TER Tree Planting Programme at Raja Muda Musa Peat Swamp

On the 20th and 21st of November 2009, myself, Cynta and Atikah went for a tree planting programme organized by Toyota and YAWA. This programme was a lifetime experience for all 3 of us as we never went to a peat swamp before.In our assigned group, we worked together and managed to plant about 100 seedlings. I was unlucky to fall into the swamp. I was all messy and dirty. On the way back, things got even worst when we had to walk in the rain for about 1km to get to the bus. But, overall, we had a great time! Thank you, Toyota for this once in a lifetime experience.

Biggest Orchid Collage Programme

The Biggest Orchid Collage Programme was held in Taman Botani Putrajaya on the 14th of November. It was indeed a great experience for some of us who participated in the event. The aim of this even was to educate society about orchids and get students actively involved in orchid planting. We participated in the biggest orchid collage programme and we had an awesome time. We had to paint the stones provided with a certain colour and fill up the outline of the collage. We got ourselves really messy and dirty by the time it was  1 pm. And the best thing was, we got our names jotted down in the Malaysia Book Of  Records!!

YAWA's second year visit

On the 11th November 2009, two of YAWA representatives visited our school to check out our future plans for the year 2010. And, of all things, our projector went crazy and decided to pull a fuss. Luckily, we just faced minor technical problems with it.

Their visit began with a short briefing by the YAWA representative on what we a supposed to do for next year's project. Then, myself and AtiK presented to them ou future project. They seemed quite pleased with it.

We then took them for a tour around the school and showed them the progress of our herbs garden and mini forest. We also gained some ideas on how to further improve our garden. Their visit to our school ended around 12 pm. Pictures during their visit will be uploaded soon!

Schools excel in initiative

Please click on the image to enlarge :)

Weed, weed and more weed.

I am here to update about the week before exam meeting.

Not many things happened. It was just another day of weeding. Our frog is growing, I'm glad to tell you. I was lucky enough not to see it but some of you did and that was what I heard.

We finally took a look at the mini jungle. I'm still new here so I do not know what purpose the mini jungle serves but it was a beautiful garden from what I observed.

We were dismissed at 3.30 p.m.

p/s: Farhanah, i do not know what recycle thing you were talking about.

Paper recyling workshop postponed :(

Nothing much happened during this week's meeting, besides the usual weeding and unusually short discussion. Amazingly, Farhanah didn't bring up our respective jobs and responsibilities.

The recycling workshop was initially scheduled for this week. Unfortunately, due to certain unforseen circumstances (we didn't bring anything recycling-related), it was postponed to the meeting after the Raya holidays.

Atikah told us what we needed to bring in order to recycle paper, on top of giving a short, condensed tutorial on how exactly we do it. The things each member has to bring are: One tupperware of blended newspaper, One sponge, and some corn starch, if they could spare any. Deprived souls like your truly who don't own blenders can request for their friends to bring a tupperware of blended newspaper for them.

Goodbye, and on to my incomplete homework.

Welcome, young ones.

Last Tuesday as most of you are aware of, was the ice breaking session for the Form 1 juniors. These juniors were practically drowning the already drowned seniors with their enthusiasatic gesture. These young people are forces to be reckon with. They actually care for the environment! (okay, there's a slight possibility there were there for the Ko-ko marks but hey, who are we to judge?)

Anyway, the meeting started off with Pn. Yeo, who was by the way looking rather radiant, briefing the Form 1s about the usual stuffs like 'what is Eco Ranger?' She then passed the mic to Farhanah and Farhanah, who wasn't looking very radiant, got down to business. Business as in informing what the Eco Ranger has been doing so far and what the Eco Ranger is really about.

Farhanah was babbling and you could tell that nobody was really paying attention (or was that just me?), when she dropped the bomb. She said that we are representing school in International Level or something along that line. This shocking announcement was followed by many gasps most notably by the Juniors who formerly thought that Eco Ranger was just another one of school's just-there-for-laughs club. My heart then literally swelled with pride when Farhanah got to the achievements part. Eco Ranger has achieved so many things over the year. A fact that I found not surprising with the number of dedicated members in our club.

Ice breaking games include the Name game and it was a success. Everyone knew each other's name by the end of that game and after that, we played a round of get-a-question-from-the-box-whenever-it-stops-at-you game. Let me just say that this game showcased some amazing musical abilities by our members, namely Eishatur with her show stopping numbers. Eishatur was the only upside to this game as it bores me out of my wit and I'm sure most of you felt the same.

