Copenhagen in December :Be there or be square...

Copenhagen...A magical place, a wondrous place...

It is Denmark's capital and ranks as one of the most ecofriendly cities in the world with "36% of its citizens bicycling to work every day for a total of 1.1 million km. Copenhagen's water in the inner harbor is so clean it can be used for swimming."

Mama gnome agrees 'tis quite a magical place and even more so for this December, Copenhagen's Bella Center will be the hub for the United Nations Climate Change Conference December 7-18, 2009(COP15 2009).

photo from Froztbyte

Mama gnome dreams about going.

She will swim through the clean waters of the inner harbor, bike down the paths lined with trees, trudge down to Bella Center as fast as her short legs can take her, go up the stage and call attendance!

United Kingdom?

Lovely to see you.

Japan?

Oh, wonderful.

India?

Thank you so much for coming.

Indonesia?

Mama gnome is very happy to count you in.

China?

Wow, you made it too? Mama gnome is impressed.

United States?

Umm...United States? U.SA.? Sent-first-man-to-the-moon-United- States-but-can't-commit-to-Copenhagen-United States?

Silence.

Cue the crickets....

Mama gnome's daydreaming ends abruptly. She finds herself pacing in front of her aga stove, with arms crossed and tsk...tsk...tsks...

Will the knot in her stomach ever go away? The waiting and not knowing will maim her if the knot doesn't.

Will December 7 be known as tremendous day of heaping disappointment for Mama gnome if the United States does not do its part in Copenhagen?

Mama gnome and the rest of the world will wait with bated breath for December 7, 2009,

She hopes United States, China and all countries participate and pledge significant changes to current policies addressing the need for sustainable green energy and significant reductions in greenhouse emissions.

Here's an insightful video explaining the significance of Copenhagen in December.


video from RealClimateNews

Connie Hedegaard, Danish Minister for Climate and Energy and incoming COP15 president stated in an interview for cop15.dk,

“If the whole world comes to Copenhagen and leaves without making the needed political agreement, then I think it’s a failure that is not just about climate. Then it’s the whole global democratic system not being able to deliver results in one of the defining challenges of our century. And that is and should not be a possibility. It’s not an option.”

Here is a short video featuring former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, addressing the Global Editors' Forum at a conference in Denmark and Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission.



video from EUXTV

Mama gnome is quite aware of the financial difficulties all countries are going through now...but a bigger problem looms over every single person and living thing on this planet,

GLOBAL WARMING

It doesn't matter how much money you have in your bank account if the bank is underwater, literally underwater.

Mama gnome calls on developed countries and developing countries who produce significant emissions that worsen global warming to fess up, buckle up and commit to repairing the damage, halt further injury and save the planet.

"There is no plan B as we don't have a Planet B."

Copenhagen in December...Be there or be square...

(c) 2009 Jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blog

And the bells rang 350 times...So did the maracas, baby rattles and gong

The sun burned bright on the fateful day of October 24, 2009.

Mama gnome, Auntie gnome and elder gnomelet worked on posters worthy of being ecofriendly for they were made by their gnome hands on recycled paper and held up by twine and clothespins.

They worked feverishly to finish on time.

Their plan: to participate in the International Day of Climate Action. A day initiated by 350.org.

Mama gnome had previously consulted 350's map of action for October 24 and found a human and pet rally will be held at the local park to call attention to 350's cause: to call attention to human world leaders to work on bringing carbon levels in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million. Current levels are at a dangerous 390 ppm.

By the by, the gnome family and their pet, a baby dragon, made it to the park.

Mama gnome said right before she pulled into the car resting lot, "If no one else is here, we'll do our own rally."

Mama gnome said this with confidence, though inside she was secretly afraid.

It would not be the first time she'd seen low numbers for environmental causes.

And what did she see when she pulled the gnome car in? No one. Not one human or dog...

Mama gnome said, "It's okay, maybe we're early. Not time to panic yet. Besides our posters are quite eye-catching thanks to Auntie gnome."

photo by: Jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blog

Auntie gnome said, "Maybe they're on the other side."

Elder gnomelet said, "Mama, where are the dogs?"

Baby dragon said, "Zzzzzz."

Mama gnome said, "Other side? Okay, we'll try the other side. But usually they walk the dogs over here..." But hope flickered anew.

After a few stealth maneuvers and gnomish driving, the gnome car pulled into the other car resting lot.

It was packed. And lots of humans walked around.

The children wore colorful shorts,knee high socks and shirts embellished with numbers on the back.

Mama gnome said, "Strange, their numbers are not 350."

Finally, with eyes sharp as an eagle's, Mama gnome spotted three humans with one dog and they were holding up 350 signs!

Mama gnome shook hands with them. She met Leah, the human lady coordinating this local event. Leah brought her very eco-friendly dog.

Mama gnome decided not to introduce baby dragon to the dog at this time.

Slowly, our numbers increased.

We gathered round and the bells rang...and so did the baby rattles, the gong and maracas 350 times!

With every beat, Mama gnome's heart swelled, amidst the group of tall humans, gnomes, dogs and baby dragon.

In that moment, hope grew inside.

Our numbers may have been scant compared to the gatherings in New York and Sydney, but our spirits were strong and united with every one else on the planet who came together for this cause, for 350, for planet Earth.

photo by: Jim Adamik

Though that day has passed, make everyday a day of climate action and Go Green.

(c) Jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blog

Mystery Animal of the Day

Mama gnome presents the

Mystery Animal of the Day

It is "the rarest member of the bear family and among the world’s most threatened animals."

