Boracay Faces Serious Environmental Threat

Decades ago, Boracay used to be a virgin small island (exactly located in the Panay island in Visayas of the Philippines) filled with unexplored natural resources (e.g. beautiful coral reefs, lush greenery, unparalleled white sands, etc.) and untouched by the commercial flair. Only a privileged few backpackers, nature and sea lovers had access to it exclusively relishing its pristine beauty. As a matter of fact not everyone of the island’s natives was aware of its existence; there was no opportunity for them to explore every nook and cranny of the place. No one has thought at that time that the island beach resort could be one of the top tropical beaches in the world or could hit the No.1 spot for the most coveted title of the World’s Best Island Getaway for 2012.

(Note: Photos below are exclusively for www.myusefultips.com’s use!)

As years passed, Boracay was gradually known in other parts of the country making it as one of the favorite places by the locals to spend particularly during summer time. Similarly, foreign investors and local businessmen started inhabiting the place, erecting structures and attracting international and local tourists to flock the place. Commercialization proliferated like a “hot pandesal” (hot roll bread) whereby anyone who has the “dough” can simply “roll down the dough with the pin” , so to speak, and undertake a business in the area, without much exhaustive proper planning, effective implementation and enforcement of zoning and related environmental laws, good management and community involvement.

While the respective owners of these business structures understandably had prior discussions with concerned local officials and eventually were able to obtain the approvals from the local authorities and the needed environmental compliance certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), there have been many of these structures to date which have been identified as still not in conformity with the country’s environmental standards, as previously agreed upon.

In view of this, local city and environment officials have been prompted on their duties to enforce existing laws, observe and comply with the guidelines set forth. Various environment concerns were thrown at them by people in media and advocacy groups. As a matter of fact, there is one recent controversial case (the West Cove Hotel) wherein the owner was reprimanded and ordered to strip some parts of the hotel’s already finished structures and developed land area as it exceeded from what has been approved by the environment authorities. For more information on this, please refer to the previous reports/files of the ABS-CBN network. The hotel apparently violated the Forest Land Use Agreement for Tourism Purposes and it was also ordered closed as it operated without building and mayor’s permits. Yup, you’ve heard it right guys! The hotel has been operating for several years without the said requirements? I smell something “fishy”!

The said incident is just one of the large structures built in the area which posed an environmental threat and adverse impact to Boracay’s unique beauty.

But how about other domestic polluters and pollutants in the area? How are they and their wastes being taken cared of? Incidentally, I have seen this bill board posted on one of the palm trees which says: “Let’s Help Keep Our Boracay Island Clean” and with a “No smoking sign”. I thought it was cool as the beach portion of the island is a non-smoking area.

But while strolling along the beach to breath some fresh morning air, I was dismayed to see some trash obviously thrown at a certain place, at the back of the store booths, which seemingly served as a dump site of whoever big shot or any braggart violator/s! Would you believe what I’ve discovered? It was a newly consumed empty pack of “Marlboro” cigarette! What an irony of ironies! There must be some people there who can pretty smoke much freely without being admonished. Shame, shame, shame on them!

And together with the empty pack of cigarette were other waste materials such as empty liquor bottles, plastic glass, candy wrappers and the like.

Moving forward, I was even more horrified to encounter a clear water line flowing down the white beach. I could have given you more or less the exact place, unfortunately, my cam’s battery was dead. I thought it came from a natural brook but as I came closer, it was a canal coming from the commercial establishments with an awful smell attacking us. My companions and I, in fact, had to jump to the other side of the beach road, very much aghast, so as to free our feet from soaking on the infested foul-smelling water. What we have encountered was unthinkable! This is something that should be immediately looked into by local authorities (at least from their level). Calling calling Boracay’s local authorities, specifically the Mayor of Boracay! I hope you and your boys could conduct an unannounced ocular inspection and together with the hotel/stall owners to clean-up the grounds of the beautiful beach. Perhaps, a massive environment related campaign, including sewage treatment, etc. should be conducted with all stakeholders in the area being represented, providing them a lecture and stern warnings particularly on the imminent danger if the same similar negative incidents are left untreated/unresolved.

While private sector/foreign investments in the area is crucial to the island’s economic development (e.g more taxes going into the city’s coffers, employment generation, etc.), it is also equally important for us to be more vigilant in the project monitoring and implementation so as to maintain the beauty of the island. There is nothing wrong with commercialization as long as everything is in order, i.e. there has be seriousness in environment standards compliance and law enforcement.

