Water resources dwindling in Australia's 'food basket': report

Diminished water flow in agricultural Australia. A new report by the country’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) found that the Murray-Darling River basin, which covers more than one-seventh of mainland Australia, has significantly dwindled due to a combination of dam construction, water diversion for agriculture and livestock, and prolonged droughts.

Water flowing to the mouth of the Murray River has been noted to decrease 61 percent since it was first measured 200 years ago, with flow ceasing altogether 40 percent of the time. In an effort to offset some of these effects, the government has begun implementing a multi-billion dollar water management program to increase the basin area’s sustainability. We express our gratitude, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization for this overview of the country’s dire water situation. Australia, we laud your commitment to mitigating these effects and pray that more and more people awaken to the truly effective plant-based diet for the quickest restoration of planetary balance.

 In an interview with James Bean of Spiritual Awakening Radio in the United States in July 2008, Supreme Master Ching Hai had emphasized the necessity for an animal-free diet as it pertains to water preservation and other life-saving benefits.



Fraser Island's unique lakes at risk

Fraser Island’s lakes endangered. Located off the eastern coast of the Australian continent, this UNESCO World Heritage site is also the world’s largest sand island, with many rare inland lakes. However, these water bodies are in danger of being polluted by run-off from nearby roads. John Sinclair, Fraser Island Defenders Organization spokesman said that urgent action needs to be taken, such as closing the roads that contribute to the problem, to avoid irreparable damage to the lakes. Mr. Sinclair and Fraser Island Defenders Organization, we welcome your caring efforts to save the beautiful Fraser Island lakes. Let this remind us to protect and preserve such unique treasures as these.

Fully recyclable, the bike made out of cardboard

Bike created from recycled cardboard. Industrial design student Phil Bridge at the United Kingdom’s Sheffield Hallam University has designed a US$21 bicycle. Not just any bicycle, this one is made of industrial-strength cardboard and mostly recyclable and recycled materials. Designed to support weights of up to 76 kilograms, the bike can withstand normal wear in elements such as rain for approximately six months. A green salute, Phil Bridge, for your creative and eco-friendly bicycle. We look forward to the day that the world runs on green designs such as yours!

No Furnaces but Heat Aplenty in ‘Passive Houses’

Passive houses are on the rise. A new architectural technology has emerged amongst green-minded builders, one that eliminates the need for a conventional heating system. The idea for these passive homes originated in Germany and features an airtight building design along with a highly efficient heat exchange and ventilation system that keeps the temperature comfortably steady all year round. Using only 5 percent of a conventional heater’s energy needs, the technology has gained acclaim in Europe, and the European Parliament has proposed that new buildings meet passive-house standards by 2011. What a fantastic way to live a greener and simpler life! Best wishes for this and other similarly effective eco-technologies to expand in popularity around the world.