Environment Philippines

[Event] Kitchen Revolution Cooking Classes for March 2012

2012-02-27T17:03:00.000+08:00

Vegan chef, baker, teacher, and blogger Marie Gonzalez invites you to join her Kitchen Revolution Cooking Classes this March 2012. Her classes are held during Wednesdays or Saturdays, from 10am to 2pm, at the Kitchen Revolution Headquarters in Ayala Alabang.

Register early and pay a discounted fee of only P1,500 or register at the door and pay P1,750.

Here is the schedule for Marie's classes this March:

March 3 (Saturday) - Shack of vegan sandwiches
March 7 (Wednesday) - Soups to make you sing
March 10 (Saturday) - No muss, no fuss (sweet) brunch 3.0
March 14 (Wednesday) - Dessert mayhem: Sexy, low-fat desserts
March 28 (Wednesday) - A taste of the Mediterranean (back by popular demand)

Register and learn new and tasty vegan recipes! Refer to the poster above for complete details on each of these classes. For more information, email info@kitchenrevolution.ph, SMS 0917-8945086, or visit the Kitchen Revolution blog.

Marie Gonzalez is a rising superstar in the culinary world. Aside from writing her blog, giving talks, and cooking classes, she is also a regular columnist for Yummy Magazine. She has also written for or been featured in the Philippine Star, Sunday Inquire Magazine, Appetite Magazine, and Esquire Magazine. She has also been featured in ANC's Green Living TV.

*All photos taken from Kitchen Revolution.

[News] Coca-Cola Philippines Makes World's 1st Tansan Billboard in Celebration of 100th Year

2012-02-27T11:26:00.001+08:00

Coca-Cola Philippines put up the world's first tansan billboard along North Edsa, Quezon City, near TriNoma and SM City. You may not notice it at first glance, but the coke bottle is actually completely composed of recycled plastic bottle caps or recycled tansans. These bottle caps also line the billboard's frame. Similar billboards were also set up simultaneously, on January 17, 2012, in Cebu and Davao.

(Photo taken from angsawariko.com)

This is not the first time Coca-Cola has found a way to greenify its billboards. In 2011, the company partnered with WWF-Philippines to put up the first plant billboard in the country. This billboard featured 3,600 fukien tea plants, which absorbed carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles along EDSA. It's wonderful how the Coca-Cola plant billboard survived with the help of a micro-irrigation system.

(Photo taken from babblingpoint.blogspot.com)

Hopefully, the soda company will continue to advocate the use of recycled and environmentally friendly materials in their future billboards.

[Technology] Logitech launches solar powered wireless keyboard

2012-02-26T23:53:00.001+08:00

Logitech lets you clear your computer desk of annoying cable clutter and reduces your dependence on toxic batteries by introducing the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750. The company's first light powered keyboard can work for up to 3 months in complete darkness when fully charged.

It can also recharge itself even when inside your home or office, whether using sunlight or lamplight. The Logitech keyboard is aesthetically pleasing, with its black, silver, blue, pink, and green colors and sleek design. In fact, the device is extremely sexy, at only 1/3 of an inch thick.

Aside from looking good this solar keyboard feels good as well. It's keys are very tactile and their round edges make it easy to touch-type from key to key. The device also takes advantage of Logitech Advanced 2.4 GHz wireless technology, which prevents any type of lag or delay even when the keyboard is positioned a fair distance away from your CPU.

Thus, you can type from the comforts of your couch, while your CPU is at your desk, and you're using your television as a monitor. Moreover the unifying receiver the keyboard comes with is so small, you don't need to take it out of your computer or laptop while bringing it around.

On Amazon, the Logitech Solar Powered Keyboard has gotten almost 350 customer reviews already. Most of them are positive, giving the device an average score of 4.5/5. Click here to read customer reviews on the Logitech K750 on Amazon.

[Event] CARA Holds Adopt a Cat Event at Greenbelt 5

2012-02-25T21:40:00.000+08:00

Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA) Welfare Philippines in cooperation with Greenbelt and Ayala Center held an Adopt a Cat Event today, February 25, 2012, at the Fashion Walk at Greenbelt 5.

This event, from 3pm to 8pm, was the perfect opportunity for cat lovers to choose and bring home their very own cat or cats. Current CARA foster mums of cats were present to give advice on how to take care of your own adopted kitty.

According to their website, the regular cat adoption fee is only P800 per cat, but remember that you will be spending on other necessities such as vaccinations, food, visits to the veterinarian and so on.

Visit CARA's official website to find out more about the adoption process, and why adopting a dog or cat is better than buying one. CARA is a group of animal lovers in the Philippines that has been around since the year 2000.

It is a non-profit, non-government organization whose goal it is to reduce the plight of animals in the country. The group operates solely from donations and pet sponsorships from the Philippines and abroad.

Here are additional details on how you can sponsor a pet from CARA and how you can donate to CARA. For more information on this and future Adopt a Cat events, here are some important contact details:

General Information: info@caraphil.org

adoption@caraphil.org / 09158905535 *

sponsor@caraphil.org

membership@yahoo.com / 09162574539

Media: guerrerotanya@gmail.com

CARA clinic: caraclinic@gmail.com / 02 353-3381 / 09107297026

*Compassion and Responsibility for Animals Welfare Philippines doesn't have its own shelter, so it cannot take animals in. Animals available for adoption are rescued and housed by the CARA members themselves.

