lifegifts

The Philippines crab industry

2011-10-10T10:46:00.003+08:00

The blue swimming crabs (kasag, alimasag, Portunus pelagicus) is the fourth top export fisheries product of the Philippines. From BFAR’s latest statistics (Year 2009) the recorded revenue was about 39.171 Thousands US Dollar (1.8 Billion Philippine Pesos) from a quantity of 4,357 tons of crab (live/fresh/frozen/chilled), crab meat and crab fats. At present there are eight major exporters of crab meat based in the country and most of their produced are going to the USA. The values and number of exporters presently competing really indicates how important this resources are to the country’s economy. Yet… Assessments of the blue swimming crab condition in the waters are indicating so much pressure to the available stock capital. As early as in the late 1990’s, Ingles and Flores (2000) have been reporting significant decreased in the CPUE (catch per unit effort) of crabbers. Recent interviews of crabbers is even showing more dire situation. In one of my travels to Guiuan last May of this year 2011, a crabber who set his 5-kilometer net in a day catch only 3 pcs of small crabs while his kumpare catch nothing at all. Why?... Fifty percent (50%) of the Female blue swimming crabs in the Philippine’ waters could only start to bear eggs and produce baby crabs when they grow at a carapace width of 10.5-centimeters while the 50% Male blue swimming crabs matures at 9.65-cm only. The other 50% could mature earlier or even later than the sizes mentioned. Since it is only the female crabs that lay eggs and produce baby crabs it is therefore more practical to at least let the female blue swimming crabs lay their first babies first before catching them. This way we could help ensure that the supply of blue swimming crabs will not diminish. Yet… We are catching large percentage of the immature crabs, the mature crabs and even the egg-bearing crabs. The figure only shows we are withdrawing not just the interest of the capital but also the capital that is why the supply of crabs from the waters is decreasing. Is there a solution?... Thumbs up to BFAR, they are now on the process of adopting the Philippine BSC Management Plan. Within the Plan, there are various actions identified: • A 10-cm carapace width minimum legal size of landed and traded crabs, • Reduction of fishing effort through minimum length of gillnet and number of units of traps/pots • Encouragement on the use of environment friendly crabbing gears like bamboo traps and pots over the waste-producer and ghostfishing gillnets and pvc-made pots and traps. • Possible closure of fishing ground or fishing season • Regular scientific studies (stock assessment, monitoring, research and developments, etc.). Yet… it is now two year since the process was started and the official adoption is still not being heard of. The sad thing is, there are organizations lobbying for the reduction of the 10-cm minimum legal size agreed upon during the consultations. The 10-cm is the perfect starting point (consensus between the crabbers and the scientist) to start saving the crabs resources. A minimum legal below the 10-cm defies the purpose of the management plan and all the efforts trying to ensure the long lasting supply of crabs in the country. For more info, please contact: Jimely Flores Email: Jimely.flores@sustainablefish.org Sustainable fisheries Partnership http://www.sustainablefish.org; http://www.fishsource.org

sustainable packaging applied in the Philippines

2011-07-08T16:11:00.001+08:00

Sustainable Packaging: its application in the Philippines Because of very high consumption rate demanded by the ever increasing population even for the developing world like the Philippines, savings are not just demanded in the use of the products and resources but also in packaging those products. The throw-away society that characterizes the Philippines in the past four decades as a distorted part of the so-called urbanization and industrialization developments is starting to shift. The tipping point of change has been reached; sustainable packaging is starting to be followed albeit slow when compared to the movement in the developed world. Cellophane bags which had been freely given out in all the stores (big or small) are starting to be changed into recyclable grocery bags. Food and beverage stores are going into environment-friendly containers and bringing your own cup/container is being encouraged. Instead of the cheap plastic products, people are encouraged to go into natural-sourced packaging products that are biodegradable and/or recyclable like papers, ceramics, bottle and others. The Health and Wellness Bazaar is one of those small stores which marketing practices embodied the real essence of sustainable packaging. 1. You can buy our dishwashing soap and fabric conditioner using your refillable dishwashing containers. This is of course cheaper because the cost of the bottle/container is already out of the cost of the product. These products are also formulated from materials which are friendly to the environment and to all living organisms. 2. We are shifting to reusable cotton bags instead of the wasteful plastic bags. The bags are not given free but the cost is minimal and using the bag will earn the clients’ points which could be used to purchase our products. 3. We as much as possible promote local natural products which entire supply chain encourages sustainable practices and low carbon and water footprint. For more information please contact our store: Health and Wellness Bazaar Lingsat, San Fernando, La Union Mobile: 09064300704

