[News] The Manila Zoo to Close its Doors due to Pressure from Various Organizations?

Haven't the Animals in Manila Zoo Suffered Enough?  

 (2 Photos are not mine)

Not yet apparently, but this is the sincere hope of various environmental and animal welfare groups such as the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia-Pacific.

The horrible conditions inside the Manila Zoo have been present for years, and little has been done to remedy this. Animals are kept in tiny cages, are fed irregularly, and are often lonely. Zoo visitors throw trash into these cages, but these are not regularly cleaned.

Numerous visitors have taken pictures and posted photographs of the malnourished animals and their poor living conditions online and in-print, yet the problem still persists. Visit the Tripadvisor Manila Zoo Page and read the terrible comments given by Filipinos and foreigners alike.

Pretty soon, the zoo may end up on the list of '10 Ten Worst Tourist Attractions in Asia' or even the world!


10 Animal Welfare Groups Sign Petition to Support Closing of the Manila Zoo

 (PETA Protest Against the Manila Zoo in 2007 taken from metro.co.uk)

There are certain individuals who wish to import more animals to be placed in the Manila Zoo. But this shouldn't be done unless conditions can be improved. And since hardly any improvements have been done in recent years, the better option is closing the zoo for good.

(Another PETA demonstration against the Manila Zoo 

taken from www.professionalheckler.com)

A recent online petition on Change.org is calling for the improvement of the zoo. However, that's not the one you should be signing. Instead, sign this petition on the PETA Asia-Pacific website that calls for the closing down of the Manila Zoo altogether.

This petition has been co-singed by PETA, PAWS, the Animal Kingdom Foundation Inc., Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC), CARA Welfare Phils (Compassion And Responsibility for Animals), International Wildlife Coalition Trust, LovePets.com, Network for Animals, Palawan Animal Welfare Association Inc., and SAFE International Monitoring Program.

[People] Geneva Cruz Voted Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity in the Philippines

PETA Honors Geneva Cruz After She Wins Online Poll 

Geneva Cruz is now the sexiest vegetarian celebrity in the Philippines, after a month-long online poll sponsored by the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia-Pacific. The poll ended last June 23, 2011.

The local singer bested other well-known celebrities vegetarians such as Lougee Basabas, Yasmien Kurdi, Chin-Chin Gutierrez, and Alicia Meyer, for the title.

Geneva first became a vegetarian when she was fifteen years old. The turning point came while she was shooting a shampoo commercial. The shoot involved her being filmed with animals in their natural habitat.

According to her, the experience of interacting with and feeding these animals convinced her to turn vegetarian.

Geneva Cruz Teams up with PETA to Launch New Ad

Geneva  Cruz, who has been featured in magazines such as Maxim, UNO and FHM, has posed for several PETA advertisements in the past, including her latest 'All Animals Have the Same Parts. Go Vegetarian' ad. Her natural sexiness is a good example of how becoming a vegetarian can keep you healthy and beautiful.

In the organization's own words: "PETA Asia-Pacific operates under the simple principle that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use for entertainment."

For more information, please visit the website of PETA Asia-Pacific.

[News] Gecko Lizards (Tuko) Sold in the Philippines as Cure for AIDS and Cancer

The Healing Property of Geckos: Truth or Myth?

 (Text above: Hi I'm Jimboy! Let's relax and chill, friends!)

Nobody knows for sure whether or not the gecko, or tuko here in the Philippines has medicinal properties. The rumor is that the lizard's tongue can cure AIDS or HIV, and the lizard's body can stop the growth of cancer tumors.

And it's not just in the Philippines where geckos are in-demand, but in other Asian countries such as Malaysia.  The fact of the matter is, there are a significant number of people who believe this is true. Why else would the trade be flourishing so much?

The Philippine government is totally against the capture and sale of tuko though. In fact, they actually consider it a crime and will arrest anyone who is even breeding Geckos. However, this is easier said than done. Do you think this is just some elaborate hoax?

400-Gram or 4-Ounce Geckos Being Sold for Over One Million Pesos Each!

(Lizard: Buy me!!!!)

