We all Need An Eco Lifestyle Change

6. Commit to not wasting. Wasting resources costs the planet and your wallet. Don't overheat or overcool your home--a few degrees make a huge difference. Let your clothes hang dry instead of using the dryer. Take half the trips but stay twice as long. If your old cell phone works, consider not getting another. Repair instead of rebuy. The list goes on and on.

No Impact Man's Top Ten Eco-Lifestyle Changes is an amazing post which outlines an easily doable way to do our share to save the planet. I especially love reading this blog because it shows a daily account of the constant struggle and determination one can/must have to truly do his/her part. Thank you, Colin, for showing us the weay through example and a steadfast optimism of what we can do in our power to help out! Yes, we can people!

What's the Big Deal with Forgetting Your Reusable Bags?

When you're in the checkout line getting ready to give in by allowing your ten grocery items to be packed into ten different plastic bags, consider this:

The number of marine mammals that die each year because of eating or being entangled in plastic bags is estimated to be around 100,000 in the North Pacific Ocean alone.

Between 500 billion and 1 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide each year. Between 60 and 100 million barrels of oil are required to make those plastic bags each year.

Read More >>

Russian supermodel's playful ambition

LONDON, (England) CNN -- Natalia Vodianova is best known as the supermodel who has graced the cover of Vogue, walked the catwalk for the likes of Chanel and Versace.

Supermodel Natalia Vodianova's charity plans to build hundreds of play parks for children in her native Russia.


But Vodianova has a dream that couldn't be further from the glitzy world of fashion -- to build 500 play parks in her native Russia, through the Naked Heart Foundation.

Vodianova, born and raised in Russia, was in the country during the 2004 Beslan school siege, in which at least 339 hostages, around half of them children, were killed. Read More>>

Say no to nukes!

The next few weeks will spell the difference between a nuclear disaster and a clean renewable energy future for Filipinos.


The pushers of nuclear energy in congress want to vote on moving forward with the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) before congress closes in the first week of June, with the foolish argument that the outdated and unsafe facility can address both climate change and energy security.

The truth is you can't solve one problem by creating another. If you believe that Nuclear Power is more of a hazard, please sign the petition at http://www.greenpeace.org/seasia/en/no-nukes/. Personally,i believe that Nuclear power is not the solution. The key to energy security and climate change is Renewable Energy and energy efficiency. And the best thing about it is: we already have a renewable energy law - so we don't need to revive outdated technology like the BNPP! Let us think of renewable solutions instead of reviving a 30-year old, decommissioned plant.

http://www.greenpeace.org/seasia/en/no-nukes/

Rethink, RockEd

RETHINK is an information and informed dialogue campaign of Rock Ed Philippines. http://rockedrethink.multiply.com

Rock Ed Philippines is a duly registered non-stock, non-profit organization under the SEC-Philippines. Concept source & copyright Gang Badoy 2009. RETHINK logo design by 27+20 design boutique. You are free to re-post or cut and paste the logo as a whole, credit to copyright also required.

contact: info@rockedphilippines.org or 0917-7346742 /Formal launch coming soon. JUNE 10. @Route 196.

China's Electronic Waste Village

image courtesy of TIME.com
A staggering look at e-waste and how it slowly poisons us, via TIME.com

City bike-sharing picks up speed

from CNN Eco Solutions

The concept of community bike-sharing involves an individual checking out a bicycle from one of several public locations (such as a docked station) and returning it at another location. The principle is to provide an alternative or complementary form of public transport to cover short journeys within city limits.

Think reduced carbon-dioxide pollution, smoother traffic flow and a healthier commute.

After all, 94 percent of Parisian bike-sharers can't be wrong.

Read more..

Ed Begley, Jr. and Sophie Uliano to Make Special Appearances

West Chester, Pa., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 22, QVC will commemorate the 39th anniversary of Earth Day with a special 24-hour celebration of programming, featuring innovative products to help its customers save energy and money -- and even the planet. QVC will also welcome actor and environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. and "Gorgeously Green" author Sophie Uliano to share tips on how to live more green.

"We realize everyone has different shades of green, which is why we're happy to welcome Ed Begley, Jr. and Sophie Uliano to QVC to show us how we can make a meaningful difference, one step at a time," said QVC's President of U.S. Commerce Claire Watts. "We will also offer some unique solutions that will help encourage sustainable living."

Ed Begley, Jr., star of the award-winning hit series "Living with Ed" and author of "Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life," is scheduled to make his QVC debut at 7 PM (ET) and 10 PM (ET), to demonstrate and share ways to reduce impact on the planet. He will also offer shoppers the opportunity to order the Bayes Waterless Car Wash (QVC Item #V28583) and the Oxygenics TriSpa Multi-Spray Chrome Showerhead (QVC Item #V28740 and #V28741).

