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Eco rickshaws to grace Ludhiana roads soon
Ludhiana: Environment friendly eco rickshaws will soon ply on the roads of Ludhiana. Under the state funded Eco Rickshaw project, a camp was organised in the mini secretariat campus on Saturday to issue quick license of eco rickshaws.
Six applicants got their license made and loan approved while other will get the formalities done on Tuesday. The cost of eco-rickshaw ranges from Rs 9300 to Rs 10,500. Bank loans were also available at the camp. Municipal officials made the license on the spot.
The eco rickshaw weighs 20 kg less than the normal rickshaws. It has low-floor facility for women and elderly, FM radio, water bottle, stand for reading magazine or newspaper and space for luggage and first-aid box, besides a folded sleeping arrangement for traction men.
One rickshaw can save around 3 litre fuel per day.
Article excerpted from www.dailybhaskar.com
8 easy ways to go organic in Seoul
Change your pet’s menu. Eat ice cream. Going au natural doesn’t have to be a chore thanks to these city shops and restaurants
Converting to an organic way of life in Seoul isn’t as challenging as it once was. These days, it’s as simple as making a few tweaks to some of the things you’re already doing on a daily basis.Here are eight easy ways to give your organic street cred a boost.
1. Get your pet in on the act
One of the two office cats at Grace. He doesn’t appear to be too fond of the color pink.
There’s no shortage of 24-hour animal hospitals in Seoul’s Nonhyeon neighborhood. But the kind staff at spacious and eco-conscious Grace Animal Hospital make things a little easier when it comes to choosing where to take your furry friend for all its basic necessities.Organic food brands such as ANF and Natural Balance are sold here, as well as the adorably packaged Wagatha’s dog biscuits. Grace also offers all the typical animal hospital services including grooming, vaccinations and medical checkups.Consider putting Snowball up for a night or two in their pet hotel while off on holiday. Dogs run
₩15,000/night while cats are ₩20,000/night.
122-20 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu (서울시 강남구 논현동 122-20); +82 2 3442 5554; www.grace-ah.co.kr
2. Change your shampoo
Ontree's products are tailor-made for men, women and babies.
If Sephora had an eco-conscious long lost baby sister in Korea its name would be Ontree. Stocked with nothing but organic brands — mostly from Europe — this cosmetics chain has shops all over the peninsula.You can find products for man, woman and baby including shampoo, anti-aging solutions and baby lotion.159-7 Hyundai Dept Store B1, Samsung-dong, Gangnam-gu (강남구 삼성동 159-7 현대백과점 B1.); +82 2 3467 8880
30-33 Hyundai Dept Store B2, Cheongjeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu (서대문구 청전동 30-33 현대백과점 B2); +82 2 3145 2260
620-69 Lotte Plaza Jeonnong-dong, Dongdaemun-dong (동대문구 전농동 620-69 번지 롯데철량리 플라자); +822 3707 1004
3. Go carb crazy
Veggie Holic, a popular organic brunch café.
There are very few restaurants in Seoul where carnivores and vegans can eat in harmony. Veggie Holic is one of them.A self proclaimed “vegetable and organic brunch café” located in the art and design school district of Hongdae, this is the perfect place to load up on carb filled favorites.Brownies, cookies and muffins are there to temp sweet tooths (₩2,000-₩6,000), but not all of them are vegan so be sure to double check with the staff for each item.
They also have a dairy-free ice cream that could fool anyone into thinking otherwise, as well as tea and coffee.
Open daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 204-59 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu (마포구 동교동 204-59); +82 70 4114 0458; www.veggieholic.co.kr
4. Get a caffeine fix
Episode #3 is not just organic, but cute too.
The interior of Seoul café Episode #3 is just too darn cute. There are little cubby seating areas reminiscent of childhood bunk beds and a cave-like room in the back that makes this the perfect place to sip coffee over a little business talk.Their coffee is not only organic but the coveted hand-drip style, made with beans from all over the world.Other organic offerings include 12 cold/hot variations of Rishi teas and espresso drinks. Waffles, toast and beer are also sold at Episode #3, but are not organic.
813-9 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu (강남구 역삼동 813-9); +82 2 553 9545; Open daily, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
5. Eat a buffet dinner
Chung Mirae offers one of Seoul's only organic buffets.
