Eco-Friendly Winter Tips

For most of the Philadelphia area we enjoyed a mild December but now as we go into February its cold outside and for many its cold inside as well. When it’s cold and comfort and convenience are at the top of your list remember to be environmentally friendly with these 3 easy tips:

1. Remember to insulate windows and doors. Take some time to go throughout your house and check windows for drafts. If you find that your windows do have a draft; foam liners, plastic, and spray foam can be used to keep heat inside the house. Remember to keep doors closed and try putting a rug under the door to stop the draft.  This will keep you from having to turn the thermostat up in the winter.

2. Whenever possible use natural products instead of chemicals. Traditional rock salt can burn the bottom of pet’s paws and cause harm when ingested. In many cases more salt is put out than needed leading to it running off into plant beds and local streams polluting the environment. An eco-friendly alternative is to use all natural de-icing salt or pet friendly salt that can be purchased at your local hardware store or on online.

3. When ice forms on your cars windshield instead of chemical de-icers use natural homemade products. A dish soap solution, rubbing alcohol solution, or vinegar solution can be used for de-icing. If ice forms do the environment a favor and take the time to go outside and scrape the ice off by hand instead of using a chemical solution. Natural at home deicing recipes can be found on this website:http://www.ehow.com/info_8706217_homemade-window-de-icer.html

The environment will thank you along with the polar bears, butterflies, and frogs. 

                                             

  Gabby

Helping a cold and helping the environment

I have a cold……..I’m cranky, tired, stressed, and it finals week. I can barely remember what I learned in school last week yet alone to unplug my phone cord. But I’m still making an effort, so I thought to myself what are some easy ways to help the environment while helping my cold without cutting into my study time. First thing I needed this morning was medicine lots and lots of medicine so instead of lazy having my mom drive across the street to the store I bungled up and walked. With a stack of tests to get done I needed something to cut the cold and get my energy going. Instead of going for the store brought tea that is transported from who knows were on a truck that releases gases that destroy the environment. I boiled a whole lemon sliced, with half a red onion sliced, and a bunch of organic honey.  The onion and lemon both came from the local produce market.  It doesn't taste half bad and I am feeling better; as is the environment. While my tea was boiling I unplug my cellphone cord, my laptop cord (because the battery was at 100%), and even unplugged my TV (helping me keep focused and helping the environment). If your relaxing at home spending your day reading blogs then lucky you. If you trying to stay strong and get through finals then you’re not alone. I’m done my tea and there is a history final that needs getting done. Remember to help yourself by helping the environment.

                                                                                                                                  

Gabby

Introduction

Hey my name is Gabby.  I’m a little bit crazy, funny, and I’m completely obsessed with school. When I’m not at the Philadelphia Zoo working on Zoo CREW stuff I’m working in the education department. My blogs will be on Mondays and Thursdays. I’m unique in the fact that I look at the world in a different way. 8 years of online schooling, 5 years of zoo camp, and 2 years of working at the Philadelphia Zoo has given me a different perspective of life and I look forward with sharing my view of the world with you.

If you enjoy our blogs and want more information on how to be environmentally friendly I encourage you to follow us on our various social media websites:

 Facebook: Zoo CREW Campaign

Twitter:  @ZooCREWCampaign

Tumblr: zoocrewcampaign.tumblr.com

Instagram: zoocrewcampaign

Starting Point

A team of teenagers, in the youth program Zoo CREW get together at the Zoo in order to create a change in our communities, for the things we care about.  Most teenagers believe that even if they speak up, nothing will change, so they stay silent. However, as teenagers we have the drive and the ability to start projects within our individual communities to stir a change over the internet, our communities, and among our peers. Our program coordinator within the zoo and other zoo employees are our support and allow us the tools to be able to create the change we wish. Our main focuses are endangered animals, and for the next two years, it will be frogs, butterflies, and polar bears.

 To pursue our goals, we have divided into 3 related groups that overlap, but are separate from each other. The first group is composed of older teenagers in the program and call themselves Planet Energy.  They are currently working on a documentary that educates and informs youths and adults about how climate change affects the highlighted species of this year. The second group is passionate about butterflies and polar bears. They refer to themselves as Guardians of Butterflies and Polar Bears, as their official name.  To help inform families, they are presenting a live skit in a public place, and an interactive poster board, as well as hand out information to their audience. The third group of teenagers is composed of a mix of younger and older students in the program. Their goal is to be the advertisement and blogger team to inform the internet and their fellow peers of what the Zoo CREW team is working on in terms of progress.