This animal has distinct black patches over its eyes, ears and body.

It possesses dangerous levels of cuteness, making anyone susceptible to its charm.

Anyone who looks at it is prone to saying, "Awwww...So cute."



If you guess the Mystery Animal is Giant Panda, Mama gnome wants to give you a giant panda bear hug.

Here is a 7 month old Panda cub from the Wolong Nature Reserve in Sichuan, China

photo from: Sheila Lau

Do you not see the overwhelming power of its cuteness?

The Giant Panda has been the World Wild Fund for Nature's symbol since WWF was established in 1961.

Because of habitat loss from logging and farming,the panda's territory has shrunk to a few mountain ranges in south China. A long time ago when it was a greener Earth, this bear once roamed as far as Myanmar and Vietnam.

IUCN categorizes it as endangered. IUCN reports: "Results from the most recent survey, coordinated by the State Forestry Administration (SFA) of China and World Wildlife Fund (WWF), indicated a total population of ~1600 individuals."

The Giant Panda's diet is 99% bamboo. According to this report, the panda consumes as much as twenty to thirty pounds of bamboo a day. Apparently, the panda's round face and rotund body is adaptation to its mainly vegetarian diet and resulting low metabolism.

Mama gnome recognizes increased kinship with the panda for she herself has similar adaptations of a round face and rotund body from mostly peanut butter diet. Granted, she is not as cute as this animal, but the rotund part she has down pat.

Unlike other temperate bears, the Giant Panda does not hibernate. During winter, it moves down to lower elevations to find bamboo and take cover in crevices, trees and caves.

Pandas are protected by the Chinese government and efforts continue to increase their numbers. The State Forestry Administration (SFA) of China and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) work together to improve the panda's population and habitat.

Forest reserves for this animal were started in 1963. In 1990 there were 13 panda reserves. There are now over 50 panda reserves according to the WWF.

Yet the Giant Panda continues to be endangered because of deforestation, habitat loss and fragmentation, and poaching.


And here is the Giant Panda in action. Prepare yourself.



video from BBCWorldwide

Mama gnome now feels like rolling around, munching on leaves, staking her territory against poachers and illegal loggers.

If she meets any such unseemly humans she will radiate panda cuteness on them to ultra power intensity and the hapless humans will run away, run away in shame...

Mama gnome hopes you've enjoyed learning about the Giant Panda.

Please visit her garden soon for the next Mystery Animal of the Day.

In the meantime, munch on edible leaves, stake your claim on Mother Earth and go Green!

(c) 2009 Jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blog

Lean Green Fighting...er...Gnome

A gnome trudged down the aisle, climbed up with much difficulty over the platform and crawled into the ring.

Finally the two fighters faced each other in the ring.

The crowds hushed.

The announcer grabbed the microphone and said:

"In this corner, wearing a green pointy hat and tunic, weighing one hundred th...mmmmmph...Mama gnome please take your glove off my mouth...huh? Fine I won't say your weight...Okay, in this corner, wearing green and weighing ummm slightly less than a polar bear, Mama gnome!"

Mama gnome raised her gloved hands and jogged around the ring, repositioning her hat.

Daddy gnome, gnomelets and a couple of dwarves cheered and clapped.

"And in this corner wearing a rather filthy, soot covered shorts, weighing atmospheric concentrations of 390 parts per million carbon dioxide, the monstrous Global Warming Machine..."

The crowd coughed in unison from the stench of noxious fumes that emanated from Global Warming Machine, planet Earth's mortal enemy.

Mama gnome checked with her coach, Daddy gnome.

Through her mouthpiece, Mama gnome mumbled, "Right hook wind turbine then or should I give him the solar power jab?"

Daddy gnome said, "He looks worse than the graphs, Mama gnome. I'm afraid, neither one will be sufficient."

Mama gnome said, "What about the reforestation dancing jig? Float like a monarch butterfly, sting like an anaconda?"

Daddy gnome shook his head with tears in his eyes.

Mama gnome said, "The reusable bag club? Recycled bottle bash? What? What? Daddy gnome answer me!"

Global Warming Machine growled and hissed. CO2 and methane gases spewed out and blew out a couple of compact fluorescent light bulbs. The troll sitting in the front passed out.

Daddy gnome whimpered, "I love you, Mama gnome. At least the gnomelets will see you fight with honor."

Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! The bell tolled.

Mama gnome turned around, pulled back her shoulders and looked at the Global Warming Machine. Armed with the green smolders in her heart, Mama gnome charged...

On October 24, 2009 Mama gnome will face off against this behemoth Global Warming monster. But she will not be alone.

October 24, 2009 is the International Day of Climate Action

On this day, Mama gnome will follow the lead of 350.org, an organization founded by environmentalist and author,Bill McKibben. Lean Green Fighting Ecowarriors will launch environmental acts to fight global warming and bring attention to this cause.

350.org based their name from the number 350.

photo from flickr.com 350.org

350 is the magic number according to James Hansen, head scientist of NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

From Bill McKibben's blogpost, he said:

"350 parts per million is what many scientists, climate experts, and progressive national governments are now saying is the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere."

"Accelerating arctic warming and other early climate impacts have led scientists to conclude that we are already above the safe zone at our current 390ppm, and that unless we are able to rapidly return to 350 ppm this century, we risk reaching tipping points and irreversible impacts such as the melting of the Greenland ice sheet and major methane releases from increased permafrost melt."

