Green Cleaners Singapore and Australia

Wine drinkers boost eco-friendly milk; something both parents and children can enjoy!

2012-01-19T13:35:00.000+08:00

Wine drinkers and milk-lovers now have even more reason to toast for ‘good health’ thanks to an environmentally and heart-friendly milk derived from a winemaking by-product. Who would have thought that wine and milk could work hand in hand to help save the environment and keep us all healthy? That is of course, unless you happen to be lactose intolerant.

New research by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has found that feeding dairy cows the stems, seeds and skins from wine grapes increased milk production, dramatically cuts their methane emissions and makes their milk healthier.

Scientists at DPI’s Centre for Dairy Excellence at Ellinbank found that supplementing the cows’ feed with grape marc reduced their emissions by 20%, increased milk production by five per cent and increased the healthy fatty acids in their milk when green feed was not available.

The cut to emissions is thought to represent the largest reduction of its kind ever attained through the use of a feed supplement. The scientists supplemented the diet of dairy cows with 5kg of dried grape marc over 37 days and compared the results with other animals fed conventional fodder. They then measured the cows’ milk yields, milk composition and methane emissions.

DPI scientist Peter Moate said the researchers were stunned by the results.

Supplementing a dairy cows’ diet with dried grape marc increases the healthy fatty acids in milk by more than six times that of standard autumn fodder. These particular fatty acids are extremely potent in their ability to benefit heart health and are also known to help fight cancer, diabetes and arthritis.

Dr Moate said there were also early indications that cows fed grape marc also produced milk with higher levels of healthy anti-oxidants and that further tests were being conducted to verify this. He said on top of the cuts to emissions and the potential health benefits for milk drinkers, the discovery could also provide tangible benefits for the wine industry.

“We’ve managed to utilise what is currently a waste product for the wine industry and turn it into a very valuable feed source,” Dr Moate said.

He said there was currently around 200,000 tonnes of grape marc produced in Australia every year making it a readily available product for dairy farmers. However there were limits to the movement of grape marc because of quarantine restrictions to prevent the spread of the grapevine pest phylloxera.

In another benefit to flow from the research, the results also showed that feeding grape marc to dairy cows also increased their daily milk production by 5%. Dr Moate said the trial was carried out towards the end of the lactation cycle and that the researchers hoped to repeat it during early lactation when the cows were producing more milk.

“It’s possible that the benefits of using grape marc as a feed supplement in early lactation could be even more significant,” he said. Dr Moate said the research into using grape marc as a feed supplement was another example of DPI science aiming to enhance the productivity and profitability of Victorian food and fibre producers.

This research is part of a wider program looking the use of feed supplements to reduce methane emissions, such as brewers grains, cold-pressed canola meal, cottonseed meal, and hominy meal, all reduce methane emissions while supporting milk production.

Dr Moate said the use of grape marc together with other methane reducing feeds could result in a reduction in methane emissions of up to 20,000 tonnes per year – the equivalent of taking about 200,000 cars off the road.

Source: Department of Primary Industries

Recycling wins it for school in Negros Occidental, Philippines

2012-01-17T17:35:00.002+08:00

For teaching an entire community how to dispose of its garbage properly and more responsibly, a Negros Occidental school topped this year’s National Search for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools, elementary level.

Iliranan Elementary School in San Carlos City bested some 45 regional winners from across the country in the second year of the competition.

The Camarines Sur National High School and De La Salle University-Dasmariñas were first in the high school and college categories, respectively.

The annual search for the most eco-friendly schools is conducted by the Departments of Education and Environment and Natural Resources, Commission on Higher Education and Smart Communications.

“What set us apart from other schools is that we are reaching out to the community and (are regularly monitoring and evaluating the program) to achieve our project’s goals and to guarantee its sustainability,” said Iliranan head teacher Jessie Batosin in a statement.

Iliranan initiated earlier this year a solid waste management system that extended beyond its campus.Partnering with village leaders, the school helped community residents change their habit of dumping their garbage in open pits or burning the trash.

The school taught and led the community in practicing waste segregation and recycling. Teachers and village coordinators also worked together to monitor how households managed their trash.

“A household that practices open burning and open dumping is given a chance to change its ways within a three-month period. After three months (without any) sign of behavior change, the council invokes the solid waste management ordinance and the no-garbage collection policy is strictly enforced,” Batosin said.

Green business inspiration...

2012-01-11T09:09:00.000+08:00

Marty Metro loved the idea of buying something used and selling it for a bargain. He had watched resale shops do it successfully for years with everything from clothing to sports equipment. "EBay became a $10 billion company selling something used cheaper than new," says Metro, a former IT consultant for Fortune 500 companies.

But when Metro saw a moving truck loading boxes during a cross-country drive in the late 1990s, he recalls talking to his wife about how difficult it is for people to get rid of boxes after they’ve moved. "They break them down, tear them up, but they still don't fit in the recycling bin," he said. That casual conversation ultimately inspired him to leave his lucrative tech career in corporate America and strike out on his own. Metro's idea was to connect people who have used boxes to those who need them. At the same time he'd keep a lot of cardboard out of America’s landfills and help the environment.

While Metro passionately believed in the concept, little did he know he would first fail miserably at retail and sink deep into debt before turning it all around. He would have to recast his eco-friendly idea and create innovative technology to help him ultimately build a nearly $10 million business.Still, there were five years of hard lessons learned along the way. Metro's journey is one of inspiration, innovation and perseverance, which all small-business owners can learn from.

In 2002, Metro got his start by founding Los Angeles-based Boomerang Boxes, a retail store that sold used cardboard boxes, primarily to people moving into new homes and apartments. His father, a CPA, was skeptical, saying, "You're going to have to sell a hell of a lot of boxes to pay your rent."

It turned out dad was right. Selling $1 boxes out of brick-and-mortar locations didn't quite pay the bills. By 2005, Metro was forced to shut down Boomerang Boxes' four locations. Consumers appeared to love the idea, but the company was losing $15,000 to $20,000 a month and wound up $300,000 in debt, which Metro is still paying off today.

Still, Metro refused to give up. He started working on a plan to sell used boxes online, but in a unique way. "Historically, no one really sold boxes -- let alone used boxes -- online," recalls Metro, now 40. "They were too expensive to ship, so most people just went to a retail store (and asked for their discards.)"

Metro's distribution centers -- owned and run by third-party logistics teams -- make shipping more efficient and inexpensive since they're strategically located across the country near the major cities of Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago and near Syracuse, N.Y. The company also owns and operates its own facility in Baltimore.

By 2008, Usedcardboardboxes.com had grown to $1 million in annual sales and demand was quickly beginning to outweigh supply. Metro needed more boxes, so he started buying and selling used boxes from national companies, expanding his customer base beyond consumers.

If a company needs 100,000 boxes, that information is put into a database that checks what boxes are available, the cost to ship them and the price Metro has to charge to make a profit. His IT staff updates the software and improves it almost daily. "It is very much the core of our success and a major factor in our future," he says.

Metro's software and monitoring system includes a business-to-business portal that offers big companies the option of viewing real-time inventory and ordering directly from the distribution centers.And he can access data from each distribution center right from his computer -- or even his phone -- which allows him to quickly identify and manage any issues or problems as they come up.

Electronic Recyclers International, which recycles computer components and other e-waste, has been a customer for three years. Chief executive John S. Shegerian says buying used cardboard boxes not only saves money, but also fits in nicely with his company's green goals. "We make it a cultural thing. Even our forklifts are hybrids," he says. "They have a great business model that supplies the boxes we need -- when we need them -- and they're recycled."

Meanwhile, Metro's father is no longer worried about his son selling cardboard boxes. The company's annual sales are just under $10 million and growing fast, according to Metro. He now has a few hundred business clients -- including a dozen large corporations. And the company's average order has gone from a $100 moving kit in 2006 to an $8,000 truckload today.

Eco-friendly advice for fellow entrepreneurs:1. Your green efforts should help -- not hurt -- your bottom line. Being eco-friendly does not make a successful business model. "You make money either by helping companies save money, or helping them make money," he says. "Being eco-friendly is icing on the cake."

2. Every employee should have an eco-friendly focus. Sustainability does not have to be a separate company department. It should be a core value of your company and incorporated intoeveryone's job description.

3. Consider alternatives to recycling. Reusing is better than recycling. In recycling, you're "breaking down one material to create another," Metro explains. This generally requires expensive machines, energy, fuels and chemicals. Reuse, in contrast, often requires no breakdown and less energy and emissions.For Metro, the greatest challenge then became tailoring his used offerings to specific needs. When a company requests a 12-by-12-by-8-inch box, for example, nothing else will do. That's where his tech expertise has come in handy; Metro developed custom software that automatically matches what companies need with what he has access to.

5 Powerful Eco-Friendly Children’s Books

2012-01-10T09:30:00.002+08:00

Numerous studies inform us that reading to our children stimulates their imaginations, expands vocabulary, develops analytical and logical thinking, strengthens the parent/child bond, increases attention span, creates a love of reading…and it’s a fun and loving thing to do together.

But we don’t need a study telling us knowledge is power. We know this every time we snuggle up with our child to read a book and they turn to us and ask, WHY.

Our children will inherit this planet, with all its troubles and all its beauty. Providing them with age-appropriate information about pollution gives our children a powerful edge for the future. Where can all that power come from? Books.

Here are 5 books that are a breath of fresh air, that teach us timeless lessons about loving the world we live in and the importance of protecting it.

1. One of the books included in the popular Magic School Bus series, "The Magic School Bus Gets Cleaned Up", illustrates how particulate matter from the old Magic School Bus’ diesel exhaust gets into the lungs. The book includes a clean air checklist with important tips like, “ask your bus driver to turn off the engine when the bus is parked.”

2. Children’s book author Dr. Barrett Hays created "Mars, Jimmy, and Me." This book combines humor, whimsy, and science to jumpstart an examination of pollution, economic justice, and individual responsibility. It tackles real environmental issues such as global warming, the use of plastic and the need to talk about clean air and it's connection to the rise of asthma in children, in a way that is easily grasped by readers if all ages.

3. A lovely picture poem book entitled "A House Is A House For Me" by Mary Ann Hoberman. The poem culminates with a clear message to protect our planet, “Each creature that’s known has a house of its own. And the Earth is a house for us all.”

4. Another book called "I Know the River Loves Me" tells the story of a little girl and her special relationship with a river. Written and illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez, this bilingual book is the perfect way to talk to children about the beauty of nature and why it’s important to preserve it.

5. No children’s bookshelf would be complete without Dr. Seuss’ iconic cautionary classic, The Lorax. The Lorax is profoundly upsetting and leaves the parent reading to the child to explain what that mysterious and ominous UNLESS means. While that does provide a terrific starting point for conversations about how pollution threatens the world we live in, it also makes for guilty throat clearing.

After all, the children have done nothing wrong and can do nothing to fix the problem. It is the grownups who are making this enormous mess. Unless, it turns out, is a message for parents. Unless we stop. Unless we teach our children to cherish the planet — by cherishing it ourselves.

Six ways to save the planet

2012-01-03T17:29:00.000+08:00

When faced with the whole idea of living the green way, it all seems too hard. ButIf you want to do more or you want to make a start in living a more sustainable life but worry that it may be too time consuming, difficult or expensive, take the time to read on and see how simple - and enjoyable, going green can really be.

Tip 1: Use toxin-free everything, from shampoos to home cleansers, cosmetics to mouthwash. Here's a scary thought - did you know that many mouthwashes contain the chemicals formaldehyde, sodium lauryl sulphate, polysorbate, cetylpyridinium chloride and benzalkonium chloride?

All these can be highly toxic to aquatic life. So when you're spitting in the bathroom sink and washing it down the drain, you're adding to the toxic soup our waterways are becoming.

There's also a possibility that if you use the same chemical mouthwash again and again, your oral environment could become resistant, creating a mouthful of superbugs. The easiest and most effective mouthwash is good old salt and water. Add as much salt as possible to a glass of warm water and stir until dissolved then gargle with it. It also works for mouth infections.

For cleaning the home, you can't go past baking soda and vinegar. Try putting your baking soda in a talcum powder- like container and your vinegar in a pump spray bottle. Simply sprinkle the baking soda over the area needing to be cleaned and spray on the vinegar. Rub with a damp cloth and wash off with water. Not only will this do the job, it is also extremely cost effective because you can buy in bulk.

Tip 2: Reduce, reuse, recycle - everything possible.

To make this easy, set up a cupboard for recycling, complete with bins or boxes for plastics, paper and cardboard, bottles and jars. Before throwing out paper and jars, think creatively.

Paper can be used as weed matting for the garden, to wrap up Christmas presents or to feed the critters in your worm farm. You can also use unwanted pages to make your own paper, which can be turned into hand-made cards and other artsy offerings.

Old jars are perfect for holding just about everything. You can boil them clean and use them for home-made jams, chutneys, pickles and preserves, or for seeds, nuts and rice. If you can't find a use for them, take them to your local hospice shop, where they will surely be found re-useful!

When you head to the supermarket, make sure you've got a whole bunch of shopping bags with you. Make the effort and cut right down on those harmful plastic bags.

If you've got sick of some clothes or they don't fit any more, think creatively about what you can do with them.

Hand them down to a friend or get together with your creative crew and see what you can do with old clothes - take them in, jazz them up with lace, ribbons or buttons to radically remodel them. Add panels if they're too tight, and try hand-painting dull shirts or skirts. For those that you just don't see being worn by yourself again, remember there are salvation army branches popping up everywhere ready and willing to take on anything you can contribute from your closet.

Tip 3: Ditch the car and get active. If you've got two cars, carefully work out if you could co-operate to live with one. Or you could decide to have carless days or even choose to get on your bike for any journey within a five-kilometre radius of your home or catch the bus.

Walking is another great way to get around, but make certain you've got good shoes and opt for a backpack. Make a car-free travel plan. Not only do you save money on petrol and parking bills, you get to cut down your carbon footprint and exercise at the same time.

Supporting public transport also means fewer cars on the road and more chance of the service surviving. One day, the oil will run out, so get ready for it by imagining it's already happened. Work out how you'd get the groceries, visit the library or go out for dinner with no car available. Treat it as an adventure.

Tip 4: Focus on vegetables. Do your best to eat in season and local and have a go at growing your own produce without chemicals If you're a beginning gardener, start small. Try growing tomatoes or lettuces in a tub or pot. When planning a bigger garden, do your research first. It all begins with choosing a site that gets sun most of the day - facing northeast is ideal. You need to prepare the soil (best to do in winter), and get planting.

Head to your local farmers' market, car-boot sale or garden centre to buy seeds and seedlings and ask for advice on what you should be planting now and how to tend your vegetables.

Plan for the future by planting a fruit tree or two. When you pick your first ripe apple or plum you'll be delighted. Build a raised garden or make a circular bed, both of which should be easy to weed.

Also add more meat-free meals to your repertoire and try to include "super foods" that are great for your body and brain. They include apples, apricots, avocados, blueberries, broccoli, brown rice, carrots, garlic and onions, grapes and raisins, seaweed,mushrooms, nuts, oats, spirulina, sprouts, wheatgerm and yoghurt.

Best of all, feast on the best of the season until you're sick of cherries or grapes until next year, when you start all over again.

Tip 5: Make your own compost bin or worm farm. You don't need to buy anything flash - you can build your own from basic materials. For a worm farm, an old bath raised up on short poles will do the trick. Add your worms, your food scraps and cover with old carpet. The worm juice can be drained out of the bath for feeding plants and the castings added to the garden.

For an effective compost bin, simply build a two-bin wooden structure in the corner of your garden and fill up one side at a time. When one side is full, leave it to break down and fill up the other side. This is a wonderful way to use lawn clippings and food scraps. But, if you have a dog or cats, you will have to cover up to prevent them from snacking on things like corn cobs and egg shells.

You can use corrugated iron or old carpet for this job, but just make sure the compost doesn't get too hot or dry.

Tip 6: Unplug, switch off and power down.

This comes down to vigilance and will not only cut down energy usage (imagine if everyone did this!), it could slash your power bills. First step is to turn off lights when leaving rooms.

Unplug cellphone chargers when not in use and don't leave appliances on save mode - turn off at the wall. Some classic culprits are computers, laptops, stereos and TVs. When replacing home appliances, opt for those with Energy Star ratings and then use them well.

Your dishwasher will have an eco mode, so press those buttons. Wash clothes in cold water where possible and use your drier only in an emergency. Put up an indoor washing line in the garage or put a clothes horse in your sunroom.

Once a week, try having a technology-free day. If that's too much, try once a month.

That means no TV, computers, cellphones, PlayStation, X-box or MP3 players.

Imagine sitting around playing cards and board games or heading off for a day at the beach without anybody contacting you? Twenty years ago that was the norm for all, so show your kids what the good old days were like.

If you're thinking all this may be a bit much to begin with, move forward into going green with baby steps; try it one thing at a time and it's guaranteed that once you experience how good it feels to be doing your part, you'll been encouraged to keep making a difference.

Crowded Earth: how many is too many?

2011-10-25T08:09:00.001+08:00

Already straining to host seven billion souls, Earth is set to teem with billions more, and only a revolution in the use of resources can avert an environmental crunch, experts say.

As early as 1798, Thomas Malthus gloomily forecast that our ability to reproduce would quickly outstrip our ability to produce food, leading to mass starvation and a culling of the species.

But an industrial revolution and its impact on agriculture proved Malthus and later doomsayers wrong, even as our numbers doubled and redoubled with accelerating frequency.

"Despite alarmist predictions, historical increases in population have not been economically catastrophic," notes David Bloom, a professor in the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard.

Today, though, it seems reasonable to ask if Malthus wasn't simply a couple of centuries ahead of the curve.

On October 31, the world's population is officially scheduled to hit seven billion -- a rise of two billion in less than a quarter century.

Over six decades, the global fertility rate has roughly halved, and amounts to a statistical 2.5 children per woman today.

But this varies greatly from country to country. And whether the planet's population eventually stabilises at nine, 10 or 15 billion depends on what happens in developing countries, mostly in Africa, with the fastest growth.

As our species has expanded, so has its devouring of the planet's bounty, from fresh water and soil richness to forests and fisheries.

At its current pace, humankind will need, by 2030, a second planet to satisfy its appetites and absorb its waste, the Global Footprint Network (GFN) calculated last month.

And through the coal, oil and gas that drive prosperity, we are also emitting greenhouse gases that alter the climate, potentially maiming the ecosystems which feed us.

"From soaring food prices to the crippling effects of climate change, our economies are now confronting the reality of years of spending beyond our means," GFN's president, Mathis Wackernagel, said.

French diplomat Brice Lalonde, one of two coordinators for next June's UN Conference on Sustainable Development, dubbed "Rio+20," said Earth's population rise poses a fundamental challenge to how we use resources.

"In 2030 there will be at least another billion people on the planet," Lalonde said.

"The question is, how do we boost food security and provide essential services to the billion poorest people but without using more water, land or energy?"

This is why, he said, Rio+20 will focus on practical things such as increasing cleaner sources in the world energy mix, smarter use of fresh water, building cities that are environmentally friendlier and raising farm yields without dousing the soil with chemicals.

But such options dwell far more on the impact of population growth than on the problem itself.

Braking fertility rates would help the human tally stabilise at eight billion and haul poor countries out of poverty, ease the strain on natural resources and reduce climate vulnerability, say advocates.

For some experts, voluntary birth control is the key.

Geoff Dabelko, director of the Environmental Change and Security Programme at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, cites Somalia as a case study of what happens when women have no access to contraception.

Racked by civil war and poverty, its population is projected to grow from about 10 million today to 22.6 million by 2050. It has the eighth-highest birth rate in the world and an average of seven children per family.

Even before the country fell into a full-fledged crisis, a third of its children were severely underweight, according to UNICEF. Ninety-nine percent of married Somali women have no access to family planning.

Many economists, though, argue that the answer lies more in reducing poverty and boosting education, especially of women.

A 2010 study in Colombia found family planning explained less than 10 percent of the country's fertility fall. The real driver was improved standards of living.

Even so, at summits that seek to shape Earth's future, tackling population growth head-on is almost taboo.

"When I attended the UN environment conference in Stockholm (in 1972), the No. 1 item on the agenda was out-of-control population growth," recalled Paul Watson, head of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, a radical green group.

"When I attended the 1992 conference (in Rio), it wasn't even on the agenda. No one talked about it any more."

Demography was similarly absent from the UN's 2002 Johannesburg Summit, when Earth's population had climbed to six billion.

Why does "how many is too much" remain absent from the top tables?

One perceived reason is the opposition by religious conservatives to contraception or abortion. Politicians, too, may see no mileage in addressing an issue that will only cause them headaches and yield benefits several decades away.

But for some critics, population measures are synonymous with the mistakes of coercive sterilisation in India in the 1970s or China's "one child" policy, which has led to a gender imbalance in favour of boys.

Top 3 most polluted countries in the world

2011-10-11T09:41:00.002+08:00

Emerging nations around the world are often heralded for their fast growth but we don't often hear about the downsides of that rapid development.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a report on air quality in countries around the globe, on which we based a list of the ten most polluted countries. Almost all the worst offenders are either major oil and gas producers, or emerging economies that are growing rapidly.

The WHO study looked at air quality in 91 countries, measured by the amount of PM10 particles per cubic meter. PM10 particles are particles of 10 micrometers or less that can cause diseases and infections. According to the WHO, PM10 levels above 20 micrograms per cubic meter can cause health risks. The top ten most polluted countries have PM10 levels from six times to14 times that level.

So, which countries have the world's worst air quality?

3. Pakistan = Pollution level: 198 ug/m3

Pakistan's air pollution is nearly ten times higher than levels considered dangerous by the WHO.

Political instability, corruption and a lack of government measures to curb carbon emissions have led to a cloak of thick smoke over major cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. In 2008, a government study revealed that every car in Pakistan, regardless of its age, generates 25 percent more carbon than one in the U.S.

Karachi, Pakistan's biggest city has a capacity for only 700 vehicles per hour, but according to the study, there are more than 11,000 vehicles per hour on the roads. The city, which already has more than half the country's 3.5 million vehicles, adds up to 400 new cars a day.

Water pollution from raw sewage and industrial waste has also become a major problem in the country. In addition, Pakistan's water supply is evaporating so quickly that it will become a "water-famine" country by the end of this decade, according to the country's Centre for Research and Security Studies.

2. Botswana = Pollution level: 216 ug/m3

It might seem strange that a country with a population of only 2 million people, and the largest proportion of land under conservation in the world, is the second most polluted nation in the world. But, that is the case of Botswana, 80 percent of which is covered by the Kalahari Desert.

The country was one of the poorest nations in Africa at the time of its independence from Britain in 1966. Today, Botswana is one of the world's fastest growing economies, and the largest producer of diamonds. The country has transformed itself into a middle-income economy with an annual average growth rate of about 9 percent, according to The World Bank. Mineral revenues account for about 40 percent of government revenues.

With growing wealth, the southern African nation has experienced widespread environmental damage. Wild fires and pollution from the mineral industry are the main sources of the country's poor air quality. Copper smelting for example has been blamed for sulfur dioxide and nickel emissions.

1. Mongolia = Pollution level: 279 ug/m3

Mongolia is the world's most polluted country and also home to one of the world's most polluted cities — Ulaanbaatar.

The city of 1.2 million accounts for about 45 percent of Mongolia's population. During the coldest months of the year -- December to February -- Ulaanbaatar's horizon is completely hidden behind a thick grey-brown smoky haze.

The country's main sources of pollution are its traditional coal-fuelled stoves and boilers used for heating and cooking, as well as congested traffic and old cars. Heating is essential for the survival of its people for about eight months of year. The country uses everything from coal, wood to refuse, such as black tar-dipped bricks and old car tires to fuel stoves and boilers. Ulaanbaatar's dry climate and severe windstorms further worsen its dangerous levels of airborne dust.

Rapid urbanization has also been a major factor behind the country's pollution problem. Ulaanbaatar's population has expanded by 70 percent over the last 20 years with the city's infrastructure unable to keep up with growth. With an air pollution level 14-times higher than the WHO's standard threat level, the number of premature deaths, chronic bronchitis and respiratory related hospital admissions are on a rapid rise. The government has been trying to mitigate the problems by introducing measures such as cleaner coal-based fuel and modern stoves to address its pollution crisis.

Sustainability Dinner - Come join us!

2011-09-21T08:38:00.000+08:00

Join Green Cleaners at UWCSEA's 'The Sustainability Dinner', Friday Sept 23rd 2011, 6:00pm - 9:00pm MAIN HALL Dover Campus.

Come in Green, come as a plant, come as a tree

Features: 6:00pm: Interactive presentation by Mr OB Wetzell III:Director of “Sustainable Return”: a company which advises major developers on the necessity and advantages of sustainable building. An inspiring guest speaker who promises to challenge your views and motivate you towards change.

