A Dutch court has found multinational Trafigura guilty of illegally exporting toxic waste from Amsterdam and concealing the nature of the cargo.
Trafigura is one of the largest independent companies trading commodities today. They are involved in the sourcing and trading of crude oil, petroleum products, renewable energies, metals, metal ores and concentrates for industrial consumers
In 2006, Trafigura transported waste alleged to have been involved in the injury of thousands of people in Ivory Coast. Trafigura denied any wrongdoing.It expressed disappointment in the ruling and is considering an appeal. The firm was fined 1m euros (£836,894) for its ship, the Probo Koala, transiting Amsterdam with its cargo. The ship then went on to unload its cargo in Ivory Coast.
Trafigura employee Naeem Ahmed, who was involved in the ship's operation in Amsterdam, was fined 25,000 euros and the captain of the Probo Koala, 46-year-old Sergiy Chertov, was sentenced to a five-year suspended jail term.
This is the first time Trafigura has faced criminal charges since the toxic waste scandal unfolded in Ivory Coast's commercial capital, Abidjan, in 2006.
Trafigura initially tried to clean up low-grade oil by tipping caustic soda into the hold of the Probo Koala. The company tried to unload the waste in Amsterdam for treatment, declaring it as "harmless slops".
When the treatment company came back with a higher price for cleaning the waste, the cargo was shipped to Africa where it ended up in Abidjan to be handled at a much lower rate. Presiding Judge Frans Bauduin said: "Trafigura - which by that time knew of the exact composition [of the waste] - should never have agreed to its processing at such a price."
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Is your wooden furniture illegal??
Around 1/3 of all wooden furniture are made from wood illegally logged around the world. Illegal logging is a major culprit for the increasing destruction of precious tropical forests and takes away a valuable source of income from local communities.
Indonesia is now the world’s third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, mostly thanks to deforestation and degradation. The deforestation has huge impact on the local communities.For generations villagers have extracted and sold honey and nilam plant oil – used as cooking oil and to make cosmetics. But most have had to find a secondary source of income as resources run thin.
In addition to depleting resources for forest-dependent communities, deforestation is contributing to an increase in small-scale natural disasters. Flooding has become more common in the last five years, and the water level is rising leaving many houses damaged beyond repair. Furthermore, animals forced out of their natural habitat by deforestation are wreaking havoc in the village. Thousands of pigs are destroying the crops in the local villages.
In Europe The European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly in support of a new law to ban illegal timber imports to the EU. The Parliament voted 644-25 to prohibit the sale and import of illegally harvested timber and products made from it. The law is aimed at the large trade in natural forest timber from the developing world’s forest-rich countries. The ban is set to come into effect in two years. It must still be endorsed by the EU member governments but this is seen as a formality. Under the new rules, European importers of timber and wood products will have to prove the legality of their goods and provide tracking records back to origin.
There is only one way to stop the illegal logging, and that is to check next time you buy wooden furniture. If the legality of the wood cannot be accounted for then DON'T BUY!
Indonesia is now the world’s third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, mostly thanks to deforestation and degradation. The deforestation has huge impact on the local communities.For generations villagers have extracted and sold honey and nilam plant oil – used as cooking oil and to make cosmetics. But most have had to find a secondary source of income as resources run thin.In addition to depleting resources for forest-dependent communities, deforestation is contributing to an increase in small-scale natural disasters. Flooding has become more common in the last five years, and the water level is rising leaving many houses damaged beyond repair. Furthermore, animals forced out of their natural habitat by deforestation are wreaking havoc in the village. Thousands of pigs are destroying the crops in the local villages.
In Europe The European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly in support of a new law to ban illegal timber imports to the EU. The Parliament voted 644-25 to prohibit the sale and import of illegally harvested timber and products made from it. The law is aimed at the large trade in natural forest timber from the developing world’s forest-rich countries. The ban is set to come into effect in two years. It must still be endorsed by the EU member governments but this is seen as a formality. Under the new rules, European importers of timber and wood products will have to prove the legality of their goods and provide tracking records back to origin.
There is only one way to stop the illegal logging, and that is to check next time you buy wooden furniture. If the legality of the wood cannot be accounted for then DON'T BUY!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Does bathroom cleaner cause cancer??
Scientists claim the risk of breast cancer is doubled by the overuse of air fresheners and cleaning products that combat mould and mildew. Astonishing research claims that the perfect housewives with spotless bathrooms could be twice as likely to get breast cancer.
The amazing findings - which may even be linked to a bizarre combination of the two - emerged in a huge US study.
Breast cancer researchers for the American Silent Spring Institute quizzed more than 1,500 women about what kind of cleaning products they used - and how often.
Many were housewives waging a constant battle against bathroom mould and the build-up of mildew on windows - while at the same time trying to keep homes smelling fresh.
The institute's Julia Brody said: "Women who reported the highest combined cleaning product use had a doubled risk of breast cancer compared to those with the lowest reported use. "Use of air fresheners and products for mould and mildew control were associated with increased risk."
Insect repellents also boosted the chance of getting the disease - although there appeared to be little linking it to pesticides. The institute urged further urgent research.
If this is indeed right many of us women are at high risk because of external influences from our household. A way to minimise the risk is to use non-toxic cleaning products. Have a look here for our range of Green Home Cleaning Kits online.
The amazing findings - which may even be linked to a bizarre combination of the two - emerged in a huge US study.
Breast cancer researchers for the American Silent Spring Institute quizzed more than 1,500 women about what kind of cleaning products they used - and how often.
Many were housewives waging a constant battle against bathroom mould and the build-up of mildew on windows - while at the same time trying to keep homes smelling fresh.The institute's Julia Brody said: "Women who reported the highest combined cleaning product use had a doubled risk of breast cancer compared to those with the lowest reported use. "Use of air fresheners and products for mould and mildew control were associated with increased risk."
Insect repellents also boosted the chance of getting the disease - although there appeared to be little linking it to pesticides. The institute urged further urgent research.
If this is indeed right many of us women are at high risk because of external influences from our household. A way to minimise the risk is to use non-toxic cleaning products. Have a look here for our range of Green Home Cleaning Kits online.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Pentagon turns green to cut fuel bill
THE US military has been told to go green to cut costs after the Pentagon's annual fuel bill hit $US20 billion. The biggest energy-saving campaign by the Pentagon is forcing the armed services to look at alternative ways of powering aircrafts, ships and armoured vehicles. Algae, vegetable oil and even animal fat are coming to the rescue.
First in the line of the accountants' fire is the Air Force. Fighter aircraft use up 3,000 to 5,000 gallons of fuel on an average mission - at the current price of $2.18 a gallon. The Air Force's transport service, which ferries troops and cargo around the world, is the largest fuel-guzzling organisation on the planet.
The US Navy is planning to have a green carrier strike force by 2016, with every aircraft on board and all the escort ships being powered by a 50-50 mix of petrol and biofuel. The carriers are nuclear-powered "so that's already alternative", Admiral Philip Cullom, the head of the Navy's Task Force Energy, said.
In April the US Navy showed off a Green Hornet, a FA18 that has completed more than a dozen flights with half of the fuel tank containing an oil extracted from camelina, a member of the mustard family.
"When I spoke to the pilots they said they didn't know whether they had petroleum or biofuel ... it flew just the same," Admiral Cullom said. He plans to use the equivalent of eight million barrels of biofuel by 2020.
Jeff Braun, the director of the US Air Force alternative fuels certification office, said that on August 26 a C17 transport aircraft would attempt to fly on tallow (animal fat) fuel. "What's left over from the meat process is what we call yellow grease and you extract the oil from it," he said.
Alan Shaffer, the Pentagon's principal deputy director of defence research and engineering, said that an alternative oil source with potential was algae.
"The beauty with algae is that you can grow it anywhere and to grow it it needs to absorb carbon dioxide, so it's not only a very effective fuel, in theory it's also a carbon sink. That's a pretty good deal," he said. Mr Shaffer believes that with investment - the big airlines are interested - algae could take off.
First in the line of the accountants' fire is the Air Force. Fighter aircraft use up 3,000 to 5,000 gallons of fuel on an average mission - at the current price of $2.18 a gallon. The Air Force's transport service, which ferries troops and cargo around the world, is the largest fuel-guzzling organisation on the planet.
The US Navy is planning to have a green carrier strike force by 2016, with every aircraft on board and all the escort ships being powered by a 50-50 mix of petrol and biofuel. The carriers are nuclear-powered "so that's already alternative", Admiral Philip Cullom, the head of the Navy's Task Force Energy, said.
In April the US Navy showed off a Green Hornet, a FA18 that has completed more than a dozen flights with half of the fuel tank containing an oil extracted from camelina, a member of the mustard family.
"When I spoke to the pilots they said they didn't know whether they had petroleum or biofuel ... it flew just the same," Admiral Cullom said. He plans to use the equivalent of eight million barrels of biofuel by 2020.
Jeff Braun, the director of the US Air Force alternative fuels certification office, said that on August 26 a C17 transport aircraft would attempt to fly on tallow (animal fat) fuel. "What's left over from the meat process is what we call yellow grease and you extract the oil from it," he said.
Alan Shaffer, the Pentagon's principal deputy director of defence research and engineering, said that an alternative oil source with potential was algae.
"The beauty with algae is that you can grow it anywhere and to grow it it needs to absorb carbon dioxide, so it's not only a very effective fuel, in theory it's also a carbon sink. That's a pretty good deal," he said. Mr Shaffer believes that with investment - the big airlines are interested - algae could take off.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Endangered species in traditional Chinese Medicine
While China uses Western medicines, it also still relies on the traditional medicines from complex recipes of plant and animal parts that date back some 3,000 years. Though the use of some animals, including tigers and rhinoceroses, is already illegal in China, demand remains strong and an underground market fed by smuggling continues to flourish.
As late as this week it was made public that customs officers in Guangdong, China, have seized more than 7.8 tonnes of frozen pangolins and 1,800 kg of pangolin scales from a fishing vessel after it was stopped for inspection at Zhuhai's Gaolan Island. Two of the four species are classified as Endangered by IUCN. (For the full article please go to: http://www.traffic.org/home/2010/7/13/huge-pangolin-seizure-in-china.html )
Traditional doctors in China have been substituting tiger and rhino parts for a long time because they have become so rare. One example: Bones of the sailong, a north China rat used in Tibetan medicine, are certified in China as a substitute for "Tiger Bone Wine," a famous tonic. It is said that any professional in the field of oriental herbal medicine would recognize that for every substance supplied by endangered species there are many effective substitutes.
Please promise me that next you buy your traditional Chinese medicine that you will check that it doesn't contain any ingredients from endangered species and help make a difference!!
As late as this week it was made public that customs officers in Guangdong, China, have seized more than 7.8 tonnes of frozen pangolins and 1,800 kg of pangolin scales from a fishing vessel after it was stopped for inspection at Zhuhai's Gaolan Island. Two of the four species are classified as Endangered by IUCN. (For the full article please go to: http://www.traffic.org/home/2010/7/13/huge-pangolin-seizure-in-china.html )Traditional doctors in China have been substituting tiger and rhino parts for a long time because they have become so rare. One example: Bones of the sailong, a north China rat used in Tibetan medicine, are certified in China as a substitute for "Tiger Bone Wine," a famous tonic. It is said that any professional in the field of oriental herbal medicine would recognize that for every substance supplied by endangered species there are many effective substitutes.
Please promise me that next you buy your traditional Chinese medicine that you will check that it doesn't contain any ingredients from endangered species and help make a difference!!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Increase the temperature = Decrease your utility bill
When you're in a tropical climate having the aircondition on indoors is almost a must for your comfort. However, cooling down your home with airconditioning is very likely to be a significant part of your utility bill. Not only is it very expensive to cool down your home but it also puts a strain on the worlds natural resources.
There are a few easy tips to decrease your home cooling expenditure and the most important one is to increase the temperature. It will save you up to 5% on your home cooling costs for each degree that you are able to raise your thermostat. So if you would normally put your airconditioning on at 18 degrees celcius imagine the change in you cost if you change the temperature to 23 degrees. Yes a 25% decrease in the cost of coolig down your home. Now imagine what you can do with all that money saved...
Here are another few easy tips to reduce your home cooling expenditure:- A dusty filter reduces air flow. Examine your unit's air filters once a month and clean or replace filters when necessary. Keeping your filters clean can cut energy consumption 5 to 15%.
- Minimise the area being cooled or heated by shutting doors to unused rooms
- If the machine has adjustable louvres, adjust them towards the ceiling when cooling, and towards the floor when heating (as cool air falls, hot air rises)
There are a few easy tips to decrease your home cooling expenditure and the most important one is to increase the temperature. It will save you up to 5% on your home cooling costs for each degree that you are able to raise your thermostat. So if you would normally put your airconditioning on at 18 degrees celcius imagine the change in you cost if you change the temperature to 23 degrees. Yes a 25% decrease in the cost of coolig down your home. Now imagine what you can do with all that money saved...Here are another few easy tips to reduce your home cooling expenditure:- A dusty filter reduces air flow. Examine your unit's air filters once a month and clean or replace filters when necessary. Keeping your filters clean can cut energy consumption 5 to 15%.
