[Business] Numa - The First Organic and Eco Baby Store in the Philippines

Beware of Toys Containing Harmful Chemicals this Christmas

Christmas day is just around the corner with the holiday season comes the shopping rush. Moms and dads, uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters will be flocking to malls and bargain places such as Divisoria to buy baby toys, garments, and accessories for their love ones.

Once again groups like the Philippine EcoWaste Coalition (EWC) and the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) are warning against the buying of low quality and fake toys and children's goods that are made using harsh chemicals. These could be unhealthy, even toxic for children of all ages.

Luckily, there is a company that specializes in providing organic and eco friendly products that are safe for children and for the environment. Numa is the first all-natural and environmental baby store in the Philippines.

Numa Sells Environmental, All-Natural, and Baby-Friendly Products

They have an extensive product line - baby's clothes, food, bags, accessories, toiletries - they have it all. Plus, you can choose from a selection of over a dozen brands like Eco Baby, Greenbaby, Green Toys, and Natursutten (see the trend here?), that all follow sustainable and eco-friendly processes when manufacturing their products.

Numa, Manila's organic and eco baby store, is based at the AEK Building 40 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City. It's open from Mondays to Saturdays, from 10am to 7pm. You can reach them through telephone numbers: (632) 711-9636 and 732-1954. You can also email them at info@numa.com.ph.

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Afraid of the holiday traffic? You can also buy their products online through Numa's official website. Products are divided by brand and by category. Photos and descriptions of each product are also provided for convenient online shopping.

Why spend less money on toys and baby products that could harm your baby when you can buy products of the highest quality from Numa? Visit Numa's Facebook page for the latest information and updates.

[Event] Atty. Christian Monsod and experts lead the Presscon on mining impact

Academe, environmentalists, and food security experts set the record straight on the real impact of mining to the economy and our ecosystem.

If poor people working in the mining sector stay poor year after year after year, doesn’t it tell us something about the real impact of mining in the Philippines?  

 

This Thursday, December 8, 2011, following a senate inquiry on the impact of mining to food security, listen to a panel of experts, led by Dr. Emelina Regis of Ateneo de Naga University and Atty. Christian Monsod, as they discuss how the local mining sector affects not only efforts towards environmental preservation and poverty alleviation, but also poses a grave threat against sustainable development and tourism.

Event Details:
Date: December 8, Thursday
Time: 11am - 2pm
Venue: Sen. JP Laurel Room, 2nd Floor, Senate of the Philippines, GSIS Bldg., Pasay City

RSVP: Grace Divina

Volunteer for Save Palawan Movement
Mobile:0915.642.9843
Email: savepalawanmovement@gmail.com

[Personal] Environment Philippines Wins Best Advocacy Blog for 2011 at Philippine Blog Awards

The award for best advocacy blog was given last. My gosh the tension and nervousness was just building up in me. Thank God I won! Haha

Yes, it's official! Environment Philippines has won the best advocacy blog category (national level) in the 2011 Philippine Blog Awards (PBA). Thanks so much to the PBA and this year's judges for honoring me with this recognition.

I honestly didn't think I would win. I thanked my 120+ Facebook Fans (now 130+!) and my 6 blog feed subscribers during my speech and the audience laughed along. Good thing I didn't mention my daily blog views. Haha

 Look it's me! SURPRISE! Now, you finally know what I look like...a thin Chinese dude with glasses. ^_^ I'm holding my blog award. It's a farmer riding a carabao.

Kidding aside, this win proves that content really is king when blogging for a cause. I may not have as much fans as a travel blog, fashion blog, or technology blog, but that is to be expected. Caring for the environment is not as cool as the latest iPhone or the Victoria's Secret fashion show.

And that is really the challenge of us advocacy bloggers. I may have gotten my thoughts jumbled up during my impromptu speech, but let me clarify my points here. The goal of any advocacy blog is to get other people to care about the cause one is blogging about.

With me is my good friend and fellow blogger Jules (http://www.iamjulienne.com/blog) who I invited to be my guest for the evening. Together, you can address us as Jules Verne...like the author, for those of you who don't know. ^_^

Majority of my blog visitors don't visit because they are environmentalists who enjoy reading about the wonders of Mother Nature online. They are looking for a nice piece of bamboo furniture for their living room or a nice bike to give as a present to their sons, then end up visiting my post on bamboo bikes.

It's possible that people searching for the movie Dolphin Tale may end up reading my post on the annual dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan.

Here's a group photo of the winners (or at least the ones who were present) on stage. We bloggers are so shy. We lined up ready to get shot by a firing squad of photographers, who kept yelling at us (in vain) to "compress."