On October 24, 2009, be one of our planet's Ecowarriors and battle against Global Warming to take back our planet.


video from: 350org

Log on to 350.org's map of action. Just type in your city, state, country and find out what action you can take part in. This is a global endeavor.

And in case there isn't one close to you, you can decide on your own battle plan, engage in some kind of eco-friendly, "green" action that will help fight global warming as well as emphasize the number 350.

Plant a tree, plant a fruit tree, turn off your TV on that day, be off the grid that day, walk to work, bike to work, ring the bell 350 times, walk 350 steps, something that will help contribute to this cause, bring attention to the number 350.

Mama gnome is jogging and lifting weights, holding off on eating her favorite peanut butter cups (a huge sacrifice for the motherly gnome) for a week, just so she'll be in better shape to battle against the monstrous, stinky Global Warming Machine.

She's consulted the 350 map of action and will ally herself with fellow Ecowarriors on that day.

Mama gnome shouts her battle cry, "Save energy! Save the polar bears! Go Green!"

Ding ding ding ding ding....

(c) 2009 Jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blog

Species Decimating Killer Soup

Mama gnome wonders, "Just how many sharks are killed every year just so humans can eat shark fin soup?"

How about 100,000 sharks?

Nope, try higher.

Okay, 400,000?

Try again.

Alright, if you're going to be smart alecky about it, I'll say a million sharks?

Nice try. But still wrong.

The answer is anywhere from 10 to 100 million sharks, with a median average of 38 million sharks.

Yes, I'm-deadly-serious-look-me- straight-in-the-eye millions of sharks a year are mutilated and slaughtered just so people can have their soup.

Photograph by Laurent Fievet/AFP/Getty Images

"Sharks existed before there were dinosaurs and they pre-date humans by millions of years. Yet, in a relatively short period of time, humans and their technological arsenal have driven most shark populations to the verge of extinction."

And just to be insanely 'consumeristic' and wasteful, some creatures posing as humans...

Mama gnome describes them so because she cannot imagine anything more inhumane...

...these so called humans deliberately hack off the fins and tail before dumping the shark back into the waters to sink and suffocate in the bottom of the ocean or be eaten by other predators.

At the end of this deadly chain are humans who eat shark fin soup mainly for status and show.

The fins reportedly don't even have a taste. They're cartilages.

So people go to restaurants to eat something they can't even taste just for "status."

Some people consume shark products for reportedly "medicinal purposes."

But the United States' Food and Drug Administration warn consuming shark fin/meat is dangerous because of high levels of mercury which can cause serious medical problems including sterility in men, birth defects, loss of coordination, blindness and even death.

The humans who consume shark fin soups or dishes are not restricted to Asian countries.

They are everywhere including Europe and the United States.

The countries who supply shark fins and/or meat include: Canada, Spain (the largest supplier in Europe), United Kingdom, Norway, Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, U.A.E, United States, Yemen, India, Japan, Mexico.

"Hongkong handles 50% to 80% of world trade in shark fins."

According to Peter Knights, Executive Director of WildAid:

"Sharks are the tigers and lions and cheetahs and leopards of the sea. And if we lose them—these top predators—there will be long-term damage...They're slow reproducing, late to mature, more like mammals than fish in their biology—and we're completely trashing them. There's virtually no management of shark fisheries around the world. We're playing with fire."




video from: NYParisFilms

Mama gnome is grateful to Representative Madeline Bordallo of Guam for introducing the Shark Conservation Act of 2009.

"After passing the house, Senator John Kerry introduced the bill into the Senate, where it is currently pending. The bill would make already existing shark finning laws stronger."

What can we do?

Boycott restaurants and businesses who trade in shark fins and shark products.

Let your senator know you support the Shark Conservation Act.

Support laws banning the trade of sharks and shark fins.

Mama gnome urges everyone who reads this blog to educate other people about this crisis:

Sharks are being obliterated,

just for soup.

Please go Green.

(c) 2009 Jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blog.

Mystery Animal of the Day

Mama gnome presents the

Mystery Animal of the Day.

This animal has large eyes, with each eye surrounded by a circle of feathers called facial disc.

Contrary to popular belief, this animal cannot rotate its head entirely backwards.
But it is quite capable of looking over its shoulder 135 degrees to each side for a measly total of a 270 degree visual field.

This animal is usually nocturnal and solitary.


If your guess is OWL, Mama gnome wants to give you a loud hoot! whilst she takes you to her favorite forest, the sequoia redwood forest in Northern California.

Northern Spotted Owl

photo by US Fish and Wildlife Service

The owl's diet includes insects, small mammals and other birds. Some owls hunt fish as well. Owls are natural for controlling rodent population. Though some birds die from eating rodents that had ingested poison or rodenticides.

Owls are excellent hunters. Their flight feathers have serrated edges allowing them to fly virtually silent. The coloration of their feathers allow them to blend in with the environment and become virtually invisible.

Owls also have the habit of regurgitating indigestible parts of their prey such as fur,scales and bones. The discarded parts come out as "owl pellets." Schools can buy these pellets to be dissected in biology or ecology classes.

The collective noun for a group of these animals is parliament.

Does it not bring a visual imagery of a parliament of owls wearing spectacles and discussing important earth warming problems? Yes, it does for Mama gnome.

Owls are often associated with wisdom, depicted as symbols for libraries and universities. The greek goddess Athena was often portrayed with an owl.

Some cultures though consider owls as bad omens and 'harbingers of death.'

But for Mama gnome, she considers the situation reversed.
That man is really the harbinger of death for these poor animals.

