Snip.it Announces “Bike Sharing” As Its Earth Day Contest Winner

Snip.it, a new social curation service, today announced Eric Ouellette, creator of the Bike Sharing collection as the winner of its Earth Day contest (http://snip.it/earthday) — an initiative designed to raise global awareness for environmental issues and green sustainability.

For the past two weeks, users have been submitting collections of articles, videos and images to illuminate an environmental issue they feel passionate about. A judges panel, headed up by green venture capitalist Vinod Khosla, evaluated the 62 submissions this weekend based on depth, thoughtfulness and success in spreading awareness through Facebook likes. They named Bike Sharing the winner.

The contest demonstrates how people can use Snip.it’s social curation platform to raise awareness and deepen understanding for any issue they care about, including the environment. Topics from contest submissions spanned everything from upcycling to ocean conservation to solar energy.

“We were so impressed with the quality, thought and creativity that went into all of the Earth Day collections,” said Ramy Adeeb, Snip.it’s CEO and founder. “All the entries were in line with Snip.it’s mission to give users a platform to discuss and share the topics they care about.”

As the winner of Snip.it’s Earth Day contest, Eric Ouellette will receive a new iPad. A $200 donation will also be made to the Coalition for Smarter Growth, the environmental nonprofit he chose to award as part of his winning. Steve Rahman came in second for his The Great Pacific Garbage Patch collection. He will receive a cash prize of $250 along with a $100 donation to the environmental nonprofit of his choice. In third place, Corrie Clearwater will be awarded $150 for her Teach Your Children Well collection, and a $50 donation will be made to the environmental non-profit of her choice.

Each submission was judged by a panel of environmental thought-leaders led by Vinod Khosla, preeminent clean tech investor; Zem Joaquin, ecoFabulous founder and board member of Global Green; Chip Giller, founder and president of Grist.org, Randy Paynter, founder and CEO of Care2.com; Avital Binshtock Andrews, renowned journalist covering sustainability for Sierra; and Diana Dehm, host of sustainability news and entertainment for Planet TM, formerly Radio Green Talk and founder and president of Sustainable Business Partnerships, LLC.

To see all the collections, please visit: www.snip.it/earthday.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Earth Products for FREE or nearly FREE!

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All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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African Cats” Motion Picture Opens on Earth Day, April 22, 2011

“African Cats” is still more than two weeks from opening on Earth Day, but moviegoers have already bought $1.7 million in tickets to see the movie during its opening week (April 22-28) and save the African savanna in the process. Thanks to the “See ‘African Cats,’ Save the Savanna” initiative, Disneynature’s pledge to make a contribution in honor of everyone who sees the film opening week already translates to more than 9,500 acres of land within Kenya’s Amboseli Wildlife Corridor—and that number continues to rise.

“We are very impressed with the passion people are showing for ‘African Cats’—advance ticket sales for this film have surpassed both ‘Earth’ and ‘Oceans’ at this stage of the game, which shows how excited moviegoers are for both the movie and the ‘Save the Savanna’ initiative,” said Alan Bergman, president, The Walt Disney Studios. “The Amboseli Corridor is an essential passage utilized by so many animals in the African savanna. The advance ticket sales so far will allow Disneynature with African Wildlife Foundation’s assistance to conserve more than 9,500 acres of this passage—which equates to 19 Disney’s Animal Kingdoms, or nearly two-thirds the size of Manhattan—and we still have two weeks till opening day.”

“The ‘See “African Cats,” Save the Savanna’ program transforms the moviegoing experience into tangible on-the-ground conservation action. The commitment of Disneynature combined with the passion of moviegoers will raise critical funds to conserve the land that the magnificent species featured in ‘African Cats’ call home,” said Dr. Patrick Bergin, CEO, African Wildlife Foundation. “Through this amazing collaboration, we celebrate our 50th Anniversary together with Disneynature and all the people who are helping establish the Amboseli Wildlife Corridor.”

“See ‘African Cats,’ Save the Savanna” continues Disneynature’s conservation efforts, which began with its first release, “Earth” (2009), for which three million trees were planted in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. The program in support of “Oceans” (2010) helped establish 40,000 acres of marine protected areas in The Bahamas, which contain miles of vital coral reef.

“SEE ‘AFRICAN CATS,’ SAVE THE SAVANNA”

During the film’s opening week (April 22-28), a portion of the proceeds from that week’s ticket sales will be donated to the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to ensure the future of lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes and a host of other animals in the vibrant African savanna. The AWF will be working to protect the Amboseli Wildlife Corridor, a passage between the Amboseli, Tsavo West and Chyulu Hills National Parks that is frequently used by a variety of wildlife.

The film, which will be released in theaters worldwide, opens in North America on April 22, 2011. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are already available in the United States by calling 1-888-DISNEY6. Tickets are also available online at www.disney.com/africancats.

