8 Holidays That Every Green Geek Should Celebrate

Given the sheer amount of quirky holidays in existence, it's no wonder so many people forget about the ones that are truly important. Green holidays serve to promote awareness of the issues affecting our environment and the actions that need to be taken in order to preserve it. Celebrating and observing, say, Arbor Day is an excellent way to bond with fellow green geeks who share your concern for the Earth while actually making the world a greener place. Here are eight essential green holidays.

1. World Wetlands Day: February 2nd marks the day nearly 40 years ago that The International Convention on Wetlands was signed, creating an international effort to conserve the world's valuable wetlands. So why are they important? According to the WWD site, the poor management of wetlands results in the deaths of three million people worldwide per year, mainly due to poor drinking water. On the other hand, swamps can remove nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, keeping groundwater clean. It's imperative that we do our part to keep these natural resources clean and functioning.
2. World Forestry Day: March 21st is the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere and World Forestry Day, a reminder of the gifts bestowed upon the world by its lush forests. Awareness is given to forestry production, protection and recreation, highlighting not only what forests offer to humans, but also their function to the diverse groups of organisms that live beneath their canopies.
3. World Water Day: World Water Day falls on the day after World Forestry Day, emphasizing the impact of water on the world's population. The WWD website asserts that one billion people lack clean drinking water and sanitation remains a problem for two-fifths of the world's population. The day is intended to draw attention to existing solutions that must be undertaken by world political organizations.
4. Earth Day: Earth Day is the most recognized green holiday in the world. On April 22, 2010, it celebrated its 40th birthday with a focus on climate change as the World People's Conference on Climate Change occurred on the same day. Through the years, it has evolved to encompass the myriad of environmental issues facing the world, including the goals to reduce carbon emissions, encourage sustainable consumption and support green jobs that fit into a green economy.
5. Arbor Day: Twenty years before he became the country's third Secretary of Agriculture, J. Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day with the hope of bringing attention to the value of trees. The national holiday is observed on the final Friday of April, though many states have designated their own respective dates that occur during more weather-friendly months. Of course, the primary activity is tree planting, which is a fun and worthwhile group activity for people of all ages.
6. World Environment Day: Established on June 5, 1972, during the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, World Environment Day brings awareness to the environment and stimulates action from political organizations around the globe. Each year, a different theme is celebrated and a new location hosts the main events. For example, "Many Species. One Planet. One Future" was the theme in 2010 and Rwanda served as the global host.
7. World Oceans Day: World Oceans Day is officially recognized by the UN, occurring on June 8th. Worldwide events take place in locations such as schools, universities, zoos, aquariums and museums, where people young and old are educated on ocean conservation. Like World Environment Day, WOD celebrates a different theme each year in order to shed light on a new topic. In 2010, the theme was "Oceans of Life," focusing on the oceans' great diversity of life and its contributions to our lives — like oxygen, food and medicine.
8. America Recycles Day: Each November 15th is devoted to promoting recycling programs throughout the country. It's a day of knowledge and action, when communities come together in an effort to keep the environment healthy and beautiful. People of all ages are encouraged to organize and attend events in order to spread the word. America Recycles Day is particularly helpful for novice recyclers who are curious about which products they should recycle and how they should do it.

10 Great Reasons to Grow Plants in Your Dorm or Office

Unless you suffer from severe allergies, you likely appreciate all of the good that accompanies the presence of greenery. Unfortunately, most people spend almost every day entirely indoors, sacrificing quality time with Mother Nature. People trapped in insufferable and almost inhumane dorms or offices have it the worst, as both can become depressing relics of a time when aesthetic, psychological and health considerations weren't included in design and development. But even the worst of places can be livened up with the presence of indoor plants and their many benefits. Here are 10 great reasons to grow plants in your dorm or office.

