Are Your Floors Pesticide Free?

Just because you don't use pesticides, doesn't mean that your home is free of them. Think about it, if your friend has been walking across treated lawns all day and then parades around your home all shoe-laden, he or she could be tracking in trace amounts of pesticides. Furthermore, the people who owned your home before you could have sprayed their gardens, and years later, you could end up with residual amounts of poison on your floors.

A recently conducted study, the first of its kind, aimed to generate data on pesticide residue in homes. The study surveyed occupants on their pesticide use and other housing factors. The findings? We have "measurable" levels of contamination in our homes.

While this is nothing to freak right out about, it is an opportunity to develop awareness. The pesticide levels were low overall, but the insecticide levels were high enough to warrant concerns about potential exposure.

Pesticides that were removed from the market several years ago, were found on floors during this study. If pesticides and insecticides are powerful enough to withstand harsh weather elements, kill pests, and remain in your home for years, is it really something you want to expose your families to?

Here are some tips for keeping pesticides off your floors.

Take off your shoes before entering the home.
Don't use pesticides.
Steer clear of topical flea medications that contain tetrachlorvinphos and other carbamates.
Prevent the flow of moisture as this will prevent pests and thus eliminating the need for pesticides.

Pesticides threaten your health and the health of the environment. It's becoming increasingly important that we reduce or eliminate our use of these toxic chemicals. With these simple tips, you can start today in the place it is most important: your home.

PM Lee says Singapore's challenge is sustaining the environment long-term

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said Singapore's challenge is to sustain the environment as the city grows.

Speaking at the opening of Singapore’s largest water reclamation plant in Changi on Tuesday, Mr Lee said that to do so, the country must take a long-term view, prepare well ahead and align efforts across the government.

The launch of the Changi Water Reclamation Plant is another milestone in Singapore's overall strategy towards sustainable development. Not only does the plant treat used water, it is also a feedstock for large scale production of NEWater.

Mr Lee said Singapore's basic attitude has been that environmental sustainability is not incompatible with economic development. He added: "But far from degrading our environment, we have improved it. Singapore has become a clean and green city with a high quality living environment."

"Singaporeans enjoy fresh air, clean water and good public health, and almost half the island is covered with greenery, parks and nature areas."

But challenges on how to sustain the environment remain, which is why Singapore has set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee (on Sustainable Development) to develop a blueprint for a sustainable future. "Community action is especially important, because we need everyone to play an active role," said Mr Lee.

"I am glad Singaporeans took an active interest in developing our Blueprint and come forward with many ideas and suggestions to improve our living environment. I hope Singaporeans will continue to contribute.

"Achieving sustainable development will call for each one of us to make an effort, to give our ideas and to adjust our lifestyles. Our Blueprint is meant to be an evolving and living concept.

"As we understand the sustainable challenge better, and as technology improves, we will continue to test out new solutions and push for higher standards."

Mr Lee said that to break new ground in sustainable development, cities will require a combination of far-sighted planning, sustained investment in infrastructure and breakthroughs in technology. Hence, he said Singapore is keen to promote an international exchange of ideas on this.

Mr Lee added that Singapore's experience has shown that cities can overcome environmental and developmental changes by setting long-term goals and working consistently towards achieving them.

How to make your wedding more eco-friendly

With the wedding season just around the corner, there are many ways to make a wedding in Singapore more eco-friendly....there are some simple and inexpensive ways to make a wedding more environmentally friendly.

One of the things to consider when planning a wedding is to reduce fuel emissions used by guests and the cost of the venue rentals by holding the ceremony and reception in one place. There are many venues in Singapore that offer both hotel services and services for both outdoor and indoor ceremony locations and receptions.

If that is not possible, consider getting a shuttle bus for the guests from the ceremony to the reception or carpool in hybrid vehicles.

There are also facilities that promote environmental preservation that can be rented out for special events. They can reduce the amount of water they use and other utilities on yoru big day.

