What Tree Has The Largest Roots On Earth?

Largest Roots

Measuring standards for trees have never included root mass, but it is easy to ascertain from other available information which trees are the most likely contenders to have the largest roots on earth. A tree is not simply measured based on how tall or how much circumference it has; in many instances, both height and width are included, but the diameter of the trunk is often the most important factor. Due to the difficulty in getting a true measurement for an enormous tree, it is not common for trees to be ranked based on their size. Some trees are so obviously larger than others, however, that people have felt compelled to measure them. The following trees are believed to be the largest or the oldest on earth, and as such, they are likely to also have the world's largest roots.

General Sherman

The giant sequoia known as General Sherman is in Tulare County, Calif. Although it is not the widest or the tallest tree on record, its volume has granted it the title of the largest tree on earth. General Sherman is over 2,000 years old, and it reaches 275 feet into the air. The tree's diameter is approximately 25 feet, making it an awe-inspiring sight for those who are able to stand at its base.

Hyperion

A coast redwood named Hyperion is the tallest known tree on earth. Undiscovered until 2006, Hyperion is hidden in California's Redwood National and State Parks. It is estimated to be approximately 800 years old, and it is almost 380 feet tall. Nature conservationists are concerned about the negative impact that a lot of tourism would have Hyperion, so they have elected not to share any information that can lead to its exact location.

Methuselah

Although the Methuselah tree is not overly large, it is the oldest tree on earth. With an age of over 4,800 years, it stands to reason that the Methuselah tree has very strong roots. Just like Hyperion, the exact location of Methuselah has not been disclosed, but this Great Basin Bristlecone Pine is inside of California's Inyo National Forest.

Lost Monarch

Lost Monarch is another enormous large coast redwood, and it is listed as being the second largest tree on earth. Its exact location has been kept from the public, just like the Methuselah and Hyperion, but it is somewhere in California's Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. The Lost Monarch is 320 feet tall and 26 feet in diameter.

Which One has the Largest Roots?

While we have no definitive way to determine which tree has the largest roots from this list, it is most likely to be Hyperion or General Sherman. New trees are discovered every day, though, so the actual largest tree on the planet may still be hiding deep in a forest.

Peter Wendt is a self employed writer and researcher living in Austin TX. If you like to find out more visit this site : more info

An Introduction to Dumpster Diving

Intro image CC via Flickr

What, you’ve never heard or partaken in a spot of dumpster diving? What in god’s name have you been doing all your life? Your sheltered life needs some form of excitement in it and dumpster diving is definitely the way to go. Ok, we’re joking; you’re not really a weirdo if you’ve never jumped into the hobby of dumpster diving, but you’re intrigued by what it could be, aren’t you? Well then, you'd better read on!

Ok, so dumpster diving. It’s basically what it says it is: diving into dumpsters. That’s a bin for any of you not accustomed to American parlance. Of course you don’t literally dive in though, that would be ridiculous and dangerous.

The idea around it comes from this new-age concern for trying to stop waste. In the west, we tend to discard a lot of food, clothing and basic items because we’re used to such a luxurious lifestyle of abundance. The US, for instance, wastes 40-50% of its food produce due to government-imposed ‘use-by’ dates, so it’s no wonder that dumpster diving has started to catch on.



Basically, you’ll find yourself a skip or rubbish bin and, as you can imagine, just start wading through it to find items of worth. It sounds disgusting, smells probably horrendous, but there are a lot of companies out there who bin a lot of perfectly usable items – and people have started to realise this.

Supermarkets, for instance, are legally forced to bin items which have passed their sell-by or use-by date. But, in theory, these food items – like cereal – would be fine to eat as long as they didn’t contain any dairy or ingredients which tend to go-off or become mouldy. Dumpster divers will poke their head and hands into the supermarket’s skip and take home their winnings – all for free.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? You’re coming around to the idea and you want some of that dirty rubbish all in and around your face. The thought of cutting down on your bills every month with a spot of dumpster diving appeals and you’re not ashamed who knows it. But wait! There is a bit of a legal issue.



Firstly, you’re trekking onto private property, so in theory you’re trespassing. Likewise, you’re taking something which you didn’t pay for. Ultimately it’s a bit of a grey area. While you’d be technically subject to prosecution should the owner of the dumpster in question want to press charges, the likelihood of them doing so is low since most people don’t really care about the stuff they throw away. That’s why they threw it away.

Supermarkets have been less happy with the divers in recent years as they feel like there’s huge scope for the diver to take plenty of produce which they have paid for. And, if you think about it, the image it portrays for the supermarkets is extremely negative. Would you want to shop at a store which has dozens of people searching through their bins every night?

So be careful out there. Dive responsibly, be respectable to each individual company and don’t take cheese and milk.

Of course, if you're looking for a way to kickstart your finances that doesn't involve wading around in waste, there's always forex trading from www.IronFX.com!

Planting Ant Repellent Flowering Plants

Ants are among the most irritating pests to have around; plus some species deliver stings that itch and blister. So, it's no wonder that people want to get rid of them and keep these insects away from homes and gardens. One way to prevent ants from making a home inside your property is by growing plants that repel ants. But for those who also want to add cheer to their garden, flowering plants are wonderful options. Here are some nice options.

Lavender
Lavender is certainly a fantastic choice. It's a plant that produces beautiful flowers that add a splash of elegance to any garden. But more than that, the scent that the plant creates, which is very appealing to people, is very repulsive to ants. Planting lavender in a garden or having a pot indoors will help keep away ants. In addition to this, lavender leaves and flowers can be dried. Once these are dried, these can then be crushed and sprinkled near or on areas where ants are usually found. Lavender oil, which can be bought in aroma therapy stores, can also be used. Cotton balls soaked with the oil can be placed in crevices or holes that ants use to get inside a house. The oil can be wiped onto ant trails to confuse and keep the insects away.

Tansy
Another effective ant repeller is the herbaceous flowering plant, tansy. Tansy has fern-like leaves and lively yellow flowers. It is often planted with other fruit or flowering plants that attract ants or aphids to reduce infestations on such plants. This is called companion planting. Apart from ants, tansy also fends off flies. The dried and powdered flower heads of tansies have been used as insect repellents for many years. Flowers can also be dried and chained together, making a wreath-like decoration that also wards off various kinds of pesky insects. Leaves and branches can also be placed near windowsills and doors to prevent ants from entering. Tansy also has other beneficial characteristics. For instance, it has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Marigold
Ants do not like the pungent odor that marigolds produce. Marigolds are often used as companion plants for eggplants, tomatoes, as well as root crops or legumes. The roots of the marigold plant releases a chemical that wards off a number of bacteria and insects found underneath the soil. To deter ants and other insects, such as mosquitoes, use marigolds as border or put in pots to place indoors. Unlike tansy, marigolds aren't very invasive. But they have to be replaced each year as these are annual plants.

Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family, and it is well-known that ants hate mint, particularly peppermint. These are low maintenance plants that can survive the sun and the shade. These can be used as border plants to barricade a property from ants. Creeping or low-growing varieties can be planted at the base of plants that attract aphids and ants, such as roses. These can also be used as pretty hanging plants. Pennyroyals create charming lavender flowers that repel not only ants, but also mice, fleas and many other pests.

All in all, ants can either be repelled by or attracted to the scents that flower petals produce. So, if you don't want them around, go for flowering plants or foliage that ants do not like.

Citations:

• Photo courtesy of Simon Howden at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

The article is by Claire Brent, who writes for several pest control companies. She regularly contributes articles about natural pest control methods to http://www.preventivepestcontrol.com .

Activists Trespass to Save Environment and Wildlife

People can show their love for the environment in different ways. Ordinary individuals can help by not contributing to global warming. They can choose to patronize Earth-friendly products, for instance. Other individuals can start conserving resources, segregating rubbish, or using fuel-efficient machines. Each person can help save the environment in his own way. However, such conservative efforts are often not enough to fight off the huge detrimental environmental impacts that large companies continue to cause. Forests and wildlife remain unsafe from modern developers, and fishes and other endangered marine life continue to be at risk. It seems hopeless that momentous changes that will positively impact the world will occur. This is why many individuals have taken it upon themselves to become stewards of the Earth.

Stewards of the Earth or the environment are the people we commonly know as environmental activists. They are the courageous people who put their very lives on the line to protect the environment. But these environmental warriors aren't the only ones who are called activists. Anyone who does something for the good of the environment, whether it is just by segregating waste or planting a tree, is recognized as a protector of the world.

Common Strategies Used by Environmental Activists
To gain support and to increase people's awareness as regards current environmental issues, most activists use a variety of traditional tactics. They boycott products known to have been tested on animals or reject items made from endangered wildlife, such as fur coats or ivory statues. They also encourage people to sign petitions, and they pen letters to policy-makers as well. When these things are not enough, they can also stage protests. Most of these things won't send people in jail. However, there's one activity that can land someone in prison, and this is the direct-action approach.

Direct Action
There are three (3) possible goals a direct action movement. One is to expose a problem or to make an issue public. Second is to recommend an alternative, while third is to put forward a solution to an existing problem. These things can be accomplished as direct action efforts often get a lot of media coverage. A few examples of direct action attempts are strikes, sit-ins, graffiti and destruction of property. Many environmentalists have also been known to chain themselves to trees to prevent these from getting cut, or they sneak into private properties to expose a nasty problem or protest something. Just recently, Lucy Lawless, an actor who appeared in popular television programs, like "Xena: Warrior Princess" and "CSI: Miami", was caught on a Shell drillship in efforts to help save the Arctic. She pled guilty and is waiting sentencing, which is in September. She is facing a trespass suit that can land her in jail for about 3 years.

Trespassing
Defense The crime of entering and remaining in another person's or group's property after being warned or prohibited is known as trespassing. A person could trespass in a house or any residential property, a building or any commercial property, as well as a boat and grounds that are owned by a private citizen or run by a business or government group. There are several defenses that a person can use, including consent, wherein the trespasser was given permission in actions or words to enter a property. Another is trespassing to recover land or chattel, which may occur after an uncontrollable event, such as a storm or flood. Third is private necessity, wherein someone trespasses to protect another from grave injury or harm. This also includes protecting a place from major destructive elements. Fourth is public necessity. This pertains to trespassing done in order to protect a community from more serious harm. In other words, a trespasser invades a private property to protect the public good.

Citations:

• Photo courtesy of ponsulak at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

The article is by Claire Duvall. She writes for a Massachusetts Trespassing Lawyer. She also blogs for several online law websites, tackling issues related to personal injury and criminal law.

DIY Projects Using Construction Pallets

Not everyone is cut out to handle a do-it-yourself project.  While many homes are equipped with table saws and sanders, it is not a staple in all homes.  DIY projects are great because they are inexpensive and create unique looking furniture.  There is a simpler solution to make your own decorations without having to go out and buy heavy machinery or learn how to use equipment without injuring yourself.  Pallets that are used to haul food, materials, and other products can be taken apart and can serve a completely different service.

Tables
A very easy way to make an end table out of pallets is to stack them together and place a top on it.  Plywood or Plexiglas will work well for a study top.  Another way to is lay them out side by side to elongate the table.  Legs can be nailed to the table top buy taking apart other pallets.  It is probably a good idea to sand down the pallets to keep people from getting splinters.

Wallpaper
A lot of rooms will have an accent wall that is a little more colorful.  Rather than coming up with an elaborate paint job, pallets planks can be taken apart and nailed to the wall.  They can be stained to any color to match the surrounding painted walls.  Instead of staining it, paint can be applied over the wood and sanded down.  This will make it look like the outside of an old warn out house. 

Shelves
Pallets can be cut to form a shelf.  Since pallets already form a container it is easy to go from pallet to a set of shelves.  The first step is to cut it to the size you want it.  The back should be the side that has less space between planks.  More space in the front will give the selves a rustic look.  After they are nailed to the wall, they can be filled with books, pictures, and other forms of art.

Pallet Projects
Do-it-yourself projects using pallets are relatively simple.  Construction mats have a unique look to them and create a fun and different center piece in any home no matter if it is rustic or modern.  Even people that are not good at DIY projects will be able to handle using pallets.  Plus the great thing about this material is that it is relatively cheap and can be recycled.  That way if you screw up, you will not be out very much money. 

Garnett Wood Products is the leading provider in mat construction and manufactures a variety of crane mats, pipeline skids, and other specialty wood products.  Garnett Wood can deliver its poducts all over the US.

The Top 5 Most Beautiful Flowers

The very use of flowers within the culture of most countries in the world has been down to their beauty and ornamental excellence. The most expensive flowers in the world may not be the most beautiful. In fact the most expensive flower ever sold, the Shenzhen Nongke Orchid, has been described a Frankenstein flower, this may be more to do with its manmade nature as appose to its aesthetic but none the less it proves that beauty in flowers, as with most things in life, is of course in the eye of the beholder. There are some classic blooms though, whose beauty could not be strongly protested.

Roses
The first is the classic rose - Rosaceae. Roses can come in over 100 different species and are known the world over as symbols of love and romance. Roses are also famous for their aromatic aroma and come in nearly every colour you could want or need. The deep red rose of course being the most enigmatic symbol for love and the audacious bloom is juxtaposed with its thorny foliage entrenching the romantic based representation.

