Basic History

Alaska was sold to the United States in the year 1867, but the US purchase was derisively called a folly for many years after that because of the land’s supposed uselessness. Alaska appeared to offer no immediate financial return as it remained neglected. It was not until the discovery of gold in 1880 that Alaska was given a governor and a feeble local administration. The first gold finds tremendously influenced Alaska, and was followed by a period of rapid building and development. A new era began for Alaska when local government was established in the year 1912. On January the 3rd 1959, Alaska was officially admitted into the Union as a state.

Environmental History

Life zones in Alaska range from grasslands, mountains, and tundra to thick forests. Various hardy plants and wild flowers spring up during the short growing season on the tundra plains. Species of poppy and gentian are endangered. Mammals abound amid the wilderness. Kodiak, polar, black and grizzly bears, Dall sheep and an abundance of small mammals are also found. Pristine lakes and streams are famous for trout and salmon fishing. Seven species listed as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service included the Eskimo curlew, short-tailed albatross, leatherback sea turtle, steller sea-lion, and bowhead, finback and humpback whales. Three species listed as threatened included the spectacled aider, Steller’s aider and Steller sea-lion.

Green Initiatives

CIRI Alaska Tourism, Sustain2Green organization, Green Community Initiatives, and many such organizations provide educational opportunities, programs and activities for children and adults alike, to promote the value of plant materials through education, preservation and research, also supplying products that provide one with environmentally friendly oxo/bio-degradable alternatives. They are proving that green isn’t just a good philosophy, but also good business. Environmentally-responsible choices inform the way they do business. They take active steps in spreading the awareness that improving energy efficiency, waste reduction and other eco-friendly measures are good for business as well as the planet. Amongst other measures implemented, they recycle oil containers; use timers on lighting and shut off lights every night to decrease electricity usage; use compact and fluorescent light bulbs and recycle paper, glass, cardboard, batteries. Participating in a carbon offset program, these organizations are promoting the further development of new Alaska renewable energy resources.

Soft as a Baby’s Bottom

The feel, smell and touch of baby (talcum powder) has always comforted me. It refreshes you skin and is oh so soft. I see how it lingers in the air and this brings concern for our health and the environment. Talc has been linked to several different kinds of cancer, including lung and ovarian cancer. Talc can contain asbestos in..