Want to throw food, think again - World Environment Day 2013-

An annual program organized by UNEP (United Nations Environment Protection,) the World Environment Day falling on June 05, is back this year with the theme Think.Eat.Save. The theme focuses on not wasting food, as it seen that it takes a lot of effort to produce the food which in turns reflects to the amount carbon emissions produced. The UN Food and Agriculture estimates that about 1.3 billion tonnes of food is disposed off. Considering that amount of food wasted, it is possible to feed an entire continent of people for several years.

With a global population of 7 billion and growing, needing to feed such a population has been a burden on natural resources. The UN’s Food and Agriculture estimates that one third of the world’s food is wasted or lost. There are places in the world where people starve of hunger and are not able to have a proper three square meal. So imagining that 1.3 billion tonnes of food are wasted, this year’s theme seems very appropriate Think.Eat.Save.

It is not only about saving food but considering the fact of preserving other resources when consuming food. One of major requirements of producing food is water. I found an article from the Guardian published this year January indicating how much water is required to produce common food stuff. As I went through the article, it seems we waste a lot more water and I mean a lot. For example to produce 1 kg of chocolate, 17,196 litres of water is used. So now do the math, 1.3 billion tonnes of food wasted and multiple the amount of water wasted.

On the top of that, the production, manufacturing, shipping and transportation of food lead to a massive trail of carbon footprint. I again say, this year’s theme is about thinking before you eat, then eat and finally save/protect the environment.

They have created some interesting posters with facts for those of you who want to see, check it out.

Controversial 400ppm- the warning we didnt listen to

As it seems in recent news, the global carbon emissions have crossed the 400ppm (parts per million). Now there have been debates if it has actually crossed that margin. According to initial reports, it was stated that global emissions have reached 400ppm, although at a Hawaii site it still has not crossed that threshold. I checked up on the Keeling’s curve and saw that the current level stands at 399.88ppm. So the debate basically is that 399.88 were rounded up to 400. 

Now to me honestly 399.88 can be rounded to 400, and as I am a science graduate, I understand the difference between 399.88 and 400. But when it comes to a bigger picture 399.88 and 400 is the same. It may take another 10 years or so to increase another 0.12 ppm to reach the 400.00 level but scientists, environmentalists and many other groups have been trying to make sure we do not reach that stage. As we know that 350ppm is the safest limit and that is a target we should accomplish. It is said global temperatures will rise to 2 degrees Celsius and we will face many climatic changes if we surpass the 400ppm mark.

For the debaters who say we still have not reached the 400ppm, please come to reality. It does not make much of a difference now. 

Those of you, who want to follow the trend of emissions, visit the Keeling Curve.

Get to know more from here.

Photo courtesy to PremacultureNews.

Yamaha's zero electric scooter

Yamaha has announced, actually last month that it has added a zero-emission electric scooter to its arsenal. The scooter is a 50cc and apparently can travel five times farther than its gasoline counterpart.

The scooter, EC-03, can travel 43 kilometers on a single 6-hour charge from a normal household power outlet .The model will be launched in September 1st,2010 with a price tag of $2,800.

Courtesy of Physorg.com

Put Solar On it

Another campaign initiated by my favorite group 350.org in light of the 10/10/10 Global Work Party called the Put Solar On It, there aim to target world leaders on installing solar panels on the roof of where the leaders work. Like the US, the White House, India the Rashtrapati Bhavan; in Mexico they call it Los Pinos.

We all know that installing solar panels will not solve the climate crisis, but will send a strong message, setting an example. This is a perfect opportunity for leaders to get involved on the 10:10 goal.

Top 10 Countries utilizing solar energy

As countries make strong decisions on cutting their CO2 emissions, I came across a list of the top 10 countries using solar power and to tell you the truth, its quite fantastic.

1. Germany (9,785 MW)
2. Spain (3,386 MW)
3. Japan (2,633 MW)
4. United States (1,650 MW)
5. Italy (1,167 MW)
6. Czech Republic (465 MW)
7. Belgium (363 MW)
8. China (305 MW)
9. France (272 MW)
10. India (120 MW)

Courtesy of 1bog.org

Aviation requires planning to curb emissions

Nowadays it is said if you want to reduce your carbon footprint, plan before you leave your house so that you not only curb emissions, but save time,fuel and money. There are talks that to reduce emissions in the aviation industry, greener technology is required however a thought is given to in managing aka the control tower at each airport. How? By becoming more efficient in planning their schedules with planes.

It is not only the control tower, the ground people can quicken processes so that planes can land and fly faster. A good air traffic management must be established for both air and ground to make it successful.

