[Business] Tera Lifestyle - Making the Green Bag Even Greener

Introducing a New Line of Eco Bags From Tera Lifestyle

Tera Lifestyle is one of the newest companies to sell green bags in the Philippines. Formed just this 2011, the company is owned by entrepreneurs Teri Pagal and Borgy Tan-Abing.

Their bags are currently available at Bratpack stores around the country, including those in Greenbelt 5, Gateway, SM Pampanga, SM Davao, Abreeza (also in Davao), KCC Gen San, and SM Cagayan de Oro branches. 

Teri has always cared for the environment. She enjoyed collecting eco bags during her shopping trips and she always tried to practice energy conservation day by day. 

"When I was on a business trip overseas one time, I came across this stall that sells jute bags and I simply fell in love with them. I love how natural yet beautiful the material can be," Teri says.

"I told myself I had to bring it here, so people can realize that you can do your part by living a green lifestyle and still appreciate fashion and beautify at the same time."

Why Tera Lifestyle Jute Bags are Better than Other Eco Bags

Tera bags are made of jute, but what exactly is that? Jute is an extremely versatile vegetable fiber that can be weaved into strong threads. It is currently being used as a sack for Starbucks Coffee.  

There are many benefits to using jute bags:

• they are biodegradable - they easily breakdown and mix with soil upon being thrown away
• they are carbon friendly - they absorb several times more carbon dioxide than most trees
• they are renewable and sustainable - they will not lead to the extinction species or depletion of resources
• they are extremely durable - each has a lifespan of a thousand plastic carrier bags

Did you know that PP bags (commonly known as supermarket green bags) aren't really that green? They are made from Proly Propylene, a byproduct of the petrochemical industry. 

Thus, jute bags are greener than reusable supermarket bags.   

Tera Lifestyle jute bags, Teri says, are produced in India because that's where the most jute fiber producing plants are being grown (Maybe someone might want to plant these in the Philippines). 

The company designs its own bags. For more information you can visit the Tera Lifestyle Facebook page. The Tera Lifestyle official website will be up and running soon.

"I believe that the people are now more aware of the perils of global warming. With all the major calamities being experienced all over the world, we know for a fact that our resources are getting depleted. This presents a very scary notion but it doesn't mean that we are left with no alternatives," says Teri.

"We can take steps in order to ensure that the next generation can still enjoy the same earth that we live in. We really only have one. We should all do our part."

[Business] Energy Development Corporation Saves Philippine Forests Through Binhi Greening Program

Introducing the Binhi Greening Program of Oscar M. Lopez and EDC

Binhi is a Cebuano term which means 'seedling.' A single seed if planted on good soil and with the proper care, can grow into a mother tree. This mother tree can then produce many more seedlings, making possible to propagating of its species throughout the country.

This is the concept being followed by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) as it engages in the Binhi Greening Program. This program was created by Lopez Group, Inc. Chairman Emeritus Oscar M. Lopez. It's purpose is to save the endangered species of trees in the country, especially those which are endemic to the Philippines.


Binhi undergoes a 4-pronged strategy in order to achieve its goals:

1. Trees for the Future

Planting trees within urban areas is good, but planting endangered species of trees in these areas is better. This is because it's easier to take care of the trees when their right within your neighborhood. Low possibility of illegal loggers there as well.

2. Trees for Food

The EDC plans to plant 5,000-hectares worth of tree plantations within the corporations five geothermal project sites in the country. Certain groups will benefit from the farming of these trees once they have matures. Tree farming is practiced in other countries as a form of responsible logging.

(EDC Chairman Emeritus Oscar M. Lopez and DENR Secretary Ramon Paje

shake hands after signing a partnership for the government's National Greening Program)

3. Trees for Life

 The EDC will engage in assisted natural regeneration (ANR) for forests in the Philippines. This will help bridge the gap between forest created by excessive logging practices. Through, ANR it is hoped that the great forests of the country will once again grow healthy and strong.

4. Trees for Leisure

In other portions of their geothermal sites (they must have really huge geothermal sites!) the EDC will also develop their forestry into eco-tourism hotspots. This will be done in cooperation with various government agencies such as the Department of Toursim (DOT) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

For more information, please visit the official website of the Energy Development Corporation.

