#rainwater — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #rainwater, aggregated by home.social.
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Optimizing the #Rainwater #Harvesting and #Roof Sprinkling System to Adapt to #Urban #ExtremeHeat
"Roof watering is a novel strategy for reducing air conditioning energy consumption and mitigating excess urban heat, yet its application is often constrained by water availability. To address this challenge, we propose an adaptation strategy that integrates rainwater harvesting tank with roof sprinkling to strengthen urban heat resilience."
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2026EF008876
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Optimizing the #Rainwater #Harvesting and #Roof Sprinkling System to Adapt to #Urban #ExtremeHeat
"Roof watering is a novel strategy for reducing air conditioning energy consumption and mitigating excess urban heat, yet its application is often constrained by water availability. To address this challenge, we propose an adaptation strategy that integrates rainwater harvesting tank with roof sprinkling to strengthen urban heat resilience."
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2026EF008876
-
Optimizing the #Rainwater #Harvesting and #Roof Sprinkling System to Adapt to #Urban #ExtremeHeat
"Roof watering is a novel strategy for reducing air conditioning energy consumption and mitigating excess urban heat, yet its application is often constrained by water availability. To address this challenge, we propose an adaptation strategy that integrates rainwater harvesting tank with roof sprinkling to strengthen urban heat resilience."
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2026EF008876
-
Optimizing the #Rainwater #Harvesting and #Roof Sprinkling System to Adapt to #Urban #ExtremeHeat
"Roof watering is a novel strategy for reducing air conditioning energy consumption and mitigating excess urban heat, yet its application is often constrained by water availability. To address this challenge, we propose an adaptation strategy that integrates rainwater harvesting tank with roof sprinkling to strengthen urban heat resilience."
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2026EF008876
-
Optimizing the #Rainwater #Harvesting and #Roof Sprinkling System to Adapt to #Urban #ExtremeHeat
"Roof watering is a novel strategy for reducing air conditioning energy consumption and mitigating excess urban heat, yet its application is often constrained by water availability. To address this challenge, we propose an adaptation strategy that integrates rainwater harvesting tank with roof sprinkling to strengthen urban heat resilience."
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2026EF008876
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[1/2] #StarIsland, #GosportNH - #GreenGosport Initiatives that can be practiced on the #Mainland!
Green Practices
"For centuries, living on Star Island has required a knowledge of conservation and respecting the environment. Since 2011, we have taken a more proactive approach to this with the Green Gosport Initiative — a program designed to educate our island and mainland communities about sustainability, and to serve as a model for others. The efforts we make on island are sometimes huge (we recently installed a solar array), but often are relatively easy to accomplish. Here are some of the things we do on Star to reduce our impact locally while thinking globally. We’ve included suggestions about how you can take what we do on the island and practice it on the mainland.
#ReuseStar Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. Therefore, we seriously consider how we can reuse items on-island before trashing or recycling them. For example, several years ago we collected used glass bottles to line the beds in our vegetable gardens. We also reuse historic furniture and replace small parts instead of replacing entire fixtures. We also reuse food waste to create compost, which in turn helps to grow more food.
Mainland: Instead of throwing something away, ask yourself if you can reuse it. Some simple things to reuse include plastic sandwich bags for more sandwiches, shopping bags as trash bags, and newspaper for kindling or wrapping paper. Random bits of plastic from everyday products and toys might also be great sources for a rainy day art project. And to help you stay hyrdated, use a water bottle to refill instead of buying new bottled water.
Star Island: When you can’t reuse, recycle. We send metal, glass and paper off island to get recycled if we can’t reuse it.
Mainland: Most municipalities have curbside recycling, and we encourage you to take advantage of this easy way to recycle. Also, if you’re ever out and about and need to dispose of something (paper coffee cup, plastic drink bottle), check to see if it is recyclable and find a proper receptacle instead of trashing by default.
Use #RenewableEnergyStar Island: In the fall of 2014 we installed a solar array on Star that has provided an estimated 60% of our energy needs since the 2015 summer. We’re not fully running on solar power, but this renewable energy source is our focus moving forward.
Mainland: Installing solar panels on your home allows you to take advantage of sustainable energy and excess, unused energy can even be back fed into the larger electrical grid. Not only are you taking a step to reduce carbon emissions, but you could also be saving money.
Turn Off Lights
Star Island: We turn the lights off whenever possible. Although lights are left on in certain public spaces such as walkways, hallways, and the main lobby for safety, for the most part the island goes dark at night. We even rely entirely on candlelight for evening chapel services. On Star we’re swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LEDs, and considering sensors for lights in areas that don’t need to be lit when no one’s using them at night (bathrooms, hallways, walkways). Fewer lights means less electricity, reducing the need to use as much diesel to support the solar array.
Mainland: If you’re the last one leaving a room, turn the light off; installing automatic switches can be helpful if you’re apt to forget. Also, question if you really need the light on-daylight is often just fine. Fewer lights means less electricity, which may even reduce your electric bill.
Use Energy Efficient Equipment
Star Island: Replacing equipment with more efficient models has allowed us to reduce demands on our island’s infrastructure. A recent example is the purchase of a new dishwasher, which uses less power during operation and also uses less water. Less water used means less drinking water treated and less used water sent to the island’s wastewater treatment facility. This leaves more water available for other uses, such as guest showers. Water and wastewater treatment are also two of the three biggest electrical uses on-island, so this energy and water efficient dishwasher means an overall reduction in energy use. On Star we’re also swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LED’s.
Mainland: Replace household appliances with those receiving Energy Star rating. Energy Star products are “certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality.” This rating helps you choose household equipment that can help realize energy savings. Click here to learn more.
Star Island: Over the past few years we’ve been generating more produce from the several vegetable gardens on island. This produce supplements the food we order from the mainland. By growing our own food, we are also able to eat fresher, more nutritious food and also reduce the cost of our food bill.
Mainland: Just like a 1940’s victory garden, growing a portion of your own food is a great cause. You are stating that you want to know where your food comes from, and you’re choosing varieties of produce you like. Having your own food in your yard, or in a planter on your porch might also mean less trips to the grocery store.
Eat Your Veggies
Star Island: We know that eating your vegetables isn’t just good for your body, it can be good for the environment, too. Every meal on Star includes a vegetarian option. When you register, just let us know you’ll be choosing the vegetarian option. And while we have your attention, why not consider making your stay on Star a chance to try out being a vegatarian? You’ll still get your protein and iron, don’t worry. Want to learn more? Click here to read about the effects of cattle farming on the environment.
Mainland: Try practicing a vegetarian diet. You might find your grocery bill to be lower than usual, and you might find some awesome recipes that you’ll keep forever. If switching to a vegetarian diet is a bit too much, we suggest trying #MeatlessMondays as a way to incorporate meals one day a week that are less intenstive on the environment.
Star Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. We separate food waste from trash and compost this to transform it into a beneficial commodity that helps improve island soil in gardens and on the lawn. Chickens also help by eating leftovers such as bread, oatmeal, and mashed potatoes (they love vegetarian pot pie!). Composting food waste helps reduce demands on island boats and provides the island with a reusable product.
Mainland: A small compost bin is easy to use and maintain for household scraps. You can build your own, or check with your town/municipality to see if they participate in a program that offers compost bins for a reduced cost. By composting you reduce the amount of waste that is thrown into landfills. Some municipalities are even starting to collect compost along with trash and recycling. We encourage you to investigate your mainland options including companies that collect compost for you.