Information Stalls: local produce, recycled goods, free trade coffee

Student Presentations, Home cooked vegetarian meal, Beer & soft drinks available, please feel free to bring your own wine!

email: kni@uwcsea.edu.sg

Please bring along any old mobile phones, old reading glasses and shoes & socks for a recylcing project

Beacon of hope

2011-09-09T16:19:00.001+08:00

Amidst the thousands of Buddhist temples in South-East Asia, one in Singapore stands out from the rest — conservation-wise, that is.

Located on a small hilltop at Chwee Chian Road, off Pasir Panjang Road, Poh Ern Shih (Temple of Thanksgiving) is probably the first religious building in Singapore to display great zeal and determination in becoming green. Facing Singapore’s southern coast on one side, and the famed Bukit Chandu on another end, the temple was built as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the Battle of Pasir Panjang in 1942, which was fought just a week before the British surrended their “Gibraltar of the East” to the Japanese.

Established in 1954 as a modest single-storey temple by philanthropist Lee Choon Seng (who passed on in 1966 at 78 years old), Poh Ern Shih is one of the few Chinese Mahayana temples in Singapore dedicated to the Ksitigarbha, one of the four principal bodhisattvas in East Asian Mahayana Buddhism (the others being Samantabhadra, Manjusri, and Avalokitesvara).

The original temple structure was demolished in 2003 in order to expand the temple complex, and the first phase of renovations was finished in 2007. To the honorary president of the temple, Lee Boon Siong (the founder’s grandson), this presented a marvellous opportunity to incorporate eco-friendly features into the new wing.

Lee, a retired lawyer who spent many years in Canada after leaving Singapore in 1988, said that he learnt many aspects of being green during his sojourn there. Upon his return to Singapore in 1995, he was asked to be a director of the temple board, which is funded entirely from donations and gifts.

Together with a partner organisation, the Buddhist Fellowship, the temple conducts programmes such as Dharma talks, Sutta discussions and meditation courses in Chinese and English for the Buddhist community. What is obvious is the building’s sensitivity to the needs of its devotees and visitors, who are mainly in their 60s. For the benefit of wheelchair users, a gentle driveway stretches from the gates to the upper levels of the temple, and every storey of the building has level flooring. The lavatory cubicles are fitted with easily reachable emergency assistance buttons, and the doors are designed so that they can be unlocked from the outside in case of emergencies.

Tapping solar energy

With Lee Coo Consultant Associates appointed as both project manager and architect, phase one saw the incorporation of 160sqm of solar panels. All panels gave a combined peak rated output of 18.82kW, with engineers estimating its annual output in the region of 21.6MWh (megawatt hours). With the new office wing completed in April 2007, Poh Ern Shih then embarked on the second phase, which involved building a pagoda consisting entirely of steel, glass and photovoltaic (PV) panels. The translucent shell of the pagoda acts as a skylight that lets in sunlight into the prayer hall below.

In accordance with its spirit of sharing and generosity, Poh Ern Shih shares the performance data of the various PV panels with academicians, students and those with no commercial intent. Building researchers from Singapore regularly upload the PV performance data from Poh Ern Shih so that more work can be done to refine the performance of PV in the tropics. Students from universities also make regular visits there to see how things are done. Poh Ern Shih’s solar PV system is grid-connected, so any surplus electricity is sold back to the utility provider, though the temple is far from being a zero-energy building. The only form of on-site energy storage is quite limited at the moment (a few small batteries), and it is used to power some garden and landscaping lights in the evening.

Energy savings is also achieved by minimising the use of lights by using light tubes, which are cylindrical devices fitted with lenses and coated with reflective material so that sunlight from the rooftop or surface is bounced along the tube to light up dark basements or interiors. The temple also saves electricity by mounting four solar thermal water heaters so that it could have hot water for its kitchen. Other passive cooling and energy saving measures include using LED (light-emitting diode) lights and relying as much as possible on natural ventilation.

Finally, rainwater is harvested, and used for all washing and in toilets and gardens, saving an estimated 8,000cu.m of water each year. Engineers estimate Poh Ern Shih’s energy savings to be around 558,168kWh/year. The only “failures” are the two small wind turbines mounted on the rooftop; Singapore just does not have high enough wind speeds to move even a tiny wind turbine.

Green rewards

In 2010, Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) presented Poh Ern Shih with the Green Mark Gold award for its eco-friendly construction. The BCA Green Mark scheme (bca.gov.sg/GreenMark/green_mark_projects.html) was launched in 2005 to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings.

The benefits of Green Mark-certified buildings include cost savings through the efficient use energy and water, and lower maintenance costs. Other benefits include enhanced occupant productivity and health due to good indoor environmental quality. The Malaysian equivalent would be the Green Building Index (greenbuildingindex.org)

As far as the sums go, the temple is far from breaking even on the millions of dollars spent on the additional green features. However, as electricity prices in Singapore are pegged to fuel costs (with the July-Sept 2011 rates starting from 29.19 (Singapore) cents per kWh, including the goods and services tax of 7%), the “break even” period should be way less than 20 years.

No matter which way one looks at it, it is indeed a pleasant surprise to see Poh Ern Shih spreading the message of conservation. And in the spirit of continuous improvement, a defining Singapore trait, Lee is not about to sit still and bask in the glory. He is actively seeking to improve things, so that one day, the temple can be truly self-sufficient in water and electricity.

New Eco-Friendly LED Salon Opens

2011-09-08T11:36:00.000+08:00

Cesare Safieh, renowned California stylist for over 25 years, has just launched a flagship advanced-technology hair salon, located in Pasadena, California, where every detail enhances the experience of high-end hair styling. Bring together advanced lighting, specialized techniques, and state of the art hair extensions, all with an environmentally-conscious process.

Using all Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lighting throughout that emits no heat and gives true daylight color rendition while using a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs, to a Portable Digital Ionic (PDI) hair drying system that cuts drying time in half while being energy efficient, to the latest hair technique 'Angles in Motion: Rock Your Hair' that combines mind, body movement and body positioning, to state-of-the-art products such as the revolutionary 10 Minute hair color from Schwazkopf Igora- that rebuilds the hair and stabilize the protein structure of the strands to improve condition as it colors, and the ability to attach eight hair extensions in just 45 seconds with the Laserbeamer XP System by Hairdreams, Cesare has created not just another salon but an experience for his clients. He has raised the bar for the evolution of hair salons.

The new Hair By Cesare contemporary salon is housed in a historic building in Old Town Pasadena at 170 so. De Lacey Ave. Pasadena CA 91105, and is infused with natural light allowing for every detail of the hair to be seen. Cesare has created high-end hair styling that is now a faster and environmentally-conscious process. The salon is the answer for those on the go who have no time to spend hours in the salon.

As the owner of Hair By Cesare, Inc, Inc., he has been creating unique European inspired hairstyles since 1979. His styles have graced the pages of many magazines such as Elle, Allure and Modern Bride. Talent and artistic acumen give Cesare a leading edge in creating today's new looks and tomorrows unforgettable styles. He is known to stay on top of cutting edge trends, continuing education monthly, attending shows and classes to keep abreast of the latest industry techniques.

An expert in 100% human hair extensions, Cesare can attach eight extension strands in 45 seconds. He is one of the top Laserbeamer XP System experts in the USA, using the innovative method to simultaneously bond to your own hair using a special device. In this way, hair extensions can be applied quickly and efficiently. This method lasts around four to five months. Cesare has pioneered a detailed blending technique for extensions. Trendy feathers and crystal highlights can also be added to any client's hair. His extensions are also know for adding volume and thickness to thinning hair.

New Eco Resort Focuses on French Polynesia’s History & Culture

2011-09-07T16:16:00.001+08:00

The restaurant, bar and pool offer views of the white-sand beach bordering Huahine’s clear lagoon, affording a panoramic view of Raiatea, Taha’a and Bora Bora. Le Maitai Lapita Village features 15 ‘Premium Lake Bungalows’ built around the freshwater lake and decorated with water lilies; five ‘Premium Garden Bungalows’; and 12 ‘Garden Bungalows’ throughout the property, each with a partial view of the lake and surrounded by tropical plants and native flowers.

Le Maitai Lapita Village’s architecture is heavily influenced by both the artistic and canoe culture of the region. Each bungalow is designed to evoke a sense of the Polynesian canoe house and is decorated with stylized canoe prows. Traditional paddles decorate the walls of the bungalows, and many feature furniture in the shape of a canoe.

The style of the hotel’s reception area and restaurant/bar is inspired by the architecture and cave adornments of the houses of ancient Polynesian chiefs. The terracotta color of the Lapita pottery is consistently represented throughout the bungalows, and archaeological artifacts found on-site also inspired the decor. The term “Lapita” refers to the ancestors of French Polynesia and to the people who navigated from South East Asia 4,000 years ago through Melanesia to Polynesia in large double-hulled sailing canoes. The history of Polynesian culture served as an inspiration for the development of the hotel as well as the atmosphere its design is intended to create. This history is told through a chronological exhibition in the hotel museum, tracing the ancient settlement period, the arrival of Europeans, and continuing to the present day. On display are relevant artifacts, illustrations, explanatory texts and diverse artwork.

Le Maitai Lapita Village incorporates various environmental-sustainability measures. The hotel is largely supplied by photovoltaic, renewable energy and was built using a combination of local and traditional as well as modern and recycled materials. The area’s eco-system is preserved through the use of non-polluting waste treatments and cleaning products.

Native trees and traditional medicinal plants were planted around the hotel, recreating an authentic atmosphere. Across the grounds, a traditional flora is combined with natural species for color and variation.

The hotel plans to apply for EarthCheck Certification following the example of the two other Le Maitai hotels (the Le Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora has received Silver Certification and the Le Maitai Rangiroa resort Bronze Certification). The certification recognizes various environmental-sustainability practices and takes into account the development’s relationship with the environment and various benefits shared with the staff and community, including educating and raising awareness to promote preservation.

The Le Maitai Lapita Village, located on the island of Huahine, completes the Le Maitai collection and is managed by Hotel Managements & Services. For more information, visit www.hotelmaitai.com

Oil-rich United Arab Emirates looks to biodiesel

2011-08-24T07:28:00.002+08:00

It is 11am in Dubai and already 42 degrees Celsius outside. Inside the warehouse it is barely any cooler.

Although workplaces in the United Arab Emirates are normally fitted with air conditioning, here they have purposefully restricted it to the offices. "It's the chemical reactions," Karl Feilder, chairman of Neutral Fuels explains.

"They happen at 65 degrees so by keeping the factory temperature higher we expend less energy on the process. That makes it more efficient. That's better for the environment and it cuts costs."

He is pointing at the thirty metre long collection of industrial tanks and pipes through which the firm's main product is being made. The room smells a bit like a chip shop. There is a reason for that.

These tanks are used to produced biodiesel that can be used by any normal diesel engine They are making biodiesel - converting vegetable oil from local McDonald's restaurants so that it can be used to fuel trucks.

Conversion rate

The biodiesel they produce can be used by any normal diesel engine. That makes it distinct from less processed vegetable and waste oils, which can only be used by converted engines.

Because the palm oil they get from McDonald's is the waste from food preparation, when it is burned the carbon emissions are reduced by 60-80% versus traditional diesel fuel.

Any carbon dioxide released is recaptured by trees McDonald's says are grown sustainably on certified farms in the Far East, providing the next batch of palm oil for use by the fast-food chain.

The oil comes from fast food restaurants like McDonalds Similar biodiesel programs from re-used cooking oil are already in operation by McDonald's in Germany, the UK and also in areas of Brazil and the United States. In the UAE, though, the process works better.

"Biodiesel has an issue depending on what its made from that at low temperatures it will clog up, form a gel and eventually freeze," according to Robin Mills, a Dubai-based energy analyst.

"Of course, low temperatures aren't a problem in this part of the world so it has performance benefits."

But it is not all smooth sailing.

The United Arab Emirates, like most of its neighbours in the Gulf, subsidises and caps the price of fuel at the pump.

That should make it trickier for companies like Neutral Fuels to compete and make a profit.

Karl Feilder: "[The fuel cap means] we have to be even more efficient" "It is challenging but that means we have to be even more efficient and even more competitive," Mr Feilder says.

"The great thing is McDonald's oil is so predictable in terms of high quality and quantity that it makes our job of making biodiesel easier. That helps make us a profitable business."

Still, McDonald's has changed its entire fleet of 22 trucks in the country to use the biofuel.

They pick up the leftover vegetable oil from restaurants when they drop off fresh supplies of food during the day in bright-red converted wheelie bins.

Later, they stop off at the Neutral Fuels, leaving behind the full bins and taking on empty ones. They also top up their tanks from the biodiesel pump by the parking bay. McDonalds used to sell their palm oil to a third party in India who recycled it.

After dropping off the old oil, the McDonalds trucks fill up with biodiesel "Now we sell our oil to Neutral Fuels at the same price we used to sell it for before and we buy the biodiesel from them at the market price of diesel in the UAE, says Rafic Fakih managing director of McDonalds UAE.

"So we are no worse off and gain from the environmental benefits."

Local backing

Given that the United Arab Emirates is the world's eighth largest oil producer, it is perhaps a surprise that the biodiesel project is gaining traction. Other restaurant chains are already expressing an interest in the program.

In this instance, it is perhaps an even bigger surprise that the programme is also backed by Emiratis.

"Nowadays companies are becoming more environmentally conscious and they want to, as much as they can, be environmentally sustainable," says Abdulla Al Jallaf, managing director of Neutral Fuels.

"I think it is a very interesting proposal to make use of waste materials."

Currently, McDonald's is Neutral Fuels only client and they have restricted the project to the UAE. But there are hopes to expand across to the wider region.

With the process profitable for Neutral Fuels and likely to save McDonald's money in the longer run if diesel prices continue to rise, it seems likely its spread will be inevitable.

Good news for the environment, company profits and anyone interested in running their vehicle on the power of French Fries.

Ten Somali children a day die in Ethiopia's Kobe refugee camp

2011-08-17T09:19:00.002+08:00

Ten Somali children under the age of five are dying every day of hunger-related causes in a refugee camp in Ethiopia, according to the UN refugee agency.

UNHCR reported the "alarming" increase in the number of deaths at Kobe camp after completing an assessment this week. The main cause was malnutrition, although a measles outbreak has contributed to the high mortality rate.

The camp, one of four in Dollo Adow in south-east Ethiopia, opened in June when Somalis fleeing drought and conflict poured over the border in large numbers. Kobe reached its 25,000 capacity in a month, and while new arrivals from Somalia are being directed elsewhere the death toll is not slowing.

In a briefing in Geneva, UNHCR said the average of ten deaths a day stretched back to late June, meaning that at least 500 young children had died in less than two months.

Most of the Somali refugees arriving in Ethiopia are from rural areas, and many have never used formal health facilities before. Ron Redmond, a UNHCR spokesman in Nairobi, said this was a factor in the high death rate because parents did not know what to do with their malnourished children, even after receiving initial treatment and handouts of therapeutic food.

"Parents are told they need to sustain the supplementary feeding but they don't always do it," said Redmond. "Ensuring that they treat their kids and bring them back to health centres in a large camp is difficult and labour intensive."

Separately, some 17,500 Somalis have crossed into the Gode and Afder areas of Ethiopia, 150 miles north-east of Dollo Adow, in the past six weeks.

The continued exodus and growing death toll from the famine in Somalia is raising fresh questions about the culpability of the al-Shabaab insurgent group, which controls most of the southern part of the country. Though the causes of the famine or near-famine conditions in southern Somalia are numerous – including drought, high food prices and the absence of a government for two decades – the al-Qaida-linked Islamist movement has played a significant role.

Initially known for its effective guerrilla campaign against occupying Ethiopian forces, al-Shabaab became increasingly extreme once the enemy withdrew, with militants enforcing mosque attendance and carrying out amputations and stonings of alleged criminals, some of them teenagers. By assassinating local journalists, they ensured that the motivations and makeup of their forces have remained murky.

In 2009, al-Shabaab banned a number of aid groups, including the UN World Food Programme, for alleged offences ranging from spying to being anti-Muslim and distorting the local economy. Numerous humanitarian workers were also killed, ensuring that even groups with permission to work had to scale back their activities and withdraw non-Somali staff.

The restrictions and security concerns meant millions of Somalis had no safety net when the drought really began to bite early this year. In the worst-hit areas, there was no food distribution or help in obtaining water.

In early July the rebels said all aid agencies would be allowed to assist with drought relief, but then backtracked, saying the earlier ban on certain organisations stood. They also denied that famine was occurring.

Interviews with refugees who fled Somalia for Kenya revealed that in some areas al-Shabaab militias had tried to prevent people from leaving to seek outside help, even those pushed close to death by hunger. A new report by Human Rights Watch confirmed these findings.

Despite withdrawing the bulk of their forces from Mogadishu earlier this month in a "tactical" move, al-Shabaab still controls most of southern Somalia. While more aid is getting into the country, some of the worst-affected areas are still without assistance.

The Grace Hotel, Sydney Wins 10 Years Sustainability Achievement Award

2011-08-04T16:41:00.003+08:00

The Grace Hotel is the proud recipient of the 10 Year Sustainability Achievement Award at the 2011 Green Globe Awards.

The award was presented to the hotel’s General Manager Mr. Philip Pratley by the Hon. Robyn Parker, MP Minister for the Environment at Parliament House on 26th July 2011.

The Award recognises the hotel’s continued commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment since the inaugural Green Globe Award in 2001. Over the past 10 years, The Grace Hotel’s management and staff have continuously implemented environmental initiatives particularly in the areas of pollution reduction and resource conservation. Some of the hotel’s initiatives include:

• Successfully reducing energy consumption by 20 per cent through systematic lighting upgrades and air-conditioning improvements.

• Despite additional food and recreational outlets, water consumption has also decreased due to water efficiency programs and increased monitoring.

• Green amenities with biodegradable packaging are now in all guest’s rooms. Environmentally friendly cleaning products are also used in housekeeping.

• To reduce the impact on landfill, the hotel has introduced a new garbage system with more efficiency in sorting garbage.

• Together, the Hotel’s management, staff and environmental committee implement their commitment to the 10R policy which covers: Research, Review, Reduce, Reuse, Replace, Remove, Repair, Refill, Recycle for RESULTS.

As part of the hotel’s commitment to help protect and sustain the environment for future generations, they will continue to support environmental initiatives and seek environmentally-friendly products, services and partners who share in the vision of environmental sustainability.

That sounds good policy to us at GC - well done Grace Hotel!

5-20 Aug: Green Screen at Sinema Old School

2011-08-01T10:36:00.002+08:00

Join us this August, as Sinema Old School deals a series of award-winning four green-themed films that will get you to sit up and take notice of the ever-changing environment around us.

The feature documentaries - Tapped (2009), Plastic Planet (2009), Bag It (2011), Carbon Nation (2011) - examine the impact of human consumption of the Earth’s resources on the environment today, serving as a wake-up call to the world — before it’s too late.

The films will be screening from 5-20 August 2011. Tickets are available either online or physically at our box office. Please check http://tix.sinema.sg for more information.

Smart Meters ‘planted’ in Schools as part of a new Green Project

2011-07-29T11:15:00.001+08:00

A collaboration between the Ministry of Education (MOE), IBM and and Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) has brought forth further developments as schools will be installing Smart Meters, created to track the energy usage of each campus.

Students are also given responsibility as some will be chosen to be Ambassadors to help identify ways of reducing electricity consumption in their respective schools. The schools will span different types, with ITE College East the first school to be announced.

Under the one-year project, the schools will first establish how much energy they use. The three institutions spearheading the project will then work with them to reduce usage, especially in lighting and air-conditioning. Data from the meters will be uploaded to a shared server where the schools can look at each other's progress and share best practices.

The computer giant is funding the US$100,000 (S$121,000) cost of the project, which is expected to be completed by August next year. The target is for 80 per cent of buildings here to be certified with the Building and Construction Authority's Green Mark by 2030.

IBM is also funding 10 other projects worldwide - in health care, energy and food safety - as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations.

Singapore Schools get Smarter by Going Green

2011-07-28T09:19:00.003+08:00

Singapore schools are about to get greener with a US$100,000 grant from global technology firm IBM for improving energy management in 20 school buildings, a move intended to create a new benchmark in energy efficiency for schools nationwide.

IBM announced that it would give the award to the non-profit Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) for ‘Project Green Insights’, a collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to design energy management systems and raise awareness of energy efficiency at selected school buildings.

The Singapore Green Building Council is proud to partner with IBM to bring ‘Project Green Insights’ to schools, the goal being to educate the next generation on the importance of going green especially in the fields of education. The green building movement can only be achieved through close collaboration between government, industry partners and end-users, which is why it is not surprising to see how all the parties involved are going all out to ensure the success of this project.

The SGBC grant is largest of the 11 awards handed out globally as part of IBM’s plan to celebrate its 100th year anniversary by donating volunteer expertise and nearly US$1 million to non-profits and educational institutions around the world.

‘Project Green Insights’ will equip the 20 pilot schools with networks of smart meters that will allow the entire school community to track energy consumption using cloud-based software. By tracking their energy usage on an easily accessible dashboard, students and staff will be able to identify ways of reducing their energy usage for lighting and air-conditioning.

IBM volunteers will help the school communities implement the system and sharpen their understanding of the project’s objectives. They will also be providing mentorship to staff and students on sustainability practices.

The pilot schools such as the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College East welcomed the interactive approach to greening their school buildings, aiming to set a benchmark for greener and smarter buildings for the education community in Singapore as well as in the region. This project hopes to ignite a spark in staff members, students and parents to rally behind a longer-term sustainability effort.

Big banks jump on green bandwagon

2011-07-27T11:13:00.005+08:00

Some banks are now offering discounted mortgages to people buying eco-friendly homes and Energy Star certified homes. The trend toward green living has finally caught the attention of the banking industry.

Banks have watched as consumers have made greener choices in everything from washing detergent and light bulbs to high-efficiency furnaces and solar energy panels. With consumers interested in greening their lives, most of Canada's major banks have seen the opportunity to offer "green mortgages," which offer homebuyers a discounted interest rate and other incentives to buy more environmentally sensitive houses or perform upgrades aimed at lowering their environmental footprint.

Consumers, especially first time buyers, are increasingly looking to green home upgrades to help the environment and lower the carrying costs of owning a new home.

According to surveys conducted by Leger Marketing, while Canadians are interested in lessening their impact on the environment, the decision to buy a "green home" is really being driven by saving cash, and more than 59 per cent of respondents cite financial savings as the main reason for making eco friendly upgrades and purchases. The results are not surprising, considering more than 51 per cent of survey respondents say utility costs are the biggest surprise financially when it comes to owning a home.

Having new windows, doors and a high-efficiency furnace can go a long way to help make those carrying costs more palatable, according to Leger, which found 92 per cent of Canadian respondents recognize the cost advantages of energy-efficient home upgrades.

It also found nearly half of all homebuyers plan to make investments in energy-efficient upgrades in the next year, especially with the anticipated extension of the federal government's ecoENERGY Retrofit program. The program allows Canadians to write off a portion of their green home renovations on their taxes.

The green trend isn't just infecting resale homebuyers. According to an EnerQuality Green Building survey released in November 2009, more than 40 per cent of Ontario homebuyers are willing to pay up to $10,000 more for a new green home, or a home that is Energy Star certified. It's almost double the 22 per cent of homebuyers who were willing to spend that amount of money in 2008.

While almost all of Canada's big banks are offering green mortgages, the loans aren't open to just anyone. Buyers must qualify for the green loan by proving that the house they are buying meets certain green energy standards, or that they will be completing certain green upgrades to the home shortly after moving in.

Incentives offered by the banks vary. Some will provide rebates equal to the cost of a home energy audit, which is around $300, and then a cash back incentive that can be used for green upgrades. Others offer discounts to posted mortgage rates.

Though wading through all these new options proves to be a daunting task, homeowners and those who are looking to make the move to a greener lifestyle have been diligent in getting all their goals in order with help from the banks and the useful information they provide.

Companies who are participating in this new wave of going green aim to make a considerable mark in lessening the disconcerting carbon footprint.

Failed Paris Olympic bid site now an Eco Friendly Urban Park

2011-07-26T12:47:00.002+08:00

Arriving from the urban jungle of Istanbul, the many neighborhood parks of Paris are literally a breath of fresh air, with their stately tress, colourful blossoms, duck filled ponds and content strollers. Many have given city dwellers a natural respite for hundreds of years, but one of the most impressive is just a few years old – a space that may not have existed had Paris won it’s bid for the 2012 Olympics.

Bested by London for the honor of hosting the international games, Paris instead moved to transform the area in Clichy – Batignolles into the now lively Parc Martin Luther King, allowing families to enjoy picnics, lounging on lush young grass and resting on lounges found all around the beautiful area.

This park is home to many various trees including magnolias, cherry, apple and dogwoods. Its shrubbery is meticulously maintained as are the flowers, the lawn and a colourful community of herbs and vegetables.