- Minimise the area being cooled or heated by shutting doors to unused rooms
- If the machine has adjustable louvres, adjust them towards the ceiling when cooling, and towards the floor when heating (as cool air falls, hot air rises)
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Keep sharks in the ocean and out of the soup!!
Sharks are in serious trouble. Many of the world's shark populations are in collapse. Some shark species have declined by more than 90 percent in the last two decades. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) scientists warn that one-third of open ocean sharks are threatened with extinction. Yet sharks continue to be fished faster than they can reproduce.
Every year tens of millions of sharks die a slow death because of finning. Finning is the inhumane practice of hacking off the shark's fins and throwing its still living body back into the sea. The sharks either starve to death, are eaten alive by other fish, or drown (if they are not in constant movement their gills cannot extract oxygen from the water). Shark fins are being "harvested" in ever greater numbers to feed the growing demand for shark fin soup, an Asian "delicacy".
Not only is this practice very cruel, but losing these top predators has devastating impacts on underwater ecosystems and local economies. Conservation hinges on effective shark finning bans, strict international fisheries management, reduction of consumer demand, increased shark research and protection of vital habitat.
So what can we as concerned global citizens do to prevent this slaughtering of sharks??
A cause has been started on facebook with the aim of stopping the sale of shark fin soup in Singapore. The aim is to persuade hotels and restaurants to stop selling shark fin soup by campaigning, boycotting and educating people about the dangers that finning poses, not only for sharks, but for the oceans and our own health.
The most efficient way to stop the restaurants selling shark fin soup is to just SAY NO!!!
Every year tens of millions of sharks die a slow death because of finning. Finning is the inhumane practice of hacking off the shark's fins and throwing its still living body back into the sea. The sharks either starve to death, are eaten alive by other fish, or drown (if they are not in constant movement their gills cannot extract oxygen from the water). Shark fins are being "harvested" in ever greater numbers to feed the growing demand for shark fin soup, an Asian "delicacy".
Not only is this practice very cruel, but losing these top predators has devastating impacts on underwater ecosystems and local economies. Conservation hinges on effective shark finning bans, strict international fisheries management, reduction of consumer demand, increased shark research and protection of vital habitat.
So what can we as concerned global citizens do to prevent this slaughtering of sharks??
A cause has been started on facebook with the aim of stopping the sale of shark fin soup in Singapore. The aim is to persuade hotels and restaurants to stop selling shark fin soup by campaigning, boycotting and educating people about the dangers that finning poses, not only for sharks, but for the oceans and our own health.The most efficient way to stop the restaurants selling shark fin soup is to just SAY NO!!!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Fight Climate Change with Diet Change
Global warming is one of the world's greatest challenges at the moment and according to scientists one of the most effective ways to fight global warming is to become vegetarian.
A UN report found that the meat industry produces more greenhouse gases than all the SUVs, cars, trucks, planes, and ships in the world combined.Greenhouse gases cause global warming, which studies show will increasingly lead to catastrophic disasters-like droughts, floods, hurricanes, rising sea levels, and disease outbreaks - unless we drastically reduce the amounts emitted into the atmosphere.
The official handbook for the Live Earth concerts says that "refusing meat"
is the "single most effective thing you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. Studies have shown that if every American replaced one meal of chicken per week with vegetarian foods, the carbon dioxide savings would be the same as taking more than a half-million cars off the roads. According to The University of Chicago that becoming a vegetarian is 50% more effective than switching to a hybrid car in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Did you know that eating half a kilo of meat emits just as much greenhouse gas as driving an SUV for 65 kilometers??
We Can Help Stop Global Warming Today
The most effective way to fight the global warming crisis is to stop eating meat, eggs, and dairy products. However for a meat lover like myself becoming a vegetarian might be a big task. So for now I will incorporate 2 meat free days pr week in my lifestyle. And well, if we all do that it will have a huge impact on our environment and the future of our Mother Earth.
Anyone want to join me on my quest to save the planet??
A UN report found that the meat industry produces more greenhouse gases than all the SUVs, cars, trucks, planes, and ships in the world combined.Greenhouse gases cause global warming, which studies show will increasingly lead to catastrophic disasters-like droughts, floods, hurricanes, rising sea levels, and disease outbreaks - unless we drastically reduce the amounts emitted into the atmosphere.
The official handbook for the Live Earth concerts says that "refusing meat" is the "single most effective thing you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. Studies have shown that if every American replaced one meal of chicken per week with vegetarian foods, the carbon dioxide savings would be the same as taking more than a half-million cars off the roads. According to The University of Chicago that becoming a vegetarian is 50% more effective than switching to a hybrid car in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Did you know that eating half a kilo of meat emits just as much greenhouse gas as driving an SUV for 65 kilometers??
We Can Help Stop Global Warming Today
The most effective way to fight the global warming crisis is to stop eating meat, eggs, and dairy products. However for a meat lover like myself becoming a vegetarian might be a big task. So for now I will incorporate 2 meat free days pr week in my lifestyle. And well, if we all do that it will have a huge impact on our environment and the future of our Mother Earth.
Anyone want to join me on my quest to save the planet??
Thursday, June 3, 2010
G’day Mate!! Green Cleaners launches in Australia....
Green Cleaners is excited to announce the launch of our first office in Australia, with our first franchise in Sydney. If you have friends or family living there, you may wish to let them know and receive a 20% discount on their first appointment as a friends or family referral, just visit us at www.greencleanersaustralia.com.au for more information.
With our commitment to quality, healthy, eco friendly cleaning services remaining as strong as ever, we aim to soon be available in more major Australian cities too.... Indeed, with exciting franchise opportunities available throughout Australia, you may wish to join us as a franchisee – visit www.greencleaners.asia/franchise.asp for more details and a franchise prospectus today!
With our commitment to quality, healthy, eco friendly cleaning services remaining as strong as ever, we aim to soon be available in more major Australian cities too.... Indeed, with exciting franchise opportunities available throughout Australia, you may wish to join us as a franchisee – visit www.greencleaners.asia/franchise.asp for more details and a franchise prospectus today!
Launch of our new website!
Hello Friends!
It’s been a great few weeks for Green Cleaners and we’ve lots of exciting news to share! Firstly, we’re pleased to unveil our brand new website at www.greencleaners.asia
You’ll find all the information on our healthier residential cleaning services, our commercial green cleaning offerings, our online products shop and more interactive features and fun; with our client survey, online testimonials, media and news, gift certificates, social platforms and tips and awareness documents. Please feel free to leave us your feedback on our new website and as always all client feedback is most welcome and well appreciated :)
It’s been a great few weeks for Green Cleaners and we’ve lots of exciting news to share! Firstly, we’re pleased to unveil our brand new website at www.greencleaners.asia
You’ll find all the information on our healthier residential cleaning services, our commercial green cleaning offerings, our online products shop and more interactive features and fun; with our client survey, online testimonials, media and news, gift certificates, social platforms and tips and awareness documents. Please feel free to leave us your feedback on our new website and as always all client feedback is most welcome and well appreciated :)
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Vacation :)
Hello everyone! Sorry for the sudden disappearance. I decided to pack up and visit my relatives in Germany so I'll be updating the blog with interesting and quirky eco news again in about 2 weeks time when I'm back on the island :) Remember that every little effort counts!!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
An update on the Gulf oil spill
Chemical dispersants is being used to fight the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, only as long as their environmental benefits outweigh the costs. I wonder what they mean by it. Let's take a look at the cause and effect of this answer of theirs.
Environmental concerns of dispersants:
The primary ecological concern associated with dispersants is their ability to enhance the effective toxicity of oil via the dispersion process. Dispersants are able to enhance the distribution and movement of not just oil fractions, but also its more toxic, soluble, and mobile aromatic components, said an information sheet sent to Bellona Web by Richard Charter, a foremost expert on marine biology and oil spills who is a senior policy advisor for Marine Programmes for Defenders of Wildlife and is chairman of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. Dispersants transfer oil from the water surface into the water column, and while decreasing exposure to oil for surface dwelling organisms, such as seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles, it increases the exposure for the water column’s communities of fish, eggs and larvae as well as shrimp, corals and oysters. Dispersed oil particles tend to remain in the upper layers of the ocean and as they approach inshore areas, increasingly impact corals, oysters and shrimp. Dispersed oil particles tend to assume a less visible, more difficult to cleaned-up quality. They also assume pervasive presence in the environment, with increased opportunities for long-term ecological impacts, particularly in coastal areas. So basically its a "save either one" situation. The dispersants also make skimming oil off the surface of the water difficult as the balls of oil that form when dispersants are applied can clog skimming mechanisms. Due to time differences between Norway and the US Gulf Coast, it was not possible by press time to find out if the dispersants arriving from Norway are of the Corexit family, or if they contain 2-butoxyethanol, or 2-BE. 2-BE is known to cause heath dangers to clean up workers and wildlife alike. Chemical dispersants can concentrate leftover oil toxins in the water, where they can kill fish and migrate great distances. Corexit 9500 is associated with headaches, vomiting and reproductive problems as sides effects at high doses to clean-up workers. 2-BE has also been documented to cause the breakdown of red blood cells, leading to blood in urine and feces, and can damage the kidneys, liver, spleen and bone marrow of humans, effects not included on the information sheet for workers.
Environmental concerns of dispersants:
The primary ecological concern associated with dispersants is their ability to enhance the effective toxicity of oil via the dispersion process. Dispersants are able to enhance the distribution and movement of not just oil fractions, but also its more toxic, soluble, and mobile aromatic components, said an information sheet sent to Bellona Web by Richard Charter, a foremost expert on marine biology and oil spills who is a senior policy advisor for Marine Programmes for Defenders of Wildlife and is chairman of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. Dispersants transfer oil from the water surface into the water column, and while decreasing exposure to oil for surface dwelling organisms, such as seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles, it increases the exposure for the water column’s communities of fish, eggs and larvae as well as shrimp, corals and oysters. Dispersed oil particles tend to remain in the upper layers of the ocean and as they approach inshore areas, increasingly impact corals, oysters and shrimp. Dispersed oil particles tend to assume a less visible, more difficult to cleaned-up quality. They also assume pervasive presence in the environment, with increased opportunities for long-term ecological impacts, particularly in coastal areas. So basically its a "save either one" situation. The dispersants also make skimming oil off the surface of the water difficult as the balls of oil that form when dispersants are applied can clog skimming mechanisms. Due to time differences between Norway and the US Gulf Coast, it was not possible by press time to find out if the dispersants arriving from Norway are of the Corexit family, or if they contain 2-butoxyethanol, or 2-BE. 2-BE is known to cause heath dangers to clean up workers and wildlife alike. Chemical dispersants can concentrate leftover oil toxins in the water, where they can kill fish and migrate great distances. Corexit 9500 is associated with headaches, vomiting and reproductive problems as sides effects at high doses to clean-up workers. 2-BE has also been documented to cause the breakdown of red blood cells, leading to blood in urine and feces, and can damage the kidneys, liver, spleen and bone marrow of humans, effects not included on the information sheet for workers.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Eco-friendly Asiana :)
Asiana Airlines is not just flying high in the skies, but is also leading the way in environmental friendly efforts.
Aircrafts are a major source of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, but Asiana Airlines has recognized the importance of reducing global warming as part of its corporate social responsibility. The company certified as a 5-star airline for four consecutive years from the airline research organization Skytrax, is better known as a pioneer in the industry for introducing ways to lower its carbon footprint. In 1995, Asiana became the first airline to obtain the ISO 14001 (environmental management
system) certification.
It has introduced energy-saving programs for its aircraft, such as aircraft engine washing, flight plan improvements, reduced flight distances and altitudes and conducts weight management. As a result of washing aircraft engines, Asiana's aircrafts improved its fuel efficiency and reduced 3 million tons of CO2 in 2008.
The firm has been implementing Korea's first Carbon Offset Program for its customers. On board the plane, Asiana also serves coffee that comes with the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal of approval. The Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit conservation organization that ensures coffee farms have met rigorous standards for the conservation of natural resources and rights and welfare of farm workers and local communities. Recently, Asiana Airlines tested the ``Eco Flight,'' featuring a low-emission airplane from Gimpo to Haneda Airport in Japan. The flight reduces fuel use by 18 percent, uses lightweight food cards and operates at a consistent speed and altitude.
Asiana also launched a ``Green Travel, Green Life'' campaign to educate passengers on how to reduce CO2 emissions in their daily lives and travels. Departing passengers were given leaflets that inform them of the level of CO2 emissions produced in everyday life, as well as tips on how to combat this. Tips include decreasing baggage weight, using public transportation and avoiding leftover food inside the aircraft cabin. For all their efforts, Asiana received the 2009 Korea Green Climate Award last year, in recognition for its green management policies. In 2001, it was designated by the Ministry of Environment as the first environmentally friendly company within the service industry. In 2006, it received an environmental distinction for its maintenance facilities at Incheon International Airport, and in 2008, the 2008 Presidential Award of the National Environmental Management Grand Prix for its energy saving and CO2 reduction activities.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Important read.
