Do You Ever Wonder Why It's Important to Save the Wetlands?

Maybe it's because I live in Miami and there is a lot of talk about saving the Everglades, but do you ever wonder why it's so important to save these wetlands? If you are a casual observer driving up (or down) I-75 (affectionately known as Alligator Alley), you may see some of the big guys lounging by the side of the road. These huge alligators are fenced in, but there must be a reason why we want to save and protect alligators and other animals that inhabit these wet and marshy locales.

The 3 values of wetlands

It's not only about the birds, fish and other wildlife that live in the wetlands. Wetlands and the natural processes that take place in and because of the wetlands, and the purpose that wetlands fill affect humans too.

1. Storage facility for excess water.Think of a wetland like you would a normal kitchen sponge. If you fill your sink with water and place the sponge in it, the sponge soaks up as much of the water as it can. Wetlands are nature's sponge. It soaks up excess water during floods, and stores the water, slowly releasing it into the environment as it is needed. This release of water waters parched ground during dry periods.


2. Water filter.When water reaches a wetland and is absorbed by native plants, pollutants, fertilizer and other contaminants in the water drop to the bottom. When the water leaves the wetland, it is cleaner than when it arrived. Environmental managers build water filtration systems modeled after the natural filtration system of the wetlands.

3.Wetlands are one of the most diverse ecosystems. The variance and amount of species that live in and are supported by the wetlands is as great as the rain forest and coral reefs. The lush vegetation and shallow water creates an environment where fish and wildlife flourish. Energy given off by the plant life is passed to fish, wildlife, waterfowl and humans. This also helps nurture the shellfish and commercial fishing industry.

So saving the wetlands is not just about the plants, fish and wildlife that inhabit them. Saving the wetlands ultimately saves us too. Acting as a natural water agent, filtration system and energy producer, the wetlands provide a naturally better environment for its inhabitants and humans.

Recycle Your e-waste Series Part 9

The National Cristina Foundation was green before green was, well, green. For over 20 years this non-profit organization has been encouraging businesses and individuals to donate their old technology products. The Cristina Foundation matches the donated technology with schools, charities and organizations across the U.S., in Canada and other countries around the world.

The Foundation's focus is people with disabilities, at-risk children and the economically disadvantaged. By training these individuals and providing them with the right skills, they can overcome their challenges and lead a successful and fulfilling life.

If you're interested in donating your old computer, visit the Donate Now Page of the website for more information. Go to www.cristina.org for more information on the Foundation and its services.

Happy Earth Day

Recycle Your e-waste Series Part 8

School budgets continue to see cutbacks, so it's hard for schools to keep the latest in technology inside its classrooms. If you're interested in donating your old computer to schools, visit PCs for Schools to find a list of schools in need of computer equipment.

Recycle Your e-waste Series Part 7

This post is more about reusing than it is recycling. Remember, just because you don't have a use for your old computer anymore doesn't mean that somebody else wouldn't be grateful to have a computer at all.

The organization Share the Technology is the matchmaker. It maintains lists of organizations that accept computer donations. Most of these organizations are non-profits that may not otherwise be able to afford purchasing computers. You can get rid of your old computer and feel good about helping a non-profit organization out with their technology needs.

Visit ShareTechnology.org for more information.

Recycle Your e-waste Series Part 6

It's Part 6 of the recycle your e-waste series. Today's posting features Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation. Simply enter your zip code to find a rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling location near you. The site points out that you probably use more rechargeable battery products than you think. Items such as cell phones, drills, and battery operated tools that you charge before use are all candidates.

So far they've collected and recycled over 42 million rechargeable batteries.

Find out more about Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation.

Recycle Your e-waste Series Part 5

It's Part 5 of the recycle your e-waste series. Today's posting features My Bone Yard, where you can easily recycle items such as flat screen monitors, desktop computer systems, cell phones, music players, and laptops. The best part is that it's all done from the convenience of your own home. You choose what you want to recycle, and My Bone Yard sends you a pre-paid shipping label via email. It's simple, safe, and smart.

Find out more about My Bone Yard www.myboneyard.com.

Recycle Your e-waste Series Part 4

It's Part 4 of the recycle your e-waste series. Today's posting features My Green Electronics, which promotes the 4Rs of electronics--reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink. They also provide a search option where you can input your zip code and find a recycling source.

They also have a nifty consumption calculator you can use to estimate your energy consumption.

Find out more about MyGreenElectronics.org www.mygreenelectronics.org.