Harrowsmith Fall 2019 | 41ABOUT A WHOLE BUNCH OF STUFF11
Did you know that most
conifers and about
12 percent of the world’s
flowering plants are wind
pollinated? Other blooms are
dependent on birds and insects,
but grasses, cereal crops, oak,
birch, cattails and the allergenic
ragweed all rely on a big breeze to
release pollen grains into the air.
12
According to the World
Health Organization,
more than 80 percent
of people living in cities around
the world are exposed to air-
quality levels exceeding WHO
guidelines. Air pollution has been
linked to an increased risk of
heart disease, stroke, lung cancer
and respiratory diseases like
asthma. Despite Canada being
ranked third in the world for best
air quality, many cities are still
toeing the line.
13
In 2012, German free
diver Tom Sietas held
his breath underwater
for 22 minutes and 22 seconds,
besting a previous Guinness
World Record by 22 seconds.
Loggerhead sea turtles take first
prize for the longest documented
dive, remaining underwater for
longer than 10 hours in one go.
By comparison, a sperm whale
can swim around for 90 minutes,
while an elephant seal goes for
the endurance test at two hours.
Dolphins are able to go without
a breath for 10 minutes, while the
beaver, our countryman, can hold
out for a solid 15 minutes.14
By line-drying your
clothes and not using
your dryer, you will be
saving enough energy to make
250 pieces of toast. Now, let’s
toast to that!