Refuse, Reuse and Recycle !!

Nuzha Naashidh
[ECOCARE Maldives]


http://ecocare.mv/

Plastic is a well known obsession which is made out of oil by a chemical process. This is light in weight and is used to make different objects. Since 1852, the discovery of plastic by Alexender Parkes, it has become an irrefutable part of human life. Plastic bags are made of a petroleum product which is known as polythene. The shopping bag which we get from the super market is a good example of plastic which almost everyone uses daily. Around 90% of grocery bags are made of plastic. This small and light object creates an huge impact on the environment and as well as its inhabitants. These impacts are being discussing from long ago, yet the usage is not affected much.

How many? Why is it an environmental hazard?

Plastic bags are very familiar with both retailers as well as the customers. This is because plastic bags are cheap to produce, easy to carry, abundant in supply etc. It is a hygienic means of carrying food and other goods. Annualy almost one hundred billion plastic bags are being used in United States of America itself. Its being thrown away on to road, garbage area, parks, waterways and beaches, due to the excess supply and low cost. As a result, our landscape gets messed. And when these bags are burned out, it produces a toxic substances leading to air pollution.

Approximately 70% of the world is covered with water. Throwing bags creates a massive impact on our marine eco system. Thrown bags can wash up to thousands and thousands of miles of coastline.

Plastic bags are non-biodegradable which remains forhundreds of years . Each year around 100,000 animals are killed due to plastic bags. Including the turtles, dolphins, whales and penguins . Mostly the death occurs due to the ingestion of bags, which they consume as their food.

As mentioned before, plastic bags are made of polythene which is a petroleum product. Petroleum is lacking its quantity by each passing day. Due to this the whole world is in search of renewable energy. This petroleum is vital for our day to day life. If the petroleum vanishes, it will nearly freeze the whole modern world. Therefore a crucial thing should not be misused in producing harmful substances.

http://ecocare.mv/

To overcome the environmental hazard-how?

One way to prevent this environmental hazard is recycling or reusing it. By doing this disposition of these bags to soil and water bodies will be reduced. Photodegradation is a chemical process used to disgrace plastic bags. But during this process appearance of small toxic forms which causes high impact on our environment. However, by reusing the plastic saves our environment from those substances. To carry out this process, a huge ground is needed where there will be no any harm to biotic life.

In addition to this, one of the simplest things each individual can do is carrying out their own bag to the market. It should be made out of a material which is not harmful to our environment and biodegradable. This can be done by keeping few folded bags, so that whenever something is needed we can acquire it. Some people feel difficult and useless to carry their own bags with them. It is important to provide awareness programs and educate those thinkers. Plus to encourage and motivate those citizens, using their own bags, which is also inspiring for others to do so.

Moreover using a substitute like liquid wood (named as arboform) can be helpful. It is a thermoplastic prepared by using natural fibers, wax and lignin (which is non toxic, rich in renewable source and can be degradable). Arboform is made by using the waste materials of paper factories. However, the carbon dioxide released due to the usage of arboform remains unaffected as it discharges the same amount of carbon dioxide which a plant leaves into the atmosphere. Arboform can be discarded like woods and before disposal it does not need any difficult process to change its chemical position.

LETS BE THE CHANGE!

The planet we live is shared with number of living creatures. A single bag which we throw can remain somewhere on the earth for around thousand years.Which can be disasterous. If each and every single individual practice simple tasks like carrying own disposable shopping bags, reusing bags, moving on substitutes can make a vast difference on plastic bag consumption. As Mahathma Gandhi said “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Ozone depletion – a life loss phenomenon

Nuzha Naashidh
[ECOCARE Maldives]

http://www.haamadaily.com

Ozone layer is a thin layer of gas above the earth’s surface which acts as a shield from the harmful ultraviolet B radiation emitted by the sun. It is formed 15 to 30 kilometers above the earth. Ozone is known to be a particular gas present both in the Earth’s upper atmosphere and at ground level. There are two discrete types of ozone; the Stratospheric Ozone (or “good” ozone) and the Ground-level Ozone (or “bad” ozone layer). Ozone is highly reactive molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms bound together. Due to its high reaction with the molecules it displays a destructive side when it comes into direct contact with the life forms. Today, one of the most discussed and serious environmental issues are ozone depletion.

Causes of Ozone depletion

The reduction in the amount of ozone present in stratosphere is known to be ozone depletion. From 1979 to 1990 there was approximately a reduction of 5%. This reduction of ozone is caused by increase in the level of free radicals such as hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide radicals and atomic chlorine and bromine. Almost 80% of the total depletion of ozone in the stratosphere is caused due to chlorofluorocarbons (CFC). CFC’s cannot destroy with the reaction of other chemicals and it is not washed away by the rain. They can stick in the atmosphere for 20 to 120 years or more.