When it comes to brides, they can consider wearing gowns made of natural fabrics or wear a used gown.

With photography, consider going with a photographer who keeps photos digital and only prints out the photos that are wanted. It's possible, they won’t actually send you a proof book. You can go online.

And with your honeymoon, consider planning an eco-travel honeymoon. Eco-travel agents can be found online and can meet anyone’s needs such as hiking, lounging on a beach, or strolling through a museum. You don’t have to go on a cruise or do something that is going to harm the environment producing carbon emissions.

One unusual idea, suggested is holding the ceremony near water and, instead of leaving in a limo, leaving the ceremony in a canoe!

With décor, try using soy candles, which burn cleaner and longer and spills are much easier to clean up. Also, natural elements such as branches and river rocks.

For invitations, the paper can be made of high-recycled content or from alternative fiber such as hemp or bamboo. They are really unique in how you can get tons of textures, colours and designs. You can really customize it and also the same price than going with your normal invitations, so why not?

Flower arrangements can be done with wildflowers. And those planning a wedding can ask their florist about donating the flowers to facilities such as hospitals.

Hiring local vendors and entertainment cuts down on travel and carbon emissions. Also acoustic musicians can cut down on electricity.

S'pore teams to compete in Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2010

Shell today invited students in Singapore, as well as others in the region, to build the most fuel-efficient cars to compete at the inaugural Shell Eco-marathon (SEM) Asia 2010.

The competition challenges student teams to design and build energy-efficient vehicles that travel the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel.

To-date, at least seven teams from various Singapore educational institutions have expressed interest to take part in SEM Asia 2010. A few have already started designing their cars ahead of next year's race.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) was the first institution in Asia to send a team to SEM Europe in 2007.

This year, it was joined by other teams in Singapore from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Institute of Technical Education (ITE) at the 25th SEM Europe.

The NUS team made headlines with their hydrogen fuel cell-powered car. It came in an impressive fifth out of 57 teams in the Urban Concept category with just one shot at the final run.

Zhang Wei Sheng, a third-year engineering student from NUS, said his team is looking forward to take part in the SEM again next year in Kuala Lumpur.

The event will be held at the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from July 9-10, 2010.

Registration for SEM Asia 2010 will open on July 16 this year and 10 qualified 'early birds' will receive a further subsidy if they register and make it to the race next year.

Mavis Kuek, General Manager for External Affairs & Communications, Shell Companies in Singapore, said, "Holding the Shell Eco-marathon in Asia will enable more students in the region to showcase their technology, creativity and innovation by challenging them to design and build vehicles that will go the farthest using the least amount of energy."

Open to high schools, colleges, universities and technical institutes, SEM challenges student teams to put their innovations to the test in two vehicle categories: Prototype - futuristic, streamlined vehicles focused on maximising fuel efficiency through innovative design elements; and Urban Concept - focused on more roadworthy fuel-efficient vehicles.

For both categories, teams can use any of the following fuels to power their vehicles: Conventional fuels such as diesel, gasoline and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or alternative fuels such as fuel cells/hydrogen, bio-fuel, solar and gas-to-liquid.

Eco Lovers

Green consciousness is starting to sneak into the bedroom, too, and with good reason. After all, sex is about as natural as you can get. Why taint it with toxins? Here are ecofriendly options:

1. Share a shower or bath: Showering or taking a bath together saves water, and it's really fun. But don't make it a marathon, or you'll defeat the water savings of a two-for-one soak. Clean and caress each other with with unscented castile soap, or ones scented with 100 percent organic essential oils.

2. Go for natural candlelight: People like to see each other a little bit. Naked bodies tend to look much better in its soft, warm glow. Although, most candles on the market are petroleum-based and scented with fake fragrances that often contain chemicals linked to allergies, asthma, hormone disruption and even cancer. So use natural beeswax candles or ones made with soy and scented with essential oils.