The city plans to further develop the area to include apartments, office spaces, shops, school and even an expanded metro line. The park, which is to be further enlarged, will remain to be the centrepiece of the ecological development in line with the utmost goal which has been to emphasize the essentials of what a green space really is: a corner for nature in the heart of a city; one that is beautiful, fragile and productive.

There’s another reason to fly over there for a holiday, not to say that Paris lacks any luster when it comes to attracting tourists!

Going green reaches new heights with the Aviation Industry!

2011-07-25T11:39:00.000+08:00

PARIS, France : Green aviation was a hot topic at the Paris Air Show this year.

With volatile oil prices fuelling the need for alternative energy, several solutions were presented to tackle the environmental question. And Asia's largest aviation event next year, the Singapore Airshow, should deliver more answers.

Making its debut at the Paris Air Show was the Solar Impulse - powered by solar cells with zero emissions. The goal of it’s innovators was to guide masses towards a revolutionary mindset – that of renewable energies, energy saving in clean technology allowing the world and daily lives to be much cleaner. This in turn opens doors to more job opportunities while improving the quality of life and reducing the impact on the environment.

Some environmentalists said the biofuel business is green aviation's future, with this possible future presenting itself at the Singapore Airshow 2012.

This is definitely something to look forward to – see you at next year’s Airshow!

World's oceans in 'shocking' decline

2011-06-21T12:55:00.003+08:00

The oceans are in a worse state than previously suspected, according to an expert panel of scientists.

In a new report, they warn that ocean life is "at high risk of entering a phase of extinction of marine species unprecedented in human history".

They conclude that issues such as over-fishing, pollution and climate change are acting together in ways that have not previously been recognised.

The impacts, they say, are already affecting humanity.

The panel was convened by the International Programme on the State of the Ocean (IPSO), and brought together experts from different disciplines, including coral reef ecologists, toxicologists, and fisheries scientists.

Its report will be formally released later this week.

"The findings are shocking," said Alex Rogers, IPSO's scientific director and professor of conservation biology at Oxford University.

"As we considered the cumulative effect of what humankind does to the oceans, the implications became far worse than we had individually realised.

"We've sat in one forum and spoken to each other about what we're seeing, and we've ended up with a picture showing that almost right across the board we're seeing changes that are happening faster than we'd thought, or in ways that we didn't expect to see for hundreds of years."

These "accelerated" changes include melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, sea level rise, and release of methane trapped in the sea bed.

Fast changes

"The rate of change is vastly exceeding what we were expecting even a couple of years ago," said Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, a coral specialist from the University of Queensland in Australia.

Some species are already fished way beyond their limits - and may also be affected by other threats "So if you look at almost everything, whether it's fisheries in temperate zones or coral reefs or Arctic sea ice, all of this is undergoing changes, but at a much faster rate than we had thought."

But more worrying than this, the team noted, are the ways in which different issues act synergistically to increase threats to marine life.

Some pollutants, for example, stick to the surfaces of tiny plastic particles that are now found in the ocean bed.

This increases the amounts of these pollutants that are consumed by bottom-feeding fish.

Plastic particles also assist the transport of algae from place to place, increasing the occurrence of toxic algal blooms - which are also caused by the influx of nutrient-rich pollution from agricultural land.

In a wider sense, ocean acidification, warming, local pollution and overfishing are acting together to increase the threat to coral reefs - so much so that three-quarters of the world's reefs are at risk of severe decline.

Life on Earth has gone through five "mass extinction events" caused by events such as asteroid impacts; and it is often said that humanity's combined impact is causing a sixth such event.

The IPSO report concludes that it is too early to say definitively.

But the trends are such that it is likely to happen, they say - and far faster than any of the previous five.

"What we're seeing at the moment is unprecedented in the fossil record - the environmental changes are much more rapid," Professor Rogers told BBC News.

"We've still got most of the world's biodiversity, but the actual rate of extinction is much higher [than in past events] - and what we face is certainly a globally significant extinction event."

The report also notes that previous mass extinction events have been associated with trends being observed now - disturbances of the carbon cycle, and acidification and hypoxia (depletion of oxygen) of seawater.

Levels of CO2 being absorbed by the oceans are already far greater than during the great extinction of marine species 55 million years ago (during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum), it concludes.

Blue planet

The report's conclusions will be presented at UN headquarters in New York this week, when government delegates begin discussions on reforming governance of the oceans.

In the long run, greenhouse gas emissions must be cut to conserve ocean life, the report concludes IPSO's immediate recommendations include:

- stopping exploitative fishing now, with special emphasis on the high seas where currently there is little effective regulation
- mapping and then reducing the input of pollutants including plastics, agricultural fertilisers and human waste
- making sharp reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
- Carbon dioxide levels are now so high, it says, that ways of pulling the gas out of the atmosphere need to be researched urgently - but not using techniques, such as iron fertilisation, that lead to more CO2 entering the oceans.

"We have to bring down CO2 emissions to zero within about 20 years," Professor Hoegh-Guldberg told BBC News.

"If we don't do that, we're going to see steady acidification of the seas, heat events that are wiping out things like kelp forests and coral reefs, and we'll see a very different ocean."

Another of the report's authors, Dan Laffoley, marine chair of the World Commission on Protected Areas and an adviser to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), admitted the challenges were vast.

"But unlike previous generations, we know what now needs to happen," he said.

"The time to protect the blue heart of our planet is now."

Green buildings: Good for people, productivity and profit

2011-06-16T10:06:00.001+08:00

One more reason to begin standing up for a cleaner, greener environment – a working environment, that is.

Today's leading-edge green buildings are driving a radical shift in office politics.
Gone are the days of the senior management pinching the penthouse floor and hogging the best harbour views. Today, green buildings are providing truly equitable workplaces, with fresh air, natural light and views of the outdoors available to all staff regardless of their salaries.

Ask most employees for their office wish lists and onsite gymnasiums, massage therapists and child care centres will be lower down the list than fresh air, natural light, indoor comfort and collaborative spaces.

In fact, Colliers International Office Tenant Survey 2010 found that excellent indoor air quality and thermal comfort was second only to location to public transport (and above cutting edge IT and communications) in the top three office attributes for staff attraction and retention.

Office employees intuitively know that the basics of natural light and fresh air make workplaces happier, more productive places - after all, most office workers spend 90% of their waking hours indoors.

What they may not understand is how much poor indoor environment quality (IEQ) can affect their performance - and how simple solutions can have a dramatic impact on their productivity levels.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that sickness and absenteeism costs organisations an estimated $2,700 per employee each year. When indirect costs are factored in, absenteeism costs around $5m for every 1,000 employees.

At the same time, we know that good IEQ in green buildings reduces sick leave and improves worker productivity and health. The evidence-based research has found that these gains are between two and 10 per cent per worker.

The principles of green design recognise that improving IEQ can dramatically affect productivity, health and wellbeing. Green Star, Australia's environmental rating system for buildings, rewards building projects that can demonstrate high levels of IEQ - by providing more fresh air, circulating fresh air around the rooms more efficiently, ensuring daylight can reach more of the interior, and eliminating harmful chemical compounds found in paints, adhesives or carpets.

We now have more than 315 Green Star-rated buildings around Australia, with tens of thousands of people enjoying the benefits of cleaner, greener offices. After moving into their green office, the legal firm at the 5 Star Green Star-rated 500 Collins Street in Melbourne reduced staff sick leave by 39% - well below the national average. What's more, sick leave costs fell by 44%. A post-refurbishment study also found a 9% increase in typing speeds of secretaries and a 7% increase in lawyers' billings ratio, despite a 12% decline in the average monthly hours worked.

Trevor Pearcey House, the 6 Star Green Star head office of Australian Ethical Investment in Canberra, provides staff with a healthier work environment by maximising the use of natural ventilation and lighting. More than 90% of the floor space is naturally ventilated with openable windows, which also improve daylight penetration. Occupant health was also a priority in choice of materials, with paints and sealants, furniture and fittings selected for their low levels of volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde. The building now ranks in the top 11% of Australian buildings for staff productivity and amenity.

Many of Australia's employers of choice are looking for green office space to attract and maintain top talent. Increasingly, Green Star-rated buildings symbolise a corporation's environmental and social performance, and can be a powerful strategic business tool.

A 2008 Deloitte survey of organisations that had undergone at least one green building retrofit in the US found that 93% of respondents found it easier to attract talent after their renovation, with 81% reporting greater employee retention. Every company surveyed reported an increase in goodwill and brand equity. Closer to home, leading corporate such as ANZ, Google and Accenture have recognised that operating from Green Star-rated facilities can not only boost performance, but also attract and retain staff.

ANZ's new global headquarters, the ANZ Centre in Melbourne, is the largest 6 Star Green Star-rated building in Australia. The new building, which houses 6,500 staff, offers fresh air, natural light and easy access to outdoor open spaces. More than 500 bike spaces have been provided, alongside yoga and Pilates classes, physiotherapy and massage at the ANZ Wellness Centre. ANZ's Green Star rating is part of its employee attraction and retention program, saying that the new headquarters "was designed and developed with great care and consideration for employees, with facilities and services available that enhance the working environment and promote health and wellbeing".

The Green Building Council of Australia's post-occupancy survey of its own 5 Star Green Star-rated office, known as The GreenHouse, found that 95% of all staff had a positive or very positive perception of their new workplace. One staff member even said that it was a "one-of-a-kind office and I feel very privileged to be able to work here. None of my previous offices have made me want to come to work".

Green buildings are more affordable than ever before. A 5 Star Green Star-rated building is now considered cost neutral when compared with its non-green counterpart, and the ongoing operational costs are significantly less. When productivity gains are factored in, it just makes good business sense to go green.

Going Green Helps Company’s Health

2011-06-14T09:47:00.003+08:00

As more and more individuals look to make the world a little bit healthier and safer place to live in, have you stopped and asked yourself what contribution you and your employees are making?

With recognition that more needs to be done to leave the planet for the next generation in a better place than we found it, more people worldwide are seeing the benefits of a greener lifestyle.

Not only is the planet left a little bit better for the next person when your business and its employees practice healthier lifestyles both in and out of the office, but the rewards can reach way down.

If you haven’t been researched some of the ways going green can improve your health and those of your co-workers, think about the following 10 means:

1. Driving less, using more mass transit – When individuals leave the car at home to drive to work or the store, it means one less vehicle emitting pollution on the our local roads and freeways. If possible, cycle or even walk to work. Not only is there less pollution, but you give your heart and other organs a good workout in the process.

2. Practice green in the office – Whether it is cutting down on the amount of paper used in the office copier, using lights at a minimum or other means, practicing conservation in the office has many benefits. The rewards to the environment are equaled by the financial benefits to the company.

3. Make home a viable workplace – While not always an option, working from home allows individuals to cut down on the amount of vehicles polluting the environment. In turn, it helps people avoid breathing the same stale air often filled with pollutants. As an employer can you come up with a scenario where your workers can telecommute from time to time?

4. Avoid a toxic lifestyle – Life is stressful, no way around that. Not only is there a physical toll on the body, but also a mental one. By eating better, exercising more and laughing as much as possible, you reduce the stress in your life. Businesses that have exercise programs in place for their workers not only are likely to have healthier employees, but happy ones too.

5. Know where your water comes from – Research has shown that bottled water utilizes both resources and energy. Throw in chemicals emanating from the plastic bottles, and you have potential health issues. Drinking water is essential to life, but drinking filtered tap water is a more viable option. What are you doing at work to keep your employees properly hydrated during the day?

6. Get some sun – While being out in the sun should be done in moderate amounts and with the proper protection, natural light assists your calcium consumption, not to mention your mental attitude. If you spend too much time indoors, get outside and take in some fresh air. In the meantime, using less artificial lighting helps the environment. Encourage employees to take their breaks outside when possible and enjoy the weather.

7. Recycle, recycle, recycle – By taking those used water bottles, soda cans and bottles and other drinking instruments to recycling centers, you are not only helping the environment, but you’re in many cases making a few dollars on the side. While it takes some effort to collect and transport the recycled items to a center, if you do not have a recycling pick-up, it is time well spent. Do you have a recycling program at work for employee cans and bottles?

8. Clean wisely in the office and home – We all hate to clean up around work and at home, but it is a necessity. When doing so, use cleaners that are non-toxic to you and your loved ones. Using the wrong cleaners can lead to respiratory issues, headaches, stomach problems and more. For office cleaning crews, toss out the harmful chemicals and clean wiser. For more info see www.greencleaners.asia

9. Take out the garbage only when necessary – No one likes garbage, but especially the environment. Employees/individuals that decrease their office/household trash outputs not only are saving themselves money, but alleviating the crush of materials at the local landfills. Whether it is recycling your office paper, home shopping bags or using more dishes and fewer paper products, make the effort to have the garbage truck drive off with less each time.

10. Instead of buying new, fix that device – How many times have you thought about buying a new computer for the home or office or television? Stop and think about the fact that repairing and reusing such devices instead of purchasing new save energy and in turn money.

Both employers and employees can do their part to leave the planet in a little better shape than when they found it – it all begins with one small step.

Adelaide shows off Australia's first 5 Green Star Hospital

2011-06-13T09:26:00.002+08:00

Adelaide’s redeveloped Flinders Medical Centre has become the country’s first hospital project to receive a 5 Star Green Star rating.

The hospital’s New South Wing has been awarded the Healthcare Design v1 Certified rating by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) for excellence in environmentally sustainable design as part of the $160 million redevelopment; it is the first hospital in Australia to be awarded under the Green Star Healthcare v1 Tool.

Woodhead Architects designed the project in conjunction with building services engineers and sustainability consultants.

The redevelopment includes the four-level New South Wing, opened in 2009, which houses medical consulting and outpatient clinics, a labour and delivery unit and an obstetrics and gynaecology unit. ECOM implemented a range of sustainable features including one of Australia’s largest energy-efficient centralised air-conditioning systems, a 286-panel solar hot water system and extensive grey-water and rainwater harvesting. These sustainability measures are set to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water usage by a significant amount.

A displacement air conditioning system supplies patients’ rooms with heat recovered from exhaust air paths, which is the first application in a South Australian hospital supplying improved indoor air quality and a low energy solution.

The 286-panel solar hot water system is designed to reduce recurrent energy costs by $400,000 per year and annual carbon dioxide emissions by 70 per cent. On each level sub-meters monitor electricity, hot and cold water use and chilled and heating water consumption in real-time. They are connected to the building management system and enable tracking over time.

Water-saving measures designed to drastically reduce water consumption include rainwater harvesting from the hospital roof to large tanks for toilet flushing and fire testing, as well as high water-efficiency tapware, showerheads and toilets.
The new wing also includes purpose-designed external fixed shading devices to maximise light penetration while minimising solar heat gain, and high efficiency glazing.

Here's to hoping more institutions find inspiration and revamp their old ways towards a greener path!

New Eco-Friendly Lunch Sack to Send Kids Back to School the Green Way

2011-06-11T09:29:00.001+08:00

If they had this during my generation, the level of awareness would be significantly higher. Parents today have no excuse!

A new eco-friendly lunch sack featuring Jimmy from the book "Jimmy's Gone Green" is sure to be a hit among children this back-to-school season.

Kids Smart Publishing and Kids Konserve, a leading reusable lunchware company, have collaborated to create a new eco-friendly lunch sack featuring the star of the picture book "Jimmy's Gone Green."

The reusable lunch sack, made with 100 percent recycled cotton and printed with vegetable-based inks, is free of BPA, lead and phthalate, and is sure to be a hit among kids and parents.

The machine-washable lunch sack is designed to replace paper lunch bags, which contribute to an estimated 67 pounds of lunchtime waste per child each year.
"We hope Jimmy will encourage families to choose safe, earth-friendly products over those that may be harmful to both the environment and kids," said Monique Harris, spokesperson for KS Publications, Inc., the parent company of Kids Smart Publishing.

To celebrate the release of the new Jimmy's Gone Green Reusable Lunch Sack, Kids Smart Publishing is giving away 100 FREE lunch sacks to the next 100 people who buy Jimmy's picture book, "Jimmy's Gone Green," at http://www.jimmysgonegreen.com.
In addition, Kids Smart Publishing is donating copies of "Jimmy's Gone Green" to elementary school libraries in order to help increase children's access to green books and help raise environmental awareness among young children.

"The book is a great introduction to what it means to go green," said Monique Harris. "It fosters conversation and encourages children to ask questions about the environment and how they can make a difference."

Jimmy's picture book "Jimmy's Gone Green" and his new reusable lunch sack are available at select retailers and at http://www.jimmysgonegreen.com.

Eco-friendly weddings are becoming the norm

2011-06-08T08:40:00.002+08:00

Since this seems to be the season of weddings and engagements – it’s all over my social networks – I’ve decided to post another useful blog, for those who are currently racking their brains for wedding ideas! After all, the royal wedding may have been about the fairy tale, but modern couples are ready for a reality check.
Many couples aren't walking down the aisle at all - they are saying, "I do" after wading through the buffalo grass. And on their walls are artistic portraits of the bridal party against an unfinished brick wall.

Weddings have evolved into the 21st century, and many couples are taking cues from the environment and their urban lifestyles.

At their upcoming nuptials this weekend, Tulsan Scott Vrooman and his business partner and fiancee, Mary Kreider, will be married on the 3,700-square-foot roof of their business, TriArch Architecture, 618 E. Third St. They designed the building with an eco-friendly roof complete with a large patch of buffalo grass. So before about 70 guests this weekend, they'll be married in the open air with downtown Tulsa as a backdrop. "As architects, we try to teach people about being green, and we wanted to put our money where our mouth is," Vrooman said.

Wedding couples have become more environmentally conscious over the past few years, said Meghan Hurley, owner of Concepts PR in Tulsa. She said her clients are aware of the amount of resources they use for their weddings. "Couples are more concerned with giving back," Hurley said. "They are more aware of how much is consumed and thrown away for a wedding on one day."

Using green materials, and even the color green, are trends that began on the East and West coasts but are emerging in Tulsa, she said. "They're using items that are more recyclable. Invitations are what really started the trend. They're using recycled paper made from different fibers. And they've been using bamboo fibers in linens and napkins," she said. "Some are using living centerpieces that guests can take home, like a tree or, again, bamboo."

And couples are certainly conscious of their wedding's setting - not only its location but also what it says about them as a couple. "We would spend so much time up there (on the roof) that we thought it would be great to share that with people," Vrooman said.

"On the roof itself, we'll probably not even decorate a lot," said Kreider, who is an interior designer. "We think it'll be simple and elegant." Hurley said couples are choosing downtown as their wedding backdrop - and even for wedding portraits - because they appreciate its history and architecture.

"The traditional, fuzzy-edged photo is not what people want anymore," she said. "They want to show what is realistic. Yes, it's a fairy-tale day, but again, it's one day. They'll have a whole marriage to spend together. "They like the photojournalism look any more, capturing real moments," Hurley said.
After the ceremony, Vrooman and Kreider will host their reception downstairs in the main offices, which they also use for parties. The LEED-certified building was built in 1919 and was once a distribution center for a bread company.

If they choose to, Scott and Mary can tiptoe through the grass - on their roof.

Ways to have a 'green' wedding

Use invitations made from recycled paper. Or, if it's a casual affair, some couples are choosing to go paperless - by using an e-vite. Yes, etiquette experts might be offended, so make sure to explain your goal: to consume less.

Use living centerpieces. Small trees, herbs, shrubs or annuals make beautiful summer centerpieces. Encourage your guests to take them home and plant them to enjoy long after the wedding is over.

Give eco-friendly wedding favors. Seed packets are all the rage at green weddings. Some companies will print your names and the date of the wedding on them so guests will remember your special day. For more, visit tulsaworld.com/greenfavors
Make it vintage. Update your mother's or grandmother's wedding gown, or even exchange family or heirloom rings. It will reduce consumption, and it's in style. "Vintage and rustic are very much in," said Meghan Hurley, owner of Concepts PR in Tulsa. "But it's a rustic-chic, or a country-chic." So using the old and the new is still important.

Sustainable bites. Choose organic or local produce and meats for your menu. Many local caterers are only too happy to use fresh vegetables from the farmers markets. And summer is the prime time to choose fresh products from the area.

Just keep in mind that at the end of the day, your wedding day and all the preparations leading to it are meant to be reminders of a love that you continue to share and grow into, so whatever path you choose to take, take time to appreciate the process and enjoy the ride!

Eco-friendly ideas to keep kids busy this Summer

2011-06-07T08:26:00.002+08:00

It’s summer and there’s one thing parents hate to hear from the kids, “I’m bored!” While you’re looking for easy ways to entertain the kiddies, you can also Do Your Part to pass along important lessons on being eco-friendly. Here are 5 green ways to keep kids busy all summer long – certified to keep boredom at bay!

1) Have an Eco-Adventure
Eco-adventures don’t have to be a daunting task. They can be anything you want them to be! A simple walk or hike is the perfect opportunity to learn about the trees, flowers, and insects you might see. Or, think bigger. Check out national parks around your area; they are affordable and filled with all sorts of possible adventures from camping to horseback riding and even kayaking.

2) Get Crafty
One of the best ways to take care of the planet is to get more life from things you already have. So instead of tossing out things like milk cartons, cereal boxes, or old t-shirts, show your kids how to transform them into something new and useful. Some crafts children love are making bird feeders, crafting t-shirt tote bags, and creating a kids’ organizer from “trash.”

3) Grow a Garden
This activity is downright fun for parents. Watching children turn seeds into food is always a thrill. They learn about where their food comes from, how to care for their crops, and they get to eat up all their hard work. Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s in the fruits and veggies your family is eating. Give your kids a couple packets of seeds and a window box or planter full of healthy soil and let them have fun getting dirty.

4) Visit the Library
Don’t spend money or resources on brand new books and videos when you can get an endless supply at your local library. Plus, most libraries have special readings and presentations for every age group throughout the summer at no cost. If you’re looking to check out books that teach an important environmental message, start with The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, which teaches children about the importance of trees. Here Comes the Garbage Barge by Jonah Winter talks trash and shows us why we can’t keep adding to the garbage pile. And, Good Growing: A Kids’ Guide to Gardening helps kids start a garden no matter how much (or how little) space they have.

5) Be Charitable
An important lesson for all children to learn is to how to be charitable. This summer, don’t let shoes, clothes, toys, bikes, and the like sit around your home when there is a lot of life left in them. Sifting through closets is not only a good way to spend quality time with the family, it’s also a great reminder to appreciate what you have.

What are you waiting for? Hit the ground running this summer and dare to come up with your own spectacular green ideas!

Ontario's city hall goes green

2011-06-06T10:06:00.002+08:00

ONTARIO - When city officials committed to building a more sustainable community, they knew the only way to achieve it was if they took the lead. That's what they did with the renovation of City Hall.

The $21.9 million building incorporates sustainable practices that will not only reduce the city's carbon footprint but lead to energy savings and cost savings over time.

"It's important that we not only set the pace but set the example," Councilman Jim Bowman said.

The building has been designed to meet Silver LEED certification standards. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized green building certification system. Meanwhile, the sustainable design status is given by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Work on LEED certification started as soon as officials embarked on the 19-month demolition and construction process, and in order to improve their chances of reaching the silver rating, Ontario officials had to be certain that they recycled as much material as possible from the demolition of the interior of the building. All waste was separated into various types thus minimising the impact on the landfill – a move that was simple enough for the city which already maintains an active recycling program.

To bring the old building into the 21st century, energy efficient lighting has been installed. Windows in the building have also been double paned, to retain heat. Another portion of the project was improving the plaza area in the interior courtyard of the building. Trees and new seating have been brought in and a metal shade structure now surrounds the windows. The structure will help block the direct sunlight that would otherwise hit the building.

In the courtyard, as well throughout the entire building, officials have placed California drought tolerant plants. In an effort to save even more water a drip irrigation system was installed underneath the plants, which releases water directly to the roots.

The city has removed the cement and installed permeable pavers around the building. The change will allow water to seep into the ground rather than creating groundwater runoff. However, the project continues to extend itself to the parking lot, with officials earning extra points in providing specific parking spots for fuel efficient vehicles.

The city of Ontario is currently preparing for a re-dedication ceremony for the newly renovated City Hall.

Running for the oceans

2011-06-04T17:03:00.005+08:00

Dear All,

Next week, on Sunday 12 June, one of our loyal clients (along with two friends) will run a half-marathon in the Laguna Phuket International Marathon.

They will be running for a cause: Protect our oceans!

Team Thalassa Phuket (Cait, Lizzy & Mia) will run to help raise funds for Project AWARE, a non-profit organisation whose mission is to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy and action (http://www.projectaware.org/).

Please help support them and email your pledges at Team.Thalassa.Phuket@gmail.com by Sunday 12 June and they will make a combined donation to Project AWARE after the run.

Please feel free to forward this email to anyone who might be interested in supporting this cause.