Bath soap

2011-03-05T16:56:00.004+08:00

Just finished making bath soap made from olive oil and fresh milk and enhanced with lavender essential oil. This soap is very good for the skin as it was made with the best natural ingredients with none of the harsh ingredients that usually destroys the skin, other living things and the environment. It will be available for sale next month.

Effects of Volcanic ashes in the blue swimming crabs of Sorsogon Bay, Philippines

2011-02-28T13:38:00.000+08:00

Effects of Volcanic ashes in the blue swimming crabs of Sorsogon Bay, Philippines Author: Jimely O. Flores 28 February 2011 Blue swimming crab are scientifically known as Portunus pelagicus or locally known in the languages of the Philippines as kasag, alimasag, masag, kappi, etc. Continuous volcanic ash fall in Sorsogon Bay which is one of the fishing grounds for the blue swimming crabs is relatively unknown at present as there are no studies measuring the impacts. However, assumptions could be made basing on the biology of the organisms, the condition of the habitat and the oceanographic features and processes in that particular body of water, and the characteristics of the volcanic ashes. Volcanic ashes are inherently acidic and when dissolved in waters result into the decreased of ph of the water concerns. It also increases turbidity as well as addition of other chemical components which may or may not affect the organisms. Sorsogon Bay is the smallest body of water immediately within the vicinity of the Bulusan Volcano spewing ashes at the present. It is a shallow bay and relatively enclosed with an area of about 22,000 hectares, with its narrow channel opening into the inland seas near the Islands of Ticao and Burias Islands. Continuous high volume of volcanic ashes falling into the Bay may temporarily affect the physical and chemical water characteristic especially in the coastal areas especially at slack waters, rendering the waters more acidic and turbid. The blue swimming crabs life cycle starts from being an egg attached in the mother’s abdomen. Most of the mother crabs are benthic preferring sandy bottoms in deeper marine waters. When the eggs are released from the females they became part of the organisms drifting with the surface and sub-surface currents (planktons) while undergoing different metamorphic stages for as long as 15 days until they grow and become crab instars and are ready to start a benthic life (living near or at the bottom of the sea). Being planktons, the survival and developments of the eggs and larvae of the blue swimming crabs, may be affected by the lowered pH, turbidity and the other chemicals (from the volcanic ashes) dissolving into the waters. This is especially true as the organisms are calcium carbonate builders (their shell). When the larvae have metamorphosed into crab instars and start living as part of the benthic ecosystems, they are found to be quite abundant in seagrass and seaweeds areas maybe because of the abundant protection and food these kinds of habitats offer. However, these habitats are also prone to the higher incidence of volcanic ash accumulation as compared to the open waters where circulation maybe faster and constant. This stage of the crab lifecycle may also be said to be relatively vulnerable to the volcanic ash falls. While the blue swimming crabs grow and mature, the blue swimming crabs undergo passive migration into the deeper waters and thus lesser prone to the impact of volcanic ashes. In general, there is a probability that the blue swimming crabs may be directly negatively impacted by the ash falls of the Bulusan Volcano but the impact might not be immediately felt. If the impact had significantly reduced the development and survival of the affected blue swimming crabs’ eggs, larvae and juveniles, then it could be expected that the next batch of individuals expected to enter the fisheries in the future harvest seasons may be reduced. There could also be indirect impacts of the volcanic ash falls by affecting negatively the development and survival of the other organisms and the habitat, the blue swimming crabs may in the long term be also affected.

Green Dishwashing Detergent at Health and Wellness Bazaar

2011-02-27T08:53:00.000+08:00

green your dishwashing activities through using eco and user friendly dishwashing detergent... it could be bought from the health and wellness bazaar at Lingsat, San Fernando, La union, Philippines... Since we are also promoting the reduction and reducing of waste... We appreciate if you could bring your dishwashing detergent containers to earn discount points... See you!