For Boracay’s visitors, what is essential is what is visible to the naked eye! I, for one, would still love to hear the chirping of the birds and the sounds of sea waves and sea breeze, to see the palm crests over the island, the white sands and the colorful beach waters, the tropical gardens around it and the amazing sunset during chill out time! This is what Boracay should be for all of us and because we treat it as our own, it is but prudent for us to preserve the island’s unique beauty and love the same just like our motherland!

I was actually tempted to scribble these words on the sand for you to know………….how I love the place!

Despite some “interesting” and disappointing glitches during my third day, I would still love to go back to Boracay in the future, if time permits. The place is indeed “toooo” good and “soooo” true and I would like to invite everyone to come and savor the beauty of nature!

This exotic flower from the hotel (I forgot the name, sorry) and the lei made of puka shells given to me made me feel very welcome throughout my entire stay in Boracay!

(The sand design below was constructed by an 8-year old boy. This is for a small amount if visitors wish to take a snap of it. Very artistic!)

Abaca/Banana Fibers: An Exotic Fabric For “Sustainable” Fashion

Who would imagine that a stiff hard fiber sourced from an “abaca” plant and/or banana plant could be used as an alternative to conventional raw materials for avant-garde clothing and other fashion accessories? This is actually true and possible! In fact the said raw materials have been in existence and useful in some areas of the globe and in various ways even before the outbreak of World War 1!

Originating from a tropical country, I have known “Abaca” plant and its utilization but regrettably I haven't seen the tree itself with my naked eye as of yet. I understand the abaca tree can be likened to a non- fruit bearing “banana plant” and that is the reason why the said plant is considered to be part of the “banana family”. Among the significant distinguishing marks between the two are on their leaves and fruits. Abaca leaves are generally dark green, narrow and pointed as opposed to the banana plant whose leaves have light green color and wider in shape. Abaca's fruits are smaller and not as tasteful as that of the real banana tree. Believe it or not, the family roots of the abaca plant can be traced back all the way to the Philippines. This type of hard variety of abaca is different from the “Manila Hemp” (English translation) which can be found in other tropical countries. Hence, this is one of the indigenous plants and raw materials being regulated by the Philippine Government.

As a backgrounder, there are artists and fashion gurus advocating e-fashion over the years who have been able to thrive in a changing technology in fashion business. Fashion icons and budding fashion entrepreneurs continue to support and use indigenous materials (abaca fiber is just one of them) for a cause for some of their clothing lines despite the e-fashion industry's weaknesses, e.g. mass production, pricing and marketability, among others. We cannot discount the fact that e-fashion products are quite pricey vis-a-vis the regular garments being traded in the retail market. These eco-friendly clothing lines are categorized in the business as “haute couture” where accurate attention handcrafted details are pretty astounding. Because of its high quality, e-fashion products are most of the times being marketed in expensive boutiques and designer labels, thus not everyone can afford to wear one. If you may recall, a blog article was posted in this website a year ago relative to “Buying and Using Eco-Friendly Products”, wherein it was mentioned that a certain non-profit organization manufacturing and selling high end sustainable fashion products for a cause had a tag price for one of its products, a bermuda shorts at $275.00!( Note that a regular dollar earner can find a bermuda short at Old Navy for only 10 bucks or even less.)

With the foregoing being said, there is no argument that a fashion designer advocating e-friendly garments, particularly enhancing one's cultural heritage locally and abroad is truly laudable. There are actually fashion organizations which have continued and have been supportive of this cause. The National Association of Sustainable Fashion Designers is one of the bigger organizations which promotes so called sustainable fashion. In the same manner, there are fashion designers on their own initiative who have advocated the use and production of fashion wears and accessories out of indigenous materials.

A Filipino fashion designer who has been successful in her craft and an active supporter of a clean environment is Dita Sandico-Ong. Dita Ong took the opportunity of utilizing the fibers sourced from banana and/or abaca plant/pina in the Philippines, combining her artistic prowess in clothing designs and other variants of fashion lines. She has been promoting the said product not only in her home country but also in other fashion capital of the world such as Milan, Rome, and New York, one of the many ways of contributing to her country's economic growth.

In collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General in New York, Dita Ong set the stage by hitting the catwalk showcasing her spring and summer unique and contemporary creations ("Czarist Charms: Filipiniana Flirting with the Unorthodox") not only to the true blue New York fashionistas but also to high ranking officials and art connoisseurs who were invited to grace the said event. Her attention to detail and exquisite hand crafted fabrics made her collections more relevant to sustainable fashion.

The fashion models wore the colorful and beautiful clothing lines to a "T". It consists of mostly multi-purpose wraps and can be used either as skirts, blouses, coats, headdresses or capes and depending on the occasion and the wearer's styles and preferences. See some of the photos below taken during the fashion show for your scrutiny. (Note: photos are property of and exclusively for www.myusefultips.com's use. Not for reproduction, please).

Those in attendance were the Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations, Libran Cabactulan and his wife, Fe Cabactulan, Consul General/Ambassador Mario de Leon, Jr. and his wife, Eleanor de Leon and Deputy Consul General Tess de Vega (in their beautiful abaca/pina dresses) with other foreign dignitaries and spouses.

It was a site to behold with the exotic indigenous abaca/pina fibers taking the center stage in New York City! Clap! clap! clap!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow…..

What happened on the 21st of January even off my frustration last December. I was expecting a white christmas celebration but no snowfall came. Last Saturday, however, I woke up with snowfalls gently knocking on my door! It was beautiful to see the roads all covered with fine crystals of snow. Being a snow buff, I went out straightaway to enjoy the snowfalls even if they were starting to fade away. I simply revelled in the winter beauty of the earth and the said snowfalls perfectly made my day!

It's just amazing how nature make us happy! Right guys? What d'ya think?

(photos are not for reproduction. please let myusefultips.com know if you wish to use it. Thanks!)

"…but as long as you love me so, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow"!

How Useful Are Trees To Us – Tips and Thoughts

Today is Arbor Day and some of us who are passionate and concerned about our environment would know the relevance of this day.

Arbor, as defined in the dictionary could either mean a shady place or a trellis, referring to plants and tress. It could be surmised that the term “Arbor” originated from the Spanish words “Arbol” or in its plural form “Arboles” which means, tree or trees, respectively.

Myusefultips had previously blogged about Earth Day activities, and one of the things mentioned therein was tree planting. Plants and trees are absolutely important not only in the atmosphere but also in our lives. All of us throughout the world would want to grow more trees as it has been proven to be greatly useful and beneficial for our physical growth and the environs.

Since I would not be able to go out and join the various Arbor Day celebrations in the neighborhood, I would like to share the following to the young kids out there, some of the many awesome usages (functions and roles) of trees to our Mother Earth and mankind:

1.It keeps the air and surroundings clean. Did you know that trees can actually absorb up to 90 lbs of carbon dioxide per year?

2.It helps humans to breath clean air because it gives off oxygen

3.From the word itself, it provides us shady place especially in extreme weathers: the wood insulates us from cold and the shady trees comfort and protect us from the harmful UV rays of the sun in warmer days.

4.It beautifies our surroundings and neighborhood.

5.It provides humans livelihood and helps boost a country's economy. Excess trees that were lumbered (wood as the raw material) are being utilized in business for man's consumption. Some of it are used for building houses, making furniture and fixtures, etc., for our school supplies, like pencils and for those in the rural areas, the sturdy wood from quality trees are used for constructing bridges and for the poor, it is used as firewood. The rubber which can be taken out from the sap of a rubber tree are also being traded, for our consumption.

6.It prevents erosion, mud or landslides, global warming, thus protecting our place and people from destruction as a result of calamities and other fortuitous events.

7.It serves homes for and protects small animals, vegetable plants, shrubs and vines, and other smaller plants from wildlife damages.

8.It also gives us medicinal cures from certain diseases.

9.It helps us enjoy our recreation and picnic under the sun, and

10.Lastly, it gives us beautiful real christmas trees during Christmas time.

If you still have more benefits of trees in mind, feel free to leave your comment and it would be greatly appreciated.

How To Have Fun on Easter With Kids – Cool E-Friendly Useful Tips!