According to this report,

In November 2008, 900 of these owls were seized in a raid in Malaysia.
They were 'plucked and "oven-ready" owls.'
In January 2009, 319 freshly skinned Owl carcasses were seized along with 25 hind legs and 22 paws of Malayan Sun Bear as well as 2,330 live clouded monitor lizards.

Chris R. Shepherd, Senior Programme Officer for TRAFFIC's Southeast Asia office, said,

"The number of owls and monitor lizards seized is truly staggering...
This is the first time we know of where ‘ready-prepared’ owls have been seized in Malaysia, and it may mark the start of a new trend in wild meat from the region. We will be monitoring developments closely."

They believe the animals were to be sold to wild meat restaurants in China.

IUCN categorizes the Philippine Eagle-owl as threatened and the Pernambuco Pygmy-owl as critically endangered. Other species of owls also face continuing loss of their habitat.

Here is a video of this remarkable animal.


video from: BBCWorldwide

Mama gnome would be remiss if she did not include this equally fascinating video about owls.


video from: notebookbabies

Mama gnome now wants to fix her facial discs on illegal loggers and haunters trespassing in her habitat.

Here's the virtually silent, virtually invisible flight of Mama gnome owl......

And after Mama gnome is done she will regurgitate pellets of axes, chainsaws and haunting rifles. BWAHAHAHAHA! BWAHAHAHAHA!

Oh, pardon me. Mama gnome got carried away.

Please, help save our forests and owls. Please, go green.

(c)2009 Jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blog

Mama gnome versus Plastic Bag Monster

Mama gnome woke up with a start. Daddy gnome was leaning over her.

He said, "It's time, dear." He straightened up. Daddy gnome was in full battle armor.

Mama gnome sat bolt upright. She remembered in a few hours she will face the bane of her existence, Plastic Bag Monster.

With a heart that raced full gallop, she dressed in her own armor and stepped out into the hall.

Four good-sized reusable bags filled with provisions the night before, waited in the hallway.

The gnomelets were still asleep.

"Let them sleep, they'll need their strength," Mama gnome thought to herself.

She double-checked the list: hats, sunblock, gloves for gnomelets and parent gnomes, waiver forms, copy of Coastal Cleanup Day pass for car resting lot. Everything looked fine.

While Mama gnome drank her cup of morning elixir (so vital for existence) and munched on her slice of toast with peanut butter, she mentally prepared herself.

'Do not underestimate the creature. Do not pity Plastic Bag Monster. For it does not pity you.'

A tiny voice piped in behind her.

"Mama, are we going to the beach?" Baby gnomelet asked.

"Yes, baby. Let's get ready. What do you want for breakfast?"

"Strawberry cream cheese toast."


By the by, the gnome family piled into the gnome car and drove on.


photo by: Jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blog

They also drove by this: an eyesore for Mama gnome: more hillsides and mountainsides being carved out for urban development.

photo by: jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blog

Elder gnomelet saw this, a flock of birds resting on a water tank.

photo by: Jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blog

Mama gnome checked their bearings on the map. Though Mama gnome is a computer savant, she is quite proficient in map reading and navigation.

Finally, the gnome family saw this:

photo by: Jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blog

They were minutes away.

Daddy gnome drove into the car resting lot and stopped at the other end, not in a resting space, but in the middle of the lane.

"Something's wrong. This can't be it. We're in the wrong place," Daddy gnome said.

"Why do you say that?" Mama gnome asked.

"There's no one here."

Mama gnome looked around. Indeed there were plenty of vacant spaces.

"But the meeting place is not here, it's over there, past the sand dune, past the humans playing volleyball," Mama gnome said. "Oh, look. There are two people picking up trash over there. Let's ask them where we sign up."

The gnome family got out of the car.

The gnomelets kept cheering, "Yehey! We're at the beach!"

Mama gnome called out to the humans, "Hello! Where do we sign up for Coastal Cleanup Day?"

The man and woman stopped and smiled back.

The human lady spoke first, "Over there." She pointed to the same spot Mama gnome told Daddy gnome.

"Oh good, we're not lost. Do you know how many people showed up already?" Mama gnome asked.

"About thirteen," said the woman.

"Really?" Mama gnome's heart sank. Has Plastic Bag Monster won already? How can only thirteen people be here?

"Well counting you that'll be fifteen. My goal is twenty."

"But how about my gnomelets? They're here to help too. I've filled out the waiver forms already and they've got their own gloves," Mama gnome said.

"Wow, really?" The woman smiled at the gnomelets.

"That's great." The man said.

Daddy gnome and gnomelets walked towards the beach while Mama gnome spoke with the humans about their battle strategy against Plastic Bag Monster.

It turns out the humans Mama gnome spotted were special humans.

They are Sarah Kern and Matt Stabile.



photo by: Jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blogspot


Sarah Kern was the beach coordinator for that particular clean up site.

She is the Editorial Assistant for Self Enquiry Life Fellowship which is a Santa Barbara based non-profit group.

Mama gnome's heart swelled while she spoke with the kindly humans, clearly her strong allies against Plastic Bag Monster.

Sarah explained to Mama gnome the safety precautions and procedures for picking up trash or Plastic Bag Minions. She gave Mama gnome an orange bag for trash and a white bag for recyclables.

Mama gnome asked, "So plastic bags go into recyclables?"

Sarah said, "No."

Mama gnome shook her head, "No way."

"I'm sorry but no. Only water bottles, the thick plastic stuff, not the thin bags," explained Sarah.

It's true. According to Heal the Bay, "only 1% to 4% of plastic bags are recycled."

Mama gnome trudged towards the beach to search for her family.

