Tuesday, December 31, 2013

The best and worst environmental facts of 2013 (with lists)

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The financial and economic crisis continued to influence the sustainability and environmental awareness in 2013, according to the non-governmental organization of Quercus environment, you just draw up their list of best and worst environmental events of the year.

"The financial crisis we are going through at present, in addition to the decrease in the welfare of the majority of the population, has done also by diverting the attention of public opinion of the serious environmental problems that continue to live, both locally, as global", explains the organization.

"Following a logic centred in the short term, and often under pressure from international bodies that influence our policies, we have been witnessing, also in the environmental plan, the various decisions based on short-term objectives, rather than focus on stocks with positive implications in the medium and long term," continues to Quercus.

Meet the best and worst environmental facts of 2013.

The best environmental facts of 2013

1. Container Terminal of Trafaria

"After a disastrous process of imposing a draft that nobody truly knew what it was about, of the mayors involved the national parliamentarians, behold, the Government, in the person of the Secretary of State for transport appears to give up one of the biggest mistakes for the regional planning of the metropolitan area of Lisbon and to the national port strategy. Now define the latter within the framework of the maritime spatial planning. "

2. SILiAmb â€" Integrated environmental licensing System

"The SILiAmb originated in a previously developed system for the licensing of water resources at regional level, having been expanded all over the country and to other contexts, such as the waste. The APA (the Portuguese Agency for environmental protection), in a context of merger and integration of multiple information systems, provided this excellent platform SILiAmb, which allows for greater speed, efficiency, transparency and simplicity in the relationship with citizens and businesses, proving that environmental legislation is not an embarrassment and that the problems there are almost always when public authorities are poorly organized and create bureaucracies inconceivable in an era of dematerialization. "

3. water safe "according to the latest Annual Report of water services and waste in Portugal (RASARP 2012), published by ERSAR, the regulatory authority of the sector, 98% of the water supplied by public supply systems has good quality and is safe."

4.60% of electricity consumed in Continental Portugal resulted from production by renewable sources in the country

"Portugal collects the fruits of an investment policy initiated in the early part of the century, although some environmental impacts are recognised, is one of the main reasons for the reduction of our external economic dependence, to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, in addition to generating employment. The decisive role renewables allowed Portugal the 3rd place in the climatic performance index of developed countries. "

5. Excellent breeding season of the Iberian Lynx in Silves

"At the National Center for Iberian Lynx reproduction in Silves, born 17 calves, 15 of which are currently purchasing behaviors necessary for their survival in the wild, so they are suitable for reintroduction operations."

6. Plan of urban waste (PERSU) provides 50% recycling in 2020

"The new municipal waste Plan to 2020 envisages ambitious goals of recycling, but perfectly feasible, since for the first time a plan of this genus recognizes the importance of the Mechanical and Biological Treatment to increase recycling. Also reinforces the importance of separate collection and door-to-door PAYT system (pay depending on the waste produced). "

The worst environmental facts of 2013

1. real estate and tourist Projects



2. new works in protected areas-Veiguinhas dams (Bragança â€" PN Montesinho) and Ribeira das Cortes (Covilhã-Serra da Estrela PN) and construction of new road Ã"lo sludges-Barreiro (Vila Real â€" PN Alvão)

"The year was marked by the advancement of two more unnecessary works: the dams of Veiguinhas and Ribeira das Cortes, as well as the construction of a new road in the Park of Alvão, located, respectively, in the municipalities of Bragança, Covilhã and Vila Real. All of them are located in protected areas and will destroy significant natural values, without any justification as to its necessity, and using public funds irresponsibly. "

3. Disinvestment in renewable energies

"Portugal has an enormous potential for the use of various forms of renewable energy production in a future where the weight of the electrical energy in final energy is increasing. Support decentralised investments, with lower environmental impacts, generating economies of scale and lower prices, it is essential for the country. The Government, with badly made accounts and short-term logic, triggered in 2013 the stagnation of the sector with environmental, economic and social consequences for the future. "

4. environmental impact Declaration favourable to the mining Project of good faith, Évora on the site of Community importance of Monfurado (Natura 2000)