Orchids
Orchids - Orchidaceae, can also boast a variety of species, over 20,000 varieties in fact. Orchids are far from rare and horticulturalists have produced over 100,000 hybrids from the original species. Their habitat covers all continents, apart from the poles and they are incredible durable. Their history goes back as far as ancient Greek Myth and their beauty has been referred to in literature for years.

photo attributed to Galileo55

The Calla Lilly
The Calla Lilly - Antedeschia Aethiopica, has many different names such as Lily of the Nile, Easter lily, Arum lily and Varkoor. The choice for this is a specific species of flower this time is due to the fact that it is perceived as the most elegant of its members. It’s native only to Africa and its tropical aesthetic has brought a touch of class to many wedding bouquets in recent years. Many big purveyors of flowers such as Interflora.com can supply you with a classic calla Lilly bouquet. Its pure white bloom has a velvety texture which is penetrated by its idiosyncratic bright yellow stamen.

photo attributed to aresauburnâ

Water Lilies
The sultry water lilies - Nymphaeaceae have earned their place as one of the most beautiful flower species due to their fame in the world or art; poets have used the water lily as a muse as well as infamous paintings of the blooms. Another member of the lily family, these archetypal shapes and colours are the epitome of natural beauty and exotic aesthetic as their lily pads float on the water.

Cherry Blossom
Cherry blossom, though a plant whose primary use was for food, has now become an ornamental flower in itself. These Japanese wonders scatter a Spring time meadow with subtle beauty and feature heavily within their folk lore symbolising the ephemeral nature of life, an idea preached within Buddhism. Cherry blossom is now seen in most countries in the world and is often purposely planted within urban areas as these fresh blossoms give a naturalistic element to the most metropolitan borough.

This Article was brought to you by Interflora

Magnesium-Ion Batteries: An Electric Vehicle Revolution?

Magnesium-Ion Batteries: An Electric Vehicle Revolution?

Gasoline prices aren’t showing any signs of falling for the long term, and the public’s desire for more fuel-efficient cars certainly has the attention of the automobile industry. Toyota, a pioneer in hybrid battery utilization, is attempting to move past the traditional lithium-ion battery towards what it hopes will be the material that revolutionizes the industry. They’re hoping to meet the expectations of the American consumer, maximizing battery life, safety, and environmental responsibility. Magnesium-Ion batteries may be provide the ultimate solution.

Hop on the Band Wag-Ion

Toyota is not alone in their enthusiasm. The Department of Energy has hopped on board as well. Their Advanced Research Projects Agency has invested heavily in the technology. Magnesium producers are hopeful that the strong expectations of the consumer in combination with Toyota’s push to develop the more cost-effective and lightweight magnesium-ion battery will mean success for them.

A Bountiful Resource

Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element found in our earth’s crust, which brings environmentalists on board as big fans of the new research. Magnesium is also inexpensive and safe. The hypothetical future of magnesium batteries is secured by the promise that they could deliver a drop-in replacement for the traditional lithium-ion batteries that are now being used. Magnesium Sulfate is commonly known as Epsom salt. Environmentally speaking, using magnesium in our common batteries would be a big improvement over lithium-ion batteries.

Recycle

One of the most recyclable products we use in America is the car battery. Up to 99% of most automotive batteries can be recycled, however they are dirty to manufacture. Environmentalists are asking for a battery made with materials that don’t require highly polluting methods of manufacturing, even though the really nasty stuff found in today’s batteries is used in very small quantities.

Investments Paying Dividends

The Department of Energy gave Pellion Technologies, Inc 3.2 million dollars in April of 2010 to develop technology that could turn magnesium into a new, better source of energy. Pellion says that its rechargeable magnesium battery will have up to three times the energy density as lithium-ion batteries. The company also claims their batteries will last longer.

Pellion explains that the new magnesium battery boasts a higher energy per unit volume / energy density than the lithium-ion batteries currently being used in electric vehicles. There are two reasons for this. Magnesium-ions transfer two electrons for each atom, not just one. That means getting double the energy density from a magnesium battery than you do from a lithium battery. Also, a magnesium-ion battery uses a magnesium metal anode which is another source of greater energy density, compared to the lithium-ion anodes.

The Catch

So what’s the holdup? Unfortunately, the folks at Toyota and Pellion have yet to identify a suitable complementary cathode for their promising new technology. Doron Aurbach, an Israeli professor, received quite a bit of attention in 2000 with the first rechargeable magnesium battery.

But the cathode he used didn’t work sufficiently well to enable commercial use of the invention. His cathode decreased the energy density of the battery to the point that the device was unusable. Research is ongoing, but the technology remains stagnant. Pellion is determined to find a suitable cathode. They have tested over 10,000 materials for potential use in its magnesium battery. Even though magnesium is only one of many lithium substitutes that could prove suitable, it’s a favorite for Pellion. Toyota says it’s magnesium battery may be available as soon as 2020.

Any electric car that can drive 500 miles on a single charge will likely require a technology that moves past the traditional lithium-ion battery. It’s impossible to say whether this new technology will be a magnesium-ion battery or if it will still be lithium, but perhaps not lithium-ion. For the moment, Toyota and Pellion have directed their time and resources to the magnesium possibility. With some luck, the possibilities could revolutionize the future of the auto industry.

Magnesium Image By Warut Roonguthai (Own work) [GFDL (www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

George Zeed lives in Grants Pass Oregon and works for ImpactBattery.com.  An avid outdoorsman and environmentalist, he writes about topics related to all kinds of recreational vehicles and accessories. He is also the "go to guy" for information when shopping for a great selection sunlinq products and discount Motobatt batteries.

Save Trees: Recycle Your Moving Boxes

The average American moves 11 times over the course of their life. 11 times! Think about everything that goes into moving to a new home. You have to plan the move, hire movers or rent a moving truck, and pack up all of your things into dozens of moving boxes. What do you do with all of those moving boxes once your move is done? Do you throw them out, recycle them or use them as planters in your back yard?

The experts at My Move wondered what the environmental impact of recycling moving boxes really was. What we found was amazing. Did you know that by recycling your moving boxes instead of throwing them out you can save the lives of 7 trees and save more than 3,000 gallons of water? If you are interested in making your move greener and recycling your moving boxes click on our infographic to find out more.   

Get more great tips and infographics (including our interactive hoarding quiz) to make your move easier! Visit htttp://www.mymove.com today!

