Three Free Scrapbook Paper Designs (First Quarter 2012 Calendar) For You!

     As a way to thank the readers of www.dorotheabenedictinthenorth.blogspot.com for the continued support in reading the blog and to share one of the creator's passions, here are three Free Scrapbook papers for you. All are made of recycled materials. 

Scrapbook Paper First Quarter 2012 Calendar:

1.)    Scrapbook Paper  January 2012 – Nature Theme (Green)

Scrapbook Paper January 2012 Calendar Design - All made of recycled materials. Love the patches of green!

2.)    Scrapbook Paper  February 2012 – Love Theme (Pink)

Scrapbook Paper February 2012 Calendar Design - All recycled materials. Enjoy the Love Month in hodge podge of pink hue!

3.)    Scrapbook Paper  March 2012 – Women Theme (Yellow)

Scrapbook Paper March 2012 Calendar Design - All Recycled Materials. Embrace the empowered woman feel in a burst of yellow color.

         I hope to have somehow inspired you in any way.  

      Do enjoy the scrapbook paper designs and calendars. Wait for the next batch of scrapbook designs paper, the second quarter 2012 Calendar (April 2012, May 2012 and June 2012).

     

     I welcome any comments for a more beautiful or pleasing scrapbook paper design and suggestions. Please leave your comments here or “like” it through your Facebook account or send me an email at dorothea.garcia@gmail.com.

     

      Have a great 2012!

Related Blog Link:

Title: "Four Practical Ways to Have a Scrapbook Paper"

http://dorotheabenedictinthenorth.blogspot.com/2011/09/four-practical-ways-to-have-scrapbook.html

7 Reasons Why We Need to Plant Trees as Realized by New Zealanders

Enjoying the view in Wellington, New Zealand more made pleasing by the trees. New Zealand is active in advocacy of planting trees. (Image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/)

          With the clear evidence of climate change in our times, taking action is still the best way to combat it. And what is the most basic act we can do that even a kindergarten student know? To Plant Trees.

     New Zealand is one of the countries who are in the forefront of realizing the significance of taking actions such as planting trees. New Zealand’s ecosystem is one of the most diverse in the world. It is a habitat to a huge number of plant species. In fact, 84% of them are endemic. Notable trees include the Cabbage Tree, the Nikkau Palm (New Zealand’s only palm tree) and the Giant Kauri (holds the record for the greatest timber volume of any tree on Earth). Now you know where the drive was coming from on why New Zealanders plant trees. 

   Here are 7 Reasons why we should Plant trees as what the New Zealander is already doing:

1.)    To Plant Trees is to Give Shelter from Sun, Wind and Rain. = According to www.pattfoundation.org, “In urbanised landscapes, the addition of trees has the effect of lowering the ambient temperature due to their shading effect. Shade from trees reduces the need for air condition in hot location. Likewise trees can also assist in cold climates; in winter, trees dissipate the strength of winter winds and ca lower the winter heating hill.” In addition, they also reduce glare and reflection.

2.)    To Plant Trees is to filter pollution from air. Trees act as natural filters of air. www.treesaregood.com reports that, “Air quality can be improved through the use of trees, shrubs, and turf. Leaves filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particulate. Rain then washes the pollutants to the ground. Leaves absorb carbon dioxide from the air to form carbohydrates that are used in the plant’s structure and function. In this process, leaves also absorb other air pollutants – such as ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulphur dioxide – and give off oxygen.

3.)    To Plant Trees is to Prevent Soil Erosion. Erosion control involves planting trees, shrubs or grass species. The roots of the trees hold and binds the soil and prevent soil loss. More than that, it also acts as soil cleaner. Trees can assist in the remediation of land that has been polluted by dangerous chemical pollutants. Trees can be used to filter sewage and farm chemicals such as pesticide.

4.)    To Plant Trees is to Provide Food for Humans. Whether large-scale of just for personal and household consumption, no doubt trees served its purpose very well by giving us something to enjoy eating. Tree growers and gardeners no less experience this joy.

5.)    To Plant Trees is to Provide Food for Animals and Home for the wildlife.  www.pattfoundation.org stresses, “Up to 90% of all terrestrial animals live in association with forest habitats. In simple terms, the less trees the less viable habitats for many species. This will ultimately lead to species extinction, first locally and in many cases globally. Through reforestation of native forest you are providing new or improved habitat for a number of animal species that rely on forests for food and shelter. The animal diversity not only improves in areas that have undergone restoration; plant life equally benefits.