Green Dishwashing Detergent at Health and Wellness Bazaar

2011-02-26T11:11:00.002+08:00

Health and wellness bazaar just finished preparing dishwashing detergent which is eco-friendly and user friendly... it could be bought from the health and wellness bazaar at Lingsat, San Fernando, La union, Philippines... Since we are also promoting the reduction and reducing of waste... We appreciate if you could bring your dishwashing detergent containers to earn discount points... See you

How to Celebrate a Green Valentine

2011-02-06T05:20:00.001+08:00

February 14, 2011 is fast approaching... Lovers and hopefuls are in frantic search of possible great and unforgettable adventures or experiences Either with their love ones, friends, families or with themselves Whatever or whoever would that be Always remember to enjoy and leave healthy footprints. Some ways we could celebrate a green valentines are: 1. Give real flowers not those made from plastic or fabric :) 2. Alternative to real expensive flowers are plants... plants may come in different types and sizes on a wide price ranges that could fit anyone's budget. 3. Give hand crafted gifts to show they are worth the time, money and effort spent, find these items at Health and Wellness Bazaar, Lingsat, San Fernando City, La Union. 4. Give gifts that are worthwhile such as books, eco-friendly home items, eco-friendly and healthy personal items, etc. Wide ranges of such good products are found in the Health and Wellness Bazaar, Lingsat, San Fernandon, La Union. 5. And the most meaningful of all... Give LOVE, TIME HUGS AND SMILE...

Office Depot Helps Large Customers Understand ?Greenness? of Purchases

2009-09-24T16:51:00.001+08:00

Office Depot Helps Large Customers Understand ?Greenness? of Purchases Shared via AddThis

Green Manufacturing: The Next Great Leap Forward

2009-09-22T09:37:00.001+08:00

Green Manufacturing: The Next Great Leap Forward Shared via AddThis

To Thwart Lack of Natural Resources, Go Full-circle in Supply Chain

2009-09-18T11:22:00.001+08:00

To Thwart Lack of Natural Resources, Go Full-circle in Supply Chain Shared via AddThis

Renewables, Recycling Fertile Hiring Grounds

2009-09-12T12:10:00.001+08:00

Renewables, Recycling Fertile Hiring Grounds Shared via AddThis

Tips for Natural Skin Care

2009-09-10T15:31:00.001+08:00

Tips for Natural Skin Care Shared via AddThis

IPPR: Personal Carbon Rationing May Be Needed

2009-09-10T12:56:00.001+08:00

IPPR: Personal Carbon Rationing May Be Needed Shared via AddThis

Why It`s Good To Be a Vegetarian

2009-09-09T22:53:00.001+08:00

Why It`s Good To Be a Vegetarian Shared via AddThis

When I was born

2009-09-06T21:24:00.001+08:00

When I was born the world population is about 3.937 billion, while my country the Philippines' population was about 40 million. After about 35 years (CY2008), the world population is about 6.790 billion and the Philippines has about 97.98 million. In my lifetime, world population has increased two-fold while the Philippines population has increased more than two-fold. Alas, the land area could not be increased much (increasing the land area had become possible through reclamation only). With about 30 million hectares of total Philippine' land areas, when I was a kid, I could play and claim 7500 square meter as my own, now a kid can only claim 3000 square meter. That is assuming there is an equal distribution of land to each and every Filipino, alas that is not the case at all. In the field of chemistry when I was born, a German Ernst Otto Fischer (W. Germany) and Geoffrey Wilkinson (UK), were given a Nobel Prize award for their work that could solve problem of automobile exhaust pollution. Yet and alas, I am still suffering from the sicknesses caused by over-exposure to automobile exhaust pollution. That means my country after 35 years have not adapted that technology and I fear that I will die knowing a technology exist since I was born which could have prevented a lot of my sufferings.