There was LONG awkward pause when Farhanah asked the Juniors their opinions on the club. But they instantly recovered and Farhanah was happy with all the good feedbacks we've received.

It was a successful meeting as usual and to the Form 1s - We have a LONG way to go and let's hope we survive it together!

Angela's guide to the blog updaters

Greetings, world.

 Instead of posting yet another article on saving the green, beautiful earth, I have decided on something far more practical instead- A guide to differentiating between the various people who update this blog. Now. Doesn't this beat a long-winded lecture on how to reduce the acidity of the air?

We will start with Farhanah. Here goes nothing except my neck.

Farhanah's updates are very factual, and to the point. She doesn't waste any time on frills and complaints about her unfair life. She rarely updates, though, so I see no reason she would complain. Oh, and also, she NEVER uses sarcasm, and her blog posts are very pleasant and polite. Because she rarely updates, everyone would read her updates as soon as possible because for her to update, it would be important and crucial stuff.

Next up-Elsa.

Elsa loves updating. She writes with an element of humour, and she is rather sarcastic at times. Her  blog posts have a point. Unfortunately, I don't know what else to insert here as she has yet to reveal her true potential for blog-updating just yet. I'm sure her true colours will shine true in just a few more posts.

And then we have Eishatur...

Eishatur's blog posts are always full of emoticons which are out of the ordinary. Think Japanese Harajuku Chat Rooms. Here are a few examples: ^_^, 0_0, and *_*. Oh, and she always sounds like a hyperactive, perky 5 year old who managed to overdose on sugar in spite of her mother's disapproval by dazzling her mother with a wide beam, leaving her in an disorientated state.

Finally, we have Angela.

The one thing that gives Angela away in her updates is the fact that she always somehow manages to drag Farhanah into everything work-related. She enjoys pretending to be Cinderella who was forced by her evil stepmother to update a blog. She is secretly fond of the blog, because she hasn't been updating her own. People dismiss it as a classic case of parental guilt.

You're very welcome for the clarification.

Oh, the agony, the PAIN!

Once upon a time, Farhanah decided that as members of Toyota Eco Rangers, merely pulling out weeds and resuscitating dead plants isn't enough to tip our busy, overloaded souls over the edge.


As anyone who bothers to grace this blog with their presences would have noticed, Farhanah has oh-so-kindly dedicated an entire blog post to tormenting our poor members with the gruesome and in-depth details about what their respective jobs entail. As we had recently re-elected posts, some of us have new posts, while the others, who are less fortunate remain stuck with theirs. Either way, everyone in the club has a post.


This meeting, Farhanah once again took it upon herself to refresh our memories regarding our jobs. She has even introduced a new system whereby members who do not carry out their duties would lose the sole reason they even accepted their duties in the first place- KoKo Marks. Needless to say, everyone was traumatised into carrying out their duties, including the person who has to update this blog.


Good news- There are now TWO Blog AJKs.


Then, Farhanah discussed what she has in store for our upcoming meetings.


On the 8th of September, the new, JUNIOR (That was my evil laugh you heard) members will be introduced into the club. We, as senior members who are naturally wiser and therefore entitled to tormenting them as much as possible have planned numerous games for them, out of the kindness of our hearts. Should our juniors do anything wrong, Farhanah has reassured us that the senior members will take the heat. I'm sorry, that wasn't very reassuring at all.


A recycling workshop is scheduled for the 15th of September, whereby members will be treated to an exciting tutorial on recycling paper. We are all eagerly looking forward to it in anticipation. Keeping in line with the workshop theme, there will also be a bio enzyme workshop on the 29th of September. I apologise for the lack of elaboration as I am a part of those members who have no idea what bio enzyme is, but pretend to know for the sake of appearing smart.


There may be an overdose of sarcasm in this blog post, but I doubt you'll notice it. I'm very subtle.

Air Conditioner

We, human, caused global warming. Since global warming increase the earth temperature, and we human are too high and mighty to live in a humid temperature, we resort to air conditioner. Air conditioner that doesn't actually solve the global warming problem but further worsen it.

But who cares, right? As long as we can live comfortably in the nice and cold temperature.

(Forgive my poor attempt to be sarcastic)

I'll tell you why you SHOULD care. Air conditioners are ruining our lives. The power required to run air conditioner consume fossil fuels and depleting reserves. These substances, of course contribute to global warming, which in turn, will force us to increase the usage of air conditioner. I would like to name this cycle as the 'vicious cycle' (actually, I want to name it the 'air- contioner-contribute-to-global-warming-but-we-still-use-it cycle', but it's too long).

