A Satirical Website against a Big Coal Company

Yesterday, a friend of mine gave me a link that leads to a website called Coal Cares.  This website is supposed to be a health and environmental campaign initiated by Peabody Energy, the world’s largest private-sector coal company based in the US.

It is stated in the Coal Cares website that coal is a clean and safe source of energy.  It even boasted that coal is way much better than solar and wind energy by citing how the two latter sources of energy are harmful to use.

Also, this campaign states that Peabody Energy is giving out free inhalers to any family living within 200 miles of the coal plant.  This is to boost the confidence of children who have asthma.  It is even said in the Coal Cares website that “the real problem with asthma isn’t a mere inability to breathe: it’s the taunting, berating, mockery, and abuse that so often accompanies this infirmity.  Asthmatic kids are mocked, roughed up, chosen last for team sports, deprived of medication, and otherwise forced to bear more than their fair share of childhood’s intrinsic difficulties.”  This is why they come up with the idea to give free inhalers to these children.  The inhalers even have different designs to choose from.

Here are some of the things I have noticed when I read the website’s contents:

1. I checked over the Peabody Energy website and no links exist about the dissemination of the campaign about Coal Cares.  No links proving that Peabody Energy is organizing this kind of campaign shows that Coal Cares is not a credible website.
2. There is this contradicting statement that the use of coal is safe whereas they are giving out free asthma inhalers to those living within the coal plant area.  If coal is a safe source of energy, there should not be any problem when it comes to the air being inhaled by the people living near the plant area.  Thus, the case of kids having asthma should not be an issue.
3. There are a number of questionable statements in the “Clean” Energy page of the Coal Cares website.  An example is that if people use solar energy, everyone can collect energy.  Thus, there is no quality control over the power being used.  Another one is about the possibility that wind turbines can cause a massive tornado.

Troubled by this website, I researched more whether this is true or not.  Good thing this campaign is not true.  It is just a spoof attempting to boost up coal companies.  In reality, it does not work that way because there is no such thing as coal being a clean source of energy.  Here is the website of grist.org elaborating more on this.  With regards to the inhalers, Peabody Energy already announced that this is not true (news source is from treehugger and blogs.forbes.com).

Save Some Paper this Next School Year

Next month would be the start of another school year and this is why this post is particularly dedicated to elementary and high school students.  Saving some clean sheets of paper would not only help you save money but it would also help in saving trees used for the production of paper.

Before the start of regular classes, teachers require one or two notebooks exclusively for their subject.  Considering you have eight subjects this coming school year, let us assume you need ten notebooks.  There might be a possibility that instead of buying ten brand new notebooks, you would only need to buy six or seven new ones.  How?  Gather your used notebooks from the previous school year.  Check if they have remaining clean sheets of paper that you can still use.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Carefully remove the spring binder from the notebook itself.
2. Set aside the notebook covers and sort out the clean sheets of paper and those that have written notes in it.
3. Secure the clean sheets of paper together along with the notebook covers.  Rebind them using the spring binder you removed a while ago.

That’s it!  You have “new” notebooks you can use this coming school year.  You don’t need to buy an entirely new set of notebooks and this could help your parents in lessening their budget for your school supplies. 

Practical Tips to do at Home – Save on Electricity Consumption

For quite some time now, this blog has been telling you to do your part in taking care of our environment.  However, this statement might go vague for other people as they just won’t do their part if they do not know how to do it.  I guess this is the right time for me to make way for a new segment in my blog regarding practical tips that we could all follow.  Besides, an environmentalist blog would not be complete without its practical tips for green living, right?

For this post, I will share with you some of the things we could do in our own homes to save too much use of electricity.