The world's eco-systems are at risk of "rapid degradation and collapse." That’s among the grim findings of a new United Nations (UN) report.The third Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO-3) published by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) warns that unless "radical and creative action" is taken quickly " the variety of life on Earth, natural systems that support lives and livelihoods are at risk of collapsing.”
Based on more than 100 national reports and future scenarios for biodiversity, GBO-3 shows that world leaders failed to deliver on their commitment to reduce the global rate of biodiversity loss by 2010.The five main pressures directly causing biodiversity loss: habitat change, over-exploitation, pollution, invasive alien species and climate change.
The report also finds these stresses on the environment are either constant or increasing in intensity.Vertebrate species fell by nearly one third between 1970 and 2006, natural habitats are in decline, genetic diversity of crops is falling and 60 breeds of livestock have become extinct since 2000.“Business as usual is no longer an option if we are to avoid irreversible damage to the life-support systems of our planet,” said Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, calling the report “a wake-up call for humanity.”The Economics of EnvironmentalismThe authors of the GBO-3 report argue that for a mere fraction of the money summoned up instantly by the world’s governments to mitigate the economic crisis, the serious and fundamental breakdown in the Earth’s life support systems could have been avoided.“Many economies remain blind to the huge value of the diversity of animals, plants and other life forms and their role in healthy and functioning ecosystems from forests and freshwaters to soils, oceans and even the atmosphere,” said Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP.“To tackle the root causes of biodiversity loss, we must give it higher priority in all areas of decision-making and in all economic sectors,” says UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.In remarks made in February, Ki-Moon argued the Earth’s eco-systems are our “natural capitol” and protecting them is really a bottom line issue. In fact, a UN-backed study estimates that loss of natural capital due to deforestation and land degradation alone stands at between $2 trillion and $4.5 trillion each year.“Too often environmental protection is seen as conflicting with economic protection. In fact they are two sides of the same coin.
All over the world, ecosystem services are a massive undervalued subsidy provided by the environment. When we lose these services through mismanagement, crops fail, profits drop, people become poorer, economies suffer,” said Ki-Moon.
Based on more than 100 national reports and future scenarios for biodiversity, GBO-3 shows that world leaders failed to deliver on their commitment to reduce the global rate of biodiversity loss by 2010.The five main pressures directly causing biodiversity loss: habitat change, over-exploitation, pollution, invasive alien species and climate change.The report also finds these stresses on the environment are either constant or increasing in intensity.Vertebrate species fell by nearly one third between 1970 and 2006, natural habitats are in decline, genetic diversity of crops is falling and 60 breeds of livestock have become extinct since 2000.“Business as usual is no longer an option if we are to avoid irreversible damage to the life-support systems of our planet,” said Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, calling the report “a wake-up call for humanity.”The Economics of EnvironmentalismThe authors of the GBO-3 report argue that for a mere fraction of the money summoned up instantly by the world’s governments to mitigate the economic crisis, the serious and fundamental breakdown in the Earth’s life support systems could have been avoided.“Many economies remain blind to the huge value of the diversity of animals, plants and other life forms and their role in healthy and functioning ecosystems from forests and freshwaters to soils, oceans and even the atmosphere,” said Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP.“To tackle the root causes of biodiversity loss, we must give it higher priority in all areas of decision-making and in all economic sectors,” says UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.In remarks made in February, Ki-Moon argued the Earth’s eco-systems are our “natural capitol” and protecting them is really a bottom line issue. In fact, a UN-backed study estimates that loss of natural capital due to deforestation and land degradation alone stands at between $2 trillion and $4.5 trillion each year.“Too often environmental protection is seen as conflicting with economic protection. In fact they are two sides of the same coin.
All over the world, ecosystem services are a massive undervalued subsidy provided by the environment. When we lose these services through mismanagement, crops fail, profits drop, people become poorer, economies suffer,” said Ki-Moon.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Another reason to have a Stellar after a long day at work!
Over the past 12 months, InBev-owned Stella Artois has taken various measures to lessen its environmental impact, making its packaging greener and engaging consumers in recycling initiatives.
Since the start of their "Recylage de luxe" campaign last July, all Stella Artois' cans have been made from at least 50% recycled aluminium, the brand is working with its suppliers to ensure all its bottles are above the industry standard of 75% recycled glass, and its corrugated Stella Artois boxes are made from 100% recyclable paper. In November last year, Stella Artois launched two further advertising campaigns focusing on its use of compostable carton board and highlighting that its beer is brewed using just four ingredients. So little, yet so yummy :) burp! Stella Artois says that the overarching campaign has so far "been very successful". It says that its marketing has been "very motivating for consumers".
InBev has pledged to continue taking measures to improve the environmental credentials of its packaging and will continue to use advertising to communicate developments to consumers. The only downer for me is my lil' beer belly and age is really not helping in keeping it away hee hee hee but I just can't stop myself! One more Mr.
Bartender!
Tip of the day: Slow down to save on your fuel and lessen your pollution. It will benefit the air around you, save your hard earned money and make you a more patient man/woman ;)
Since the start of their "Recylage de luxe" campaign last July, all Stella Artois' cans have been made from at least 50% recycled aluminium, the brand is working with its suppliers to ensure all its bottles are above the industry standard of 75% recycled glass, and its corrugated Stella Artois boxes are made from 100% recyclable paper. In November last year, Stella Artois launched two further advertising campaigns focusing on its use of compostable carton board and highlighting that its beer is brewed using just four ingredients. So little, yet so yummy :) burp! Stella Artois says that the overarching campaign has so far "been very successful". It says that its marketing has been "very motivating for consumers".InBev has pledged to continue taking measures to improve the environmental credentials of its packaging and will continue to use advertising to communicate developments to consumers. The only downer for me is my lil' beer belly and age is really not helping in keeping it away hee hee hee but I just can't stop myself! One more Mr.
Bartender!
Tip of the day: Slow down to save on your fuel and lessen your pollution. It will benefit the air around you, save your hard earned money and make you a more patient man/woman ;)
Monday, May 10, 2010
Fake Organic Products
With the growing success of organics and increasing consumer interest in buying foods grown on sustainable farms without toxic chemicals, many food companies are launching new marketing campaigns full of environmental-friendly catchphrases and re-packaging products that lend the appearance of the company “going green” ,even if little or no actual change to the product has occurred.
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In February, mega-food company Sara Lee launched the Eco-Grain™ label for its EarthGrains breads with a major marketing campaign that blanketed the Web, Facebook, Twitter and National Public Radio. Sara Lee billed the trademarked product as “environmentally friendly” bread that “will save the earth, one field at a time” because Eco-Grain wheat is grown with “precision agriculture.” Though actually used in small proportions in its EarthGrains brand breads, Eco-Grain is touted by the company as more sustainable than organic grain.
The trouble with calling Eco-Grain environmentally friendly is that synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, neither of which are environmentally friendly, are still used in the production of the wheat that is used to produce Eco-Grain. Also, precision agriculture isn’t exactly something new, or something exclusive to Eco-Grain farmers. In fact, more and more conventional farmers of all the major commodity crops are using precision technology in applying chemical fertilizer to their fields. In precision farming, satellite imagery is used to identify various levels of soil nutrients of a given field to determine fertilizer requirements for different areas of that field.
Also known as “variable rate technology” (VRT), this allows the farmer to pinpoint which areas of the field need more or less fertilizer, instead of blanketing the entire field with one big dose. It’s more of a cost-saving practice for farmers, not an environmentally friendly or sustainable method of production. Another point of confusion for consumers is in the term ‘natural’ which splays across the label in bold print: “Eco-Grain 100 % Natural.” How can it be 100% natural when they still use chemicals and pesticides? And there is a growing number of corporations like Sara Lee, who are seeking to profit from consumers’ interest in ecological and healthy food production. But unlike organic companies, these companies are doing practically nothing to ensure that ingredients are truly ecologically produced.
So all I have to say is; til someone stops these selfish, harmful companies from using deceiving "organinc-like" terms on their products, we should all be more careful when shopping and READ THE INGREDIENT LABELS OF ANY FOOD PRODUCTS so we won't be conned by them again.
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In February, mega-food company Sara Lee launched the Eco-Grain™ label for its EarthGrains breads with a major marketing campaign that blanketed the Web, Facebook, Twitter and National Public Radio. Sara Lee billed the trademarked product as “environmentally friendly” bread that “will save the earth, one field at a time” because Eco-Grain wheat is grown with “precision agriculture.” Though actually used in small proportions in its EarthGrains brand breads, Eco-Grain is touted by the company as more sustainable than organic grain.The trouble with calling Eco-Grain environmentally friendly is that synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, neither of which are environmentally friendly, are still used in the production of the wheat that is used to produce Eco-Grain. Also, precision agriculture isn’t exactly something new, or something exclusive to Eco-Grain farmers. In fact, more and more conventional farmers of all the major commodity crops are using precision technology in applying chemical fertilizer to their fields. In precision farming, satellite imagery is used to identify various levels of soil nutrients of a given field to determine fertilizer requirements for different areas of that field.
Also known as “variable rate technology” (VRT), this allows the farmer to pinpoint which areas of the field need more or less fertilizer, instead of blanketing the entire field with one big dose. It’s more of a cost-saving practice for farmers, not an environmentally friendly or sustainable method of production. Another point of confusion for consumers is in the term ‘natural’ which splays across the label in bold print: “Eco-Grain 100 % Natural.” How can it be 100% natural when they still use chemicals and pesticides? And there is a growing number of corporations like Sara Lee, who are seeking to profit from consumers’ interest in ecological and healthy food production. But unlike organic companies, these companies are doing practically nothing to ensure that ingredients are truly ecologically produced.
So all I have to say is; til someone stops these selfish, harmful companies from using deceiving "organinc-like" terms on their products, we should all be more careful when shopping and READ THE INGREDIENT LABELS OF ANY FOOD PRODUCTS so we won't be conned by them again.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
I want this!
With the onset of summer in Jammu (India), earthen pots are becoming more and more popular.
The pots are widely used by the poor but this year, however, it has been observed that even the middle- class and the elite are readily buying these environment-friendly refrigerators. Only the poor would use earthen pots to cool water but now even the middle class is adapting this trend. Maybe it's because of health concerns and rising number of diseases, or due to recommendations from doctors.
The pots not only keep the water cool but do so in an environment-friendly way. It is also believed that drinking water stored in earthen pots is also much healthier. After one year or one season of use, the earthen pot can be broken and it can be mixed with earth again, which means it is reusable. And if we limit the use of refrigerants like neon and all, they all cause depletion of ozone layer which contributes to global warming. So using these pots would decrease global warming. The water stored in a clay pot has a refreshing flavor and gets cooled to as low as 14-15 degrees Celsius within a few hours naturally. Nice.
Tip of the day: Switch to a corded phone. You'll save energy cos you won't need to recharge the corded phone. Yes, it is not cool nor modern but it will do good for the Earth even if it is in a small way.
The pots are widely used by the poor but this year, however, it has been observed that even the middle- class and the elite are readily buying these environment-friendly refrigerators. Only the poor would use earthen pots to cool water but now even the middle class is adapting this trend. Maybe it's because of health concerns and rising number of diseases, or due to recommendations from doctors.The pots not only keep the water cool but do so in an environment-friendly way. It is also believed that drinking water stored in earthen pots is also much healthier. After one year or one season of use, the earthen pot can be broken and it can be mixed with earth again, which means it is reusable. And if we limit the use of refrigerants like neon and all, they all cause depletion of ozone layer which contributes to global warming. So using these pots would decrease global warming. The water stored in a clay pot has a refreshing flavor and gets cooled to as low as 14-15 degrees Celsius within a few hours naturally. Nice.
Tip of the day: Switch to a corded phone. You'll save energy cos you won't need to recharge the corded phone. Yes, it is not cool nor modern but it will do good for the Earth even if it is in a small way.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Banned Plastic Bottles
Concord's (a town in America) Town Meeting has just approved a ban on the sales of bottled water. I do understand their concern of plastic bottles but I think it is a bit over the line right. Wouldn't it be better to instead just sell bottled water in recycled plastic and teach the community about the importance of recycling? Or better still, only sell recycled products or beverages packaged in recycled materials.
I think this would be more practical then banning plastic bottles. I mean, the production of glass requires alot of energy as well, aluminum and steel cans are made out of toxic ores extracted from the ground by mining , not to mention that mining is dangerous and the environmental costs are huge. And not as if they are banning all plastic bottles. They still allow the sales of sweet drinks in plastic bottles so people who are thirsty have no choice but to buy these unhealthy choice instead. If you want to ban it, ban it all the way.
