«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Note from the Editor: Thank you for bearing with us while we completed the shift to a new host. To show our appreciation for your continued support, here is your free gift, available only to our subscribers - an exclusive MIG creation - a printable game that introduces the concepts of "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle." Download the file (pdf) from: http://www.makingindiagreen.org/EcoCop.pdf Alternate link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/makingindiagreen/files/EcoCop.pdf You will require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file. If you don't have it, you can download it free from: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» «°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»«°»^«°»^«°» M A K I N G I N D I A G R E E N Vol. 1, No.7 «°» July 2001 Priya Shah, Editor, mailto:makingindiagreen-owner@yahoogroups.com «°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»«°»^«°»^«°» Privacy Policy: Our subscriber list is confidential and we respect your privacy. This newsletter is distributed by subscription only. Details on subscribing or unsubscribing can be found at the end of this issue. «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» In This Issue: «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» «» Editorial «» News Digest «» Take Action: Nuke Alert! «» Feature: The Limits to Labelling Author: Helen Parkes «» Guest Article: Gujarat Earthquake - Rehabilitation plans on shaky grounds Author: Dr Sudhirendar Sharma «» Green Tips: Invasion of the Ants «» Contact Details «» Subscribe/Unsubscribe «» Recommended resources: New publications «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» «»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«» GET YOUR FREE ISO14001 ASSESSMENT ONLINE Download of Route to ISO 14000 and *isotop* software DEMO. The isotop TimeSaver CD provides fully integrated ISO 14001 documentation, including all the required management procedures, forms and an environment manual to coordinate the system. Visit: http://clik.to/iso14001 «»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«» «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Save the planet with a click of your mouse! Visit our "Click to Save" page daily, click on the buttons and see how easy it is for one person to make a difference. Click here: http://www.makingindiagreen.org/clicktosave.htm «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Editorial «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» CONTAMINATE AND CONQUER Its the strategy that the agri-biotech industry seems to be following to make its controversial genetically modified foods ubiquitous. And it may well be a winning strategy in the battle for control of the world's food supply. India is very much on their hit list, as Greenpeace recently showed when it found illegal, genetically modified ingredients in imported food items, being freely sold in Indian supermarkets. Faced with a deluge of imported foods since restrictions were removed in April, the Indian consumer and the govenment have been caught napping. Genetically modified crops are spreading so rapidly that it has become almost impossible for consumers to avoid them, agricultural experts recently told the New York Times. (See: As biotech multiplies, consumers get little choice http://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/10/business/10GENE.html) Wind-blown pollen, commingled seeds and black-market plantings have further extended these products of biotechnology into the far corners of the global food supply - perhaps irreversibly, according to the food experts, quoted in the article. Biotech companies could do a lot more to ensure the safety of genetically modified crops. New technologies and safeguards could be used to prevent the nightmare scenarios that consumers and campaigners dread. (See: Make them safe http://www.newscientist.com/hottopics/gm/gm.jsp?id=22620200) Implementing these safeguards will take time and study, but could result in a new generation of modified crops that are safer for the environment and for human health. It could even benefit agribusiness by helping genetically modified foods gain more acceptability. Campaigners point out that safety is not the only issue, and that other factors such as food security, farmers' rights to their seed, biopiracy and the monopolisation of agriculture are the larger issues at stake. But food completely free of genetically modified organisms is becoming almost impossible, and labelling has its limits. (See this issue's Feature: The Limits to Labelling) If consumer health and safety are to be protected, agricultural corporations must go back to the drawing board and implement genetic safeguards in new crops that are being developed. For updates on the Indian Campaign visit: http://www.makingindiagreen.org/camgefood.htm «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Send in your comments or feedback on this editorial, or start a discussion on this topic at: mailto:makingindiagreen@yahoogroups.com TAKE A GREEN POLL! Tell us what you think about issues like Genetic Engineering and Plastic Recycling at: http://www.makingindiagreen.org/polls.htm «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» «»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«» GET A FREE SHORT WEB ADDRESS Get a shory address like the one below. Multiple ".to" names to choose from. Fast URL is the fastest redirection service on the Net. Get your Fast URL along with other great website resources when you register for FREE at: http://join.at/fasturl «»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«» «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» News Digest «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» COTTON-EYED MOE Indian environmentalists heaved a collective sigh of relief, when the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), the apex regulatory body of the environment ministry, chose not to grant approval for commercial planting of genetically modified (GM) cotton. Instead, the GEAC has ordered fresh trials for genetically modified (GM) cotton, under the supervision of the Indian Council of Agricultual Research (ICAR). The Maharashtra Hybrid Corporation (Mahyco) however, is confident that repeating its trials will convince the Indian regulatory authorities about the safety of Bt cotton. The fresh trials are required to demonstrate that the Bt toxin does not lead to development of resistance in bollworm and has no adverse effect on non-target but beneficial organisms - two of several concerns raised by Greenpeace. Environmental groups have opposed the introduction of pest- resistant Bt cotton in India, over fears that it could harm local cotton varieties and possibly human health. China is already allowing cultivation of GM cotton on a commercial scale as are some other countries. DAAL MEIN KUCH KAALA The Indian government needs to "put its house in order on the question of GM foods," said a recent editorial in a leading daily, on the discovery by Greenpeace of illegal genetically modified ingredients in certain imported food items which are being freely sold in Indian supermarkets. Greenpeace provided evidence of GM corn and soya in Procter and Gamble's Pringles Potato Crisps and Abbott Laboratories' Isomil Baby food, available in most urban shops in the country, and alleged that that the US-based manufacturers had not sought approval required by Indian law to sell these products here. "These two products could be only the tip of the iceberg, where illegal entry of genetically altered food in the Indian market is concerned," said Michelle Chawla, Greenpeace's genetic engineering campaigner. Fears over the effects of genetically modified products on health and the environment have compelled policy-makers in some Asian countries, like Japan, Thailand and the Philippines, to impose guidelines on such products. SAUCY TOMATOES At the recent biotechnology trade show in San Diego, about 1000 demonstrators, some dressed as ears of corn and others as tomatoes, held a protest against biotech businesses introducing genetically modified crops and seeds into the food supply without knowing the long-term consequences. Police herded the estimated 750 to 1000 demonstrators behind a chain-link fence, where they danced, played drums, performed street theater and chanted calls for "biojustice." More news on agriculture and biotechnology at: http://www.makingindiagreen.org/newsbiotech.htm Updates on the Indian campaign at: http://www.makingindiagreen.org/camgefood.htm TURNING UP THE HEAT ON HLL Following allegations of toxic waste dumping, Hindustan Lever has decided to discontinue manufacture of mercury thermometers at its Kodaikanal factory in Tamil Nadu. Hindustan Lever has also reportedly agreed to clean up 5.3 tonnes of mercury that it has illegally dumped, but the firm denies that the workers and local inhabitants may have been exposed to the highly toxic metal. Greenpeace, has asked the Union government to initiate an action plan to rapidly phase in safe, non-toxic alternatives to mercury use in India. Mercury is an extremely powerful neurotoxin and exposure to it is known to cause severe kidney problems, internal bleeding, reproductive disorders, and impact unborn children. More about the campaign against mercury in India at: http://www.makingindiagreen.org/camtoxics.htm#mercury ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN HOT AIR Voluntary actions to reduce emissions are working say authorities, challenging the notion that the worldwide effort to fight global warming has been paralyzed by last year's stalled climate talks and political disagreements over climate science. Despite economic growth estimated at 36 percent China has, contrary to