The four basic elements are essential for life-air,earth,fire,and water. The air we breath, the food we eat, the energy we use, and the water we drink. These elements are a part of us and we are dependant on them for our survival. Our bodies have the ability to rid itself of toxins, but the level of pollution is getting so high, our bodies are not able to keep up.
We bear responsibilities to the plant and animal species we consume, to the water we drink and the air we beath, to ensure that which we take is either diluted nor dispoiled and to give back equally to that which we are given. It's up to us to commit to the acts, as well as the rituals, that can help restore the world to a place a healing and wholeness, relationship and celebration. We are not only responsible for what we do in life, but for what we've failed to do.
Our future, as well as the planet's, hinges on our keeping a promise of carrying forth a vision of love and care every single Earthen day.
"Iberian Lynx" Part 2 of 5
The world most endangered cat is a European Tiger called the Iberian Lynx. Ancient times have siad that the Lynx is a mysterious cat with supernatural powers. There are only about 100 of these beautiful creatures left and less than a dozen that are breeding females. The lynx prey most on rabbits and with the evolution of several viruses, the destruction of its prey and habitat are it's largest threat. Man has also made their own contribution to the cats decline. They are sometimes killed by traps set for rabbits, hit by cars as new roads are built, and of course illegal hunting. If nothing is done, the Iberian Lynx with likely be extinct in 10-20 years, but it could be a soon a 5 years. A breeding program and revival of the rabbit population must be put into affect as quickly as possible to help to restore the population.
WAU Portugal is collecting money to donate to SOS Lynx.
If you would like to help out, please contact
WAU_Lusitania@yahoo.com
Project Tara
Located in the county of Meath, North of Dublin lies a historical site still in its natural state. Tara is a sacred place of great beauty and is still today the site of cerimonial center. Althought there is already a road near Tara, the Government gave permission to build a motorway only 1km from its hill. As of April 2005, there has been such strong oppostion to this project that Dick Roche, the Irish government Minister for Heritage and the Environment, is stepping back to take a look at the situation. There needs to be a solution for the commuters of Co Meath, but the destruction of sacred land is not the answer. The government is willing to destroy the integity of culture to satisfy a traffic problem and our voices must be heard.
Sign The Petition To Protect Tara
http://www.petitiononline.com/Temair/petition.html
You can also write...
The Minister for the Environment, and Heritage
Dick Roche
Customs House
Dublin 1.
Ireland
Waste and Recycling For Kids
How you can help
* recycle all plastic, paper, glass, and cardboard
* try to use everything again before recycling
* don't litter
* use both sides of every sheet of paper
* use cloth towels instead of paper towels
* pick up trash you find and put it in trash can or recycling bin
* don't take more than you need
* reuse plastic shopping bags or take them back to the store
* donate all of your old books and clothes or have a yard sale
* use yogurt or other food containers for mixing paint
* turn lights off when you leave a room
* turn off water while brushing teeth
* make sure your parents are buying recycled materials and products
Plastic Recycling Numbers
An explanation of the meaning of the numbers in the triangular recycling symbols on plastics.
PET
Polyethylene terephthalate; includes plastic soda bottles and some detergent bottles; commonly recycled.
· HDPE
High density polyethylene; includes milk jugs; commonly recycled.
· PVC or V
Polyvinyl chloride; includes garden hoses, plastic flooring, credit cards, and shower curtains.
· LDPE
Low density polyethylene; includes clear packaging on cassettes or CDs, plastic sandwich bags and plastic grocery bags; recycled at many grocery stores.
· Polypropylene
Includes plastic lids, bottle caps, straws, and some food containers; generally not recycleable.
· Polystyrene
Styrofoam, such as coffee cups.
· Mixed plastics
Several types of plastic mixed together; probably can't be recycled.
(from "50 Simple Things Kids Can Do To Recycle" by The EarthWorks Group)
Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes
Lemon-Asparagus Pasta
8 oz. uncooked angel hair pasta
2 cup (1-inch) sliced asparagus
1/2 cup chopped green onions
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemond rind
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions(omit salt and fat).
2. Add asparagus to pasta during last 3 mintues of cooking time; drain.
3. Stir in remaining ingredients, and serve immediately.
Bruschetta
3 firm roma tomatoes, finely diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
10 slices ciabatta bread (or Italian bread)
1 tablespoon grtaed parmesan cheese
pinch dried parsley flakes
1. Toss diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and salt. Cover and chill 1 hour.
2. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
3. Combine parmesan cheese with dried parsely. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle with cheese mixture.
4. Bake for 5 minutes or until bread is starting to crisp.
5. Pour tomatoe mixture into a serving dish and serve along side the toasted bread.
Tart Cherry-Apple Crunch
1 pound frozen pitted tart cherries
1 green apple, cored and diced
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
1/2 cup unsweetened cherry or apple juice
Nonstick cooking spray
1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped 2 tablespoons whole-wheat pastry flour
3 tablespoons grapeseed oil
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a bowl, toss together the cherries, apple, brown sugar, and almond extract.
3. In a cup, mix the cornstarch and juice and add to the fruit mixture, stirring well.
4. Pour the mixture into an 8-inch-square baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
5. Mix together the remaining ingredients. Crumble the mixture on top of the fruit.
6. Bake for 30 minutes. Raise heat to broil and brown topping lightly for 1-2 minutes. Remove from oven. Serve warm or cold.
Suggested Readings
50 Simple Things Kids Can Do To Recycle" by The EarthWorks Group
The New Laurel's Kitchen: A Handbook for Vegetarian Cookery and Nutrition
http://protect-tara.org/
Email WAU Elements: wau_elements14@yahoo.co.uk
WAU
***WAU Elements #5 is due out in August 2005
