Watch this enriching video to see how lethal pesticides used in conventional cotton growing affects cotton farmers in India.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Sustaining The Sustainable Living
One cannot be faulted for pointing out the paradox in the title above. After all, sustainable living is simply self-sustaining. There should be no other effort to “sustain” it.
As the promotion of green living seems to have gained momentum in recent years (especially in the times that we are now where natural resources are seriously depleting and prices of food and fuel rising), human intervention to find alternative resources could create new sets of problems.
One good example is the spate of arguments on biofuels versus food price increases.
While biofuels may become the saviour of world’s energy depletion, criticisms have amounted on increased biofuel production leading to food price increases as countries like Brazil, Thailand, Malaysia and Australia invested heavily in this new industry and crop yields have lessened.
The truth is the conditions that lead to the shortage of food (which leads to food price increase) are varied and complicated.
The following factors have been cited as contributors to food shortage:
- Fuel price increase (hits fertilizer price and transportation costs)
- Food consumption increase (due to expanding population especially India and China)
- Dietary changes (more meat consumption leading to grains grown to support grazing cattle instead of consumers)
- Climatic changes (droughts in Australia & S. Africa, freezing winters in China, exceptional warmth in northern Europe)
All these being said, is it best then we sit back and do nothing?
There are, in my view, human interventions that cannot result in undesirable consequences.
And all it takes is simply a change in our living habits.
We can all start by consuming less. Do not consume more than what we need. Buy less stuff, use less resources.
I know this sounds contradicting from the mouth of a retailer. As a retailer, I should perhaps be advocating SPENDING!
But it did not take me long to reconcile this contradiction.
As a provider of goods and services, what should my contribution be? I reckon my contribution should be providing good quality products that leave as little carbon footprints as can be.
Consumers ought to be given this option. After all, we cannot not consume at all. That would be detrimental to the economy, not to mention the satisfaction of our daily needs. But when we do consume, what should we choose?
Do we choose a cheap and low quality product that can withstand only a few times of use before it ends up in the garbage?
Do we choose poorly constructed products that are cheap but might pose potential hazards?
As a consumer, I often find that the best way to eat or buy things is to eat or buy it at its most natural state.
I am often asked by acquaintance if I really always eat organic food every meal. I wish I can say I can afford organic food every meal but I do try to buy organic food for our family as much as I can. And if you cannot be a vegetarian like me, I told my other friend, just eating less meat is a good step to begin.
Some people asked me too if all the clothing in my wardrobe is organic cotton too since I retail it. Again, I wish it is the case. But that will mean I throw out all the existing non-organic clothing and this is not what sustainable living is all about.
Instead, I will keep wearing them until they are worn out and replace them with organic ones, which fortunately are a lot more accessible to consumers in Singapore now than before.
As the promotion of green living seems to have gained momentum in recent years (especially in the times that we are now where natural resources are seriously depleting and prices of food and fuel rising), human intervention to find alternative resources could create new sets of problems.
One good example is the spate of arguments on biofuels versus food price increases.
While biofuels may become the saviour of world’s energy depletion, criticisms have amounted on increased biofuel production leading to food price increases as countries like Brazil, Thailand, Malaysia and Australia invested heavily in this new industry and crop yields have lessened.
The truth is the conditions that lead to the shortage of food (which leads to food price increase) are varied and complicated.
The following factors have been cited as contributors to food shortage:
- Fuel price increase (hits fertilizer price and transportation costs)
- Food consumption increase (due to expanding population especially India and China)
- Dietary changes (more meat consumption leading to grains grown to support grazing cattle instead of consumers)
- Climatic changes (droughts in Australia & S. Africa, freezing winters in China, exceptional warmth in northern Europe)
All these being said, is it best then we sit back and do nothing?
There are, in my view, human interventions that cannot result in undesirable consequences.
And all it takes is simply a change in our living habits.
We can all start by consuming less. Do not consume more than what we need. Buy less stuff, use less resources.
I know this sounds contradicting from the mouth of a retailer. As a retailer, I should perhaps be advocating SPENDING!
But it did not take me long to reconcile this contradiction.
As a provider of goods and services, what should my contribution be? I reckon my contribution should be providing good quality products that leave as little carbon footprints as can be.
Consumers ought to be given this option. After all, we cannot not consume at all. That would be detrimental to the economy, not to mention the satisfaction of our daily needs. But when we do consume, what should we choose?
Do we choose a cheap and low quality product that can withstand only a few times of use before it ends up in the garbage?
Do we choose poorly constructed products that are cheap but might pose potential hazards?
As a consumer, I often find that the best way to eat or buy things is to eat or buy it at its most natural state.
