As needed as they are to our wireless world, batteries don’t last forever. Tossed into landfills and incinerators, the mercury and other toxic metals batteries contain, leak into the environment and move up the chain of food supply, posing health risks to everyone. Cutting down on contamination of these is the only way, but here are ways to help:
•Buy mercury-free, heavy-duty, or carbon zinc single-use batteries.
•Reduce battery waste by choosing rechargeable options.
•Recycle or safely dispose of your batteries. Drop off sites include retail chains like Staples® and Radio Shack®. Even Eco-Cell collects used cell phone and sells them to businesses that refurbish them. Parts of their proceeds go to conservation programs like the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.
•To find out more on ways you can help visit Earth 911.
* The Earth and Me, Go Green!:
Medication beach style? That’s right, seaweed might not be your fav- veggie, but eating it could reduce your risk of breast cancer. Consuming bladder wrack kelp (seaweed found in North America beaches) may lower levels of estradiol, a hormone implicated in breast cancer development. In certain cultures people with seaweed rich diets, such as Japan, tend to live longer and have lower cancer rates. Seaweed such as wakame, kombu, and nori may also flush out toxins and flush the system of dioxins. At home you don’t have to be a chef to make delicious use of seaweed. Sprinkling it into soups, and salads, or even buying fresh or dried seaweed in Asian grocery stores. (Soaking it in warm water for two to three minutes will help in the use). Supplements are also available.