"A waste is NOT a waste, UNLESS wasted!"

On my way to my uncertain destination, I saw the dump truck of Dudai with a print “A Waste is not Waste unless wasted.” What a positive and strong slogan I said. But it really speaks the truth. A waste can never be a waste unless we consider or treat it as a waste.
In today’s world of environmental chaos, there is a need to act and save the place we live in from impending destruction. One of the main causes of this environmental turn-out is waste. There is no doubt about it.
Centuries ago, there has been wastes/garbage that has been accumulated through time. Without much concern from human beings, the environment has been taken for granted. Today, our generation is suffering from the massive abuses of our mother nature. As a consequence, our generation is forced to make plans in saving the earth from further environmental retaliation. Aside from policies, laws and international agreements controlling in different part of the world, one of the most effective and efficient way of saving the earth from total chaos is avoiding waste from being treated as a waste.
Every single waste we throw in our garbage can be created into something useful. Not wasting waste can be an inspiring and motivating action that can answer our environmental dilemma. Taking Dubai as an epitome can help each country realize the worldly dream of making Earth a safe haven. I also believe that there is no impossibility as long as there is the will and determination to do it.
This new year, let us take the slogan of Dubai as our own and apply it in our daily life. Surely, like the progressive Dubai, there will be growth every single day. And, definitely, at the end of the long process, our dream for our mother earth is not far from realization.

How To Do Away With Plastic Wastes

Through time, plastic wastes have grown up into mountains of garbage. Contrary to what we know, a simple plastic bag can ruin the planet we live in. This knowledge, however, is no longer an excuse today. In the past, many warnings have been given but people were just defiant and heedless. The rise of many manufacturers of plastic and the changing lifestyle of packaging has brought enormous impact on the environmental problem we face today.

Over time, garbage composed of decomposable plastic has grown into mountains and mountains of wastes. It has remarkably buried hundreds of people, children, women and even able-men when the Payatas dumpsite eroded in July 2000. It has killed the lives of many rivers, lakes, swamps and other fresh bodies of water. Now, the plastics that have accumulated continued to emit methane gas that continually destroying the ozone layer. Plastic garbage is also the main reason for the flash floods that immersed towns every time a typhoon visits the country. Few years from now, more disastrous and unimaginable tragedies can probably shock the world if we continue to neglect the call to save the earth. However, there are various simple ways that we can do in order to spare our planet from the nature’s recompense.

Step one would be abating the generation of plastic wastes. Yes, it is unavoidable to use and to throw away plastic wastes but definitely we can minimize our use of plastic bags. Here are the simple ways we can individually contribute to in saving our planet from the threats of plastic bags.

1. Reduce. When buying in market, please bring with you plastic bag big enough to contain the veggies, fruits or any items you buy. Instead of having one plastic bag for every item you buy, place it all in one plastic bag only.
2. Reuse. Usable plastic bags can be used again the next day you buy goods. The next day you go market or store, bring bags of your own and reuse it instead of having another plastic bag that will soon add in your trash bin.
3. Recycle. Instead of adding up plastic bags into your garbage can, include it in your recyclable items and sell it to junkshops that buys plastic bags/items.
4. Buy in bulk. Instead of buying items in sachets, buy in plastic bottles. Sachets are made of plastic materials that decompose. Aside from saving, empty bottles can also be a source of income by selling it to junkshops.
5. Use cloth bag. Cloth bags are recyclable bags, useful and trendy. This is an effective way of minimizing plastic waste.
These are merely simple wastes that one can easily do. Determination and conscientiousness are merely required. But if you want to go farther, you can campaign for these tips and you can also join campaign in using recyclable bags instead of plastic bags. Apart from that, we can also jointly propose or support bills restricting use of plastic bags.

Don't be Stupid

The green carpet will be rolled long and wide as the green artists and activists will show their love for nature this coming September 21 and 22. As the green carpet is rolled, the big screen will also educate those stupefied about Mother Earth and climate change. If you are not stupid, have yourself present on the Global Premiere Event of the “The Age of Stupid.”

For more info. Contact Greenpeace Org.

Another Devastating Typhoon

Sadly, typhoon Kiko left the country with traces of devastation of not only properties but most importantly lives and dreams of the victims. The fury of typhoon Kiko was suffered by people in Metro Manila, Northern Luzon, and Cagayan Valley. According to reports, more than 70,000 were affected while 10 from various places died. In Zambales alone, the news was disturbing when news flashed a town flooded and washed out houses built with strong foundation. The frightening flood was due to the destruction of the dike by the strong wind and continued rain of Typhoon Kiko. In Baguio, landslides buried more than 10 lives and there are even missing miners. Some parts are still drowned in flood.

The mess that typhoon Kiko is not new and neither is an even that cannot happen again. Every year and almost every month during rainy season, lives and properties were anticipated to be lost. The flood is becoming a usual reaction to the rain visits the country. This tragedy is becoming more usual. Could this be an effect of Global Warming?

...and so WHAT?!