Return of the "oil regulation policy" is not the solution on the unfair increases of fuel prices in the Philippines

2009-09-06T18:43:00.001+08:00

Its true that the fuel prices hike in the Philippines at present is not reflective of the real world oil prices. That there is a grain of truth in the accusations of some sectors that the big oil companies are just on the rampage of amassing gains and profits against the Filipinos. Yet the commonly proposed re-installation of the "oil regulation policy" and removal of EVAT imposed in the oil and fuel products is not a prudent solution. It will just be a thin patch-up solution to the profusely leaking problem of the oil industry which is our dependence to imported and pollution-laden fuels, which are produced by countries whose values encourages terrorism. Pollution-laden fuels exposing the Filipinos to carcinogenic, respiratory and metabolic disruptor substances. Fuels which by-products accelerates global warming. In effect, fuels that kills humanity. I am fully convinced that the only way to curb the greed of the giant oil companies operating in the country, save ourselves from sickness, and save humanity is not through lifting oil deregulation and taxes. The solution is to pool all our resources (mind, talent, education and money) into looking for renewable energy sources, where we are richly blessed as a nation. For a long term solution, 1. Let us invest in our young people by giving incentives for them to go into science courses, physics, math, engineering and nanotechnology instead of producing service oriented workers such as nurses and caregivers; 2. Improve our public transport system towards a commuter-friendly and efficient services and environment; 3. Give high sinner's taxes for all products using crude oil, just like that of cigarettes and alcohols. As of now, we could 1. Save on fuel usage by taking the public transport instead of using our cars, practice car pooling, walk instead of riding for short distance travels; 2. When shopping bring re-usable bags and refrain from using too much plastic bags (plastics are manufactured using crude oil by-products and the manufacturing process eats a lot of crude oil fuels); 3. Use naturally made soaps and detergents, and other cleaning substances in our kitchen, bath and toilets. Most of the soaps and detergents commercially marketed are made from crude oil byproducts. 4. Read instead of watching television for your entertainment and educational purposes. By doing these, we could significantly reduced and soon totally eliminate our dependence to crude oil as source of energy.Through the above actions, we will stop willingly giving our moneys to the greedy giant oil companies, we will deny the terrorist middle-east their funding sources for terroristic activities. The time to act is now and let us look for better solutions!

World Environment Day Today

2009-06-05T16:01:00.002+08:00

World Environment Day Today by Jimely O. Flores June 5, 2009 World Environment Day is explained in UNEP website, http://www.unep.org/wed/2009 What lifestyle should we have to promote an environment safe for us and all lifeforms today and for all generations to come: 1. Save Energy. • Let us turn off the lights and other electrical appliances when they are not needed. Remove the electrical appliances from their sockets especially those with standby power properties as these are still using significant amount of energy even if such are turned off. • Open the windows and let the natural freshness of the air to aerate your abode instead of the air con or electric fans. Also these would let in the natural lights of the sun so we don’t have to open the lights at daytime. And remember that natural sunlight also disinfects the surroundings and you would save on anti-bacterial, anti- fungal, anti-viral sprayers. • Use the stairs and avoid using the escalator or elevators. This would strengthen your muscles and give a good pump to the heart (this way you save energy and doctor's fee). • In my soapmaking activities instead of using the food processor and blender, I make my hands do the stirring (though it is a bit backward and tiring) I get a good feel by saving on energy and exercising while doing the things I love doing. 2. Save Water • Repair all leaking faucets. • Use a cup or glass when brushing your teeth instead of letting the tap continuously running. • Set you toilet bowl water box to the lowest water level capacity to minimize water during flushing. • Minimize the use of shower when taking a bath; you could use a pail and a dip instead. • Collect the water used for washing the dishes, vegetables and fruit. This water could be use to flush the toilet or water the plants. 3. Transportation • Enjoy the walk and hike going to your destination instead of using your car. Don't buy car, invest in bicycle instead. • Practice transport pooling and share your resources. 4. Go Green by Reducing, Recycling and Reusing things! 5. Buy and use products that are truly GREEN. For example my natural bath soap creations, my arty hanging towels, my crocheted small bags/sachets. The bags/sachets could be used as soap saver, potpourri bags, giveaways/gift bags, jewelry pouch, body scrub and others. The soap is certified vegan which main ingredients are olive oil, virgin coconut oil, fruit, herbs and vegetables juices and essential oil fragrance. The hanging towels are button-less which denies the exploitation of sea shells and pearls primarily use to produce buttons. Let us hold hand and create an environment safe for everybody!

