Kenya: Water

Case Study on Kenyan farmers now saving water after implementing a new system.

 

Guyana: Through NASA World Wind and Google Earth

Alongside Google, NASA has played a key role in reshaping our understanding of planet Earth and its position in our universe. Yet, is it still possible in the twenty-first century to have unexplored territory? Being integrated into the Amazon Rainforest ensures the possibility that potential new discoveries are certain in our future versus a figment of our past. Only by understanding the world we live in can we truly understand the role of lifeforms elsewhere.

NASA World Wind image of the Guyana region within South America

With so much foliage, what mysteries lie unearthed?

View Location:  3°58’25.75" N  59°20’21.33" W

Yet, deforestation still exists. Is it truly necessary to new discoveries by reshaping the environment it rests within?

Alternative approaches lead to alternative results. Hard work by a similar brush paints a picture where both the discoverer and the environment can co-exist.

 

Guatemala – Wrestling With Nature

 

Guatemala made news earlier this year after a massive sinkhole grabbed the world’s attention (see earlier article on Elitehusky: World Opinion). On the sixth of September The Boston Globe reprinted an article from the Associated Press reporting that “heavy rains from Tropical Depression 11-E have pelted Guatemala for days, unleashing deadly mudslides in several areas, cutting off highways and forcing officials to evacuate thousands of people” and that these same events have “caused mudslides that have killed at least 38 people in Guatemala”.

Fast forward a day later when The Epoch Times published an article entitled “Landslide Buries Rescuers in Guatemala” chronicling how approximately “100 local people organized themselves to dig out the victims. Then another landslide came along and buried them” as told by a speaker for the local fire department in conversation with Reuters.  

Another day later, and the Montreal Gazette is reporting that a spokesperson for CONRED (Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres  or National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction, using Google Translations) has called the search for survivors off due to “the condition of the ground”. The Montreal Gazette also lists the estimated damage caused by the heavy rain as up to “$500 million” resulting in “three days of national mourning and declared a state of emergency”. The question remains whether or not Guatemala is strong enough to recover from yet another blow from nature and emerge whole.

 

Long-Term Environmental Care Does Not Equate to Automatic Taxation and More Metaphorical Hands In Your Wallet

The province of Ontario recently scrapped a proposed eco-tax on goods and services that negatively have an impact on the environment. This was largely due to public outcry, compounded by the installation of the HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) on the same day.

Evidence is growing to support the belief that we are running out of space to live on this planet and that we should help maintain what space and water we have to promote a sustainable future for generations to come. Simply enter the term “global warming” your search engine of choice and you will be bombarded with everything from Global Warming For Dummies to documentaries recording human instigated damage on our environment. Ultimately, caring for this planet we call Earth should not be a chore. Education should be instigated at an early age to bring children closer to the environment so they have that initial connection.

Staying in Ontario, it is customary that high schools require students to complete a minimum forty hours of community service in order to graduate. Taxation by force should be the only way to care for this planet. Encouraging volunteers to plant trees, or creating jobs which promote the local environment are just some of a long list of potential solutions which will have both short-term and long-term benefits, more jobs and a healthier environment for your children for your family. We are all in this metaphorical boat together. We can either continue on course to that iceberg or we can alter destinations to suit our cultures. We are a diverse race, but a united force capable of living in a variety of places. Towns should consider what needs to be improved, whether it is the water supply or smog levels, and work with communities to foster a stronger partnership.

 

Can Public Pressure Overcome Underwater Pressure?

In the last few months millions of people from around the world have been drawn to what is happening in the Gulf of Mexico. In India, The Times of India published an article recently accusing BP of trying  “to downplay the disaster.” This man-made disaster has generated interest in new technology and distaste in old habits. Yet writing a blog post on what is happening in the Gulf at this instant in time, pales in comparison to the widespread coverage notable channels and websites are providing. Hence this blog entry will seek to mesh what is known in the public domain in a manner that will surely be looked on as over simplistic.