In view of the difficulties that most of us are facing these trying times, one way of making Easter more meaningful and memorable to children, is by celebrating it in a non-traditional way. Gathering and telling them the story about Jesus' Resurrection, with a 30-minute movie animation on the subject as part of the presentation can be explored. In so doing, the kids would be able to understand pretty well why and what happened to Jesus during His last days on earth. There are a bunch of DVDs and CD's for kids available in the market. Just make sure that what you get is the most appropriate for young ones. One example is the movie, entitled "He Is Risen", like this one.

After watching the said Easter movie, treat them with a light afternoon snack for that extra boost of energy and thereafter assign an Easter Bunny mascot to distribute some goodies as part of the treat. As an e-friendly alternative for “plastic egg” hunting activities, you can hold an Easter card-making fun contest and whoever makes the best will bag the top prize. But of course, all of them shall receive something in return. Easter greeting card making is more educational and at the same time a means of forming the values of the kids at a young age. Making and giving away signature cards (wherein construction papers, markers, crayons are the only materials needed) to brighten the day of someone on Easter, like their parents or their loved ones, are some of the activities worth considering.

Take a peek at what the kids did for their Lenten and Easter promises. Some of them promised to be a good girl, to leave videogames (maybe during school days), not to fight with their brothers even if the latter are still mean to them, to help their parents in the household chores and more.

Wow, awesome kids! Enjoy and Happy Easter to one and all!

E-Crafting – Useful Tips and Thoughts

I just realized that the other side of me is an artist. From music , photography, drawing , designing to crafting , you name it – I am doing it now! Doing useful things in your spare time is quite nice and gratifying, especially if you love what you’re doing and that you’re doing it for the good of the community.

Last month, I wrote something about the significance of Earth Day. But it didn’t stop there, I went out of my way to check if the kids in our community understand the impact and importance of the said event. As I mentioned in the said blog, keeping our environment safe and healthy is not just for one day but throughout the year!

The outcome was amazing! Here, take a peek at the fun things the kids did to take care of our planet and its environment.

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Buying And Using Eco-Friendly Products – Useful Tips For “Greenhorns”

Let’s admit it, most of us consumers have not been so keen and zealous in our stance towards green living. As mentioned in my earlier blog, I for one am not quite an eco-friendly product enthusiast despite my positive outlook on the importance of the use of and patronage for the said products. I have tried using earth friendly products in the past up to now but it is only for very few items. This kind of a so-so attitude towards going all out for a green world is not only true to me but to the majority, especially those in developing and least developed economies. People living in the West such as the United States and other developed and industrialized countries are fortunate enough to have tons of environment related advocacy organizations which are proactive in this endeavor. Thus, there are more and more people in these countries who have become fully aware and have supported the cause for the common good. But just the same, it is still not enough, people are still not in sync and conscious about the use of organic and eco-friendly home products .

Why is it so? Why is it that people are still not going green and don’t even bother to buy eco-friendly products (i.e., from food, personal belongings, cleaning items or even gifts) despite the massive info and awareness campaign about it? Do you have any idea how many environmentalists are there in the blogosphere? I was surprised to see myself that there are plenty of bloggers, probably thousands, crowding out in the internet, marketing and supporting environment conservation, broadcasting certain pressing issues such as impact of global warming and other related events, among others. There is so much more to learn and I was overwhelmed to read various topics ranging from low profile items (organic food,etc.) to big ticket environment related transactions (e.g. renewable energy and the like).

(Note: As much as possible when I share tips for a certain issue, particularly if it concerns quality of life and humanity, you may have noticed it that I don’t delve and go directly to the point at hand. Rather, I try to explain further the rationale and importance of the said tips and how would it be helpful and useful to your daily life. What matters most to me is that the message has been sent across and that I was able to accomplish my duty to give back to this beautiful world where I dwell and to stop contributing to the bigger problem. I just felt it is one of my responsibilities to make others more aware about it, in the humblest way I can).

So, why are people, like most of us, are still reluctant to go all out or even attempt to try going green, at least for our home use? Why is it that people would not even consider eco friendly products a necessity or a priority even if they are aware that using said products have so many benefits to the environment and to the humanity? Oh, the series of questions - so mind boggling!!!!!111.!!!