Life of a soapmaker dedicated to green principles

2009-06-03T21:30:00.001+08:00

Life of a soapmaker dedicated to green principles by Jimely O. Flores June 3, 2009 Hmmm what a joyous relief... I just finish my nth batch of natural bath soap. This time the ingredients are olive oil, virgin coconut oil, carrot juice, and jasmine essential oil. It turns out very good but tracing was reached only after two hours of constant stirring, this is because i decided to exercise my arms and save electricity by manually stirring the mixture. It is really very tiresome making my soap products carbon neutral is one of the principles of being and living green so i have no regrets. I wish I could now show the photos by this posting time but it could not be as the soap are still on their saponification process, not to be disturb until atleast after 24 hours. I would definitely share them to you soon. These soaps are for sale and you could contact me thru my mobile 09189428250 or email: bank_ideas2@yahoo.com. These are definitely great soaps to your mind, body and spirits. I hope to be of service to you soon...

A Daughter’s Thoughts for Greening Father’s Day Celebration

2009-06-02T14:19:00.003+08:00

A Daughter’s Thoughts for Greening Father’s Day Celebration By Jimely Flores June 2, 2009 Soon it’s Father’s Day Commemoration again (June 21, 2009). Father is the first hero in a child’s life. He is looked up to, respected and even revered but as we grow older when our eyes are opened to the realities of life, all these are forgotten and the recognition our Father’s deserved are overlooked. This year let us re-affirm our love and appreciation to our Fathers in a Green Celebration, a truly way of giving meaning to the life they lived for our benefit… Tips on celebrating a green Father’s Day: 1. Our gifts should be from certified sustainable resources, wrap or packaged less, and with biodegrable materials and/or from sustainable sources. • One o the great gift is my all natural bath soap (contact me at (63) 9189428250 or bank_ideas2@yahoo.com for orders) 2. The best gifts are our hugs and affirmation of our love and respect for them. 3. When eating out, let us choose restaurants that advocates green practices and patronize certified organic goods. 4. But the greenest and best way to celebrate Father’s Day is to dedicate our entire day just for them… joining them in doing the things they love and doing things for them only. Let us Green the Father’s Day Celebration!!!

For Sale - gift sachets and/or soap bag saver

2009-05-29T12:30:00.004+08:00

These are crocheted sachets and/or soap savers. Great as gift bags for party and wedding giveaways. Also Great as soap bags and/or small soap saver. Also Great as body or face scrub when used as soap saver. Also Great as potpourri bag for freshening up your area. GO GREEN and use this washable Reusable materials to Reduce waste (papers and plastics use in gifts and loofahs in baths).

Go Green on your Fabric Softener

2009-05-24T15:27:00.000+08:00

Go Green on your Fabric Softener By Jimely Flores May 24, 2009 It is sunday afternoon and it is so hot in my place that instead of going out I decided to replenish my stock of fabric softener. I am making them myself. That way I have a control of the ingredients which are definitely all natural - a product that is friendly to my health and to the environment. The savings only come as a bonus here. In fact, all my powder and bar laundry soaps, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid detergent and bath soaps, are all my creations - i make them myself. I will be very happy to share it with you if you want to GO GREEN and HEALTHY like me. Aside from GOING GREEN and OPTING for HEALTH and WELLNESS when using these products you could also save money, a must at these financial crisis times. Contact me here or in my email: bank_ideas2@yahoo.com or thru my celfon: 09189428250. See you

Go Green on Your Wedding Giveaways

2009-05-12T12:39:00.000+08:00

Go Green on Your Wedding Giveaways by Jimely Flores May 12, 2009 Giveaways on your wedding day may seem the least important in your priorities, but since this will serve as a perceptible reminder of your special day, it should also be given ample thoughts and consideration. Fortunately, there are many options from mere decorations to functional and personalized items such as plants, candles, chocolates, soap, mugs, plates and others. Below are some suggestions of green wedding giveaways that would certainly enhance the essence of your wedding day: 1. Go green, literally. Small potted plants like herbs, cactus, fortune plants and bonsai. The pot could be personalized with your names and wedding day printed or the pot is covered with a beautifully crocheted cotton yarn of your motif colors. 2. Vegan Bath soaps. The soap is definitely made from natural ingredients mainly from Olive oil, Virgin Coconut oil, natural Colorants, and essential oils. Colors and fragrances could be patterned on the motif of the wedding. 3. Hanging Towels. The artistically design toppers are crocheted cotton yarns with colors representing your wedding motif. Contact me for orders and ideas!