[News] Hinge Inquirer Publications Goes Paperless - Digital Editions of Magazines Now Available

Join Hinge Inquirer Publications in Saving Trees by Purchasing their Digital Magazines 

 Digital Editions of Hinge Inquirer Magazines (taken form PDI website)

Hinge Inquirer Publications, in response to the growing market for digital readers and publications, has recently made available digital editions of all their magazines. The digital magazines one can now subscribe to are:

• Cocoon 
• Look
• Northern Living
• Southern Living
• Urban Living
• Game!
• Baking Press
• F&B World
• MultiSport, and
• Turista

Now readers can enjoy their favorite magazines on their computer, i-Pad, i-Phone, i-Touch, Samsung Galaxy Tab, other Android Tablets, and smartphones. Buying the digital versions of these magazines will allow one to read the publication in exactly the same format as the print edition.

Going paperless allows the company to help in the preservation of trees and forests. Hinge Inquirer Publications President Poch Bermudez recently won an award for the Multimedia Platform business model being implemented now. He was awarded during the Asian Publishing Convention in Bangkok, Thailand.

Subscribe to Hinge Inquirer Magazine Publications for Free

 The Amazon Kindle Edition of the PDI is now Available

All annual subscribers to Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), Bandera, and Cebu Daily News can get free digital editions of all Hinge Inquirer titles except Cocoon and Look.

These two magazines are available for free only to subscribers - annual or otherwise - of the PDI, which also has an Amazon Kindle edition. 

One can also get a huge discount by subscribing to an all-title plan with the company. For more information on how to subscribe, read this article on Hinge Inquirer Publications.

[News] No to Coal, Yes to Renewable Energy in Subic Bay

Construction of 600 MW Power Plant in Subic Heavily Opposed

 

This news might not be fresh to everyone, but there is an ongoing petition to stop the building of a 600-MW coal-fueled power plant in Subic Bay.

The Greater Subic Bay Tourism Bureau (GSBTB) is one of the biggest groups opposing the construction of the coal-powered plant. The bureau is supported by various individuals and organizations, including business groups, and government officials.

They're trying to convince the Manila Electric Company, Aboitiz Power Corporation and Taiwain Cogeneration Corporation, to construct a power plant that uses green technology instead.

Aside from its obvious negative environmental impact, the reputation of Subic as a prime eco-tourism destination in the country will be tarnished should the construction of the power plant push through, according to those in opposition of the coal plant.

The Dangers of Coal Power are Devastating

Coal is considered to be the greatest source of air pollution and carbon emissions in our world today. Emissions produced by coal powered plants contribute to the occurrence of acid rain, which leads to the damaging of rivers and lakes.

Crops are adversely affected by coal. Our health is also endangered due to particle pollution caused by the combustion of coal.

Visit this link if you want to view or sign the no to coal online petition against the building of a coal plant in Subic.

[Press Release] Win a Trip for 3 to Mount Pulag by Joining the Trail Adventours Photo Contest

Want to go on an adventure with two of your friends this 2011? Want to enjoy a weekend getaway on Mt. Pulag the highest point of Luzon, Philippines?  Then you should join this photography contest sponsored by Trail Adventours - one of the best online-based travel businesses in the Philippines.

Here are the detailed mechanics of the Trail Adventure contest:

Qualifications:
1. The contest is open to all provided he/she is physically able to climb and trek.
2. To qualify he/she must be a registered member on Facebook.

Procedures:
1. Search for your most adventurous photo with your friends. It could be anywhere; from the mountains to the beach and from caving to surfing. Please note that the more adventurous it looks, the better it is!

2. Email this photo at info@trailadventours.com with the following attached on it.
* Title of Photo
* You and Your friends' FULL NAME, contact numbers and email address, along with a short description telling us why your photo represents adventure (no more than 3 sentences long).

3. Deadline of Submission is on August 25, 2011. All qualified photo entry will be posted on the “Win an Adventure” album in the Trail Adventours Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pa​ges/Trail-adventours/15467​9251224435). Invite people to “LIKE” your entry to get more chances of winning!

4. This will be a popularity contest. Most “likes” on the Photo will win a Free Trip For Three on Mt. Pulag!

5. “Liking” period will start on August 26, 2011 and end on October 15, 2011 Midnight.

6. Winning entry photo will be announced on October 16, 2011. It will be posted on our facebook fan page and winners will be contacted privately.