Sad thoughts slowed down every step...Only thirteen people and four gnomes showed up...Can't recycle plastic bags...Only thirteen people and four gnomes showed up....Can't recycle plastic bags...We're doomed.

With the gnome family safely suited up with protective gloves, the battle began.

Guess who found and captured the first trash monster?

Older gnomelet.

It turns out older gnomelet's eyes were like hawk's eyes, quite adept at picking out unnatural things half-buried in the sand.

Baby gnomelet's eyes, on the other hand, were quite adept at finding drift wood, rocks and sea shells in the sand. For this Mama gnome was grateful.

After twenty minutes, the most abundant trash monster in the beach revealed itself...
Cigarette remains or as humans called them, cigarette butts.

In twenty minutes, the gnome family captured almost thirty cigarette butts.

In an hour and a half, they've captured almost one hundred and thirty cigarette monsters.

They were tricky. A lot of them hid in the sand. A lot of them had sloughed off their outer casings.

photo by: Jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blog
Cigarettes are not biodegradable. They have small plastic inserts that last forever or will over time become smaller and smaller plastic particles that become part of the ocean food web.

Besides the cigarette remains, the second most prolific trash monsters found were plastic bottle or soda cap monsters. Round plastic caps perfect for choking seabirds and other marine animals.

And guess who found the first recyclable material in the beach?

Yes, older gnomelet!

She unearthed a half-buried aluminum soda can. Mama gnome's so proud of her.

The time allotted for Coastal Cleanup Day was almost over. Yet Mama gnome had not even captured a single plastic bag. None. Plastic bags travel well because they are so light. They had now flown out into the oceans.

What Mama gnome found were countless small pieces, unrecognizable parts of something plastic.

At the end of almost three hours of battle, these are the trash monsters captured that morning.

photo by: Jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blog


I know. It looks like it's not much. But if you consider there are almost 800 pieces of cigarette monsters in there and countless small pieces of plastic monsters, they added up to quite a bit for a small group of humans and gnomes.

I tell you this, but Mama gnome's heart has been heavy for a few days now because she thought she would indeed battle with Plastic Bag Monster but he didn't even show up.

Instead he left in his wake, unrecognizable plastic monsters, styrofoam monsters, bottle cap monsters and cigarette monsters.

Mama gnome's heart grew heavier still at the thought of how small the group of people who showed up at that clean-up site.

But today, she read the report from the California Coastal Commission,
a preliminary press release for Coastal Cleanup Day 2009. Here's an excerpt:

With 65% of the cleanup sites reporting, the statewide count stands at 66,550 volunteers,
which should approach the event goal of 70,000 volunteers.

Those volunteers picked up 819,394 pounds of trash
and an additional 89,899 pounds of recyclable materials,
for a total of 909,294 pounds.

The Coastal Commission expects to exceed 1,000,000 pounds of trash when all the totals are in.

Over one million pounds of trash. Mama gnome's heart soared.

Mama gnome also found solace in Jane Goodall's words:

Jane Goodall said,

"It's easy to be apathetic and give up...We need people who can inspire us. One person can make a difference. The most important advice I can give you is to follow your dreams...Never give up. Remember each day differs. And here's advice my mother gave me, 'Your life matters and for each day, we can make the world a better place for all living things."

Mama gnome declares victory over Plastic Bag Monster on this momentous day, the battle of Coastal Cleanup Day.

photo by: Jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blog


But the war is not over. Plastic Bag Monster swirls in the depths of oceans and rivers, lurking and waiting for Mama gnome.

And Mama gnome is no longer afraid. For she has found another secret weapon.

Something Plastic Bag Monster would never expect.

Plastic Bag Monster prepare for your greatest enemy....

Older Gnomelet.
photo by: Jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blog


Yes, you should be afraid you foul beast. For she has hawk like eyes, boundless energy and indomitable spirit.

She is Eco-warrior.

Please join Mama gnome, be an ally against Plastic Bag Monster.

Arm yourselves with reusable bags and go green.

(c) 2009 Jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blogspot.

Mystery Animal of the Day

Mama gnome presents the Mystery Animal of the Day.

He's dubbed the "loneliest animal on Earth" for bearing the burden of being the last known survivor of his subspecies.

This animal lives on an island, part of an archipelago made famous by Darwin.

He is a slow moving reptile with a saddleback shell and long neck and limbs.

If your answer is Pinta Island Tortoise or Abingdon Island Tortoise, Mama gnome would like to walk on the beach with you someday to participate at the next Coastal Cleanup Day.

photo from: putneymark

This famous tortoise is called Lonesome George.

He was discovered on the island of Pinta in 1971. Pinta is one of the islets of the Galapagos Archipelago.



photo from: Minglex


Pinta Island Tortoises were severely hunted down by fishermen and whalers to the point of extinction in the wild.

In addition..."the island's vegetation had been decimated by introduced feral goats, and the indigenous Geochelone nigra abingdoni population had been reduced to a single individual."

That single individual is George.

George has since lived in protected confinement at the Charles Darwin Research Center.

They estimate his age to be around ninety years old.

Lonesome George is the last known Geochelone nigra abingdoni or Abingdon Island Tortoise, a subspecies of the Galapagos giant tortoises.

The Galapagos giant tortoise is the largest living tortoise. Adults can measure up to four feet or 1.2 meters long and weigh over 661 pounds or 300 kilograms.

Their normal life expectancy is estimated to be 100 to 150 years.

Since the start of the 17th century, the Galapagos tortoises have been killed by hunters, poachers and predators introduced to the islands by humans.