I'm not kidding. This is the supposed retail price of a 400-gram gecko here in the Philippines. Never mind that the average weight of the local tuko is only 100-grams. Never mind also that the government can't seem to find any legitimate transaction of money being paid or received for a sale of lizards.

Just type the phrase on any search engine and you will be bombarded by more gecko for sale websites than you'll bother to look at. The Tokay Gecko seems to be especially famous.

I tried to research on the prices, but they vary too much. I got so confused. If you're interested, you can check out Sulit dot Com dot Ph and be amazed at the prices ranging from Php1.00 to Php1,000,000! Wow!

Think it's an interesting get rich quick business. I don't think so.

[News] Nike and Adidas Challenged to Detoxify their Products and Supply Chains

Greenpeace Launches the Detox Challenge - to Fight for Our Toxic-Free Future 

Today, Greenpeace issues a challenge to Nike and Adidas - detoxify your products and supply chains. After a year-long study conducted by the organization has revealed that textile factories that produce materials used in the making of products by these brands release toxic chemicals into the water.

 (This is a Chinese character that means 'water')

Case in point are two Chinese factories named the Youngor Textile City Complex and the Well Dyeing Factory Limited. They are located along the Yangtze River and Pearl River, respectively. The chemicals released into these rivers are a danger both to the environment and to human lives.

Nike and Adidas Challenged to Be Good Examples for the World to Follow

While there are many other companies who are guilty of the same, Nike and Adidas are being challenged to act as role models to the rest. By studying their supply chain and pinpointing which processes and sources are responsible for the production of toxic substances, they have the opportunity to make things right.

Unfortunately, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to factories that are destroying our planet. Click here for more information on Greenpeace's Detox Challenge. You can also read this article published in Greenpeace Philippines.

You might also want to watch this short video on Detox:

[Event] Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) to Hold Volunteer Orientation

Come to the PAWS Volunteer Orientation on August 6, 2011

Do you love animals? Are you saddened by how animal abuse is so rampant in the Philippines today? You should know that it is within your power to make a difference.

Attend the Volunteer Orientation of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and find out how you can help. Share your passion, talent, and skill with animals by becoming a PAWS volunteer.

The orientation will be held this August 6, 2011, from 10am to 1:30pm. It will be held at the PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center (PARC), Aurora Blvd. Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights Quezon City.

For more information you can visit the PAWS Volunteer Orientation Facebook Page.


Here is a Must Read Message from PAWS Before You Apply:

IMPORTANT:

1. Please bring P50 for the photocopied materials

2. Please bring 1 tall can of cat food or dog food as a donation for our shelter animals ("orientation fee").

3. Please bring your own snack and/or drinking water as there are no food stores in the area.

4. Please hand carry your accomplished volunteer application form to the PAWS shelter on the day of the Orientation or a few weeks ahead of the Orientation date (during office hours of 10am to 5pm, Mon to Sat).

You may download and print the volunteer application form (http://paws.org.ph/Portals​/_Rainbow/images/default/v​olunteer%20application%20f​orm%281%29.pdf) on 1 sheet of paper only (back to back) as we are saving on filing space.

Please do not email or fax your volunteer application forms, these will not be accepted.

5. Please be on time. Those who come in late for the orientation shall be asked to attend the next orientation so that they get complete information on the policies for volunteers and Shelter rules.

REMINDER:

Volunteers must be prepared to render at least eight (8) hours a month doing work at the shelter or outside the shelter for animal welfare to be in our active volunteer database.

If the eight (8) hours cannot be fulfilled or if you are located in the province, please consider being a Supporting Member instead. Supporting members give monthly financial support to help keep the shelter running. There are monthly donation buttons here: http://bit.ly/supportpaws.

For more information on volunteering and what you can do to help, click here: http://paws.org.ph/site/34​2/default.aspx

For directions and commuting tips: http://parc.mefindhome.org​/

For a map: http://paws.org.ph/Portals​/_Rainbow/images/default/p​arc_bigmap.jpg

***
Thank you for wanting to help us in our work for the animals. - PAWS

[Green Living] Join the Firefly Brigade - Promote the Bicycle for Cleaner Air in the Philippines

A Brief History of the Brigade and their Tour of the Fireflies 

 (Photo taken from www.bikehugger.com)

"When was the last time you saw fireflies in the city?" 

