You Did a Good Job!

            

Protecting the Environment is just like 

protecting the important people around you. 

It seems that you must consider the feelings of everyone. 

Be good to them, as they want them to treat like yours. 

It will just pay back as you continue what you have done to them. 

So don't waste your time. Give as much as you can.

Because if you are not tired of doing it, 

it means that you did a GOOD JOB!

Happy no more!!!

               Maybe you are happy when you saw the beautiful, variety of colors, and has different sounds, but if you will see the effects of this you must be aware. Don't wait it to happen in your life. You can be happy without affecting others. So Just think of it.

               Fireworks consist of a wide range of products with a highly variable composition. About 1000 tonnes of this consists of materials such as tubes, structural parts and packagings (cardboard, wood, plastic), and 360 tonnes of the pyrotechnic components. These consist of approx. 240 tonnes of black powder (gunpowder) and 120 tonnes of chemicals to produce effects. These effects mixtures contain metallic compounds that may have an impact on the environment or human health.

                   

The possible impacts of fireworks on the environment and human health may be summarised as follows:

1. Accidents: Accidents can occur if fireworks are handled incorrectly during sale and use:

Safety regulations for the sale of fireworks in Switzerland are contained in the Ordinance on Explosives. Regulations for the use of fireworks are published by the industrial association, the Swiss Central Fireworks Office (SKF).

International surveys have shown that the accident rates associated with fireworks are around 2 - 13 accidents with injury to persons per 100,000 inhabitants.  Minors are disproportionately represented among the injured. This group is thus exposed to a higher risk. (Corresponding statistics do not exist for Switzerland, but may be approximately the same as those from abroad. )

Every year, fireworks cause fires. The resulting damage to property amounts to 0.6% of the total fire damage in Switzerland.

2. Noise: At the distances where people watching fireworks usually are, noise levels can exceed the impuls noise limit according to SUVA guidelines. The nuisance of firework noise should not be ignored. For noise-sensitive groups, this nuisance can be substantial, since it causes anxiety and corresponding stress reactions. There are no studies of this effect.

3. Air pollution: In the combustion of fireworks, the main component gunpowder gives rise to the solid reaction products such as potassium carbonate, potassium sulphate and potassium sulphide, together with unreacted sulphur. The reaction products from effects mixtures are generally solids and consist of metal oxides and, less often, chlorides. The air pollution caused by firework reaction products is well documented by measurements in Switzerland and abroad. Fine particulates are notable in reaching record short-term pollution levels. Evaluation of data from Swiss gauging stations shows that over a short period, such high levels of respirable fine particulates (PM10) may be reached that the 24h average values may exceed the 50 µg/m 3 threshold stipulated in the Ordinance on Air Pollution Control (OAPC). This value is laid down for health reasons and may be exceeded only once a year. International surveys - in more polluted areas - show that susceptible people may be measurably affected.

Dioxins can be released during the combustion of copper containing fireworks. Laboratory experiments, which investigated the extent of dioxin formation caused by setting off various pyrotechnic devices, and measurements taken during Bonfire Night in Great Britain where both bonfires and fireworks are burned as in Switzerland, indicate that bonfires are a far more significant source of dioxin than pyrotechnic devices, especially when waste wood and other wastes are burned.

4. Pollution of other environmental compartiments and indirect effects: The firework reaction products that are emitted are deposited and thus enter the soil, crops and, in the case of fireworks over water, standing waters. This pollution has not been measured yet. Therefore, the deposition of firework-related elements must be estimated from model calculations.

Ecotoxicological and toxicological benchmarks for all firework-related elements were taken from the literature. The present assessment shows that firework-related depositions do not cause problematic soil and water contents, and the evaluations suggest that indirect effects (uptake through the food chain, soil ingestion by children) are also not critical.

5. Waste: Some 1000 t additional waste are annually generated by fireworks.

Conclusions:

According to model calculations, the resulting soil and water pollution due to deposition of fireworks related elements is negligible. The assumed deposition rates should be verified, at a minimum by measuring barium as a marker in the fallout or in environmental samples such as grass or dust from sealed areas.

Since non-quantifiable fractions of firework reaction products also occur in the shells as slag, farmers and parents are advised to remove visible firework residues from fields and playgrounds after use.

