If you are familiar with global warming, you are also likely familiar with the debate that surrounds it. Although many individuals claim that global warming is nothing more than a myth or even a scam used to raise money for environmental issues, it isn’t too hard to see that the earth is changing. As previously stated, the earth is changing. Although these changes are small, many notice them. We have noticed a change in the weather pattern, which includes stronger storms, as well as varying temperatures. We have also noticed a change in icecaps and glaciers, as many are melting at quicker rates than originally anticipated. Unfortunately, if global warming continues as many experts predict it will, the changes that we notice will increase in intensity and many will be life changing experiences. When it comes to global warming and its affects, one of the most commonly asked questions surrounds prevention. Many wonder if global warming can be stopped or if there are at least ways that we can lessen its impact. This issue is also one that has been widely debated. Many of the experts who oppose global warming, claim that the rise in the earth’s temperatures is nothing unexpected. Many attribute it to normal pattern. For that reason, there are many who believe that there is nothing that we can do to stop or lessen the impact of global warming, as the changes that we are seeing are ones that may have occurred no matter what. Even as the debate continues on, we still have to take a look at the changes the earth is seeing, even if it isn’t related to global warming. Glaciers and icecaps in the north are melting at a small, but still high rate of speed. Although this melting was predicted and has been anticipated for years now, things are moving along a little bit faster than anticipated. This brings more support to the theory of global warming. So whether you believe in global warming or not, you may still be interested in doing what you can to help stop the changes our planet is seeing. One of the many ways that humans can help stop global warming or at least many of the changes we are seeing with our planet is by taking a close look at our homes. You may be surprised how much carbon dioxide the average home emits. Simply by ensuring that all light and appliances are turned off when not in use can do wonders for the environment and possibly global warming. In keeping with electricity use in our homes, energy efficient appliances and simply energy efficient light bulbs can help to lessen the carbon dioxide emissions from most homes. In fact, did you know that energy efficient appliances and light bulbs can also save you money? Another one of the many ways that we can help to stop global warming or at least the changes on our planet that are staring to take hold is by looking at our vehicle uses.

Source: Wind Power

The solar energy, the wind energy, the waves energy, all this energy can mean close polluting and toxic factories. How to utilize wind power in our houses?This process is very simple, but the information is very hard to find. You must contact specialists or spend huge amounts of dollars on home wind power kits. Electricity generators around the world are switching to wind power, and as the cost of technology comes down many smart, environmentally conscious and money smart individuals like you and me are starting to generate their own wind power at home. Many people do not believe they can save money with wind generators because they do not have enough wind where they live. Wind generators can be effective in most places, because only 6-8 miles per hour of wind are needed to be effective, maybe even a little less - and unless you live in a giant plastic sealed dome, the chances are, you most likely have enough wind in your area. If you do not have that much wind in your area, then you probably have tons of sunlight - so there is always an option for you to gain energy to stimulate your needs to save cash by using alternative sources of energy!How Much Do Alternative Energy’s Cost? Believe it or not, solar panels cost an enormous gripload of cash. Simple tools available in most households, no special toolsWhere do you start?First off, after examining the plans you will see that you need to order a DC motor to be used as a power generator for your home. The blades turn the motor in order to produce power. It takes a few days to be sent directly to your home so don’t hesitate to take this action first. While you are waiting for your DC motor to arrive you can get started on the other parts as outlined in your diy wind turbine plans.

Oncologists determine what kind of treatment to prescribe for a patient. The options are endless. There is no universal treatment course for malignant mesothelioma sufferers. This is because of the relative rareness of the disease, the high mortality rate and low treatment success rate, and the few scientific studies to provide meaningful statistics.

Mesothelioma patients have historically had a bleak outlook, but doctors have recently made progress. Traditional treatments for cancer are surgery (removing the tumor and surrounding tissue), radiation (killing the cancerous cells with radiation), and chemotherapy (poisoning the cancerous cells.) Each one of these methods have problems. Patients with mesothelioma have not responded well to traditional radiation therapy. In hopes to lessen damage to healthy tissue, researches are studying ways to aim radiation right at the tumor.

Surgery takes out the mesothelial cancerous tissue around the tumor. The surgery is difficult and challenging, with unknown effects or benefits to patients. Most chemotherapy medication that work on other cancers typically do not work on mesothelioma, and combinations of chemotherapy agents have been tried, but without much success. Like radiation, researchers are focusing their work on controlling the physical location of the treatment with an emphasis on the pleural cavity.

Many advanced techniques in cancer treatment are tried on mesothelioma patients because of its high fatality rate. These techniques include a biologic therapy called the agent interleukin 2 and anti-angiogenesis drugs like thalidomide. Pemetrexed (Alimta) is a new drug that has shown results in extending life.