[Business] Jacinto & Lirio sells bags, notebooks made from water hyacinth leather

2012-02-24T23:21:00.002+08:00

Kwaderno by Jacinto & Lirio is a line of journals made whose covers are made lined with water hyacinth leather, and whose pages are recycled paper. As the company advertises, "what was once a nuisance was transformed into an item of elegance."

This unique journal is both environmentally friendly and fashionable. It's also refillable, so you don't have to toss it in the trash once you run out of pages. These refillable notebook journals are available at ECHOstore Serendra and Fully Booked branches in Manila.

Elegante

Jacinto & Lirio also has a line of bags made from water hyacinth leather. J&L currently has two bag lines, its regular Elegante Collection and its limited edition Unica Collection. Elegante is a collection of clutch bags that come several designs: Amihan, Apadel, Dalisay, Luna, Oriol, and Sol.

Each bag used to cost P4,800, but is now available for just P2,742!

Meanwhile, the Unica Collection can be further subdivided into four categories:

Gabriela

1. Gabriela is a square-shaped shoulder bag made from from sustainable cow leather and water hyacinth leather. It features metal rings inlaid with water hyacinth leather and a leather-wrapped zipper head. Choose from mint green, mauve mahogany, vermilion rose, and apricot natural. Each Gabriela shoulder bag costs P5,482.

Gregoria

2. Gregoria is a traditional handbag made from sustainable cow leather and water hyacinth leather. It features a wooden handle made from acacia and maple. Choose from mauve mahogany, spring green, matte gold, and platinum silver. Each Gregoria handbag costs P6,127.50.

Marcela

3. Marcela features a water proof plastic body adorned with water hyacinth leather base and piping. It is equipped with additional plastic pouches making it a perfect fashion accessory for the poolside or the beach. Each bag also has a water hyacinth image imposed on plant leather. Choose from tangerine, hot pink, lemon yellow, and nut brown. Every Marcela bag costs P6,192.

Teodora

4. Teodora is a canvass bag made from 100% hyacinth leather. It comes with both a leather handbag strap and an adjustable nylon strap, depending on how you want to carry your bag. It also features a variety of compartments and pockets, making it perfect for women on-the-go. It even has a cushioned pocket for your laptop. Choose from fuchsia midnight black, turquoise, purple, and celadon. Each Teodora canvass bag costs P6,450.

Miss Earth 2011 Wears Jacinto & Lirio

For more information on where and how to order these bags, please visit the Jacinto & Lirio official website. You can also like the Kwaderno by Jacinto & Lirio Facebook Page and the Jacinto & Liro Facebook Page, for up to the minute information on promos and announcements.

[News] The Philippines 42nd Greenest Country Among 132, According to 2012 EPI

2012-02-20T18:58:00.000+08:00

EPI 2012 Ranks the Philippines as a 'Strong Performer' in Being Environmental

(taken from cebutriptours.com)

Good news! The Philippines has recently been identified as the 42nd greenest country in the world by the 2012 Environmental Performance Index (EPI). Our country got a score of 57.4, below Portugal's 57.64 and South Korea's 57.2. Thus, the country has been labelled as a 'strong performer.'

(taken from surigaodelsur.net)

The EPI was drafted by Columbia University and Yale University, in partnership with the European Commission and World Economic Forum's Joint Research Center. All 132 countries included in the list were graded according to 22 performance indicators. They were then ranked as either strongest performers, strong performers, modest performers, weaker performers, and weakest performers.

The five strongest performers were:

(taken from designpinoy.com)

Switzerland (76.69)
Latvia (70.37)
Norway (69.92)
Luxembourg (69.2)
Costa Rica (69.03)

Meanwhile, the five weakest performers were:

(taken from blogs.sacbee.com)

Iraq (25.32)
Turkmenistan (31.75)
Uzbekistan (32.24)
Kazakhstan (32.94)
South Africa (34.55)

Click here to see the complete EPI 2012 rankings.

Shocking Results in EPI Analysis of the Philippines?

(taken from lightseepsthrough.blogspot.com)

Looking at the detailed EPI country profile of the Philippines, you will see how the country was ranked based on various categories. Some results, were expected, like the no. 1 ranking we got for agriculture. However, getting a no. 1 ranking for forest cover is quite perplexing. Does this mean that we have the best implementation of anti-illegal logging laws in the world? I don't think so.

(taken from nationsenyclopeida.com)

We also got pretty good score for outdoor pollution, which might be possible if they took into consideration the whole country, and not just Metro Manila. We also under-exploit fish stocks, according to the EPI report. Overall, our fishing industry got a ranking of 30. Not bad, if it's true.

We even rank high in biosystem diversity, because of how we protect our critical habitats, how we safeguard marine protected areas.

On the flip side, we have to improve on areas such as water sanitation, child mortality (as expected), and indoor pollution (so that's where all the smog went!), where we ranked very low in.

Want to learn more? You can find lots of downloadable content including the full EPI 2012 report here.