So, what are we to do? Human shouldn't be blame for this. The temperature is simply too hot for us to bear. Seriously, in the heatwave of 2003, 30 000 people died across Europe. So, this is NO laughing matter. The earth has become too humid. The damage is done, people. In no way can we undo the global warming in the nearest time.

So, I suggest the eco friendly air conditioner- the geothermal air conditioner. Although it is extremely expensive, I'm sure we can find a way to buy it. I mean, we are only 14 right? So let's change our goal! Instead of dreaming in buying a Porche, let's work hard to buy a GEOTHERMAL air conditioner when we grow up! From now on, learn and study hard so we can have a succesful career someday and help the environment.

If you have no desire whatsoever to study hard, you can always buy a fan. A manual fan. This is to me, the best solution ever. And if that doesn't work, you can always take a bath/shower anytime you feel like you can't handle the heat any longer.

As for now, well, if you're parents are extremely rich, force them to buy one of those eco friendly air conditioner. If they're not, force them to buy a fan. And if you can't afford any of that, then good for you! That means, you are not contributing to the global warming. Unless, you are using a normal air conditioner of course. If that's the case, turn it off, NOW! Trade the normal air conditioner for a normal fan.

We all are apart of this earth. So let's do something to help her!

Welcome To The Board!

Hello, there dear Eco Ranger Members. The Job Scope for you guys is finally up. So, please read through it carefully :)

President: Farhanah
- nurturing activities: bio enzyme, compost, eco carwash
- plans activities throughout the year
- looking for sponsors
- making / ordering banners, tshirts and so on
- ensure members do their job
- incharge of Herbs Garden
- incharge of members “GOLD POINTS” (will be deducted if job is not carried out and will effect Co-curricular marks)
Vice President: Atikah
- incharge of recycling papers
- ensure members do their job
- replaces Cela to take down minutes if Vice Secretary is not around
- Helps Farhanah
- Incharge of Eco Mini Jungle
Secretary: Cela
- prepares name list for minutes and for all AJK’S (NAME LIST WITH FULL NAMES)
- prepares sponsorship letter, letters for visits and so on
- takes attendance during meetings
- prints out minutes and places them in eco files (FILES TO BE BROUGHT EVERY MEETING)
- prepares journals to be submitted once in two months (JOURNAL MUST BE SHOWED TO FARHANAH AND PN. YEO BEFORE SUBMITTING)
Vice Secretary:
- Helps Cela with minutes
- Replaces Cela when she is absent for meetings
- Helps Ramizah with her job (Planting)
Treasurer: Siti Sarah
- collects all the money needed
- collects receipts for redemption and passes it to teacher
- makes accounts and closes it every month, gets Pn. Yeo’s signature
- ensures that the money we have ties with the accounts
- makes recycled papers with AtiK
Blog: Elsa and Angela
- updates blog every meeting
- uploads pictures on blog after each meeting
- blog must be uploaded by Sunday of the same week the meeting was held
- updates blog on whether there will be meeting the following week/ not
- promotes blog through facebook ( Groups J), twitter and so on
- places interesting information on the environment every week (BY SUNDAY)
Scrapbook: Eishatur
- updates scrapbook every week
- changes the captions of the pictures updated to make it more interesting
Photography: Azrianna, Pui San
- takes picture during every meeting and event that has something to do with the environment
- uploads picture on scrapbook by Sunday of the same week
- passes pictures to Secretary, AJK Multimedia and Blog latest by Thursday of the same week
Research: Azmina, Husnina
- does research on every plant in gardens in school
- seeks help of experts from UM / YAWA if can’t identify the name and uses of plants
- prints out info on plants and places in Scrapbook (one scrapbook for each garden)
- keeps scrapbook in place and always updated
- brings scrapbook during every meeting and updates members on new plants and their uses
Board and Documentation: Ili, Samantha, Nadiah
- changes layout and design of board
- places pictures, information and organization chart on board (MADE YOURSELF)
- places notice on whether there will be meeting or not, the day before meeting
- does all types of artwork required by Eco Rangers
- incharge of making button badges
- Makes ECO files:
1. Minutes: 2 files
2. Plants Scrapbook: 3 files
3. Eco Ranger Scrapbook with pictures: 1 file (incharge of processing pictures and completing it too)
- makes labels for plants using recycled papers and sending it for
Lamination
Multimedia: Niraa and Soo Sun
- makes and updates slideshow after every meeting or activity
- slideshow must be given to Farhanah at the end of every month for checking
- slideshows must include animation and lots of pictures
- makes environmental videos when needed
Watering: Sophia and Keerthana
- take turns on ensuring plants are watered (ECO FOREST and HERBS GARDEN)
- making a checklist and ensuring members water plants everyday unless urgent matters crop up and it has rained/ is raining
- checklist must be presented every meeting
Planting: Ramizah
- ensures that there are no weeds at the garden and all the plants are healthy (FOREST and GARDEN)
- prepares checklist to keep count of number of plants which died and is still living
- checklist should be updated once a week
- checks out places to buy plants for a cheaper price and buys plants first if required (MONEY WILL BE REDEEMED)
- incharge of activities that involves the plants such as selling of herbs

