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Green Scene

  • Ecotourism classes start at TCC Wakulla on Feb. 20

    Special to The News

    The TCC Wakulla Center’s new semester of ecotourism classes start Monday, Feb. 20.
    Students will have an opportunity to share their passion for ecology and love of nature with others by getting a Green Guide Certification from TCC.
    Offered in a combination of a traditional classroom setting and hands-on field trips, the Green Guide Certification program creates an atmosphere that increases environmental awareness and a nature-centered network.

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  • EarthTalk: Is it true that cable TV boxes use massive amounts of energy?

    Dear EarthTalk:
    Is it true that cable and other pay TV boxes that sit atop television sets consume massive amounts of energy, in part because they are always on, even when the TV is off?
    Sam Winston
    Metarie, La.

    We hear a lot about how much energy modern day flat screen TV sets consume, but the innocuous set-top boxes that drive them, along with their built-in digital video recorders, may be even more to blame.

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  • EARTHTALK: What's the story with Echinacea?

    Dear EarthTalk:
    What’s the story with Echinacea? Many herb teas contain it, and many people swear by it as a cold remedy. But I’ve also seen headlines saying that the herb has no medicinal value whatsoever. Can you set the record straight?        
    Arlene Hixson
    Portland, Maine

    Echinacea, also known as purple coneflower, has gained popularity in recent years as a nutritional supplement that proponents believe is helpful in staving off the common cold and shortening its duration.

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  • Some upcoming gardening events

    Iris Garden Club to offer Arbor Day preview

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  • Green Living: Changes in how we light our homes

    Oh the far reaching effects of our government.  
    Are you aware of the Energy Independence and Security Act, which became law in 2007?  
    The law mandated new efficiency standards to be set for appliances which included new energy-efficiency standards for general service incandescent light bulbs.
    But on January 1 of this year, the day set by Congress for the 100-watt bulb to become more energy efficient, enforcement of the new law was delayed until October 2012.  
    What does this mean for the consumer?

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  • EARTHTALK: Why haven't we switched to thorium for generating nuclear energy?

    From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine

    Dear EarthTalk:

    Thorium is a naturally occurring element that is supposedly more available, more efficient and safer to use than uranium for generating nuclear energy. Is this true and, if so, why haven’t we made the switch?        
    – Jane Westermann
    Austin, Texas

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  • Recycling – it's the right thing to do

    I can’t think of many issues that have been more controversial in our county this year than county-wide trash and recycling.  
    I certainly don’t have many answers but I wanted to take this opportunity to write some thoughts on what I am seeing, hearing and experiencing as I travel the county and when I attend meetings.

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  • EARTHTALK: What's a healthy alternative to diet soda?

    Dear EarthTalk:
    I drink diet soda but I’m told it’s bad for me and linked to health problems. Is this true and if so can you suggest any healthier alternatives?    
    – Mitchell James, Ronkonkoma, N.Y.

    While rumors have circulated for years that diet sodas are unhealthy, researchers have found no direct links between such drinks and specific human health problems.
    Aspartame (also known as NutraSweet) is the sugar-alternative of choice for most diet soda makers.

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  • Homemade for the Holidays

    Sustainable Big Bend, Inc. and the UF-IFAS Extension Office co-hosted a workshop last Thursday evening with the focus on making gifts for the holidays from all sorts of materials that can be re-purposed or re-used.

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  • Commercial recycling discussed

    By TAMMIE BARFIELD
    tbarfield@thewakullanews.net

    Non-residential recycling was at the top of the agenda at the October Wakulla County Recycling Task Force meeting.
    The meeting was held Oct. 27 in the commission conference room with Chair Pamela Joy facilitating.

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