When they do enter my blog on purpose or by accident, it is my hope that they will read what I have to say, look at the photos and videos, and make a comment. If they read a second post or return a second time, then that would be mission accomplished for any blogger.

Advocacy bloggers want to go one step further. They want their readers to live out the advocacy being pushed in the blog. In my case, I write an environment blog. Thus, my current tagline: Read Green. Live Greener.

And if more of my blog viewers read about the environment, and write about the environment, and live a green lifestyle then I would consider that a mission accomplished. If they influence others to do the same, then that would be a most welcome bonus as well.

Congratulations to all the nominees, finalists, and winners of the Philippine Blog Awards 2011. Hopefully, there will be more environment blogs as finalists for the advocacy category in 2012.

[News] SEAOIL Recognized for Environmental Program

SEAOIL Philippines, Inc., the country’s leading and largest independent oil company, was awarded the “Outstanding Environmental Management Program Award” by the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) at the recent Franchise Excellence Awards (FEA).   

 

The company was recognized for pioneering the use of ethanol-blended fuels in 2005 through its Biofuels Program.  In 2005, SEAOIL together with the Department of Energy and USAID launched a nationwide information campaign on the use of biofuels after the implementation of the Biofuels Act.   

 

The Filipino-owned oil firm was also the first to introduce E85 fuel, a special fuel blend containing 85 percent ethanol available in selected stations, and is being tested for Philippine National Standards certification. 

 

The FEA is one of the country's most prestigious annual events that recognize the best franchise practices across various industries and organizations, and is a member of the World Franchise Council and Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation, the group that holds the annual Franchise Asia Awards.   

 

 

(L-R): Franchise Asia 2011 conference committee chairman and Philippine Seven Corporation president Jose Victor Paterno; PFA vice-chairman and Manels Group of Companies chair Manuel Siggaoat, Sr.; SEAOIL president and CEO Francis Glenn Yu; and FEA chairman and Quisumbing Torres Law Office partner Atty. Leo Dominguez.

 

[Green Living] Environment Philippines 2011 Xmas Gift Guide

The Philippines is known for having the longest Xmas season in the world, so why not the greenest season as well? Buy your loved ones something new. Get your friends and family locally made environment-friendly presents that you can afford and they will surely love.

 

Make the world a little greener this Christmas!

Here is the Environment Philippines Xmas Gift Guide for 2011:

1. Paper Wallets by The Weekend Project

As it's name suggests, Paper Wallets are made from Tyvek, a material that looks and feels like paper. However, the material is actually recycled plastic, which is now biodegradable. Moreover, the material is lightweight, waterproof, and tear-proof.

You can choose from one of the many available designs on the Paper Wallets Facebook page or have a custom design made by The Weekend Project's team of talented graphic artists. Rates are P400 per regular wallet and P500 custom made wallet. Buy 10 wallets and get your 11th one free!

As far as I know, The Weekend Project is the only company producing Tyvek wallets in the Philippines, and the option for customization ensures that you can buy a wallet that's 100% unique. Definitely, a hip and cool xmas gift idea for your friends and family.

2. Rags2Riches Bags and Fashion Accessories

The continued success of Rags2Riches is proof that high-end fashion made from trash is definitely something Filipinos love. Designed by local fashion icons like Rajo Laurel and sold in high end fashion botiques across the Metro, these designer bags feature an eco-ethical style only found in the Philippines.

What started as a non-profit social enterprise spearheaded by Rolex Young Laureate awardee Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, Rags2Riches has grown to become a highly profitable business, providing jobs for hundreds of women not only in the Payatas area, but over 21 communities in the Metro as well.

Pair your passion for fashion with a heart for the less fortunate and for Mother Earth. Visit the Rags2Riches Facebook page and Rags2Riches official website to find the inspiring story, latest updates and fashion products the company has to offer.

3. Kilus Foundation Bags and Fashion Accessories

Did you know that bags and fashion accessories made from recycled tetra packs is all the rage in countries such as Japan and America? Would you believe that these bags, that you can buy locally for as low as P100, are being displayed alongside Louis Vuitton bags abroad?

That's right! The Kilus Foundation has been producing and exporting bags made from discarded doy packs of juice products such as Zesto. Those unafraid to wear eco fashion show off their flavors whether they be grape, orange, mango, or a rainbow of fruity colors. Others prefer to sport apparel that show-off the silver inner lining of the tetra packs.

If you or your friends are interested in eco chic fashion, then check out the Kilus Foundation official website. You can also drop by their store located at the Tiendesitas Fashion Village Section, or their office and showroom at 36 C. Santos St., Barangay Ugong, Pasig City.


