Along with polar icecaps and sandy beaches, sheep on a remote Scottish island are gradually shrinking as a result of global warming, according to a study published today in the journal Science. The finding offers unusual proof that large animals are already evolving to adapt to changes wrought by climate change, experts said.The average weight of sheep in the feral flock has been falling nearly 3 ounces per year since 1985, the researchers reported. The cumulative effect has been a 5% reduction in total body size.
That trend had puzzled scientists because they knew that evolution clearly favored larger sheep that are better equipped to survive the harsh winters of Hirta, a rocky outpost more than 100 miles west of mainland Scotland.Now, using a sophisticated mathematical model, British and American researchers have concluded that warming temperatures have made it easier for scrawnier sheep to survive, thus reducing the average size of animals in the herd."Environmental change is having a substantial influence on the population," said Arpat Ozgul, a postdoctoral research associate at Imperial College London and lead author of the report.
That influence appears to have played out in a surprisingly intricate and counterintuitive manner, said UC San Diego biologist Kaustuv Roy, who wasn't involved in the study. For example, milder winters have helped the overall herd grow larger even as the average size of animals got smaller."Most of the thinking about how climate is going to affect species is fairly simplistic," Roy said. "These dynamics are fairly complex. We're going to have to sort out some of these details if we're ever going to make predictions about how individual species are going to respond to warming."Scientists have long been interested in the relationship between climate and body size.German biologist Christian Bergmann observed in 1847 that as members of a species migrate to higher latitudes with colder temperatures, their body size tends to increase. He speculated that larger bodies helped animals conserve heat by reducing their surface area relative to their volume.More recently, Roy and others have proposed that the same mechanism could prompt body sizes to shrink when animals stay put but the climate around them gets warmer.The Soay sheep of Hirta presented an opportunity to test that theory.The brown sheep, named for their home island of Soay, were transported to the nearby isle of Hirta in 1932, two years after the last of its human inhabitants abandoned it. In the 1980s, scientists returned to study the flock's descendants. They visit at least once a year to conduct a census and take measurements."It's like an outside laboratory," Ozgul said.For the new study, Ozgul and his colleagues analyzed a plethora of data, including the number of lambs born each year since 1985, the age of ewes giving birth and the survival rates of sheep at different ages. The team included body-weight measurements and the length of the hind leg to see whether the sheep were just thinner or actually smaller overall.To measure the effect of climate, the researchers also incorporated the North Atlantic Oscillation index, which affects the strength of westerly winds in Europe and determines whether winters will be wet and mild or cold and dry. All of these terms were plugged into a mathematical formula that allowed them to measure the individual components that contributed to the change in sheep body size.As expected, the researchers found that evolutionary pressure pushed the sheep to grow bigger. But that was offset by another, unexpected factor: Lambs born to yearling ewes instead of fully grown sheep weighed less at birth than their mothers did and remained smaller throughout their lifetimes.Still, the "young mum effect" wasn't enough to account for the decrease in sheep size.When the researchers added in the effect of changing environmental conditions, "you get just about the exact rate of decline that we've seen," said study coauthor Shripad Tuljapurkar, a biology professor at Stanford.The researchers found that, on average, 1-year-old sheep now weigh 3.3 ounces less than they did in 1985. They attributed the decline to shorter, milder winters that allowed grass to grow later into the year. As a result, sheep can make it through the coldest months with fewer fat reserves, so more lambs born to young mothers survive in spite of their small size.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Zenawi wants Africa compensated for climate change
ETHIOPIAN Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has demanded that the rich world compensate Africa for global warming and said pollution in the northern hemisphere may have caused his country's ruinous 1980s famines.
A United Nations (UN) summit scheduled for December in Copenhagen will try to reach global agreement on how to tackle climate change and come up with a post-Kyoto protocol to curb emissions.
"Africa should demand compensation at the upcoming Copenhagen negotiations," Reuters quoted Zenawi, one of Africa's most outspoken leaders on global issues, as saying.
"(There are) certain theories that the droughts of the 1980s in much of the Sahel, including in Ethiopia, were to some extent due to pollution in the northern countries," added the former rebel, who represented Africa at this year's G20 summit.
A study commissioned by the Geneva-based Global Humanitarian Forum last month said poor countries bear more than nine-tenths of the human and economic burden of climate change. Yet the 50 poorest countries contribute less than one per cent of carbon emissions heating "Africa is going to be very significantly affected," said Zenawi. "Some parts of the continent may become uninhabitable. Therefore, those that did the damage have to pay."
"Any agreement in Copenhagen which does not include substantial compensation for Africa would be illegitimate," Zenawi added. "I hope that it won't come to lawsuits."
The Ethiopian leader recently warned that the global crisis would ruin African economies over the next decade unless rich countries stopped attaching conditions for aid and allowed the world's poorest continent to formulate its own economic policies.
Zenawi, who represented Africa at April's G-20 meeting of rich nations, spoke at a UN meeting to discuss how Africa could continue to develop during the crisis.
The Ethiopian premier said reduced growth, low commodity prices and high oil prices were likely to affect Africa for about 10 years and the west needed to give African nations the ability to devise their own policies to lessen the impact of these issues.
"I do not know whether I need to explain why sovereign African nations should plead to be given policy space," said Zenawi. "The simple answer is that they are not so sovereign when it comes to economic policy making."
The Ethiopian leader asked rich countries to stop attaching economic policy conditions to foreign aid, which he said the hungry continent was dependent on.
"(African) countries are faced with a very well-coordinated and solid policy orthodoxy (from donors)," he said. "They either adhere to it and get the money, or chart their own course and face the risk of the drying up of external assistance."
The continent was thought to be largely insulated against the worst effects of the global downturn but has recently seen healthy growth projections slashed as exports have fallen and foreign aid, investment and remittances have dried up.
Africa's largely agricultural exports have been hit hard by the crisis and Zenawi said the sector needs reform to maximize profits.
"We are too dependent on commodity exports," he said, calling for more industrialisation and agricultural processing plants for the continent.
"Agriculture, which is the source of livelihood for the vast majority of Africa, has not been transformed and is still the weakest link in our economic chain."
The Ethiopian leader blamed the developed world for global warming, which he also said would have a devastating impact on Africa, and said rich nations should financially compensate Africa for the effects of global warming.
"I think the international community could and should provide adequate policy space, live up to its commitments of development assistance, limit global warming and pay compensation for the unavoidable damage caused by it," he said.
"If no such assistance is forthcoming, then I am afraid the prospects for many countries in Africa are likely to be very dire indeed," said Zenawi.
A United Nations (UN) summit scheduled for December in Copenhagen will try to reach global agreement on how to tackle climate change and come up with a post-Kyoto protocol to curb emissions.
"Africa should demand compensation at the upcoming Copenhagen negotiations," Reuters quoted Zenawi, one of Africa's most outspoken leaders on global issues, as saying.
"(There are) certain theories that the droughts of the 1980s in much of the Sahel, including in Ethiopia, were to some extent due to pollution in the northern countries," added the former rebel, who represented Africa at this year's G20 summit.
A study commissioned by the Geneva-based Global Humanitarian Forum last month said poor countries bear more than nine-tenths of the human and economic burden of climate change. Yet the 50 poorest countries contribute less than one per cent of carbon emissions heating "Africa is going to be very significantly affected," said Zenawi. "Some parts of the continent may become uninhabitable. Therefore, those that did the damage have to pay."
"Any agreement in Copenhagen which does not include substantial compensation for Africa would be illegitimate," Zenawi added. "I hope that it won't come to lawsuits."
The Ethiopian leader recently warned that the global crisis would ruin African economies over the next decade unless rich countries stopped attaching conditions for aid and allowed the world's poorest continent to formulate its own economic policies.
Zenawi, who represented Africa at April's G-20 meeting of rich nations, spoke at a UN meeting to discuss how Africa could continue to develop during the crisis.
The Ethiopian premier said reduced growth, low commodity prices and high oil prices were likely to affect Africa for about 10 years and the west needed to give African nations the ability to devise their own policies to lessen the impact of these issues.
"I do not know whether I need to explain why sovereign African nations should plead to be given policy space," said Zenawi. "The simple answer is that they are not so sovereign when it comes to economic policy making."
The Ethiopian leader asked rich countries to stop attaching economic policy conditions to foreign aid, which he said the hungry continent was dependent on.
"(African) countries are faced with a very well-coordinated and solid policy orthodoxy (from donors)," he said. "They either adhere to it and get the money, or chart their own course and face the risk of the drying up of external assistance."
The continent was thought to be largely insulated against the worst effects of the global downturn but has recently seen healthy growth projections slashed as exports have fallen and foreign aid, investment and remittances have dried up.
Africa's largely agricultural exports have been hit hard by the crisis and Zenawi said the sector needs reform to maximize profits.
"We are too dependent on commodity exports," he said, calling for more industrialisation and agricultural processing plants for the continent.
"Agriculture, which is the source of livelihood for the vast majority of Africa, has not been transformed and is still the weakest link in our economic chain."
The Ethiopian leader blamed the developed world for global warming, which he also said would have a devastating impact on Africa, and said rich nations should financially compensate Africa for the effects of global warming.
"I think the international community could and should provide adequate policy space, live up to its commitments of development assistance, limit global warming and pay compensation for the unavoidable damage caused by it," he said.
"If no such assistance is forthcoming, then I am afraid the prospects for many countries in Africa are likely to be very dire indeed," said Zenawi.
Facing extinction
Imagine an alpine meadow without flowers or a mountain lake without fish, but that is the dire prediction being made.
Some environmentalists are warning that half the species may be extinct by 2050 due to mankind’s industrialisation, urbanisation and pollution. More than 220 species have vanished in Switzerland alone over the past 150 years.
A mountain lake without fish? Just under a half of animal life is on the list of endangered species and over one third of ferns, flowering plants, moss and lichens, are thought to be "at risk".The introduction of invasive alien species, that then spread at the expense of indigenous ones, has apparently made it worse."These organisms adapt easily and manage to undermine indigenous species without too much difficulty. Moreover, they can cause diseases unknown at our latitudes, as well as considerable damage to agriculture," Nicolas Wüthrich, a spokesman for the environmental non-governmental organisation Pro Natura, has told swissinfo.com.
"The rainbow trout, for example, is a fish of American origin whose presence in our rivers endangers the survival of our local trout."
Moss is under threatHere on PlanetSKI we recently reported on the dangers bees are facing.
Species becoming extinct is of course a natural phenomena and has been going on for millions of years. Now though it appears to be speeding up and blame is being laid on mankind.
Some environmentalists are warning that half the species may be extinct by 2050 due to mankind’s industrialisation, urbanisation and pollution. More than 220 species have vanished in Switzerland alone over the past 150 years.
A mountain lake without fish? Just under a half of animal life is on the list of endangered species and over one third of ferns, flowering plants, moss and lichens, are thought to be "at risk".The introduction of invasive alien species, that then spread at the expense of indigenous ones, has apparently made it worse."These organisms adapt easily and manage to undermine indigenous species without too much difficulty. Moreover, they can cause diseases unknown at our latitudes, as well as considerable damage to agriculture," Nicolas Wüthrich, a spokesman for the environmental non-governmental organisation Pro Natura, has told swissinfo.com.
"The rainbow trout, for example, is a fish of American origin whose presence in our rivers endangers the survival of our local trout."
Moss is under threatHere on PlanetSKI we recently reported on the dangers bees are facing.
Species becoming extinct is of course a natural phenomena and has been going on for millions of years. Now though it appears to be speeding up and blame is being laid on mankind.
Tk 700 crore for climate change fund
The Government has allocated Tk 700 crore in the Climate Change Fund constituted with the Government's own resources for the fiscal 2009-2010 to counter the impending disaster.Minister for Finance AMA Muhit announced the allocation in the proposed budget placed in Parliament yesterday.The allocation, which is more than double than the allocation given for the current fiscal, was approved earlier by the Cabinet in principle. The immediate past Caretaker Government had allocated Tk 300 crore in the Climate Change Fund for the current fiscal.The Finance Minister in his budget speech said the creation of a Multi-Donor Trust Fund with support from donors is in progress.The proposed Fund received a commitment of US$ 97.9 million from the Governments of UK and Denmark," he said.The Minister said Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has proposed to provide Tk 490 crore as budgetary support during the next three years, to cope with the environment related disasters. At the same time, he said Japan has proposed to contribute Tk 700 crore from their Japan Debt Cancellation Fund (JDCF) facility in managing the risk due to climate change.The Finance Minister referred that the super cyclone Sidr and the two consecutive floods of 2007 severely affected lives of the people. The cyclone Aila which ravaged many parts of Southwestern Bangladesh last month once again reminded us how riskprone we are to natural calamities. "The rise of sea water level due to the melting of ice from the Himalayas and North Pole is causing saline water intrusion through our estuaries in the coastal areas. The adverse effect of climate change is directly affecting our agriculture, fisheries and bio-diversity," he observed.The Minister said the disaster and calamity due to climate change cannot be reversed. "Therefore, we should aim to mitigate dislocation and sufferings, and to build the capacity to adapt lives and livelihoods in the coastal areas. As part of this aim, we shall complete soon the review of medium and long term strategies that have been prepared to prevent the disasters relating to climate change," he added. The rehabilitation of the displaced people of the affected areas is of prime importance because nearly 2 crore people will be displaced by 2050 due to climate change. Hence, as a basic strategy, we may put forward the demand to establish our rights in obtaining the status of global citizen for our affected people, he said. He said the government is committed to prepare a detailed action plan designed to face the disasters due to climate change. The main focus of our activities would be to carry out regular dredging of rivers and canals, strengthening the embankments along coastal areas and establishing adequate number of cyclone shelters, reduce air pollution caused by diesel-run vehicles, control environment pollution due to industrialisation, extend and preserve forestry and develop sufficient environmental experts, he said.
Polluting unit plan scrapped
This is probably a first in the history of Giridih.
Giving into public protests, the local administration today stalled the construction of a sponge iron unit by Shivam Group in Udnabad on pollution grounds. It also promised the villagers that no clearance would be given to any such plant in the future without a public hearing.
The decision was taken by Giridih deputy commissioner Vandana Dadel today after a meeting with the villagers and representatives of Shivam Group. Dadel accepted that there was distrust among the villagers because of the existing sponge iron units that cause pollution.
Soon after the announcement, villagers under the banner of Purwanchan Prayawaran Sangharsh Samiti lifted their indefinite dharna that began on June 5. At the meeting, Dadel first heard the 11-member group of Purwanchan Prayawaran Sangharsh Samiti, led by villagers Dilip Upadhyay and Kedar Yadav. Upadhyay said they were not against industrialisation, but the opening of another sponge iron plant in Mohanpur region would only add to the already high level of pollution.
Their other demands were installation of an electro-static precipitator (ESP) machine that would function round the clock, return of land acquired from villagers without registry, restructure of district environment committee (DEC) to include the people from the industrial belt and arrest of industrialists who threaten the villagers.
Pramod Agrawal, one of the owners of Shivam Group, argued that they had followed all pollution norms. But the villagers refused to buy his theory. After listening to both the sides, Dadel said that the ongoing work on the sponge iron plant would be stopped. She added that she would soon form a committee of specialists, who would visit factories to ensure functioning of ESP.
Efforts will be taken to restructure DEC while the circle officer will conduct an inquiry to find out whose land had been forcefully acquired.
On the controversial issue of threat, superintendent of police A.V. Minz asked Upadhyay to file a complaint so that he could order a probe.
Giving into public protests, the local administration today stalled the construction of a sponge iron unit by Shivam Group in Udnabad on pollution grounds. It also promised the villagers that no clearance would be given to any such plant in the future without a public hearing.
The decision was taken by Giridih deputy commissioner Vandana Dadel today after a meeting with the villagers and representatives of Shivam Group. Dadel accepted that there was distrust among the villagers because of the existing sponge iron units that cause pollution.
Soon after the announcement, villagers under the banner of Purwanchan Prayawaran Sangharsh Samiti lifted their indefinite dharna that began on June 5. At the meeting, Dadel first heard the 11-member group of Purwanchan Prayawaran Sangharsh Samiti, led by villagers Dilip Upadhyay and Kedar Yadav. Upadhyay said they were not against industrialisation, but the opening of another sponge iron plant in Mohanpur region would only add to the already high level of pollution.
Their other demands were installation of an electro-static precipitator (ESP) machine that would function round the clock, return of land acquired from villagers without registry, restructure of district environment committee (DEC) to include the people from the industrial belt and arrest of industrialists who threaten the villagers.
Pramod Agrawal, one of the owners of Shivam Group, argued that they had followed all pollution norms. But the villagers refused to buy his theory. After listening to both the sides, Dadel said that the ongoing work on the sponge iron plant would be stopped. She added that she would soon form a committee of specialists, who would visit factories to ensure functioning of ESP.
Efforts will be taken to restructure DEC while the circle officer will conduct an inquiry to find out whose land had been forcefully acquired.
On the controversial issue of threat, superintendent of police A.V. Minz asked Upadhyay to file a complaint so that he could order a probe.
Green beckoning
The government plans big to improve the country's overall environment emphasising retrieving the degraded river system, checking pollution, promoting renewable energy and proper use of water along with taking up massive afforestation programmes.
In the proposed budget for 2009-10 fiscal year, Finance Minister AMA Muhith spells out different environment-friendly initiatives to be implemented by different ministries.
A special initiative will shortly be taken to save the Buriganga river from pollution, the minister said.
Expressing firm stance against river pollution, the minister said the government will provide soft loans to the polluters, if necessary, for taking measures to properly dispose of toxic industrial and clinical waste.
"But they have to complete the tasks within the stipulated time. No new industries will be allowed to be set without putting in place an appropriate waste disposal system," he said.
However, the main focus of the government's activities would be to carry out regular dredging of the rivers and canals, strengthening the embankments along the coastal areas and establishing adequate number of cyclone shelters.
Reducing air pollution caused by diesel-run vehicles, controlling environment pollution due to industrialisation, extending and preserving forestry and developing sufficient environmental experts are also on the agenda of the government.
The minister said the government is also framing the 'water use act' and bringing necessary amendments to the Water Resource Planning Act, 1992 to ensure the optimum and sustainable use of water resources.
