12/10/2012 03:00 PM EST
Image description: This new global view of Earth’s city lights is a composite assembled from data acquired by the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (NPP) satellite. The data was acquired over nine days in April 2012 and 13 days in October 2012. It took 312 orbits to get a clear shot of every parcel of Earth’s land surface and islands. This new data was then mapped over existing Blue Marble imagery of Earth to provide a realistic view of the planet.
View a larger image.
Image from NASA’s Earth Observatory/NOAA/DOD
12/10/2012 01:00 PM EST
By Felicia Chou, Program Analyst in the Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery at the Environmental Protection Agency.
I can see it now: Wrapping paper flying everywhere, brilliantly-colored, shredded tissue paper and tinsel floating through the air. Yes, it’s that time of the year again when everything we have dreamed of is presented to us under layers of ribbons, bows, and wrapping paper. This year, give the gift of environmentalism while enjoying the most wonderful time of the year.
In the spirit of green giving, I’ve always been a fan of re- gifting (Shhhh… Don’t tell anyone), because there’s only that many awkward gifts you can fit in storage. But if you really want to be spreading holiday cheer instead of holiday leer, start by choosing a “green” gift for your loved ones. Many brand new, unopened items make their way to reuse centers and thrift stores, and you never know if there’s a perfect something just waiting to be wrapped and gifted.
Items made of recycled-content that are durable enough to last years of wear and tear will help keep resources out of landfills. For greener gadgets and appliances, check out EPEAT-registered items and those that are Energy Star certified.
Instead of buying DVDs or CDs, why not give gift cards so your friends and family can just download the content? This also conserves the energy and resources required to manufacture the DVD or CD, and reduce packaging waste.
Instead of wrapping your gift, consider placing the gift in a reusable bag as part of the gift.
When all the wrapping paper has been pulverized, boxes and bags tossed aside, and opened holiday cards trampled underfoot in the excitement, be sure to salvage any leftover packaging you can use for next holiday season, recycling the rest.
What to do with unwanted gifts? Besides re-gifting, the Salvation Army, Good Will, and other donation and reuse centers will be glad to take them off your hands. Not only will you be helping those in need, someone in the spirit of green giving might give it to someone who will really love it.
Find more green holiday tips.
I can see it now: Wrapping paper flying everywhere, brilliantly-colored, shredded tissue paper and tinsel floating through the air. Yes, it’s that time of the year again when everything we have dreamed of is presented to us under layers of ribbons, bows, and wrapping paper. This year, give the gift of environmentalism while enjoying the most wonderful time of the year.
In the spirit of green giving, I’ve always been a fan of re- gifting (Shhhh… Don’t tell anyone), because there’s only that many awkward gifts you can fit in storage. But if you really want to be spreading holiday cheer instead of holiday leer, start by choosing a “green” gift for your loved ones. Many brand new, unopened items make their way to reuse centers and thrift stores, and you never know if there’s a perfect something just waiting to be wrapped and gifted.
Items made of recycled-content that are durable enough to last years of wear and tear will help keep resources out of landfills. For greener gadgets and appliances, check out EPEAT-registered items and those that are Energy Star certified.
Instead of buying DVDs or CDs, why not give gift cards so your friends and family can just download the content? This also conserves the energy and resources required to manufacture the DVD or CD, and reduce packaging waste.
Instead of wrapping your gift, consider placing the gift in a reusable bag as part of the gift.
- Otherwise, use recycled paper or add an artistic flair by using old newspapers, magazines, or decorated paper.
- Reuse wrapping tissue paper and basket paper shreds;
- I go digging around the office’s paper shredder for crinkled, shredded paper to cushion my items destined for re-gifting.
- Dive into your creative side by making your own holiday cards, or repurpose old holiday cards by cutting out designs and making a holiday collage.
When all the wrapping paper has been pulverized, boxes and bags tossed aside, and opened holiday cards trampled underfoot in the excitement, be sure to salvage any leftover packaging you can use for next holiday season, recycling the rest.
What to do with unwanted gifts? Besides re-gifting, the Salvation Army, Good Will, and other donation and reuse centers will be glad to take them off your hands. Not only will you be helping those in need, someone in the spirit of green giving might give it to someone who will really love it.
Find more green holiday tips.
12/10/2012 11:00 AM EST
Even in a tough economy, businesses need extra help around the holidays. Seasonal employment can help supplement your income and potentially lead to a permanent position.
If you need to update your resume, check out resume and interview tips to help you stand out in the job market. Get online tools and resources to help with your job search.
Find more holiday tips.
If you need to update your resume, check out resume and interview tips to help you stand out in the job market. Get online tools and resources to help with your job search.
Find more holiday tips.
12/10/2012 10:00 AM EST
Spot the Space Station From Your House:Did you know that you can see the International Space Station from your house? The space station is easy to find in the sky if you know where and when to look for it.
Sign up for NASA’s Spot the Station service to receive an e-mail or text message a few hours before the space station passes over your house.
Sign up for NASA’s Spot the Station service to receive an e-mail or text message a few hours before the space station passes over your house.
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Our Blog| This email was sent to santacruz01pca@gmail.com from: USA.gov • General Services Administration • OCSIT • 1275 First Street NE • Washington DC 20417 • (800) 333-4636. |
No comments:
Post a Comment