Dave Cornthwaite | The Creative Explorer

As I paddle along the Mississippi River this summer I’ll be joining forces with Below the Surface, a coast to coast exploration of America’s waterways dedicated to promoting water conservation and improving water quality in rivers and oceans. The 90 Planis based on the time it takes water to flow naturally along the Mississippi from its source in Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, and each day we’ll be sharing a bit of information to give you a better understanding of the situation along the river.

Day 52 - 19th August 2011

Nothing has changed the way we eat more than the refrigerator. RE-THINKING the way we use the

As I paddle along the Mississippi River this summer I’ll be joining forces with Below the Surface, a coast to coast exploration of America’s waterways dedicated to promoting water conservation and improving water quality in rivers and oceans. The 90 Plan is based on the time it takes water to flow naturally along the Mississippi from its source in Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, and each day we’ll be sharing a bit of information to give you a better understanding of the situation along the river.

Day 51 - 18th August 2011

While we are still in the kitchen, PLAN a NO-BULL MEAL. An appetizing figure suggests that Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, CAFOs, located in the US produce three times the amount of sewage as American citizens. It is estimated that 60-pounds of animal waste are generated for every one pound of beef produced.

Challenge: What is a CAFO and how do these feedlots impact the water? Why is nonpoint source pollution difficult to regulate and enforce?

For More Information:

h1p://www.pewtrusts.org/our_work_report_detail.aspx?id=30009

America’s Environmental Report Card - Are We Making the Grade? By Harvey Blatt

As I paddle along the Mississippi River this summer I’ll be joining forces with Below the Surface, a coast to coast exploration of America’s waterways dedicated to promoting water conservation and improving water quality in rivers and oceans. The 90 Plan is based on the time it takes water to flow naturally along the Mississippi from its source in Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, and each day we’ll be sharing a bit of information to give you a better understanding of the situation along the river.

Day 49: 17th August 2011

Now that you have considered what it takes for most produce to travel to your plate, GIVE ORGANIC FOODS a TRY.

Challenge: Groundwater provides 50% of our country’s drinking water; what happens when fertilizers and pesticides get in the groundwater? How can ground water be cleaned? Are there any obvious benefits to the water that would come from reducing pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers?

For More Information:

h1p://foodnews.org/

h1p://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?navtype=SU&navid=EDUCATION_OUTREACH

As I paddle along the Mississippi River this summer I’ll be joining forces with Below the Surface, a coast to coast exploration of America’s waterways dedicated to promoting water conservation and improving water quality in rivers and oceans. The 90 Plan is based on the time it takes water to flow naturally along the Mississippi from its source in Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, and each day we’ll be sharing a bit of information to give you a better understanding of the situation along the river.

Day 48: August 16th 2011

Support your community and BUY LOCAL. While we’re at it, buy American; our environmental standards are a lot higher than most other countries and right now, we need to keep as much revenue as possible at home.

Challenge: Where is the closest farmer’s market? Have you considered joining a community supported agriculture co-op? What are three ways a healthy diet helps to support a healthy planet?

For More Information:

h1p://www.leopold.iastate.edu/pubs/staff/files/food_travel072103.pdf

h1p://www.foodroutes.org/

h1p://www.sandiegoroots.org/

As I paddle along the Mississippi River this summer I’ll be joining forces with Below the Surface, a coast to coast exploration of America’s waterways dedicated to promoting water conservation and improving water quality in rivers and oceans. The 90 Plan is based on the time it takes water to flow naturally along the Mississippi from its source in Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, and each day we’ll be sharing a bit of information to give you a better understanding of the situation along the river.

Day 46: August 9th 2011

Choices we make as consumers influence the product we buy. It is estimated that five-billion pounds of fish are pulled from the oceans every day; next time you BUY FISH, send the right message to fisherman practicing sustainable methods. Before you buy another fish, use the top link to help make informed choices.

Challenge: For every 4 fish caught, 1 is discarded as waste; this practice is known as bycatch. Why is it difficult to fish for one species without catching another? If this and other destructive fishing practices continue, what year should we expect to see the total collapse of commercial fishing (hint: it’s is sooner than you may think)?