The government is also planning to bring 20 percent of total land under afforestation programmes by 2015 to attain self-sufficiency in forest resources.
Primarily, the government has set a target to bring 4,314 hectares of land under the afforestation programme, create strip gardens over an area of 2,355 kilometres and plant 23 lakh saplings.
The minister also said about a development programme for maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity in the Sudarbans at a cost of Tk 650 crore.
In his budget speech, Muhith also committed to prepare a detailed action plan designed to face the disasters due to climate change.
The government has also allocated Tk 400 crore from its own resources to add to an existing Tk 300 fund. Disbursement of money from this fund will start next fiscal year to take different programmes for battling the impacts of climate change as the cabinet approved it in principle.
"Disasters and calamities due to climate change cannot be reversed.
Therefore, we should aim to mitigate dislocation and sufferings and build the capacity to adapt lives and livelihoods," the minister said.
He also talked about formation of a "multi-donor trust fund" with support from donors. The proposed fund has received a commitment of $97.9 million from the UK and Denmark.
Besides, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has proposed to
provide Tk 490 crore as budgetary support during the next three years to cope with environment related disasters. The JICA will also cancel a debt of Tk 700 crore from its Debt Cancellation Fund (JDCF).
"We are encouraging production of renewable energy by providing various financial incentives through both public and private channels. Besides, we have also taken initiatives to conduct a feasibility study for setting up small hydro-electricity projects.
"The use of solar and biogas as sources of energy has so far been tried mainly in the rural areas. We are taking initiatives to use this technology in population concentration areas in the cities as well."
He said the government is encouraging production of renewable energy including solar power, biogas and small hydro power.
"We are actively considering the issue of importing environment friendly energy technology in the context of current level of environmental degradation.
"We would like to take an integrated approach to tackle the problems arising from increasing traffic jam, deteriorating water supply and drainage system and environmental pollution."
However, the minister was found positive towards the use of pesticide as he withdrew VAT from the product's raw materials.
"I propose to withdraw VAT on the import of raw materials to produce pesticides to keep pesticides easily available for farmers."
In the proposed budget for 2009-10 fiscal year, Finance Minister AMA Muhith spells out different environment-friendly initiatives to be implemented by different ministries.
A special initiative will shortly be taken to save the Buriganga river from pollution, the minister said.
Expressing firm stance against river pollution, the minister said the government will provide soft loans to the polluters, if necessary, for taking measures to properly dispose of toxic industrial and clinical waste.
"But they have to complete the tasks within the stipulated time. No new industries will be allowed to be set without putting in place an appropriate waste disposal system," he said.
However, the main focus of the government's activities would be to carry out regular dredging of the rivers and canals, strengthening the embankments along the coastal areas and establishing adequate number of cyclone shelters.
Reducing air pollution caused by diesel-run vehicles, controlling environment pollution due to industrialisation, extending and preserving forestry and developing sufficient environmental experts are also on the agenda of the government.
The minister said the government is also framing the 'water use act' and bringing necessary amendments to the Water Resource Planning Act, 1992 to ensure the optimum and sustainable use of water resources.
The government is also planning to bring 20 percent of total land under afforestation programmes by 2015 to attain self-sufficiency in forest resources.
Primarily, the government has set a target to bring 4,314 hectares of land under the afforestation programme, create strip gardens over an area of 2,355 kilometres and plant 23 lakh saplings.
The minister also said about a development programme for maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity in the Sudarbans at a cost of Tk 650 crore.
In his budget speech, Muhith also committed to prepare a detailed action plan designed to face the disasters due to climate change.
The government has also allocated Tk 400 crore from its own resources to add to an existing Tk 300 fund. Disbursement of money from this fund will start next fiscal year to take different programmes for battling the impacts of climate change as the cabinet approved it in principle.
"Disasters and calamities due to climate change cannot be reversed.
Therefore, we should aim to mitigate dislocation and sufferings and build the capacity to adapt lives and livelihoods," the minister said.
He also talked about formation of a "multi-donor trust fund" with support from donors. The proposed fund has received a commitment of $97.9 million from the UK and Denmark.
Besides, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has proposed to
provide Tk 490 crore as budgetary support during the next three years to cope with environment related disasters. The JICA will also cancel a debt of Tk 700 crore from its Debt Cancellation Fund (JDCF).
"We are encouraging production of renewable energy by providing various financial incentives through both public and private channels. Besides, we have also taken initiatives to conduct a feasibility study for setting up small hydro-electricity projects.
"The use of solar and biogas as sources of energy has so far been tried mainly in the rural areas. We are taking initiatives to use this technology in population concentration areas in the cities as well."
He said the government is encouraging production of renewable energy including solar power, biogas and small hydro power.
"We are actively considering the issue of importing environment friendly energy technology in the context of current level of environmental degradation.
"We would like to take an integrated approach to tackle the problems arising from increasing traffic jam, deteriorating water supply and drainage system and environmental pollution."
However, the minister was found positive towards the use of pesticide as he withdrew VAT from the product's raw materials.
"I propose to withdraw VAT on the import of raw materials to produce pesticides to keep pesticides easily available for farmers."
Beijing Olympics were the most polluted games ever, researchers say
The Beijing Olympics of 2008 were the most polluted games ever with athletes and spectators exposed to dangerous level of smog, researchers have concluded
China's Olympics had double the level of soot as Athens, triple the levels as Atlanta and 3.5 times higher than as Sydney.
The level of toxic smog of soot particles in the air was so high that at times the sun was blotted out.
Despite Chinese Government measures to reduce pollution around their capital city by shutting down factories, restricting car usage and slowing down construction, high levels of pollutants persisted.
However matters could have been worse had there not been evening showers and a change in the wind direction during the games.
Scientists found the weather played a greater part in reducing pollution than restrictions imposed by the Chinese Government
Researchers found for four fifths of the time athletes were exposed to levels of coarse particular matter higher than considered safe by the international health watchdog, the World Health Organization.
For the most dangerous types of soot particles – smaller than 2.5 microns which is more easily inhaled the lungs where they lodge and cause more serious respiratory health problems – these exceeded safe limits for the whole duration of the games.
WHO considered the exceeding of the limits were "excessive" while scientists found levels were a third higher than Chinese government experts claimed.
The findings were revealed as scientists from Oregon State University in the United States of American and their Chinese counterparts from Peking University published the conclusions of the research in the professional journal Environmental Science and Technology.
In the first comprehensive study of particulate air pollutants, scientists took samples before, during and after the games and compared readings from previous games.
American associate professor of environmental and molecular toxicology Staci Simonich said: "Considering the massive efforts by China to reduce air pollution in and around Beijing during the Olympics, this was the largest scale atmospheric pollution experiment ever conducted.
"Despite all that, it was some evening rains and favourable shifts in the winds that provided the most relief from the pollution.
"This demonstrates how difficult it is to solve environmental problems on a short-term, local basis."
Prof Simonich added that despite some favourable weather and the pollution control efforts the games were still the worse – and were about two to four times higher than that of Los Angeles on an average day.
And the difference between the study's findings and the official Chinese figures reflected a difference in measurement methodology – although the study's methods had been widely accepted by the international science community for many years.
But she stressed there was no scientific evidence athletes or spectators suffered health problems during the games.
However Beijing's 17 million population face a long-term struggle against the toxic atmosphere which is said to cause 1 million premature deaths annually across China.
The city is surrounded by mountains that trap air pollutants while rapid industrialisation has seen fumes from factories, cars and coal-fired power stations increase dramatically.
She said: "The athletes and visitors were only exposed for a very short time. Millions of other people there face this air quality problem their entire lives.
"It was unlike anything I've ever seen – you could look directly at the sun and not have a problem, due to the thickness of the haze."
China's Olympics had double the level of soot as Athens, triple the levels as Atlanta and 3.5 times higher than as Sydney.
The level of toxic smog of soot particles in the air was so high that at times the sun was blotted out.
Despite Chinese Government measures to reduce pollution around their capital city by shutting down factories, restricting car usage and slowing down construction, high levels of pollutants persisted.
However matters could have been worse had there not been evening showers and a change in the wind direction during the games.
Scientists found the weather played a greater part in reducing pollution than restrictions imposed by the Chinese Government
Researchers found for four fifths of the time athletes were exposed to levels of coarse particular matter higher than considered safe by the international health watchdog, the World Health Organization.
For the most dangerous types of soot particles – smaller than 2.5 microns which is more easily inhaled the lungs where they lodge and cause more serious respiratory health problems – these exceeded safe limits for the whole duration of the games.
WHO considered the exceeding of the limits were "excessive" while scientists found levels were a third higher than Chinese government experts claimed.
The findings were revealed as scientists from Oregon State University in the United States of American and their Chinese counterparts from Peking University published the conclusions of the research in the professional journal Environmental Science and Technology.
In the first comprehensive study of particulate air pollutants, scientists took samples before, during and after the games and compared readings from previous games.
American associate professor of environmental and molecular toxicology Staci Simonich said: "Considering the massive efforts by China to reduce air pollution in and around Beijing during the Olympics, this was the largest scale atmospheric pollution experiment ever conducted.
"Despite all that, it was some evening rains and favourable shifts in the winds that provided the most relief from the pollution.
"This demonstrates how difficult it is to solve environmental problems on a short-term, local basis."
Prof Simonich added that despite some favourable weather and the pollution control efforts the games were still the worse – and were about two to four times higher than that of Los Angeles on an average day.
And the difference between the study's findings and the official Chinese figures reflected a difference in measurement methodology – although the study's methods had been widely accepted by the international science community for many years.
But she stressed there was no scientific evidence athletes or spectators suffered health problems during the games.
However Beijing's 17 million population face a long-term struggle against the toxic atmosphere which is said to cause 1 million premature deaths annually across China.
The city is surrounded by mountains that trap air pollutants while rapid industrialisation has seen fumes from factories, cars and coal-fired power stations increase dramatically.
She said: "The athletes and visitors were only exposed for a very short time. Millions of other people there face this air quality problem their entire lives.
"It was unlike anything I've ever seen – you could look directly at the sun and not have a problem, due to the thickness of the haze."
EMPOWERING PEOPLE ENSURING HEALTH
One small step might lead to a great leap. Two years ago, a handful of residents from Rayong paid a visit to the National Health Commission Office in Nonthaburi. Their wish was simple: To ask Dr Amphon Jindawatthana, the NHC secretary-general, if the new National Health bill (2007, or BE 2550) could offer some solutions to their decades-long grievances. In particular, the Rayong locals thought a clause on the people's right to request a "health impact assessment" (HIA) and to participate in that very process themselves might enable them to better address the overwhelming pollution that has been plaguing their livelihood since the introduction of the Eastern Seaboard Development Programme in the coastal province in the 1980s.
From that day, April 9, 2007, the NHC has delegated a group of researchers (mainly from the Healthy Public Policy Foundation) to embark on this HIA scheme in Rayong. A series of public meetings called "Samatcha Sukkhapap" (Health Assembly) were held in which the magnitude of pollution and its evident effects on local health were discussed.
Feeling the urgency of their crisis, when no concrete mitigating measures had yet been undertaken, the people of Rayong resorted to another channel. In October of the same year, 27 representative villagers filed a lawsuit against the National Environment Board for having failed to enforce the 1992 National Environment Act by announcing a pollution control zone in the area.
On March 3 of this year, the provincial administrative court issued a verdict in favour of the plaintiffs. The NEB has since appealed the case, but at the same time complied with the court's order: The area around the Map Ta Phut industrial estate has been designated a pollution control zone since May 1.
"Here, we have been suffering for so long and we know that an EIA [environmental impact assessment] by itself is not enough," said Charoen Dejkhum, one of the villagers who filed the historic lawsuit.
"I believe that everyone who learns there is now a law that aims to protect their health will be elated. I admit, though, that a number of us in Map Ta Phut have not yet been exposed to the HIA process and thus still do not understand what it is all about."
A humble man, 66-year-old Charoen admits the difficulty for people with little education like him to understand technical terms like the BOD or pH level of the water supply in their fight to prove the severe effects of industrialisation. Their traditional "indicators" of a healthy environment consist of the presence of a variety of marine life, fireflies and a "waterway that is so clear and cool one can see fishes swimming around and about", he says, citing a famous line by Sunthorn Phu (a classical Thai poet who was also a native of Rayong).
In the worlds of academia and legal contests, however, Charoen's set of knowledge has been routinely brushed aside. Worse, lack of access to relevant information and other resources has put locals in every way at a disadvantage vis-a-vis big investors and their allies in the bureaucracy. The EIA offers no solace: For years, it has been heavily and repeatedly criticised for the poor, haphazard quality of research that is usually supportive of the prospective project owner (who tends to be the same person who hired the EIA consultants in the first place).
The application of HIA and the Health Assembly, however, seeks to tilt the balance. Suphakij Nunthavorakarn, researcher from the Healthy Public Policy Foundation, reckons that the Map Ta Phut case is the first practical test of the National Health Act in the country. Although critics say the 2007 law seems to have little power in penalising the wrongdoers, Suphakij argues the intention is deliberate - to foster an awareness of citizens' rights to know and to participate than to adopt the usual authoritative approach.
"Through the HIA and Health Assembly mechanisms, the locals of Rayong have had an opportunity to sit down together to review the impact of the entire programme of industrialisation here and, importantly, to ask themselves if this is what they really want for future generations," Suphakij notes.
Over the course of about a year, four rounds of public meetings were conducted, the first three in Rayong and the last in Bangkok. Suphakij stresses participation by every stakeholder (although he accepts that representatives of the business sector and the state agencies will tend to take either an inactive or defensive stance during the meetings). A number of studies have been reviewed, compiled and analysed, out of which emerged a bigger picture of how serious and urgent the problems in Rayong are, and some have also been used as evidence in the successful lawsuit against the National Environment Board, adds lawyer Surachai Trongngam of an NGO called Environmental Litigation and Advocacy for the Wants (Enlaw). A poll was also conducted with about 1,200 citizens in 350 villages around the coastal province on their expectations of development in their hometown.
The themes of the Health Assembly meetings gradually shifted from the scrutiny of past problems to brainstorming on alternatives and proposals of recommendations (see sidebar, 'The future [is] yet to come'), which have already been forwarded to the cabinet via the National Health Commission Office.
Originally a seaside town, Rayong once subsisted on a three-pillar economy: Orchard farming and fishing, tourism and agro-based industry. The discovery of natural gas in the Gulf of Thailand and subsequent launch of large-scale industrialisation under the so-called Eastern Seaboard Development Programme, with Map Ta Phut as the focal point, has radically transformed the area and its population. Rayong has become dependent on mega-industrial projects. Initial euphoria over the astronomical economic gains, however, soon fizzled out as the locals realised the huge price tag on the environment and their quality of life.
By the end of the HIA and Health Assembly process, a bold, unanimous resolution has taken shape - that continuation of industrialisation at all costs is not such a good idea. Instead of accepting the status quo - that more factories have to be built for the sake of economic growth and the focus should be on minimising the release of pollution - the people of Rayong have learned they can look beyond the immediate and express their aspirations for the future of their own town: That it will become free from pollution and geared towards a sufficiency economy (based on agriculture and eco-tourism) with strong social cohesiveness.
Will such a dream ever materialise, though? The current economic downturn and the authorities' fear of driving investors away are likely to add pressure to any attempts to curb mega-projects. The proposal by the Health Assembly of Rayong to suspend the expansion of the petrochemical industry at Map Ta Phut and to implement pertinent pollution mitigation measures has so far been met with a lukewarm response from the Abhisit cabinet. The government's penchant for growth is also well reflected in a recent decision by the Ministry of Industry to revoke a ministerial announcement on the list of industries that require an HIA (which was issued last year in compliance with Article 67 in the 2007 Constitution). Even in Rayong, there have been persistent calls by some interest groups who oppose the announcement of the Pollution Control Zone.
Another barrier concerns the definition of "health impact". Until now, Suphakij says, the narrow biomedical perspective still predominates. But it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the victims to try to link their illnesses to a certain industrial source ("Imagine having to pinpoint some particular stacks of the factories as being responsible for their sickness!" he jibes).
Hopefully, the more inclusive and integrated concept of HIA will become better accepted in the wider circle. Suphakij argues that the discovery of an alarming amount of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air, among several other indicators at the Map Ta Phut industrial estate should be more than adequate to prompt a rethink on such uncontrolled development programmes.
The researcher at the Healthy Public Policy Foundation also notes his own dilemma: The HIA and related mechanisms are "not at all an overnight solution" - it takes a lot of time for the public to understand the whole picture and try to address the issues at their roots instead of going after individual culprits. "But all the while, the locals have been languishing, having to face a host of problems on a daily basis," he lamented.
Aware of the bad reputation of EIA in Thailand, the proponents of HIA have thus opted for a non-monolithic approach in developing and promoting HIA. Two laws in particular espouse their use: The 2007 constitution and National Health Act with somewhat different premises (see inset box). Suphakij also cites a number of organisations that have been involved in the application of HIA - from the National Health Commission Office to the Department of Health, Department of Disease Control, the Office of the Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, and a string of communities, universities and non-governmental organisations around the country.
"We don't want the HIA to be monopolised and abused by certain exclusive groups like what has happened with the EIA," said Suphakij. "So if any one group has stuck a dead-end, at least there will be others to carry on. Interestingly, a few EIA experts have begun to pay attention on how to incorporate HIA into their works.
"The real power of HIA is not in any particular piece of legislation, or in getting people to sit together in a meeting. The power of HIA is in the process that allows the society to learn together and to participate in the decision-making on an equitable basis. Through HIA, we hope to empower the people by inculcating knowledge."
It remains to be seen how the lofty goal will turn out down the road. For Map Ta Phut folk like Charoen Dejkhum, having learned about the HIA process, the elderly have drawn a long wish list of what he would like to see happen in his village one day - the return of the abundant fish and crabs, a proper waste-water treatment pond, a playground for children that also serves as a "lung of the community", and perhaps a chance to be able to drink the fresh and free water from the rain and the stream nearby ... all "so that our children will be able to enjoy a better future", he muses.
At least, the man has already made a small but significant step in that direction.
