I remember Yangtze River from my Asian History class way back in high school. It was that particular lecture wherein my teacher emphasized the importance of river systems in the early civilizations.

China, whose civilization had been said to have stood the test of time, is currently facing a problem that literally stains Yangtze. Yangtze, pride of their civilization and the longest river in Asia, is now threatened because of worsening pollution. In Report: Yangtze Water Worsening, it was revealed that around 600 km of the said river is in critical condition.

Photo by Xinhua News

In 2006, according to Wikipedia, the baiji or river dolphin was already declared functionally extinct.

Today, it is feared that the river pig, also known as the finless porpoise, may follow suit because of the deteriorating river environment.I hope that this cultural wonder will not lose its beauty and wonder. The future generations should see the mother river of the Chinese people.

Great news for all Sanriotowners! Our favorite online community has launched a video-making contest at DreamStudio. The prizes are fabulous! A diamond pendant, a video digital recorder, and a PINK digicam! Now, I’m thinking of joining. Suddenly, I feel like shining!!! Hahaha.

I realized just now that my post yesterday about swimming with the whale shark can be considered a dazzling moment. Too bad, I do not have that much pictures. Hmmm. Anyway, i’ll think up of other moments, instead.

I really hope a lot of people will join. Mothers’ day is already this May and this pendant is surely a lovely gift to moms! Good luck everyone!

I had the rare chance of swimming with a whale shark. Whale sharks are now considered endangered, meaning their numbers have been steadily decreasing in recent decades.

FYI: According to Wikipedia, the highest concentration of whale sharks is in the Philippines. From January to May they congregate in the shallow coastal waters (at Donsol).

Whale sharks are the largest living fish species. Do not be misled by the name, the whale shark is not a man-eating shark species. It is often used as an example to educate people that not all sharks are dangerous.

The whale shark species does not pose a threat to humans despite its enormous size. Here it is:

Here’s a baby whale shark found in Mindoro, Philippines:

Photos by WWF-Philippines

A Briefer from WWF: Since 1998, WWF-Philippines has been assisting the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Donsol in conserving the whale sharks (Rhincodon Typus) and developing a community-based whaleshark ecotourism program for the municipality. The project supported the establishment of a community-based ecotourism program and participatory assessments as basis for coastal management. Since 2002, 8,088 visitors descended to Donsol earning the town PhP 4.2 million in registration fees, whale shark tours and other services. The direct monetary benefits are equitably shared among whale shark interaction officers, banca operators, LGU and tourism suppliers. Whale shark tourism is currently the number one tourist destination for Bicol Region and was awarded the Kalakbay Award for the best ecotourism destination in 2003. In 2004, TIME magazine cited Donsol as the best animal encounter destination in Asia.To protect the whale shark habitat, WWF-Philippines in cooperation with the LGUs will implement coastal resources management in 11 barangays and in the neighboring town of Pilar. The project gained more momentum when the newly elected mayor of Donsol renewed the enforcement campaign against illegal fishing. The project is supported by USAID through WWF-US.

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Hi guys, I wrote this this in 2004 when I volunteered for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.

My Donsol Experience

Last May 26, 2004, I experienced the unbelievable, a close encounter with the whale shark—the worlds largest fish. Not that I thought that it was not possible. Rather, because I am devoid of the faculty of swimming. Before, I never saw it as a disadvantage on my part. However, after my interaction with the butanding (whale shark), I very much wished I were an expert swimmer, a diver more so.

We left the shores of Donsol at around 10:00 AM . It was sheer excitement that filled me as the motor commenced. One Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO) said that at times, even at a 100m distance from the shore, a butanding could be sighted. I was keeping my fingers crossed. I thought to myself, That would not be too deep yet. Wonderful! But then, the motorboat went farther and farther and that actually made my heart thump. I began to feel reluctant on whether to go down the boat or what. Boy, I was really scared. Believe me, this is just an understatement. I even kissed my friends and they kidded me “Angel, is this your premonition?” I just laughed my fear off. I told them “Guys, I’ll just watch you from here, okay? The boat ride is great!”