From live television interviews, to Twitter accounts, a lot of information on the 2010 Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico is readily available. Excluding Wikipedia there are numerous sources providing updates on the current rate of progress. BP for example, has been providing daily statistics on their website detailing the amount of oil recovered. On July 13, 2010 the “total oil recovered was approx. 17,060 barrels”. Yet, issues surrounding the honesty of these statistics and BP in general, have arisen to the extent that yesterdays Miami Herald featured an article entitled “Now you don’t trust BP, but it’s too late” by Carl Hiaason. Regardless of varied opinions on who is really to blame and whether that blame should be laid on a company versus an individual, the status of the situation is as clear as mud. Even with daily reports, images, and countless statistics, the effects of the 2010 Oil Spill will be felt until they are countered by humans or nature.

Ultimately there are numerous sayings which are currently applicable. From “time will heal all wounds,” to “the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Humanity has proven that its creativity knows no boundaries and the ability to create such sayings and proverbs exemplifies a level of understanding that should be cultured. As to whether it is time we shifted that creative focus towards the planet and sustainability - the answer is likely yes. I am hesitant to say that increased awareness towards the environment has been one positive result of the Oil Spill, and end this blog entry there. That would be ignoring all the pains felt by those whose business and/or way of life have been disrupted. In a previous blog entry I sought to raise awareness on the potential increased rate of seafood imports due to the pollution in the Gulf of Mexico. That issue is still relevant but more questions have been added to the stockpile.

How long will it take to restore the Gulf of Mexico to its condition prior to the Oil Spill?

How much will it cost to do so?

Will money be an issue that hinders environmental restoration?

And last but least - how can prevention be boosted to avoid further calamities of this nature?

In the time it has taken to write what you have read thus far The Salt Lake Tribune has reported that a plan to cap the well is not guaranteed to go ahead as planned “ after the federal government questioned whether it will make the leak worse.” This is but one example of how rapid and complex strategies are being established an altered in a final effort to cap the leak. As to whether capping the leaks will cap all consequences of the oil spill as of this date, the answer is almost certainly no but it will be a crucial step to minimize further action needed in long-term projects.

Live Video Feeds: http://www.bp.com/sectionbodycopy.do?categoryId=9034366&contentId=7063636

 

The Future Partnership Between the Environment and Fashion

Sustainable fashion is likely as trendy as eating Brussels Sprouts, yet in both cases, there is a benefit. The costs of purchasing environmentally friendly clothing may currently be against the mass public if demand for it increases, competition for retail stores should equate to a reduction of prices. Concerning the future of sustainable fashion, there are three immediate possibilities.

1) The increased production of  biodegradable clothing.

2) The increased production of clothing that outlasts average the lifetime of average fabrics (resulting in fewer trips to replace an outfit).

3) The decline of sustainable fashion.

If clothing can be easily absorbed into the environment after use, a benefit to the planet would be fewer landfills. If clothes lasted longer due to ‘super’ fabric, another benefit would be a decrease in shopping for several identical sets of clothing if you had one set which lasted far longer. This is not the best move for a business, due to the fact that customers would shop less frequently, but it would attract new customers, or existing customers, to new creations. Ultimately biodegradable clothing is the best option for the fashion enthusiast who does not want their clothes end up in a garbage dump after losing interest in the design.

Clothing such as suits, ties, even dress pants, are almost a requirement for every household. With a guaranteed customer base, the next step for designers is to ensure the sustainability of their trade without harming the sustainability of humanity in general.

If you have never visited the website of an environmentally friendly fashion company, you might be surprised to learn that sustainable fashion does not equate to wearing a paper bag. To see just how ‘normal’ eco-friendly clothing can appear here are some websites with images.

http://www.thegreenloop.com/Mens_Apparel_s/51.htm

http://www.thegreenloop.com/Womens_Apparel_s/50.htm

http://gretchenandgrace.com/cart/kids-c-250.html

http://www.fashionandearth.com/us/

 

Video: Rwanda – 2010 World Environment Day

more about “Video: Rwanda – 2010 World Environmen…“, posted with vodpod

 

World Environment Day

Image by bamalibrarylady via Flickr

As mentioned in a previous blog entry, Rwanda has already made the eco-friendly move of banning plastic shopping bags. Yesterday, they were the host country of World Environment Day 2010. For those who are not aware of this yearly event the following quote from Achim Steiner, United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Executive Director, provides some insight into the significance of holding this event.