From that day, April 9, 2007, the NHC has delegated a group of researchers (mainly from the Healthy Public Policy Foundation) to embark on this HIA scheme in Rayong. A series of public meetings called "Samatcha Sukkhapap" (Health Assembly) were held in which the magnitude of pollution and its evident effects on local health were discussed.
Feeling the urgency of their crisis, when no concrete mitigating measures had yet been undertaken, the people of Rayong resorted to another channel. In October of the same year, 27 representative villagers filed a lawsuit against the National Environment Board for having failed to enforce the 1992 National Environment Act by announcing a pollution control zone in the area.
On March 3 of this year, the provincial administrative court issued a verdict in favour of the plaintiffs. The NEB has since appealed the case, but at the same time complied with the court's order: The area around the Map Ta Phut industrial estate has been designated a pollution control zone since May 1.
"Here, we have been suffering for so long and we know that an EIA [environmental impact assessment] by itself is not enough," said Charoen Dejkhum, one of the villagers who filed the historic lawsuit.
"I believe that everyone who learns there is now a law that aims to protect their health will be elated. I admit, though, that a number of us in Map Ta Phut have not yet been exposed to the HIA process and thus still do not understand what it is all about."
A humble man, 66-year-old Charoen admits the difficulty for people with little education like him to understand technical terms like the BOD or pH level of the water supply in their fight to prove the severe effects of industrialisation. Their traditional "indicators" of a healthy environment consist of the presence of a variety of marine life, fireflies and a "waterway that is so clear and cool one can see fishes swimming around and about", he says, citing a famous line by Sunthorn Phu (a classical Thai poet who was also a native of Rayong).
In the worlds of academia and legal contests, however, Charoen's set of knowledge has been routinely brushed aside. Worse, lack of access to relevant information and other resources has put locals in every way at a disadvantage vis-a-vis big investors and their allies in the bureaucracy. The EIA offers no solace: For years, it has been heavily and repeatedly criticised for the poor, haphazard quality of research that is usually supportive of the prospective project owner (who tends to be the same person who hired the EIA consultants in the first place).
The application of HIA and the Health Assembly, however, seeks to tilt the balance. Suphakij Nunthavorakarn, researcher from the Healthy Public Policy Foundation, reckons that the Map Ta Phut case is the first practical test of the National Health Act in the country. Although critics say the 2007 law seems to have little power in penalising the wrongdoers, Suphakij argues the intention is deliberate - to foster an awareness of citizens' rights to know and to participate than to adopt the usual authoritative approach.
"Through the HIA and Health Assembly mechanisms, the locals of Rayong have had an opportunity to sit down together to review the impact of the entire programme of industrialisation here and, importantly, to ask themselves if this is what they really want for future generations," Suphakij notes.
Over the course of about a year, four rounds of public meetings were conducted, the first three in Rayong and the last in Bangkok. Suphakij stresses participation by every stakeholder (although he accepts that representatives of the business sector and the state agencies will tend to take either an inactive or defensive stance during the meetings). A number of studies have been reviewed, compiled and analysed, out of which emerged a bigger picture of how serious and urgent the problems in Rayong are, and some have also been used as evidence in the successful lawsuit against the National Environment Board, adds lawyer Surachai Trongngam of an NGO called Environmental Litigation and Advocacy for the Wants (Enlaw). A poll was also conducted with about 1,200 citizens in 350 villages around the coastal province on their expectations of development in their hometown.
The themes of the Health Assembly meetings gradually shifted from the scrutiny of past problems to brainstorming on alternatives and proposals of recommendations (see sidebar, 'The future [is] yet to come'), which have already been forwarded to the cabinet via the National Health Commission Office.
Originally a seaside town, Rayong once subsisted on a three-pillar economy: Orchard farming and fishing, tourism and agro-based industry. The discovery of natural gas in the Gulf of Thailand and subsequent launch of large-scale industrialisation under the so-called Eastern Seaboard Development Programme, with Map Ta Phut as the focal point, has radically transformed the area and its population. Rayong has become dependent on mega-industrial projects. Initial euphoria over the astronomical economic gains, however, soon fizzled out as the locals realised the huge price tag on the environment and their quality of life.
By the end of the HIA and Health Assembly process, a bold, unanimous resolution has taken shape - that continuation of industrialisation at all costs is not such a good idea. Instead of accepting the status quo - that more factories have to be built for the sake of economic growth and the focus should be on minimising the release of pollution - the people of Rayong have learned they can look beyond the immediate and express their aspirations for the future of their own town: That it will become free from pollution and geared towards a sufficiency economy (based on agriculture and eco-tourism) with strong social cohesiveness.
Will such a dream ever materialise, though? The current economic downturn and the authorities' fear of driving investors away are likely to add pressure to any attempts to curb mega-projects. The proposal by the Health Assembly of Rayong to suspend the expansion of the petrochemical industry at Map Ta Phut and to implement pertinent pollution mitigation measures has so far been met with a lukewarm response from the Abhisit cabinet. The government's penchant for growth is also well reflected in a recent decision by the Ministry of Industry to revoke a ministerial announcement on the list of industries that require an HIA (which was issued last year in compliance with Article 67 in the 2007 Constitution). Even in Rayong, there have been persistent calls by some interest groups who oppose the announcement of the Pollution Control Zone.
Another barrier concerns the definition of "health impact". Until now, Suphakij says, the narrow biomedical perspective still predominates. But it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the victims to try to link their illnesses to a certain industrial source ("Imagine having to pinpoint some particular stacks of the factories as being responsible for their sickness!" he jibes).
Hopefully, the more inclusive and integrated concept of HIA will become better accepted in the wider circle. Suphakij argues that the discovery of an alarming amount of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air, among several other indicators at the Map Ta Phut industrial estate should be more than adequate to prompt a rethink on such uncontrolled development programmes.
The researcher at the Healthy Public Policy Foundation also notes his own dilemma: The HIA and related mechanisms are "not at all an overnight solution" - it takes a lot of time for the public to understand the whole picture and try to address the issues at their roots instead of going after individual culprits. "But all the while, the locals have been languishing, having to face a host of problems on a daily basis," he lamented.
Aware of the bad reputation of EIA in Thailand, the proponents of HIA have thus opted for a non-monolithic approach in developing and promoting HIA. Two laws in particular espouse their use: The 2007 constitution and National Health Act with somewhat different premises (see inset box). Suphakij also cites a number of organisations that have been involved in the application of HIA - from the National Health Commission Office to the Department of Health, Department of Disease Control, the Office of the Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, and a string of communities, universities and non-governmental organisations around the country.
"We don't want the HIA to be monopolised and abused by certain exclusive groups like what has happened with the EIA," said Suphakij. "So if any one group has stuck a dead-end, at least there will be others to carry on. Interestingly, a few EIA experts have begun to pay attention on how to incorporate HIA into their works.
"The real power of HIA is not in any particular piece of legislation, or in getting people to sit together in a meeting. The power of HIA is in the process that allows the society to learn together and to participate in the decision-making on an equitable basis. Through HIA, we hope to empower the people by inculcating knowledge."
It remains to be seen how the lofty goal will turn out down the road. For Map Ta Phut folk like Charoen Dejkhum, having learned about the HIA process, the elderly have drawn a long wish list of what he would like to see happen in his village one day - the return of the abundant fish and crabs, a proper waste-water treatment pond, a playground for children that also serves as a "lung of the community", and perhaps a chance to be able to drink the fresh and free water from the rain and the stream nearby ... all "so that our children will be able to enjoy a better future", he muses.
At least, the man has already made a small but significant step in that direction.
K'taka should check air pollution- study
A leading think-tank has called for urgent Government action in implementing strict vehicular emission norms along with curbing wanton deforestation to arrest rapid environmental degradation in India.
A study by Prof. C.M. Lakshmana at Population Research Centre of Bangalore-based Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) painted a gloomy picture of the scenario and said the situation warrants implementation of Central Pollution Control Board’s recommendations to prohibit 20-year-old vehicles from plying and phasing out of 15-year-old or more vehicles.
Noting that jump in vehicular population is the main source of air pollution in most of the Indian cities, ISEC, which carried out the exhaustive study, said environment-friendly mass transit must be developed in major cities in the long-run. Negative rates of growth in the number of registered motor vehicles have led to comparatively less environment pollution in States such as Sikkim and economically backward Bihar, said ISEC, which was established in 1972 by the late Professor V K R V Rao.
It was revealed during the survey that deforestation and degradation of forest area have led to drastic environmental degradation in States such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, which also have significantly higher growth of population. Interestingly however, the environment has not deteriorated much in States such as Sikkim, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir despite higher population growth and higher percentage of forest area to the total geographical area because of "impressive man-environment relationship".
"Hence, more attention needs to be given to forest management and appropriate steps should be taken to avoid further deforestation. Steps for the conservation of bio-diversity need to be taken expeditiously". The impact of deforestation on the environment is manifested in the form of micro climatic change, increase in temperature and decrease in humidity/rainfall, flood and soil erosion. The rapid rate of industrialisation in the last four decades has been causing massive environmental degradation, pointed out the study, which underlined the need to implement stringent industrial policies to control pollution in order to promote sustainable environment.
However, despite hosting a very large number of registered industries, Andhra Pradesh has relatively low environmental degradation, the study revealed. In States such as West Bengal, Punjab and Haryana, thermal power plants are the main source of pollution.
Improper management of industrial effluents and solid wastes from industrial estates of Karnataka, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab and Rajasthan have been causing irreparable damage to the environment in these states. Discharge of mineral and industrial effluents with least concern for environment has resulted in ecological damages in Western Ghats and mid-Himalayan sections, it said.
Immigration to big industrial cities such as Bangalore, Patna and Lucknow too have resulted in much higher levels of environmental damage. Setting up of MNCs in backward regions also caused environmental degradation, the ISEC study said.
Of late, the creation of special economic zones (SEZs) has resulted in reduced land holdings. "The promotion of exports through increased industrial development, often on the shrinking agricultural land, is a matter of grave concern", Prof Lakshmana said. "This has directly led to reduction of gross agricultural land, thereby shrinking the net sown area and also the extinction of flora and fauna. This process has also been damaging the bio-diversity which is vital for our survival".
It is registered as a Society under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960, to create a blend of field-oriented empirical research and advances in social science theories leading to better public policy formulation
A study by Prof. C.M. Lakshmana at Population Research Centre of Bangalore-based Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) painted a gloomy picture of the scenario and said the situation warrants implementation of Central Pollution Control Board’s recommendations to prohibit 20-year-old vehicles from plying and phasing out of 15-year-old or more vehicles.
Noting that jump in vehicular population is the main source of air pollution in most of the Indian cities, ISEC, which carried out the exhaustive study, said environment-friendly mass transit must be developed in major cities in the long-run. Negative rates of growth in the number of registered motor vehicles have led to comparatively less environment pollution in States such as Sikkim and economically backward Bihar, said ISEC, which was established in 1972 by the late Professor V K R V Rao.
It was revealed during the survey that deforestation and degradation of forest area have led to drastic environmental degradation in States such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, which also have significantly higher growth of population. Interestingly however, the environment has not deteriorated much in States such as Sikkim, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir despite higher population growth and higher percentage of forest area to the total geographical area because of "impressive man-environment relationship".
"Hence, more attention needs to be given to forest management and appropriate steps should be taken to avoid further deforestation. Steps for the conservation of bio-diversity need to be taken expeditiously". The impact of deforestation on the environment is manifested in the form of micro climatic change, increase in temperature and decrease in humidity/rainfall, flood and soil erosion. The rapid rate of industrialisation in the last four decades has been causing massive environmental degradation, pointed out the study, which underlined the need to implement stringent industrial policies to control pollution in order to promote sustainable environment.
However, despite hosting a very large number of registered industries, Andhra Pradesh has relatively low environmental degradation, the study revealed. In States such as West Bengal, Punjab and Haryana, thermal power plants are the main source of pollution.
Improper management of industrial effluents and solid wastes from industrial estates of Karnataka, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab and Rajasthan have been causing irreparable damage to the environment in these states. Discharge of mineral and industrial effluents with least concern for environment has resulted in ecological damages in Western Ghats and mid-Himalayan sections, it said.
Immigration to big industrial cities such as Bangalore, Patna and Lucknow too have resulted in much higher levels of environmental damage. Setting up of MNCs in backward regions also caused environmental degradation, the ISEC study said.
Of late, the creation of special economic zones (SEZs) has resulted in reduced land holdings. "The promotion of exports through increased industrial development, often on the shrinking agricultural land, is a matter of grave concern", Prof Lakshmana said. "This has directly led to reduction of gross agricultural land, thereby shrinking the net sown area and also the extinction of flora and fauna. This process has also been damaging the bio-diversity which is vital for our survival".
It is registered as a Society under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960, to create a blend of field-oriented empirical research and advances in social science theories leading to better public policy formulation
COASTAL KARNATAKA - INDUSTRIALISATION AMD MARINE POLLUTION
Mangalore. All over Asia. fishing is an important activity as it provides a significant proportion of the protein intake of local people. Until recently this has been compatible with the preservation of biodiversity and integrity of the ecosystems. In recent years. however, traditional fishing methods have been replaced with modern commercial fishing techniques, "plis has often led to severe over-exploitation. Habitat degradation, pollution and eutrophication have further contributed to the depletion of commercial fish stocks and the virtual collapse of coastal fishery in some areas. In contrast to what many decision-makers believe, fish farming and shrimp farming is not a panacea for economic development of coastal lagoon and mangrove systems. The large-scale conversion of mangroves into shrimp ponds has been particularly damaging to many coastal ecosystems. Hot all coastal lagoons and mangroves are by any means favourable for intensive aquaculture: many are best used as extensive farming - that is. traditional fisheries. Despite their many values, mangrove ecosystems are amongst the most severely threatened zones in India. The most serious threats are. over-exploitation for timber and firewood, timber and charcoal, reclamation for agriculture. industry and human settlement, conversion to aquaculture ponds. pollution from industrial and domestic effluent as well as pesticides runoff of agriculture. The state of Karnataka has a 270 km long coastline falling within its revenue districts of Udipi. Uttara and Dakshina Kannada and a total Exclusive Economic Zone (FEZ) of 8700 km*. The entire area comprising of EEZ. shoreline vegetation and backwaters is very rich in biological diversity. A well watered but short hinterland beginning from the top of the Western Ghat complex provides all the ingredients to support the downstream coastal ecosystem. Twelve major west flowing rivers systems meander through lowland forests, secondary woodlands and gently undulating plains and spread out into wide estuaries, lagoons and backwaters, extensive mudflats and several small patches of mangrove forests. These have resulted in a series of small estuarine systems along the 300 km long coastline. Most of these estuaries and creeks are narrow and permanently open to sea. The area has a variety of fauna and flora in habitats ranging from tropical montane forests of Western Ghats to coastal mangroves. The region is well represented by land mammals, birds reptiles and other vertebrates and invertebrates. Both the shoreline and offshore areas have their own variety of rich biodiversi ty.
- 2 -Rapid industrialisation, steady growth of human population and the resultant demand for food & shelter and the changes in land use patterns have placed considerable stress on natural resources and ecosystem of the area. Hitherto pristine coastal zone along the Udipi. Uttara and Dakshina Kannada districts will be subjected to rapid developmental activities due to increase accessibility from the national Highway and the Konkan Railway. The next decade will find the area under constant influence of developmental activities, and some of the critical and fragile coastal systems will be under heavy pressure. The threat to marine/estuarine systems in India in general, and Karnataka in particular, is so severe that urgent action is needed at all levels to contain this trend. Establishment of an Coastal Biosphere Command Area(CBCA) in Coastal Karnataka will be most appropriate under the prevailing conditions. Management and protection of threatened species and critical habitats in a region which is under multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional influences is a difficult task. Unlike in the homogenous sites such as Forests, where it is easier to manage the system through establishment of Sanctuaries. Reserves and National Parks under a legal framework and under a single authority, handling of the complex Coastal zone where human settlements, multi-agency operations in industry, agriculture and economic exploitation is being carried out from historical times, needs a different approach. Historical, socio-economic and commercial considerations will have to be accommodated along with the need for conservation of habitats, species and vital resources.
It will be possible to address the problems and at the same time institute adequate and proper conservation efforts through the establishment of Coastal Biosphere Command Area. The principles and objectives of Biosphere Reserve management could be adapted. modified and evolved from the accepted criteria and making it to suit the local area needs.
.
Mangalore. All over Asia. fishing is an important activity as it provides a significant proportion of the protein intake of local people. Until recently this has been compatible with the preservation of biodiversity and integrity of the ecosystems. In recent years. however, traditional fishing methods have been replaced with modern commercial fishing techniques, "plis has often led to severe over-exploitation. Habitat degradation, pollution and eutrophication have further contributed to the depletion of commercial fish stocks and the virtual collapse of coastal fishery in some areas. In contrast to what many decision-makers believe, fish farming and shrimp farming is not a panacea for economic development of coastal lagoon and mangrove systems. The large-scale conversion of mangroves into shrimp ponds has been particularly damaging to many coastal ecosystems. Hot all coastal lagoons and mangroves are by any means favourable for intensive aquaculture: many are best used as extensive farming - that is. traditional fisheries. Despite their many values, mangrove ecosystems are amongst the most severely threatened zones in India. The most serious threats are. over-exploitation for timber and firewood, timber and charcoal, reclamation for agriculture. industry and human settlement, conversion to aquaculture ponds. pollution from industrial and domestic effluent as well as pesticides runoff of agriculture. The state of Karnataka has a 270 km long coastline falling within its revenue districts of Udipi. Uttara and Dakshina Kannada and a total Exclusive Economic Zone (FEZ) of 8700 km*. The entire area comprising of EEZ. shoreline vegetation and backwaters is very rich in biological diversity. A well watered but short hinterland beginning from the top of the Western Ghat complex provides all the ingredients to support the downstream coastal ecosystem. Twelve major west flowing rivers systems meander through lowland forests, secondary woodlands and gently undulating plains and spread out into wide estuaries, lagoons and backwaters, extensive mudflats and several small patches of mangrove forests. These have resulted in a series of small estuarine systems along the 300 km long coastline. Most of these estuaries and creeks are narrow and permanently open to sea. The area has a variety of fauna and flora in habitats ranging from tropical montane forests of Western Ghats to coastal mangroves. The region is well represented by land mammals, birds reptiles and other vertebrates and invertebrates. Both the shoreline and offshore areas have their own variety of rich biodiversi ty.