1. They add aesthetic value: Drab old rooms that seemingly offer no hope aesthetically can be transformed into desirable dwellings with the addition of a few colorful and shapely plants. It's not uncommon for new undergrads to decorate their dorm rooms to the hilt, using plants that conform to the style of the decor. People who work in offices usually aren't afforded the same privileges, so the presence of a few plants is their only way to make an otherwise cold place warm.
2. They occupy space: Although this reason could be stashed under "aesthetic value," it deserves its own explanation. All too often, people move into offices or dorm rooms with few belongings, resulting in extra unused space that ends up hosting a mess -- like equipment, books, files or clothes. These areas can be filled with larger house plants in order to avoid the inevitable appearance of a miniature wasteland. A parlor palm or weeping fig (technically trees) are perfect space eaters.
3. They reduce noise: That's right. Indoor plants actually reduce noise, an appealing prospect for anyone who has experienced a typical dorm or poorly-constructed office. You may have already known that outdoors plants are used in urban areas to obstruct traffic noise. It's the same concept, but with smaller plants. Numerous strategically placed plants -- especially those with big and thick leaves -- can dissipate sound waves.
4. They fight stress: Given the sometimes hectic environment of the workplace, taking steps to relieve stress bit-by-bit is essential. The presence of indoor plants is soothing, as opposed to a plain office that's devoid of any reminder of the outside world. Dorm rooms can also be a drag, especially when you're spending long hours studying or working on an assignment. Studies have shown that indoor plants can enhance your attitude and increase productivity, substituting for the great outdoors when you're stuck indoors. Specifically, bamboo palms, Chinese evergreen and devil's ivy are excellent stress defeaters.
5. They fight colds: Indoor plants increase humidity and decrease dust, helping relieve sore throats, coughs and other cold symptoms by more than 30 percent, according to the University of Agriculture in Norway. During the winter months, it's wise to stock up on plants -- like English ivy, peace lily and fragrant dracaena -- to counter dry air from the furnace. Don't allow the season to send you to the sidelines and cause you to fall behind at work or in the classroom.
6. They remove toxins from the air: A recent study by NASA indicated that indoor plants absorb toxins -- namely formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene -- that are released by building materials. Newer buildings that were constructed to be energy efficient can trap indoor toxins, disallowing them to circulate into the outdoor air and dissipate.
7. They improve the smell: Indoor air can easily become stagnant and the resulting unpleasant smell can linger. This is especially the case in dusty office buildings and unsanitary dorm rooms. With the use of flowering plants like scented geraniums and fragrant plants like evergreen, a once smelly room can bring back memories of grandma's backyard garden.
8. Some produce food: Food-growing plants come especially in handy for broke college students. Tomatoes can be grown indoors with adequate sunlight and the use of pollination spray. Pineapple Guava produces edible flowers and fruit. Dwarf Cavendish is small banana tree that produces slightly smaller-than-normal bananas. You can also experiment with an abundance of indoor-grown herbs.
9. You may cultivate a hobby: Caring for indoor plants is a fun and soothing hobby that's highly rewarding, as evidenced by the benefits highlighted on this list. How many activities result in cleaner and healthier air, a healthier mind and soul, and the creation of edible treats? Plus watering and pruning give you the opportunity to step away from your desk, laptop or textbook, and clear your mind.
10. They make great conversation pieces: As you become more devoted to your indoor plants, you'll become more attuned to their benefits. When a coworker steps into your office, your plants can become a source of small talk as you extol their virtues, delaying the inevitable boring minutia that comes with work conversations. In addition to being a positive distraction, they're another subject in which to become an expert. It's always fun the be an expert in something, especially something that's good for the world.

152 Ways You Can Help Save The Environment

The first step in reducing your carbon footprint is becoming more aware of the impact your actions have on the environment. Take some time to brainstorm and create an action plan to change some of your habits that have a negative effect on the environment. Reducing your wasteful habits can also have a positive effect on your wallet! If you are having a hard time getting started this list should be able to get your started on the right foot.

Help Save the Environment by Conserving Energy Use

1. Turn off your computer at night. You can save up to 40 watt-hours every day simply by shutting your computer down instead of putting it to sleep.

