Washing Machines Identified As Pollution Source
Household washing machines are a major source of “microplastic” pollution, tiny bits of plastic littering beaches worldwide, a new study shows. Researcher Mark Browne at University College Dublin and colleagues say the accumulation of microplastic debris in marine environments – tiny bits of polyester and acrylic smaller than the head of a pin – raises health and safety concerns as the plastic debris contains potentially harmful chemicals that go into the bodies of animals and could be transferred to people who consume fish. The researchers said the highest concentrations are found on shores in densely populated areas and identified wastewater from household washing machines as a major source. More than 1,900 fibers can rinse off a single garment during a wash cycle, the researchers says, and these fibers look just like the microplastic debris on shorelines.

Satellite Data Tracks World Fires
A series of satellite visualizations of tens of millions of fires detected worldwide from space since 2002 shows how fire affects our environment, NASA says. The visualizations show fire observations made by the MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer instruments on board NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites, the space agency said. The Terra and Aqua satellites were launched in 1999 and 2002, respectively. MODIS data show Africa has more abundant burning than any other continent with some 70% of the world’s fires. Fires are comparatively rare in North America, in comparison, making up just 2% of the world’s burned area each year, NASA said.

More Fracking Delays At State DEC!

Commissioner Martens Can’t Predict When Fracking Might Begin!

For the full story from PressConnects.com, the official website of the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, just click on the link below:

http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20111025/NEWS11/111025009/1112/7daysarchives/Martens-Further-delays-possible-DEC-drilling-review

 Syracuse Bans Fracking!

Council Passes Law!  Joins Albany & Buffalo Bans!  Frackers Will Fight It!

For the full story from PressConnects.com, the official website of the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, just click on the link below:

http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20111025/NEWS01/110250323/1112/7daysarchives/Syracuse-council-bans-fracking-gas-wells

Infestation Of Emerald Ash Borer Spreads!

Beetle Now In Monroe County, as well as Brighton, Pittsford & Penfield!

For the full story from PressConnects.com, the official website of the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, just click on the link below:

http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20111025/NEWS10/110250324/1112/7daysarchives/Cornell-Cooperative-Extension-confirms-Emerald-ash-borer-eastern-Monroe-County

www.sony.com/ecotrade 

Sony Electronics has made it even easier to trade-in or recycle old or unwanted consumer electronics products for free in a socially and environmentally responsible manner through one simple website. The new site is designed to help consumers find the best way to trade-in or recycle both eligible Sony and non-Sony products for credit towards the latest Sony electronics products. A drop-off center locator helps consumers find the nearest participating recycling center where they can drop off their electronics. For those located more than 25 miles from a drop-off center, Sony offers free shipping and recycling on eligible Sony-branded products that weigh less than 25 lbs.

Gas Prices Edge Back Up

Gas prices have jumped again, ending a downward slide, according to the Lundberg Survey. The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline is $3.47, up five cents over the past two weeks. From early September to early October, the price had dropped 25 cents. The new spike follows a moderate rise in crude oil prices as well as a dramatic increase in the cost of ethanol. The price is 64 cents higher than it was a year ago. The city with the lowest average price in the latest survey was Albuquerque, at $3.15. The highest was Los Angeles, at $3.86. Here are average prices in some other cities:

Deadly Virus Found In Pacific Salmon
A highly contagious virus that is deadly to salmon has been discovered for the first time in Pacific salmon off the coast of British Columbia, officials say. The virus, although not a threat to humans, is seen as a serious danger to fish populations in Pacific salmon farms. The European strain of Infectious Salmon Anaemia virus is believed to have arrived in fish eggs transported from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Many biologists are calling for the removal of Atlantic salmon from British Columbia salmon farms. “Losing a virus as lethal and contagious as ISA into the North Pacific is a cataclysmic biological threat to life,” Alexandra Morton of Simon Fraser University said. The virus, first discovered in Norway in 1984, has probably been loose in British Columbia waters for years, she said. A decline in the salmon population is a threat to the entire food chain, experts say.