everywhere...

One thing that most people, including my grade 9 students, know is that most of the earth's surface is covered in water. Around 71% to be more specific. What most people aren't aware is that a huge number of people lack sufficient resources to meet the demands of usage. For most of us, we never consider not being able to access safe water. It is something we take for granted. The millennium development goals, due for review this year, aimed to halve the number of people without access to drinking water. Despite this target being met early, the number of people without access is still staggering.

Almost a million people don't have access to clean drinking water. Imagine a life without being readily able to access drinkable water. Water is the source of life and yet almost 15% of the world's population live without enough to sustain their basic needs.

Some shocking facts about water scarcity:

1. Over 3 million people die each year due to poor water sanitation and water-related diseases.
    Almost all of these are in the developing world

2. More than a billion people do not have any sewage facilities meaning their waste directly pollutes the water supply

3. The average American uses more water in a 5 minute shower than their counterparts in the developing world use in a whole day.
                                              

4. Every 21 seconds, a child dies due to water related illness.
                                          

The latest report from the UN Intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) has warned countries to wake up to the consequences of global warming on water supplies. Water scarcity is becoming a real problem and could lead to an increase in water crisis and conflict.

We should all make an effort to conserve our most valuable resource by shortening our showers, reusing waste water for plants and consuming less.

Why does the environment matter?

Even today, many people don't care about natural ecosystems and nature. Some economically developed countries are much less environmentally aware than their developing counterparts. A big hats off to Switzerland, the most environmentally friendly country of 2014 according to the IB times but many countries are not so green.

Education is the most important tool in raising awareness about our precious Biosphere. So why is the environment so important? Well, aside from our natural ecosystems controlling fresh water, biodiversity and human health, it is a stunning place which deserves to be protected from harm caused by humans. Take a look at these stunning pics and remind yourself that this is the only planet we have and it needs caring for.

50 ways your home could save the earth

After coming across this info graphic, I had to share the amazing ideas put forward courtesy of good to be home. You know the environment matters for everyone and no change is too small. Have a read to see the easy changes you could make to be more ecofriendly in 2015!

Follow the link to see the complete infographic: http://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/eco-living/50-ways-home-can-save-earth-infographic/#embedwrapper

World Wetlands day!

As well as being my husband's birthday, today is world wetlands day (and groundhog day)! Every 2nd February, a day is given to recognizing these under valued ecosystems.

They purify and replenish our water. They provide the rice and fish that feed billions, act as a natural flood defense and offer an abundance of biodiversity.

Unfortunately these values are not well known and wetlands are often viewed as wastelands. So, 2015 should be pledged to save these amazing resources. I will visit a wetland as soon as I can to appreciate it's diversity, for now my 2015 pledge is to spread awareness of the value of wetlands to my students, friends and family, What will yours be? Visit http://www.worldwetlandsday.org/make-a-pledge to make one today.

Finally, to show our appreciation for one of the most productive type of ecosystems on each, here are a few pictures.

It's not just dirt

After looking at soil with grade 9 and convincing them that it's not just dirt and something that they got into trouble for coming home covered in, I'm not sure how I missed the fact that 2015 is the international year of soils.

The United nations food and agriculture organisation are trying promote awareness of a fact that many people have been saying for years. Take care of the soil and it will take care of you.

Healthy soils are good at storing water and filtering water, recycling essential nutrients, regulating atmospheric composition as well as being a habit for many organism. Pollutants, over farming and deforestation have all contributed to a decline in soil quality which has the potential to have an extreme impact on ecosystems across the globe.

I am extremely excited about a year dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of soil and to celebrate the resource that not only provides our food but so much more.

To kick off the year of soils, here are some interesting facts that you may not have been aware of.

• There are more microorganisms in a handful of soil than there are people on earth.
• It takes over 500 years to produce just an inch of top soil, the most productive layer.
• It greatly reduces flood risks by storing up to 9200 tonnes of water per acre.
• 10% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions are stored in soil.

Oceans in danger

With the hydrosphere being a big part of our environmental studies, it is staggering to know that there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean. Of that, 269,000 tonnes float on the surface. We have known about ocean plastic debris for many years as well as it's deadly consequences for  marine animals, birds and fish.

In August 2014, a whale died in Chesapeake bay despite best efforts to save her. A necropsy revealed the whale had swallowed a shard of rigid black plastic that had lacerated her stomach and prevented her from feeding. This was later identified as a broken piece of DVD case which was probably swallowed as she was feeding on the water's surface. This slow death was completely preventable.

Sperm whales are especially susceptible to plastic ingestion as they confuse the debris for squid, their main prey. A senior scientist in California noted that every sperm whale necropsied had lots of plastic in its stomach. This can prevent the whales from feeding causing them to starve to death.

Across many beaches over the world the amount of plastic debris washed onto shores is staggering. This is impacting the ocean ecosystems enormously yet it is completely needlessly. The tragic end to the life of this endangered Sei whale should be a lesson to us all. Deaths due to pollution are completely preventable. Cut back on plastic waste.  Recycle what you do use as possible and ensure that this waste is carefully disposed of to prevent the needless deaths of our precious wildlife.

New Years Eco resolutions

As we enter 2015, many minds will be filled with promises for the coming year. 'go to the gym', 'eat healthier', 'spend less time on the Internet'. The changes we promise to make seem big to us but we are half way through January and how many resolutions have you broken already? What about considering a resolution that benefits not just you but the wider environment? Here are some green resolutions that are so easy to keep. Not only will they decrease waste but improve the quality of the earth. Take the plunge for 2015!

1. Remember your reusable bags
Here in Oman, the amount of plastic bags used is phenomenal. Supermarket packers often put single items into bags, sending shoppers home with a staggering amount of plastic after a weekly shop. More than 1 million bags end up in the trash every minute. Taking reusable bags is one of the easiest and most effective ways of reducing your carbon footprints. Most supermarkets sell reusable bags so what are you waiting for?

2. Limit bottled water
Depending on the quality of your local supply, switching to tap water, an at home filtering system or even large dispenser bottles are far better than using lots of small bottles. 1.5 million barrels of oil are used to make plastic water bottles each year. Opt for a refillable alternative such as glass, aluminium or recycled plastic and nature will thank you!

3. Cut down on paper towels
3000 tonnes of paper towels end up in landfill each year so opt for cotton cloths that can be washed instead.

4. Try being a weekend vegetarian
Meat free meals a couple of days a week can reduce your carbon footprint by a huge amount. Not only will it reduce your environmental impact but will help you in your way to a healthy 5 a day.

5. Switch off those devices!
How many of us have left our chargers plugged in and switched on? It takes no time at all to switch if that plug and eliminate phantom power. Unplug fully charged devices and turn off appliances rather than putting them in standby mode. All of which will make a huge difference.

All of these make a big environmental difference without needing a drastic change. So take the plunge for a greener 2015 !