One important cause or reason for the ozone depletion is global warming and climate change. Scientists believe that Global Warming will lead to a weaker Ozone layer. Global warming may increase the atmospheric heat distribution. This leads to increase the cooling of the stratosphere. This cooling increases ozone depletion in polar areas. Cooling of stratosphere means stratosphere will be observing less UV rays from the sun causing the troposphere to warm. If this continues, the recovery of ozone would not take place though the chlorine and bromine starts to decrease. In 1980’s researchers first discovered the “ozone hole”. This was found above the Antarctica. The “ozone hole” refers to a large area of stratosphere with relatively low amount of ozone. The Antarctic hole now measures around 9 million square miles. It is almost the size of North America.

Effects of ozone depletion on health

Ozone layer prevents the earth from sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. When the ozone depletes, amount of UVB rays reaching the earth will increase. Ultraviolet rays of the Sun are familiar with a number of health related issues on humans and as well as on animals. The most important of these are the increased risk of developing several types of skin cancers including malignant melanoma, basal and squamous cell carcinoma. The incidences of cataract and skin cancers continue to rise in many countries, with significant societal impacts and costs to health care systems. These UV rays cause adverse effect on eyes. It causes infectious diseases and it damages the respiratory system as well.

Effects of ozone depletion on environment

Ozone depletion affects climate, and climate affects ozone. Increases in the concentration of green house gases will affect the amount of ozone present in the stratosphere. It leads to decrease the temperature in the stratosphere and it accelerates circulation patterns. As a result total amount of ozone present in tropics will decrease and at mid and high latitude total amount of ozone increases. Therefore this will affect the planet's climate. Wind patterns and rainfall could change, resulting in climatic changes throughout the world.

An important component of the marine food chain known as phytoplankton can also be affected by ozone depletion. The ultraviolet rays can affect the survival of these microscopic organisms by affecting their orientation and mobility. If this happened, it will affect the other animals that are above plankton in the food chain. As a result oceans will be hit hard. Researchers also have attested changes in the reproductive rates of young fish, shrimp, and crabs as well as frogs and salamanders overt to excess ultraviolet B.

Conclusion

Ozone layer depletes due to natural reasons even and it varies geographically and by season. Each natural reduction in ozone level has got its own recovery too. However, recently the scientific evidence shows that the ozone shield is being depleted beyond changes due to natural causes. Increasing concern for the causes and effects of ozone depletion led to adopt the Montreal Protocol, in the year 1987. This was adopted in order to decrease and control the industrial emission of CFC. This international agreement showed a positive effect. It has succeeded to a great extent. In order to mitigate the problem, more cooperation and understanding among all the countries of the world is required.

EARTH HOUR 2011 (This earth hour, go beyond the hour) !

Source from www.youtube.com

This earth hour, go beyond the hour !

Earth Hour 2011: 8.30pm, Saturday 26 March, celebrate your action for the planet with the people of world, and add more to your Earth Hour.

Earth Hour Maldives : http://earthhourmaldives.blogspot.com/

EARTH HOUR 2011 (official video) !

Source from www.youtube.com

This Earth Hour 2011: 8.30pm, Saturday 26 March, celebrate your action for the planet with the people of world, and add more to your Earth Hour.

Earth Hour Maldives : http://earthhourmaldives.blogspot.com/

ENERGY CONSERVATION

 Nuzha Naashidh

[ECOCARE Maldives]

Energy is known as the ability to do work. It causes things to happen around us.  Energy is more than just a commodity. It is a privilege. There are two types of energy: Renewable energy and non renewable energy. Renewable energy is a source of energy which cannot be exhausted. We can get renewable energy from sun (solar energy), from the wind (windmills), from the water (hydro power), from hot dry rocks, magma, hot water springs (geothermal) and even from firewood, animal manure, crop residues and waste (Biomass.). Non renewable energy is a source of energy which cannot be filled up in a short period of time. Most of the energy sources which we use today are non renewable energy, which includes natural gas, oil, coal and nuclear energy.

Why to conserve energy?

The principle of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be changed from one form to another. The only thing that can happen to energy in a closed system is that it can change its form from chemical energy to kinetic energy. Today, conservation of “energy” refers to the conservation of the total system of energy over time. Energy conservation is important because it is not just beneficial for one person but it will also contribute a lot for the whole world. In spite of its great importance, energy conservation is not an issue that we think about in our day to day lives. The choices we make about how we use energy will impact our environment, our lives and as well as the lives of the future generations.

The greatest importance of energy conservation is to reduce the excessive use of oil and natural resources. Almost everything we do uses energy - lighting, cooling, transportation, cooking, even entertainment.  We depend on energy to make our lives better in every way. One fearful fact is that some scientist says that after 60 years, our natural fuels will completely be exhausted. It means energy is not available in limitless supply. Every time energy is conserved, we are also helping a lot on reducing the use of our available natural resources and preventing further damage to the planet we live in. Therefore we need to maintain our quality of life by using the energy resources wisely.

Global warming is something that does not bother people so much because they are too busy with the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Climatic changes due to global warming are one of the biggest threats facing our planet today. Climate change is actually happening and it is happening now. Reduced use of energy source is essential in reducing the emission of greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. Energy conservation policies aim to minimize the use of fossil fuels; by that prevent the rate of adverse climatic change resulting from it. Therefore energy conservation is not just about saving the money spent on electricity. Every single conservation act weigh in a lot to the preservation of the environment.