2. Insulate your home to prevent unnecessary loss of heat and energy.

3. Have weather stripping installed on your windows and doors.

4. Replace all old windows with energy efficient models.

5. Limit your use of water, make sure you don't leave taps/hoses running when not necessary.

6. Never use the dishwasher without a full rack.

7. Don't rinse dishes before you put them in the dishwasher.

8. Keep all your outdoor lights on a timer.

9. Turn off all unnecessary electrical equipment before you sleep and turn them on only when you return from work.

10. If you use a thermostat, try to keep it at 68 degrees in the winter.

11. In the summer, keep the thermostat at roughly 78 degrees.

12. Use less energy consuming equipment and appliances. Most modern appliances will have an Energy Star label indicating more efficient use of energy.

13. Set the refrigerator between 36 and 38 degrees Farenheit. This is low enough to prevent food from spoiling and high enough to prevent freezing.

14. Set the freezer between 0 and 5. Anything too low is a wasteful consumption of energy.

15. Do not open the refrigerator door for extended periods of time. If you need to make multiple trips, close the door each time. It takes 10 to 15 minutes for the refrigerator to return to an ideal temperature every time you open it.

16. Make use of your microwave instead of your oven of stove whenever possible. An oven takes a long time to warm up and consumes vats of energy in comparison to a microwave.

17. When using an oven, try not to open the door. As the case is with refrigerators, an oven can lose up to 25 to 30 degrees of heat each time you open it.

18. Use energy efficient light bulbs like CFLs in lieu of traditional fluorescent ones.

19. Don't leave the lights on when departing a room, even if it is only for a short period.

20. A water heater can be wrapped in an insulated blanket during the winter.

21. Shut off or turn down the water heater when you are out on vacation.

22. Use your air conditioner less. Try using a fan, opening the windows or spending extremely hot days out in the park or shade.

23. If you can't go without your air conditioner, be sure clean out the air filters at least once a month. This will enhance its efficiency and save energy.

24. If you have central air conditioning, be sure not to close any vents in unused rooms.

25. Make sure air conditioners set to a timer are turned off during an extended leave.

26. If you have an outdoor air conditioner, try to shade it with an awning or tree to help increase efficiency.

27. Reverse your ceiling fans during hot days.

28. Wash all your clothes with cold water. If you must, use the warm setting for whites instead of hot.

29. Every time you dry a load of clothes, be sure to clean the lint filter so it requires less energy.

30. Limit your use of energy appliances. If there is an alternative, such as drying your clothes outside, then you can save both money and energy doing so.

31. Unplug appliances you rarely use. Also known as energy vampires, many appliances suck up small amounts of energy even when they are not being used. While it may be a hassle to unplug commonly used appliances at night, the same is not true for others.

32. Plant trees to shade your home and consume carbon dioxide.

33. Buy green electricity produced by a local wind farm or solar energy farm.

34. Buy carbon credits to balance out your carbon footprint.

35. Donate or purchase energy saving technologies.

36. Buy a fuel efficient car such as an electric or hybrid.

37. Consume less meat. Methane gas from cattle is responsible for a large amount of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Eating a more balanced diet will not only improve your health but also the environment.

38. Paint your car white. A white roof or a white car can reflect much of the sun's harmful energy back into space.

39. Paint your walls with whiter, brighter colors. Dark colors absorb energy, making your lighting less efficient.

40. Watch less TV. When coupled with a receiver, stereo system, lighting, air conditioning, and gaming device, the mere act of sitting in front of the television or computer can be damaging to the environment. Try to engage in more outdoor or social activities.

Help Save the Environment by Consuming Less Water

41. Take shorter showers and limit your baths. Finding economical ways to maintain good hygiene will help preserve water and the environment.

42. When you wash the dishes, only use the faucet when you have to. Don't leave it running.

43. As it is with energy, doing only full dishwasher loads can save water.

44. Wash only full loads of laundry as well.

45. Buy and install a low-flow shower head.

46. Old toilets can often consume a lot of water, the act of flushing requiring close to 2 gallons per flush. If you can, replace any outdated toilet with a new one that uses less water.

47. Make sure to check for any water pipe leaks in your home and fix when appropriate.

48. Before you go to bed, check all the faucets to make sure they are turned off.

49. You can also shut off your washing machine's water supply valve when not in use to prevent accidental leakage.

50. Always follow the water use restrictions, conservation tips, or guidelines laid out by your community.

51. Outdoor soil and mulch that has been disturbed should be re-vegetated as quickly as possible.

52. Never dump garbage down a storm drain. Protecting our water supply is just as valuable to conservation as using less of it.