[Green Living] Kitchen Revolution - 'Making Vegetables Look and Taste Sexy, One Dish at a Time'

2012-02-14T13:22:00.000+08:00

Kitchen Revolution, is a food blog owned and written by Marie Gonzalez. I learned about Marie, her blog, and her cooking classes/workshops, while searching for past episodes of ANC's Green Living TV.

Marie Gonzalez

Now, I've subscribed to post-by-post updates from her food and healthy living blog. Marie is a an advocate for plant-based or vegan food which she says contributes to happier animals, a happier earth, and a happier you.

Through her blog, readers will find advice on how to live green from what they eat to what they drink. Moreover, they will receive updates on the latest cooking classes and cooking workshops organized and facilitated by Marie herself.

Kitchen Revolution Cooking Classes for February 2012

That's right! You can sign-up for Marie's workshops in Alabang, which she holds several times a month. There, you can learn how to prepare the most delectable and healthy vegan recipes and plant-based recipes. Those interested can get in touch with Marie through email (info@kitchenrevolution.ph) and SMS (0917-89145086).

Cupcakes have never been this green and healthy!

Learn how to prepare dishes so tasty, nobody will believe they're vegan!

Marie studied at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts in New York. Then she trained at "Pure Food and Wine (a raw vegan restaurant) and Dirt Candy (a vegetarian restaurant)." Aside from being a restaurant owner, chef, lecturer, and blogger, she also writes regularly for Yummy Magazine.

For more information on Marie and Kitchen Revolution, do visit the Kitchen Revolution blog, and the Kitchen Revolution Facebook page. You can also follow Marie Gonzales on Twitter.

*All photos taken from the Kitchen Revolution blog or Facebook page.

[Technology] Water Powered Alarm Clocks for a Greener Home

2012-02-14T11:07:00.002+08:00

For those of us, who can't wake up in the morning without our personal alarm clocks, here's a new way to go green. Use water powered alarm clocks and lessen the money you spend and waste you produce when using disposable batteries.

(Photo taken from www.envirogadget.com)

H20 powered alarm clocks function like regular alarm clocks. You just need to fill them with ordinary tap water and they can function for months, or even a year. You can buy clocks in different colors, shapes, sizes. More expensive clocks have additional features like countdown timers, thermometers, large LCD displays, and classy designs.

(Photo taken from www.thefairtradingcompany.com)

They would make a great addition to your green home, and could be affordable and unique presents for your love ones or giveaways during an event or workshop. For more environmental gift ideas check out my 2011 Xmas gift guide.

(Photo taken from www.annesaeonlane.wordpress.com)

Search online and you will find lots of producers and sellers of these green alarm clocks. For example, Bedol is a company that sells various eco-friendly stuff, including green water clocks. Check out their video and see how easy it is to use their clocks:

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[Technology] USBCell - Green Energy with Rechargeable USB Batteries

2012-02-13T21:08:00.000+08:00

USBCell, a revolutionary product from Moxia Energy Ltd., now serves as a greener and more affordable alternative to traditional batteries and even rechargeable batteries.

An estimated 15 billion batteries are thrown away each year. These are batteries which contain toxic chemicals that endanger all forms of life. The use of rechargeable batteries never became mainstream because it was too inconvenient to carry a charger with you everywhere you go.

USBCell AA batteries are more convenient because you can just plug them on your PC or notebook's USB port, whether you are at home, school, work, or even on-the-go. It takes around 5 hours to fully charge a battery, and this battery can be recharged hundreds of times. Moreover, these NiMH batteries don't break down due to partial charging, so you can just plug it in and out as you please.

These batteries can power the today's modern devices including digital cameras, MP3 players, wireless keyboards, wireless mice, battery-operated toys, and the list goes on. The USB-charged batteries can be bought and various packages as seen in the USBCell website.

Now, AAA batteries, 9V cell batteries, and several cellular phone battery sizes are now being sold by Moxia Energy as well. For those interested in buying, you can also check-out USBCell on Amazon, where the product now ranks 4.5 out of 5 stars, after 52 reviews.

Hopefully, more people will begin using products like this to reduce the number of traditional batteries being thrown away each year.

[Green Living] Jaime Zobel, Greater Good Apparel Launch Fashion Wear for the Environment

2012-02-10T10:17:00.000+08:00

Jaime Zobel de Ayala, chairman emeritus of Ayala Corporation partnered with the Greater Good Apparel team in conceptualizing a new line of fashion wear that makes an environmental statement.

On December 2, 2012, the "Jaime Zobel x Greater Good Collection" was launched in support of Haribon Foundation's Road to 2020 initiative - "an environmental conservation movement to restore 1 million hectares of rainforests using native tree species by the year 2020."

You contribute to the planting of three seedlings each time you purchase a shirt from a Greater Good Apparel concept store in SM Mall of Asia or SM North Edsa. Moreover, you get to wear a fashionable outfit featuring a photograph by Jaime Zobel de Ayala.

Truly, caring for the environment has never looked this good. For more information on this initiative, do visit the website of Greater Good Apparel, and like them on Facebook.

Want a green bag to match your eco-shirt? Take a look at these high-fashion handbags made from water hyacinth leather, from local bag manufacturer Jacinto and Lirio.