There are schools of thoughts but the following comments are based on my personal experiences and observations about eco-friendly products:

1. Price

I may be wrong but there is this perception that eco-friendly products appear to be catered more or less to middle and high income earners as the same are marketed at a much higher price than regular products. With the current precarious economy, many of us would want to tighten our belts and save for the rainy days! Some of us would choose which of the available options would give us the best bang for our buck. If people can’t afford to splurge on these products and is likewise being given an alternative choice, I don’t think they would go out of their way just to buy these products, unless as I said they have the dough for it. This is the reason why sometimes organic products are branded as for the elite and not for the have nots. A classic example are the fruits sold in the supermarket, the price of organic apple for instance is about 1.99/lb. versus a regular apple for a sale price of $1.00/lb, which is half price lower .

The foregoing are just samples for the small items , what more for big ticket items? How about for eco-friendly clothing? I came across this organization selling high end fashion green clothing and mind you, a piece of “green friendly” bermuda shorts costs a whooping 275 bucks! Shocking isn’t it? I was able to see the rationale behind it, it was of good quality and for a cause by the way! But just the same, the price was just too much to bear! Some people would say that there is a need to balance the cost and the benefit but for people who are not affluent enough, who simply don’t have the means, they will just buy the products that they can afford – the cheapest available – without even considering if the same is eco friendly or not.

Majority of the businesses and other manufacturers would probably argue that there is a limited market for green products, that it is costly and time consuming, hence they are resistant to change. However, if they really see the need and they have the social responsibility, so to speak- the concern for the environment and the heart to help majority of their consumers (specifically the “common people”), then they could have started re-designing their process and technology to fit in with the earth friendly world and produce green products gradually. In so doing and in the long run, there would be economies of scale (i.e.. lower pricing, among others) since people would be able to afford and start buying eco friendly products as there would be no choices anymore on the shelves in the supermarkets for similarly situated products. Who would not buy a product that is proven and tested to be good for their health and the environment, anyway? This is a great thing to do, right? Unless there is a political will to change this kind of attitude from all of us, then it may take a little while for us to go all out for green living!

2. Accessibility and Availability

In New York City or in other metropolis throughout the world, accessibility may not be a crucial issue since you can easily find eco products in supermarkets and in some organic retail stores. Despite this however, some supermarkets sell only few items and at a higher price. On the other hand, organic store retailers are very limited and you really would have to go out of your way and search for their location, how much more if you are situated in far flung areas? In my case for instance, I have to take an effort to sometimes use the subway or take a bus just to reach the e-friendly store where I often buy small items such as nuts, jams, vinegars, etc. because there is no organic store available within the vicinity. What more for people who are not even aware of these things, they would just buy any products available in the nearby supermarket or in a local Asian market which sells fresh fruits and other commodities at a very affordable price.

3. Inadequate/Lack of Relevant Information

It is a fact that almost all of the people would prefer to buy eco-friendly products if only they have the means and an adequate knowledge about it. Yes, we can see e-advocates campaigning, lobbying, protesting over the internet , the tri-media or even in the streets, but do most people know what and why they do it? There are skeptics around that they would think of this as merely a media hype- these people have doubts on whether or not said products are indeed organic or earth friendly.

The problem is, there is not much information on the importance of using earth friendly products. There should be like a personal level campaign to inculcate in the minds of everyone that going green, especially in the organic product industry, would truly give them positive effect in their lives and the environment as well. The governing rules and regulations (e.g. government certifications, etc.) covering these products particularly on food should be publicly disseminated not only to the upper class of society but down to the grass roots level.

Now, the Useful TIPS!

Having said all of the foregoing and as a smart certified grocer shopper myself, I have some useful tips for those of you out there who for the first time, the “greenhorns” so to speak, are contemplating to try buying and using earth friendly home related products. There are lots of remarkable earth friendly/recycled products to choose from but the following suggestions would include some basic must have items which I am currently using:

1. For a start, you may try buying an eco friendly bathroom tissue paper and paper towels. Some of them may not be as inexpensive/expensive, as immaculate and as soft as the regular tissues that we’ve been used to. But definitely, using an organic product will give you an assurance that what you’ll be using is free of chemicals, bleach, dyes and perfumes, and that they are naturally biodegradable, safe for septic tanks and no animal testing. One brand that is being marketed today is that of Seventh Generation which has produced a very popular 100% recycled tissue papers, bathroom tissue and paper towels. What is good to know is that this company has very strict guidelines and they are in collaboration with the Environment Protection Agency (Design for Environment Program).