3. Mix your own tasty body paste: Instead of buying packaged, processed body paint, whip up a yummy potion. Try mixing confectionars' sugar and water into a paste and adding a little finely ground lavender, often found in the bulk food section in natural food stores. If lavender's not your thing, mix in a little vanilla for tasty body candy :)

Top Green Celeb No. # 002 - Leonardo DiCaprio

The guy known simply as "Leo" to hordes of fans is at once patron saint for green celebs and a passionate, committed, educated environmental activist. With worthwhile green accomplishments too numerous to list — from global warming documentaries to green charities to producing Greensburg for Planet Green and starring in films condemning conflict diamonds — one of the original "eco-celebs" is still one of the most active (and best).

Tesla CEO: Gas should cost $10 per gallon

"I'm anti-tax, but I'm pro-carbon tax," Tesla Motors founder Elon Musk said onstage at the Wired Business Conference here Monday--a remark that prompted interviewer and Wired editor-in-chief Chris Anderson to quip that he was a "true Silicon Valley libertarian."

Gasoline "should probably be $10" per gallon, said onetime PayPal co-founder Musk, who is also attempting to make sending satellites into space cheaper with a start-up called SpaceX. "I'm not paying for the true cost of gasoline at the pump...since nobody's explicitly paying for the CO2 capacity of the oceans and atmospheres, it's getting consumed. We will pay for it down the road, but we are sort of ignoring it for now."

Musk's company has put out the Tesla Roadster, a pricey sports car that runs exclusively on electric power. On the way is the Model S, a more affordable sedan. Separate from the technology, Tesla has gained a reputation for financial difficulties and corporate bickering. Earlier this month, former CEO Martin Eberhard sued Musk and the company for libel and breach of contract.

Musk's rash attitude and devotion to cutting-edge innovation has constructed him as a figure less than willing to compromise. He didn't sound too satisfied, for example, with the level of innovation in the Toyota Prius, the car that is practically synonymous with environmental consciousness in the auto industry.

"A Prius is not a true hybrid, really," he said. (A plug-in Prius is on the way.) "The current Prius is like, 2 percent electric. It's a gasoline car with slightly better mileage."

That said, Tesla shines quite a bit brighter due to the utter disarray of the U.S. auto industry, with major automakers falling into bankruptcy and Detroit in a continuing downward spiral.

Surprisingly, Musk seems to believe that Detroit will survive. "I think it'll probably be a healthier place. This has been somewhat cathartic. Maybe, I think, maybe I'm being overly optimistic, but I think this will be a cathartic experience," Musk said. "I think GM and Ford, maybe not Chrysler, but GM and Ford will come out of this healthier...and more competitive."

He wants Tesla to be part of that, obviously.

"I'd like to take up some of the manufacturing plants," he said. "When the mess gets sorted out I'd like to have a conversation with whoever's in charge."

Panasonic pledges eco conscious commitment

Last Friday saw a Japanese company (hopefully, not the last) articulate its green commitment to the Asia-Pacific region outside of Japan....
Panasonic's pledge will see it kicking off eco awareness programs, eco-friendly products and carbon emission initiatives in Asia Pacific, before it looks to the West. Why Asia Pacific? Simply because most of the company's factories are in this region, said Panasonic's pragmatic managing executive officer Ikuo Miyamoto who takes the JR train and bus to work as an example to his subordinates.

Even rarer yet, the media was given clear deadlines on when Panasonic's undertakings for the region will come to fruition. We were told that by 2010, all its manufacturing operations in Asia Pacific will cut CO2 emissions by 240,000 tons, or about a 30 percent drop from 2006 levels.

Eco ideas factories will each be set up in Singapore first, followed by Malaysia and Thailand. These will be model factories embodying the company's eco ideas strategy. And by 2012, 80 percent of its Asia-Pacific sales will come from environmentally friendly, energy- and water-efficient and long-lasting products. Among these will be inverter fridges now out in stores, tilted drum washers for reduced water usage and more energy-efficient fluorescent lamps. Too bad we didn't get to see or try out its lithium-ion-powered bicycle.