There are also a number of innovative online efforts underway that allow moviegoers to pledge their commitment to the film and in doing so, support the cause.

·         Like Disneynature on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Disneynature

·         Pledge to see “African Cats” on Eventful: http://eventful.com/africancats

·         Join the “African Cats” grassroots community and donate to the African Wildlife Foundation on Causes: http://www.causes.com/africancats

·         Buy tickets through Disney Tickets Together: http://apps.facebook.com/ticketstogether/

ABOUT THE MOVIE

An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth, “African Cats” captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. Narrated by Oscar®-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson, the story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a rival lion and his sons. Disneynature brings “The Lion King” to life on the big screen in this True Life Adventure directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill (“Earth”). An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild, “African Cats” leaps into theatres on Earth Day, April 22, 2011. For more information about the movie and the “See ‘African Cats,’ Save the Savanna” initiative, check out Disney.com/AfricanCats.

ABOUT AWF

Founded in 1961, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is a conservation organization focused solely on the African continent. AWF’s programs and conservation strategies are based on sound science and designed to protect both the wild lands and wildlife of Africa and ensure a more sustainable future for Africa’s people. Since its inception AWF has protected endangered species and land, promoted partnerships with the private sector for conservation tourism to benefit local African communities as a means to improve livelihoods, and trained hundreds of African nationals in conservation—all to ensure the survival of Africa’s unparalleled wildlife heritage. AWF is a non-profit organization currently operating in 14 countries across the continent. AWF is a registered 501(c)(3) in the United States. Visit www.awf.org.

ABOUT DISNEYNATURE

Disneynature, the first new Disney-branded film label from The Walt Disney Studios in more than 60 years, was launched in April 2008 to bring the world’s top nature filmmakers together to share a wide variety of wildlife subjects and stories with theatrical audiences. “Earth” (opening Earth Day 2009) was the first film to premiere domestically under the new label, and garnered a record-breaking opening weekend for a nature documentary. Its “Buy a Ticket, Plant a Tree” initiative led to the planting of three million trees in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Hitting theaters on April 22, 2010, “Oceans” was the third highest grossing feature-length nature film in history. Its “See ‘Oceans,’ Save Oceans” initiative helped establish 40,000 acres of marine protected area in The Bahamas, preserving essential coral reefs. Walt Disney was a pioneer in wildlife documentary filmmaking, producing 13 True-Life Adventure motion pictures between 1949 and 1960, which earned eight Academy Awards®. For more information about Disneynature, check out disneynature.com like us on Facebook: facebook.com/Disneynature, and follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/Disneynature. For more information about the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, please visit Disney.com/conservation.

ABOUT DISNEY WORLDWIDE CONSERVATION FUND

The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has advanced Disney's legacy of conservation to inspire people and partnerships to protect the world’s wildlife. To date, the DWCF has granted more than $14 million in 110 countries. DWCF is a Disney initiative to support conservation and animal welfare and is not a US 501(c)(3) public charity. More information about DWCF's efforts for wildlife, wild places and the people linked to their survival, is available at www.disney.com/conservation.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Turn off Your light, Turn on the Earth -- Global Event March 26

Earth Hour 2011 will take place at 8.30pm (all time zones), Saturday, March 26.

IDEAS FOR PARENTS, CAREGIVERS AND THEIR CHILDREN TO PARTICIPATE

THROW AN EARTH HOUR PARTY!

20 SIMPLE “BEYOND THE HOUR” IDEAS TO COMMIT TO
FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR PLANET

WHAT IS EARTH HOUR?

Earth Hour is driven by the global community’s will to protect the planet we share. Earth Hour’s exponential growth – from a single-city initiative in 2007 to a global movement across 128 countries in 2010 – is indicative of the growing desire for a cleaner, healthier world that is gathering momentum by the hour.  At 8.30pm on Saturday 26 March 2011, Earth Hour will mark a moment of global contemplation to go beyond the hour; a collective commitment by individuals throughout the world to be the ongoing change they want to see in it.

Earth Hour 2011 will ask the world to:

• Switch off your lights for Earth Hour at 8.30pm, Saturday 26 March 2011 and celebrate your commitment to the planet with the people of the world
• Sign up and Share stories of your actions that benefit the planet on earthhour.org
• Sustain your actions beyond the hour – www.beyondthehour.org >

 
HOW DO WE INVOLVE OUR CHILDREN?

In a bid to extend the message to young children and their caregivers, the Earth Hour organization has appointed the globally loved animated character Pocoyo as the first Global Kids’ Ambassador of Earth Hour, Beyond the Hour.  Pocoyo will reach out to millions of preschool-aged fans across the globe, fostering “Learning through Laughter,” to inform children about environmental issues.