2. Home cleaning products are also a must. Seventh Generation has variety of these products (detergents, shower cleaner, etc.) in their line too. What I’m using right now for cleaning which I bought from BJ’s superclub is an inexpensive natural all-purpose cleaner from Clorox , named “Green Works”. It really works, perfectly cleans and it does not emit a bad smell as others do have and it has the same cleaning power as traditional cleaners. Greenworks is 99.93% natural and is supportive of the cause to protect and preserve our planet and its environment. To wipe the dust off and dirt, use your old clothes and towels for cleaning, as an alternative to the recycled paper towel.

My favorite very useful baking soda will always be in the list. You can use it in disposing of your garbage to neutralize odors. You may grind up lemon, lime, orange peel or the smaller specie “calamansi” in the disposal. Likewise, a dash of baking soda on the carpet before vacuuming will freshen and produce a good smell. Baking soda with a drop of vinegar are great cleaning products too. In fact, they’re cheaper and don’t have nasty chemicals and awful smell.

3. Personal care products such as moisturizing lotion, styling gel, face and hands liquid soap, lip balm, shampoo and others which I bought from an online store which has utmost respect for nature and is environmentally conscious and accountable. Their products are relatively reasonable compared to the leading designer label beauty and cleansing products.

4. Some eco food related items which I normally buy from organic stores like bread, nuts, chips, jams, salad ingredients and dressings, apple cider vinegar, brown rice vinegars are in my list.

5. Start using cloth napkins for meals and keep dish towels for kitchen sink use and yes, carry your good old cloth traditional handkerchief!

By the way when you go out for shopping, as much as possible, bring some of your reusable bags to make an impression that you are not supporting the plastic grocery bags that supermarket nowadays are giving us for packaging. If you don’t have any, there is the so-called EnviroVogue reusable tote bags made from recycled plastic bottles. You can purchase them on line at envirovogue.com. In any case, there are stores that use paper bags out of recycled paper, as one of your options.

As I said there are so many things to know about green living and what I’ve shared with you is just the tip of the iceberg. However, with all these things in mind, I trust you will consider the said tips and start eliminating various types of waste from our world. Trust me, this is something we can all be proud of. You can make a big difference when you start supporting e-friendly products. So, take the time out and start venturing green living today!

Significance of Earth Day 2010 – Useful Practical Tips For An E-Friendly Atmosphere

Early this year, you may have noticed and read in the dailies that several advocacy groups both from governmental and non governmental organizations have already initiated efforts to disseminate information and encourage all people worldwide to take part in the global action to prevent environmental degradation and its adverse impact on our planet Earth.

These groups hold yearly celebrations both at the local and international level to inspire worldwide awareness and appreciation of environmental issues. There are two important related events being celebrated this year: one is the Earth Day 2010 on the 22^nd of this month and another is the World Environment Day , being spearheaded by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), scheduled on the 5^th of June. Said events are expected to be people and e-friendly activities as several groups all over the world will observe this in many interesting ways such as tree planting, school essays and competitions, street rallies/clean ups, recycling drives, bicycle parades and the like.

Likewise, on March 27, 2010 at 8:30 p.m. (local time), the so-called Earth Hour succeeded its mission calling for all individuals, families and business communties throughout the world to stand up and get involve by turning off their lights for an hour with the end goal of having a sustainable future specifically to fight against climate change.

I became aware and had the opportunity to be involved in environment related discussions when I was still in the public sector. The responsibility is far more different when you are assisting policy makers to formulate and address related issues on environment vis-à-vis when you are part of the group in the streets lobbying and advocating behind these issues. My personal contribution and duty then as a responsible bureaucrat was to make sure that the recommendation, at least from the technical level, should always include strategies on how to resolve issues confronting the environment and that proposed projects be implemented in an e-friendly atmosphere.

Now that I am in the private practice and as part of a blogosphere organization, I felt obliged once more to share with you some useful thoughts about Earth Day 2010, which incidentally will mark its 40^th anniversary this year.

Earth Day 2010 was first launched in the 70’s here in the U.S. basically calling all the people worldwide to be mindful of the protection and conservation of our planet Earth and its environment.

