[News] The Philippines 42nd Greenest Country Among 132, According to 2012 EPI

EPI 2012 Ranks the Philippines as a 'Strong Performer' in Being Environmental

(taken from cebutriptours.com)

Good news! The Philippines has recently been identified as the 42nd greenest country in the world by the 2012 Environmental Performance Index (EPI). Our country got a score of 57.4, below Portugal's 57.64 and South Korea's 57.2. Thus, the country has been labelled as a 'strong performer.'

(taken from surigaodelsur.net)

The EPI was drafted by Columbia University and Yale University, in partnership with the European Commission and World Economic Forum's Joint Research Center. All 132 countries included in the list were graded according to 22 performance indicators. They were then ranked as either strongest performers, strong performers, modest performers, weaker performers, and weakest performers.

The five strongest performers were:

(taken from designpinoy.com)

1. Switzerland (76.69)
2. Latvia (70.37)
3. Norway (69.92)
4. Luxembourg (69.2)
5. Costa Rica (69.03)

Meanwhile, the five weakest performers were:

(taken from blogs.sacbee.com)

1. Iraq (25.32)
2. Turkmenistan (31.75)
3. Uzbekistan (32.24)
4. Kazakhstan (32.94)
5. South Africa (34.55)

Click here to see the complete EPI 2012 rankings.

Shocking Results in EPI Analysis of the Philippines?

(taken from lightseepsthrough.blogspot.com)

Looking at the detailed EPI country profile of the Philippines, you will see how the country was ranked based on various categories. Some results, were expected, like the no. 1 ranking we got for agriculture. However, getting a no. 1 ranking for forest cover is quite perplexing. Does this mean that we have the best implementation of anti-illegal logging laws in the world? I don't think so.

(taken from nationsenyclopeida.com)

We also got pretty good score for outdoor pollution, which might be possible if they took into consideration the whole country, and not just Metro Manila. We also under-exploit fish stocks, according to the EPI report. Overall, our fishing industry got a ranking of 30. Not bad, if it's true.

We even rank high in biosystem diversity, because of how we protect our critical habitats, how we safeguard marine protected areas.

On the flip side, we have to improve on areas such as water sanitation, child mortality (as expected), and indoor pollution (so that's where all the smog went!), where we ranked very low in.  

Want to learn more? You can find lots of downloadable content including the full EPI 2012 report here.

[Green Living] Kitchen Revolution - 'Making Vegetables Look and Taste Sexy, One Dish at a Time'

Kitchen Revolution, is a food blog owned and written by Marie Gonzalez. I learned about Marie, her blog, and her cooking classes/workshops, while searching for past episodes of ANC's Green Living TV.

 Marie Gonzalez

Now, I've subscribed to post-by-post updates from her food and healthy living blog. Marie is a an advocate for plant-based or vegan food which she says contributes to happier animals, a happier earth, and a happier you.

Through her blog, readers will find advice on how to live green from what they eat to what they drink. Moreover, they will receive updates on the latest cooking classes and cooking workshops organized and facilitated by Marie herself.

 Kitchen Revolution Cooking Classes for February 2012

That's right! You can sign-up for Marie's workshops in Alabang, which she holds several times a month. There, you can learn how to prepare the most delectable and healthy vegan recipes and plant-based recipes. Those interested can get in touch with Marie through email (info@kitchenrevolution.ph) and SMS (0917-89145086).

 Cupcakes have never been this green and healthy!

Learn how to prepare dishes so tasty, nobody will believe they're vegan!

Marie studied at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts in New York. Then she trained at "Pure Food and Wine (a raw vegan restaurant) and Dirt Candy (a vegetarian restaurant)." Aside from being a restaurant owner, chef, lecturer, and blogger, she also writes regularly for Yummy Magazine. 

For more information on Marie and Kitchen Revolution, do visit the Kitchen Revolution blog, and the Kitchen Revolution Facebook page. You can also follow Marie Gonzales on Twitter.


*All photos taken from the Kitchen Revolution blog or Facebook page.

