Urban Greenery - How it matters more to have trees planted in your own backyard

Green roofs and a balanced greener surrounding is now ever more so necessary given the need to immediately offset and balance out carbon emissions and have a healthier production of oxygen in the environment. It was always pointed out that we should plant trees, but while this is valuable, its efficiency in immediately improving our own immediate environment is not as effective as having greenery right where we are.

There is a more immediate need to balance out humans to plants per square meter in urban areas. There are still opportunities to use roofs, balconies, and even windows for plants. Green roofs, which has gained great popularity in US and Europe, was able to present through its case studies that it has helped reduce the hot island effect, increase oxygen levels, and even bring back avian species to the city. There are many more advantages to bringing in window plants (compliments of an advocate friend, Romana, in teaching me about it), roof gardens, and balanced plant ratio in areas with no plants. Many other places do take advantage of this concept and actually come up with community gardens as well.

It is strange enough that while we are completely knowledgeable about the benefits of having plants, we ignore and go otherwise. If we can take this opportunity to green our urban surroundings, and many advocates would love to do so, we can create a greener change.

Mangrove Tour Part 3

Mangrove Tour Part 1

Angat Dam Still below Critical

The rainy season is to end very soon, but barely any much water was added to the reservoir.

As of 6 days ago, the water level was at 175 meters above sea level, 5 meters below the critical of 180. What was found surprising was that the rainy season, which starts July until August, has not been sufficient in filling up the dam accordingly.

The continued growth of Metro Manila means water requirements will keep on increasing. The current 3 dams will not be sufficient in supplying the city at its growth.

Makati, Fort Bonifacio, all the way to Laguna, are enjoying unprecedented growth in construction, with new buildings being put up non-stop.Unless something is done to ensure that people use their water wisely. We need to expect water rationing to take effect not too long from now.

Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort A Forefront of Green

Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort is one of the most unique experience in hotel culture, as it imbibes keeping 5 star like quality resort, and eco-minded design and maintenance.

What is also found to be unique is how the resort has restricted itself with a specific number of rooms, to maintain serenity and comfort for its guests accordingly.

This hotel has used local materials in its infrastructure, without compromising comfort, it has also taken proactive steps in water and energy conservation, by having one of the most well insulated design for cooling for  rooms.

Daluyon has also worked together with Manhattan Green Solutions in reducing water usage by first testing Oxygenics Showerheads with its staff housing, ensuring that water consumption can be brought down substantially. Once enough data has been independently gathered on usage comfort and reduction on water consumption, all the rooms will be fitted with this premium product accordingly.

For more information on Manhattan Green Solutions, please visit http://mgs.jw-world.com

For more information on Daluyon Beach and Mountain resort, please visit http://www.daluyonresort.com/

How did Global Warming Cause Ondoy?

One of the most intriguing questions that has ever been brought up was "if we are suffering from Global Warming, why did Typhoon Ondoy happen?"

It seems to be a valid question, especially if global warming essentially paints a picture of drought in our minds. What is most important to understand is that global warming leads to extreme climate changes.

Climate change is a result of change in average temperature. Every degree of temperature increase leads to major changes in how our weather performs, changing rain patterns, annual rainfall, and others.

As the temperature gets hotter, the planet's natural cooling system is to evaporate as much water, which then falls  accordingly. Movement of water from the ocean to the sky, or even heat from the ground, creates wind force. When this wind force is strong enough, we have a typhoon.

When there is extraordinarily higher amount of heat, there is an expected larger volume of evaporation accordingly, which means, more rains.

While rains are good, a balanced amount of rain spread over a period of time ensures environmental sustainability.

What has occurred is an over increase of water evaporation, which has also increased wind pressure, thus, this has brought an amazing amount of rain in a very short span of time. This rain was so overwhelming that the entire metropolis could not handle the volume brought on.

And it is not only in the Philippines where the devastation of flood has come in. India, Pakistan, and many other countries have already presented major flooding brought by large rain volume on a short span of time. This was not anticipated, for the change in overall climate meant a redesign of how cities will have to flow.

If the climate gets even warmer, we will have to rethink our geography, and might have to look at a map in a completely new light in the future.

What is in your Cleaning Agents?

While we do talk about how to make use of energy and water more efficiently, cleaning agents need to be looked upon as well. Cleaning agents such as detergents and similar may contain chemicals that are toxic to the environment.

Products using bleach or chlorine are some of the biggest environmental culprits. These products, when used, will have to be flushed out of the system to the environment. When it comes to the corresponding effect, it can be very devastating.

Other products that can damage the environment found in household cleaners are some strong solvents, muriatic acids, and others. Some of them are actually carcinogenic!

Therefore, it is imperative that a greener home uses green cleaning products as well. Try to look for plant based cleaners, or use some traditional cleaners from mother nature, as we have to consider our indoor home as an environment as well. What is bad for the environment, is bad for those inhabiting accordingly.

Top 5 Things You Need To Know About Solar Water Heaters

Solar water heaters can really bring down the cost of hot water for many residential and facilities, but unless the following concepts are thought about, the investment will be wasted away. Before actually installing a Solar Water Heater, consider the following points.