Bush's claims, managed to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 17 percent. Source: Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Reduction Efforts Are Working http://www.gnet.org/Coldfusion/News_Page2.cfm?NewsID=16917 If all else fails in the battle against global warming, we could always hurl a few comets at the Earth to alter its orbit and send it spinning into a safer, colder part of the solar system, say a group of NASA engineers and American astronomers. They believe their plan could add another six billion years to the useful lifetime of our planet. How many humans will be around to care is another matter altogether. Source: Spinning Earth to cooler climes http://www.hindustantimes.com/nonfram/110601/detFOR01.asp COLD DAYS FOR THE CHIRU The chiru - the Tibetan antelope known for its super-fine wool, used to make "shahtoosh" shawls - could become extinct within five years says the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). Once several million strong, the population of the Tibetan antelope has shrunk to less than 75,000. Despite a worldwide ban on trade in their wool, poachers still shoot 20,000 Tibetan antelopes each year. A detailed report by the IFAW and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), has called for an end to shahtoosh weaving in Jammu and Kashmir, international coordination to make anti-poaching controls more effective and greater Western awareness to reduce demand. The shahtoosh wool is smuggled through Nepal to India, where an industry of 40,000 people in the northern states of Jammu and Kashmir weave it into shawls. WTI's executive director, Vivek Menon believes that a co-ordinated effort between all agencies involved could help to end the trade without adversely affecting the weavers. Sources: Tibetan antelope faces extinction despite wool ban http://www.enn.com/news/wire-stories/2001/06/06292001/reu_antelope_44149.asp New realistic law could give the chiru a chance http://www.economictimes.com/today/01econ04.htm Shahtoosh shawls are shrouds for Tibetan antelope http://ens-news.com/ens/jun2001/2001L-06-27-02.html Tibetan antelope faces extinction despite wool ban http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=11370 Another view on the shahtoosh trade was proposed by eminent environmentalist, Anil Agarwal, in the August 30, 2000 issue of Down to Earth. Agarwal argued against banning the trade, "given the fact that shahtoosh making requires only the fibre of the chiru antelope, and there is no reason even to kill the animal." Instead, he suggested, "Why can't the vast Changthang pasture, where the chiru is found, be used to farm these animals in such numbers that these highly coveted shawls become a mass commodity instead of just remaining an elite possession - a trade that employs not just 50,000 families, but 500,000 and earns Rs 2,000 crore instead of Rs 200 crore?" The question is not just of farming chiru. It is about the policy that a country should have towards wildlife conservation, forest dwelling people and the elite, he observes. Read the editorial: Jobs and the environment http://www.cseindia.org/html/dte/dte20000831/dte_edit.htm and the reactions to it: Shawls, an antelope and the law http://www.cseindia.org/html/dte/dte20001115/dte_cross.htm What do you think? Tell us your views. mailto:makingindiagreen@yahoogroups.com GREEN LEARNING Sick of the educational system? Now you can take a course and get a whole new mindset. The Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology, founded by Dr. Vandana Shiva, has started the Bija Vidyapeeth -- an international college on Education for Earth Democracy. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, its courses will teach students from around the world the principles of sustainable living as opposed to globalisation's monoculture mindset. Based on the Navdanya Biodiversity Conservation and Agroecology Farm,that has conserved over 300 varieties of rice, as well as diverse varieties of pulses, millet, amaranth and vegetables, the Bija Vidyapeeth "brings alive the diversity of plant life essential to survival in the region", says Maya Jani, Director of the college. The courses include travel around the country, and meetings with a variety of experts in sustainable living. More about the courses and how to apply for them: http://www.makingindiagreen.org/bija.htm More green courses and studies at: http://www.makingindiagreen.org/greenstores.htm#study PAINT THE TOWN SMOGGY Fireworks can leave more than just smiles (and broken eardrums) in their wake. They also leave a smoggy trail that can seriously pollute the atmosphere, stated Indian scientists, just days before the US Fourth of July and French Bastille Day celebrations. The scientists studying pollution in India, have found that fireworks produce ground-level ozone. Source: Hidden environmental hazard found in fireworks