According to a group of Argentinean doctors, larvicides and not the Zika virus is the cause of Brazil's Microcephaly outbreak. According to 'Physicians in Crop-Sprayed Towns', the outbreak is due to a chemical called Pyriproxyfen, which was sprayed into water supplies in various towns in Brazil in 2014 including the state of Pernambuco where the malformations were detected first.
Read the article in Tech Times here.
Monsanto was not happy with their name being linked to the outbreak and released a response on their blog saying "Neither Monsanto nor our products have any connection to the Zika virus or microcephaly."
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
16 February 2016
19 October 2010
Pencil case made from recycled tyres
This is a really fun pencil case my wife bought from 'Love thy Space', an online store based here in Coventry, UK.
The words on the case says: "I used to be a car tyre recycled into something Remarkable"
Yes! It's made from recycled tyres. They cost only £4.50.
The words on the case says: "I used to be a car tyre recycled into something Remarkable"
Yes! It's made from recycled tyres. They cost only £4.50.
29 March 2010
Earth Hour 2010
Yesterday evening we celebrated Earth Hour 2010 by shutting off all the lights and electrical appliances. It was fun discussing about the environment with our daughter over hot tea and snacks.
15 October 2009
Climate change: 10 things you can do
Today is Blog Action Day and this year's theme is Climate change - an issue that impacts us all.
Here is a list of 10 things ALL of us can do to help.
Here is a list of 10 things ALL of us can do to help.
- Recycle as much as you can,
- Grow your own vegetables,
- Switch to energy saving devices - for example, low power bulbs,
- Take public transport whenever possible or walk or cycle,
- Adopt renewable energy sources- solar, wind, wind-up,
- Bring you own bag to the market (Thanks Lara),
- Switch off lights and electrical equipment when not in use,
- Donate to environment protection groups,
- Write to the politicians,
- Blog and Tweet about it - like I am doing now.
02 July 2008
Recycling unwanted stuff
This morning a guy knocked on the door asking for scrap metal. I suddenly remembered that we had loads of junk in our backyard, most of it left over by the previous tenant including rusted pipes and a sheet of metal weighing more than a ton. I had been planning to take them to the tip in London road and I fortunate that someone took care of that for me.
Looking around the house, I suddenly realise that in less than two years, we have accumulated quite a bit of unused and unwanted stuff. These include old clothing that my children have outgrown and loads of other stuff. The problem is that they are taking up precious space in our small house. I am sure a lot of you face the same problem as well.
Listed below are some way of getting rid of unwanted stuff:
1. Online auctions sites.
The first one that usually comes to mind is eBay, the largest online auction site in the World. A great way of making money while getting rid of unwanted items. So far, I have sold baby clothes, books, toys and even furniture on eBay.
Recently got to know about another popular online auction site called eBid. The great thing about this site is that unlike eBay, you are not charged listing fees
2. Car boot and Garage sales.
Never tried selling stuff at a car boot sale though I would like to try it out at least once before I leave the UK. One man's junk can be another man's treasure. Someone who has tried it before told me that it was a fun but tiring experience. The British weather is the unpredictable factor here. Would hate to get caught in a chilly shower.
3. Classifieds.
You can also list up items on the local newspaper classifieds or online. Gum tree is a very popular free online classifieds service here in the UK. It was acquired by eBay in May 2005. You might want to put up your items under the category, "Stuff for Sale".
4. Charities.
If you can't be bothered with all the hassle of listing items for sale, posting, and so on, you can donate your unwanted items (in good condition) to various charities like the PDSA, Help the Aged, Age Concern England, Barnardo's, etc. Some of them will even pick up the items from your house. Contributing for a good cause does feel good. Not everything is nor should be, about money.
5. Others.
You might also want to consider joining the Freecycle Network. With the noble goal of keeping "usable items out of landfills." You join the discussion group for your area, (in my case it is the Coventryfreecycle under Yahoo! groups). Do note that everything posted must be free, legal and appropriate for all ages.
I had a huge hifi system I bought from a car boot sale for £3/. It was working great for sometime until the CD player suddenly stopped working one day. The tape and radio still worked but it was taking up too much space. I was about to drop it off at the tip when I remembered the Freecycle group. I was surprised to receive 2 emails only after an hour of posting up the "offer" message. It was taken by a lady studying in the University of Warwick.
Can you suggest any other ways of recycling unwanted stuff?