Take Fewer, Shorter Showers
Star Island: If you’ve stayed on Star Island you know that we have a shower schedule that provides 3 showers for both staff and guests over a 7-day period. We limit showers because water on-island is hard to come by. Yes, there’s plenty of salt water nearby, but fresh water isn’t readily available (recall the Rime of the Ancient Mariner: Water, water everywhere and not one drop to drink). Fresh water is provided through reverse osmosis of sea water, filtration and disinfection of collected #rainwater, and water delivery by boat (i.e. a lot of work).
Mainland: An every other day shower schedule isn’t just something to practice for water conservation, it’s also recommended for your skin and hair health."
https://starisland.org/the-island/green/practices/
#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #RenewableEnergy
#Renewables #RenewablesNow
#GreenPractices #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving #IslesOfShoals -
[1/2] #StarIsland, #GosportNH - #GreenGosport Initiatives that can be practiced on the #Mainland!
Green Practices
"For centuries, living on Star Island has required a knowledge of conservation and respecting the environment. Since 2011, we have taken a more proactive approach to this with the Green Gosport Initiative — a program designed to educate our island and mainland communities about sustainability, and to serve as a model for others. The efforts we make on island are sometimes huge (we recently installed a solar array), but often are relatively easy to accomplish. Here are some of the things we do on Star to reduce our impact locally while thinking globally. We’ve included suggestions about how you can take what we do on the island and practice it on the mainland.
#ReuseStar Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. Therefore, we seriously consider how we can reuse items on-island before trashing or recycling them. For example, several years ago we collected used glass bottles to line the beds in our vegetable gardens. We also reuse historic furniture and replace small parts instead of replacing entire fixtures. We also reuse food waste to create compost, which in turn helps to grow more food.
Mainland: Instead of throwing something away, ask yourself if you can reuse it. Some simple things to reuse include plastic sandwich bags for more sandwiches, shopping bags as trash bags, and newspaper for kindling or wrapping paper. Random bits of plastic from everyday products and toys might also be great sources for a rainy day art project. And to help you stay hyrdated, use a water bottle to refill instead of buying new bottled water.
Star Island: When you can’t reuse, recycle. We send metal, glass and paper off island to get recycled if we can’t reuse it.
Mainland: Most municipalities have curbside recycling, and we encourage you to take advantage of this easy way to recycle. Also, if you’re ever out and about and need to dispose of something (paper coffee cup, plastic drink bottle), check to see if it is recyclable and find a proper receptacle instead of trashing by default.
Use #RenewableEnergyStar Island: In the fall of 2014 we installed a solar array on Star that has provided an estimated 60% of our energy needs since the 2015 summer. We’re not fully running on solar power, but this renewable energy source is our focus moving forward.
Mainland: Installing solar panels on your home allows you to take advantage of sustainable energy and excess, unused energy can even be back fed into the larger electrical grid. Not only are you taking a step to reduce carbon emissions, but you could also be saving money.
Turn Off Lights
Star Island: We turn the lights off whenever possible. Although lights are left on in certain public spaces such as walkways, hallways, and the main lobby for safety, for the most part the island goes dark at night. We even rely entirely on candlelight for evening chapel services. On Star we’re swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LEDs, and considering sensors for lights in areas that don’t need to be lit when no one’s using them at night (bathrooms, hallways, walkways). Fewer lights means less electricity, reducing the need to use as much diesel to support the solar array.
Mainland: If you’re the last one leaving a room, turn the light off; installing automatic switches can be helpful if you’re apt to forget. Also, question if you really need the light on-daylight is often just fine. Fewer lights means less electricity, which may even reduce your electric bill.
Use Energy Efficient Equipment
Star Island: Replacing equipment with more efficient models has allowed us to reduce demands on our island’s infrastructure. A recent example is the purchase of a new dishwasher, which uses less power during operation and also uses less water. Less water used means less drinking water treated and less used water sent to the island’s wastewater treatment facility. This leaves more water available for other uses, such as guest showers. Water and wastewater treatment are also two of the three biggest electrical uses on-island, so this energy and water efficient dishwasher means an overall reduction in energy use. On Star we’re also swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LED’s.
Mainland: Replace household appliances with those receiving Energy Star rating. Energy Star products are “certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality.” This rating helps you choose household equipment that can help realize energy savings. Click here to learn more.
Star Island: Over the past few years we’ve been generating more produce from the several vegetable gardens on island. This produce supplements the food we order from the mainland. By growing our own food, we are also able to eat fresher, more nutritious food and also reduce the cost of our food bill.
Mainland: Just like a 1940’s victory garden, growing a portion of your own food is a great cause. You are stating that you want to know where your food comes from, and you’re choosing varieties of produce you like. Having your own food in your yard, or in a planter on your porch might also mean less trips to the grocery store.
Eat Your Veggies
Star Island: We know that eating your vegetables isn’t just good for your body, it can be good for the environment, too. Every meal on Star includes a vegetarian option. When you register, just let us know you’ll be choosing the vegetarian option. And while we have your attention, why not consider making your stay on Star a chance to try out being a vegatarian? You’ll still get your protein and iron, don’t worry. Want to learn more? Click here to read about the effects of cattle farming on the environment.
Mainland: Try practicing a vegetarian diet. You might find your grocery bill to be lower than usual, and you might find some awesome recipes that you’ll keep forever. If switching to a vegetarian diet is a bit too much, we suggest trying #MeatlessMondays as a way to incorporate meals one day a week that are less intenstive on the environment.
Star Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. We separate food waste from trash and compost this to transform it into a beneficial commodity that helps improve island soil in gardens and on the lawn. Chickens also help by eating leftovers such as bread, oatmeal, and mashed potatoes (they love vegetarian pot pie!). Composting food waste helps reduce demands on island boats and provides the island with a reusable product.
Mainland: A small compost bin is easy to use and maintain for household scraps. You can build your own, or check with your town/municipality to see if they participate in a program that offers compost bins for a reduced cost. By composting you reduce the amount of waste that is thrown into landfills. Some municipalities are even starting to collect compost along with trash and recycling. We encourage you to investigate your mainland options including companies that collect compost for you.
Take Fewer, Shorter Showers
Star Island: If you’ve stayed on Star Island you know that we have a shower schedule that provides 3 showers for both staff and guests over a 7-day period. We limit showers because water on-island is hard to come by. Yes, there’s plenty of salt water nearby, but fresh water isn’t readily available (recall the Rime of the Ancient Mariner: Water, water everywhere and not one drop to drink). Fresh water is provided through reverse osmosis of sea water, filtration and disinfection of collected #rainwater, and water delivery by boat (i.e. a lot of work).
Mainland: An every other day shower schedule isn’t just something to practice for water conservation, it’s also recommended for your skin and hair health."
https://starisland.org/the-island/green/practices/
#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #RenewableEnergy
#Renewables #RenewablesNow
#GreenPractices #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving #IslesOfShoals -
[1/2] #StarIsland, #GosportNH - #GreenGosport Initiatives that can be practiced on the #Mainland!
Green Practices
"For centuries, living on Star Island has required a knowledge of conservation and respecting the environment. Since 2011, we have taken a more proactive approach to this with the Green Gosport Initiative — a program designed to educate our island and mainland communities about sustainability, and to serve as a model for others. The efforts we make on island are sometimes huge (we recently installed a solar array), but often are relatively easy to accomplish. Here are some of the things we do on Star to reduce our impact locally while thinking globally. We’ve included suggestions about how you can take what we do on the island and practice it on the mainland.