After about 45 minutes, a butanding was sighted. My companions got themselves all geared up. I told them I’d go down on the next sighting. And off they went. Unfortunately, they were not able to see it. The butanding immediately went deeper into the water. So, when they got back, we went around in circles to find other whale sharks. Not too long after, there was another sighting. I was just wearing goggles and a life vest. I was able to gather enough confidence because I would just be tagged along by the best diver in the place. My mind was confident but my physicality was not. Jumping off the boat was already a major difficulty on my part. The diver even had to give me words of encouragement before I actually went down. God, I felt the waves against my body. Then, I knew that my life was heavily dependent on the diver, Manong Daryn. Because I was really clinging on to Manong Daryn, we were not able to move fast. I even rode him piggyback that made it harder for us to follow the others. So, I just asked Manong to bring me back to the boat. And he did. It was a blessing in disguise, though, because when we were back aboard, we noticed that one of our companions was having a hard time swimming. He was, in fact, already struggling for breath. Manong Daryn rushed to his rescue. We discovered afterwards that the flippers made it difficult for him to move. At the next sighting, I had almost convinced myself not to go down the boat. But I noticed the people enjoying the interaction. So, I went down. Good thing the butanding was feeding. The interaction was so long. The first time I saw it, it made me say “Wow!” I felt satisfied with that one look. It was already a big hurdle for me to go down there. I told Manong Daryn “Manong, I saw the whale shark already. Can we go back to the boat?” He disagreed. He told me “This is one of the most beautiful creatures of the ocean, watch it a little longer.” So I did. Manong brought me to the tail of the whale shark to its body then to its large head. It was so cute. It looked so gentle while it was feeding. Several sightings followed. At around 12:30 pm , we went back to the shores of Donsol.

What I experienced at Donsol’s waters will surely be with me for the rest of my life. It was, by far, the most courageous thing I have ever done in my life. And I am more than glad that I took the risk. What I saw was indeed a wonder. As one of my companions in the boat said, “The wonderful thing about the whale sharks in Donsol is that we see them not as captives but rather, in their natural state.” And I believe that exemplifies conservation in its truest sense.

When I got back to my dormitory, my mom called me and asked me about my experience. I could go on and on. And before the call ended, my mom remarked, “When you get back home, I’ll force you to take that long overdue swimming lesson. I wont take no for an answer.” Definitely, I will be obedient this time.

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I hope that the future generations will still see this wonderful species, along with other marine life that are endangered like many whale species. Here’s a video from Greenpeace:

I came across some Hello Kitty products that are environmental in a sense. I was happy to discover them because aside from their extreme cuteness, they are environment-friendly too.

Hello Kitty notebook

This notebook uses recycled paper.

Nonwoven shopping bags

These are non-woven bags that were produced the non-adhesive way making way for less energy consumption. Plus, non-woven fabrics are recyclable.

Hello Kitty LED Light

New style crystal-cartoon mini night-light is made of environmental saving energy LED diode of 21th century, using rated power 0.3W, and extending your working time. Safe and friendly, made of non-toxic crystal material. Rated power 180-250V, 50/60Hz, alternating current outlet can often be used.

Hmmm. You may be wondering what this post is about. Well, it’s about Adobe Systems. I coined the word Adob-E for them as a double monicker: E for their industry e-business and E for environment. I laud them for their great work in making their headquarters as energy-efficient as possible. They started to replace their energy-inefficient practices in 2001. Adobe identified 64 ways to end unsustainable practices. They began by replacing all the bulbs in their HQ with energy-efficient ones. After realizing the benefits of that action, they intensified their conservation and efficiency practices. Because of this, the company saves US$1.2 million annually and gets an additional US$400,000 in rebates. Neat, huh?

Guess how much they spent on their energy retrofitting, $1.4 million. And in a little more than a year, the investment already given its returns. It does not only give financial savings, it also helps the environment. So, cheers to Adobe!!

More photos and descriptions (Credits: Adobe Systems, CNET News)

This is how the building looks at night. Adobe HQ is America’s greenest building.