- 2 -Rapid industrialisation, steady growth of human population and the resultant demand for food & shelter and the changes in land use patterns have placed considerable stress on natural resources and ecosystem of the area. Hitherto pristine coastal zone along the Udipi. Uttara and Dakshina Kannada districts will be subjected to rapid developmental activities due to increase accessibility from the national Highway and the Konkan Railway. The next decade will find the area under constant influence of developmental activities, and some of the critical and fragile coastal systems will be under heavy pressure. The threat to marine/estuarine systems in India in general, and Karnataka in particular, is so severe that urgent action is needed at all levels to contain this trend. Establishment of an Coastal Biosphere Command Area(CBCA) in Coastal Karnataka will be most appropriate under the prevailing conditions. Management and protection of threatened species and critical habitats in a region which is under multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional influences is a difficult task. Unlike in the homogenous sites such as Forests, where it is easier to manage the system through establishment of Sanctuaries. Reserves and National Parks under a legal framework and under a single authority, handling of the complex Coastal zone where human settlements, multi-agency operations in industry, agriculture and economic exploitation is being carried out from historical times, needs a different approach. Historical, socio-economic and commercial considerations will have to be accommodated along with the need for conservation of habitats, species and vital resources.
It will be possible to address the problems and at the same time institute adequate and proper conservation efforts through the establishment of Coastal Biosphere Command Area. The principles and objectives of Biosphere Reserve management could be adapted. modified and evolved from the accepted criteria and making it to suit the local area needs.
- 2 -Rapid industrialisation, steady growth of human population and the resultant demand for food & shelter and the changes in land use patterns have placed considerable stress on natural resources and ecosystem of the area. Hitherto pristine coastal zone along the Udipi. Uttara and Dakshina Kannada districts will be subjected to rapid developmental activities due to increase accessibility from the national Highway and the Konkan Railway. The next decade will find the area under constant influence of developmental activities, and some of the critical and fragile coastal systems will be under heavy pressure. The threat to marine/estuarine systems in India in general, and Karnataka in particular, is so severe that urgent action is needed at all levels to contain this trend. Establishment of an Coastal Biosphere Command Area(CBCA) in Coastal Karnataka will be most appropriate under the prevailing conditions. Management and protection of threatened species and critical habitats in a region which is under multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional influences is a difficult task. Unlike in the homogenous sites such as Forests, where it is easier to manage the system through establishment of Sanctuaries. Reserves and National Parks under a legal framework and under a single authority, handling of the complex Coastal zone where human settlements, multi-agency operations in industry, agriculture and economic exploitation is being carried out from historical times, needs a different approach. Historical, socio-economic and commercial considerations will have to be accommodated along with the need for conservation of habitats, species and vital resources.
It will be possible to address the problems and at the same time institute adequate and proper conservation efforts through the establishment of Coastal Biosphere Command Area. The principles and objectives of Biosphere Reserve management could be adapted. modified and evolved from the accepted criteria and making it to suit the local area needs.
.
Mangalore. All over Asia. fishing is an important activity as it provides a significant proportion of the protein intake of local people. Until recently this has been compatible with the preservation of biodiversity and integrity of the ecosystems. In recent years. however, traditional fishing methods have been replaced with modern commercial fishing techniques, "plis has often led to severe over-exploitation. Habitat degradation, pollution and eutrophication have further contributed to the depletion of commercial fish stocks and the virtual collapse of coastal fishery in some areas. In contrast to what many decision-makers believe, fish farming and shrimp farming is not a panacea for economic development of coastal lagoon and mangrove systems. The large-scale conversion of mangroves into shrimp ponds has been particularly damaging to many coastal ecosystems. Hot all coastal lagoons and mangroves are by any means favourable for intensive aquaculture: many are best used as extensive farming - that is. traditional fisheries. Despite their many values, mangrove ecosystems are amongst the most severely threatened zones in India. The most serious threats are. over-exploitation for timber and firewood, timber and charcoal, reclamation for agriculture. industry and human settlement, conversion to aquaculture ponds. pollution from industrial and domestic effluent as well as pesticides runoff of agriculture. The state of Karnataka has a 270 km long coastline falling within its revenue districts of Udipi. Uttara and Dakshina Kannada and a total Exclusive Economic Zone (FEZ) of 8700 km*. The entire area comprising of EEZ. shoreline vegetation and backwaters is very rich in biological diversity. A well watered but short hinterland beginning from the top of the Western Ghat complex provides all the ingredients to support the downstream coastal ecosystem. Twelve major west flowing rivers systems meander through lowland forests, secondary woodlands and gently undulating plains and spread out into wide estuaries, lagoons and backwaters, extensive mudflats and several small patches of mangrove forests. These have resulted in a series of small estuarine systems along the 300 km long coastline. Most of these estuaries and creeks are narrow and permanently open to sea. The area has a variety of fauna and flora in habitats ranging from tropical montane forests of Western Ghats to coastal mangroves. The region is well represented by land mammals, birds reptiles and other vertebrates and invertebrates. Both the shoreline and offshore areas have their own variety of rich biodiversi ty.
- 2 -Rapid industrialisation, steady growth of human population and the resultant demand for food & shelter and the changes in land use patterns have placed considerable stress on natural resources and ecosystem of the area. Hitherto pristine coastal zone along the Udipi. Uttara and Dakshina Kannada districts will be subjected to rapid developmental activities due to increase accessibility from the national Highway and the Konkan Railway. The next decade will find the area under constant influence of developmental activities, and some of the critical and fragile coastal systems will be under heavy pressure. The threat to marine/estuarine systems in India in general, and Karnataka in particular, is so severe that urgent action is needed at all levels to contain this trend. Establishment of an Coastal Biosphere Command Area(CBCA) in Coastal Karnataka will be most appropriate under the prevailing conditions. Management and protection of threatened species and critical habitats in a region which is under multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional influences is a difficult task. Unlike in the homogenous sites such as Forests, where it is easier to manage the system through establishment of Sanctuaries. Reserves and National Parks under a legal framework and under a single authority, handling of the complex Coastal zone where human settlements, multi-agency operations in industry, agriculture and economic exploitation is being carried out from historical times, needs a different approach. Historical, socio-economic and commercial considerations will have to be accommodated along with the need for conservation of habitats, species and vital resources.
It will be possible to address the problems and at the same time institute adequate and proper conservation efforts through the establishment of Coastal Biosphere Command Area. The principles and objectives of Biosphere Reserve management could be adapted. modified and evolved from the accepted criteria and making it to suit the local area needs.
Industrialisation, use of pesticides have led to pollution of water bodies in Punjab: PGI study
Depleting water resources, industrialisation and the rampant use of pesticides has led to the pollution of water bodies in Punjab, which has resulted in an acute and chronic morbidity among people. This is the conclusion of a study conducted by the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in association with the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). It got recognition after Dr JS Thakur, associate professor, School of Public Health, was given the award for best paper presentation at the 7th Annual Congress of the Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology held in Chandigarh a few days ago.
The aim of the survey was to ascertain the pattern and extent of water pollution in the city and determine the effect of exposure to polluted water on human health.
In a cross-sectional survey of nearly 8,000 people living near five major waste water drains in the city: Buddha Nallah, Hudiara drain, East Bein drain, Tung Dhab drain and Kala Singha drain, it was found that these areas have a greater occurrence of health problems besides evidences of genotoxicity.
The aim of the survey was to ascertain the pattern and extent of water pollution in the city and determine the effect of exposure to polluted water on human health.
In a cross-sectional survey of nearly 8,000 people living near five major waste water drains in the city: Buddha Nallah, Hudiara drain, East Bein drain, Tung Dhab drain and Kala Singha drain, it was found that these areas have a greater occurrence of health problems besides evidences of genotoxicity.
Issues: Global Warming
The biggest cause of global warming is the carbon dioxide released when fossil fuels -- such as oil and coal -- are burned for energy. So when you save energy, you fight global warming and save money, too.
Here are some easy steps that you can take to help make a difference:
LIMIT GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION
Raise your voice. Congress needs to enact new laws that cap carbon emissions and require polluters pay for the global warming gases that they produce. Send a message to your elected officials, letting them know that you will hold them accountable for what they do -- or fail to do -- about global warming. Take action here.
GREEN JOBS AND CLEAN ENERGY
Choose renewable energy. Pick a Green-e-certified energy supplier that generates at least half of its power from wind, solar energy and other clean sources. If you don't have that option, look at your current electricity bill to see if you are able to support renewable energy in another way. For details, see NRDC's guide to buying clean energy.
Offset your carbon footprint. You can make up for your remaining carbon output by purchasing carbon offsets. Offsets represent clean power that you can add to the nation's energy grid in place of power from fossil fuels. Not all offset companies are alike. See our guide to carbon offsets for tips on how to choose an offset supplier
DRIVE SMARTER CARS
Choose an efficient vehicle: High-mileage cars such as hybrids and plug-in hybrids use less gas and save money. Over its lifetime, a 40-mpg car will save roughly $3,000 in fuel costs compared with a 20-mpg car. Compare fuel economy performance before you buy.
Drive smart. If all Americans kept their tires properly inflated, gasoline use nationwide would come down 2 percent. A tune-up could boost your miles per gallon anywhere from 4 to 40 percent, and a new air filter could get you 10 percent more miles per gallon. Learn more about saving fuel and money through proper car maintenance at Simple Steps.
GREEN HOMES AND BUILDINGS
Weatherize your home or apartment. Heating and cooling consume about 40 percent of energy in the home. Sealing drafts and making sure that your home has adequate insulation are two easy ways to become more energy-efficient. Visit Simple Steps for more tips and to learn how to take advantage of federal tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements.
Buy energy-efficient appliances. Look for the Energy Star label, which identifies the most efficient appliances. At Simple Steps, you can learn more about investing in energy-efficient products and find out which appliances and rooms in the home use the most electricity.
Replace your light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. What's more, CFLs lower your energy bills and keep a half-ton of carbon dioxide out of the air. For more on the benefits of switching to CFLs, visit Simple Steps. Also learn about LEDs as another energy-efficient lighting alternative.
BETTER COMMUNITIES AND TRANSPORTATION
Drive less. Choose alternatives to driving such as public transit, biking, walking and carpooling, and bundle your errands to make fewer trips. Choosing to live in a walkable "smart growth" community near a transportation hub will mean less time driving, less money spent on gas and less pollution in the air. Learn more about smart growth communities
Here are some easy steps that you can take to help make a difference:
LIMIT GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION
Raise your voice. Congress needs to enact new laws that cap carbon emissions and require polluters pay for the global warming gases that they produce. Send a message to your elected officials, letting them know that you will hold them accountable for what they do -- or fail to do -- about global warming. Take action here.
GREEN JOBS AND CLEAN ENERGY
Choose renewable energy. Pick a Green-e-certified energy supplier that generates at least half of its power from wind, solar energy and other clean sources. If you don't have that option, look at your current electricity bill to see if you are able to support renewable energy in another way. For details, see NRDC's guide to buying clean energy.
Offset your carbon footprint. You can make up for your remaining carbon output by purchasing carbon offsets. Offsets represent clean power that you can add to the nation's energy grid in place of power from fossil fuels. Not all offset companies are alike. See our guide to carbon offsets for tips on how to choose an offset supplier
DRIVE SMARTER CARS
Choose an efficient vehicle: High-mileage cars such as hybrids and plug-in hybrids use less gas and save money. Over its lifetime, a 40-mpg car will save roughly $3,000 in fuel costs compared with a 20-mpg car. Compare fuel economy performance before you buy.
Drive smart. If all Americans kept their tires properly inflated, gasoline use nationwide would come down 2 percent. A tune-up could boost your miles per gallon anywhere from 4 to 40 percent, and a new air filter could get you 10 percent more miles per gallon. Learn more about saving fuel and money through proper car maintenance at Simple Steps.
GREEN HOMES AND BUILDINGS
Weatherize your home or apartment. Heating and cooling consume about 40 percent of energy in the home. Sealing drafts and making sure that your home has adequate insulation are two easy ways to become more energy-efficient. Visit Simple Steps for more tips and to learn how to take advantage of federal tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements.
Buy energy-efficient appliances. Look for the Energy Star label, which identifies the most efficient appliances. At Simple Steps, you can learn more about investing in energy-efficient products and find out which appliances and rooms in the home use the most electricity.
Replace your light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. What's more, CFLs lower your energy bills and keep a half-ton of carbon dioxide out of the air. For more on the benefits of switching to CFLs, visit Simple Steps. Also learn about LEDs as another energy-efficient lighting alternative.
BETTER COMMUNITIES AND TRANSPORTATION
Drive less. Choose alternatives to driving such as public transit, biking, walking and carpooling, and bundle your errands to make fewer trips. Choosing to live in a walkable "smart growth" community near a transportation hub will mean less time driving, less money spent on gas and less pollution in the air. Learn more about smart growth communities
Living with nature
Not too long ago, mankind lived a simple life in harmony with nature. Modern lifestyles and the population explosion snatched that peace from us and left us trying to increase production. We invented new ways and came upon chemical agriculture.
No doubt by using agricultural chemicals such as fertilizer, pesticides and so on, we solved our short term goal, but left a dangerous legacy for future generations. The soil became poisoned and the plants that grew in it were weak, low yielding and prone to disease. Marginal farmers despairing at successive crop failure, committed suicide by consuming the once "magical" pesticides.
We decided to do whatever we could, in a very small way to help restore the balance.
Accordingly in 1992 we finally opted out of the corporate world for a long planned involvement with sustainable rural development at the very edge of the Thar Desert.
We now live in Alwar District on our 40-acre farm in eastern Rajasthan, 90 kilometers from Delhi where we demonstrate to farmers ways to maximize their yields by growing various combinations of fruit trees, crops and vegetables, organically. Fuel and fodder trees are planted as wind breaks.
When we bought the farm in 1984 it was degraded sandy land, completely denuded with just a single Pipal tree. Today there are over 65,000 trees.
Our philosophy of living with nature extends to the home we are building which is based on natural forms and materials, and is built without any steel or cement.
No doubt by using agricultural chemicals such as fertilizer, pesticides and so on, we solved our short term goal, but left a dangerous legacy for future generations. The soil became poisoned and the plants that grew in it were weak, low yielding and prone to disease. Marginal farmers despairing at successive crop failure, committed suicide by consuming the once "magical" pesticides.
We decided to do whatever we could, in a very small way to help restore the balance.
Accordingly in 1992 we finally opted out of the corporate world for a long planned involvement with sustainable rural development at the very edge of the Thar Desert.
We now live in Alwar District on our 40-acre farm in eastern Rajasthan, 90 kilometers from Delhi where we demonstrate to farmers ways to maximize their yields by growing various combinations of fruit trees, crops and vegetables, organically. Fuel and fodder trees are planted as wind breaks.
When we bought the farm in 1984 it was degraded sandy land, completely denuded with just a single Pipal tree. Today there are over 65,000 trees.
Our philosophy of living with nature extends to the home we are building which is based on natural forms and materials, and is built without any steel or cement.
Organic Farming
ISKCON's Founder Acharya A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, explains that when economy is based on land and cow, poverty can be eradicated. This was the sure system of Vedic times, under which human society flourished. In such a society spiritual and material growth is guaranteed. In the present times, agriculture has also become a product of factory. In order to produce the largest quantity of food in the shortest time with the least space, the use of chemicals ruthlessly began. For decades the economic returns of this exploit blinded the agricultural world from seeing the reality of the toll it was taking. Gradually the land lost its fertility. The food produced lost its nutritional value.
ISKCON Bangalore has set up a Model Organic and Self Sustainable Farm at Mahadevapura village, Srirangapatna taluk, Mandya District. This project is based on self-sustainability, organic farming, social welfare and spiritual training. It is aimed at increasing the standard of human life, from poverty and violence, to abundance and higher peace
Why Organic Farming? Organic agriculture is a safe, sustainable farming system, producing healthy crops without damage to the environment. It avoids the use of artificial chemical fertilizers and pesticides on the land, relying instead on developing a healthy,fertile soil and growing a mixture of crops. In this way, the farm remains biologically balanced, with a wide variety of beneficial insects and other wildlife to act as natural predators for crop pests and a soil full of micro-organisms and earthworms to maintain its vitality. The avoidance of artificial chemicals means organic farmers minimize health and pollution problems. Pesticide particles travel on the wind for many miles.
Why buy organic food products? The best reason for buying organic food is simply that it tastes extremely good, but undoubtedly there are sound health reasons for doing so too. It has been shown in some studies to have more vitamins and trace elements than conventionally grown food and, of course, it will not have been treated with noxious chemicals. There is a vast array of pesticides used in conventional agriculture, many of which are extremely toxic to humans, causing cancers as well as other illnesses.
ISKCON's Organic Outlet "Dharani" To reach the benefits of organic farming to the people and to create awareness about organic farming ISKCON Bangalore has opened an outlet called "dharani" at the ISKCON Temple Complex. Not only are the products from the ISKCON's Organic Farm sold in dharani but also ISKCON trained organic farmers will have an outlet for their farm products - thus promoting the sale of vegetables, fruits, grains and spices free from chemicals and pesticides.
ISKCON Bangalore has set up a Model Organic and Self Sustainable Farm at Mahadevapura village, Srirangapatna taluk, Mandya District. This project is based on self-sustainability, organic farming, social welfare and spiritual training. It is aimed at increasing the standard of human life, from poverty and violence, to abundance and higher peace
Why Organic Farming? Organic agriculture is a safe, sustainable farming system, producing healthy crops without damage to the environment. It avoids the use of artificial chemical fertilizers and pesticides on the land, relying instead on developing a healthy,fertile soil and growing a mixture of crops. In this way, the farm remains biologically balanced, with a wide variety of beneficial insects and other wildlife to act as natural predators for crop pests and a soil full of micro-organisms and earthworms to maintain its vitality. The avoidance of artificial chemicals means organic farmers minimize health and pollution problems. Pesticide particles travel on the wind for many miles.
