Life has never been this green

October 2011

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Irene Fajardo discovers the

Balance in nature

Extinction, elimination of species is a normal process of the natural world. Some species die out and are naturally replaced by new ones as part of evolution. The extinction or domination of one species would disturb thebalance of nature and may cause a lot of consequences. Despite this, nature has its way of balancing itself but human actions continue shaking the environmental yinyang off. About one species is lost every decade because of the impact of peoples over use or misuse of the Earths resources. Most often than not, people do not realize the value of a single species until they disappear. One example of humanPhilippines is the introduction of Pterygoplichthys, most commonfish. Once there was a fish from South America to stories, thrown in the was named janitor fish dirt, which serves as its water. It cleans up algae er, a study of Vallejo and the Philippine Science Letrapid growth rate of the incaused species extinction in the a fish belonging to the family ly known as the janitor seemingly harmless little which was, according Philippine water. It because it cleanses the food, in the body of in the water. HowevSoriano, published in ters 2011, revealed the vading janitor fish.

This fish grows up to 30 centimeters long, they rapidly and voraciously eat, competing with native fishes for food. It also eats up the eggs of the native fishes. Its sharp teeth even destroy fishing nets thus, affecting the livelihood of the people. This is why janitor fish absolutely become a pest. Since janitor fishes are opportunistic and voracious feeders, they cause increased disruption of the ecosystem by displacing the native fish species, and causing the reduction of native fish catch and decimating the local fish population. The janitor fish , with its rapic growth, continue to bring tragedy to the countrys Laguna Lake and Marikina River.
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According to a study of Vallejo and Soriano, published in the Philippine Science Letters in 2011, the initial invasion of this janitor fish began 20 years ago and that it may be too late for eradication. However, the Philippine government may employ ways to, at least, control the growth of this species. The government may commercialize unique species endemic to an area as an incentive in controling the entry of exotic fishes which could affect an area's future potential. Local government strategies by requiring taxes may initiate people in utilizing ecosystem developments. Human actions to protect species and the environment as a whole brought many species back from the brink of their extinction. These actions also helped not only in conserving the countrys rich biodiversity but also in bringing out benefits to localities through new livelihood opportunities and sustainable development.

Everyone has a responsibility in maintaining the balance of the environment.

People must learn to live in a sustainable way and learn to use Earths resources such as air, freshwater, forests, wildlife, farmland and seas without damaging them. As populations grow and lifestyles change, people must keep the world in its best condition in order for the future generations to have the same natural resources that this generation has.

This Green Life Magazine is a requirement for COM6: Writing for Print. AY 20112012

Wella Almanon. Eunice Deocarez. Irene Fajardo. Jockir Llagas. Baby Karla Villela.

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Wella Turalde defines the

How to make organic hollow blocks out of these components? Pulverized soil is passed through a wire screen, 1/4 inch wire mesh to separate larger pieces. A mixture of 1 part cement to 3 parts agri-waste is formulated. Mix all materials together, add water and pour into molds. Let stand for several hours until dry. After drying, remove from molds and let stand along one side for 10 days while sprinkling water at regular intervals to avoid cracking. This simple example of using such waste less materials will let us realize that even in simple things we help the environment in keeping its equilibrium. Strength and durability when it comes in building an establishment is the major factor to consider but would you dare to use such thing that will lead to environment destruction even if you know that there is an alternative one which is dual purpose--- having your walls and having your environment away from any destruction?

imPOURtance of WATER

If there is magic in this planet, it is in water. By water everything lives. It plays an important role not only in life processes but in the environment. It is hardly necessary to emphasize the importance of water since everyone is aware that water is the cradle of lifes beginning on earth. The study of water is called Limnology. It has greek origins in the term for marsh- limn-usually refers to fresh water system or bodies of water which are surrounded by land. Water means different things to different people. A meteorologist sees water as the basis of clouds and rain. A biologist sees water as home for plants and animals. An engineer sees water as something to be pumped, bridged and dammed. For instance, a mother sees water as a medium for cooking and washing while an athlete sees water as energizer and thirst quencher.

Water is important because it is a major constituent of all living things. It endlessly circulates and is regarded as the most effective agent in shaping the surface of the earth. A drop of rain, especially when driven by strong winds, is a tiny but effective bullet which can shutter a minute fragments out of the hardest rock. When a raindrop strikes the soil, it
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I chatter , chatter as I flow to join the brimming river; For men may come and men may go but I go on forever -Tennyson

Water helps in all bodily functions such as digestion, assimilation, elimination, respiration, and homeostasis. Our body, as it is 75% composed of water, requires a sufficient daily amount of water intake in order to function efficiently.. Body fluids should be replaced by drinking water and eating fruits and vegetables.

