Month: August 2011

Community gardens are simple, communal places where people like you and me can get together and come together to make new friends, dig in the soil, plant vegies and flowers and other plants and enjoy nature and a bit of hard work.

These gardens have sprung up all over Australia over the past few years. And one can surmise they have their origins in the humble British and European rail side plots, where urbanised families would go to spend some time at their “allotments” to commune with nature away from housing estates, citified streets with no gardens and high-rise apartments where the prospect of growing vegetables is a dream.

With concerns about the environment, the cost of living and the need to “get back to the land” to save the planet, communities have banded together to form their own garden areas, many of which also send a clear subtext message to politicians that the voters of Australia place green concerns and pursuits at the very forefront of their lives and values.[1]

A Movement

Sustainable Illawarra defines community gardens as something “more than simply growing food. It is also a way to grow a sense of place and community. The number of community gardens in Australia is increasing, and what started as isolated examples of urban food production in the late1970’s has now blossomed into a movement promoting nutritional health through growing, sharing and eating of fresh, locally grown food.”[2]

Doctor Bruce Judd and Doctor Rob Samuels from the University of NSW from the AHURI (Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute) Research Centre even revealed a link between community gardens on nine public estates, and a relationship with an effective reduction in crime rates.[3] The study noted that social interventions such as the development of community gardens in crime hotspots, was very effective in controlling crime levels.

As the community garden becomes more popular, it becomes more and more accepted as an important part of community life. World famous Australian chef Stephanie Alexander has even developed a community garden project involving schools and school children. She believes that her Kitchen Garden Foundation has the potential to help nurture healthier and greener and more communal attitudes to food and food cultivation by children, that will last a lifetime and lead to greater wellbeing and respect for the environment. [4] This is a view also shared by the United Kingdom’s most famous television chef, Jamie Oliver.[5]

If you believe in the need for more information on greener, communal attitudes that help to shape a healthy Australia, you may also be interested in the Envirosafe Solutions approach to eco-friendly products. For more information on their range phone 1300 889070.

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[1] http://communitygarden.org.au/our-purpose

[2] http://www.sustainableillawarra.com.au/pdf/Community-Gardens.pdf

[3] http://www.fbe.unsw.edu.au/cf/publications/presentations/attachments/soacjuddsamuels.pdf

[4] http://stephaniealexander.com.au/garden/htm

[5] http://www.jamieoliver.com

Business and organisations are most often portrayed in the media as somewhat resistant to the shift toward a sustainable future that addresses climate change and its all encompassing problems. Time and again these groups are presented as resistant to climate change and all it entails, and are viewed as the “enemy” of “greenies.”

But is this really the case?

There are many businesses and organisations as well as industry groups who are embracing the challenges and the changes that are required. For example, businesses such as Envirosafe Solutions are actively embracing the need for change, and utilising new green ethics and approaches that are good for the planet and good for business.

And recent research conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme indicates that many businesses are not the “enemy” of sustainable practices, but are in fact seeing the new world of climate change and all it entails as a business opportunity that can be embraced and utilised in the form of a win-win situation.[1]

The report, titled “Adapting for a Green Economy: Companies, Communities and Climate Change” stated that businesses that respond to climate changes with community needs in mind can gain a competitive edge. Businesses that respond to climate change in ways that undermine communities’ efforts to adapt may face reputational and brand risks, and they may even lose their ability to operate in certain locations.”[2]

It also states that an approach by business that is responsible and strategic can in fact:

• Avoid costs
• Manage liabilities
• Build resilience
• Expand market share
• Access new opportunities
• Build corporate reputation
• Exercise good corporate citizenship.

The report also advises that traditional business approaches may well now be insufficient, and companies will want to:

• “connect climate adaptation and resilience to the culture of the corporation/company
• Assimilate adaptations into central business strategies
• Match their business objectives with new approaches
• Team up with in-house and external decision-makers
• Develop and grow a portfolio of goods and services that are truly green and climate-resilient[3]

Many businesses in Australia have already adopted and incorporated many of these suggestions and guidelines into their business approach and ethos. Envirosafe Solutions is one such Australian owned and environmentally sound business that places these ideas at the forefront of its approach. If you would like to find out more about Envirosafe Solutions’ approach to green business practices please view the website in more detail. And if you would like more information on the Envirosafe Solutions Extreme Green Range of quality products, please telephone a friendly member of the sales team on 1300 889070.