1. How much water do you really need to heat up? - Try to get a consumption report of your showerheads to understand the capacity requirements. Do this by using a pail and stopwatch, then estimate average showertime, and get total consumption accordingly. Regular shower heads use 4.5 gallons per minute, Eco Friendly showerheads use 1.5 gallons per minute. Investing in even a high end eco showerhead is still a lot cheaper than buying a very big solar water heater.

2. What direction is your solar water heater facing? - Get the right angle and direction. North facing is best to get sun from its axis east to west. This will maximize heating time for water.

3. Flat collector panel or evacuated tubes? - Evacuated tubes are cheaper but they are not designed for the local climate. On hot weathers, these pipes burst, causing great inefficiency. You will not notice this problem as your back up electric water heater will run instead. This means, lots of money wasted on electricity that you were trying to save.

4. How's the weather? - Good brand solar water heaters can still get heat from a cloudy day. Invest a little more for a good brand and you will better appreciate your returns.

5. Any other use for hot water? - Do not forget to get a complete idea on where else you can use hot water. A pre heated water will be faster to boil for cooking as well, this point should not be discounted.

From Manhattan Green Solutions - On Oxygenics and Bio Ball

The current water crisis has been a result not only of great population growth in the Metro and climate change, but also of inefficient use of water.

No one has ever considered auditing their own shower facility, which is actually one of the largest, if not the largest percentage of water consumption in any hotel, gym, and other fields. The lack of knowledge on the water use of shower heads can mean large monthly incurred loss on water and heating cost that could have been saved.

A regular shower head in the Philippines consumes 4.5 Gallons Per Minute, 2 Gallons per minute more than maximum US standards. This could be further alleviated by using Oxygenics water saving shower systems that bring down water consumption to 1.5 Gallons Per Minute without sacrificing user comfort.

The savings have the following benefit.

1. Reduced monthly operations cost. The cost of water and water heating saved can give a Return of Investment of 6 to 8 months.

2. Lesser use of water pumps - Since less water is needed, less water will be needed to be pumped to the overhead tanks, resulting to large savings on pump use.

3. Water in tanks will last longer - With the current water rationing situation, having water more efficiently used will mean that the water on reserve will last a lot longer.

4. Positive corporate image - A company that shows it cares for the environment creates positive impression to its guests. When guests are aware that the product is available and being used by others, those who do not comply get a negative impression accordingly.

These are just on Water savings, lifetime performance warranty also assures your facility that you need not worry about clogging, corrosion, and scaling, which makes showerheads less appealing over time.

Another important product to consider are Bioball Waterless urinal Solutions. The most hygienic, affordable, and environmental solution available. You can now go waterless without replacing your urinal.

For more information on Manhattan Green Solutions. Please visit http://mgs.jw-world.com

Philippine Water Crisis - An Important Time to Consider Water Savings

Several important factors has to be further considered now that the water crisis that is being discussed has become even more critical. The lack of regulations in many plumbing issues has made households and buildings inefficient with their water consumption, that becomes a major contributor in the current water crisis. A regular household with better awareness on efficient water systems and usage can easily save up to 70% on their water consumption. If there is a good awareness campaign, this will create a larger volume of savings for the entire Metro Manila accordingly.

One of the largest water consumers in residential situations are shower heads. Current shower heads in the Philippines consume 4.5 Gallons Per Minute. Using water efficient (not low flow) shower heads give the same water volume as low flow but with good pressure, therefore not sacrificing comfort. This can cut down 40% of water usage.

Checking houses for water leaks is just as important. Leak is water that is being completely wasted by inefficient joints or faucets. Check all joints for leaks, check the toilet bowl for leaks (which happens in the flapper most of the time), and most importantly, the faucets as well.

For commercial establishments, it is even more important now to focus on waterless urinal solutions. It is best to choose waterless urinals that do not require replacing urinals. They then become more cost effective, and more environmental accordingly.

In the end, whatever we can do to help alleviate the water crisis will be to our own benefit as well.

Save the Planet Quiz Night

We're putting FUN in FUND RAISING!

JCI Global CT, together with Greenpeace, 121 Restaurant, and Manhattan Green Solutions Bring you SAVE THE PLANET QUIZ NIGHT!

GREAT PRIZES AWAIT THE WINNERS!!!

The event will be on July 21, 2010. 9pm at 121 Restaurant, 2nd Floor Allegro Center, 2284, Pasong Tamo Ext., Makati (In front of Dasma Gate, not Don Bosco)

Entrance Fee of Php 200 per person, inclusive of 2 bottles of beer. Proceeds will go to Greenpeace's noble efforts in helping protect our environment.

Form a group or join a group! 

RSVP at hmdaswani@gmail.com or 0917 5003433, look for HASH.

Upcoming Event with JCI

How To Get There:

Via C-5 (From Libis) - Exit at Bayani Road tunnel (near Heritage Park) to make a U-turn to C-5 Northbound lane, turn right at Levi Mariano St. Take another right at Acacia Avenue, corner of Rosewood Pointe, then drive straight until you reach Mahogany Place 3.