http://www.enn.com/news/wire-stories/2001/06/06292001/reu_fireworks_44143.asp GENDER UNEQUAL The effects of gender-bending chemicals (known as endocrine disruptors) -- that have been implicated in male reproductive disorders ranging from malformations of the penis and testicles, to subnormal sperm counts and cancer -- may have been difficult to observe because they may affect only a genetically susceptible sub-population. Researchers believe the chemicals may interact with an individuals' genetic susceptibility to cause a range of increasingly common problems. The researchers have given a new name, testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS), to the problems, which include poor semen quality and testicular cancer. They have particular concern about phthalates, chemicals used to soften plastics. WWF, the global environment campaign, is urging precautionary action now, because it says testicular cancer and lowered sperm counts occur decades after exposure. Source: Chemical query over testicle problem http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1406000/1406949.stm An environmental contaminant that forms from the breakdown of DDT has been found to stunt growth in girls. Young girls in Germany who had been exposed to high levels of dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene (DDE) showed significantly reduced growth, although there was no significant effect on the growth of boys. Source: Pollutant stunts growth http://www.edie.net/news/Archive/4357.cfm ORE WOES The Karnataka Government served up a mixed-bag of goodies to the Kudremukh Iron Ore Co Ltd (KIOCL) by legitimising mining by the Central PSU in 3703 ha of forest land (already leased and now denotified), but removing the two sensitive areas of Nellibeedu and Gangrikal from its reach. This has ironically put paid to the company's expansion plans in the Kudremukh National Park. An IISc study early this year had warned that mining in the two areas would mean the end of the park and the Bhadra river system. The Bangalore-based ESG has opposed mining activities in the Kudremukh and the two areas for the past three years. They may be contacted at: mailto:esg@bgl.vsnl.net.in Sources: Supreme Court bypassed, Kudremukh sanctuary carved up http://www.indian-express.com/ie20010625/top7.shtml Hindu Business Line, 25 June 2001 "NO NEED FOR DETERGENT, MAAJI" That's what the Indian daughter-in-law might soon be saying to her ever-watchful mother-in-law, with a little help from Sanyo Electric Co. The Japanese appliance maker has unveiled the Denkaisui, what it describes as the world's first (environmentally friendly) washing machine that cleans clothes without needing detergent. However, stubborn stains, will still require detergent. Over to you, maaji. Sources: New washing machine is detergent-free http://www.enn.com/news/wire-stories/2001/06/06252001/ap_machine_44104.asp Sanyo unveils world's first no-detergent washing machine http://www.economictimes.com/today/24worl03.htm BRAVE, NEW, COMPOSTABLE WORLD Biodegradable plastics are old news. Now it's the turn of biodegradable cutlery, carpets, paint and even cellphones. Fleets and buses running on soybeans or leftover restaurant oil. It's the sweet revenge of the compostables, and in a petroleum-obsessed world, the tide may be turning in favour of the "carbohydrate economy." Earthshell's bioplastic dishware completely biodegrades in compost and marine environments, and is made with a mix of potato starch (from French fry and potato chip waste), limestone, post-consumer recycled fiber, air, water and protective coatings. McDonald's in Austria, Germany, and Sweden, uses utensils made from maize by an Italian company, Novamont. Goodyear uses another form of the plastic in its Biotred GT3 tires as one way to reduce CO2 emissions. Nokia, the world's largest cell phone maker, hopes to develop a phone with biodegradable parts within a few years. The International Biodegradable Products Institute recently granted its first "Compostable Logo" to Biocorp, Inc.'s Biodegradable Plastic Bags. Biocorp supplied all the compostable cutlery and the starch-based bags for the food scraps used at the Sydney Olympics. Closer home, the Reliance Group, as part of its forays into biotechnology, is working on a project to make polymers bio-degradable, and the food technology division of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has developed a process to make biodegradable film from low-cost fish meat. Sources: The Carbohydrate Economy: Return to BioBased Products The Carboydrate Economy: BioFuel http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/insider/index.cfm?temp=spotlight Green Reliance working on bio-degradable plastics: BS http://www.rediff.com/money/2001/jun/16ril.htm Japanese and US groups working together on certifications for biodegradable and compostable plastics http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/June01/25June0104.html