Did you know…
- Whales have now resorted to shouting (as opposed to singing) as the oceans are now so noisy thanks to increased shipping and deep sea drilling.
- Humans generate waste faster than it can be broken down and use up resources faster than they can be replaced. Nearly 90 percent of all marine debris is plastic. To date, plastic outweighs zooplankton 6:1.
- Entanglement and ingestion of fishing line, nets, rope and other debris has been reported in more than 260 animal species worldwide.
- More than 1 million seabirds are killed by aquatic litter each year.
- An estimated 100,000 marine mammals including dolphins, whales, seals and sea turtles choke or get tangled in debris every year. 86 percent of all sea turtles are affected by marine debris.
- An estimated 46,000 pieces of plastic litter alone are floating on every square mile of ocean – 70 percent of which will eventually sink. A plastic bag takes 10 to 20 years to degrade in the environment.
- It takes glass bottles one million years to biodegrade in the natural environments.
- An aluminum can takes 80 to 200 years to break down in the environment and 6-pack holder rings 450 years.
- It takes a cigarette filter one to five years and a newspaper six weeks to degrade in the environment.

Thank you for your support!

..CO2 emissions highest ever in 2010: IEA

2011-06-01T07:49:00.001+08:00

Carbon dioxide emitted by energy use hit a record high last year, dimming prospects for limiting global warming to two degrees Celsius, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said Monday.

Breaching the 2.0 C (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) threshold sharply increases risk of severe climate impacts, including flooding, storms, rising sea levels and species extinction, scientists have warned.

"Energy-related carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2010 were the highest in history," the Paris-based IEA said in a statement posted on its website.

After a dip in 2009 caused by the global financial crisis, emissions climbed to a record 30.6 gigatonnes (Gt), a five-percent jump from the previous record year in 2008, the agency said.

Moreover, 80 percent of projected greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 from energy sources are "locked in" as they will come from power plants already operating or under construction.

"This significant increase in CO2 emissions and the locking in of future emissions due to infrastructure investments represent a serious setback to our hopes of limiting the global rise in temperature to no more than 2.0 C (3.6 F)," said IEA chief economist Fatih Birol.

UN climate change talks have agreed that average global temperatures should not increase by more than 2.0 C (3.6 F).

To achieve this goal, long-term concentration of greenhouse gases must peak at about 450 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent, barely five percent more than in 2000, scientists say.

This target will slip beyond reach if global energy-related emissions in the year 2020 exceeds 32 Gt, the IEA has calculated.

The rise in emissions over the next decade must be less than the jump between 2009 and 2010, the agency cautioned.

"Our latest estimates are another wake-up call," said Birol.

"The world has edged incredibly close to the level of emission that should not be reached until 2020 if the 2.0 C (3.6 F) target is to be attained."

The UN's top climate official said the figures underscored the urgency for political action.

"The IEA estimates ... are a stark warming to governments to provide strong new progress this year towards global solutions to climate change," said Christiana Figueres, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

UN climate talks, resuming in Bonn next Monday, remain deadlocked on how to achieve the 2.0 C (3.6 F) target.

Even the Kyoto Protocol, whose first round of emissions-cutting pledges for rich nations expires at the end of 2012, may be in jeopardy as key nations say they do not favour renewal.

"The figures mean that the world is very far from achieving the goal of preventing a temperature rise of more that two degrees Celsius," EU climate commissioner Connie Hedegaard said in a statement, calling on other nations to set binding targets and emissions trading schemes as has the European Union.

Emerging countries say emission limits will stunt their development and argue that only rich economies can afford green technology which can boost living standards and cut emissions.

The IEA estimated 40 percent of global emissions in 2010 came from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) club of advanced countries.

But these only accounted for a quarter of the annual emissions growth. The rest came came from rapidly developing countries, led by China and India.

On a per-capita basis, OECD countries emit on average 10 tonnes, compared with 5.8 tonnes for China, a voracious burner of coal, and 1.5 tonnes in India.

Incentives 'can help home-owners go green'

2011-05-27T08:07:00.003+08:00

Incentives, such as garden makeovers and fruit and veg vouchers, could help home-owners invest in energy efficiency measures, a pilot scheme has shown.

But the study found that more had to be done to convince people of the merits of flood protection devices, even if they lived in high flood risk areas. The trial by the University of Salford set out to discover if non-cash incentives could change attitudes. Studies have estimated that 70% of homes in 2050 have already been built.

Experts warn that unless existing homes are "retro-fitted" with energy saving devices, then the UK will not meet its target of cutting CO2 emissions by 80% in the middle of this century from 1990 levels.

Tempting technology

In the small-scale trial, 50 households in Timperley, near Manchester, were offered surveys to assess the houses' energy efficiency and vulnerability to flooding.

They were then offered a selection of non-cash rewards, including public transport season tickets and access to further education courses, if they decided to go ahead and invest in devices to reduce energy use or protect their homes from flooding.

Out of the 50 homes, 25 agreed to have a survey carried out. Five households then went on to have their homes improved, while a further seven were undecided at the time the team produced its interim report.

The trial was funded by the Environment Agency and Trafford Borough Council.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said that one-in-six homes in England and Wales were at risk from flooding.

"The Environment Agency has completed 225 new defences in the past four years, increasing protection to over 198,000 properties, but flooding cannot be entirely prevented," he told BBC News.

"We urge people to check whether their property is at risk by signing up to the Agency's free flood warning service to get free alerts.

"Individuals and businesses can also help make their properties more resistant to flooding using specialised flood products."

Erik Bichard, who led the research team, explained why incentives could have a role to play as a policy tool to improve the take-up of green technology. "Psychologists have been trying to tell us about how people make decisions for some time, it just has not filtered through to this area," he said.

Professor Bichard said there were five main areas that affected people's decision-making processes:

- Understanding the issue
- Caring about the issue
- Knowing what to do
- Will doing something solve the problem?
- What will people think?

He went on to explain how the offer of rewards could influence how people made up their minds.

"Some of these areas are cognitive, intellectual, fact-based reasons, such as: Is there a problem? What can I do about it? Will it work?

"Incentives by-pass a lot of that thinking and take people straight to the question: 'If I do this then will I be better off than before'?"

One of the participants, Barbara Tarbuck, decided to pay for a new boiler to be installed in return for a garden makeover and fruit-and-veg vouchers.

Despite living in a relatively modern home, she explained that she agreed to a survey because she wanted to know what measures were already present in the house.

"I also wanted to see what I could do to reduce energy bills, so I was quite intrigued to see what ideas they came up with," she said.

Mrs Tarbuck also welcomed the idea of offering non-cash rewards: "It is alright to have a little grant to have a little bit to put towards the cost, but I am seeing benefits in two sorts of ways.

"I probably would never spend money on a garden makeover, I would have kept it for what you might call more practical things."

Tough choices

In the trial, all five households that decided to improve their properties all went for energy saving measures, with none choosing to reduce their homes' vulnerability to flooding.

Professor Bichard and his team asked people why they had decided against spending money on flood protection measures.

"About half of the people were put off by the price of flood protection," he said, adding that two door guards and some air brick covers would cost almost £2,000.

"Although we were proposing to reward back the full amount, the economic situation [meant that] people just did not have that sort of cash in the bank to make that sort of investment."

Mrs Tarbuck was among this group. She explained: "I went for the larger outlay of getting a boiler fitted. I am not saying I will not do it in the future, as I still have the report and what was recommended."

Professor Bichard said that the other half of participants were sceptical as to whether it was necessary to spend the money in the first place.

"They simply did not believe that flooding was ever going to affect their house, even though the Environment Agency's statistics show that they lived in a flood threatened area and they really needed to take responsibility to protect their house.

"That is interesting because even with the amount of incentives that we were offering, it just was not enough to overcome the fourth 'will it work' reservation."

Consumers go green for cleaning products

2011-05-19T11:22:00.002+08:00

Consumers are voting with their wallets and opting for eco-friendly laundry products, consumer research shows.

The latest Canstar Blue independent consumer survey of 2500 Australian consumers, released on Thursday, revealed that Aldi, which recently committed to banning phosphate detergents, has the most satisfied laundry powder customers.

"Consumers are undoubtedly becoming more aware of their eco-footprint and consumers are starting to vote with their wallets by choosing products that are kinder on the environment," said Canstar Cannex head of research Steve Mickenbecker.

Mr Mickenbecker said brands are responding to the demand, with Aldi banning phosphate detergents across their entire range by the end of 2013.

Coles and Woolworths, the two major supermarket chains, quickly followed Aldi's lead.

Phosphates are used in many laundry products because they soften hard water and break down dirt, but once released in the water they have a harmful effect on lakes and rivers.

The research also showed that Australian consumers are going one step further, with one in four people using leftover water from their washing machine in the garden.

“Is your life too plastic?”

2011-05-03T08:58:00.000+08:00

Environmentalist and co-founder of ‘Take 3’, Tim Silverwood thinks so, and is hosting screenings of the new, award-winning environmental documentary Bag It to help raise awareness of plastic pollution in our oceans.

The film explores our daily reliance on plastic and how this threatens not only waterways and marine life, but human health, too. Two of the most common plastic additives are endocrine disruptors, which have been shown to link to cancer, diabetes, autism, attention deficit disorder, obesity and infertility.

The screenings of this fantastic documentary will act as fundraisers for Tim, who in July this year, will sail from Hawaii to Vancouver to research plastic pollution in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a huge plastic 'soup' twice the size of France thought to contain over 100 million tonnes of waste.

‘Take 3 – A Clean Beach Initiative’ is a non-profit organisation formed in 2009 that asks everyone to take three pieces of rubbish with them when they leave the beach, waterway or coastal area.

Watch 'Bag It', you'll be surprised at just how little you know about plastic.

The documentary will be shown at the following six locations:

Sydney Premierre
Screening Date: Wednesday 25th May
Screening Time: 7pm
Screening Location: Chauvel Cinema, Paddington (Sydney)
Cnr Oxford St & Oatley Rd Paddington NSW
Ph: 02 9361 5398 w: www.chauvelcinema.net.au
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=140213126050417

Newcastle
Screening Date: Thursday 26th May
Screening Time: 7pm
Screening Location: Newcastle Community Arts Centre
246 Parry St, Newcastle NSW
Ph: (02) 4961 1696 w: www.ncac.org.au
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=216352551710236

Central Coast
Screening Date: Sunday 5th June – Special Event – World Environment Day
Screening Time: 5.30pm
Screening Location: Avoca Beach Cinema, Avoca
69 Avoca Drv, Avoca Beach NSW
Ph: (02) 4382 1677
www.avocabeachpicturetheatre.com.au
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149588515107811

Lake Macquarie
Screening Date: Tuesday 7th June
Screening Time: 7pm
Screening Location: Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre
39 Lake Street, Warners Bay NSW
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=221934441156853

Newcastle
Screening Date: Thursday 9th June
Screening Time: 7pm
Screening Location: Civic Theatre Playhouse, Newcastle
375 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW
Ph: (02) 4929 1977
www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=221557241194633

Byron Bay
Screening Date: Thursday 16th June
Screening Time: 7pm
Screening Location: Byron Community Centre
69 Jonson St, Byron Bay, NSW 2481
Ph: (02) 6685 6807
www.byroncentre.com.au
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=212852108742130

You will find Facebook events for each of the events at: http://www.facebook.com/timsilverwood.fighting.against.marine.debris
or http://timsilverwood.com/events/

Thank you so much for all the support!

Tim Silverwood
0420 668 114

www.timsilverwood.com
http://www.facebook.com/timsilverwood
www.twitter.com/timsilverwood
Fundraising website: http://www.pozible.com.au/index.php/archive/index/251/description/0/0

School promotes environmentally friendly living

2011-04-26T16:56:00.001+08:00

More and more schools are taking part in the eco movement, working towards raising awareness within the educational community with regards to going green. It makes me proud to be a teacher when I come across projects like this one, wherein people unite for such a meaningful cause.

Bancroft, Canada - North Hastings High School is putting the earth first as a part of their Earth Week event that will take place between the days April 11 and 15. Collectively, the students will be taking part in a number of different activities and shifts in their daily schedule to help promote more environmentally friendly living.

The week will begin with one of the simplest ways to take care of the planet: picking up the trash. The Monday will see gym classes sparking the week off with taking some time outside cleaning up the community by picking up garbage that lies all over Bancroft after the snow melts.

After picking up the trash, students will then be encouraged more on the Tuesday to eliminate the amount that is wasted each day. Students who come into class using reusable plastic containers will get points for their colour team in the ongoing House Points competition for the 2010-2011 school year. To further encourage the elimination of waste at the school, vending machines will also be shut down for the day not only conserving energy but also stopping the access to the wasteful packaging that fills bins at the school each and every day.

Wednesday will see a large portion of the school go lights out. All the lights will go off for one period of class to save energy and to rely on the natural light that is provided by nature itself. Though the lights will stay on in the tech wing of the school for obvious safety reasons, the rest of the school will be able to take part in a huge energy conservation initiative.

Thursday will be Earth Care Day at the school with the student-driven group serving hot chocolate in the rarely used courtyard at the school. For many of the students who spend their breaks inside the walls of the school, the hope is that there will be an appreciation for earth the week is dedicated to saving by spending some quality time soaking up the sun.

The week will conclude with an eco-friendly twist of fabric. Earth Care along side the NHHS Student Council is putting on a Green Fashion Show. The clothes that will be shown off to the student body will be made solely out of recycled items. House Points are also available on that day in the construction of a artistic statue that is to be made out of recycled items from the school.

"Eco-Friendly" Weddings a Top Trend for Spring

2011-04-23T10:47:00.002+08:00

Everyone seems to be jumping onto the engagement bandwagon – which means that as we speak, engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelor parties and of course, wedding receptions are being planned.

It used to be that the brides to be would be fussing over everything whilst the groom’s main contribution is just to show up on time; however recent studies have shown that couples nowadays are taking it upon themselves to extend a little extra something to enjoy a ceremony that is kind to the Earth as it is beautifully creative.

Top wedding trends for Spring 2011 cover a few themes – your customary traditional with a modern twist, the simple yet elegant with bold color choices and dominating patterns as well as destination ceremonies that draw families and friends to the most serene and breathtaking locations. The common denominators of these themes according to research, however, is that most couples hope to also raise awareness by showcasing their environmental consciousness not just at the actual wedding, but in the process as well.

As couples move toward having less conventional weddings, eco-friendly concepts are rapidly growing in popularity, which can lend itself to an array of styles from the elegant to the more casual backyard affair. This speaks to how environmental trends continue to take hold and crop up in what might be considered unlikely places.
Below are the top Environment Friendly Wedding Themes that are trending today. So whether you happen to be a frazzled bride, an eco conscious couple or an eager single woman who just enjoys perusing the net for wedding related ideas, have a look and see if any of these would be your cup of tea:

• Green (Eco-Friendly) Weddings - Eco-friendly weddings are emerging. Everything from sustainable wedding dresses to plantable favors and recycled invitations will be commonplace. The setting will likely be an outdoor venue or tent, with decor consisting of LED lights and locally produced flowers. Green, brown and rust are common color choices.

• Vintage Inspirations - Vintage inspired weddings are one of the biggest trends for 2011. Brides can be glamorous and chic without breaking the bank. Common themes include beaded or feathered hairpieces, and natural and outdoor settings. These weddings could include lots of lace and do-it-yourself touches such as homemade favors and hand-tied ribbons around the invitations. Softer, muted colors help add a touch of romance to the occasion.

• Traditional Elegance with a Modern Twist - This bride embraces the traditional wedding but wants to add her own personal flair. This may include an unexpected pop of bold and bright colors with her clutch or shoes, a unique hair piece, bold necklace or modern invitations and stationary. Colors are primarily white, silver and ivory with a minimally used accent color like red or chartreuse.

• Bright and Bold Color Choices - Expect to see lots of color in 2011, from the Pantone® Color of the Year - Honeysuckle Pink to Turquoise, Coral and the ever popular Apple Green. Bold colors are hip, attention grabbing and the perfect way to add lots of personality to your special day.

• Black - Like the little black dress, Black is always in fashion. Although it is traditionally associated with more formal black-tie events, today it lends itself to a variety of styles from contemporary and elegant weddings, to the romantic and baroque. It also pairs well with almost any accent color.

Whichever theme you decide to go with, remember that there are numerous ways to make your wedding memorable – with a green twist! You can opt for fabrics made from natural fibers, create the invitations and party favors yourselves, have a feast with an organic spread and beautify your setting with locally produced flora.

Schools urged to submit eco-friendly programs

2011-04-21T11:10:00.002+08:00

MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has urged all “green” schools in the country to start submitting their eco-friendly programs and get a chance to be acknowledged in the 2011 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools. The deadline for submission of entries is on April 29.

DENR Secretary Ramon Paje expressed hope that more schools will participate and take part in the heightening environmental awareness among Filipino youth.

The nationwide contest was organized to highlight the commitments of schools in implementing various environmental programs. It is open to all elementary, high school and tertiary school levels.

The activity aims to encourage schools and academic institutions to become more actively involved in environmental issues at practical and local levels.

It also aims to develop skills and understanding among students, faculty and school administrators to initiate active responses and increase community awareness and involvement on environmental concerns.

Specifically, the participating schools are required to fill up their on-line entry at the National Search for Sustainable and Eco-friendly School website at http://www.sustainableschools. ph and submit their entries in three hard copies.

School entries should revolve around the theme: “Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Initiatives.”

These small steps are being made in the hope that more and more people will choose to be more aware and proactive in taking a stand and protecting what is our most precious resource – the Earth.

Green Travel a Growing Trend

2011-04-16T09:54:00.002+08:00

For all you beach bums out there, here’s our holiday travel site recommendation! Who says your responsibility for good stewardship needs to take a break just because you’re on a vacation?

More than one million vacationers will hit the beach in 2011, but with the help of the growing eco-friendly vacation trend, their impact on the environment can be minimized, protecting the fragile ecosystems of our beloved jungles, beaches and oceans and enhancing relationships with the local culture.

Eco-friendly travel is more just than a buzzword; it is a way to preserve beautiful destinations for future generations and for the locals lucky enough to live there.
Apple Vacations is proud to partner with a variety of resorts that have made an extra-effort to preserve our planet. Eco-friendly resorts can fit any budget and will leave travelers with a more authentic vacation experience, due to a deeper understanding and respect for the places they visit.

“Green” resorts can now be found throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and Hawaii. For example, Sandos Caracol Eco-Resort & Spa in Riviera Maya, Mexico offers travelers luxury accommodations coupled with a light carbon footprint. Features include:

• 96 ecological rooms that reduce CO2 emission by 75%
• Solar water heating
• Ultra-efficient air conditioning systems with low electrical consumption
• Furniture made from certified wood
• Guided Eco Tour exploring the Mayan jungle including 16 natural cenotes, indigenous animals and exotic plants.
• Recycling and separating the trash
• Use of biodegradable bottles throughout the resort
• Wildlife conservation
• Using recycled paper for all printed material

To get the full list of Apple Vacations’ eco-friendly resorts, please visit www.applevacations.com/gogreen.

NEC To Focus On New Ideas For 'Green Brunei'

2011-04-14T09:42:00.003+08:00

Asia Inc Forum has officially announced the date for the next National Environment Conference, and also given details on what is to be expected.

Now in its fourth year, the National Environment Conference (NEC) will take place at the Rizqun International Hotel on June 8, with the theme "Green Brunei: New Ideas for a Sustainable Country".

The conference will focus on the state of the environment and the priorities for Brunei including water, marine conservation, disaster preparedness, green business sustainability and youth advocacy.

It will also feature overseas speakers from Singapore and Australia who will assess how we can best adapt to our changing climate.

The conference will coincide with the "Youth Go Green Initiative Awards", an event held to recognise the contribution of the young citizens of Brunei in promoting environmental awareness on the effects of climate change and global warming as well as stimulating their creative minds in taking action to save the environment for their future through innovative green solutions.

The 2011 Youth Go Green Initiative Awards will be founded under the theme "Saving the World, Saving Our Future", and is organised in collaboration with the Science, Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP) Centre, Ministry of Education.

Another feature at the upcoming NEC will be the "Green Showcase", an exhibition of initiatives or programmes by Asia Inc Forum's corporate partners and local businesses in promoting products and services, which will be open to the public.

Also to be showcased are the outstanding and shortlisted entries of the 2011 Youth Go Green Initiative Awards and projects by the next generation, including the "ISB Short Eco Video Competition" which aims to educate the public about the importance and relevance of taking action and adopting a green lifestyle.

For more information and to register for the conference, the awards or the exhibition, you can visit Asia Inc Forum's website, www.asiaincforum.com.

Pan Pacific Hotels to open garden concept hotel in Singapore

2011-04-12T17:16:00.000+08:00

Ever wonder what else there is to see in Singapore? Whether you’re a local who just craves for something new, or a tourist curious to find something refreshing, I definitely think this would be worth checking out once it’s finished.

Pan Pacific Hotels Group will open a £170m (S$350m) 'garden-in-a-hotel' concept property in Singapore next year.

Designed by Woha, the 363-room hotel is located in the Central Business District and the Raffles Place financial hub, with waterfront entertainment and restaurant options along the Singapore river also being close by.

The property will feature 15,000sqm of gardens, reflecting pools, waterfalls, planter terraces and green walls. A day spa, nature trail and waterfall walk, pool terrace, gym and business centre will also be available for the enjoyment of all.
A rooftop bar with 360-degree view of the city will ‘top’ of this magnificent little paradise.

This is certainly something to look forward to – we’ll be keeping an eye out as this project goes underway, and will surely keep you posted, so keep on reading!

The Environmentally Friendly M.B.A.

2011-04-11T10:10:00.002+08:00

Eco-friendly M.B.A. programs now offer combo degrees and green electives....

Environmentally conscious M.B.A. students are increasingly looking for more from their education than a patina of financial acumen and a degree that will ratchet up their income. These students have adopted the goal of sustainability; that is, conducting business in a way that keeps the world in good physical shape for future generations.

Over the next decade, M.B.A. programs will increasingly offer courses that consider the social, environmental, and financial impact of every business decision—the "triple bottom line," says Paul Rowland, executive director of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

Gabriel Kauper is one of the new wave of students exploring how businesses can develop eco-friendly policies and products while still turning a profit. When researching M.B.A. programs, Kauper consulted the Washington-based Aspen Institute's "Beyond Grey Pinstripes" survey, which ranks b-schools that integrate environmental and social issues into their curricula. The George Washington University School of Business in the nation's capital ranked highly in the think tank's report.

Kauper, 28, from Virginia Beach, applied to GWU and was accepted to the class of 2012. When he took his first course in sustainability, he says, "it was like I had found my tribe—other students and professionals who shared my values."

In fact, Kauper's "tribe" has grown as universities have expanded their green offerings. Currently, a handful of business schools, like Dominican University of California in San Rafael and the Presidio Graduate School in San Francisco, feature programs where every course from marketing to accounting includes an environmental and social impact angle.

At Dominican, graduates can receive an M.B.A. in sustainable enterprise, which the school markets as a "GreenMBA." Other institutions are adding sustainability courses as electives or creating combo-degree programs. At the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in Palo Alto, Calif., for example, students can combine an M.B.A. from the business school with a master's in environment and resources from the School of Earth Sciences.

These environmentally enhanced degrees can lead to greater professional opportunities. Of course, nonprofits and federal agencies, like the Environmental Protection Agency, are always hiring. But private employers, including leading consultancies like Booz Allen Hamilton and large companies like Westinghouse and PepsiCo, are also recruiting.

Even graduates with an entrepreneurial bent are capitalizing. For example, in 2005, Atlanta native Jen Boulden, 37, used her M.B.A. in environmental management from GWU to cofound Ideal Bite, a free E-mail newsletter offering eco-friendly tips on how to make a difference in the world.

By 2008, the newsletter had amassed 500,000 subscribers, and Boulden was able to sell the company to Disney for $20 million. She credits her degree with convincing investors that "I was not just a Johnny-come-lately to the green business field. I was an expert."

Erwann Michel-Kerjan, who teaches a class on environmental sustainability and value creation at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, cautions students that they can't just dream about the environment. They need to show the bottom-line profitability of business decisions to boards of directors. If you master "both sides of the equation, you are very powerful" in the market, he says.

Joel Makower, executive editor of Greenbiz.com, agrees, noting that many businesses still do not actively recruit green M.B.A.s. He suggests students develop critical business skills, like marketing or finance, or learn organizational development, to get hired. Once in the door, they can then find ways to apply their passion for the environment to their job.

For the Fashion Forward: Shopping Gone Green!

2011-04-09T13:24:00.001+08:00

Before the men make a mad scramble to navigate away from this page, give me a chance to show you the perks of this new site I just discovered – think never having to struggle with the hassle of window shopping for that perfect gift for that special woman in your life!

Etsy.com is an online community that buys, sells and markets all things handmade and crafted with natural fibers and other earth friendly materials. They carry items that range from unique dresses, beautiful accessories, delicate glassware, needlecrafts, wood workings and plants and edibles! Etsy.com carries anything and everything you may need for your home, to purchase as presents or just to browse through for future gift ideas. With clear pictures and an idiot proof site, steering through this online store will be a breeze for anybody.