Via EDSA (From SLEX) - From EDSA, turn right to McKinley Road. Take Lawton Ave. then turn left to Bayani Road (Heritage Park). Pass thru C-5 tunnel to enter C-5 Northbound lane. Turn right at Levi Mariano St. Take another right at Acacia Avenue, corner of Rosewood Pointe, then drive straight until you reach Mahogany Place 3.

Want to Go Green? Get Thinner Blankets

One of the greatest concern in trying to go green is HVAC (which stands for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning). A poorly designed room with terrible insulation will have the HVAC fighting with the outside weather in keeping the room to just the right temperature you want. Insulation is key in ensuring that the outside weather stays out, and the temperature inside stays in.

When this is resolved, the other key issue is "How do we make our room comfortable even at 25 degrees celcius?". This is the greatest query sent to me once, to which the reply is, Get a thinner blanket.

Let's look at the closer purpose of a blanket. They key element of a blanket is that it keeps you warm. A thick blanket has great thermal insulation of keeping the cold out and your body nice and hot. If your blanket is too thick, you feel a little too hot, thus requiring you to use more air conditioning to keep the room nice and cold. Over time, the cold temperature reaches your body, but just enough, to keep you comfortable while the other side of the blanket is at 16 to 18 degrees.

If the blanket is thinner, the thermal insulation has been greatly reduced, bringing the required temperature to make one comfortable up to 25 degrees. If one can do without a blanket, then 28 degrees can come out to be very comfortable.

One can take the further step of using a mild blowing fan to accompany the air conditioner. Keep the room at 25 degrees and keep a small fan running on low. This small fan will circulate cool air better, therefore requiring less of the air conditioner.

One can try some curious experiments and see for  themselves the effect of different blanket thickness options and its corresponding comfort. Some might take a little longer to get used to, but nothing more than 5 days at the most.

A small change in habit will tremendously help the earth, and the wallet as well.

Site Recommendation - greater Good Philippines

For those who are constantly seeking news and updates on the environment, Greater Good Philippines provides quite a comprehensive site with articles of great interest for the public

Aside from the environment, the site also has articles relating to CSR, and other articles of great interest.

For more information, please visit http://greatergood.i.ph/

The Real (and dirty) Picture of Running a Coal Fired Power Plant

While it is agreeable that coal fired power plants produce a lot of carbon emissions, there are other, more sinister emissions from a coal fired power plant.

The following information is from http://www.howstuffworks.com/question481.htm

"The thermal energy content of coal is 6,150 kWh/ton. Although coal fired power generators are very efficient, they are still limited by the laws of thermodynamics. Only about 40 percent of the thermal energy in coal is converted to electricity. So the electricity generated per ton of coal is 0.4 x 6,150 kWh or 2,460 kWh/ton."

The emissions from a coal fired power plant is as follows (from Wikipedia)

"Of fossil fuels, coal combustion in thermal power stations result in greater amounts of carbon dioxide emissions per unit of electricity generated (2249 lbs/MWh^[14]) while oil produces less (1672 lb/(MW·h)^[15] or 211 kg/GJ) and natural gas produces the least 1135 lb/(MW·h) (143 kg/GJ).US EPA Clean Energy—Gas"

Other emissions from coal fired power plants (from how stuff works)

"A typical 500 megawatt coal power plant produces 3.5 billion kWh per year. That is enough energy for 4 million of our light bulbs to operate year round. To produce this amount of electrical energy, the plant burns 1.43 million tons of coal. It also produces:"

Pollutant	Total for Power Plant	One Light Bulb-Year's Worth
Sulfur Dioxide - Main cause of acid rain	10,000 Tons	5 pounds
Nitrogen Oxides - Causes smog and acid rain	10,200 Tons	5.1 pounds
Carbon Dioxide - Greenhouse gas suspected of causing global warming	3,700,000 Tons	1852 pounds

While the above may seem shocking, the most shocking information that no one has ever been told - Coal Fired Power Plants are also radioactive! (From Wikipedia)

"As most ores in the Earth's crust, coal also contains low levels of uranium, thorium, and other naturally-occurring radioactive isotopes whose release into the environment leads to radioactive contamination. While these substances are present as very small trace impurities, enough coal is burned that significant amounts of these substances are released. A 1,000 MW coal-burning power plant could have an uncontrolled release of as much as 5.2 metric tons per year of uranium (containing 74 pounds (34 kg) of uranium-235) and 12.8 metric tons per year of thorium.^[21] In comparison, a 1,000 MW nuclear plant will generate about 500 pounds of plutonium and 30 short tons of high-level radioactive controlled waste."

Mercury content is also a large threat from coal fired power plants. Some parts of mercury is now being recaptured in USA power plants, but emissions still exist. In many situations, mercury from coal fired power plants is the largest source of mercury in the current air pollution problem, which then gets into rain, water, and contaminates fish ponds and the local water supply.

It is thus vital that new power plants come from alternative energy as enough technology has been put in to make it economically viable. It is also just as important that we monitor and reduce energy consumption in our own households. Every watt counts.