Good Luck to the new board. I believe you will do a great job!!

TER Official Website + Scrapbook

Take a look at our scrapbook and profile page. It's the second coolest scrapbook after the winning team from SS17.

The weird and flashy TER page, complete with growing trees

Click on the "Future Seeding Plants" or something like that. The second button from your left.

Haven't been updated since June. Will be updated soon. After I kill myself with Sejarah drama, fanfiction and manga contest.

We didn't win Best Reporting simply because our pictures mostly contain brown things (sand, earth and compost) instead of greeneries (SS17 is like 0___O). Anyway, they copied our captions and our way of writing so, yeah. Whatever. We were still awesome. Farhanah, AtiK and Cela got their faces plastered in NEWSpapers.

Don't ask where did I get the pictures. I have tons of them, thanks to my fantastic googling skills.

Goodbye and good luck to the new board. Let us all suffer in peace,

Ryodhiah.

Green schools

By Sarah Chew and Yazreen Haron

WHICH would you rather do in environmental conservation — hear a talk about saving trees for a 100 minutes or plant a 100 trees in your school?

And yes, though planting a 100 trees may take more out of you, it certainly would go a long way in ensuring a healthier and greener tomorrow, as students in 22 schools found out.

These students were part of the Toyota Eco Rangers Programme, a partnership between UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd and Yayasan Anak Warisan Alam (Yawa), which kicked off last year with a Eco camp where they learnt how to care for trees and plant them in their respective schools.

This three-year programme involves workshops, concept paper presentation, tree planting, nurturing activities and networking with community and governmental bodies.

Noor Rezan (fifth from left) talking to Sri Aman principal Alainal Hasani Md Noor about the school’s herb garden that was cultivated under the programme.
“As we end the first year of the programame, a total of 755 indigenous trees have been planted in the 22 participating high schools within the Klang Valley, by the students who have successfully applied the knowledge acquired from the Eco Camp workshop”, said executive director of strategic marketing group of UMW Toyota Motor Aminar Rashid Salleh at the first-year award ceremony recently.

Yawa and Toyota have been conducting on-site visits to the participating schools to monitor the progress and provide advice and feedback.

He also added that students will be taught on how to do labelling and inventory in the second year.

They would also be encouraged to carry out nurturing activities such as composting, producing enzymes and recycling, and also networking with the community, and move towards greening their school’s environment.
Schools were presented with a RM500 grant and starter kit of weeding, pruning and measurement tools, a test kit and fertiliser recipes.

To encourage the students in their endeavours, each school is monitored and assessed every year, with awards presented to schools in various categories.

The top three winners received cash prizes ranging from between RM1,000 and RM3,000 for the first year. They were SMK(P) Sri Aman, SMK Putrajaya and SMK Setapak Indah, Kuala Lumpur.

The Best Tree Planting, Best Nurturing and Environmental Practises and Best Reporting awards were won by SMK Bangsar, SMK(P) Sri Aman and SMK SS17 Subang Jaya respectively, with a reward of RM1,000 for each school.

The students and teachers agreed that they had gained valuable lessons and experiences through the past year.

“I’ve learnt how to plant trees correctly, know their scientific names, how to dig ponds, plan the ‘softscape’ and the ‘hardscape’ and even prepare presentations,” said SMK Putrajaya Form Five student Nur Azreen Hamidi, 17.

She added that when she leaves school, she would still return as an alumni to finish off the programme.
“In conjunction with the programme, we also conducted other eco-friendly activities as well, such as recycling, producing bio enzymes and an eco car wash where we used a pail of water for a car, and a pail of soap for several cars”, commented Nik Roshina, a participating teacher of SMK Setapak Indah, Kuala Lumpur.

