Eco Tourism is on the Rise

Image by Dan..

Developing Countries

Ecotourism Benefits

Riverdale sprung up as a small rural community of Ontario’s early settlers. Back then, it was called Riverside. But after it was annexed to the City of Toronto in 1884, it started growing rapidly. Today, Riverdale is a popular neighborhood for young families with children and those who like to lead a relaxed life close to downtown.

A Beautiful Home in Riverdale

Best of all, Riverdale and the surrounding neighborhoods abound with multicultural communities and talented individuals. Along Gerrard Street, one can find a variety of east-Asian and south-Asian restaurants and shops often run by first- or second-generation immigrants. And in the midst of it all is Riverdale Hub, the unofficial headquarters of Gerrard Street’s multiculturalism.

Riverdale Hub is a place where new immigrants can find help and work, and where visitors can find information and great food. In addition, there is a warehouse and commercial premises and offices for rent. All of this is located in the Hub’s 100-year-old brick building. And this is where the green story begins…

As the original building aged, it grew more and more obsolete and reconstruction became more and more necessary. Thanks to generous sponsors and wise fund management, Riverdale Hub was able to begin a major overhaul of the building, including an expansion and thorough modernization. Not only did the Hub modernize, but the engineers maintained strong focus on environmental issues and the new building’s sustainability. Therefore, the new Riverdale Hub is extremely eco-friendly. (If you like green buildings, read our recent article about the Top 5 eco-friendly universities in the US.)

Riverdale Hub drains all of its rainwater into semi-flooded gardens that retain this moisture and re-release it into the environment. Not only does this create a better atmosphere within the Hub, but it also prevents excessive droughts that arise as a result of speedy rainwater drainage in cities. (You can read more about the concept of capturing rain water to fight global warming here.)

In addition to the rainwater gardens, Riverdale Hub decided to make use of geo-thermal heating during the colder days. Then they installed large windows to make the interior more comfortable for people and help them cut back on artificial lighting. Most of the materials used during the reconstruction were of natural origin and can be recycled or disposed of safely in the future. The original bricks remained exposed rather than receiving a color coat. This is partly a design decision and partly an environmental decision that saved money and liters of coating materials from being applied.

If only more reconstruction projects paid more attention to green options and practices, we could truly make a huge impact together. Work with a like-minded Realtor® to find the home of your dreams. Work with Toronto green Realtor® Julie Kinnear and her team to find the perfect home in Toronto for you and your family.

Article brought to you by Julie Kinnear.

The Niagara Conservation Water Saving EcoKit

As soon as the Water Conservation EcoKit arrived we opened the box to investigate the various goodies inside!

The Niagara Conservation EcoKit came packed with lots of amazing water saving ideas and devices;

• 1.5 GPM Earth® Massage high-efficiency showerhead
• 1.5 GPM dual-spray kitchen swivel aerator
• (2) 1.0 GPM bathroom aerators
• Toilet Tank Bank™
• Toilet water saver fill cycle diverter
• Plumber’s tape
• Leak detection tablets
• Shower Flow meter bag
• Water conservation wheel

Inside the Niagara Conservation Water Saving EcoKit

After looking through the collection of water saving devices we can see that the Niagara Conservation EcoKits are a perfect way to implement conservation solutions throughout the home. Each EcoKit™ includes a variety of their easy-to-install water conserving products. Each EcoKit™ also includes helpful, everyday tips for water conservation. These EcoKits would make wonderful promotional tools for any business and could also serve as educational tools to help children understand the importance of saving energy and water with simple but effective ways to do so.

We are planning to host a giveaway this month to giveaway two of these amazing Niagara Conservation EcoKits to two of our lucky readers so check back soon!