"The Government decided to allow the installation of a complex of mineralized auriferous deposits exploration in a total area of 99.56 acres in the parish of Nossa Senhora da Boa Fé, Évora municipality, being part of the projected area within the site of Community Importance Monfurado (Natura 2000). The uncertainties own gold price fluctuations in the international markets and the lack of guarantee of the assumption of the risks and costs associated with the implementation of all the measures envisaged for the refurbishment of the area, as well as for the prevention, monitoring and control of possible future accidents situations, demonstrate that this is a bold initiative that just might bringas the history of mining activities in Portugal has proven, more costs to taxpayers in the near future. "

5. environmental impact statement favorable to detail plan of Praia Grande (Lagoa dos Salgados)

"Another decision which puts into question the performance of the State Secretary of the environment, in deciding in favour of the claim of Finalgarve â€" a company of what's left of society Lusa business â€" in order to allow for the construction of the tourist resort of Praia Grande (municipality of Silves), next to Lagoa dos Salgados."

6. review of the plan of the Tagus International Natural Park

"The process for reviewing the plan of the Tagus International Natural Park is another bad news for those who advocate the preservation of natural values in Portugal, since the Government's decision will allow browsing without rules throughout the year in the rivers Tagus and Ponsul fault scarp in areas essential to the reproduction of the black stork."

7. approval of the Legal Regime of Afforestation and Reforestation

"With the approval of the Legal Regime of Afforestation and reforestation, in Council of Ministers on May 30, is repealed legislation since the beginning of the last century, as the forest regime, by removing restrictions on planting of fast-growing forest species around springs and cultivated agricultural land. This new Regime will hinder the natural species of plantation forest and facilitating Portuguese arborizações of monocultures of eucalyptus trees, being as well as a reverse action of the civilizational forestry services. "

8. Government's inability to manage the waste issues

"Continue to verify major problems at the level of the Secretariat of State of the environment and of the Portuguese Agency for environment in the management of various waste issues, in particular the huge delay in permits for the managing bodies of packaging and other streams, in total incapacity to control the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment, in the continuation of serious illegalities in the management of end-of life vehicles and in the definition of municipal waste recycling targets too low for Li and Valorsul. Still exists a lack of considerable control of the destinies of the waste, which has mainly to do with the huge delay in the introduction of electronic guides. "

9. pollution of the river Noéme (guard) continues

"Also at the local level, various situations affecting the environment continued unfortunately occur in Portugal. The year 2013 ends without polluting discharges, clearly visible in the final stretch of the river says (Noéme River tributary) have come to an end. "

10. Amendment of legislation of environmental protection

"The Government announced and has undertaken the amendment of a very significant set of legislative changes on environmental issues, part of which already implemented during the year of 2013. This is a fundamental change in the legislative landscape and environmental planning, change that which has been prohibited the participation of civil society in General and, in particular, of the various NGOS. It is hard to see how the articulation between the various legal regimes and the changes they guess may be made through a transparent and efficient process between the various public and private entities, are heard only public bodies, with expresses the principle of participatory democracy infringement constitutionally enshrined. "

11. Transcription of the Community directive on the use of pesticides ' Bad transcription of Directive 2009/128CE of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10/21/2009 establishing a framework for community level action on the sustainable use of pesticides, transposed into national law by Act No. 26/2013, of 11 April. The main objectives of the Directive are the reduction of risks from the use of pesticides and the implementation of integrated pest management by all users of pesticides until 1/1/2014. Now, among other changes, were removed almost all references to the integrated protection mode, misrepresenting unacceptably the very spirit of the directive. "

Foto:  AiresAlmeida / Creative Commons

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Members of the Chinese Government banned smoking in public

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The senior officials and members of the Chinese Government have been banned from smoking in public. With this imposition, the Executive hopes to improve the image of politicians and help educate smokers of the dangers associated with tobacco.

In addition to the ban on smoking in public, Chinese leaders were also prohibited from using public funds to buy cigarettes and offer cigarettes or smoking during official acts and public events. The ban was imposed by a new circular from the Communist Party of China (CPC), disclosed this Sunday, December 29.

In China there are more than 350 million smokers and attempts already implemented by the Government in order to reduce the number of smokers have proved fruitless. The ban on smoking indoors has been largely ignored. However, the biggest opponent of Government attempts to Chinese citizens to reduce tobacco consumption is the Government itself.

Currently, China is the world's largest producer and consumer of tobacco. Tobacco sales represent about 10% of the total tax revenue collected by the State and about half of the revenues in the tobacco-producing provinces, refers to Quartz.