But when asked if Panasonic was working with Asia's Governments on green incentives similar to Japan and elsewhere in the world, Miyamoto was unable to comment. In Japan, to boost spending as part of its economic stimulus, the Government has an incentive program aimed at encouraging consumers to buy energy-efficient electronics and appliances.

One can only hope that with more green initiatives by companies like Panasonic, Governments in Asia will be prompted to think along similar lines not just for the economy, but for the consumer as well.

Waste Management crushed by solar trash cans

Who knew America's mayors were so interested in trash?

Garbage removal heavyweight Waste Management announced this week at the U.S. Conference of Mayors that it will distribute BigBelly Solar's solar-powered trash compactor in North America.

Waste Management expects to sell them to municipal governments and other organizations responsible for garbage at public places, such as sports venues. Fifteen of the BigBelly Solar units are installed at a retail center adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., home of the New England Patriots. Numerous cities and towns in the U.S. have also purchased them.

The BigBelly Solar compactors look like a typical street-side trash can except they are outfitted with solar panels on the top. The solar panel powers a motor that crushes the trash, which means that pick-ups can be done less often. The newest versions of the compactors are now network-equipped to send a signal when they are full.

The compactors themselves are made from recycled materials and work in areas that don't receive direct sunlight, said Richard Kennelly, vice president of marketing for BigBelly Solar, in a statement.

The exclusive distribution deal with Waste Management is a big win for Needham, Mass.-based BigBelly Solar which was started a few years ago and quickly found receptive customers in city mayors in Boston, Philadelphia, and other places.

The company raised an additional $3.2 million from undisclosed investors, according to an SEC filing made public last month.

Great Green Gifts for Father's Day

For many, dear ol' Dad is the toughest person to find that perfect gift for. But this Father's Day doesn't have to be spent agonizing over what the first man in your life actually wants. Even if you decide you really must buy him something new this year, rest assured that you have an every-growing array of great green gift options.

1. A traditional gift favorite for dad is socks, so why not pick out something that has style and conversation, as well as conservation, value? Sustainably harvested bamboo is super soft, itch-free, ultra-breathable and naturally antibacterial.

2. For the man on the move, why not get him a backpack, messenger bag or beach tote that does more than just hold stuff? Designs can include thin solar panels, which allow the wearer to charge up iPods, cell phones and other devices from the sun.

3. Most people know how important it is to stay hydrated, especially when the weather's hot or during physical activity. However, many of us too often go thirsty or pick up unhealthy sugared sodas because we didn't think ahead. Give your dad some motivation for rehydration with the cool stainless steel water bottles from Klean Kanteen. The Space Age bottles promote reuse, last a long time, and avoid the issue of potentially harmful breakdown products that may leach from plastics.

4. Spend some quality time with your old man on the beach, in a park or even in your backyard by tossing around a recycled Frisbee. The iconic toy was first invented by “recycling” old pie tins, but familiar models have long been made of conventional plastic.

BLOG 100!!

It's 100th post, so to celebrate we're looking at the 100 wealthiest eco entrepeneurs. The global rich are going green as never before. This first Sunday Times Green Rich List (May 2009) shows that the enthusiasm among the world’s wealthiest for investments in areas as diverse as electric cars, solar power and geothermal energy is unaffected by the recession.