DIY Vertical Garden

Vertical Gardens or Garden walls have been very popular over the years, especially with space restrictions in some areas of the world; people are having to come up with innovative ways in order to grow their own organic food stuffs.

Vertical gardens come in all shapes and sizes and can be found anywhere there is space to hang one.  There are some that scale entire sides of buildings, offices, as well as private homes and gardens.

Below you will find the directions in which to create your own Vertical garden masterpiece...the sky is the limit when planting your own food, so what are you waiting for...get creating and you will live healthier for it~!!

Source: Bridgman Rattan

The 5 most beautiful mountain ranges to hike on

There's something about walking about in nature that lifts the heart. It's no wonder, therefore, that hiking is one of the best-loved pastimes in the entire world. There are a great variety of environments that people choose for their hiking outings. And, regardless of the specific details, there is one unifying factor in most situations: mountains. Following in no particular order are five of the most popular ones.

1). The Rockies
this mountain range makes up the western spine of much of North America. Stretching from the southern parts of the United States up to the northernmost parts of Canada. The length of the range gives the Rockies a wide and diverse spectrum of terrain and climate types. The southern parts of the range have a dry, arid terrain, while the northern parts are usually heavily forested and lusher than the southern parts. In addition to being one of the longest ranges in the world, the Rockies also contain some of the most well-known parks in North America, like Yellowstone National Park in the state of Wyoming and Banf National Park in Alberta, Canada.

2). The Alps

There probably isn't a more poetic mountainous destination than the Alps. Home to a thousand ghost stories and some of the finest sights in the world, the Alps stretch out over several European countries, including Germany, Italy and Switzerland. In addition to the culture that can be found in the shadow of these mountains, there are also some extremely good hiking spots. One of the best examples of these is the Tyrol area of Austria, famous for its alpine pastures and magnificent vistas.

3). The Himalayas

These mountains are home to the world's tallest mountain peaks, like K2 and the famed Mount Everest. Given these alpine challenges, it's not surprising that droves of mountaineers flock to the mountain range every year. If you're not as adventurous as these brave souls, there are still plenty of hiking opportunities to be had. There is a good deal of trails in these mountains, but it's probably best to get a guide, as these are some of the most dangerous mountains in the entire world. Fortunately, there are a good number of local guides that are available for economical prices.

4). The Andes

These mountains make up the world's longest mountain range. Stretching from the top to the bottom of South America, the Andes are home to some of the most spectacular sights in the entire world. In addition, there is a good deal of tourist sights in these mountains, the most famous of which is the abandoned Incan city of Macchu Picchu. You can hire guides and pack animals that can take supplies and equipment on extended hikes, if desired.

5). The Pyrenees

Located on the border between France and Spain, these mountains are lesser-known than some of their other European cousins. They are, however, an excellent choice for anyone looking for a good, scenic hike. The Pyrenees have an over-abundance of waterfalls, which make for the possibility of a positively idyllic walk in the wilderness. As a barrier between France and Spain, you are only hours away from the cultural landmarks of both those countries. A package deal, really.

Regardless of your particular preferences, it's entirely possible that you can find a place nearby that will suit your hiking preferences. And you don't necessarily have to go halfway around the world to find a place that will suit your needs. Many countries have their own mountain ranges, and many times they are extremely good for trekking or hiking - in addition to being cheaper to vacation at.

Diane Magruder is a hotel and resort reviewer for lakecomo.org.uk where you can find loads of information about beautiful Lake Como, Italy - the banks of which are the home of the city Bellagio.

2012 Mountain Bike World Championships Guide

When mountain bicycles made the bicycle showrooms nearly three decades ago, no one could have foreseen the popularity and incredible evolution the sport has enjoyed. Mountain biking, like its road cycling cousin, has a world championship. There are several categories for the mountain bike championships, and the 2012 competition has all of them, being presented in the Saalfelden-Leogang region of Austria.

There are two main categories for the world championships: cross country and gravity. Gravity cycling is comprised of the downhill and slalom style racing, while the cross country races are long and short course.

Gravity

For 2012, the UCI - Universal Cycling International - is removing the four-cross downhill race. This is a race that sees four racers line up and head down the course in cut-throat fashion. The UCI decided to remove this and focus more on the downhill courses. Also, the cost of designing a four-cross race course was deemed too much, forcing the UCI to remove it and make the downhill event the premier of the championships. There will be four days of double-elmination downhill races in Leogang starting on August 31.

Cross Country

The UCI has decided to keep both the standard cross country events and add the eliminator races for 2012. Eliminator races have cross country racers in criterium fashion. Criterium racing is done on an enclosed short track with breakneck speeds and tight turns. Expect to see mud fly in this event. The 2012 World Championships are the first of the competitive series to see eliminator races as a cup qualifier.

The cross country races are to be held in the Saalfelden, and take place over three days, with cumulative times being used for the final podium criteria, similar to a grand tour in road cycling.

Spectators

Spectators are encouraged to attend the World Championships. Admission gets patrons into the race grounds as well as the show tents, athlete village and bicycle showcase. This is a great place to see world class cycling. Many of the athletes racing at the worlds will be coming off Olympic performances, with the 2012 Summer Olympics taking place in London.

The lead up to the worlds takes place over two weeks, with smaller races, eliminations and showcases taking place during this tie. This is due to the increasing popularity of mountain bicycling. When the mountain bike worlds began several years ago, they took place over two days, and were thought more of as kitsch than serious events. Today, with mountain biking as a premier sport, the worlds are one of the biggest events on the mountain biking calendar.

Take advantage of the Mountain Biking World Championship length this year, and head across the Atlantic to Austria to see world class athletes keeping the knobby tires in the mud.

Josh is a lover of all things mountain bikes and will be participating at this year's world championships. He rides every day, not only for the enjoyment, but the fitness that comes with it.

Power Supplies

Power supplies

Fossil fuels
Fossil fuel is the name given to a certain type of carbon resource which is normally found deep underground. Things like coal and oil are fossil fuels, and are the result of ancient life forms being crushed by geological processes like tectonic activity (the stuff that causes earthquakes). In a fossil fuel power station, the fuel is burned to create heat, which is used to boil water and create steam – just like the stuff that comes out of your kettle. A power station makes so much of it in such a short space of time that it can be used to turn enormous turbines, which generate the electricity. Fossil fuels are running out though, and burning them creates harmful gasses. That’s why fossil fuel power stations are unpopular with some people.

Geothermal
This type of electricity is cheap and environmentally friendly, so it’s popular with governments.

Nuclear power
moving boxes of the stuff around. Nobody knows where to put it once we’ve used it. At the bottom of the sea? Down a huge mine shaft? The material will be dangerous for tens of thousands of years. How will we make sure future humans do not stumble on it by mistake, if language changes as much as it has even in the last five hundred years?

