CNN Editor’s note: Fisher Stevens is an actor, director and producer. He is a producer of “The Cove,” an Oscar-nominated film that won the best documentary award from the National Board of Review in 2009. He co-founded Naked Angels theater company in 1986 and co-founded GreeneStreet films in 1996.

(CNN) — Before I started working on the documentary “The Cove,” I assumed like many others that dolphins and orcas enjoyed living at Sea World and other marine parks. They always seemed to be smiling, jumping merrily around their tanks, eager to put on a show for human spectators.

However, when I met Ric O’Barry, my perspective changed. O’Barry was the man responsible for capturing Kathy — the original “Flipper” — from the wild and helping to create the language used to train dolphins to do tricks and flips. When Cathy died in his arms some years later, O’Barry realized the whole process of capturing and training dolphins was wrong.
He eventually co-wrote the book “Behind the Dolphin’s Smile,” where he explains that the smiles you see on these animals are not true reflections of happiness. In actuality, they hate to be enclosed in their holding tanks and are often not fed until it is time to perform their daily routines. During his time as a trainer, O’Barry learned dolphins had true feelings — they would get depressed, stressed out, even suicidal. In some parks, the trainers have to give the animals Maalox and Tagamet to treat the ulcers that develop from their stress.

The horrific tragedy that occurred last week at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, has left me deeply shaken. My heart goes out to Dawn Brancheau and her family. Dawn lost her life doing the job that she loved, yet I — like O’Barry — believe that this job should no longer exist.

We know now that the whale involved in this accident has a well-documented history of violent behavior. SeaWorld knew of this history yet continued to exploit the animal and endanger the lives of its employees to put money in its pockets. If this isn’t a wake-up call, I don’t know what is.

At this very moment, a dozen boats in the town of Taiji, Japan, are heading out and rounding up hundreds of dolphins in a secluded cove. The fisherman will close off the cove with nets, and with the help of employees from various dolphinariums, they will try to find the next “Flipper” among their catch. The fishermen will snatch these beautiful creatures from their natural habitats, hoist them into nets, load them onto airplanes and drop them into a cement tank in the middle of Turkey, Korea or other nearby Asian countries.

In some ways, these animals are the lucky ones. These dolphins escaped the fate of many of their pod mates, who are brutally slaughtered with primitive harpoons — turning the cove into a scene straight from Melville’s “Moby Dick.” The water turns bright red with the blood of the slain. The fishermen then transport the meat — despite health concerns of mercury content in the dolphins’ systems — back to shore, where they sell it to local vendors.

It’s time for us to step up and make a difference in these animals’ lives. Until we make marine parks obsolete, dolphins and other sea mammals will continue to be senselessly captured and slaughtered.

We can no longer fall for the argument that SeaWorld shows “make us love the dolphins and want to understand and protect them” — this couldn’t be further from the truth. As I see it, we will only truly love and understand these animals when we can watch them running wild and genuinely smiling in their natural habitat.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Fisher Stevens (and me).

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From CNN: The U.N.’s leading panel on climate change has apologized for misleading data published in a 2007 report that warned Himalayan glaciers could melt by 2035.

In a statement released Wednesday, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said estimates relating to the rate of recession of the Himalayan glaciers in its Fourth Assessment Report were “poorly substantiated” adding that “well-established standards of evidence were not applied properly.”

Despite the admission, the IPCC reiterated its concern about the dangers melting glaciers present in a region that is home to more than one-sixth of the world’s population.

“Widespread mass losses from glaciers and reductions in snow cover over recent decades are projected to accelerate throughout the 21st century, reducing water availability, hydropower potential, and changing seasonality of flows in regions supplied by meltwater from major mountain ranges (e.g. Hindu-Kush, Himalaya, Andes)…”

“The chair, vice-chairs, and co-chairs of the IPCC,” the statement continued, “regrets the poor application of IPCC procedures…”

The apology follows a growing storm of controversy which initially forced the IPCC to concede that data relating to the Himalayan glacier melt included in the 2007 report was not backed up by sufficient scientific data.