Before acting, oncologists review the stage of mesothelioma, position of the tumor, and age and health status of the patient. Theres also photodynamic therapy and gene therapy ” two far-out new ways of attacking cancer. Clinical trials using these techniques are being offered to some of those who have mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is known to have a few primary symptoms. The primary symptom of pleural mesothelioma is shortness of breath as a consequence of pleural effusion ” fluid being built up in the pleura, or membrane, encompassing the lung. The second most common symptomis chest pain due to the tumor invading the chest wall. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats

The main indicatorof patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which originates in the abdomen, is fluid buildup (known as ascites) in the abdomen causing abdominal swelling, pain in the abdomen, and blockage of the bowel.

It is important to note that these symptoms could be caused by a myriad of diseases or conditions. However, if you have been exposed to asbestos and have these symptoms, you should visit a doctor.

Mesothelioma cancer is hard to identify, because less serious conditions also cause similar symptoms. Symptoms typical for mesothelioma:

• Having trouble breathing
• Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
• Burning up
• Nausea
• Raspy voice
• Having trouble swallowing
• Spitting up blood

Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. Sufferers of the above symptoms should not panic, and should consult their doctor. The standard way to confirm the condition is with a biopsy. A pathologist takes a sample of tissue from the suspected region and examines the biopsy which results in a very precise diagnosis. Biopsies are generally not painful.

A CT scan (Computer Tomography is an option if you dont want a biopsy. This is an X-ray procedure where a scanner takes many cross-sectional images as it rotates around the body. A patient might have to ingest a dye to help define the pictures. CT scans might be advantageous because of their simplistic and non-invasive nature, and they are considered an effective way of diagnosing the disease. Opinions vary whether a CT scan or biopsy is cheaper. If irregularities are detected, a biopsy may also be needed to know if the abnormality is a tumor, and if so, whether it is malignant or benign. Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is also possible by looking for cancer cells in a sample of fluid from the pleura.

These methods can also diagnose and screen patients for mesothelioma. Patients who may think they are at risk but do not display any symptoms are typically screened, to catch the cancer early or to make sure the patient is not otherwise in danger. Patients should be screened for mesothelioma if they have a history of asbestos exposure.

It’s been forecast that the European Alp’s top 655 snowboarding towns would be reduced to 390 by 2050. Artemia Lombardo stated that skiing resorts will notice the pain prior to then, not from a lack of snow but due to a general contraction in purchasing power linked to the cost of oil. What about rising temperatures? Researchers have shown that a doubling up of CO2 levels shall raise ground temperatures by 4 to 7 degrees Celsius. Nevertheless there are still unanswered questions. The pace of global warming and the consequences on the local climate. Several degrees heating in the last 100 years has not been witnessed over the last 1000000 years. Even during the close of the ice-age 20000 yrs ago the increase of three degrees Celsius was over a period of 7 to 8 thousand years. Earlier than that Brevent and Araches-la-Frasse were under thick ice and Risoul would have been the same as Siberia.

Thus what what does the future bring for low level skiing mountains towns? Oil problems will commence to be felt by 2014 to 20, with higher costs for ski accommodation, ski taxi firms and ski lift firms alike - so it might well be the end of weekend ski deals. Half of our economy hinges upon crude oil and the French imports 85 percent. Currently the amount is five % of gross domestic product. When the price of oil grows as predicted it’ll comprise 38 % of GDP, you can imagine the down turn. Europe will witness the price of agricultural goods going up, flora species will modify due to a modification in rain patterns. Locals will depart the locale because of the summer stifling heat. Its hydro-power will be a invaluable source of power however it is not certain that it will be an advantage since there will be less rainfall, a lot of water in the winter and less in the springtime.

Kermit the Frog might think it’s only natural to be green during the holiday season, and maybe you can too by making a couple of easy changes to reduce spending and waste. For many people the holidays signify stress and over-spending. This year you can take a couple of easy steps to enjoy the holidays more and reduce the impact on our environment. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, 5 million extra tons of trash are produced in the U.S., not to mention the extra energy used during this period. Below are some simple ideas on how to help you to remain green during the holidays.

Gifts Ideas:

1) Purchase gifts that are consumed like food, beverages, mixes, sweets.

2) Purchase recyclable gifts like books and magazine subscriptions.

3) Purchase consumable gifts like candles, natural body creams or soaps.

4) Purchase gift certificates to the person’s favorite restaurant, book store or clothing store. You are giving twice with a certificate. Once when the person receives the certificate and again when they use it.

5) Give an “experience” like a massage, tickets to the theatre or music event, day at the spa, movie tickets, etc. This works for kids too. Kids love going to the movies or a music event. You could also share this experience and go with the person.

6) Purchase a membership to an environmental organization like Clean Wisconsin that helps the environment year round. (Visit www.CleanWisconsin.org or call 1-608-251-7020).