[News] Globe Donates P1 Million to WWF's Philippine Fund for Nature

2012-02-08T22:33:00.001+08:00

Globe Corporate Social Responsibility Head Rob I. Nazal (middle) receives the certificate of donation

from WWF-Philippines Chairman Vicente S. Perez (left)

and WWF-Philippines Vice Chairman and President Jose Ma. Lorenzo P. Tan

Globe Telecom further strengthens its environmental advocacy through a partnership with World Wildlife Fund - Philippines, starting with a donation of P1 million to WWF’s Philippine Fund for Nature and a possible collaboration on eco-tourism using Globe GCASH.

Philippine Fund for Nature is designed to ensure long term growth of the WWF-Philippines-wide range of projects directed towards preserving the country’s natural resources. WWF Philippines aims to establish a special endowment fund of P200 million for PFN.

“The major gift will not only help secure the financial sustainability of the organization but will also enable us to sustain in the long run our key projects which help conserve our biodiversity and help mitigate the impact of human footprint on our environment. More importantly, it will help assure that future generations will enjoy a living planet,” said Vicente S. Perez, WWF-Philippine Chairman in his letter to Globe President and CEO Ernest L. Cu.

The financial support is just the beginning of a partnership between Globe and WWF – Philippines. Aside from the P1 M donation, Globe through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm Globe Bridging Communities (BridgeCom) is closely working with WWF in developing GCASH Ecoturismo (GCASH for nature), a program that will harness the use of GCASH electronic cash transfer service for the promotion and facilitation of ecotourism-related customer spending in key local conservation and ecotourism sites.

“Globe is fully aware that the effects of climate change can impact our network directly as its implications to society and to the operations and growth of businesses are felt more than ever. This is why we continue to work hand-in-hand with various environmental organizations like WWF-Philippines in ensuring that we are able to protect our biodiversity. At the same time, we would like to tap our core services such as GCASH to directly help the community and environment conservation efforts around the Philippines,” said Rob I. Nazal, Head of Globe CSR.

GCASH Ecoturismo will be a valuable service in pristine but remote sites since it allows travelers to purchase goods and services as well as withdraw funds from participating GCASH outlets in the local communities where there are no Automated Teller Machines or credit card facilities.

According to WWF’s latest Living Planet Report, global biodiversity dropped by 30 percent from 1970 to 2007 while global carbon footprint increased by over 30 percent since 1998. In the latest United Nations’ World Risk Index, the Philippines ranked third among the most disaster-vulnerable countries worldwide behind Tonga and Vanuatu.

[Green Living] SNAP Hydroponics - An Introduction to Soil-Less Gardening

2012-02-02T15:13:00.000+08:00

Hydroponics is basically the growing of plants without using any soil. Instead, nutrients are added to the plant's water source in place of the soil would have provided. This soil-less system of gardening is growing in popularity across the globe and in the Philippines, as a method of urban gardening.

Look at how clean this hydroponics setup looks!

Taken from http://tropicalgarden.org/

SNAP Hydroponics or Simple Nutrient Additional Program for Hydroponics is a beginner-friendly system that has become popular in the country. It is a low cost system that works best for home-based urban gardens. Moreover, this program has an added green aspect because 90% of the materials used in growing plants using the SNAP method are recycled.

Those thinking of starting a hydroponics business would be wise to consider using this method as well. In fact, return on investment could come as early as one year after starting the business.

Tomato plant hydroponic sowing tray photo taken from

http://geekgardener.in/2010/04/18/growing-tomatoes-in-growbags-hydroponic-way/

Only four materials are needed to start growing your seeds, to be used it the setup:

Sowing Tray - a shallow box or basin with holes at the bottom for drainage.
Growing Media - you can choose from charcoal-ed rice hull, aged coconut coir dust, saw dust, and fine sand
Seeds - depending on what you want to plant
SNAP Nutrient Solution - to be mixed with the water

Now that you have your setup ready, here are the steps to growing your seeds:

Fill the sowing tray with growing media, at least 1-inch thick (make sure it is leveled)
Place the seeds uniformly and thinly depending on your needs
Water your seeds as needed. They should germinate within 3 to 5 days
Transfer seedlings to growing cups after 10 days.

Photo taken from http://hydroqueen.multiply.com/

But wait! This is only the beginning. You still need to prepare your seedling plugs and growing boxes, before running the SNAP Hydroponics system itself.

For complete information on how to use the urban gardening system, read How to Setup SNAP Hydroponics, a 2-page PDF guide created by PJA Santos and ETM Ocampo, from the Institute of Plant Breeding at UP Los Baños.

[Business] Starbucks Shared Planet - Why Starbucks is so Green

2012-01-31T14:35:00.003+08:00

Starbucks Coffee is Green in Ways Big and Small

I'm a Starbucks Coffee addict, and I've been so for years. Ever since they opened a branch at Lee Gardens, I've countless hours studying, reading, and writing there, back when I was in college and even now that I'm working. All this time, I had no idea Starbucks had huge green initiatives.

I knew about their no-smoking policy, even by the tables outdoors. I noticed when they stopped offering tissue together with the sugar and cream (all they give you is one square, and you have to personally request for more). I'm also aware of the small discount they give when you bring your own Starbucks mug or Starbucks tumbler, instead of the regular paper or plastic ones they put coffee in.