1 Warren Buffett USA £27bn Wind power

2 Bill Gates USA £26bn Renewable fuel

3 Ingvar Kamprad Sweden £22bn Renewable energy

4 Marcel Brenninkmeijer Holland £19bn Natural power

5 Mukesh Ambani India £15bn Life sciences

6 Michael Bloomberg USA £14.4bn Natural energy

7 Michael Otto Germany £13.2bn Green products

8 Paul Allen USA £11.5bn Natural fuels

9 Donald Bren USA £8.2bn Environmental research

10= Sergey Brin USA £7.5bn Green energy

10= Larry Page USA £7.5bn Green energy

Full list at;
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/specials/article5816774.ece

Singapore Government to invest in Green Research Program

On Friday, the Singapore government announced that it will launch an Environment Technology Research Program worth of 15 million Singapore dollars (about 10 million U.S. dollars), in bid to build up technological competencies in waste management and to support a growing ecosystem of companies and researchers undertaking clean environment research and development.

Subaru to sell electric Stella next month in Japan

Japan always gets the latest tech developments before the rest of the world, a fact reaffirmed by Subaru's move to sell an electric car this July in, you guessed it, Japan. This battery electric vehicle, built on Subaru's Stella mini car, doesn't sound particularly impressive from its specifications, but Subaru is the first major automaker bringing an electric car to market this decade, preceding the likes of Mitsubishi and Nissan in their efforts.

The Stella EV stores electricity in a lithium ion battery pack, powering a 47 kilowatt motor. Range is only about 56 miles, with a top speed of 62 mph. Subaru claims a recharge time of 15 minutes at a quick charging station, or 5 hours at a 200 volt AC outlet, which are typical numbers for current technology.

Subaru plans on selling just 170 units of the electric Stella from late July until March 2010, the end of its financial year. Price is set at 4,725,000 yen, equal to about $49,000 at current exchange rates. Buyers will get a subsidy of about $14,300, according to Subaru's press release.

Eco-city to seek incentives

The Tianjin eco-city needs to offer 'special incentives' to continue its good progress in attracting foreign investments amid the global economic crisis, Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan said on Wednesday.
The Sino-Singapore joint venture, which has already drawn significant projects in its initial phase, is applying for Beijing's approval to offer special terms to companies setting up shop in the eco-city.

This will help to offset 'the higher costs' of starting operations in an eco-friendly environment, Mr Mah told reporters after a meeting with the Singapore-Tianjin eco-city committee.

'There are some inherent costs here: higher green standards...and environment protection costs,' he said.

On top of this, the 50 billion yuan (S$10 billion) project is currently being built from scratch at Binhai New Area, 45km away from Tianjin's city centre.

But special incentives will help to offset such costs and concerns among investors, making the city competitive against other 'green' industrial parks in China and abroad vying for investors, he said.

Mr Mah did not specify what incentives he was referring to. But the usual incentives include tax breaks and subsidies on office rental.

The eco-city is looking to attract 10 billion yuan worth of investment this year, Mr Cui Guangzhi, vice-chairman of the eco-city administrative committee which plans and oversees the project, told state media Xinhua in March.

Mr Mah acknowledged that the economic crisis will have some impact on the eco-city and possibly even trigger 'some slowdown in investments'.

But the project has already 'made a lot of progress (in terms of) hardware' since its ground-breaking in September last year, he noted. It will now 'shift its focus to software development' like creating a place where people from all walks of life live in harmony with the environment.

Eco-Consciousness spreading in Delhi

One of the most difficult tasks in achieving a greener and more resource efficient life on planet Earth is changing inherent patterns or attitudes in each and everyone of us. Because it is the direct grand collective impact of our actions in regards to resource usage and consumption that will determine the future of Earth’s environment. Creating awareness and eco-consciousness is a critical first step in this. The Bhagidari of Delhi (India) Government, a citizen-government partnership initiative, has been making serious attempts at creating awareness amongst the citizens of Delhi regarding environment and pushing them towards more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

The Bhagidari (rooted in sharing and meaning partnership) was launched in December 1998 by Delhi government for citizens’ partnership in Governance. Though initially it started as a mechanism for allowing citizens and citizen bodies to voice their grievances, it has overtime it has evolved into a process with multiple stakeholder in Delhi’s governance including citizen groups, NGOs and the Government itself. It is the manner in which the Bhagidari, the partnership, is being leveraged to hone the eco-consciousness of the citizens, which is impressively striking. The school children in association with NGO’s have been spearheading the ‘Save Water’ campaign. Spreading the message and distributing pamphlets, educating people about the importance of conserving water to the numerous lanes and by-lanes of the city. And as they have canvassed through the streets of Delhi, the student volunteers also screened for simple water wastage incidents such as overflowing tanks, leaking water coolers and pleaded with the dwellers to get the leaks plugged.

