Recycle your phone

Can one phone save the world?

If every 3 billion phone users recycle just one phone, we van save over 240,000 tonnes of raw materials. The result is equivalent to stopping CO2 emissions from 4 million cars. Every phone contains significant amounts of copper, aluminium, gold, plastic and other non-metals that can be salvaged and reused.

By recycling just one phone, you can shield the environment from a lot of harmful substances. With our Nokia Kiosks, saving the earth has never been easier.

You can find Nokia Kiosks at these locations:

- Nokia Concept Store, The Gardens

- Nokia Store, The Curve and KLCC

- KTS Cellular, Giant Hypermarket Bandar Kinrara

More : Recycle a phone, adopt a tree

WALL-E Free Movie Passes

WALL-E (promoted with an interpunct as WALL·E) is a 2008 computer-animated adventure-comedy-romance-science fiction film produced by Pixar Animation Studios. The film was directed by Andrew Stanton. It follows the story of a robot named WALL-E who is designed to clean up a polluted Earth. He eventually falls in love with another robot named EVE, and follows her into outer space on an adventure.

In conjunction with "RECYCLE and you could save the world" promotion activities, Petrosains is give away 2 complimentary movies passes for the first 10 people daily who purchase Petrosains admission tickets from 22nd Jul - 31st Aug.

Beside learning more about the science of recycling, also enjoy FREE viewing of WALL-E, so hurry up to Petrosains today!

WALL-E will be in cinema on 14th Aug 2008!

Wikipedia on WALL-E
Trailers at YouTube on WALL-E

Buy Nothing Day

FOMCA declares 'Buy Nothing Day' on July 16

Why? That day has been declared the "Buy Nothing Day" by the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).

Fomca, with the cooperation of its partners, wants the Buy Nothing Day to be a day for consumers to review and reflect their personal values, especially in relation to consumerism.

It is also a time for consumers to think of their spending patterns, and about their values in relation to the importance given to family and friends, and the goods they acquire.

The Buy Nothing Day is organised in conjunction with the National Consumer Campaign (NCC), which is on from June this year till June 2012 under the theme of Change Begins With Me.

"The focus of the NCC is for Malaysian consumers to change their consumer behaviour and to take greater responsibility to face challenges that have an impact on their lifestyle," Fomca president Datuk N. Marimuthu said at the launch of the Buy Nothing Day.

"The time for cheaper fuel and foodstuff is over. Malaysians need to re-examine their lifestyle and make changes to the way they live to adapt to global challenges like increasing fuel prices," he said.

Also present at the launch were representatives from the campaign partners – Cuepacs, National Council of Women's Organisation (NCWO) and the Malaysian Youth Council.

Meanwhile, following are some of the positive measures consumers can do:
· Packing lunches/snacks at home and having them at the office;
· Having more meals at home and eating out less;
· Reducing electricity consumption, such as reducing the amount of time the air-conditioner is switched on or using the fan more often;
· Planning travel in advance;
· Using public transport more often;
· Buying only when necessary, and evaluating the needs versus the wants;
· Using energy-efficient equipment, like a front-loading washing machine rather than a top-loading one;
· Stop using credit cards; and
· Buying house brand goods instead of branded goods.

More on 'Buy Nothing Day' at Wikipedia

World Environment Day 2008 -2

Did you know that

PAPER



ALUMINIUM



GLASS



PLASTIC

World Environment Day 2008 -1

World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.

The World Environment Day slogan for 2008 is Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy. Recognising that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era, UNEP is asking countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. The World Environment Day will highlight resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption.

As awareness, here are something that good to share which I found at "Save Our Sumatran Rhinos" by Honda Malaysia.

Readcycle for Charity

Recycle the joy of reading. READcycle.

Donate your good condition OLD BOOKS such as children books, dictionaries, atlases and encyclopedia (no torn cover, pages or scribbling) to the underprivileged children and help build their literacy level.

This is another good program for your school holiday. Just bring along 10 English books to BookFest @ Malaysia 2008 and received a 1-year POPULAR Adult Card plus one Free ticket into the Exhibition.

BookFest @ Malaysia 2008 will be held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) Hall 1-5 from 24 May - 1 June 2008 time 10am - 10pm. Be there.

Green Rangers wanted

YOU are wanted!

THE public can now get involved in environmental preservation with the Green Ranger Wannabe campaign.

The Selangor environment department launched the programme to recruit people who are interested to volunteer in environmental activities organised by the state or other NGOs.

“We want lay people, young and old, to help in the fight to protect the environment. We would contact them when we need volunteers for events.” Selangor tourism, consumer affairs and environment committee chairman Elizabeth Wong said.

She said everyone could contribute to saving the environment with small measures like separating garbage and recycling.

