Amazon Kindle Fire Tablet (Credit: Amazon via Bloomberg)

How and Why eBook Readers Are Environmentally Friendly

Should we be chopping down trees to make books? Or would it be better for the environment if we all read books digitally on tablets, slates and eReaders. The printed book is a significant waste of energy, water and paper. Environmentalists have looked at the environmental implications associated with producing, storing, shipping paper books. Yes, tablet/e-readers require a certain amount of resources, however this cannot compare to traditional paper books.

Reduce your environmental footprint with earth-friendly electronic books and don’t forget to recycle your tablet PC e-reading device at the end of its life cycle.

What’s on the Tablet/eReader Market

Here are some of the options in green, eco-friendly reading:

• Kindle Fire Tablet – the new color Kindle Fire has books, magazines, apps, for only $199.
• Amazon Kindle e-Readers – Choose from the original Amazon Kindle , the Kindle Touch and the Kindle Touch 3G
• Tablets for Kids – A tablet for kids is a great Christmas gift idea. Check out the LeapPad Explorer tablet by Leapfrog.
• Apple iPad Tablet – Download the iBooks app and read books in color. Check out the latest generation iPad.

Other popular tablet/ereaders are being developed from popular companies such as the Nook from Barnes and Noble and Sony. You can read ebooks on your PC, iPad, Kindle, Sony Reader, iPhone, Android and many other portable devices. Amazon has a recycling program for the Kindle and its batteries.

What is an eBook?

An e-book is an also known as an electronic book or a digital book. This book published in electronic form. An ebook can be a digital version of a paper book, journal article, newspaper or blog. An ebook may contain interactive content including hyperlinks and multimedia.

e-Books have become increasingly popular since the evolution of the Kindle ereader. Since then, other ereading devices such as the Nook, and the iPad tablet have been placed on the market. You can download ebooks on your PC, iPad, Kindle, Sony Reader, iPhone, Android or other portable device.

Will the eBook Replace Print Books?

Many have predicted that that e-books will eventually replace books and be the death of newspapers. With the recent advances in technology, it appears that we are heading for a paperless society. The “death” of the printed book has been under discussion for a long time – E-books are evolving, printed books are not. Save money and save the environment with paperless reading – Mother Earth will thank you! If you can’t part from the traditional printed book, utilize your local library, second-hand bookshops, and markets.

Kindle Comes to the Web

Read digital books online with Kindle for the web. Buy digital book from Amazon.com and read ebooks on the Web or your Tablet PC. The new Kindle for the Web allows you to bring books into your browser without downloading any software.

Embed book samples on your blog to your other Web site, similar to the function offered with video clips on YouTube. Customers are allowed to “Read the first chapter FREE” which gives them the opportunity to try before they buy. Kindle for the Web offers book pop-up offers.

Change the font size, adjust line spaces and change the background color of the book. Share popular ebooks through social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and share through e-mail.

Read and share book samples with Kindle for the Web.

• Read book samples from Amazon.com without leaving your browser. No need for any downloads.
• Recycle your favorite book samples by sharing them with your friends through various social networks and email.
• Use Amazon’s recycling program for the Kindle and its batteries.

Download Computer e-Books

Download Computer eBooks for your Kindle wireless reading device or your favorite web browser. Popular eBooks allow you to assess the quality through rank. Find best selling eBooks such as “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” and the “Girl Who Played With Fire”.

Protect your new investment with a quality tablet/ereader cover.

Read More: Kids Tablet

Alternatives to Nuclear Energy – Alternative Energy Resources

“Nuclear power is an unforgiving technology.” Doris Grinspun

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Alternative Energy is Wanted as Result of Nuclear Crisis. The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami are forcing many to look for clean energy resources. During the 2011 nuclear crisis, Japan’s levels of radiation caused residents to remain indoors more, which reduced economic activity. Radiation dosimeters were given to 34,000 children to assess the cumulative effects of radiation exposure.

“What’s clear is that the nuclear accidents in Japan have identified that in the event of natural disaster or national crisis, nuclear power is more of a liability than it is an asset.” – Paul Gunter (Beyond Nuclear)

Alternative green energy sources is a prominent theme for Earth Day 2012. The grim reality of radiation exposure, and high radiation levels is forcing us to look for better alternatives to nuclear energy. Sustainable clean energy will continue to be an important theme for Earth Day 2013, 2014 and even Earth Day 2015 onwards.

We may be saying goodbye to atomic age, and hello to renewable energy sources such as wind power, solar power and geothermal power.