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ble. Those who are eco-friendly do this usually. REDUCE In this step, thinking of some ways on how to eliminate waste is considered. The use of available materials that will help in reducing waste product is suggested in this step. Some suggested ways are the improvement of product design to use less materials, redesign packaging to eliminate excess materials while maintaining strength, switch to reusable transport containers and purchasing products in bulk. These are simple things that one must do to reduce wastes. RECYCLE This step is somehow related to reuse the only difference is that, reuse is the using of materials again without going under another processes while recycle is the re-using of the products or materials under reprocessing of the product. This also help in eliminating the materials that are seem to be trashed. Composition of the materials may change due to reprocessing but still it is usable. PROPER EDUCATION Education campaigns on waste management that includes promotional signs and helpful reference labels within the campus, institution and public places will help the citizens to be reminded about proper waste disposal. These are five major steps on how to prevent solid waste problem but except from these, some governmental eco-activities, laws and ordinances are implemented. Self- discipline and being responsible will be a great help to reach this goal of eliminating Solid Waste Problem. Even if the government suggested these steps to change our view in nature, one must change himself as his counterpart. If these steps are not properly followed effects of solid waste are expected such as large quantities of solid waste are subjected to uncontrolled, unscientific and incomplete combustion which in turns result in release of number of pollutants in atmosphere which caused air pollution. Large quantities of chemicals are quickly pushed into drain rivers causing immense damage to man health and ecology. Dumping of agricultural solid waste may pollute streams and waterways. Solid waste changes the properties of air, soil and water. Solid waste creates the water pollution problem. Be an eco friendly individual.

causes a dent on the soil. When rainwater runs off, it carves the soil with it, thereby eroding surface areas expose to it. For industrial processes and reduction of air pollution, water is also significant. As a universal solvent, it serves as a medium for ammonia and sulfur dioxide in the air. It is vital in many chemical reactions.. Almost any substance can be dissolved in water. The solubility of many substances in water has a great influence on the environment. Another reason why water is essential is the abundant power which can be obtained from the movement of thundering falls, water rushing furiously down the river. For centuries, people have harnessed the water in rivers and streams to operate mills and machine factories. At present, the power of moving water is used to generate electricity called hydro- electric power. It is inexpensive Captured by Ivan Henares and renewable because rain constantly replenishes rivers and streams. More so, such power environmentally safe as it produces no water or air pollution.

is

The surface of water is like an elastic skin. This is one of a reason why a needle floated in water or tiny insects are running across water surface because of this waters surface film. In the Philippines, the Angat dam, which has been supplying potable water to Metro Manila for over 40 years, is a concrete water reservoir embankment of hydro-electricity generates 246 megawatts of electricity for the Luzon power grid and acts as a flood control facility through catching the heavy in-flow of water from the Sierra Madre Mountains, in turn, regulating the release of water to lowland communities. Today, our government is currently working to fully determine the stability of Angat dam if it is stacontinue to page 7

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Eunice Deocarez is going to

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Karla Villela sees

build it up from waste

In our ancient days, Filipino houses are made of native products such as bamboo as the floor, woods that serves as the walls and nipa or kugon as the roofs. As time goes by, we are experiencing industrialization that leads every family to build a secure building that will help them in times of hot days and cold. Many changes happen especially when it comes in forming establishments. The used of hollow blocks were introduced in the early 40s. This view let the industrialization enters into the nation latter known as a native nation. Organic hollow blocks is one type of construction materials that is known for being environmental friendly. Why? It is made up of converted biodegradable wastes into fertilizer, while those nonbiodegradable materials are additives in making this product. The said product is commonly comprises of lime, coconut coir, rice hull, soil, sand, wood ash and rice hull ash which are pro ecosystem materials. This new type of hollow blocks can be fabricated out of wood wastes, agricultural wastes and soil mixed with minimum amount of cement. As far as strength and durability are concerned, results of test showed that this type of blocks is comparable to some of the commercial or traditional concrete hollow blocks. However, they are considered as strictly non-loading bearing.
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GREENvironment

Since time immemorial, the foremost environmental concern is human waste. Every aspect of life provides waste. A reason why waste management strategies were developed and put into action. The most common is the 3Rs REDUCE - REUSE RECYCLE. Communities across the country are supporting efforts to apply the 3Rs on plastic bags. Reduce stands for lessening the use of plastic as packaging for products a person bought. Moreover, waste reduction is a key part of conservation. Reuse is for lengthening the use of plastic materials instead of just throwing them in the bin after single use. Recycle is developing plastic into another product. The promotion of waste management has existed for decades. The 3Rs have been considered as the base of environmental awareness and a method of promoting ecological balance through conscious behavior and choices. Practice of this environmental strategy will lead to more materials and energy benefiting the environment. If this continues, it will further lead to a greener environment. However, although a portion of the society practices the 3Rs, still it is not enough for calamities or events continue to occur due to plastic wastes. Green surroundings save life. Be a responsible individual, CREATE A GREENVIRONMENT.

