est on the webCalculate YourCarbon FootprintFind out whether the mark you’re leaving on the environment is “green” or grimyby Tara MonksYour carbon footprint is the total amount ofgreenhouse gas emissions you, as an individualare responsible for producing. Today, everyoneis discussing and debating the importance ofreducing our carbon footprint by “going green.”<strong>The</strong> sheer volume of information can beoverwhelming, causing a sense of defeatbefore the journey to lessen your carbonfootprint even begins. Thankfully,there are people out there that notonly understand the need for easilyaccessible information, but want tohelp others begin and keep up withtheir journey towards low impact living.<strong>The</strong>se people can be found at www.lowimpactliving.com.This site seeks to help environmentallyconcernedindividuals understand what exactly ishappening to our planet and what we can do to help. Completewith definitions and examples, its main message is thatconsumption leads to waste. <strong>The</strong> website is filledwith information on resources we use every day suchas natural gas, oil, electricity and water right next tolinks to info on their counterparts: carbon dioxideand greenhouse gas, trash, pollution and sewage. <strong>The</strong>goal here is to help users understand what happenswhen these resources are used and abused.Even more helpful is the Low Impact Living’sEnvironmental Impact Calculator. This tool willhelp you determine your carbon footprint andcompare your energy use to that of the averageAmerican. After you calculate your carbonfootprint, the website provides you with tipsand recommendations to help you reduce yourimpact, based on your personal input.<strong>The</strong>se recommended projects and tips are not only fun,interesting, and environmentally-responsible, but, best ofall, save money in the long run. (For example, planting treesin your yard for shade can not only help your parents saveon the air conditioning bill this summer, bit it alsoadds a nice, aesthetic touch.)Aside from the articles on cool projects,you will also find news and information onthe newest green products on the market.Here you will find green gifts, greenfurniture, green cleaning supplies andeven green retail outlets. So no matterwhat you are looking for, whether it isa new hanging clock for Mom made outof recycled plastics, or eco-friendly partyplanning, this site is here to help. Whereveryou are in your green journey, this website canhelp you reach your destination. tvReCapturing the Vision does not endorse the websites listedin this article.4 teen vision magazine
for your health<strong>The</strong> Color ofPerfectionMicrodermabrasion is a great option for keeping skin of color looking healthy and refreshedby Dr. S. Manjula JegasothyAs many people of color and theirdermatologists know, darker skin isconsidered by many to be beautifuland protective against the harmful UV rays ofthe sun, but it also carries with it an unique setof dermatologic problems.Dermatologists have identified a range ofskin conditions that are common to peoplewith complexions ranging from light brownto almost black. Those conditions include:Keloidal scarring: Scars that result fromkeloids, or the raised, reddish nodules thatdevelop at the site of an injuryFolliculitis: Infection of the hair folliclesEczema: Chronic, recurring, intenselyitchy, inflammation of the skinIn addition, conditions such as acne,psoriasis, and fungal skin infections whichaffect all skin types, may have uniquemanifestations in skin of color.Dr. S. Manjula Jegasothyteen vision magazine 5
Change language