Over the next couple of weeks I will be installing the Toilet Tank Bank device to cut down on the amount of water used during each flush and I will be adding the two 1.0 gpm aerators to our bathroom sink faucets to save some extra water. The rest of the goodies in the kit will also be put to good use but I may have to install those next month, busy schedule etc…
You can find out more by visiting the Niagara Conservation Website

10 Ways to Make an Eco Home

1. Energy Saving Light Bulbs

Manufacturers in the UK have replaced the traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy saving, compact fluorescent, light bulbs. These new compact light bulbs are brighter, last longer and are available in a variety of sizes. Your savings can average around $4 (£2.50) a year per bulb by using the energy saving light bulbs throughout your home.

2. Save on Heat Cost

When the weather turns cold, you want your home to remain warm inside. A poorly insulated home loses much of its heat through the roof and the walls. Replace the old insulation with new and improved insulation to save on energy and reduce your heating bills.

3. Decrease Use of Tumble Dryer

Tumble dryers are energy guzzlers that use a large amount of electricity. Whenever possible, hang your laundry outside and let air dry on a clothesline. Within a month, you should see a huge reduction in your electrical bill.

4. Fit Aerators to your Taps

Stop letting your hard earned money go down the drain. Reduce your water bill by fitting aerators to your taps. These energy saving gadgets work by mixing the water flow with air. Your taps will have a fuller flow, but less water usage. If you are replacing your old taps, buy new ones that are already fitted with aerators. To save even more on your water bill, replace your regular toilet with a low flow toilet that uses less water with each flush.

5. Solar Panels

Fit solar panels to your home to save on energy and lower your electrical bill. Solar panels work by harnessing the sun’s energy and converting it into electricity. Investing in solar panels can be expensive, so consider the benefits and possible savings before purchasing.

6. Draft Proof your Home

Cold air flowing through your home can quickly raise your energy bill. Draft proof your home by sealing off all door and windows where the cold air can come in from. You can easily find the supplies you need for sealing a home at all Do-It-Yourself stores.

7. Double Glazing

To help lower the cost of your heating bill, have your home fitted with double glazing. These are two layer glass windows with a spacer between the panes. They are sealed permanently together to keep the heat trapped inside your home.

8. Motion Sensor Light Bulbs

It’s easy to get in the habit of leaving the lights on even when you have left the room. This results in the usage of unnecessary energy and can quickly increase your electrical bill. By using motion sensor light bulbs, you can save on your energy bill. They will detect when no one is in the room and automatically turn off after a certain amount of time.

9. Composting

You can help to protect the environment by composting old food and table scraps. Purchase a recycling bin for fruits and vegetables that have become over ripe and toss in leftover foods from your meals. You can use this organic waste as compost for the plants in your garden.

10. Collect Rain Water

Every year the UK and US receive an abundance of rain. Instead of being an annoyance, the weather can be used to your advantage by helping to protect the environment and save on your water bill. Collect the rain in a water barrel or water butt that is attached to your external drainpipe. When the water butt is full, you can use the rain water you have collected to water your garden.

Just by making some of these changes, you can help to protect the environment while saving on your energy bill. To help more with your savings, search online for a Carbon Footprint Calculator.

How can this improve your Energy Performance Certificate when Selling your Home

In the UK today it is a legal requirement when you are selling or letting your home to have an energy performance certificate (EPC) carried out for the property to assess how energy efficient it is. Following these Steps will definitely go a long way to giving your home a better EPC rating. If you are selling or letting your home and are looking for an EPC provider why not visit My Online Estate Agent for a guide on how to chose the right one.

Gecko Adventures – Kenya

Gecko Adventures offers tours in 50 countries with a Kenya holiday perhaps being the most popular. Concentrating on the younger traveller, Gecko offers fun, independent holidays with some structure but a lot of free time to go off and explore on your own. Utilizing local guides who are fluent in English, Gecko Adventures offers stops at all of the popular tourist sites but also hot spots that the locals frequent. While in Kenya, you will stay in small, locally owned guest houses.

Gecko Adventures Eco Tour

True Luxury Tours – Rajasthan, India

While on your eco-tour of Rajasthan, you will visit and stay at the Jalore Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is the only privately owned wildlife sanctuary in India and, while in the sanctuary, you will be able to view endangered wildlife that True Luxury Tours is working hard to protect. The tour groups are very small with a limit of six travellers per group. Perhaps the ultimate in eco-friendly accommodations, you will be staying in a campsite in the core of the jungle complete with bathrooms, running water and electricity. 40% of all monies received from guests are put back into the sanctuary and 2% into the village itself.

