Author: EcologyFlorida
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EDITORIAL: Florida’s Disenchantment of the Humanities-The Ecological Impact
The humanities in any of its various disciplines could not possibly prepare someone for a useful occupation. Doctors, lawyers, engineers, and CEOs are not interested in nor have any use for an education in the humanities. This has lately become the dominant opinion of the humanistic enterprise. There are no verifiable benefits and for first…
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OP/ED: Blue Gold: Reflections on the Condition of Florida’s Natural Springs
Written by Stephan Hoda Have you ever seen a Florida spring? The Sunshine State is home to roughly 1,000 natural springs, making it the largest concentration on earth. Yet, I often find my friends and colleagues are unfamiliar with these natural gems. “You’re missing out,” I’ll say, enthusiastic to share a story or recommendation. To…
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FEATURE: 400
Special to Ecology Florida News Did you miss it? Early last month, atmospheric carbon dioxide topped 400 parts per million (PPM). With some notable exceptions, major news sources gave it light coverage. Admittedly, its significance is largely symbolic – although there is a correlation between increasing atmospheric carbon and more intense weather phenomena, including the…
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OPINION: A European’s Perspective on Consumerism in Florida: Too Cold, Too Wasteful
Written by Kathrin Kohle I have visited America a couple of times, and I always enjoy my stay. But whenever I’m here, the same things bother me — the waste of resources, especially energy and recyclables. My experience of American wastefulness of energy and recyclables is illustrated in a recent shopping experience. When I head…
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Join us for City of New Port Richey’s Third Annual Earth Day Extravaganza
Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, April 20. The City of New Port Richey’s Environmental Committee is hosting its third annual Earth Day event in the breezeway between City Hall and the Public Library. We will be there from 10 am to 2pm with information about living sustainably in our community. We will…
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Dealing with Climate Change Deniers: Go With the Flow (Chart)
“Climate Change is a hoax!” Ecologists of all types have certainly heard this claim more than once. Too many times, some of you may be saying. The assertion surfaced in the last presidential campaign, when Republican candidate, Rick Santorum, used the terms “hoax” and “bogus” to characterize global warming and climate change. Santorum was following…
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City of New Port Richey Adopts New Urban Farm Ordinance
Congratulations to the City of New Port Richey on the its new urban farm ordinance! With the approval of the City Council on February 19, 2013, New Port Richey joins a relatively select (but growing) group of Florida municipalities with formal ordinances permitting farming on private property. Notably, the New Port Richey ordinance allows for…
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OP/ED: Reasoned Reflections On Mr. Rubio’s “Reasonable Debate”
Here is another example of what seems to be the big fight. Conservatives who believe climate change is a hoax and liberals who accept the claims of climate scientists and want to make changes. There’s no doubt big money is on both sides pushing agendas, but what about those people who may have no political…
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Recommended: Four Steps to Less Wasteful Communities
If you live in a neighborhood that happens to provide a “single stream” or “single-sort” recycling program, you’ve no doubt questioned its effectiveness. What paramount of modern technology could possibly sort and separate paper, plastic, metal, and glass? Frank Korten, upon the transition of his town from source separation to single stream, had the same…
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Recommended: FDA Quietly Pushes Through Genetically Modified Salmon Over Christmas Break
In case you missed it, the US FDA released official reports the last week of December approving AquaAdvantage Salmon for both breeding and consumption. A suspiciously advantageous time to release the documents, Anthony Gucciardi says, due to the inattentiveness of the general public because of the Christmas holiday. If you missed this news as many…