The Bay of Fundy has made the final shortlist to be named a New7Wonder of Nature

Australia, Environment, Travel destinations

New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign

Comments Off 01 July 2011

Australia-Canada mateship boosts votes for New7Wonders of Nature finalists on Canada Day

1 July 2011, Australia

The Bay of Fundy has made the final shortlist to be named a New7Wonder of Nature

Tourism Australia is urging Aussies to return the favour to its partner in the New7Wonders of Nature global campaign, Canada’s Bay of Fundy, by voting for it in the final phase of the campaign this Canada Day, 1 July 2011.

The show of mateship between the two countries follows previous efforts by Bay of Fundy Tourism to encourage Canadians to vote for the two Australian finalists in the global campaign, Uluru and The Great Barrier Reef, on Australia Day.

The Bay of Fundy is Canada’s only competing finalist and is proving a strong contender for the New7Wonders of Nature campaign.

Speaking about the partnership, Tourism Australia Managing Director, Andrew McEvoy said, “Earlier this year, our Canadian friends showed tremendous support towards Uluru and The Great Barrier Reef in the New7Wonders of Nature campaign on Australia Day”.

“Now we are repaying them by asking all Australians to vote for Canada’s Bay of Fundy on their national day,” he said.

“I urge all Australians and Canadians to continue working together during the final stage of the campaign, ensuring both countries secure all three of our nominated sites on the final New7Wonders of Nature list.”

Terri McCulloch, Executive Director, Bay of Fundy Tourism said, “We were thrilled by the outpouring of support from Canadians towards both Australian finalists during our co-promotion around Australia Day”.

“Since the online voting system requires voters to select seven of the 28 finalists, it’s a fun way to encourage mutual support for finalists from both countries and to celebrate the natural wonders each one has to offer.”

During the New7Wonders of Nature campaign, the two nations have developed a strong reciprocal relationship, which has been demonstrated through a high level of mutual support from each country.

The Australian and Canadian finalist locations are also alike in many ways, including an unparalleled richness in biodiversity. The Great Barrier Reef has natural features including boundless coral reefs, invertebrates and many fish species; while Bay of Fundy contains sculptured coasts, marine mammals, as well as migratory and pelagic birds. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where Uluru is located, also has a similar geological history as the Fundy region – with rocks dating back almost 1,000 million years.

Through their websites and social media activities, Tourism Australia and Bay of Fundy Tourism will continue to buddy up until the conclusion of the campaign on 11 November 2011. To cast your vote for Uluru, The Great Barrier Reef and Bay or Bay of Fundy visit www.new7wonders.com.

Australian supporters can also text their vote for the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and Bay of Fundy by sending an SMS with the words “GBR” or “Reef”,  “Uluru” or “Ayers Rock” or “Fundy” to 197 88 555*. (SMS cost $0.55 including GST).

*Be.interactive. SMS votes cost AUD$0.55 incl GST. Lines close 12:00pm AEST on 10/11/11.  Helpdesk: 1800 65 33 44.  Terms and conditions.

About New7Wonders of Nature
The New7Wonders of Nature campaign was initiated by the Swiss-based New7Wonders Foundation. After various campaign phases, an original roster of 440 entries from 220 countries was narrowed by popular vote to 28 global finalists. The New7Wonders of Nature will be announced on 11 November 2011.

Environment, Health

Shellfish warning for South West waterways

Comments Off 26 August 2010

20 August 2010
The Department of Health is reminding people not to eat shellfish collected from the wild after recent tests confirmed potentially toxic algae at high levels in the Peel Harvey Estuary (South of Mandurah), Murray River (near Ravenswood) and in the Leschenault Estuary near Australind.

Environmental Health Director Jim Dodds said the algae was capable of producing toxins which could be absorbed by filter feeding shellfish.
Normal cooking processes will not destroy these toxins.
“Anyone who has eaten shellfish collected from these waters and experiences symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, should seek medical attention,” Mr Dodds said.
“As a general rule people should not eat wild shellfish from anywhere in WA as their safety cannot be guaranteed.”
This includes oysters, mussels, clams, pipis, scallops, cockles and razorclams.
It does not include crustaceans such as shrimp, prawns, crabs or lobsters.
Mr Dodds said shellfish purchased in WA supermarkets was not affected as it was managed by a strict quality-assurance program to ensure that it was safe for human consumption.
“Recreational activities including swimming, fishing and boating are not affected by the algae,” he said.
“Metropolitan recreational waterways are generally monitored for algal blooms, however algal blooms suspected in regional recreational waterways should be reported to the nearest Department of Water office or the local council.”
Further information on recreational water quality can be downloaded from http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au
The Department of Water will continue to monitor and provide the Department of Health with algal sampling results for the Murray River and the Peel-Harvey and Leschenault Estuaries.
Media contact: (08) 9222 4333

(source:http://www.health.wa.gov.au/press)

Environment, Inspirational

Wind Power For You

Comments Off 09 June 2010

If you’re purchasing Colorado land and you need to set up electricity, consider buying a small wind turbine. Using wind-powered electricity is fast becoming a popular choice for people who choose to live in rural areas. If you have Colorado land and you’re thinking about buying a small wind turbine, learn more before you buy to make sure it’s the best option for you.

