THE SCHOOL OF THOUGHTS part 8

The harm inflicted by Global Warming

As the world has talked for a dozen years about what to do next, new ship passages opened through the once-frozen summer sea ice of the Arctic. InGreenland and Artartica, ice sheets have lost trillions of tons of ice. Mountain glaciers in Europe, South America, Asia and Africa are shrinking faster than before. And it's not just the frozen parts of the world that have felt the heat in the dozen years leading up to next week's climate summit in Copenhagen : The world's oceans have rizen by about 3.7cm > Droughts and wildfires have turned more severe worldwide, from US West to Australia to the Sehel desert of North Africa. > Species now in trouble because of changing climate include not just the lumbering polar bear which has become a symbol of global warming, but also fragile butterflies, colour frogs and entire stands of North American pine forests.> Temperatures over the past 12 years are 0.4% warmer than the dozen years leading up to 1997. Even the gloomest climate models back in the 1900s didnt forecast results quite this bad so fast. "The latest science is telling us we are in more trouble that we thought" said Janos Pasztor, climate adviser to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. And here's why : since an agreement to reduce greenhouse gas pollution was signed in Kyoto, Japan, in December 1997, the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air has increased 6.5%. Officials from across the world will convene in Copenhagen to seen a follow-up pact. The last effort didn't quite get the anticipated results. From 1997 to 2008, the world CO2 emmisions of this greenhouse gas rose 3.7%. Emmisions from China, now the biggest producer of this pollution, have more that doubled in that period.  Think about it !

THE SCHOOL OF THOUGHTS part 7

mother nature has never been unkind....

LETS THINK ABOUT IT !

THE SCHOOL OF THOUGHTS part 6

FINE TUNED to PRIMATES

The Koala is a thickset arboreal marsupial herbivore native to Australia and the only extant representative of the family Phascolartidae. The Koala is found in coastal regions of eastern and southern Australia from new Adelaide to the southern part of Cape York Peninsula. Although Koala is not a bear, English-speaking settlers from the late 18th century first called it Koala Bear due to its similarity in appearance to bears. The Koala did not specialise in a diet of eucalyptus until the climate cooled and eucalypt forest grew in the place of rainforests. The fossil record indicates that before 50,000 years ago, giant Koalas inhabited the southern regions of Australia. The Koala fills the same ecological role as the sloth of South America. The Koala is one of the few mammals (other than primates) that has fingerprints. Koala fingerprints are similar to human. The Australian Government currently list the Koala a priority species for conservation status assessment.

Healthy Living with Enzymes -  Those who have healthy diets and lifestyles can also be prone to falling sick, leading many to wonder what the cause is. Most likely, it revolves around an enzyme deficiency, which can manifest itself as a variety of conditions. The Japanese started to drink enzyme drinks 100 years ago and the RIN Enzyme is a premium plant enzyme drink from Japan. It is produced by biological fermentation techniques which are free from artificial chemicals. A unique formulation is used to blend various fresh fruits and vegetables, grains and seaweed so that a 100% pure comprehensive plant enzyme is extracted. RIN Enzyme is effective to improve health and was clinically analysed by Dr Eguchi Fumio from Takasaki University from raw materials components, manufacturing methods and disease prevention and treatment processes. RIN Enzyme is suitable for all ages, especially vegans and the elderly. It is alchohol free. Please feel free to go to http://www.caremark.com.my/ for better understanding of this genius product.

THE SCHOOL OF THOUGHTS part 5

SLEEK SMART AND COURTEOUS

Dolphins are marine mammals that are closely related to whales and porpoises. There are almost forty species of dolphin in seventeen genera. They vary in size from 1.2m and 40kg, up to 9.5m and 10 tonnes. They are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves, and are carnivores, mostly eating fish and squid. Dolphins are among the most inteligent animals and their often friendly apperance and seemingly playful attitude have made them popular in human culture. Pesticides, heavy metals, plastics, and other industrial and agricultural pollutants that do not disintegrate rapidly in the environment concentrate in predators including dolphin from their prey. Injuries or deaths due to collisions with boats, especially their propellers are also common. In some parts of the world such as Taiji in Japan and the Farqe Islands, dolphins are traditionally considered as food, and killed in harpoons or drive hunts. Dolphin meat is high in mercury and may thus pose a health danger to humans when consumed. Scientist are not certain about the purpose(s) of the acrobatics. Possibilities include locating schools of fish by looking at above-water signs like feeding birds, communicating with other dolphins, dislodging parasites or simple ammusement.

