US Army Bases Now Doubling as Wildlife Refuges

The DOD continues to amaze me. A few months back, I posted here about the alternative energy policies the Department of Defense was promoting, and how the United States Military is set to become one of the worlds largest consumers of renewable fuels. At the time, while I was certainly surprised to see support for renewables coming from the same people currently fighting two wars for petroleum resources (c'mon people, there are other reasons as well, but oil played a major part in these conflicts), it did make sense to me: the military is acutely aware that petroleum is a limited resource, and they know from firsthand experience the huge drawbacks of having to transport heavy, liquid fuel with them everywhere they go. Whatever else you might say about the US military, they are pretty darn good at doing their job, and in this case they saw that one of the tools required to do that job is a more efficient energy source. So I applauded their efforts, relished the idea of having a new, powerful ally in the fight for renewable energy, and assumed it would be the last time I heard positive environmental news from the military. So imagine my surprise to read the following in yesterdays NYT:

"In the early years of the administration of President George W. Bush, the military lobbied Congress for limited exemptions from federal protection rules. Today, herculean efforts to save threatened species are unfolding at dozens of military sites across the nation, from Eglin, Fla., where the Air Force has restored and reconnected streams for the Okaloosa darter, to San Clemente Island, Calif., where the Navy has helped bring the loggerhead shrike back from the brink of extinction. "

Are you f*%&ing kidding me?

Apparently not. It seems that the same people who defend sonar heavy anti-submarine military exercises which can cause whales and dolphins to literally go insane and beach themselves have a soft spot for animals after all. According to The Times:

"The military has not always been so enthusiastic about saving endangered plants and animals, arguing that doing so would hinder its battle preparedness. But post commanders have gradually realized that working to help species rebound is in their best interest, if only because the more the endangered plants and animals thrive, the fewer restrictions are put on training exercises to avoid destroying habitat."

So maybe not exactly a moral victory, but a victory for wildlife nonetheless. After all, from 2004 to 2008, the DOD spent $300 million to protect endangered species. That is more than it spent in the previous 10 years combined. Not exactly chump change.

So, once again, I tip my hat to the US Military. Way to go guys.

Picture provided by Филби's ПРОПАГАНДА ?

Jon Stewert Says Funny Things -- Climate Change Deniars Unabashed

This video is actually from the set of huge storms they had on the East Coast last week, but I thought it was funny enough to share with all of you even if it is a bit late. Enjoy:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Unusually Large Snowstorm
www.thedailyshow.com
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How to Green Your Oil Change

An oil change can improve your car's gas economy and cut down on its pollutants (not to mention make it last longer and perform better). Just make sure you know where that used oil ends up.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), estimates nearly 200 million gallons of used motor oil are improperly disposed of in the US alone every year. That’s not chump change (oil?). The oil from a single change can contaminate one million gallons of water. That’s a year’s supply for 50 people!

Here are some tips from the EPA to ensure your oil change process is as clean and green as it can be:

• After draining the oil, but before removing the drip pan from under the car, close and secure the drain plug and check for leaks.
• If you are changing the oil filter, drain it for a minimum of 12 hours into a clean plastic container with a tight-fitting lid (do not use a container that once held chemicals, food, or beverages). Then, carefully pour the oil from the drip pan into the container.
• Reuse your drip pan; do not rinse residual oil down the drain or into your yard.
• If you do accidentally spill any oil, use absorbent material like sawdust or cat litter to clean the spill, then dispose of it in the trash.

But here's the best part: used motor oil isn’t just waste; it can be recycled to make new motor oil or processed into fuel oils or other materials. After you have changed your oil, take it to a local service station or recycling center that collects used motor oil for recycling (click here for a recycling directory). Some of these facilities will collect used filters as well. If they don’t, make sure to check with your local waste collection service before you dump it in your trash can.

If you are really into using as little oil as possible, a 2008 study conducted by the California Integrated Waste Management Board shows that many vehicles can go more than the standard 3,000 miles between oil changes. I still have trouble believing that is good for your car or your cars performance, so make sure to balance your choices – and like I said before, changing your oil can reduce your cars emissions and improve fuel economy. You want to be sure you aren’t saving one tree by cutting another one down!

Image provided by Robert Couse-Baker