I think this would be more practical then banning plastic bottles. I mean, the production of glass requires alot of energy as well, aluminum and steel cans are made out of toxic ores extracted from the ground by mining , not to mention that mining is dangerous and the environmental costs are huge. And not as if they are banning all plastic bottles. They still allow the sales of sweet drinks in plastic bottles so people who are thirsty have no choice but to buy these unhealthy choice instead. If you want to ban it, ban it all the way.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
More on the Gulf oil spill :)
Rush Limbaugh, an American conservative political commentator, told his radio audience that there's no reason to spend millions of dollars cleaning up the recent massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The radio host, now being called an "Oil Spill Truther", says oil spills are natural events. "The ocean will take care of this on its own if it was left alone and left out there. It's natural. It's as natural as the ocean water is." Hmmm.. I wonder how it can be natural when man, not god, drilled a hole deep underground to reach the oil. Unless he's calling us humans god.
Natural or not, this particular massive oil slick was caused by an explosion (Apr. 20) inside the Deepwater Horizon oil rig off the Louisiana coast that left 11 workers missing and presumed dead. The rig sank two days later but oil still pumps from the drill head. Eco experts predict the environmental impact will be worse the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster that contaminated over 200 miles of Alaskan shoreline.
Limbaugh then takes another tact, suggesting that the oil rig explosion was an inside job, that "environmental wackos" as he calls them blew it up in order to stop the off-shore drilling that President Obama approved. Well, whatever the case is, if the drilling company had installed acoustic switches (these are mandate in countries such as Norway and Brazil), they could have stopped the oil flow remotely. The U.S considered mandating such a remote-controlled shut-off mechanism several years ago, but dropped it on strong resistance from the drilling companies who wanted to save cost.
Money money money, always money :)
Tip of the day: Use unwanted parts of your vegetables as compost for your plants. My mom uses it as fertilizers and her plants are growing well :)
The radio host, now being called an "Oil Spill Truther", says oil spills are natural events. "The ocean will take care of this on its own if it was left alone and left out there. It's natural. It's as natural as the ocean water is." Hmmm.. I wonder how it can be natural when man, not god, drilled a hole deep underground to reach the oil. Unless he's calling us humans god.Natural or not, this particular massive oil slick was caused by an explosion (Apr. 20) inside the Deepwater Horizon oil rig off the Louisiana coast that left 11 workers missing and presumed dead. The rig sank two days later but oil still pumps from the drill head. Eco experts predict the environmental impact will be worse the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster that contaminated over 200 miles of Alaskan shoreline.
Limbaugh then takes another tact, suggesting that the oil rig explosion was an inside job, that "environmental wackos" as he calls them blew it up in order to stop the off-shore drilling that President Obama approved. Well, whatever the case is, if the drilling company had installed acoustic switches (these are mandate in countries such as Norway and Brazil), they could have stopped the oil flow remotely. The U.S considered mandating such a remote-controlled shut-off mechanism several years ago, but dropped it on strong resistance from the drilling companies who wanted to save cost.
Money money money, always money :)
Tip of the day: Use unwanted parts of your vegetables as compost for your plants. My mom uses it as fertilizers and her plants are growing well :)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
We've been banned!!
There are too many tourists heading to Gangotri, Valley of Flowers and highly eco-sensitive zones of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand.
According to a rough estimate, thousands of pilgrims, who visit the hill state during the Kumbh, Chardham and Kanwar and other religious congregations, travel to these areas leaving heaps of non-degradable waste, including plastic, which are hazardous to environment. The Centre has decided to ban 2 key hydropower projects in the region last month and the state government has decided not to allow tourists to come near the Gaumukh glacier, the origin of the Ganga in Uttarkashi district.
In 2008, the government had restricted the number of tourists visiting Gaumukh and other Gangotri glaciers to only 150 per day. Another move is afoot to even restrict the number of tourists to 100 in future. According to a report of the Dehra Dun-based Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), the glaciers are melting at a rate of 17-23 metres per year. The issue had become more contentious in the wake of controversy surround the inter-governmental panel on climate change (IPCC). Similarly, the government is trying to put restrictions on pilgrims to Hemkund Sahib and other shrines which are close to the Valley of Flowers, a world heritage site. Thousands of Sikhs travel every year to Hemkund Sahib, which is situated in an area known for its rich flora and fauna, and leave huge waste. The government had restricted the entry of tourists to the 14-km long area of the Nandadevi Biosephere Reserve few years ago. The government is also planning to carry a renewed campaign through tourist brochures and media telling travelers to remain sensitive to these areas with the slogan: “Leave only footprints and take only memories.” Why does it seem like we are irresponsible kids instead of thinking adults?
Tip of the day: Recycle your recyclables. It is one of the main steps to a greener you and a better life :)
According to a rough estimate, thousands of pilgrims, who visit the hill state during the Kumbh, Chardham and Kanwar and other religious congregations, travel to these areas leaving heaps of non-degradable waste, including plastic, which are hazardous to environment. The Centre has decided to ban 2 key hydropower projects in the region last month and the state government has decided not to allow tourists to come near the Gaumukh glacier, the origin of the Ganga in Uttarkashi district.In 2008, the government had restricted the number of tourists visiting Gaumukh and other Gangotri glaciers to only 150 per day. Another move is afoot to even restrict the number of tourists to 100 in future. According to a report of the Dehra Dun-based Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), the glaciers are melting at a rate of 17-23 metres per year. The issue had become more contentious in the wake of controversy surround the inter-governmental panel on climate change (IPCC). Similarly, the government is trying to put restrictions on pilgrims to Hemkund Sahib and other shrines which are close to the Valley of Flowers, a world heritage site. Thousands of Sikhs travel every year to Hemkund Sahib, which is situated in an area known for its rich flora and fauna, and leave huge waste. The government had restricted the entry of tourists to the 14-km long area of the Nandadevi Biosephere Reserve few years ago. The government is also planning to carry a renewed campaign through tourist brochures and media telling travelers to remain sensitive to these areas with the slogan: “Leave only footprints and take only memories.” Why does it seem like we are irresponsible kids instead of thinking adults?
Tip of the day: Recycle your recyclables. It is one of the main steps to a greener you and a better life :)
Monday, May 3, 2010
Another man-made disaster
Five times as much oil as previously thought is leaking from a ruptured BP well.
The British energy giant launched one of the biggest containment operation ever, with the military joining dozens of ships and aircraft. The slick is estimated to cover an area of 4,700 square miles, making it one of the biggest oil spills in history. Despite attempts to slow its advance by setting it on fire, winds had blown the leading edge of the slick just three miles away from the mouth of the Mississipi Delta. The US Navy said it had sent 66,000 feet of inflatable boom and seven skimming systems to the disaster area to control the movement of spills.
The US Coast Guard said a scientist from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had concluded that oil was gushing into the sea at the rate of 210,000 gallons (5,000 barrels) a day, five times more than earlier estimated. Thats a lot of precious oil and imagine the damage it will and has done. The head of BP's exploration and production arm admitted it had discovered a substantial new leak and conceded the revised US estimate of the amount of escaping oil could be correct. He said drilling a relief well to plug the leak, which is a mile down under the sea's surface, could take up to three months.
The spill followed an explosion and fire on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, leased by BP, on April 20 in which 11 workers are presumed to have died. The rig sank two days later some 50 miles off the coast. The slick could cause severe environmental damage to beaches, wildlife and estuaries in Louisiana and other states such as Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, in which a tanker spilt 11 million gallons of oil off Alaska, is going to pale into insignificance in comparison to this as it goes on. Mr Miller, whose company became famous by dousing 180 of the 600 oil fires in Kuwait after the Gulf War, said the new slick bore comparison with the Kuwait fires but was likely to be far more environmentally damaging as it was at sea rather than in the desert. He criticised BP's initial response, saying it worsened the slick by putting the fire out on the rig. That action led to the rig sinking, cutting off the only connection to the well and ensuring the leaking oil went into the sea rather than being burned off, said Mr Miller.
Another short-term solution reportedly being implemented was a plan to set up a bell-shaped device to catch the oil as rose to the surface from the well, before being pumped into container ships. This all happened because of our greed and need for oil. If we weren't so dependent on it might never have happened. We are all guilty.
The British energy giant launched one of the biggest containment operation ever, with the military joining dozens of ships and aircraft. The slick is estimated to cover an area of 4,700 square miles, making it one of the biggest oil spills in history. Despite attempts to slow its advance by setting it on fire, winds had blown the leading edge of the slick just three miles away from the mouth of the Mississipi Delta. The US Navy said it had sent 66,000 feet of inflatable boom and seven skimming systems to the disaster area to control the movement of spills.The US Coast Guard said a scientist from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had concluded that oil was gushing into the sea at the rate of 210,000 gallons (5,000 barrels) a day, five times more than earlier estimated. Thats a lot of precious oil and imagine the damage it will and has done. The head of BP's exploration and production arm admitted it had discovered a substantial new leak and conceded the revised US estimate of the amount of escaping oil could be correct. He said drilling a relief well to plug the leak, which is a mile down under the sea's surface, could take up to three months.
The spill followed an explosion and fire on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, leased by BP, on April 20 in which 11 workers are presumed to have died. The rig sank two days later some 50 miles off the coast. The slick could cause severe environmental damage to beaches, wildlife and estuaries in Louisiana and other states such as Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, in which a tanker spilt 11 million gallons of oil off Alaska, is going to pale into insignificance in comparison to this as it goes on. Mr Miller, whose company became famous by dousing 180 of the 600 oil fires in Kuwait after the Gulf War, said the new slick bore comparison with the Kuwait fires but was likely to be far more environmentally damaging as it was at sea rather than in the desert. He criticised BP's initial response, saying it worsened the slick by putting the fire out on the rig. That action led to the rig sinking, cutting off the only connection to the well and ensuring the leaking oil went into the sea rather than being burned off, said Mr Miller.
Another short-term solution reportedly being implemented was a plan to set up a bell-shaped device to catch the oil as rose to the surface from the well, before being pumped into container ships. This all happened because of our greed and need for oil. If we weren't so dependent on it might never have happened. We are all guilty.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Will we ever learn? (Part 1)
So last night I went to Stereophonics concert, who decided to start one and a half hour later. Rockstars.
I guess age is catching up to me so I am getting abit more impatient. And plus their stage presence wasn't that great. I might as well pop in their dvd on a large screen and press play. So overall it was all just ok.
What disappointed me the most is that everyone is talking about recycling and going green but there was no recycling bin to be found at the concert venue, which was held at Fort Canning Park.
As the night progressed, more and more litter was collected on the grass instead of the bin. I only saw one bin on the left hand side of the park which was slowly being filled with mainly cans and plastic bottles. And guess what were the main leftover of these litter-friendly concert goers? Beer cans and plastic bottles, which could all be recycled. These events companies should provide a recycling bin at all events.
Placing it there is a huge statement on its own. It will make people think twice about just disposing recyclable materials in the regular bin or littering. But the saddest thing about whole thing is that these people are all of a matured crowd.... If we adults can't even be responsible enough to not litter, then what about the simplest act of recycling? When are we ever gonna grow up....
I guess age is catching up to me so I am getting abit more impatient. And plus their stage presence wasn't that great. I might as well pop in their dvd on a large screen and press play. So overall it was all just ok.
What disappointed me the most is that everyone is talking about recycling and going green but there was no recycling bin to be found at the concert venue, which was held at Fort Canning Park.
As the night progressed, more and more litter was collected on the grass instead of the bin. I only saw one bin on the left hand side of the park which was slowly being filled with mainly cans and plastic bottles. And guess what were the main leftover of these litter-friendly concert goers? Beer cans and plastic bottles, which could all be recycled. These events companies should provide a recycling bin at all events.Placing it there is a huge statement on its own. It will make people think twice about just disposing recyclable materials in the regular bin or littering. But the saddest thing about whole thing is that these people are all of a matured crowd.... If we adults can't even be responsible enough to not litter, then what about the simplest act of recycling? When are we ever gonna grow up....
Friday, April 30, 2010
Dubious green products.
Laundry brands including Ariel and Persil are misleading consumers with unsubstantiated eco claims, according to a Which? report. The report by the consumer watchdog found that almost half of the 14 laundry, toilet cleaner and nappy brands surveyed made environmental claims that could not be supported convincingly. All the toilet cleaners in the report including Tesco’s Naturally brand and Sainsbury’s Cleanhome brand and Green Force cleaners were criticised for making unproven claims. Tesco’s Naturally toilet cleaner claims that it contains no phosphates and leaves no hazardous chemical residues, but non-eco cleaners do not either. Which? says Tesco has agreed to change its packaging as a result of the report.
Ariel and Persil laundry detergents both carry a logo that implies the products encourage greener behaviour but the report found that it was unclear what environmental issues it relates to. Products targeting green consumers have a responsibility to be clear and unambiguous; while claims may be scientifically proven, the evidence has to be accessible to the average consumer. Here we are, trying to do good for the world but there are people who are trying to take advantage of those who care. Seriously guys. Have we humans lost respect for each other and just see one another as walking, talking money signs?