Why buy organic food products? The best reason for buying organic food is simply that it tastes extremely good, but undoubtedly there are sound health reasons for doing so too. It has been shown in some studies to have more vitamins and trace elements than conventionally grown food and, of course, it will not have been treated with noxious chemicals. There is a vast array of pesticides used in conventional agriculture, many of which are extremely toxic to humans, causing cancers as well as other illnesses.
ISKCON's Organic Outlet "Dharani" To reach the benefits of organic farming to the people and to create awareness about organic farming ISKCON Bangalore has opened an outlet called "dharani" at the ISKCON Temple Complex. Not only are the products from the ISKCON's Organic Farm sold in dharani but also ISKCON trained organic farmers will have an outlet for their farm products - thus promoting the sale of vegetables, fruits, grains and spices free from chemicals and pesticides.
Organic farming association of india
The Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI) is the country's only organization of grassroots organic farmers. Since Indian agriculture continues to remain a source of livelihood for mostly small farmers and peasants, OFAI membership reflects this ground reality as well.
OFAI is also committed to active involvement of women farmers in the decision-making structures of the association. Such involvement is mandatory and reflected in the organisation's bye-laws.
The association - which is registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act - was formed three years ago. Its memorandum of association was written and approved after a wide consultation with organic farmers.
The primary objective of the association is to promote organic farming within the country and to take all such means that are available to achieve this purpose. OFAI's labeling scheme is meant to provide an assurance of guarantee of organically grown produce exclusively for domestic consumers. The organisation has rejected, at the outset, any preoccupation with organic farming for export purposes.
Unlike other organic farm certification systems, OFAI farm certification is done through the agency of trained organic farmers themselves. OFAI does not accept farm inspectors who do not themselves practice organic agriculture.
As OFAI farming is based on natural principles, it is firmly opposed to the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in agriculture and will actively campaign against such agriculture.
The ultimate objective of the association is to produce poison-free food for Indian consumers and to achieve this by maintaining the living fertility of Indian soils
OFAI is also committed to active involvement of women farmers in the decision-making structures of the association. Such involvement is mandatory and reflected in the organisation's bye-laws.
The association - which is registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act - was formed three years ago. Its memorandum of association was written and approved after a wide consultation with organic farmers.
The primary objective of the association is to promote organic farming within the country and to take all such means that are available to achieve this purpose. OFAI's labeling scheme is meant to provide an assurance of guarantee of organically grown produce exclusively for domestic consumers. The organisation has rejected, at the outset, any preoccupation with organic farming for export purposes.
Unlike other organic farm certification systems, OFAI farm certification is done through the agency of trained organic farmers themselves. OFAI does not accept farm inspectors who do not themselves practice organic agriculture.
As OFAI farming is based on natural principles, it is firmly opposed to the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in agriculture and will actively campaign against such agriculture.
The ultimate objective of the association is to produce poison-free food for Indian consumers and to achieve this by maintaining the living fertility of Indian soils
GREEN EARTH!
Kiss of the sun for pardon. Song of the birds for mirth. You're closer to God's heart in a garden than any place else on earth." -- Dorothy Frances Gurney
A beautiful garden soothes the eye, heals the soul and is the shortest way to connect humans to the wonders to nature – to our selves. Seeing a tree in full bloom, feeling the touch of grass under your feet, smelling the fragrance of a rose…nature’s bounty is but a thought away. Now we can bring it all into our homes, workplaces, into every bit of our world with just a thought. Green Earth – The Garden Centre brings your dream gardens into your homes and offices and changes your life forever!
A beautiful garden soothes the eye, heals the soul and is the shortest way to connect humans to the wonders to nature – to our selves. Seeing a tree in full bloom, feeling the touch of grass under your feet, smelling the fragrance of a rose…nature’s bounty is but a thought away. Now we can bring it all into our homes, workplaces, into every bit of our world with just a thought. Green Earth – The Garden Centre brings your dream gardens into your homes and offices and changes your life forever!
Earth Day! Do your part and Go Green
Today is Earth Day. Here is a guide to help make your Earth Day the greenest it can be.
Use reusable lunch bags and containers.
Use refillable water bottles.
Take canvas bag to the go shopping instead of using plastic bags.
Replace light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL).
Turn off lights and unplug appliances when not in use.
Recycle paper, plastic, and glass and buy goods made from recycled materials
As an Earth Day activity, eat vegetarian for a day; if you're a vegetarian, try eating vegan.
By the way, Veggie Teens was selected as one of the Best Cookbooks For Earth Day!
Do your part and GO GREEN.
Use reusable lunch bags and containers.
Use refillable water bottles.
Take canvas bag to the go shopping instead of using plastic bags.
Replace light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL).
Turn off lights and unplug appliances when not in use.
Recycle paper, plastic, and glass and buy goods made from recycled materials
As an Earth Day activity, eat vegetarian for a day; if you're a vegetarian, try eating vegan.
By the way, Veggie Teens was selected as one of the Best Cookbooks For Earth Day!
Do your part and GO GREEN.
Why Become a Vegetarian
There are many reasons to become a vegetarian; my reason is that I love and care for animals. All of my vegetarian teenager friends became vegetarians for different reasons.
Here are just some of the reasons some of my friends are becoming vegetarians:
They love animals
They're concerned about the environment
They feel it's healthier
Religious reasons
Because it's cool
I don't think becoming a vegetarian just because it's cool is a good idea, but as long as it saves animals, it's ok with me!
Here are just some of the reasons some of my friends are becoming vegetarians:
They love animals
They're concerned about the environment
They feel it's healthier
Religious reasons
Because it's cool
I don't think becoming a vegetarian just because it's cool is a good idea, but as long as it saves animals, it's ok with me!
Catriona Cameron - Miss Cheshire 2009
Young veggie Catriona Cameron was recently named Miss Cheshire 2009! And to make it a double celebration for veggies she was crowned by last year’s winner, and previous young veggie “celebrity”, Victoria Pettengell!
Catriona is a student completing a Masters degree in Acting at The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, currently putting the final touches to her thesis, after which she hopes to find work as a 'Theatre in Education' performer. She has also found the time to answer some questions from young veggies across the country…
*Why did you decide to become a veggie?
Well, I became vegetarian whilst on a school trip in France. We visited a farmers market, and then a snail farm and then had frogs legs...it was just a bit disgusting to see all these cute animals and then eat them! Before then I’d never really thought about the meat on my plate being an actual living creature, it was a bit of an awakening.
*How did your parents react when you told them?
They were very supportive although my mother did implement one condition. She told me that if I was going to be vegetarian I couldn’t just eat junk food and I had to learn to cook my own meals. She showed me a lot of recipes and now I really enjoy cooking.
*What made you first become interested in beauty contests?
I saw an advert for Miss Cheshire 2008 and entered just for fun. I didn’t think I’d get anywhere and completely forgot about it until I got a ‘phone call saying I’d made it to the final. I placed ‘second runner-up’ and Victoria Pettengell came first. I had such a great time in the competition that I decided to enter again this year and was crowned Miss Cheshire 2009! Victoria crowned me and I think we’ve started a tradition now, I hope next year’s Miss Cheshire will be a veggie as well!!
*As Miss Cheshire do you think that you are helping to change any stereotypes people might have about veggies?
I hope so. When I was at school a lot of my peers thought I was odd because I was vegetarian. I think there was a perception that if you were vegetarian then you were a bit of a hippy; that you didn’t wash and only wore hemp clothing! But celebrities like Stella McCartney, Shania Twain and Jim Carrey have changed that perception and I hope that in my role as Miss Cheshire 2009 I can maybe contribute a little bit to altering the stereotype.
*Do you think that a veggie diet helps you keep in a good physical shape for contests?
Most definitely, I recently saw research from The US National Cancer Institute, which found that people whose diet contained a high proportion of red or processed meat, had a higher overall risk of obesity, and specifically a higher risk of cancer and heart disease than those who ate little or none at all. I believe that when I stopped eating meat my overall health improved. Plus a veggie diet is full of natural beauty enhancers! Nuts are excellent for building strong nails and hair, whilst eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables gives you healthy, glowing skin.
As a dancer I am very aware of nutrition and the importance of a healthy, balanced diet. People are always asking me if I find being a vegetarian a struggle nutritionally and I always look at them in amazement as vegetarianism was not only an ethical choice for me, but a healthier option.
*Have you ever met any other veggies involved in beauty contests?
As I mentioned earlier I met Victoria Pettengell (Miss Cheshire 2008) at a beauty contest, she is vegan and has given me lots of advice on creating a balanced meat-free diet. I also met a couple of girls at the Miss Beauty Queen finals.
*Will you be using your title to promote vegetarianism and animal welfare/environmental issues?
I most certainly will! I’ve already been to Altrincham Market and helped out on the Vegetarian Society stall which was a lot of fun. I hope to get more involved with the Vegetarian Society over the next year and use my title as a platform to promote awareness. I found out recently that I’ve qualified as a finalist for Miss Earth England, which is a beauty pageant with an environmental focus. I’m currently looking for a sponsor to work with so that I can promote awareness of environmental issues in my region of North-West England.
*Do you ever wear fur or leather?
I have studied Acting at University and sometimes I do have to wear leather items for plays, but I do avoid it as much as possible and so far no one has ever asked me to wear fur. I would never personally buy leather or fur products, it’s completely unnecessary when they can make such good synthetic materials.
*What do you like to do in your spare time?
I don’t have much spare time at the moment as I’ve been very busy travelling around Cheshire visiting local fairs and events. But I do have a lot of hobbies, I love to cook, swim, walk my dogs, read and knit (although I can only knit very slowly in straight lines and have been working on the same scarf for two years now!). I also recently started training in circus skills; static trapeze is my favourite activity as it’s so graceful but a real work out for the upper arms!
*Who or what inspires you?
I’m always deeply inspired by people who are true to themselves, stand up for their beliefs and work hard to achieve their goals. My mother has been inspirational to me and I hope I can take everything she taught me and be a role model for other young women.
*Name one thing that really annoys you?
The fluff from socks that gets in between your toes – yuck! No, seriously, I find ignorance a very annoying trait in people. But I’m very aware that sometimes I can be quite ignorant so I try to listen to people’s views and do my research before forming an opinion.
*What’s the best and worst places you’ve visited for veggie food?
I usually eat in ‘The Egg’ cafe in Liverpool; it serves excellent homemade vegetarian food in a really laid-back and artistic environment. The worst place for vegetarian food is France! I’ve had two different jobs in France and so lived there for almost seven months and it was awful, I could never eat out. Vegetarianism really isn’t very popular in France, they still serve chicken or fish as a vegetarian option! This is a shame because the vegetables they grow over there taste amazing!
*What’s your all-time favourite meal?
My favourite meal in the world has to be the classic English Sunday roast dinner (except without the meat obviously!). I love piling my plate full of roast parsnips, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mashed turnips and swede, carrots, peas, and of course roast potatoes! Yum!
*Are you a fan of fake meats? What’s your favourite?
I didn’t eat any fake meat products until I went to university. My university (The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts) was founded by Sir Paul McCartney and when I first attended the canteen only served Linda McCartney Vegetarian food. I particularly used to enjoy the Linda McCartney veggie sausages and so I started branching out into ‘Quorn’ produce and trying other brands. I think ‘Cauldron’ is my favourite brand so far because they use lots of herbs and interesting ingredients for flavour.
Thank you very much Catriona!
Anneka Svenska
Anneka Svenska is a wolf handler, environmentalist, and highly respected wildlife presenter. She has drawn much of her inspiration from her mum's late partner, Ben Metcalfe, one of the original founders of Greenpeace.
Anneka grew up surrounded by animals and was working with the RSPCA by the age of 5. By the age of 15 she had already saved numerous animals and her house became a haven for all manner of adopted and saved creatures.
Anneka has appeared as a dog expert, scuba diver and animal handler in many well known British television shows.
*You started working with animals at a very young age. How did it all start?
I wanted to work with animals from as young as I can remember – it was always in me to be extremely sympathetic to animals. I became even more passionate after finding a stall in the high street which was giving out leaflets on vivisection and animal slaughter. I was enraged and told my mum that I was not going to be eating meat any more. As I couldn’t work full time helping animals, I enrolled as an RSPCA junior member which gave great opportunities to fund raise and get awards for work studying animals. I also would do weekend work at places such as vet surgeries and horse retirement homes.
*How did you become a wolf handler?
It was an ‘organic’ process you could say. Dogs have always been my favourite animals as they are so devoted to people, however I was always bothered by the fact that some were so in-bred looking and full of hereditary illnesses. I became more and more attached to larger, more natural dogs and eventually got into wolfdogs. I wanted to create the ultimate natural dog, which would be not only safe with children, but would have all the beauty and health of a wolf. In my quest, I visited a wolf sanctuary in Bedford and WHAM! I was in love ;o) There I saw the ultimate ‘dog’….the Wolf. Huge, healthy and with no desire to be a silly lapdog. You are on an equal basis when you are with a wolf and you have to win its trust, you can’t dominate it like a dog. I could watch them for hours, they are such raw, fascinating creatures. After meeting my first wolf, I started working as a volunteer at a trust in Reading, but around the same time a friend of mine rescued a wolf and we now co-own her. She lives in the countryside on loads of land and I play with her for hours. She only trusts a few people and won’t come to men hardly ever, so I am totally privileged to be her friend.
*Are there many wolf handlers in the world?
Yes, I imagine there are, but not all have the wolves’ best interest at heart. Most want to either look tough, or simply have a wolf as a pet. Being a wolf handler wasn’t intended just so I could pet a wolf, I decided that it was a valuable skill which I would need in order to help wolves in the wild and wolf conservation around the world. You’ll never catch me trying to wrestle a wolf ‘Shaun Ellis’ style. A wolf will NEVER see you as part of its pack, so trying to become its alpha is a pointless quest. It’s best to form a gentle and loving bond with the wolves, so they respect and tolerate you.
*What does a wolf handler do?
A wolf handler has the knowledge of how to handle a captive wolf, and also how to try and guess what the wolf is thinking. It’s about behaviour as well as physically touching the wolf. I have been involved in organisations where fights between wolves have had to be broken up, the reasons for fighting have had to be analysed, grumpy, old wolves have had to be moved and you have to be a minder for people when you take them in with the wolves, just in case the wolf decides to have some fun with them. Wolves are not dangerous and don’t attack like a German Shepherd guard dog would, but they work in a pack order hierarchy scheme and I have found that the omega (bottom of the pack) is usually the trouble maker. The omega is always looking to move up the pack, so if an ‘inferior’ human comes into its pen, it often sees this as an opportunity to test the strength of the human with its weight, so it can perhaps move up the line and become a beta wolf. We call this strength testing ‘bouncing’, and it is very similar to when your dog jumps up at you, except with a wolf, they are lot stronger and the meaning is more intense.
*People tend to think of wolves as being quite scary – the Big Bad Wolf and all that. Are wolves misunderstood?
Wolves are EXTREMELY misunderstood. For example, a Chinese friend of mine screamed when she knew I was in with wolves and immediately said that they would eat me. My daughter told her classmates what I did with wolves and all of her friends said that wolves would kill me. It’s the same everywhere I go. It’s ridiculous. Wolves are one the most timid animals on the planet. If you go wolf trekking, you’ll be lucky to catch a glimpse of a wolf all week. Disney has not helped, and the film ‘White Fang’ portrays wolves as ferocious beasts which prey and hunt humans. There has never been a documented killing of a human from a healthy, wild wolf in history, as wolves fear us so much they would never come near us. There may have been incidences many hundreds of years ago when rabies was rife, and also I am sure if tiny kids were in the forest alone, then that would be a different matter. Even captive wolves who are tamed are not to be trusted around children as all wolves after maturity (about 2-3 years old) have a ‘trigger’ switch which goes off every time they see something wriggly and screaming – it’s just like a small prey animal.
Many captive wolves run away from people they don’t know. It is strange but many male wolves fear men. We can’t really understand it totally, but we think that it comes from the fact that men have more dominant body language and a deep voice.
*If there was one thing you could wish for wolves, what would it be?
That people would stop shooting them down. The culling of wolves has got to horrific levels. The USA are the worst for this which is ridiculous considering how first world they are. Wolves are feared for reasons which do not apply. They are blamed for loss of livestock when it is large cats most of the time which take cattle. Also hunters view them as competitors, and when wolves are around, there is less deer to shoot. Wolves balance the eco system and without wolves, the prey over-breed and become more ill. Wolves take out the sick and injured, creating a good, balanced eco system. Their left-over’s feed all of the other animals in the eco system also.
*What sort of conservation work are you currently involved in?
I have recently been raising money for Born Free’s Ethiopian Wolf project and Will Travis has asked me to go out and spend some time with the wolves which I can’t wait to do. It’s not just wolves, though, that I spend my time working with. I regularly help VIVA (Vegetarian’s International Voice for Animals) raise money and can often been seen at demos. However, the one thing I hate more than anything on this planet is Asia’s fur trade. Some of the videos I have only been able to watch once as they are too heartbreaking. Live foxes being skinned as they scream. There is one video which shows a skinned fox looking up and blinking after its fur has been torn off. Then there is the legalised Korean dog meat trade which is so barbaric with dogs crated up in agony being dropped from lorries before being electrocuted or hung. I could NEVER go to these countries as a tourist, as I could never stand back and tolerate what goes on.
Out of all of your various professional roles – wolf handler, conservationist, TV presenter – which aspect of your work do you enjoy the most?
I can’t choose I’m afraid. I decided to combine being a presenter with animal work as so many animal people I have worked with are so very humble and quiet and do not like the limelight. I adore TV and have no fear of being on stage or in front of a camera, so I felt that I was a good person to get up there and spread the word about animals and how they need our help via television. I feel that TV is an amazing way to educate the younger generations and I can already see a change in attitudes of children compared to the older, totally meat-eating generations.
*Where in the world do you feel happiest and why?
Scuba diving in the Indian Ocean. I adore the colours and the fragility of the ocean and am a very careful diver. The fish interact with you and it’s such a wonderful feeling. We need to cherish our reefs and stop over-fishing the seas. When I die, I want my ashes thrown into the reefs around the Maldives, so I can be at one with the sea.