China to invest $5bn on solar power farms

China, the world's largest greenhouse emitter has signed a deal with eSolar Inc. to invest in solar power plants. China has overtaken US as the largest emitter in CO2 and China has pledged that they intend to reduce their emissions.

Solar thermal power farms will generate a capacity of 2000MW. This is a great effort by China as they are still considered as a developing economy so they do not have to agree with global bindings to reduce CO2 emissions. But since they have surpassed US, this project will be many more of green projects to come from China.

The Scarlet, Britain’s greenest hotel

The Scarlet, located at Mawgan Porth Cornwall is called a luxury eco hotel  based on completely being green.  You’re wondering, a green hotel, it could be boring possibly not luxurious but it looks quite luxurious.

Why is it green? Well the heating comes from a biomass boiler, using timber chips as biomass taken from a local timber firm. The pool is heated by solar panels. The power comes from Ecotricity, generating 100% wind power. So far so good. Read the full review here.

Australia top carbon emitter, pasts USA

Australia has become the largest carbon emitter per person  of carbon dioxide passing USA. It was evident that China was to take this position however, Australia beat them to it.  It is obvious with Australia depending on coal, and coal is known for causing more carbon dioxide emissions.

Maldives broke – Stance against climate change weakens

Maldives is the first country to face the affects of climate change quite literally with the country sinking under water every year.  When ever there is a global summit about climate change, you would always notice a Maldives representative to be there. However this time, its different.

With the Copenhagen summit nearby, Maldives president will be unable to attend the summit as the country is broke. The country’s population is already termed as climate refugees, as most of them are forced to evacuate the island.

Latest update- Denmark will finance the trip of Maldives representatives.

Age of Stupid- Coming Soon

Age of Stupid ,a new cinema documentary starring Oscar nominated Pete Postlethwaite as an old man living in 2055, a world devastated and watching an archive footage of 2008 and wondering why we did not stop climate change while we had the chance?

The movie focuses on climate change, oil, war politics, consumerism and human stupidity. The budget of this movie has been raised by crowd-funding and the fund-raising started on November 2004. This movie will have its Global Premiere on September 21, the Global Wake-Up Call, so start getting your tickets now.

Himalayan Glaciers: Running away

The Himalayan Glaciers, the largest water source compared to the polar ice caps, and the seven great Asian rivers, is melting fast. What makes it different from the polar ice caps, its a major source of drinking water within the regions surrounding the Himalayan. As a result, lack of fresh drinking water will pose a major health risk in the near future, and not only that, with the glaciers melting fast, raising sea levels will be some of the issues that will be faced in the near future.

As the water level declines (of course after decades), chances of drought happening is for sure, which will have a large affect to the agricultural sectors. Countries surrounding the Himalayan, China, India, Nepal as well as the people far away from this region depend on agricultural, so you get the picture as too why this is serious.

Extreme Engineering could become last resort

As discussions go on about climate change and with the Copenhagen Summit nearby tension is building as to what the summit could solve, whether if there will be quick decisions made and implemented.

A study by the UK Royal Society indicated that constructing engineering marvels could become the last resort and that such feats are feasible. At this point geo-engineering, engineering the environment we live in is the solution to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Projects like using scrubbers to clean the atmosphere, or using mirrors in space to deflect the Sun's rays from entering the atmosphere.

There were talks and I think it is in the implementation stage of trapping CO2 underground. The projects suggested are technically possible already would require decades to get them up but it is feasible.

Copenhagen to become cyclists dream city

With three months left for the Copenhagen summit, the Danish Government has decided that it will promote more cycling. I did not know this till now that most Copenhageners uses bicycles to move around. In fact it is more common and a habit to put it in simple terms. So in order to make more people cycle, the Danish capital has a vision that by 2015, it will become a dream city for cyclists. Best of luck with that!

“Is There Asbestos in My Home?”

The short answer to the question, “Is there asbestos in my home?” is “Yes, probably.” How much, where, and whether you should worry, depends mostly on when your home was built and what condition it is in.

In the U.S., if your home was built after the mid-1990s there might be asbestos in roof shingles, floor tiles, cement pipes and boards, caulking compounds, and joint cements. However, this is not necessarily something to worry about.

Asbestos is a mineral that breaks into small fibers. The fibers are dangerous to breathe, because if they settle in the lungs they can cause mesothelioma, a deadly lung cancer, and asbestosis, a debilitating disease that interferes with breathing. You should also avoid ingesting asbestos. However, as long as the asbestos fibers are encased in something so that the fibers can’t be breathed, or get into your water — generally the case with newer construction materials — you can safely leave it where it is.