First compostable logo goes on Biocorp plastic bags http://www.enn.com/news/enn-stories/2001/06/06122001/logo_43936.asp Nokia hopes for biodegradable phones in a few years http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=11209 AND NOW PLASTIC FROM....GOBAR The humble 'gobar' could soon be recycled into antifreeze, carpet fibers, and soft drink bottles. Carbohydrate material from animal dung will be converted into commodity chemicals, such as glycols or diols, commonly used to manufacture antifreeze or certain plastics, and the protein components will be convertedto animal feed and other higher-value products, say researchers. Although messier (no kidding!) than other biomass feedstocks, the payoff of using dung could be huge, both environmentally and economically as animal waste is becoming increasingly difficult to dispose of in the US, where 160 million tons of the smelly stuff is produced every year. Sources: Dung molecules to be converted into high value products http://www.edie.net/news/Archive/4368.cfm Research Seeks to Turn Manure into a Valuable Commodity http://www.gnet.org/Coldfusion/News_Page2.cfm?NewsID=16764 LESSONS IN ECO-JIHAD They attack, burn and vanish into thin air. They're the new breed of eco-terrorists from the US Pacific Northwest, that are leaving baffled Feds and emotionally battered victims in their wake. The Feds are convinced that the growing wave of arson attacks is the work of a single, cohesive terrorist group. The radical group, the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) has even published a primer on "the politics and practicalities of arson" on its website. So much for subtlety. Their less belligerent activist buddies predict more violence and the possible targeting of even nuclear-power plants. Sources: Attacks in Nature's Name Escalate http://seattlep-i.nwsource.com/local/27871_ecoterror18.shtml Crime in the Name of the Environment Series http://www.oregonlive.com/special/series/ecocrime.ssf?/special/series/ecocrime_story1.frame Firebombing Prompts Hearing http://news.theolympian.com/stories/20010612/HomePageStories/54563.shtml Sentence of 22 Years for Eco-Arsonist From the Oregonian http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/news/oregonian/nw_31arson12.frame Primer Tells How to Practice Eco-Terror http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis/web/vortex/display?slug=ecoterror10m&date=20010610 LOOK MA, NO SUN A type of algae has been genetically engineered, by the addition of a single gene, to grow without sunlight - a feature not uncommon in many deep-dwelling marine bacteria, but not commonly found in algae. The development that caused the alga to switch from photosynthesis as its primary energy source to using glucose, could cut the cost of growing the single-celled plant used in dietary supplements, researchers said in a study in the journal Science. Source: Scientists alter algae to grow without sunlight http://www.enn.com/news/wire-stories/2001/06/06152001/reu_algae_44010.asp PEST-ICIDE CONTROL India and China, the only countries that continue to manufacture and use DDT (even though pest-resistance has been steadily eroding its effectiveness) are suffering its toxic legacy, including the disturbing fact that DDT levels in mother's breast milk in India is among the highest in the world. Delhi is the worst affected area, according to a survey carried out by the environmental group, Toxics Link. Aldrin, banned for use, manufacture, import and export since 1996, not only continues to be locally available, but is also exported to countries where it is legally banned. India also continues to use Chloropyrifos, which has been phased out in the United States and Europe for its high toxicity and endocrine-disrupting properties. Source: India's industrial pest http://atimes.com/ind-pak/CF14Df01.html OIL-EATING FUNGUS A new absorbent -- composed of four plant species which host seven species of fungi -- could provide an environmentally -friendly alternative to the chemically-based products currently used to clean oil spills. The product, named Supazorb, soaks up hydrocarbons and other noxious chemicals and breaks them down to nothing more than carbon dioxide and water. Source: Natural fungal absorber which eats up oil pollution is released in UK http://www.edie.net/news/Archive/4326.cfm GREENER DRY-CLEANERS Wet cleaners are opening up around the US as an alternative to traditional dry cleaners that use a hazardous cleaning solvent, perchlorethylene, that may cause cancer in people who wear newly dry-cleaned clothes. Wet cleaners claim that by using simple soap and water, they can clean delicate fabrics like silk just as well as dry cleaners. Source: Cleaning up our dirty laundry http://www.msnbc.com/news/577463.asp INDIA'S ENVIRONMENT MAPPED The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will soon release the first ever-environmental atlas of India highlighting