Some of the most expensive brands of cigarettes are produced mainly for government officials to offer and receive as gifts. Brands such as "Yellow Crane Tower" or "Diamond", which contain special ingredients â€" such as Caterpillar fungi and manually selected tobacco â€" can cost more than €21,8 per packet.

Although the seven permanent elements of the Central Committee of the CPC not smoking, which contrasts with his predecessors, most senior officials of the party and the Government are.

Photo: Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping between 1978 and 1991 (Center), and Gerald Ford, u.s. President between 1874 and 1977 (left).

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TASTE: receive a basket of horticultural foods directly from the producer (with video)

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If you are one of those who doubt the quality and questioned the origin of the products sold by hypermarkets or a consumer who has a preference for quality products, know that you can now purchase these products, even in urban areas, directly from the producer, without intermediaries, through the project PROVE.

Through the SAMPLE, the consumer can purchase a basket of fruits and vegetables selected and cultivated by a producer in your area, with a weekly, biweekly or monthly. The hampers are delivered in one of the sales points defined.

This project arose in the context of the Community initiative EQUAL, in conjunction with several partners who joined a group of small producers in the Setúbal Peninsula region, Vale do Sousa, Alentejo, Mafra and port, in order to boost the flow of productions.

This proximity marketing â€" since the consumer receives the basket directly from the producer â€" allows a greater rapprochement between the rural and urban communities, fostering solidarity and a trust relationship between the small local producers and consumers. When receiving the food producer without intermediaries, direct contact allows the farmer to share information on the methods and techniques of production, the products used and the care at the level of environmental protection.

In addition to being able to buy higher quality products and speak directly with the producer, the SHOW combines the convenience of online ordering, to choose the products you want to have in your basket simply access the list of fruits and vegetables which can be found on the site and mark you want to or do not wish to receive. The fruits and vegetables available vary according to season and region of the country, as well as the price, with a large basket costs around, on average, about € 10.

The choice of the delivery location can also be set online â€" simply access the order form in your area and select the desired location.

Currently, there are nuclei PROVES in almost all districts of the country, with the exception of Vila Real, Coimbra, Castelo Branco and Portalegre. An explanation for the lack of nuclei in these regions is the fact that they have large rural areas and contact between small producers and consumers be easier, as well as the family agricultural production for own consumption is larger in those areas, explained Isabel Rodrigo, Professor at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia, during the Conference "Planning the Urban food system in the metropolitan area of Lisbon"held at Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas da Universidade Nova de Lisboa.

As for the mode of production of the farmers who are part of the project is mostly conventional, since organic production is not profitable and, according to the University faculty member, is "expensive obtain certification for organic production". However, consumers can attest to the quality and question the techniques and products used at producers. Currently, there are already some nuclei that produce in an integrated manner, combining biological practices to conventional, or completely organic, as is the case of one of the cores of Loures.

The TASTE is also an exit door for small productions, which helps producers to circumvent the difficulties in the sector.

Foto:  WordRidden/ Creative Commons



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Monday, December 30, 2013

5 essential foods in the diet

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What products are essential in the diet? The Eating Well has recently published a list of foods rich in vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients to our body. Learn more about its properties, a suggestion from my aggregator.

1 Tomato 

Approximately 100 g of tomato contain 19 calories. Their vitamin C and carotenes (lycopene) are antioxidants that fight aging and muscular and cardiovascular problems. Prevents the appearance of various types of cancer (prostate, lung, stomach, breast, mouth, cervical and colorectal). It is diuretic and depurative, eliminates uric acid and lowers cholesterol, in addition to alkalize the blood.

2. Potato 

Approximately 100 g of potato contain 89 calories. Contrary to what you may think, it is ideal for diets (cooked or baked). There's no fat and is very satisfying. Revitalizes, since it is a complex carbohydrate, slow absorption, which supplies the body of sugars and carbohydrates slowly. The bark contains potato polyphenol oxidase, with antibiotic properties. Its fiber lowers cholesterol. Potassium maintains the heart and healthy blood pressure, preventing embolisms.

3. Peas

Have 67 calories per each 100 g. Prevent the absorption of fats, reducing bad cholesterol. And contain quercetin, a flavonoid that helps prevent cardiovascular diseases. Act as its content, revitalizing of proteins. Have a lot of dietary fiber, which acts as a laxative, and are very saciantes. Are also an excellent source of vitamin B1, indispensable to the nervous system. So don't lose vitamins, after break, should be cooked in a little water.

