Evolution of the North Pole – photos from Nasa
More than 3 sizes of the United Kingdom have already disappeared. The gulf-stream has been
slowing down its speed to 30%.
Coming Event:
United Nations Climate Change Conference & NGO Forum Copenhagen
7th – 18th Dec 2009
Dear brothers and sisters,
Environment Initiatives –
is a BK project for the support of saving the environment.
Initiated by Holland & Inspired by the United Nations
Climate Change Conference & NGO Forum hold in
Copenhagen 7th – 18th December 2008.
How are we contributing to the environment as a Brahma Kumaris or
Brahma Kumar?
How can we serve the elements?
Simplicity, Cooperation, Love, Respect, R esponsibility…etc all these
values contribute at the i ndividual and collective levels.
In addition, the following information is compiled as some suggested
ways to serve the elements in our practical life and share with your
friends, relatives etc.
...When we change, the world changes…
Environment Initiatives Team
Environment Initiatives
Fire –
v Keep air conditioners at 25.5 degrees C or use fans instead, shades or
blinds in sunny rooms
v Clean air conditioners, dehumidifiers, clean and dry filters regularly.
Water cooling air conditioners can save as much as 50% of AC energy
usage.
v Turn lights/fans if not needed. Turn off stereos and computers when they are not
in use - these appliances still use 10-60% of power even when on ‘stand by’. A power strip is a
practical way to switch off VCR, and DVD player stand-by losses; you can cut off all 3 devices
at once.
v Don’t leave chargers for mobile phones plugged in when not in use.
v Cover pans when cooking. Avoid over cooking.
v Only boil as much water as you need.
v Avoid opening fridge/freezer doors for longer than necessary. Keep
fridge at the right temperature. Defrost regularly and maintain airtight
seals.
v Use energy saving CFL (compact fluorescent light bulbs) light bulbs
(use up to 80% less electricity and last up to 10 times longer and less heat
released).
v Use reusable batteries/charger. Clever use of reflectors and directional lamps to
get the light where you need can save energy and costs.
v Use filtered water in stainless steel or other type of reusable bottle (not
bottled or drinks) – vast amounts of energy required to produce, transport
and dispose of plastic bottles.
v Choose eco electrical appliances (e.g. old non energy efficient fridge
can use 75% more electricity than new efficient ones.)
v Buy fridge freezers with freezer in lower part for energy efficiency.
v Leave adequate space for air circulation around electrical appliances to
avoid overheating.
v Use reusable ceramic washing balls or natural ones like Indian soap
nuts tree – saves energy no need for rinse cycle. Wash lightly soiled
clothes in cold water or lower temperatures, 30 degrees C. Washing
machines with efficient spinning cycles help reduce drying time if dryer
used. Use outdoor line for hanging whenever possible.
v Avoid steam ironing use a fine water spray to lightly dampen clothes.
v Let hair dry naturally when possible
v Buy local seasonal fruits and veg – reduces energy for transportation.
v When building or renovating invest in an architect/builder who is
experienced in green buildings and energy efficiency.
v Wherever possible buy non-polluting green electricity from natural
sources such as solar, hydro and wind power.
v Install alternative energy sources where possible e.g. solar panels.
Water-
v Don’t let water run (brushing teeth, shaving, washing dishes, cleaning
vegetables, washing car). Use a cup of water for teeth, half fill the sink for
washing dishes, vegetables, a bucket for car washing.
v Turn the shower off while soaping or conditioning. Shorten shower
time.
v Fix leaks, drips.
v Use less flushing water (newer WC’s have a half flush)
v Water roots not plant leaves and not in sunlight
v Reduce or use non toxic detergents.
v Try vinegar and water on newspaper to clean windows; baking soda
paste for oven cleaning
v Reuse water - water collected in dehumidifiers reuse for toilet or
plants.
v Check freezer for ice.
v Use filtered water in stainless steel or other type of reusable bottle (not
bottled or drinks) – chemicals used in production of plastic bottles is
contaminating water.
v Washing machines – use full loads or economy wash cycle. Use eco
friendly, biodegradable washing products. Reusable ceramic washing
balls save the rinsing cycle and protects against red tide due to phosphates
in washing powders.
v Use a few drops of lavender to soften and add fragrance to laundry
instead of chemical softeners (cause of rashes and allergies).
