Help Pacific with climate change, NGO urges - Fiji Times Online

"Help Pacific with climate change, NGO urges

Monday, August 18, 2008

Update: 10:20AM A group of over 100 non-government organisations is calling for Australia and New Zealand to do more to help the Pacific with climate change ahead of this week's Pacific Islands Leadership Forum.

Radio Australia reports that a letter setting out an action plan for dealing with the displacement of Pacific Islanders has been sent to Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark.

The leaders will be discussing climate change at a meeting in New Zealand tomorrow before the forum.

Damien Lawson, from Friends of the Earth Australia, said both countries need concrete plans for resettlement and migration."

Help Pacific with climate change, NGO urges - Fiji Times Online

Grist is the Colbert Report of climate change

By ERIC ROSTON

Grist is the Colbert Report of climate change, the Daily Show of deforestation, the Oprah of oil dependency — except with real reporting and analytical journalism.

Also, Grist staffers have never had a dust-up with David Letterman. (Not yet.) The e-zine delivers news and news-you-can-use on pivotal topics — with punny, sometimes corny headlines, such as "Diversifying Your Stalk Portfolio," a recent article on hunters and climate change, or "Let's Call the Coal Thing Off," a take on the growing popularity of "coal-bashing."

One of the site's most visited and handiest features should be bookmarked in every climate-defender's browser: Coby Beck's comprehensive rebuttal to all global-warming naysayers, "How to Talk to a Climate Skeptic."

Sample Grist humor: You might want to sit down for this: Al Gore will announce his candidacy for president this week, knowledgeable sources tell Grist. There's an inconvenient truth for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Gore believes the two Democrats and Republican John McCain aren't giving climate change the urgent attention it deserves, so he's decided to go for the job himself, say Gore advisors who requested anonymity as they aren't authorized to speak to the press. (The story ran on April Fools' Day.)

Grist - The Environment - TIME

Tips for a greener workplace

Tips for a greener workplace

How to adopt environmentally sound practices at work

We are becoming increasingly eco aware, making simple changes in our everyday lives to create a greener lifestyle. But should these changes be made at home only? Let’s not forget that we sometimes spend less time at home and more time somewhere else- the workplace. We should be thinking of what actions we can take to save energy and resources at work, and expand our green horizons.With that goal in mind, let’s consider the following when adopting work policies:

Paper: We can purchase paper with postconsumer recycled content and the minimum of chlorine bleaching. To reduce paper waste, we can also print double sides of each page, and use misprints to make notes. Instead of giving employees copies of company manuals or notices, we could try to post all material online or use a company notice board.

Lighting and heating: We should switch lights off when we’re not in the room. According to research, energy use for lighting could be reduced by up to 30% by switching lights off in unoccupied areas in the workplace. We can also install low-energy light bulbs, which last up to 10 times longer than the traditional kind. In the winter months, we should heat only those areas in use. For hot days, let’s try opening the windows rather than turning on the air conditioning.

Computers and other electronics: We can adjust the energy saving settings on the computer, and remember that “standby” settings will continue to draw power even when not in use. Printers and other peripherals that are only used occasionally can be unplugged until they’re needed, and the computer can be shut down during lunch hour. If we can, let’s request a laptop, as they consume around 85% less energy than desktops even when plugged in. We should also unplug all electronics after hours, since they use energy while they're plugged in, even when switched off.

Bathrooms: We can have our bathrooms stocked with postconsumer recycled tissue products, use cloth towels instead of paper towels, and install faucet aerators and low-flow toilets.

Food: Bringing lunch to work in reusable containers is healthier and greener, and avoids all the packaging waste resulting from deliveries. We can switch to Fair Trade and organic coffee and tea, and use our own mugs, dishes, and utensils when eating in the workplace.

Recycling and greener materials: Not only paper, but also cans, ink cartridges, and glass should all be recycled. We can place recycling bins in accessible areas and provide clear information about which materials can be recycled. We can try using refillable pens and markers rather than disposable ones, and donate old computers.

Transportation: There are a number of steps we can take to reduce carbon emissions resulting from work-related travel. We could carpool, take public transport, bike, or walk to work, and hold video or phone conferences whenever possible to avoid traveling to meetings. If we buy in bulk and choose local products, we will also be helping to reduce transport costs.

These are just some possible ways of improving our green lifestyle so that it continues into the workplace. For these small changes to make a great difference, however, it is important to share and invite suggestions from colleagues for cutting down waste and energy consumption. And considering that eco alternatives are also positive from a business standpoint, since a greener workplace saves money and creates a better company image, sustainability initiatives at work are appealing in more ways than one.

Ecotrotters.com - Eco Articles - Tips for a greener workplace

Tips for a green lifestyle

Easy ways to reduce your impact at home before and after your trip

There has been great talk in recent years about the ecological footprint and how to reduce it. But, what exactly is this concept, and how does it affect us? Basically, the ecological footprint measures the extent to which human beings are using nature's resources faster than the planet can regenerate them. When we consume these resources at a faster rate than they can be reproduced, we are depleting our natural wealth and negatively affecting the environment in the process. It’s obvious, then, that we need to find ways to reduce our impact on the environment to achieve sustainability. One way to do this is by looking into ecotourism, opting for ecotravel and green hotels when planning our vacation. But what can we do before we travel, and after our trip is over? Here are just some tips to maintain a green lifestyle.

• Reduce waste. Buy products that have less packaging and use rechargeable batteries. Try not to use plastic cups, or paper napkins and plates when hosting get-togethers or going out on picnics. When shopping, take your own bags to the shops to carry home what you’ve bought. When traveling, use refillable bottles. Use your own toiletries instead of the hotel’s mini bottles of shampoo and conditioner and take your own toothbrush and toothpaste.

• Save electricity. Turn off equipment like TVs and stereos when you’re not using them and unplug all appliances. Even when they're not turned on, appliances continue to drain energy from your electrical outlets. Also try to buy energy-efficient household appliances. In terms of lighting, take advantage of natural lighting during the day, and replace your incandescent light bulbs with CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs). They may seem more expensive, but they actually last longer and use far less energy than ordinary bulbs.

• Save water. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Take showers instead of baths. Collect the water used to wash vegetables and fruit and use it to water your houseplants. Try washing dishes by hand. This not only saves water, but energy as well.

• Recycle. Call your local government to find out about your collection service. Also, try using recycled paper.

• Go biodegradable. When buying cleaning products, choose those that contain the fewest amount of chemicals possible, thus reducing the negative impact on the soil and water system.

• Eat organic. Organic foods are not only fresher, they are also environmentally friendlier, implementing practices that entail water and soil conservation. Most farmers’ markets actually sell produce grown using organic methods, although they may not have an organic label.

• Get creative. Try to incorporate leftovers into your next meal, rather than throwing away food. Go to flea markets and estate or garage sales to buy anything from small crafts to furniture. Chances are the quality of the items sold is much higher than what you’ll find in most chain stores, and you’ll be reducing waste by reusing items that would otherwise be thrown away.

These are just a few ways to conserve resources, reducing household waste, and save energy to help promote a more sustainable planet. Besides incorporating these practices into daily life, it is important to inform others as to the benefits of a green lifestyle.

Ecotrotters.com - Eco Articles - Tips for a green lifestyle