Green Gift for Moms on Mother's Day

2009-04-29T14:11:00.000+08:00

The day when we especially celebrate the love, work, and sacrifices of all mothers in the world is soon to come. Let us show our love and appreciation to them through giving them gifts very appropriate to their nurturing qualities. My mother's day gift package include handcrafted bath soaps which main ingredients are olive oil and virgin coconut oil with the lavender scent which is known to relax the senses and invigorates the brain. These natural soap is wrap with my handcrafted hanging towel with arty crocheted toppers. Great for Mom and great for the family. For Orders, Please contact me through my celfon (09189428250) or email (bank_ideas1@yahoo.com). You may also send messages to my websites: http://lifegifts.multiply.com, http://jimelyflores.wordpress.com, http://lifegifts-jimelyflores.blogspot.com, http://jimelyflores.blogspot.com, my facebook account and in here (my friendster account). Pictures of the products could also be browsed on the said websites and more are coming. See you.

How to Save Water

2009-04-23T12:21:00.001+08:00

Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Save-Water How to Save Water Water is a finite natural resource that must be conserved; it is limited and scarce in many places. Even if you live in an area with ample rainfall, using water uses energy to process it, pump it, heat it, pump it, and process it again. Here are some ways to save water. Steps Indoors 1. Install a water meter. You might be very surprised to find out how much water you are actually using. By installing a water meter you can raise your awareness and consequently reduce your water intake. -If you already have a water meter, learn how to read it. Among other things, it can be very helpful in detecting leaks. Read the meter once, wait an hour or two without running any water, and read it again. If it has moved, something is leaking. -Many water meters have a small wheel or gear that turns fairly rapidly if any water at all is flowing. In the photo, it's the little blue wheel. If you are sure all your water is turned off and you see this wheel moving at all, you have a leak. -If your water meter is underground, you may need to remove debris from the face to read it. Squirt it with a bit of water from a spray bottle. 2. Check your plumbing for leaks, especially leaking toilets and faucets. Fix anything you find leaking. A silent toilet leak could waste from 30 to 500 gallons every day. 3. Take shorter showers. -Take showers rather than baths. By taking a bath you are using up to 100 liters of water! Showering will generally use less than a third of this amount. See the water use table below. -Shave outside the shower, or turn off the shower while you shave. 4. Catch the cold water that comes out of the faucet, tap, or shower while you are waiting for the hot water. Use it to water plants or pour into your toilet reservoir after flushing. -Water from a hot water tank may have more sediment or rust than water from the cold water tank, but is otherwise suitable for drinking. If you use a water filter, you can filter the saved water, and put it in bottles in the refrigerator for drinking water. 5. Install low-flow shower heads and faucets or faucet aerators. Low-flow devices are inexpensive ($10-$20 for a shower head and less than $5 for a faucet aerator). Most simply screw into place (you may need an adjustable wrench), and good, current units maintain the pressure and feel of the flow while using as little as half as much water as conventional units. 6. Turn the faucet/tap off while you are brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your hands, doing dishes, and so on. Turn the tap off when you shower, too. Get wet, then turn off the water while you soap up. Turn it back on for long enough to rinse. Look for a twist valve that installs behind your shower head to keep the water temperature where you set it while the water is off. 7. Wash full loads. Wait until you have a full load of clothes before you wash a load. Don't wash a load of clothes just because you want to wear the same pair of pants the next day! When washing your clothes be sure to use the economy mode and this will save you both water and electricity! This goes for dishwashers, too. Load the dishwasher full but not overly full. -Dishwashers, especially modern, efficient ones, can actually save water compared to washing by hand, since they pump the same water around inside the tub. If you're ready for a new dishwasher, check both energy and water usage before you buy. -Choose your next washing machine wisely, too. Front loaders use far less water than top loaders. 8. Do less laundry. For this, you and your family will have to produce less laundry, but you will save time and wear and tear on your fabrics, as well. -Hang towels on a rack to air dry after you shower. Use them multiple times between washings. It will help if each family member has his or her own towel. Get several coordinating colors, if need be. -Shower before bed. Your sheets will not get dirty as quickly and you will be able to launder them less frequently. If you like, in between, wash just the pillow cases with other similar fabrics, or have a spare set you can swap in. -Wear clothing more than once. You can also wear the same pajamas for a few nights in a row, especially if you shower before bed. Do change socks and underwear daily, but wear slacks, jeans, and skirts more than once between washings. Wear sweatshirts and sweaters over a t-shirt or tank top and just change only the innermost layer. -Don't change clothes midday. If you have something especially messy to do, such as painting, gardening, or working out, set aside one set of old clothes for that purpose and wear it multiple times between washing, too. If possible, time such activities so they happen just before your regular shower so you don't use additional clothing or take additional showers. 9. Use waste water or gray water from the bath, washing machines or dish washing on the garden. If possible, hook up a hose to the outlet on your machine to send the water outside onto your garden. To re-use bath water use a hand-operated Syphon Pump. When hand-washing dishes, if you rinse the dishes over a plastic bin, empty the bin into your garden. -Use garden-compatible soaps and cleaning products if you collect gray water for gardening. 