Tip of the day: Get spotless windows by mixing 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water, and dispense into a used spray bottle. Squirt on, then scrub with newspaper, not paper towels, which cause streaking.
Ariel and Persil laundry detergents both carry a logo that implies the products encourage greener behaviour but the report found that it was unclear what environmental issues it relates to. Products targeting green consumers have a responsibility to be clear and unambiguous; while claims may be scientifically proven, the evidence has to be accessible to the average consumer. Here we are, trying to do good for the world but there are people who are trying to take advantage of those who care. Seriously guys. Have we humans lost respect for each other and just see one another as walking, talking money signs?Tip of the day: Get spotless windows by mixing 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water, and dispense into a used spray bottle. Squirt on, then scrub with newspaper, not paper towels, which cause streaking.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
So eco-friendly....
An eco resort in Cambodia, construction of which involved the removal of swaths of trees and the building of a road in forest land, has been cancelled, according to the Phnom Penh Post.
The Sar Lar Investment company had already spent US$2 million of the total projected US$6 million project budget clearing forest and constructing a road to develop the Bou Sra Waterfall Eco Resort in Mondulkiri province, Cambodia, before pulling out of the project because of "capital concerns," the paper reported.
One of the largest waterfalls in Cambodia, the Bou Sra site is popular with tourists and has seen an increase in visitors over the last year, but the area only has one guest house and various stores. Located in the country's south east, the site is about a 45 minute drive from the city of Sen Monorom, around 400 km from the capital Phnom Penh.
They decided to stop the project investment on March 20 because the housing development business of Okhna Sar Lar in Phnom Penh cannot sell anything. That is why they don’t have enough of a budget to continue the project. They have already completed a garden and a set of stairs down to the Bou Sra waterfall from the top. For now, the Mondulkiri Tourism Department will take care of the site until another investor comes along. As for when that will be, it is unclear. It is also uncertain how much of the forest has been cut down, and what will happen to that land if no new investors are found. Cambodia.com made mention of the planned resort before it was cancelled, saying Sar Lar Investment Co "has assured nearby villagers that the five-year project will not be disruptive to the environment as no forests are to be cut down for the development. Instead, Sar Lar hopes to make it an ecotourist undertaking which will create around 100 jobs for the ethnic minorities." Seriously guys, which part of it is eco-friendly?
Unless they revamp an old resort into an eco-friendly one then it'll be understandable but clearing away trees.. Maybe they should just replant trees there.
Tip of the day: Reduce your paper mail by opting to receive your newsletters or bills by email. You will definitely save loads of paper!
The Sar Lar Investment company had already spent US$2 million of the total projected US$6 million project budget clearing forest and constructing a road to develop the Bou Sra Waterfall Eco Resort in Mondulkiri province, Cambodia, before pulling out of the project because of "capital concerns," the paper reported.
One of the largest waterfalls in Cambodia, the Bou Sra site is popular with tourists and has seen an increase in visitors over the last year, but the area only has one guest house and various stores. Located in the country's south east, the site is about a 45 minute drive from the city of Sen Monorom, around 400 km from the capital Phnom Penh.
They decided to stop the project investment on March 20 because the housing development business of Okhna Sar Lar in Phnom Penh cannot sell anything. That is why they don’t have enough of a budget to continue the project. They have already completed a garden and a set of stairs down to the Bou Sra waterfall from the top. For now, the Mondulkiri Tourism Department will take care of the site until another investor comes along. As for when that will be, it is unclear. It is also uncertain how much of the forest has been cut down, and what will happen to that land if no new investors are found. Cambodia.com made mention of the planned resort before it was cancelled, saying Sar Lar Investment Co "has assured nearby villagers that the five-year project will not be disruptive to the environment as no forests are to be cut down for the development. Instead, Sar Lar hopes to make it an ecotourist undertaking which will create around 100 jobs for the ethnic minorities." Seriously guys, which part of it is eco-friendly?Unless they revamp an old resort into an eco-friendly one then it'll be understandable but clearing away trees.. Maybe they should just replant trees there.
Tip of the day: Reduce your paper mail by opting to receive your newsletters or bills by email. You will definitely save loads of paper!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Check it before you buy it.
The government in Seoul will be tightening its inspection on eco-friendly farm products sold on the market to better meet consumer demand for safe food.
The National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service said the measure is aimed at fighting a steady rise in products that fail to meet set standards for residual pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Last year, the state-run body checked 13,444 products that have received so called green certificates and found problems in 391, up from 184 detected in 2007 when 9,353 products were checked randomly. Products with "green" certificate, which South Korea have been issuing since 2001, are in high demand and fetch higher prices on the market than ordinary agricultural goods and those imported abroad. Those that fail to meet quality control standards will be barred from using the certificates in the future. In serious cases, tougher administrative measures may be taken.
Information on farms that raise certified eco-friendly products will be posted on the internet (www.enviagro.go.kr) so consumers can check the products they are buying. It is sad knowing that there are people who are exploiting "green products", because they are taking advantage of the green consumers like you and me who buy these products because we actually care for the Earth and our health.
Tip of the day: Please check the products first, whether it is an authentic green product, before purchasing. If you do find a fake green products do let us know :)
The National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service said the measure is aimed at fighting a steady rise in products that fail to meet set standards for residual pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Last year, the state-run body checked 13,444 products that have received so called green certificates and found problems in 391, up from 184 detected in 2007 when 9,353 products were checked randomly. Products with "green" certificate, which South Korea have been issuing since 2001, are in high demand and fetch higher prices on the market than ordinary agricultural goods and those imported abroad. Those that fail to meet quality control standards will be barred from using the certificates in the future. In serious cases, tougher administrative measures may be taken.Information on farms that raise certified eco-friendly products will be posted on the internet (www.enviagro.go.kr) so consumers can check the products they are buying. It is sad knowing that there are people who are exploiting "green products", because they are taking advantage of the green consumers like you and me who buy these products because we actually care for the Earth and our health.
Tip of the day: Please check the products first, whether it is an authentic green product, before purchasing. If you do find a fake green products do let us know :)
Monday, April 26, 2010
Top 10 Green apps!!
Hello everyone! Hope you guys had a good weekend! I didn't do much as my Baby Boy was and is not feeling too good. Teething baby.... So I made a list of the top 10 Green apps for you guys to check out :)
1. Animal-Free (Free)
Animal-Free is a pocket reference guide for many common and hidden animal ingredients. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, part-time veg or simply trying to shop veg-friendly, this app by Symbiotic Software will help you make conscientious shopping decisions. New vegans will appreciate the list of commonly misunderstood or unfamiliar vegan ingredients that will help expand your dietary horizons.
2. CraigsMobileList (99 cents)
Is there anything greener than CraigsList? Yep, CraigsMobileList allows you to search, browse, post and respond to ads on your iPhone.
You also can track items you need, are donating or selling. Version 2.0 is a complete overhaul of the original, including a groundbreaking housing-search interface.
3. Cruelty Free (Free)
This handy shopping app is your guide to cruelty-free cosmetics, personal care and household products. Created by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, Cruelty Free lists over 200 U.S. and Canadian companies that don't test ingredients, formulations or finished products on animals.
4. Gorgeously Green Survival Guide (99 cents)
The Gorgeously Green Survival Guide is a quick reference for busy women. Developed by bestselling author Sophie Uliano, Gorgeously Green guides you through the confusion of shopping for eco-friendly choices. One of the best features is the ability to create convenient and helpful shopping lists for everything from lip sticks to light bulbs.
5. Greenpeace Tissue Guide (Free)
The Greenpeace Tissue Guide allows you to make informed decision when shopping for recycled tissue and toilet paper. Experts have rated more than 100 brands as "recommended," "could do better" and "avoid!"
6. Soleil Organics (99 cents)
Now here's a handy little app. Soleil Organics tells you when you should splurge on organics and when it's not worth the extra expenditure. This app also helps you unravel label terms to make informed decisions.
7. TheGoodGuide (Free)
GoodGuide helps you find safe, healthy and sustainable products while you shop. Simply scan the product's barcode to view detailed ratings for the health, environment and social responsibility of more than 65,000 products and companies.
8. Green Gas Saver (Free)
Green Gas Saver tells you when you're accelerating or taking a turn too fast, which can hinder your gas mileage. The idea behind the app is to keep the ball in the center of the screen. When you accelerate too quickly, the diameter of the ball increases and an alarm will sound, indicating you're accelerating too quickly. Green Gas also keeps a running score so you can see how well you're driving in real time. A few weeks with this app and driving efficiently will become ingrained.
9. Geocaching Toolkit (Free)
Geocaching, the green outdoors game of hiding and seeking treasures, has caught on throughout the world. Geocaching Toolkit guides players between locations with clues involving puzzles, calculations and projecting a new waypoint using distances and bearings. Sometimes the calculations are easy, but this toolkit can help when calculations become tedious.
10. Lonely Planet Travel Guides (Prices begin at 99 cents)
Lonely Planet Travel Guides are the guide of choice for many frugal and green travelers. Various apps provide paperless guides for both U.S. and international destinations. Some of the guides are buggy and need work, but Lonely Planet is working on updated versions. Tip: Read the reviews before buying.
1. Animal-Free (Free)Animal-Free is a pocket reference guide for many common and hidden animal ingredients. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, part-time veg or simply trying to shop veg-friendly, this app by Symbiotic Software will help you make conscientious shopping decisions. New vegans will appreciate the list of commonly misunderstood or unfamiliar vegan ingredients that will help expand your dietary horizons.
2. CraigsMobileList (99 cents)
Is there anything greener than CraigsList? Yep, CraigsMobileList allows you to search, browse, post and respond to ads on your iPhone.
You also can track items you need, are donating or selling. Version 2.0 is a complete overhaul of the original, including a groundbreaking housing-search interface.
3. Cruelty Free (Free)
This handy shopping app is your guide to cruelty-free cosmetics, personal care and household products. Created by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, Cruelty Free lists over 200 U.S. and Canadian companies that don't test ingredients, formulations or finished products on animals.
4. Gorgeously Green Survival Guide (99 cents)
The Gorgeously Green Survival Guide is a quick reference for busy women. Developed by bestselling author Sophie Uliano, Gorgeously Green guides you through the confusion of shopping for eco-friendly choices. One of the best features is the ability to create convenient and helpful shopping lists for everything from lip sticks to light bulbs.
5. Greenpeace Tissue Guide (Free)
The Greenpeace Tissue Guide allows you to make informed decision when shopping for recycled tissue and toilet paper. Experts have rated more than 100 brands as "recommended," "could do better" and "avoid!"
6. Soleil Organics (99 cents)
Now here's a handy little app. Soleil Organics tells you when you should splurge on organics and when it's not worth the extra expenditure. This app also helps you unravel label terms to make informed decisions.
7. TheGoodGuide (Free)
GoodGuide helps you find safe, healthy and sustainable products while you shop. Simply scan the product's barcode to view detailed ratings for the health, environment and social responsibility of more than 65,000 products and companies.
8. Green Gas Saver (Free)
Green Gas Saver tells you when you're accelerating or taking a turn too fast, which can hinder your gas mileage. The idea behind the app is to keep the ball in the center of the screen. When you accelerate too quickly, the diameter of the ball increases and an alarm will sound, indicating you're accelerating too quickly. Green Gas also keeps a running score so you can see how well you're driving in real time. A few weeks with this app and driving efficiently will become ingrained.
9. Geocaching Toolkit (Free)
Geocaching, the green outdoors game of hiding and seeking treasures, has caught on throughout the world. Geocaching Toolkit guides players between locations with clues involving puzzles, calculations and projecting a new waypoint using distances and bearings. Sometimes the calculations are easy, but this toolkit can help when calculations become tedious.
10. Lonely Planet Travel Guides (Prices begin at 99 cents)
Lonely Planet Travel Guides are the guide of choice for many frugal and green travelers. Various apps provide paperless guides for both U.S. and international destinations. Some of the guides are buggy and need work, but Lonely Planet is working on updated versions. Tip: Read the reviews before buying.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
An Interesting Read :)
Commitment-phobes, get ready to take notes: according to the Eco-Love Survey recently conducted by Timberland, you've got a whole new category of breakup excuses at your disposal. Sure, he's tall, dark and handsome ... but he doesn't recycle? She's a high-powered blonde ... who litters? Back into the dating pool you go. In actuality, these aren't mere excuses, they're signs that environmental values are slowly trickling into yet another corner of our consciousness - the dating and mating corner. According to the Eco-Love Survey, green does matter when it comes to selecting a friend or partner:* 56% of those surveyed wouldn't date a litter bug
* 24% would think twice about dating a non-recycler
* 20% wouldn't date the driver of a gas guzzler
The good news is, according to the 1,000 nationally representative Americans we surveyed, environmental responsibility is gaining traction as a positive character trait and something we consider when it comes to making decisions about the kind of people we want to spend time with in our personal lives. The not-so-good news is, it still doesn't matter a whole lot. When asked whether they believe environmentally-friendly women are more stylish, more sophisticated or more laid back than those who are not eco-friendly, the answer was a resounding "no", which leaves us with the mental image of an uptight, socially-inept and poorly dressed green girl, the stereotypical environmentalist you'd want as your lab partner but wouldn't dream of taking to the prom. Clearly, we've got a long way to go to bridge the gap between scorning the environmental despoilers and warmly embracing the eco-friendly. Is it that we need a better poster child for eco-chic? When asked which environmentally-friendly celebrity would most inspire them to go green, Cameron Diaz only garnered 27% of votes with Kate Hudson (26%) and Gwyneth Paltrow (21%) close behind. Is there some sort of gender bias, some kind of "guys don't make passes at girls who recycle glasses" thing going on? Sadly no, we can't even blame men for being the insensitive ones (this time). Nearly twice as many men as women surveyed believe eco-friendly girls make better life partners (24% vs. 14%).