[Technology] Water Powered Alarm Clocks for a Greener Home

For those of us, who can't wake up in the morning without our personal alarm clocks, here's a new way to go green. Use water powered alarm clocks and lessen the money you spend and waste you produce when using disposable batteries.

 (Photo taken from www.envirogadget.com)

H20 powered alarm clocks function like regular alarm clocks. You just need to fill them with ordinary tap water and they can function for months, or even a year. You can buy clocks in different colors, shapes, sizes. More expensive clocks have additional features like countdown timers, thermometers, large LCD displays, and classy designs.

 (Photo taken from www.thefairtradingcompany.com)

They would make a great addition to your green home, and could be affordable and unique presents for your love ones or giveaways during an event or workshop. For more environmental gift ideas check out my 2011 Xmas gift guide.

(Photo taken from www.annesaeonlane.wordpress.com)

Search online and you will find lots of producers and sellers of these green alarm clocks. For example, Bedol is a company that sells various eco-friendly stuff, including green water clocks. Check out their video and see how easy it is to use their clocks:

[Technology] USBCell - Green Energy with Rechargeable USB Batteries

USBCell, a revolutionary product from Moxia Energy Ltd., now serves as a greener and more affordable alternative to traditional batteries and even rechargeable batteries. 

An estimated 15 billion batteries are thrown away each year. These are batteries which contain toxic chemicals that endanger all forms of life. The use of rechargeable batteries never became mainstream because it was too inconvenient to carry a charger with you everywhere you go.

USBCell AA batteries are more convenient because you can just plug them on your PC or notebook's USB port, whether you are at home, school, work, or even on-the-go. It takes around 5 hours to fully charge a battery, and this battery can be recharged hundreds of times. Moreover, these NiMH batteries don't break down due to partial charging, so you can just plug it in and out as you please.

These batteries can power the today's modern devices including digital cameras, MP3 players, wireless keyboards, wireless mice, battery-operated toys, and the list goes on. The USB-charged batteries can be bought and various packages as seen in the USBCell website.

Now, AAA batteries, 9V cell batteries, and several cellular phone battery sizes are now being sold by Moxia Energy as well. For those interested in buying, you can also check-out USBCell on Amazon, where the product now ranks 4.5 out of 5 stars, after 52 reviews.

Hopefully, more people will begin using products like this to reduce the number of traditional batteries being thrown away each year. 

[Green Living] Jaime Zobel, Greater Good Apparel Launch Fashion Wear for the Environment

Jaime Zobel de Ayala, chairman emeritus of Ayala Corporation partnered with the Greater Good Apparel team in conceptualizing a new line of fashion wear that makes an environmental statement.

 

On December 2, 2012, the "Jaime Zobel x Greater Good Collection" was launched in support of Haribon Foundation's Road to 2020 initiative - "an environmental conservation movement to restore 1 million hectares of rainforests using native tree species by the year 2020."

You contribute to the planting of three seedlings each time you purchase a shirt from a Greater Good Apparel concept store in SM Mall of Asia or SM North Edsa. Moreover, you get to wear a fashionable outfit featuring a photograph by Jaime Zobel de Ayala.

Truly, caring for the environment has never looked this good. For more information on this initiative, do visit the website of Greater Good Apparel, and like them on Facebook.

Want a green bag to match your eco-shirt? Take a look at these high-fashion handbags made from water hyacinth leather, from local bag manufacturer Jacinto and Lirio.

[News] Globe Donates P1 Million to WWF's Philippine Fund for Nature

  

 Globe Corporate Social Responsibility Head Rob I. Nazal (middle) receives the certificate of donation 

from WWF-Philippines Chairman Vicente S. Perez (left) 

and WWF-Philippines Vice Chairman and President Jose Ma. Lorenzo P. Tan

Globe Telecom further strengthens its environmental advocacy through a partnership with World Wildlife Fund - Philippines, starting with a donation of P1 million to WWF’s Philippine Fund for Nature and a possible collaboration on eco-tourism using Globe GCASH.

Philippine Fund for Nature is designed to ensure long term growth of the WWF-Philippines-wide range of projects directed towards preserving the country’s natural resources.  WWF Philippines aims to establish a special endowment fund of P200 million for PFN.