Education Ministry deputy director-general (General Education Operations) Datuk Noor Rezan Bapoo Hashim said the ministry hoped the environmentally-friendly culture would extend beyond school.
“In understanding the importance of trees, comes a sense of responsibility towards the environment, not only within the school community but at home too”, said Noor Rezan.

To bring out the “eco” mood, there were special performances by the choir and orchestra of SMK(P) Sri Aman .

The participants will also be invited to a Tree Planting event in November this year.

The second year Eco Camp will be held in March 2010 and the final awards presentation will be held in June 2011 to complete the three-year programme.

They keep coming, don't they?

Today, it was only me, Pik Leng and Ameera. With other guests such as Huda and Ili and some 'pekebuns'.

Same as always, everyone sat under the shade and started their usual routine. Chopping, digging and mixing. Of course with Huda and Ili around, chatting too.

Ameera , Pik Leng , Ili and Huda chopping waste.

Ili and Huda listening to Pik Leng explaining about compost.

Ameera and Pik Leng...

An example of an 'maturing' compost

Waste being violently chopped by Pik Leng.

Our compost's 'home sweet home'.

The soil is calling for you..

As usual started making our compost to add into the batch and well as usual normal noises.
Nadiah and Uma ?? Oh! We also have a new member! Ameera Liyana. Thanks for joining us.

Apart from that, Tuesday 7/7/09, everyone must stayback for the Pencinta Alam meeting. Until 5.00 p.m. Please try and make it. We have lots of work to do.

Look! We have a new member!! Say hello to Ameera Liyana!!


Aisyah chopping..



Before......

After...

Example of the compost once added with water,waste and soil.

Rain...Rain...

Successfully packed the last batch of compost and started on a new one today. We were joined by Aziemah and Sarah, our form one juniors. Thank you!


An example of the chopped waste that are used in the compost batch.

Aziemah and Sarah digging soil from the surrounding area to be added and mixed with the chopped waste.

Since there has been some confusion about the time the compost meetings are held, I have decided to post the official times and days of the meeting. Please refer to this information for your references.

Thursdays
2.30 p.m. - 3.30 p.m.

Fridays
2.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.

Duration of activity may change according to the materials available for processing. Any changes or cancellation of meetings will be informed. Attendance has not been very good, please present yourself during the meetings. Thank you.

Steps In Making Compost

How To Make Compost
kitchengardeners

Hope this video helped you a bit or two in understanding more about compost.

About Compost

What is compost exactly? Well, compost is a mixture of decaying vegetation and manure; used as fertilisers. Why should you make compost? Compost contributes to the reduction of global wastage.
Instead of throwing out those left-overs after dinner, why not make compost? It's a simple task and does not need big budgets. You may ask what can I change by making compost? You may be one person but every change starts one by one. Imagine a world where everybody contributes to the reduction of global wastage by making compost. Think of the many things we can change. To make your own compost is very easy and only takes you 6 steps. Follow the steps below to learn and make your own compost in your own backyard.

1. Prepare a container with holes and the necessary things such as water, waste and soil.
2. Seperate the waste that is suitable for compost (vegetables and fruits; not bananas and
oranges).
3. Chop the waste into small bits and pieces to allow the decomposition process to perform faster.
4. Mix the waste and the soil together into the container.
5. Mix a bit of water to make sure the compost is moisture.
6. Leave the compost aside in a hot and humid area and cover the top to avoid rain water from
going in.

Compost may be an easy thing to make but requires a long time to mature; about six months, and needs a whole lot of attention. Tender, love and care. Remember, worms play a big part in your compost. They help and also allow the decomposition process to take place. Always check on the degree of moisture and turn the soil daily.

A good compost will turn brown and earth-like colour. It will not smell and will look very much like the soil we started with.

Why not get started today? Play your part in saving and protecting the earth that we love. You can make a difference.

Mid-Term Holiday Preparation

Look who decided to pay us a visit! Farhanah checking on things. The Pencinta Alam president in the flash.

Kak Long provided lots of waste for us and fortunately, someone actually remembered to ask her for the waste this time. Chopping the waste into bits and pieces so that it is more suitable for the compost.

Finishing up the last batch of compost for the month. Although very much looking forward towards the mid-term break, we're still working..

Nadiah, Pik Leng and Syaqira adding more waste to the current compost. Pictures provided by Uma. Aisyah..where are you??

Early Preparation

Today was the official and also the first meeting of the year. It lasted for about 45 minutes and many discussion were made. All the AJK's were elected and a small discussion about how to raise fund for the club was held. It was decided that the club would sell bookmarks to raise fund. Apart from that, a discussion about the Anugerah Hijau was also held.

