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With one of the world’s top ten largest economies, California is viturally a nation unto itself.  With that power in mind, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a new bill designed in theory to have a direct impact on fighting global warming.  Aiming to bring California’s greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, and greater reductions beyond, the bill should truly have an impact on the local west coast environment.  However, global warming is a global problem.  Whether or not measures taken by a single nation (or state, in this case) can have any impact whatsoever on the global issue of climate change is highly debatable.  Nevertheless, it is a bold move by the Republican Governor, and hopefully  others will follow.

The province of Murcia in the southeastern part of Spain is a picture of progress with the recent construction of vacation homes that attract international buyers, the presence of 54 golf courses, most of which were developed just in the last three years, and the wide lettuce and tomato fields that adorn the roadsides. However, there is one thing wrong with this picture: Murcia is losing its water supply.

There has been so much talk circulating about harmful chemicals found in plastic bottles and in cans. Scientists have not yet been able to establish the facts about this issue, but you can take some preventive measures to protect the health of your family. Here are some practical tips you can follow in order to avoid the risk of ingesting these harmful chemicals.

1. Choose brick cartons instead of cans.

Instead of buying canned soups and beverages, you can opt to get those that are packaged in brick cartons more popularly known as Tetra Pak. These are made of aluminum and polyethylene layers that do not leach into the liquid. These containers are also recyclable, which helps the reduction of waste.

Is your plastic water bottle safe? This is the question in the minds of many scientists as they explore the effects of bisphenol-A (BPA), a substance found in cans and plastic bottles, to the body.

More scientists are finding that being exposed to BPA increases the risk for some kinds of cancer. It could even affect one’s fertility. Unborn babies exposed to BPA while still in the womb may develop problems in childhood behavior like hyperactivity.

China’s State Council has declared a ban on the manufacture of plastic bags to help protect the environment. This directive also instructs supermarkets and shops to stop giving free plastic bags to shoppers. They are told to charge fees for plastic bag use if the consumers would insist on getting them. The Chinese government is hoping that these new policies will influence consumer behavior leading to a reduction of plastic waste and effecting a positive impact on the environment.

The number of bee colonies has dropped 36% this year. Experts are blaming this on an illness that is affecting the growth of plants.

The value of the honey bee industry has been estimated to reach $15 billion, and at least 130 different kinds of crops depend on bee pollination for growth. Because it is a major industry, scientists have conducted a study to find out why the bee colonies are collapsing or lessening in number.