Peace makes picnics possible.

Water in lakes, rivers and the oceans is being negatively affected by agricultural and lawn chemicals. Nitrogen and phosphorus rich fertilizers and herbicides or pesticides wash into the water supply and cause overgrowth of algae. The algae use up available nitrogen and phosphorus or other nutrients in the water and then die in large quantities, decomposition by bacteria then uses available oxygen supplies in the water. Lack of oxygen in the area where the excess growth of algae had occurred then harms over marine life. Some types of algae may also produce toxins which directly can harm marine life and sometimes humans also if the toxin is present in a source of water that is being used for drinking water. Treatment facilities normally remove a variety of substances from water that is intended for drinking water but unknown algal toxins may not be removed by the standard treatment methods. Phosphorus use in agricultural chemicals also removes it from the traditional cycle of growth and decomposition. When old vegetation or farm or human waste is decomposed and then used as fertilizer it returns phosphorus and nitrogen to the farm field for the next year's harvest of crops instead of allowing it to be added to lakes or oceans. More information about changes that could help make agriculture more sustainable for the future and the current water supply is available in a report, see the link in the following article: "Transforming Food Systems: Today's Realities and Tomorrow's Challenges," Inter Press Service . The impact of agricultural practices on the oceans is discussed in the first World Ocean Review. More recent reports cover aspects of ocean health and resources in more detail. The World Ocean Review provides summary and in depth reports on the oceans and coastal regions, fishing, and mineral resources, and impact by climate change and human use. WorldOceanReview.com . More information about algae overgrowth is available in chapter 2 How the Sea Serves Us of the World Ocean Review 4. /Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use.

Urban areas are at increased risk of both flooding and groundwater loss due to concrete and buildings which prevent rain and melted snow from being absorbed back into the groundwater supply. Surface water is freely moving water in rivers - and gutters - or in standing pools and lakes - or puddles. Surface water seeps into ground water that is in underground areas connected by porous rock or caves. Other types of groundwater are completely enclosed and are considered nonrenewable sources of water when they are tapped with wells. The water that is used for daily human needs, agricultural or industrial needs can rapidly deplete ground water supplies when rainwater, wastewater, and agricultural runoff isn't returned to the water cycle of evaporation from surface water returning to surface and ground water from the atmosphere in the form of rain or snow. Simple solutions can help within urban environments if they are included in planning and building or rebuilding phases of construction. Planters and mini gardens in parking lots or on rooftops help absorb rain either into the ground water cycle or at least into a planter where it can slowly evaporate back into the atmosphere instead of flooding the urban sewer system in severe storms or if large amounts of snow melt rapidly. Parking lot and other sidewalk or patio construction can also include more areas of water porous tile or gravel that allows water to be absorbed into the ground rather than adding to puddles and overflowing gutters. The additional benefit of more trees and flowerbeds is a mental health benefit and direct reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) as the plants use CO2 and release oxygen (O2) into the atmosphere. For more information about increasing groundwater and reducing flood risk with urban planting and porous construction techniques see: "To Tackle Runoff, Cities Turn to Green Initiatives," Yale E360, E360.yale.edu . "Urban Agriculture: Concrete can be green." We Are Water . "Grass and trees in urban areas help reduce flood risk," Science for Environment Policy, European Commission . Rainwater can also be collected in urban areas and stored for later use: "Examples of Rainwater Collection and Utilisation Around the World," United Nations Environment Programme, Division of Technology, Industry, and Economics, ec.europa.eu.pdf . Disclaimer: Opinions are my own and the information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use.

It can be hard on health and peace of mind when supplies are difficult to afford or difficult to find. Growing your own food or taking part in a farm market cooperative can be a way to get more variety of fresh produce for a low price. Picking wild berries or going to U-pick farms in the summer time can also be an inexpensive way to stock up by preserving the extra in the freezer or by canning. Sewing clothes or buying at resale shops is another traditional way to make limited money go further. Cloth diapers can also save money or at least provide an occasional substitute if you've run out of disposable ones. Cloth diapers also add less waste to landfills which helps the environment for the long term. An article discusses typical costs and effort involved with cloth diapers and recommends asking friends or family for their good quality hand-me-downs as the initial expense can be significant if only one infant will use them, if younger siblings also get a use the cost can be less than disposables: " Cloth Diapering: Does it save enough money to be worth the extra effort? The Simple Dollar . Waterproof covers are needed in addition to the cloth liner. Donating packages of disposable diapers or reusable cloth diapers to homeless shelters or low income centers is helpful as either can be difficult for many low income parents to afford. Donating gently used clothing for all ages or household goods, even picnic baskets, can help resale shops recycle the goods to those who may still benefit from the item and save it from reaching landfills as soon. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle when possible! Save room in the landscape for parks instead of needing more space for larger landfills. Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use.