Looking around the house, I suddenly realise that in less than two years, we have accumulated quite a bit of unused and unwanted stuff. These include old clothing that my children have outgrown and loads of other stuff. The problem is that they are taking up precious space in our small house. I am sure a lot of you face the same problem as well.
Listed below are some way of getting rid of unwanted stuff:
1. Online auctions sites.
The first one that usually comes to mind is eBay, the largest online auction site in the World. A great way of making money while getting rid of unwanted items. So far, I have sold baby clothes, books, toys and even furniture on eBay.
Recently got to know about another popular online auction site called eBid. The great thing about this site is that unlike eBay, you are not charged listing fees
2. Car boot and Garage sales.
Never tried selling stuff at a car boot sale though I would like to try it out at least once before I leave the UK. One man's junk can be another man's treasure. Someone who has tried it before told me that it was a fun but tiring experience. The British weather is the unpredictable factor here. Would hate to get caught in a chilly shower.
3. Classifieds.
You can also list up items on the local newspaper classifieds or online. Gum tree is a very popular free online classifieds service here in the UK. It was acquired by eBay in May 2005. You might want to put up your items under the category, "Stuff for Sale".
4. Charities.
If you can't be bothered with all the hassle of listing items for sale, posting, and so on, you can donate your unwanted items (in good condition) to various charities like the PDSA, Help the Aged, Age Concern England, Barnardo's, etc. Some of them will even pick up the items from your house. Contributing for a good cause does feel good. Not everything is nor should be, about money.
5. Others.
You might also want to consider joining the Freecycle Network. With the noble goal of keeping "usable items out of landfills." You join the discussion group for your area, (in my case it is the Coventryfreecycle under Yahoo! groups). Do note that everything posted must be free, legal and appropriate for all ages.
I had a huge hifi system I bought from a car boot sale for £3/. It was working great for sometime until the CD player suddenly stopped working one day. The tape and radio still worked but it was taking up too much space. I was about to drop it off at the tip when I remembered the Freecycle group. I was surprised to receive 2 emails only after an hour of posting up the "offer" message. It was taken by a lady studying in the University of Warwick.
Can you suggest any other ways of recycling unwanted stuff?
11 March 2008
Lets join the Earth Hour Movement
Just wanted to inform my readers about the Earth Hour movement. Join me and millions of other people around the World who will turn off their lights for an hour from 8 to 9 p.m. on March 29.
The movement was initated by WWF to highlight the need for action on global warming.
The movement was initated by WWF to highlight the need for action on global warming.
12 October 2007
BP sponsors the Solar Decathlon
I consider myself quite eco-friendly and am doing my little bit for the environment. We are actively trying to reduce our carbon footprint by taking public transport, recycling, putting up energy saving bulbs and so on. I have realised that it makes economic sense as well. We found that our monthly expenditure has been reduced quite a bit after we implemented the energy saving measures and I think I am fitter as well, with all the walking I do now.
Anyway, I just learnt about the . In partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, BP is the major sponsor of the 2007 Solar Decathlon. In this bi-annual event, 20 university teams from around the world design, build and operate livable, every-efficient, and completely solar-powered houses.
The teams form a solar village in the National Mall in Washington, D.C. from October 11–19. The contestants run a modern household by only using electricity generated by the sun.
Sponsoring this special event is part of BP’s Commitment to discovering cost effective yet cheap alternative energy sources. They first sponsored the event in 2002 (the first) and again in 2005.
Read the regular updates on the BP Solar Decathlon blog. It should be of interest to anybody who are interested in alternative energy, especially solar energy solutions.
Anyway, I just learnt about the . In partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, BP is the major sponsor of the 2007 Solar Decathlon. In this bi-annual event, 20 university teams from around the world design, build and operate livable, every-efficient, and completely solar-powered houses.
The teams form a solar village in the National Mall in Washington, D.C. from October 11–19. The contestants run a modern household by only using electricity generated by the sun.
Sponsoring this special event is part of BP’s Commitment to discovering cost effective yet cheap alternative energy sources. They first sponsored the event in 2002 (the first) and again in 2005.
Read the regular updates on the BP Solar Decathlon blog. It should be of interest to anybody who are interested in alternative energy, especially solar energy solutions.
