by Jennifer Lefebvre

 Many of us have attempted to make small changes in our lives to combat the current climate situation, be more eco-friendly, and to support environmentally friendly movements.  Another area to consider is in our use of beauty products.

The thought of using chemicals on and in our bodies makes us really stop and think.  Organic and natural beauty products are on the rise.  An increasing number of beauty products are being created using natural plant extracts and oils which are gentler to our skin than harsh, artificial chemicals.  When shopping for beauty products, some things to look for are companies which avoid testing on animals, companies who use recycled materials, and labels which display full lists of ingredients.  Just like you would read a food label, make sure you are using beauty products which are labeled, as well.  Some ingredients to avoid include:  mercury, thimerosal, formaldehyde, and petroleum.  These are toxic not only to our bodies but also to the environment.  Be wary, however, as the beauty industry does not currently have strict labeling guidelines.  If a product says that it is natural because it contains flower extracts, it does not mean that it does not also contain other harsh chemicals.  In 2005 the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recognized certification for personal-care products but few have earned that status.  “If you want something that’s truly chemical-free, look for the USDA seal on the label,” says Joseph Smillie, whose private agency, Quality Assurance International, certifies organic products for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Fitness Magazine lists some of the best eco-friendly beauty products including shampoo and makeup.

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by Beth Gray

The 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver have come to a close.  The United States stood strong atop the medal podiums, taking home a total of 37 medals, edging out Germany with 30 and the host nation, Canada, with 26.  Few would argue that the Canadians staged a successful event.  Vancouver is known for having an environmentally friendly and forward-thinking population and in planning these Olympic Games, the Canadians were cognizant of the environmental impact such an event could have.

The City of Vancouver touts an active environmental program.  Vancouver hosts a variety of programs for residents including “One Day” which encourages citizens to take proactive measures to reduce carbon emissions in the city.  The city’s One Day website boasts a variety of ways in which the city and its citizens are working toward a more environmentally friendly future.  For example, “all new commercial and multifamily buildings are required to meet the strictest energy efficiency requirements in Canada” and for more than a decade, the city has actively promoted alternative modes of transportation with great success; since 1996, Vancouver has seen a “44 percent increase in walking, a 180 percent increase in bike trips, a 20 percent increase in transit use, and a 10 percent reduction in vehicle trips.”  Vancouver also hosts a program called Green Streets which encourages citizens to beautify their neighborhoods by adopting and maintaining street gardens. 

Olympic planners stated early on that Vancouver would strive to host the most environmentally friendly Games the world had ever seen.  With more than 250,000 visitors traveling to Vancouver for the Games, the city faced a tremendous challenge in achieving that goal.  In attempting to meet their goal, however, the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) took several significant steps.  Upon winning the city’s bid to host the Games, VANOC formed a meaningful partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).  More tangible efforts toward greening the Games included low-flow toilets that used rainwater for flushing, separate waste receptacles for compostable waste, and energy-efficient grass covered roofs.  Additionally, VANOC increased its already expansive public transit system, encouraging visitors to move around the city using more environmentally friendly means. 

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by Beth Gray

A new phenomenon is sweeping across the globe and affecting millions of individuals and their communities.  The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recently announced that some 50 million people have become climate refugees, displaced from their homes due to dramatic climate changes.  As droughts, water shortages, and natural disasters increase in direct relation to climate degradation over the next several decades, scholars have estimated that by 2050, the world could have as many as 200 million climate refugees. 

The 50 million already facing displacement due to climate changes come predominantly from developing nations where climate changes are coupled with already existing war and poverty to intensify the situation.  The map below was originally published on the UNEP website and concisely depicts the areas of the world most prone to climate refugee problems.  Though predominantly a problem associated with developing countries, the map draws attention to the fact that no area of the world is immune from issues of climate change and the refugees who may need assistance as a result. 

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