Included in partnership, in Bhagidari, are the Resident Welfare Associations (RWA) from different regions of Delhi. RWAs are playing increasingly significant role in water conservation as well. In partnership with Delhi Jal (Water) Board (DJB), RWAs are getting involved in installation of Rain Water-Harvesting, replacing old water distribution pipes and de-silting of sewers. Just like the school children, RWA’s have also been instrumental in the impressing upon the citizens the need for conserving water as well as in providing simple tips for water conservation, like turning off the tap while shaving or using bucket for taking a bath instead of using a shower. Similarly under the “Save Energy” campaign, RWA’s have been helping out with finding faulty meters to avoid energy pilferage or help with replacement of low tension wires. Critically, also, educating people about benefits of using CFL bulbs instead of regular bulbs.

At the same time the Delhi government is advertising heavily to sharpen the people’s conciousness in a particular direction. Bill-boards that had always been an instrument of commercial advertising were serving as vehicles for greater social awareness. I have been wondering about the tremendous expense certain political parties must have incurred for their bill-board campaigns in recent parliamentary elections in India. But I am wondering more about the recent public awareness initiatives. On bill-boards – big or small, prominent roadside ones or tucked inside the bus-stops – Delhi government’s campaign for environment and planet’s precious resources looks valiant. I am sure it will provide much fodder to those minds that otherwise would not even have wandered in that direction: “I will not use the shower but bathe using bucket and mug” (Save Water campaign); “I will use CFLs” (Save Electricity campaign); “If I don’t use plastic bags, drains won’t get clogged and Delhi will be a cleaner city” (Save Our Environment campaign).

It is very hard to know how much of a dividend these awareness campaigns will yield and whether it will justify the outlay towards such advertising. But in a more fundamental sense, creation of awareness and change of behavior are really hard to achieve. Even limited success of these campaigns by changing inherent patterns or attitudes (in even a few people) could be a useful contribution. Hopefully these small steps will build towards a big march for improvements in our environment.

Reasons to adopt a green cleaning service - No. #2

Did you know?

Many cleaning companies in Singapore use standard all-purpose cleaners on the job. These may contain toxins that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Synthetic solvents may cause hormone disruptions. Organic solvents such as butyl cellosolve are neurotoxins and nasal irritants. Another toxin, morpholine, can cause liver or kidney damage. They may also use standard Glass cleaners that contain ammonia, a poison that can irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory system.

At Green Cleaners, all the products we use in your home or office are non toxic and environmentally friendly (and they clean just as well as their toxic peers! :) )

5 Plants You Can Grow In Your Home

For some of us gardening in a traditional garden just isn't a reality. In Singapore most of us are packed into large condos with little to no green space of our own to speak of. But that doesn't mean that you can't grow your own plants and some of your own food. I would also have to advise that if you’re interested in actually gardening in a large city that you get involved in a community garden so that you can get down and dirty with the planet to your heart's content. As a general rule, select as large a container as possible. Small containers dry out more quickly and need daily watering. If you have a balcony, or just some well lighted areas with space for potted plants.

Try these easy-to-grow potted plants:

Aloe Vera
Known for its ability to soothe burns and re-hydrate skin, and it's one of the easiest potted plants to care for especially if you're super busy. It requires several hours of direct sunlight and watering only twice per month to thrive. It is tolerant of climate change.

