World Environment Day 2008 Thu 5-Jun-2008
Posted by xgeorgio in Environment, ReliefWeb.Tags: algae, APS, bioreactor, Environment, Greenfuel, WED
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A lot have happened since the previous post. The earthquake in China was undoubtedly a major disaster for the country and a test for the aid and relief organizations, just like in Myanmar. But today it is the day we all need to be optimistic and hopeful for the future of our planet. We are the only habitants responsible for the current environmental situation and the only ones capable of doing something about it, starting today.
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Earth Day 2008 Tue 22-Apr-2008
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Probably a sad day for those who know what is all about. The Earth Day Network has a list of events and petitions, everybody is talking about “green” ways to live, but the truth is nothing has really changed since last year.
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The whaling continues Sat 12-Apr-2008
Posted by xgeorgio in Environment, ReliefWeb.Tags: Esperanza, greenpeace, Nisshin Maru, whaling
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For those who are very aware of the things and crimes that happen in the oceans of this beautiful planet, the early days of 2008 were marked by the relentless chase that went on in the Southern Pacific. Greenpeace’s ship Esperanza confronted Japan’s flagship Nisshin Maru, the head of a large whaling fleet that was heading towards the southern migration paths of whales at this time of year.
Tar sands and feathers for BP’s Alberta project Wed 19-Dec-2007
Posted by xgeorgio in Environment, ReliefWeb.Tags: Alberta, BP, Canada, Exxon-Mobil, oil, oil spill, Shell, tar sands
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In BP’s website, there is a special section for Environment and Society. It is part of the company’s recent efforts to re-shape its market view towards the consumers, after a few blows on its image. Who can forget the 270,000 gallons oil spill in the wild tundra of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska last March. But it seems that it’s just that: a marketing scheme.
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What is wrong with Greenpeace today? Wed 21-Nov-2007
Posted by xgeorgio in Environment, ReliefWeb, Volunteers.Tags: Greenpeace whales whaling iPhone fishing
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I remember in the ‘80 when Greenpeace used to have the reputation of the most active, independent and straightforward non-government organization (NGO) for the environment and the planet. I remember seeing zodiacs cruising alongside enormous tankers and taking a bulk of barrels full of toxic wastes as they were disposed carelessly into the open ocean, running between big whaler ships and some whales to protect them from being harpooned. I remember the bombing of their ship inside a port from the French secret services, causing actual deaths and the world’s sympathy.
A couple of months ago, Greenpeace issued a report with the title “Missed call: iPhone’s hazardous material” (pdf), which described how toxic is the new Apple’s gadget. A few weeks later, Slashdot reported that Greenpeace admitted more or less a fraud, having targeted iPhone and other products merely to catch the headlines.
Volunteering links page on-line Sun 4-Nov-2007
Posted by xgeorgio in Aid, Education, Environment, Rights, Volunteers.Tags: volunteer e-volunteer e-learning OLPC UN ActionAid MSF
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I’ve just finished a short but valuable list of sites and portals about volunteering and e-volunteering. It’s pretty much a directory of all the major organizations and communities regarding regional and virtual volunteers for all kinds of projects, ranging from on-site humanitarian aid and peace corps to e-volunteering in virtual projects and e-learning material. Since this list is always useful, I’ve decided to put it up as a static page, you can access it through the navbar (direct link here).
Greener housekeeping solutions for all Sat 13-Oct-2007
Posted by xgeorgio in Environment, ReliefWeb.Tags: cleaning, Environment, greenpeace, housekeeping, pesticide, pollution, stains, toxic, waste
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Ok, it’s not easy for all of use to ride a boat and speed on obstructing illegal fishing whalers in the North Pacific or rusty oil tankers in the Atlantic, but there are some things we can do inside the comfort of our own home.The first and very logical thing to do is stop wasting natural resources. Take care of that leak in the bathtub, buy a new TV or PC monitor that consumes much less electricity, recycle the old one (instead of just getting rid of it), install fluorescent lights and a solar water-heater, all those little things that may seem trivial and too little, but make a real difference when you multiply it by 1.000.000 people. You can even place your old bathtub on your rooftop and use rainwater for your garden, it will save hundreds of liters of water in just one year.
But there are some other things that you probably haven’t thought about, like saving some very nasty chemicals and toxic materials that you’re responsible of releasing in some ocean on a daily basis.
Here are some very easy alternative solutions for “greener” housekeeping. Please be advised that, although most chemicals are harmless and can be found in any kitchen, these recipes are NOT intended to be applied or used by children, so keep them safe.