53. Make sure all outdoor hoses are turned off.

54. Have your septic tank pumped and the overall system checked regularly.

55. Keep your car well maintenanced. Oil or other fluid leaks can damage the water supply.

56. Recycle your motor oil.

57. Take your car to a car wash in lieu of washing it yourself. Most of these systems are far more proficient at conserving water than a hand wash.

58. Learn about your local watershed or drainage basin.

59. Don't drink bottled water. Use a filtration system if you can.

60. Shower with your partner. This can be a fun and exciting way to help save the environment.

Help Save the Environment by Reducing Toxicity in the Home and the Yard

61. You can eliminate mercury exposure in your home by disposing of all old thermometers and mercury laden items at the appropriate facility.

62. Try to use household cleaners that do not make use of hazardous chemicals.

63. Get a carbon monoxide detector to ensure no leaks are in the house.

64. Review labels not just of household cleaners, but anything you make use of.

65. Try cleaning with baking soda, water, or other non-invasive materials. Often times a stain or piece of dirt can be wiped away with a little bit of extra effort.

66. If no alternative for a toxic item exists, use the less harsh item.

67. Never buy paint in excess of what you need for the job.

68. If you live in an older home, have it tested for radon.

69. Test the walls of your old home for lead-based paint.

70. If your home has lead-based paint, cover it up with wallpaper.

71. Use traps for rats and insects instead of poisons.

72. Use aromatic herbs or cedar chips in lieu of mothballs.

73. When landscaping, avoid using leaf blowers or toxic and energy consuming equipment.

74. If you must use a lawnmower, make sure to use an electric one instead of a gas powered machine, as the fumes can further increase the noxious chemicals in the air.

75. Do not burn off leaves or grass clippings.

76. Leave natural debris in the yard, as they decompose and nourish the soil with nutrients.

77. If the debris is too much, take it to a recycling plant rather than burning it off or putting it into a compost bin.

78. Make use of recycled wood chips instead of conventional mulch. They can prevent weeds from arising while maintaining moisture and preventing erosion.

79. Never use more than the minimum amount of fertilizer required.

80. If you have a garden, avoid pesticide use whenever possible.

81. When pests are involved, research natural ways to ward them off. Sometimes a simple plant or naturally aromatic can divert insects away from your garden.

82. Plant a yard that is conducive to wildlife and nature.

83. Water your grass in the mornings.

Help Save the Environment by Conserving Paper and Plastic in the Home and Office

84. Whenever possible, make copies on both sides of the paper.

85. Print on both sides of the paper as well.

86. Reuse folders and envelopes.

87. Use electronic options whenever possible. Send an email instead of a fax, or jot down notes on an electronic device.

88. In the office, use mailer sheets rather than an envelope for interoffice mail.

89. Set up a whiteboard in the house instead of post-it notes or memos.

90. Buy and use recycled paper.

91. Purchase items that are in recyclable packages.

92. Use your computer whenever possible. Set up your bills for online statements. Buy E-Tickets instead of paper ones. Download software instead of asking for a disc.

93. When you need scrap paper, use paper that has been discarded instead of a fresh sheet.

94. Use soy-based inks when printing documents which are less harmful for the environment.

95. Bring a mug to work instead of using a disposable cup.

96. Do not use paper towels. An old washcloth or worn clothing can be used a number of times and thrown in with the wash.

97. Use cloth napkins instead of paper.

98. Use a handkerchief in lieu of tissues.

99. Conserve toilet paper if feasible.

100. When shopping at the market, bring a reusable bag for the groceries instead of using the plastic ones available at the store.

101. Recycle all your plastic bags and bottles.

102. Recycle all your electronic waste at the appropriate locations.

Help Save the Environment by Reducing Air Pollution

101. Do not use a fireplace or wood stove, especially when the quality of air in the area is poor.

102. Avoid burning objects or debris in your yard.

103. If you must burn wood, try seasoned wood as it burns cleaner than green wood.

104. If you have a wood stove, be sure it was sold after 1990. Federal emissions standards were put in place that year to ensure cleaner and more efficiently burning stoves.