Biomass
Biomassis a bit like a fossil fuel, except it isn’t millions of years old! Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen based fuels like wood, sugar cane and even animal waste can be used to make electricity in a number of ways. Either it can fuel a steam turbine system like the other types of power station, or it can be converted into another sort of fuel like biodiesel or even hydrogen. Both of these can be used to power electricity generators or vehicles.

Solar photovoltaic
Like photovoltaic panels at school, which might just about power a lightbulb on a sunny day. The photovoltaic panels used for power stations are much bigger and more efficient.

Wind
Wind turbines– they’re huge windmill structures which are turned by the wind, and which produce electricity directly. Although they are becoming more popular, critics say that they are a wasteful and do not provide the reliable electricity we need to replace fossil fuels.

Hydroelectric
Electricity generation. Like a watermill would have ground flour a hundred years ago, the power from a river or stream can be harnessed to turn turbines and produce electricity. The main downside to this is the enormous reservoir which needs to be created behind the dam, but there are negative aspects to every type of power station which we will need to overcome if we want to keep using energy at this rate.

Terry Daley works in the renewables sector as an engineer, but in he started work doing reputation management projects for large energy firms. Looking forward to retired life, he hopes he can leave the world a pleasant place for his grandchildren.

All About The Tesla Model S All-Electric 7 Seater

When it comes to innovation, the Tesla Model S has to be one of the most innovative and environmentally-friendly vehicles on the planet.

Made by the Silicon Valley based Tesla Motors, the car can seat up to seven people and is all-electric. So, imagine the harm seven people going on a journey aren’t doing to the environment – as opposed to one or two people in four or more cars.

Now Tesla has announced that a high-performance version of the saloon model will be available later this year. The new electric model will apparently act as a rival to the BMW M5.

The Tesla Model in more detail
At its maximum, the hotly anticipated new car will have a 300 mile range – though a number of other versions will be available to consumers with different battery packs offering 160-mile and 230-mile ranges. The new car offers enhanced performance versions which are capable of cutting its 0-60mph time from 5.5 seconds to just 4.6 seconds.

The Tesla Model S will also be available with optional aerodynamic wheels, which can up the range by approximately 20 miles. For those who like their stats to be verified, the car’s range figure has been completely confirmed by the EPA.

The Model S will also feature cutting edge aerodynamics, paint finishes of the highest quality, and fans of panoramic roofs will be delighted to see the biggest panoramic roof ever to be built on a model of this kind.

We’ve also been promised that the car, to drive, will feel exactly like a trendy and zippy sports car. This is because the car's centre of gravity is relatively very low.

Practical purposes
The car’s other features include an air suspension system that adjusts on its own without the intervention of humans, as well as a DC fast-charging feature. This is essential for practical purposes as it means the vehicle’s battery pack can be fully recharged in just 60 minutes!

If desired, the battery pack can also be removed from the vehicle in less than 60 seconds.

This feature has been included by Tesla for if and when battery swap stations become the norm in our society rather than fast charge stations, as seems likely given the rapid increases in the number of electric cars hitting the streets.

Meanwhile, the Tesla Model S also has a cutting edge interior which features a relatively huge 4G touchscreen (17 inches to be precise) on the console.

As befits a Silicon Valley production car, the screen makes use of Google Earth for its navigational functions – and of course, can access the web, respond to spoken commands and host music and display mobile apps.

The 160-mile Tesla Model S will cost just $50k, whilst every stage of increase in the battery pack’s range will add a further $10k and, for those starting to budget already for their new motoring purchase, it's worth noting that the performance model will cost approximately $80k.

The UK will receive its first deliveries of the Model S from mid-2013 with the starting price likely to be around £35,000. Although that may sound expensive, bear in mind that this model exemplifies the very top end of the quality range in the kind of eco cars UK customers are yearning for.

Written by Mike Smith, a fan of uncovering the best new car offers on the market.

Truly Unusual Alternate Energy

There was a time when the thought of using wind or the sun as sources of power seemed truly strange and far-fetched but as scientists and inventors across the globe attempt to discover renewable energy sources that will support our future, some truly strange alternatives are in the works. While it is unlikely that many of these will become as widespread as, say, the electric car, you never know.

Take Doc in "Back to the Future" - if you remember your younger years well enough, you would be able to tell we what Doc uses to power the Delorean for the next law-of-physics-breaking journey. If you said a banana, you'd be right. This seemed quite futuristic in the 80's - but we are actually closer to that today than you perhaps imagine - the banana powered car that is, not the time travel.

We are now able to create liquid fuel from solid-state trash - the process to do so has evolved quite quickly. This is done through a process called "gasification", during which heat is used to transform carbon-based solid materials into a synthetic gas, which can then be extracted as ethanol. With this technology now available, check out some of the interesting concepts currently in development around the world.

Disposable Diapers
America alone throws away over 18 million non-biodegradable diapers every year.  Imagine if we were able to recycle those into an energy source? Two companies, one in Canada and another in England are currently constructing plants where they will transform the organic materials in diapers into biofuel.

Farm Animal Byproducts
A company called Changing World Technologies aims to turn animal waste from farms and slaughter-houses such as bodily waste, fat, bones and feathers into a viable fuel source. Thus, revolutionizing renewable energy by changing the way in which organic waste materials are utilized. Those gross guts that were once labeled as waste and shipped off to the landfill are now being used as energy, which improves our quality of life and minimizes global warming, all at once.

Watermelons
At your next summer picnic, take this into consideration when biting into your favorite summer dessert. A biofuel consultant and his team found that the juice from the imperfect, oddly shaped watermelons (called ‘cull’ watermelons) that many farmers decide not to sell and just leave on the vine, can be fermented quite well into ethanol. When the team was working on drawing out antioxidant compounds from watermelon juice, they realized that what they were pulling out of the watermelon (the liquid, at least) could prove to be a great source of ethanol.

It's hard to believe it, but did you know that about a fifth of all watermelons are not harvested and left on the vine? With this in mind, it's quite easy to see how watermelons could be used as a source of ethanol.

Human and Animal Waste
As unsavory as it may be to think about, waste from humans and animals has proven to be a shockingly efficient form of renewable energy. In fact, in Norway, buses run on biomethane. Biomethane is a by-product of the treated version of what you flush down the toilet - sewage, that is. It's free - and powering the propulsion of vehicles with biomethane prevents the noxious gas from being sent out into the world as a greenhouse gas. This gives a new meaning to "fart along" doesn't it?