President - Aini Maisurah
Vice President 1 - Sharifah Nadhirah
Vice President 2 - Noor Syaqira
Secretary - Yee Chooi Fun
Treasurer - Nur Farahin
Sale Manager - Nabihah
Info - Uma
Ass. Secretary - Nadiah Roslan
Ass. Treasurer - Leong Pik Leng
Ass. Sale Manager - Aisyah Insyirah
Ass. Info 1 - Noor Aziemah
Ass. Info 2 - Sarah

Save our penguins!!

The earth has a bipolar disorder. Global warming threatens the wildlife of both the north and south polar regions. In the north, the polar bears are dying off because the ice shelves they depend on to reach their prey have been melting. In the south, melting ice and snow create huge cracks and caverns which trap penguins and make it difficult for them to travel to breeding and feeding areas.
Skeptics of global warming can point to areas such as the center of Antarctica where there has been no warming, but the evidence is clear now that average global temperatures are rising, and the visual evidence of melting glaciers is there for anyone to see. In the U.S.A., Glacier National Park will have to be renamed Park Meltdown.
In 1998 I wrote on the threats to the survival of the penguins. At that time, oil spills, pollution, and predators were killing many penguins. Now warming is the main problem, as it could destroy the habitat of the penguins in Antarctica.
The various types of birds are classified as “orders,” and the penguin order is called Sphenisciformes. This order contains aquatic flightless birds which live in the Southern Hemisphere. As only penguins are in that order, penguins are quite different from all other birds in walking upright and in some of them being able to live in extremely cold climates.The penguins are dying. Can WE save them before it's too late?
Penguins are dying throughout the Southern Hemisphere. In the Prince Edward Islands by South Africa in the Indian Ocean, penguin populations are shrinking. As the oceans warm up, the prey eaten by penguins move south to cooler waters.
The 900-mile-long Antarctic Peninsula which sticks out from the main continent is warming up at a greater pace than the world average. There the ice is melting rapidly, and huge chucks of ice sheets are braking off. The Adelie penguins there have to swim ever longer distances to get food, and there is also less food, especially krill, small shrimp-like animals that depend on the sea ice. If the warming continues, they will be unable to survive there.
Most of the glaciers on earth have melted. What will happen if this continues?
In the Ross Sea by Antarctica, two huge ice sheets have broken away from the ice sheet and block the passage that penguins use from feeding to breeding areas. They have to walk 30 miles (50 kilometers) more to get to the feeding waters. This creates an extreme hardship for penguins as they waddle on land at only one mile per hour. The population of the impressive emperor penguins in Antarctica has been cut in half during the past 50 years.
The penguin order is not overall threatened with extinction, as some species can live in warmer climates. Nevertheless, penguins everywhere are under pressure, as while there are no predators on Antarctica, penguins further north are threatened by predators such as cats, dogs, and rats.
The warming of the Antarctic Peninsula and decline of the penguins there is a warning to humanity about the looming global threat for humanity. Many people world-wide have viewed the documentary film by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, “An Inconvenient Truth.” It is unfortunate that this persuasive film dwells almost entirely on the problem, with very little on solutions. It’s fine to replace old light bulbs with new ones that are more energy efficient, but there is no good substitute for economic policies that make people pay the social cost when they do damage to the planet.
In a speech at the New York University School of Law on September 18, 2006, Al Gore, proposed replacing payroll taxes with a tax on carbon dioxide emissions. Gore has advocated “the elimination of all payroll taxes -- including those for social security and unemployment compensation - and the replacement of that revenue in the form of pollution taxes -- principally on CO2. The overall level of taxation would remain exactly the same. It would be, in other words, a revenue neutral tax swap. But, instead of discouraging businesses from hiring more employees, it would discourage business from producing more pollution.”
Some Green parties and environmentalists and geoists (Georgists) have gone further and propose a complete green tax shift that would replace all punitive taxes with levies on pollution and land value. By shifting public revenue to land rent or land value along with pollution, the shift to efficiency taxes would benefit both the economy and the environment, as it would eliminate the deadweight loss of the punitive taxation of wages, profits, and trade.
A rapid green tax shift would stop the human contribution to global warming and help save both the penguins and human beings from the looming damage of rising temperatures. The bonus is that there is a great economic benefit from this shift even if human activity is contributing little to global warming.
In cost-benefit analysis, the probability of an outcome has to be multiplied by its estimated cost. The potential cost of runaway global warming, of reaching a tipping point followed by an exponential increase in global heat, is colossal, so even a small probability warrants quick action. So Al Gore and those properly alarmed by global warming should focus on the green tax shift. Anything else, whether greener light bulbs or pollution permits, will only help a little. Regulations and permits impose economic costs, while the green tax shift provides big benefits. Only a global green tax shift will save the penguins, humanity, and the planet from a possible global catastrophe

The Sri Aman Walkabout

On the 28th and 29th of April, SMK (P) Sri Aman organized its very own Sri Aman Go Green Walkabout. The objective was to increase the awareness among the students and teachers on the importance on preserving and conserving the environment. The programme would also ensure that the students are not ignorant about the various environmental activities that are held in school.

