Recap: Sea Ice, Climate and Observational Mathematics

Last night was an incredible installment of the New England Aquarium Fall Lecture Series, during which climate scientist, John Wettlaufer, explained the complexities of studying fluctuations in arctic ice.  Here are my top 6 takeaways from the event:

1. Earth and climate science is based largely on observation and modeling rather than experimentation.

2. A layer of ice about 2.5 meters thick stays frozen all year round, and this ice is very important for regulating the planet's climate. 

3. Albedo is the term used to describe the reflectivity of ice. 

4. Ice is important to the earth not only because of sea levels, but because of albedo for reflecting the sun's radiation. 

5. Correctly modeling climate is difficult because there are so many different variables. 

6. When creating models to predict the future using all of these variables it is important to remember that: Things need to be simple enough that they can be analyzed thoroughly, but complex enough that the results approach reality.

Pencil it in: Free Lecture at the Aquarium TONIGHT

Register here.

Hope to see you tonight!

Spotlight: Net Impact Boston

There are quite a few green networking groups in Boston these days, but I've consistently heard great things about Net Impact. It is a membership-driven organization, but their events are open to the public. Net Impact is a global organization that brings together people from different sectors on a mission for social and corporate responsibility. They host a variety of educational events, details of which can be found here. The group is best known for their monthly Sustainability Breakfast - what an inspiring way to start the day!

Vote for Boston's Finalists in the Nature's Plate Awards

Five finalists in have been announced for The Nature Conservancy's Nature's Plate Awards. Make sure to cast your vote before October 15! The finalists include:

• Area IV, Cambridge
• Evoo, Cambridge
• Nourish, Lexington
• Red Lentil, Watertown
• Taranta, Boston

So, which venue did I vote for? Well, I had to go for my neighborhood favorite, Taranta. Taranta composts,  has organic menu options, and serves biodynamic wines. Their fare is a  unique combination of  Peruvian and Italian flavors, that are simply perfect together.

Pencil it in: NEWIEE Autumn Extravaganza!

Sign up for the Extravaganza now! All are welcome - it should be a fabulous night!

And if you're a contributing member of NEWIEE, you should already have an invite to the annual meeting portion of the evening in your inbox this very moment!

Spotlight: Mother Juice Foodtruck

Food trucks have been all the rage over the past couple years in Boston. They offer a great opportunity to bring nutritious, sustainable food to the masses. Mother Juice is one such truck, serving delicious smoothies and fresh juices from local, organically grown ingredients. The menu varies based on what is in season and available (so fall is the perfect time to check it out!!!). 

My roommate (pictured above) and I had the pleasure of trying Mother Juice smoothies last weekend at SOWA. Mine was made with Kale - and despite my anxiety over drinking a green colored smoothie - it was fabulous! Find where Mother Juice will be next by following them on Facebook. 

Hydroponic Gardening 101

Hydroponic gardening is the method of growing plants without soil. Mineral solutions in the water replace the need for the nutrients that soil typically provides. Almost any type of plant can be grown using hydroponics. But why use hydroponic techniques? Hydroponic gardening gives people the opportunity to grow food and other crops in places with inadequate soil (spaceships, anyone?).  These gardens are also great for apartments with no yard space, or areas where soil has been destroyed. To keep up to date with new hydroponic innovations, make sure to check out Inhabitat.

 

Get 10% off your grow light when you shop at www.AccessHydro.com

This post is sponsored by Access Hydroponic.