“The major gift will not only help secure the financial sustainability of the organization but will also enable us to sustain in the long run our key projects which help conserve our biodiversity and help mitigate the impact of human footprint on our environment.  More importantly, it will help assure that future generations will enjoy a living planet,” said Vicente S. Perez, WWF-Philippine Chairman in his letter to Globe President and CEO Ernest L. Cu.

 

The financial support is just the beginning of a partnership between Globe and WWF – Philippines. Aside from the P1 M donation, Globe through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm Globe Bridging Communities (BridgeCom) is closely working with WWF in developing GCASH Ecoturismo (GCASH for nature), a program that will harness the use of GCASH electronic cash transfer service for the promotion and facilitation of ecotourism-related customer spending in key local conservation and ecotourism sites.

“Globe is fully aware that the effects of climate change can impact our network directly as its implications to society and to the operations and growth of businesses are felt more than ever.  This is why we continue to work hand-in-hand with various environmental organizations like WWF-Philippines in ensuring that we are able to protect our biodiversity.  At the same time, we would like to tap our core services such as GCASH to directly help the community and environment conservation efforts around the Philippines,” said Rob I. Nazal, Head of Globe CSR.

 

GCASH Ecoturismo will be a valuable service in pristine but remote sites since it allows travelers to purchase goods and services as well as withdraw funds from participating GCASH outlets in the local communities where there are no Automated Teller Machines or credit card facilities.  

According to WWF’s latest Living Planet Report, global biodiversity dropped by 30 percent from 1970 to 2007 while global carbon footprint increased by over 30 percent since 1998.  In the latest United Nations’ World Risk Index, the Philippines ranked third among the most disaster-vulnerable countries worldwide behind Tonga and Vanuatu.

[Green Living] SNAP Hydroponics - An Introduction to Soil-Less Gardening

Hydroponics is basically the growing of plants without using any soil. Instead, nutrients are added to the plant's water source in place of the soil would have provided. This soil-less system of gardening is growing in popularity across the globe and in the Philippines, as a method of urban gardening.

Look at how clean this hydroponics setup looks!

Taken from http://tropicalgarden.org/

SNAP Hydroponics or Simple Nutrient Additional Program for Hydroponics is a beginner-friendly system that has become popular in the country. It is a low cost system that works best for home-based urban gardens. Moreover, this program has an added green aspect because 90% of the materials used in growing plants using the SNAP method are recycled.

Those thinking of starting a hydroponics business would be wise to consider using this method as well. In fact, return on investment could come as early as one year after starting the business.

Tomato plant hydroponic sowing tray photo taken from

http://geekgardener.in/2010/04/18/growing-tomatoes-in-growbags-hydroponic-way/

Only four materials are needed to start growing your seeds, to be used it the setup:

1. Sowing Tray - a shallow box or basin with holes at the bottom for drainage.
2. Growing Media - you can choose from charcoal-ed rice hull, aged coconut coir dust, saw dust, and fine sand
3. Seeds - depending on what you want to plant
4. SNAP Nutrient Solution - to be mixed with the water

Now that you have your setup ready, here are the steps to growing your seeds:

1. Fill the sowing tray with growing media, at least 1-inch thick (make sure it is leveled)
2. Place the seeds uniformly and thinly depending on your needs
3. Water your seeds as needed. They should germinate within 3 to 5 days
4. Transfer seedlings to growing cups after 10 days.

 Photo taken from http://hydroqueen.multiply.com/

But wait! This is only the beginning. You still need to prepare your seedling plugs and growing boxes, before running the SNAP Hydroponics system itself. 

For complete information on how to use the urban gardening system, read How to Setup SNAP Hydroponics, a 2-page PDF guide created by PJA Santos and ETM Ocampo, from the Institute of Plant Breeding at UP Los Baños.

[Business] Starbucks Shared Planet - Why Starbucks is so Green

Starbucks Coffee is Green in Ways Big and Small

I'm a Starbucks Coffee addict, and I've been so for years. Ever since they opened a branch at Lee Gardens, I've countless hours studying, reading, and writing there, back when I was in college and even now that I'm working. All this time, I had no idea Starbucks had huge green initiatives.