10. Convert your toilet to low flush. Place a plastic bottle of water in the tank to displace some of the water used for each flush. Weigh the bottle down with pebbles or sand, if necessary. Or, try ordering a 'save-a-flush' or 'hippo' from your local water board. -Not all toilets will be able to flush effectively with a reduced amount of water. -Make sure there's a lid on the bottle, especially if there are pebbles or sand weighing it down. You don't want any pebbles or sand loose in your toilet tank. 11. Upgrade to a low-flush toilet. Low flush toilets exist that can flush reliably with 1.6 gallons (6 liters) of water and less. Read product reviews to find a good one. 12. Get or create a dual-flush toilet. Use the half flush button with a dual-flush toilet. -You can also buy a dual flush conversion kit to turn your water guzzling toilet into a water saver you can be proud of. Search the web for devices like Selectaflush and twoflush. They both work well and save money. 13. Don't flush every time. Remember; "If it's yellow keep it mellow, if it's brown flush it down." 14. Don't use your toilet as a trash can. Each time you flush the toilet you use up to 9 liters of clean water. Outdoors 1. A rain collection barrel. Catch the rain. Use it for watering your plants, lawn or garden. 2. Water the garden and lawn at night. Watering at night gives water more time to soak in without added evaporation from the day's heat. 3. Water only the areas that need it. Use a trigger nozzle on your hose or a watering can. 4. Drip irrigation. Water deeply but less often. This will encourage plants to grow deeper roots, so that they need water less frequently. -One way to water deeply with a minimum of water is to water slowly using drip irrigation or micro sprinklers. The simplest form is a soaker hose; other options include drip tape or hoses with emitters. These systems do not lose water to evaporation like overhead irrigation and keep plant foliage dry to help lessen disease. Buried tape applies the water to the root zone for even greater efficency. These systems may need to have acid added to the water to keep calcium or iron from plugging the tiny emiters. -Watering deeply but less often goes for lawns, too. The roots of grass don't grow as deep as those of other plants, but they can still be encouraged by deeper, less-frequent watering. 5. Use furrows and basins. Dig low areas to water only the root zones of your plants, not unplanted areas around them. 6. Mulch can be attractive as well as useful. Use mulch on your garden to retain moisture. Ideal mulch candidates include hay, manure, leaves, wood chips, bark, and newspaper. Many mulches are available for free or very low cost. The right organic mulch can also help improve your soil as it breaks down and keep weeds in check. 7. Grow the grass longer. Don't mow your lawn too short. Raise the height of your mower blade, or simply let it grow a bit longer between mowing. 8. Grow no grass or less grass. Plant something besides a lawn or reduce the size of your lawn. Lawns require much more water (and maintenance) to keep growing than many other plants and ground covers. 9. Many plants thrive in shade. 10. Plant small trees under big trees. This will help prevent evaporation and provides some shade for your plants. You can also plant a shade garden under trees. 11. Cover your swimming pool. This helps to prevent evaporation. In some places, emptying and refilling a pool is under severe restrictions, or even banned, so preserving this precious resource is crucial. 12. Time water usage. Put a timer on your sprinkler and outdoor faucets/taps. Look for inexpensive, automatic timers that screw between the hose and the hose bibb, or install a programmable timer on your sprinkler or drip system. An automatic timer can also help you water at times of day when the water can best be absorbed. -If you water something manually, set a kitchen timer before you turn the water on, or stay with the hose the whole time. -Know how to adjust your sprinkler and irrigation timer settings for the seasons. Water less or not at all during wetter, cooler weather. 13. Maintain your sprinklers and irrigation. If you have irrigation on timers, watch it run. Fix broken sprinkler heads and pipes and make sure that spray patterns are directed where they are intended. 14. Don't over-water, and don't water any faster than the soil can absorb the water. If water is running off the lawn onto the sidewalk, cut the watering time or divide it into two smaller segments to allow time for the water to absorb. 15. Use environmentally friendly cleansers. This will enable you to reuse waste water from washing to water the lawn or garden. 16. Wash the car on the lawn. Use a trigger nozzle hose and/or bucket. There are even waterless spray-and-wipe car wash products, but they tend to be costly. 17. Don't wash the driveway or sidewalk with a hose. Use a broom or rake to remove dry matter and let the rain do the rest. 18. Plant drought-resistant landscaping. If you have a garden, devote an area to hardy plants that need relatively little water. Also, learn about native plants that naturally thrive in your area. 19. Know how much water plants need to thrive, and don't apply more water than that. 20. Grow plants with like water needs together. Sometimes called "hydrozoning," this method simply means that plants are grouped together by water use, so that they can all be watered appropriately. Water Use Table Bathing Showering Total Use After ___ Days 0 liters 0 liters 0 Days 100 liters 30 liters 1 Day 200 liters 60 liters 2 Days 300 liters 90 liters 3 Days 400 liters 120 liters 4 Days 500 liters 150 liters 5 Days 600 liters 180 liters 6 Days 700 liters 210 liters 7 Days Tips • Find out if there are any rebates for water-saving devices, depending on where you live. Some municipalities encourage water saving by offering rebates for things like low flow toilets. Others provide free or reduced cost low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators. • If there is a water shortage in your area, make sure you understand any restrictions or water rationing. Warnings • If you choose to reclaim gray water for garden use, make sure that any soaps or detergents you use are safe for that purpose. Don't use gray water for food plants. • If you're collecting rainwater, be sure to mosquito-proof your collection system. • Due to water rights laws, collecting rain water may be illegal in your area, so check with your community or county first.

