Disaster Rescue ships

The recent earthquake disaster in Haiti deserves help and all should contribute what they can.

More generally, the world needs more disaster rescue ships. They should be of several types: hospital ships of multiple drafts for different harbors, emergency electrical power ships, communications ships in addition to whatever emergency communications might be standard on the other varieties of ships, emergency sanitation and shelter ships capable of deploying temporary sewerage and water systems and civil reconstruction vehicles such as bulldozers and cranes.

Rescue aircraft are also desirable, but they can do less because of the limited cargo capacity on devastated airfields. Most of the world's population is near the sea. Disaster aid by rail is also possible and it could be done by keeping modules ready for loading on flat-cars.

Our Somewhat inactive Sun

Sunspots have finally returned to the Sun after a long absence. There had been concern that the recent prolonged absence might mean the start of centuries long inactivity such as the Maunder minimum of the past that was associated with severely cold weather.

Even with the return of spots, the now commenced Sunspot Cycle 24 is predicted to be weak with relatively fewer spots. That might mean some cooling influence, or, maybe not. If there is any cooling influence it is unclear at the present time whether that will offset the warming influence of increased CO2.

Climate predictions are difficult due to the complexity of the many effects from physical, astrophysical, geomagnetic, solar, biological aerosols, clouds, particulates, biological and soil surface reflections, and anthropogenic pollutant influences. Climate modelers try their best to take it all into account, but the biological influences on the climate are near impossible to model, in part, because the climate influences the biology ! As someone who has done his share of computer modeling, I don't have a lot of confidence in it. As one British scientist put it, it is time to abandon a consensus prediction on the climate. We don't know.

If you would like to keep track of space weather, including sunspots see this link to space weather.

Anti-Plastic

There is no doubt that plastics have changed the world. The uses and structures of plastics are seemingly endless. Yet plastic is a threat to our earth and safety.

BPA, a hormone disruptor, is found in certain types of plastic. It has been considered potentially toxic since the 1930’s, but has been leaching its way out of our containers and toys and into our bodies for decades. It is found in the urine of 95% of Americans, and evidence is suggesting it may be causing heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Phthalates are added to plastics to increase flexibility, and are suspected to cause neurological and reproductive damage. Some people believe you should try not to touch plastic too often, and never let it touch your food.

Many plastics do not biodegrade, and when they do, it is estimated to take hundreds of years. Other plastics Photodegrade instead, meaning they break down into smaller and smaller pieces when exposed to sunlight. The small pieces then contaminate our soil and water and eventually enter the food supply when they are eaten by organisms. Plastic particles now outnumber plankton in some parts of the ocean, 6 to 1.

But I recycle! Well, it is not enough. Less the 6% of plastics are recycled. Only plastic numbers 1 and 2 can be recycled in our neighborhood. Some places also recycle number 5. Even when recycled, they are really being downcycled to a non-recyclable end product. The majority of plastics end up back in the landfill the same year they are produced. Reuse is not always an option, as some plastics are only considered safe for one time use. Most plastic is also a petroleum product, a non-renewable resource.

I am not ready to give up using shampoo and deodorant, but there are many ways we can easily work to reduce our plastic use. I heard one estimate that suggests 2/3 of plastic waste can easily be avoided, though the remaining 1/3 is very hard to eliminate. You can start by avoiding disposable products, in favor of reusable ones. Chose products with less packaging, buy natural fibers, ask for no straw, lid or excess plastic packaging. Buy high quality wood, metal and glass items instead of cheap plastic alternatives. If you are going to buy plastics, look for used items, or items made from recycled materials.

Tips

• Buy glass or stainless steel food storage containers
  
• Get a Klean Kanteen for beverages
• Use cloth diapers; try Bumkins or a diaper service
• Consider using washable feminine hygiene products
• Get cloth bags, including compact bags for your car, purse, backpack and diaper bag and produce bags for produce and bulk foods
  
• Use paper-packaging tape
• Avoid prepared foods, too much plastic packaging
  
• Metal camping dishes are great for babies and kids
• Make your own yogurt (its easy - you can borrow the yogurt maker my neighbor gave me, but it is made of plastic)
• Don’t use paper towels or paper napkins (they come wrapped in plastic), get extra washcloths and cloth napkins, and throw them in with your regular wash
• Buy toilet paper in individual rolls, wrapped with paper
  
• You can even get glass straws
• Carry a set of reusable eating utensils, or keep a set in your desk at work
  
• Any other ideas?
  

Links

• Fake Plastic Fish
• Life Less Plastic
• Waste Facts