17 August 2007
British Gas goes green
Zero Carbon is one of the two new green energy tariffs to be launched by British Gas and according to a press release, is said to be the greenest energy tariff in the UK. With this initiative, British Gas shows that they are pro-actively tackling the issues of climate change and demands for environmentally products from their customers.
For just a few extra pounds a month (estimated at around £7), you can now do your little bit for the Environment. The other tariff introduced by them is called Future Energy.
Read the full press release below:
BRITISH GAS LAUNCHES GREENEST ENERGY TARIFF
9 August 2007: British Gas has announced it is launching two new green energy tariffs, Zero Carbon, which will be the greenest tariff available on the domestic market and Future Energy. British Gas has launched the tariffs, in response to the increasing demand for green energy products.
Householders signing up to the Zero Carbon tariff will:
• reduce their household energy carbon emissions to zero through Kyoto compliant offset schemes which will meet the new Defra requirements
• help fund a direct increase in investment in renewable energy generated in the UK
• contribute to the new British Gas green fund which will:
o invest in developing new renewable technologies such as wave power
o oversee a programme to help schools in the UK reduce their CO2 emissions
Gearóid Lane, Managing Director British Gas New Energy said,”Our new tariff responds to consumer demand for truly green energy solutions. It is essential that customers have confidence in green energy tariffs and that their credibility is not damaged by tariffs that claim to be green but in reality do not deliver any incremental environmental benefits. Green tariffs are moving from niche to mainstream products and we’re leading the industry by offering a tariff that will do more for the environment than any other product currently available.”
Under the government’s Renewables Obligation (RO), electricity suppliers in the UK are already required to produce an increasing percentage of their electricity through methods such as wind farms which, unlike traditional power plants, produce zero carbon emissions. For 2007/2008 this figure is set at 7.9%.
In a recent report, the National Consumer Council (NCC) raised concerns that some energy suppliers are packaging electricity which is produced under the RO scheme as “green”, yet it delivers no additional environmental benefits. The NCC called on energy suppliers to take steps beyond their legal requirements and offer green energy tariffs that provide genuine additional environmental benefits, in particular CO2 emissions reduction.
British Gas worked with Global Action Plan and The Climate Group’s “We’re in this Together” campaign to develop Zero Carbon which goes further than any other green tariff in meeting these requirements offering consumers the only zero carbon option on the market.
The tariff carries a premium of £84 per year, reflecting the higher cost of producing energy through lower carbon emission schemes.
Virginia Graham, Chair of Global Action Plan, said, “The British Gas Zero Carbon tariff delivers on all three of the essential requirements of a green tariff which are: additionality, transparency and verifiability. As such it is a very welcome new offering in the market. Consumers signing up to the tariff can be confident that they are getting 12 per cent more renewable energy than they would otherwise have got. The carbon emissions from their electricity and gas will also be offset with emissions reductions from projects accredited by the United Nations.”
Zero Carbon is one of the first initiatives launched through the ‘We’re in this Together’ campaign, which was launched in April 07 as an alliance of some of the UK’s biggest brands who are all working to help their customers reduce their impact on the climate.
Dr Steve Howard, CEO of The Climate Group and founder of ‘We’re in this Together’ said, “We’re committed to offering people ways to make a real impact on climate change through Together.com. We’ve worked with British Gas to ensure that Zero Carbon is a genuine step forward in delivering more environmental benefits than any other tariff currently available.”
British Gas’s second green energy tariff, Future Energy, offers an alternative green electricity tariff at a premium of just £20 per year. Customers signing up to this tariff will contribute to a green fund which will provide solar panels and other renewable energy technologies to UK schools. Money from the fund will also be invested in development of future renewable technologies and sources.
To sign up customers can call British Gas on 0845 604 0055 or visit www.britishgas.co.uk
For just a few extra pounds a month (estimated at around £7), you can now do your little bit for the Environment. The other tariff introduced by them is called Future Energy.
Read the full press release below:
BRITISH GAS LAUNCHES GREENEST ENERGY TARIFF
9 August 2007: British Gas has announced it is launching two new green energy tariffs, Zero Carbon, which will be the greenest tariff available on the domestic market and Future Energy. British Gas has launched the tariffs, in response to the increasing demand for green energy products.