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Jockir Llagas enumerates the

ble enough to withstand strong earthquakes enabling to provide long lasting water service. Conservation of water is important because, in the first place, it preserves and protects our natural resources. Conserving results to having higher water availability for more water needs. Water conservation practices lead to lower wastewater discharge which improves overall water quality. Conservation saves money because it reduces the amount to spend each month for household water use. The community saves the money spent pumping and treating water before and after ruse, plus it can delay expenditures for additional water resources and treatment facilities. Significantly, conservation ensures the reliability of water supply during period of high demands (such as the summer months) and during droughts. That is why, communities should also implement water conservation programs that discourages wasteful water use at all times and restricts non-essential water uses. During droughts, such program can enable a community to respond to water shortages and thus, avoid the need of more extremes measures later.

5 steps against solid waste problems

Tapon dito; tambak doon, kaya naman bumabaha ngayon dahil sa basurang itinapon ninyo so lahat tayo napeperwisyo. Alarming condition of the environment is portrayed in this line of song. It is a common nowadays, the SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT. How government deal with this will be a great help in the equilibrium of the ecosystem. Solid Waste Management is the process of collecting, managing and disposing waste materials. The wastes are commonly due to human activities. Increasing rate of solid waste problem is one of the major problems faced by the government. One of the reasons why government hardly deals with proper disposal is the continuous increasing of the population growth and economic development of the nation. To do their part, government find ways and steps on how to lessen the problems related with this issue. There are five suggested steps in order to control the waste produced by every individual. WASTE PREVENTION AND MINIMIZATION Prevention is better than cure. This step discusses prevention as one important way to eliminate or lessen the waste. How? To give clarity in this step, let as define prevention and minimization related to this issue. Prevention is the means of eliminating or reducing the quantity of waste which is produced in the first place and considered as the most desirable management options as it eliminates the need for handling, transporting, or disposing of waste while minimization is the process or activity that avoids, reduces or eliminates wastes results in reuse or recycling. One may have a hard understanding between the terms prevention and minimization. RE-USE It is a common step that can be applied in regulating, eliminating and controlling the solid waste. It means that the use of a product on more than one time, either for the same purpose but without the need of reprocessing. This step is one of those effective steps that will let the individual the worth of one product. Sometimes not all things are disposacontinue to page 18

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Wella Turalde shouts:

daily activities such as eating, wearing clothes, using cosmetics and even taking medicines when ill. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. It is a well- known quotation which describes the importance of eating fruit. But what if that apple is grown through synthetic method of farming, then probably youll be coming near to a doctor. If youll be eating an average number of apples that only means youll be eating more than 20 pesticides even with washing. Newly developed technologies in agriculture can damage Human life. We are the consumers of products they produce but the worst is that we are not aware of how they are grown and produced. Imagine we are in the supermarket for a basket of grocery. Examining the physical appearance of a product, say for an example is bunch of banana, we can see its color and determine that it is fresh but can we determine if that is free from pesticide and other artificial chemicals to ripen it more faster than in organic farming just to make it pleasing to our sight? But as we eat it, we can tell the difference. The sad thing is that we can no longer spit it out and force ourselves to vomit those chemicals. It will slowly affect our body. Making sure that the food that we eat came from organic farm is a way of making our body secured and resistant from different kinds of diseases and infections. Due to the fact organic foods contains more vitamins C that helps in protecting the body against illness that is one way of prolonging life. The organic kiwi fruit has more antioxidants that repairs and rejuvenate body cells. According to USDA, drinking organic milk, decreases the risk of eczema. Consumption of at least 5 servings per day improves health and reduces the possibility of having cancer regardless of its source. Another benefit of organic food is that it contains higher level of polyphenolics which is produced in plants. It increases when the plant is stressed and produces bitter taste. Berries have a higher level of polyphenolics. In France and Italy, people are fond of drinking red wine as a result they have the lower risk of heart disease and cancer and believe it is due to the content of polyphenolics.