This was the adage Lorie Tan of WWF-Philippines suggested for the Firefly Brigade and the Tour of the Fireflies (TOF). The brigade is a group of individuals who love cycling, care for the environment, and embody the Firefly Spirit that membership entails.

Meanwhile, the TOF is an annual event in which cyclists from all over the country bike along the cities within Metro Manila at the same time. They do this to promote cycling and to advocate against the growing air pollution within the Metro.

The fact that we can no longer see fireflies in cities here in Manila shows how much the quality of air has lessened over the years, and continues to lessen as each year passes.

This is what inspired Katti Sta. Anna, founder of the annual TOF, to organize the biggest cycling event of its time during 1999. This was a bike ride and march met at the Quezon Memorial Circle. It was then that the Firefly Brigade was formed.

How to Become a Member of the Firefly Brigade?

Do you have a love for cycling and the environment? Do you want to join a community who share the same interests and passions as you do? Then you should apply for membership in the Firefly Brigade.

Here are the steps to becoming a member:

• undergo the Firefly Flight Training
• pass screening by the group's current members
• be ready to support advocacy the group engages in

Advocacies of the group include organizing a monthly bike ride to promote road sharing and visibility on the road for bikers and actively promoting bike-friendly urban planning in the country.

For more information, you can visit the Firefly Brigade official website. You can also call them at (+63) 219-4185 and (+63) 0917-923-7334, or visit the Firefly Brigade Facebook Page

[News] DENR Awards 9 Most Eco-Friendly Government Agencies in the Philippines

9 Philippine Government Agencies Cited as Most Environment Friendly

 (Photo of the National Electrification Administration Headquarters)

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Philippines awarded the top nine most eco-friendly government agencies in the country last June 29, 2011.

According to them, the National Electrification Administration, Philippine Heart Center, and Development Bank of the Philippines, are the three agencies most deserving of the Environment Excellence Award.

The remaining six agencies cited by the DENR - in no particular order - are as follows:

• Banko Central ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines)
• Philippine Economic Zone Authority
• Department of Public Works and Highways
• Department of Social Welfare and Development
• National Housing Authority, and the
• National Economic and Development Authority

Keep in mind that these awards are only given to government agencies national in scope.

How Did the DENR Choose the Environmental Award Winning Agencies?

 (Logo of the DENR)

As role models to smaller government agencies and organizations from the private sector, these 9 Environmental Excellence Award winners passed through intense scrutiny from DENR officials.

Here is the breakdown of the grading system used by the DENR:

• implementing eco-friendly office operations - 80%
• institutionalizing environmental management policies - 10%
• overall orderliness, cleanliness, and safety within the office - 10%

Environmentally office operations pertains to effective waste management and fuel/water/electricity conservation, among others.

The agencies were observed from May 2010 to May 2010. The next awarding session will be in 2014.

Click here to view the full article from the DENR.

[News] Dog Beggars Spotted Along UN Avenue, Manila!

Two Dogs Begging for Money: Cool or Cruel?

I was looking though my Facebook news  feed when I saw this photograph posted by one of my friends. It's a photo of two dogs along the UN or United Nations Avenue here in Manila, Philippines.

As you can see the pair seem to be well-trained to hold the baskets at sit on the monobloc chairs, without any leash tying them in place.

They also seem to be content wearing shades (one of them even has a scarf?) and carrying small baskets between their teeth. As someone commented, there seems to be a grenade in between the dogs. I don't really think its a real grenade, or maybe somebody gave it as a donation.

(Hey, they won most wanted dog medals!)

I guess the question is do you think this is cool or an act of animal cruelty? If you can train dogs to fetch bones and jump through hoops, shouldn't training them to beg for you be alright? Is letting man's best friend do the begging instead of man himself or herself a better alternative?

Should we be reporting this as an act of animal cruelty to PAWS? Share your thoughts please.


UN Avenue Dog Beggars Begging Since 2008, or Earlier?

