In addition to smoking cigarettes and making toast in the bathtub, you may now put paraffin candles on your “to avoid” list.  Lighting one of these wax candles can release toxins such as toluene and benzene into the atmosphere.  Far from the relaxing or romantic gesture that these flammable favorites are intended to represent, paraffin could in fact cause cancer, dizziness or asthma if used on a regular basis.  In 2009, researchers presented their findings to the annual American Chemical Society’s meeting in Washington, and identified paraffin candles as a previously unrecognized source of indoor air pollution.  The National Candle Association maintains that paraffin is not toxic as it is approved by the FDA, but those with allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities, or other concerns about the use of petroleum products would do best to purchase beeswax or soy candles.

Soy candles made from hydrogenated soybean oil, and beeswax produced by the bodies of the humble insect, are clean-burning, last longer than paraffin, are environmentally friendly, and do not drip or leave sooty deposits.  Beeswax in particular produces negative ions, which have been shown to increase the production of serotonin in the brain and elevate mood.  As a business that is concerned with the health of the human animal and the spaces they inhabit, Bambu Batu carries a only soy and beeswax candles, including scented and unscented lines from Big Dipper Wax Works, VegePure and Sparx.

Now that you have been enlightened and want to get rid of those old paraffin offenders, there are a few resources that may help you to dispose of them with the minimum of environmental impact.  “Take-back” programs such as the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District in Duluth, MN  or ecycler.com accepts old paraffin candles or crayons via the post and recycles them into campfire starters or new drawing tools.  Earth911 is an excellent site that allows you to find the appropriate resting place for just about anything, or if you are feeling crafty, you can even make your own ski wax with old candles.

Lighten your load and get rid of the old oil-based tea lights and tapers for something a little more natural!

I may be from the TV and Internet generation, but when it comes to the topic science, I am snuggled up next to my radio like it was the newest piece of sparklingly modern technology.  Radio has had to step up its game in the past several decades in order to remain competitive amongst other forms of media.  Broadcasts dealing with complex subjects must be engaging enough to grasp the listener’s attention while also being presented in a clear enough manner that ideas are understood without producing that glazed over look so common in academic lecture halls.  Add in the task of making difficult and sometimes abstract topics relevant and entertaining, and you have an idea of the challenges radio faces.  With this understanding, I am in awe of these amazingly creative shows that keep me informed and curious about the natural world, grappling with the ethical impacts of new inventions, and enlightened as to the workings of the universe.

Radiolab- Fans of This American Life will fall in love with Radiolab, a podcast that explores the intersection of science, art, and human life.  Each episode deals with a central theme that is explored through story, anecdotes from history, and testimonials from researchers and field experts.  The hosts keep a conversational dialogue throughout the pieces, provoking a million questions to consider and keeping the tone lighthearted and inquisitive.  The soundscape is as compelling as the narratives, and aid in stimulating the listener’s imagination.  Personal favorite episodes concern themselves with the nature of moral behavior, parasites, and the accidents and unintended consequences of experimentation. Download or listen to the archives of podcasts online for free.

Talk of the Nation Science Friday- Every week, Talk of the Nation takes a break in its discussions of politics and popular culture to explore the newest achievements in science and technology.  Science Friday stays on top of the most relevant questions that society is currently grappling with, such as energy consumption and global warming, as well as the more quirky and diverting internet memes and tales of the weird.  Guests lead conversations alongside host, Ira Flatlow every 1-2pm ET, and take questions from listeners across the country.  Tune into your local NPR station for a dose of intelligent dialogue and insight from some of the brightest minds of their discipline.

99% Invisible- Roman Mars, the host of 99% Invisible, is fascinated with the small and almost unnoticeable elements of design and architecture that we encounter each day.  From the clicks and buzzes engineered for soundless electronic devices to graffiti tags etched into the sidewalks of San Francisco, the program explores the intentions and backgrounds of what many of us take for granted.  Another Public Radio production, you can listen to these short, beautifully produced accounts of the physical world on demand and free of charge.

When tidepooling along the beach here on the Central Coast, I admittedly like to poke at the marine life.  But what exactly am I pestering?  Enter the Avila Beach Sea Life Center to shed a little light on my adventures in aquatic biology.  Located just south of San Luis Obispo, the Center allows visitors to learn about one of the most fascinating aquatic ecosystems in California.  Open to the general pubic and for schools and birthday parties, the aquarium is a must for anyone interested in science and nature.

For students, the Floating Lab takes participants out onto the open sea where they trawl for plankton, perform sea water chemistry, dissect squid, and observe marine birds and mammals in their natural habitats.  The facility-based Discovery Lab course lets teachers select from a diverse curriculum of fun games, lectures, animal encounters, and interactive activities that teach about the fascinating inhabitants of the Pacific, the importance of a healthy environment, and how we as humans can care for our watery neighbors.

The Avila Sea Life Center is the only public marine education facility between Lompoc and Monterey.  Adult admission is $3, students/seniors $2.  Come take a stroll along the beach, and discover another universe not far from home! (For more information, email info@avilamarine.org).

Armed with knowledge and looking for adventure?  Test your smarts and observation skills with some great ocean-side hikes:

- Montana De Oro: This state park in Los Osos offers a number of fantastic bluff and beach trails that provide wonderful views of the ocean, tidepooling, and bird-watching.  If you are lucky, you may even spot a sea otter, sea lion, or whale during their migration season.

- San Simeon:  Famous for its colony of breeding elephant seals,  park and walk several feet to take a gander at one of the ocean’s most impressive marine mammals.  However, be careful not to get too close to the hulking, snorting masses of blubber!  Males are known to be pretty aggressive and are a lot faster than they appear.

- Pismo/Oceano Dunes:  Check out one of the last refuges for the endangered Snowy Plover as well as a number of other ocean and estuary birds.  Take care not to get run over by drivers as the Dunes are one of the last public beaches in California to allow vehicles.

- Pirate’s Cove:  If you are an immodest enough soul to endure a little nudity on this clothing-optional beach located slightly south of Port San Luis, you are almost certain to encounter harbor seals in this sunny, quiet stretch of sand and sea.