Natural Wonders - In today's fast paced world, many of us do not have time to make our own fresh fruit juices. Fortunately, there are premium fruit juices available that are not only delicious but also healthy. Lakewood takes pride in producing a line of fresh-pressed 100% pure premium organic juices, with no additives or artificial ingredients of any kind. The process of making Lakewood juices follows strict guidelines and regulations in order to get the best juices for consumers. Modern medical research has also indicated that cranberries are an excellent source of antioxidants and may help protect against cancer, heart disease and other ailments. Researchers found that men who have undergone treatment for localised prostate cancer could benefit from drinking pomegranate juice. Phytonutrients found in apples act as natural antioxidants helping to slow the oxidation process and the build-up of plaque which can lead to coronary problems. For more insight information of organic nutrients juices please visit http://www.radiantwholefood.com.my/.

THE SCHOOL OF THOUGHTS part 4

VOGUE and BEAUTIFUL

Hornbills (Becerotidae) are a family of bird found in tropical and sub-tropical Asia and Africa. They are characterised by a long, down curved bill which is frequently brightly-coloured and sometimes has a casque on the upper mandible. Both the common English and the scientific name of the family refer to the shape of the bill, 'buceros' being 'cow horn' in Greek. In addition, the posses a two-lobed kidney. Hornbills are the only birds in which the first two neck vertebrae (the axis and atlas) are fused together, this probably provides a more stable platform for carrying the bill. Feed on fruit and small animals. A number of hornbill are threatened with extinction, mostly insular species with small range. Forest living species of hornbills are are considered to be important seed disperses for the eco-system.

A Green Culture - At Alila Ubud and Alila Manggis, we dont't only immerse ourself in Balinese culture, but also do your part in helping the community and environmentally sustainable tourism. In Nov 2006, they were named winners in the anaugural Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards, which supports conservation initiatives in Asia. And the are also recipients of Bali's internationally recognised Tri Hita Karana Tourism Awards and 'Green Globe Certified', a global programme that recognises resorts commited to operating at the highest environmental standards. Alila Ubud was also awarded Best Practice Results in Water Recycling, managing to recycle 80% of its water consumption. All cleaning chemicals used in the hotels are bio-degradable and promote walking and cycling tours instead of driving tours to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and support local village cooperative projects. Pls visit http://www.eastbalipovertyproject.org/ for details.

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THE SCHOOL OF THOUGHTS part 3

AMICABLE EVOLUTION

Literally meaning ' cat-foot-black-white) is a mammal native to central-western and south western China. It is easily recognised by its large, distinctive black patches around the eyes, over the ears and across its round body. Though belonging to the order carnivora, the Panda has a diet which is 99% bamboo. It may also eat other foods such as honey, eggs, fish, yams, shrub leaves, oranges and bananas when available. It is estimated that around 1590 Pandas are currently living in the wild. Panda is an endangered species, threatened by continued habitat loss and by a very low birthrate, both in the wild and in captivity.

Chemicals free Pest-Control

Rats, mice and cockroaches can spread deadly diseases. Traditionally, chemicals are used to kill these pests. However, people today are steering away from the use of harmful chemicals. One of the safest alternatives is the Australian Plug-In Pest Free gadget, a chemical-free pest control device. The device works on the electrical wiring in our homes which emits a low electro-magnetic field that is harmless to most creatures. But when the the Pest Free device is plugged in, it alters the electromagnetic field, which effects rats and cockcroaches but not humans. The pest will be disoriented, lose its appetite, become dehydrated and have no mood to breed. Eventually, the rats and cockroaches will leave your home. For more visit http://www.pestfree.com.my/

Latest news ! - About 1000 households were given free EMAS (Effective Micro-Organism Active Solution) starter kits in an effort to encourage the community to use the eco-friendly product. The households were encouraged to make and use the EMAS for their household cleaning and the waste water flowing into the river could ultimately improve its water quality. On the other hand there are initiatives to begin throwing mudballs into the river to bring faster result !