#ReuseStar Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. Therefore, we seriously consider how we can reuse items on-island before trashing or recycling them. For example, several years ago we collected used glass bottles to line the beds in our vegetable gardens. We also reuse historic furniture and replace small parts instead of replacing entire fixtures. We also reuse food waste to create compost, which in turn helps to grow more food.
Mainland: Instead of throwing something away, ask yourself if you can reuse it. Some simple things to reuse include plastic sandwich bags for more sandwiches, shopping bags as trash bags, and newspaper for kindling or wrapping paper. Random bits of plastic from everyday products and toys might also be great sources for a rainy day art project. And to help you stay hyrdated, use a water bottle to refill instead of buying new bottled water.
Star Island: When you can’t reuse, recycle. We send metal, glass and paper off island to get recycled if we can’t reuse it.
Mainland: Most municipalities have curbside recycling, and we encourage you to take advantage of this easy way to recycle. Also, if you’re ever out and about and need to dispose of something (paper coffee cup, plastic drink bottle), check to see if it is recyclable and find a proper receptacle instead of trashing by default.
Use #RenewableEnergyStar Island: In the fall of 2014 we installed a solar array on Star that has provided an estimated 60% of our energy needs since the 2015 summer. We’re not fully running on solar power, but this renewable energy source is our focus moving forward.
Mainland: Installing solar panels on your home allows you to take advantage of sustainable energy and excess, unused energy can even be back fed into the larger electrical grid. Not only are you taking a step to reduce carbon emissions, but you could also be saving money.
Turn Off Lights
Star Island: We turn the lights off whenever possible. Although lights are left on in certain public spaces such as walkways, hallways, and the main lobby for safety, for the most part the island goes dark at night. We even rely entirely on candlelight for evening chapel services. On Star we’re swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LEDs, and considering sensors for lights in areas that don’t need to be lit when no one’s using them at night (bathrooms, hallways, walkways). Fewer lights means less electricity, reducing the need to use as much diesel to support the solar array.
Mainland: If you’re the last one leaving a room, turn the light off; installing automatic switches can be helpful if you’re apt to forget. Also, question if you really need the light on-daylight is often just fine. Fewer lights means less electricity, which may even reduce your electric bill.
Use Energy Efficient Equipment
Star Island: Replacing equipment with more efficient models has allowed us to reduce demands on our island’s infrastructure. A recent example is the purchase of a new dishwasher, which uses less power during operation and also uses less water. Less water used means less drinking water treated and less used water sent to the island’s wastewater treatment facility. This leaves more water available for other uses, such as guest showers. Water and wastewater treatment are also two of the three biggest electrical uses on-island, so this energy and water efficient dishwasher means an overall reduction in energy use. On Star we’re also swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LED’s.
Mainland: Replace household appliances with those receiving Energy Star rating. Energy Star products are “certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality.” This rating helps you choose household equipment that can help realize energy savings. Click here to learn more.
Star Island: Over the past few years we’ve been generating more produce from the several vegetable gardens on island. This produce supplements the food we order from the mainland. By growing our own food, we are also able to eat fresher, more nutritious food and also reduce the cost of our food bill.
Mainland: Just like a 1940’s victory garden, growing a portion of your own food is a great cause. You are stating that you want to know where your food comes from, and you’re choosing varieties of produce you like. Having your own food in your yard, or in a planter on your porch might also mean less trips to the grocery store.
Eat Your Veggies
Star Island: We know that eating your vegetables isn’t just good for your body, it can be good for the environment, too. Every meal on Star includes a vegetarian option. When you register, just let us know you’ll be choosing the vegetarian option. And while we have your attention, why not consider making your stay on Star a chance to try out being a vegatarian? You’ll still get your protein and iron, don’t worry. Want to learn more? Click here to read about the effects of cattle farming on the environment.
Mainland: Try practicing a vegetarian diet. You might find your grocery bill to be lower than usual, and you might find some awesome recipes that you’ll keep forever. If switching to a vegetarian diet is a bit too much, we suggest trying #MeatlessMondays as a way to incorporate meals one day a week that are less intenstive on the environment.
Star Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. We separate food waste from trash and compost this to transform it into a beneficial commodity that helps improve island soil in gardens and on the lawn. Chickens also help by eating leftovers such as bread, oatmeal, and mashed potatoes (they love vegetarian pot pie!). Composting food waste helps reduce demands on island boats and provides the island with a reusable product.
Mainland: A small compost bin is easy to use and maintain for household scraps. You can build your own, or check with your town/municipality to see if they participate in a program that offers compost bins for a reduced cost. By composting you reduce the amount of waste that is thrown into landfills. Some municipalities are even starting to collect compost along with trash and recycling. We encourage you to investigate your mainland options including companies that collect compost for you.
Take Fewer, Shorter Showers
Star Island: If you’ve stayed on Star Island you know that we have a shower schedule that provides 3 showers for both staff and guests over a 7-day period. We limit showers because water on-island is hard to come by. Yes, there’s plenty of salt water nearby, but fresh water isn’t readily available (recall the Rime of the Ancient Mariner: Water, water everywhere and not one drop to drink). Fresh water is provided through reverse osmosis of sea water, filtration and disinfection of collected #rainwater, and water delivery by boat (i.e. a lot of work).
Mainland: An every other day shower schedule isn’t just something to practice for water conservation, it’s also recommended for your skin and hair health."
https://starisland.org/the-island/green/practices/
#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #RenewableEnergy
#Renewables #RenewablesNow
#GreenPractices #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving #IslesOfShoals -
[1/2] #StarIsland, #GosportNH - #GreenGosport Initiatives that can be practiced on the #Mainland!
Green Practices
"For centuries, living on Star Island has required a knowledge of conservation and respecting the environment. Since 2011, we have taken a more proactive approach to this with the Green Gosport Initiative — a program designed to educate our island and mainland communities about sustainability, and to serve as a model for others. The efforts we make on island are sometimes huge (we recently installed a solar array), but often are relatively easy to accomplish. Here are some of the things we do on Star to reduce our impact locally while thinking globally. We’ve included suggestions about how you can take what we do on the island and practice it on the mainland.
#ReuseStar Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. Therefore, we seriously consider how we can reuse items on-island before trashing or recycling them. For example, several years ago we collected used glass bottles to line the beds in our vegetable gardens. We also reuse historic furniture and replace small parts instead of replacing entire fixtures. We also reuse food waste to create compost, which in turn helps to grow more food.
Mainland: Instead of throwing something away, ask yourself if you can reuse it. Some simple things to reuse include plastic sandwich bags for more sandwiches, shopping bags as trash bags, and newspaper for kindling or wrapping paper. Random bits of plastic from everyday products and toys might also be great sources for a rainy day art project. And to help you stay hyrdated, use a water bottle to refill instead of buying new bottled water.
Star Island: When you can’t reuse, recycle. We send metal, glass and paper off island to get recycled if we can’t reuse it.
Mainland: Most municipalities have curbside recycling, and we encourage you to take advantage of this easy way to recycle. Also, if you’re ever out and about and need to dispose of something (paper coffee cup, plastic drink bottle), check to see if it is recyclable and find a proper receptacle instead of trashing by default.
Use #RenewableEnergyStar Island: In the fall of 2014 we installed a solar array on Star that has provided an estimated 60% of our energy needs since the 2015 summer. We’re not fully running on solar power, but this renewable energy source is our focus moving forward.
Mainland: Installing solar panels on your home allows you to take advantage of sustainable energy and excess, unused energy can even be back fed into the larger electrical grid. Not only are you taking a step to reduce carbon emissions, but you could also be saving money.