Oh, and by the way, this could have been going on for years. I saw this blog entry from 2008 featuring what looks to be the same dogs along UN Avenue. See the photograph he took below:

(Photo taken from www.4thram.blogspot.com)

[List] Top 10 Flood Prone Provinces in the Philippines (as of 2011)

Do you live in a Flood Prone Area in the Philippines? 

(Photo taken from CBC News Canada website)

Aside from landslides, flooding is also a never ending problem in the Philippines.

Floods caused by poor waste segregation and clogged drainage plague our cities. The multiplication of water hyacinths block river flow and cause floods as well.

Those who live in flood-prone areas should be extra careful especially during the rainy season when flash floods usually occur.

This is why the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mines and Geo-Science Bureau (DENR-MGB) came up with a list of the top ten flood prone provinces in the Philippines:

1. Pampanga
2. Nueva Ecija
3. Pangasinan
4. Tarlac
5. Maguindanao
6. Bulacan
7. Metro Manila
8. North Cotabato
9. Oriental Mindoro
10. Ilocos Norte

This was the result of the Geo Hazards Mapping and Assessment Program done by the DENR-MGB. For more information, please visit the Philippine Information Agency website.

Click here to read about the 10 most landslide prone provinces in the Philippines.

[News] Tropicana Launches Orange-Powered Billboard in France

Tropicana Orange Billboard Brings New Meaning to Natural Energy

Tropicana is one of the most famous orange juice brands in the Philippines. And apparently, it's the same way in France. In order to boost sales, the company decided to make good use of oranges by bringing out the 'green' in them.

As you can see from the Photo, the oranges are powering a neon sign that reads “Energie Naturelle,” or "Natural Energy" in English. Power to light the signage is brought about by the reaction of zinc and copper electrodes with the acids contained in Tropicana oranges.

Who is responsible for coming up with this unique and environmentally friendly billboard concept? It's DDB France in cooperation with Unit9. It took three months to make the concept work, but I wonder how long the battery power of these oranges will last.

They should definitely put one to compete with the Coca-Cola-WWF Plant Billboard along EDSA. 

Here's a short video about the making of this Tropicana Orange-Powered Billboard:

[List] Top 10 Landslide Prone Provinces in the Philippines (as of 2011)

Killer Typhoons and Landslides Normal in the Philippines

(Hundreds die in 2009 Benguet landslide.)

In a tropical archipelago like the Philippines, strong rains and typhoons are the norm.

Unfortunately, due to man-made occurrences such as deforestation and natural occurrences such as soft soil (in some provinces), landslides have also become a norm in the country, especially during the rainy season.

This is why the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mines and Geo-Science Bureau (DENR-MGB) came up with a list of the top ten landslide prone provinces in the Philippines:

1. Benguet (90.3%)
2. Mt. Province (87.1%)
3. Nueva Vizcaya (86.7%)
4. Kalinga Apayao (84.7%)
5. Southern Leyte (82.8%)
6. Abra (82.1%)
7. Marinduque (78.6%)
8. Cebu (77.8%)
9. Catanduanes (77.4%)
10. Ifugau (77.3%)

This was the result of the Geo Hazards Mapping and Assessment Program done by the DENR-MGB. For more information, please visit the Philippine Information Agency website.

Click here to learn about the top 10 flood-prone areas in the Philippines.

[Personal] Environment Philippines Now Averages 100 Readers a Day

Environment Philippines Finally Gets 100 Readers a Day

After almost a year of existence, my blog has finally surpassed the 100 readers a day mark. At first, I thought it was just a fluke. in a span of three weeks, I an article each for crush videos and the dog hung on a clothesline, which both got an unusually high number of views.

 (Print Screen Taken from www.topblogs.com. My July 5 viewer count will still rise until 12 noon on July 6)

On June 15, I got my 196 unique visitors on my blog, the most ever. Since then the daily viewers of my blog have been more or less a hundred in number. Hopefully, this number will continue to grow or remain stable even if I only update my blog 2 to 3 times a week.

My 2011 Plans for Environment Philippines

There are a couple of things I have planned for my blog this year. First, I want to have a proper logo/banner designed for my blog. I plan to use this in the Environment Philippines Facebook Fan Page, and in my personal email correspondence.