7) Get together instead of giving gifts. The holidays are a great time to spend time with friends and relatives. Instead of exchanging gifts, spend some quality time together.

Wrapping Ideas:

1) Buy recycled gift wrap. There are few options for recycled gift wrap, but www.smithandhawken.com has three varieties.

2) Make your own gift bags and reuse them.

3) Wrap gifts with brown grocery bags and decorate them. This is a great family activity. Kids love drawing, stamping, coloring, etc on the packages. Other materials could be used to wrap the gifts too - i.e. comics, newspaper, etc.

4) Reuse ribbons and bows.

5) Use your holiday cards from the previous year as gift tags for the current year. Cut portions of the cards out, hole punch and add ribbon. This could be a family activity.

Holiday Cards:

1) Purchase cards on recycled paper only.

2) Purchase cards with a purpose. Most charities sell holiday cards where part of the proceeds goes directly to the charity.

3) Make your own cards. Again this could be a great family activity - get the kids involved.

4) Send electronic cards to as many family and friends as possible. If Americans sent just one out of every ten holiday cards electronically, it would save over 30,000 trees.

Decorations:

1) Purchase your Christmas tree from a vendor that uses sustainable forest practices. Or buy a potted tree and plant it after the season.

2) Go artificial. It can be used year after year, doesn’t leave a huge pile of needles on your carpet and it help protect our forests.

3) If you need to purchase new decorations for the tree this year, use biodegradable decorations like cranberries and popcorn.

4) Use compact fluorescent/ LED light bulbs. Or use small bulbs on outside lights. Smaller bulbs equal lower wattage which consumes less energy and gives off less heat, making the lights safer. Also purchase light strands that are wired in parallel which have separate circuitry. With separate circuitry if one bulb blows the other bulbs will continue to shine.

5) Use a timer on your outdoor and indoor lights.

The holidays are a great time of year. Most people are in such a mad rush to get things done, buy gifts and entertain that they don’t take the time to enjoy the moments with friends and family. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed and with some thoughtful changes, you can create memories with your family and be a more environmental-friendly consumer. Being green isn’t difficult during this holiday season. A couple of simple changes can help you reduce stress, create lasting family memories and protect our natural resources.

Clean Wisconsin, an environmental advocacy organization, protects Wisconsin’s clean water and air and advocates for clean energy by being an effective voice in the state legislature and by holding elected officials and corporations accountable. Founded in 1970 as Wisconsin’s Environmental Decade, Clean Wisconsin exposes corporate polluters, makes sure existing environmental laws are enforced, and educates citizens and businesses. On behalf of its 10,000 members and its coalition partners, Clean Wisconsin protects the special places that make Wisconsin such a wonderful place to live, work and play. Phone: 608-251-7020, Fax: 608-251-1655, Email: info@cleanwisconsin.org, Website: www.cleanwisconsin.org.

According to several pieces of junk mail the Grinning Planet offices have received this year, we can get 37 CDs for just a penny! Fine, as long as we don’t have to listen to the complimentary copy of “Megadeth Plays Liberace.”

We’re really here today to talk about some of the stuff you get in the mail that may actually be usable. Most of us have received all sorts of supposedly usable stuff in junk mail–free return-address labels, blank greeting cards, calendars, even reeeaaaally flat sponges. Well, we may be very pleased to find out that some junk-mailer considers us “sponge-worthy,” but the larger question is, should we use this stuff even if we don’t send a contribution to “Save the Down-Sized Rich People” or whatever group sent it to us?

Consider the case of the free return-address labels. The organization sent them to you hoping that you would send them a donation. If you’re not inclined to donate, it is NOT unethical for you to use the labels. From an ecological perspective, whether you send the organization money or not is irrelevant. The labels have already been manufactured, packaged, and mailed–those financial costs and resource costs have already been incurred. If you can make use of the free labels instead of throwing them out and buying similar replacement items, then it’s a “win” for resource utilization and the environment. The group that sent you the labels isn’t any worse off than if you’d just thrown the labels out. The same logic applies to ALL of the free goodies you get in the mail.

So take those return-address stickers you got from the “Friends of Hard-Luck Martian Television Stars” (or whomever) and use ‘em up!

P.S. To get less junk mail in the first place, you can get on the “Stop Sending Me This Crap” list at the Direct Marketing Association’s Mail Preference Service — http://www.dmaconsumers.org/offmailinglist.html .

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About the Author

Mark is a writer, financial analyst, web developer, environmentalist, and, as necessary, chef and janitor. Grinning Planet is an expression of Mark’s enthusiasm for all things humorous and green, as well as a psychotic desire to work himself half-to-death. Hobbies include health foods, music, getting frustrated over politics, and occasionally lecturing the TV set on how uncreative it is.