It is really very disappointing to hear people responding "so what" when the government or people with authority says recycle, reduce, or reuse because the Earth is in the brink of danger. The fact about Global Warming has also been an issue of "a no big deal" for most of the people around the world. Far more, it is very saddening to know that people and even the government ignore the environmental problem that is faced by our Mother Earth today. Despite the facts about Global Warming, people still respond with "so what?!"
Personally, I had a hard time convincing people I know not to use styro-made materials and plastic because of its deteriorating effect on the environment and it was hard to get a nod but is easy to get a response of "so what" and unacceptable reasons. It is also disappointing to learn that some professionals do not actually know how to throw their wastes. Despite information campaign and efforts of the environmentalists about preserving the environment, some people are still heedless. Instead, they just leave the responsibility and effort borne by these environmental organizations. There is indeed lack of cooperation as to the preservation of environment is concerned.
Now, man's heedless response to the problem resulted to the melting of the glaciers, extinction of polar bears and other living organisms, continuous flooding, almost unbearable pollution, diseases, and unimaginable calamities due to unpredictable weather among others. Some of the consequences of global warming is also prevalent and being experienced today in almost part of the world, and yet, only few says, "I'll do my contribution today." Since the facts about global warming is really happening and being experienced today, can we still say, "...and so what?!"

clean does noT mean waste free

Makati is known to be the cleanest city in the Philippines. It can be obviously seen by its clean surroundings. However, being clean does not mean being free from garbage or waste. It is just so disappointing that the cleanest city can be considered the highest producer of materials contributing to the greenhouse effect- plastics, styrofores, etc.
Hundreds of employees in Makati are living a busy life and away from their parents/ families. Nobody cooks for them and they just depend on instant foods which are usually packed in plastics which are non biodegradable and cannot be recycled. Most of these wastes are only being thrown in the dumping sites adding to the millions of tons of garbage that is waiting for hundred of years to decay. In Makati offices where there is no canteen, foods are being delivered packed in a styro. If in one office, occupied by at least 50 employees and 80% buys their lunch which are packed in styro, then just in a week, hundreds of styro can be generated. Going further calculation could just drain my brain!
It is so disappointing that despite government’s programs, environmentalist’s advertisement and campaigns about global warming, thousands of professionals are still unaware and instead just add to the problem. Living in a busy world shall not impede us from doing things that will contribute to the restoration of our environment. Producing garbage is unavoidable- Yes- but it can be MINIMIZED.

Pro Nature Summer Tips

It’s summer time again!


Hot season usually drives us to flock the beaches to freshen by the waves of sea. Some would prefer having picnics in parks. Adventurous fellow chooses to climb the stiff mountains while some would just prefer visiting the zoos and parks.

During this season, we usually spend it bonding with family and friends and at the same time enjoy the beauty of nature. However, through our unconsciousness we create wastes and pollute Mother Earth. We enjoy but we destroy.

This summer, do not count yourself among the polluters. BE DIFFERENT.

Here are some nature friendly tips to spend summer:)

1. WALK if the place is just a few meters away. It’s a good exercise and it’s fun.





2. SHARE your car to others. If one car can contain you all, why not use one car only. It’s fun way of bonding. It saves you gasoline and will minimize carbon emissions.




3. RECYCLE. Instead of buying new outfits to add your dumps in the cabinet, better search your cabinet old but cool outfits. It saves you money.
4. DITCH styro or plastic plates and cups. Bring your utensils or better yet, use banana leaves and eat with your bare hands. It’s fun, I promise. Food gets even more delicious.


5. BE RESPONSIBLE in throwing your garbage.


6. PLAN a tree planting activity.


7. BRING YOUR OWN WATER. Instead of rushing the grocery stores for your bottled water bring your own PET plastic bottles for your water and have it just refilled.
8. OPEN your windows to let the sunlight shine upon your room to avoid switching on your lights on daytime. Or better yet, paint your rooms with light colors not just to beautify but to lighten up your dim room.

9. Yeah it’s really hot, cool down by using electric fan instead of aircon. Aiconditioners suck the heat out of a hot room and breathe it out in the environment. It also consumes much of energy which in turn consumes a huge quantity of coal. Coal is one among the elements causing global warming. By using electric fan, you won’t be scratching your head anymore when you receive your electric bill.


10. Recycle your used water. Water used in laundry can be used again for cleaning your car.
11. When you feel like planting in your garden this summer, choose those plants which do not necessarily require much water.
12. Put plants inside your house. A plant emits oxygen. Oxygen will fight away the heat in the house. Plants also beautifies.

LET'S JOIN THE EARTH HOUR

On March 31,2007, Australia launched the EARTH HOUR. 2.2 million people and 2100 businesses in Sydney turned off their lights for one hour. This collective effort reduced the country’s energy consumption by 10.2% for one hour. The world was captivated by the efforts of Sydneysiders. This 2008, the world will be participating in this event to further awareness on Global Warming and to save and reduce more energy consumption.
Philippines has dedicated to support this global movement by turning off lights on March 29,2008 at 8 to 9 pm throughout the country.
Now, If you are a Filipino, aware of Global Warming or someone who care for the environment, then you should TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS ON MARCH 29,2008 FROM 8 TO 9 PM. 60 minutes without lights will not cost you a dime. Why doubt. Be aware. Spread the news. Participate to save more energy.

