Monday, March 31, 2008

Enviro News: Earth calls for help!



We often times ignore many of the warnings that the Earth gives us that there is something happening and that the global warming, or climate change is here and is a dangerous thing. These photos are recent proof of the need to act now by the global community.

The article below is quoted from Cnet.

Massive ice shelf collapsing off Antarctica

Scientists are citing "rapid climate change in a fast-warming region of Antarctica" as the cause of an initial collapse of the Wilkins Ice Shelf. The damage got started at the end of February when an iceberg dropped off and triggered the "runaway disintegration" of a 160-square-mile portion of the 5,282-square-mile shelf.
The ice shelf, which scientists speculate has floated in the Antarctic region for hundreds of years, is succumbing to recent rises in temperature in the area--an average of 0.9 degree Fahrenheit every 10 years for the last 50 years.
This series of pictures that show the beginning of the breakup were taken by NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer sensor, which flies on its Earth Observing System Aqua and Terra satellites.

Green Tip: Mass Transit


For all of us trying to do a little bit better for ourselves and for the environment, why not eliminate tons of carbon dioxide from the air when we go out, enjoy the nice day, and maybe meet some new people? Great Idea! You should consider using Miami's mass transit system! Miami Dade Transit is one of the largest transit companies in the country, with the Metrorail, PeopleMover, and 110 bus routes there are plenty of opportunities for you to take public transport. Bus route 87 passes directly in front of school and links to Palmetto Metrorail Station and Dadeland South Metrorail station/Downtown Dadeland all only for $.75 for students!
Live downtown or near a Metrorail station? No problem! Check the location of the nearest train from your mobile phone here. Taking the bus is a very viable alternative to paying the high prices for parking at school, and a more environmentally friendly option.
Click here to see all of the schedules and routes for public buses and find the one that suites your needs!

Keep up with transit and other local news at: TransitMiami

Recycling Begins!


Welcome back Explorers from our long needed Easter Break! ;-) We hope that everyone had a blessed Easter . As you all pass by Cafe Columbus sometime throughout the day you will notice a BIG but very discreet difference, "What is it?" good question! Look around, and you will see recycling bins!!! Yes, recycling bins! For the first time ever Columbus is recycling aluminum cans! So don't throw your cans away! When your done drinking from the cans, empty them out if you haven't finished the drink, crush it, and recycle it, thats all! By doing those simple steps that require no effort, you've saved enough energy to run a TV for over four hours!!!!!! And with no extra effort!

Please remember to recycle Explorers!

Welcome!

Welcome to Christopher Columbus High School's Going Green Blog! We hope that through the medium of the internet we can bring the student's efforts of promoting environmentally friendliness in school home! This year Columbus has gone through some big changes! Check back in frequently to receive updates about what our school is doing to go green and other environmental news, Green Tips, and more!
This being the first week, we're going to have extra updates! Check in to see what's going on!

As you can see we have comments enabled, please feel free to express yourself and help open up dialogue between students and parents on any and all environemental issues!

Monday, March 24, 2008

Green Tip: Save Energy


Electric Bill high? Your not alone! It seems like most people pay a very pretty penny for their electric services. But how can you save some money on your electric bill without breaking the bank? Good question!
By practicing basic little or no effort habits you watch the savings rack up!

  • turn off lights when not in use
  • unplug when possible appliances that are not in use
  • turn your air conditioner thermostat up a few degrees
  • when replacing appliances make sure that they have the Energy Star logo
For more information visit http://www.energyhog.com
There you can find a variety of resources for conducting a home energy audit, guides for purchasing new energy efficient appliances, and much more!

Enviro News: Emergency Water Restrictions Take Effect TODAY!

As of TODAY we are in Emergency Phase 2 Sever Water restrictions

  • buisnesses are asked to reduce water consumption by a minimum of 20%

In Miami-Dade County, residents with odd-numbered addresses may irrigate lawns and landscapes on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 12 a.m. to 9 a.m. and/or 5 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

    In Miami-Dade County, residents with even-numbered addresses may irrigate lawns and landscapes on Thursdays and Sundays from 12 a.m. to 9 a.m. and/or 5 p.m. to 11:59 p.m..

  • Hand watering with one hose and an automatic shut-off nozzle is allowed for 10 minutes per day for landscape stress relief and to prevent plant die-off.

  • so far we have nor restrictions on boat and car washing but help the cause and only do it when necessary!


Click here for more info!


Check our our Eco Product review for more on how to conserve water for FREE!