Not only do they allow for you to make a selection with ease; Etsy.com also provides avenues for creative sharing of designs, craft ideas and even inspirational bits about people, places and things. With their main focus coming from William Morris’ famous instruction that one should “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”, the Etsians as they have dubbed themselves aim to inspire with the imaginative, the durable, the forward-thinking, the lovely, the comforting and the provocative.

Enough said about that – I, as a young woman with concern for the environment need little prodding on this aspect. Give me an excuse to shop, and being kind to the Earth with each purchase is more than I need.

KABAKA accelerates ‘clean and green’ project in Manila’s streets

2011-04-07T09:55:00.003+08:00

MANILA, Philippines -- Count this high, for ‘it can be done.’

The civic, service-oriented Kabalikat ng Bayan sa Kaunlaran, prominently known in the metropolis as “KABAKA” is putting to high gear its clean and green and beautification campaign in Manila residents’ backyards, side streets and riverbanks.
Being that the limited space bounding private residences, commercial, industrial and even government-owned edifices have not hindered the progress of this program, members of the board are confident that this project that has been going on for more than decade and a half, will continue to soar.

The program is a major tenet in KABAKA’s project for sanitation and hygiene.
The call lodged to city residents is one to protect the environment, encouraging every member of the community - man or woman, youth or adult, high ranking government official or private enterprise executive down to the working man on the street, to take heed of Mother Earth’s pleas – to which each individual aired nods of agreement and approval.

On Dec. 5, 1985, KABAKA was founded as a non-stock, non-profit, socio-economic, cultural, civic and service-oriented organization in Malate, Manila.

In 1987, founder Amado Bagatsing was elected Representative of the 5th district of Manila, and through his initiative, a sibling known as KABAKA Foundation, Inc. was developed, and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 1988.
This movement began not solely for the purpose of cleaning and beautification, but most importantly in effect, as an enhanced course of action to protect the city environment, which must be set in the minds of the city residents not only during the time of cleaning or dredging the riverbanks, but must be observed at all times, because human health is a paramount factor that is at stake and needs utmost protection.

Ecotopia Brings Eco-Friendly Gameplay to Gamers on Facebook

2011-04-06T17:25:00.002+08:00

We all know that Facebook is just full of all these games right? Well, for those who are devotees of said games, and even those who are closet game enthusiasts, here’s an excuse for you to stay hooked onto your laptops, ipads and PCs – just tell everyone to leave you alone, you’re helping the Earth!

What’s the newest way to go green? Play Ecotopia. For a limited time only, select Facebook gamers can sign up to play the upcoming eco-friendly Facebook game during beta testing before its official launch. Developed by new independent game studio, Talkie (http://talkie.tv), in association with Conservation International (CI), Ecotopia is a Facebook gaming adventure advocating environmental activism through engaging storylines and dynamic gameplay.

Players interested in beta-testing the game can visit the official Talkie website for a chance to participate before the trial ends.

In Ecotopia players are tasked with transforming an unsustainable city into a digital paradise, in an eco-themed, hero versus villains challenge. Players participating in the closed-beta trial will encounter the following features:
• In-game quests – By carrying out in-game quests to generate resources and utilizing what they collect, players can develop their own environmentally friendly areas.
• Interactive activism – To add to the game’s philanthropic message, gamers who perform real-world acts of sustainability and upload photos and video will be rewarded with in-game points.
• Ecotopia TV – Players can view video clips from Conservation International and participate in green contests, either by voting on videos from other players or uploading their own.

So get on in there, join the bandwagon and get those fingers working! At the very least, wouldn’t it be nice to know all the hours spent are being put to good use?

Debate fumes as Sydney apartments ‘butt’- out smoking

2011-04-04T12:02:00.002+08:00

An Australian apartment block which has banned residents from smoking in their homes has sparked anger from civil libertarians. However, advocates say it could be the way of the future for high-density living.

Owners of the apartments in Sydney's inner western suburb of Ashfield agreed to introduce a by-law which bans smokers from lighting up inside their flats or even on their balconies – in the hopes of turning it into a smoke free zone in its entirety.

The move came about after some residents of the late 1960s building had complained about smoke drifting into their apartments from vents in the ceiling or from neighbours having a cigarette on their balconies. In addition, there was a constant problem with cigarette butts all over the gardens and footpaths.

It was then that some people from the community took a stand, proposing a by-law to ban all smoking in units as well as common properties. It only took two weeks for them to draft out the said request which was accepted soon after.

While those in real estate and apartment management said non-smoking residences could become more popular in high-density cities, civil libertarians labelled the move outrageous; others even claim that it is unjustifiable to prohibit the use of a lawful product in someone’s own home.

Eco-friendly and organic vodkas

2011-04-02T12:53:00.002+08:00

Further proof that moving into a greener lifestyle is filled with limitless perks and possibilities! Save the earth one cocktail at a time with these eco-friendly and organic vodkas. Tips on how to enjoy them best included, of course.

Prairie Organic Vodka - not only is this vodka certified kosher by the Orthodox Union and organic by the USDA, but it's also gluten-free. Prairie is distilled in limited quantities in the same community in which the corn is raised, by a co-op of 900 Minnesota farmers who are stakeholders in the brand.

- Prairie Lemon Basiltini
2 ounces Prairie Organic Vodka
1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 ounce simple syrup (see recipe below)
4 basil leaves
Bruise basil leaves, add remaining ingredients, shake and strain into a martini glass.

Mix tip: If you don't like your martinis served at room temperature, add some crushed ice before shaking the drink.

Simple syrup recipe: Bring 1 part water and 2 parts organic cane sugar to a boil in saucepan, and then cool. Source: http://news.prairievodka.com

360 Vodka - the bottles (made from 85% recycled glass) use a swing-top cap that can be removed and sent back to 360 Vodka in a postage-paid envelope that is made from 100 percent recycled paper and attached to the bottle. The program, called "Close the Loop," donates $1 to Global Green USA for every top consumers send back. Mimimal effort and hassle free for a maximum impact, don’t you think?

- A Kiss From Mother Earth
2 ounces 360 Double Chocolate Vodka
1 ounce agave nectar
3 ounces heavy, or whipping, cream
Chocolate syrup, for decorating glass
Drizzle chocolate syrup in glass. Add all ingredients, shake and strain into martini glass.

Mix tip: Add some crushed ice to the shaker to cool this creamy concoction.

- 360 Ecolade (E-Ko-Laid)
2 ounces 360 Cola Vodka
3 slices of cucumber (muddled)
Lemonade (I used 4 ounces)
Lemon-lime soda (I used 8 ounces)
Add all ingredients to a tall glass. Fill with lemonade and top with lemon-lime soda.
Source: www.vodka360.com

Crop Organic Vodka - available in Artisanal, Cucumber and Tomato, Crop Vodka is certified USDA organic and distilled so that no carbon treatment or charcoal filtering is required.

- Organic Vodka Shortcake
2 ounces Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka
1 ounce lemon juice
3 ounces muddled strawberries
Fresh mint leaf
Add all ingredients to a glass. Stir.
Mix tip: This is a fruit-heavy drink with very little liquid. Add 4 ounces of lemon-lime soda to make this a perfect mix of fruit and fizz. Source: www.cropvodka.com

There’s 3 more reasons to go green – and 3 excuses to throw a party and spread the word to your neighbors! So have a go and have a blast. Clink your glasses to Mother Earth and to those who find more creaative and enticing ways to nudge us into the greener side of things. Cheers!

Raising eco-friendly kids: Five tips to get them involved

2011-03-31T12:17:00.002+08:00

There's been something of a learning curve for adults who want to go green - but as being environmentally friendly becomes more and more necessary, it's even more important to teach young children how to incorporate being green into their everyday lives.

With so much complex language surrounding the green movement, it might seem like too much for young kids to handle. However, children's favorites, like the curriculum-based "Sid the Science Kid" series from The Jim Henson Company, make the concept of going green easier, thanks to a relatable cast, humor and music that are used as teaching tools.

To get your kids excited about being gentler to the environment and caring for our precious resources, make the conversation more accessible and fun. Sid the Science Kid offers these tips that young audiences can embrace:

*Don't waste water
You can save water by turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, telling an adult if the faucet is leaking and not filling the bath tub to the very top.We can only use a teeny part of the water that's in the world, so we have to try to not waste it.

*Reduce air pollution
Engines create dirty air which is also known as air pollution. You can reduce air pollution by riding bikes and walking instead of using a car. If we stop our air from getting dirty in the first place, we won't have to worry about cleaning it later.

*Plant a tree
Trees are beautiful and they are useful in so many ways. One of the most important things they do is clean the air we breathe. You can do your part to help by planting a tree, and watering trees and plants to help them grow.

*Recycle
Objects made of glass, paper and plastic should be recycled because they can be made into something new. Help mom and dad separate all recyclable products from the trash and take them to a recycling center.

* Preserve animal habitats
Animal habitats are all around us. A habitat is a place outdoors where animals live and find food and shelter. Be careful not to disrupt habitats when you share their space. If we interfere with a habitat, the animals' homes could be destroyed.

While it's important to instill eco-consciousness in kids year round, events like Earth Day can provide extra excitement about caring for the earth. Getting kids in a green state of mind will lead to lifelong earth-friendliness, so it's never too early to encourage awareness.

Filipino Architect Takes Living Green to New Heights

2011-03-30T15:16:00.002+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - “80 percent of green design is common sense,” says Aya Maceda, a Filipino architect based in Australia. As a senior associate at Popov Bass architects, one of the most prestigious architectural practices in Australia, Aya constantly works on finding green solutions as well as coming up with elegant designs.

“My job deals with working on the design in the early stages, conceptualizing,” she says. Aya heads the interiors division of the office as well. She describes the Popov Bass aesthetic as “Modernist, but with warmth, with good quality light coming into the building.” She adds, “Our buildings have a light and airy feel and are known for fine details.”

Architect Aya Maceda describes the Popov Bass aesthetic as modernist, but with warmth, finished with fine details. Sensitivity to the environment is essential to their design philosophy.

Aya grew up in Manila, with a love for travel. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in Architecture at the University of the Philippines. “I was on my way to take my masters in the States,” she shares, but fate had a different plan. When Aya received the Philip Recto design award for her thesis, she earned a scholarship in Singapore. “I just went with it,” she says. “I worked there for two years.” Eventually finding her way to Australia, Aya worked with FJMT Architects, winning awards for her work. She then decided to shift focus to concentrate on residential work and applied for Popov Bass.

“I’ve grown with the company,” Aya says. “Now I’m part of those spearheading the company, bringing it into the future.

At Popov Bass, Aya explains, “We always examine what the site is, what the challenges are and we design from there. It is important to assess where you are, especially in the extreme harsh Australian coastal environment.”

Along with their green design philosophy, Popov Bass uses predominantly recycled materials, incorporates provisions for rainwater collection, cross-flow ventilation, and automatic sunshades to create environmentally-sensitive designs.

“We use water efficient fixtures and energy efficient lighting,” says Aya on some of the environment-friendly interior details. “We make sure that our design blends in harmony and is not imposing to the landscape.”

“I want to reconnect with my roots,” says Aya. “I’m doing a lot of great work in Australia and I’m really hoping that I can come back and participate in the design culture in the Philippines.”

The design solutions that Popov Bass applies in Australia are definitely possible as well in the Philippines, Aya says, noting that the country is similar in climate as Northern Australia. “If you know how to address a site, you can design pretty much anywhere.”

The technology for green architecture is available in the Philippines, she readily points out. “It’s just a matter of getting the client to commit to using these technologies.”

It is also important, she adds, for the government to back green architecture with legislation.

This commitment to employ green architecture design solutions, both from the government as well as the private sector, is what is needed today. “It should be, because we have no choice,” says Aya. “We’re facing so many global environment issues. Being environmentally conscious is a necessity.”

Aya Maceda is only one of many people in various fields who have begun the trek towards saving what is left of our environment. Living green is going global – don’t get left behind!

Eco – Friendly Easter Baskets created by Moms for the family to enjoy!

2011-03-29T10:58:00.002+08:00

New York, NY - When two best friends decided to join forces to create simple yet fun family-friendly activity kits in 2009, they would never have dreamed how popular their creations would become.

Alison Zajac and Ailis Martin conceptualized packaging some of their family-fun projects for retail when they noticed how many other parents commented on the unique crafts and hobbies that the two moms did with the neighborhood children.

"We would bring our children to the beach when they were little, and make plaster molds of their feet in the sand," Alison commented, "It never failed that other parents would come up and ask if they could join us and do the same. That's how Sandy Feet, our first kit, came to be. We realized if we could make these hobbies easier for parents to do with their own kids, they would be more likely to get their family to participate in these activities. Family activities are not only fun and educational, but they create priceless memories that last forever."

This Easter season Spots and Ladybugs introduces the original Easter Grass-kit™, where kids can grow real grass in their Easter baskets, creating beautiful springtime decorations, wonderful memories, and leaving a fresh treat for a certain hungry bunny on Easter morning, not unlike leaving milk and cookies out for Santa! This earth-friendly alternative to wasteful plastic "grass" also provides children an educational experience as they track the seed growth daily, watching it sprout into lush green blades growing to clipping length in only 7 short days.

Parents nowadays are just so consumed by taxing routines at work and even the daily grind at home. Activities that are prepared and ready to enjoy make it easier for families to come together and spend quality time being creative with crafts that are good for the environment as well.

About Spots and Ladybug, LLC:
Spots and Ladybugs, LLC is a burgeoning manufacturer of innovative fun-time activity products. Designed with family fun in mind, Spots and Ladybugs designs and develops a growing collection of project and hobby kits that are easy to use for all ages. Spots and Ladybugs offers a unique selection of activity kits that are designed to inspire children's creativity and self-confidence while creating memorable moments between parents and children alike.

For more information visit: www.spotsandladybugs.com.

Bottle School Projects Take Learning to New Levels

2011-03-28T14:33:00.002+08:00

If discarded plastic bottles can be turned into countertops, bedding, graduation gowns, and athletic apparel, then why not use them to build something greater – like a school?

There have been numerous accounts of schools that have been constructed from recycled bottles, in countries including the Philippines and Guatemala. Reportedly the first of its kind in Asia, the school in San Pablo which is a province in the Philippines, is made out of 1.5 and 2-litre bottles filled with adobe. Conceived and constructed by social entrepreneur Illac Diaz and nonprofit MyShelter Foundation, the new school was donated by the local government of San Pablo, built with the help of volunteers. Not only were the bottles donated costing nothing; studies showed that the adobe filling used is cheaper than concrete and about three times stronger than cement.

There are also the bottle school projects in Guatemala, six of which are already up and running, with four more in progress. The first was built in Granados in 2009 using a construction method pioneered by Pura Vida — filling plastic bottles with inorganic trash, before stacking them between chicken wire and covering them in cement. In the Granados project over 5,000 plastic bottles were used to construct two classrooms, containing 2053lbs of trash and using 9720lbs of cement. 297 children are currently attending the school, which, like the others, was built for around USD 10,000.

Similar in many ways to the Save the Beach Hotel, bottle schools are not just a clever way to turn waste into something useful, they also serve as a reminder of all the waste that's being generated in the first place. One to be inspired by!

Websites: www.bottleschoolproject.org and www.bottleschools.com

Save our Seas!

2011-02-25T08:20:00.004+08:00

Healthy coral reefs provide a living for about 275 million people – and ¾ of the world’s coral reefs are at risk due to factors such as overfishing, pollution and climate change.

According to studies made and compiled over the last 3 years by Reefs at Risk Revisited, the biggest threat is exploitative fishing. Another concern is that in 20 years’ time, most reefs will also be feeling the impact of climate change.
The report is compiled by a group of more than 20 research and conservation organisations, led by the World Resources Institute (WRI) in Washington DC, in the hopes sending a wake up call for policymakers, business leaders, ocean managers, and others about the urgent need for greater protection for coral reefs.

Local and global threats, are already having significant impacts on coral reefs, putting the future of these beautiful and valuable ecosystems at risk.

The upside is that there are measures that can be taken to protect at least some. One variable that must be changed in this equation is the way fishermen make use of the reefs. Half of those around the world are threatened by methods ranging from simply catching more than nature can replace to the use of extremely damaging fishing methods such as dynamite fishing to stun or kill them - which also blasts coral formations to smithereens. Educating those in this particular industry of less abrasive and acquisitive methods for fishing would help preserve the balance of the reefs.

Other major threats are pollution carried in rivers, coastal development, and climate change.

If climate projections turn into reality, then by 2030 roughly half of the world's reefs will experience bleaching in most years - rising to 95% during the 2050s. Coral polyps - the tiny reef-building creatures - live in partnership with algae that provide nutrition and give corals their colour. When the water gets too hot, the algae are expelled and the coral turns white. Although reefs can recover, the more often it happens, the more likely they are simply to die. In addition, the slow decrease in the pH of seawater as it absorbs more carbon dioxide - usually known as ocean acidification - will compromise coral's capacity to form the hard structures it needs.

Regionally, Southeast Asia is the worst affected region, with 95% of reefs on the threatened list. But in terms of the impact on human society, threat is only part of the equation; societies most affected by reef degradation would be those where the threats are high, where a big proportion of the population depends on reefs for their livelihood, and where people's capacity to adapt is low. Combining these criteria, the countries highest on the risk register are Comoros, Fiji, Haiti, Indonesia, Kiribati, Philippines, Tanzania and Vanuatu.

Once again, let us remember that hope springs eternal. Reefs are resilient; and by reducing the local pressures, we can help buy time to find solutions to global threats that can preserve reefs for future generations.

Research has shown for example, that allowing a diversity of life to flourish on a reef keeps it healthy and more resistant to rising water temperatures. Protecting important regions of sea would also be one obvious strategy.

On the other hand, circumstances have shown that more than 2,500 protected areas of reef, researchers concluded that even though over a quarter of the world's coral is nominally protected, only one-sixth of those areas offer good protection.

Nevertheless there remains to be real world examples, studies and further research made that have proven solutions – real world examples whereby people have succeeded in turning things around. If we don’t learn from these successes now while there is still time and resource, we may end up 5 decades into the future with most of our beautiful reefs replaces by eroding limestone, overgrown with algae and grazed merely by a variety of fish.

A Mother’s Plea – Mother Earth, That Is.

2011-02-22T11:47:00.002+08:00

A major US science conference was held last Sunday, whereby concerns were raised over the effect of a continually growing population on the planet. The United Nations has predicted that by the end of this year, the global population would have reached seven billion – and may escalate to nine billion by the year 2050.

What does this mean? Basically a rapid growth in the population would lead to an increase in food production – however, bear in mind that we already have a scarcity in resources as it is. If current trends carry on as they have been, by the year 2050 our children and grandchildren could very well be residing in an unrecognizable world.

Being that incomes are expected to rise as well in the coming decades- tripling globally and quintupling in developing nations- this development ensures added strain to global food supplies.

To feed all those mouths, we will need to produce as much food in the next 40 years as we have in the last 8,000! People tend to move up the food chain as their incomes rise, consuming more meat than they might have when they made less money.

It takes around seven pounds (3.4 kilograms) of grain to produce a pound of meat, and around three to four pounds of grain to produce a pound of cheese or eggs. The standing possibility is this - more people, more money, more consumption, but the same planet. Thus, scientists and governments are being urged to start making changes now on how food is produced.

Meanwhile, population experts are now calling for attention to be drawn on more funding for family planning programs to help control the growth in the number of humans, especially in developing nations.

For the past two decades, very little investment has been aimed toward family planning. However that has begun to change, partly because of the environmental factors like global warming and food prices. Minimizing population growth is one of the key factors in making a significant alteration to the predicted outcome, and the only feasible way of going about that is through effective family planning.

Our moment is here, and the time is now. Ask yourself this - what good will a pretty penny do for you and your family if we all live to see the day that the Earth is spoilt beyond recognition? Take this into consideration when you find yourself making decisions day by day, and I implore you to be a little more conscientious in the way you choose to live your life. Do it for the future of your family, and for the planet, the one home in which we thrive. Mother Earth has always been generous in providing for our needs, and it’s high time we did our part in protecting and restoring her to her splendour.

Because We Only Have One Earth to Love.

2011-02-14T10:12:00.003+08:00

St. Valentine's Day on February 14 is a day for romantic partners and secret admirers to celebrate their love by exchanging small gifts, flowers and candy. Traditionally, red is the color that sets the mood for this day. Is it possible then to "go green" for this holiday? Absolutely! Here are some ideas on how to do just that.

Make a difference for the environment by purchasing VeriFlora-certified flowers. VeriFlora is a sustainability certification and eco-labeling program with the mission of promoting horticulture practices that build soil, conserve water and support healthy ecosystems. For details visit www.veriflora.com. To order certified flowers online for your sweetheart try www.flowerbud.com or www.organicstyle.com.
If you are opting not to give cut flowers at all, consider an edible arrangement. Edible Arrangements, a Fruit and Chocolate Specialty company that has 1013 outlets worldwide, can make chocolate covered strawberries to look like long stemmed roses! You can check for a store located near you by logging on to www.ediblearrangements.com.

Should you be thinking of expressing your heart’s desire with a piece of jewelry on Valentine's Day, try paying a visit to www.tenthousandvillages.com. Ten Thousand Villages is one of the world's largest fair trade organizations and serves as a source for unique handmade gifts made by thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 38 countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Product sales help pay for food, education, healthcare and housing for artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed.

Let’s not forget about our delectable staple for this day: chocolate! Richard Cadbury introduced the first Valentine's Day box of chocolate in 1868. Today, even your purchase of a chocolate gift can be a socially responsible choice. The Global Exchange is a fair trade online store (www.globalexchange.org) by criteria includes fair wages, humane working conditions and environmentally sustainable practices.
You can also surprise that special someone with a Chocoholics gift basket packaged in recycled materials and wrapped in biodegradable cellophane. If your sweetheart is keeping her new year's resolution to lose weight, she may enjoy a CD called Putumayo's Music from the Chocolate Lands (if you’re in Singapore, you can find a range of Putomayo Music Collections in the National Geographic Store in Vivo City). Hoping to set a romantic mood with candlelight? Since you breathe what you burn, make them the natural variety. Bluecorn Naturals offers a selection of beeswax, soy wax and palm wax candles and aromatherapy products. Visit www.beeswaxcandles.com. Pennsylvania Soy Candles is a local supplier of soy candles. They use soy wax produced from the oil of soybeans — a biodegradable and renewable resource making soy candles environmentally friendly and supporting the American Farmers. (Visit www.pasoy.com).

If you don't have a love interest this Valentine's Day, you can still do something to help the environment. According to Wiki Answers, over 250 million Valentine's Day greeting cards are given each year in the U.S. That number tops 1 billion worldwide. Help offset this paper use by planting a tree. The Nature Conservancy launched a "Plant a Billion Trees" campaign — one dollar plants one tree. (For details visit http://plantabillion.org). From their homepage, you can pass on the word about this program via Facebook or Twitter, or send an e-card. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, "trees make a world of difference. They are inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Check out their programs too at www.arborday.org and show your love for our great planet.

Happy Valentine’s Day, and remember that every day is an opportunity to spread the love not just to family and friends, but to our beloved Earth as well.

Coming Clean.

2011-02-10T15:46:00.003+08:00

Okay, so I’ve never really had to clean up after anyone, myself included, until I moved to Singapore 7 months ago. Yes, I know, shame shame. Anyway, since I started working in childcare, I’ve encountered all the kinds of messes one can ever imagine – I've cleaned up after potty time, wiped off spit ups and of course, wiped clean many a table covered in heaven- knows- what.

Until recently my center had been using a generic brand of cleaning agents. The only problem I’ve had with that was the fact that I’m deathly afraid my kids might touch it or the mere smell might cause them harm. I’ve watched our cleaning auntie huff and puff over table stains and stenches that even these would be tough stain removers can’t seem to clear away.

Enter Green Cleaners’ All Purpose Cleaner. I have come to appreciate this product for more than one reason: it is completely idiot-proof (the instructions they provide for you at the back of the bottle is clear as crystal), and it makes the life of a teacher (or anyone for that matter) so much simpler!

Let me paint you a picture. Earlier today, one of my toddlers decided he was tired of painting on paper and took the liberty of decorating my immaculately white tabletop bright red. As though that wasn’t enough, he grabbed a few crayons and scribbled quite furiously as well, leaving heavy marks of brown and streaks of dark blue. I was freaking out because we're very particular about keeping spaces tidy. In a tizzy I ran to the store room, took out my Green Cleaners’ All Purpose Cleaner and rushed back with a rag. Thirty seconds after I spritzed it all on the table top, I literally watched the paint come off. With a few easy swipes, my white table was restored! It was like nothing happened.