Adobe has tied digital electric meters to software that displays ongoing energy usage visually and in real time, allowing building engineers to respond quickly to any unusual spikes. Adobe estimates that this system has saved a total of $96,000 since 2001.

This is an example of their waterless urinal. It filters waste though a liquid sealant within replaceable cartridges. At the sinks, motion-controlled dispensers pump soap that is free of toxic fragrances and dyes.

Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Redford, and Alanis Morissette. Let us call them celebri-green, celebrities who have stepped up to the challenge of helping the planet. They are not just green endorsers, as you may think. They do really have an environmental lifestyle.

Harrison Ford. Some of his Movies: “Air Force One”, “The Fugitive”, and”Clear and Present Danger.”

Vice chairman of Conservation International, won the Global Environmental Citizen Award in 2002, has a Central American ant named after him (Peidole harrisonfordi).

Cate Blanchett. Some Movies: “Elizabeth”, “Notes on a Scandal”, “The Aviator”, “Babel”

Plans to put solar panels and add rainwater collection systems in Sydney Theatre Company building to make it eco-friendly. Her home in Sydney is powered by solar energy entirely, donates to an organization called Forest Guardians.

Blanchett’s co-actor in “The Aviator,” Leonardo DiCaprio, also takes the environment seriously like his acting. He was launched to stardom by the silverscreen rendition of one of the world’s most tragic sea accidents “Titanic. Other movies: “The Departed”, “Blood Diamond.”

He is presently writing and producing a documentary on global warming called “11th hour.” He put up the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998 to promote environmental issues. Drives a hybrid car.

Robert Redford, recipient of an Honorary Academy Award in 2002. Known for movies such as “The Quiz Show”, “The Horse Whisperer”, and “Indecent Proposal”.

Devoted 30 years in the Natural Resources Defense Council. 1993 Earth Day award Recipient. 1987 United Nations Global 500 award. Founder of Sundance Preserve. To launch weekly three-hour slot called “The Green”, dedicated entirely to the environment, on his Sundance TV channel this coming April.

The voice behind the phenomenal hits “Hand in my Pocket,” “Uninvited,” and “Ironic.” Her Jagged Little Pill album reached worldwide sales of 28 million copies.

Drives a hybrid car. Has solar panels on home. Received the 2003 Environmental Media Association Missions in Music Award. Lobbies against oil drilling in Alaska.

For more info on other green celebs, click here.

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Lately, I’ve been dwelling on the greener side of things in this blog. Today, I realized that I should pink this up a little more with a dip of fashion and an ounce of nature-lovin’ rolled into one.Have you heard of eco-fashion? It’s the kind of fashion that has an environmental sensitivity. Don’t be misled, though, that eco-fashion is all green and leafy. Of course not! Eco-fashion is still stylistic and chic.

According to a nonprofit group called Sustainable Technology Education Project (STEP), these are clothes “that take into account the environment, the health of consumers and the working conditions of people in the fashion industry.” What exactly am I talking about? Then, check these out:

1. Refashioned from vintage men’s clothing by designer Angela Johnson. It is a button-down party dress made from men’s thrifted shirts.

2. Wedding dress of Judith Selby Lang. All are recycled materials. She shares in her online journal: “from white shopping bags for the dress; translucent dry cleaner bags for the shawl, pieces of white beach plastic on the trim of the skirt, tiny swirls of pink plastic bags for roses on the tiara.” Interesting. Why didn’t I think of that?

3. Multi-strand necklace and bracelet by British designer Rebecca Crawford. Round plastic discs cut from shampoo bottles, handmade.

4. Coconut triangles and seeds belt by Ecofashiobrazil.com.

5. This may look pretty normal to you but the fabric used here is 100% organic cotton from Loomstate. This is called Chino (cotton, relaxed fit, low rise, wider leg).

To know more about the difference of organic and conventional cotton, click this link.

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Have a sustainable style!

Germany is one of the countries that prioritizes environmental health. They do that, not as a luxury, but because they have learned from the past.