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[1] http://www.unep.org

[2] http://www/wri.org/publication/adapting-for-a-green-economy

[3] ibid

How can you take action to conserve water and respect our increasingly dry continent?

Australia already has problems with water availability and water supply. One only need look at problems facing the Murray-darling basin over the past decade, which exemplifies this fact clearly to all. Even on the coastal ribbon of Australia – far from the inland areas, it is expected water will become increasingly rare, and our use and misuse of it is already being considered, researched and monitored.

Two decades ago, one hardly even noticed when the water bill arrived! In some areas, it was woven into the council rates costings and was so insignificant that you barely even noticed it. But today, water is not only an increasingly scarce commodity. It also costs…and it can cost dearly.  In the past few years, water bills have skyrocketed and are now an expensive element of family life. All Australians are encouraged to use water wisely and to work with the environment and not against it so that we can protect it and also protect the water that is fundamental to the earth and our survival.

Greywater[1]

There are a number of ways you can help to conserve water and reduce your household or business water consumption and this is not only good for the environment but also good for your proverbial hip pocket.

Greywater is wastewater from an array of sources around the home and workplace. It can include water from the kitchen, the bath and basin and also the laundry. It does not include greywater – which is the water that is the wastewater from toilets. Greywater is all about recycling. It is all about preventing the used water cited above, from needlessly gurgling away down the plughole.

It is now easy to reuse greywater and install a greywater system.

Here is some useful information that can be incorporated into your current home and workplace and lifestyle:[2]

When considering a greywater strategy or approach, think about the following issues:

Type of greywater system[3]

• handheld bucket system, filtration device, (no council permits required for these.)
• diversionary devices
• more complex treatment and reuse systems  (requires local council permissions)

Where to use greywater

• on the garden outside  (but not on vegies)
• indoors – use it for toilets and for laundry (if you have a filtrations system)

Where not to use greywater

• do not use it to wash hands
• do not use it when members of household are ill
• do not allow greywater to go beyond your property

Envirosafe Solutions strongly supports the use of greywater and has developed a range of eco-friendly liquid products that are highly suitable to use in households where greywater is in use. This is because of their extremely low phosphate content, making them safe for families and safe for the environment.

Join the green revolution and install greywater. Join the green revolution and use Envirosafe Solutions Extreme Green range of eco-friendly products. Call Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 889070

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[1] http://www.greywater.com.au

[2] http://www.livinggreener.gov.au/water/greywater

[3] www.greywater.net

What happens when a cultural icon becomes unsustainable?What occurs when a cultural icon starts to threaten prize national park land?

Every Australian knows or has heard of The Man from Snowy River. And most are familiar with that iconic wild horse, the Australian brumby that roams the alpine regions of Victoria and NSW and inhabits areas that include the Kosciusko National Park and the Alpine National Park.

2010 saw the mass slaughter of many trapped brumbies. They were caught in National Park areas around Tumut and then sent to Campden Saleyards. From there, they were sent to the abattoir and eventually ended up as pet dog food.[1]

The National Parks and Wildlife Service now considers the brumby a feral pest, and claims numbers in the park regions have reached epic and unsustainable proportions, causing havoc to native fauna and flora, and destroying the natural wildlife balance of the region.

The Australian Brumby Alliance rejects the National Parks and Wildlife approach to the issue, and believes a humane approach to the overpopulation, involving a trial of PZP – a contraceptive treatment that reduces fertility of the brumbies – should be implemented. They also object to the current practice of quota brumby trapping where hunting dogs hound and mercilessly flush brumbies from the national park areas. The National Parks and Wildlife grants dog permits to organizations such as The Alpine Brumby Management Association (ABMA.)[2]

The Australian Broadcasting Commission recently ran a news item on the matter. Steve Horsley from the ANPWS says that the numbers have increased 20% annually over the past few years. They will continue brumby trapping until October, which is a concern to many who believe in the value of this Australian icon.[3]

Clash

The brumby issue highlights the inevitable clashes that are increasing between many types of sustainability and environmental groups. As conservation and green approaches become the prevailing mode of thought, this gives rise to more debate and choice about sustainability and how best to address the problems facing the planet and the environment because of poor human management in the past.

