| ECO NEWS |
| October 1999 Environment Day 1999 This year for World Environment Day we were the first to kick off the celebrations (source: The Afternoon Despatch & Courier). We started a whole week earlier on May 31, which is World Anti-Smoking Day. We had some really exciting events lined up. The celebrations commenced with our Chief Guest Mr. D. T. Joseph (earlier a high ranking government official and now the Managing Director of SICOM Ltd.) planting a sapling. Kruti Parekh, a 13 year old magician who spreads the message of safeguarding the environment through her magic was then felicitated. We also had Mr. Prashant Mahajan, Senior Education Officer at the Bombay Natural History Society (non-government organisation) giving a wonderful and enlightening talk on biodiversity. Oasis and Brainchild (both non-government organisations) were also part of our celebrations. Through a delightful story they drew our attention towards change at an individual level, highlighting the difference each one of us can make as well as focusing on the urgent need to pay heed to our environment. We also planned a surprise item in the form of an environment artist from Australia, Simone Mandana, who completed her Masters in Environment Education in Brisbane at the Griffith University. Her thesis revolved around curating and painting for her project 'ECO-DEA' where she joined forces with indigenous artists as well as non-indigenous artists to spread environmental education through the arts. The Orchid gave her an opportunity to display her talent in front of a crowd of over 130 people. We had none other than Mr. Viren Merchant, the pioneer who started Lane Management in Joshi Lane in October 1996 coming over to give a talk. The Bombay Municipal Corporation appreciated his efforts and invited Mr. Merchant to form a scheme at a micro level. This resulted in the birth of the Advanced Locality Management (A.L.M.) programme. Today there are 290 A.L.M programmes in the city of Mumbai covering a population of over a lakh. The grand finale was the performance by Kruti Parekh who had the audience captivated with her magical tricks based on the environment. On June 5, 1999, a series of road shows was held at various locations across Mumbai to spread the message of protecting and treasuring the environment. The road shows involved enacting of plays through which awareness was created among the general public at large. Of the two groups performing, one group comprised staff of The Orchid while the other group called 'Prasad' (a non-government organisation) comprised of professional actors. If the huge audience that gathered to witness these shows was any indication then the road plays were a huge success. Last but not the least on World Environment Day our Corporate Sales and Marketing General Manager, Ms.Delyse Braganza, was invited by The British Council for their panel discussion on 'Ecotourism in Western India'. Conserve To Keep "Nature is man's religious book, with lessons for every day." Life in the fast lane means a quickly cooked meal from the microwave oven, piping hot coffee from the coffee percolator, beating the rush-hour traffic on the roads, then staring into our computer systems basking in the comforts of air conditioned offices. The dishwasher and washing machine eases even our basic chores. While technology has made life easier, the toll on our non-renewable resources has been tremendous. Over the years we have come to rely on ever-increasing quantities of energy to meet our requirements. The ecological damage being caused by modern consumer society is placing a burden on the natural cycles that we rely on for our health and well-being. We may be able to stretch the supply of non-renewable resources, be it oil or iron, for a little longer; we may be able to find substitutes for those resources that are running out; but if the only outcome of these technological advances is to prolong the assault on the environment, we shall have gained nothing. At the forefront of any action to minimise consumption and curb the emission of greenhouse gases has to be energy conservation. Conservation policies can be our best ally and most effective weapon in our fight against the pollution brought about by energy production and use. Answers to the last issue's flashback
Opinion Did you know that when presented with a choice, most Indians believe that protecting the environment should be given priority over economics? An ORG - MARG survey of urban Indians has revealed interesting results about the importance of environmental issues to the average Indian. The Environmental Monitor was conducted in the top four metros of Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta and Chennai. Majority of Indians feel that the greatest threat to future generations are environmental problems followed by economic hardship. Diseases come third on the list of potential threats, almost at par with depletion of natural resources. A survey such as this is very important, especially because it provides an indication of environmental awareness among Indians. The environmental problems that we face today cannot be tackled unless an ever-vigilant population is part of the solution process. DO YOU REALLY CARE? DOES IT REALLY AFFECT YOU? DO YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT? Environment over Economics 50 per cent felt that protecting the environment should be given priority, even at the risk of slowing down economic growth. 31 per cent said both should be given equal priority.19 per cent prioritised economic growth. Mumbai had the highest vote with 69 per cent Mumbaikars prioritising environmental protection. Chennai seemed neutral with 49 per cent of its residents giving equal priority to both. Health at Risk 33 per cent said that pollution caused by automobile exhaust and traffic congestion is the main problem. 67 per cent of Delhites are concerned with pollution from vehicle exhaust and traffic congestion. 21 per cent Mumbaikars are most concerned about industrial pollution. 24 per cent of residents of Chennai are worried about untreated sewage. A significant proportion mentioned other forms of pollution like noise and garbage disposal. Lack of Action Lack of action is upsetting. Two thirds strongly agree that inaction upsets them. Delhites and Calcuttans feel it is important to 'seem' eco-conscious. Calcuttans feel that protection and cleaning up the environment will contribute to the growth of the economy.Residents of Chennai are more angered by inaction than Mumbaikars.50 per cent of Indians feel that an average Indian has too little influence on government laws and policies. Did You Know? Coal provides for approximately 30 per cent of our energy needs and natural gas around 20 per cent. Wood, hydroelectricity and nuclear power provide 10 per cent of our energy requirements. In overall terms, nuclear power provides around one per cent of primary energy - less than the burning of wood and cow dung. KIDS' CORNER Just Horsing Around This fascinating creature has the arching neck and head of a stallion, the swelling bosom of a pouter pigeon, the grasping tail of a monkey and the colour-changing power of a chameleon. The Greeks dubbed this fish 'Hippocampus' which literally means 'Sea monster horse' or what is known today as the sea horse. One of the most fascinating features of this fish is that it has eyes that move independently so that while one eye scans the surface the other can be directed underwater! Another interesting thing about the sea horse is that the female transfers her eggs into the male's kangaroo-like pouch and the burden of 'motherhood' falls on the Papa sea horse. He nourishes the babies in his steadily swelling incubator chamber for about 45 days. At the end of this period a single little sea horse prances out, then another and another. Each baby is almost an exact replica of its parents, except that the body is so transparent that you can see its heart beating! ? QUIZ
A newly-hatched crocodile is three times larger than the egg from which it appeared. The dolphin sleeps with one eye open, and a horse can even fall asleep while standing. The backbone of a camel is perfectly straight. The giant water lily of the Amazon has leaves that are three metres in diameter and can support the weight of a child. Rats can survive without water longer than camels. WOOD IS A LIMITED RESOURCE
FLASHBACK! Check how much you paid attention to the last issue by taking this quiz! The answers will be in the next issue, so keep reading...
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