Householders signing up to the Zero Carbon tariff will:
• reduce their household energy carbon emissions to zero through Kyoto compliant offset schemes which will meet the new Defra requirements
• help fund a direct increase in investment in renewable energy generated in the UK
• contribute to the new British Gas green fund which will:
o invest in developing new renewable technologies such as wave power
o oversee a programme to help schools in the UK reduce their CO2 emissions
Gearóid Lane, Managing Director British Gas New Energy said,”Our new tariff responds to consumer demand for truly green energy solutions. It is essential that customers have confidence in green energy tariffs and that their credibility is not damaged by tariffs that claim to be green but in reality do not deliver any incremental environmental benefits. Green tariffs are moving from niche to mainstream products and we’re leading the industry by offering a tariff that will do more for the environment than any other product currently available.”
Under the government’s Renewables Obligation (RO), electricity suppliers in the UK are already required to produce an increasing percentage of their electricity through methods such as wind farms which, unlike traditional power plants, produce zero carbon emissions. For 2007/2008 this figure is set at 7.9%.
In a recent report, the National Consumer Council (NCC) raised concerns that some energy suppliers are packaging electricity which is produced under the RO scheme as “green”, yet it delivers no additional environmental benefits. The NCC called on energy suppliers to take steps beyond their legal requirements and offer green energy tariffs that provide genuine additional environmental benefits, in particular CO2 emissions reduction.
British Gas worked with Global Action Plan and The Climate Group’s “We’re in this Together” campaign to develop Zero Carbon which goes further than any other green tariff in meeting these requirements offering consumers the only zero carbon option on the market.
The tariff carries a premium of £84 per year, reflecting the higher cost of producing energy through lower carbon emission schemes.
Virginia Graham, Chair of Global Action Plan, said, “The British Gas Zero Carbon tariff delivers on all three of the essential requirements of a green tariff which are: additionality, transparency and verifiability. As such it is a very welcome new offering in the market. Consumers signing up to the tariff can be confident that they are getting 12 per cent more renewable energy than they would otherwise have got. The carbon emissions from their electricity and gas will also be offset with emissions reductions from projects accredited by the United Nations.”
Zero Carbon is one of the first initiatives launched through the ‘We’re in this Together’ campaign, which was launched in April 07 as an alliance of some of the UK’s biggest brands who are all working to help their customers reduce their impact on the climate.
Dr Steve Howard, CEO of The Climate Group and founder of ‘We’re in this Together’ said, “We’re committed to offering people ways to make a real impact on climate change through Together.com. We’ve worked with British Gas to ensure that Zero Carbon is a genuine step forward in delivering more environmental benefits than any other tariff currently available.”
British Gas’s second green energy tariff, Future Energy, offers an alternative green electricity tariff at a premium of just £20 per year. Customers signing up to this tariff will contribute to a green fund which will provide solar panels and other renewable energy technologies to UK schools. Money from the fund will also be invested in development of future renewable technologies and sources.
To sign up customers can call British Gas on 0845 604 0055 or visit www.britishgas.co.uk
11 April 2007
Natural wonders under threat
Global warming is threatening natural wonders all over the World, according to a recent news release from the World Wide Fund for nature (WWF).
The natural wonders under threat include the Amazon, the Chihuahua Desert in Mexico and the US, wild salmon in the Bering Sea and melting glaciers in the Himalayas among others.
This report was released ahead of the International Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC’s) Second Working Group Report.
Read the article here.
The natural wonders under threat include the Amazon, the Chihuahua Desert in Mexico and the US, wild salmon in the Bering Sea and melting glaciers in the Himalayas among others.
This report was released ahead of the International Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC’s) Second Working Group Report.
Read the article here.
20 March 2007
Eco tourism in Hawaii
Ecotourism is not a new thing and this concept of tourism is slowly but steadily gaining in acceptance. People can define ecotourism in several ways but I would like to describe it as: Leave nothing but your footsteps and leave with nothing apart from your nice memories (and the pictures).
There is also a growing breed of eco-friendly tourists - the ecotourists. People who love to travel but are environmentally conscious and friendly. Like millions of people around the World, I love traveling and I would definitely wouldn't want to do any damage to the environment of the places I visit.
One place I have always wanted to visit was the islands of Hawaii. I found out that there are environmentally friendly Hawaii trips for the eco-tourist too.
As opposed to trips offered by the automated sites
Kauai Ecotourism Vacation Rentals hand-picks their properties and offers first class service for you. This local agency claims to lessen "the damage to the spectacles of nature on Kauai and the other Hawaiian islands".
So if you are planning to visit Hawaii, do check out their site.