It was only when I read a copy of the Starbucks Shared Planet brochure, that I realized they were doing so much more behind the scenes. "You and Starbucks. It's bigger than Coffee." If everything written on their brochure and their Starbucks Shared Planet Website is accurate, then this coffee company might be one of the greenest on the planet.

Starbucks Environmental and Social Goals for 2015

Interestingly, Starbucks plans to complete most of its green goals by the year 2015. These goals include the following:

Buying 100% responsibly grown (for the environment) and ethically traded (for the farmers) coffee
Using 100% recyclable or reusable coffee cups
Having 100% LEED certified company structures
Being able to contribute at least 1 million service hours worldwide - per year (for all employees worldwide)

Uploaded by Starbucks on Apr 16, 2011

In order to accomplish these goals and more, Starbucks Coffee has partnered with groups like Conservation International, which helps societies protect their local ecosystems, and the Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International, which promotes fairer trading conditions for farmers and workers.

Hopefully, Starbucks will succeed in its environmental and social goals, so they can serve as an example to other multinational companies, on how to do global business sustainably and profitably.

[Architecture] Ayala Land Invests in Green Roofs for Malls

2012-01-27T16:58:00.000+08:00

The Ayala Terraces Cebu garden is so beautiful at night. The 4-level structure

is equipped with clestories, windows that prevent the entry of direct sunlight into the mall

Ayala Land, as part of its ongoing sustainability campaign, has integrated varieties of green roofing systems onto its newest malls and mall annexes. Greenbelt 5, TriNoma, Market! Market!, and Ayala Center Cebu's the Terraces, are all equipped with green roofs.

Honestly, most mall goers probably won't notice that the roofs of their favorite malls are environmentally friendly unless they find out from another source. It just all looks so natural to the naked eye. Nevertheless, these green roofs are useful, and more than just pleasing to the eye.

Greenbelt 5's roof garden provides a splash of green amidst a sea of grey.

For example, the roof garden on top of Greenbelt 5 effectively helps lower mall temperature indoors. This leads to less energy consumption when running the air conditioning system, and more savings on the part of Ayala. Also, roof gardens also absorb rainwater, lessening the chance of flooding in nearby areas.

TriNoma is green both inside and out. The roof allows sunlight to enter

while keeping the heat from coming in.

Green roofs, like the one in TriNoma can also be used for activities like photo shoots and special dinners.Thus, it can serve as a source for extra income as well. Indeed, more mall and building owners - and maybe even homeowners - should follow the example of Ayala Land, and experiment with eco-friendly technologies like green roofs.

Hyroponics roof garden photo taken from www.cityfarmer.info

Maybe they can plant herbs using hydroponics, the method of growing plants using mineral nutrients instead of soil. Modern green roofs are now lightweight, so they can be safely integrated onto existing roofs. Definitely something to think about before engaging in your next architectural project.

[Event] Join the First WWF Dolphin Mural Painting Marathon this February 2012

2012-01-25T08:52:00.000+08:00

The World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) will be holding the first ever Dolphin Mural Painting Marathon on February 18, 2012. It will be held from 7am to 6pm at the Glorietta 4 Dolphin Park in Makati City.

Famous dolphin mural artist and WWF hero AG Saño and the Dolphins Love Freedom Network will join the participants in painting walls in support of dolphin freedom and animal rights across the globe. Besides painting murals, passers-by can also have their faces painted, photographs taken (in photo booths) and get Henna tattoos for free!

The registration fee for those who want to paint dolphin murals is only P300 per person, inclusive of painting materials. Interested parties may register at the WWF booth located at the Glorietta 3 lobby from February 4-17, 2012, visit the WWF main office (Unit 1702, 88 Corporate Center, Valero corner Sedeño streets, Salcedo Village, Makati City), or email adopt@wwf.org.ph.

Please visit this WWF-Philippines website for more details on the mural painting marathon.

[Event] Join Chem Propaganda: An Environmental Awareness Fashion Design Competition

2012-01-19T12:05:00.000+08:00

Ateneo de Manila University - the Ateneo Chemistry Society (ACHES) in partnership with the Ateneo Environmental Science Society (ESS) have joined forces to bring you Chem Propaganda: an Environmental Awareness Fashion Design Competition.

This contest is open to all university students in Metro Manila. Individuals and teams of up to three students are welcome to join. The goal is to produce a complete dress, made from recycled fabric, that can be worn by a female model. A sketch of the said dress must also be submitted.

This year's theme of chemical waste and its adverse effects of the environment, must be incorporated into the design of the dress. Contestants are required to join a half-day design workshop on design conceptualization, design, and construction. After this, they'll be given a month to design and manufacture their dresses.

Contestants have the option to have their dresses manufactured by an outside party, as long as the design manufactured does not deviate from the original design.

The designs will be presented and judged at a fashion show during the event's Culmination Night. A panel of experts will serve as judges during the show, and awards will be given on the same night. The winner of Chem Propaganda will receive a P3,000 cash prize, while the runner-up will get P1,500.