Pole Beans
Pole beans grow well in a large pot if they're trained on a trellis or tepee made from bamboo poles. Plant the seeds 2 to 3 inches apart. The pot should be at least 14 inches high and the temperature of the soil should be at least 60 degrees.

Carrots
Plant seeds 1 to 2 inches apart in soil that's at least 55 degrees. The pot should be at least 14 inches high because carrots have long roots.

Companion Planted Herbs
Select herbs that grow well together like oregano and thyme. Because they are both from the same Mediterranean climate they require similar conditions. Plant them in a shallow pot so that the soil will remain warm throughout. Herbs grow fast and should begin to be harvested in about a month.

Lettuces
You truly don't even need to plant many varieties of lettuce in the ground at all and they often sprout all year round. They do need a lot of sun so move the pot around the house so that it's constantly getting sunlight.

US Schools going Green

Environmentally friendly maintenance products and "green cleaning" practices will soon be mandatory in all Connecticut (US) public schools.

The state Senate unanimously approved a bill Tuesday requiring school districts to adopt "green cleaning" methods similar to those already in place in other States such as; Illinois and New York and individual districts in other states.

Connecticut's state House of Representatives approved the measure this month, and it now goes to Gov. M. Jodi Rell for her signature.

"This is another small step in making sure we can do things in a better way - not just for the environment, but I think also for public health," said state Sen. John McKinney, R-Fairfield.

The law takes effect July 1, 2011, and bars school districts from using cleaning products that contain various toxic substances. That deadline gives districts time to use the products already on hand rather than throwing them away. Supporters say the law will improve indoor air quality and help safeguard the health of students, teachers and custodians.

Connecticut already requires "green cleaning" practices for all state-owned buildings, including its universities and vocational-technical schools.

The measure requires cleaning products used in schools - including general purpose and glass cleaners, floor finishes and strippers, and hand cleansers and soaps - to carry the Green Seal or Eco Logo certifications as being environmentally friendly.

Supporters say the cost of "green" products has gone down and they're now about the same as traditional products, and that some districts say they have even saved money by making the switch.

Eco Everest Expedition

Dawa Steven Sherpa is leader of Eco Everest Expeditions, aiming to educate climbers about their impact on the Himalayas and highlight the affects of climate change on the region.

On May 21, his fellow climber Apa Sherpa broke the world record for successful summits of Mount Everest, standing on the top of the world's highest mountain for the 19th time.

"I want people to see that our mountains are really fragile and vulnerable to what we do as humans. As well as the impact of warming temperatures on the Himalayas there are more direct impacts from climbers." Dawa Steven said.

"There's a big problem with human waste on the mountain. Toilet bags have been introduced on expeditions in the last two years, so it can be transported back down the mountain again," he said.

Dawa Steven and Eco Everest are also encouraging mountaineers to bring down trash that they find on the mountain with a "Cash for Trash" program; Eco Everest offers 100 rupees for each kilo of trash brought back down.

Eco Everest expedition teams also use parabolic solar cookers harnessing the strong sunlight of the mountain region.

"They're really good, you just point it at the sun and about 30 minutes later you have a pot of boiling water," Dawa Steven said. "If I can use it in the harsh environment of base camp Everest then anyone can use it back home."

Singapore building a sustainable living environment

Singapore will step up its efforts to build a sustainable living environment. The Environment and Water Resources Ministry, which spelt out its plans in its addendum to the President's Address delivered on Monday, said its vision is to create a 'Sustainable Singapore' where people use limited resources efficiently and innovatively, and proactively develop capabilities to deal with emerging challenges.

On boosting resource efficiency, Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim said his ministry will encourage recycling and conservation efforts through public education and working with the community.

The government will also invest in new capabilities to reduce waste and control pollution, in addition to Singapore's expertise in clean water and energy.

Dr Yaacob said a high quality living environment is Singapore's pride and joy, and is also key to attracting investments and global talents.

It will expand the Active, Beautiful and Clean Waters Programme to transform more water bodies into new and aesthetically pleasing community spaces.