Rajasthan Wildlife Sanctuary

La Brande – France

The La Brande holiday tours are twofold: a vacation and a learning experience. While in La Brande, you will take ‘class’ each day, learning things such as permaculture, bushcraft, woodland skills and rural crafts. Located near St Gourson, La Brande is surrounded by picturesque villages, wonderful small cafes and restaurants and wineries are just a short distance away by car or train. Refreshments are provided during the day but you will be on your own for any other meals.

La Brande Eco Vacations

When booking your next holiday, do consider an eco-tour. While reducing your carbon footprint, you will also be contributing to the livelihood of local residents and business people who often depend on the tourism trade for economic stability. As eco-tours become more popular, they are becoming much easier to find; contact your local travel agent for assistance in setting up your eco-holiday.

The Entrance to the Common Ground NRH Community Gardens

Common Ground NRH Community Garden is a group effort between The City of North Richland Hills, Davis Memorial United Methodist Church and a very enthusiastic group of community volunteers.  It is their goal to build a sense of community and pride and to act as a center for educating and encouraging others to participate in gardening communities wherever they live.

The Crowds Gathered for the Grand Opening of the Common Ground NRH Community Gardens

Children from Holiday Heights Elementary school sang two excellent songs to commemorate the opening of the Common Grounds, it set the perfect scene for a grand ribbon cutting ceremony.

Local Children Sang at the Opening Ceremony

The official ribbon cutting ceremony for the Common Grounds NRH Community Garden took place today, April 30th 2011, and Mayor Oscar Trevino was in charge of the official ribbon cutting.

Mayor Oscar Trevino Officially Opens the Common Ground NRH Community Gardens

Another highlight of the day came with the unveiling of the Common Grounds official painting by local artist Sharen Chatterton. On an overcast day the clouds parted just long enough for a spectacular unveiling. Vickie Loftice, Managing Director of Community Services, announced the unveiling in front of the large crowd;

The Sun Came Out for the Unveiling of Sharen Chatterton's "Common Grounds" Painting

The "Common Grounds" Painting Revealed!

The crowd applauded the “Common Ground” painting which will live permanently on the East side of the Common Grounds shed under the protection of a pergola. You can view more of Sharen Chatterton’s artwork here;

www.sharenchatterton.com

Artist Sharen Chatterton Unveiled her "Common Ground" Painting

Another excellent feature of the Common Grounds was also unveiled, five eco friendly rain barrels have been installed on the North side of the large garden shed which collect all of the rain water captured by the sloping roof. The rain barrels were decorated by the extremely creative Victoria Barth;

Five Painted Rain Barrels Provide Renewable Water - Decorated by Victoria Barth

The Common Ground NRH Community Gardens welcomes families with limited income or limited space to be a part of the gardening experience.  They promote organic growing and being good stewards to the land and the environment.  They encourage gardeners to share a portion of their bounty with N.E.E.D. and The Community Enrichment Center.  They also have limited ADA approved beds to encourage gardeners with physical handicaps to come and join in the rewards of community gardening.

Take a closer look at some of the wonderful plots maintained by local residents below;

A Clever Shaded Design for this Plot

A Beautiful Example of Common Ground Gardening

Onions and Cucumbers are Growing Among Wonderful Spring Flowers

Plot rental fees are $40.00 for one year and many local residents have already reserved their plots. The Common Grounds is a hive of activity and we saw fresh vegetables growing in every plot;

Plot Fees are Just $40 Per Year

The gardens also have compost bins.  Maintenance of the compost bins is done by the garden members.  Four (4) work days per month, per member, are scheduled  to perform general site cleanup, weeding and other maintenance activities including compost tending and turning.