7. The prize includes all inclusions provided for a normal participant during the climb. (Winner can choose to join the October or November 2011 trips)

8. The prize is not convertible to cash and non-transferable.

9. To redeem prize winner must present a valid ID during the pre-climb orientation

[Personal] 5th Mindanao Bloggers Summit in October - Environment Philippines Invited to be Resource Speaker

The 5th Mindanao Bloggers Summit will be hosted by Iligan City this October 29, 2011. The Iligan Bloggers Society was chosen to be the organizers for the event.

One Green Mindanao: Mobilizing Bloggers to Promote Sustainable Lifestyle is the theme for this year, which is probably why I was invited to be a resource person for the summit.

I am honored to have been identified as a potential resource speaker, but I don't see myself as an expert on local environmental concerns,or the environmental concerns of Mindanao. However, I am willing to speak more on my inspirations for making an environmental blog and how I go about the blogging process.

Also, I have to check whether or not I'm actually free on that date. It seems quite close to my final exams during the first semester of my MBA.

I really want to go though. I've never been to Iligan City, or anywhere in Mindanao, for that matter. And they're going to pay for my round trip airfare and lodging. And this is one of the things I've been looking forward to as a blogger, being invited to events and getting to travel to new places.

For updates on the summit, you can visit the Facebook Page of the 5th Mindanao Bloggers Summit. You might also enjoy reading more about the Mindanao Bloggers Society.

[Technology] Sikat II Solar Powered Car Philippine Entry to 2011 World Solar Challenge

New Filipino Made Solar Powered Car Features Significant Improvements

After earning 12th place - over 30 other countries - in the 2007 World Solar Challenge, the Philippines is sending another solar powered car in place of Sinag (runray).

Sikat II (sunrise), created by a team of students for De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila, is now the official entry of the Philippines for 2011.

This year, the contest will be held in Australia from October 16 to 23. Hopefully, the Philippine delegation can earn more awards and recognitions for the country this time around.

Several improvements are present in the latest version of the solar vehicle:

• It weighs only 180 kilograms, 60% lighter than the previous model
• It has a more aerodynamic design, which allows more speed and less energy consumption
• Upgraded solar cells will allow the car to reach speeds of 110kph

 A total of P7,000,000 was spent on the construction of the Sikat II Solar Car. The car cannot be driven during pouring rain, but this is the norm for solar powered cars.

A test run was done on the country premier expressway, the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) on August 2-3, 2011. Good thing it didn't rain, and the test was a huge success.

[Press Release] Biofuel pioneer SEAOIL launches bottle recycling drive

Donate Your SEAOIL Lubricant Bottles and Earn Some Extra Cash 

As part of its advocacy to promote environmental awareness, SEAOIL has started a recycling drive where customers get cash in exchange for returning empty SEAOIL lubricant bottles to any SEAOIL station nationwide. The program will run until August 31, 2011.

Customers can get 30 pesos if they return a 4-liter SEAOIL MAKO 5W40, and 10 pesos for a 1-liter bottle.

For 4-liter bottles of GEO Supreme, DEO Max, GEO GT 40, GEO GT 30, DEO HDX 500 SAE 40, DEO HD 200 SAE 40, EP 90, EP 140, 4T Power, and 2T Grand Prix, customers can get 5 pesos, and 1 peso for a 1-liter bottle.

“By reusing old bottles for the packaging of our lubricant products, SEAOIL is doing its part in minimizing the impact plastics have on the environment,” said SEAOIL president Glenn Yu.

“SEAOIL believes that everything we do, big or small, has an effect in this world. So it is important that we take every measure to consciously promote better environmental care,” added Yu.

SEAOIL Committed to Sustainable Development Through Biofuels Program

Since its establishment in1996, the company has put into act the research, development, and production of environmentally-safe petroleum products. SEAOIL spearheaded the Biofuels program, an alternative energy program that aims to enrich the lives of the Filipino by promoting cleaner air through the use of biomass-derived fuel.

In 2005, SEAOIL became the first in the country to promote Biofuels by launching E10, the first gasoline blended with 10% ethanol. Ethanol and Coco Methyl Ester are 100% biodegradable materials used in the blending of SEAOIL fuel. It does not pose any threat to the environment and help produce cleaner emissions.