*How long have you been a vegetarian, and what made you decide to go veggie?
I have been a veggie since about 10 years old and went veggie because of the animal activists’ stall in my High Street. Some people don’t care that animals are slaughtered – I hated the truth and couldn’t sleep for ages after finding out. The teachers even tried to force me to eat it. My mum encouraged meat, so I would hide all of my sausages under the curtain in the front room and flush them away later when she wasn’t looking. I HATE that TV show ‘Kill It, Cook It, Eat It’. I cannot believe it ever got commissioned. It’s horrific.
*What’s your favourite vegetarian food?
Pesto Pasta. Nice and stodgy, but yummy. I haven’t managed to become a vegan yet, but I think I’m pretty close.
*What advice would you give to a young person growing up today, hoping to make a difference for animals and the environment?
Learn all the facts. Don’t be ignorant. Every little, tiny action helps and if everyone decided to recycle, then the whole world would be recycling. If you don’t eat meat, your conscience will be totally clean, too. You are healthier and happier. I know that some people love the taste of meat – just try and visualise the animal alive and happy before deciding to eat its body. Eating a little trusting lamb, or a wriggling piglet just feels wrong to me. It feels medieval and we all should have moved on since then. If everyone stopped eating meat, then it would also help global warming immensely.
Thanks, Anneka!
back to top
Tony Benn
Tony Benn was the longest serving Labour Party Member of Parliament (MP) ever! He was born in London in 1925 and retired from the House of Commons in May 2001, after fifty years in Parliament. He was a Cabinet minister in the Wilson and Callaghan governments from 1964 - 79, as Minister of Technology, Secretary of State for both Industry and Energy and President of the Council of European Energy ministers in 1977.
He is currently the holder of seven honorary Doctorates from British and American universities, has just been appointed as a Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics and can still often be seen and heard taking part in demonstrations and political debates on television and radio.
He has four children (one of whom, Hilary, is Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs!) and ten grandchildren. You can find out more here.
*Why did you become a vegetarian and can you remember roughly how old you were?
When I was over 50 years old my son Hilary convinced me there would be enough food for everybody in the world if we ate the grain instead of feeding it to animals which we then killed to eat.
*Has it got easier being veggie as you’ve grown older?
Yes!
*Have you ever thought that you’ve been missing out on anything as a veggie?
Certainly not! I don’t like meat. I avoid killing animals. I feel better!
*What’s the most annoying question you get asked as a veggie and what do you reply?
No questions ever annoy me.
*What do you say to people who claim that eating meat is natural?
Killing animals is cruel! Some people claim that killing people in war is also natural but that is cruel too!
*Do you love or loathe fake meat products?
I used to love vegetarian sausages but I don’t any longer.
*What is your favourite style of food, and all-time favourite veggie meal and drink?
Large pizzas! I can be a bit of a veggie junk food addict and I drink gallons of tea a day.
*Is there a vegetable or fruit that you really hate?
I find vegetables very boring but I like fruit, especially bananas.
*If you could change one thing today what would it be?
The export of live animals and cruelty to animals. When I was 5 I saw the window display of the British Anti-Vivisection Society and it had a big effect on me.
Thank you very much for answering our questions Tony.
back to top
Victoria Pettengell - Miss Cheshire 2008
Young veggie Victoria Pettengell recently beat thousands of hopefuls to be crowned Miss Cheshire 2008. She won herself a year long modelling deal and contract with Maximum Management into the bargain and also gained automatic entry into the Miss Beauty Queen finals. If she wins that… Victoria will represent the UK at the Miss International Pageant!
She is currently training to become a primary school teacher and took some time out from her busy schedule (she’s also got three jobs!) to answer questions from young veggies.
*What made you decide to become a veggie?
I have always been intrigued as to why people were vegan, and so I read a book about it. I was vegan by the 3rd page!!!! I chose to become vegan because I hate cruelty to animals.
*How did your parents react when you told them?
They were worried at first and really didn’t warm to the idea...they were sure it would make me ill! But I soon proved them wrong. I made a conscious effort to have a really balanced diet and also took vitamins too.
*When and how did you become interested in the world of beauty contests?
From being a little girl I have always been fascinated with the world of beauty pageants! It had always been a dream of mine to do one but I never thought it would be possible. Then I saw an advertisement for 'Miss Cheshire' entered and won!
*How do you prepare for contests and what do they involve?
I have only ever entered one, which was Miss Cheshire, but I do have one coming up very soon! I have started really looking after my skin so that I won’t have any spots for the pageant. I have also started jogging a few times a week, as I believe the fresh air is really good for your skin and hair. I also make sure I’m mentally prepared, thinking up answers for every possible question! The pageants have 3 rounds, fun-fashion, sports and evening. There is also an interview on stage where you are asked questions like "what 3 things would you take to a desert island and why?" You are also judged throughout the day on your interaction with the other girls, whether you listen to advice etc.
*Do you find that people are surprised to find you are a veggie and do you feel that you are breaking certain stereotypes about veggies?
Yeah, a lot of people are really surprised when I say I’m vegan! I do think that I have broken the typical vegan stereotype, as a lot of people expect you to be a tree-hugging hippy, which I’m not!
*Do you find that a veggie diet helps you keep your figure?
Yeah, definitely. I would never go on a diet as love my food too much, but considering that I eat what I want (vegan only obviously) when I want I’ve not done too badly! The good thing about being vegan, is that everything you eat is healthy!!!
*Do you have to make any extra effort to keep fit and healthy?
Well I exercise regularly and eat a really healthy, balanced diet so I wouldn’t say that I make an extra effort, it’s just a part of my everyday life.
*Will you be using your title to promote a veggie/vegan diet and animal welfare/environmental issues?
Yes, I really hope so. This is why I’m working with The Vegetarian Society!!! I feel very passionate about animal welfare and becoming vegan, and so really want to spread the word!
*What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy going to the cinema and spending time with my friends, family and boyfriend. Although I don’t really have much spare time, as I hold down 3 jobs and am at uni ’ full time too!
*Who are your heroes and why?
I absolutely adore Marilyn Monroe. I am really against the whole size zero image. I think that women should embrace their figures no matter what shape or size. Marilyn was a UK size 16 and she loved her curves....and I think she looks remarkable too!!! I also have a lot of respect for Coleen and also Charlotte Church for not giving into the pressure of being a size zero. I also really loved Anita Roddick and everything she stood for.
*What are the best and worst places you’ve visited for veggie food?
My favourite place is a takeaway in the Trafford centre (near Manchester) called V2GO (Vegan 2 Go). I love it! The menu is fantastic and it’s cheap too! I also like Giraffe in the Trafford Centre. The worst is the Marks and Spencer’s’ cafe. I went with my mum the other day and not only could I not eat anything, I couldn’t drink anything either!!! Absolutely everything in there had dairy in it!
*Are you a fan of fake meats?
I use soya mince, but I don’t really like the smell, or texture of meat in general. I have tried Cauldron veggie sausages which were really nice!!
*What’s your favourite fruit and vegetable?
My favourite fruits are apple, passion fruit, pomegranate, grapes and bananas (I love all fruit). My favourite veggies are sprouts, sweetcorn, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli and cabbage!
Thank you very much Victoria.
Back to top
Dr Dan Lyons - Campaigns Director of Uncaged
Dr Dan Lyons is the Campaigns Director of Uncaged, an international animal protection organisation based in Sheffield. Uncaged campaign against animal experiments, xenotransplantation (that’s animal to human transplants) and for animal rights and democratic action on animal issues through the political system. Uncaged is aiming to promote an international debate about the rights of animals and campaigns to have those rights enshrined in law. If you’d like to find out more about them take a look at www.uncaged.co.uk.
Dan, who was last year awarded two prestigious prizes in recognition of the impact and quality of his research into animal experimentation (The Arthur Ling Memorial Award at The Christmas Without Cruelty Fayre in London and the Andrew Gamble Prize for the Outstanding Thesis of 2006-7) has just won the national Political Studies Association's prize for the best thesis on Government and Public Administration. What a star! He also found the time to answer our questions …
*What first made you decide to become a vegetarian and how old were you?
I realised when I was 13 or 14 that we don’t need to eat meat, and so you can’t justify killing an animal just because you want to. After that I gradually cut out meat from my diet and I was a proper veggie from 17 when I went to university. There, I joined the animal rights society and found out about the suffering and killing that are intrinsic to the dairy and egg industries, and so I became vegan when I was about 20.
*What did your parents say when you told them you were a veggie?
Well, my Mum was pretty supportive, and she even bought me a vegan cookbook!
*What is the best thing about your job at Uncaged?
Being able to apply my knowledge and experience to try and make the world a better place.
*How have things changed over the last ten years since Uncaged was founded?
In some ways, campaigning against animal experiments has become even harder. One reason is that the media focus on the more aggressive protests which has created a negative image of the animal rights movement. On the positive side, I think the public are becoming more and more aware of the scientific flaws in animal testing and the suffering caused to animals. This provides a foundation for future progress.
*Do you ever find it difficult getting on with non-veggie friends?
Sometimes – it depends on them really. Some people get very defensive about their meat-eating without me having to say a word! I guess they feel challenged by the mere fact that I’m vegan because it raises fundamental questions about their own character and ethics.
*What’s been the best place you’ve ever been on holiday to for veggies?
India was really good as a huge proportion of the food is veggie or vegan, though curries can get a bit repetitive no matter how good they are! Also, New Zealand was surprisingly good. Even in the most out of the way places the shops had a great selection of fresh fruit, vegetables and sprouted beans and vegan stuff like soya milk etc. Also, omnivorous establishments were very willing to cook up vegan food whereas in Britain the reaction you get is often unhelpful.
*What are you listening to right now?
Various stuff like Arctic Monkeys, Groove Armada, Fila Brazilia, Jarvis Cocker, The Chameleons, The Wedding Present, The Go Betweens and The Smiths.
*Do you love or hate fake meat products? (Do you have a favourite?)
I love em! Though I don’t really think of them as fake meat/cheese etc. I’m particularly fond of Redwood Lincolnshire style sausages.
*What is your favourite style of food, and all-time favourite veggie meal and drink?
I think Thai is my favourite overall. But probably my favourite meal and drink is a vegan pasta Bolognese using Redwood’s veggie mince and dairy-free parmesano, garlic bread with olive oil for dipping, and a nice glass of organic vegan red wine!
*Is there a vegetable or fruit that you really don ’t like?
Brussels Sprouts! (And they smell like farts when they’re cooking!) I’m even more averse to marmite and peanut butter - they are truly the work of the devil!
*If you could change one thing today what would it be?
I would like humans to understand and appreciate that we’re no better or more valuable than any other animal on this planet.
Thank you very much Dan.
Back to top
Twiggy & Woody Beavers become members!
The stars of this year’s BBC Autumnwatch, beavers Twiggy and Woody, were today recognised for their contribution to debunking the popular misconception that vegetarians (and beavers) eat fish. Presenting the wetland mammals with honorary membership, The Vegetarian Society has acknowledged their sterling work in educating the nation that they, like all vegetarians, do not eat the flesh of any animals, including fish.
Twiggy and Woody are based at the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust Martin Mere Wetland Centre.
To keep up to date with Twiggy and Woody visit the Wildfowl & Wetland Trust website
Back to top
Russell Lissack - Guitarist from Bloc Party
Bloc Party’s debut album, “Silent Alarm”, sold a million copies, was the New Musical Express’ album of the year for 2005 and achieved chart success in 17 countries. Their 2007 tour took them to Mexico, the USA, Canada, Iceland, Ireland and mainland Europe. They also managed to squeeze in performances at the Reading and Leeds Festivals.
In the last half of 2007 their singles “Hunting For Witches” and “Flux” climbed to numbers 22 and 8 in the UK charts. Their biggest hit, “The Prayer”, reached number 4 in 2005.Russell, who lists his musical influences as Suede, Radiohead, New Order, The Smiths, Prince, and Weezer, took a break whilst in Columbus, Ohio to answer questions from young veggies.
*Hello Russell, what made you decide to become a vegetarian and how old were you?It was only 3 or 4 years ago... a combination of reading "Fast Food Nation", realising what actually goes on in the real world, and a health issue making me want to become more... well, healthy.
*What did your parents say when you told them you were a veggie?I lived with my gran at the time... she didn’t really understand the concept at first, and kept asking if I could still eat bacon, etc but she's really good with it now and makes me lovely dinners when I go to visit :)
* Do you often find yourself having to explain to people whyyou're a veggie?Not really... I don't think people are interested in the reasons behind it, they usually just reach their own conclusions
*Have you been on tour to any really bad places for veggies?Well, Europe is pretty bad in general, especially Portugal, where they just don't seem to understand the concept at all, and you're lucky if you can get a plate of chips.
*What's been the best place to tour as a veggie?I love eating in New York though; they have so many good vegetarian places to eat... America in general seems to have all these lovely meat substitutes that don't exist in England, which I find very odd.
*What do you request on your "rider" before gigs?It depends where we are... its nice to have some fruit on tour just to balance out all the pizza and vokda.
*Do you love or loathe fake meat products? Do you have afavourite?Personally I love them. I'm very fussy with my vegetables so they're usually an essential part of a meal for me. And unless I’m wrong, they’re usually pretty healthy too, e.g. tofu. I had a vegan doner kebab in America once, which I found quite funny.
*Have you met any veggies in other famous bands?Yeah, all the time... Alan, the singer of the Rakes is vegan... I remember feeling great sympathy for him in Japan as he's left eating rice and cucumber three times a day.
*What is your all-time favourite veggie meal and drink?I don’t have a favorite... I like bangers and mash at home, and I like Thai tofu dishes when I’m out.
*Is it annoying being in a band with meat eaters?Its not annoying, I just feel like a burden if we go out to eat, because then we have to spend time finding somewhere to cater for me.
*What can't you live without?Is it too soppy to say my girlfriend?
*What's your pet hate?Well, I’m not a fan of the French underground system, but that’s another story.
*Is there anything you really wish was veggie but isn't?Not really... I think I've found a replacement for pretty much everything.
Catriona is a student completing a Masters degree in Acting at The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, currently putting the final touches to her thesis, after which she hopes to find work as a 'Theatre in Education' performer. She has also found the time to answer some questions from young veggies across the country…
*Why did you decide to become a veggie?
Well, I became vegetarian whilst on a school trip in France. We visited a farmers market, and then a snail farm and then had frogs legs...it was just a bit disgusting to see all these cute animals and then eat them! Before then I’d never really thought about the meat on my plate being an actual living creature, it was a bit of an awakening.
*How did your parents react when you told them?
They were very supportive although my mother did implement one condition. She told me that if I was going to be vegetarian I couldn’t just eat junk food and I had to learn to cook my own meals. She showed me a lot of recipes and now I really enjoy cooking.
*What made you first become interested in beauty contests?
I saw an advert for Miss Cheshire 2008 and entered just for fun. I didn’t think I’d get anywhere and completely forgot about it until I got a ‘phone call saying I’d made it to the final. I placed ‘second runner-up’ and Victoria Pettengell came first. I had such a great time in the competition that I decided to enter again this year and was crowned Miss Cheshire 2009! Victoria crowned me and I think we’ve started a tradition now, I hope next year’s Miss Cheshire will be a veggie as well!!
*As Miss Cheshire do you think that you are helping to change any stereotypes people might have about veggies?
I hope so. When I was at school a lot of my peers thought I was odd because I was vegetarian. I think there was a perception that if you were vegetarian then you were a bit of a hippy; that you didn’t wash and only wore hemp clothing! But celebrities like Stella McCartney, Shania Twain and Jim Carrey have changed that perception and I hope that in my role as Miss Cheshire 2009 I can maybe contribute a little bit to altering the stereotype.
*Do you think that a veggie diet helps you keep in a good physical shape for contests?
Most definitely, I recently saw research from The US National Cancer Institute, which found that people whose diet contained a high proportion of red or processed meat, had a higher overall risk of obesity, and specifically a higher risk of cancer and heart disease than those who ate little or none at all. I believe that when I stopped eating meat my overall health improved. Plus a veggie diet is full of natural beauty enhancers! Nuts are excellent for building strong nails and hair, whilst eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables gives you healthy, glowing skin.
As a dancer I am very aware of nutrition and the importance of a healthy, balanced diet. People are always asking me if I find being a vegetarian a struggle nutritionally and I always look at them in amazement as vegetarianism was not only an ethical choice for me, but a healthier option.
*Have you ever met any other veggies involved in beauty contests?
As I mentioned earlier I met Victoria Pettengell (Miss Cheshire 2008) at a beauty contest, she is vegan and has given me lots of advice on creating a balanced meat-free diet. I also met a couple of girls at the Miss Beauty Queen finals.
*Will you be using your title to promote vegetarianism and animal welfare/environmental issues?
I most certainly will! I’ve already been to Altrincham Market and helped out on the Vegetarian Society stall which was a lot of fun. I hope to get more involved with the Vegetarian Society over the next year and use my title as a platform to promote awareness. I found out recently that I’ve qualified as a finalist for Miss Earth England, which is a beauty pageant with an environmental focus. I’m currently looking for a sponsor to work with so that I can promote awareness of environmental issues in my region of North-West England.
*Do you ever wear fur or leather?
I have studied Acting at University and sometimes I do have to wear leather items for plays, but I do avoid it as much as possible and so far no one has ever asked me to wear fur. I would never personally buy leather or fur products, it’s completely unnecessary when they can make such good synthetic materials.
*What do you like to do in your spare time?
I don’t have much spare time at the moment as I’ve been very busy travelling around Cheshire visiting local fairs and events. But I do have a lot of hobbies, I love to cook, swim, walk my dogs, read and knit (although I can only knit very slowly in straight lines and have been working on the same scarf for two years now!). I also recently started training in circus skills; static trapeze is my favourite activity as it’s so graceful but a real work out for the upper arms!
*Who or what inspires you?
I’m always deeply inspired by people who are true to themselves, stand up for their beliefs and work hard to achieve their goals. My mother has been inspirational to me and I hope I can take everything she taught me and be a role model for other young women.
*Name one thing that really annoys you?