I am often asked by acquaintance if I really always eat organic food every meal. I wish I can say I can afford organic food every meal but I do try to buy organic food for our family as much as I can. And if you cannot be a vegetarian like me, I told my other friend, just eating less meat is a good step to begin.
Some people asked me too if all the clothing in my wardrobe is organic cotton too since I retail it. Again, I wish it is the case. But that will mean I throw out all the existing non-organic clothing and this is not what sustainable living is all about.
Instead, I will keep wearing them until they are worn out and replace them with organic ones, which fortunately are a lot more accessible to consumers in Singapore now than before.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
When Fertilisers Run Short
What happens when farmers grew reliant on chemical fertilisers? Well, one can expect riots like what those that occurred in India recently this year when there is an acute shortage of fertilisers.
In North Karnataka in India, all 12 districts suffered from fertiliser scarcity in June this year. During sowing, farmers need DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) and NPK (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) Complex but but neither government-managed APMCs (agriculture produce marketing committees) nor private traders have enough stock. This scarcity is caused by arrears in fertiliser subsidy that led to fertiliser-producing factories stopping government supply.
The fertiliser scarcity caused fury in Karnataka as farmers in Hubli-Dharwad, Haveri and Bailhongal districts went on rampage, torching vehicles. The police retaliated by using lathicharge (a lathi typically refers to a 6 to 8 foot long cane tipped with a metal blunt. It is used by swinging it back and forth like a sword) and tear gas and eventually opening fire, resulting in one death.
There are of course many alternatives to chemical fertilisers, such as using farmyard manure, biofertilisers or vermin (wild mammals and birds) compost. However, farmers are accustomed to using packed fertilisers as opposed to dirtying their hands in making their own fertilisers.
Using organic or natural fertilisers mean low risk and low cost for the farmers, but the yield is only moderate compared to crops planted with chemical fertilisers and GMOs (genetically modified organisms). This deters many farmers from switching to back-to-basic natural crop producing methods. However this seems to be the only way that farmers can be self-reliant and not susceptible to other factors beyond their control.
In North Karnataka in India, all 12 districts suffered from fertiliser scarcity in June this year. During sowing, farmers need DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) and NPK (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) Complex but but neither government-managed APMCs (agriculture produce marketing committees) nor private traders have enough stock. This scarcity is caused by arrears in fertiliser subsidy that led to fertiliser-producing factories stopping government supply.
The fertiliser scarcity caused fury in Karnataka as farmers in Hubli-Dharwad, Haveri and Bailhongal districts went on rampage, torching vehicles. The police retaliated by using lathicharge (a lathi typically refers to a 6 to 8 foot long cane tipped with a metal blunt. It is used by swinging it back and forth like a sword) and tear gas and eventually opening fire, resulting in one death.
There are of course many alternatives to chemical fertilisers, such as using farmyard manure, biofertilisers or vermin (wild mammals and birds) compost. However, farmers are accustomed to using packed fertilisers as opposed to dirtying their hands in making their own fertilisers.
Using organic or natural fertilisers mean low risk and low cost for the farmers, but the yield is only moderate compared to crops planted with chemical fertilisers and GMOs (genetically modified organisms). This deters many farmers from switching to back-to-basic natural crop producing methods. However this seems to be the only way that farmers can be self-reliant and not susceptible to other factors beyond their control.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Organic Ayurveda Soap
We were excited when we came back from India. Our visit to an ayurvastra production centre in Kerala opened our eyes to numerous types of natural herbs that can be used to dye yarns and fabrics and make soaps. The concoction in each dye is specific to certain ailments, in accordance to ancient Indian ayurveda treatment.
We brought back soaps that are made from the oils of natural indigenous Indian herbs, one that is made primarily from Neem, and the other made primarily from Ramacham (or vetivert).
About The Plants
Neem
Neem (the green leafy plant in the pictures) is a very useful plant that provide numerous uses from roots to leaves. It is such a wonderful healing tree that it is regarded as the Wonder Tree in India. Typically growing to 10-11 metres tall, the tree bears small white flowers with single-seeded green or yellow fruits. Neem trees grow easily even in drought conditions and provide much welcomed shade with their wide spread branches. They are not only air purifiers, but also a healing tree as all parts of the tree have healing properties.
Neem leaves help to reduce flatulence, phlegm and are also good insecticides. Fresh leaves can be concocted to fight against chronic malaria fever. The gum discharge form the stems has a soothing effect on the skin. Saps from Neem trees can be extracted to treat leprosy. Neem leaves can also be applied externally to treat skin diseases. The juice of Neem leaves can even be applied on the eyes to treat eye and ear ailments.