Parent and their caregivers can find a fun activity book, promo, screensavers and wallpaper at http://www.pocoyo.com/earth_hour_2011.html

At the recent Beyond the Hour press conference in Singapore, Earth Hour Co-Founder and Executive Director, Andy Ridley commented “Everyone has the power to make change: a CEO can change an organization, a 7-year-old can change a classroom, and a president can change a country. What we are announcing today is just the beginning.  It is through the collective action of individuals and organizations that we will be able to truly make a difference, which is why we are urging people across the planet to share how they will go beyond the hour this Earth Hour.”

Chloe Nicol, a 7-year-old girl from Australia, is guiding her school to increase recycling and reduce energy waste. The school now also shuts their blinds instead of using air-conditioning to cool the rooms.
Nathi Mzileni, a 15-year-old boy from Swaziland, was inspired to take action in 2010 when he realised his town did not participate in Earth Hour. He started a group at his High School called Green Enviro to educate people about climate change, and this year will single-handedly make Earth Hour a reality in his town of Shimunye, Swaziland.

Parrys Raines, a 15-year-old Australian girl, has convinced her school to install water filling stations and provide each student and teacher with a reusable stainless steel drinking bottle to reduce plastic bottle waste.

Parents, caregivers and their children EVERYWHERE can support the initiative by throwing an Earth Hour Party Celebration to help spread the word on saving our environment.  We’ve included some easy tips for the perfect party, enjoy!

• Make invitations out of recycled paper or send an email invite.
• Use organic and locally sustained food.
• Serve finger foods to skip using plates and utensils, and use cloth napkins that can be washed and used again.  
• Make dishes that don’t require the oven or electricity to prepare.
• Be creative with food, licorice ends can be cut off to make edible straws for the kids.
• Family craft project - decorate canvas shopping totes with eco-friendly paint, old buttons, etc.
• Have a nighttime, outdoor, eco friendly scavenger hunt by flashlight - hunt for garden tools, seeds, egg cartons, etc. Once the items are found, explain how they are used for recycling and to save our environment.
• Have a recycled book exchange for the kids and adults, instead of favors.
• Have fun and remember to have enough candles and flashlights for everyone to see!

We have also attached a list of “20 SIMPLE IDEAS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS TO HELP CHILDREN TO GO “BEYOND THE HOUR”, AND HELP SAVE OUR PLANET!”

We look forward to you supporting Earth Hour and helping Pocoyo make children everywhere aware of the initiative.  Please let us know if we can provide any additional information.

And check out the Earth Hour Video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mxjbip6y04&feature=player_embedded

“20 SIMPLE IDEAS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS TO HELP CHILDREN TO GO “BEYOND THE HOUR”, AND HELP SAVE OUR PLANET!”

At the centre of the Earth Hour is the symbolic collective action of lights out on March 26.
Yet Earth Hour is about much more than just switching off the lights. It’s about switching to a more sustainable lifestyle. Being mindful, using less, making everyday choices to reduce our environmental footprint.

If you want your kids to be environmentally responsible when they grow up, you've got to teach them while they're still young

Here are some tips for going beyond hour. Big or small, through all our efforts combined, these changes will help make a difference.

Turn off lights and appliances at the wall when not in use
            Explain to children that lights, TV’s and computers use energy, and that it is in short supply!  This is an easy way to reduce wasted energy and carbon. If you switch off just one appliance at the wall you could save 99 pounds of greenhouse gas!  Ask your child if he can imagine what 99 pounds might look like, and show him/her some examples – like twenty 5 pound bags of potatoes!

Stop using plastic containers
                Explain to your child that every bottle they throw in the trash sits in a big pile at the local dump.  Have your child help you pick out fun, brightly colored refillable or reusable containers.

Make recycling fun!
Make recycling fun by inventing games such as tossing non-breakable recyclable items into trashcans at a short distance!  Use recyclable materials in craft projects, for example use cardboard to make masks, or paper to make airplanes!   Create art projects such as paper mache and mosaics. And donate discarded items to charity!

Have a candlelight family and grab a blanket if it’s cold!
Once a week, have a candlelight family hour and tell stories or play games instead of watching TV.  And if it’s cold, wear an extra layer of clothes or snuggle up under a blanket to read books.  

Use the sunlight to warm up a room
The house pet knows this and you kids will enjoy it too.  Open blinds and drapes on a sunny but chilly day and enjoy the glorious warmth that pours in through the windows!

Close drapes and blinds when it’s too hot!
In the summer heat, turn down or off the air-conditioner to save energy by teaching children how they can keep from getting hot and sticky by closing the drapes and blinds to keep the room cool.   They will enjoy their playtime better and parents will save money too!