The fluff from socks that gets in between your toes – yuck! No, seriously, I find ignorance a very annoying trait in people. But I’m very aware that sometimes I can be quite ignorant so I try to listen to people’s views and do my research before forming an opinion.
*What’s the best and worst places you’ve visited for veggie food?
I usually eat in ‘The Egg’ cafe in Liverpool; it serves excellent homemade vegetarian food in a really laid-back and artistic environment. The worst place for vegetarian food is France! I’ve had two different jobs in France and so lived there for almost seven months and it was awful, I could never eat out. Vegetarianism really isn’t very popular in France, they still serve chicken or fish as a vegetarian option! This is a shame because the vegetables they grow over there taste amazing!
*What’s your all-time favourite meal?
My favourite meal in the world has to be the classic English Sunday roast dinner (except without the meat obviously!). I love piling my plate full of roast parsnips, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mashed turnips and swede, carrots, peas, and of course roast potatoes! Yum!
*Are you a fan of fake meats? What’s your favourite?
I didn’t eat any fake meat products until I went to university. My university (The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts) was founded by Sir Paul McCartney and when I first attended the canteen only served Linda McCartney Vegetarian food. I particularly used to enjoy the Linda McCartney veggie sausages and so I started branching out into ‘Quorn’ produce and trying other brands. I think ‘Cauldron’ is my favourite brand so far because they use lots of herbs and interesting ingredients for flavour.
Thank you very much Catriona!
Anneka Svenska
Anneka Svenska is a wolf handler, environmentalist, and highly respected wildlife presenter. She has drawn much of her inspiration from her mum's late partner, Ben Metcalfe, one of the original founders of Greenpeace.
Anneka grew up surrounded by animals and was working with the RSPCA by the age of 5. By the age of 15 she had already saved numerous animals and her house became a haven for all manner of adopted and saved creatures.
Anneka has appeared as a dog expert, scuba diver and animal handler in many well known British television shows.
*You started working with animals at a very young age. How did it all start?
I wanted to work with animals from as young as I can remember – it was always in me to be extremely sympathetic to animals. I became even more passionate after finding a stall in the high street which was giving out leaflets on vivisection and animal slaughter. I was enraged and told my mum that I was not going to be eating meat any more. As I couldn’t work full time helping animals, I enrolled as an RSPCA junior member which gave great opportunities to fund raise and get awards for work studying animals. I also would do weekend work at places such as vet surgeries and horse retirement homes.
*How did you become a wolf handler?
It was an ‘organic’ process you could say. Dogs have always been my favourite animals as they are so devoted to people, however I was always bothered by the fact that some were so in-bred looking and full of hereditary illnesses. I became more and more attached to larger, more natural dogs and eventually got into wolfdogs. I wanted to create the ultimate natural dog, which would be not only safe with children, but would have all the beauty and health of a wolf. In my quest, I visited a wolf sanctuary in Bedford and WHAM! I was in love ;o) There I saw the ultimate ‘dog’….the Wolf. Huge, healthy and with no desire to be a silly lapdog. You are on an equal basis when you are with a wolf and you have to win its trust, you can’t dominate it like a dog. I could watch them for hours, they are such raw, fascinating creatures. After meeting my first wolf, I started working as a volunteer at a trust in Reading, but around the same time a friend of mine rescued a wolf and we now co-own her. She lives in the countryside on loads of land and I play with her for hours. She only trusts a few people and won’t come to men hardly ever, so I am totally privileged to be her friend.
*Are there many wolf handlers in the world?
Yes, I imagine there are, but not all have the wolves’ best interest at heart. Most want to either look tough, or simply have a wolf as a pet. Being a wolf handler wasn’t intended just so I could pet a wolf, I decided that it was a valuable skill which I would need in order to help wolves in the wild and wolf conservation around the world. You’ll never catch me trying to wrestle a wolf ‘Shaun Ellis’ style. A wolf will NEVER see you as part of its pack, so trying to become its alpha is a pointless quest. It’s best to form a gentle and loving bond with the wolves, so they respect and tolerate you.
*What does a wolf handler do?
A wolf handler has the knowledge of how to handle a captive wolf, and also how to try and guess what the wolf is thinking. It’s about behaviour as well as physically touching the wolf. I have been involved in organisations where fights between wolves have had to be broken up, the reasons for fighting have had to be analysed, grumpy, old wolves have had to be moved and you have to be a minder for people when you take them in with the wolves, just in case the wolf decides to have some fun with them. Wolves are not dangerous and don’t attack like a German Shepherd guard dog would, but they work in a pack order hierarchy scheme and I have found that the omega (bottom of the pack) is usually the trouble maker. The omega is always looking to move up the pack, so if an ‘inferior’ human comes into its pen, it often sees this as an opportunity to test the strength of the human with its weight, so it can perhaps move up the line and become a beta wolf. We call this strength testing ‘bouncing’, and it is very similar to when your dog jumps up at you, except with a wolf, they are lot stronger and the meaning is more intense.
*People tend to think of wolves as being quite scary – the Big Bad Wolf and all that. Are wolves misunderstood?
Wolves are EXTREMELY misunderstood. For example, a Chinese friend of mine screamed when she knew I was in with wolves and immediately said that they would eat me. My daughter told her classmates what I did with wolves and all of her friends said that wolves would kill me. It’s the same everywhere I go. It’s ridiculous. Wolves are one the most timid animals on the planet. If you go wolf trekking, you’ll be lucky to catch a glimpse of a wolf all week. Disney has not helped, and the film ‘White Fang’ portrays wolves as ferocious beasts which prey and hunt humans. There has never been a documented killing of a human from a healthy, wild wolf in history, as wolves fear us so much they would never come near us. There may have been incidences many hundreds of years ago when rabies was rife, and also I am sure if tiny kids were in the forest alone, then that would be a different matter. Even captive wolves who are tamed are not to be trusted around children as all wolves after maturity (about 2-3 years old) have a ‘trigger’ switch which goes off every time they see something wriggly and screaming – it’s just like a small prey animal.
Many captive wolves run away from people they don’t know. It is strange but many male wolves fear men. We can’t really understand it totally, but we think that it comes from the fact that men have more dominant body language and a deep voice.
*If there was one thing you could wish for wolves, what would it be?
That people would stop shooting them down. The culling of wolves has got to horrific levels. The USA are the worst for this which is ridiculous considering how first world they are. Wolves are feared for reasons which do not apply. They are blamed for loss of livestock when it is large cats most of the time which take cattle. Also hunters view them as competitors, and when wolves are around, there is less deer to shoot. Wolves balance the eco system and without wolves, the prey over-breed and become more ill. Wolves take out the sick and injured, creating a good, balanced eco system. Their left-over’s feed all of the other animals in the eco system also.
*What sort of conservation work are you currently involved in?
I have recently been raising money for Born Free’s Ethiopian Wolf project and Will Travis has asked me to go out and spend some time with the wolves which I can’t wait to do. It’s not just wolves, though, that I spend my time working with. I regularly help VIVA (Vegetarian’s International Voice for Animals) raise money and can often been seen at demos. However, the one thing I hate more than anything on this planet is Asia’s fur trade. Some of the videos I have only been able to watch once as they are too heartbreaking. Live foxes being skinned as they scream. There is one video which shows a skinned fox looking up and blinking after its fur has been torn off. Then there is the legalised Korean dog meat trade which is so barbaric with dogs crated up in agony being dropped from lorries before being electrocuted or hung. I could NEVER go to these countries as a tourist, as I could never stand back and tolerate what goes on.
Out of all of your various professional roles – wolf handler, conservationist, TV presenter – which aspect of your work do you enjoy the most?
I can’t choose I’m afraid. I decided to combine being a presenter with animal work as so many animal people I have worked with are so very humble and quiet and do not like the limelight. I adore TV and have no fear of being on stage or in front of a camera, so I felt that I was a good person to get up there and spread the word about animals and how they need our help via television. I feel that TV is an amazing way to educate the younger generations and I can already see a change in attitudes of children compared to the older, totally meat-eating generations.
*Where in the world do you feel happiest and why?
Scuba diving in the Indian Ocean. I adore the colours and the fragility of the ocean and am a very careful diver. The fish interact with you and it’s such a wonderful feeling. We need to cherish our reefs and stop over-fishing the seas. When I die, I want my ashes thrown into the reefs around the Maldives, so I can be at one with the sea.
*How long have you been a vegetarian, and what made you decide to go veggie?
I have been a veggie since about 10 years old and went veggie because of the animal activists’ stall in my High Street. Some people don’t care that animals are slaughtered – I hated the truth and couldn’t sleep for ages after finding out. The teachers even tried to force me to eat it. My mum encouraged meat, so I would hide all of my sausages under the curtain in the front room and flush them away later when she wasn’t looking. I HATE that TV show ‘Kill It, Cook It, Eat It’. I cannot believe it ever got commissioned. It’s horrific.
*What’s your favourite vegetarian food?
Pesto Pasta. Nice and stodgy, but yummy. I haven’t managed to become a vegan yet, but I think I’m pretty close.
*What advice would you give to a young person growing up today, hoping to make a difference for animals and the environment?
Learn all the facts. Don’t be ignorant. Every little, tiny action helps and if everyone decided to recycle, then the whole world would be recycling. If you don’t eat meat, your conscience will be totally clean, too. You are healthier and happier. I know that some people love the taste of meat – just try and visualise the animal alive and happy before deciding to eat its body. Eating a little trusting lamb, or a wriggling piglet just feels wrong to me. It feels medieval and we all should have moved on since then. If everyone stopped eating meat, then it would also help global warming immensely.
Thanks, Anneka!
back to top
Tony Benn
Tony Benn was the longest serving Labour Party Member of Parliament (MP) ever! He was born in London in 1925 and retired from the House of Commons in May 2001, after fifty years in Parliament. He was a Cabinet minister in the Wilson and Callaghan governments from 1964 - 79, as Minister of Technology, Secretary of State for both Industry and Energy and President of the Council of European Energy ministers in 1977.
He is currently the holder of seven honorary Doctorates from British and American universities, has just been appointed as a Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics and can still often be seen and heard taking part in demonstrations and political debates on television and radio.
He has four children (one of whom, Hilary, is Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs!) and ten grandchildren. You can find out more here.
*Why did you become a vegetarian and can you remember roughly how old you were?
When I was over 50 years old my son Hilary convinced me there would be enough food for everybody in the world if we ate the grain instead of feeding it to animals which we then killed to eat.
*Has it got easier being veggie as you’ve grown older?
Yes!
*Have you ever thought that you’ve been missing out on anything as a veggie?
Certainly not! I don’t like meat. I avoid killing animals. I feel better!
*What’s the most annoying question you get asked as a veggie and what do you reply?
No questions ever annoy me.
*What do you say to people who claim that eating meat is natural?
Killing animals is cruel! Some people claim that killing people in war is also natural but that is cruel too!
*Do you love or loathe fake meat products?
I used to love vegetarian sausages but I don’t any longer.
*What is your favourite style of food, and all-time favourite veggie meal and drink?
Large pizzas! I can be a bit of a veggie junk food addict and I drink gallons of tea a day.
*Is there a vegetable or fruit that you really hate?
I find vegetables very boring but I like fruit, especially bananas.
*If you could change one thing today what would it be?
The export of live animals and cruelty to animals. When I was 5 I saw the window display of the British Anti-Vivisection Society and it had a big effect on me.
Thank you very much for answering our questions Tony.
back to top
Victoria Pettengell - Miss Cheshire 2008
Young veggie Victoria Pettengell recently beat thousands of hopefuls to be crowned Miss Cheshire 2008. She won herself a year long modelling deal and contract with Maximum Management into the bargain and also gained automatic entry into the Miss Beauty Queen finals. If she wins that… Victoria will represent the UK at the Miss International Pageant!
She is currently training to become a primary school teacher and took some time out from her busy schedule (she’s also got three jobs!) to answer questions from young veggies.
*What made you decide to become a veggie?
I have always been intrigued as to why people were vegan, and so I read a book about it. I was vegan by the 3rd page!!!! I chose to become vegan because I hate cruelty to animals.
*How did your parents react when you told them?
They were worried at first and really didn’t warm to the idea...they were sure it would make me ill! But I soon proved them wrong. I made a conscious effort to have a really balanced diet and also took vitamins too.
*When and how did you become interested in the world of beauty contests?
From being a little girl I have always been fascinated with the world of beauty pageants! It had always been a dream of mine to do one but I never thought it would be possible. Then I saw an advertisement for 'Miss Cheshire' entered and won!
*How do you prepare for contests and what do they involve?
I have only ever entered one, which was Miss Cheshire, but I do have one coming up very soon! I have started really looking after my skin so that I won’t have any spots for the pageant. I have also started jogging a few times a week, as I believe the fresh air is really good for your skin and hair. I also make sure I’m mentally prepared, thinking up answers for every possible question! The pageants have 3 rounds, fun-fashion, sports and evening. There is also an interview on stage where you are asked questions like "what 3 things would you take to a desert island and why?" You are also judged throughout the day on your interaction with the other girls, whether you listen to advice etc.
*Do you find that people are surprised to find you are a veggie and do you feel that you are breaking certain stereotypes about veggies?
Yeah, a lot of people are really surprised when I say I’m vegan! I do think that I have broken the typical vegan stereotype, as a lot of people expect you to be a tree-hugging hippy, which I’m not!
*Do you find that a veggie diet helps you keep your figure?
Yeah, definitely. I would never go on a diet as love my food too much, but considering that I eat what I want (vegan only obviously) when I want I’ve not done too badly! The good thing about being vegan, is that everything you eat is healthy!!!
*Do you have to make any extra effort to keep fit and healthy?
Well I exercise regularly and eat a really healthy, balanced diet so I wouldn’t say that I make an extra effort, it’s just a part of my everyday life.
*Will you be using your title to promote a veggie/vegan diet and animal welfare/environmental issues?
Yes, I really hope so. This is why I’m working with The Vegetarian Society!!! I feel very passionate about animal welfare and becoming vegan, and so really want to spread the word!
*What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy going to the cinema and spending time with my friends, family and boyfriend. Although I don’t really have much spare time, as I hold down 3 jobs and am at uni ’ full time too!
*Who are your heroes and why?
I absolutely adore Marilyn Monroe. I am really against the whole size zero image. I think that women should embrace their figures no matter what shape or size. Marilyn was a UK size 16 and she loved her curves....and I think she looks remarkable too!!! I also have a lot of respect for Coleen and also Charlotte Church for not giving into the pressure of being a size zero. I also really loved Anita Roddick and everything she stood for.
*What are the best and worst places you’ve visited for veggie food?
My favourite place is a takeaway in the Trafford centre (near Manchester) called V2GO (Vegan 2 Go). I love it! The menu is fantastic and it’s cheap too! I also like Giraffe in the Trafford Centre. The worst is the Marks and Spencer’s’ cafe. I went with my mum the other day and not only could I not eat anything, I couldn’t drink anything either!!! Absolutely everything in there had dairy in it!
*Are you a fan of fake meats?
I use soya mince, but I don’t really like the smell, or texture of meat in general. I have tried Cauldron veggie sausages which were really nice!!
*What’s your favourite fruit and vegetable?
My favourite fruits are apple, passion fruit, pomegranate, grapes and bananas (I love all fruit). My favourite veggies are sprouts, sweetcorn, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli and cabbage!
Thank you very much Victoria.
Back to top
Dr Dan Lyons - Campaigns Director of Uncaged
Dr Dan Lyons is the Campaigns Director of Uncaged, an international animal protection organisation based in Sheffield. Uncaged campaign against animal experiments, xenotransplantation (that’s animal to human transplants) and for animal rights and democratic action on animal issues through the political system. Uncaged is aiming to promote an international debate about the rights of animals and campaigns to have those rights enshrined in law. If you’d like to find out more about them take a look at www.uncaged.co.uk.
Dan, who was last year awarded two prestigious prizes in recognition of the impact and quality of his research into animal experimentation (The Arthur Ling Memorial Award at The Christmas Without Cruelty Fayre in London and the Andrew Gamble Prize for the Outstanding Thesis of 2006-7) has just won the national Political Studies Association's prize for the best thesis on Government and Public Administration. What a star! He also found the time to answer our questions …
*What first made you decide to become a vegetarian and how old were you?
I realised when I was 13 or 14 that we don’t need to eat meat, and so you can’t justify killing an animal just because you want to. After that I gradually cut out meat from my diet and I was a proper veggie from 17 when I went to university. There, I joined the animal rights society and found out about the suffering and killing that are intrinsic to the dairy and egg industries, and so I became vegan when I was about 20.
*What did your parents say when you told them you were a veggie?
Well, my Mum was pretty supportive, and she even bought me a vegan cookbook!
*What is the best thing about your job at Uncaged?
Being able to apply my knowledge and experience to try and make the world a better place.
*How have things changed over the last ten years since Uncaged was founded?
In some ways, campaigning against animal experiments has become even harder. One reason is that the media focus on the more aggressive protests which has created a negative image of the animal rights movement. On the positive side, I think the public are becoming more and more aware of the scientific flaws in animal testing and the suffering caused to animals. This provides a foundation for future progress.
*Do you ever find it difficult getting on with non-veggie friends?
Sometimes – it depends on them really. Some people get very defensive about their meat-eating without me having to say a word! I guess they feel challenged by the mere fact that I’m vegan because it raises fundamental questions about their own character and ethics.
*What’s been the best place you’ve ever been on holiday to for veggies?
India was really good as a huge proportion of the food is veggie or vegan, though curries can get a bit repetitive no matter how good they are! Also, New Zealand was surprisingly good. Even in the most out of the way places the shops had a great selection of fresh fruit, vegetables and sprouted beans and vegan stuff like soya milk etc. Also, omnivorous establishments were very willing to cook up vegan food whereas in Britain the reaction you get is often unhelpful.
*What are you listening to right now?
Various stuff like Arctic Monkeys, Groove Armada, Fila Brazilia, Jarvis Cocker, The Chameleons, The Wedding Present, The Go Betweens and The Smiths.
*Do you love or hate fake meat products? (Do you have a favourite?)