Ramacham
Ramacham or Vetivert (the greyish moss-like plant in the picture) comes from the perennial Gramineae family with tall scented grass. It is a known to calm the mind, soothe the nervous system and relief aches and pains.
A bath with the Vetivert soap is great for insomnia, rheumatism, arthritic pain and healing of the skin, relieving mental and physical exhaustion.
About Our Soaps
Neem Vedic Soap (Beige)
Made without the use of irritants, synthetic fragrances or colours and has a cooling effect after use. The anti-fungi property of Neem seed oil and the anti-oxidant Tulasi make this vedic soap great for antiseptic and healing of primary skin diseases such as eczema, inflamed skin, chicken pox and athlete's feet.
Other ingredients in this soap include cold pressed Coconut Oil, Lye, Palmarosa, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, Geranium and other natural herbs. Suitable for vegans.
Vetivert/Ramacham Soap (Green)
Vetivert essential oil has an earth, musty smell and has wonderful effect on the mind and body. Revitalise your body with this organic soap made from Ramacham, Trinaraja, Curcuma, Coconut Oil and other natural oils. Free from animal fats, irritants and synthetic colours. Suitable for vegans.
The ingredients in the soap comes from naturally growing wild herbs in India that the production centre in Kerala either grows themselves or purchases from the local tribes. Each of our soap is wrapped in natural betel nut husks.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Terry Winchester Coming To Singapore - 21 June 2008
BGO is proud to be a supporting organisation for Terry Winchester's MindFrame Seminar in Singapore on 21 June 2008 (Saturday), at NTUC Centre (Training Room), One Marina Boulevard.
Terry Winchester is a renown hypotherapist and a holistic bee keeper in South Africa. He founded The Winchester Foundation more than 30 years ago conducting Alpha Mind Power Training and running a hypotherapy clinic.
Now Terry Winchester is coming to Singapore speaking on his MindFrame Technique which focuses on personal development and mind training.
All Big Grin Organics customers who register with full payment for the seminar enjoys a 20% discount off usual price of S$398.
Terry Winchester's MindFrame Seminar is run by AllAbtEvents (enquiry@allabtevents.com).
Monday, June 2, 2008
Recycled Wheelchairs - Wheels Of Hope Project by An Unsung Hero
We had a great learning experience at Kampong Senang Holistic Fair on Sunday (1 June).
I met and had a jovial talk with Mr. Eugene Tan, who heads Wheels Of Hope project, a subsidiary under Kampong Senang Mobility Aids Services & Training Centre. I later found out that the humble Mr. Eugene Tan is the recipient of Rotary Club's "Unsung Hero" award for their "Shine on Singapore for Unsung Heroes" event 2008.
Wheels Of Hope repairs and polishes used wheelchairs with the help of Mr. Eugene Tan's volunteer work force (of which 70% are women!). They repair used wheelchairs which would otherwise be thrown away, and hope to sell the recycled "good-as-new" wheelchair to those who need it. Presently, the wheelchairs are loaned out for free to needy people who are referred to Wheels Of Hope by hospitals.
A bubbly Mr. Eugene Tan appreciates the hard work of his volunteers and has been organising Volunteer Training & Nature Bonding Obstacle Course for them and their families at Bedok Reservoir (see picture).
For those who need and can afford to buy a wheelchair, the purchase of recycled wheelchairs from Wheels Of Hope not only help defray their overheads like rental of premise, utilities and other operating costs, it will also be a positive move towards earth conservation by not creating more waste, as many people get new wheelchairs and then throw them away or chuck them aside to rust when they no longer need it.
According to a handout by Kampong Senang Charity & Education Foundation, from 2006 to May 2008, Wheels Of Hope had benefited 909 people and an estimated expenses of S$72,000 per annum.
If you would like to know more about Wheels Of Hope project, you can visit their workshop at:
Blk 254 Tampines Street 21 #01-464 (10 min walk from Tampines MRT & Bus Interchange)
or contact Mr. Eugene Tan at 9692 1924 / 6783 9023
Email: wheelsofhope@kg-senang.org.sg
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Happy Vesak Day
Vesak (or Wesak) celebrates Buddha's birthday, enlightenment and death on the first full moon of the month of May.
We wish you all a very enjoyable holiday.
As Buddhists celebrate the life of Buddha and his teaching on this day, let us pray hard for the health and well-being of the victims of the natural disasters in Myanmar and China.
More about Vesak:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/religion/buddhism/buddha_day.shtml
We wish you all a very enjoyable holiday.
As Buddhists celebrate the life of Buddha and his teaching on this day, let us pray hard for the health and well-being of the victims of the natural disasters in Myanmar and China.
More about Vesak:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/religion/buddhism/buddha_day.shtml
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