So I know it’s good with stains on surfaces, but get this – it’s also a miracle worker when it comes to getting rid of unwanted smells. A couple of weeks back, one of my children got sick all over the table, his chair and the marble floor. As usual, the smell was driving all the other tots insane! And when our cleaning auntie went to get the usual disinfectant, some children began to complain because they couldn’t stand the acid like stench of the cleanser. So I went and took the GC spray and used it all over the areas that had been cleared of throw up. I left it on for about a minute, wiped it off and lo and behold, the smell was gone. The greater thing is, it leaves no trace of any other smell – which is the way clean should be.
My children are going to be up and about in a few, so I’d better head off. I just wanted to give credit where it is due, and show appreciation for the things that help make my life as a childcare teacher easier.

Green Cleaners products are availabel to buy online at: http://greencleaners.asia/products.asp

EARTH HOUR 2011 Singapore

2011-02-10T15:42:00.002+08:00

Walk, walk, walk … in the dark

You are invited to the Earth Hour Party on Saturday 26 March.
Make your way down to the Promontory @ Marina Bay with your friends, family or workmates for an unusual evening in-the-dark.
This year, we are 100% fuelled by Alpha Biodiesel recycled from IKEA Restaurants' waste cooking oil. Well then, what's cooking ?

Earth Hour Live Concert and Carnival

From 5.30 pm, the Live Concert and Carnival starts.
The concert is supported by Café Diplo, and will be hosted by DJs from the official radio stations for Earth Hour 2011, Power 98FM and Jia 88.3FM. Singers like Jack & Rai, Syltra Lee, and many more will be taking the stage.

Make your own kite and personalise it with your wishes for a healthy planet.
You can also look forward to some educational games,craft activities, and discover how to do good while shopping!

Walk for the Planet!

At 8.30pm as the lights go out, we will flag off the first Earth Hour Night Walk as a symbolic march in support of our Planet. Walk alongside Earth Hour 2011’s celebrity supporters like Nadya Hutagalung and Tung Soo Hua. The 3.5 km route starts at the Promontory and traces the perimeter of Marina Bay, passing by landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade Theatres On The Bay and One Fullerton.

Movie Screening

Can’t find the pair of walking shoes your grandma gave you on your last birthday? Fret not, stay on and watch Singapore’s skyline fade into the starry sky as well as a screening of the award winning documentary “The Age of Stupid”.

Spread the Word

Tell the world about your commitment and help us spread the message about the fight against climate change. Tell your friends and family about Earth Hour and ask them to join us. Download web banners for your blog, website or put up posters in your office, school or apartment block. You can download resources at http://earthhour.wwf.sg/downloads.php

Going Beyond Earth Hour

- First, you can start by using a fan instead of air-conditioning, and if you turn your air-conditioning on, remember to set the temperature at 24ºC or higher.

- Take the MRT, use your bike or walk, it can help you keep fit and reduce your ecological footprint.
Plan your holidays closer to home, there are so many beautiful places to discover nearby.

- Shop wisely, bring your own shopping bag, kindly turn down the cashier offer to wrap your stuff in 2 or 3 bags, and choose what you buy responsibly.

- Select items with minimum packaging, which are produced closer to Singapore to avoid unwanted emissions from shipping and moving goods around the world.

Toys for Tots – Safe for your child, kind to our Earth

2011-02-09T16:29:00.002+08:00

It’s everywhere – on billboards, the television, radio ads and magazines. It won’t be long before all nations come together and “go green”. We read about eco friendly homes, with tips and advice on the how-to’s in going about this lifestyle change.

Anything and everything that could possibly entice you, pique your curiosity or encourage you to continue to take steps towards being kinder to the Earth is lain before you with one click of a mouse and a few key words.

So who’s to say that only grown ups can enjoy the benefits of going green? We all know the cliché, the future lies in the hands of our children; well the cheery toymakers of Rubbabu have taken it a step further.

Wilmington, DE-based Rubbabu Inc. has been focusing on their mission which is to create simple, classic, colorful and safe toys.

In 2010, while millions of toys were recalled from the marketplace due to concerns of high levels of lead and choking dangers, Rubbabu was raking in high level awards from one of the most discriminating industries in the nation.

Confusion surrounding various product lines often leave parents scrambling to find quality toys that are educational, eco-friendly and guaranteed safe.

At Rubbabu, much emphasis is given to ensuring that each toy created is simple, educational and made with love.

With more than 200 children’s toys ranging from finger puppets to building blocks, puzzles to magnetic upper case letters and action vehicles to animals on wheels, Rubbabu’s Toy Collection has been proven to be safe both for the planet and the children.

The Toys are crafted from pure natural rubber foam obtained direct from the rubber tree. And by extracting the sap without cutting down trees, Rubbabu ensures the entire process is fully sustainable. The company is also particular about the sources from which it acquires its ingredients, purchasing raw materials from Switzerland (yes, you read that correctly), the UK, America and Malaysia.

Their foam toys avoid the infusion of potentially harmful synthetic fillers. The toys themselves are eco-friendly as the company has adopted the mission of being as close as possible to fully-green, with only 1.2 percent of their production cost funding energy usage.

The response from the market has been quite positive – more and more parents and teachers, aunts, uncles and grandparents have become more aware of the state our world is in, and kudos to them for doing something about it.

And to the creators of Rubbabu toys, cheers and more power to you as you provide children all over the world with quality toys that actually do help make our earth a greener place to live.

For additional information about the Rubbabu line of handmade natural toys, visit www.rubbabu.com.

Small Changes = Big Difference: Going Green Made Easy

2011-02-07T09:14:00.003+08:00

Ready to make some eco-friendly changes, but not sure where to begin? Start with the things you do each day: chores!

Yes, even small shifts in your daily cleaning routines can have positive effects on the planet – it really is amazing how much of a difference we can make should we just take certain things into consideration. Some people have a sense that green cleaning either requires more effort or is more expensive, while others are doubtful that it even works. These are myths! As for those who do wish to make a change, no day but today, right?

Add these simple tips to your daily chore toolbox and you'll be a green, clean, dirt-fighting machine in no time. Going green takes some time to figure out, but once you get it, you're set for life.

Laundry
Go Green: Use a detergent designed for cold water. Choosing cold water for each load saves energy- which is good for the planet, and money – which is good for your wallet! Don’t worry, because cold-friendly detergents are formulated to fight dirt and stains just as well as their warm-water counterparts.
Go Greener: Ditch your bleach for a better brightener, like sodium percarbonate which is found in many common laundry products. While bleach pollutes our water systems and is a lung irritant, sodium percarbonate is a natural mineral that's just as effective at getting out stains.

Dishes
Go Green: Invest in Green Cleaners' Dishwash liquid! Our products are respectful to the aquatic life, meet strict biodegradability standards and reduce packaging with our revolutionary concentrate concept. http://greencleaners.asia/products.asp

Floors
Go Green: Place a stylish and sturdy welcome mat at your door. This decreases the amount of dirt tracked into the house, which leads to less vacuuming time later on.

Grocery Shopping
Go Green: Bring your own reusable totes to the store. There are available options almost anywhere, and most grocery stores have them on hand near the register. Leave a few in your trunk or stash one in your purse for unexpected trips.
Go Greener: Buy in the bulk section of your favorite store. You'll get the same great products without all that waste.

Remember that it all begins with one step – so go ahead and try these out, tell your friends, spread the word and who knows one day we just might reach the tipping point. We remain optimistic, as small changes can make a big difference.

Top Green Music Artists

2011-02-02T09:30:00.003+08:00

Ever wonder how much music artists pollute the Earth while on tour? Today, many musicians are conscientious about the environment, putting shows on both for fans and to raise awareness. Traveling in eco-friendly buses, encouraging fans to recycle and providing education about global warming are just some of the ways musicians contribute to the environmental movement. Listed below are just five out of the quickly emerging artists that have sung their way onto the green bandwagon.

1. O.A.R.
Of A Revolution, or better known as O.A.R., can be heard all around the nation rocking out and entertaining their fans. Currently, they are touring across the country in their Green Dream tour bus raising awareness about recycling. At each show, the band promotes the importance recycling and how it can have a huge environmental impact. If you’re going to be at one of their upcoming shows, be sure to stop at the recycling centers set up throughout the venue where you can learn how to reduce your carbon footprint. This is not new for O.A.R., as they also promoted the environment during their 2008 “Campus Consciousness Tour.”

2. Maroon 5
The acclaimed band, Maroon 5, isn’t just five guys who make girls go crazy all around the world for their music and looks. This talented band shows the same passion for the environment as they do for their music. They use biodiesel fuel in their tour buses, which reduces their carbon footprint, and also teams up with Vote Solar, a non-profit movement promoting solar energy. In 2006, the band was honored at the Environmental Media Awards for their commitment to the environment. To see how much Maroon 5 truly loves the environment, check out this video to see how they remained green during their 2008 tour.

3. Sheryl Crow
A true environmental activist, Crow teamed up with Laurie David in 2007 for the “Stop Global Warming” College Tour. Traveling across the country, Crow entertained and educated students about global warming. She encouraged them to become active and help the environment for themselves, their communities and the country. While on tour, she uses biodiesel fuel for every tour bus and promotes a green lifestyle. She was also one of the keynote speakers at last year’s GreenBuild Conference & Expo, a conference dedicated to transforming the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated to create an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy and prosperous environment.

4. Willie Nelson
A longtime environmental activist, Nelson promotes the use of biodiesel fuel and keeping the Earth clean. Nelson is also an honorary board member of the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance, co-founded by his wife, and that was created to address issues about the U.S. biodiesel industry and its sustainability. In addition, he is a huge supporter of using hemp in fuel and clothing. In the mid-80s, he organized the benefit concert series, Farm Aid, which promoted the environmental benefits of organic and locally grown food and helped family farmers keep their land.

5. The Roots
The Grammy Award Winning hip-hop band, The Roots, may be known for their nightly appearances on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” but did you know they are green activists and animal lovers? The band worked with PETA on the campaign, “Stop the Violence: Go Veg,” combating violence against your body and promoting veganism. They even hosted a Pre-Grammy party in 2007 to raise awareness about green issues. That same year, they launched the “Feed Your Roots” campaign, which educated people on the benefits of composting programs and that helped integrate them into schools nationwide. Continuing their eco-friendliness, they use biodiesel fueled buses while touring across the country.

Many artists, including the ones above, also partner up with the Green Music Group and Reverb to make sure their eco-friendly voices are heard.

Bunny Hopping towards a Cleaner, Greener Lunar New Year

2011-02-01T17:51:00.002+08:00

FENGSHUI practitioners say green is the colour to be clad in this Chinese New Year. For those who would like to take it a step further, however, here are some tips on how you can don a greener lifestyle, as well.

As some households may declutter in preparation for the coming new lunar year, a fair amount of things will be thrown out.That being said, here’s tip #1:Categorize your things – though it may have been a common practice in the past for you to simply throw everything out in one go, this year why not sort through your belongings for things that may still be useful? Giving to charitable institutions is always a good practice as well.

Chinese New Year celebrations can also generate more waste, especially food and beverage containers. This is where tip #2 comes in: Find the time to set aside all the used cans and empty bottles – it only takes a few minutes to sort them out and put them aside for recycling! Also, remember that mandarin orange peels and other kitchen wastes can be put to good use by turning them into compost for potted plants.

Another way to be kind to our environment (while being gentle on the pocket as well) is this – tip #3: Cook just the right amount of food. Though some people still believe in the ancient tradition that equates the abundance of food for prosperity and blessings, others find that cooking just enough minimizes wastage and allows for everyone to enjoy freshly made meals without having to endure days of eating leftovers

Another way to shrink the carbon footprint of the celebration is to refrain from giving out new banknotes in hong bao. This not only reduces paper waste but also traffic congestion (which can lead to higher carbon emissions) around banks.

Instead, the truly green hong bao you can give to everyone and the planet is by being thoughtful in what you eat, drink, consume and ultimately, discard.

Gong Xi Fa Cai, Everyone!

Sydney’s business district “Goes Green”

2011-01-31T18:13:00.002+08:00

Sydney’s central business district (CBD) has begun producing fresh crops as vegetable patches throughout the CBD have transformed the city in support of the 'Live Green' summer planting program.

Sydney's central business district is being transformed by vegetable patches. In a span of five months, it took fifteen Citywide employees over eight days to install the displays across Sydney, and with more than 30,000 individual plants on display across ten different City locations including Martin Place and Hyde Park, city dwellers are now able to witness the growth and ripening of corn, tomatoes, eggplants, capsicums, sunflowers, lettuce and silver beet firsthand.

According to Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, "Growing some of your own vegetables is a practical, cost effective and sustainable way to help reduce the carbon emissions, water and energy used to deliver food from growers to shoppers."

With the main goal having been set, the exhibits are able to show people how easy it is to ‘live green’ and lessen environmental impact- In Australia, the food supply chain produces 23 per cent of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions - that includes direct emissions from agriculture and emissions generated from energy, transport, food production, processing and distribution. The displays also contribute to brightening up the already picturesque city in the hopes to inspire others to make a change for the better.

The Live Green exhibits were created on behalf of the City of Sydney by open space provider Citywide, and will be in place for six to ten weeks as the City works with community gardeners to harvest and distribute the fresh produce.
The plants will be donated to community gardens and schools for planting and growing when the display is over.

'Live Green' displays are in the following locations:
* QVB Forecourt and Town Hall Square
* Martin Place
* Cathedral Square
* Green Square
* Hyde Park Barracks
* Hyde Park South
* ITAC, Ultimo
* Customs House Square, AMP Forecourt & Alfred St
* Darlinghurst Road - Greenwall 2

Asthma mould 'discovered in lungs'

2010-12-15T13:26:00.001+08:00

A common mould that causes an allergic reaction in asthmatics actually grows in many sufferers' lungs, scientists have said.

The discovery was made during research into the impact on asthmatics of a common environmental mould, Aspergillus fumigates, usually found in soil and compost heaps.

The research, led University of Leicester scientists at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester, has been published in the December issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Professor Andy Wardlaw, from the University of Leicester, said: "Asthma is a very common condition where the breathing tubes (bronchi) can go into spasm making it difficult to breathe.

"Around a fifth of adults with severe asthma, which they have had for a long time, get permanent (fixed) narrowing of their bronchi. "It is known that A. fumigatus can grow in the lungs of some people with asthma and mould allergy, which can cause severe lung damage.

"This problem is thought to only affect a very small number of people with asthma.

"However, about half of people with severe asthma have evidence of allergy to moulds like A. fumigatus."

Researchers in the Institute for Lung Health at the university and Glenfield Hospital carried out a study funded by the Midlands Asthma and Allergy Research Association (MAARA) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

They looked at whether the problem of A. fumigatus growing in the lungs is more common than previously thought, and whether this could explain the fixed narrowing of the airways in some people with asthma.

UN climate talks in Mexico hang in balance

2010-12-11T14:00:00.002+08:00

Hopes have been raised of a possible breakthrough at the UN climate summit in Cancun as key talks enter the decisive final stage.

A draft text, being considered by delegates, looks to bridge differences that could scupper the talks. Earlier, prospects for a deal appeared to be receding, with nations clashing on future emission commitments.

Japan and Russia were opposed to further cuts under the Kyoto Protocol - a major demand of developing countries. There were also divisions over a proposed fund to help poor nations deal with climate impacts.

The latest draft document makes reference to a "second commitment period" of the Kyoto Protocol - a period in which countries in the protocol would make further emission cuts - without mandating that it will happen. The issue has caused major divisions between developing countries and Japan and Russia. However, it still needs to be accepted by the plenary of the 190-nation gathering.

The money wrangle concerned the proposed "Green Fund" - a vehicle that would gather and distribute funds running to perhaps $100bn (£63bn) per year by 2020. During overnight discussions into Friday morning, the US, EU and Japan stuck to their line that the World Bank must administer the fund. For developing countries, this was unacceptable, as they viewed the bank as a western-run institution.

The latest development, in which the World Bank will be invited to run the fund for an initial three-year period, seems to have won the support of many delegates and observers attending the summit.

Brazilian negotiator Luiz Figueiredo said Japan and Russia "accept this language, while before they didn't accept it", the AFP news agency reported.

The UK's Climate Secretary Chris Huhne warned that there was a "real danger" that the annual talks could become a "zombie process" if there was not a successful outcome.

The Sudanese negotiator suggested that it was too early to judge whether the draft document would succeed in delivering a deal at the talks being held in the Mexican resort. "At the first cut it shows some promise. But whether it amounts to something adequate to address the challenge is something we have to look at," Lumumba Stanislaus Di-Aping told BBC News.

As to whether it allowed Japan and Russia wriggle-room not to commit to a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol, he added: "That's a very serious question. We cannot have the [protocol] as an empty shell."

BBC environment correspondent Richard Black, reporting from the summit in Cancun, said the compromise text was a step forward but the talks were still likely to go down to the wire. "The new document is strong on acknowledging the scale of the problem, but does not commit parties to new measures to curb emissions," he observed. "It recognises that developed countries would need to cut their combined emissions by 25-40% below 1990 levels by 2020 in order to meet 1.5C or 2C targets - but does not say how it is to be done." He added that it "urged" Annex One countries (industrialised nations) to "raise the level of ambition" in order to meet the 25-40% threshold.

Some - especially the Latin American Alba bloc, spear-headed by Bolivia - also object to the Green Fund as currently conceived, because they believe western nations have a duty to pay up from the public purse, whereas the fund calls for money to be raised through levies on carbon trading, taxes on aviation, or other "innovative mechanisms".

Bolivia's hardline stance was not popular with all other developing countries, with Costa Rica saying the nation's delegation were "leading the process to delay the discussion".

EU bans bisphenol-A chemical from babies' bottles

2010-11-26T11:20:00.002+08:00

The European Commission has announced a ban on the use of Bisphenol-A (BPA) in plastic baby bottles.

The commission cited fears that the compound could affect development and immune response in young children. The EU ban will come into effect during 2011.

There has been concern over the use of BPA for some time, with six US manufacturers removing it in 2009 from bottles they sold in the US, although not other markets. The chemical is widely used in making hard, clear plastic and is commonly found in food and drink containers.

A European Commission spokesman said the proposal had been approved after being presented to a committee of national government experts on Thursday - months earlier than scheduled - and approved. The European parliament had called for the ban in June.

Areas of uncertainty

John Dalli, Commissioner in charge of Health and Consumer Policy, said the ban was good news for European parents. "There were areas of uncertainty, deriving from new studies, which showed that BPA might have an effect on development, immune response and tumour promotion," Mr Dalli said in a statement.

EU states will outlaw the manufacture of polycarbonate feeding bottles containing the compound from March 2011, and ban their import and sale from June 2011, the Commission said. The National Childbirth Trust is a British charity which has campaigned for the ban.

Its chief executive Belinda Phipps told the BBC: "When you put liquids into a bottle - particularly hot liquids or liquids containing fatty liquids - it leaches out of the plastic. And particularly as the bottle gets older and it gets more scratched, more and more leaches out and into the liquid."

Ms Phipps said that when a baby drinks from a bottle which contains BPA, the baby absorbs the leached chemical into its fat. "It's a chemical that mimics estrogens, but not in a good way," she said. "It interferes with estrogens getting into the receptors, and it can have some very unpleasant effects - and animal studies have shown significant effects."

Canada was the first country to declare bisphenol-A toxic in October, after it was concluded that the chemical might have harmful effects on humans, as well as the environment and "its biological diversity". The Canadian decision was strongly opposed by the chemical industry.

"Environment Canada's announcement is contrary to the weight of worldwide scientific evidence, unwarranted and will unnecessarily confuse and alarm the public," Steven G Hentges from the American Chemistry Council told the New York Times in response to the decision.

Modest hopes for climate summit, as gas levels rise

2010-11-25T15:40:00.000+08:00

"Keeping the show on the road" may be all governments can hope for at next week's UN climate talks, the UK admits.

Energy and Climate Secretary Chris Huhne said there was no chance of getting a legally binding deal at the summit in Cancun, Mexico.

The aim, he said, should be to get "within shouting distance".

Meanwhile, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released data showing that greenhouse gas levels continued their rise through 2009.

It follows publication of a scientific paper at the weekend suggesting that without new constraints, global carbon emissions will re-commence rising at 2-3% per year, following a brief lull caused by the recession.

And on Tuesday, the UN Environment Programme (Unep) said pledges that countries had made on constraining emissions were not enough to keep the global temperature rise within limits that most countries say they want - either 2C or 1.5C since pre-industrial times.

"We want to see progress [in Cancun] - we don't want to see a shambles that involves lots of name-calling," said Mr Huhne.

"If we don't get peaking of [global] emissions by 2020, the prospects for the people on the planet are looking pretty bleak, so we really do have to make progress on this."

Realistically, the government believes, progress could be made on issues such as reducing deforestation, financial pledges and bringing the unilateral carbon-cutting pledges that countries unveiled at Copenhagen into the UN framework so they can be properly analysed.

Western countries are equally keen to pursue the place that private finance and the business sector can play in leading the transition to a low-carbon global society.

But the Secretary of State was downbeat about how much progress was possible given the legacy of last year's Copenhagen summit, the domestic concerns of a few key countries including the US and China, and the differing demands of various negotiating blocs.

"We're clearly not expecting a final agreement at Cancun; but our objective is to ensure we re-invigorate the whole UN climate convention (UNFCCC) process and manage to get a new sense of momentum, with the ambition of reaching full agreement [at the summit] in South Africa next year," he said.

However, even that may not be possible, officials acknowledged, unless important countries can find a way to reconcile their domestic political problems with the demands of other nations.

The US Senate is extremely unlikely to ratify any UN climate deal, meaning that prospects of the world's second largest greenhouse gas emitter signing up to anything that other countries would consider legally binding is remote.

US officials - and their Canadian counterparts - are now talking openly about the possibility of a "Plan B" if Cancun does not move in the direction they want.

Among developing nations, China in particular has railed against demands from the West - and from Japan - that it must agree measures enabling its carbon-constraining performance to be monitored and verified.

The UK was encouraged by a recent Indian proposal to put international verification under the auspices of the UN climate convention.

But the US appears to be growing as an obstacle, with campaigners acknowledging privately that the balance of power in Congress is likely to become even less favourable to carbon-cutting legislation after the next round of elections in 2012.

Warming and wetting

The WMO data, meanwhile, confirms that atmospheric concentrations of the three gases principally responsible for the man-made component of the greenhouse effect - carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide - all rose during 2009.

The agency highlighted the rise in methane emissions, which it says is probably due to higher than average emissions from wetlands around the Arctic and in the tropics, both related to weather conditions.

Heightened methane emission from wetlands and permafrost has regularly been touted as a potential amplifying factor in climate change, with warmer weather stimulating their release and so producing further warming.

"Greenhouse gas concentrations have reached record levels despite the economic slowdown," observed WMO secretary-general Michel Jarraud. "Potential methane release from northern permafrost, and wetlands, under future climate change is of great concern, and is becoming a focus of intensive research and observations."

Is Simple Green Pinkwashing?

2010-11-21T00:04:00.002+08:00

Pinkwashing: A term used to describe companies that position themselves as leaders in the fight against breast cancer while engaging in practices that may be contributing to rising rates of the disease.

Yep, Simple Green is guilty of pinkwashing; Simple Green Pink Ribbon is the company’s All-Purpose Cleaner dressed up in a pink costume. But while the company trumpets their commitment to breast cancer awareness, it may still be using chemicals linked to the disease.

Simple Green doesn’t disclose the ingredients in fragrances or preservatives in their regular line of products, including Pink Ribbon. We know that several chemicals used in both fragrances and preservatives are possible carcinogens or hormone disruptors (which can lead to increased risk of breast cancer), such as triclosan and parabens. With 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer, we can’t afford exposure to hidden ingredients that may be linked to the disease.

If the company is truly committed to supporting breast cancer research, it should be proud to reveal that it doesn’t use chemicals linked to the disease. They disclose all ingredients in their Naturals line—what are they hiding in products like Simple Green Pink Ribbon?

Tell Simple Green to make good on their commitment in the fight against breast cancer and disclose all the ingredients in their products. Awareness is only part of the solution. What we need is prevention, and the first step to preventing breast cancer is having the information we need to avoid chemicals linked to the disease.

Ultra-Efficient Danish Home Produces More Energy Than It Needs

2010-11-01T08:48:00.001+08:00

This striking modern home located near Aarhus in Denmark packs an amazing array of green building strategies into a small footprint, allowing it to actually produce more power than it consumes. Designed and built to be super energy-efficient, smart, eco-friendly, and powered by the sun, the zero-plus Home For Life is an experiment in creating the sustainable house of the future. A family has been living in the home now for 14 months and reporting on their activities and the home's performance in order to improve the design for future iterations.

The Home for Life is one of eight experimental buildings created by VKR Holdings to develop the sustainable home of the future. The home is designed using the Active House principle, which has a strong focus on energy-efficient design, daylighting and renewable energy generation. Every room has at least two walls with windows on it, so the home makes great use of natural daylighting. During the cool seasons, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery is used so the cold air can be heated without the use of additional energy

The home's windows cover 40 percent of the total floor area, which is twice the area of a traditional house. An Active House takes similar principles of Passive House design, but incorporates more daylighting and utilizes "smart home" devices to optimize the use of energy. It is one thing to design and build a smart and energy-efficient home, but little research has been done yet to see how livable they are. Data collected from this experiment is very important to future designs.