Turn Off Lights
Star Island: We turn the lights off whenever possible. Although lights are left on in certain public spaces such as walkways, hallways, and the main lobby for safety, for the most part the island goes dark at night. We even rely entirely on candlelight for evening chapel services. On Star we’re swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LEDs, and considering sensors for lights in areas that don’t need to be lit when no one’s using them at night (bathrooms, hallways, walkways). Fewer lights means less electricity, reducing the need to use as much diesel to support the solar array.
Mainland: If you’re the last one leaving a room, turn the light off; installing automatic switches can be helpful if you’re apt to forget. Also, question if you really need the light on-daylight is often just fine. Fewer lights means less electricity, which may even reduce your electric bill.
Use Energy Efficient Equipment
Star Island: Replacing equipment with more efficient models has allowed us to reduce demands on our island’s infrastructure. A recent example is the purchase of a new dishwasher, which uses less power during operation and also uses less water. Less water used means less drinking water treated and less used water sent to the island’s wastewater treatment facility. This leaves more water available for other uses, such as guest showers. Water and wastewater treatment are also two of the three biggest electrical uses on-island, so this energy and water efficient dishwasher means an overall reduction in energy use. On Star we’re also swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LED’s.
Mainland: Replace household appliances with those receiving Energy Star rating. Energy Star products are “certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality.” This rating helps you choose household equipment that can help realize energy savings. Click here to learn more.
Star Island: Over the past few years we’ve been generating more produce from the several vegetable gardens on island. This produce supplements the food we order from the mainland. By growing our own food, we are also able to eat fresher, more nutritious food and also reduce the cost of our food bill.
Mainland: Just like a 1940’s victory garden, growing a portion of your own food is a great cause. You are stating that you want to know where your food comes from, and you’re choosing varieties of produce you like. Having your own food in your yard, or in a planter on your porch might also mean less trips to the grocery store.
Eat Your Veggies
Star Island: We know that eating your vegetables isn’t just good for your body, it can be good for the environment, too. Every meal on Star includes a vegetarian option. When you register, just let us know you’ll be choosing the vegetarian option. And while we have your attention, why not consider making your stay on Star a chance to try out being a vegatarian? You’ll still get your protein and iron, don’t worry. Want to learn more? Click here to read about the effects of cattle farming on the environment.
Mainland: Try practicing a vegetarian diet. You might find your grocery bill to be lower than usual, and you might find some awesome recipes that you’ll keep forever. If switching to a vegetarian diet is a bit too much, we suggest trying #MeatlessMondays as a way to incorporate meals one day a week that are less intenstive on the environment.
Star Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. We separate food waste from trash and compost this to transform it into a beneficial commodity that helps improve island soil in gardens and on the lawn. Chickens also help by eating leftovers such as bread, oatmeal, and mashed potatoes (they love vegetarian pot pie!). Composting food waste helps reduce demands on island boats and provides the island with a reusable product.
Mainland: A small compost bin is easy to use and maintain for household scraps. You can build your own, or check with your town/municipality to see if they participate in a program that offers compost bins for a reduced cost. By composting you reduce the amount of waste that is thrown into landfills. Some municipalities are even starting to collect compost along with trash and recycling. We encourage you to investigate your mainland options including companies that collect compost for you.
Take Fewer, Shorter Showers
Star Island: If you’ve stayed on Star Island you know that we have a shower schedule that provides 3 showers for both staff and guests over a 7-day period. We limit showers because water on-island is hard to come by. Yes, there’s plenty of salt water nearby, but fresh water isn’t readily available (recall the Rime of the Ancient Mariner: Water, water everywhere and not one drop to drink). Fresh water is provided through reverse osmosis of sea water, filtration and disinfection of collected #rainwater, and water delivery by boat (i.e. a lot of work).
Mainland: An every other day shower schedule isn’t just something to practice for water conservation, it’s also recommended for your skin and hair health."
https://starisland.org/the-island/green/practices/
#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #RenewableEnergy
#Renewables #RenewablesNow
#GreenPractices #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving #IslesOfShoals -
[1/2] #StarIsland, #GosportNH - #GreenGosport Initiatives that can be practiced on the #Mainland!
Green Practices
"For centuries, living on Star Island has required a knowledge of conservation and respecting the environment. Since 2011, we have taken a more proactive approach to this with the Green Gosport Initiative — a program designed to educate our island and mainland communities about sustainability, and to serve as a model for others. The efforts we make on island are sometimes huge (we recently installed a solar array), but often are relatively easy to accomplish. Here are some of the things we do on Star to reduce our impact locally while thinking globally. We’ve included suggestions about how you can take what we do on the island and practice it on the mainland.
#ReuseStar Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. Therefore, we seriously consider how we can reuse items on-island before trashing or recycling them. For example, several years ago we collected used glass bottles to line the beds in our vegetable gardens. We also reuse historic furniture and replace small parts instead of replacing entire fixtures. We also reuse food waste to create compost, which in turn helps to grow more food.
Mainland: Instead of throwing something away, ask yourself if you can reuse it. Some simple things to reuse include plastic sandwich bags for more sandwiches, shopping bags as trash bags, and newspaper for kindling or wrapping paper. Random bits of plastic from everyday products and toys might also be great sources for a rainy day art project. And to help you stay hyrdated, use a water bottle to refill instead of buying new bottled water.
Star Island: When you can’t reuse, recycle. We send metal, glass and paper off island to get recycled if we can’t reuse it.
Mainland: Most municipalities have curbside recycling, and we encourage you to take advantage of this easy way to recycle. Also, if you’re ever out and about and need to dispose of something (paper coffee cup, plastic drink bottle), check to see if it is recyclable and find a proper receptacle instead of trashing by default.
Use #RenewableEnergyStar Island: In the fall of 2014 we installed a solar array on Star that has provided an estimated 60% of our energy needs since the 2015 summer. We’re not fully running on solar power, but this renewable energy source is our focus moving forward.
Mainland: Installing solar panels on your home allows you to take advantage of sustainable energy and excess, unused energy can even be back fed into the larger electrical grid. Not only are you taking a step to reduce carbon emissions, but you could also be saving money.
Turn Off Lights
Star Island: We turn the lights off whenever possible. Although lights are left on in certain public spaces such as walkways, hallways, and the main lobby for safety, for the most part the island goes dark at night. We even rely entirely on candlelight for evening chapel services. On Star we’re swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LEDs, and considering sensors for lights in areas that don’t need to be lit when no one’s using them at night (bathrooms, hallways, walkways). Fewer lights means less electricity, reducing the need to use as much diesel to support the solar array.
Mainland: If you’re the last one leaving a room, turn the light off; installing automatic switches can be helpful if you’re apt to forget. Also, question if you really need the light on-daylight is often just fine. Fewer lights means less electricity, which may even reduce your electric bill.
Use Energy Efficient Equipment
Star Island: Replacing equipment with more efficient models has allowed us to reduce demands on our island’s infrastructure. A recent example is the purchase of a new dishwasher, which uses less power during operation and also uses less water. Less water used means less drinking water treated and less used water sent to the island’s wastewater treatment facility. This leaves more water available for other uses, such as guest showers. Water and wastewater treatment are also two of the three biggest electrical uses on-island, so this energy and water efficient dishwasher means an overall reduction in energy use. On Star we’re also swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LED’s.
Mainland: Replace household appliances with those receiving Energy Star rating. Energy Star products are “certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality.” This rating helps you choose household equipment that can help realize energy savings. Click here to learn more.
Star Island: Over the past few years we’ve been generating more produce from the several vegetable gardens on island. This produce supplements the food we order from the mainland. By growing our own food, we are also able to eat fresher, more nutritious food and also reduce the cost of our food bill.
