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Costa Rica to Ban Sport Hunting

The Chicago Tribune reports that Costa Rica has provisionally approved a country-wide ban on  sport hunting making it the first Latin American country to ban hunting as a sport.

Lawmakers voting on the ban succeeded in passing the measure with an overwhelming majority of 41 in favor of the hunting ban and 5 against. 

The provision has been cited as a further measure to help preserve the amazing biodiversity of Costa Rica. The country has long been known as a ecotourism hot spot, and wildlife related tourism comprises a substantial amount of Costa Rica's economy, generating of $2.1 billion annually for the small Latin American country. Over 300,000 visitors flock to Costa Rica's National Parks every year. 

This step further elevates Costa Rica as a forward-thinking nation that is taking measures to protect the diversity of species found in this amazing region of the globe, rather than encouraging consumptive activities. Jaguars, pumas and sea turtles are among the species expected to benefit from the hunting ban as these species are often hunted or stolen as trophies.

Biolight by Philips- Cool Eco Innovation

One of the most original and innovative eco-friendly ways to light your home, is the Biolight being developed by Philips as part of their Microbial HomeProject.  This innovative project views the home as a “domestic ecosystem that challenges conventional design solutions to energy, cleaning, food preservation, lighting and human waste”.

The glass structure utilizes light-emitting bacteria, similar to the bioluminescence of fireflies and other organisms.  Designers envision the bacteria utilizing waste methane as a food source, thereby creating a perpetual source of free “green” light.

The Biolight requires no electricity, no grid and no wires.  Biological light and energy sources like this could potentially by self- energizing, self-repairing and able to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Native Species Spotlight- Pineland Acacia

Pineland Acacia
(Acacia pinetorum)

A wonderful, hardy native shrub, the Pineland Acacia adds beauty and texture to native gardens. With it’s zig zag branches and bright yellow pom pom-like flowers, this shrub makes a great addition to borders and fence lines. Its greatest asset, however, is the fantastic fragrance the flowers exude when in bloom. A single Pineland Acacia can make your whole garden smell wonderful.

It’s usefulness is not limited to it’s aesthetics, however. It is the primary larval host plant of the nickerbean blue butterfly (Hemiargus ammon) and the foliage is utilized by the endangered key deer found in the Florida Keys. This acacia also features hardy spines which can act as an effective barrier. It is often used in fence rows to discourage unwanted guests.

Pineland Acacia is available through native plant nurseries and is also readily propagated from seeds or cuttings. It is a very drought tolerate shrub that requires no additional water once established. It flourishes best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.