Those who are interested in becoming Green Rangers can email bukitlanjan2008@gmail.com or salkiah@doe.gov.my.

Source: The Star

Grow with Green at Petrosains

What have you plan for this school holiday?

You may consider this, visit Petrosains! From 6 May to 30 June 2008, Petrosains 'Grow with Green' campaign will presented through their interactive science shows and activities to educate visitor how to take little steps to make a big difference in giving life back to the environment.

Location and contact details:
Petronas Twin Towers, Level 4 Suria KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Info/booking: 03-2331 8181, Email: infopetrosains@petronas.com.my

Have a meaningful and fruitful school holiday!

Small Things Everyone Does

With regard to man wreaking damage on the environment, one great scholar asks, “What is development if it is destroying our own future?” So, it is not the big things that the organisations do that count most. It is the small things everyone does that carry weight. As a Malay proverb says, “Sikit-sikit, lama-lama jadi bukit”, meaning “bit by bit it becomes a hill”.

In coming years, environmental issues will be a very important challenge to face.

How do we as consumers adapt to it? We can do the following small acts on our part to save the earth:

- Take your own bags for shopping to carry home groceries. Plastic bags are not eco-friendly and are non-biodegradable. Plastic bags take 400 years to bio-degrade.

- Use a bicycle or walk for short trips and local shopping. It’s 100% eco-friendly and keeps you fit.

- Turn off televisions, stereos and computers when not in use - they can use between 10% and 60% of the power when on and contribute to global warming.

- Prepare and bring home-cooked meals to work or school. It’s healthier and far more economical than eating outside.

- Collect unused paper products at home and take them to recycling centers. Recycling of wood products can save millions of trees a year.

- Stop using chemical pesticides. Planting certain plants in your kitchen garden, such as mint and basil can help to keep pests away.

- Replace lights used with compact energy saving fluorescent lamps. They use ¼ of electricity and last 4 times as long as a normal light bulb.

- Decide on what you need before opening the fridge. Repeated opening waste electricity and add up to your utility bills.

- Avoid using Styrofoam. It’s non-biodegradable and depletes the ozone layer.

- Volunteer for a green project in your local community. Start or join a community environment program to preserve the environment in your neighbourhood.

- Share the advice and tips you’ve learned on sustainable consumption with your family and friends.

- Cool your house the smart way. Use white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away. Air conditioners contribute to global warming.

- Buy locally grown food. Not only will you be saving money but you are also supporting the livelihood of local farmers.

- Help reduce the world’s rubbish dumps – don’t use disposable products like paper plates and napkins, plastic utensils and cups.

- Saving water means saving electricity; because one of the biggest users of electricity is supplying water and cleaning up sewage.

- Follow nature’s way to care for your garden. Use organic compost instead to improve soil health for gardening.

Source: FOMCA

The 11th Hour - free Screenings

In conjunction with Climate Change Week 2008, YTL brings Malaysians their only chance to watch Leonardo DiCaprio’s environmental docu-movie The 11th Hour on the big screen!

Produced and narrated by DiCaprio, this acclaimed documentary explores the impact we impose on Earth’s ecosystems and what each of us can do to change the course mankind is headed for.

Outstanding for its message of hope, this gripping docu-movie features dialogues with experts from all over the world, including former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, renowned scientist Stephen Hawking and over 50 leading scientists.

The 11th Hour was an official selection at Festival De Cannes, and was nominated Best Documentary at the 2007 Golden Satellite Awards.

Free public screenings will be held from Wed 30 Apr until Sun 4 May 2008 at the KL Performing Arts Centre (KLPac). [MAP]

To get a free pair of tickets, please register online HERE from Sat 11 - Tue 22 Apr 2008. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis.

You will be informed via email by 23 April if you have been successful in getting tickets.

Successful registrants can then collect their free passes from The Platinum Plus Lounge, Starhill Gallery, Relish Floor on Saturday, 26 April and Sunday, 27 April from 10am - 10pm. Tickets that have not been collected will be released to other registrants.

The movie will not be shown in local cinemas so this is your only chance to catch it on the big screen!

• About the Film
• About the Filmmakers
• About the Cast of Experts
• Trailer
  

Water savings tips #2

Saving Water Outdoors

20. Don't overwater your lawn. As a general rule, lawns only need watering every five to seven days in the summer and every 10 to 14 days in the winter. A hearty rain eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks. Buy a rain gauge and use it to determine how much rain your yard has received. Most of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week.

21. Plant it smart. Drought efficient landscaping is a great way to design, install and maintain both your plants and irrigation system. More importantly, it will save time, money and water.

22. Water lawns during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest. This reduces losses from evaporation.

23. Don't allow sprinklers to water your street, driveway or sidewalk. Position them so water lands on the lawn and shrubs... not the paved areas.

24. Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of water efficient irrigation methods.

25. Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly.

26. Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture better than a closely-clipped lawn.

27. Avoid over fertilizing your lawn. Fertilizer applications increase the need for water. Apply fertilizers which contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.

28. Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.

29. Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, they do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering. Group plants together based on similar water needs.

30. Avoid the installation of ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless the water is recycled.

31. Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours. Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn sprinklers off.

32. Avoid purchasing recreational water toys which require a constant stream of water.

33. Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass and use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.

34. Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose which can be adjusted down to a fine spray so that water flows only as needed. When finished, turn it off at the faucet instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks. Check hose connectors to make sure plastic or rubber washers are in place. Washers prevent leaks.

35. If you have a swimming pool, consider a new water-saving pool filter. A single backflushing with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.

General Water Saving Tips:

36. Get involved in water management issues. Voice your questions and concerns at public meetings conducted by your local government or water management district.

37. Be aware of and follow all water conservation and water shortage rules in effect in your community. Don't assume -- even if you get your water from a private well -- that you need not observe good water use rules. Every drop counts.

38. Encourage your employer to promote water conservation in the workplace. Suggest that water conservation be put in employee orientation and training programs.

39. Patronize businesses which practice and promote water conservation, such as restaurants that only serve water upon request.

40. Report all significant water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, errant sprinklers, abandoned free-flowing wells, etc.) to the property owner, local authorities or your water agency.

41. Encourage your school system and local government to help develop and promote a water conservation ethic among children and adults.

42. Support projects that will lead to an increased use of reclaimed waste water for irrigation and other uses.

43. Support efforts and programs that create a concern for water conservation among tourists and visitors to our state. Make sure your visitors understand the need for, and benefits of, water conservation.

44. Encourage your friends and neighbors to be part of a water-conscious community. Promote water conservation in community newsletters, on bulletin boards and by example. Encourage your friends, neighbors and co-workers to "do their part."

45. Conserve water because it is the right thing to do. Don't waste water just because someone else is footing the bill, such as when you are staying at a hotel.

Water savings tips #1

I was at SYABAS this morning and found this article is useful. So let's try to do one thing each day that will result in saving water. Don't worry if the savings are minimal. Every drop counts. You can make a difference.

Saving Water Indoors:

1. Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, or for cleaning.

2. Verify that your home is leak free. Many homes have hidden water leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.

3. Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at a rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year. This adds to the cost of water and sewer utilities, or can strain your septic system.

4. Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the toilet bowl within 30 minutes. Check the toilet for worn out, corroded or bent parts. Most replacement parts are inexpensive, readily available and easily installed. (Flush as soon as test is done, since food coloring may stain tank.)

5. If the toilet handle frequently sticks in the flush position letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it.

6. Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water and use this to water plants. The same technique can be used when washing dishes or vegetables in the sink.

7. In the shower, turn water on to get wet; turn off to lather up; then turn back on to rinse off. Repeat when washing your hair.

8. Install a toilet dam or displacement device such as a bag or bottle to cut down on the amount of water needed for each flush. Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts.

9. Insulate your water pipes. You'll get hot water faster and avoid wasting water while it heats up.

10. Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don't let the tap run while you are waiting for cool water to flow.

11. Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

12. Kitchen sink disposals require lots of water to operate properly. Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste instead of using a garbage disposal. Garbage disposals also can add 50 percent to the volume of solids in a septic tank, which can lead to malfunctions and maintenance problems.

13. Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don't have to let the water run while it heats up. This will reduce water heating costs for your household.

14. When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water. Quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet.

15. Never install a water-to-air heat pump or air-conditioning system. Newer air-to-air models are just as efficient and do not waste water.

16. Don't let water run while shaving or washing your face. Brush your teeth first while waiting for water to get hot, then wash or shave after filling the basin.

17. Install water softening systems only when necessary. Save water and salt by running the minimum amount of regenerations necessary to maintain water softness. Turn softeners off while on vacation.

18. If you have a well at home, check your pump periodically. Listen to hear if the pump kicks on and off while water is not being used. If it does, you have a leak.

19. Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.

LOHAS - 2008 Lifestyle!