LoudLaunch - Compensating bloggers for their unbiased opinions, reviews, and analysis. View the LoudLaunch campaign release this post was based on.
15 February 2007
Is God green?
This Monday there was this very interesting documentary on Channel 4. Presented by Mark Dowd, the documentary "God is Green" seeks to find out why leaders of the World's major faiths are saying so little on a very important issue facing the Earth today, namely Climate change.
It was really sad to see that most of the religious leaders approached by him didn't really seem to be concerned. For some it's inevitable - "the end of the world is coming". Other's blamed the west.
FYI, it will be repeated on Monday 5th March at midnight.
It was really sad to see that most of the religious leaders approached by him didn't really seem to be concerned. For some it's inevitable - "the end of the world is coming". Other's blamed the west.
FYI, it will be repeated on Monday 5th March at midnight.
11 February 2007
Million dollar prize to save the environment
Virgin Group chairman Sir Richard Branson yesterday announced a $25 million (£12.8 million) prize for a way to extract a billion tons or more of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year. Read the report in the Telegraph here.
He was joined by former US Vice President Al Gore and other leading environmentalists, when he announced the launch of the Virgin Earth Challenge prize along with
Branson rejected suggestions that he as an airline owner, was hypocritical.
So what do you think?
Related post: Humans cause Global warming
Tags: Earth Environment Richard Branson Virgin
He was joined by former US Vice President Al Gore and other leading environmentalists, when he announced the launch of the Virgin Earth Challenge prize along with
Branson rejected suggestions that he as an airline owner, was hypocritical.
So what do you think?
Related post: Humans cause Global warming
Tags: Earth Environment Richard Branson Virgin
06 February 2007
Doing our bit for the environment
A few days back, I wrote the post "Humans cause Global warming" and was discussing the issue with my wife. According to her, "there's nothing much we can do about it". Or is there...
I have come up with a small list of things we can do:
1. Install energy saving bulbs. Implemented. All lights in our house has been replaced.
2. Stop using the dryer in the washing machine. Implemented. We now dry our clothes outside whenever we can and over the radiators most of the time.
3. Shut off lights in rooms not in use. Implemented.
4. Turning off computers when not in use. Bit harder as I hate waiting for the computer to start up (I am using a Windows PC) and all the software to load.
5. Turn off the TV and other electrical appliances when not in use. I mean shutting off the switch and not just using the remote. There is still some electrical leak if you see the red light on the appliance. Implemented.
6. Take public transport. Bit hard after getting used to driving everywhere.
7. Walk to your nearby newsstand or grocer instead of driving there. Implemented. Doing that now.
8. Take a shower instead of a bath. Implemented.
9. Support green companies. I like Tesco for their initiatives such as giving green points for reusing bags.
10. Recycle. Trying to implement it. Have already got a composting bin but haven't started making my own compost yet.
We are not only doing our bit to save the environment but reducing our bills in the process.
Can you think of some more ways.
Tags: Earth Environment Recycle
I have come up with a small list of things we can do:
1. Install energy saving bulbs. Implemented. All lights in our house has been replaced.
2. Stop using the dryer in the washing machine. Implemented. We now dry our clothes outside whenever we can and over the radiators most of the time.
3. Shut off lights in rooms not in use. Implemented.
4. Turning off computers when not in use. Bit harder as I hate waiting for the computer to start up (I am using a Windows PC) and all the software to load.
5. Turn off the TV and other electrical appliances when not in use. I mean shutting off the switch and not just using the remote. There is still some electrical leak if you see the red light on the appliance. Implemented.
6. Take public transport. Bit hard after getting used to driving everywhere.
7. Walk to your nearby newsstand or grocer instead of driving there. Implemented. Doing that now.
8. Take a shower instead of a bath. Implemented.
9. Support green companies. I like Tesco for their initiatives such as giving green points for reusing bags.
10. Recycle. Trying to implement it. Have already got a composting bin but haven't started making my own compost yet.
We are not only doing our bit to save the environment but reducing our bills in the process.
Can you think of some more ways.
Tags: Earth Environment Recycle
03 February 2007
Humans cause Global warming
Picture of Greenpeace activists scaling the 327 meters high Eiffel Tower in Paris, France to unfurl a giant banner delivering the Climate Change message 'It's not too late to save the climate'.The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) adopted the Summary for Policymakers of the first volume of “Climate Change 2007”, also known as the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) yesterday in Paris.