the environmental status of different parts of the country. The 150-page atlas with 55 pages of maps presently under print will have information on the environmental quality, environmentally sensitive areas and pollution control status, besides data on land, climate, natural hazards, population. Source: Atlas on environmental status soon http://www.hindustantimes.com/nonfram/110601/detNAT20.asp «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Get your daily dose of environmental news: http://www.makingindiagreen.com/ «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» «»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«» "Drive" Traffic to Your Business. These Elegant mini-Billboards promote you 365 days a year, enhance the appearance of your vehicles, last for years and most important, give you literally millions of impressions over their lifetime. FREE Worldwide Shipping too. Your order will help us support Our Children at WorldVision.Try out our new Create-a-Plate tool. http://www.iditplates.net/new/5389/index.html «»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«» «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Take Action: Nuke Alert! «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Fears of global warming are being used by the nuclear power industry to promote nuclear power as a carbon-neutral solution. But while Germany is taking steps to phase out nuclear energy altogether (See: http://www.edie.net/news/Archive/4342.cfm), George W. Bush recently released his climate change plan for the United States which includes, among other environmentally hazardous policies "Promoting new construction of nuclear capacity that could significantly reduce future greenhouse gas emissions." The US is threatening to expedite license extensions and licenses for "advanced" reactors at the expense of safety. Not only is nuclear energy very expensive to produce, but nuclear waste remains highly dangerous for thousands of years and accidents could devastate huge areas. It is important that the rest of the world ignore this US position and find real, environmentally stable solutions to climate change, even if that means the current US administration rejects the Kyoto Protocol. Take Action! Sign the letter regarding nuclear power and the Kyoto protocol. See the alert at: http://headlines.igc.apc.org:8080/enalerts/992562161/index_html (Last day for sign-ons: July 10, 2001) To sign on, e-mail NIRS at mailto:nirsnet@nirs.org with your name, city/state, and organization (if one). Or you can fax to 202-462-2183 This letter will be presented to country delegates, press and other interested parties. More ways to take action against nukes at: http://www.makingindiagreen.org/camnuke.htm Visit our Campaign Pages regularly for news and updates. http://www.makingindiagreen.org/campaign.htm «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» «»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«» INDIA HAS 2 MILLION PEOPLE WITH AIDS/HIV In India, some 310,000 people, more than any other country, died of AIDS in 1999. Source: http://www.rediff.com/news/2001/jun/08aids.htm CLICK TO DONATE FREE CARE TO HIV-INFECTED CHILDREN Each day 1,800 babies are infected with HIV. OF these newborns, 1700 live in sub-Saharan Africa. Visitors to the Kids AIDS site will donate free care with the "click of a button." The donations from the site go to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation's Call to Action Project, which will help provide HIV care, education and counselling to pregnant women and mothers with newborns in developing nations. Click to donate: http://www.thekidsaidssite.com/ «»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«» «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Feature: The Limits to Labelling Author: Helen Parkes «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Genetically modified (GM) foods are currently attracting significant media attention around the world, with considerable debate focusing on the issues surrounding the introduction of GM soya and maize. In September 1998, after much debate over labelling requirements, a new EU legislation came into force that requires the labelling of all food containing GM soya or maize, whether packed or sold loose. For a food product containing soya or maize to be exempt from labelling, or to be labelled 'does not contain GM material', the retailer or supplier would therefore have to be assured that it does not contain GM protein or DNA. The challenge now facing laboratories is to provide valid analytical data on the presence or absence of GM residues in a wide variety of raw and processed foods. [Read the complete article about the problems associated with labelling of GM-foods, on our website at: http://www.makingindiagreen.org/gmolabel.htm] «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» «»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«» Internet