1. During daytime, prefer to use natural lighting as much as possible.  Open the windows so that more light could enter the rooms.
2. Do not forget to turn off your electric lights when not in use.
3. Prevent the use of a dryer after washing your clothes especially if the weather is enough to dry them.
4. Prefer to have a schedule in ironing your clothes.  It is ideal to iron clothes in bulk rather than doing it daily for the clothes that you will just use for the day.
5. Anticipate your eating time so as to prevent using the “Keep Warm” function of your rice cooker for too long.
6. Do not place hot or warm food inside the refrigerator.  Your refrigerator would tend to increase its power usage so as to keep its temperature low.
7. If you are going to use the air conditioner when you sleep, set the timer to turn it off at least two hours before you wake up.
8. Shut down your computer when not in use.  If you need to get back to your task immediately after a short while, change the power settings of your computer to automatically switch it to sleep mode.  In case you need to leave it open, turn off the monitor.
9. As much as possible, opt to just have one television set in your home.  Aside from preventing too much electricity consumption of several television sets, this will also help in keeping the whole family intact by just having to watch one show altogether.
10. The very basic tip of them all:  Unplug your home appliances when not in use.

The tips listed above are just some of the ways on how my family and I save on electricity.  Following them would not only help in your contribution to save the environment from too much consumption of electricity but it would also help you save a good sum of money.  It is definitely a win-win situation!

Earth Day Celebration at Ayala Triangle Gardens

April 26, 2011 was very meaningful and historical for me.  It was meaningful because that day was the Earth Day Celebration at the Ayala Triangle Gardens.  It was historical as well because my boyfriend and I were able to meet a very important person, Mr. Matthias Gelber.

Mr. Matthias Gelber, awarded in 2008 as the Greenest Person on the Planet, was the guest speaker for that event.  Some of the topics he brought up during his talk were:

1. his childhood in a small village in Germany and how he lived with nature even as a little boy;
2. his current stay in Malaysia and how he and his friend were able to come up with a solution on waste segregation on their condominium;
3. some of the causes and effects of global warming;
4. his accomplishments in promoting his love for the environment (particularly his advocacy of planting and growing trees);
5. how he is able to combine being an entrepreneur of the construction industry and, at the same time, being an environmentalist (that is, promoting the use of Green Building Materials); and
6. his friend from the Philippines who share the same passion and love for the environment while giving jobs to the common people.

It is with great pride and honor that I was able to meet him personally.  His inspiring words struck me to further extend my efforts in the goal of protecting Mother Nature.  He has moved me to become more environmentally-conscious of my actions and to think of ways on how to do my part in giving back to nature.

After the talk, Ms. Lou Bonnevie and her band inspired the crowd through a mini nature-themed concert.

Below are some of the pictures during the event (short descriptions per picture are stated below):

(collage courtesy of my boyfriend, Ronnie)

1. the prototype car built by students from Don Bosco Technical College as one of the entries for Shell Eco-marathon Asia held last year;
2. the mascots of Manila Water Company and Ayala Land, Inc.;
3. Mr. Cloud peeking from the buildings;
4. one of the activities of Manila Water Company: a game that you would have to pass through with the use of a wire encircling the other straight wire — the wires should not touch each other (however, the illustration in the board shows the sources where we get our water and how it goes into our homes);
5. the theme of the event: Earth Day Everyday;
6. my picture with the Greenest Person on the Planet, Mr. Matthias Gelber;
7. during the inspirational talk of Mr. Matthias Gelber;
8. an artificial plant with paper leaves (each leaf has environmental information in it);
9. a friendly reminder from Pilipinas Shell: Switch-off when the sun shines.

To know more about Mr. Matthias Gelber and his inspirational talks, like his page on facebook.  Just click on this link.  Here is the website of Maleki GmbH, the Green Building Materials company wherein Mr. Matthias Gelber is a co-founder, which aims to lower and reduce the world’s carbon emissions in the field of the construction industry.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River needs your vote!

There is an ongoing global campaign in search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.  This aims to promote different natural places all over the world that signify the beauty of our planet.  This campaign started in 2007 and it is now in its third and final phase.

The Three Phases of the New 7 Wonders of Nature Global Campaign

Currently, there are 28 finalists that have been chosen to take the place of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.  One of the finalists is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (or also known as Puerto Princesa Underground River) of Palawan, Philippines.