Confiscated Alcohol
A Swedish bio-gas company is converting alcohol that is seized from smugglers trying to sneak it into the country into a viable fuel source. After establishing a partnership with Scandinavia’s customs service, a company called Svensk Biogas AB is planning to process nearly 200,000 gallons of smuggled alcohol seized by customs last year into enough bio-gas to power over 1,000 buses and trucks. The customs services used to simply pour it down the drain but now, they pump it into giant tanks that are then picked up by Svensk Bio-gas AB trucks for processing.

Alcohol on it's own isn't what makes the bio-fuel, but the alcohol gets added to bio-reactors along with a whole lot of other waste products to create the methane that is used to power these very bio-gas trucks and other vehicles.

Laura Green may not be a biofuel consultant herself, but she's always interested in alternative energy and new ways of getting around with as little harm to the environment around her as possible.

Have a Green Christmas: 5 Ways to Avoid Wasting Heat

There are plenty of great things about the winter time; the majesty of a fresh snow fall, the feeling of festivity and, of course, Christmas day itself. But that doesn’t change one inescapable fact. It’s a lot colder.

The temptation to combat this change in the weather by simply turning your heating up as far as possible isn’t just bad for the environment, it’s also terrible for your finances, at a time of year when every last penny counts.

However, by following a few simple steps you can simultaneously perform those two tasks that so often go hand in hand; lowering your use of unsustainable fossil fuels and saving money!

Turn Down the Thermostat

Of course, we all know that the lower we have our thermostat set, the less energy will be using, and the less well be playing. But many don’t realise the large impact even a small change can make. For every single degree you turn your thermostat down by, you’ll save around 10% of your heating bill.

A really great investment to think about making is in a programmable thermostat, which you can set to regulate the temperature of your home, commonly leading to an average saving of between 10-15% of the average heating bill, and reducing unnecessary energy usage.

Use Your Curtains

One of the less appealing aspects of winter is waking up and coming home in the dark. Given that this is the case, you could be forgiven for thinking that there’s no point ever bothering to open your curtains. However, whilst curtains are a great tool for stopping heat from escaping through your window, by opening them at the right time they can also help keep your house warmer.

If you open your curtains up at the right time of day when the sun is brightest you’ll actually heat your home up. Just because it’s winter, don’t forget, you can still use sunlight to stay warm!

Layers

The easiest way of staying warm without burning fossil fuels is simply to put on a few more layers. Putting on a vest and an extra sweater (without going into the details of carbon footprint of their production) doesn’t involve burning fossil fuels and is still the most effective way to stay warm.

Look out for Ventilation

In winter you need to be extra wary of fans that will suck heat out of your home. For instance, when you are cooking, unless for some reason you’re generating a huge amount of smoke, leave your ventilator fan off to stop it removing heat from your home.

By the same token, unless the room has real problems with damp, you should turn off your ventilator fan when taking a shower, as it too will lower the temperature of your home. Indeed, you should do just the opposite. Allow the steam into your home by leaving the fan off and keeping the door slightly ajar. Since you’re using the energy anyway in generating heat to wash, you might as well harness it.

Insulation

If you can afford it, it’s a good move to have as much insulation as possible. However, whilst installing a full loft insulation or getting you windows double glazed can be fairly costly (though, of course, over the course of a few years they’ll pay for themselves in what they save you, not to mention lessening your environmental impact). As a cheaper alternative, even a change as simple as purchasing a few cheap draft excluders will make a real difference to the extent to which your heating efforts are wasted.

Steve Waller writes in depth about environmental issues on GreenSteve.

Day 19 ~ Holiday Gift Guide ~ Fill Your Own

In 2008, Fill Your Own was looking to become a greener household. Not finding what they wanted in a reusable water bottle, they designed their own. They wanted their bottles to be practical for every day use, healthy, safe and eco-friendly. They also wanted being ‘green’ to be fun and stylish.

The result is their reusable stainless steel water bottles featuring beautiful artwork by Canadian artists. In addition to being reusable, their water bottles are further offset by Gold Standard carbon credits for a ZERO carbon footprint.

With the success of their water bottles, they’ve expanded to include stainless steel food containers, reusable lunch bags, litter-less lunch kits and compact folding shopping totes.

They believe that everyone can take a step towards greener every day living, and Fill Your Own has made it easier for you to take the FIRST step.

The stainless steel water bottles help reduce recycling and the dumping of plastic bottles into landfills as well as reduce the long term carbon emissions of single-use plastic bottles. All of the products promote reducing, reusing and refilling.

Fill Your Own are carbon neutral and run an eco-friendly business using recycled post-consumer paper products for packaging and shipping. They also support charities and participate in community events and fundraisers.

The eco-friendly stainless steel food containers are custom designed with unique twist-on stainless steel lids. BPA free, phthalates free and plastic free! Made of 18/8 food grade stainless steel, the food containers do NOT have an interior coating. Fill Your Own independently tests their stainless steel food containers in Canada for BPA and six phthalates – none were found. They also test for heavy metals including lead, arsenic and mercury in accordance with Health Canada and exceed all guidelines.

They've custom designed their stainless steel water bottles with a wide opening to fit normal sized ice cubes and offers easy cleaning, a slim shape for a comfortable hold and to fit in cup holders. Made of 18/8 food grade stainless steel, the bottles do NOT have an interior coating.

Fill Your Own independently tests the interior of the bottles and the exterior paint to exceed guidelines set by Health Canada. The bottles are available with your choice of cap: pop-top straw cap, sport spout, twist top with carabineer or drink spout. All of the caps are made of polypropylene (PP5) and are tested for BPA and six phthalates.

Fill Your Own stainless steel water bottles are also available in 350ml, 750ml and 1000ml sizes as well as various designs for kids and adults.

• Do not freeze
• Do not microwave
• Not recommended for hot foods (may cause harm to you)
• Not recommended for soft drinks or carbonated liquids
• Clean regularly

My Thoughts~!!

I was very impressed with the designs on the bottles found at Fill Your Own~!!  They are eye-catching, vibrant and give an artistic edge to the water bottle design.  I thought they fit nicely in my hands and those of my children.  Sometimes water bottles are just not porportioned properly in circumference and I have a problem finding ones that my children's fingers can grasp nicely without fear of them dropping~!!

I had the opportunity to review the 500 ml Pocket Personas and the 700 ml Love Me water bottles.  Very nice design and wonderfully priced for the workmanship found on the bottles~!!  The different designs to choose from are remarkable and something to suite everyone's artistic taste.

I think the customer service at Fill Your Own is GREAT~!!  I found the people there to be helpful, encouraging and friendly.  The shipping was exceptional and the product arrived in a timely manner~!!