Mainland: Just like a 1940’s victory garden, growing a portion of your own food is a great cause. You are stating that you want to know where your food comes from, and you’re choosing varieties of produce you like. Having your own food in your yard, or in a planter on your porch might also mean less trips to the grocery store.
Eat Your Veggies
Star Island: We know that eating your vegetables isn’t just good for your body, it can be good for the environment, too. Every meal on Star includes a vegetarian option. When you register, just let us know you’ll be choosing the vegetarian option. And while we have your attention, why not consider making your stay on Star a chance to try out being a vegatarian? You’ll still get your protein and iron, don’t worry. Want to learn more? Click here to read about the effects of cattle farming on the environment.
Mainland: Try practicing a vegetarian diet. You might find your grocery bill to be lower than usual, and you might find some awesome recipes that you’ll keep forever. If switching to a vegetarian diet is a bit too much, we suggest trying #MeatlessMondays as a way to incorporate meals one day a week that are less intenstive on the environment.
Star Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. We separate food waste from trash and compost this to transform it into a beneficial commodity that helps improve island soil in gardens and on the lawn. Chickens also help by eating leftovers such as bread, oatmeal, and mashed potatoes (they love vegetarian pot pie!). Composting food waste helps reduce demands on island boats and provides the island with a reusable product.
Mainland: A small compost bin is easy to use and maintain for household scraps. You can build your own, or check with your town/municipality to see if they participate in a program that offers compost bins for a reduced cost. By composting you reduce the amount of waste that is thrown into landfills. Some municipalities are even starting to collect compost along with trash and recycling. We encourage you to investigate your mainland options including companies that collect compost for you.
Take Fewer, Shorter Showers
Star Island: If you’ve stayed on Star Island you know that we have a shower schedule that provides 3 showers for both staff and guests over a 7-day period. We limit showers because water on-island is hard to come by. Yes, there’s plenty of salt water nearby, but fresh water isn’t readily available (recall the Rime of the Ancient Mariner: Water, water everywhere and not one drop to drink). Fresh water is provided through reverse osmosis of sea water, filtration and disinfection of collected #rainwater, and water delivery by boat (i.e. a lot of work).
Mainland: An every other day shower schedule isn’t just something to practice for water conservation, it’s also recommended for your skin and hair health."
https://starisland.org/the-island/green/practices/
#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #RenewableEnergy
#Renewables #RenewablesNow
#GreenPractices #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving #IslesOfShoals -
Minimalist Arizona Garden with Rain Drainage https://www.allforgardening.com/1926570/minimalist-arizona-garden-with-rain-drainage/ #2024WellnessIssue #arizona #drainage #GardeningArizona #GreenLiving #landscaping #monsoon #rainwater #SavingWater #sedona
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Could This #Arizona Ranch Be a Model for #Southwest Farmers?
Oatman Flats has undergone a dramatic transformation, becoming the Southwest’s first #Regenerative #Organic Certified farm and a potential source of ideas for weathering #ClimateChange.
" 'We embraced the abundance of #heirloom and native crops in the #SonoranDesert,' Hansen said. 'We are looking at the land and asking it what we should grow, rather than asking the land to grow what we want.' " - Dax Hansen, owner of Oatman Flats Ranch.
By Samuel Gilbert
May 12, 2025Excerpt: "Regeneration Rooted in #Indigenous Practices
"Southern Arizona’s rich agricultural history stretches back more than 5,000 years. By 600 CE, the Hohokam people were constructing North America’s largest and most elaborate irrigation systems along the Salt and Gila Rivers. The descendants of the Hohokam—the Pima and Tohono O’odham—continued to farm the land up to and after the arrival of the Spanish, who began to colonize southern Arizona in the 1600s. They continue to farm in Arizona today.
"At the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation, about two hours southeast of Oatman Flats, the San Xavier Co-op Farm uses historic land management practices and grows traditional crops that reflect their respect for the land, plants, animals, elders, and the sacredness of water.
"San Xavier Farm Manager Duran Andrews and his team plant #CoverCrops, rotate fields, and collect #rainwater.
" '[Regenerative agriculture] is nothing new to us,' Andrews said. 'We have been doing this for decades. Harmony between nature and people has been our approach all the time.' Rotating fields and cultivating multiple mutually beneficial species in the same fields improves water and soil quality and biodiversity in this harsh landscape.
" 'You’ve seen what the land looks like in five years; imagine it in 10. If we can do it here, we can do it anywhere.'
"The co-op grows a variety of native crops that were developed in the region and cultivated for centuries or, in some cases, millennia, such as grains and beans, which they sell online. 'We irrigate them till they sprout, then cut them off till the monsoon shows up,' Andrews said. 'We try to keep crops in that hardy state through all the years and decades they have been here. We try not to get away from how things were done in the past.'
"They also grow White Sonora wheat, introduced to Arizona by Spanish Jesuit missionaries in the 1600s. 'It was a gift from Father Kino that we have taken as our own,' Andrews said. 'The [San Xavier] community was one of the first to grow this wheat.'
"Following the Mexican-American War in the mid-1800s, the United States claimed parts of modern-day Arizona, New Mexico, California, Nevada, and Utah. The Anglo ranchers who moved into the area dug canals to irrigate agricultural fields, transforming the landscape. An 1852 watercolor by surveyor Jon Russell Bartlett depicts a verdant valley with cottonwoods and mesquite trees lining a flowing Gila River as it passes through Oatman Flats Ranch.
"That landscape is unrecognizable today. The lower Gila has gone bone dry after years of upstream diversions, dams, water overuse, and climate change. In 2019, the Gila River earned the title of Most Endangered River by the nonprofit advocacy group American Rivers.
"Standing on the sandy Gila riverbed, which divides the north and south farms of Oatman Flats Ranch, Wang pointed to the nearby invasive salt cedars. Healing the land involves rebuilding the water, nutrient, and carbon cycles from the ground up, 'at the micro level,' he said. 'On the macro level, it’s broken.'
"The ranch team has poured resources into rebuilding soil health by planting #hedgerows and 30-plus species of cover crops, at a cost of approximately $100,000. The hedgerows, mostly native trees, were planted along the edges of the fields to reduce erosion and provide habitat for beneficial species, including #pollinators such as #bees and #hummingbirds.
"The cover crops — #millet, #chickpeas, #sunflowers, #sorghum, sudan grass, broadleaves, and #NativeGrasses among them—are planted immediately after harvesting wheat, to provide 'soil armor,' help conserve water, fix nitrogen in the soil, suppress weeds, attract beneficial insects, and sequester carbon. The once-barren land now supports life for more than 120 species of flora and fauna."
Read more:
https://civileats.com/2025/05/12/could-this-arizona-ranch-be-a-model-for-southwest-farmers/#SolarPunkSunday #RegenerativeAgriculture #RegenerativeFarming #RestorativeAgriculture #ClimateChangeFarming
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Scientists Are Warning of A Brand-New Kind of #AcidRain
Story by Darren Orf
Key points:
- While acid rain caused by sulfur dioxide is an environmental threat of the past (at least, for now), a new kind of acid is proliferating in rain water—as well as groundwater, ice cores, and even human blood.
- #TrifluoroaceticAcid (#TFA) is a subclass of “#ForeverChemical” that’s been steadily increasing in concentrations around the world.
- With calls to consider this rise in TFA a planetary threat, some governments are starting ban chemicals linked to TFA—but the threat will require global cooperation."Acid rain may have a sequel, and like most sequels, it’s arguably worse.