I learned that providing a link to my blog via personal emails I send is a great way to advertise my blog.

Second, I plan to do some housekeeping on my blog's template. I will be cleaning out most of the buttons and widgets on my sidebar, so that only the most helpful and important remain. I will also be reviewing some of my blog affiliations that aren't really beneficial anymore (or have never been beneficial in the first place).

I'm also thinking about doing something big, and my loyal readers will definitely notice the change if it pushes through. It will take a lot of work, and I'm excited to give it a try.

For all those who continue to read and comment on my blog, and for all those who liked Environment Philippines on Facebook, Networked Blogs, and Google - thank you so much!

You are the ones who inspire me to continue this blog.

[News] Join the Green Challenge for a Chance to Win 500,000 Euros!

The Annual Postcode Lottery Green Challenge and How to Apply

Now on it's fifth year, the annual Green Challenge, sponsored by the Dutch Postcode Lottery in the Netherlands is offering 500,000 Euros to this year's greenest inventor. Two consolation prices of 200,000 Euros will also be divided among one or two runners-up.

People from around the world have been submitting entries since May 3, 2011. Deadline for entries is on July 29, 2011. The top 5 to 7 finalists will be contacted by September 1, 2011.

In order to qualify, your entry must be able to do the following:

• reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an amount you can roughly estimate 
• have the ability accomplish your estimate within two years
• be developed enough to be actually demonstrated now
• fall under one of these categories: lifestyle, ICT, design, energy or mobility

You can sign-up and submit your entry by logging onto the Green Challenge Website.

Take the Green Challenge and Make Your Dream Green Invention a Reality 

 (2010 Winner Scot Frank Receives Prize Money for Solar Device Invention)

The greatest thing about the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge is not the prize money. Do you know why? The winners actually get to transform their inventions from concept/prototype into reality.

Here is a list of some past winners, where they come from (to the best of my knowledge) and what invention gave them the win:

• 2010 Winner - Scot Frank (America)
• Invented Solsource - a portable and affordable solar device that can be used for basic tasks from generating power to cooking food  

• 2009 Winner - Dean Gregory (United Kingdom)
• Invented the RidgeBlade MicroGeneration System -an affordable wind turbine than can be installed on rooftops. In can absorb sufficient wind power even in low wind conditions.

• 2008 Winner - Eben Bayer (America)
• Invented Greensulate - made using mushroom root fibers, this invention is a rigid board insulator that can be used to replace Styrofoam/polystyrene, which is currently one of the most hated environmentally unfriendly (but most widely used) materials in the world today.

• 2007 Winner - Igor Kluin (Netherlands)
• Invented Qurrent - a handy black box- aptly called a Qbox - that automatically switches your appliances on and off, monitors their energy usage, and serves as a Local Energy Network (LEN) Router between you and your neighbors. It will definitely help you save a lot of money on electric bills.

To visit the official website for each project, just click on the invention names above. The website of RidgeBlade is a bit misleading. You may think it's under construction, but you can navigate through the website using the menu on the left.

Still Want to Join the Postcode Lottery Challenge?

Kind of intimidated by the contest now? If you've got a great invention ready to be discovered, you shouldn't be. Lots of inventions that didn't win the top prize ended up successful as well.

You can visit the official website of the Green Challenge to read on past invention entries and more!

Also, a man named Richard Branson is on the lookout for creative, fun and original green ideas on Facebook. If you share your thoughts in two lines, you could win an iPad2 together with a solar charger and a funky eco-wrap.

Sounds doable?

[News] Greenpeace Reveals Common Cause of Fishkills and Water Hyacinth Problems in the Philippines

Greenpeace: Pollution Contributed Greatly to Both Disasters

The fish kill in Taal Lake and the water hyacinths causing flooding in Maguindanao and North Cotabato were two of the more pertinent issues in the past month here in the Philippines.

Earlier wrongly attributed to the rise in water temperature, the fish kill was actually caused by the overstocking of illegal fish pens in the lake. This led to the depletion of oxygen levels that then killed the Tilapia. In other words, the fish drowned.

 

On the other hand, the water hyacinths were always a problem in Mindanao. It's just that they grew too fast and clogged up the river this time around. President Noynoy wants a study done on the feasibility of these hyacinths being used as an alternative source of fuel, but they should really solve the flooding problem first.