105. Use renewable energy sources whenever possible for heating.

106. Try installing solar panels on your roof. Many states have rebate initiatives to help save on the cost of solar powering your home.

107. Use water based or low volatile organic compound(VOC) paints, as well as stains, paint thinners, or wood finishes.

108. Recycle all printer cartridges.

109. Make sure that when you leave the office that all electrical equipment is shut off.

110. Report any smoking vehicles to the regional air agency.

111. Maintain the efficiency of your car with radial tires.

112. Always make sure your tires are inflated properly to maintain peak efficiency.

113. Whenever possible, walk or ride a bike instead of driving.

114. Join a carpool.

115. Ask your employer about telecommuting options, if applicable.

116. Use public transportation whenever you can.

117. If you must drive, try to limit all your errands to a single trip.

118. When you drive, maintain a steady speed and use cruise control.

119. Replace your car's air filter regularly.

120. Purchase products from suppliers that are carbon neutral.

121. Don't buy products that use aerosol spray cans.

Help Save the Environment by Making Less Trash

122. Cut down on junk mail. There are many services available to help you rid yourself of paper soliciting.

123. Skip the coffee stirrer, or bring your own reusable one.

124. Use cotton swabs with a paperboard swindle instead of plastic.

125. Buy items in bulk to reduce the overall packaging.

126. Avoid purchasing products with excess or unrecyclable packaging. Roughly 1/3 of our waste is from packaging alone.

127. Avoid electronic products that require separate batteries.

128. If the item does require separate batteries, use rechargeable ones.

129. Recycle all electronic waste. Electronic waste contains serious contaminants, such as lead and cadmium.

130. Instead of always buying new products, try repairing old ones.

131. Limit your purchase of things you want but don't necessarily need.

132. Use old items creatively. Instead of buying a new trash bin, craft one out of old junk.

133. Research products to make sure they are durable and easily repaired.

134. Reuse containers whenever possible.

135. If you put a plastic bag over your trash bin, reuse the bag by dumping the trash only into your dumpster.

136. Use tupperware or reusable containers to store your food instead of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

137. Use a canvas bag wherever you shop, whether it be a clothing shop or a bookstore.

138. Reuse packages and cardboard boxes for shipping or moving.

139. If you have no old boxes, try visiting a sporting goods or clothing store and ask them when they get a shipment of goods in. Most of the time they will have plenty of cardboard boxes which are thrown out that can still be used.

140. Compost all your vegetable scraps.

141. Buy used clothing.

142. Buy used furniture. Check out garage sales or advertisements on the internet.

143. If you are replacing furniture, try giving it away for free. Post an advertisement on the internet and see if one man's trash is truly another man's treasure.

144. Use cloth or environmentally friendly diapers. A child can run through anywhere from 5,000 to 8,000 diapers before they are toilet trained.

Help Save the Environment by Making Yourself Heard

145. One of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal is your vote. Support politicians that are strong on the environment.

146. Write to your representative in Congress and ask them to write legislation that increases funding for green technologies.

147. Vote for legislation that increases public transportation options, carbon caps for polluters, and supports environmental measures.

148. Share your knowledge with others in the community.

149. Encourage businesses and grocery stores to provide discounts for canvas bag use.

150. Volunteer for environmental awareness events.

151. Organize tree planting or community rallies in your area.

152. Encourage education and environmental literacy in local schools.

How the Elephant Got His Trunk

A childhood fable comes to life. In South Africa a baby elephant was attacked by a crocodile when it went for a drink with its family. When the crocodile got hold of the baby elephant, the whole herd of elephants first went crazy, running around and trumpeting, and then proceeded to come to the rescue of the baby elephant. After it was saved, all the elephants of the herd stayed around the baby elephant for a while, making sure that it was okay. The ones coming to the rescue were most probably female, especially the matriarch female.

Travel Safe Activities (10 pics)

Snails and a Baby

Chameleon-Man

This is the invisible man. Liu Bolin, a Chinese artist who knows how to disappear in any environment. He was born in 1973, studied at the Shandong College of Arts, and then at the Central Academy of Fine Arts.