4. Chicken

Contains between 110 and 201 calories per 100 g is a very poor digestive meat in fat and cholesterol-free, if you remove the skin. It has antioxidants that fight aging. Promotes the proper functioning of the nervous system and energy production.

Is a good ally in maintaining skin health and the digestive system. It is even ideal for weight control diets. The thighs, more red meat, contain almost double than the iron chest, but are also more caloric because the skin has a lot of fat.

5. Plums

Approximately 100 g have 36 calories. Has diuretic properties and is ideal for diets because it is a fruit that quenches and almost no fat. Ingest 200 g per day for a week, helps fight stress, fatigue and depression. Strengthen the heart and the defenses and help decongest the liver. This fruit contains antioxidants, which slow down the effects of aging. And reduces excess uric acid. Its fiber content also makes her a very fruit laxative.

Foto:  Joelk75 / Creative Commons

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Mediterranean diet helps prevent dementia

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A feed based on the Mediterranean diet is the best way to prevent dementia â€" unlike the administration of medicines "doubtful". This is the view of a group of prominent British doctors, who sent an open letter to the British Health Secretary, asking you to invest more in prevention policies.

In the letter, the researchers indicate that persuading people to consume fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, fish and olive oil was "possibly the best available strategy to prevent dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease.

"We hope that this crisis can be seen as an opportunity for a true change of policies, notably in the direction of a Mediterranean diet, and not towards the dubious benefits of most medications," wrote the Group's letter, referred to in my aggregator.

To corroborate his advice, the doctors stressed that there are several studies that show the benefits of this diet to combat dementia, but that these evidences "convincing" have largely been ignored.

"Just look at what Drugmakers can do, which really is not much. We want some attention on prevention. Educating all generations, including our children, about the importance of good nutrition in the maintenance of health in old age is a project that will take years, but it is absolutely essential, "says Simon Poole, one of the signers of the medical letter.

"We urge policy makers to not only support the care and treatment of those who already suffer from dementia, but also to invest significantly in jobs that will reveal benefits beyond the temporal period corresponding to one or two warrants of governance," he adds.

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Sunday, December 29, 2013

Nursing home in the United Kingdom saved labrador bankruptcy

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Residents of a nursing home in Somerset, in the United Kingdom, as well as the local community saved recently a labrador from bankruptcy, to allow about € 5,982 to cover the medical expenses of the animal.

The owner of Bob, so it's called the animal died in 2010 and left the dog in the care of her former home. In recent times, the labrador has needed a lot of care doctors â€" due to its advanced age, 13 years-which include acupuncture, massage and hydrotherapy.

When Harold Pursey died, he left all of his money, €797, in the care of a trust fund, (technical cooperation fund), so that Bob could be treated in the future. However, due to the large amount of treatments that the animal has been receiving savings left by the previous owner already has run out.

So that the animal could continue receiving medical care, the staff of the former home of Harold Pursey, who now takes care of Bob, have held events to raise funds for the treatment of the animal. "We're delighted, it was absolutely fantastic, we had no idea that we could raise so much," says Judith Alder, a social worker at the home that now takes care of Bob. "There was a great answer to the cause of Bob. Everybody loves him, "he says.

Bob is in Burnham Lodge Nursing Home since 2009, when its owner moved to the nursing home.

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Saturday, December 28, 2013

The best photos of 2013 for NASA

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The American agency NASA has chosen the most beautiful photos of 2013, all images were taken by satellites and that depict the daily life of many natural phenomena: eruptions of volcanoes, hurricanes, and other examples of nature's fury.

Here are a few of these beauties, made public by the Agency now.

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A paradise of birds a few kilometres from Lisbon (with video)

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Between the estuary of the Tejo and the Lezíria de Vila Franca de Xira lies an area of birdwatching indispensable for anyone who wants to learn more about the biodiversity of the greater Lisbon.

The space is called EVOA and, here, the species and the landscapes change depending on the seasons. "The best time to see large quantities of birds is between November and February. In winter, the estuary of the Tejo receive up to 120 thousand birds at the same time â€" and this is the time par excellence for the show the flight of birds, "explained to the green economy EVOA Coordinator, Sandra Silva.