“The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river is reputed to be the world’s longest. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water’s edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.” — description stated in the New 7 Wonders of Nature website

I haven’t gone here yet but I would definitely visit this place.  Though, I am not sure when.  For now, pictures can suffice that intent.  Haha!

The official declaration of the New 7 Wonders of Nature will be on November 11, 2011 (11/11/11).  Take part in this campaign by voting for the Puerto Princesa Underground River.  You could also vote for your other 6 wonders of nature among the 28 finalists.  Click on this link to cast your votes.

*all photos in this post are courtesy of the New 7 Wonders website*

Human Heart Nature Product Review: Balancing Facial Wash

It has been a while since my last product review so for those who are waiting for this post, here is another good product from Human Heart Nature.  It is their Balancing Facial Wash.  This is for those who have normal, combination, or oily skin.

Human Heart Nature Balancing Facial Wash (200 ml)

As you can see in the product description, the facial wash is mainly composed of orange, elemi, and bamboo scrubs.  Here are their names in the listed ingredients in the product description at the back of the bottle: citrus sinensis oil, canarium luzonicum (elemi) oil, and bambusa arundinacea stem extract.  I did a little research so as to show you the skin care benefits of these ingredients (just click on the links below to read more about them).

• Citrus Sinensis Oil – This organic oil cleanses and exfoliates the skin, tightens the pores, and helps treat acne.

• Canarium Luzonicum (Elemi) Oil – Elemi is a native tree that grows in the Philippines.  Its oleoresin (used to make the oil) helps in eliminating bacteria in wounds and adds natural vibrancy to the skin.  For those who have mature skin, it rejuvenates and nourishes the skin and reduces wrinkle lines.

• Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract – The stem extract from the bamboo can serve as an excellent exfoliant.

This facial wash, along with my facial cream, did wonders for me as it did help in healing my face from pimples that I got from the current summer heat and from the previous products I have been using.  I waited for the healing process to improve and this is why it took me some time to make this review.  I experienced its effectiveness first-hand so I definitely recommend this product.  They have it in 50ml and 200ml bottles.

If you’re interested in trying out this facial wash, you can write a comment in this post or you can email me here.

Commendable Philippine Companies: Smart Communications, Inc.

Can telecommunication companies work towards the sustainability of our environment?  Is it feasible to incorporate this mission in their business?  Is it really possible?  Smart Communications, Inc. answer is a YES!

Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART), the leading wireless services provider in the Philippines, has been working on a program called “Alternative Power for Cell Sites”.  Because of this, the company received the first ever Green Mobile Award given by GSM Association in 2009.  Currently, SMART works on building new additional hybrid-powered cell sites that run on renewable sources of energy, particularly wind and solar energy.  According to a news published by The Philippine Star, the completion of this project aims to have 160 green cell sites nationwide.

This is how one of SMART’s hybrid-powered cell site looks like (photo courtesy of philstar.com).

True enough, this company has shown that they really have what it takes to be a leader in their field.  As stated in their website, Smart Communication Inc.’s mission is “To be the true measure and standard of leadership in everything we do”.  Not only does SMART focus on making their customers satisfied with their services but they also make sure that they could incorporate social responsibility in their business.  This is a good start knowing that an influential Filipino company could make that big step in taking care of our environment.  I could definitely say that they did a “Smart” move!

Greenpeace calls on Facebook to “Unfriend Coal”

If you want to take part in a Guinness World Record for an environmental cause, now is your chance!  Greenpeace, a well-known international organization that deals with environmental solutions for our world’s greener future, calls on Facebook to drop the use of coal in running their new data centers in Oregon and North Carolina.  Facebook has stated their claim regarding the efficiency of their system which would help in lessening energy consumption and thus, reducing the use of electricity.  Apparently, they still believe that coal, being their source of energy, should not be the issue.  Here is the news from SFGate and Environmental Leader.

Greenpeace still points out that for Facebook to be a true green company, it should run on a renewable source of energy.  Greenpeace made a campaign video to encourage people to join the call for Facebook to “Unfriend Coal”.  Here is their Facebook TV Ad.

Another video that they produced is about the dirty effects of coal in our environment.