There were 5 stations that the students visited. Their first stop was at the Compost team, followed by the rain water harvesting team, solar system booth, the Eco Ranger team and lastly, the 3R team.

The compost station

At the first station, students were taught how to make compost and bookmarks were sold while at the rain water harvesting booth, they were told about the importance of carrying out rain water harvesting and how to carry it out. Students were also taught the methods to check the level of acidity of rain water compared to normal water.

Angela and Pui San explaining the herbs' usage to the students. Umm, Angela, what were you doing to Pui San?
Our beloved teachers visiting the Eco Ranger site Nice umbrella, by the way.

One of the students; Jasween, sniffing the herbs. Nice, no?

The solar system team taught the students about the solar panel which had been installed in our PIBG Block and also the benefits of it. The Eco ranger Booth received a great response from the students. Herbal drinks were made and served to the students who visited the booth. Among the drinks that were sold are Sunquick aloevera, Misai Kucing tea and Bangun-bangun tea. The students enjoyed the drinks. Most of them liked the bangun-bangun tea as it had a peculiar but sweet taste. Penguin button badges were also sold.

The Recycling Station. Practice the 3R method!

Finally, at the 3R booth, the students played various recycling games that were organized. Overall, the Go Green Walkabout was a success.

Meeting Notification

To all Eco Ranger members, it is to be reminded that there will be a meeting this coming Tuesday. All members are required to be present.

Members will be divided into groups to carry out these following activities:

Group 1- uploading pictures onto scrapbook

1. Eishatur
2. Farhanah

Group 2- painting the wall

1. Nur Azmina
2. Sophia Nur Iman
3. Siti Sarah

Group 3- Placing water bottles at the padang

1. Ili
2. Cela
3. Amanda
4. Husnina

Group 4- weeding

(others)

I hope that everyone is pleased with the duties assigned to.
If there are any problems please inform me.

Meeting is from 2.30 pm- 4.30 pm.

And please don't forget to bring along your PJK clothes as well as your water bottles and salt.

Thank you.

ECO RANGERS MINI FOREST

These are the pictures of our Eco Rangers Mini Forest.

The plants that we have planted are Jelutong and Pegaga Lilin.

It is located by the side of our field.

A WORD TO APOLOGIZE

Hello to all the viewers out there!!

We would like to apologize for the late updates on our blog.
Lately, we have been very, very busy with school activites:)
We will update it as soon as possible.

Sorry again.

Co-Co Week

We discussed the co-curriculum week preparations this week. As much as I hate to admit it, the meeting was actually interesting. Farhanah requested (note the polite term here) for some team members to dry the leaves we plucked in order to enhance the natural odour of the leaf, which will then be given to the students to smell.

Pn. Yeo said that we are having an urgent meeting on the 9th of April 2009 with the other segments of the environment team. Puan Yeo also informed us that our project would be judged sometime around May, which brought with it a sense of relief and terror at the same time. Life is ironic that way.

Farhanah suggested using plastic labels as a substitute for the CD labels to label our herbs as the ink on our previous label faded with every downpour and thunderstorm. Her suggestion was turned down by Puan Yeo for not being both eco-friendly and economically-friendly. Instead, Puan Yeo suggested that we use spray hairspray on the CDs as a protective coat, which will make the words on the CDs last longer. Ili agreed to try it out to see if it works.

Then, the compulsory nagging session rolled along. Farhanah REMINDED Soo Sun to hand in the presentation by April 17th. She ordered me to update our blog. She asked Azmina to try printing the leaves on recycled paper and bring it during for next meeting. I would be our bookmark design if it works.

We were set free at 3 P.M.

Job Scopes and Punctuality

The AJKs and board members had been reminded to complete the tasks given to them. And for those of you who have the tendency to come late to meetings, Farhanah had gladly stated that if you are late (as in VERY late, without reasons), attendance will NOT be taken. Therefore, punctuality is key. Come early, and bring all the stuff that you had been assigned to bring such as hoe, spades and plastic bags.

