Trees are Trying Forests Have Limited Powers to Save Us


Forests have a finite capacity to soak up atmospheric carbon dioxide, according to a recent study from Northern Arizona University. Results published in the online journal New Phytologist illustrate how today’s rising atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2


CO2


-Correct Food Menus Minimize Greenhouse Gases


Experts at the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, at Aberdeen University, in Scotland, have created a new menu plan that is healthy and nutritious, as well as good for the environment. The researchers compiled a shopping list of 52 foods arranged in categories according to how much climate-changing greenhouse gases are produced to make and transport them (Tinyurl.com/ScottishDiet). They then devised a weekly weight allowance for each food, which when fol-


) might alter the car-


bon and nitrogen content of ecosystems. In contrast to expectations, re-


While plants did contain more carbon in the presence of higher CO2


levels,


the soil lost carbon content due to microbial decomposition. These factors essentially canceled each other out, signifying that nature cannot entirely self-correct against climate change.


Marine Maneuvers Harnessing the Ocean’s Power Potential


The U.S. Depart- ment of Energy (DOE) is investing $16 million on 17 tidal and wave projects to sustain- ably and efficiently capture energy from waves, tides and currents. The proj-


ects will also help gather crucial data on how these devices interact with the surrounding environment. The DOE will also spend $13.5 million on eight projects to help U.S. companies build durable, efficient wave and tidal devices that reduce overall costs and maximize the amount of energy captured. Specifically, the projects will fo- cus on developing new components and software that predicts ocean conditions and adjusts device settings accordingly to optimize power production.


Source: Ecoseed.org natural awakenings April 2014 11


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search over an 11-year period showed that ecosystem carbon uptake was not significantly increased by high CO2


.


lowed, would reduce the use of greenhouse gases by about a third. Surprisingly, the list features foods such as chocolate, ice cream and red meat, but anyone wanting to reduce their carbon footprint must only eat them in relatively tiny quantities. Some food groups, such as dairy products and meat, produce much bigger emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide than others because of the way they are manufactured and brought to market. The production of fruit, vegeta- bles and legumes is much less likely to produce such high emissions.


Source: Scotsman.com


Join us for the 3rd


Annual Conference Nourishing Our Roots and


Healing From the Ground Up June 6, 7 and 8, 2014


(preconference workshops on June 6 begin at 9:30am) Held at the Beber Camp in Mukwonago,WI


Featuring a wide spectrum of Midwest Herbalists and earth-based speakers on topics including herbs for family health, wild edibles, fermentation, permaculture and plant walks and special children’s


and teen’s programming. Enjoy entertainment, morning yoga classes and herbal wisdom the Wise Woman way!


Featured Guests: Tieraona Low Dog and Lisa Ganora Registration for the weekend as well as


preconference workshops is available on our website: www.midwestwomensherbal.com


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