Various animal rights groups regard the brumby as the iconic Australian horse that has a permanent and sacred place at the centre of the national psyche. Various environmental and green groups in the alpine region dispute this, and claim a nostalgic romanticising of the wild horses cannot diminish the brumby’s threat to native flora and fauna.

Regardless of outcome, what remains clear is that a sustainable and humane approach to increasing brumby numbers – one that ensures their dignity while also helping to reduce their numbers – is a possible solution that may require more discussion and evolution. Envirosafe Solutions supports humane and sustainable modes of animal handling and also sees the need for a sustainable approach to the alpine region’s flora and fauna.

For more information on the Extreme Green range of products, telephone Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 889070

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[1] http://macarthur-chronicle-camden.whereilive.com.au/news/story/wild-about-brumbies-at-camden/

[2] http://www.australianbrumbyalliance.org.au/petition-stop-brumby-running-alpine-national-park

[3] http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2011/07/

The Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency has set up a climate change website that can keep families and businesses and industries up to date on the latest climate change information and ideas that are coming out of Canberra. The website is most specifically designed to tackle the challenges of climate change and focuses on a number of main areas.[1]

These include:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Promoting energy efficiency
• Adapting to climate change impacts
• Helping to shape a global solution

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

At present, the main requirement for the human race is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The Australian government currently invests more than $5billion towards developing clean energy technologies, and once a carbon tax is introduced this amount it set to rise.

Encouraging business to reduce emissions

The new website also encourages Australian businesses “to take action to reduce their emissions through the Clean Business Australia program which promotes and advocates an increase in energy efficiency in Australian workplaces and buildings.”[2]

Encouraging households to take action

It is also important Australian households take action as 20% of Australian carbon pollution is generated by these. The website outlines various ways in which average households across our continent can make a true difference. And while these measures may seem insignificant on their own, when combined with the changes each and every household can make, these impacts can be significant and considerable. Ways to reduce your household’s carbon footprint include considering:

• the ways you travel to and from work
• the ways you travel to and from school
• the way you use electrical appliances
• the way you use your air conditioning
• the way you use your heating appliances
• whether you turn appliances off at the power point when not in use
• turning off computer when not in use
• planting trees
• recycling
• watching water use
• products you use at home.

Eco-friendly products

Envirosafe Solutions has developed an environmentally responsible range of liquid and other products that are suitable for both domestic and business use. These products may contribute to the reduction or minimisation of your carbon footprint and can reduce harsh chemical impacts on the local and national environment. Unlike other eco-friendly products that may be on the market, the Envirosafe Solutions range does not compromise on results or quality, so you can be assured of the results you require.

All households, as well as local councils, businesses, organisations, industries and governments are currently adjusting to the reality of climate change. All of us are learning new strategies and adaptations which require commitment, research and effort on our parts.

You can be a part of a solutions-based change in household practices and business practices. Please call Envirosafe Solutions to enquire about and purchase our eco-friendly liquids and products. You can feel good and simply do good by purchasing Envirosafe Solutions products. 1300 889070.

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[1] http://www.climatechange.gov.au/government/reduce.aspx

[2] http://www.climatechange.gov.au/government/reduce.aspx

In the 1980’s Kakadu became a mainstream and popular tourist destination. Australians began flocking to these mysterious and sublime wetland areas of unsurpassable beauty, and the region became absorbed into our national psyche as a true Australian jewel.

The region 171 km southeast of Darwin, is located in the Alligator Rivers area of the Northern Territory and covers nearly 20,000 sq kilometres of land – equivalent to a third of the size of Tasmania and approximately half the total area of Switzerland.[1]

It has been continuously occupied for 40 000 years and is extremely famed for its rich indigenous cultural sites as well as its abundant and rich flora and fauna. There are approximately 1700 plant species, over 60 mammal species and a host of other wildlife and rare species.[2]

Effects of Climate Change

In June 2011, The Australian Government released “Kakadu: Vulnerability to climate change impacts” which considers the potential effects of climate change on this incredibly rich and precious region. The study concentrated on the methods and impacts on the catchments and floodplains, paying particular attention to the possible risks associated with saltwater intrusions and also extreme rainfall events on the coastal wetland regions.