color it blue

As water demand grows, its sources deplete, chances of water wars become greater.
Water engineers predict that by 2025, with 350 new dams a year for the next 30 years, 1200 cu. Kms. of water will be added to the supply leading to a total of about 13,700cu.kms. a year. However, people continuously use 70% of that. The worlds consumption has been increasing about twice as fast as population growth over the past century. Of the so many crises that confront the world today, nothing is more serious than the global water crisis. Our countrys rivers, lakes, and other fresh water bodies have always been a source of food, water and livelihood. However, because of water pollution caused by industries, domestic wastes and garbage dumping, many of our fresh water systems are unable to support life, seriously disturbing not only the ecological balance but also the livelihood of the people. Water is becoming unfit for its purpose to give life. The Environmental Management Bureau revealed that 46 out of 136 rivers in the Philippines are polluted because of domestic and industrial wastes dumped into these bodies of water. Approximately 85% of the water pollution in Metro Manila is caused by domestic and industrial wastes. Around 108 industrial firms in this area have not installed anti -pollution devices thus causing water pollution. These are manufacturing process like paper mills, vegetable canneries, sugar mills, textile mills, cement plants, mining firms and power plants. Agno and Bued rivers in Northern Luzon are almost considered dead rivers due to the pollution caused by seven mining firms in Baguio which resulted to multi-million damage in Pangasinan and La union. As these inevitable reality sets in the government leads the country through taking specific actions to combat water crisis. Massive reforestation and building numerous catch basins to store water available and abundant during the rainy season are some to name a

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f e w . These practices ensure ample supply of water for agric ultura l use during the dry season. Geothermal experts also recycle waste water by neutralizing then returning them in underground reservoirs. This technology makes the water resource renewable. Another government action to conserve water is the PWRF or Philippine Water Revolving Fund which provides access to improved water services to an estimated 1.4 million Filipinos outside Metro The Environmental Management Bureau has also developed projects ready for implementation such as the Adopt-an-Estero program which is geared to cleaning waterways and rehabilitating the 3 important bodies of water namely Pasig river, Marilao river and the water of Boracay island. These are only some of the measures taken and to be implemented by the government. However, water conservation is not a one-man approach. Personal water conservation measures are highly encouraged. Together, we can color the world blue again.
Karla Villela sees

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g a r b ag e t u r n t o b a g
find out if the plastic has been combined together as one sheet. Repeat again allowing the iron and also turning over the entire load if needed, until you get the desired results. Trim off the excess from the edges to even out the sheets of plastic. Cut the pieces into different shapes and sizes based on the size you want the recycled bags to be. To make larger bags, closure two or more sheets together to create the correct size. Place the edges of the shaped plastic sheets on top of each other and use the iron to combine them together. Only combine three sides together, the fourth side is the opening. Emphasize the edges by closuring along them with a sewing machine. Cut out strips and iron these to the corners of the top part of the bag to create handles. Use the sewing machine to closure over the area where the handles are connected to increase strength. Decorate and your recycled bags made from plastic bags are ready to use. Decorating enhances our ingenuity and it is one more thing of advantage of this matter! Plus the fact that you will be able to be an inventive one! You can also provide recycled stamps, beads, or whatever that gives desirability to your work. Recycled products such this bag makes sense!!! It will also incorporate with the new Batangas City program also known as Green City Batangas. It also helps to those charitable trust receiving recycled bags. It gives you supplementary income. For short M.E.L. It stands for MONEY, ENVIRONMENT and LIFE!!! Recycled bags: It saves money It saves environment It saves life In the human race where recycling is fast becoming a part of everyday life, making recycled bags out of plastic bags is an excellent idea. It's a useful way to reduce the number of plastic bags being sent to landfills annually. Furthermore, you will be able to virtually used items and as well as helped to rise up the environment. Primarily be sure to afford the things you'll require such as: scissors, iron with low setting, plastic bags, sewing machine, 2 pieces of parchment paper and working table. Now lets work with it! You will be amaze at last. Get prepared with your functioning station by gathering all you need collectively in one place. Prefer the plastics you are going to recycle. Lay down the plastic bags out flat and cut off the bottom and handles. Make a cut up one side of the bag to open it up completely. Place one piece of the parchment paper on the working table. Load eight to ten bags together on top of it and cover with the second piece. Keep them as straight and smooth as possible. Allow the iron to heat up and then combine the bags together by ironing back and forth over the load for fifteen to twenty seconds. Go over the edges well and press hard. Turn over the entire load over and repeat allowing the iron. Allow the plastic to cool for several seconds and then remove one piece of the parchment paper to

Use a basin in washing dishes. Upgrade to watersaving refrigerators, air conditioners, and ice makers.

