Water footprint label to minimize food waste. Jon Dee, founder of Australian environmental organization Planet Ark is recommending labels that show how much water is used to produce different foods. Designed by Professor Arjen Hoekstra of the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, these water footprint labels are expected to be effective since people in Australia are already sensitized to water consumption and will likely be willing to change their behavior after becoming aware, for example, that a kilogram of beef requires some 100,000 liters of water to produce.
What a great conservation concept! Many thanks, Jon Dee, Professor Hoekstra and all involved in developing this innovation. May everyone realize the preciousness of our resources and opt for the most water-efficient, animal-free diet.
During a videoconference in July 2008 with Formosa (Taiwan), Supreme Master Ching Hai explained the hidden water and energy costs in meat production.
Supreme Master Ching Hai: If we all become vegetarians, then we will use very little fuel as vegetable food can be grown everywhere easily and no need for long distance transportation and no need so much water to produce. To produce water costs also energy. To transport the meat and animals and taking care of them medically and every other means take a lot of energy. So if we do not have meat diet anymore, then we cut all that out. The 90% of the world food that we feed livestock daily right now can be distributed to all world citizens without further damage to the environment.
Marching to save the mountain that is their godHuman chain formed to safeguard India’s sacred mountain. Approximately 20,000 indigenous people, some walking 70 kilometers to reach the gathering, united to send a message on protecting Niyamgiri Mountain in Orissa state from bauxite mining and aluminum refinery operations. These peaceful protesters from more than 200 villages proceeded through the thick forests of Orissa to create a 17-kilometer human chain along the foothills of the mountain, which is considered holy by the locals. Environmental studies have shown that mining will lead to immense deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and major pollution.
We are touched by the devotion of the indigenous people and their peaceful efforts to protect the holy Niyamgiri Mountain. Blessed be all such caring endeavors to save our Earthly home.
Audubon joins fight against global warmingAudubon Society focuses on reversing climate change. In an effort to preserve the native habitats of the birds they love so well, the US-based organization is initiating plans to advocate legislative changes for reducing society’s carbon footprint. Biologist Paul Green, the society’s director in Tucson, stated, “It's clear that unless we do something about CO2, habitats will continue to deteriorate, and we won't have the birds to watch.”
Director Green and concerned members of the Audubon Society, we are grateful for your commitment to protecting our feathered friends worldwide. Let us all help to preserve the lives of our unique and irreplaceable animal co-inhabitants.
Solar power brings opportunity to Pakistani villageSolar power improves lives of Pakistani villagers. The village of Arab Goth is being supplied with solar-powered energy, thanks to the help of non-governmental organizations like Indus Earth Trust and the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund. The community’s 15 installed solar panels produce enough energy to provide light for 65 homes in the village. Furthermore, the solar power of the village is at times more reliable than the conventional power supplying nearby cities. The Pakistani government is currently working to add 8,000 more solar-lit homes over the next two years to the 3,000 already installed throughout the nation.
Hats off, Indus Earth Trust, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, and Pakistan for your illuminated solar success! Heaven surely shines on your continued efforts to bring sustainable improvements to so many people’s lives.