Their food which is mainly plants and grasses have severely diminished as well.

Although the Galapagos giant tortoise has been listed as a "protected species" since 1936 by the Ecuadorian government, over 120 tortoises have been killed by poachers.

In 2004 the giant tortoises and scientists at the Charles Darwin Research Center were taken hostage by local fisherman as part of their political protest against environmental laws. Some fishermen even threatened to kill Lonesome George.

Today, of the ten remaining subspecies of Galapagos giant tortoises, George is charged with representing his entire subspecies by himself.

Attempts are being made to continue George's genome. Although the resulting offsprings if they are successful will be 'hybrids,' for the female tortoises are different subspecies.

In 2008, one of the female tortoises laid a clutch of eggs but were later found infertile.

Last July 2009, the Galapagos National Park reported a second clutch of eggs were discovered. After an incubation period of 120 days they will determine if the eggs are fertile.

Mama gnome will keep her fingers crossed and root for George.


video from: BBCWorldwide

Mama gnome now feels like stretching her neck high and coming out of her shell to say to the world,

"Lonesome George may be the last of his kind, but he is not alone. I will stand by him and so should you. Be a part of his family and go green."

(c) 2009 Jenaelha, Friendly Gnome's Blog

Person of the Day: Edward Mooney Jr.

Mama gnome is proud to present the Person of the Day:

Edward Mooney Jr.

Mama gnome: Welcome to my little garden, Ed. I'm so happy you could visit today. Would you like to try a bit of this oatmeal cookie and morning elixir? Or perhaps some tea or hot chocolate?


EM: Hot chocolate sounds great, thanks. How did you find out that I love oatmeal cookies?
You know I hadn't realized, until today, how truly short you gnomes are. I knew that gnomes were small, but not this tiny. How tall are gnomes, anyway?


Mama gnome sits up straight on her mushroom stool at this point and fluffs up her hat.


EM: Maybe that’s because I’m too much of a hulk. At six foot three you bump your head a lot, you know.
It seems like every third visit to the grocery store I get someone asking me to help them get something down from the highest shelf.
Everyone thinks being tall is better; try getting into a small car sometime.
Anyway, I do tend to wander, don’t I?


MG: No, not at all, Ed. Wander as much as you please.
And if you must know, I’m quite tall for a gnome my age which is a very young one hundred and ten.
And you are quite tall I must say for a human. My neck’s got a crook in it now.
But can you hand me my box of tea up there. No next shelf. Yes, that one. Thank you.
Now Ed, please tell us about yourself.


EM: Besides my height? Well, then there’s my weight.
I’ve lost 48 pounds over the last 13 months.
That’s my biggest personal accomplishment, besides regular flossing of my teeth.
Well, I guess if I were asked to write a short essay about who I am…which you just did…I would have to describe my personal and professional sides.

On the personal side, I’ve been married to Carrie for 23 years now.
We have 5 kids and 6 grandchildren, even though she doesn’t look old enough to be a grandma.

I was born in Massachusetts before cable TV, computers and satellites.

I was raised in Orange County, California, in the shadow of Disneyland, and lived for years in Bozeman, Montana.

Now I live in Palmdale.
My hobbies include:
collecting flags of the world,
writing,
computers,
watching baseball,
camping
and gardening (I just discovered growing pumpkins, thanks to Carrie, and how fun it is).

I love books, history and maps, too.
On the professional side, I’m the author of a couple of books, including

“The Pearls of the Stone Man,” which is being made into a movie;

I’m also a high school teacher, a newspaper columnist and a computer nerd.

Maybe I’m just a regular nerd, too. You have to decide that…
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from Montana State University, and went on to claim a Master’s degree from the University of California at Riverside.

I was working on a doctorate when I lost my first wife, with whom I had three children.

I tell you this because education is very important to me.

My life has been molded by the values taught me by my parents, my education, and my faith as what I call a “humble Christian.”
Oh, you dropped a piece of your cookie…yes, right there, on your tunic. And I talk too much.

Did I already tell you that?


MG: Um, no I don't recall you telling me. But ahemm, thank you, for pointing out the cookie crumb. Mama gnome gets carried away with cookies sometimes.
And no I don’t think you talk too much.
I am amazed at all the life experiences and learning you've gone through and congratulations on the success of your books and the movie coming out.
Is there a part there for a sassy, attractive, eco-friendly motherly gnome per chance? Ahemm, okay fine.
Moving on, can you please tell us how you feel about the environment?


EM: Well, I’m all for it. After all, it’s where I get my air, water and food, not to mention my computer, my books and everything else in my life.

When I was at Montana State University I took a class entitled “Conservation Education” in which I realized that we’re all interconnected.

People, the land, air, water, plants, animals, everything.

As the air goes, so I go. The same is true for everything else.

I was struck by how many of our troubles are caused by our mismanagement of the Earth. This is why I’ve become a meat minimalist.

The cost to the ecosystem to raise meat is startling. Literally an animal consumes something like ten pounds of grain to produce one pound of meat that we eat.

Besides, I visited some animal compounds and I struggle about how kind is it to kill another life form just for us to eat. Yes, I’m a softie. I admit it.

I don’t like to see anyone or anything suffer.

I know, you’re probably asking, why isn’t he a vegetarian? At my age a radical change is tough.

It took me a decade to train myself to floss my teeth regularly (that and some root canals).

I’m hoping I’ll get there.

I only eat a little bit of meat, usually once a week now. I do eat cheese and eggs, however. Did I tell you that my Bachelor’s degree is in Earth Sciences?

