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The California coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world. But instead of clean, fresh sea air, the cities and towns along the coast suffer from serious air pollution created by nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. Large ocean-going ships are one of the last unregulated sources of air pollution and, according to Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) 2001 Clean Air Plan, are responsible for nearly 45 percent of the NOx emissions emitted along the coast—more than all road vehicles combined. By 2015, the Plan projects that NOx emissions from ships will be almost five times greater than those from on-road motor vehicles, and comprise more than 60 percent of the total NOx emissions inventory.

As a direct result of California’s role as a major point of entry and departure for trade between the U.S. and Asia, there has been a remarkable increase in the number and size of ships plying their trade along this coastline. The larger vessels use massive two-stroke engines that can produce as much power as a small power plant and burn a heavy, dirty fuel oil.

A NOx Technical Code was adopted at a conference held in September 1997 under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations agency concerned with the safety of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution. According to material presented at a 2006 meeting of the California Air Resources Board, ship emissions are expected to double by 2020 and current international standards are seen as inadequate. The IMO and the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were expected to establish stricter air pollution standards for large ships in the next few months, but both these initiatives have run into delays.

“California has a beautiful coastline and offers a unique lifestyle. We should be doing everything possible to protect it,” said Bob Carroll, CEO of Biofriendly, a California corporation that manufactures Green Plus®, a liquid fuel catalyst that reduces NOx emissions. “There are cost-effective technologies on the market today that could significantly reduce these emissions and the effect ships are having on air pollution in the region.”

Jim D’Arezzo is Senior Vice-President of Marketing for Biofriendly Corporation. He has a 30-year history of bringing successful new technologies to market. For more information, visit biofriendly.com biofriendly.com

This article on tips for spirituality came about as the result of work done with people in addiction recovery. The concepts are applicable to most every one however. The question is often asked, what can I do to improve my spirituality?

Addiction can be viewed as a disease of isolation, becoming disconnected to life. Addiction recovery and spirituality can be viewed as the process of becoming connected. The more connections in our lives, the greater the chance of coming into harmony with our surroundings.

There are basically four areas of life, or types of relationships we work toward in becoming connected. Positive spirituality may be viewed as having a healthy relationship and positive self-esteem with yourself, firstly. Secondly there is the relationship you may have or want to develop with whatever form of Higher Power is right for you. It can be God, Nature, a Force of Universe, it is up to you. Please note we are not mixing religion with this idea of spirituality. The third are to develop healthy connections or spirituality is in relationships with family. Lastly is the area which is kind of a catch all, community. This includes casual relationships, work, social situations, etc.

Here are 7 tips for spirituality that are very concrete areas for development. It is very important to be working in each area, set up specific goals that are measurable and achievable. Instead of saying ‘I will start meditating’ say ‘I will spend 10 minutes before breakfast and ten minutes after dinner alone reading the meditation of the day’.
Without further ado:

1. Use personal prayer and/or meditation. This is quiet time to start to develop time for yourself and to assess how things are going in your life.

2. Spend time in groups. This could be attending a worship service, singing in a choir, acting in a play or any group with positive interaction and direction. This enhances our ability to develop relationships with other people.

3. Spend time learning. Grow your mind. This could be taking a few classes at the community college, book study groups, self-help or mental health material.

4. Take time for yourself. Plan a quiet day just for you, away from family and work. Indulge yourself in quiet. There are many retreat areas where you can find peaceful surroundings for recharging yourself.

5. Physical fitness and proper diet. There is a very satisfying feeling that comes from taking care of yourself physically. Get in shape to be the best person you can be.

6. Recreation. Indulge in some activity just for sheer fun. Explore hobbies, sports, whatever floats your boat, but make time for it. Do not plan to ‘get around to it someday’. Just do it.

7. Be of service. Do some volunteer work or engage in random acts of kindness. It really does feel good and build self-esteem to help someone with no thought of reward. This is a cosmic win-win situation.

We hope that gave you some ideas about how to improve your relationships with self and others. The key thing is to take action. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Why not take steps to improve your spiritual connection?

Tell your story! How are you achieving addictionrecoverybasics.com/category/spirituality/” >spirituality? Pick up AddictionRecoveryBasics.com/ addiction recovery tips and tricks to enhance your life free of addictions.The author, Bill Urell MA.CAAP-II, is an addictions therapist at a leading residential treatment center. He teaches healthy life styles and life skills. Join our growing community. Visit:
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