I knew about their no-smoking policy, even by the tables outdoors. I noticed when they stopped offering tissue together with the sugar and cream (all they give you is one square, and you have to personally request for more). I'm also aware of the small discount they give when you bring your own Starbucks mug or Starbucks tumbler, instead of the regular paper or plastic ones they put coffee in.

It was only when I read a copy of the Starbucks Shared Planet brochure, that I realized they were doing so much more behind the scenes. "You and Starbucks. It's bigger than Coffee." If everything written on their brochure and their Starbucks Shared Planet Website is accurate, then this coffee company might be one of the greenest on the planet.

Starbucks Environmental and Social Goals for 2015

Interestingly, Starbucks plans to complete most of its green goals by the year 2015. These goals include the following:

• Buying 100% responsibly grown (for the environment) and ethically traded (for the farmers) coffee
• Using 100% recyclable or reusable coffee cups
• Having 100% LEED certified company structures
• Being able to contribute at least 1 million service hours worldwide - per year (for all employees worldwide)

Uploaded by Starbucks on Apr 16, 2011

In order to accomplish these goals and more, Starbucks Coffee has partnered with groups like Conservation International,  which helps societies protect their local ecosystems, and the Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International, which promotes fairer trading conditions for farmers and workers.

Hopefully, Starbucks will succeed in its environmental and social goals, so they can serve as an example to other multinational companies, on how to do global business sustainably and profitably.

[Architecture] Ayala Land Invests in Green Roofs for Malls

 The Ayala Terraces Cebu garden is so beautiful at night. The 4-level structure

is equipped with clestories, windows that prevent the entry of direct sunlight into the mall

Ayala Land, as part of its ongoing sustainability campaign, has integrated varieties of green roofing systems onto its newest malls and mall annexes. Greenbelt 5, TriNoma, Market! Market!, and Ayala Center Cebu's the Terraces, are all equipped with green roofs.

Honestly, most mall goers probably won't notice that the roofs of their favorite malls are environmentally friendly unless they find out from another source. It just all looks so natural to the naked eye. Nevertheless, these green roofs are useful, and more than just pleasing to the eye.

 Greenbelt 5's roof garden provides a splash of green amidst a sea of grey.

For example, the roof garden on top of Greenbelt 5 effectively helps lower mall temperature indoors. This leads to less energy consumption when running the air conditioning system, and more savings on the part of Ayala. Also, roof gardens also absorb rainwater, lessening the chance of flooding in nearby areas.

 TriNoma is green both inside and out. The roof allows sunlight to enter

while keeping the heat from coming in.

Green roofs, like the one in TriNoma can also be used for activities like photo shoots and special dinners.Thus, it can serve as a source for extra income as well. Indeed, more mall and building owners - and maybe even homeowners - should follow the example of Ayala Land, and experiment with eco-friendly technologies like green roofs.

 Hyroponics roof garden photo taken from www.cityfarmer.info

Maybe they can plant herbs using hydroponics, the method of growing plants using mineral nutrients instead of soil. Modern green roofs are now lightweight, so they can be safely integrated onto existing roofs. Definitely something to think about before engaging in your next architectural project.

[Event] Join the First WWF Dolphin Mural Painting Marathon this February 2012

The World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) will be holding the first ever Dolphin Mural Painting Marathon on February 18, 2012. It will be held from 7am to 6pm at the Glorietta 4 Dolphin Park in Makati City.

Famous dolphin mural artist and WWF hero AG Saño and the Dolphins Love Freedom Network will join the participants in painting walls in support of dolphin freedom and animal rights across the globe. Besides painting murals, passers-by can also have their faces painted, photographs taken (in photo booths) and get Henna tattoos for free!

The registration fee for those who want to paint dolphin murals is only P300 per person, inclusive of painting materials. Interested parties may register at the WWF booth located at the Glorietta 3 lobby from February 4-17, 2012, visit the WWF main office (Unit 1702, 88 Corporate Center, Valero corner Sedeño streets, Salcedo Village, Makati City), or email adopt@wwf.org.ph.

Please visit this WWF-Philippines website for more details on the mural painting marathon.