I love em! Though I don’t really think of them as fake meat/cheese etc. I’m particularly fond of Redwood Lincolnshire style sausages.
*What is your favourite style of food, and all-time favourite veggie meal and drink?
I think Thai is my favourite overall. But probably my favourite meal and drink is a vegan pasta Bolognese using Redwood’s veggie mince and dairy-free parmesano, garlic bread with olive oil for dipping, and a nice glass of organic vegan red wine!
*Is there a vegetable or fruit that you really don ’t like?
Brussels Sprouts! (And they smell like farts when they’re cooking!) I’m even more averse to marmite and peanut butter - they are truly the work of the devil!
*If you could change one thing today what would it be?
I would like humans to understand and appreciate that we’re no better or more valuable than any other animal on this planet.
Thank you very much Dan.
Back to top
Twiggy & Woody Beavers become members!
The stars of this year’s BBC Autumnwatch, beavers Twiggy and Woody, were today recognised for their contribution to debunking the popular misconception that vegetarians (and beavers) eat fish. Presenting the wetland mammals with honorary membership, The Vegetarian Society has acknowledged their sterling work in educating the nation that they, like all vegetarians, do not eat the flesh of any animals, including fish.
Twiggy and Woody are based at the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust Martin Mere Wetland Centre.
To keep up to date with Twiggy and Woody visit the Wildfowl & Wetland Trust website
Back to top
Russell Lissack - Guitarist from Bloc Party
Bloc Party’s debut album, “Silent Alarm”, sold a million copies, was the New Musical Express’ album of the year for 2005 and achieved chart success in 17 countries. Their 2007 tour took them to Mexico, the USA, Canada, Iceland, Ireland and mainland Europe. They also managed to squeeze in performances at the Reading and Leeds Festivals.
In the last half of 2007 their singles “Hunting For Witches” and “Flux” climbed to numbers 22 and 8 in the UK charts. Their biggest hit, “The Prayer”, reached number 4 in 2005.Russell, who lists his musical influences as Suede, Radiohead, New Order, The Smiths, Prince, and Weezer, took a break whilst in Columbus, Ohio to answer questions from young veggies.
*Hello Russell, what made you decide to become a vegetarian and how old were you?It was only 3 or 4 years ago... a combination of reading "Fast Food Nation", realising what actually goes on in the real world, and a health issue making me want to become more... well, healthy.
*What did your parents say when you told them you were a veggie?I lived with my gran at the time... she didn’t really understand the concept at first, and kept asking if I could still eat bacon, etc but she's really good with it now and makes me lovely dinners when I go to visit :)
* Do you often find yourself having to explain to people whyyou're a veggie?Not really... I don't think people are interested in the reasons behind it, they usually just reach their own conclusions
*Have you been on tour to any really bad places for veggies?Well, Europe is pretty bad in general, especially Portugal, where they just don't seem to understand the concept at all, and you're lucky if you can get a plate of chips.
*What's been the best place to tour as a veggie?I love eating in New York though; they have so many good vegetarian places to eat... America in general seems to have all these lovely meat substitutes that don't exist in England, which I find very odd.
*What do you request on your "rider" before gigs?It depends where we are... its nice to have some fruit on tour just to balance out all the pizza and vokda.
*Do you love or loathe fake meat products? Do you have afavourite?Personally I love them. I'm very fussy with my vegetables so they're usually an essential part of a meal for me. And unless I’m wrong, they’re usually pretty healthy too, e.g. tofu. I had a vegan doner kebab in America once, which I found quite funny.
*Have you met any veggies in other famous bands?Yeah, all the time... Alan, the singer of the Rakes is vegan... I remember feeling great sympathy for him in Japan as he's left eating rice and cucumber three times a day.
*What is your all-time favourite veggie meal and drink?I don’t have a favorite... I like bangers and mash at home, and I like Thai tofu dishes when I’m out.
*Is it annoying being in a band with meat eaters?Its not annoying, I just feel like a burden if we go out to eat, because then we have to spend time finding somewhere to cater for me.
*What can't you live without?Is it too soppy to say my girlfriend?
*What's your pet hate?Well, I’m not a fan of the French underground system, but that’s another story.
*Is there anything you really wish was veggie but isn't?Not really... I think I've found a replacement for pretty much everything.
Why People Become A Vegetarian
Many non-vegetarians wonder what drives a vegetarian to give up meat and adopt an entirely different lifestyle.
There is no single answer to this question.
Non-vegetarians become a vegetarian for a number of different reasons - some even for multiple reasons. Most vegetarians claim that they became a vegetarian for one of three reasons.This is why a person will become a vegetarian.
The first reason, which most vegetarians claim, is that they have ethical problems with eating meat.
Most disagree with how chickens are debeaked, and are forced to live in small cages, then they are slaughtered when they do not produce eggs fast enough.Most vegetarians also disagree with the crowded and stressful environments animals are forced into; and the hormone-laden feed used to make them grow faster and produce more.People who become vegetarians for this purpose often draw ethical boundaries in different spots, depending on their personal beliefs. For instance, some staunch vegans won't consume yeast, wear wool, or even eat certain vegetables, such as carrots, that require killing the plant to harvest.
There is no single answer to this question.
Non-vegetarians become a vegetarian for a number of different reasons - some even for multiple reasons. Most vegetarians claim that they became a vegetarian for one of three reasons.This is why a person will become a vegetarian.
The first reason, which most vegetarians claim, is that they have ethical problems with eating meat.
Most disagree with how chickens are debeaked, and are forced to live in small cages, then they are slaughtered when they do not produce eggs fast enough.Most vegetarians also disagree with the crowded and stressful environments animals are forced into; and the hormone-laden feed used to make them grow faster and produce more.People who become vegetarians for this purpose often draw ethical boundaries in different spots, depending on their personal beliefs. For instance, some staunch vegans won't consume yeast, wear wool, or even eat certain vegetables, such as carrots, that require killing the plant to harvest.
Great Reasons for Being a Vegetarian
While making the decision to become a vegetarian is a personal choice and can be done for physical, mental, or spiritual reasons, here are some great reasons that can make the decision to become a vegetarian easier.
Many vegetarians choose this lifestyle for ethical reasons. They are animal lovers and do not want to take any part in harming a living creature. When a person chooses not to buy and eat meat products, they are sending out a message to the corporations that operate "factory farms", that they will not support inhumane treatment of animals. When animals are slaughtered, it is violent and usually done by hanging the animal upside down and slitting its throat. Animals contained on these so-called "farms" are also enclosed in cramped quarters where they cannot move and have no access to fresh water and sunshine. Many of these unfortunate creatures die either in cages or on their way to be slaughtered. When you learn of these things, you realize that by not eating meat, it is a small sacrifice compared to what the poor animal must endure.
A plant-based diet is also wonderful for health reasons. Acne can clear up and be replaced by glowing skin. You will be more fit and trim compared to someone that eats meat. There are few, if any, obese vegetarians. Coronary disease risk is cut almost in half. The risk of diabetes is reduced. Type II diabetes is a serious, growing problem among adults and youth in the United States.
Plants contain the majority of vitamins and minerals that are essential for our bodies to be strong and healthy. From omega-3's to complex carbohydrates, plants have it all. Plants contain fiber and that is something that is sorely lacking from the American diet. Fiber is needed to help move wastes through the body so they can be eliminated. Elimination is important and this function helps reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Many meat products have been found to contain parasites and bacteria. It wasn't too long ago that Mad Cow disease made headlines around the world. Who hasn't heard of foot and mouth disease? These are some scary things to face for a meat-eater, even if the risk of being affected by them is low.
Let's not forget about the environmental benefits that leading a vegetarian lifestyle includes. It takes three or more times as much water for animal products to be made than plant-based products. That is a huge water savings alone and considering that several parts of the world are facing a water shortage, there is no better time to begin water conservation. More plant-based food can be produced, feeding more people. This is because for just one pound of beef to be produced, sixteen pounds of grains must be used. That's sixteen pounds of edible plants that could be sent to a third-world country to feed starving people there. We also save trees, by not cutting them down for livestock grazing land.
If all of these things were not reason enough to become a vegetarian, there is the financial savings of it. Being a vegetarian is even good for your pocketbook. Health costs will go down because you will be in better physical and mental health. Try to buy fruits and vegetables in season, when they are fresh and plentiful and will cost less too.
There are so many reasons to become vegetarian and these were just a few. You can see what a change to this type of lifestyle can produce and how it can help benefit not just yourself, but others as well.
Many vegetarians choose this lifestyle for ethical reasons. They are animal lovers and do not want to take any part in harming a living creature. When a person chooses not to buy and eat meat products, they are sending out a message to the corporations that operate "factory farms", that they will not support inhumane treatment of animals. When animals are slaughtered, it is violent and usually done by hanging the animal upside down and slitting its throat. Animals contained on these so-called "farms" are also enclosed in cramped quarters where they cannot move and have no access to fresh water and sunshine. Many of these unfortunate creatures die either in cages or on their way to be slaughtered. When you learn of these things, you realize that by not eating meat, it is a small sacrifice compared to what the poor animal must endure.
A plant-based diet is also wonderful for health reasons. Acne can clear up and be replaced by glowing skin. You will be more fit and trim compared to someone that eats meat. There are few, if any, obese vegetarians. Coronary disease risk is cut almost in half. The risk of diabetes is reduced. Type II diabetes is a serious, growing problem among adults and youth in the United States.
Plants contain the majority of vitamins and minerals that are essential for our bodies to be strong and healthy. From omega-3's to complex carbohydrates, plants have it all. Plants contain fiber and that is something that is sorely lacking from the American diet. Fiber is needed to help move wastes through the body so they can be eliminated. Elimination is important and this function helps reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Many meat products have been found to contain parasites and bacteria. It wasn't too long ago that Mad Cow disease made headlines around the world. Who hasn't heard of foot and mouth disease? These are some scary things to face for a meat-eater, even if the risk of being affected by them is low.
Let's not forget about the environmental benefits that leading a vegetarian lifestyle includes. It takes three or more times as much water for animal products to be made than plant-based products. That is a huge water savings alone and considering that several parts of the world are facing a water shortage, there is no better time to begin water conservation. More plant-based food can be produced, feeding more people. This is because for just one pound of beef to be produced, sixteen pounds of grains must be used. That's sixteen pounds of edible plants that could be sent to a third-world country to feed starving people there. We also save trees, by not cutting them down for livestock grazing land.
If all of these things were not reason enough to become a vegetarian, there is the financial savings of it. Being a vegetarian is even good for your pocketbook. Health costs will go down because you will be in better physical and mental health. Try to buy fruits and vegetables in season, when they are fresh and plentiful and will cost less too.
There are so many reasons to become vegetarian and these were just a few. You can see what a change to this type of lifestyle can produce and how it can help benefit not just yourself, but others as well.
21 REASONS for being VEGETERIAN
Vegetarianism is the fastest growing trend in the developed world. Here are 21 reasons why you should think about turning green too.
Avoiding meat is one of the best and simplest ways to cut down your fat consumption. Modern farm animals are deliberately fattened up to increase profits. Eating fatty meat increases your chances of having a heart attack or developing cancer.
Every minute of every working day, thousands of animals are killed in slaughter-houses. Pain and misery are common. In the US alone, 500,000 animals are killed for meat every hour.
There are millions of cases of food poisoning recorded every year. The vast majority are caused by eating meat.
Meat contains absolutely nothing - no proteins, vitamins or minerals - that the human body cannot obtain perfectly happily from a vegetarian diet.
African countries - where millions are starving to death - export grain to the developed world so that animals can be fattened for our dining tables.
'Meat' can include the tail, head, feet, rectum and spinal cord of an animal.
A sausage can contain ground up intestines. How can anyone be sure that the intestines are empty when they are ground up? Do you really want to eat the content of a pig's intestines?
If we eat the plants we grow instead of feeding them to animals, the world's food shortage will disappear virtually overnight. Remember that 100 acres of land will produce enough beef for 20 people but enough wheat to feed 240 people.
Every day, tens of millions of one-day-old male chicks are killed because they will not be able to lay eggs. There are no rules about how this mass slaughter takes place. Some are crushed or suffocated to death. Many are used for fertiliser or fed to other animals.
Animals who die for your dinner table die alone, in terror, in sadness and in pain. The killing is merciless and inhumane.
It's must easier to become (and stay) slim if you are a vegetarian. (By 'slim', I do not mean 'abnormally slender' or 'underweight' but rather, an absense of excess weight!)
Half the rainforests in the world have been destroyed to clear ground to graze cattle to make beefburgers. The burning of the forests contributes 20% of all green-house gases. Roughtly 1,000 species a year become extinct because of the destruction of the rainforests. Approximately 60 million people a year die of starvation. All those lives could be saved because those people could eat grain used to fatten cattle and other farm animals - if Americans ate 10% less meat.
The world's fresh water shortage is being made worse by animal farming. And meat producers are the biggest polluters of water. It takes 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of meat. If the US meat industry wasn't supported by the taxpayer paying a large proportion of its water costs, then hamburger meat would cost $35 a pound.
If you eat meat, you are consuming hormones that were fed to the animals. No one knows what effect those hormones will have on your health. In some parts of the world, as many as one on four hamburgers contain growth hormones that were originally given to cattle.
The following diseases are commoner among meat eaters: anaemia, appendicitis, arthritis, breast cancer, cancer of the colon, cancer of the prostrate, constipation, diabetes, gallstones, gout, high blood pressure, indigestion, obesity, piles, strokes and varicose veins. Lifelong vegetarians visit hospital 22% less often than meat eaters and for shorter stays. Vegetarians have a 20% lower blood cholestrol level than meat eaters and this reduces heart attack and cancer risks considerably.
Some farmers use tranquillisers to keep animals calm. Other routinely use antibiotics to starve off infection. When you eat meat you are eating those drugs. In America, 55% of all antibiotics are fed to animals and the percentage of staphylococci infections resistant to penicillin went up from 14% in 1960 to 91% in 1988.
In a lifetime, the average meat eater will consumer 36 pigs, 36 sheep and 750 chickens and turkeys. Do you want that much carnage on your conscience?
Animals suffer from pain and fear just as much as you do. How would you like to spend your last hours locked in a truck, packed into a cage with hundreds of other terrified animal and then cruelly pushed into a blood soaked death chamber. Anyone who eats meat condones and supports the way animals are treated.
Animals which are a year old are often far more rational - and capable of logical thought - than six week old babies. Pigs and sheep are far more intelligent than small children. Eating dead animals is barbaric.
Vegetarians are fitter than meat eaters. many of the world's most successful athletes are vegetarian
Avoiding meat is one of the best and simplest ways to cut down your fat consumption. Modern farm animals are deliberately fattened up to increase profits. Eating fatty meat increases your chances of having a heart attack or developing cancer.
Every minute of every working day, thousands of animals are killed in slaughter-houses. Pain and misery are common. In the US alone, 500,000 animals are killed for meat every hour.
There are millions of cases of food poisoning recorded every year. The vast majority are caused by eating meat.
Meat contains absolutely nothing - no proteins, vitamins or minerals - that the human body cannot obtain perfectly happily from a vegetarian diet.
African countries - where millions are starving to death - export grain to the developed world so that animals can be fattened for our dining tables.
'Meat' can include the tail, head, feet, rectum and spinal cord of an animal.
A sausage can contain ground up intestines. How can anyone be sure that the intestines are empty when they are ground up? Do you really want to eat the content of a pig's intestines?
If we eat the plants we grow instead of feeding them to animals, the world's food shortage will disappear virtually overnight. Remember that 100 acres of land will produce enough beef for 20 people but enough wheat to feed 240 people.
Every day, tens of millions of one-day-old male chicks are killed because they will not be able to lay eggs. There are no rules about how this mass slaughter takes place. Some are crushed or suffocated to death. Many are used for fertiliser or fed to other animals.
Animals who die for your dinner table die alone, in terror, in sadness and in pain. The killing is merciless and inhumane.
It's must easier to become (and stay) slim if you are a vegetarian. (By 'slim', I do not mean 'abnormally slender' or 'underweight' but rather, an absense of excess weight!)
Half the rainforests in the world have been destroyed to clear ground to graze cattle to make beefburgers. The burning of the forests contributes 20% of all green-house gases. Roughtly 1,000 species a year become extinct because of the destruction of the rainforests. Approximately 60 million people a year die of starvation. All those lives could be saved because those people could eat grain used to fatten cattle and other farm animals - if Americans ate 10% less meat.
The world's fresh water shortage is being made worse by animal farming. And meat producers are the biggest polluters of water. It takes 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of meat. If the US meat industry wasn't supported by the taxpayer paying a large proportion of its water costs, then hamburger meat would cost $35 a pound.
If you eat meat, you are consuming hormones that were fed to the animals. No one knows what effect those hormones will have on your health. In some parts of the world, as many as one on four hamburgers contain growth hormones that were originally given to cattle.
The following diseases are commoner among meat eaters: anaemia, appendicitis, arthritis, breast cancer, cancer of the colon, cancer of the prostrate, constipation, diabetes, gallstones, gout, high blood pressure, indigestion, obesity, piles, strokes and varicose veins. Lifelong vegetarians visit hospital 22% less often than meat eaters and for shorter stays. Vegetarians have a 20% lower blood cholestrol level than meat eaters and this reduces heart attack and cancer risks considerably.
Some farmers use tranquillisers to keep animals calm. Other routinely use antibiotics to starve off infection. When you eat meat you are eating those drugs. In America, 55% of all antibiotics are fed to animals and the percentage of staphylococci infections resistant to penicillin went up from 14% in 1960 to 91% in 1988.
In a lifetime, the average meat eater will consumer 36 pigs, 36 sheep and 750 chickens and turkeys. Do you want that much carnage on your conscience?
Animals suffer from pain and fear just as much as you do. How would you like to spend your last hours locked in a truck, packed into a cage with hundreds of other terrified animal and then cruelly pushed into a blood soaked death chamber. Anyone who eats meat condones and supports the way animals are treated.
Animals which are a year old are often far more rational - and capable of logical thought - than six week old babies. Pigs and sheep are far more intelligent than small children. Eating dead animals is barbaric.
Vegetarians are fitter than meat eaters. many of the world's most successful athletes are vegetarian
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)