"While the world’s first bout of acid rain (at least, in modern times) came from increased concentrations of sulfuric acid produced largely from coal plants, this new #anthropogenic source is possibly more pervasive, more persistent, and more sinister. Its name is Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a kind of 'forever chemical' that, for decades, has been steadily increasing in #RainWater—but not just rain water.
"Countries around the world have found increasing concentrations in #groundwater, #ArcticIceCores, #wine, and even #HumanBlood. In fact, TFA is likely the most pervasive form of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl (#PFAS)—technically, a subclass known as ultrashort-chain perfluoroalkyl acid (#PFAA)—on Earth due in part to the fact that longer-chain PFAS degrade into TFA via #incinerators or #SewageTreatment plants. They’re also used in #refrigerants instead of #chlorofluorocarbons and #hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which were famously known to deplete the Earth’s #OzoneLayer.
"In October of 2024, a team of European environmental scientists raised the TFA alarm, stating that a rise in concentration could be considered a threat to '#PlanetaryBoundaries' — a system designed to make sure the planet remains #habitable for human life (which we are doing a real bang-up job at following).
" 'Since the 1990s, it has been suggested that hazard-related concerns of TFA and other short-chain PFAAs are much lower than those of PFAAs with longer perfluoroalkyl chains, which are more #bioaccumulative and generally more #toxic,' the authors wrote back in October. 'However, these early reports did not consider TFA’s ubiquitous accumulation in the environment, in particular its observed accumulation in water resources and #bioaccumulation in various plants, including crops.'
"One of the most dangerous things about PFAAs is what we don’t know about them. Unlike other PFAS (of which there are, sadly, thousands of different kinds), TFA is so small (a.k.a. ultrashort) that it’s water-soluble, meaning it likely passes through the human body pretty quickly. A new Nature article reports that some scientists find this evidence compelling enough to not even consider TFA a kind of PFAS, but a growing chorus of voices are raising concerns that increased concentrations of TFA in water and food sources could render TFA’s fast-moving nature a moot point.
"In fact, TFA’s water-solubility could be a long-term headache. If scientists and governments eventually decide that TFA does need to be removed from drinking water and other sources, current filtration technologies are not up to the task. In other words, ridding the world of TFA will not only be immensely difficult, it’ll also be incredibly expensive. Current regulations to eliminate certain forms of PFAS are already proving to be fiscally onerous.
"Thankfully, some governments are taking action. #Denmark, for example, banned 23 substances earlier this month known to contain PFAS that contribute to rising TFA concentrations. Meanwhile, the #US is lagging behind—the Environmental Protection Agency [#EPA] doesn’t even define TFA as a 'forever chemical,' much to the dismay of #environmentalist groups and to the merriment of many #industry leaders.
"Rising concentrations of TFA is the acid rain sequel no one wanted. But just like every terrible sequel ever made, it seems like we’re getting it anyway."
#WaterIsLife #Dupont #DowChemical #3M #ForeverChemicals #EPACuts #Deregulation #TrumpSucks #USPol #WorldPol #Environment #EnvironmentalDamage #GenXChemicals #3MLied
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‘#ForeverChemicals’ – the part of cleaning you don’t want to last
"Notable categories of cleaners that either may contain, or have historically contained, PFAS are:
- glass and hard surface cleaners
- fabric, upholstery, and #CarpetCleaners and treatments
- #waxes and polishes for #floors, #furniture, #cars and #boat vessels
- dishwashing rinse aids
- #AerosolPropellant-based #cleaners and #AirFresheners
- #paints and #coatings."Floor sealers and finishes – products that cure into a film once applied – often contain PFAS. During floor stripping and waxing, PFAS concentrations in dust and air particulate matter were one order of magnitude greater than typical residential indoor air and two orders of magnitude greater than outdoor air, according to a 2022 study.
"But now the cleaning products #Industry wants to keep consumers in the dark about the use of these chemicals in their brands. Earlier this month, a bill was introduced in Congress on behalf of leading household cleaning product makers that would deny Americans the right to know about #ToxicChemicals in cleaning products.
"The manufacturer #Reckitt applauded Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.) for introducing the bill, which would rob consumers of crucial information about the ingredients in their products. Reckitt makes popular household brands like #Lysol, #Woolite, #AirWick, #Vanish, #Calgon, among many others.
And industry giant #SCJohnson
called for a 'clear federal standard' on disclosing ingredients, knowing any such standard could take a decade or longer. The company manufactures #Glade, #Drano, #Pledge, #ScrubbingBubbles, #Shout and #Windex, along with many other products, including #Ziploc."Read more:
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2023/10/forever-chemicals-part-cleaning-you-dont-want-last#PFAS #PFOS #WaterIsLife #WaterPollution #PFASPollution #PFOA #PTFE #Wildlife #Cancer #Contamination #Chemicals #Environment #FoodPackaging #Plastics #FireFightingFoam #Firefighters #Health #Mining #Lubricants #Electronics #Cosmetics #PFNA #PFHxS #PFB #GenXChemicals
#Toxic #DowChemical #DuPont #3M #BASF #Teflon #RainWater #DrinkingWater -
Are ‘#ForeverChemicals’ In Your Favorite Sparkling Water? Here’s What to Know
Many brands have #PFAS levels of more than 1 part per trillion, exceeding the #Environmental Working Group's recommendation.
By Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner
Published on April 28, 2024"Bottled and canned water is often considered a healthier or safer option, thanks to purification and processing. But that may not necessarily be the case. In 2020, Consumer Reports ran a study to determine PFAS levels in 47 bottled waters, including 35 noncarbonated and 12 carbonated samples. Many of the carbonated waters had PFAS in them."
https://www.foodandwine.com/pfas-in-sparkling-water-8640113
#PFAS #PFOS #WaterIsLife #WaterPollution #PFASPollution #PFOA #PTFE #Wildlife #Cancer #Contamination #Chemicals #Environment #FoodPackaging #Plastics #FireFightingFoam #Firefighters #Health #Mining #Lubricants #Electronics #Cosmetics #PFNA #PFHxS #PFB #GenXChemicals
#Toxic #DowChemical #DuPont #3M #BASF #Teflon #RainWater #DrinkingWater #BlueTriton #PolandSpring -
‘#ForeverChemicals’ Are Found in Some #Milk, Including #Organic
Story by Lauren Kirchner
May 2, 2024"It was November 2016 when one of the earliest warning signs flashed, in the form of an unassuming and very unlucky dairy farm in #Arundel, #Maine.
"That’s when Fred Stone learned that water on his farm contained high levels of #PFAS. The source of the pollution was later found to be recycled sewage #sludge, which he had been told for many years was a safe #fertilizer. But per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—otherwise known as “forever chemicals” for their persistence in the environment and in humans—have been linked to cancer, immunity and endocrine problems, and infertility.
"The chemicals had contaminated not just his body but his cows and their milk. The land that three generations of his family had worked on for over a century was now toxic.
"Stone took his story public, and similar reports from other farmers around the country followed. In 2018 a dairy and cattle farmer in New Mexico learned that PFAS-containing firefighting foam from a nearby Air Force base had leached into his well water, putting him out of business. In 2022 Michigan shut down a cattle farm because fertilizer it got from a nearby wastewater treatment plant had contaminated the cows’ feed with PFAS. And earlier this year, the owners of two ranches in Texas said that PFAS-laden fertilizer had killed their livestock and made them sick, too."