(Heavy machinery is now being used to clear a path for the river water)

What most people fail to mention and understand is that pollution played a major role in contributing to both these problems. Greenpeace, in their article titled Of Fishkills and Water Hyacinths, explains why.

[Green Living] I CAN Make a Difference Environmental Project Launched in Mindanao

I CAN Make a Difference: Collecting Cans for Cleaner and Safer Water

The Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) Student Council in partnership with the Ateneo de Zamboanga School of Medicine (SOM) launched the I CAN Make a Difference environmental project.

Unlike most people who collect aluminum cans to make wheelchairs, these two student groups are doing something different. They are collecting cans to build solar reflectors that are capable of engaging in Solar Disinfection of water (SODIS).

(This is an example of a solar reflector. The water inside the bottles are being disinfected.)

A certain John Michael Dellariarte is the researcher in charge of transforming recycled aluminum soda cans into properly functioning solar reflectors. The use of these devices is being recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the purpose of safe, affordable, and sustainable water disinfection.
  
Collect 5,000 Aluminum Soda Cans and Provide 727 Families with Clean Water

(The children of beneficiary families drink water disinfected using the SODIS process.)

Through the I CAN Make a Difference project, the WMSU Student Council and Ateneo de Zamboanga School of Management hope to aid 727 families in need of cleaner water. And all they need to accomplish this is 5,000 cans, which isn't a very huge number.

If it's possible to provide that many families with clean water with just 5,000 cans then we should be replicating this project all over the country. Hopefully, their project and the research of Mr. Dellariarte will both be successful. 

For more information and how you can help, do visit the I CAN Make a Difference Facebook Page.

[News] Bataan Nuclear Power Plant to Become Tourist Attraction

Bataan Nuclear Power Plant Never to be Operational? 

(Photo taken from www.pinoyweekly.org)

The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant based in Morong, Bataan, Philippines has been a source of debate ever since the time of President Marcos.

However, the recent tragedy to befall Japan has shifted the momentum towards not upgrading the power plant for operations.

Instead, the Philippines has cemented itself as one of American biggest ideological partners when it comes to investing in green energy and technology.   

From hydroelectric to geothermal, solar to wind power, our country has ongoing projects on harnessing all of these, and more! Transportation-wise, our taxicabs are now using bio fuels, and an increasing number of E-Tricycles can now be seen plowing our city streets.

Eco Tourism Turns Nuclear in Bataan, Philippines

(Photo taken from www.coolmom-ramnred.blogspot.com)

But what about our nuclear power plant?

Plans are being drawn to make it a tourist attraction for foreign and local travelers alike. This will the first and only 'nuclear attraction' in the world in which visitors can go into an actual power plant.

And the fee for such an experience is only 20 Pesos, or less than half a US dollar, per person. Proceeds will aid the government in funding maintenance costs for the plant amounting to 10,000 US dollars a day.

Aside from taking a tour of the plant, visitors can also enjoy the beach and visit a turtle sanctuary nearby. As mentioned in the article of The Philippine Daily Inquirer, the Philippines has put a unique twist on nuclear eco tourism.

***

For more information and photos inside the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant visit the link to the left.

[News] Coca-Cola and WWF Launch First Ever Plant Billboard in the Philippines

Coca-Cola Partners with WWF-Philippines through Live Positively Program

(This was done by Coca-Cola in America)

Through its partnership with the World Wide Find for Nature (WWF) Philippines, Coca-Cola Philippines launched its Live Positively sustainability campaign, which focuses on two things:

• how to lessen the amount of water the company wastes during soda production, and
• engaging in and supporting initiatives (such as Earth Hour) to prevent climate change

In connection with this, the two groups have teamed up to create the first ever plant billboard in the country. This billboard, which was launched just yesterday, is located along the northbound lane of EDSA along Forbes.  It's 60 by 60 feet in size, and has the capability to absorb carbon emissions.

Coca-Cola-WWF Plant Billboard Absorbs Carbon Emissions - But Will it Survive?