It could just be that we're not ready to pair the notion of environmental responsibility with the "L" word because when the same survey participants were asked about the importance of eco-responsibility with no romantic strings attached, the results were a lot more encouraging. When asked which of the following environmental actions Americans need to take in the next year, they
said:
* Use energy efficient light bulbs (72%)
* Use non-toxic or non-chemical cleaners around the house (59%)
* Carpool, walk or ride bikes to work (57%)
As a company that's working hard to reduce our environmental footprint while engaging consumers who want to do the same, some of the survey results were disheartening but not enough to deter us from making beautiful (stylish, even!) durable, eco-conscious footwear for consumers who think that sort of thing matters (30%). As for the marriage between environmental values and romantic love, we'll continue to believe that that relationship, like any other, simply needs time to grow. And when it does, we'll be the first ones to throw recycled-compostable paper confetti at the happy couple.
By Margaret Morey-Reuner is the Senior Manager of Values Marketing for Timberland.
Tip of the day: Find a partner who is not really in to turning green and turn your partner into as eco-conscious individual.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
What will you be doing today?
I know for most of us, it is a working day so, us working people won't be able to go and celebrate Earth Day.
But that does not give us a reason to skip Earth Day altogether. So I suggest that we should bring Earth Day to work! Do something green at work today. Go paperless. Use less paper. Take the public transport. Walk. Cycle. Pack your own organic food. Do not do takeaway. Switch your PC or laptop off when you're in meetings or on your lunch break. Shop with your cloth bag. Bring your own reusable coffee cup when taking away your favourite coffee or latte. Make sure you switch off your electrical appliances from the main switch before leaving the house. Take a quick shower. Do not leave the tap running while brushing your teeth. Recycle. And the list goes on. So go ahead and influence your colleagues in going green! Remember to switch off the main switch by your desk as well before you head home.
Happy Earth Day!! :)
But that does not give us a reason to skip Earth Day altogether. So I suggest that we should bring Earth Day to work! Do something green at work today. Go paperless. Use less paper. Take the public transport. Walk. Cycle. Pack your own organic food. Do not do takeaway. Switch your PC or laptop off when you're in meetings or on your lunch break. Shop with your cloth bag. Bring your own reusable coffee cup when taking away your favourite coffee or latte. Make sure you switch off your electrical appliances from the main switch before leaving the house. Take a quick shower. Do not leave the tap running while brushing your teeth. Recycle. And the list goes on. So go ahead and influence your colleagues in going green! Remember to switch off the main switch by your desk as well before you head home.
Happy Earth Day!! :)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Alternative climate summit in Bolivia
Environmental activists, indigenous leaders and Hollywood celebrities are gathering in Bolivia ahead of a self-styled global people's conference on climate change starting Tuesday. Thousands of attendees intend to highlight the plight of the world's poorest who they argue were largely ignored at the official United Nations sponsored summit in Copenhagen last December.
Critics say that the deal will not avert catastrophe and the "People's World Conference on Climate Change and Mother Earth Rights," which runs through Thursday, aims to draft new proposals for consideration at the next UN meeting in Mexico at the end of the year. Bolivia's UN ambassador, Pablo Solon, said the conference, which is expected to be attended by 18,000 people, is "the only way to get the climate change talks back on the track".
Developing nations have resisted a legally binding climate treaty, arguing that wealthy nations must bear the primary responsibility for climate change. Nearly 130 countries, including many of the world's poorest, will be represented at the Cochabamba conference, which symbolically reaches its climax on Earth Day. The conference will seek to refine proposals presented by Morales in Copenhagen that included the creation of a world tribunal for climate issues and a global referendum on environmental choices. Presidents Chavez and Morales were among the harshest critics of the December 2009 Copenhagen conference, arguing that developing countries were largely ignored in the debates. The conference begins the day after representatives from the world's leading economies gathered in Washington for a preparatory meeting ahead of the December UN summit in Cancun.
The US-led Major Economies Forum comprises 17 countries responsible for the bulk of global emissions and excludes smaller nations such as Sudan whose firebrand negotiators held up sessions at December's Copenhagen summit. Washington hopes the closed-door talks will allow key nations to quietly assess what they can achieve heading into the next major climate summit in December in Cancun.
Well, after the outcome of last year's summit in Copenhagen, let's see what will be achieved from this one. Heh. Hmmmmmm....
Critics say that the deal will not avert catastrophe and the "People's World Conference on Climate Change and Mother Earth Rights," which runs through Thursday, aims to draft new proposals for consideration at the next UN meeting in Mexico at the end of the year. Bolivia's UN ambassador, Pablo Solon, said the conference, which is expected to be attended by 18,000 people, is "the only way to get the climate change talks back on the track".Developing nations have resisted a legally binding climate treaty, arguing that wealthy nations must bear the primary responsibility for climate change. Nearly 130 countries, including many of the world's poorest, will be represented at the Cochabamba conference, which symbolically reaches its climax on Earth Day. The conference will seek to refine proposals presented by Morales in Copenhagen that included the creation of a world tribunal for climate issues and a global referendum on environmental choices. Presidents Chavez and Morales were among the harshest critics of the December 2009 Copenhagen conference, arguing that developing countries were largely ignored in the debates. The conference begins the day after representatives from the world's leading economies gathered in Washington for a preparatory meeting ahead of the December UN summit in Cancun.
The US-led Major Economies Forum comprises 17 countries responsible for the bulk of global emissions and excludes smaller nations such as Sudan whose firebrand negotiators held up sessions at December's Copenhagen summit. Washington hopes the closed-door talks will allow key nations to quietly assess what they can achieve heading into the next major climate summit in December in Cancun.
Well, after the outcome of last year's summit in Copenhagen, let's see what will be achieved from this one. Heh. Hmmmmmm....
Monday, April 19, 2010
3 Days to Earth Day
There is 3 more days to go to Earth Day, the 22nd April 2010, so I've decided to list down some events that is connected to Earth Day in Singapore :)
1. The American Embassy will be holding a recycling programme on the 22nd April 2010, from 9.45 am til 3.45 pm. For more information, please visit their websites :)
2. Reupholstering furniture, held at the American Embassy as well on the 22nd April 2010, from 9 am til 4 pm. For more information, please visit their website :)
3. An Eco-Youth Concert will be held at Bishan Park, on the 24th April 2010, at 7.30 pm. This concert is brought to you by students from the ITE centre of the music and the arts. Admission is free :)
4. Avatar in Action - GOTO Book Exchange. "Give One, Take One" in short, all you need to do is bring your pre-owned book in order to exchange for another pre-owned book.
5. Greenridge Primary school will be collecting food waste (only apple and banana peel) on the 20th April 2010. To make fertilizers perhaps... ;)
6. Greenridge Primary School is collecting used cooking oil on the 27th of April. Please cool the oil, pour it in a plastic bottle and rinse the exterior with soap.
If you know of any green events pertaining to Earth Day please drop us a line :) Thank you
Tip of the day: You can recycle your paper towel and toilet roll cardboard tubes and use it as a cord organiser. Just roll up your electric cords and stuff it inside the tube :)
1. The American Embassy will be holding a recycling programme on the 22nd April 2010, from 9.45 am til 3.45 pm. For more information, please visit their websites :)
2. Reupholstering furniture, held at the American Embassy as well on the 22nd April 2010, from 9 am til 4 pm. For more information, please visit their website :)
3. An Eco-Youth Concert will be held at Bishan Park, on the 24th April 2010, at 7.30 pm. This concert is brought to you by students from the ITE centre of the music and the arts. Admission is free :)
4. Avatar in Action - GOTO Book Exchange. "Give One, Take One" in short, all you need to do is bring your pre-owned book in order to exchange for another pre-owned book.
5. Greenridge Primary school will be collecting food waste (only apple and banana peel) on the 20th April 2010. To make fertilizers perhaps... ;)
6. Greenridge Primary School is collecting used cooking oil on the 27th of April. Please cool the oil, pour it in a plastic bottle and rinse the exterior with soap.
If you know of any green events pertaining to Earth Day please drop us a line :) Thank you
Tip of the day: You can recycle your paper towel and toilet roll cardboard tubes and use it as a cord organiser. Just roll up your electric cords and stuff it inside the tube :)
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Plan your eco route no more :)
Thanks to Ford, you do not need to plan your eco-route on your own anymore :) Ford’s new map-based navigation system has three options: the fastest route, the shortest route and also the “Eco-Route.”
Drivers using a version of the MyFord Touch dashboard interface system, with SD-card-based mapping, will get a choice of three color-coded routes (with the eco-choice, in green). This version makes its debut this summer in the 2011 Ford Edge. Cars equipped with the system can access real-time traffic information from Sirius and then plot the greenest route to your destination, avoiding gridlocked roads. If real-time traffic information isn’t available, it relies on historic traffic data. It also looks at speed limits, and chooses the routes that give you consistent speeds. Ford said in testing,the Eco-Route yielded up to 15% fuel-economy improvements.
However, if the Eco-Route directed drivers onto highways with higher posted speed limits, it could cause them to go faster and actually affect fuel economy negatively. But then again, we probably do not have a need for that. The island is so small and our routes so straight forward that i do not think it matters hehe plus it is better for us to take the public transport :)
Tips of the day: Drive at a constant speed of 90 km/h in order to cut on emissions and save about 10% of your fuel bill.
Drivers using a version of the MyFord Touch dashboard interface system, with SD-card-based mapping, will get a choice of three color-coded routes (with the eco-choice, in green). This version makes its debut this summer in the 2011 Ford Edge. Cars equipped with the system can access real-time traffic information from Sirius and then plot the greenest route to your destination, avoiding gridlocked roads. If real-time traffic information isn’t available, it relies on historic traffic data. It also looks at speed limits, and chooses the routes that give you consistent speeds. Ford said in testing,the Eco-Route yielded up to 15% fuel-economy improvements. However, if the Eco-Route directed drivers onto highways with higher posted speed limits, it could cause them to go faster and actually affect fuel economy negatively. But then again, we probably do not have a need for that. The island is so small and our routes so straight forward that i do not think it matters hehe plus it is better for us to take the public transport :)
Tips of the day: Drive at a constant speed of 90 km/h in order to cut on emissions and save about 10% of your fuel bill.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Cycle for your meal :)
Crowne Plaza in Copenhagen is offering their hotel guests to cycle to produce electricity for the hotel on an exercise bike attached to a generator in exchange for a meal.
The whole plan is to get people fit and to reduce their carbon footprint :) So the guests have to produce at least 10 watt hours of electricity, which is roughly 15 minutes of cycling for someone of average fitness. The hotel already produces renewable energy with solar panels on its facade. Once they have produced the renewable energy, the guest will receive meal vouchers worth $36 or 26 euros. The bicycles will have iPhones attached to the handlebars to measure how much power is being generated for the hotel. The plan, the first in the world, will be launched on 19 April and will run for a year and is only for guests staying in the hotel. If this becomes successful, the electric bicycle programme will be extended to all Crowne Plaza hotels in the UK.
Maybe all exercise bikes in gyms, hotels or homes should be attached to a generator in order to produce their own electricity :)
Tip of the day: Make your own coffee cup sleeve by using your old denim. Measure your favourite take away cup and cut and sew your old denim cloth accordingly :)
The whole plan is to get people fit and to reduce their carbon footprint :) So the guests have to produce at least 10 watt hours of electricity, which is roughly 15 minutes of cycling for someone of average fitness. The hotel already produces renewable energy with solar panels on its facade. Once they have produced the renewable energy, the guest will receive meal vouchers worth $36 or 26 euros. The bicycles will have iPhones attached to the handlebars to measure how much power is being generated for the hotel. The plan, the first in the world, will be launched on 19 April and will run for a year and is only for guests staying in the hotel. If this becomes successful, the electric bicycle programme will be extended to all Crowne Plaza hotels in the UK.Maybe all exercise bikes in gyms, hotels or homes should be attached to a generator in order to produce their own electricity :)
Tip of the day: Make your own coffee cup sleeve by using your old denim. Measure your favourite take away cup and cut and sew your old denim cloth accordingly :)
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Walk on Glass!