costs too high? Join over 80 of the best programs that pay you to surf, receive e-mail and visit websites. All international and absolutely free to join. Visit: http://wakeup.to/showmethemoney «»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«» «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Guest Article: Gujarat Earthquake - Rehabilitation plans on shaky grounds Author: Dr Sudhirendar Sharma «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» The Srinagar earthquake of 1885 saw the palace and other royal buildings crumble like a pack of cards. The man-made structures that survived the devastation were the unique Dhajji-Diwari buildings. The 1905 Kangra quake was no less devastating either, raging practically everything to the ground but for the Kat-Ki Kunni houses. The age-old Pherols survived the Uttarkashi quake of 1991. Built by masons, who had no formal degrees in structural engineering and architectural design, these structures stand today as the epitome of human creative instincts. Yet, these buildings continue to fascinate modern-day engineers who have spent years unfolding the unique features of these earthquake resistant houses of the past. Tragically, however, rarely does this learning translate into constructions based on such masterly designs. [Read the rest of this article at: http://www.makingindiagreen.org/sharma1.htm] «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Dr Sudhirendar Sharma is Director of the Delhi-based Energy Environment Group. He may be contacted at: 7 Triveni, A6 Paschim Vihar, New Delhi 110063, Tel: 011-5250494. Email: mailto:sudhirendar@vsnl.net «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» «»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«» Get your FREE HotMat mouse pad with FREE international delivery. Click here: http://mov.to/freemousepad «»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«» «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Do you have a green product or service to promote? Post a FREE advertisement on our classifieds page: http://pub48.bravenet.com/classified/show.php?usernum=4120542254&cpv=1 For a FREE listing on our site: mailto:listsite@makingindiagreen.com (Note: All submissions should contain an e-mail address and/or a website URL) «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Green Tip: Invasion of the Ants «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» A drop in temperature is not all that the monsoon rains bring into our living rooms. Most of our houses (especially the ones on the ground floor) are often invaded by intruders of the six-legged kind. But don't reach automatically for the bug spray. Pesticides contain toxic substances and shouldn't be your first approach. And since spraying doesn't address the cause of the problem, the pests often will come back. Most ants are harmless (the little black ones are even believed to bring prosperity), and if you don't mind the ecology of your home being altered by these invaders, you can follow a calm approach based on integrated pest management, in which a few ants can be tolerated and total eradication is not expected. Decide for yourself what level of ants is problematic. Elevated levels or invasions of most ants can often be easily dealt with using good sanitation practices and physical controls first. It is important to locate the nest if possible and try to remove or relocate it. Chemical treatment is the last resort. * Store food in the kitchen in tightly sealed containers. Be sure to wash off any residue that might have dripped on the outside. * Keep all kitchen surfaces (including the floor) free of food scraps and standing or leaking water. If you have a line of ants marching across the kitchen, find what they are going after, but don't remove it until you locate the entry point, seal it, and mop up the ants with soapy water. The best caulking material to use is silicone seal, but even petroleum jelly will work as a short-term fix until you have time to do a better job. * Food that needs to be left out in the kitchen, such as pet food or organic waste awaiting composting, can be placed in a moat of soapy water. * Ants frequently reside in potted plants. They can be removed by taking the pot outside and repeatedly flooding it with water. * A number of less toxic chemical methods include diatomaceous earth, silica gel, and boric acid. While safer than some other insecticides, all of these materials are hazardous enough that they should not be used unless necessary. Diatomaceous earth and silica gel are dusts that kill insects by drying them out, but these powders are dangerous to breathe. These materials last along time but are slow to take effect. * Boric acid is a poison which can be used in cracks and crevices or mixed with sugar and water to make a bait. It should be kept away from any possible contact with crawling children. For maximum efffectiveness, use