I truly love that the bottles are eco-friendly thus reducing the carbon emissions we make as an individual.  I'm pleased to see that they do extensive testing on their products as they manufacturering plant is located in China, the folks at Fill Your Own have heard the stories about shoddy workmanship and dangerous chemicals, however, this is NOT the case with the Fill Your Own folks.  They take great pride in making sure everything is safe for consumers to use.

I think these would make an excellent gift or stocking stuffer for the loved ones in your life~!!  With the Spring coming up sooner than we think, its not too late to start that exercise regime you've been wanting to get to or maybe your just tired of plastic bottles, which can be dangerous to your health, whatever the reason, the products at Fill Your Own are worth the money...your health will thank you for it~!!

With that being said, we here at The Marsh and the wonderful folks at Fill Your Own want to give one of you the opportunity to check it out for yourself~!! 

Entering is easy and the rewards are groovy~!!

**  Please note:  I use Disqus as my comment form, if you are having troubles, you may have to refresh the page a few times in order to get it to appear...IF that STILL doesn't work, I would appreciate an e-mail with your mandatory entry... heavensent1@yahoo.com **

How to Set Up a Recycling Scheme

If you are plagued by the thought of all the things lying around your home that get thrown away instead of being recycled then it is time to take action. Instead of relying on someone else, set up your own recycling scheme and start recycling today. 

Setting up the Scheme

In fact, it is very easy to get into the habit of recycling items especially if there are already schemes or systems in place. Simply identify the various items that you want to make an effort to recycle regularly, such as paper, glass, plastics and tins, and then find out which recycling centres will take them. Find out if the centres will collect the recycling from your or if you need to factor in transporting it as part of your scheme.

As part of your scheme you need to consider what containers you will use to store the items for recycling until they are ready to be collected or you are ready to take them to a centre. While cardboard boxes and containers are suitable for paper and some plastics such as footwear hangers, they will not be suitable for heavy things like glass.  In this case you will need to get plastic or metal containers to store the items for recycling, as part of your scheme.

Once you have chosen your desired containers you need to label them clearly so that people know which container can recycle which items. For example, if you are doing hanger recycling hangers are usually made of plastic or metal and will need to be placed in the appropriate recycling container. You also need to keep in mind health and safety regulations and ensure that the containers are positioned responsibly, and if the containers will be collected by a local recycling scheme then these need to be easy to access from the outside of the building.

It is often a good idea to send out lists of recycling guidelines to make complying with your scheme simpler.  Also post simple guidelines above the recycling containers so that people know which one to use for which item. You need to decide whether the containers will be emptied on a regular (perhaps weekly) basis and if you need to contract a recycling company to collect them, or if you will deliver them yourself.

Conclusion

Setting up a recycling scheme at home, the office or for schools is fairly simple to do, it just requires some time and effort. However, once you have the system in place it is easy to ensure that you recycle as much as possible, thereby reducing your impact on the environment. Set up a recycling scheme today.

Sally Roberts is a freelance writer with a keen interest in sustainablity and environmental issues.

How to Save Money on Cleaning Supplies

How to Save Money on Cleaning Supplies

1. Borax
Borax has been cleaning homes for 115 years now and is still one of the cheapest laundry detergents around. Before vacuuming sprinkle borax on carpets and let set for 15 minutes. Not only doe it neutralize odors but it kills fleas as well.

2. Vinegar
Vinegar is nature's all-purpose cleaner. Simply put equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle to clean any surface (except marble). In different strengths, it can be used to clean soap scum, windows and hardwood floors. Vinegar dries without leaving a film and is non-toxic too.

3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another natural substance that can be used to clean virtually anything. Just about everyone knows that it makes a great toothpaste, but a paste made out of baking soda and a old toothbrush works great as a jewelry cleaner. A paste of baking soda also works wonders as an abrasive cleaner in both the bathroom and the kitchen.

4. Newspapers
Store circulars and local newspaper often fill the mailbox but before putting them in the recycling bin put them to good use. Newspaper work great to wash windows and any other glass surface with. Not only are they cheaper then paper towels, they never leave lint particles. You are saving money and helping the environment. Furthermore, you will always find more reasons to use newspapers (pets, crafts, wrapping presents, packing, etc), so you'll probably save money down the road too!

5. Oranges
Oranges are not just a good source of vitamin C they work great at controlling odors. Simply put a few pieces of the peels in a garbage disposal and leave sit overnight. Not only do they absorb odors but it leaves a citrus aroma behind. Orange peels also work great in the bottom of a trash can or in a vacuum cleaner canister or bag. Think of how much you can save on air fresheners, candles, potpourri, etc. What's even better is that with orange peels, you waste less. They're biodegradeable and you're not adding any more fumes, plastics or metals to the environment.

6. Coffee
That morning pot of coffee does not just give people some pep in their step, it works great as a fertilizer for indoor and outdoor plants. Simply add used coffee grounds to a gallon of water and let sit over night then use to water the plants. Coffee grounds can also be poured right on top of the soil and in outdoor gardens not only does it fertilize but it is a great insect repellent. Don't use this an excuse to splurge though - keep your coffee expenses low to really see the effects of this. If you're able to grow lots of fruits and vegetables, you'll really be saving tons!

Jannifer Bartrend likes to save money on homeremedies and by visiting Boatinsurance.org.

Niapads ~ Simple For Pimple

Saiom Technologies Inc. formulates and develops nutraceutical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products for various clients. Our focus is offering quality products and doing what is best for our customers by providing excellence and quality service. We know that by providing our customers with the products that enrich their lives and the customer service they deserve; our company will continue to strive and grow in this industry.

Niapads™ is designed to safely reduce Acne flare-ups by unleashing the well known anti-inflammatory properties of Niacinamide USP. Inflammatory skin conditions include Acne vulgaris and studies have shown that Niacinamide USP has proven efficacy in treatment of these skin conditions. Niapads™ is uniquely formulated to deliver Niacinamide USP topically at the desired site unlike oral formulations. A mild scrubbing pad helps exfoliate dead skin cells and prevent pore clogging.

 Product features:
1. Delivers therapeutic amounts of Niacinamide USP. Since it is topical, its action is localized and there are no systemic side-effects.
2. Reduce acne flare-ups. Mild enough for daily face cleansing.
3. Niacinamide is safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
4. Mild scrubbing action - water soluble micro beads. Cloth provides additional scrubbing action.
5. Contains beneficial Lavender oil. Provides mild Lavender scent.
6. No added colors (Presence of FD&C colors may cause acne flare-ups).
7. 30 single use disposable pads per re-sealable pouch. Take it to school, college, work, gym or travel.