Watch your water use
            Only 3% of the world’s water is fresh water, and of that, two-thirds is frozen in glaciers and polar ice-caps! Teach kids water-wise habits at home at a young age.   Turn off the water while brushing teeth, take shorter showers, and no water-hose fights in hot weather!  

Throw a green birthday party
            Kids parties generate a lot of trash. Email invitations; choose reusable kid-friendly cups and plates; and create a craft activity for kids to take something home instead of wasteful goody bags.

Walk more
            Walk to pre-school with your kids!  It’s fun to spend the extra time with your children, great exercise and you save on gas too.

Take public transport when you can
            Buses and trains ease congestion, reduce emissions, and allow you to relax with your kids.  Relax and read a book together instead of driving the car!

Car pool
            Double the efficiency of your car by carpooling to pre-school!

Buy earth-friendly back-to-school products
It’s always fun shopping for supplies. Choose recycled pencils and notebooks, PVC-free shoes, hemp backpacks, organic cotton clothes, or re-used clothing where possible.

Take a reusable cloth bag when you go shopping – decorate bags with your kids!
            Did you know that American use 380 billion plastic bags every year? In addition to being manufactured from non-renewable fossil fuels, plastic bags degrade extremely slowly.  Buy a canvas bag, and decorate it with recycled items!
            
Buy local, seasonal produce
            Take the kids for a fun morning out and buy produce at your local Farmer’s Market!   Explain how far much of the food you buy has travelled before it reaches your table. Food produced locally costs less to process and transport, and it’s fresher and better for you.

Cut down on meat
            Try to eat a little bit less meat by having the children help you to make one extra vegetarian meal each week.  It takes only about 723 gallons of water to produce 2.2 pounds of wheat, but 3250 gallons of water to produce 2.2 pounds of beef.

Plant natives in the garden
            Enjoy some fresh air with the children in the garden and plant native plants!  Kids might like to have their own miniature size garden box to tend! Use native plants, they require less water, care and maintenance. Plus, you will be creating the ideal conditions to attract native species to your backyard or balcony by creating a habitat for them.

Start a compost
            What kid isn’t fascinated with worms? Create a worm composter!  Almost 75 per cent of household waste is compostable. Composting not only saves landfill space, but recycles material and saves money on fertilizers.  Worms to speed up the process.  Ask the children to fill the composter with food scraps and in a few months, they will see how the “garbage” becomes rich dirt they can help you spread around to make the garden grow.

Grown your own fruit and vegetables
            Watching things grow is exciting!  Reduce your footprint and have your kids help you grow their own veggies. Let them choose seeds, plant and tend them together.  Fresh veggies are good for you and for the earth. No packaging and no food miles!

Install a rainwater tank
See how much rain you can catch!  Secure your own water supply and collect water for use in the garden. Rainwater is free, so parents, that means a reduction in bills too!

Share your tips with friends!
Have a weekly contest with friends to see who did the most to help save the planet!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review & Giveaway - Miracle in Sumatra: The Story of Gutsy Gus

About the Book

In “Miracle of Sumatra,” author Jeanne McNaney follows, Gus, a young orangutan as he discovers his parents have been trapped by hunters who have come to Sumatra to hunt the orangutan. With the help of his friends, Maya, a little girl, and Gabriella, the guardian of the jungle, Gus sets out to save his parents and teach the trappers about the importance of their natural habitat in Sumatra.

About the Author

Jeanne currently resides in Old Greenwich, Conn., with her husband and three young children. Her first children’s book, “The Legend of Honey Hollow” (Ovation Books, January 2009), introduces children to environmentalism and the dangers of global warming. She has served on the board of Pathways, Inc., which provides housing for mentally ill adults. She currently sits on the board of governors for the We Are Family Foundation and is an active volunteer with the Old Greenwich School.

My Take On The Book

This is the story of Gus, a baby orangutan, and the dangers lurking in the forests of Sumatra. In first reading though your find that the dangers are not at first what they would seem, but instead the danger is from people. From "Hunter", a man who is out to capture the orangutans to those chopping down the forest trees.

This also is a story of friendship, specifically, a friendship between Gus and a little girl named Maya. It's also the story of  Gabriella, the angel who protects the forest and all its inhabitants.

This story was a great read and one that my girls just loved. I loved the fact that it got them thinking about the world around them and that danger can be from people as well as the environment. The book also promoted global awareness which is important in my view.

The illustrations within the book were vibrant and beautiful.

Overall, this was a book that I would recommend to any family!

If this books sounds like one that you would like to add to your own collection, you can find it over at Amazon!

Giveaway

How would you like to win a copy of this book? I will be giving away 1 copy to a lucky reader! All you need to do is let me know why you would have an interest in this book to be considered. The contest will run for one week and will end on February 20, 2010.

Bonus Entries:

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All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.


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