Rises in sea levels and therefore salinity will lead to a recession of freshwater plant species and their dependent fauna and birdlife. This will have a severely deleterious effect on the biodiversity of the region and will lead to significant shifts in the food chain and also the region’s reliance on tourism as a major socio-economic force of the region.[3]

The cultural effect of climate change on the indigenous population has also been considered, involving discussions with major indigenous stakeholders and the Binninj people of the area. These were outlined as impacts on:

• Language
• Getting income from country
• Living on country
• Looking after the country
• Looking after special places and sacred sites
• The availability of bush tucker.

If little is done to combat climate change, the 2070 forecasts for risk to the region rate as “high to extreme for many areas entailing cultural values, ecology, socio-economic values, tourism and planning and regulation.”[4]

However, the paper also concluded that adaptation options to climate change are available and possible and that some of the high to extreme risks to the region can be reduced, so that the Kakadu can continue on in spite of the forecast temperature rises that are expected over the next 100 or so years.

Envirosafe Solutions supports the protection and respect of the Kakadu region and its abundant and diverse flora and fauna. As one of the true natural jewels of our country, it requires every support and protection available to it by way of government funding, adaptation strategies and research that can lead to a greater understanding of its specific needs and requirements as the planet begins to heat.

For more information on Envirosafe Solutions Extreme Green range of eco-friendly products, please telephone 1300 889070.

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[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakadu_National_Park

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakadu_National_Park

[3] http://climatechange.gov.au/publications/adaptation/kakadu-vulnerability.aspx

[4] http://www.climatechange.gov.au/publications/adaptation/kakadu-vulnerability.aspx

Envirosafe Solutions is keen to promote an environmentally sound approach to lifestyle, business, education and family life. We also support the dissemination and sharing of green ideas and green views that may be of service to our clients and other members of the community and general public. We also care deeply about the need to educate the younger generation on issues such as conservations, sustainable living, climate change, responsible use of fossil fuels and various energy alternatives. We believe in instilling a sense of “green values” in the younger generation.

For this reason, Envirosafe Solutions has compiled this useful overview of a few green website links for parents, educators and children. We hope they can be of use to you, your schools and your families.

Planet Patrol

A great eco-friendly website written by children and for children. It contains information on the latest environmental technology, interesting flora and fauna and explains how children can make a truly big difference by doing a few really little things.[1]

Turtle Care[2]

A Sunshine Coast based kids’ website and organisation focusing on turtles. A wonderful project resource site with some stunning visuals and photography of turtles. It also contains information on threats faced by turtles and has information for schools and also for volunteering.

KidsLife[3]

A good website aimed at empowering parents to help their children reach their full potential. It has a very good little section on environmental education.

Victorian Association for Environment Education[4]

A great member based professional website for educators in Victoria. It encourages and supports educators to engage in environmental education and sustainability.

Environmental Education – NSW Department of Education and Training[5]

An excellent website filled with information for teachers and for children. It outlines environmental and sustainability education, and offers teachers guidelines and ideas.

Gould League[6]

The Gould League has been helping us enjoy the environment since 1909. A wonderful website and not for profit organisation that is both an innovator and leader in environment and education. It also puts out a wonderful environmental newsletter titled “Squawk.”

Wetlands Environmental Education Centre[7]

A nice website focusing on the Hunter and Central Coast region of NSW. Offers school programs and other programs throughout the year.

Ollie’s World[8]

An interactive site for children with a section for children and a section for educators. Also has a range of interactive CD roms for use by educators.

This compilation is a small selection from a comprehensive eco-friendly websites list currently being developed by Envirosafe Solutions. We encourage you to educate your families and children on the importance and reality of the current global environmental predicament and will keep you informed about other relevant websites in the not too distant future. In the meantime, please consider the Envirosafe Solutions range of eco-friendly products, suitable for use domestically and also in business and industry of all kinds. Join the green revolution. Show you care. Buy products from Envirosafe Solutions’ Extreme Green range of products. For more information telephone our sales team on 1300 889070.

