Great move, Scholastic, but aren’t you six books late?

I am proud to announce the seventh Harry Potter book, The Deathly Hallows, is being printed on FSC approved paper that consists of at least 30% post-consumer waste.The first U.S. printing will consist of approximately 12 million copies ("Paper Decision").This is a big step for the U.S. considering the fact that U.S. publisher, Scholastic, Inc., declined to produce the sixth book on recycled paper back in 2005. This is an improvement for Americans, but it doesn’t stand up to the Canadian edition, which was created with 100% PCW fiber for both the sixth and seventh books!("Half-Good Prints")Studies show that one million copies printed on recycled paper helped save over 40,000 trees. Environmentalists are putting forth efforts to get more books printed on FSC certified paper in the future. Some of the most prominent struggles include availability, quality, and price ("Publisher Conversation").Luckily, there are many ways we can help out to increase the amount of books printed on recycled paper. We can increase the demand by purchasing those books that bear an FSC certified seal. For example, Harry Potter fans in the U.S. can order the Canadian edition of the final book, rather than the U.S. edition. And if you’re worried about the price, don’t! According to Oanda.com, a currency conversion website, it would actually cost less to purchase it there! And if you’re worried about shipping, Amazon.com (US and Canada) offer the seventh book with free super saver shipping! You can also make your support for recycling known by writing publishers. Ask them to support the FSC and its stand to preserve the world’s ancient forests!

References
Hall, Randy. "Harry Potter Recycled Paper Decision 'Works Magic For Forests'". 3/22/2007. Cybercast News Service. 4/12/2007. http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPrint.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200703/CUL20070322c.html
Conversation With A Publisher. 08/10/2003. GreanPeace. 04/12/2007. www.greenpeace.org/international/news/conversation-with-a-publisher
Harry Potter and the Half Good Prints. 07/13/2005. GreenPeace. 04/12/2007. http://www.greenpeace.org/international/news/harry-potter-111
The Currency Site FX - Converter. 04/12/2007. OANDA.COM. 04/12/2007. http://oanda.com

Food for thought

I had a teacher a few years ago who was a die-hard conservationist and animal rights activist. She constantly promoted organic foods, recycling, and animal rights. She disapproved of fast food and raved about the book "Fast Food Nation" by Eric Schlosser. She spoke to the class with such passion, and I found it quite inspiring. So off to the store I went. I was ready to fight the good fight.
Walking down the aisles proved to me that this task was much easier said than done.
Few grocery stores offer a large variety of organic foods. Whole Foods and Ukrops are probably the best known ones. Many grocery stores use large signs to advertise organic foods, especially in the produce section. You can find tomatoes, lettuce, beans, and all sorts of hybrid fruits that have been organically grown. In the meat section, neon "free-range" stickers stand out on the packaging to gain buyers' attention. Dairy products like milk and eggs also offer an organic variety.
One thing, however, that they don't try to exploit is the price.
Sure, I feel bad for the chickens that spend all their time cooped up in a tiny cage, and I wouldn't want to see a cow living in a pen that it can barely turn around in. Of course I don't want to ingest pesticides on a daily basis. . . who knows what kind of health effects will come of that!? But with all this said and done, I don't have a clue how my meals grew up. And my pocket book doesn't really allow for me to make a big deal out of it. I've seen organic items at the grocery store up to a few dollars higher than "other" items. The bottom line is everyone can't afford to eat organically. Lately, I stick to "Bonus Buy" items at Shoppers and the Dollar Menu.
I love animals, but I can still manage to down a burger without thinking I'm a heartless jerk.
One thing is for sure, though. Once the prices become more competitive on organic items, I'll definitely jump on the bandwagon.

Power Line Controversy

I'm sure by now you’ve heard about the controversy that’s going on with Dominion Power. Last fall, the situation exploded into the public eye when Dominion had proposed a route to build high-voltage power lines through many pristine and protected areas in Virginia, as well as through residential communities, to include Civil War battlefields, Historic Landmarks, and the Appalachian Trail (PEC). Needless to say, the public was outraged by the proposal. Many conservationists and residents have rallied against the proposal at community meetings, energy rallies, and other public events.
In retaliation from the strong opposition, Dominion officials stated that Northern Virginia’s demand for electricity is expected to grow over 8% in the next five years and insisted that the area would experience multiple black-outs without the new lines (Shear & Gardner). They also released an advertisement that states, “Without a new transmission line, it will be lights out in Northern Virginia” (DVP). However, little evidence has been provided from Dominion to prove the need for the new line. Many bills have been proposed to suggest Dominion bury the lines in the ground despite the heightened cost, but Dominion doesn’t seem to consider this an option.
Last month, Dominion proposed a new line that would bypass many of the controversial areas in Virginia in an attempt to lessen the opposition, but the people were not satisfied. The power lines would still lower the values of the homes they were visible from, be a danger to children in the area, and pose a possible health threat to the communities they encompass. Affected residents are making changes in their energy consumption in an attempt to reduce the need for the new lines. They are switching their light sources to energy-efficient light bulbs that have been proven to save hundreds of dollars a year off electric bills (PEC) and turning lights, TV’s, and other electronics off when not in use.
If the transmission line must be built, Dominion should bury the line. Those affected by the line obviously are against it being constructed above-ground. Although the extra cost will undoubtedly be passed along to its customers, it would be well worth the price. The construction that will take place will be an annoyance during the length of the project, but the end result will be aesthetically pleasing and seems to be the best compromise for both sides.
Dominion Virginia Power. 04/10/07. Dominion®. 04/10/07.

In Nod To Foes, Dominion to Revisit Route Options. 01/24/07. The Washington Post. 04/10/07. <www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/23/AR2007012301316.html>

PEC. 04/09/07. Piedmont Environmental Council. 04/10/07.

Power Line To Track Existing N.Va. Route. 02/12/07. The Washington Post. 04/10/07. <www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/12/AR2007021201662.html>