The report, drafted by around 500 of the World's top scientists, supported by hundreds of other contributors, say that humans are most probably causing global warming.
Is that something surprising?
So it's not a question of whether there's Global warming or not but rather who causes it.
According to the report, World temperatures will likely rise 3.2 to 7.1 degrees Fahrenheit, and sea levels will rise 7 to 23 inches, plus another 4 to 8 inches if polar ice sheets keep melting. Means that a lot of place including London will be in danger of coming under the waves.
The responses from various governments were quite interesting.
The EU said it was the starkest warning yet, while the UK said climate change threatened world peace and prosperity.On the other hand, a White House spokesperson said that this report "will be valuable to policymakers".
Related Links:
- International climate change report rings the alarm bell
- Greenpeace analysis of the IPCC Climate Change confirmed – now take action before it’s too late
Tags: Earth Environment IPCC
05 January 2007
Mother Earth
Wrote this in 1991 while I was an undergraduate student in India., titled : Where is the World going to?
Destruction of the rain forests- the lungs of the Earth; increasing number of human beings fighting for limited resources; growing urbanisation and industrialisation -- more and more cities and factories, cars and other vehicles- churning out smoke and rubbish; polluted rivers and oceans; endangered species of flora and fauna and most serious of all - toxic and radioactive waste.
The warning signs are already here, but we just ignore them. Warming of the Earth's atmosphere, ozone holes over the poles, melting of the polar ice caps and acid rain.
Are the increasing incidences of floods, storms, earthquakes and other natural disasters, the emergence of new deadly and strange diseases - AIDS, the JE Virus, the Nipah virus, Chicken Flu, Mad Cow disease - a sign that Mother Earth has had enough.
Why do we forget that, even though we are separated by man made boundaries - we live on the same Earth and breathe the same air.
Are we really superior to other species of animals?
The way we act sometimes, shows that deep down we are the worst of beasts. If we don't stop to think and act before its too late...
In the end, it might be us the human beings, who come under the endangered list.
When we talk about the Environment and the need to preserve it, many people just ignore it saying:
- It's none of our business;
- It's the Government's Job;
- Why should the Third World worry about polllution when the developed countries are the worst polluters;
- What can we do?
- Leave that to Green Peace and other tree huggers.
.... and so on.
Come on Guys! We can't continue giving excuses. The environment is everybody's business. After all we inherited it from our ancestors and we are only borrowing it from our children.
The fact that the developed nations are the worst polluters doesn't mean that the developing world has to follow them. We should learn from the mistakes that they made and avoid making the same. We can start by teaching our children to recycle, teaching them the wonders of nature and to save energy. We can't leave that to the Green Peace movement. It's everybody's duty.
Tags: Earth Environment
Destruction of the rain forests- the lungs of the Earth; increasing number of human beings fighting for limited resources; growing urbanisation and industrialisation -- more and more cities and factories, cars and other vehicles- churning out smoke and rubbish; polluted rivers and oceans; endangered species of flora and fauna and most serious of all - toxic and radioactive waste.
The warning signs are already here, but we just ignore them. Warming of the Earth's atmosphere, ozone holes over the poles, melting of the polar ice caps and acid rain.
Are the increasing incidences of floods, storms, earthquakes and other natural disasters, the emergence of new deadly and strange diseases - AIDS, the JE Virus, the Nipah virus, Chicken Flu, Mad Cow disease - a sign that Mother Earth has had enough.
Why do we forget that, even though we are separated by man made boundaries - we live on the same Earth and breathe the same air.
Are we really superior to other species of animals?
The way we act sometimes, shows that deep down we are the worst of beasts. If we don't stop to think and act before its too late...
In the end, it might be us the human beings, who come under the endangered list.
When we talk about the Environment and the need to preserve it, many people just ignore it saying:
- It's none of our business;
- It's the Government's Job;
- Why should the Third World worry about polllution when the developed countries are the worst polluters;
- What can we do?
- Leave that to Green Peace and other tree huggers.
.... and so on.
Come on Guys! We can't continue giving excuses. The environment is everybody's business. After all we inherited it from our ancestors and we are only borrowing it from our children.
The fact that the developed nations are the worst polluters doesn't mean that the developing world has to follow them. We should learn from the mistakes that they made and avoid making the same. We can start by teaching our children to recycle, teaching them the wonders of nature and to save energy. We can't leave that to the Green Peace movement. It's everybody's duty.