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[1] http://planetpatrol.info/

[2] http://www.turtlecare.com.au/sea-turtle-information-for-kids.php

[3] http://www.kislife.com.au/Default.aspx?ID=639

[4] http://www.vaee.vic.edu.au

[5] http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/env_ed/index.htm

[6] http://www.gould.edu.au/html/about_gould.asp

[7] http://www.wetlandseec.schoolwebsites.com.au/news.aspx

[8] http://www.olliesworld.com/html/about.htm

Just about every household in Australia has at least one, if not two computers. And just about every family in Australia has at least one mobile phone. We purchase the latest technological updates with abandon and enthusiasm, and while these new toys are fun, fast and fabulous, do we often stop to think about our cast-offs and our discarded electronic equipment? We might pass them on to our children or relatives, but eventually they will find their way to the local garbage or landfill site.

Electronic waste – or e-waste – as it is more commonly referred to these days, comprises the surplus and the broken or discarded electrical devices we know longer use or need. In both developed and undeveloped countries this form of waste pollution is of major concern mainly because this specific form of waste contains a series of hazardous substances that can be extremely toxic to humans, the groundwater table, landfill sites and the environment in general.

The range of toxic substances in e-waste includes:

• Americium (a known carcinogen)
• Mercury (in flat screen monitors)
• Cadmium (in rechargeable batteries)
• Lead
• Beryllium oxide
• Polyvinyl chloride[1]

According to a United Nations report titled “Recycling- from E-waste to resources, “the world is heading for a potentially devastating deluge of electronic waste as many nations struggle to keep the sheer volumes they are facing under control.”[2] Huge mounds of hazardous waste from electronic products are growing fast, particularly in many developing regions with rates of growth as high as 500%.

What is most concerning is that much of the hazardous waste is handled carelessly and often, as is the case in China, “incinerated by backyard recyclers who recover valuable metals and in the process release plumes of far-reaching toxic pollution into the atmosphere.”[3]

The Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Achim Steiner added that “China is not alone in facing a serious problem. India, Brazil, Mexico and others may also face rising environmental damage and health problems if e-waste recycling is left to the vagaries of the informal sector.”[4]

Solutions

UNEP’s view is solutions to the problem of backyard burning of the e-waste to obtain the metals are possible with government and business help.

It noted that a pilot programme in Bangalore in southern India reveals ‘state of the art recycling plants, building on existing organisations working in the areas of recycling and waste management” are the way for the future. The implication for other countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Africa and China, as well as other under-developed countries where the practice is widespread, is huge.

It remains clear that the challenge of dealing with e-waste represents an extremely important and significant step in the transition to a green economy. All nations need to take heed, given the increasingly significant role electronics and new technologies play in our lives. These devices are here to stay. Large scale and responsibly controlled and overseen modes of recycling of these technologies will help to minimise the toxic release of their substances into the earth’s atmosphere.

Join the green revolution. Support green industry. Phone Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 889070.

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[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste

[2] http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33845&Cr=waste&Cr1

[3] http://www.un.org.au/apps/news/story.asp?News=33845&Cr=waste&Cr1

[4] ibid

Building green is now a major facet of any construction. Even in the brick veneer belts of suburban Australia, green construction methods and green strategies are incorporated into aspects of house design, outlook, energy use and building materials.  High end architecture firms that began experimental implementation of green modes of design and building initially fostered the change. And now, in 2011, it is almost mainstream.

The new approach to building applies for new and complete home building as well as for renovations, restoration and partial design work. According to the Australian Government’s LivingGreener website, “if you are thinking about renovating or building you can reduce the environmental impact of your building project in a number of ways.”[1]

Waste strategy

One of the simplest is to recycle and reuse your materials and to work at a waste minimization plan.

A waste plan helps you identify the types of refuse that will be produced by the build or renovation and guides you on methods of re-use, recycle or final disposal of the materials. Many local councils now require this as part of the development application.