it at the point of entry of the ants,(such as a window sill) where it can be filled into the cracks. Source: Washington Toxics Coalition More resources on Green Living: http://www.makingindiagreen.org/resources.htm#takeact [If you have any tips to share, please send them with your name and e-mail address to: mailto:makingindiagreen-owner@yahoogroups.com] «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» «»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«» GET $5.00 INSTANTLY! Download the DeltaBar NOW and start enjoying a new and rewarding way to surf the Net. Find what you need fast and get paid for doing it!! http://www.qksrv.net/click-657121-1203628 «»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«»^«» «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Contact Details «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Priya F. Shah, Editor mailto:Priya@makingindiagreen.com http://www.makingindiagreen.com Plot No 45, Lane G, Sector 8, Vashi, Navi Mumbai - 400 703, Maharastra, India 9122-7826746 «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Subscriptions to this ezine are free. Making India Green is published every month. Subscribe: mailto:makingindiagreen-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or join online at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/makingindiagreen/join Unsubscribe: mailto:makingindiagreen-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Read past issues of this newsletter at: http://www.makingindiagreen.org/archives.htm We value your feedback! Send it to us at: mailto:makingindiagreen-owner@yahoogroups.com If you like this newsletter, tell a friend and you could win $10,000! http://recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=854129 Get a free listing on our website. Send in your details: Event/Announcements: mailto:addevent@makingindiagreen.com Green products, services, resources or educational courses: mailto:listsite@makingindiagreen.com We welcome article submissions on topics relevant to the theme of this newsletter. For information on article submissions, send mailto:articles@makingindiagreen.com «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» «°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°^«°»^«° Get that book you've always wanted - at a Fab-ulous price! A full 50 percent off on the Book of the Day at Fabmart. http://www.fabmart.com/stores/Books/promos/justtoday/justtoday.asp?ltype=2&affid=1280 «°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«°»^«° «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Recommended resources: New publications «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» OVERFED AND UNDERNOURISHED Vital Signs 2001, the 10th anniversary edition of Worldwatch's review of the trends that are shaping our future, is now available in print and online as a set of PDF files. This year's edition of Vital Signs 2001 illustrates how an economy geared towards insatiable consumer demand can be bad for the environment, our own health and for the economy. Around the world we are consuming more than ever before: but more than one billion people still don't have access to safe water; natural disasters are taking a worsening toll; and we have yet to vanquish some of the world's biggest killers - diarrhea, malaria and AIDS. In the face of these challenges, Vital Signs 2001 highlights some of the positive responses people are taking, such as the surge in socially managed investment funds,or the soaring growth of wind energy. More information and details on ordering: http://www.makingindiagreen.org/pr32.htm CSE'S NEW EE NEWSLETTER If you are involved in environmental education (EE), then this newsletter is for you. Become a part of G:NET, a part of a nationwide environmentally conscious group interested in environment education. Join up at: http://www.cseindia.org/html/eyou/eeu/gnet/gnet_index.htm DISHA FOR A GREEN INDIA 2047 "Directions, Innovations, and Strategies for Harnessing Action" is the outcome of the second phase of the GREEN India 2047 project. It provides a detailed picture of the impact of development on the environment and natural resources over the next 50 years, outlines specific elements of initiatives or actions to make that development sustainable, and lists the major stakeholders who have to assume responsibility for correcting the aberrations of the past so that the future can become truly sustainable. The Introduction chapter could be downloaded in PDF from the web site. Web: http://www.teriin.org/pub/books/disha.htm WILDLIFE NEWS The latest Protected Area Update: News and Information from protected areas in India and South Asia (No.30 & 31), is now available online at: http://131.103.239.3/pa0601.htm «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Thanks for reading this issue. For more resources and information on sustainable living, visit us online at: http://www.makingindiagreen.com