If you want to maximize your support, please click here for more info.

THIS IS A GLOBAL CONCERN!!!

we can make a difference

A few days ago, I received an invitation to join WAYN. Without hesitation, I signed their form and added GLOBAL WARMING in my tags as I went through it I discovered this and want to share it with you. I wanted to share this to you because I CARE FOR YOU AND YOUR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

things we can do to help minimize Global Warming

1. Offset your travel
2. Re-use
3. Recycle
4. Insulate
5. Use the "Off" switch
6. Control Temperature Efficiently
7. Drive smart and walk more
8. Buy energy efficient product
9. Plant a tree
10. Don't use Screensaver
11. Use Less Water
12. Encourage others to conserve

THE FACTS:
• 3.7 tonnes of CO2 will offset 1 Person flying from London to Sydney (Australia) and back. This can be done by planting 5 trees!

• 850 pounds is the same as 386.4 kgCO2 (0.3864 tonnes CO2). This is the equivalent of an average UK house’s electricity, gas, coal and oil usage for 2 weeks!
• Insulating your home by adding hot water tank lagging to your home’s hot water tank will save 150 kgCO2 per year. This is equivalent to a one way flight from London to Barcelona.
• About 10% of all electricity used in UK homes is consumed by electronic items left on standby. By switching appliances off standby 150 kgCO2 per year can be saved. A PC monitor switched off over night saves enough energy to microwave 6 dinners!
• Switching off the lights when not in the room saves 30 kgCO2 per year. Lighting an office overnight wastes enough energy to heat water for 1000 cups of tea!
• Turning down your thermostat by 1 degree can save as much as 10% off electricity bills, 300 kgCO2 per year. This is equivalent to a return flight from London to Barcelona.
• Drive smoothly, check the road ahead, anticipate traffic and avoid harsh braking and acceleration. Eco-driving can reduce fuel consumption by around 10%, saving 280 kgCO2 per year. This is the equivalent to a return flight from London to Milan, Italy.
• An average petrol car making a saving of 10 miles a week = 520 miles a year = 175 kgCO2. This is approximately equivalent to a return flight from London to Belfast.
• If every home in the UK changed just 3 light bulbs, enough energy would be saved to light the UK’s street lamps.
• 1 Tree will offset on average about 10 kgCO2 each year
• Not using a screensaver equates to a saving of 810 kWh per year = 348 kgCO2. This is the equivalent of a return flight from London to Madrid.
• Washing your clothes at 30°C could save 40% of your washing machines energy consumption, saving 35 kgCO2 per year.

THESE ARE WORTH TRYING.

Alarming Facts...

Since I became aware of the environmental problem, I dedicated myself supporting the groups advancing their interest of protecting the environment.
While reading my mail, I received this alarming facts from Environmental Defense.
And here it is...

Global warming is the most serious environmental threat of our time.

As these facts show, affordable options are available. And America cannot afford to fall behind any more in the race to invent clean, renewable energy sources.

45%-Increase in world’s solar generating capacity in 2005.
2-Rank of China as global producer of solar cells, behind Japan (U.S. ranks 4th).
$1.5 billion-Amount US government spends a year on renewable energy research.
$1 billion-ExxonMobil's daily revenue.
$2 billion-Amount GE Energy Financial Services invested in wind, solar, biomass and geothermal energy in 2007.
$200 billion-Amount China has committed to invest in renewable energy sources over the next 15 years.
0.74%-Projected cost of smart cap-and-trade climate policy on US economic output in 2030.
100%-Projected growth of the US economy by 2030.
53-Number of senators supporting cap and trade legislation.
0-Number of bills passed by Congress to cap and reduce America's global warming pollution.

Sources: World Watch Institute, Earth Policy Institute, Department of Energy, CNN, GE Energy Financial Services, Reuters, Upcoming Report: Climate Policy and the U.S. Economy. Environmental Defense, 2008

Negative comments might be heard from the abovementioned, but in this world of uncertainty, it is better to have done something than having done nothing at all.

Malaysia takes the lead

The Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial meeting on September 8 and 9 at Sydney, Australia have invited criticism from Malaysian Trade Minister Rafidah Aziz when the host country stressed that issue on climate change will be at the top of the meeting’s agenda. Mr. Aziz questioned the credential of Australia and US to lead the discussion on the subject. Australia, and US, refused to ratify the Kyoto Protocol because they claim that the protocol does not include major developing economies and unfairly punishes energy- rich countries.
“It is unfortunate that people who are talking about climate change like America are not even members of the Kyoto Protocol” the trade minister said.
“If you want to talk about climate change, please join in with the rest of the global community to make commitments about managing climate change” she further stressed.
The commentary from Malaysia could be seconded by many other countries which could pose a threat to Australia and US. The burden of proving their capacities and interest in fighting climate change lies on Australia and America. These countries should present and defend their actions, other than those set by the Kyoto Protocol, to win the confidence of other nations.
It can be recalled that America is the largest producer of carbon dioxide while Australia is a major coal exporter. These facts could lead a conclusion that profit is the above priority of these countries rather than the environment.