Embodied Energy[2]

You can also reduce your building footprint by reducing embodied energy. Embodied energy is the energy that is incurred once. It comprises “all the energy consumed by all the processes associated with the production of a building.”  It refers to the production and processing of the resources (natural and man-made) as well as transporting of them. It does not refer to the operational energy of a building (ongoing energy usage.)  One way of trying to minimise the embodied energy of your build or renovation is to source materials that are organic, green and also environmentally sound. The Your Home government website also has a list of the embodied energy of common building materials and this is a good starting point guide.[3]

Incorporate passive design

Passive design elements mean your home will only need minimal heating and cooling. Develop a good understanding of passive design elements for your site or your renovation, and build from this starting point. This will reduce or eliminate energy bills and the need for lighting. Passive design elements include:

• Using the natural climate
• Passive solar heating – using orientation and aspect (north facing for heating etc.)
• Shading of glass where summer sun is a problem
• Insulation, draught sealing, advanced or double glazing
• Passive cooling – use of existing breezes
• Thermal mass – use of dense materials such as concrete, cement, masonry or bricks to absorb heat and release it at night when needed. Maintains internal temperatures of home[4]

Many simple strategies can be incorporated into building and renovating. Envirosafe Solutions understands that incorporating green building strategies and techniques is now an important part of any project. Envirosafe Solutions can also help you with your own footprint once you have built or renovated. Use their eco-friendly products and reduce your own family or business’s impact on the local and global environment.

Low toxicity reputable products that place the environment first can be a part of your daily life. Phone Envirosafe Solutions for more information on 1300 889070

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[1] http://www.livinggreener.gov.au/waste/building-material-waste

[2] http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs52.html

[3] ibid

[4] http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs41.html

Queensland will host the 6^th World Environmental Education Congress in 2011. From the 19-23^rd July The Brisbane Convention Centre will play host to a smorgasbord of sessions and seminars on all aspects of environmental and sustainability education. This is a unique opportunity for individuals to come together and learn from many global experts who specialise in environmental education.

700 delegates will be participating from all around the world and will present and discuss issues relevant to environmental education, from early childhood through to primary and secondary, higher education and including educations models for local, state and even federal governments.

The focus of the conference will not be confined to environmental issues. This will be a key aspect, but it will branch out to include feasible and effective ways of educating the community about the environment and sustainability issues. The conference has been coordinated by one of Australia’s peak environmental education bodies, the Australian Association for Environmental Education. It aims to provide opportunity and “exchange for professionals interested in environmental and sustainability education so that they can come together, network and share their expertise in environmental research, education, policy and practice.”[1]

One of the keynote speakers is Dr. Hum Gurung from Nepal, whose “research interests include participatory action research and community-based approaches for environmental education, sustainable development and climate change, biodiversity and tourism management in protected areas.”[2]

Dr. Gurung has been an active participant and leader in Bird Conservation Nepal. It is actively involved in managing environmental education and is committed to engendering change through the educating the students about the threat to the native birdlife of Nepal and the Kathmandu region. The recent setup of the Bagmati River Nature Park in the area has education as a central component of its charter. It “offers a huge opportunity to promote conservation and environmental issues to the large urban population and school students of Kathmandu.[3]

Another one of the keynote speakers/educators at the conference will be Emeretta Cross, from Merethan Vision in Victoria, which focuses on the plight of islands such as Kiribati and Tuvalu, both of which are currently threatened by rising sea levels. Cross who is a proud Tuvaluan/Kiribati, has become a powerful educator and speaker who focuses on the known conditions now facing her people due rising sea levels.

Envirosafe Solutions believed education and fostering a new awareness about sustainability and environment is an implicit and essential part of dealing with current global environmental issues. Envirosafe Solutions supports the aims and objectives of the 6^th World Environmental Education Conference, which parallels its own current commitment to online education strategies for the youth of Australia. You can support he environment by active engagement in self-education and education of others about sustainability issues. You can also support the environment by paying attention to your own day to day domestic and work practices. For more information on a host of strategies and the eco-friendly Extreme Green Range brought out by Envirosafe Solutions, telephone 1300 889070.