Important: The Dress Design Workshop and Participant's Orientation will be held on 23 January 2012 (Monday) from 2-6pm. It will be held at the Aerie Lounge (beside the Cervini Dorm Cafeteria, Ateneo de Manila University. Walk-ins are welcome!

You can also preregister by filling-up the Chem Propaganda registration form online, or you can read the latest updates on the project on Chem Propaganda's Facebook Page.

[Event] Aeta Olympics Held at Tala, Orani Last December 2011

2012-01-19T11:28:00.001+08:00

Tala, Orani, Bataan, Philippines - Last December 2011, Barangay Tala in cooperation with the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC), and Philippine Olympics Committee held the Aeta Olympics.

The Aetas are indigenous persons of the Philippines that live in northern Luzon. Today, they serve as a prime example of a community that can live in harmony with nature. The mini Olympics was held, so the Aetas could showcase their skills in tree climbing, archery, javelin throwing, and blow dart shooting. Moreover, the parties involved wanted to showcase the culture and importance of the Aetas in the Philippines.

Present during the event was BCDA chairman Felicito Payumo, who proved he has the potential to be a skilled marksman, as seen in the video below:

There were a lot of media outfits that covered the event, most notable of which is TV5, who took photographs, shot live videos, and did live interviews, throughout the event.

(TV5 reporter interviews one of the Aeta tribesmen)

Shooting with a bow and arrow looks easier that it really is. I tried it and hit the target probably one out of then times. I didn't even try throwing a javelin or using a blow gun. They look a bit dangerous for beginners to fool around with.

*All photos and videos taken by me.

[Green Living] The North Face Men's Hydroshock Amphibious Shoes - Will Test Soon!

2012-01-12T12:01:00.004+08:00

This pair of shoes from The North Face is the first pair of aqua/trekking shoes I've ever owned or bought for myself. I've always wanted to buy a pair of these and now that I'm an environment blogger, I decided to invest in a pair case I would need them in the future. I'm thinking of buying other outdoor gear as well, like a waterproof camera and a water resistant backpack.

Yes, I could have bought a cheaper or different brand of shoes, but there are several factors that convinced me that this pair of The North Face Men's Hydroshock shoes worth buying:

It's environment-friendly. The shoes are made from over 50% recycled fibers. The packaging is eco friendly too, with the wrapper being made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper and the box, 75% recycled materials.

It's top quality. This brand of shoes is known worldwide for being one of the best in outdoor apparel. This particular pair was even awarded the 2011 Gear Award by Health Magazine (however, I wasn't aware of this when I bought the shoes)

It looks good and feels right. I sort of had a Cinderella moment when I put on these shoes (sorry, I couldn't think of a guy-analogy, hahaha). I tried them, walked around a bit, and realized that these shoes were just perfect.

(Photo taken from ravebrain.com)

Of course, the real test will come when I go island hopping with my friends this weekend. We are going to Cebu for the Sinulog Festival and decided to go on a mini adventure as well. Will update with a product review soon.

Will review The North Face Hydroshock shoes, to be followed by the Amazon Kindle DX, Barnes and Noble Nook Simple Touch, and The Weekend Project's Paper Wallet. I have all of these at have all of these at home (my brother owns the Nook), I don't know why I haven't thought of featuring reviews of them until now.

[Event] Earth Hour 2012: Dare the World to Save the Planet

2012-01-10T16:50:00.003+08:00

Earth Hour 2012 - 8:30 pm on Saturday, March 31, 2012 - It's time once again for us to shut off our lights for 60 minutes in solidarity with Earth Hour. A project first organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Earth Hour has become an annual symbol of environmentalism and care for Mother Nature, through calling for the use of renewable energy.

According to WWF-Philippines, our country made history in 2011 by having the most number of towns and cities participating in the annual event. Can we make a repeat performance this 2012?

Watch the Official Video for Earth Hour 2012 and Be Inspired

Since 2011, the WWF also changed its call from just 60 minutes to 60+ minutes. What this means is that we are called to become planeteers and environmental advocates beyond Earth Hour. We need to to make the principles of this project a part of our every day lives.

Thus, Earth Hour dares every one of us to save the planet. As individuals, groups, organizations, companies, we have the power to make a positive difference in this world. We can reduce our carbon footprint and make our planet a greener place to live in.

For more information on how you can help, here are a few helpful links:

[News] It's More Fun in the Philippines, and Here are the Reasons Why

2012-01-10T10:05:00.000+08:00

The Philippines' Department of Tourism (DOT), under the leadership of DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., launched it's latest tourism campaign last January 6, 2012. It's slogan, "It's more fun in the Philippines," aims to promote the country as a destination where you can have fun instead of being just a passive observer. Still, there are plenty of things to stare at in the Philippines, including this tarsier:

Photo of Tarsier in Bohol taken from album of Fol Rana Jr. @ Facebook

This is the perfect opportunity to promote the country as a prime spot for environmental or eco tourism.For decades, the Philippine coral reefs have been a favorite diving and snorkeling destination for divers across the globe. Being an archipelago with over 7,000 islands gives us a distinct advantage here.

Photo taken from album of Fol Rana Jr. @ Facebook

We are also graced with picturesque white-sand beaches such as those in Cebu, Boracay, and Palawan. Surfing in the country is becoming more popular as well. To retain our reputation as a destination for divers and beach lovers, we need to to keep our beaches clean and our coral reefs safe.