Additionally, Sophie Uliano, author of "Gorgeously Green" (QVC Item #F190838), will return to QVC with her book "The Gorgeously Green Diet, How to Live Lean and Green" (QVC Item #F06948). She is also scheduled to make several appearances on QVC throughout the day (12 AM, 7 AM, 9 AM, 3 PM and 10 PM - all eastern time) to share tips with viewers on how to live a more Earth-friendly life, including:

-- Whittle Away Waste: Reduce waste by composting fruit and vegetable scraps. Keep a compost crock, such as Sophie's One-Gallon Ceramic Kitchen Compost Crock (QVC Item #K23823), on the kitchen counter so scraps can be added while cooking. Then simply transfer the contents to an outdoor compost bin when full.

-- Produce in a Pinch: Baby salad leaves and herbs are easy to grow and taste so much better when they haven't traveled thousands of miles to reach the salad bowl - all one needs is a small planter, some potting soil and seeds. Toss up the perfect salad with the Preserve Set of Three Recycled Mixing Bowls (QVC Item #K24086).

-- B.Y.O.Bags: Whenever possible, avoid using disposable plastic bags. For shopping trips, consider tagging along Sophie's ChicoBag Set of Three "Gorgeously Green" Bags and One Vita Bag (QVC Item #V28688).

-- Reuse and Repeat: Pack a lunch each day to avoid unnecessary packaging and expense. All that is required is a one-time investment in an insulated lunchbox, reusable containers, real flatware, a cloth napkin and a water bottle. For larger gatherings, consider storing meals in Chantal's Natural Glaze Make & Take Casserole Dish (QVC Item #K23834). Perfect for brownies, soups and sides, the sealed silicone lid keeps food from spilling and ensures that food stays fresh.

-- A Bright Idea: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, if every American home replaced just one light bulb with an Energy Star-qualified bulb, there would be enough energy saved to light more than three million homes for a year. Consider switching to a DuraBright EcoSave SuperBulb (QVC Item #V28462).

In addition to the special guest appearances, QVC will feature a lineup of programming, devoted to helping the QVC customer live greener. These include items from brands such as The Good Home Co., Tarte, Ojon and 100% Pure.

Earth Day products will be available through QVC at 800.345.1515 or QVC.com, while supplies last.

About QVC

QVC, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation attributed to the Liberty Interactive Group (Nasdaq: LINTA), is one of the largest multimedia retailers in the world. QVC is committed to providing its customers with thousands of the most innovative and contemporary beauty, fashion, jewelry and home products. Its programming is distributed to more than 166 million homes worldwide. The company's Web site, QVC.com, is ranked among the top general merchant Internet sites. With subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan, West Chester, Pa.-based QVC has shipped more than a billion packages in its 22-year history. QVC, Q, and the Q Ribbon Logo are registered service marks of ER Marks, Inc.

Philippine fisherman catch and eat a megamouth shark

picture courtesy of AFP



A MEGAMOUTH shark, one of the world's most elusive species, was caught, carved up and eaten by fishermen from a town in the Philippines, the environmental conservation group WWF said today.

So rare are megamouth shark sightings that each find is given a number - this one, caught by fishermen from the coastal town of Donsol - was the 41st ever seen or captured in the world.

But Elson Aca, a Donsol WWF representative, said it was butchered and its meat sauteed in coconut milk as a local delicacy, against the organisation's device.

Read More>>

Holy Week Reminders

Greenpeace would like to share some green tips to make your holiday a gratifying experience.

1. Unplug appliances at home: Save energy by switching off and unplugging all electrical appliances you before you leave your home.
2. Reduce waste: bring your own bag when you go out, say no to plastic – straws, bags and sachets.
3. Bottle your own water. Bring your own refillable container instead of buying plastic bottles that will go straight to a landfill when you're finished.
4. No natural souvenirs: Do not disturb the natural ecosystem by bringing home sand, rocks or shells for decoration.
5. Be green even if the hotel isn’t - Turn off lights and air conditioning when you leave the room.

Simple lang, save energy, reduce waste and walk more. It’s easy and it helps the planet.

Elephant and Chickpea elegant!

These gorgeous slippers are not only lovely to the feet (and eyes) but also made of natural and recycled fabrics. Amazing stuff from elephant and chickpea. :-D

Earth Tweet

Tweet your eco-deeds with Earth Tweet, and share the love. Follow the tweets and be inspired. :-) Everyday is Happy Earth day !

EARTH DAY on March 28!

On 28 March 2009 at 8:30 pm, the lights will go off for one hour – the Earth Hour – in cities and towns all over the world.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.


In support of this global initiative, we are urging you to switch off the majority or all of the lights in your homes on Saturday, 28 March 2009 from 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm, and encourage your families and friends to take the same actions.

Please also sign up as Filipinos at the global website of the Earth Hour: www.earthhour.org to ensure that your participation is officially counted. In so doing, you will be sending a powerful global message that YES, I care and I will take action on global warming.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.

Otesha Project: cycling to save the world

The Otesha Project was dreamed up by two young Canadians, Jessica Lax and Jocelyn Land-Murphy at the tend of a gap year in Kenya. They were concerned at the lack of opportunities for young Kenyans whilst they had a much more optimistic future. They wanted to take the message of sustainable living in a fairer world to young Canadians, which they did by organising cycle tours across Canada and putting on plays and discussions in community centres, schools, campuses, festivals and other locations. What's a more powerful way of getting the message out to young people than a bunch of young people arriving by bicycle and performing a humorous play and providing simple and effective ideas for what other people could do to help make a better world. “Otesha” means “reason to dream” in Ki-Swahili.