Earth Day

2009-04-22T00:42:00.001+08:00

Its earth day today! Let us all be reminded that the beauty and services of nature such as clean water, fresh air, and fertile soil are for free… But it is our duty to pass these to the future generation…Let us then do our part in saving the future by preserving nature. Start with Greening your Lifestyle and buying our Green Products (Green Living Soaps and Hanging Towels). See my photos on FOR SALE SOAPS AND HANGING TOWELS.

lifegifts

2009-04-03T16:17:00.000+08:00

lifegifts

2008-12-27T22:23:00.000+08:00

lifegifts

2008-12-23T18:02:00.000+08:00

Simple Eco-Friendly Practices These Holiday Seasons 1. Buy gifts that are eco-friendly such as books (for families and friends of all ages) and washable and washing machine friendly hanging towels (see pictures). 2. Wrap your gifts in eco-friendly ways with creativity: • Carefully removed the wrappers from the wrapped-gifts you received and keep them folded nicely and re-use those wrappers. • Use wrappers that are from re-cycled papers and other materials. • Be creative, there are a lot of materials in your surroundings that you could decorate and use as gift-packaging materials. • Use your gift as the gift-wrapping itself. • Avoid from using plastics and other non-biodegrable materials. 3. Sometimes non-material gifts are even nobler than the material ones. Non-material gifts are word of affirmations to your friends and love ones, your presence, your touch, you smile and your hugs and prayers. 4. Decorate with recycled materials and biodegrable ornaments. 5. And avoid polluting the environment with fireworks and risking health and lives with firecrackers. Be creative! There are better ways to enjoy Christmas and the New Year … ORDER YOUR washing machine friendly CROCHETED HANGING TOWELS NOW!