v The skin absorbs as much as 60% of whatever product we apply –
soap, fluoridated toothpastes, antiperspirants, sunscreens, anti dandruff
shampoos etc –use fewer products on yourself or use natural foods and if
not possible go for fragrance free, artificial colouring free, not tested on
animals.
v Become vegetarian or consume less meat. Fertilisers used in industrial
farming have created the makings of a liquid dessert along coastal waters;
huge amounts of water are used for animal rearing then in the washing of
slaughter houses. Liquid effluent from factory farms are polluting rivers
v Buy organic foods to reduce chemical contamination of water
v Oceans are being contaminated and destroyed with fishing: bottom
trawling, cyanide fishing, dynamite fishing – destructive and wasteful
v Take omega 3 from nuts, nut oils, algae instead of fish oils. Algae
capture twice their weight in CO2 and some polluting nitrogen. Fish higher in food chain e.g.
Tuna, salmon, marlin, cod, shark have high levels of mercury, dioxins and PCBs.
Earth –
v Cut down food wastage – buy, cook and eat what you need, compost
v Recycle or reuse where possible – paper, plastic and metal.
v Buy organic, local seasonal fruits and veg to reduce chemical
contamination of soil
v Empty washing powder boxes are filling landfills - use reusable
ceramic washing balls or natural ones like Indian soap nuts tree.
v Stop using disposables, plastic bags, disposable nappies – use reusable
or biodegradable items
v Buy reusable products e.g. gas lighters instead of matches, stainless
steel water bottles, shavers, chopsticks
v Use filtered water in stainless steel or other type of reusable bottle (not
bottled or drinks) – plastic pollution
v Use less paper – no junk requests, pay e-bills. Use less toilet paper,
paper tissues/hand/kitchen towels etc
v Print smaller font, use both sides, decrease margins, thinner paper
(lower weight – most printers work well with 70 -80gsm paper)
v Use green stationary – recycled paper, rechargeable batteries, CFL
light bulbs, non toxic pens, natural glues, water based markers and
correction fluid etc.
v Print on envelopes avoid labels
v Maintenance and proper usage of office copier to avoid wastage of
toner
v Use tea leaves instead of tea bags
v Avoid free newspaper or share
v Deforestation to grow crops for animal rearing and land used for cattle
grazing could all be used for crops to feed people. Become vegetarian or
reduce meat intake. – eat less meat, resources of grain and water for
feeding, pollution of soil
v For clothing, bedding etc choose safe textiles www.oeko-tex1000.com
of natural fibres e.g. cotton, wool or linen as synthetics
release VOCs or require non renewable sources in production.
Air –
v Air pollution is not just out door – our houses and offices can be up to
5-7 times more polluted than outside. Floorings, paints, varnishes,
furnishings, carpets, detergents, pesticides, solvents, sprays, tobacco can
all emit harmful VOC (volatile organic compounds.
v Use safe and simple green alternatives for cleaning e.g. baking soda,
lavender oil, vegetable soap, tea tree oil, vinegar. Use and water and
vinegar in a refillable spray bottle for window cleaning. There are
commercial non toxic biodegradable products also available.
v Beautify the home with green, indoor plants – they are natures own
bio-purifiers. They release O2 and absorb CO2 and other harmful
substances. Bamboo is especially good for this purpose.
v Walk or use public transport, car pool if you need to use a car
v No pesticide sprays - Safe pest control – discourage – seal cracks,
doors, windows etc , keep food and garbage away, fix leaking pipes –use
essential oils such as tea tree, peppermint, citronella or vinegar, traps to
discourage
v Deodorising – aerosols, candles, electrical diffusers, incense and oil
burners, moth balls – all pollute indoor air with carcinogens and allergenic
elements – open window or use bowl of soda or vinegar.
v Be Vegetarian – pollution due to methane and co2
v Buy organic, local seasonal fruits and veg – reduces energy of
transportation and less GHG, Green house gases
v Detergents are a major cause of indoor pollution – use eco friendly
alternatives
v Keep air circulating – open windows and maintain any ventilation
systems. Turn off bathroom ventilating fans after leaving the room to prevent hot air
spreading into the rest of the house.
v Keep air conditioning at 25 degrees C or use fan. Clean or replace
dirty air conditioner filters regularly.
v Choose low VOC paints, non emitting flooring, natural fabrics
Quiz for fun: As a vegetarian, how much can we contribute to the enviornment?
Answer: By being vegetarian, you are using 8 times less of the resources.