《 樂活誌 》
寵愛自己。關愛社會。疼愛地球
馬來西亞第一本結合天然有機、自然療法、生機飲食、環保、資源再循環、個人身心靈成長，如何建立永續生活型態的雜誌！

「LOHAS」樂活，永續的健康生活型態
「樂活」是「LOHAS」的中文直譯，為Lifestyles Of Health and Sustainability的縮寫，意指「永續的健康生活型態」。這是一種寵愛自己、善待地球的生活態度、小至個人、大至企業體的永續經營，都涵蓋其中。
樂活族定義─「一群人在做消費決策時，會考量自己與家人健康和環境責任。」

樂活族十大宣言

「樂活」最重要的精神，在於 「健康」和「永續」的生活實踐 ！

關於平衡身心
1、我會注意吃什麼、如何吃，不吃高鹽、高油、高糖的食品。
2、我會經常運動、適度休息、均衡飲食，不把健康的責任丟給醫生。

關於分享關懷
3、我會注重自我成長、終身學習、靈性修養、並關懷別人。

關於珍愛環境
4、我會盡量搭乘大眾運輸工具，減少廢氣污染。
5、我不抽菸、拒吸二手菸，支持無菸環境的政策。
6、我會減少製造垃圾，也實行垃圾分類與回收。
7、我會試著使用對環境友善的化學產品，例如使用環保清潔劑。
8、我支持有機（無毒）農產品，並盡量優先選用。
9、我會向家人、朋友推薦對環境友善的產品，例如環保汽車。
10、我會隨身攜帶環保筷，貢獻己力，少砍一棵樹。

樂活族標榜健康過生活，崇尚食用有機食品，拒絕對動物傷害。樂活族重視環境永續經營，倡導環境保護，愛護大自然，傾向支持環保科技產業，發展替代性能源產業。樂活族用更健康的生活方式，面對人生。

半年前因机缘巧合得知〈乐活〉LOHAS，然后〈生機飲食〉Macrobiotics，接着〈慢食〉Slow Food后；让我深切知道我必须改变生活形态… 就在这时乐活志诞生了，至今已出版了三期！办杂志不易，办好一本这类形的杂志更难。希望刚接过主编棒子的许嘉琪能将她越编越好，当然是在整个团队的配合之下！（特别提嘉琪是因为十几年前因推动本地创作歌曲和她相识）让我们一起乐活吧！Welcome 2008!

Back Issues

Toyota Eco Drive

I got this 2008 calendar on my last car service and I found the Tips are relevant and useful. Here are the Tips.

What is Toyota Eco Drive?
Not only can Toyota Eco Drive save our world, it can also save you money. Toyota Eco Drive is an important step towards sustainable mobility and is the way forward. This smart and effective approach will help improve the quality of life all around us.

How?
By applying a few simple, yet useful car driving and maintenance tips you’ll find driving so much enjoyable and the environment so much cleaner.

Know where you’re going.
Get proper directions before heading to an unfamiliar destination. By being sure of the way, you can get to your destination on time without wasting fuel unnecessarily.

Look for leaks.
To prevent harmful waste, such as oil, brake fluid, battery acid, etc., from getting into our waterways (when it rains), regularly check your parking spot for any leaks. If there are suck leaks, have then repaired promptly.

Maintain your car, maintain the environment.
Conduct periodic checks and carry out regular maintenance to keep your car in good running condition. Also, keeping the engine in tip-top condition will help reduce carbon emissions.

Idling engine, running fuel.
If you’re at the standstill for long periods, it’s best to turn off the car engine. By restarting the engine you will save more fuel, instead of letting the engine idle for 30-50 seconds.

Disposing waste properly.
Toxic components from automotive fluids are hazard to our waterways. Thus, do your car at established workshops that have proper procedures for disposing toxic waste.

Less load, more fuel.
Don’t carry unnecessary loads in the boot or on the roof as this will increase your car fuel consumption. Remove items you don’t really use from the boot such as extra shoes, golf bag and/ or files.

The right pressure.
Check tyres at least once in two weeks for the appropriate pressure according to tyre and vehicle. Tyres with the right pressure will last longer and give a safer drive. Tyres also need to be rotated every 6 months or 10,000km for even wear and longer usage.

Clean exhaust pipe, clean pipe water.
Car exhaust discharges harmful particles that contain carbon monoxide, particulates mercury, dioxins and so on, which could pollute our waterways. Carry out regular maintenance to ensure the engine burns cleaner.

Shift for efficiency
Never drag your car on low gears for long, especially when the road is clear in front of you. Shift up to higher gear early, because a higher gear equals to lower engine speed and lower fuel consumption.

Walk over drive.
If it’s short journey to the grocery store near your house, walking there will do a lot of good. Besides giving you a light cardio-workout, it will also minimize both fuel and general wear and tear of your car.

Break from brake.
Maintain a safe distance when driving and always keep a look out for red brake lights from the car(s) in front (while observing the car behind), so that you can release the accelerator so slow down instead of exerting the brake pads.

Steady on speed.
Driving on a constant speed is good way to economise fuel. Look well ahead while you’re driving. Keep an eye on the road at all times and maintain a safe distance when driving at a constant speed.