Let WED 2010 be a moment– of many moments in 2010– when the history books record that the world took note, seized the opportunities and deployed its collective knowledge, abundant science and technology, financial acumen and prowess, intelligence and compassion to build a global society with value-environmental, social and economic.

For more information on this yearly event please visit: http://www.unep.org/wed/2010/english/.

 

Could the BP oil spill result in the US increasing imports on seafood?

 

According to an article by Abramson from the New York Times yesterday, the BP oil spill has closed a lifestyle for many fishermen for a longer period of time “than anyone here can remember.” Daniel Workman wrote a month ago of the contamination this leak has unleashed on marine wildlife. A belief, that is implicitly echoed by Steve Adams writer for The Patriot Ledger who quoted the President and CEO of South Boston importer Stavis Seafoods, Richard Stavis, as saying “there could be a shortage. It could get significantly more expensive and it could knock it off menus,” in reference to seafood demand. Unless there is quick clean up and restoration to the marine environment in the Gulf, the odds of an increase in price for that seafood buffet increase in cost unless businesses exercise importing cheap seafood from other parts of the United States that have fisheries or other countries altogether. The hope that fishermen in the Gulf will be able to return to work swiftly is still alive but numerous other factors can influence the conclusion of this disaster. Factors such as time management, clean-up costs, and even the task of capping the oil leak to prevent future spillage, will need to be planned and executed with efficiency and regard for the environment. As to send a fisherman or fisherwoman to do what they’re good at in a polluted environment, is sending their income down the drain altogether from other issues that may arise such as food poisoning.

 

Clean Air Day

June 2nd 2010 is Clean Air Day, yet I knew when I first heard of this Canadian event that I did not know all the details as to what the mission statement was. Well a quick visit to their website above quickly sorted that out. In simplicity, Clean Air Day is an opportunity to channel energy towards the maintenance of our environment. Whether that involves picking up that plastic bottle you see on the ground and placing it in the recycling bin, or just making the switch to public transportation, everyone is encouraged to help make a noticeable difference. The following is an excerpt taken from http://www.cleanairday.com/html/communitytoolbox_tobeinvolved.php as to some lifestyle and business choices that could drastically reduce pollution in your community.

In your Community

• Promote safer and healthier communities by encouraging alternative modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling and public transit on Clean Air Day.
• Distribute Clean Air Day brochures at related activities and events.
• Promote the Commuter Challenge to the community and register your community online. Make it fun and see how your community can challenge other communities.
• Organize a lunch bag or evening conference to inform citizens on air quality issues and individual actions that they can take to reduce pollution.
• Use Clean Air Day to promote the activities that are already underway in your community. It is a day to celebrate community participation, announce ongoing commitment, and raise awareness for another year! For example, you can organize:
  - – a press conference
  - – a breakfast for the community
  - – a relay

At Work

• Ask managers and supervisors of your organization to sponsor and promote activities for Clean Air Day. It could as simple as displaying flyers around the workplace, recognizing employees that carpool, bike, walk and take public transportation, organizing a lunch bag conference, having an information kiosk in the hall to distribute information or participating in the Commuter Challenge in your community. Make it fun!
• Consider year round efforts that may include:
  • Offering closer parking spots for employee’s that are carpooling and van pooling.
  • Creating a ridesharing list with individuals who participate or would like to participate. For large meetings outside the office, organize a carpooling system.
  • Encouraging employees to ride the bus. Offer free bus tokens during peak travel times and when air quality and weather quality is poor.
  • Enabling telecommuting to employees, where job type permits.
  • Organizing an employee potluck lunch once a month to cut back on lunchtime driving and drive-thru idling.
    … and celebrate your success on Clean Air Day!

 

Regardless of how you choose to help sustain our environment, the most important decision you can make is the commitment to help reduce your carbon footprint, and as depicted above, promotion of such events as Clean Air Day in Canada is just one of your many available options.