Let us all join our efforts in convincing all the staff of Facebook to run on clean energy.  Like this page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnfriendCoal.  Tomorrow, April 13, a world record of 50,000+ comments in 24 hours should be set for this campaign.  Greenpeace would deliver all our comments to Facebook’s office to show them that we really do care for our environment.

Greenpeace has set a deadline for Facebook’s answer which is on Earth Day, April 22.  A social networking giant running on clean energy would set as a good example for other IT industries as well.  Let us all hope that Facebook would get to choose the right decision.

Say bye-bye to plastics and styros in Muntinlupa City

I know this news is quite old already.  However, for the benefit of those who still don’t know, I would like to share this interesting news that has been initiated by the government officials of Muntinlupa City.

At the turn of January 18, 2011, the signed ordinance to fight against “white pollution” has already begun.  White pollution refers to the problems faced in using materials that are made of plastic and polystyrene (Styrofoam).  Almost all establishments, may it be public or private, use them and this has posed a great threat to the environment as these materials contribute to a major percentage of our daily litter.

Muntinlupa City was one of the cities that suffered much when the Typhoon Ondoy hit the Philippines.  As reported to the public regarding the investigation of the issue, the flood was due to the clogging of the waterways and drainage canals with garbage that were mostly made of plastic.  The water should have flowed straight to Laguna de Bay if the waterways and drainages were not clogged.  This has paved the way for Mayor Aldrin San Pedro to ask the city council to create a law regarding the banning of the use of plastic and polystyrene.

When City Ordinance 10-109 was released, the establishments in Muntinlupa City were inspected so as to make sure that they comply with the law.  Violators will be fined and there is also the possibility that businesses would not be allowed to operate for one year if they do not follow.  This is a major step done by the local government in giving an answer to the problem of disposing our garbage.  I hope that other cities in the Philippines would follow this as well.

Good job to Mayor Aldrin San Pedro and to the other officials who worked on making this environmentalist movement possible.  This is just a proud plugging from someone living within your governed vicinity.

Commendable Philippine Companies: Gandang Kalikasan, Inc.

Another new segment that I will be featuring in my blog is about Philippine companies that work towards making sure that our society and our environment are among their top priorities.  One way of promoting this kind of advocacy is through social entrepreneurship.

Social entrepreneurship is a type of business that focuses more on giving answers to societal problems and environmental issues rather than on monetary gain.  It is all about putting together an enterprise that aims to make the world a better place to live in.  An example of this kind of company is none other than Gandang Kalikasan, Inc., the manufacturer of my favorite local organic beauty brand, Human Heart Nature.

Gandang Kalikasan, Inc. is brought together by Anna Meloto-Wilk, her husband Dylan Wilk and Anna’s sister Camille Meloto.  All three of them have been working as volunteers of Gawad Kalinga and they have already been exposed to people experiencing poverty in our country.  This is why they have come up with the idea to setup a business that would give work to these people and that would patronize Filipino products.  Also, they have taken into account that their business should be environment-friendly.

Anna Meloto-Wilk, President of Gandang Kalikasan, Inc. (photo courtesy of Philippine Online Chronicles)

Gandang Kalikasan, Inc. is, up to now, staying true to their core principles: PRO-PHILIPPINES, PRO-POOR, and PRO-ENVIRONMENT.

1. PRO-PHILIPPINES – All the ingredients used in the products of Human Heart Nature are being grown here in the Philippines.  Even the bottles and packaging that are being used for the distribution of the products are locally made.
2. PRO-POOR – Since the products are being made here in the Philippines, our local farmers, suppliers and cooperatives who are working for Gandang Kalikasan Inc. already have a steady supply of income.  The company depends on the raw materials of these people so as to deliver a good set of products to the consumers.
3. PRO ENVIRONMENT – Not only does Gandang Kalikasan, Inc. provide income for the poor but it also gives the best products at a low and competitive price compared to commercialized chemical products.  No harmful chemicals are used so the consumers are sure that they only use what is natural and what is safe for them.

To know more about Gandang Kalikasan, Inc., visit their website www.humanheartnature.com.