#PFAS #PFOS #WaterIsLife #WaterPollution #PFASPollution #PFOA #PTFE #Wildlife #Cancer #Contamination #Chemicals #Environment #FoodPackaging #Plastics #FireFightingFoam #Firefighters #Health #Mining #Lubricants #Electronics #Cosmetics #PFNA #PFHxS #PFB #GenXChemicals
#Toxic #DowChemical #DuPont #3M #BASF #Teflon #RainWater #DrinkingWater -
The #EPA is cracking down on #PFAS — but not in #fertilizer
Story by Zoya Teirstein
4/19/2024"Although the EPA’s new restrictions are groundbreaking, they only apply to a portion of the nation’s extensive PFAS contamination problem. That’s because drinking water isn’t the only way Americans are exposed to PFAS, and not all companies spreading PFAS into the environment deliberately added the chemicals to the products. In Texas, a group of farmers whose properties were contaminated with PFAS from fertilizer are claiming the manufacturer should have done more to warn buyers about the dangers of its products. The first-of-its-kind lawsuit illustrates how much more regulation will be needed to rid the environment — and Americans’ bodies — of forever chemicals."
https://grist.org/agriculture/the-epa-is-cracking-down-on-pfas-but-not-in-fertilizer/
#PFAS #PFOS #WaterIsLife #WaterPollution #PFASPollution #PFOA #PTFE #Wildlife #Cancer #Contamination #Chemicals #Environment #FoodPackaging #Plastics #FireFightingFoam #Firefighters #Health #Mining #Lubricants #Electronics #Cosmetics #PFNA #PFHxS #PFB #GenXChemicals
#Toxic #DowChemical #DuPont #3M #BASF #Teflon #RainWater #DrinkingWater -
LEAVE IT TO HUMANS TO NOT ONLY SH*T WHERE THEY EAT -- BUT WITH HARD TO BREAK FLUORINE-CARBON BONDS! GOOD JOB HUMANS! MAYBE CONSIDER ALL POSSIBLE OUTCOMES BEFORE MAKING STUPID DECISIONS!
‘This is #Chernobyl’: #Texas ranchers say ‘forever chemicals’ in waste-based fertilizers ruined their land
Story by Rebecca Lopez
April 28, 2024"Ranchers here say their cattle, fish and horses are dying and getting sick because of a fertilizer spread on nearby farmland.
"The fertilizer is made from treated human waste from the city of Fort Worth.
"The company that makes the fertilizer says its products meet government standards.
"County officials have launched a criminal investigation, and ranchers are suing, saying runoff from the fertilizer has made their land useless."
#PFAS #PFOS #WaterIsLife #WaterPollution #PFASPollution #PFOA #PTFE #Wildlife #Cancer #Contamination #Chemicals #Environment #FoodPackaging #Plastics #FireFightingFoam #Firefighters #Health #Mining #Lubricants #Electronics #Cosmetics #PFNA #PFHxS #PFB #GenXChemicals
#Toxic #DowChemical #DuPont #3M #BASF #Teflon #RainWater #DrinkingWater -
#Maine Is a Warning for America’s #PFAS Future
Story by Zoë Schlanger
4/11/2024"Cordelia Saunders remembers 2021, the year she and her husband, Nathan, found out that they’d likely been drinking tainted water for more than 30 years. A neighbor’s 20 peach trees had finally matured that summer, and perfect-looking peaches hung from their branches. Cordelia watched the fruit drop to the ground and rot: Her neighbor didn’t dare eat it.
"The Saunderses’ home, in Fairfield, Maine, is in a quiet, secluded spot, 50 minutes from the drama of the rocky coast and an hour and 15 minutes from the best skiing around. It’s also sitting atop a plume of poison.
"For decades, sewage sludge was spread on the corn fields surrounding their house, and on hundreds of other fields across the state. That sludge is suspected to have been tainted with PFAS, a group of man-made compounds that cause a litany of ailments, including kidney and prostate cancers, fertility loss, and developmental disorders. The Saunderses’ property is on one of the most contaminated roads in a state just waking up to the extent of an invisible crisis.
Onur Apul, an environmental engineer at the University of Maine and the head of its initiative to study PFAS solutions, told me that in his opinion, the United States has seen 'nothing as overwhelming, and nothing as universal' as the PFAS crisis. Even the #DDT crisis of the 1960s doesn’t compare, he said: DDT was used only as an insecticide and could be banned by banning that single use. PFAS are used in hundreds of products across industries and consumer sectors. Their nearly 15,000 variations can help make pans nonstick, hiking clothes and plumber’s tape waterproof, and dental floss slippery. They’re in performance fabrics on couches, waterproof mascara, tennis rackets, ski wax. Destroying them demands massive inputs of energy: Their fluorine-carbon bond is the single most stable bond in organic chemistry."
Read more:
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2024/04/pfas-drinking-water-maine/678040/Archived version:
https://archive.ph/rV2vC#PFAS #PFOS #WaterIsLife #WaterPollution #PFASPollution #PFOA #PTFE #Wildlife #Cancer #Contamination #Chemicals #Environment #FoodPackaging #Plastics #FireFightingFoam #Firefighters #Health #Mining #Lubricants #Electronics #Cosmetics #PFNA #PFHxS #PFB #GenXChemicals
#Toxic #DowChemical #DuPont #3M #BASF #Teflon #RainWater #DrinkingWater -
#Australia among hotspots for toxic ‘#ForeverChemicals’, study of #PFAS levels finds
Australian limits on acceptable levels of these toxic chemicals in drinking water ‘orders of magnitude’ higher than in US
Tory Shepherd
Mon 8 Apr 2024 11.00 EDT"High levels of so-called forever chemicals have been found in surface and groundwater all over the world, with Australia one of several hotspots for toxic PFAS, a University of New South Wales study has found.
"Researchers examined groundwater samples from around the world and found 69% had per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at levels above Canada’s safe drinking water criteria and 32% had levels higher than the US proposed drinking water hazard index.
"They found Australia was one of several 'hotspots' relative to the rest of the world, along with #China, #Europe and #NorthAmerica."
#WaterIsLife #WaterPollution #PFASPollution #PFOS #PFOA #PTFE #Wildlife #Cancer #Contamination #Chemicals #Environment #FoodPackaging #Plastics #FireFightingFoam #Firefighters #Health #Mining #Lubricants #Electronics #Cosmetics #PFNA #PFHxS #PFB #GenXChemicals
#Toxic #DowChemical #DuPont #3M #BASF #Teflon #RainWater #DrinkingWater -
Map: Where the EPA found pollutants
This map shows water systems included in the EPA’s records, as of Jan. 11 [2024]. It’s based on boundaries developed by SimpleLab, a water-testing company. Click on a system to see the number of pollutants detected at or above the EPA’s minimum reporting levels and how much the most concentrated pollutant exceeded those levels. Points represent systems where the exact boundaries are not available.
Link to map:
https://data.usatoday.com/epa-pfas/#PFAS #PFASPollution #WaterIsLife #WaterPollution #PFASPollution #PFOS #PFOA #PTFE #Wildlife #Cancer #Contamination #Chemicals #Environment #FoodPackaging #Plastics #FireFightingFoam #Firefighters #Health #Mining #Lubricants #Electronics #Cosmetics #PFNA #PFHxS #PFB #GenXChemicals
#Toxic #DowChemical #DuPont #3M #BASF #Teflon #RainWater #DrinkingWater -
70 million Americans drink water from systems reporting #PFAS to EPA. Is yours on our map?
by Austin Fast, Cecilia Garzella, Yoonserk Pyun
March 21, 2024"At least 70 million Americans get their water from a system where toxic PFAS 'forever chemicals' were found at levels that require reporting to the Environmental Protection Agency.