Earth Day 2013 Energy – Green Energy Technology

Push for green energy sources by encouraging leading companies to source environmentally friendly electricity. Our reliance on coal and has taken its toll on the environment. Coal accounts for a large percentage of greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to global warming. Nuclear energy is also being questioned after the devastating nuclear disaster in Japan. The Fukushima Japan disaster has been a sobering wake up call, and people are beginning to rethink nuclear power. Advocate the use of renewable sources of energy that will help us move away from nuclear and coal energy, and towards clean sustainable eco energy.

President Barack Obama has outlined a plan to reduce oil imports to the United States by a third over the next decade. President Obama emphasized the shift to other ‘Clean Energy’ industries such as ‘clean coal,’ natural gas, biofuels, wind and solar power. President Obama plans to reduce oil imports by a third by 2021. The U.S. will boost the domestic production of oil and gas, use of biofuels and fuel efficiency. President Obama’s plan will reduce the reliance on Mideast producers.

Alternatives to Nuclear Energy

Geothermal Power – Geothermal Advantages

Geothermal energy is a renewable source of energy that is generated in the Earth’s core. Geothermal power is cost effective, reliable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. Geothermal energy is an excellent source of clean, cheap, and renewable power.

Solar Power – Solar Energy

Solar power is energy that is derived from the sun and converted into heat or electricity. Solar energy is a renewable source of energy that is clean and produces no pollution. No fuel, waste, or pollution is expelled in its usage. Solar power is sustainable, renewable and earth friendly.

Wind Power Advantages – Advantages of Wind Energy

Wind power is produced by using wind generators to harness the kinetic energy of wind. Wind power is a renewable energy produced through the use of wind turbines. Wind power is a clean, green sustainable energy with great potential.

Hydroelectric Power – Hydroelectricity

Hydropower plants capture the energy of falling water to generate electricity. The water pressure that is created by water is used to turn the blades of a turbine. The turbine is connected to a generator, which converts the mechanical energy into electricity. Hydropower is a clean, and renewable source of energy. It provides inexpensive electricity and is pollution-free.

Methane Gas – Eco Energy

Methane gas can provide renewable energy. As landfill waste breaks down, it produces methane and other gases. More than 75 percent of this gas is available for use as “green” energy. Methane gas is increasingly used to generate electricity and heat.

Celebrate Earth Day 2013 by advocating the use of renewables, eco energy and sustainable power. Unquestionably, renewables are the way of the future.
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Read More: What is Fracking

Climate Change and Mental Health: Why Increased Temperatures Means Increased Depression

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Depression and Climate Change

If you think climate change is only a concern for polar bears and environmentalists, think again. A report titled “A Climate of Suffering: The Real Cost of Living with Inaction on Climate Change” suggests that the extreme weather associated with global warming could hit close to home—specifically, inside your own brain. Climate change is causing clinical depression symptoms and needing various depression treatments.

What is Depression?

Depression is a condition of mental disturbance, typically with lack of energy and difficulty in maintaining concentration or interest in life. Clinical depression symptoms can range from feelings of worthlessness to impaired concentration and fatigue. Depression is more than just a low mood – it’s a serious illness which requires treatment.

Climate Change and Depression

The science believed to be behind global warming is relatively simple; air pollutants known as greenhouse gases trap heat near the earth’s surface, causing widespread increases in temperature. Although some greenhouse gases occur naturally, scientists believe that human activities—particularly the burning of fossil fuels—have altered the composition of the earth’s atmosphere. And the effects of climate change cannot be solved by simply cranking up the AC; scientists predict that “extreme weather events” like cyclones and droughts will become much more common as a result of temperature changes.

We are used to measuring the cost of natural disasters in money and human lives. What we sometimes forget is that the psychological toll of these events can persist long after the physical damage has disappeared. This latest study, commissioned by the Climate Institute, focuses on recent severe weather in Australia. Researchers found that mental disorders spiked in the aftermath of a drought, with up to one in five people experiencing “emotional injury, stress, depression and despair.” Rates of substance abuse, clinical depression, domestic violence, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also rose. And given that disorders like depression and anxiety increase one’s risk of suicide, the problem is a serious one.

Global Warming Linked To Rise In Mental Illness

This phenomenon has only recently garnered attention, so any explanations are necessarily speculative. It is not hard to see why the man who witnessed a cyclone destroy his home might later suffer from depression and PTSD, but scientists suggest that such events can also disrupt the “social cohesion” of an entire community. A business that fails in the wake of a natural disaster may have to lay off hundreds or even thousands of employees, resulting in private financial troubles and a potential exodus of workers. The psychological effects of this kind of upheaval can be devastating, especially for children; following Cyclone Larry, roughly one in ten primary schoolers displayed symptoms of PTSD.

