Planned Parenthood

by Robin D Hubbard

Access to health and reproductive care is vital for all people. Education and information about these issues is equally crucial to insure the well-being of both individuals and society. Yet for many people in this country and around the world, these resources are limited due to poverty, location, political climate, and cutbacks in social services. Planned Parenthood has promoted women’s independence and good health by providing access to birth control, reproductive health care, and education for over 90 years.

A leading advocate for women’s health care and their right to make informed decisions about family planning and birth control, Planned Parenthood is a trusted and fundamental community resource. Delivering high-quality medical care and sex education to women, men, and young people all over the world, Planned Parenthood is synonymous with ethical and just reproductive health care worldwide.

With centers in communities all over the nation, Planned Parenthood has provided resources or care to an astonishing 20 percent of American women. Each center reflects and targets the needs of the particular community it serves, and is it governed locally while delivering the same level of reliable care to all. Planned Parenthood states that 90 percent of its services are preventive and primary care. Planned Parenthood provides information about pregnancy planning and prevention, education about and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as screening for cervical and other cancers. Physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and counselors are caring, compassionate, and committed to providing these services to all members of the community.

Planned Parenthood is a passionate advocate for women and supports public policy that positively affects their health and independence. Their clinics a highly visible presence on college campuses and in communities everywhere, Planned Parenthood effectively lobbies Congress and successfully argues before courts on behalf of these issues.

Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

by Robin D. Hubbard

Summary: Robin D. Hubbard provides some quick and easy tips for reducing the impact of your lifestyle on the environment.

The idea of the carbon footprint is relatively straightforward, although difficult to calculate accurately. A carbon footprint is a measure of the total volume of greenhouse gases produced by an activity, person, or organization for a given purpose. For instance, calculating the carbon footprint of a car includes not only its fuel efficiency, but also the energy used to manufacture it, transport it, pave roads, repair the vehicle, and build infrastructure specific to cars.

Numerous experts have gone about calculating average carbon footprints for certain regions and types of activities. You can find free calculators online, but a few simple principles can make a substantial impact on your carbon footprint.

Transportation choices

One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to avoid motorized transportation. Clearly, it is impractical for many people to complete their daily commute without using a car, bus, or train, but there are ways to minimize the impact. If you can, cycle or walk to work. Failing this, take advantage of public transit options, where available. If you absolutely must drive, try to carpool.

Another way to cut down on your carbon footprint is to choose a smaller, lighter vehicle, if you have to drive. For instance, commuting by motorcycle will save you money and significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

Shopping choices

Buying only what you need and avoiding excess packaging make a big difference on your carbon footprint. Use items until they wear out, or donate them to a secondhand store when you have finished with them. If you have a tendency to buy a lot of new clothes, start culling your closet with each shopping trip. For instance, for every item you buy, donate an older one. This ensures that your clothes get put to good use instead of sitting in a closet untouched.

Food choices

When possible, buy food produced locally. In addition, organic food has a smaller carbon footprint than standard agricultural produce, which relies heavily on oil-based fertilizers. If you eat meat, reduce your portion sizes and favor meat from small animals, such as poultry, lamb, or pork.