Yes, that's right! This billboard is equipped with potted Fukien Tea Plants - 3,600 pots (old bottles of Coca-Cola) of them, to be exact. These plants can each absorb 13 pounds of carbon dioxide annually, according to a botanist named Anthony Gao.

Hopefully, the abundance of carbon dioxide won't choke the plants to death within a month or several weeks. If that happens we'll have an ugly looking dead plant billboard along EDSA.

Kidding aside, a micro-irrigation was installed on the billboards in order to keep the plants well-watered and healthy. For more information on this project, you can visit the official website of WWF-Philippines.

Interesting?

Then you should read this article about the Tropicana Orange-Powered Billboard in France!

[Event] International Plastic Bag - Free Day to be Celebrated in the Philippines

July 3, 2011 is International Plastic Bag - Free Day

No, free plastic bags will not be give away. It's quite the opposite, actually. International Plastic Bag - Free Day is being celebrated in support of movements against the widespread use of plastic across the globe.

Plastic is one of the most widely used materials on our planet today. Unfortunately, it is also destructive towards the environment because it takes too long to degrade.

This is why shopping centers and groceries are now promoting the use of recyclable bags or bags made from recycled materials, in order to lessen the use of ordinary plastic bags.

In the Philippines, there is a plastic regulation law being reviewed in congress that will aid in this cause throughout the country. While some local government units (LGUs) have already taken action, the law is needed so the entire nation will act on this issue.

Join the "I Don't Like Plastic" Event at the QC Memorial Circle

A special event called Ayaw Ko ng Plastic (I Don't Like Plastic) will be held on July 3, 2011. The event will run from 9am to 12 noon at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.

The plan is to encircle the perimeter of the circle with a plastic bag chain in symbolism of the fight against plastic. And to express support for the passing of a nationwide plastic regulation law.

Participating groups include the EcoWaste Coalition, GAIA (Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives), Mother Earth Foundation, Greenpeace, and Miss Earth.

Everyone is invited to attend and participate in the said event. For more information, you can visit the Ayaw Ko ng Plastic Facebook Page.

[Business] Experience the Best of Philippine Nature with Trail Adventours

For Excitement or Relaxations, Enjoy Trail Adventours All Year Round!

Trail Adventours is an online-based travel business I just discovered today through Facebook. By booking through their website, you and you companions can go on a Philippine adventure.

Basically, you have the option of choosing between 5 kinds of adventures: 

1. Trek Adventours (mountain climbing and hiking)
2. Beach Escape
3. Surf Camp
4. Vertical Challenge (coming soon), and
5. Landmark Photo-Ops

For each option, there are a variety of destinations to choose from. For example, you can trek on Mt. Apo, Mt. Pinatubo, or Mt. Mayon, and go surfing in La Union,  Baler, or Calaguas.

A calendar of events on the Trail Adventours homepage will aid you in scheduling your trip. The schedule of adventures is likewise optimized to ensure that you get the best experience, depending on your destination.

Trail Adventours Lets You Book Your Adventure Hassle-Free

Aside from having a variety of choices, you will also be pampered with very affordable rates and excellent service.

The company will arrange your entire adventure for you, from transportation to accommodations, and required paperwork/permits to guided tours.

A summary of each package tour is available at their website. For further inquiries, you can email them at info@trailadventours.com or call them at (+632) 697-9711. Office hours are every Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 3pm.

You can also visit the Trail Adventours Facebook Page for more information and customer testimonials.

If you are looking for a different kind of Philippine adventure, or just in need of some well-deserved rest and relaxation, perhaps it's time you take a break and book your trip now!

[Press Release] Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan 2011 - Nominate Your Environmental Hero

It's Time to Recognize the Environmental Heroes of the Philippines

Dear Colleagues,

Warmest greetings!

In cognizance of your support for environmental advocacy, we invite you to send your nominations for the 2011 round of Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan awards (GBK). 

 

The GBK is an awards event aiming to seek out and recognize the struggles of individuals, organizations, or communities who have selflessly spearheaded or helped lead significant environmental struggles and the protection of basic rights.

 The GBK is open to all Filipino individuals, organizations and institutions who have demonstrated extraordinary ability and effort to uphold the environment and people’s welfare, whether in the form of advocacy, campaigns, education, research, technology development, community services, mass media or cultural work.