That’s how much I was impressed by the environment.

As someone who suffers from allergies, the environment touches everything in my life.
By the way, feel free to interrupt me if I carry on too much. My wife does.

I usually see her eyes roll up and I know I’ve gone on too much. I’ll watch your eyes…


MG: Mama gnome’s eyes are transfixed Ed, especially when she heard you say you’ve limited how often you eat meat and your degree is in Earth Sciences. Those are tremendous accomplishments.
And in what other ways has the environment affected the way you live your life?


EM: Besides the meat thing, I’m really fascinated by solar power.

I have a few solar panels, solar calculators, and I want to take my house completely off of the grid someday.

I recycle now (a lot of that’s due to Carrie), and I’m slowly moving toward things like rechargeable batteries.

I think you can see my trend here – I am slowly making changes as I can, and hoping my children and grandchildren can continue the pattern.


MG: What a wonderful example and legacy for your children and grandchildren. Mama gnome is also quite excited about solar power.
But before she gets too excited, Ed, can you share with us some tips on how to be more eco-friendly?


EM: I think the idea of taking baby steps is what works for people like me who aren’t used to changes.

Research what is environmentally the “best practice” and make movement in that direction, as you have to make choices and purchases.

I call this the “Incremental Approach”. Before long you’ll see huge changes, but the stress and anxiety won’t come with it. We now use an organic farm (Abundant Harvest Organics) for some of our vegetables.

Another incremental change. When it’s time for us to get a new car, we expect we’ll buy a hybrid, or whatever is environmentally best that we can afford. Besides that, we hope to stretch our current vehicles so we’re not just consuming vehicles just because they’re fun and new.


I’m changing the values of my life. Are cars really all that important that I have to have a new one every other year? If mine is working fine, comfortable and does the job, do I really need to get a new car? See what I mean?
Can I get another cookie? These are really good! Do you have any with chocolate chips?


MG: Of course, Ed. Help yourself. I have a batch of chocolate chip cookies with walnuts and a batch of my favorite, peanut butter.
Ah, excellent choice I must say.
Now, Ed as a teacher do you have the chance to teach your students to be more environmentally aware and how do you do that?


EM: As I teach Earth Science, I stress how interconnected we are, as I explained.

That’s probably the core. I know you don’t want me going over all of that again. I’m sorry, but I do see that my wandering has you finding it tough to stay on task. I do that to people, you know.


MG: Oh no, no, Ed. I just... (Mama gnome coughs and spits out crumbs of peanut butter cookies.)
Excuse me. I think the mind is wonderful maze and we need to wander through all sorts of paths.
Speaking of maze, do you have a favorite book about the environment/nature? It could be fiction or non-fiction.


EM: It was “Silent Spring,” by Rachel Carson. I read that, I think, back in college and it truly changed me.

I also read some books by Bradford Angier about surviving in the wilderness and that changed how I saw the natural world – not as an enemy but as something we could live within.


MG: Do you have a favorite movie about the environment/nature?


EM: It may sound strange, but the Bruce Dern movie “Silent Running,” about a spaceship with a closed system in deep space, the last nature preserve known to humans, shook me up.

I started worrying about our direction as a species.


MG: The books and movie sound interesting and pique Mama gnome's interest. And I'm also interested in knowing what is your favorite animal and why? Is it endangered or threatened?



EM: Since I’m so huge (I know I told you that), I’ve always liked the polar bear.

I’m also fuzzy and have hands like their paws.

As their habitat has become more and more threatened due to global warming, I’ve become more and more concerned.

What will happen to them? The changes are happening so quickly that they will not be able to adapt, I’m afraid.

I’m not a biologist, but I worry their ice caps will be gone soon.


MG: Mama gnome now knows why she and Ed, though human, are kindred spirits.
‘Tis because polar bears are also her favorite animals!
Have another cookie, Ed and tell us, what is your favorite plant and why?


EM: I like pine trees a lot. When I lived in Montana (and I call myself a Montanan), I loved walking through those forests.

One of my fondest memories is swimming beneath a waterfall in the forest up there. It was south of Bozeman, on Hyalite Creek.

It seemed like Eden to me. I miss that place.

Also, being born in New England, where a pine tree has been a symbol of that area, it fits another part of my life.

And being tall, well, you get the picture.


MG: That sounds beautiful, Ed. Quite different from our Valley of the Antelopes where sadly antelopes can no longer be found.
And if you can be any animal or plant what would it be and why?


EM: Hmm. I’ve never been asked that before.

There’s something about birds flying that intrigues me. I once read that the majority of the animal species on Earth can fly, yet we cannot (at least naturally).

I’m afraid of heights, but I love seeing the Earth from above (did I tell you that I’m a map freak?). Maybe having a pair of wings would help me overcome my fear. As to what kind of bird, I’m not sure.

Going with my size thing, maybe I’d be a hawk or an eagle.
They seem so noble, and as my mother used to say, your honor is all you truly own in this life. Am I on a tangent again? Your eyes are rolling…


MG: No, no Ed. Mama gnome’s eyes are rolling because she loves hawks and eagles as well. Sadly Ed, did you know the greatest eagle in the world is also the most endangered eagle?
And so Mama gnome gets discouraged sometimes because of all the problems plaguing planet Earth.
Any encouraging words for discouraged green gnomes and humans?


EM: I know how you feel, but haven’t given up yet.

Never forget that we have our minds and our technology, as well as our ability to change.

We’ve faced crisis after crisis in the past and overcome.