Otesha came to the UK in 2007, where it is run by young Canadian Liz McDowell. Their latest campaign features Jeremy Clarkson, presenter of the BBC hit TV show “Top Gear”, which is seriously pro-car. Find out more at: www.onyourbikejeremy.org

Join in the next UK cycle tour: http://otesha.org.uk/53/introduction/cycle-tours.html

Find out more about Otesha and download their amazing handbooks at:
www.otesha.ca

(for the Canadian version), and
www.otesha.org.uk

(for the UK version).

- from the 365 ways March 2009 newsletter

Help us Bail out the Planet

Dear friends,

On Tuesday, three hundred and forty concerned citizens gathered in Brussels to block the exits of the building where European finance ministers were discussing funding for climate change. We wanted to keep them inside until they came up with money to tackle climate change in developing countries.

European leaders recognise that rich countries must provide funds to developing nations so that they can reduce greenhouse gas emmissions and adapt to climate change. So far, they have not put a single euro on the table. Each country’s contribution towards a climate bailout plan is based on its ability to pay and its level of responsibility in causing climate change. Based on this, European governments should contribute €35 billion a year by 2020, the equivalent of just €1.30 a week per European citizen. The price of a bus ticket.

In spite of our best efforts, ministers continued to dither yesterday. Once all of the protesters had been arrested, they managed to leave the building without committing a cent of public money. Instead they had made an empty promise for investments from the private sector, which they can neither predict nor control.

Now it is up to Heads of States to make the final decision at the EU Summit next week, 19-20 March. If they also fail to come up with solid financial support, it will threaten the success of a deal at the UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen this December. And that will literally cost us the earth.

The Polish government is being particularly obstructive to progress. It is avoiding the funding issue and does not want to take the responsibility for its huge emissions and contribution to climate change.

Help us to convince polish Prime Minister Mr. Tusk not to block the climate change deal.

Mr. Tusk talks of solidarity. Without global solidarity we will not solve the climate crisis. Send him an e-mail asking him to live up to his words by showing solidarity to developing countries’ efforts to avert and adapt to climate change.

No money, no deal, no future.
Every letter is important.

Thank you for your attention,

Eoin, Agnes & the entire Climate Team
Greenpeace International

Rare bird found---then eaten

A rare bird was found and photographed for the first time ---then eaten. How terrible is that!??!!!! We should really learn to protect our resources! Pakiusap, mga kababayan, maging aktibo tayo sa laban para sa kalikasan! (My fellow Filipinos, let us be vigilant in our fight for the environment) Awareness is the first step. If we choose to be ignorant, we lose everything...

The Wave of the Future

A Scottish company will deploy sausage-shaped tubes off Portugal to create the world's first commercial wave power plant, providing electricity to 1,500 homes from 2006, a partner in the Scottish firm said on Friday.

Read More >>

Rain Barrels Idea

"Rain Barrels -- Save water the old-fashioned way, with a few of these plastic gallon-catchers. Know that all your water will be going to good use, and it helps recycle. Rain barrels are available in different sizes from 20 gallons to the whopping 65-gallon models. Single barrel prices start at $114.95."
-Being Ed, PlanetGreen.com

Taking cue from this, include that in your household to save water and recycle water for other things. Being in a tropical country, we are blessed with rainy seasons where the water overflows, and a very humid and hot season where water is scarce at times.

This rain barrel not only gives us a chance to save the environment, it also saves money. Accumulate rain water to clean out your garage/sinks/etc., water your plants or clean your car. Just remember to keep the barrels covered to make sure you don't grow mosquitos!

Protecting the Blue Heart of the Planet

An Amazing and Inspiring Talk by Sylvia Earle on protecting the Blue Heart of the Planet

Sylvia Earle, called "Hero for the Planet" by Time, is an oceanographer, explorer, author, and lecturer with a deep commitment to research through personal exploration.

"We've got to somehow stabilize our connection to nature so that in 50 years from now, 500 years, 5,000 years from now there will still be a wild system and respect for what it takes to sustain us."

No to the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant!

Dear friend,

Lawmakers in the Philippines are recently going all out to promote nuclear power.

Recently they have proposed a House Bill to revive the 'mothballed' Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).

Nuclear power is the most dangerous and most expensive source of electricity. And it is not the solution to climate change.

That's why we would like you to join us in saying NO TO BNPP.

As a valued Greenpeace supporter, we're inviting you to come along this Sunday and help us create a "human banner" as a symbol of solidarity with the people of Bataan.

Where: Sunken Garden of the University of the Philippines in Diliman

When: 8am this Sunday, February 22, 2009

We will use this image and your support to send a strong message to our lawmakers: "NO TO BNPP".

If you would like to be part of this activity, please confirm your attendance by Thursday, by calling Supporter Services at (02)4146512 local 102, 103, 104. You can also reply to this email together with the names of your friends or family who can attend.

Hope to see you there!

Peace,

Francis Dela-Cruz
Public Campaigns Coordinator
Greenpeace Philippines