Brace yourselves for the bad-air days ahead. The smokey haze is likely to be back in the next three months as a result of a combination of hotter, drier weather and burning activities in Malaysia and Indonesia. However, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Yaacob Ibrahim said, the number of hotspots in Indonesia has come down considerably. "I wouldn't say there will be no haze," Dr Yaccob said. "I think the hotspots have come down. Indonesia's own plan of action is to reduce it by 50 percent. That means there will still be hotspots, but the number will be reduced." The Asean Specialised Meterological has noted a weakening of the La Nina weather phenomenon, which would have brought wet weather to douse the smoky fires set by the region's farmers. With the phenomenon weakening, the next three months are expected to be drier that at the same period last year. -THE STRAITS TIMES
Credits to: MY PAPER TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2008
8:42 PM
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
20 WAYS TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION:
1) Use buses and trains instead of cars, as they can carry far more people in one journey. This cuts down the amount of pollution produced.
2) Walking or cycling will be even more beneficial, as it does not create any pollution. It will also benefit your body, as regular exercise will keep you fit and healthy.
3) Turning off lights when they are not needed and not wasting electricity will reduce the demand. Less electricity will need to be produced and so less fossil fuel will have to be burnt, resulting in less air pollution.
4) Avoid using cars for very short journeys as this creates unnecessary pollution. If car journeys must be made, then try to share your journeys with other people, such as when you go shopping. Also encourage people to drive more slowly as this produces less pollution.
5) Replace energy hungry incandescent lights with fluorescent lighting.
6) Check with your utility company for energy conservation tips, like purchasing energy saving appliances.
7) Use a thermostat that automatically turns off the air conditioner or heater when you don't need them.
8) Use a fan instead of air conditioning.
9) Heat small meals in a microwave oven.
Waste Not!
It takes energy to make and sell the products we use. Here are ways to cut energy use, reduce air pollution, and save money.
10) Choose recycled products.
11) Choose products with recyclable packaging.
12) Reuse paper bags.
13) Recycle paper, plastics, and metals.
14) Use both sides of a paper.
Know The Inside Story
Air pollution is a problem indoors and out. Most people spend at least 80 percent of their lives indoors. Here are some ways you can reduce pollution in your home, office or school:
15) Don't smoke. Send smokers outside.
16) Products such as cleaning agents, paints, and glues often contain harmful chemicals. Use them outdoors or with plenty of ventilation indoors.
17) Use safer products, such as baking soda instead of harsher chemical cleaners.
18) Don't heat your home with a gas cooking stove.
19) Have your gas appliances and heater regularly inspected and maintained.
Speak Up For Clean Air
Do what you can to reduce air pollution. It will make a difference.
20) Try to convince your friends and family members about the importance of reducing air pollution.
Power stations, factories, motor vehicles, and fuel burning in homes are the main causes of air pollution. Volcanoes and forest fires are natural causes.You cannot see many forms of air pollution. Anything that gets in the air and does not harmlessly vanish is air pollution. That includes smoke from fires, gasses that come from burning fuel, and even dust.
WHY AIR POLLUTION IS BAD:
When you breathe in polluted air, it can irritate your air passages and lungs. It can worsen Asthma and Bronchitis. Radon (radioactive chemical element that occurs naturally as a gas) can cause lung cancer if inhaled in large amounts. Certain chemical compounds can cause cancer and birth defects. Carbon monoxide interferes with the transfer of oxygen from the lungs and body tissues. Even forests have been destroyed by air pollution.
Credits to: http://www.tqnyc.org/NYC063530/pollution.html
5:49 AM
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Credits to: http://www.savinggaia.sg/
9:23 PM
Thursday, July 3, 2008
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