Environment Blog- February

Industrial poisoning
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 Agro-chemical poisoning in Chile

Thirteen farm workers from the Region VII town of Pelarco were taken severly ill after  they were sprayed with plaguicides.

The incident took place in a small farming sector called Bajo Lagunilla. The workers, employees of the company Sociedad Agricola Beyce had informed their bosses that they were going to be working in the fields. Company officials chose to ignore health and safety concerms and got the entire area- and the workers—sprayed with the toxic insecticide Zero 5 EC. Workers are regularly exposed to plaguicides and environmental contamination.

The thirteen employees  complained of symptoms with severe headaches, nausea, stomach aches, and shivers, and all of them were hospitalized. The workers were given  chemical baths and placed under observation for several days before being allowed to return home.

The 710 workers cited by Chile’s Health Ministry often risked serious health threats. More than 39 percent of those accidents involved chemicals the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies as “extremely” and “very” dangerous.The real number of poisonings in recent years has been estimated to be anywhere between 2,500 to 3,000.  The fact is, for every case that’s reported, four go unreported.

It came about that these businesses in Chile violated a range of industry safety norms nor did not report accidents to local authorities. They failed to equip workers with adequate protective gear, among other things. They did not take care to construct chemical showers and emergency cellars in the event of an accident, and disregarded the mandate on the barring of fumigation where workers were present.  The fines imposed on them are not very intimidating either. 

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Save Water
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Some measures for saving water include collecting rain water or even water used to wash vegetables to water houseplants. Take a shower rather than a bath. Collect rain water for use in the garden. Don’t run the tap whilst cleaning your teeth. Only boil as much water as you need when making drinks etc. Don’t leave taps (faucets) dripping - repair any worn washers. Only wash full loads in washing machines and dishwashers.

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Grow more plants
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Always keep your environment neat and clean and grow more and more plants for a healthier tomorrow.

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The green show-stealer
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The International Motor Show in Geneva this month stood out for showcasing two small electric cars from the stables of Norway electric carmaker, Think Global. General Electric has invested a sum of $4 million investment from GE for the development of the carmaker’s longer-range models.

Think has introduced Think Ox, a futuristic five-seat crossover concept, which will sport a translucent roof with a solar panel. The other model is Think City, a tiny two-door that offers a 120-mile range with a top speed of 65 mph. Think City will be priced around $30,000.

Think’s “connect car” technology makes the Think City and Ox Internet-connected, and helps to calculate the cheapest and most environmentally beneficial times to recharge. GE Energy Financial Services (GE) also has invested $20 million in Massachusetts lithium-ion battery maker A123Systems, which will supply batteries to Think. GE’s scientists will work to improve battery technology for electric cars.

The New York International Auto Show is expected to launch several alternative fuel cars.

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EARTH HOUR - Take a stand and make an impact
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Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia in 2007, and in one year has acquired the might of a global movement. Today millions of people, businesses, governments and civic organizations in various cities around the globe will turn out for Earth Hour. We invite everyone in the U.K. around the world to turn off the lights for an hour starting at 8 p.m. (your own local time). whether at home or at work, with friends and family or solo, in a big city or a small town.

Make a definitive statement today and help to spread the message. Play your part in helping to fight climate change.

Throw in ideas for what you would do during Earth Hour!
 

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