Speaking at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi Wednesday, the IPCC chairman, Rajendra Pachauri admitted errors had been made but said it was not an excuse to question the legitimacy of all global warming science.

“Theoretically, let’s say we slipped up on one number, I don’t think it takes anything away from the overwhelming scientific evidence of what’s happening with the climate of this earth,” he said, according to Agence France-Presse.

The controversy centers on a paragraph in Chapter 10 of the 2007 report which states: “Glaciers in the Himalaya are receding faster than in any other part of the world, and if the present rate continues, the likelihood of them disappearing by the year 2035 and perhaps sooner is very high if the Earth keeps warming at the current rate. Its total area will likely shrink from the present 500,000 to 100,000 square kilometers by the year 2035. ”

But is has recently emerged that the IPCC statement on Himalayan glaciers, which was based on information from a 2005 report by the World Wildlife Fund, was in turn gleaned from an article that appeared in the popular UK science journal, The New Scientist in June 1999.

In the article, “Flooded Out,” Indian glaciologist Syed Hasnain speculates that the Himalayan glaciers could vanish within 40 years as a result of global warming.

A glacier expert interviewed by CNN explained that the data published was flawed.

Michael Zemp from the World Glacier Monitoring Service said: “There are simply no observations available to make these sorts of statements.”

Zemp says that the figures quoted in the report are not possible because 500,000 square kilometers is estimated to be the total surface area of all mountain glaciers worldwide.

“The other thing is that the report says the glaciers are receding faster than anywhere else in the world. We simply do not have the glacier change measurements. The Himalayas are among those regions with the fewest available data,” Zemp said.

In defense of the IPCC, Zemp says “you can take any report and find a mistake in it but it’s up to the next IPCC report to correct it.”

Zemp also believes that the errors shouldn’t shake people’s belief in climate science.

“Glaciers are the best proof that climate change is happening. This is happening on a global scale. They can translate very small changes in the climate into a visible signal,” he said.

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Eco friendly Method All Purpose cleaner is one I have been using for a couple of years now. I first tried it as a kind of experiment. I had been using Fantastic cleaner but wanted to try something that was better for the environment, so I gave method a shot.

Well, to say I was surprised at how well it worked is an understatement. It is by far the best cleanser I have ever had and the fact that it’s an eco friendly cleaning option just makes it all the better.

The all purpose Method Cleaner comes in several different scents, there is the fragrance free variety, as well as cucumber, lavender, cucumber and my personal favorite pink grapefruit.

You can literally use it on any surface, when Method cleaners day all purpose they mean it. I’ve used it on glass, counter tops, sinks, the floor, the walls and everything in between, I live by it.

But what’s even more important than the fact this cleaner works so well is how eco friendly it is. There are no phosphates in it and every single one of their ingredients are non corrosive, non toxic as well as biodegradable. So when the cleaner does do down the drain it is not going to hurt the environment at all.

One last thing about Method All Purpose Cleaner and I promise I’ll shut up. Since they aren’t toxic or anything like that, you never have to worry about rinsing your counters or anything else off after you use it. This cuts your work in half just like that. See why I’m such a fan?

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Save on All Decorative LEDs

We can all make a difference when it comes to helping save the environment. Global warming and all the other environmental issues we are facing took some time to build up and to get our of these messes it is going take a lot of work, but this doesn’t mean we should get discouraged because it’s more than the big things that are going to make the difference, it’s the little things that make the biggest impact.

Here are some simple changes you can make in your everyday life to help the planet recover from the wounds we have inflicted upon it:

1: Walk sometimes. You don’t need to take your car everywhere you go. If your job is in walking distance, or you’re able to ride a bike to get there, then do it. Not only are you helping to save the planet, you’re exercising and helping yourself stay fit. Most big cities that have the worst traffic jams also have bike paths and walking trails for pedestrians. You’d be surprised how much more convenient they were for you.