How you can help conserve energy?

•    Turn off lights when not in use.
•    Replace traditional light bulbs with fluorescent ones. They may cost more, but will save so much more in the long run.
•    Turn off power supply and unplug electronics not in use.
•    Regularly replace home air conditioning filters. This may change according to the type of filter you are using. It is important to know the instruction found on the packaging.
•    Close vents and doors of unused rooms.
•    Defrost old fridges and freezers regularly. Replace them with newer models, which have automatic defrost cycles and are more energy-efficient than their predecessors.
•    Try to buy things which can be refilled.
•    Reuse shopping bag.
•    Plant a tree. A single tree will absorb one ton of Co2 in its lifetime.
•    Move onto renewable energy.
•    Use of energy efficient cars and other vehicles.

Energy conservation is not a one person job. Even then a person continues in doing their part has the capacity to influence a big change. When we each do our small role, it can do big things for the environment. It will be a great contribution from us to our mother earth and to our future generations. This can be achieved by educating and motivating the entire society. By targeting school and college students for conveying knowledge in this field, the future consumers and decision makers can be prepared to play an expressive role in energy conservation through their better habits and behavior.

IMPORTANCE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN MALDIVES...

Nuzha Naashidh

[ECOCARE Maldives]

The Republic of Maldives is a chain of low lying coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. It consists of 1192 islands on 26 natural atolls, spreading across an area of nearly 107,500 sq km. The island nature of the Maldives and the fact that the population is spread across many small islands, providing electricity by means of large turbines and the distribution of it has not been an economically feasible option. Therefore, electricity in the Maldives is generated on each island separately using small diesel electricity generators. Diesel accounts for more than 80% of the total primary energy demand. As a result most of the country’s foreign currency is used to buy fuel. As the fuel is imported, electricity in the Maldives is very expensive. Also is very sensitive to the fluctuations of diesel fuel in the world market.

Now the time has come for renewable energy; energy which comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat, which are renewable (naturally replenished). With rising electricity and fuel prices and a growing demand on energy supplies, the world is in need of reasonable substitutes in energy source. As the Maldivian islands are geographically small and does not have flowing rivers or streams, the only practicable sources for energy creation that can be enforced by means of market ready technology are solar and wind energy.

Solar energy

Solar energy is the technology used to utilize the sun’s energy and make it useable. Solar energy is known as an inexhaustible fuel source that is pollution and often noise free. Today, technology produces less than one tenth of one percent of global energy demand. Maldives is located in an area (4º 10′N and 73º 30′ E) with plentiful solar energy resources throughout the year for all types of solar applications.

Data from currently installed photovoltaic (PV) system in the Maldives shows that the systems to be on for almost 12 hours a day. Even though PV systems are very effective in the Maldives, because of their space requirement and current initial costs it cannot be used exclusively on a large scale.

Drawbacks

Other than all those advantages, solar energy has got its drawbacks too. Solar energy doesn’t work at night without a storage device such as a battery. And also cloudy weather can make the technology unreliable during the day. These technologies are also very expensive and it requires a lot of land area to collect the sun’s energy which is needed for lots of people.

Wind energy

Wind is a clean source of renewable energy that produces no air or water pollution. Since the wind is free, operational costs are nearly zero once a turbine is attached. Wind is the movement of air from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure. Therefore, wind exists due to an unequal heating of the earth’s surface by the sun. As long as the sun shines, the wind will blow.

The low lying island nature of the Maldives environment ascertains that there is always a substantial wind at a sensible height. Wind data collected by the meteorological authorities of the Maldives implies that wind turbines with low cut-in and operating wind speeds would be a practicable option in the Maldives. To provide the wind component, wind turbines are used.

Gaafaru (North Male’ atoll)’s wind farm project is so far the major wind farm project announced in Maldives. It will be a 75 megawatt wind farm built by Falcon energy. This wind farm will produce clean electricity for North Male’ atoll, which includes capital Male’, Hulhule’ and a number of luxury tourist resorts.

Drawbacks

Some people think wind turbines are ugly and complain about the noise pollution it makes. The slowly rotating blades can also kill birds and bats, but not roughly as many as vehicles, power lines, and high-rise buildings do. The wind also varies. If it is not blowing, no electricity is generated.

Conclusion

Renewable energy is very important for a country like Maldives. Maldives being one of the world’s lowest-lying countries, almost 99% of the country is the ocean; it is one of the most unique nations in the world. By a rise in sea levels of one meter, homes of 385,000 people will be completely lost. The country would be rendered almost entirely uninhabitable. Maldives has declared to be the first carbon neutral country in the world by 2020. Moving onto renewable energy comes under this plan. President Mohamed Nasheed had said that “Maldives wants to set an example by demonstrating that a country can develop without having to pollute the planet.”

Also see http://ecocare.mv/articles/importance-of-renewable-energy-in-maldives/