"That's according to new data the EPA released in its ongoing 5-year review of water systems across the nation. The number will almost certainly grow as new reports are released every three months.
"PFAS, or per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, are nearly indestructible chemicals widely used across industries for decades. Found in drinking water, food, firefighting foam, and nonstick and water-repellent items, PFAS resist degradation, building up in both the environment and our bodies.
"#SaltLakeCity; #SacramentoCalifornia; #MadisonWisconsin; and #LouisvilleKentucky, were among the major systems reporting PFAS contamination to the EPA in the latest data release."
#WaterIsLife #WaterPollution #PFASPollution #PFOS #PFOA #PTFE #Wildlife #Cancer #Contamination #Chemicals #Environment #FoodPackaging #Plastics #FireFightingFoam #Firefighters #Health #Mining #Lubricants #Electronics #Cosmetics #PFNA #PFHxS #PFB #GenXChemicals
#Toxic #DowChemical #DuPont #3M #BASF #Teflon #RainWater #DrinkingWater -
#PFAS '#ForeverChemicals' above drinking water guidelines in global source #water
We’re likely underestimating the future impact of PFAS in the environment, a new UNSW Sydney-led study shows.
by Sherry Landow
April 8, 2024"Per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances – commonly known as PFAS – are a group of over 14,000 human-made chemicals that have been popular since the 1950s for their diverse uses in resisting heat, water, grease and stains.
"They’ve been commonly found in household products like #nonStick frying pans, clothing, cosmetics, insecticides, and food packaging, as well as specialty industry products, like #FirefightingFoam.
"But despite their broad skillset, the chemicals have a dark side: they’re known as ‘forever chemicals’ because once they’re in the environment – or our bodies – they don’t degrade further.
"PFAS have been linked to environmental and health issues, including some #cancers, but a lot remains unknown about the true scale and potential impacts of the problem – including how much is in our water supply.
"A new UNSW-led international study, published today in Nature Geoscience, assessed the levels of PFAS contamination in surface and ground water around the globe.
"It found that much of our global source water exceeds PFAS safe drinking limits.
"'Many of our source waters are above PFAS regulatory limits,' says senior author of the study, UNSW Engineering Professor Denis O’Carroll.
"'We already knew that PFAS is pervasive in the environment, but I was surprised to find out the large fraction of source waters that are above drinking water advisory recommendations,' he says.
"'We're talking above 5 per cent, and it goes over 50 per cent in some cases.'"
#WaterIsLife #WaterPollution #PFASPollution #PFOS #PFOA #PTFE #Wildlife #Cancer #Contamination #Chemicals #Environment #FoodPackaging #Plastics #FireFightingFoam #Firefighters #Health #Mining #Lubricants #Electronics #Cosmetics #PFNA #PFHxS #PFB #GenXChemicals
#Toxic #DowChemical #DuPont #3M #BASF #Teflon #RainWater #DrinkingWater -
It's about f-ing time!!! WTF!
The #EPA is proposing that '#ForeverChemicals' be considered #hazardous substances
by Ayana ArchieFeb, 02 2024"The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing that nine #PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," be categorized as hazardous to human health.
"The EPA signed a proposal Wednesday that would deem the chemicals "hazardous constituents" under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
"For the agency to consider a substance a hazardous constituent, it has to be toxic or cause cancer, genetic mutation or the malformations of an embryo. The full list of the nine substances can be found here.
"The agency cited various studies in which forever chemicals were found to cause a litany of "t#oxic effects" in humans and #animals, including, but not limited to cancer, a decreased response to vaccinations, #HighCholesterol, decrease in #fertility in women, #preeclampsia, #thyroid disorders and #asthma, the EPA said.
"Short for "per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances," PFAS cover thousands of man-made chemicals. PFAS are often used for manufacturing purposes, such as in #NonstickCookware, #adhesives, #firefighting foam, #turf and more [ex, #SkiWax].
"PFAS have been called "forever chemicals" because they break down very slowly and can accumulate in people, animals and the environment. Last summer, a study by the U.S. Geological Survey found that the man-made chemicals are present in nearly half the country's tap water supply.
"The survey tested for 32 types of PFAS, though there are more than 12,000, the USGS said, and they can pose a health threat even at very small amounts.
"In June, the chemical manufacturer 3M said it would pay about $10 billion in lawsuit settlements to help detoxify water supplies across the country, after plaintiffs claimed the company's firefighting foam and other products were responsible for contaminating #TapWater with PFAS.
"The proposed rule will be open for #PublicComment once it is uploaded to the Federal Register, under docket number EPA-HQ-OLEM-2023-0278."
#PFASPollution #PFOS #WaterIsLife #Wildlife #Cancer #Contamination #Chemicals #Environment #FoodPackaging #Plastics #FireFightingFoam #Firefighters #Health #Mining #Lubricants #Electronics #Cosmetics #PFOS #PFNA #PFHxS #PFB GenXChemicals
#PFOA #Toxic #DowChemical #DuPont #3M #BASF #Teflon #RainWater #SkiWax -
This article goes on to talk about how to limit #PFAS exposure. Too bad animals can't read news articles. But seriously, I wonder how many animals suffer from cancer as a result of PFAS? I mean, it's in the RAIN! Kinda hard to avoid rainwater -- especially if you live in nature and don't have water filters. smh
Study finds concerning contributing factor to childhood #cancer: ‘These findings have important public health implications’
Story by Laurelle Stelle
January 19, 2024"One of the most tragic and mystifying conditions a human being can experience is childhood leukemia. This potentially deadly cancer occurs at an incredibly young age before the patient has even been exposed to most of the risk factors usually associated with cancer.
"However, Environmental Health News (EHN) reports that a recent large study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute links childhood leukemia to a frighteningly common type of chemical: PFAS.
"PFAS (#perfluoroalkyl and #polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as 'forever chemicals,' are a class of chemicals used in as many as 88% of #HouseholdProducts, especially those with #nonstick, #StainResistant, and #WaterResistant treatments. They’re called forever chemicals because they take an astronomically long time to break down, building up in the #environment instead as more are released.
"Unfortunately, PFAS have been found in water sources all over the world, including #raindrops, and they have been suspected as a likely cause of cancer."
https://www.yahoo.com/news/study-finds-concerning-contributing-factor-043000484.html
#PFOS #WaterIsLife #Wildlife #Contamination #Chemicals #Environment #FoodPackaging #Plastics #FireFightingFoam #Firefighters #Health #Mining #Lubricants #Electronics #Cosmetics #PFOS #PFNA #PFHxS #PFB #GenXChemicals
#PFOA #Toxic #DowChemical #DuPont #3M #BASF #Teflon #RainWater -
EU considers ban on 'forever chemicals', urges search for alternatives
By Ludwig Burger, February 7, 2023
• Proposed ban to grant grace periods between 18 mths and 12 yrs
• Non-degradable PFAS found as far as "rain water in #Tibet"
• Ban could take effect in 2026 or 2027
• Industry group warns some key products could be "eliminated"
• Further reviews will involve ECHA, EU commission, member states"The chemicals have been used in tens of thousands of products, including cars, textiles, medical gear, wind mills and non-stick pans due to their long-term resistance to extreme temperatures and corrosion.
"But #PFAS have also been linked to health risks like cancer, hormonal dysfunction and a weakened immune system as well as #environmental damage."
#PFOS #PFNA, #PFHxS, #PFB #GenXChemicals
#PFOA #WaterIsLife #Toxic #pollution #DowChemical #DuPont #3M #BASF #Teflon #ForeverChemicals #RainWater