As inhabitants of this world , it is our utmost responsibility to contribute in the humblest way we can to make our planet Earth clean and healthy! Why is there a need to care about the Earth and its environment? Obviously, we have only one Earth which is our home - this is where we live, eat, breathe, raise and enjoy the company with our loved ones. IT MAKES SENSE, right? If children in the lower/primary and middle schools are now being taught on these issues, how much more for us grown ups! If we care and love this place, its next generations, your children’s children, we should have the heart to be actively involved even in the little things.

You may say, oh well, there are high profile organizations like the UN and its affiliates actively handling these matters. But the UN and other groups like the Earth Day 2010 can only do so much at their level. The initiative should come from us, ordinary citizens, who comprise by the way, the bulk of the pie. We have a vital role to play, we are the major stakeholders, and as such our contributions are deemed important.

I’m far from being an avid green activist, but as being part of this world, I would like to share with you some very helpful, practical, simple and useful tips on how to save our planet and its environs.

But before proceeding to the tips, it would be prudent to give you a brief scenario of the impact of the said environmental degradation. Based on UNEP’s yearbook, apparently there are cumulative effects of the degradation of the ecosystems, the overexploitation of natural

Clean and e-friendly street along Forest Park, Queens , New York City (myusefultips photos 4/10)

resources, cost of climate change, and the economic and human loss because of conflicts and disasters. Another effect as espoused in another report is the endangerment of the lives of certain plants and animals mainly due to forest reduction, pollution and hunting activities. As technology improves, the more the problem on pollution is hard to resolve. Those of us living in the metropolis can attest to this that pollution has become a problematic area to handle with. We may be aware that there are some industrial companies which may be guilty in releasing dangerous levels of chemicals, oil, garbage, and sewage into the atmosphere, not to mention littering and landfills. All these keep polluting the land, oceans, rivers and seas and if not eradicated and prevented, we might all end up extinct!

THE USEFUL TIPS

Starting from our Respective Families

Everything starts at home…within our respective families. The parents being the head of the family have the primary duty to teach their children on how to make their surroundings clean and healthy. If possible, they should set as role models to them, both in words and deeds, on what and which lifestyle to follow. Activities such as biking, recycling, reusing, and avoiding buying necessary things are just a few to mention .

Kids nowadays are being taught in school on how to recycle things (e.g. soda aluminum cans, plastic and glass bottles) so it wouldn’t be hard for the parents to ask them to help out sort the garbage for recycling and take them to recycling centers.

Wash your clothes once a week (full load). It is more energy and cost efficient than washing every other day (which contains only a half load).

Use silver wares and real plates when eating and clean them afterwards – better to use a human dishwasher!

Start planting flowers and vegetables if you have a space in your home’s front or backyard

Newly planted flower plant in the front yard of a home along Park Lane, New York City (myusefultips photos 4/10)

Buy and use “green” and eco-friendly products, as much as possible. Said products conform with the guidelines of the concerned environmental protection agency where ever you’re located.

If your work is relatively near from your place, it is advisable to walk or ride in a public transport, or use your bicycle instead of using your car so as to lessen the fuel emissions in the air.
Last but not least is to avoid using plastic bags, plastic plates and the like. There have been some hard efforts and plenty of lobbying to implement existing laws and guidelines. Apparently, this is one thing that is hard to police and monitor – what is needed is a political will not only from the authorities but from all of us as well.

To the Community We Belong

For sure, there are groups of environmentalists in your area where members of your family or anyone can volunteer in their activities like cleaning up the beaches, drainage system, and important landmarks in your community. These activities can be fun not to mention the worthy cause and the new faces and friends you will meet in these gatherings.
Do not litter. Pick up trash in public places such as the playgrounds and plazas.
Plant a tree to beautify your neighborhood and to keep the air clean. We all know that trees give off oxygen for humans to breathe.

The neighborhood at Richmond Hill, New York City (myusefultips photos 4/10)

Participate in any fundraising activities for environment related projects. You may also join groups and help them distribute flyers and posters as part of their info campaign on environment related projects such as global warming and its effects on us and other living things. There are lots of resources on the web which are very useful and informative.

You may have some other tips to share , so don’t hesitate to share it with me, with your friends and neighbors. Taking care of our planet and its environment should neither be a burden nor be done only for one day. In fact it should be a lifetime commitment. If you have been so lukewarm about environment related advocacies, I hope you will try your best to actively participate from now on and start rolling your sleeves and get to working with the rest of he h teh

the group.

My Useful Tips

Category Archives: Environment