Air pollution, particularly associated with large fireworks displays, cannot be ignored. Immissions of respirable fine particles (PM10) are at the level of injury to sensitive persons.

There is some evidence that large fireworks displays may lead to high PM10 concentrations. Thus OAPC immission threshold could be exceeded if major pyrotechnic displays are performed on 1st / 2nd August and 31st Dec. / 1st Jan, respectively. We should point out that, according to NABEL measurements, the 24h average for PM10 is currently been exceeded on 20 to 77 days per year. Putting things into perspective, a general ban of fireworks devices is not intended.

             We can live without it, or even achieve happiness in many other ways. It's just a waste of money, spend it to other things. You can find another thing to satisfy you and expect much more than the fireworks can do.

Source: http://www.angelfire.com/co3/NCFS/science/environmentalimpact.html

Smoking Kills!!!

           There are many smokers in the world, even a child ages 9 and up are engaging into smoking. Most people are aware of the damage that smoking does to their body, few are aware of the effects that smoking has on the environment. Below are a few of the major ways the cigarettes and production of tobacco harm the environment that we live in.

          

Effecrs to our Environment

Air Pollution- Around 4,000 chemicals used in manufactured cigarettes are released into the air when a cigarette is burned, and to a lesser extent when a smoker exhales.

Water Pollution-Cigarette butts and filters easily make their way into streams, rivers and lakes where they can clog water intakes and pollute water as they degrade. Additionally, the toxins from cigarette butts can leach into groundwater.

Litter and Soil DegredationIn 2007, the number one waste found in community beach sweeps in the United States was cigarette butts. Those butts leach toxins into the soil, and are mistaken as food by birds.

Pesticides and TobaccoTobacco is one of the largest cash crops in the United States and ranks sixth among all agriculture for the amount of pesticides applied per acre. These pesticides end up in soil and water, and all 13 major pesticides used on tobacco have been shown to have some adverse affects on humans and animals.

Smoking and FireCigarettes and careless smoking are the number one cause of forest and home fires. Forest and home fires release a lot of pollution into the atmosphere each year, including plant toxins and dioxins from burning plastic products.

 Health Issues

                    There are many harmful effects of smoking in our health, so be aware of those effects that will just lead your life to death, so that you will have a healthy living

                     

                     Quitting makes sense for many reasons but simply put in your mind: smoking is bad for your health and it will kill you!!!

Harmful Effects of Smoking

• Every year hundreds of thousands of people around the world die from diseases caused by smoking cigarettes - Smoking KILLS.
  
• One in two lifetime smokers will die from their habit. Half of these deaths will occur in middle age.
  
• Tobacco smoke also contributes to a number of cancers.
  

• The mixture of nicotine and carbon monoxide in each cigarette you smoke temporarily increases your heart rate and blood pressure, straining your heart and blood vessels.
  
• This can cause heart attacks and stroke. It slows your blood flow, cutting off oxygen to your feet and hands. Some smokers end up having their limbs
  amputated.
  
• Tar coats your lungs like soot in a chimney and causes cancer. A 20-a-day smoker breathes in up to a full cup (210 g) of tar in a year.
  
• Changing to low-tar cigarettes does not help because smokers usually take deeper puffs and hold the smoke in for longer, dragging the tar deeper into their lungs.
  
• Carbon monoxide robs your muscles, brain and body tissue of oxygen, making your whole body and especially your heart work harder. Over time, your airways swell up and let less air into your lungs.
  
• Smoking causes disease and is a slow way to die. The strain of smoking effects on the body often causes years of suffering. Emphysema is an illness that slowly rots your lungs. People with emphysema often get bronchitis again and again, and suffer lung and heart failure.
  
• Lung cancer from smoking is caused by the tar in tobacco smoke. Men who smoke are ten times more likely to die from lung cancer than non-smokers.
  
• Heart disease and strokes are also more common among smokers than non-smokers.
  
• Smoking causes fat deposits to narrow and block blood vessels which leads to heart attack.
  
• Smoking causes around one in five deaths from heart disease.
  
• In younger people, three out of four deaths from heart disease are due to smoking.
  
• Cigarette smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of low birth weight, prematurity, spontaneous abortion, and perinatal mortality in humans, which has been referred to as the fetal tobacco syndrome.