"The Forest is a peculiar organism of unlimited kindness and benevolence that makes no demand for its sustenance and extends generally the products of its life activity; it affords protection to all beings, offering shade to the axe man who destroys it." -- Gautama Buddha
Tags: Earth Environment
29 July 2006
Growing your house
When I was a kid, there was a huge Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia) tree in front of my house. I loved to climb up and hang upside down from the thick branches. Somewhere in the middle the main trunk branched out into three. That was where I would settle down with my legs straddling one of the big branches and my back on the main trunk.
With the tree swaying in the cool breeze, it was easy to doze off. I learnt that a tree is not a good place to doze off when I fell off once. I lay there on the ground and thought that I was dead - could not breathe and move. Don’t know how long I lay there but I remember that my mom picked me up and made a big fuss. She forbade me from climbing up the tree ever again. However after a few months, I was up the branches again.
I had always dreamt of building a tree house on that tree but my father never agreed and I didn’t have the expertise or the facilities to do it myself.
Anyway, last weekend in KL, I was flipping through the Property supplement in the NST when I came across an interesting article about growing your own house. Yes, I mean “growing” and not “building”.
I love this new concept of home design, which was developed by the MIT’s Human Ecology Design team comprising of Mitchell Joachim, Lara Greden, Phd and Javier Arbona, SMArch. They call it the the ‘Fab Tree Hab’. According to them the
They use an ancient method in horticulture known as ‘Pleaching,’ which involves weaving together tree branches to form living archways, lattices, or screens. Not sure how this differs from Arborsculpture, which refers to the art of shaping tree trunks to create art and functional items through bending, grafting, pruning, and multiple planting.
Growth stages
The house
I found out that this is not a new concept. In fact Wiechula, a German agricultural engineer wrote a book called Developing Houses from Living Trees in 1926.
There is only one concern of mine. Not really keen on sharing my bed with ants and other bugs, which would definitely be attracted to a living tree.
Related Links:
- How To Grow A Chair: An Interview with Richard Reames
- Index - Fab Tree Hab
TAGS: Architecture Ecosystem Fab Tree Hab Tree House
With the tree swaying in the cool breeze, it was easy to doze off. I learnt that a tree is not a good place to doze off when I fell off once. I lay there on the ground and thought that I was dead - could not breathe and move. Don’t know how long I lay there but I remember that my mom picked me up and made a big fuss. She forbade me from climbing up the tree ever again. However after a few months, I was up the branches again.
I had always dreamt of building a tree house on that tree but my father never agreed and I didn’t have the expertise or the facilities to do it myself.
Anyway, last weekend in KL, I was flipping through the Property supplement in the NST when I came across an interesting article about growing your own house. Yes, I mean “growing” and not “building”.
I love this new concept of home design, which was developed by the MIT’s Human Ecology Design team comprising of Mitchell Joachim, Lara Greden, Phd and Javier Arbona, SMArch. They call it the the ‘Fab Tree Hab’. According to them the
“design seeks to protect and embrace the ecosystem as a source of sustainability in the built environment”.As mentioned in their website:
Our goal was to propose a method to grow homes from native seeds. This enables these new local dwellings to be a part of an absolutely green community.
1. Composed with 100% living nutrients.
2. Harmonize & embrace growth.
3. Make effective contributions to the ecosystem.
4. Accountable removal of human impacts.
5. Involve arboreal farming & production.
6. Subsume technology within terrestrial environs.
7. Circulate water & metabolic flows symbiotically.
8. Consider the life cycle, from use to disposal.
9. Achieve a fitness with our earthen web of life.
They use an ancient method in horticulture known as ‘Pleaching,’ which involves weaving together tree branches to form living archways, lattices, or screens. Not sure how this differs from Arborsculpture, which refers to the art of shaping tree trunks to create art and functional items through bending, grafting, pruning, and multiple planting.
Growth stages
The house
I found out that this is not a new concept. In fact Wiechula, a German agricultural engineer wrote a book called Developing Houses from Living Trees in 1926.
There is only one concern of mine. Not really keen on sharing my bed with ants and other bugs, which would definitely be attracted to a living tree.
Related Links:
- How To Grow A Chair: An Interview with Richard Reames
- Index - Fab Tree Hab
TAGS: Architecture Ecosystem Fab Tree Hab Tree House
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