Photo taken by Joncy Sumulong

Photo by Les Lesaca. Photo from ourawesomeplanet.com

Mountains are another thing in abundance here in the Philippines. Trailadventours, offers nature and culture focused adventure trips up places like Mt. Pulag and Mt. Pinatubo. You can enjoy photos of tall mountains in museums, but it's more fun to actually climb them here in the Philippines.

Photo on Mt. Pulag by Cobbie Karagdag

When you come to the Philippines, be sure to bring your family and friends along with you because more fun to go on adventures with your love ones. Did you know that Filipinos are known to be among the friendliest and happiest people in the world? Come to our country and experience a unique blend of Filipino hospitality.

Photo taken from album of Fol Rana Jr. @ Facebook

Besides going on adventures, it's also more fun to rest and relax in the Philippines. Come and enjoy the fresh air (not in the cities, but the provinces, by the way). By the way, did you notice that none of these photographs actually came from the DOT. This marketing campaign was so effective that Filipinos have made their own additions to the tourism slogan, helping it go viral online.

Photo taken from album of Fol Rana Jr. @ Facebook

Photo taken from album of Dennis Corteza @ Facebook

[News] Compostela Valley Landslide Caused by Indiscriminate Mining

2012-01-06T10:12:00.002+08:00

(Photo taken from abs-cbnNEWS.com)

Compostela Valley, Davao - Despite warnings issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB), residents continued to work in mines whose operations had already been stripped of Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC), for failure to comply with minimum environmental standards.

The result: 25 dead and hundreds missing after a 3am landslide struck Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan, which lay at the foot of a mountain ravaged by indiscriminate small scale mining. This time around, there was no rain to trigger the tragedy, just the destruction of Mother Nature.

(Photo taken from msn.com)

This is the second time that a calamity struck Mindanao in two months. While Typhoon Sendong hitting Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City could not have been prevented, the loss of live and property could have been much less. If only the geohazard maps prepared by the DENR were followed.

These maps which indicated areas in the Philippines prone to landslides and floods were created based on intensive studies done by the DENR. Unfortunately, many people still live in areas identified by these maps as highly dangerous, despite local and national government units having copies of the said maps.

(Photo taken from http://newsinfo.inquirer.net)

Again laws on small scale mining have been ignored in our country, in the same way that laws on illegal logging continue to be ignored. Hopefully, the current administration can find a way to prevent these avoidable tragedies from happening again.

Here is a list of the top 10 landslide prone provinces and top 10 flood prone provinces in the Philippines, as identified by the DENR.

[Television] Watch ANC's Green Living TV for Advice on Sustainable Urban Living

2012-01-03T17:48:00.000+08:00

(Photo taken from greenliving-tv.com)

The ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), through its program Green Living TV, shows viewers how they can live a sustainable urban lifestyle in the city. Airing at 9:30pm every Tuesday, the show features a variety of subjects on green living, from restaurants that serve organic foods to businesses that manufacture or sell environment-friendly products.

Want to learn the basics of hydroponics or growing plants without soil? How about step-by-step instructions on how to make your own recycled paper at home? Searching for ways to greenify your home? You can learn these things and so much more by watching this show hosted by veteran TV host Paolo Abrera.

(Photo taken from greenliving-tv.com)

For a listing of previous and current episodes of the show, plus additional information on green living, you can visit the official blog of Green Living TV. According to the show's blog, you can also catch replays of Green Living TV at 4am on Wednesdays, 2:30pm on Saturdays, or 12:30pm and 9pm on Sundays.

(Photo taken from the Kitchen Revolution blog)

In 2011, Marie Gonzalez of Alabang-based vegan restaurant Kitchen Revolution was features on the show (see photo above). Meanwhile, Paolo Abrera interviews Patsy Paterno and Robert Alejandro, the owners of Papelmelroti, local manufacturer of eco-friendly handcrafted products, in this episode of Green Living:

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(You Tube Video uploaded by calejbitsvyk on Sep 6, 2011)

[News] WWF-Philippines Against Dolphin Captivity, Launches Dolphin Adoption Program

2011-12-21T16:43:00.001+08:00

WWF-Philippines Let's You 'Adopt' a Dolphin or Panda for Only P3,000

Yes, you read it right! The World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) has recently launched an adoption program for dolphins and pandas. Unfortunately, you don't get to take a panda or dolphin home with you.

In exchange for a P3,000 donation to WWF's adoption program, you get the option of 'symbolically' adopting one of these animals. Your donation will go a long way in the organization's efforts towards protecting endangered animal species, especially dolphins and pandas, across the globe.

Aside from helping the animals, WWF will be sending you a limited edition panda stuffed toy or dolphin stuffed toy, depending on which of them you adopted. The donor's kit also comes with an adoption certificate and a species information card.

The first 500 donors will have their donation kit shipped to them for free, courtesy of 2GO. Please visit the WWF-Philippines Facebook Page or send an email to adopt@wwf.org.ph for more information on how to donate.

WWF-Philippines Takes Stand Against Dolphin Captivity for Entertainment Purposes

Recently, WWF-Philippines has reiterated its stand against the holding of dolphins in captivity for entertainment purposes. They see this as exploitation of one of the most intelligent mammal species in the world.

