Global warming impact like "nuclear war" says report

Please read this news article and make your suggestions as to what we can do.

no more plastic bags

photo source: delight.com

One of the easiest changes to make when becoming more environmentally aware is discontinuing the use of plastic bags. We know that one person can make a difference by not using plastic bags and there's a lot of personal joy that comes from knowing that you are doing your part, albeit small.

I love these envirosax. Not only are they beautiful and eco-friendly, but each bag holds the equivalent of two plastic grocery bags! Envirosax is an Australian company and they sell these bags in a variety of styles and designs. They now have a USA store online and the website is a lot of fun to look at. For $35 you get 5 bags rolled up in a larger bag that you can keep in your car or you can keep a bag or two in your purse as well. Other fun bags I've seen around online are from Carry A Bag and I'm Not a Plastic Bag and others seen over at Tangled and True.

Whenever I use these bags or bags like them, everyone notices mainly because they are so attractive, but almost everyone stops and says, "I never thought about doing that!" or "What a great idea!" or "I want to start doing that!" Even if their motivating factor is because the bags are so cute, or because it's trendy to be green, who cares, right? They notice that I am not going to use plastic bags. Most people are unaware of their own impact on the environment and sometimes all it takes is to see one thing. That's how it happened for me.

Bags like these can also be homemade or be bought for practically pennies at health food stores and other places. I love these beautiful alternatives to plastic bags. They make me happy.

Oposition Vocal at Coal Plant Hearing

Click on photo to ENLARGE.
The overwhelming majority of speakers spoke out in opposition to a new coal plant planned for Sevier County at a public meeting held on August 24th. In attendance and speaking in opposition to the plant were several members of the UVSF. Numerous parents with asthmatic children joined many others in condemning the proposed plant. The plant would produce toxins that will further harm Utah's air quality which in places like Utah Valley has already reached a health crisis point.

Photos ©JWestwater

Which Choices Are You Making?

<–– Click on the graphic at left to ENLARGE.

YOUR SUGGESTIONS are requested

Please give us your suggestions for:

• how we can function better as a group
• ideas for speakers and subjects for our meetings
• things we can do to help the environment
• green events that are coming up
• helpful web sites to visit that relate to our objectives
• suggestions for fun outings, hikes, get-togethers and the like
• ideas for educational outings and service projects
• any other suggestions or ideas

You may give us your suggestions by clicking on the "comments" link immediately below this posting, or by emailing Bepe or Jim.

Utah's Red Rock Areas Need Wilderness Protection

Legislation to designate over 9 million acres of Utah's world class redrock natural areas is now before congress. For many years this legislation has not passed. With the new congress we now have the best chance in years to enact this bill and protect this land from mining and other impacting activities. But we must let our congressional representatives know that we support this important legislation. Click HERE to learn more about ARWA and how to help protect these great parts of Utah.

All lands proposed for wilderness designation in America's Red Rock Wilderness Act are owned by the American public and administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The bill is supported by SUWA, the Wasatch Mountain Club, the Sierra Club, The Wilderness Society, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and more than 200 other national and regional conservation organizations belonging to the Utah Wilderness Coalition.

Our thanks to the photographers supplying these images (see site above for their names).