Each situation is unique. Acne is caused by several factors and there is no cure for acne.

Tips for controlling Acne:

• Change or wash your pillow covers daily during a serious outbreak of acne. Bacteria lodged in the covers will continue to prolong Acne presence.
• Using appropriate techniques to sanitize your cellphone, makeup brushes and similar facial products that come in contact with facial acne. This will prevent acne bacteria from infecting new areas.
• For stubborn pimple: Cut a piece of pad slightly larger than the pimple. Moisten pimple and pad with water and stick the pad on the pimple. Leave pad on until it dries. Peel pad and rinse. 

ARV $15.00/30 Pads

My Thoughts~!!

My 14 y/o son has terrible acne and he has been frantic as to find a viable solution to his problem.  He has tried every holistic approach he could find, as well as a few over the counter acne treatments that have been "proven" to work and he has had no luck whatsoever.

When I first heard about Niapads I decided to check it out and have my son give his opinions on the product.  At first he was skeptical but more than willing to check it out.

When he first applied it to his skin, he remarked how he liked the smell.  We have a scent issue in our family and it is always one of my worries, however, it didn't affect his senses and after applying he sat back and waited and kept asking me if I noticed anything different.  I explained to him that we'd have to wait for a few uses in order to see any change.

My son remarked that he swears it was already beginning to work as he felt a slight tingling on his skin.  He liked the feeling saying that he could feel the Niapads working on his bacteria.  Now, while I didn't notice an overall lessening of the acne, I did notice that the red inflamed areas looked like there weren't so inflamed any longer.

My son said that by the next day, he already felt relief from the pressure from some of his more stubborn pimples and he has been using the product faithfully ever since~!!  After using the pads for over a week, I have noticed a considerable improvement and my son is now a Niapads fan and has been telling his friends at school about them.

Did you know that there is FREE shipping to anywhere in Canada and the US??   I thought that was one groovy deal, most people feel daunted by over priced shipping rates and tend to shy away from ordering online, I know its the one thing that stops me.  Being from Canada, I sometimes feel that companies take advantage of me by upping the shipping rates to astronomical proportions.  Free shipping is definitely a selling point for me~!!

If you have a loved one or if you suffer from acne problems, then these pads will help relieve the pressure and pain caused by them and before it works on clearing them up.  My 14 year old swears by them and with a nod of approval from a teenager suffering from acne, I'm going to have to take his word on it~!!  If he had one thing to say about the Niapads that was in the negative, it would be that the pads are too small for his fingers.  He has a wee bit of problems wiping them on his face and he wishes they were bigger.  He believes this are made for spot blemishes when the whole area around his nose and mouth is affected, making the cleaning a little difficult as he tries to maneuver the cloth around his acne.

All in all though, Niapads worked for my son...who knows, they may work for you too~!! 

 

** Disclosure: I did not accept any compensation from the sponsors other than review copies, my views are my own, reviewed by me..as I see it~!! **

Day 17 ~ Holiday Gift Guide ~ ImagiPLAY ~ Take Me To The Moon

For over a decade, ImagiPLAY has created high-quality educational toys that inspire children's imaginations and the desire to explore. With the abundance of toys available for children today, ImagiPLAY sets itself apart from the rest through its motto: "Toys with Integrity." By producing quality products that connect with nature, have eco-friendly sources, and hold educational value, ImagiPLAY works to benefit the earth we share and the people that inhabit it.

Founder and President Barbera Aimes offers children toys that represent her true passion: our planet. After studying languages and music in Japan and across the US, this nurturing earth mother explored ways in which she could communicate her desire to make the world a gentler, move loving place. In her mid thirties, she found that the natural beauty of Boulder, Colorado was the ideal place to call home, establish her business, and create a positive change amongst the people around her. "All my life I've wanted to leave this earth with some kind of beneficial legacy," Barbera explains, "If there is one thing I can leave on this earth, it would be to help children appreciate our world."

Through the language of play, Barbera and ImagiPLAY have inspired children across the globe to discover the world on their own terms and communicate with the environment. With ImagiPLAY's child safe and earth safe toys, games and collectibles, children enrich their ability to count, learn the alphabet, and identify different animals while gaining a true sense of the world's beauty and diversity of species.

Producing toys using only materials and processes that show respect for the planet and all the people and creatures upon it has remained ImagiPLAY's promise and challenge. All of ImagiPLAY's toys are made from eco-friendly materials, with plantation-grown rubberwood being a favorite. Rubber trees produce a sap that is used to make latex products. At the end of their latex-producing years (generally 25-30 years) the trees are harvested and new ones planted. But these wonderful trees have one more gift to give us -their beautiful, splinter-free hardwood, from which ImagiPLAY makes many of its award winning, heirloom quality toys.

Products for which Rubberwood is not suitable are made from wood from managed forests. ImagiPLAY's factories are placed close to the neighborhoods where its craftsmen live so that the majority of them can walk or ride their bikes to work each day, enabling its craftsmen to maintain quality relationships with their own children while they make toys for others.

ImagiPLAY products have been recognized by the media, children's advocacy groups, and parents' organizations for their outstanding quality, design and ability to inspire imagination. It has received awards from Parenting Magazine, Creative Child Magazine, Dr. Toy, Parents' Choice Foundation and many other well-respected groups. But most importantly, ImagiPLAY's products have helped thousands of children worldwide to discover themselves and their world as they navigate the waters of the human Age of Exploration.

My Thoughts~!!

ARV $26.99

ImagiPLAY's "Take Me To The Moon" is a very imaginative and wonderful toy for your little ones~!!  Its all natural workmanship is enough to impress anyone Eco-Friendly parent~!!

The set comes with seven hand-painted wooden figures and a zippered rocketship tote bag to store it all inside when your child is done playing.  It is hand-crafted by Rubberwood, a environmentally friendly hardwood and painted with child safe paints.

My son played with this for hours...he loves his imagination and this opened up many doors for him to investigate~!! The wooden figures are easy to handle and brightly coloured!  My sons pudgy fingers had no problems handling the characters and he found clean up to be a breeze as he was able to store everything inside the spaceship.

I was impressed with the paint detail on the figures.  I loved that everything is hand-painted making it a unique and one-of-a-kind gift as there is no possible way any two could ever be painted the same.  The artists used good, clean strokes without any clumping nor was they flakes of paint missing from any of the painted articles.

I think this would make an excellent gift for the wee ones in your life and with Christmas coming, what a perfect excuse to buy this wonderful "Take Me To The Moon" set for under the tree.

 

** Disclosure: I did not accept any compensation from the sponsors other than review copies, my views are my own, reviewed by me..as I see it~!! **