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[1] http://www.weec2011.org/Congressoverview.aspx

[2] http://www.weec2011.org/Program?speakers.aspx

[3] www.birdlifenepal.org/project-detail.php?id=82

The Belo Monte dam project is a huge, large-scale hydroelectric scheme scheduled for development on the Xingu River in Brazil.[1] If its development goes ahead it will become the third largest hydroelectric dam project in the world.[2]

The Belo Monte project plan began in 1975, but was later dismissed because of too much environmental controversy. It was resurrected in the 1990’s and eventually in the 200’s, a new plan and contract was signed. Preliminary construction began in March 2011 and a full license to construct the dam was eventually granted in June of this year.

Local indigenous and flora and fauna under threat

Numerous court challenges to the project have occurred in Brazil. A number of indigenous tribes inhabit the Xingu region and have strongly and repeatedly objected to the hydroelectricity project. In 2010, the famed Avatar film director, James Cameron began his support of the indigenous tribes, stating he would help in whatever way he could do help their message reach the world. He publicly stated that the Belo Monte dam project is a “situation where a real-life Avatar confrontation is in progress.”[3]

Specific threat

80% of the Xingu River will be diverted from original course and this means permanent drought to given areas which will decimate the territory of the Juruna and Arara people. 668 square kilometres of area will be flooded and 400 square kilometers of this is standing Amazon rainforest. The government has repeatedly been invited to talks with the indigenous populations and has refused to show up.  20,000 people in total will be displaced from their lands. Some of these areas will not necessarily be flooded, but will suffer indirect impact and involuntary displacement due to massive disruptions to the ecosystems of which they are a part. Their fisheries areas, their groundwater and their ability to transport along the river systems, as well as stagnant pool problems are all likely impacts. Water-borne diseases are also likely to increase. The President of Brazil – Dilma Rousseff and others have disregarded UN advice and have supported the project.

Hydroelectricity is often cited as a clean energy solution to Brazil and other nations’ need for new measures against climate change. While this may be true, “Philip Fearnside of The National Amazon Research Institute has calculated the loss of the forests flooded by Belo Monte’s reservoirs will generate enormous quantities of methane – a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than C02.”[4]

Brazil’s IBAMA organization – the national environmental agency – released an Environmental Impact Assessment for the project. It stated there will be considerable biodiversity loss in the region as well as risk of extinction of hundreds of species. It also listed the following possible impacts:

• An increase in population and uncontrolled land populations
• Changes in landscape
• Damage to archaeological estates in the area
• Threat to the future of the local population and indigenous people of the region.[5]

Envirosafe Solutions supports the protection of the lands inhabited by the Juruna and Arara people of the Xingu River region and the Amazon.

For more information concerning Envirosafe Solutions range of eco-friendly products telephone 1300 889070.

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[1] http://amazonwatch.org/work/belo-monte-dam

[2] http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/brazil-urged-suspend-belo-monte-dam-project-2011-06-02

[3] http://www.guradian.co.uk/world/2010/apr/18/avatar-james-cameron-brazil-dam?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487

[4] http://amazonwatch.org/work/belo-monte-dam

[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belo_Monte_Dam

Today Envirosafe Solutions considers the real meaning of environmentally friendly business (EFB.) What does it mean and what does it entail? Are you addressing and embracing sustainability and change in your workplace, or are you lagging behind the times and adhering to outmoded and environmentally harmful – possibly even irresponsible attitudes – that hurt your profit margin and may even damage your brand reputation in both the short and long term.

Here is a comprehensive outline of what it really means to be an EFB.

Are you an environmentally friendly business? The likelihood is you have begun to incorporate a few environmentally friendly approaches in the workplace. Perhaps you are less liberal with printing and paper usage than you were five years ago. Perhaps you turn off your computer or the lights on the way out of your office at the end of the day. Perhaps you even encourage others in the workplace to ride a bicycle or catch public transport, rather than drive to work each and every day solo.

These are, without a doubt, some of the steps you and I can take to become an EFB. But there are many more small and even larger, and more evident changes that will contribute to significant global environmental change.