As usual, after the in-biology-lab meeting ended, we nursed our plants with love and care and gave them neighbours. That's right. We've planted a few new babies, such as Mul Berries (which according to Farhanah; tasted nice), Misai Kucing and more Misai Kucing(s).

Welcome, young one.

Look. You've Made Our Precious President Sad.

And you've disappointed Ryo, too.

Again, the members had to be reminded to "water the plants, WATER THE PLANTS, WATER THE PLANTS." After countless numbers of reminders, Farhanah decided that whoever was on duty but did not do their duty must be spanked. And I meant some hard-spanking, people.

Today, our beloved AJK Multimedia(s); Chong Soo Sun and Azrianna Azmil were asked to get the reports and meeting minutes before updating the slide show. After a while of whining and "Why, Farhanah?? WHY ME???!!!"s, the members in charge gave in and obliged to her requests. Team members were also reminded that IF THEY ARE ABSENT FOR MORE THAN 3 TIMES WITHOUT REASON, THEY WILL BE KICKED OUT IMMEDIATELY.
Unless you are too useful and is a form of asset to the club.

Pictures for the day:
The important books of the club. Handled by Cela and Farhanah. It's made out of Pizza Hut boxes that stated "Do The Right Thing" at the bottom of the box. It fits the club's motto, right? Do the right thing to save the world.

Recycle to Prevent Pandas From Crying

As the meeting was called to order, Farhanah introduced to us the latest project which was bookmark-making. The bookmarks were supposed to be made out of the recycled papers that Ili, Atikah, Husnina and Azmina produced. However, Pn. Yeo had asked us to postpone the project and concentrate on our barely-surviving Herbs Garden as we didn't want the YAWA representatives to faint when they see the cracked ground, dried plants and knee-length weeds.


The recycling process took place at one of our members' house on Sunday:

NO ONE IS GOING TO USE THAT EVER AGAIN.

Together we unite? :)

The soaking process to soften the paper

The drying process. AND WHO'S SANDALS ARE THOSE?

This recycling project will be continued until the world's waste management has improved and Barrack Obama bans paper usage. Too much sarcasm, huh?

How to make recycled papers? It's easy!
Recycled paper can be made from old newspaper, following the instructions below. Recycling paper uses cellulose (plant fibers) over and over again, it uses less electricity, less water, a lot less pollution, and it saves trees from being cut down!
You will need:

• a food processor or an old blender
• an electric iron
• an old wire hanger
• an old pair of panty hose
• newspaper or other paper, torn into 2-inch squares
• white glue
• water
• an insect screen or strainer (optional)
• food coloring (optional)
• a big sink or tub filled with 4 inches of water

Make sure you have a place to work where you can make a big mess!
Step One:
Make a frame out of the coat hanger. You'll need a frame for each piece of paper you make. Stretch the hanger and bend it into a rectangle/square shape. Take one leg of the panty hose and stretch it carefully over the hanger frame. Make sure it is tight and flat.
Step Two:
Put a handful of the torn up paper and some water into the food processor or blender. Blend the mixture on high until it becomes mushy. Keep adding paper and water until you have a big gray blob. You may have to add a little more water to keep things moving smoothly. Keep the food processor on until all the paper has disappeared. Then leave it on for 2 minutes.
For some color, add a handful of brown or red onion skin (not the onion itself, just the papery outer skin).
Step Three:
Put 2 tablespoons of white glue in the sink water and add all of the paper pulp you just made. Mix it really well. Use your hands.
Step Four:
Scoop the frame to the bottom of the sink, then lift it slowly. (Count to 20 slowly while you are lifting.) Let the water drain out for about a minute.
Step Five:
Hang the frames on a clothesline or put them out in the sun. Wait until they are completely dry with no dampness at all. You can then gently peel off the paper.
Step Six:
Use the iron, set on the hottest setting, to steam out your paper. You can keep making paper until the pulp is all strained out of the sink. Mix up the sink every time you make a new piece.
Try other things like using in insect screen over a wood frame, or a strainer instead of the pantyhose and hanger. Try adding lots of food coloring, for colored paper, or try adding lint or leaves to the food processor. We had tried adding in pandan leaves, and it left a nice scent in the papers. Also, your paper will have an interesting grainy texture, just like the one you always buy for a few bucks at the bookshop :)
To the members, please, PLEASE, PLEASE water the plants. We don't want Ryo to be sad, do we?

Now you know who posted this.