The organization supports the campaign of the Animal Concerns Research and Evaluation Society (ACRES) and the Earth Island Institute to free the 25 dolphins being held in captivity in the Philippines. These dolphins are currently being trained for use in a famous entertainment park (Resorts World Sentosa) in Singapore. Two of these dolphins have already died.

Their campaign called Save the World's Saddest Dolphins has already managed to garner over one million signatures in support of freeing the dolphins held captive in the Philippines.Click on the link above for more information on the campaign and how you can help.

[News] Typhoon Sendong Victims Need You! Here's How You Can Help

2011-12-19T13:33:00.000+08:00

Over 600 people and counting have been killed by massive floods caused by Typhoon Sendong, which hit Mindanao, Philippines in the middle of the night last Friday, 2011 December 16. Rarely hit by typhoons or strong rains, most residents were unprepared for the tropical storm, despite warnings being given. The cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan were the worst affected by the floods.

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Nobody was expecting such a huge tragedy to happen so close to Christmas, and the death toll is just staggering. Now, the whole country is united in helping the victims of this calamity. There is currently a water shortage in Mindanao and Filipinos there are in desperate need of drinking water.

Correction: Cagayan de Oro has no more tap water! SMART Communications is coordinating the deployment of LifeStraw water filters to Mindanao.

Here are three ways by which you can donate:

1. The Philippine Red Cross is accepting online donations through their official website, here. You can also visit the link for information on how to donate via bank deposit, cellular phone text messaging (SMART and Globe), and G-Cash.

2. The Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB) is accepting donations via bank deposit. You may course your donations through and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) branch. Here are the account details of SLB:

SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account Name/Payee)
Bank of the Philippine Islands (Loyola-Katipunan Branch)

BPI Peso Checking Account Number: 3081-1111-61
BPI Dollar Savings Account Number: 3084-0420-12
SWIFT CODE: BOPIPHMM, ROUTING NO: 021-0000-21

You can also give donations in kind. Kindly drop them off at the Xavier Hall in Ateneo de Manila University. There are already booths setup to accept your donations.

3. The Luzon Brokerage Corporation (LBC) Foundation is now accepting donations in kind for the victims of Typhoon Sendong. You can drop off your donations at any LBC Express outlet, and LBC will fly it to Mindanao for you, and distribute the goods according to where it is needed.

[Green Living] Environment Philippines 2011 Xmas Gift Guide 2

2011-12-15T17:50:00.001+08:00

Looking to do some last minute Christmas shopping before December 25? Here are more environment-friendly gift ideas you might be interested in:

1. Jacinto & Lirio: Statement Bags from Plant and Leather

The flagship brand of Eco Ingenuity, Inc., Jacinto & Lirio features a selection of high-fashion bags made from water hyacinth leather. This unique line of bags is not only produced from sustainable materials, it also promotes women empowerment by supporting the Cora Care Foundation and the San Fernando Pampanga Community Association.

Jacinto and Lirio currently has four lines of bags, namely - Gabriela, Gregoria, Marcela, and Teodora - in-stock. These products can be found in Firma at Greenbelt 3, the CCP Shop at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Cora Jacobs at NAIA 3, Terrie at Glorieta 5, BackStage at Serendra, and Ladybag Philippines at Ayala Center Cebu.

The company also has a line of Statement Journals called Kwaderno. These journals have covers made from water hyacinth leather and pages made from recycled paper. You can now get one of these one-of-a-kind journals from the ECHOstore in Serendra.

2. ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle Products

ECHOstore sells products of various small and medium social enterprises in the Philippines. Thus, companies that support the uplifting of indigenous communities and the use of locally produced raw materials, are given the chance to sell their wares. Moreover, majority of the stuff they sell are also eco-friendly.

Each ECHOstore houses a variety of beauty and wellness products such as soaps, shampoos, oils, and colognes. They sell an array of spa products and insect repellants. Likewise, the stores have household products like laundry detergent, dish washing liquid, and linen spray on display.

Fashionistas will love the many colorful bags and accessories on display, including indigenous crafts. Store branches in Manila are located at Ayala Heights, ADB Avenue, Serendra, Shangri-La Plaza, the Podium and NAIA Terminal 3. They also have a branch in Puerto Princessa, and two branches in Cebu, at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and the Marriott Hotel.

3. Numa: Organic Eco-Friendly Baby Products

Every baby deserves to be pampered with the best clothes, toys, and accessories a mother could buy. Luckily, Numa is here to provide mothers with a variety of organic and environmentally-friendly products to choose from. Diapers to baby wipes, booties to building blocks, this store has everything your baby could want.

The store is based in the AEK Building 40 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City. Moreover, you can also buy their products online through the official website of Numa. Product photos, details, and prices are all available, so you can make the right purchase.

Don't take the risk of buying cheap baby products that probably contain harmful chemicals and toxic substances that could hurt your baby. Go all-natural and environmental for baby this Christmas.

For more green Xmas gift ideas visit Environment Philippines 2011 Xmas Gift Guide Part 1.

P.S.
Most photos are taken from the official websites, Facebook pages of the respective companies. The others I found on Google Images.