The State Government of Qld released a Green Office Resource Guide that outlines what you can do to go green. Here are some of the main approaches you can address in your workplace:

• Develop an energy efficiency goal
• Develop a workplace lighting procedure
• Develop a strategic information technology procedure – turn off computers when not in use, shut down computers, unplug from power point
• Reduce air-conditioner use in the office.
• Green procedures for kitchen
• Develop a procurement policy
• Purchase only environmentally sustainable equipment
• Reduce paper products consumption
• Carbon reduction policies – goals and strategies
• Waste management – reduce, reuse and recycle
• Behaviour management changes
• Green office self-assessment reporting

The Australian Government’s Austrade site also weighs in on the approach, stating “being environmentally friendly is good for profits, good for Australia and good for the world.”[1]

One of the central focus areas of sustainable business is emissions trading and carbon pricing. The Business Council of Australia has developed the Sustainable Growth Task Force which advocates “an effective, sustainable response to climate change that is ultimately about moving from our current high-emission global economy…to a low-emission global economy.”[2] It also states that any emissions trading policy must accord with the BCA’s core values, and:

• Be as least cost to the Australian community as possible
• Use market based mechanics wherever possible and applicable
• Try to maintain the viability of the domestic electricity sector
• Develop protectionist strategies for trade-sensitive and export industry areas

An Environmentally Friendly Business therefore needs to implement new EF strategies and also remain competitive and realistic about the cost of these in a market based economy.

Envirosafe Solutions – as a business entity itself – clearly understands this dilemma, and has developed its range of eco-friendly liquid products in a cost-effective manner that will not erode your profits. Most of the Extreme Green range of liquids has high viscosity which means that initial capital outlay is partially cancelled by the high quality nature and concentration of the products. Minimal amounts are required because the Envirosafe Solutions range is not extended by water.

For more information on the Envirosafe Range of eco-friendly products, please visit our website products pages or contact a member of our sales team who will be able to help you in the choice and selection of products for your business.

Become an EFB. Telephone Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 889070

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[1] www.austrade.gov.au

[2] http://www.bca.com.au/Content/100829.aspx

In the 1970’s the legendary musician Tim Buckley released his ground-breaking album Greetings from LA.[1] The image on the album’s front cover showed a smog shrouded Los Angeles horizon shot, with blue skies blanketed by a thick brown canopy of smog stretching across the skyline. It was one of the first mainstream popular shots decrying the impact of pollution, and it heralded and signalled a taste of what was to come.

These days, the quality of air we breathe is a constant source of concern and coverage. In Japan and other parts of Asia, daily commuters frequently wear masks in order to minimise the risk of lung damage and breathing difficulties that result from poor air quality. And in Australia, air quality is monitored and reported, on various sites such as the Australian Government’s air quality webpage.[2]

Australians “consistently rank air pollution as a major environmental concern,” the site says. “The state of our air is an important factor in the quality of life in Australian cities. It affects the health of the community and directly influences the sustainability of our lifestyle and production methods.”[3]

The monitoring of air quality in Australia is divided into 3 main sectors:

• Transport
• Residential
• Industry

Industry in particular, is focused on specifically and emissions from this sector are reported to the National Pollutant Inventory, which is also subject to state and territory control and monitoring control programmes.

The National Pollutant Inventory[4]

This overarching body provides industry, the community and local and state and federal governments as well as green groups and other organisations, comprehensive and free data and information about all many of substance emissions in Australia. Many of our activities – at home, at work and at play, impact the air we breathe in one way or another and the National Pollutant Inventory tracks all of these across Australia so that the community has access to a central body of information that pertains to toxic substance in the air and their potentials for impacting us adversely.

The NPI website also offers comprehensive information which includes:

• Substance fact sheets
• Latest NPI reports
• Annual publications outlining data relating to pollution emissions
• Industry tips and frequently asked questions
• Information for students and for teachers
• Guides to understanding NPI data.

If you require sound and thorough information that relates to pollution and air quality in your local or state area or your region, be sure to check the Australian Government’s NPI website.

Envirosafe Solutions keeps abreast of latest news and topical sites and scenarios that may be of help to its clients and many customers. If you require more information on their eco-friendly liquids and products, please also call the team on 1300 889070.

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[1] http://en.wikipedia.otg/wiki/File:Tim_Buckley_-_Greetings_From_L.A.jpg

[2] http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/airquality/

[3] Ibid.

[4] http://www.npi.gov.au