The Common Grounds Composting Area

The Common Ground NRH Community Garden was established on land belonging to Davis Memorial United Methodist Church and a big thanks was extended to the Davis Memorial Methodist Church during the official opening ceremony.

The land is just under 1 acre and holds approximately seventy 80-square-foot garden plots. Several dozen employees of The Home Depot helped build the raised beds. About 10 high school students from the Birdville and Keller districts who participate in Skills USA helped build the storage shed as part of a community service project. The city spent about $20,000 on material, including the irrigation system, and secured a $10,000 grant from The Home Depot for more.

The opening ceremony was a memorable and enjoyable occasion for everyone who attended and the Our Everyday Earth family are excited to see the vegetable and flower plots grow into a mature community garden for the residents of North Richland Hills.

Take a look at the full picture gallery below;

Texas Green Anole Educational Video:

In the video above you will see several Texas green anoles on walls, plant pots, climbing mesh fences, running on wooden fences and one of them even displays his dewlap in a territorial show!

More Texas Green Anole Facts:

Often seen in parks and residential areas on walls, fences, trees, and low bushes, green anoles reach a maximum length of six to eight inches. Their bodies are slender, with a long, thin tail. Like true chameleons, green anoles have the ability to change color; this ability is limited in anoles and coloration is usually green, yellow, brown, gray, or a mixture. Most healthy, non-threatened anoles are bright green in appearance. The male anole has a large pink fan of skin on its neck, called a dewlap, which can be extended for courtship or territorial display.

Active and agile creatures, anoles have specially adapted pads on their feet which permit them to climb, cling, and run on virtually any surface. Another adaptation of the anole is its extremely fragile tail which drops off its body when grabbed, allowing the anole to escape from predators; in time, the anole will regrow a new (although generally shorter) tail. Anoles feed on small insects such as crickets, cockroaches, spiders, moths, and grubs.

Texas Green Anole Photo Gallery:

The Cameron Park Zoo uses the sites to help raise funds and spread their message. The Zoos receive 25% of the proceeds. As you probably know most AZA Accredited Zoos are nonprofits. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums spend nearly $90 million per year on conservation initiatives. In the last five years they have funded nearly 4,000 conservation projects in more than 100 countries. Pretty cool!

You might like to know that as a 100% digital production facility our technology partner Think Big Photos is an environmentally friendly and sustainable choice for print production. Fundamentally, traditional off-set facilities require more paper and more water then digital production facilities. More over, digital production nearly eliminates the unspoken enviro-killer of traditional print facilities…. the chemical waste.

Today, Green Printing isn’t just about the recycled content percentage of your stocks, its about the environmental foot print of the facility and your consumables. We use less water, less energy & produce less waste then 97% of all print facilities throughout the United States.

The Cameron Park Zoo is located in Waco, Texas

View the Google Map location for the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco below;

View Larger Map

Here is our photo journal the visit, from mini horses to Tiger Swallowtail butterflies, take a look at our day on the farm;

Bluemoon Farm in Texas

]]> http://www.oureverydayearth.com/a-perfect-sunday-at-bluemoon-farm-in-texas/feed/ 0 http://www.oureverydayearth.com/beautiful-birds-of-the-cuyahoga-valley/ http://www.oureverydayearth.com/beautiful-birds-of-the-cuyahoga-valley/#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:19:50 +0000 Denise http://www.oureverydayearth.com/?p=6991 When most people think of Cleveland, Ohio, the instant picture is of a grimy rust-belt city that has long and gray winters. However, just several miles south of the city limits, you can find one of the nicest national parks in the country. The Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area was designated by then- President Gerald Ford in 1974 and the park service began acquiring the land for the park. That land includes portions of the Cuyahoga River and long segments of the Ohio and Erie Canal, and a history that dates back about 12,000 years.

Despite being one of the newest parks in the system, the renamed Cuyahoga Valley National Park is already in the top ten for visitors within national parks. Much has happened in the valley since 1974, and the park is now a beautiful 33,000 acre green space set aside for the enjoyment of the residents and visitors, which include some beautiful and rare birds.