Buffets have been gaining popularity in Seoul for a while so it was only a matter of time before an organic Korean food buffet popped up on the scene.Enter Chung Mirae, where lunch is ₩15,000, dinner ₩20,000 and ₩10,000 won for kids. There are over 70 items on the buffet, including hot dishes, sides, pickled vegetables, soups and of course rice.
22-1 Lake Tower B1, Samjeon-dong, Songpa-gu (송파구 삼전동 22-1 레이크타워 지하1층); +82 2 422 0567; Lunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dinner: 5:30-9 p.m; www.chungmirae.net
6. Get your groceries delivered
Heuk Salim's organic endeavors are legendary in Seoul.
Heuk Salim started its environmentally friendly agriculture practice 20 years ago and these days is bringing its organic groceries directly to households all around the country.Offering a welcomed counterpart to the more (in)famous jelly of the month clubs found in Western countries, Heuk Salim will carefully deliver a box of assorted organic and seasonal goodies on a weekly (₩100,000/month), bi-monthly (₩50,000/month) or monthly (₩30,000/month) basis.
Expect to get some leafy things, fruit, eggs, a dairy product and a snack-like item ( i.e. wafer cookies, cereal, etc).
+82 43 212 0935; heuk.or.kr
7. Hit the spa
The treatments at Park Hyatt's Park Club Organic Spa feature organic-only products.
Park Club Organic Spa, located in the 5-star Park Hyatt Seoul, is a far shout from your neighborhood Jjimjilbang. What it lacks in bra and panty clad ajummas armed to scrub the hell out of your skin it more than makes up for in eco-friendliness and class.The Park Club Spa uses the organic Italian brand Comfort Zone for its treatments. Try 70 minutes of a full body massage, facial or body scrub for ₩180,000 each, or shell out ₩290,000 and get a two full hours of all three.
995-14 Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu (강남구 대치동 995-14); +82 2 2016 1234; Spa open day, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.;www.seoul.park.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas
8. Change your sheets
Le Style's bedding is both Très chic and eco-friendly.
Le Style, suitably located in Seoraemaul, the French village of Seoul, is a furniture and home store that stocks a selection of 100 percent organic cotton bedding sets.Cotton production accounts for a huge percent of pesticide usage in the United States, one of the world’s top producers, so making this small change can actually make a big difference.
73-1 Samdeol Building 1F Seoraemaul, Banpo 4-dong, Seocho-gu (서초구 반포4동 서래마을 73-1 삼덜빌딩 1층); +82 2 796 1220; www.lestyle.co.kr
Article excerpted from www.cnngo.com
Eco-Sex: The Second Date
Second Date: Into Your Lair (or His or Hers)
Once you’ve snagged yourself a like-minded potential soul mate, it’s time to show off what you know. What do eco-sexuals do on subsequent dates? Mostly the same stuff that regular people do, like having dinner. Nothing shows off your eco-knowledge like cooking an organic meal for your soon-to-be lover. Try these 2 recipes from super sexy chef Sarma Melngailis of Pure Food and Wine in New York City.
Vanilla Salad Starter
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Banyuls vinegar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons agave nectar
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- Seeds scraped from 3/4 vanilla bean
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup almond oil or other high-quality nut oil
- 4 ripe black mission figs
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped pistachios
- 1 teaspoon nut oil
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 2 cups mâche
- 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh mint
- 1 very small handful fresh parsley leaves
Preparation
1. Put the vinegar, agave nectar, salt, and vanilla seeds in a blender and process until completely smooth. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and almond oil. With the blender running, slowly pour the oils into the dressing and continue to blend until emulsified.
2. Next, cut the figs into quarters and place in a small bowl. Add the agave nectar, cinnamon and a pinch of salt, and toss very gently.
3. Toss the pistachios in another small bowl with the nut oil and a pinch of salt.
4. Place the greens, mint, parsley, and pistachios with their oil into a mixing bowl and add enough of the vinaigrette to coat the leaves. Toss very gently. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. To serve, divide the greens and pistachios between two plates and top with the figs.
