Green Notes

Biophilia: Why everyone needs a houseplant

Here's a nice report from the BBC:

A bit of greenery near our homes can cut the "health gap" between rich and poor, say researchers from two Scottish universities.

Even small parks in the heart of our cities can protect us from strokes and heart disease, perhaps by cutting stress or boosting exercise.

Their study, in The Lancet, matched data about hundreds of thousands of deaths to green spaces in local areas.

More...

I remember learning years ago of another British study that concluded that hospitalized patients with a view of something natural -- instead of a brick wall or a car park -- spent, on average, a day less in hospital.

It seems that we have a deep, deep need to be part of nature. Biologist E.O. Wilson introduced a term for this: biophilia.

It's why gardening is such an important hobby to millions of us -- and why you find aquariums in doctors' waiting rooms.

How important is our environment?

A couple of weeks ago, fellow blogger Brenda received an email from an unhappy chap in N. Broward and she forwarded it to the rest of us. Suffice to say that this reader considered environmentalists to be marginally better than fundamentalist Islamic terrorists. Unfortunately, I deleted the email because I would have liked to have asked him to participate in the following thought experiment:

Imagine that you are the last human being on the planet, and in 24 hours you too will no longer exist. How and where would you choose to spend those final hours?

I encourage everyone to think about it and post a response. Let's see what really matters.

Ghosts in the swamp

Ghost orchids are blooming again at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Scopes will be set up for weekend visitors. Photographers, bring long lenses. The orchid flowers are 45 feet up a cypress tree that's 150 feet from the boardwalk.

Giving back fur

If you've inherited a fur coat from your late great aunt and are wondering what you could do to make amends to the original owners, read on:

Is there a fur coat or other fur garment collecting dust in a closet or attic in your home? Did you know you can donate these items to be used to help comfort orphaned and injured wildlife? The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) sends all furs to wildlife rehabilitators, who use them as bedding and nesting material for the animals in their care. All donations are tax-deductible. So while you are preparing this year’s taxes, remember fur donations given now are a tax write-off for next year.

Spring is the busiest time for wildlife rehab centers. With more animals out and about and more babies being born, more animals are at risk of being injured and orphaned. Wildlife rehabilitators use fur garments as a key first-aid component of care for the animals. Pieces of fur from coats, apparel and accessories are cut into an appropriate size for the animal, whether a chipmunk, raccoon, squirrel, fox or opossum, and placed inside the animal’s enclosure. The furry blanket becomes a “surrogate mother” to the orphaned or injured animal, reducing stress and giving comfort.

The Humane Society of the United States' Cape Wildlife Center on Cape Cod is one of many wildlife rehab centers that make good use of old furs. “Orphaned baby animals generally do quite well when raised by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator,” said Dr. Rachel Blackmer, DVM, director of the Cape Wildlife Center. “At the Center, we often give orphaned baby squirrels, rabbits and other mammals a small piece of a donated fur coat and they snuggle against it readily. It is very important to minimize human contact with orphaned mammals while still providing comfort and a safe environment,” she said.

The HSUS accepts all fur and fur-trimmed apparel, including shearling. Fur accessories including hats, gloves, scarves and muffs are also accepted.

Many people come to realize the inherent cruelty in making a fur coat or accessory. For people who come to that realization, or for others who just inherit furs or are given fur products as gifts and want to get rid of them, donating to wildlife rehabilitation is one way to give back to the animals.

Donating is easy. Package your fur in a sturdy box or padded envelope for small items and mail it to Fur-Free Century, The HSUS, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037. The HSUS will send a letter thanking you for your donation, which should also be kept for your records.

If you plan to itemize tax deductions, you can claim the fair market value—the amount you could sell the fur for today—for your donation. Furs valued at $5,000 or more must have a “qualified appraisal,” according to the IRS. You must have this appraisal done before sending The HSUS your donation. Consult your tax attorney for further advice.

Ghost orchid and the moth

Chris and Misti Little have succeeded in taping a sphinx moth visiting a ghost orchid in Big Cypress National Preserve. They actually filmed in infrared at night in the swamp. Click pollination on their site.