The ministry will also uphold high standards of public health by ensuring good hygiene at food outlets, and step up efforts to keep public spaces litter-free.

SINGAPORE'S clean and green environment helps attract international friends, investors and talent, Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim said yesterday.

In his ministry's addendum to the President's address in Parliament, he said the quality of the environment will always be 'our pride and joy', having taken years of careful, coordinated and consistent policies to achieve.

The environment will remain essential to the country's growth, so Singaporeans must use resources more efficiently, recycle more and waste less, he said.

'Doing so will not only see us play our role in the global issue of climate change, but will also help us reduce costs, improve our energy security and enhance our economic competitiveness.'

Dr Yaacob also said Singapore's 'robust and sustainable' water supply is sufficient to meet long-term needs. And to manage demand, 'we will sustain our efforts in water conservation through public education and working with community and businesses'.

The Active, Beautiful and Clean (ABC) Waters programme will be expanded to include more water bodies to add more vibrancy to the living environment, he said.

The government will also take steps to guard Singapore's air quality and control pollution from industry and vehicles to make sure air quality here 'remains among the best in Asia, and comparable with major cities around the world'.

To meet new and emerging environmental challenges, the government will invest in new capabilities to reduce waste and control pollution, Dr Yaacob said. 'As environmental and water issues come to the fore on the global agenda, such capabilities can help us position Singapore as a global hub for environment and water solutions, providing economic opportunities and jobs for Singaporeans and helping humanity beyond Singapore.

'Our vision is to create a sustainable Singapore where we use our limited resources efficiently and innovatively; pro-actively develop capabilities to deal with emerging challenges; uphold our high quality of life; and foster shared ownership of the environment.'

More focus on conserving water - Water appliances to get efficiency labels; other plans include reducing pollution, cutting waste....

THE decades-long 'save water' calls finally seem to be sinking in here.

Last year, each person in Singapore used 156 litres of water a day - 16 litres, or about two buckets, less a day than in 1995.

It has taken these 13 years for the figure to fall by nearly 10 per cent.

A few moves to kick in from July ought to cut it further.

From that month, taps and toilet flushing equipment sold here must bear labels stating how water efficient they are.

Also from July: Water appliances installed in new and renovated homes will have to have at least a 'one-tick' water- efficiency rating. Similar rules for energy efficiency already apply to electrical appliances sold here.

Where water consumption is concerned, the target is to have each person use no more than 147 litres a day by 2020, and 140 litres a day by 2030.

The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources said yesterday it would keep its eye on the ball for water conservation through public education.

In its addendum to the President's parliamentary address on Monday, the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Yaacob Ibrahim also committed his ministry to ensuring that Singapore uses its energy, water and other resources efficiently.

The addendum released yesterday also said the ministry would continue working to create a high-quality living environment here by, among other things:

# Cleaning up and beautifying reservoirs and waterways;

# Curbing air pollution;

# Maintaining hygienic eating places;

# Keeping public places litter-free, and

# Reducing mosquito breeding.

The ministry said that next month, it will release more details of its plans to invest money in technologies to reduce pollution levels.

As it stands now, the air quality in Singapore as measured by the Pollutant Standards Index is in the 'good' range for 350 days of the year.

Details will also be released on the efforts to cut waste, which amounted to 5.97 million tonnes last year.

With Singapore gearing up to be home to 6.5 million people, it will have to face up to more pollution and even bigger mounds of waste.

Already, waste disposal rates have grown sixfold in 30 years.

Dr Yaacob said initiatives to cut pollution and waste will bring down costs, improve energy security and enhance Singapore's economic competitiveness.

The Republic can thus be positioned as 'a global hub for environment and water solutions, providing economic opportunities and jobs for Singaporeans and helping humanity beyond Singapore', he said.

The clean technology sector is expected to create 18,000 more jobs and add $3.4 billion to the country's gross domestic product over the next six years.