This particular study was limited to Australia, but if current climate trends continue, we could witness a worldwide outbreak of anxiety, depression and mental disorders. We need to find ways to reduce pollution levels—our own peace of mind is at stake.

Hurricane Season has brought us great devastation and mental health consequences such as clinical depression. Hurricane Irene, Hurricane Katia and Hurricane Lee are showing us that we need to take a serious look at the devastating effects of climate change, and how they threaten our mental health.
Copyright © 2012 EarthDay2012.com. All rights reserved.
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What is Earth Week 2013 – Definition of Earth Week 2013

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Earth Week 2013 is a time to promote awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment, sustainable living and earth awareness. Earth Week is also known as National Green Week 2013. Environmentalists all over the world will recycle and conserve energy this earth week!

Earth Week Dates 2013

Earth Week usually runs from April 16th to Earth Day, April 22nd. This leads up to Earth Day 2013!

Earth Week 2013 Ideas – Ideas for Earth Week 2013

What can you do this Earth Week 2013? There are many green ideas for Earth Week 2013 — Celebrate with green Earth Week Activities!

• Less is More - Purchase items with less packaging.
• Paperless Technologies - Invest in a kids ereader or kids tablet
• Go Chemical Free – Adopt a chemical free lifestyle
• Hybrid Light Bulbs – Use hybrid light bulbs in your home and office
• Paperless Tablet PC – Unless you are a “committed luddite” – Invest in a Slate/Tablet PC
• Green Energy – Advocate the use of sustainable, renewable, clean energy.
• Earth Day Songs – Celebrate Environment Week 2013 with Earth Day Songs
• Recycling – Start a recycling program at your school, office, or workplace.
• Eco-Challenges - Convert waste materials into new things that are functional or beautiful, or both.
• Sustainable Reading - Plant a new tree for every book you read
• Earth Day Movie - Check out Disneynature’s Chimpanzee Movie at a theater near you
• Green Transportation – Walk, ride or bike - Skip the car!
• Plant a Tree or Garden – Green your environment with trees, gardens and flowers.
• Turn off the lights – Turn off all unnecessary lights
• Go Flexitarian – Give up meat for one day
• Phantom Energy – Unplug Appliances to reduce the use of phantom energy
• Pick up the Garbage - Spend some a couple hours picking up litter at your local park, river or highway
• Earth Week Activities -Teach children how to be environmentalists early! They are the future.

Come 2014, there will be many more green initiatives! Go Green with a Paperless Tablet PC

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Learn More: Earth Day 2013

Chimpanzee Movie by Disneynature

Disney Earth Day Movie 2012 – Chimpanzee

Copyright © 2012 EarthDay2012.com. All rights reserved.

Have you seen the Disneynature film, “Earth“? What about “Oceans,” or “African Cats” released this past April? If so, you’ll be as excited as I am about Disneynature’s new movie, coming on Earth Day – April 22, 2012. “Chimpanzee” will be the fourth thrilling nature documentary from Disneynature. Both children and adults absolutely love these films.

“Chimpanzee” hits theaters April 20th, 2012. Watch the trailer below and tell us what you think!

Official Teaser Trailer for Disneynature’s Chimpanzee

Celebrate Earth Week 2012 by watching Disneynature’s “Chimpanzee” documentary film. Disney’s “Chimpanzee” is set for release on Earth Day, April 20, 2012 making it perfect for Earth Day activities!

Alastair Fothergill (director of “Earth” and “African Cats”) teams with Mark Linfield (who also directed Earth) for real life story based on the heartwarming relationship of a chimp and a orphan. Meet Oscar, the 3-year-old orphan chimp at the center of Disneynature’s next true-life film, “Chimpanzee”. Oscar is an adorable, curious, baby chimp who is left all alone after the death of his mother. Discover the remarkable bond between Oscar and the female chimp who adopts him and helps Oscar find a home.

Chimpanzee Movie Song

The songs that play during the trailer for “Chimpanzee” is The Sound of Sunshine by Michael Franti and Spearhead This is Home by Switchfoot.

Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield co-direct this intimate look at the world of chimpanzees, with Christophe Boesch, head of the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, serving as principal consultant and Alix Tidmarsh as producer.

This True Life Adventure is Rated G, perfect for kids! Watch the special Earth Day movie for 2012.

Copyright © 2012 EarthDay2012.com. All rights reserved.

Read More: When is Earth Day in 2012