4. Human Heart Nature Beauty and Wellness Products

Human Heart Nature is the number one seller of biodegradable, all-natural beauty and wellness products in the country. These products are 100% free from chemicals and 100% Philippine made.

Lipsticks, eyeshadow, massage oils, body scrubs, shampoos, and conditioners, are only some among the company's extensive line of products. They are even offering over a dozen different xmas gift sets which you can give to your love ones this holiday season. Whether you are shopping for a boy or girl, a child or adult, there is a Human Heart Nature product and gift set for you.

Visit the Human Heart Nature official website to learn more about the company and what they offer. In love with these beauty and wellness products? Find out how you can become a distributor by clicking here.

5. TreeHugger Pens and Pencils

Pens and pencils are something you use your whole life. Whether you're at school or at work it is important to have the right writing tools at your disposal. But instead of giving friends and family the same old ballpens and pencils this Christmas, why not give something different and eco-friendly.

TreeHugger pens, pencils, and highlighters are available at National Book Store, Powerbooks, and Fully Booked bookstores in the Philippines. The pencils are made from recycled newspapers, while the pens and highlighters are made from recycled cardboard and PLA corn plastic (made from corn!).

Give your loved ones something new this xmas and promote environmental awareness. Find out more on TreeHugger writing materials by visiting its official website.

[Personal] Environment Philippines a Finalist for the 2011 Philippine Blog Awards

Will Environment Philippines win as Best Advocacy Blog?

Great news! Environment Philippines is still in the running for its first ever blog award. Here's my draft speech, in case a miracle happens:

Although it was nominated for the Advocacy Category of the Philippine Blog Awards a few months back, I didn't believe my blog had a chance of making it to the finals.

Firstly, my readership is just around 100 unique viewers a day, and I hardly get any comments from them.  Most of my daily viewers are actually annoyed by my blog. Instead of finding the juicy Filipina crush fetish videos they were searching for on Google, they end up reading posts saying how evil and cruel they are.

Secondly, my posting schedule is erratic. Sometimes I post seven days a week, other times I could stop posting for almost a month. Sometimes, I have doubts - my blog isn't being read, my blog is costing me money....

And although I genuinely care about the environment, I am not a hardcore environmentalist. I don't organize or attend protests against dolphin hunting nor the deforestation in Indonesia, although I am against both and have written about my views in my blog.

I don't go on nature and environmental tours around the Philippines, unlike my blogging buddy Lexi Payumo - the author of this new blog Kayummanggeen, in which she talks about her travels and environmental escapades around the country.

And we have other high-profile persons like Jay Jaboneta and his Yellow Boat Project or Anna Oposa, who is known worldwide for her many an advocacy on social and environmental change. She also has a blog called ANNAlysis. Thank goodness, they weren't nominated, or I probably wouldn't be here today.

I'm just a simple person writing about his views and sharing news about the environment. But what I do through my blog, or at least try to do, is show that you don't have to be a hardcore environmentalist, speak in forums, and organize projects inspire others to care about the environment. You can make a difference, in your own little ways.

With a simple and well-written blog, I am able to reach readers not only in the Philippines but in other countries like America, China, Japan, and some other places I've never even heard of. And if the small percentage of readers who visit my blog (not for the intention of watching crush videos), enjoy what they read and like my blog on Facebook or leave a comment, then I believe I'm making a difference.

Who knows, one day, one of my readers will become the next Jay Jaboneta or Anna Oposa? But if I could inspire even one person who used to throw garbage out the car window to stop, and throw it in the trash can when he gets home, then that's something worth blogging for on Environment Philippines.

*All photos found using Google Images. Last three photos taken from the blogs of Lexi, Jay and Anna.

[Technology] KawayanTech Brings the Bamboo Bike to the Philippines

Bamboo Technology by KawayanTech

KawayanTech was founded on July 6, 2009, by members of the University of the Philippines Mountaineers in Diliman. They were inspired by Craig Calfee, who gave a one-week training workshop on bamboo bike making in the country during the first week of July.

Kawayan is a Filipino term for bamboo. Thus, the name KawayanTech, a group dedicated to the proliferation and development of bamboo technologies in the country - starting, of course, with bamboo bikes. Kids bikes, city, bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, and even electric bikes, all of them can be made from bamboo wood.

There are many benefits to using these wooden bikes. For instance, they are:

• lightweight - so they are easy to carry around and transport
• durable - so they can withstand more punishment than steel-framed bikes
• affordable - so you can use your money on other gear and accessories
• sustainable - in countries such as the Philippines, kawayan  is a widely available resource which can be easily grown
• environmentally-friendly - bamboo is known to store carbon dioxide, thus, preventing its release into the atmosphere.