The family reports on how comfortable they are with the automatic controls -- when the climate was just right for them, and when the controls made it too hot or too cold.The south-facing slate roof includes the photovoltaic system, solar hot water system and skylights. The home's energy systems are all optimized and work together to minimize energy use. The roof is key to the design -- it incorporates renewable energy generation, skylights for natural lighting, and operable windows for cooling.

Pollution black list forces big business to act

2010-10-29T18:06:00.002+08:00

Large multinational companies and their local suppliers in China have long been receiving criticism over environmental concerns. Part of the criticism relates to the amount of large-scale toxic pollution being created in China so that consumers in countries like Australia can have cheap goods. One man has been particularly effective in his activism and, as a result, both multinational and Chinese companies are seeking his advice on how to get their names off his list.

Ma Jun originally became aware of China's pollution as a journalist travelling around the country. He says about half of China's water systems, rivers and lakes, are seriously contaminated. His office in southern Beijing's Guang Qu Men district houses an unassuming organisation called the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs. His website, which simply publishes information from the Chinese government, has been creating waves around world. Mr Ma lists the names of factories which have been fined or shut down by the Chinese authorities because of pollution. He then prints the names of the international companies that buy products from those suppliers.

Chinese companies seek him out and ask what they have to do to get off his black list. Mr Ma then organises independent auditors to check their emissions. If they have cleaned up their production, he takes them off his website. His list of offenders now numbers more than 68,000 and the embarrassment it is causing multinational companies is forcing them to act.

"This database now is being used by some major companies in the world, like GE, like Nike, like Walmart, as a tool for their supply chain management," he said.
"Taking Walmart as an example - every month they are comparing their list of thousands of suppliers with our list of violators and when they identify polluters that have been openly announced by the Chinese government, what they do is they will call them, they will push them to take corrective actions and eventually make a public disclosure about what went wrong and how they tried to fix their problem," he said.

Why Cool It, a Film about the Self-Proclaimed "Skeptical Environmentalist," Is a Must-See

2010-10-27T09:46:00.002+08:00

The new movie featuring the economist Bjorn Lomborg, who has been a thorn in the side of climate change activists since his book, The Skeptical Environmentalist," is provocative – and not just for the sake of being provocative.

On November 12, the cinemas will start screening Cool It!, a documentary about Lomborg and his contrarian ideas about climate change. Odds are that the runaway train will put more butts in the seats than musings about runaway climate change. No matter. "Cool It!" is not a bad film in an "Inconvenient Truth" sort of way. Like "Inconvenient Truth," "Cool It!" tries to humanize its protagonist by taking a look at his early years - Lomborg laughingly recalling how he angered his stepfather when he dug up the family garden for an experiment, sort of like Gore in his movie sheepishly recalling the time he crashed the family car.

The film could have been an ego trip, and at times, it meanders close to the edge of that cliff, but pulls back sufficiently to focus on what we need to know about Lomborg's ideas and on the work of experts exploring alternative energy technologies, climate change adaptation, and geo-engineering.

Lomborg has long been a bete noire of the green movement, likely because he accepts the reality of human-caused climate change but rejects conventional thinking about fixing the problem. There's nothing that sets off a tribe more than a member of the tribe who likes to pick fights with the family, like the roguish cousin who stirs the pot around the turkey every Thanksgiving.

Unlike a James Inhofe or a Rush Limbaugh, outsiders who are easy to dismiss because of their buffoonish tirades about climate change hoaxes and scientists plotting world domination, Lomborg is not so easily brushed off. Unlike Inhofe and Limbaugh, he has actually thought about this stuff in depth. Too often, he says, the climate change debate has devolved into shouting between two extremes - one proclaiming imminent apocalypse, the other painting sugar-plum fantasies of a greening earth. Better to chart a middle way.

Not that Lomborg's ideas don't have holes in them. They do, but any plan for cracking a nut as rock-hard as climate change will have holes in it. More about that in a bit.

The chronically casual Lomborg - has he ever worn a long-sleeved shirt in his life? - was on hand at a private screening in Seattle last week. During the post-screening Q&A, Lomborg answered questions matter-of-factly in streams-of-consciousness that layered on details and minimized spin and self-referential bloviation. He graciously acknowledged some pointed criticism that the film went overboard in making an argument that individual steps taken now - changing out inefficient lighting, for example - are of little consequence in the broad scheme of things.

So what are the particulars of Bjorn's argument? He asserts that climate activists have wasted time scaring people about climate change. Public campaigns like Earth Hour - everyone turn off your lights for one hour - are feel-good exercises that amount to a whole lotta nothin'. Politicians' promises to cut emissions significantly have come to little. Even if they had, they would have cost too much and yielded too little.

Lomborg says a better approach would be pouring money into R&D to drive down the costs of solar energy, ocean wave power, 4th generation nukes, and biofuels produced from non-edible feedstocks, so that they can compete with oil and coal. Spend money on the unavoidable need to adapt to climate change already in the pipeline - better sea walls, for example. And - many greens hate this - put some dollars into R&D for geo-engineering, just in case climate change takes off at frightening speeds, sort of like Denzel Washington's freight train.

The annual budget for his work program - $250 billion. Spend $100 billion on energy R&D and another $50 billion on adaptation. Spend another $99 billion on development basics for poor countries - clean water, education, and health care - human needs that are immediate and acute. The remaining $1 billion from the kitty would be earmarked for geo-engineering research.

Where to get the money? Charge a carbon tax of $7 per metric ton. Where to get the political will to carry out the plan? That's the question that Lomborg hasn't answered effectively. He makes a moral case for his proposal, which is well and good, but moral cases often don't get money appropriated for big projects in the absence of a compelling driver that is immediately obvious to one and all, even to knuckleheads like Sarah Palin.

For example: Lincoln got the Transcontinental Railroad built as a way to bind up a country in mortal danger of flying apart. FDR spared no expense on the Manhattan Project because the specter of Hitler's Luftwaffe armed with nukes was terrifying. We went to the moon because we feared that a chortling Khrushchev would use space as a platform to flick hydrogen bombs onto the USA anytime he fancied.

Many believe that climate change is just that sort of driver. Many, however, do not. We must change that and/or identify other drivers. And, Lomborg's argument that R&D alone will push cleaner energy sources into the market, in the absence of market signals that tell the truth about carbon pollution costs, is not entirely convincing.
Still, Lomborg has raised some provocative ideas that have added spice to a global debate that has been stuck in neutral since the Copenhagen belly flop last year. He's worth listening to.

Greens should go see "Cool It!" next month. They might find that the skeptical environmentalist doesn't have horns and a tail after all.

October is Breast Cancer Month

2010-10-26T10:29:00.001+08:00

Pink Ribbon is the name of the international breast cancer awareness foundation and they have named October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The pink that is colouring our lives during the month of October. whether commercial or sincere, shouldn’t cover the reality of breast cancer itself. Worldwide, millions of people, women and men are suffering from breast cancer every day. And each and every one of them feels the pain, the fear, the guilt, the uncertainty, the responsibility, the loss, being thrown back to the core essence of life. And let us not forget our loved ones we lost. May all of this being represented by this vulnerable appearing colour.

However, the brightness of pink at the same time stands for hope and strength of each individual to fight its personal fight. It stands for the community making this personal fight a community responsibility. It stands for all the efforts of people; fund raisers, medical staff, researchers, students, and volunteers worldwide, working together to find the cure. It stands for the industry proving its mature responsibility towards manufacturing processes, ingredients and products. It stands for equal fundamental rights for all breast cancer survivors whether born in richness or in poverty anywhere on mother earth.

Pink Ribbon stands in my view for one thing that makes Pink Ribbon unique, a worldwide solidarity of people and breast cancer organisations to stand together. We therefore dedicate October 2010 to the solidarity of all people. Let’s fight together!

To support Pink Ribbon either by donation or by buying some of the cool stuff in their shop, have a look at their website: http://www.pinkribbon.org

Green Cleaners' Home Cleaning Products Launched!

2010-10-15T19:28:00.003+08:00

Green Cleaners is excited to launch our new range of healthy home cleaning products!

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How air-conditioning is baking our world

2010-10-13T19:26:00.001+08:00

US homes use as much electricity for air conditioning as the whole of Africa, claims a new book by Stan Cox.

When you think of the causes of global warming, you may picture an SUV before you picture a central AC unit. But almost 20 percent of electricity consumption in U.S. homes goes to AC -- that's as much electricity as the entire continent of Africa uses for all purposes. So says Stab Coxin his new book, Losing Our Cool: Uncomfortable Truths About Our Air-Conditioned World (and Finding New Ways to Get Through the Summer).

Cox, a scientist and agricultural researcher who lives in Salina, Kansas, doesn't paint AC as the bogeyman. Rather, he makes the point that our world has developed in many unsustainable directions overall, and air-conditioning has been a crucial part of that development. He also argues that making air-conditioners and other appliances more energ efficient isn't going to get us out of this mess. He was interviewed last week about his new book. Open a window, undo a button, and enjoy ...

Q. Why did you write a book on air-conditioning?

A. In the past half-century, a number of big, energy-guzzling technologies have really changed our lives: automobiles, computers, television, jet aircraft. All that time, air-conditioning has been humming away in the background, like a character actor you see in a whole bunch of movies. It's never the star, but it always seems to be there moving the plot along.

When I looked at the doubling in the amount of electricity used for air conditioning homes in this country just since the mid-90s, I thought, we really need to address this, because it is a big contributor to greenhouse-gas release and it's going to increase the likelihood that we're going to have longer, more intense heat waves and hotter summers in the future, and we're going to have to be running the air-conditioning even more.

Q. That seemed to be a theme throughout the book -- that the use of air-conditioning leads to a cycle where it needs to be used more.

A. Yes, the biggest example of that is probably global warming. But there are a lot of ways in which air-conditioning creates need for itself, including by eroding our heat tolerance. Once we've built office buildings and commercial buildings on the assumption of air-conditioning, then we pretty much have to use it. We've created a lot of space that's almost uninhabitable without it. In many buildings, the windows don't open at all anymore.

In the book, I put a lot of emphasis on what's known as the adaptive model of comfort. It's based on surveys of people who are working at different temperatures and asked if they're comfortable. People can psychologically adjust to buildings that are cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer. The comment I've heard most since the book came out is from people who work in offices and complain that their offices are too cold in the summer, and they have to take sweaters or use space heaters, wasting even more energy. Without eroding people's working conditions or quality of life at all, there could be a big savings there.

Q. I thought it was interesting that you linked AC to obesity, in the sense that people are indoors more often and their bodies don't have to work to adjust to the temperature changes during the year.

A. Right, that's one of the hypotheses that a group of medical researchers came up with to explain the rise in obesity -- the slower burning of energy by the body in the comfort range, where it doesn't have to work to either shed heat or generate heat (in addition to the normal explanations that people are eating more and exercising less). Another way AC could be affecting obesity is that people tend to eat more when in cooler conditions. And also, by making the indoors more attractive in the summertime, we've made it less likely that people are going to be outdoors where we're more physically active.

The book, Losing Our Cool: Uncomfortable Truths About Our Air-Conditioned World (and Finding New Ways to Get Through the Summer), is available on Amazon.cpm

Three receive prestigious environment award

2010-10-11T18:54:00.001+08:00

Three President’s Award for the Environment were given out in Singapore on Friday at the Istana by President S R Nathan.

The recipients are Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (GST) Singapore Pte Ltd, Nan Hua High School, and Singapore Polytechnic.

The award is the highest accolade in Singapore that recognises individuals, organisations and companies for their significant contributions to Singapore’s efforts in achieving environmental sustainability.

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Singapore’s real estate site operations director Tan Puey Hwee said: "We notice that a lot of times the office air—conditioning is very cold, but employees are complaining it’s very hot because they’re all wearing jackets.

"So with support from the management, we have adjusted the temperature over time, so now a lot of employees are not wearing jackets in the office, while the temperature is set at a comfortable level".

The company’s all—round effort has earned it the prestigious environmental award, together with Nan Hua High School and Singapore Polytechnic. This is the first time the five—year—old award is going to a polytechnic. The polytechnic’s efforts in going green include planting more trees, building a block out of re—cycled material, and installing motion sensoring devices that can dim lights. Singapore Polytechnic principal Tan Hang Cheong said: "We are going through a programme of retrofitting.

"Our buildings, many of them are 20, 30 years old, so we are gradually trying to improve. "So when we remodel the classroom, remodel the lecture theatres, we will introduce all these energy—saving devices within the buildings". Next year, the school will also introduce a module on the environment for every student to become environmentally aware.

Money could grow on trees, depending on carbon price

2010-10-07T11:45:00.002+08:00

Giving trees a value is one solution for halting deforestation, but deciding how much a forest is worth is proving challenging. Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, otherwise known as REDD, offers vast potential for companies, developing nations and native forests. But its viability is threatened by the absence of a liquid market and a clear signal by policymakers on how REDD would be funded.

For now, REDD credits are not included on Europe’s emissions trading scheme, the world’s largest carbon-trading system. And while several REDD projects are getting closer to selling their credits on the voluntary market, those hoping to benefit from the scheme say most investors are not willing to bear the risks just yet.
“We’ve found some buyers that have been willing to pre-pay for credits,” said Todd Lemons, the CEO and chairman of for-profit conservation company Infinite Earth. But despite interest from investment funds that he says have earmarked “billions” specifically for REDD, none have invested in the company’s Indonesia project. Hong Kong-based Infinite Earth is part of the EnVision group, which develops natural resource projects for profit. The company was created in 2008 to develop the Rimba Raya Reserve, a 90,000-hectare peat swamp forest in Central Kalimantan.

Lemons said the reserve will serve as a buffer against palm oil plantations encroaching on the neighboring national forest, home to rare flora and fauna, such as Bornean orangutans. An Indonesian company is listed as the project owner.
Since its start, Infinite Earth has pooled more than $3.5 million from international private investors, such as Shell Canada and the Clinton Foundation, to fund the project’s development. They received the first signal that their investment was making headway in August, when Infinite Earth’s method for calculating carbon credits from forestry projects was approved under the Voluntary Carbon Standard.
Few methodologies have lined up to undergo VCS’s approval process, which requires double validation from two separate auditors.

Infinite Earth’s was the first international REDD methodology the VCS fully approved, and on September 22 a reforestation project in Tanzania became the first forestry investment to earn carbon offsets after credits were issued and placed in the VCS registry.

The news is drawing attention from investors reluctant to make the foray into forest-carbon trading. Forestry projects have already been operating on other registries, such as California’s Climate Action Registry, but project experts say VCS is the most credible standard. Once a forestry project begins trading there, it could open the door for REDD to be included in the UN-based compliance market.
If that happens, it could unleash billions of dollars toward climate change mitigation efforts.

The Rimba Raya project alone could create around 75 million credits, or offsets, by avoiding the release of carbon that results when peat swamp forests are converted for agriculture (this is based on the idea that one metric tonne of CO2 equals one credit). Given today’s average UN-certified carbon price at between 10 to 15 Euros per credit, those credits could add up 1.1 billion Euros million in potential revenues.

For now, however, Infinite Earth has pre-sold only 10 percent of its credits, and at a price well below the US$10 a tonne needed to guarantee returns to investors.
And while Infinite Earth has bid its time through the verification process, unclear regulations and the months or even years companies must wait before they can issue offsets have dampened enthusiasm.

Most prefer to wait until the market gains some certainty. Without a formal exchange to publish information about buying and selling, few buyers can determine the true value of an offset, and there is no way to ensure credits are not being sold more than once.

4 Energy Technologies That Could Replace Oil and Coal

2010-10-06T09:18:00.001+08:00

New large-scale projects are revolutionising the energy sector, using sunlight, wind, waves and even trash, rather than oil, coal or nuclear power. This weekend, US President Obama toured the BrightSource project, which will be the largest solar-thermal plant in the world.

Every time there's an energy-related disaster, it boosts the prospects for clean alternatives. The devastating explosion at the Upper Big Branch coal mine killed 29, and got people wondering if all that ancient coal shouldn't just be left in the ground. And the oil spill from the Deep Horizon rig in the Gulf of Mexico led to new restrictions on offshore drilling, and rising public sentiment for cleaner alternatives.

The problem is that people's memories are short, and the old arguments – coal is "native energy," offshore oil offsets foreign imports – reassert themselves to reinforce the status quo.
Thankfully, new technology, with the help of investments in renewable energy forecasted to reach $200 billion in 2010, is going to change that and in future, energy will come from mother natures renewable recources: Wind, sun, waves and organic waste.

Wind power:
Wind power has been used by man for ages. With technologies developed by market leaders Vestas and Siemens, wind power is already contributing a large part of the energy consumption in parts of the world. Mainly in Europe where the large windmill parks are scattered off shore.

Solar power:
Many of the biggest projects are either in Europe or involve European companies. Abengoa Solar announced this week that it had started commercial operation near Seville, Spain of its 50-megawatt Solnova 1, which uses parabolic trough solar technology. The plant can power 25,700 homes, or offset 31,400 tons of carbon dioxide.

Wave energy:
Wave energy is still a technology awaiting widespread commercialisation, though costs are coming down rapidly. The biggest problem is cost. These facilities are very capital intensive, ranging from $4,000 to $15,000 per kilowatt. Significant breakthroughs in capital cost would be needed to make this technology cost competitive. Ocean-based systems take a beating, especially since it's roughly true that the rougher the water the more energy they can produce.

Trash-to-energy:
Investments in Biodigesters, that converts organic waste to biofuel, are increasing and many projects are emerging around the world. In Singapore, IUT Global has set up a large scale biodigester that will be able to supply the Singaporean and Asian market with biofuel.

Cancer-proof your body

2010-10-04T19:37:00.000+08:00

The lab researchers (and their test-rats) have spoken. They're saying that these 7 simple life strategies can stave off cancer. Start eating and doing today.

1. Drink Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate – rich in polyphenols, isofavones and ellagic acid – is a potent cancer buster. Not only has tests shown that it helps to keep your prostate and lung cancer free, new research also points towards staving off Alzheimer's.

2. Eat Blueberries
Ppterostilbene, which is found in blueberries, has colon cancer-fighting properties. Eating blueberries also mean a big dose of vitamin C (14mg per cup), making you 50 per cent less likely to develop pre-malignant oral lesions (according to New England Research Institute).

3. Relax...
Stress and anxiety makes you die younger – its a science-proven fact, says Purdue University researchers. Their studies also show that an anxious and neurotic man is likely to die of some type of cancer. Want to live longer (or at least not die from worrying)?

4. Order Sushi
Our friendly lab-rats also stayed more resistant to skin tumours when they were bombarded with UV rays after being fed brown seaweed, which is low in calories and fat but provides polyphenols, fibre, calcium and iron. Not just that, the polyphenols from the brown seaweed diet actually shrank existing tumours by 43 per cent. For the average guy, the dosage required to reap these benefits is just one or two tablespoons. Eat them dried or roasted for the additional benefits of vitamins A and C.

5. Go Outside
The power of vitamin D as a potent cancer fighter has been confirmed by a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Women who supplemented their diets with 1,000 international units of vitamin D every day had a 60 per cent to 77 per cent lower incidence of cancer over a four-year period than did women taking a placebo. “I don’t think the effect is limited to women,” says Joan Lappe, PhD, the lead study author. “Vitamin D is necessary for the best functioning of the immune system – it causes early death of cancer cells.”

6. Clear Your Air
Here's the truth: There is no safe level of exposure when it comes to second-hand smoke. And the greater the exposure, the higher the risk. A recent American Journal of Public Health study reveals that non-smokers working in smoky places had three times the amount of NNK, a carcinogen, in their urine than non-smoking workers in smoke-free joints had. And their levels of NNK rose six per cent for every hour worked. Thankfully, our new non-smoking rule in public places means we can all breathe easy, even at a pub while you down a vodka with pomegranate juice.

7. Exercise Regularly
A tiny dose of exercise can do a whole lot of good, says a study in the International Journal of Cancer. The research showed that men who exercised just once a week had a 30 per cent lower risk of metastatic prostate cancer than did men who didn’t work out at all. Increasing the frequency, duration, and intensity of the exercise correlated with a further, gradual reduction in risk.

There you have it – even a 15-minute run every Sunday will help keep the big C at bay. What are you waiting for?

Cerebral malaria may have passed from gorillas to us

2010-09-30T18:12:00.001+08:00

Humans may have originally caught malaria from gorillas, scientists say. Until now, it was thought that the human malaria parasite split off from a chimpanzee parasite when humans and chimpanzees last had a common ancestor.But researchers from the US, three African countries, and Europe have examined malaria parasites in great ape faeces.They found the DNA from western gorilla parasites was the most similar to human parasites.

Cerebral malaria
Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, and is carried by mosquitoes. The most common species found in Africa, Plasmodium falciparum, causes dangerous cerebral malaria. Over 800,000 people die from malaria each year in the continent.
Until now, scientists had assumed that when the evolutionary tree of humans split off from that of chimpanzees - around five to seven million years ago - so had Plasmodium falciparum. This would have meant that humans and malaria co-evolved to live together. But new evidence suggests human malaria is much newer. Dr Beatrice Hahn of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, in the US, is part of a team that had been studying HIV and related infections in humans and great apes.

DNA analysis
To study the DNA of infections in wild apes, you cannot use blood samples. So the team collected 2,700 samples of faecal material from two species of gorilla - western and eastern - and from common chimpanzees and bonobos, also known as pygmy chimpanzees.They tried sequencing Plasmodium DNA from the faeces with techniques that use a large sample, and drew a genetic family tree to see which parasites were related. Dr Hahn said "When we did conventional sequencing, the tree didn't make any sense, because each sample contained a mixture of parasites."
They diluted the DNA so that they had just one parasite's genome represented in a single sample, and then amplified the DNA from there. This means they were able to separate the DNA from different species of the parasite much more effectively.They then found the tree made much more sense. But they also found some surprising results.The human Plasmodium was not very closely related to chimpanzee Plasmodium, as had been thought - but it was very closely related to one out of three species of gorilla Plasmodium from western gorillas in Central and West Africa.There was more genetic variety in the gorilla parasites than in human parasites, and Dr Hahn said this means the gorilla is likely to be the "reservoir" - the origin of the human parasite. "Other studies have just looked at chimps, so didn't find the gorilla parasite," said Dr Hahn. She added that some studies have looked at animals in captivity - so it is possible any parasites have "jumped" from their human keepers.

Cross-infection
The researchers, who report their findings in Nature, are now going to investigate further to see exactly how different the gorilla and human parasites are. Dr Hahn says that it is possible they are even the same species, and that cross-infection between humans and gorillas may be going on now. Members of the team Dr Martine Peeters and Dr Eric Delaporte of the University of Montpelier in France are working with hunters and loggers in Cameroon, who spend a lot of time in the forests. They will investigate whether these workers carry malaria parasites from the gorillas, which would suggest that new infections from other species can still happen.They also do not yet know how badly apes are affected by malaria. Dr Hahn said that the team would now like to find out whether apes are able to catch the malaria parasite, without getting ill or dying in the way that humans do.

Testers 'fabricating air pollution reports'

2010-09-21T17:55:00.005+08:00

You have got to be kidding me!!! Fabricated air pollution reports in a highly developed and alledgedly environmentally concious country, Australia. What's next???

A former employee of an Australian air testing company alleges data is being fabricated and fraudulently provided to regulatory bodies and is going unchecked by the government. The former employee - who has now left the industry - alleges that shortcuts were habitually taken when testing for air pollution from smoke stacks during his three-year tenure with the company.

"While I was there, there wasn't any formal training. You were thrown in the deep end and the equipment was a piecemeal piece of equipment to do what was required, but not to do anything properly.

"I even saw on numerous times my superiors turning up on site with me to do the work and then saying that they couldn't be bothered doing the sampling.
"I've also seen them, for dioxins and furans, which were very expensive tests that had to be done, instead of doing the six-hour sample I've seen them pretend to have taken samples onto filter papers."

The scientist says he and colleagues were pressured to cut corners.
"Being hurried off site, not being given enough time. If it would take a whole week to get a job completed, you would get it completed in two days because you're required elsewhere. So you were sent off somewhere else and the figures were made up so that you could get two large jobs done in a week instead of just the one."
The man says he has obtained copies of reports that support his claims since leaving the company.

And he says he believes the fraudulent behaviour is going undetected and could be widespread within the industry.

He alleges the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and the Department of Environment and Resource Management are not sufficiently regulating compliance to standards.

"The Environmental Protection Agency is requesting that industry provide them with reports by NATA-accredited bodies that detail the levels of air emissions that they have," he said.

"But when these reports are submitted they are taken at face value and they're not being properly scrutinised by either NATA or the EPA. So there is nothing to show that these are being done properly, and I have evidence to show that they haven't been done properly if they were to be checked."