It was in the 1980s when Germany and neighboring countries experienced great environmental loss. A disastrous fire at a chemical giant, , broke out spitting around thirty tons of highly toxic and hazardous agro-chemicals into the River Rhine. River Rhine, according to Wikipedia, “is one of the longest and most important rivers in Europe” with nine basin countries (Belgium, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, Luxembourg, and Netherlands).

Rainer Durth, Senior Policy Advisor of the German Development Bank, said “For many Germans, this catastrophe proved to be traumatic: fishing was stopped, waterworks were closed, drinking water was rationed, and walks along the Rhine were forbidden.”

Thus, as a restoration project, the River Rhine Basin countries cooperated and took on a change of paradigm. It was coined “Bring back the salmon,” since the return of the salmon to the river was Germany’s most important perimeter for environmental improvement.

Germany learned it the hard way. But the good thing is that they learned. The question now for the rest of us is, “Will we ever learn or shall we wait for nature to hit us so hard, so hard we can no longer stand?”

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When I went to Germany in 2004, I was aboard Max Pruss and cruised the Rhine River. The sight was breathtaking and yes, the salmons are well and thriving.

With environmental envoys from China, Singapore, and India

Other scenic views of Germany:

Train ride from Frankfurt to Cologne

From this side, you can see the tall Cologne Cathedral, tallest building in the world from 1880 to 1890 (Credits: www.ambrosiasw.com). Really wanted to share this because the shot is sooo beautiful.

Here’s the shot of an amateur. Haha. I took this shot using my mobile phone. This is the facade of the Cologne Cathedral. The temperature there during that time was around 3 degrees Celsius.

The issue of climate change and global warming have been on the forefront of environment news lately. Erratic changes in the weather and hot days continue to surge unexpectedly. Storms are fiercer. Hurricanes visit often like a close relative. Extinction of species are on an upward trend. The consequences of man’s invasive actions towards nature are now being felt.

I saw an article at Bloomberg.com, saying that Thailand has decided to intensify its coal-burning capacity. The news saddened me. I remembered my fellow environmental youth advocates from Thailand. I met them in 2004 in Germany and I sensed that there was so much passion in them to make a change in their country. But with decisions such as this, it will just make the task too arduous for them.

This was the entire batch of environmental envoys in 2004.

If you want to know more about the news story, read on:
Thailand’s Coal-Power Drive Sparks Health, Environment Outcry
By Beth Jinks and Suttinee Yuvejwattana

March 20 (Bloomberg) — Suratin Maleehuan has seen cases of respiratory disease climb 70 percent in two years at the 30-bed hospital he runs near Thailand’s biggest factory complex. He’s horrified by plans to boost the kingdom’s coal-burning capacity.

“The health problems are already too much to handle,” said Suratin, a doctor in the town of Map Ta Phut in the east, where a third coal-fired power plant opened in October to help fuel more than 200 smokestacks. “For sure when we have new coal plants, the problems will be more.”

Read more »

Samuel Coleridge authored the poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner in 1797-1799. It talked about the events in a mariner’s long sea journey. The most famous lines from the poem reads:

Water, water, everywhere,
And all the boards did shrink;
Water, water, everywhere,
Nor any drop to drink.

Come to think of it. What used to be plain word and imagination play became a reality. Who would have imagined decades ago that we will be drinking from bottles and not straight from nature?

Allow me to walk you through the water distribution of the Earth. According to the United States Geological Survey, there is just a small percent of the water around us that is usable by humans. Thus, water is considered as a scarce resource. Today, of the 0.3% that’s available to humans, a great percentage had already been exploited and considered unfit for drinking.

Scenes of a weary traveler drinking from a stream is an image that belongs to the past. One can no longer linger in the bounty of nature, unlike before. Things have changed and they have changed a whole lot. Look around you. Are you seeing the world the way your grandparents saw it before? Rich vegetation, pure water, thick forests, clean air. Will all remain a memory?

I hope not. The earth is beautiful if people know how to take care of it. What else do you want to take in using bottles or packages? What’s next? The air? It’s your choice.