Hopefully, the Philippines can leverage on the abundant bamboo resources we have in the country, so we can discover more uses of kawayan. In case the purchase use of bamboo bikes increases, we should also figure out a way to utilize the resource while ensuring it doesn't get depleted.

If you want to learn more about KawayanTech or buy your very own bamboo bike, do visit KawayanTech's official website. You can also send an email the UP Mountaineers through kawayantech@yahoo.com.

*photos taken from KawayanTech's website.

[News] Museo Pambata to Open Environment Themed Galleries

Museo Pambata Now Features Environment and Under the Sea Themed Rooms

If you studied grade school in Metro Manila like I did, then you've probably visited the Museo Pambata in Roxas Boulevard, at least once or twice. The museum's environment-themed room has been undergoing renovations. The new and improved room will be reopening at 10am on December 2, 2011.

Two other rooms will be opening. First, is the Under the Sea room which will feature the water resources and wonders of the Philippines. Moreover, it will also introduce visitors to the country's indigenous underwater flora and fauna.

Introducing Museo Pambata's Very Own Herbal Garden

Second, is a herbal garden which will feature the many spices and herbs that can be grown with minimal space, perfect for ones backyard or even one's balcony.

Hopefully, these efforts will inspire a new generation of Filipino youth to care for the environment and actively seek to protect it. It might even encourage others to plant their own herbal gardens at home.

Do attend the opening of the 3 new learning spaces of the Museo Pambata. Here are some relevant contact information in case you want to get in touch with museum representatives:

Contact:

CHIE SALES-ROMAN or JIANA DENISE DEFENSOR

Museo Pambata Foundation, Inc.
Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive, Manila, Philippines 1000
Tel (632) 523-1797 / 523-1798 local 5 / 536-0595  Fax (632) 522-1246
Mobile (0917) 5206459 (Chie)
E-mail: info@museopambata.org / chieroman@gmail.com

Visit our website at www.museopambata.org

Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/museopambata

[Business] George Optical Helps the Less Fortunate Through G.O. Green Campaign

George Optical Wants Your Old Eyeglasses

What do you do with old eyeglasses you don't need anymore? Do you just throw them away or leave them discarded around the house? George Optical, through its G.O. Green Campaign, has been collecting old eyeglasses since April 1, 2010.

This campaign seeks to promote to eyeglass wearers the importance of environmental protection through recycling. However, the optical store chain isn't going to refurbish these frames and resell them to customers.

George Co Sr. Foundation to Refurbish and Donate Old Eyeglasses to Charitable Groups

 After being refurbished, these eyeglasses will be donated for the use of various organizations such as The Missionaries of Charity, and the charity patients of the ophthalmology division of the Cardinal Santos Medical Center and the University of Santo Tomas.

The George Co Sr. Foundation will cover the costs for repairing and distributing the eyeglasses. If you have old eyeglasses, care about the environment, and want to help the less fortunate, you can do so by dropping-off your old eye wear in any George Optical branch.

What if you don't shop at this eye wear store chain? That's not a problem because no purchase is required for you to make a donation. For more information on this eco project and other offerings, please visit the website of George Optical.

[Technology] BenQ Projectors' Smart Eco Mode Saves on Energy, Provides Better Image Quality

BenQ Projectors Have Multiple Energy Saving Features

Through its Smart Eco Mode, BenQ Projectors now feature additional energy saving features. Firstly, the environmentally friendly mode allows the projector's to use only the exact amount of energy needed to project the image. Moreover, this lengthens the lifespan of the projector lamp.

What this means is that you get to save money on your electric bills and the maintenance cost for your projects. You benefit from this while helping the environment at the same time.

BenQ Projector Can Lessen Energy Consumption by 70% While on Standby

 Top photo is projected using normal mode which consumes 296W of power.

Bottom photo projected using Smart Eco Mode features richer colors yet uses only 163W of power.

When your projector screen is not in use, just blank the screen and lower your projector's energy consumption by 70%. In case you forget to manually switch to Eco Blank Mode, your projector will automatically lower lamp brightness down to 30% after three minutes of idle time.

Again, this allows you to save on money and contribute to environmental protection. The best thing about Projectors by BenQ, though, is that they can function on Smart Eco Mode while projecting superior quality images.

Thus, there is no need for you to compromise on quality or spend more money to be eco friendly when buying your next projector. No wonder this BenQ is the number one Digital Light Processing (DLP) projector brand in the Philippines.

Visit the BenQ Philippines Facebook Page for information on the latest products and promos the company's offering.