The earthquake that hit Japan and the tsunami that was its aftermath showed the whole world just how wrathful nature can be. No matter how prepared a country is, natural calamities such as that come without warning so there really is no one to blame. We can only do so much. But that doesn't mean that countries and governments are not doing anything to somehow counter the effects of such distressing catastrophes. On the contrary, governments have environmental monitoring services which monitor the quality of the environment. The main idea behind this is so that a country can prepare environmental impact assessments to study and counteract harmful effects on the natural environment as caused by man or forces of nature.

What is Environmental Monitoring?

Environmental monitoring may refer to computerized sensors that measure the physical parameters of our environment which in turn alerts the proper government organizations of abnormalities that the system might have picked up. That's one reason why even if a place may suffer from the devastating effects of a natural calamity, its government is able to deploy help and other aids right away. Because somehow, they were alerted that something could happen. If a government is not prepared to handle the effects of a disaster, it will take those years to recover from it. But that's not the case, right?

Managing the environment is an overwhelming task and it is for this reason that developers have created various systems to make the job easier. These systems pick up thousands upon thousands of data which it classifies and clarifies so they can come up with fool-proof action plans. Among the areas where environmental monitoring is highly efficient are:

• Pollution risk assessment;
• Trends in time and space;
• Anticipatory systems; and
• Environmental quality and management practice.

Also, because the system allows for the study and management of microclimates, it's now easier to come up with the right tools to undertake environmental research, monitoring, conservation, quality and control of our natural resources.

The Impact of Environmental Monitoring

Are you following the impact which monitoring the environment has on each of us? To make it even simpler, environmental monitoring can be depicted as an inveterate and methodical series of studies which expose to us the true condition of the environment. This is especially important for areas which are in need of further development. Since it is quite gaining ground these days, further enhancements and innovations on environmental monitoring technology are being proposed and debated on. One such improvement is the use of fiber optic cables to form monitoring networks. This development makes it possible for the system to be utilized even in remote places. It won't take long before this system for managing the environment is implemented on a global scale.

And if you'd like to find out how environmental management services can impact your property, get access to Urban Virons' valuable wealth of information on landscaping and grounds maintenance, and take advantage of our special offers by clicking or visiting: http://www.urbanvirons.com.au/.

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Why green living?

I have 8 grandchildren and I would like them to live in the future in a world as good or better than the world we know today. But that will only be possible if we take more care of our use of natural resources and the environment. I think I need to take responsibility for what I can, linked to my daily life, and I would recommend you to do the same if you care for your grandchildren.

Is it difficult to live more green?

Many have the feeling that to live more green is very bothersome, expensive and difficult. But take these advices and see if they fit your temper and possibilities. As with a lot of things in life it helps to think and plan a little ahead of what you want to do. For me the following approach toward a more green daily life has been rewarding.

Generate ideas of more green living

Use five minutes to list a lot of things you expect would reduce your and your family's impact on the environment. Just dot the ideas down as they come into your mind. If feasible do it as a family event around the table and engage everyone in this green brainstorm. Think of three types of more green living as follows and put your green ideas into the three categories:

1. Green ideas that will save you money

2. Green ideas that will be neutral on your economy

3. Green ideas that will cost you money

1. Green ideas that will save you money

The ideas for greener living that will save you money should be implemented immediately. It is stupid to waste money and at the same time pollute more or use more resources than needed. Many companies here in Denmark have made use of this to reduce their environmental impact and to improve their competitiveness and profit from that green initiative at the same time. Many private households would benefit from it too.

Examples of green ideas that will save you money more or less from the moment you implement them are:

- Avoid running toilets and dripping taps (remember the garden, too).

- Have your lamps and electricity running more than needed, e.g. in rooms without any persons, and the standby lamps of electrical equipment.

- Drive your care more softly and you reduce the consumption of gasoline and keep your tires longer.

2. Green ideas that will be neutral on your economy

If you think of your grandchildren as I recommend the green ideas that will be neutral to your economy should also be taken into consideration. It is ideas for greener living that just need a little attention from you in your daily life.

Such more green habits could be

- When you are shopping avoid the extra bags and wrapping from the shop if you don't need it.

- Make your own compost in your garden and keep as much of the nutrition's in your garden instead of 'exporting' garden waste and have to buy fertilizers etc.

- Reduce your consumption of red meat and prepare food with more fish, chicken and turkey and supplement more with veggies. - That will also be healthier.

3. Green ideas that will cost you money

Ideas for greener living that cost you money might also be worthwhile considering, so please read on. Here I will emphasise the environmental effect when you buy new kinds of equipment, like a new freezer, a new car, a new computer, a new washing machine etc. The whole trend of eco home design will often belong to this category.

Take your time to investigate the different qualities related to the environmental impact of the different brands and models of machines and equipment. Search for independent rating of the environmental impacts. In Europe we have a marking with A to E for the energy consumption and the most environmental friendly washing machines etc. will have an A label. Most consumers at least in Denmark will be very much aware of that label and go for it if it isn't too expensive.

The beauty of such an expense is that in most cases it will pay off in the long run to pay the extra for an environmental friendly model because you will save electricity or other tings in the long run. In many cases the premium environmental friendly machines will also be of the best quality and that will help you too. So you see it isn't that difficult to get started with some new greener habits and you can still look your grandchildren in the eyes because you are caring for their future.

Get more free tips for Green Living at http://www.eco-homedesign.com/eco-home-ideas. Soren Breiting is working with sustainable development, environmental education and Education For Sustainable Development (ESD).

Copyright Soren Breiting. Please observe! You are welcome to publish this as the entire article if you keep all links working and with the author's details and this copyright information complete.