Seven GBK awardees (three awards for Individuals and Organizations and one Most Distinguished Award) will be chosen by an independent Board of Judges. 

 

· Most Distinguished Award - awarded to an individual or organization in recognition of his/her/their being an inspiration and example to the Filipino people for offering time and talents for the defense of the environment and advancement of the people's welfare. 

 

· Individual Awards - awarded to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability and effort to uphold the environment and people's welfare, whether in the form of advocacy, campaigns, education, research, technology development, community services, mass media, or cultural work. 

 

· Organizational Awards - awarded to people’s and community organizations and institutions that have demonstrated unity in upholding the welfare of the people and of the environment by exemplary actions and advocacy, campaigns, education, research, technology development, community services, mass media, or cultural work.

The Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan 2011 is organized by Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines (CEC-Phils), in cooperation with Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan Awards Committee, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Foundation for the Philippine Environment, Agham-Advocates of Science and Technology for the People, Haribon Foundation, Ecowaste Coalition, Panalipdan Mindanao and Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc. 

The first GBK kicked off in 2009, naming the late anti-mining activist Eliezer Billanes as the recipient of the Most Distinguished Award. 

The Individual Awardees were the Ata-Manobo tribal leader Datu Guibang Apoga, Manny Calonzo of the Ecowaste Coalition and Dean Margarita dela Torre-dela Cruz from the University of the Philippines Tacloban. 

The winners of the GBK Awards for Organizations were the Cordillera People’s Alliance, the Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc. and Seamancor Eco-Developers Inc. of Sorsogon.

Please find attached copies of the GBK call for nominations, award guidelines, and nomination forms. These documents are also available for download at www.cecphils.org

and http://www.cecphils.org/gawad-bayani-ng-kalikasan

Acceptance of nominations for the GBK is open until midnight of July 15, 2011.

For inquiries, contact Ms. Rog Amon through:

Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan Secretariat Committee

26 Matulungin Street, Bgy. Central, Quezon City, Philippines 1100

Telefax: [02]920.9099

Email: gawad.bayani.ng.kalikasan@gmail.com

***

Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines, Inc. (CEC)

No.26 Matulungin St., Bgy. Central Quezon City, Philippines 1100
TelefaxNo. +632-9209099,+632-9248756
Email: cecphils@gmail.com

[Business] The KILUS Foundation - Empowering Women and Protecting Our Environment

How the KILUS Foundation Makes Bags From Recycled Doy Packs

 (Don't let these doy packs go to waste. Donate them to the KILUS Foundation)

The KILUS (Kababaihang Iisa ang Layuning Umunlad ang Sambayanan) Foundation is based in Barangay Ugong, Pasig City. The group is composed of over 500 women. It engages actively in environmental projects such as the manufacturing and selling of products made from recycled materials.

Most of the products manufactured by the KILUS Foundation are made from discarded doy packs from juice drinks such as Zesto and Nestea. Aside from those collected by the members, the group also pays those who deliver doy packs to them. This encourages the habit of recycling within the community.

 (Japanese students wearing backpacks from the KILUS Foundation)

After being collected, these doy packs are then sanitized and dried in preparation for sewing, either by sewing machine or by hand. The finished products are then checked for possible defects before being shipped in the Philippines and abroad. 

Actually, KILUS products are more in-demand abroad than locally.

The KILUS Foundation Improves Lives in the Community


The efforts of the KILUS Foundation is a good example of a livelihood project that works because it provides jobs for over 500 women and aids in environmental protection at the same time. The highest paid members of the group even earn as much as 2,000 to 3,000 Pesos per week.

Before KILUS began manufacturing bags, they were the group that made Barangay Ugong the greenest and cleanest barangay in Pasig City. They were given numerous awards, grants, and loans, provided them with the capital and exposure to start their business.

And they don't want to keep the money to themselves. The group constantly holds workshops in various communities such as those living near the Tullahan River, in order to teach them about solid waste management and how to make a living through recycling.

*The KILUS Foundation can be found at the Tiendesitas Fashion Village Section, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City Philippines.