Vegetarianism gains popularity in Trinidad and Tobago.

 More and more Trinbagonians are adopting the plant-based diet. The compassionate way of living is gaining public awareness and its health, economic, and environmental benefits are being increasingly recognized. In response to this rising popularity, healthy vegetarian foods are becoming more available in supermarkets and an increasing number of restaurants and schools are providing vegetarian options. Heaven bless you, loving Trinbagonians, on this fantastic news. May all people throughout the world follow your noble example in adopting an Earth-preserving, plant-based diet.


Make solar lamps not war, says Nobel scientist

2007 Nobel laureate calls for solar lanterns. Dr. Rajendra Pachauri of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has called for an investment in electric lanterns powered by solar photovoltaic panels. Speaking at a carbon market conference in Copenhagen, Denmark on Wednesday, Dr. Pachauri asked for international support of a campaign called “Lighting a Billion Lives.” The initiative would provide solar lanterns to the estimated 1.6 billion people worldwide who have no access to the electrical grid. We respectfully salute you, Dr. Pachauri, for your support of this laudable project that would benefit so many. May bright ideas such as this light up every corner of our magnificent planet.
 
A Comparison of Carbon Offset Standards - Making Sense of the Voluntary Carbon Market

WWF releases report on carbon offsetting. The practice of carbon offsetting offers individuals, companies and governments a way to “neutralize” their own carbon emissions by investing in green projects such as wind farms or reforestation. The Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) has just published a 119-page report, titled “A Comparison of Carbon Offset Standards,” to help people make the best environmental choices for voluntary carbon offsetting. Thanks so much, WWF, for giving us a way to evaluate all the options in carbon offsetting! We pray that we all put forth our best efforts to quickly reduce emissions and preserve lives on this beautiful planet.
 
Nile Delta under threat starting 2020: minister

Urgent action needed to save Nile Delta. Egypt’s Minister of State for Environment Affairs, George Maged, called for urgent action to save the Nile River Delta from rising sea levels. In speaking to an Egyptian parliamentary committee, the minister cautioned: “Many of the towns and urban areas in the north of the Delta will suffer from the rise in the level of the Mediterranean … and about 15% of Delta land is under threat from the rising sea level and the seepage into the ground water." According to a study by the United Nations Environment Program, a one meter rise in sea level would displace 6.1 million people in the Nile River Delta. Our sincere appreciation for your caring advisory, Minister Maged. We pray that a solution will be found quickly to save the Nile River Delta, which has been the sustaining life source of the cradle of civilization since ancient times.
 
EPA's green scheme enjoys initial success
 
Ireland’s Environmental Agency (EPA) encourages green businesses. The EPA’s Cleaner Greener Production Programme, launched in 2001, has contributed funding to businesses that agree to “green” their operations. To date, €3.7 million has been distributed to 59 organizations for such projects as reducing water usage and wastewater by 250,000 tons per year, which has in turn generated savings of €1.6 million annually. Hats off, Environmental Protection Agency of Ireland, for this smart idea that encourages businesses to save our precious resources. Our best wishes for the Emerald Isle to maintain her verdant beauty through such sustainable measures.

Donation goes to planting trees

Local company donates to US state to plant two million more trees. Chicago-based manufacturer, A. Finkl & Sons Co., has given US$376,500 for pine seedlings to be planted in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest in Wisconsin state. The funding was inspired by the company’s concern for its carbon footprint and its wish to reduce the effects of CO2 released during its manufacturing process. The donation is being made to Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources for planting two million more trees in the state nursery. What a good way to give back! Our appreciation, A. Finkl & Sons Co., for your reforestation efforts. May Heaven smile upon your endeavors and bless the inhabitants of our Earth with evermore fresh air and lush forests.

Whole Foods Powers Store With Fuel Cell

A US supermarket uses a fuel cell to generate power. Glastonbury, Connecticut’s new Whole Foods Market will soon be generating half of its heat and nearly all of its hot water from an in-house fuel cell. Exhaust heat created in the process of generation will be used to cool refrigeration cases throughout the year and heat the store in winter. The Connecticut Clean Energy fund granted Whole Foods US$940,000 to acquire the fuel cell. Kudos, Whole Foods Market and Connecticut, for your exemplary adoption of Earth-saving technologies! May clean, green energy production soon power the way to a bright and sustainable future. 
 
 
Brown urges lower tax on 'green' goods

European leaders meet in Brussels to discuss climate change. At the two-day summit beginning on Thursday, members of the European Union are considering how to meet their common goal of a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions from 1990 levels by the year 2020. President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to meeting its stated goals. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has also proposed tax reductions on green products and Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer said that Europe’s leaders must "show we can go a step further on the climate protection strategy." We applaud your green efforts, European Union! May Heaven bless your conference with fruitful results in bringing about the rapid steps necessary to save our delicate eco-system.
 
US tightens air quality standards

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires better air quality. For the first time in 10 years, the EPA has reduced the amount of ground-level ozone allowed in the atmosphere. The most likely contributors to ozone levels include power plants, transportation exhaust, chemical solvents, gasoline fumes, and industrial facilities. The benefits of cleaner air include the envisioned reduction of up to 4,000 mortalities each year, as well as averting cases of severe asthma, heart attacks and hospital visits. This sounds like another great reason to go green! Thank you, EPA, for this move to protect the health of your citizens. May all people be granted clean air to freely breathe.
 
Climate set to dominate EU summit
 
European leaders meet in Brussels to discuss climate change. At the two-day summit beginning on Thursday, members of the European Union are considering how to meet their common goal of a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions from 1990 levels by the year 2020. President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to meeting its stated goals. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has also proposed tax reductions on green products and Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer said that Europe’s leaders must "show we can go a step further on the climate protection strategy." We applaud your green efforts, European Union! May Heaven bless your conference with fruitful results in bringing about the rapid steps necessary to save our delicate eco-system.