SEAOIL is the first independent fuel company to put up a gasoline retail station in 1997, following the deregulation of the country's downstream oil industry. It has since aggressively expanded its retail network and has become the country’s largest independent fuel firm establishing gasoline stations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

[Green Living] Cirque du Soleil's One Drop - Water for All, Today and Tomorrow

Cirque du Soleil Founder Guy Laliberte Initiates One Drop NGO to Provide Better Water Access in the World

I had the pleasure of watching Cirque du Soleil's Varekai a few weeks ago, and it was just amazing. I loved that it wasn't just random acrobats and magicians performing magic tricks, but that there was beautiful music and a story to accompany this.

Guy Laliberte, founder of this magical circus, also cares deeply for others. This is why initiated the creation of One Drop a non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in Canada last October 29, 2007. The goal of this NGO is to promote universal access to sanitized water for people all around the world, especially those who don't have access to this right now.

The organization currently has projects in places such as Haiti, El Salvador, Honduras, India, and Nicaragua. These are places in which most people do not have access to safe water and where extreme poverty is rampant. Perhaps after the Cirque du Soleil visiting the Philippines, One Drop will launch a project here as well.

Billions of People Suffer From Lack of Clean and Drinkable Water - Through One Drop You Can Make a Difference

Did you know that almost a billion people worldwide don't have access to safe drinking water? Moreover, 2.5 billion people don't have access to proper sanitation as well. Water is an inherent human right. It is the most abundant resource in the world yet so many are deprived of it.

Lack of water leads to greater poverty, and poverty leads to lack of water access. It's a harsh cycle that needs to be stopped. Unsanitary water - whether caused by pollution or just plain not sanitized - also leads to health problems. In fact, it is the second leading cause of deaths in the world annually.

This is something that the One Drop Foundation is working to change. The NGO believes that working in solidarity towards this cause will be enough to make a significant improvement in the world's water access situation. Solidarity is the solution waiting to happen.

Visit the One Drop Website for more information on the NGO and how you can help. Still not convinced? Then watch the video below:

[Technology] FiT Rates to Promote Renewable Energy in Exchange for Higher Electric Bills

FiT Rates Dilemma: How Much More Would You Pay for Renewable Energy?

 (Photo taken from Stefan @ Flickr.com)

News reports say that numerous foreign investors are ready to put up renewable energy power plants in the Philippines. All they're waiting for is the implementation of FiT Rates or Feed in Tariff Rates for renewable energy sources in the country. These include those that produce hydro, biomass, solar, and wind power.

Fit Rates will allow certified power plants to earn an additional fixed amount of income each month. This incentive was pioneered in Asia by Thailand and Malaysia. It is a fact, that this incentive system will result in higher electricity fees being charged to consumers.

While others may see this as a small price to pay for green energy most regular consumers will not. To make things worse, the rates being proposed in the Philippines are significantly higher than those implemented in Thailand and Malaysia.

According to the National Renewable Energy Board (NREB) of the Philippines, the rates need to be higher because of the high business operating costs in the country plus the VAT. Businesses need to earn more in the Philippines to make the same amount of money compared to neighboring countries.


More Information on Feed in Tariff Rates

 (Fit Encouraged the Building of this Solar Power Plant Abroad)

The implementation of FiT Rates is mandated by the Renewable Energy Law passed by President Noynoy Aquino last 2009. This law was created to introduce a shift from power sources that destroy the environment to ones that are more eco-friendly. 

It was the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) of the Philippines that recently drafted rules for the implementation of these renewable energy rates. Currently, the implementation of these rates is behind schedule and several foreign entities that have expressed interest in investing locally are getting impatient.

Read this article on a German solar power firm as an example. Visit this website for more information on Feed in Tariff Rates.

[Personal] Environment Philippines Nominated for Philippine Blog Awards 2011

Environment Philippines Nominated for Best Advocacy Blog

Great news! A few weeks ago, I received an email informing me that my blog had been nominated for the Philippine Blog Awards 2011.

Environment Philippines was nominated for the advocacy category.

According to their website, an advocacy blog is a blog that actively supports a cause, causes or an idea. A blog that champions, advocates, argues, support, looks for support and even pleads for a cause whether it be social, political or ecological.

After the initial nomination, the finalists for each category will be announced. Then from among the finalists, a winner will be chosen by the end of the year.

I'm very grateful just to have been nominated for the award, but if ever I am shortlisted or awarded the best advocacy blog in the country, that would be amazing.