Insulation in Home Built Before the mid-1990s

Homes built between 1920 and 1950 may have asbestos insulation. Also, be aware that homes built after 1950, and possibly as recently as the mid-1990s, may contain an insulation called Zonolite made of vermiculite contaminated with asbestos. The vermiculite came from a mine in Libby, Montana, a community so contaminated with asbestos the EPA recently declared Libby to be a public health disaster.

As long as the insulation is enclosed in a wall where fibers cannot escape, it is not hazardous. However, if walls are damaged, or if your remodeling plans involve cutting into a wall, you must arrange for state-certified asbestos abatement specialists to deal with the insulation. They may either remove it or find some way to contain it. But do not handle the insulation yourself.

Asbestos in Homes Built Before 1980

Here are just some of the other places you might find asbestos in an older home:

Shingles and walls. From the 1920s and until 1978 asbestos cement shingles were a popular choice for housing exteriors. Also until the 1970s, cement sheet, millboard, and paper with a high asbestos content were used around fireplaces and wood burning stoves. Cutting or drilling these materials can release asbestos fibers into the air you breathe.

Soundproofing. Until the 1970s, soundproofing material containing asbestos was sprayed on walls and ceilings. Asbestos also was used in textured paint and patching compounds until 1977. The asbestos in these applications can become loose and release asbestos into the air, if they haven’t already.

Hot water and steam pipes. These may be coated with asbestos or wrapped with asbestos tape.

Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets. Replacing an old basement furnace in your home can create an asbestos hazard.

Inspection and Abatement

At this point, you may be worried about the cracks, chips, and flaking in your older home. It cannot be stressed enough that if asbestos really is present, you need professional help to deal with it. Deal only with asbestos inspectors and asbestos abatement contractors that are licensed by your state.

The first step is assessing whether there really is an asbestos danger in your home. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you hire an inspector who is independent from any abatement contractor you might use to avoid a conflict of interest.

Even if there is asbestos in your home, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to have it all removed immediately. If the asbestos is in a place where it won’t get into the air or water, it may be left alone. But be aware that renovations or damage to your home might release the asbestos, and then you must call in an asbestos abatement contractor. Don’t try to deal with it yourself.

This is a guest posting by Barbara O’ Brien, an environmental blogger
Her blog
http://www.maacenter.org

Coca-Cola aims at reduced carbon footprint

As I mentioned in one of my previous articles about Coca-Cola, that they will be launching green bottles, well they have set a target to reduce their overall CO2 emissions by 15% by 2020. Although this is just one of their new 5 point program they will be implementing aimed at sustainability. Get the story here.

Earth Hour still standing strong and growing

For those of you who have heard about the Earth Hour, well this Saturday 28th March 2009 millions of people are expected to switch of all their lights at 8:30pm (9:30 GMT) for an hour all over the world. It started off two years ago when about 2 million people switched off their lights in Sydney, Australia and after two years it has spread all over the globe. Popular landmarks are expected to remain dark during this hour and many million homes are expected also.

Read more about here.

Visit Earth Hour

Exxon Mobil fined for air pollution

Exxon Mobil Corporation, one of world's largest oil and gas supplier was fined $6.1 million for air pollution. The reason for this fine was due to the fact they did not reduce their air pollution as a three-year old agreement. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials found out that Exxon Mobil did not reduce the sulfur present n couple of their refineries. To read more about here.

Dubai:One of the highest carbon emissions per capita

As development and expansion of this wealthy nation continues to rise with high-rises, islands build off the coast, hotels, Dubai a emirate nation of UAE( United Arab Emirates) has one of the highest carbon footprint per capita. Recently with the explosion of population in the emirate state, waste management has become an issue which affects marine ecosystem around the area. UAE has ratified their position in the Kyoto Protocol in 2005 however according to their status in the Protocol they do not require to reduce their carbon emissions.

As a result, the use of renewable energy or sustainable energy in the region has not become a concern yet. Although with countries researching and using sustainable energies, I think they too should start implementing such schemes and allowing foreign investments relating to green projects. Bahrain has started projects by installing wind turbines to its World Trade Center, the first of its kind. To read about the Bahrain World Trade Center find it here. To read more about the Dubai's carbon footprint click here.

Pollution making children obese: How bizzare can it get?

In a recent research there has been speculation that pollution can make children obese. We all know that pollution affects the respiratory part of the human body, although in a research in Spain tells us it also affects the womb of a woman.

How its possible they cannot say but the interesting thing is the contamination in the womb is something that comes from the treatment of seeds. Anyways to know more read the article to believe it, the source.