For More Information:

h1p://www.blueocean.org/seafood/seafood‐guide

h1p://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24990893#24990893


As I paddle along the Mississippi River this summer I’ll be joining forces with Below the Surface, a coast to coast exploration of America’s waterways dedicated to promoting water conservation and improving water quality in rivers and oceans. The 90 Plan is based on the time it takes water to flow naturally along the Mississippi from its source in Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, and each day we’ll be sharing a bit of information to give you a better understanding of the situation along the river.

Day 45: 8th August 2011

DON’T THAW FOOD WITH WATER; instead, plan meals ahead of time and use the refrigerator to defrost food.

Challenge: If food is thawed in the sink or microwave and left out, what are potential health concerns?

For More Information:

h1p://www.foodsafety.gov/~fsg/f01chill.html


As I paddle along the Mississippi River this summer I’ll be joining forces with Below the Surface, a coast to coast exploration of America’s waterways dedicated to promoting water conservation and improving water quality in rivers and oceans. The 90 Plan is based on the time it takes water to flow naturally along the Mississippi from its source in Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, and each day we’ll be sharing a bit of information to give you a better understanding of the situation along the river.

Day 44: August 7th 2011

STAY OUT of HOT WATER. Do you boiled water on the stove? If you do, you probably noticed that it takes awhile to heat even that small amount of water. Imagine what it takes to heat a 50-gallon+ water heater!

Challenge: What are ways to make your water heater more efficient? If it is time to replace the water heater, have you considered a ‘tankless’ or On-Demand option? How much more efficient would a ‘tankless’ heater be for your household than the conventional heater?

For More Information:

h1p://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/water_hea:ng/index.cfm/mytopic=12820

h1p://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/water_hea:ng/index.cfm/mytopic=13030


As I paddle along the Mississippi River this summer I’ll be joining forces with Below the Surface, a coast to coast exploration of America’s waterways dedicated to promoting water conservation and improving water quality in rivers and oceans. The 90 Plan is based on the time it takes water to flow naturally along the Mississippi from its source in Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, and each day we’ll be sharing a bit of information to give you a better understanding of the situation along the river.

Day 43: 6th August 2011

Economic security lies in breaking our dependence on foreign oil and environmental sustainability lies in our ability to reduce our sources of carbon-based energy. Make every effort to facilitate the SWITCH to RENEWABLE SOURCES of ENERGY

Challenge: Are any businesses in your area working to develop alternative energy? What type of renewable energy is best for your location?

For More Information:

h1p://www.repp.org/

h1p://www.aceee.org/

h1p://www.pickensplan.com/act/


As I paddle along the Mississippi River this summer I’ll be joining forces with Below the Surface, a coast to coast exploration of America’s waterways dedicated to promoting water conservation and improving water quality in rivers and oceans. The 90 Plan is based on the time it takes water to flow naturally along the Mississippi from its source in Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, and each day we’ll be sharing a bit of information to give you a better understanding of the situation along the river.

Day 42: August 5th 2011

Our economy is not in the best shape; consider sustainable industries and ways to INVEST in some real GREEN.

Challenge:  Has misuse of our natural resources adversely impacted our economy? Find one or two companies producing alternative energy in your area and determine their economic benefit.

For More Information:

h1p://www.aceee.org/
www.repoweramerica.org

As I paddle along the Mississippi River this summer I’ll be joining forces with Below the Surface, a coast to coast exploration of America’s waterways dedicated to promoting water conservation and improving water quality in rivers and oceans. The 90 Plan is based on the time it takes water to flow naturally along the Mississippi from its source in Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, and each day we’ll be sharing a bit of information to give you a better understanding of the situation along the river.

Day 41: July 30th 2011

Heating and cooling is one of the greatest costs, accounting for over 50% of the home’s energy bill.

This summer, TAKE it DOWN a NOTCH and search for other ways to keep things cool both inside and

out.

Challenge: Using the link furthest below, how much can you improve cooling efficiency in your home

if you were to follow the recommended steps?

For More Information:

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12300

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12720