2: Pick it up! People litter, that’s just the way it is. You’ll see plastic bottles, cigarette packs, etc, all lying on the ground. It wouldn’t hurt or inconvenience you at all to pick them up as you walk by. If you see a plastic bag blowing by you, grab it and put it in the nearest trashcan. Most places have Recycling bins set up all over. Sure, it’s not your fault that some people just don’t care. But you do! Show you care by being good to your mother.

3: Use less energy in your home. Whether you work from home or just like to lounge around and watch TV, there are all sorts of ways you can conserve energy in your home and do your part to help the world. If you’re on the computer, you don’t need any lights on. The monitor provides enough light. And if not, open the shades to let the sun in.

4: Use energy efficient items. Hybrid cars, washers/dryers, water heaters, etc. A one-time purchase can have you helping every other day of your life.

5: The tree huggers (I happen to be one) will love you for this. Plant a tree! Why shouldn’t you? Think of it this way: for every piece of paper you use during the day, a tree was cut down for that. Giving back one would help a great deal. Check out Treegivers.com to learn about a cool tree planting program.

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Daily Natural Health Tip #1

A huge mistake that a lot of people make is not eating enough green leafy vegetables in their diet.

I remember when I was young and my mom gave us salad every night with dinner, which was great for my health, but I got so sick of the same old salads night after night that I ended up not eating it for years.

Try to keep it interesting so that your whole family can enjoy this vital ingredient. There are dozens and dozens of types of salad dressings from the classic vinaigrette to creamy dressings and even yogurt based ones. There is no reason you cannot have several different kinds on hand so that each night the family can choose for themselves.

One of my favorite meals is healthy and delicious and most importantly easy and fast to make. It’s a simple and yummy chicken and tortellini salad.

Here is the basic full meal salad recipe, more an idea really because you can have as much of the ingredients as you prefer:

• Regular green leafy or romaine lettuce
• Rainbow Tortillini
• Chicken, you can cut it up in chunks and cook it on the stove or slice chicken breast as thick or thin as you like
• Toasted slivered almonds
• You can cut up some mozzarella cheese if you like but I usually don’t bother.
• Ranch dressing

I usually cook the pasta early in the day and refrigerate it until dinnertime. It’s delicious cold, it’s like a pasta salad with lettuce or visa versa.

By simply incorporating more leafy greens and whole fruits into your overall diet you are going to slash type 2 diabetes risk drastically.

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I got this in my email box today and had to share, even though it’s sad, it’s important. It’s a message from Defenders of Wildlife:

Maximus the grizzly bear was “a big, beautiful, wild bear,” according to grizzly specialist Mike Madel. “He kept to himself, stayed out of trouble.”

But he was gunned down in the prime of his life. Left to rot in a Montana hayfield, his badly decomposed body was discovered a month after being ruthlessly shot.

His killer is still at large.

It is possible for you can help bring lawless wildlife killers to justice and respond quickly to other wildlife emergencies.

We’ve quickly moved to offer a reward to bring Maximus’s killer to justice. But sadly, this bear’s story is not unique.

Poachers have recently ended the lives of some of our most endangered animals including Florida panthers, southwest gray wolves and California condors. In Idaho, a female wolf pup was illegally gunned down from a roadway. And a thriving black market in bear gallbladders and other parts is fueling a slaughter of bears across the nation.

Help us post rewards for poachers and alert the public as we aid law enforcement in the capture of these heartless people. Please make a donation today.

For more than a decade, Defenders of Wildlife has worked with state and federal agencies, offering more than $245,000 in rewards to bring these ruthless wildlife poachers to justice.

We’re also pressing Congress to pass the Bear Protection Act to end the trade in bear parts that encourages a terrible poaching plague.

None of this work is possible without people like you.

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If you just have to get rid of hair and have silky smooth legs but hate struggling with a stupid razor then this is the hair removal system for you. Moom Organic is made in Canada with 100% organic ingredients. No toxins or harsh chemicals that can lead to itchy and burning rashes when you use Moom.