Yellow Squash “Fettuccine” with Creamy Pine Nut Alfredo
Makes 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups raw pine nuts
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 or 3 medium goldbar or yellow summer squash
- Sea salt
- 1/4 cup raw pine nuts
- 1/2 teaspoon nut oil or extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and thinly sliced
- 1 small handful of lemon basil leaves
- Freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
To make Alfredo sauce:
1. Place the pine nuts in a bowl and add enough water to cover. Let sit for 1 hour or more to plump the nuts.
2. Drain the pine nuts and put them in a blender with the olive oil, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and salt. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a drizzle of water to thin it.
To make “fettuccine”:
1. Cut the ends off the squash. Julienne the squash on a mandoline and place it in a colander or strainer. Toss with about 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and let sit for at least 30 minutes to soften and allow a bit of the liquid to drain out.
2. Chop the pine nuts and put them in a small bowl with the oil and a pinch of salt.
3. Place enough squash for two servings in a medium bowl. Add enough of the sauce to generously coat the “fettuccine.” Add the green olives, half of the lemon basil, and a pinch of black pepper and gently toss.
4. Divide the “fettuccine” between two shallow bowls, making tall piles. Drizzle more of the sauce around the squash. Sprinkle with the chopped pine nuts, and garnish with remaining basil leaves.
Next week: The third date. Stay tuned.
Article excerpted from www.lifescript.com
Kids can help family go green
Many Canadians are empowering their kids to develop and oversee eco-friendly household habits by teaching children to have a green conscience around the home.
From planting organic backyard gardens to harvesting rainwater, young “chief environment officers” are sprouting up across the country and working with their parents to reduce the size and impact of their household’s carbon footprint.
“Going green as a family can be easy and fun. Even small things like switching to energy-saving light bulbs and non-toxic cleaning products can make a big difference to your local environment and your wallet,” says Mary Desjardins, executive director of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.
“Why not hold a family meeting to elect your own chief environment officer and brainstorm some creative ways your whole family can improve your household’s carbon footprint.”
Your carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions, or carbon dioxide, produced as a result of your lifestyle. For example, every time you use your air conditioner or drive to the grocery store, you emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
One of Canada’s longest-serving environmental charities, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation offers six simple ways to lower your household’s carbon footprint:
– Complete an audit of toxic cleaning products, dispose of them safely and replace them with environmentally friendly ones.
– Take shorter showers and turn off the tap when you’re brushing your teeth.
– Avoid using the dryer and only wash full loads of laundry and dishes, preferably with cold water.
– Make sure everyone in the family understands which household products can be recycled and which cannot.
– Start a compost pile for food waste, and use it to nourish the soil in your vegetable and flower gardens.
– Unplug appliances when you’re not using them to avoid phantom energy use.
Article excerpted from www.delta-optimist.com
Plastic Water Bottles Shunned By Travelers, Airports
Getty Images
Travelers are becoming increasingly eco-conscious, with many travelers and travel properties lessening their reliance on plastic water bottles.
In green gung-ho California, passengers at San Francisco International Airport’s refurbished Terminal 2 are being encouraged to refill their own water bottles at “hydration stations.”
That’s very nice of them, considering you can’t bring bottled water through security anyway.
The glorified water fountains, located after security, will dispense city tap water from “pristine Sierra snowmelt,” reports USA Today.
But the eco-friendliness doesn’t stop there.
Beginning last fall, visitors to Italy’s Cinque Terre were asked to pay one euro for reusable, metal flasks that could be refilled at public water fountains – with still or sparking chilled, filtered water. As The Telegraph reported, two million plastic bottles are discarded annually by the region’s 3 million visitors, with 400,000 being discarded in August alone.
Hotels, too, are going bottle free.
Chilean travel company Explora purifies and treats its own water, also providing guests at its three adventure lodges with refillable metal flasks. The flasks can be filled with filtered water available in guest rooms and on daily excursions.
At RockResorts, guest rooms are stocked with refillable glass bottles of filtered water thanks to the “Water on the Rocks” program. Guests can also purchase a reusable BPA-free plastic or stainless steel water bottle to fill at water stations around their resort. The program is expected to eliminate the waste of 640,000 plastic bottles.
Article excerpted from http://news.travel.aol.com
Green “train of ideas” goes on sustainable living tour of Europe
Hamburg train goes on the grand tour of eco-living
Hamburg, European Green Capital 2011, has taken to the tracks of Europe with a rolling exhibition on sustainable living.
EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik and Hamburg’s Mayor Olaf Scholz set the wheels in motion for the six-month tour of 18 European cities at the train’s launch today.
The novel approach to sharing best practice aims to demonstrate to thousands of European citizens how cities can be both attractive and sustainable in the future.
Commissioner Potočnik said: “The Train of Ideas is a wonderful expression of European values. The European Green Capital Award is all about sharing. If we want our cities to change for the better then we cannot keep all the good ideas to ourselves.
“Hamburg has much to teach other cities. It has shown that economic growth and environmental protection are not conflicting issues. I encourage as many Europeans as possible to visit this exhibition when it pulls in to their cities.”
The Train of Ideas was a deciding factor in the decision to select Hamburg as the 2011 European Green Capital. The exhibition, entitled “Visions for the Cities of the Future”, focuses on the challenges of designing European cities that are sustainable, environmentally-friendly and attractive to live in.
With more than 70 exhibits and 26 touch screens, the exhibition will present best practices from Hamburg and feature exemplary projects from other European cities. Oslo, for example, will teach Europe how to light its streets intelligently, Vienna will present its “ÖkoKauf” programme, encouraging environmentally-friendly consumption habits and Copenhagen will present Nordhavnen, a model district for sustainable building practices and cycling.
The exhibition presents the topics of “Urban Development and Living”, “Mobility”, “Energy and Climate Protection”, “Nature and Urban Green”, “Resource Protection and Business” and “Consumption” in an interactive way. Visitors get to see the city from various perspectives, including personal, local, regional and global points of view.
Hamburg was chosen as the European Green Capital 2011 from 35 applicants. The city, which is home to 1.8 million people and boasts very good air quality, was singled out for its energy-saving measures. The city has introduced extremely ambitious climate protection goals such as reducing its CO2 emissions by 40% by 2020 and by 80% by the year 2050.
Measures introduced include a cost-efficiency benchmark for energy-saving measures in public buildings, with programmes for lighting, boilers and refrigerator replacement. Over 200,000 conventional lamps in more than 400 public buildings have been replaced, saving energy and €3.4 million per year, and in recent years €18 million has been spent replacing over 600 boiler systems with modern condensing boilers.
Hamburg has an excellent integrated waste management system with high levels of source separation of individual materials and energy recovery. The city has also made good progress in reducing water consumption and leaks. Innovative pilot schemes are helping to reduce the amount of water used in public toilets.
The city has 11 657km of bus routes and 10 426 stops. Almost 100% of Hamburg’s citizens have public transport within 300 metres. Hamburg is impressively green in comparison to most cities of similar size, with over 16.7% of the urban area given over to forests, recreation and green spaces.
Article excerpted from www.clickgreen.org.uk
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Pedestrian tunnel could ‘go green’
WIND-POWERED? … the pedestrian tunnel could ‘go green’.
Now the outdated tunnels are set for a major overhaul, which could include going carbon-neutral and being powered by a wind turbine.
Plans for the ambitious transport scheme – the first of its kind in the region – were announced at a meeting of Jarrow community area forum this week.
The scheme includes, the removal of the existing wooden escalators and the installation of new inclined lifts, similar to those operating near the Millennium Bridge in London.
A unit capable of carrying up to 26 passengers, plus bicycles and full-size scooters, would be fully glazed, allowing people to view much of the structure and workings of the historic river tunnels.
Cliff Jessett, project manager of the New Tyne Crossing, said: “We’re interested in energy generation and this could include creating power for the tunnels with a wind turbine, like the one at the Eco Centre, in Hebburn.
“The aim is to keep energy levels low and we are confident we can create a carbon-neutral listed structure.”
The tunnels have been subject to numerous breakdowns, with parts being very difficult to source for the 60-year-old transport link, which was granted Grade 11 listed status in 2000.
“Basically, the tunnels are looking ‘tired’ and are coming to end of their natural life, and need to be replaced,” Mr Jessett added.
The £6m conservation scheme approved last year by Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority, will also include new lighting and CCTV systems, plus paving and tiling.
Work on the scheme could start either late this year or early 2012, dependent on planning permission and listed building consent.
Celebrations are also in the planning stages for the tunnels’ 60th anniversary in July.
Article excerpted from www.shieldsgazette.com
Mines Green Circle 