6.)    To Plant Trees is to Help Recycle Water. The instance of flash flooding has been shown to be reduced by the presence of forests. Also in areas prone to drought the addition of trees to the landscape can aid in the conservation or precious water resources. Trees slow down water runoff after period of heavy rainfalls and help to recharge underground water-holding aquifers.

Planting trees is an enjoyable bonding moment. (Image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/)

7.)    To Plant Trees is to Beautify the Surroundings. Trees make the surroundings pleasing to the eyes. It creates an environment for walking, musing and reflecting. It reflects peace. It also provides an interesting, soothing, learning environment for children and your community.

     We can go on and on to enumerate the benefits of planting trees. To sum it up, the book, “50 Simple Things You Can Do to Save the Earth” (by John Javna, Sophie Javna and Jesse Javna) says it best: “You’ve heard it many times: One of the best things you can do for the environment is to plant a tree...or, even better, a whole bunch of trees. That’s because trees are amazing pollution-figthers, water-savers, and soil-savers. They’re home to living creatures. They help save energy.

Sources:

§  http://www.escaperentals.co.nz/Tree_planting.asp

§  http://www.pattfoundation.org/why-plant-trees/index.php

§  http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/tree_benefits.aspx

§  50 Simple Things You Can Do to Save the Earth (John Javna, Sophie Javna, and Jesse Javna)

IT’S OFFICIAL: Puerto Princesa Underground River is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Entrance. PPUR is officially one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature (photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/)

     It has been official: Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) had been declared one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The New Seven Wonders of Nature (N7WN) President Dr. Bernard Weber made the announcement on January 28, 2012 at a press briefing held at Heritage Hotel in Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines.

     Dr. Weber handed over a framed certificate to Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn as a proof for the prestigious citation. “I am proud to confirm that PPUR is now one of the New7Wonders of Nature; preparations for the proclamation are underway.” Mayor Hagedorn proudly announced.

     PPUR got a total of 20 million votes based on a global tally.

     The other six sites which round up the elite list are:

1.)    Jeju Island in Korea

2.)    The Amazon River in South America

3.)    Halong Bay in Vietnam

4.)    Iguazu Falls in Argentina/ Brazil

5.)    Komodo National Park in Indonesia

6.)    Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa

     PPUR is the second wonder to be confirmed, next to the Jeju Island of Korea.

     There is a rigorous three-step verification process which all the sites undergo:

1.)    National Voting Validation

2.)    Global Voting Calculation Confirmation by an independent audit firm

3.)    Preparation and Implementation of the Official Inauguration Ceremonies.

     According to Mayor Hagedorn, the full support of President Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III had been a big factor. The president even issued Proclamation No. 182 “Declaring a National and International Promotion Campaign for Puerto Princesa UndergroundRiver as one of New Seven Wonders of Nature”

      During that time, no less than President Benigno S. Aquino III himself urged and convinced the public, “There are 80 million cell phone users in the Philippines, sending two billion messages a day. If we need a billion votes to win, that’s only half a day.”

     “Throughout the competition, Filipinos from all walks of life have given time, energy and resources to this campaign,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda stressed.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Entrance view from the inside. PPUR is confirmed as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature (N7WN) on January 28, 2012  (photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/)

     Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said yesterday the inclusion of the PPUR in the N7WN was a victory not just for the people of Puerto Princesa but for Filipinos in general, since many supported the cause through on-line and text voting.

        Dr. Weber moreovercommented that river is now “poised to become a big magnet for tourists and those engaged in learning about environmental protection

     PPUR is the longest navigable underground river in the world. It is managed by the local government of Puerto Princesa spearheaded by Mayor Hagedorn.

      It is also the first national park to be cited for its best practices in biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism.

Related blog:

http://dorotheabenedictinthenorth.blogspot.com/2011/08/do-your-part-to-make-puerto-princesa.html

Sources:

Manila Bulletin http://www.mb.com.ph/

Philippine Star http://www.philstar.com/

One of the attractions in the Puerto Princesa Underground Rive (PPUR) is this human skull-like formation. No doubt it gained 20 million votes assuring a spot in the New Seven Wonders of Nature (N7WN) (photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/)