Check water pipes for leaks. Reuse the water utilised in cleaning fruits and veggies to water plants.

Use a pair of bucket and dipper instead of shower in bathing.

Use glass in toothbrushing. Close the faucets tightly.

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Eunice Deocarez answers

With such few heads thinking green for the Earth, keeping the city organized as it ought to is a matter of cooperation and unity between the government and its citizens. LGU or PEOPLE? Regardless of who to blame, everyone has his part in managing the wastes. The only thing to do is to be responsible enough in doing each others part and through this, the issue about solid waste management will end. Strict implementations of the rules must be done. Changes always begin in ones self. As what the latter saying goes, TAPAT KO, LINIS KO, BASURA KO RESPONSIBILIDAD KO Its not stated as TAPAT KO LINIS NG GOBYERNO, BASURA KO RESPONSIBILIDAD NYO. Everyone must be disciplined enough to manage the waste he/she produces.

w h a t s or g a ni c ?

Nowadays living is expensive hundred times with our grandparents times. People focus on the trends of the society such as the conventional way of living and forget the essence of organic agriculture and how to live with it: that calls for a reform. International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), an international umbrella organization for organic farming, established in 1972 identifies organic agriculture as a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved. " By that, it denotes that organic farming is better than conventional or commercial way of farming. Economically speaking, from an abstract of a study of the organization, organic farming methods has the potential to sustain the current population without increasing the agriculture land base .This is due to the fact that this kind of farming cost less with it comes to fertilizers being used. Like the vegetable showcase in Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas, the site is a former piggery and poultry farm but due to unpleasant smell the nearby neigh-

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Organic Vegetables

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Jockir Llagas case of
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bors complained: so it had to be transferred to another place. The vacated property of Dr. Amado Silva remained vacant for many years, it become a garbage dump. Until one day a relative had told him something about the site, meanwhile, fortunately he used to read successful stories from a agricultural column and that gave him the idea to make the vacant site to grow high value vegetables like tomato, eggplant squash and pepper. Since the farm is a former animal habitat, the remains of the feces of those creatures made the site suitable for plants. In addition to that; composed matters from the dump made the vegetables richer in organic nutrients and better for the body. Organic: Do not spray, a sign outside an apple orchard in Washington which reminds not to spray pesticides on the trees. Biodiversity is defined as the balance in nature or ecosystem and is affected by human activity such as farming. Synthetic fertilizer can affect the natural composition of soil and damages the Earth in long term process, though. Climate change, nutrients leaching, soil erosion is some of the negative things which can be resolve or minimize through organic farming. According to Danielle Nierenberg, World watch senior researcher and co-director of the Institutes Nourishing Planet project, in order to keep feeding humanity for generations to come, and to feed people better, farming must reinforce conservation goals by adding diversity to the food chain and by healing ecosystems. Organic farming does not only mean cheaper and profitable method of cultivating soil but it also means saving our nature: Mother Earth. In dictionary, lifestyle means an individuals typical way of living. This includes our
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LGU vs. PEOPLE

Tapat Ko, Linis Ko; Basura Ko, Responsibilidad Ko It is a simple yet meaningful saying. It is commonly heard and seen by us in our barangays for it was implemented traditionally. Yes! Traditionally for this is an inherited law from our ancestors. What lies with this one-sentenced project of LGU is the environments eternal condition. If the government onlyIf the people cared about this uncontrolled issue of SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT. But who is to blame? LGU and DENR vs. People. Scan the newspapers, open the televisions and turn on the radios, there are issues about solid wastes. The people point to the government for not doing its part. On the other end of the ring, the government regards the citizens for being irresponsible. They both have a point. Local Government Units (LGUs) are responsible for implementing different laws as a guide for the citizens. The local government of Batangas City implements various laws and schedule activities concerning the issue of SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT. One of the popular and current ordinance is the E-Code which prohibits the rampant use of non-eco friendly plastics and styros as means of containers and packaging. Dangal ng Lungsod Awards 2011 was made as a project to support the aim of the E-Code. This project involves the beautification of their surroundings and large amount of prizes are involved. This encourages the society in maintaining their environment clean. The government, through the LGUs, is also responsible for choosing the right dumping site of the garbages collected in every household. Providing garbage collectors is also one of those projects that help the government regulates and controls the waste produced by the individuals. Posters, placards, warnings that are posted in different public areas also count as part of solid waste management projects of the LGU.
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