Great Blue Herons

A Great Blue Heron at the Cuyahoga National Park

The valley is home each spring to hundreds of blue herons as they make their return from their winter homes in Florida, Mexico, and South America. These birds are are the biggest heron in the United States and most of Canada. Four feet tall and weighing a little more than four pounds, they have a seven foot wingspan. They are drawn to the park’s wetlands while nesting, and they often feed on small fish, aquatic invertebrates, and amphibians. The males usually return to the area the last week of February, regardless of the weather, choose a nesting area, and sometimes an existing nest. The females arrive a little later and the courtship dance begins as monogamous bonds are created which will last through the season.

By mid-march, the trees in the Blue Heron rookery in the park are covered with huge heron nests that are built collaboratively by the male and female. The male brings sticks to the female and she takes it from him to add to the nest. This is actually quite amusing to watch. The females lay three to seven eggs, which must incubate for 28 days, so the male bird spends a lot of time caring for ‘mom and the kids’ until they hatch and leave the nest. Hatching is another sight to behold. Nearly all of the eggs hatch over a two or three day period in late April to early May, and small birds are seen in each nest from May until they learn to fly around the end of July.

Image by Cuyahoga jco

The Great Blue Herons make hundreds of nests in the tall trees, just take a look at these photos below, see if you can count all the nests;

Great Blue Herons Nesting at Cuyahoga Valley

A Blue Heron Takes Flight From a Tree Top Nest

The Tall Trees Are Full of Great Blue Heron Nests

Great Blue Heron - Photo by Jerry Cannon, Metro Parks volunteer photographer

Great Blue Heron Nesting - Photo by Jerry Cannon, Metro Parks volunteer photographer

Great Blue Heron About to Take Flight - Photo by Jerry Cannon, Metro Parks volunteer photographer

A Great Blue Heron in Flight With Nesting Material - Photo by Jerry Cannon, Metro Parks volunteer photographer

These wonderful images were provided by Metro Parks volunteer photographer, Jerry Cannon. You can see lots more great photos on the Summit Metro Parks Facebook page;

http://www.facebook.com/summitmetroparks

Bald Eagles

Bald eagles had been something of a legend in northeast Ohio, as no one had seen one in the wild for over 70 years. However, in 2006, a pair of them made their return and has been returning to mate and nest for the past few years. This year, adult eagles appeared just after the beginning of the year and began their courting activities. Both were seen sitting on a nest together on February 3, and three weeks later, they were incubating their offspring. Experts say they should be performing courtship dances in November. Once they’ve decided upon a mate, they make very high dives, lock their talons, and only break apart when it appears inevitable they’ll crash.

The Majestic Bald Eagle

Image by Benimoto

Peregrine Falcons

The Wonderful Peregrine Falcon

In Ohio, there are 34 sites which have a territorial falcon pair, and the CVNP is lucky enough to have one pair. In 2008, a female named Lara and a male named Rocky began nesting in the area beneath the turnpike bridge in Boston Township, and they returned the following year and had a clutch of four, two of them males who were both banded, and two females, one of which got hit by a car, and the other that flew away before she could get a band. The same adult pair returned in 2009, and although Lara (the female) was spotted with a few other peregrine falcons, one near downtown Cleveland at the Cleveland Clinic offices, and one near the same turnpike bridge, the other males left when they saw Rocky (the male.)

Image by aehack

Other Birds

In addition to the three magnificent species we’ve talked about, the CVNP is home to 248 different varieties of birds, and provides habitat for almost all of these species. From songbirds and wood ducks to another magnificent bird, the raptor, CVNP has all of them contained somewhere within the park

I personally love the ducks, here is a photo of a Mallard minding his own business in the Cuyahoga Valley river;

A Beautiful Mallard in the Cuyahoga Valley River

This post was written by Denise Gabbard for her friends at Stainless Steel Cookware Reviews, where you can get information and read reviews. Checkout the wonderful Summit Metro Parks Facebook page for more great nature photography;

http://www.facebook.com/summitmetroparks