We can do this. I am a firm believer in incremental change.

If all of us commit to doing that, we will see a massive difference in our lifetimes. If I can change, the species as a whole can do it.

I believe I’ve changed radically over the last 25 years, and that gives me hope.

You should really see me deep inside and how really frightened of change I am. Yet, I’m doing it.

One step at a time.

As someone who has had a few books published, I’ve learned the value of persevering and never giving up.

I never realized that would be the gift of the process of getting published – the strength to keep going and believing.

Never give up – for it is at that moment that we truly lose.

As I tell everyone… “Nothing great was ever accomplished without passion.” (E. Mooney)

If this is your passion, make it your life and see it come true! Believe!

By the way, can I get a few of those cookies to take with me? They’re low in calories, right?

Did I tell you I’ve lost 48 pounds?


MG: Um, no I don't think you've mentioned it the last two seconds, Ed.
Seriously though congratulations and you deserve all the success for all the hard work, talent and heart you've put into your writing and life.
And yes, these cookies are delicious and magical for you will not gain an ounce. I’ve wrapped a special box for you and Carrie. The wrapper is made from recycled 100% post consumer waste. No, it's not doo-doo, silly. It's good paper, green paper. You're such a joker.
Thanks so much for visiting my little garden, Ed. Watch your head now. I know a gnome house is a bit on the short side.



Though I have to admit I think Ed's the tallest creature to visit my home.

Look I can still see him, towering over my garden wall like a walking pine tree.

"Bye, Ed!" Mama gnome mouths, 'email me, soon.'


My dear readers, I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about our Person of the Day:

the tall and svelte Edward Mooney Jr. who was so generous and kind to visit Mama gnome's little garden.


Now Mama gnome feels like flying like an eagle,

swimming in the Arctic Ocean like a polar bear and most of all,

sitting on her stoop while she eats cookies and reads Ed’s book,

which by the way was a Pulitzer Prize contender.

Go Green.

Mama gnome takes on Plastic Bag Monster

Mama gnome takes a deep breath and braces herself.

For this coming Saturday, SEPTEMBER 19, 2009

a great, momentous battle awaits the mother gnome.

Her foe is a mighty beast, a heathen of a monster, not from this earth.

No it does not breath air nor possess a heart.

But it lives.

It is the Plastic Bag Monster, a creature that plagues our oceans, our lands, our children, our animals and plants.


photo from: plasticdebris.org

It is a monster who aims to destroy everything on its path to its home, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Or as Mama gnome calls it, the Great Pacific Garbage Monster.

There it will unite forces with other plastic bag monsters, soda can monsters, water bottle monsters, styrofoam monsters and other unnatural unliving creatures who claim dominion over our oceans, our land, our planet Earth.

What chance does Mama gnome have in defeating such an enemy?

Mama gnome sighs and bows her head. Yes, the chance is quite small. But it's all she's got.

And she'll take that tiny, sliver of a chance and run away with it,

for our planet's very existence is at stake.

If this Plastic Bag Monster triumphs and no one stands up to it, hundreds and thousands of marine animals and seabirds will continue to perish, be mutilated and die slow painful deaths.

If no one stands up to it, our oceans, rivers, the water that we drink to live, will continue to be mired with toxins and pollutants.

If no one stands up to it, our Earth, our beautiful planet Earth, would be left on her own, undefended.

So rally with me, fellow gnomes and humans, join me in this great battle, this momentous day on September 19, 2009.

Tis a memorable day dubbed forth by Earth's defenders as:

Coastal Cleanup Day

This is a worldwide event.

Visit Ocean Conservancy for clean up sites in the world.

Visit Heal the Bay or California Coastal Commission for clean up sites in California.

Just follow the links and type in the country, city you live in and it will show you the closest beach, river, park you can venture forth to battle against the Plastic Bag Monster.

United we will defeat this unnatural creature and we will set our planet free.

All you need is a staunch heart, maybe a couple of gloves and sunblock lotion in case it gets too hot.

And in the name of everything sustainable, do not bring water housed in plastic water bottles,
for the Plastic Bag Monster will see them as a sign of weakness and will call forth on its minions, i.e., the plastic water bottles you're hiding in your thin plastic bags.
Nay, do not falter my human friend.

To ensure our victory, here are other pre and post-battle strategies you can engage in everyday:

• When you go shopping and if they ask you paper or plastic, say 'neither' and hold up your own wonderful reusable bags.
• Limit or avoid using plastic water bottles. A lot of them end up in the ocean and the by-products of green house emissions from their production outweigh their value. Use your own glass or metal container which will last and hopefully not end up in our oceans.
• Use eco-friendly products especially for household cleaning, dish washing and laundry. Less contaminants will leach into the ground or go into runoffs that will end up in our oceans.
• Support sustainable fishing methods by checking where the fish you eat comes from.
• Support plastic bag bans. An average American uses 500 plastic bags annually. That's billions annually. Trillions worldwide. And according to Heal the Bay only a small percentage of plastic bags get recycled, only 1% to 4%. Mama gnome knows exactly where the 96-99% of plastic bags are hanging out. Cough. Great Pacific Garbage Patch!
• When you dine out, bring your own food containers for left overs. If you don't, you take the chance of bringing home styrofoam containers, ie. Plastic Bag Monster's allies.
  

Mama gnome has faith in you brave human. Together victory will be ours!

And to you Plastic Bag Monster,

Mama gnome says, "Come forth and face me for I have brought...it...on."

Go Green!

(c) 2009 Jenaelha Friendly Gnome's Blog