A new type of pavement mix called filterpave is now available in the market.
This new pavement mix is made almost completely of recycled glass. The recycled glass is rolled to shave off sharp edges, mixed, poured and smoothed making both colourful and eco-friendly pavements. Sounds magical!!! Imagine when sunlight falls on it and all the colours it'll give off :)
Since it is twice as porous as concrete or asphault, and even though it is more expensive, with it being twice as porous means that it is actually the same price because you basically can use half as much :) The glass will absorb oils and things out of a car that is dripping and instead of staining the concrete and the oil running into the stream, it actually filters down into the glass so it will leak into the system instead of the stream.
More tests need to be done to see whether it can be used on major roadways, so for the time being Missouri will be using the eco-friendly warm-mix asphault on highways instead. Alot of emission is reduced because instead of heating normal asphault up to 300 degrees Farenheit, you only need to warm this eco-friendly one up.
Carbon Dioxide emissions will be reduced by 20-40%, Sulfur Dioxide by 20-35%, Carbon Monoxide by 10-30% Volatile Organic Compounds by 50% and Nitrous Oxides by 70%. The road last longer, it helps the environment and saves tax payers money! What more can you ask for!
Tip of the day: We live in the tropical region, which is very, very hot (and getting hotter). So wouldn't it make sense to shower in regular, tap water instead of switching on the heater and using warm water instead? You will definitely cool down and not feel so warm when you step out of the shower and won't be tempted to switch on the air-conditioning, right..
This new pavement mix is made almost completely of recycled glass. The recycled glass is rolled to shave off sharp edges, mixed, poured and smoothed making both colourful and eco-friendly pavements. Sounds magical!!! Imagine when sunlight falls on it and all the colours it'll give off :)
Since it is twice as porous as concrete or asphault, and even though it is more expensive, with it being twice as porous means that it is actually the same price because you basically can use half as much :) The glass will absorb oils and things out of a car that is dripping and instead of staining the concrete and the oil running into the stream, it actually filters down into the glass so it will leak into the system instead of the stream.More tests need to be done to see whether it can be used on major roadways, so for the time being Missouri will be using the eco-friendly warm-mix asphault on highways instead. Alot of emission is reduced because instead of heating normal asphault up to 300 degrees Farenheit, you only need to warm this eco-friendly one up.
Carbon Dioxide emissions will be reduced by 20-40%, Sulfur Dioxide by 20-35%, Carbon Monoxide by 10-30% Volatile Organic Compounds by 50% and Nitrous Oxides by 70%. The road last longer, it helps the environment and saves tax payers money! What more can you ask for!
Tip of the day: We live in the tropical region, which is very, very hot (and getting hotter). So wouldn't it make sense to shower in regular, tap water instead of switching on the heater and using warm water instead? You will definitely cool down and not feel so warm when you step out of the shower and won't be tempted to switch on the air-conditioning, right..
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Rice Husks Concrete?
Concrete made from rice husk and coal ash waste is being developed in a scheme to tackle climate change.
Traditional methods of concrete production release large quantities of CO2 into the atmosphere so British and Indian researchers are working together on the scheme to cut the carbon footprint of concrete. The scale of the problems facing infrastructure development in India and the UK means that collaboration between a number of institutions is the only way to reach their goals. The researchers have been working as part of a UK-India Education & Research Initiative (UKIERI) project, led by the University of Dundee. A major component of traditional concrete is Portland cement but for every tonne of cement produced about one tonne of CO2 is released into the atmosphere. As a result concrete production amounts to approximately 5% of global CO2 emissions.
Concrete is the second most used material in the world after water, and so reducing the CO2 emissions produced by it could make a real difference to climate change. Rice husk is already used as a fuel in the boilers for the processing of paddy and for power generation. The ash of the rice husk (rice husk ash or RHA for short) is used as a super-pozzolan to make special concrete mixers. There are many uses for this RHA, such as green concrete, ceramic glaze, oil-spill absorbent, insulator, flame retardants, insecticide, bio-fertilizers and more.
I didn't know rice is super useful man! It's waste has more uses than human waste. Maybe we should make more studies on our waste (poo) to see what else we can use it for :) Well cow dung is used as a source of fuel..
Tip of the day: Have a quick or navy shower to save water. It is the
no.1 used material in the world so please save water and it is still wasted everyday! Or you can shower together with your partner. It helps saves water. Whatever works for you ;)
Traditional methods of concrete production release large quantities of CO2 into the atmosphere so British and Indian researchers are working together on the scheme to cut the carbon footprint of concrete. The scale of the problems facing infrastructure development in India and the UK means that collaboration between a number of institutions is the only way to reach their goals. The researchers have been working as part of a UK-India Education & Research Initiative (UKIERI) project, led by the University of Dundee. A major component of traditional concrete is Portland cement but for every tonne of cement produced about one tonne of CO2 is released into the atmosphere. As a result concrete production amounts to approximately 5% of global CO2 emissions.Concrete is the second most used material in the world after water, and so reducing the CO2 emissions produced by it could make a real difference to climate change. Rice husk is already used as a fuel in the boilers for the processing of paddy and for power generation. The ash of the rice husk (rice husk ash or RHA for short) is used as a super-pozzolan to make special concrete mixers. There are many uses for this RHA, such as green concrete, ceramic glaze, oil-spill absorbent, insulator, flame retardants, insecticide, bio-fertilizers and more.
I didn't know rice is super useful man! It's waste has more uses than human waste. Maybe we should make more studies on our waste (poo) to see what else we can use it for :) Well cow dung is used as a source of fuel..
Tip of the day: Have a quick or navy shower to save water. It is the
no.1 used material in the world so please save water and it is still wasted everyday! Or you can shower together with your partner. It helps saves water. Whatever works for you ;)
Monday, April 12, 2010
Eco friendly rebuilt for Cuba's disaster-hit homes
Hurricane Gustav slammed into the Cuban coastal town of Los Palacios in August, 2008, a dangerous category 4 storm.
It damaged 84 percent of the homes, many of them made of wood. Ten days later, Hurricane Ike tore across much of Cuba, dumping torrential rains on Los Palacios. And then in November, Paloma struck the island. The government put the combined damage at $10 billion. Now, a unique program helps victims re-build their lives and their homes. New houses have gone up all along the hurricane corridor in the western province of Pinar del Rio. Many of them are made entirely or partly of "eco-materials", local resources turned into construction materials at a low cost and all done in the community, which saves on their carbon footprint by transportation. After hurricanes, floods and earthquakes, CIDEM moves in quickly to set up mini-factories using its own low-tech machinery. In Los Palacios, CIDEM set up a mini-factory last year.
Five workers operate a simple contraption that uses vibrations to turn out blocks made from local gravel, sand and cement (sweet). The machine has the capacity to produce 1,200 blocks a day, that is equivalent to a house. In Cuba, the government works closely with CIDEM. They provide professionals to oversee the work and they guarantee hurricane victims paid leave from their jobs in order to rebuild houses. CIDEM has set up workshops in 18 countries in Latin America, five in Africa and most recently in Asia, with funding primarily from Switzerland and Canada.
The environment impact is about saving energy as little or no transportation is required to rebuild these houses, plus they recycle old materials :) Recycling is the way to go people!!!!!
Tip of the day: PLEASE SWITCH OFF you computer or laptop when you are done with it instead of leaving it idle or on sleep mode. You'll save lots of electricity and give your computer a rest too :) Peace.
It damaged 84 percent of the homes, many of them made of wood. Ten days later, Hurricane Ike tore across much of Cuba, dumping torrential rains on Los Palacios. And then in November, Paloma struck the island. The government put the combined damage at $10 billion. Now, a unique program helps victims re-build their lives and their homes. New houses have gone up all along the hurricane corridor in the western province of Pinar del Rio. Many of them are made entirely or partly of "eco-materials", local resources turned into construction materials at a low cost and all done in the community, which saves on their carbon footprint by transportation. After hurricanes, floods and earthquakes, CIDEM moves in quickly to set up mini-factories using its own low-tech machinery. In Los Palacios, CIDEM set up a mini-factory last year.Five workers operate a simple contraption that uses vibrations to turn out blocks made from local gravel, sand and cement (sweet). The machine has the capacity to produce 1,200 blocks a day, that is equivalent to a house. In Cuba, the government works closely with CIDEM. They provide professionals to oversee the work and they guarantee hurricane victims paid leave from their jobs in order to rebuild houses. CIDEM has set up workshops in 18 countries in Latin America, five in Africa and most recently in Asia, with funding primarily from Switzerland and Canada.
The environment impact is about saving energy as little or no transportation is required to rebuild these houses, plus they recycle old materials :) Recycling is the way to go people!!!!!
Tip of the day: PLEASE SWITCH OFF you computer or laptop when you are done with it instead of leaving it idle or on sleep mode. You'll save lots of electricity and give your computer a rest too :) Peace.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Another Eco-Friendly Farming Neighbour
Hundreds of farmers in Klaten, Central Java, have converted from using chemical fertilizers and pesticides to organic ones.
At present, 75% use the organic fertilizers as part of their farming methods. The reason why they switched over is because chemical fertilizers is expensive and is harmful to people and the environment.
Concerned with the condition, Juwandi (leader of the Tani Mulyo farming group) and a number of community figures worked to develop an eco-friendly but profitable farming practice over the past year by joining the Tani Mulyo farming group. Assisted by bottled water producer Aqua and the Bina Swadaya NGO, they set up a lab last year to conduct tests as well as produce organic fertilizer from cattle and buffalo manure. After conducting tests for almost a year, they implemented the green farming method on seven of 85 hectares of rice fields at the end of last year with a mixed planting system, using 50 percent chemical and 50 percent organic fertilizers. Based on the harvest, production experienced between a 10 and 15 percent drop. A 1,700-square-meter plot using chemical fertilizer produced 0.85 tons of rice with a Rp 6,000-kilogram sale price, while the use of organic fertilizer produced 0.8 tons of rice at the higher Rp 7,000-kilogram sale price. There was not much difference in yield and the concern that the system would create a drop in the production by 30% was not proven so as many as 75% of the 450 farmers, who are grouped in the Tani Mulyo, are expected to apply for the eco-friendly planting pattern on about 85 hectares of their farmland by 2012.
So I say let's support these organic rice farmers by buying their products and eating them! It'll be better to if it's brown rice :) It is the healthier choice ;) Way to go Java!
Tips of the day: Support your local farmers and buy local products to cut down on your carbon footprint.
At present, 75% use the organic fertilizers as part of their farming methods. The reason why they switched over is because chemical fertilizers is expensive and is harmful to people and the environment.
Concerned with the condition, Juwandi (leader of the Tani Mulyo farming group) and a number of community figures worked to develop an eco-friendly but profitable farming practice over the past year by joining the Tani Mulyo farming group. Assisted by bottled water producer Aqua and the Bina Swadaya NGO, they set up a lab last year to conduct tests as well as produce organic fertilizer from cattle and buffalo manure. After conducting tests for almost a year, they implemented the green farming method on seven of 85 hectares of rice fields at the end of last year with a mixed planting system, using 50 percent chemical and 50 percent organic fertilizers. Based on the harvest, production experienced between a 10 and 15 percent drop. A 1,700-square-meter plot using chemical fertilizer produced 0.85 tons of rice with a Rp 6,000-kilogram sale price, while the use of organic fertilizer produced 0.8 tons of rice at the higher Rp 7,000-kilogram sale price. There was not much difference in yield and the concern that the system would create a drop in the production by 30% was not proven so as many as 75% of the 450 farmers, who are grouped in the Tani Mulyo, are expected to apply for the eco-friendly planting pattern on about 85 hectares of their farmland by 2012.So I say let's support these organic rice farmers by buying their products and eating them! It'll be better to if it's brown rice :) It is the healthier choice ;) Way to go Java!
Tips of the day: Support your local farmers and buy local products to cut down on your carbon footprint.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Lets Go Back To The Tiffin Wallah days!
Do you buy take away or pack lunch for yourself or your kids, in disposables? Well, maybe it's a time for a change!
Why not pack your lunch in a reusable lunch products? I know it is more convenient to use disposables, you just pack it and throw it when you're done.
But have you thought about the consequences of your actions? With plastic clogging up our rivers and oceans, and plus filling up the landfills, do you think these disposables are worth it? I think not.
So why not convert yourself to reusables. There are so many nice reusable lunch boxes now available in the market :) and seeing them makes me wanna buy all of them! Its sooooo nice! But I have to stop myself cos one is enough for the time being.. I'll be able to buy another set when my son starts school :) or as presents. I know in Singapore it is very seldom that we pack our lunches. Usually we eat out and these food places usually serve food in proper plates and utensils. But if you are the type who likes to control what you or your child eats, then please do convert to a reusable lunch box instead of disposables. It will save you money in the long run and you will be teaching your child and those around you a step in going green. If our grandparents or parents used to use the tiffins (the metal tins stacked on top of each other to transport food) then why can't we? Convenience is not the way unless it has a green purpose..