As mentioned earlier, this list can only begin to convey the harmful health effects of smoking cigarettes and its long term side effects. Next we consider reasons why smoking is bad for those around you in the effects of second hand smoke.

               Theres no other issue on these if theres no smokers in the world. A simple act that can save you life. You cab live without it, just live normally and have a healthy living. You will not just benefit from it but also to others that is not involve to it.

Source: http://www.quit-smoking-stop.com/harmful-smoking-effects.html

              http://www.ehow.com/facts_5019032_effects-smoking-environment.html

Typhoon Preparations

                Another Typhoon is approaching which is expected on Friday. So these measures would help you in preparing, when there is a disaster like typhoon to ensure your safety with your family. So that there’s no regrets because you know in yourself that you are prepared and has the knowledge to face it. 

1. Plan Ahead

   • 1
     Determine whether you can remain in your home during the typhoon. You may be able to ride out a weak typhoon with a small storm surge but will need to evacuate for stronger storms. Listen for warnings from your local officials or weather personnel in situations where evacuation is ordered. Note the evacuation routes and plan to leave early.
   • 2
     Make lists of television and radio stations where you can get storm information, phone numbers to call in case of emergencies and locations of storm shelters. Get directions for the emergency shelters.
   • 3
     Designate a location for you and your family members to meet if you get separated and the number of an out-of-state relative to call to say everyone is safe. That out-of-state person starts the phone tree to others on your list after learning you are okay.
   • 4
     Find a place to take your pets where they will be safe if you have to evacuate. Most storm shelters won't allow pets.
   • 5
     Remember to shut off electricity, water and gas to your home before evacuating.

   Assemble a Typhoon Kit

   • 1
     Pack food that doesn't have to be refrigerated or cooked along with disposable plates, bowls, forks, knives and spoons. Each person and pet in the home should have enough to eat for three days.
   • 2
     Store water. Each person needs three gallons of clean water to drink and to use for washing. Pets also need water.
   • 3
     Add flashlights, oil lamps, lanterns and candles, along with extra batteries, matches and fuel.
   • 4
     Include a first aid kit in your typhoon kit.
   • 5
     Remember to pack board games, card decks and a battery-operated radio.
   • 6
     Throw in a box of garbage bags and paper towels.

   Pack Your Bags

   • 1
     Pack a small bag or backpack for each person in the home. It should include clothes and toiletries for three days.
   • 2
     Bundle a blanket and pillow for each person and place them in garbage bags (to keep them dry) to take along if evacuating.
   • 3
     Include a small bag of photos and documents you can't afford to have destroyed, such as wills and wedding albums.
   • 4
     Place everyone's bag and bed bundle near the door so they can be quickly loaded into the car if you decide to evacuate. Fill the car with gas.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using citronella candles or oil to help repel insects. Most typhoons occur during warm weather and you will want to open your windows or even spend evenings outdoors until electricity is restored.
• If you can, store two weeks worth of food and water.
• Make sure that everyone has something to wear in warm weather, a rain jacket and sturdy shoes that will protect their feet from debris.
• Be careful when using lamps, lanterns and candles. Some lamp and lantern fuel isn't safe to use indoors and candles can be knocked over, starting fires.  

              Keep all these in mind so that when disaster comes, you are brave enough to face it. Its Just a simple responsibility to do to be safe in all these problems in life. Be Prepared.    


Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_2190448_prepare-typhoon.html

Fruit of Success

 Another successful move in the province of Albay in practising risk reduction management which is to achieve zero casualty in every calamity that visits the province.
               Tropical Storm Pedring (international name: Nesat) has strengthened into a typhoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Monday. Winds of up to 120 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph are expected, according to Pagaasa.
               Although the estimated rainfall from Pedring was 15-25 millimeters per hour, far from the amount of water dumped by Typhoon Ondoy which was a combination of Monsoon and tropical storm rains, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) undersecretary Graciano Yumul still urged the public to be prepared and to constantly monitor Pagasa’s weather updates.
               Albay Governor Joey Salceda always achieve this goal by the cooperation and participation of the Abayano's. Media is always been part of these because of 24 hours coverage and updates of typhoon, thats why the people of Albay is always ready, prepared and updated. Albay Governor is responsible for ensuring the protection and welfare of the people during disasters or emergencies thats why he is good in it.

