Surely when people try to be more "green", some efforts are significant and some are mere rounding error. What are some examples I could use, with an emphasis on the quantifiable and counterintuitive?
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posted by quarantine
on Apr 30, 2013 -
26 answers
The Thai elephant tourism industry advertises itself as pro-conservation, but according to reports, it is more often cruel and exploitative. Are there any legitimate opportunities to spend time among elephants in Thailand or elsewhere in a way that benefits them and fulfills my desire to see them up close? I am looking for information on short term visits, not long term volunteer gigs. Knowledgeable replies would be most appreciated. I've already done my own Internet searches on the matter.
posted by Wordwoman
on Feb 14, 2013 -
12 answers
Science grad school application filter: I have informally (but explicitly) accepted a graduate assistant position (in conservation biology) at my current undergraduate institution. I am now having second thoughts and am wondering what, if anything, I should do about it. Help me, Hive Mind! I don't know what to do!
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 28, 2012 -
8 answers
We're building a new house and have a roof with plenty of space for number of solar panels, most likely photo-voltaic electric ones. But I'm hard-pressed to find a thorough *current* analysis discussing the pros and cons of various schemes for the systems.
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posted by wkearney99
on Nov 3, 2012 -
6 answers
What are some of the best technical blogs out there in conservation biology, biogeography, evolutionary biology, and ecology?
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posted by Scientist
on Oct 29, 2012 -
4 answers
I need recommendations on a PhD program in ecology/conservation biology/interdisciplinary studies. I am a biology student who has strong nontraditional interests in cross-disciplinary work, popularization of science (i.e. making science relevant to non-science people), creating social and political change, and examining the relationships between humans and the biosphere from a holistic, non-anthropocentric perspective. Any ideas?
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posted by Scientist
on Apr 14, 2012 -
21 answers
I'm very angry about what's happening in the UK right now, including-but-not-limited-to: the unnecessarily savage and unequal budget cuts, the privatisation of our education, health and police systems, the scapegoating of vulnerable groups and the dishonesty and cynicism of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat politicians involved.
Other than protesting, what active, concrete action can I take to fight or correct these wrongs? [more inside]
posted by Kirn
on Mar 2, 2012 -
14 answers
My family has a collection of 35 lantern slides dating from the 1880-90's. They are black & white photographic images, with some handcolored. They are in reasonably good condition and I would like to somehow transfer them into a digital format. Is it OK to lay these on a scanner, or will strong light exposure risk damaging the slide images? Is there a better way to photograph or reproduce the images?
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posted by amusebuche
on Apr 28, 2011 -
12 answers
Moving East to West for seasonal Outdoor Ed job, but need something stable afterward. Advice for the skilled & experienced, but perpetually hand-to-mouth college grad?
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posted by Etta Hollis
on Mar 28, 2010 -
3 answers
I like eating tuna fish. Tuna is kinda endangered. Is there a non overfished tuna I can still eat? How can I tell which is which?
posted by Omon Ra
on Mar 19, 2010 -
9 answers
How can I avoid (or at least, delay just for a few days) the growth of mould on my fruit?
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posted by _dario
on Jul 16, 2009 -
20 answers
Dishwasher vs. hand washing. Assuming we run the dishwasher only when it's full, which method uses less water and fuel?
posted by markcmyers
on Apr 10, 2009 -
11 answers
Just finished watching an episode of
Whale Wars, and I was wondering: are there any groups that do this sort of thing on land? Meaning, volunteer, nonprofessional or otherwise NGO-type people who confront and interfere with poachers in the wild, head-on and dangerously?
posted by El Curioso
on Nov 14, 2008 -
6 answers
Where do you go to read about (biological) conservation on-line? Web-sites, blogs, podcasts; policy, science, activism. Is anybody aggregating interesting stuff in the world of conservation?
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posted by one_bean
on Jul 27, 2008 -
8 answers
I'm trying to cover all my bases for my budding book repair business. I'm sure in the process people will be asking me to appraise their books.
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posted by ikahime
on Apr 16, 2008 -
4 answers
I'm looking for examples of crowdsourcing approaches to conservation science, where anyone - not just scientists - can help in conservation efforts by gathering data, etc.
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posted by gottabefunky
on Mar 28, 2008 -
9 answers
Can anyone recommend books, articles, etc., that (a) lay out religious (preferably Christian) arguments in favor of conservation or (b) give a history of the church-based environmental justice movement?
posted by kittyprecious
on Oct 22, 2007 -
12 answers
GoingBackToSchoolFilter: does anyone have experience in being a conservator? In getting a degree in object conservation?
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posted by kalimac
on Aug 27, 2007 -
7 answers
I want to build a home server to act as a file store, mp3 streamer etc. Is it possible to do so without destroying the planet? What ultra-low power options out there for use by the general public?
posted by hydrophobic
on May 5, 2007 -
36 answers
I'm looking for websites that will lead me to free things to do/see/eat/get specifically in Washington, DC. What sites do you know of and or search techniques I can use?
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posted by brokekid
on Feb 4, 2007 -
6 answers
Remedial physics and sustainability: if energy is neither created nor destroyed, why do we have an energy crisis? Much more extensive question follows:
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posted by chrominance
on Dec 8, 2006 -
17 answers
Which would more benefit humankind in general
(albeit in a tiny, tiny way): Putting my iMac to sleep to conserve energy at night, or running
Folding@Home?
posted by DakotaPaul
on Dec 4, 2006 -
10 answers
I currently work as an ecologist and my job is taking in the direction of conservation planning. I am thinking about taking some courses in this field with some of professional development funding this coming year. Does anyone know of any good short courses in this field?
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posted by buttercup
on Nov 19, 2006 -
3 answers
Should I turn the thing off, or unplug it, when I'm not using it, or leave it plugged in/turned on? How can you tell?
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posted by box
on Nov 1, 2006 -
14 answers
What are the most useful and effective things a person can do to assist elephant conservation?
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen
on Oct 8, 2006 -
18 answers
I understand that incandescent light bulbs are antiquated and extremely wasteful, but LED and fluorescent light looks horrible...
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posted by bradn
on Aug 23, 2006 -
24 answers
Last night on ABC news there was a guy with a VW beetle (silver) who put a wicked-huge wing on the back and claimed some ridiculously-high MPG figure. Alas, my google fu fails me. Why would this wing possibly work? They guy wasn't a tuner, AFAICT.
posted by Wild_Eep
on May 5, 2006 -
27 answers
I recently read that anything plugged in continues to suck up valuable electricity, even when turned off. What's the best way to minimize this wasteful situation without constantly resetting/rebooting clocks,microwaves,tivos,answering machines,etc or constantly unplugging/plugging lights,cordless phones,tvs,stereos,etc?
Any special gadgets or outlet strips that will help? Other ideas?
posted by ericbop
on Oct 3, 2005 -
21 answers
I have two computers, each with something like 350W power supplies. By keeping them on 24/7, am I consuming the equivalent of seven 100-watt light bulbs around the clock? What can I do (either software or hardware) to make my machines more power-efficient?
Also - while I'm on the subject - does an incandescent bulb consume less when it's on a dimmer and that dimmer is turned down?
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posted by scarabic
on Jul 7, 2005 -
18 answers
Has anyone used a pedal faucet controller to save water while washing dishes?
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posted by alms
on Apr 6, 2005 -
11 answers
We have big trees on our property in San Mateo county, CA. Really big trees -- about 120 feet tall, some Coastal Redwood. Is there a clever way to legally protect the trees forever (from being cut down) by deeding them in some way?
posted by kk
on Oct 11, 2004 -
9 answers