My friend's blog Everyday Sweet Notes was also nominated for a blog award. Visit her site if you're hungry for good food.

More nominations would definitely help. To nominate Environment Philippines for best advocacy blog, please visit the website of the 2011 Philippine Blog Awards.

[News] Puma Steps-Up and Accepts the Greenpeace Detox Challenge

Puma - No. 1 Sportswear Company in Protecting Our Environment

(Taken from Puma website)

Puma - third largest sportswear company in the world - has decided to take on the Detox Challenge issued by Greenpace. Meanwhile, top two sportswear companies Nike and Adidas continue to remain silent on the issue.

According to its July press release titled "PUMA is Committed to Eliminate Discharges of Hazardous Waste," the company expressed its plans to have a toxic-free production life cycle for all its products by 2020. The company also plans to reveal a detailed action plan within eight weeks.

This action is being done in line with Puma's Sustainability Program, which is very active in numerous environmental projects. These include ocean conservation projects, solar power investments, use of recyclable packaging, reduction of carbon emissions, and environmental film sponsorships, among many other things.

Hopefully, other sportswear companies will follow the good example Puma is showing and Detox as well. Click here for more details on the Puma Safe project.

[Business] Holcim Philippines Wins Green Leadership Award for Regional Sustainability

Holcim Philippines Awarded during the first Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards

Enterprise Asia, a Singapore-based non-governmental organization for entrepreneurship, honored Holcim Philippines with the Green Leadership Award during the first Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards (AREA) last June 10, 2011.

The company was awarded for engaging in concrete and effective strategies to lessen its carbon footprint and contribute to the betterment of the Philippine environment. It was also mentioned that various Asian companies are following the good example set by Holcim.

The Other AREA Categories are as Follows:

• Investment in People
• Corporate Governance
• Health Promotion
• Social Empowerment
• SME CSR
  
• Responsible Business Leadership

Holcim is a member of the Cement Manufacturers' Association of the Philippines (CeMAP). Lafarge Philippines, another member of CeMAP, was recently given an environmental award by the World Wide Fund for Nature.

How Holcim Philippines Serves as a Role Model for Sustainable Development

(Photo taken from Holcim Philippines Website)

Cement production is a process that, without mitigation, can be very taxing to the environment. This is why local cement manufacturers such as Holcim Philippines continuously try to mitigate these negative environmental impacts.

Through its Sustainable Development Team, Holcim engages in projects such as site beautification, mine rehabilitation, biodiversity enhancement, emissions monitoring, and reforestation. Efforts in order make the cement manufacturing process greener are also focused on by the company.

 (Photo taken from Holcim Philippines Website)

For example, all Holcim plants are equipped with Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems to ensure that emissions released during cement production comply with the country's Clean Air Act. In addition, the company has recently volunteered to incinerate illegal drugs for the local government.

The incineration of certain unwanted materials and "trash" can be used as alternative fuel by cement production plants. The use of alternative fuels also lessens the negative environmental effects of cement manufacturing.

For more information on Enterprise Asia and Holcim Philippines, please click on their respective links.

***
Holcim has it's own Foundation for Sustainable Construction. Aside from encouraging the use of best practices and materials for modern construction, the foundation also hosts the annual Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction.

[News] Hundreds Strip in Support of Greenpeace's Detox Campaign

Supporters from the Philippines Call on  Nike and Adidas to Detox!

(Photos taken from Greenpeace Philippines)

July 23, 2011 - Saturday - more than 600 individuals from over 10 countries (including the Philippines) flocked to Adidas and Nike Highstreet stores. There they danced and stripped off their clothes in order to call on these sporting goods brands to detoxify.

The Detox Campaign was created by Greenpeace after research revealed that some of the biggest companies worldwide were indirectly releasing toxic chemicals through the production of their goods and products.

Adidas and Nike Supporters Join Greenpeace's Detox Campaign

While it is the production companies in countries including China and the Philippines which are at fault, companies like Nike and Adidas can choose to stop having their products produced by these polluters.

If these two giants in the sporting goods industry detoxify, it will serve as a precedent for many smaller companies to follow. This is why Greenpeace activists together with hundreds of supporters - many of which are supporters and users of Nike and Adidas products - engaged in a simultaneous striptease that may have broken a Guinness World Record as well.

For more information on the Detox Campaign, do visit the link on the left.