These are the ingredients, the only ingredients, in the Moom hair removal product:

1) sugar
2) water
3) lemon juice
4) chamomile
5) rose oil

To recap,, this is the perfect natural skin care product to help you get rid of unwanted hair once and for all. You will have weeks of smooth legs and no more nicks and cuts like those from razors. The fact that it is organic and one hundred percent natural is definitely a selling point in my mind.

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Send Summer Gifts starting under $50 – Visit us at Cherylandco.com and order one today!

Summer has to be the best season and in terms of special occasions like the 4th of July it’s easy to make sure that your party has the ultimate in yummy, fresh made cookies, cakes and bars. You can click the link and find scrumptious Gifts under $30 from Cheryl & Co.. You’ll get to choose from a vast selection of boxes and tins filled with delicious bars, fresh cookies and cakes as well as all kinds of other goodies.

Not only can you use the fresh baked goods from Cheryl & Co to cater a party or picnic you can also give their fresh baked goods as gifts all throughout summer. You just know that you are going to get invited to a ton of barbecues and pool parties, so why not give these Summer cookies and bars as hostess gifts? It’s a great idea, especially since we are talking about fresh baked, all natural goods. YUM!

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Buy Eco-Friendly and Green Keetsa Mattresses

Water, food and sleep is all we really need to live, clothes would be nice too but when it comes to shove, it’s at the bottom of this short list. If you are committed to getting a good nights sleep on an eco friendly mattress as well as saving as much money as possible, the line of environmentally friendly beds from Keetsa is well worth learning more about.

This green company is offering not only high quality bedding, but it’s selling their bed products at affordable prices. I don’t know when you went shopping for a new bed recently, but the prices are out of this world. I have seen some that cost as much as small cars! Seriously, it’s nuts!

Keetsa is constantly reevaluating what they do to find more and more earth friendly products, and new ways to bring us their comfortable, quality products with the least possible impact on our eco systems. They are one of the few companies that are deadly serious about cutting their (and by association ours) carbon footprint.

The very vast majority of their bedding products are made of recycled materials, if it can be recycled they use it. They have pillows too among other top selling luxury items.

My favorite thing about their mattresses? They are made so durable that they arepurchased in a box, a surprisingly small box. These beds roll up and when you get it home you just free it from the box, let it sit for a couple of hours to fully puff up and you’re ready for bed.

This save you money and the planet at the same time. You don’t have to get it shipping to you from a warehouse saving a ton of cash you would have had to shell out for the old fashioned way, and it means less traveling on behalf of your purchase too. Of course that is great for the environment, the more we can keep vehicles off the roads the better.

The packaging that Keetsa mattresses come in and are small and made of eco friendly materials too. I think the box even has wheels so it’s easier to get to the car etc. There is literally no reason to buy any other bed an the market, this is tops.It’s nice to see a company so dedicated to doing their part to help the environment.

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Keeping your body hydrated is one of the most important things you can do and the Camelbak packs ensure that you always have water within reach of your lips.

Not only does water help your body flush out any toxins that would otherwise be building up, it also helps your skin stay more supple and youthful. Water is truly the best anti aging skin care product available today, and it’s free!

The more you exercise and move around the more water you need to drink to keep hydrated. When you are working out it’s a good idea to sip water throughout your entire routine. You don’t need to gulp it back, but steady sipping is easy on the stomach and helps you to stay as healthy as possible.

The Velocity™ from Camelpak water pack is ideal for those who live active lives. It is small enough to be comfortable even when filled with water, it’s just the solution you need to be sure you keep your body hydrated no matter where you are or what you’re doing.

You can easily keep your wallet, sunglasses, camera or any other things you don’t want to leave home without in the handy pockets of the Camelbak pack.

The clever harness converts from sling to backpack and the water backpack has a soft lining that will prevent chafing while providing ventilation.

The Camelbak pack is lightweight and incredibly durable. It even comes with a lifetime guarantee.

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