He says the effects of non-compliance could be detrimental for the public. "If we don't have accurate figures on what is being emitted into the air, in Gladstone for example, we have no way of knowing if levels are being exceeded past safe community levels - and the air could have high levels of lead, high levels of dioxins, of carcinogens, or poisons into the atmosphere which could then cause sickness."

The scientist also says that due to non-compliance going unchecked, councils make uninformed decisions about industry expansions. And he says similar discrepancies in air testing could be occurring in the coal seam gas industry.

"If they got the incorrect information about the amount of pollutants that are being put into the atmosphere, they are unable to accurately determine whether to go ahead with expansions, because they don't have a correct baseline to know what the air pollution levels are at any one time."

He says during his time at the company he saw large companies go from struggling to pass compliance tests, to easily passing environmental standards.
"NATA needs to start doing their job properly," he said.

"Unfortunately they're not an independent body because they are paid for by the stack testing companies themselves ... so there is no independence there. "But ideally we should look more towards the American model, where the environmental protection agency have their own sampling officers who are fully experienced in stack testing and actually will perform surprise visits to stack testing companies when they're on site, are able to audit reports, and have a requirement that raw data is included in the stack testing reports so that anyone can have a look and ensure that things are being done to the standard.

"At the moment there are no requirements that you include your raw data in Australia. And every testing company should have that data. It should be no problem for them to include it in any report that they submit, to show that things were done to the standard."

Innovative green technologies help China's drive to save energy and cut emissions!

2010-09-20T20:13:00.003+08:00

The Chinese government’s investment in research and development of green technologies has exceeded 10 billion yuan (1.47 billion U.S. dollars) for the 2006-2010 period.

Zhang Laiwu, vice minister of science and technology, made the remark Thursday at a press conference in Beijing, also saying that China had developed key technologies that could cut greenhouse emissions.

China has applied energy-saving technologies to traditional industries including steel, power, building materials, chemicals and agriculture, which have enhanced their competitiveness, he said. China has also issued supportive policies for new-energy industries. For instance, the pilot program of energy-saving and new-energy vehicles has been implemented in 25 cities, and the government has provided subsidies for the purchase of 5,000 vehicles, he said.

Also, more than 1.6 million LED lights were being used in 21 cities in a pilot program to promote the use of LED lights, which will save more than 164 million KWH of electricity annually, he said.

Another interesting story this month revealed that China has succeeded the United States as the most attractive location to invest in renewable energy projects. China's clean energy market - particularly in solar, biomass and wind - are presenting golden opportunities for investors.

Green driving

2010-09-18T13:31:00.001+08:00

Most people are quite concerned about the state of our natural environment these days, and with good reason.

We are all looking for ways to lessen our impact on the environment and to be more well informed citizens of the world; well, most of us anyway. There are many ways to “go green” and to lead a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, but most of us don’t think about the fuel consumption when driving our car as a way of going green. Most people just look at it as a way of cutting fuel cost, however, driving green has great benefits for the environment. Here are a few tips that will help you reduce your fuel cost AND reduce your impact on the environment:

Pay attention to traffic: Speeding, accelerating and braking hard can deplete efficiency by 33%
Underinflated tires: Tires that are underinflated by 20% increases fuel consumption with 5-10%. Check your car's manual to find out how much air should be in your tires.
Aircondition increases the fuel consumption with up to 15%
Empty your trunk: Driving with extra weight in the trunk can increase the fuel consumption with up to 5%

These tips will help you reduce your car's fuel consumption, but of course it would be better for the environment (and your wallet) if you don't drive your car at all and take the bus, your bicycle or set up car pooling with your collegues.

Show me your dance moves, and I'll tell you if you are healthy

2010-09-13T10:54:00.001+08:00

Scientists say they've carried out the first rigorous analysis of dance moves that make men attractive to women.

The researchers say that movements associated with good dancing may be indicative of good health and reproductive potential. "When you go out to clubs people have an intuitive understanding of what makes a good and bad dancer," said co-author Dr Nick Neave, an evolutionary psychologist at Northumbria University, UK. "What we've done for the very first time is put those things together with a biometric analysis so we can actually calculate very precisely the kinds of movements people focus on and associate them with women's ratings of male dancers."

Dr Neave asked young men who were not professional dancers, to dance in a laboratory to a very basic drum rhythm and their movements with 12 cameras.

These movements were then converted into a computer-generated cartoon - an avatar - which women rated on a scale of one to seven. He was surprised by the results. "We thought that people's arms and legs would be really important. The kind of expressive gestures the hands make, for example. But in fact this was not the case," he said.

"We found that (women paid more attention to) the core body region: the torso, the neck, the head. It was not just the speed of the movements, it was also the variability of the movement. So someone who is twisting, bending, moving, nodding."
Movements that went down terribly were twitchy and repetitive - so called "Dad dancing".

Dr Neave's aim was to establish whether young men exhibited the same courtship movement rituals in night clubs as animals do in the wild. In the case of animals, these movements give information about their health, age, their reproductive potential and their hormone status. "People go to night clubs to show off and attract the opposite sex so I think it's a valid way of doing this," Dr Neave explained. "In animals, the male has to be in good physical quality to carry out these movements. We think the same is happening in humans and certainly the guys that can put these movements together are going to be young and fit and healthy."

Dr Neave also took blood samples from the volunteers. Early indications from biochemical tests suggest that the men who were better dancers were also more healthy
INTERESTING!!!!

The benefits of wild salmon vs. farmed salmon

2010-09-09T16:12:00.001+08:00

For all the sea food lovers out there - Are the health risks of eating the commonly sold farmed salmon? It could seem like, you should check whether the salmon you buy is farmed or wild.

Salmon farming, which involves raising salmon in containers placed under water near shore, began in Norway about 50 years ago and has since caught on in the U.S., Ireland, Canada, Chile and the United Kingdom. Due to the large decline in wild fish from overfishing, many experts see the farming of salmon and other fish as the future of the industry. On the flip side, many marine biologists and ocean advocates fear such a future, citing serious health and ecological implications with so-called "aquaculture."

George Mateljan, founder of Health Valley Foods says that farmed fish are "far inferior" to their wild counterparts. "Despite being much fattier, farmed fish provide less usable beneficial omega 3 fats than wild fish," he says. Indeed, U.S. Department of Agriculture research bears out that the fat content of farmed salmon is 30-35 percent by weight while wild salmons' fat content is some 20 percent lower, though with a protein content about 20 percent higher. And farm-raised fish contain higher amounts of pro-inflammatory omega 6 fats instead of the preponderance of healthier omega 3s found in wild fish.

"Due to the feedlot conditions of aquafarming, farm-raised fish are doused with antibiotics and exposed to more concentrated pesticides than their wild kin," reports Mateljan. He adds that farmed salmon are given a salmon-colored dye in their feed "without which their flesh would be an unappetizing grey color." Some aquaculture proponents claim that fish farming eases pressure on wild fish populations, but most ocean advocates disagree. To wit, one National Academy of Sciences study found that sea lice from fish farming operations killed up to 95% of juvenile wild salmon migrating past them. And two other studies -- one in western Canada and the other in England -- found that farmed salmon accumulate more cancer-causing PCBs and dioxins than wild salmon due to pesticides circulating in the ocean that get absorbed by the sardines, anchovies and other fish that are ground up as feed for the fish farms. A recent survey of U.S. grocery stores found that farmed salmon typically contains 16 times the PCBs found in wild salmon; other studies in Canada, Ireland and Great Britain reached similar conclusions.

Another problem with fish farms is the liberal use of drugs and antibiotics to control bacterial outbreaks and parasites. These primarily synthetic chemicals spread out into marine ecosystems just from drifting in the water column as well as from fish feces. In addition, millions of farmed fish escape fish farms every year around the world and mix into wild populations, spreading contaminants and disease accordingly.

Who would have known that fish farms are actually that bad to the environment? And that the fish are far from being as healthy as their wild counterpart. I will for sure be checking next time I buy salmon!!

Clean Up the World Weekend 2010

2010-09-06T11:23:00.003+08:00

In 2010 the campaign's flagship event; Clean Up the World Weekend will be held from the 17-19 of September.

Clean Up the World is a community based environmental campaign that inspires and empowers communities from every corner of the globe to clean up, fix up and conserve their environment.

Now in its 18th year, Clean Up the World, held in conjunction with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), mobilises an estimated 35 million volunteers from 120 countries annually, making it one of the largest community-based environmental campaigns in the world. The campaign brings together businesses, community groups, schools, governments and individuals in a range of activities and programs that positively improve local environments.

Since the first Clean Up the World campaign in 1993 the improvements achieved due to the efforts of millions of concerned volunteers around the world have been astounding. Examples of community-led Clean Up the World activities include:
• Recycling and resource recovery
• Tree planting
• Education campaigns
• Water reuse and conservation
• Competitions
• Exhibitions
• Fix up projects.

Clean Up the World encourages participants to organise an activity on, or around this weekend and celebrate their environmental achievements.
Getting involved is easy! Communities can conduct activities such as clean up events or organise environmental awareness raising activities. Groups, organisations, businesses and communities around the world unite and take action at a local level to address the global issue of climate change.

Check out the Clean Up the World for events in your community as well as information on how to register YOUR event: www.cleanuptheworld.org

Greenpeace board Cairn drilling rig off Greenland

2010-09-02T12:45:00.002+08:00

Environmental campaigners slip through security boats to scale Cairn Energy oil rig in dawn raid.

Greenpeace claims to have shut down offshore drilling by a British oil company at a controversial site in the Artic after four climbers began an occupation of the rig just after dawn.

The environment campaigners said the four protesters evaded a small flotilla of armed Danish navy and police boats which have been guarding the rigs in Baffin Bay off Greenland since the Greenpeace protest ship Esperanza arrived last week. The rigs are operated by the Edinburgh-based oil exploration company Cairn Energy, which last week prompted world-wide alarm among environmentalists after disclosing it had found the first evidence of oil or gas deposits under the Artic.

Several multinational oil companies, including Exxon. Chevron and Shell, are waiting for permission from Greenland to begin deep sea drilling in the Arctic's pristine waters.

Campaigners claim this led to a dangerous rush to exploit one of the world's last major untapped reserves in one of its most fragile locations. The US Geological Survey last year estimated there may be 90bn barrels of oil and 50tn cubic metres of gas across the Arctic.

The campaign group said: "At dawn this morning our expert climbers in inflatable speed boats dodged Danish Navy commandos before climbing up the inside of the rig and hanging from it in tents suspended from ropes, halting its drilling operation.
"The climbers have enough supplies to occupy the hanging tents for several days. If they succeed in stopping drilling for just a short time then the operators, Britain's Cairn Energy, will struggle to meet a tight deadline to complete the exploration before winter ice conditions force it to abandon the search for oil off Greenland until next year."

The occupation comes after a nine-day stand-off between Greenpeace and the Danish navy, which has sent its frigate Vaedderen to the area, deploying elite Danish commandos on high-speed boats to patrol a 500m exclusion zone around the rigs.
Last week the Danes warned the Esperanza it would be forcibly boarded and its captain arrested if it breached the security zone. After Greenpeace launched its helicopter to take photographs, the security area was extended to include a 1,800m high air exclusion zone.

Greenpeace argues that the Arctic drilling programme is extremely perilous because of the sea ice and intense weather conditions in the region, and claims it is one of the 10 most dangerous drilling sites in the world. The Baffin Bay area is known as "iceberg alley". Last week, it filmed a support vessel trying to break up an iceberg using high pressure hoses.

It says the risks posed by this operation go "far beyond" the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico; in the Arctic an oil spill would destroy the region's vulnerable and untouched habitats, while the cold water would prevent any oil from quickly breaking up. Any emergency operation to tackle a disaster would encounter huge technical and logistical problems in such a remote area.
Cairn Energy argues it is there at Greenland's invitation, to help bolster and strengthen the island's economy. It also insisted its drilling operations obeyed some of the world's strictest environmental and safety regulations. "We've put procedures in place to give the highest possible priority to safety and environmental protection," it said.

It emerged last week that BP had withdrawn from applying to join in the Greenland oil exploration programme, a direct consequence of the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
Sim McKenna, one of the Greenpeace climbers on board the Cairn rig, said: "We've got to keep the energy companies out of the Arctic and kick our addiction to oil, that's why we're going to stop this rig from drilling for as long as we can.
"The BP Gulf oil disaster showed us it's time to go beyond oil. The drilling rig we're hanging off could spark an Arctic oil rush, one that would pose a huge threat to the climate and put this fragile environment at risk."

Morten Nielsen, deputy head of Greenland police, said the four protesters would be arrested and prosecuted. "The position of the Greenlandic police is that this is a clear violation of the law, the penal code of Greenland. The perpetrators will be prosecuted by the Greenlandic authorities," he said.

"But what we intend to do, how and when, is an operational detail it wouldn't be smart to advise Greenpeace about." Speaking from the island's capital, Nuuk, Nielsen confirmed that the police had rescue vessels close by the protesters in case any fell into the water, which was only a few degrees above freezing. He denied the police and navy had been outwitted by the protesters setting off at dawn.

"We have to evaluate the downside of any interception," he said. "The highest value we have to preserve is life and if the result of intercepting the Greenpeace activists would bring the police or for that matter the activists' lives in jeopardy, we are not going to intercept right now."

Are our toilet habits affecting the environment?

2010-09-01T10:11:00.002+08:00

It is estimated that in our lifetime we spend up to three years on the loo, using an average of 110 rolls each year, but new research has delved deeper to uncover the toilet habits of the nation.

The survey looked at everything from technique to differences between the sexes, but one of the biggest questions dividing the people in the survey was "Do you scrunch or fold the loo roll?". According to the research, 68% fold their toilet paper before wiping and only 15% of us scrunch it.

And the results backed up the traditional belief that women are more likely to scrunch while men are more likely to fold, but only by a bit; one fifth of women admitted to scrunching their toilet paper compared to 10% of men, whereas three quarters of men admitted to folding against 63% of women.

Age is also an interesting factor, as the results showed that the older a person gets the more likely they are to fold their loo roll - which could come down to them having a little more time to spend a penny.

Only 57% of 18 to 24-year-olds admit to folding before wiping, whereas three quarters of those over 55-years-old claim to do the same thing. Meanwhile, men like to have something to read on the loo, 59% compared to just 43% of women. The reading material of choice is newspapers (45%), books (33%) and magazines (46%) ,whereas some of us are more high-tech reading mobile text messages (21%), internet pages on phones or laptops (17%) with others simply looking to take life less seriously, as 4% read joke books.

When it comes to waste, women are worse than men as 86% use up to 15 sheets of toilet roll every time they go to the toilet compared to 74% of men. However, 3% of men do admit to using over 25 sheets per visit which would be sure to block most toilets as well as being a complete waste and bad for the environment.
Many of those aged between 25 and 34-years-old are clearly still mummy and daddy's little angel, as 12% admitted that their parents still purchase their toilet roll for them.

And girls who live with their boyfriend should watch their supply, as the research shows 0% of boyfriends will replenish the stock if it runs out.(hmmm one can wonder what they will do if the girlfriend doesn't buy new stock!!!)

Illegal trade: Tiger cub found in luggage

2010-08-30T17:20:00.001+08:00

A two-month old tiger cub was found sedated and hidden among stuffed-tiger toys in the luggage of a woman at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Sunday.

The 31-year old Thai national was scheduled to board a Mahan Air flight destined for Iran when she had trouble checking in her oversized bag. Airports of Thailand (AOT) staff suspected something amiss when they scanned the bag and x-ray images showed an item resembling a real cat. Officers from the Livestock Development Department and the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department were then called in to open the bag for inspection and discovered the tranquilized cub.

Investigations are underway to determine if the cub was wild caught or captive-bred, where it came from and the suspect’s intended final destination.

Tiger populations in Thailand and throughout Asia are critically threatened by poaching and trade to meet the international demand for tiger parts, products and, as illustrated in this case, live tigers.

Tigers are categorized as Endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List of Threatened Species) and listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibiting international commercial trade. Both captive and wild caught tigers fall under the same regulations.

I really don't understand what makes people pay unrealistic sums of money for endangered animals, ignoring the fact that is so important to keep the animals in their natural habitats or sanctuaries where the possibity of breeding excists.

Non-stick pans can affect our hormones, new research suggests

2010-08-29T09:37:00.002+08:00

Norwegian study highlights the effects of PFC and PCB chemicals on human health.

A group of chemicals found in common household items may be having dangerous effects on our hormones, new research suggests. A study on sheep and cells grown in the laboratory by Norwegian vets found that perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) found in water resistant clothes and non-stick frying pans can affect the body's steroid hormones including oestrogen, testosterone and cortisol. These hormones are necessary for regulating a number of bodily functions in humans and animals, including our ability to reproduce.

The research also discovered similar effects caused by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a group of chemicals that have been banned since the 1970s but continue to persist in the environment.

Limit exposure

Study author Dr. Marianne Kraugerud, from the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, said consumers could limit their exposure to both chemicals.
'To regulate uptake of PFCs, one could try to limit the use of clothes treated with water and grease repellent containing PFCs.

'It may also be wise to use cookware coated with non-stick "Teflon"-type coatings with care, especially when damaged. Alternatively, one may consider going back to the good old-fashioned cast iron frying pan,' she said.

Can you make your pet go green???

2010-08-28T09:41:00.002+08:00

Cats and dogs may not be immediately concerned with saving the Earth, but today's owners should find themselves engaging in green responsibility and choosing biodegradable/eco-friendly pet products. Going green isn't just for people.

Dogs as well as dog owners can help protect the environment we all share. In America alone there were 74.8 million dogs listed in 2008. That many dogs can make a significant impact on the environment. It only makes sense that pet owners include their furry family members in lifestyle changes that protect health and the planet we live on.

Small changes can add up and here are a few tips on how you can have your pet go green:
• Adopt pets from a shelter. Those who want a specific breed can find just what they're looking for at a breed rescue.
• Pick up after your dog, using paper or biodegradable poop bags. Never use plastic, which does not break down in the landfill.
• Feed dogs organic pet food that is free of hormones and chemicals that may be toxic to the canine body.
• Recycle household materials for bedding. Some of the family's old blankets or towels work well as do old pillow slips stuffed with foam packaging peanuts.
• Pay attention to packaging of pet items. Recycled, biodegradable, or none is best.
• Use shampoos and other grooming products that are free of phosphates, sulfates, and other chemicals that can be harmful to the environment.

It might be hard for you to find the environmentally friendly pet products in your community. But how about asking your local pet shop, if they would consider taking the products in? If enought customers ask, I am sure they will give in to the pressure :-)

Ecotourism in an ancient rainforest

2010-08-25T08:30:00.003+08:00

Taman Negara National Park spans more than 2,500 square miles and is the oldest officially protected area in Malaysia. It is also Malaysia's largest national park and has been developed into a major destination for ecotourism.

Watch, as the BBC's Carmen Roberts takes us on a journey into a pristine rainforest that is over 130 million years old.

"Goody" bag companies accused of being "fake green"

2010-08-23T14:18:00.001+08:00

ACCC (the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) has instituted legal proceedings against Goody Environment Pty Ltd and Nupak Australia Pty Ltd.

The ACCC alleged that the companies engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct and made false representations regarding 'Goody' brand plastic bags, in contravention of the Trade Practices Act 1974. The action concerns alleged representations by Goody Environment and Nupak that 'Goody' brand plastic bags, containing an additive supplied by Goody Environment and distributed by Nupak, were biodegradable and compostable in accordance with the Australian Standard AS4736-2006 for Biodegradable plastics suitable for composting and other Microbial Treatment and could be legally supplied in South Australia.

The ACCC alleged that these 'Goody' brand plastic bags did not satisfy the Australian Standard's requirements as to biodegradability, disintegration and concentration of toxic or hazardous substances.
The ACCC seeked orders including:
• corrective advertising by Goody Environment and Nupak on their websites and in newspapers
• the publication by Goody Environment of a notice in a relevant magazine informing the public of the court orders
• letters to be sent by Nupak to its customers advising of the court orders
• the implementation of a trade practices law compliance and education training program by Goody Environment and Nupak
• findings of fact
• declarations that Goody Environment and Nupak contravened the Act
• injunctions including interim injunctions to restrain Goody Environment and Nupak from continuing to make these representations, and
• ACCC's costs.

The directions hearing was in Adelaide on the 15th of July and in response, Nupak has undertaken to refrain from making representations to the effect that 'Goody' plastic bags:
a. comply with the Australian Standard*;
b. comply with the requirements of State Legislation which proscribes the sale of plastic 'singlet' shopping bags; or
c. are biodegradable or compostable in accordance with the Australian Standard,
unless Nupak has first obtained independent scientific testing which substantiates such representations.

Nupak has also undertaken to send a letter to each Nupak customer supplied with Goody plastic bags informing them of the ACCC's action, the allegations and the undertakings by Nupak. The hearing of the ACCC's application for interlocutory relief against Goody Environment has been set down for 23 August 2010.

Australia corals to light up cancer cure fight

2010-08-20T08:19:00.002+08:00

Australian scientists have discovered a cluster of brilliant shallow-water corals that could help in the search for anti-cancer drugs and to understand global warming, a researcher said Saturday.

The vividly fluorescent cluster was found in waters off Lord Howe Island, 600 kilometres (400 miles) east of the Australian mainland, with some displaying rich reds that were difficult to find and in high demand for studies of cancer cells, researcher Anya Salih said.

"The underwater buttresses and caverns are densely inhabited by hundreds of corals, all deeply pigmented by the most intense green, blue and many with red fluorescence," she said.

Salih said she had never seen such an abundance of highly red fluorescent corals, nor such an extraordinarily vibrant site.

"We are using these pigments to light up the workings of living cells and to study what goes wrong in cancer cells," said Salih, from the University of Western Sydney.

The gene producing the particular pigment -- red, green, blue or yellow -- would be attached to a molecule in both healthy and cancerous cells, and would enable scientists to track cell growth and change using a special fluorescent-sensitive laser microscope.

Salih is working with scientists from the University of California to explore how cancer cells differ from normal cells and how effective anti-cancer drugs are. She said red pigments were especially valuable because they allowed researchers to see deeper into tissues.

"These fluorescent molecules are transforming cell science and biomedical research," said Salih.

The corals were discovered by scientists tracking the recovery of coral bleaching linked to global warming at Lord Howe Island, and Salih said they were invaluable not only for her research but for understanding climate change.

"Earlier this year, the coral reefs of Lord Howe Island experienced a sudden mass bleaching event caused by warming of seawater. It's a sign that global warming is beginning to be a threat to coral survival even to the most southern reefs in Australia," she said.

But the fluorescent corals had been much less damaged by the bleaching, lending "support to the hypothesis that fluorescence can provide some level of protection to corals from temperature stresses due to climate change."

"Coral fluorescence is proving to be incredibly important in the biology of coral reefs and their ability to survive stressful conditions," she said.

Is there such a thing as "fake green"??

2010-08-14T18:47:00.003+08:00

In my work related research I have come across a very large number of business that declare themselves green or environmentally concious in their corporate social responsibility policy.

As a consumer it can be very hard to see through the smokescreen of a company's marketing strategy and figure out which companies are dedicated the reducing their carbon footprint and which companies are using a few green iniatives to attract the modern green consumer. Eco-friendly doesn't mean anything unfortunately marketers have figured out that people are willing to pay a premium, a little more, if it says eco on it. So sometimes it does even though it may not be eco-friendly at all.

I've seen companies using "supporter of Earth Hour" to promote their green iniatives. Excuse me!!! Swithcing off the lights for ONE HOUR every year does not make your company green. It's this kind of companies, I call "fake green". They support a public green initiative and use it as proof of their green-ness. Don't let this easy bought green initiatives fool you!!

There is actually an official term for the concept: Greenwashing: It’s greenwashing when a company or organisation spends more time and money claiming to be “green” through advertising and marketing than actually implementing business practices that minimise environmental impact.

Make sure you look carefully next time you decide to buy green products. Spend some time researching the different companies before you make decide on the brand. There is plenty information available online - enough to enable you to make an informed decision!

Climate change will increase number of heart deaths

2010-08-13T09:35:00.003+08:00

Climate change means a lot more than just rising water levels and the fact that we have to adjust to warmer weather. There is a lot more at stake, and now a new study shows that climate change will increase our health quite extremely.

Many more people will die of heart problems as global warming continues, experts are warning. Cllmate extremes of hot and cold will become more common and this will puts strain on people's hearts, doctors say. A study in the British Medical Journal found that each 1C temperature drop on a single day in the UK is linked to 200 extra heart attacks.

Heatwaves, meanwhile, increase heart deaths from other causes, as shown by the events in Paris during summer 2003. Over 11,000 people died in France's heatwave in the first half of August of that year when temperatures rose to over 40C. Many of these were sudden cardiac deaths related to heart conditions other than heart attack. That same summer, record-breaking temperatures led to 2,000 excess deaths in the UK. And experts predict that by the 2080s events similar to these will happen every year. The risks posed by extreme spells of hot and cold are largely within two weeks of exposure and are greatest for the most frail - the elderly and those with heart problems already, say experts.