Tips of the day: Mentioned above :)
Why not pack your lunch in a reusable lunch products? I know it is more convenient to use disposables, you just pack it and throw it when you're done.
But have you thought about the consequences of your actions? With plastic clogging up our rivers and oceans, and plus filling up the landfills, do you think these disposables are worth it? I think not.
So why not convert yourself to reusables. There are so many nice reusable lunch boxes now available in the market :) and seeing them makes me wanna buy all of them! Its sooooo nice! But I have to stop myself cos one is enough for the time being.. I'll be able to buy another set when my son starts school :) or as presents. I know in Singapore it is very seldom that we pack our lunches. Usually we eat out and these food places usually serve food in proper plates and utensils. But if you are the type who likes to control what you or your child eats, then please do convert to a reusable lunch box instead of disposables. It will save you money in the long run and you will be teaching your child and those around you a step in going green. If our grandparents or parents used to use the tiffins (the metal tins stacked on top of each other to transport food) then why can't we? Convenience is not the way unless it has a green purpose..Tips of the day: Mentioned above :)
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Convert your pet to a green one!
With "green" pet food, biscuits and other tasty treats available on many store shelves, pet owners now have a wide range of organic and earth-friendly options from which to choose.
But increasingly, owners are finding they can also make environmentally friendly choices that go beyond the food bowl with several new options available! The Good Dog Company makes leashes, collars, harnesses and toys with organic cotton and sustainable, natural hemp. Hemp is naturally hypoallergenic, anti-microbial so it's resistant to mold and mildew. Bowsers Pet Products manufactures a line of eco-friendly pet bed made out of polar fleece which is made from recycled plastic bottles and the foam is made from soy and is biodegradable. For dogs who want to beat the heat in an earth-friendly way, Gramercy Distribution, based in New York City, markets the Cool Vest. Unlike many other cooling vests, the product is not filled with chemical gels and requires no refrigeration. Maybe we people should get one ourselves! It'll be useful for those who can't stand the heat here!
Heh Heh Heh.. Well I don't feed my cats organic food as they don't like it but i do feed them dolphin safe food, so my conscious would be free from any guilt of accidentally killing a dolphin. So go ahead and try out organic food for your furry loved ones, who knows they might convert to a greener lifestyle ;)
Tips of the day: Try not to use tick and flea meds for your pet. It's bad for your pet's health as it depletes their immune system and we shouldn't be in contact with it anyway cos it is bad for us too.. Try adding Brewer's Yeast or Garlic to your pet's meal or use an essential oil to repel unwanted bugs :)
But increasingly, owners are finding they can also make environmentally friendly choices that go beyond the food bowl with several new options available! The Good Dog Company makes leashes, collars, harnesses and toys with organic cotton and sustainable, natural hemp. Hemp is naturally hypoallergenic, anti-microbial so it's resistant to mold and mildew. Bowsers Pet Products manufactures a line of eco-friendly pet bed made out of polar fleece which is made from recycled plastic bottles and the foam is made from soy and is biodegradable. For dogs who want to beat the heat in an earth-friendly way, Gramercy Distribution, based in New York City, markets the Cool Vest. Unlike many other cooling vests, the product is not filled with chemical gels and requires no refrigeration. Maybe we people should get one ourselves! It'll be useful for those who can't stand the heat here!Heh Heh Heh.. Well I don't feed my cats organic food as they don't like it but i do feed them dolphin safe food, so my conscious would be free from any guilt of accidentally killing a dolphin. So go ahead and try out organic food for your furry loved ones, who knows they might convert to a greener lifestyle ;)
Tips of the day: Try not to use tick and flea meds for your pet. It's bad for your pet's health as it depletes their immune system and we shouldn't be in contact with it anyway cos it is bad for us too.. Try adding Brewer's Yeast or Garlic to your pet's meal or use an essential oil to repel unwanted bugs :)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Pest problems?
Some farmers in India are adopting eco-friendly methods to get rid of pests by using insect trappers instead of chemical pesticides.
The insect trapper has not only reduced their pesticide and labour expenditure, but also the use of strong chemicals in cultivation. The main advantage of this trapper is that it is more effective at night, as the light sliders attached to it attracts the insects, which cause them to fall into a bucket of water and diesel and subsequently die (even though they are insects, I somehow still feel their pain). It is a plus point using these trappers.
Your mind would be at ease that at least the farmed goods will be free of pesticides so you or your loved ones won't consume it but they can go one step farther by using natural fertilizers, example dung, instead of the chemically processed ones.. It will save them more money as well, as they have an abundance of cows grazing around :) If all farmers were to adopt eco-friendly methods of farming like this insect trapper, it will lessen the pollution and contamination of the Earth's soil and water..
Tips of the day: You can make your own fertilizers by using egg shells (dry it and crush them into powder, then sprinkle it on the soil) or you can sprinkle lime juice in the soil. Rabbit droppings work great as well! :)
The insect trapper has not only reduced their pesticide and labour expenditure, but also the use of strong chemicals in cultivation. The main advantage of this trapper is that it is more effective at night, as the light sliders attached to it attracts the insects, which cause them to fall into a bucket of water and diesel and subsequently die (even though they are insects, I somehow still feel their pain). It is a plus point using these trappers. Your mind would be at ease that at least the farmed goods will be free of pesticides so you or your loved ones won't consume it but they can go one step farther by using natural fertilizers, example dung, instead of the chemically processed ones.. It will save them more money as well, as they have an abundance of cows grazing around :) If all farmers were to adopt eco-friendly methods of farming like this insect trapper, it will lessen the pollution and contamination of the Earth's soil and water..
Tips of the day: You can make your own fertilizers by using egg shells (dry it and crush them into powder, then sprinkle it on the soil) or you can sprinkle lime juice in the soil. Rabbit droppings work great as well! :)
Monday, April 5, 2010
Suffering from the Monday Blues?
Why not enjoy some eco-sex to wash away the blues :)
That's what Stephanie Iris Weiss book is called. Here are some tips from her book for the eco-friendly people who want to green up their sex life! Tip no.1: Have sex on a natural latex mattress. Not only is it more eco-friendly but it's also less bouncy :) Tip no.2: Use biodegradable or fair-trade condoms :) Tip no.3: Use organic aphrodisiacs (if u need to). Examples are avocado and chocolate for women and basil, bay leaf and cinnamon for the men :) Condoms usually get thrown in the toilet after use and ends up in the water system or worse the oceans which can cause danger to the marine life or sea birds. Throw them away responsibly. Have a guilt free pleasure! I'll probably get the book and see if there's any interesting tips in there :)
Tip of the day: Please refer to article above.
That's what Stephanie Iris Weiss book is called. Here are some tips from her book for the eco-friendly people who want to green up their sex life! Tip no.1: Have sex on a natural latex mattress. Not only is it more eco-friendly but it's also less bouncy :) Tip no.2: Use biodegradable or fair-trade condoms :) Tip no.3: Use organic aphrodisiacs (if u need to). Examples are avocado and chocolate for women and basil, bay leaf and cinnamon for the men :) Condoms usually get thrown in the toilet after use and ends up in the water system or worse the oceans which can cause danger to the marine life or sea birds. Throw them away responsibly. Have a guilt free pleasure! I'll probably get the book and see if there's any interesting tips in there :)Tip of the day: Please refer to article above.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Loving the high life....
And not willing to let go of every goodness that comes with it?
Well there is one less thing that you have to do without in order to be green and that is the all time favourite of the elitists - CAVIAR. Greg Barker, the British MP for Bexhill and Battle, has revealed a financial interest in a British firm that produces ethical caviar in Latvia. Hey that rhymes.. Caviar in Latvia haha.
Ok, let us continue. So unlike traditional caviar, which is obtained by killing the ENDANGERED sturgeon, it is extracted by massaging it out of the live farmed fish which swim away when the process is complete. The sturgeon, which can live for the 35 years, then grow more eggs, 14 months later. Thats longer than the human reproductive cycle..
In addition to being less cruel, the technique helps to reduce the damage to wild sturgeon stocks. Over-fishing and poaching have devastated the traditional caviar fisheries in the Caspian Sea. The brand, Mottra (an ethical and sustainable business) was served at Tatler magazine's 300th anniversary party at the Frieze art fair. Penelope Cruz, the film star, has bought several pots from Harvey Nichols in London. Other fans of this ethical caviar include Rick Stein, Gwyneth Paltrow and Tracy Emin. So enjoy your caviar, if it's from Mottra!
Tips of the days: Since it is the rainy season again here (well, it has been raining everyday), put your indoor plants out for some fresh, natural water. Your plants will definitely enjoy the outdoors more than the indoors.
Well there is one less thing that you have to do without in order to be green and that is the all time favourite of the elitists - CAVIAR. Greg Barker, the British MP for Bexhill and Battle, has revealed a financial interest in a British firm that produces ethical caviar in Latvia. Hey that rhymes.. Caviar in Latvia haha.
Ok, let us continue. So unlike traditional caviar, which is obtained by killing the ENDANGERED sturgeon, it is extracted by massaging it out of the live farmed fish which swim away when the process is complete. The sturgeon, which can live for the 35 years, then grow more eggs, 14 months later. Thats longer than the human reproductive cycle..In addition to being less cruel, the technique helps to reduce the damage to wild sturgeon stocks. Over-fishing and poaching have devastated the traditional caviar fisheries in the Caspian Sea. The brand, Mottra (an ethical and sustainable business) was served at Tatler magazine's 300th anniversary party at the Frieze art fair. Penelope Cruz, the film star, has bought several pots from Harvey Nichols in London. Other fans of this ethical caviar include Rick Stein, Gwyneth Paltrow and Tracy Emin. So enjoy your caviar, if it's from Mottra!
Tips of the days: Since it is the rainy season again here (well, it has been raining everyday), put your indoor plants out for some fresh, natural water. Your plants will definitely enjoy the outdoors more than the indoors.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Happy Easter
Hey peeps :) Just wanna wish everyone a lovely Good Friday and enjoy the long weekend ahead! For those who are planning to go away for the weekend, why not head somewhere nearby to lessen your carbon footprint. Head down to Sentosa or have a picnic on rustic Pulau Ubin, or take a boat down to check out Batam or head to the resort island of Bintan. Take a drive down to Malaysia and enjoy the seafood there.. I am just gonna stay home with my baby boy and enjoy some home-made chicken rice.. Yum Yum! Remember, think green, be green..
Thursday, April 1, 2010
How the Swedes keep themselves warm :)
There's a town in beautiful Sweden that uses a very interesting way to keep themselves warm during their very cold cold winter.
The people in Halmstad, Sweden uses the heat from burning bodies to keep themselves nice and warm! Don't worry, they're not ruthless killers. It's from the crematorium. Cremation of human remains can release toxins, like mercury from dental fillings, so the filtration of off-gases is very, very important. In order to effectively clean the emitted gases, they have to be cooled from 1000°C to under 150°C. Recovery of this heat for warming first the crematorium buildings and later the public heating system will save costs and use less water as well.
Heating is one of the biggest perpetrators of energy guzzling and carbon emissions in any house that needs it. Instead of having people paying so much for fossil fuel heat, why waste all that heat when people can reuse it to heat up their loving homes :)
Tip of the day: Or if you live alone with your partner, you can always keep each comfortably warm by stripping down to nothing and using your body warmth ;) But please remember to cover your windows with your curtains. You wouldn't want to be labeled as an exhibitionist or have peeping-toms hanging around. The first you'll save money on electricity and the latter as well, plus more! That is for the colder climates. For us people living on this hot hot island of Singapore, instead of blasting the air-conditioner to -10°C (that is sarcasm) or a more likely 18°C, just use less clothes or thin ones when you sleep and you can put the air-con up at a comfortable 24°C or just the old mighty fan :)
The people in Halmstad, Sweden uses the heat from burning bodies to keep themselves nice and warm! Don't worry, they're not ruthless killers. It's from the crematorium. Cremation of human remains can release toxins, like mercury from dental fillings, so the filtration of off-gases is very, very important. In order to effectively clean the emitted gases, they have to be cooled from 1000°C to under 150°C. Recovery of this heat for warming first the crematorium buildings and later the public heating system will save costs and use less water as well.Heating is one of the biggest perpetrators of energy guzzling and carbon emissions in any house that needs it. Instead of having people paying so much for fossil fuel heat, why waste all that heat when people can reuse it to heat up their loving homes :)
Tip of the day: Or if you live alone with your partner, you can always keep each comfortably warm by stripping down to nothing and using your body warmth ;) But please remember to cover your windows with your curtains. You wouldn't want to be labeled as an exhibitionist or have peeping-toms hanging around. The first you'll save money on electricity and the latter as well, plus more! That is for the colder climates. For us people living on this hot hot island of Singapore, instead of blasting the air-conditioner to -10°C (that is sarcasm) or a more likely 18°C, just use less clothes or thin ones when you sleep and you can put the air-con up at a comfortable 24°C or just the old mighty fan :)
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