Customers who use wind turbines on their Colorado land save money. You can lower your electric bill as much as 90% and many wind turbine consumers pay only $100 annually for their electricity even with a totally electric home. The cost to buy the wind turbine system and the amount of perpetual wind should all be factors to see if this is economically a good choice for you.

A small wind turbine is the best bet for rural Colorado land that’s just a few acres in size. The larger wind turbines aren’t always appreciated by neighbors and probably aren’t necessary to power your electricity. A small wind turbine on rural Colorado land should be at least 5-15 kilowatts in size in order to make a dent in utility bills. A typical home uses less than 10,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. A vacation or recreation property on Colorado land for sale today will use even less; so a small wind turbine should more than do the job.

There are tax credits and rebates available for wind turbines that you put on Colorado land for sale. The Small Wind Incentive Pilot Program (SWIPP) offer rebates up to $5,000 and the Highline Electric Association, Southeat Colorado Power Association, the Town of Este and the Sangre De Cristo Electric Association, Inc, have joined together with the Colorado Governor’s Energy Office to reduce the costs of the wind turbines and the cost for installation on Colorado land. Buyers of Colorado land for sale are also eligible to receive credit for excess energy that their home wind turbine systems produces.

In addition to the long-term benefits, you can receive rebates or tax credits when you install a small wind turbine on Colorado land for sale. The Highline Electric Association, Sangre De Cristo Electric Association Inc., Southeast Colorado Power Association and the Town of Estes Park have all partnered with the Colorado Governor’s Energy Office to reduce the costs of installing home wind turbines on Colorado land. Rebates up to $5,000 each are offered through the Small Wind Incentive Pilot Program (SWIPP). In addition, people who buy Colorado land for sale and participate are eligible to receive credit for excess energy generated by their home wind turbine.

Generally a home uses less than 10,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. A recreational or vacation property on Colorado land for sale will use even less; so a small wind turbine should be more than adequate. Larger wind turbines aren’t always highly regarded by neighbors, making a smaller turbine with at least 5-15 kilowatts in size a better choice, still able to handle the electricity load.

About the Author
Are you ready to purchase a home wind turbine system? You’ll need to do some due diligence to consider if it is a practical way for you to supply your home with energy on Colorado land for sale.

Environment

How do solar lights work?

Comments Off 09 June 2010

Solar power lights are more a necessity these days than they are a luxury or fashion statement. With technological developments, man has been able to harness the power of the Sun for the purpose of illumination successfully. After a lot of research, the concept of photovoltaics was developed. What this basically means is that energy emitted by the is Sun harnessed and then converted to energy used for illumination and even the running of simple motors, solar water heating and so much more.

Before you actually install solar lighting in your home, it would make sense to understand the basics of its functioning. Most solar lights, especially those used on the outside are made up of few basic components. It begins with an outer plastic cover, then the important solar cell and a AA NiCad battery. Along with this comes a control board which is normally integrated into the structure, an LED light output and light sensors which will allow for your light to be switched off when not in use.

Ideally the better solar powered lights have all of the elements placed together on one compact platform or hardware. The solar cells are what harness the Sun’s rays and these last effectively for up to a year. With good levels of maintenance and care, they can last for longer. Certain things you should understand about solar lights are that they are not meant to give you the equivalent of an electricity bulb. This does not mean they will be dim. They are bright enough to do the job of illumination in its designated area. Brighter the light you require, stronger the solar panels you will need and bigger the cluster of lights attached to it.

For the best possible use out of them, ensure that the panels get adequate exposure to the Sun. The more the exposure, the more the output. Install light sensors so that the lights automatically switch off when not really needed. If you require further back up in terms of power, pick up a few booster panels that can be attached to your light. Since solar lights work on the basis of LED technology, they are extremely flexible in terms of colors and designs. You should have no trouble at all integrating them into your decor.

Many people shy away from solar lights believing them to be an expensive one time investment. However, you will need to look at the broader picture and understand that it is the technology you are paying for. The returns in the long run are great and you will see this after a month or so in your electricity bill.

About the Author
One place to get all best Solar Garden Lighting .We also offer an extensive range of lights for your path Garden Water Features And exclusive range of Solar Garden Lanterns .


Uluru has made the final shortlist to be named New7Wonder of Nature Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef and Bay of Fundy in Canada are on a shortlist of 28 natural sites from around the globe all vying to be named a New7Wonders of Nature.

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