Author: Jovana Ruzicic
Website: http://www.enviroblog.org/2009/05/so-what-really-causes-auti…

Special to Enviroblog by Sonya Lunder, EWG Senior Analyst

If you follow scientific news on autism, then you’ve probably noticed frequent reports of new discoveries of genes “linked” to the disease.”

While an estimated 130-something genes have been linked to autism, last week week’s report in Medical News Today about “genes” that cause autism, was slightly more dramatic than the rest. More than a dozen researchers surveyed the genetic codes of about 10,000 people, many with autism, and discovered that a genetic variant in a region of the genome that governs brain connectivity is more common in people with autism.

Are genes a promising lead? Perhaps…
For those of us eager for a cause and a cure, the wait isn’t over. The genetic variant reported by the researchers was found in 65 percent of patients with autism but also 60 percent of those without the disorder. The researchers estimate that these genes or variations account for 15 percent of all autism cases. However someone…

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Author: dealhippie
Website: http://dealhippie.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/300×250-banner-ad…

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Author: TerraCurve
Website: http://www.terracurve.com/2009/05/04/the-outer-links-for-may…

Each and every day, scores of high-quality, well-written content is published in the effort to further the advancement of knowledge and activism regarding “greener” lifestyles. TerraCurve wants to promote these efforts as much as possible. This new column, “The Outer Links”, is a first step in helping spread the word.

“The Outer Links”, is designed to highlight some of the “best of the web” content as it pertains to a responsible and sustainable lifestyle, with an obvious emphasis on travel. Each and every day, scores of high-quality, well-written content is published in the effort to further the advancement of knowledge and activism regarding “greener” lifestyles. TerraCurve wants to promote these efforts as much as possible. This new column, “The Outer Links”, is a first step in helping spread the word.

It’s been a few weeks since I posted any “Outer Links” listings here - been a slurry of actual posts, as well as some deep-site development as well as…

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Author: TerraCurve
Website: http://www.terracurve.com/2009/05/04/volunteer-travel-is-on-…

A recent survey by online travel planning tool GeckoGo is suggesting that volunteer travelers generally find real educational and life-enriching experiences traveling abroad. Launched in October 2008 and based in California and Vancouver, GeckoGo helps travelers identify what to do and where to go based on their interests. The site is also the fastest growing source of unique user generated travel content. 

Conducted in conjunction with Bradt Travel Guides and Lasso Communication, the company’s survey, Volunteer Travel Insights 2009, is the largest international volunteer survey ever conducted. Globally, 2481 consumers were surveyed on their opinions and motivations behind volunteer travel.

“This survey provides a great insight into the motivations of those looking to volunteer abroad,” said Alexia Nestora of VoluntourismGal.com. “Demographic as well as psychographic elements were analyzed and the result is a clear, and sometimes surprising, picture of the volunteer…

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Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are helping homeowners cut their heating bills in half. If you are planning to build a new home and you’ve heard about them (also sometimes called stress skin panels) but are not quite sure what they’re all about, check your schedule. We’re teaming up with The Murus Company, of Mansfield, PA, on Saturday, May 16th, to present a FREE Seminar on Building an Energy Efficient Home with SIP Panels in Brattleboro, Vermont.

Registration begins at 9:30 AM. The seminar will start at 10:00 with my presentation on “Designing a Green Home with SIPs”. After a brief description of what SIPs are, I will talk about their uses, benefits, applications, and cost savings. Kevin Smith from The Murus Company will talk about SIP Panel compositions, R-Values, and the construction process. (see Murus XPS Panel R-Value Chart)

A House Tour of a local Brattleboro home made with SIP panels will be open for guests from 12:30 to 2:00 PM. You will also be able to talk to the…

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Author: Green Talk
Website: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/green-talk/jRYI/~3/x7nbCt_Kt2…

You know the saying, “do as I say, not as I do?”   Here is the skinny of what I learned this year so you don’t repeat my gardening mistakes.  I find gardening can be like  an Indiana Jones movie.  There is peril, unsolved mysteries, and triumph all in one season.

Many of my loyal Green Talk readers (you know who you are) have weather slugs,  rabbits, and plants on steroids with me as I have gardened over the last couple of years.  Each year I try something new in the garden or do something different. In turn, Mother Nature keeps me on my toes, and changes the course of my plans whether the cabbage worms try to devour my broccoli, my Swiss Chard went to seed, or my beans withered from the heat.

Am I passionate about gardening? You betcha.  Gardening is a wonderful outlet for me.  I get to take my frustration out on unloved flowers (weeds), scream out those blasted crows who eat my tomatoes, and eat the most delicious strawberries and blueberries right in the garden. I…

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Author: easy eco blog
Website: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/easyecoblog/~3/LseXxCmvJ1g/

Spring time brings on the bugs. Almost everyone has to deal with pests.  Whether indoor or outdoors, we need to think about eco friendly alternatives to toxic pesticides.
The Bugman had a great list of things to do to help prevent pests. Some of the tips:
– Check your outside doors. If you can see light coming [...]

Related posts:

1. Green Eco Friendly Pest Control
2. Chinese Insecticide Chalk
3. Eco Friendly Termite Pest Control

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Author: Elaine Shannon
Website: http://www.enviroblog.org/2009/05/body-burden-its-an-inside-…

Beverly Wright has done battle with oil refineries and landfills. She has dug tons of contaminated sludge out of her New Orleans East neighborhood after Hurricane Katrina.

A professor, author and leader of the environmental justice movement, she has trained and organized thousands of people to help low income communities stand up against polluters.

Photo: Jennifer Hill Kelley, Beverly Wright, Julian Canales, Suzie Canales, Jean Salone

But last week, Wright was stunned to learn that she was also under assault from her water, her food, her household products, even her perfumes, soaps and moisturizers.

Biomonitoring tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group found Wright’s body polluted with up to 39 toxins, including mercury, lead, perfluorchemicals used in Teflon, stain and water resistant textile coatings, flame retardants, synthetic fragrances and rocket fuel.

“I’m very disappointed,” Wright said, “to find out that while we were fighting so hard to get…

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