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THE SCHOOL OF THOUGHTS part 2

LIVING IN SAFE ISOLATION

Although human can't live long in the Antartic, penguins love their frosty homes. Penguin can't fly, but they are part of the bird family. There are 17 species of penguin living in and near the Antartic. The emperor penguin is the biggest. It is 122cm tall and weighs 40kg. The smallest is the fairy penguin that stands at 35cm and weighs one kilogram. Penguins are very good swimmers. They swim so quickly that they look like they are flying under water. Little penguins eat krill while larger penguins eat fish and squid. Penguins are so scared of sharks that they won't jump into the water unless some other penguin is already swimming. They line up on the beach and try to push each other in !

Organic waste takes up about 50% of the total waste going into our landfills. If that 50% can be taken out, not only will the lifespan of the landfill be extended, there will be considerably less contaminants leaking into the groundwater and carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere from decaying waste. A pilot project that aims to do just that is currently under way in the city - organic waste (food waste and garden trimmings) is being collected from several hotels and hypermarkets and taken to a worm farm to be turned into vermicompost. Using vermicomposting is like going back to nature, and the end product is very good quality fertiliser.

Since June this year, the project has been collecting three tonnes of organic waste daily from hotels and hypermarkets around the city. The project is a co-operation between the city council and NGOs looking into managing solid waste and specifically it is aimed to push for vermicomposting of organic waste, to try and reduce the amounts being dumped into landfills. The mecahanism is simple where the food waste is segregated at the source and put into specific bins. A dedicated truck goes around daily to collect the waste and bring it to the vermicomposting site, where it is turned into organic fertiliser. The end product goes back to whoever is funding the project. They either sell or use the vermicompost. So be it !

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THE SCHOOL OF THOUGHTS

UNIQUE AND BOLD TO BE ECO FRIENDLY

A creature named SeaHorse are so named for their equine profile. Although they are bony fish, they do not have scales, but rather a thin skin stretched over a series of bony plates arranged in rings throughout their body. Each species has a distinct number of rings. Seahorses swim upright, another characteristic that is not shared by their close pipefish relatives, which swim horizontally. Seahorses have a coronet on their head, which is distinct to each seahorse, much like a human fingerprint. They swim very poorly by using a dorsal fin, which they rapidly flutter to propel them, and pectoral fins, located behind their eyes, which they use to steer. The earliest known seahorse fossils are from the coprolitic horizon in slovenia dating back 13 million years. The male seahorse is equipped with a brood pouch on the ventral, or front facing, side. When mating, the female seahorse deposit the eggs in the male's pouch, when the male the internally fertilises. The male carries the eggs until they emerge, expelling full developed, miniature seahorses in the water.


Creating environmental awareness is a challenge we always face. We should ask what kind of world do we want to leave behind for our children ? One way of initiating the awareness is to begin from home. By recyling the kichen waste through worm composting is a great way of producing your own organic fertiliser to reduce our dependency on chemical fertilisers that can be harmful to both the environment and our health. Worm composting consists of rearing certain species of worms (like red worms, tiger worms or african nightcrawlers) to feed on kitchen waste (such as paper, vegetables peels and eggshells). The worm will consume these waste and produce nutrient-rich casting that can be used as organic fertiliser. The process also produces a liquid known as worm tea, which is touted to be excellent insect repellent for plants. Household that practise vermiculture usually make their own bins, which will need to have both proper covering as well as sufficient air and drainage holes. Made of recycled plastic, the Can-O-Worms bin is built to eliminate many of the inconveniences associated with worm composting. The system, made up of several layers of trays set on sturdy legs with a tap at the bottom, makes both storing the worms and collecting their casting easy, even if one were squemish about handling the creatures. The set can even be placed in apartments or condominiums, as it is clean and self-contained. So be it !