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/65383/pedring-now-a-typhoon

Dengue Prevention

For not cleaning your environment especially the place that a mosquito can easily breed, you can easily get this disease from not doing your responsibility, so be aware of the things that can help you to be healthy.

To prevent the spread of dengue fever, you must first prevent the breeding of its vector, the Aedes mosquito. The Aedes mosquito is easily identifiable by its distinctive black and white stripes on their body. It prefers to breed in clean, stagnant water easily found in our homes. You can get rid of the Aedes mosquito by frequently checking and removing stagnant water in your premises.

The guidelines below will give you an overview of how you can prevent the Aedes mosquito from breeding. 

At all Times:

·         Turn pails and watering cans over and store them under shelter.

·         Remove water in plant pot plates. Clean and scrub the plate thoroughly to remove mosquito eggs. Avoid the use of plant pot plates, if possible.

·         Loosen soil from potted plants to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water on the surface of the hardened soil.

·         Do not block the flow of water in scupper drains along common corridors in HDB estates. Avoid placing potted plants and other paraphernalia over the scupper drains.

·         Cover rarely used gully traps. Replace the gully trap with non-perforated ones and install anti-mosquito valves.

·         Cover bamboo pole holders after use. Rainwater can potentially accumulate in these bamboo pole holders if they are uncovered and create a habitat.

·         No tray or receptacles should be placed beneath and or/ on top of any air-conditioning unit so as not to create a condition favourable for mosquito breeding. 

Every other day

·         Change water in flower vases. Clean and scrub the inner sides of vases. Wash roots of flowers and plants thoroughly as mosquito eggs can stick to them easily.

Once a week

·         Clear fallen leaves and stagnant water in your scupper drains and garden. These leaves could collect water or cause blockages to the drains, thus resulting in the buildup of stagnant water. 

·         Clear any stagnant water in your air cooler unit.

Once a month

·         Add prescribed amounts of sand granular insecticide into vases, gully traps and roof gutters, even if they are dry.

·         Clear away fallen leaves in roof gutters and apron drains. If structurally feasible, remove the roof gutters

If you follow these guidelines, you will be prevented from any diseases you can get from not cleaning, changing or removing water from its source. It can be stagnant water or dangerous substance that can be a cause to have dengue from your place. So keep these things in your mind and keep these as a practice or everyday responsibility so that you can live freely without any disturbance in your life. Also share your knowledge to everyone about these things. You’re not just helping yourself to live safely and healthy but also to others. Have a clean and healthy living.

Photos: http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A2KJke3ikX5O8HUAcRGJzbkF?p=dengue+prevention&fr=yfp-t-701&ei=utf-8&n=30&x=wrt&tab=organic&y=Search

PARTICIPATION OF FAST FOOD CHAINS ON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

                        There are many business establishments in the Municipality of Daraga but the fast food chains contribute more garbage depending on what the order of the customers. Their waste includes plastic, tissue paper, plastic bottles and cups, and Styrofoam and excess food, used oil and etc. Even if there is no implementation of solid waste management program in Daraga they are still doing the right thing and doing their responsibility and consider the environmental effects of their waste, simply to say that they can still manage it well despite of difficult work in accommodating their customers. In the case of Biggs Diner, Ms Fiora Lotta M. Aviso, Manager, said that they following the segregation of waste from Biodegradable, Non-biodegradable, and the Recyclable materials like plastic bottles and in-cans. They have bins for segregation. The good thing about it, is that, they’re donating it to Department of Environment and Natural Resources to recycle it and as well as the used oil. And the excess food, they consider it as dog food. For Jollibee, Toy Zuńiga, Manager said that they are following the color of their trash bins according to Environmental code, for example for Biodegradable trash can the color is green and for Non-biodegradable the color is red. Because of having color coded trash can they also segregate their garbage according to their classification. Also instead of using Styrofoam they prefer to use washable plates to reduce their garbage. Zuńiga said that it’s good to use environmental friendly utensils. They also use color coded plastic and the good thing is it is a oxo-plastic. For McDonalds theyare also using bins and receptacles for segregation. They separate solid waste from water wastes. All their waste are being collected by the garbage collectors Daraga using their dam trucks.

 

All of these fast food chains consider the effect of their waste to the environment if they will not manage it carefully. It can create a bad feedback from other people as well as the customers if they will not take these responsibilities.