In addition to feeling the landscape and see the birds, visitors can also learn a little about the natural heritage of the region. Rain or shine, it is normal to see dozens of children on a school excursion through EVOA.

With 70 acres, three ponds and three observatories linked by a pedestrian rail, the project is yet to begin, but one of the major objectives is to attract foreign visitors interested in seeing the birds â€" and invest in tourism of Portuguese nature and on the outskirts of Lisbon.

Here are waterfowl, raptors and small birds. "It's a diamond in the middle of a densely urbanized, the Lisbon Metropolitan area", explained to the green economy's sustainability director, Franco Caruso.

Funded by the breeze, Companhia das Lezírias and for Community funds, the EVOA opened doors to the public in April. Since then received some 4,000 visitors. "This type of activity has been growing. According to Turismo de Portugal, there are growth rates of 4% per annum, although the Portuguese are now only known [the birdwatching] "continues Sandra Silva.

"In an area of the country where, probably, many children do not have a direct contact with nature, can move to a free space and EVOA and wild is a way to build the knowledge and the awareness of reality," concluded Franco Caruso.

EVOA space has the largest wetland of Portugal and one of the ten most important in Europe. A visit costs between € 5 and € 12, with special prices for family and groups. For € 40/year, bird watchers can enter whenever they want.

Meet the EVOA in episode 172 of the green economy.

Foto:  basykes / Creative Commons





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Friday, December 27, 2013

5 corporate strategies to improve urban mobility

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Companies can change the mobility of cities, stipulating more flexible schedules for your employees or developing strategies to work from home. The subject has been, in recent years, the priorities not only of businesses and citizens but also of organizations such as the United Nations.

The UN, incidentally, has already said that by 2050, about 80% of the world's population will live in cities â€" and that something must be done to health, economy and well-being do not become hostage of the queues, traffic jams and urban chaos.

Some of the more chaotic metropolitan areas in the world are in Brazil â€" São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia. Thus, it is no surprise that the country try to improve its urban mobility.

The last exam of the Sustainability Forum, held in São Paulo, listed five initiatives that organizations can adopt â€" Brazilian women and not only â€" to help improve mobility in the big cities. Keep the list.

1. flexible hours

Citizens will have more flexibility to enter later and leave later, too. This is one of the keys to the new urban mobility and is already used by many companies: it is established the amount of hours that the employee should fulfill in a week â€" and he rides his schedule the way we understand.

2. work from home

By allowing your employees to work at home during some days of the week, companies are helping to reduce the congestion in the cities. To this end, it is necessary that bosses and employees have a good relationship.

This measure was not implemented, however, in the United States, and should therefore be crafted carefully.

3. telecommunication systems

To gamble in telecommunication equipment that allows employees to conduct meetings without leaving the physical space of the company, these are helping to reduce traffic jams. With this option, the company also drastically reduces their costs.

4. incentive Policies

There are companies that promote carpooling to work â€" among employees who live near â€" and idas for bike, skateboard or even on foot. In these case, many companies have built showers and changing rooms for those who need a morning bath.

5. mobility plan

In Europe, there are several cities that have laws requiring companies to draw plans of mobility. Employees can also put pressure on companies to do it, contributing to a win-win situation â€" for the company, which receives an employee more motivated and punctual; and to the clerk, who spends less time in traffic and, in General, are more cheerful.

Foto:  Joel Müller / Creative Commons

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Poaching could wipe out a fifth of the population of African elephants in the next decade

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In 2012, were killed illegally less than three thousand African elephants that in 2011, reveals a report from the Convention for international trade of Natural Flora and Fauna threatened with extinction (CITES, the acronym in English), which monitors several populations of elephants.

Although there has been a reduction, the number of dead animals due to hunting for the illegal trafficking of ivory amounts to 22 million in 2012, which equates a poaching rate (the proportion of elephants killed illegally in relation to the number of the total population) of 7.4%. This value of the poaching rate is superior to the natural increase of the population of African elephants, which does not exceed the 5% per annum. Faced with this high number of elephants killed illegally, CITES estimates that a fifth of the population of these elephants can be decimated in the next decade, referred to Quartz.

The seizure of illegal shipments of ivory, which trade analysts consider to be a good indicator of trends of poaching, increased slightly in 2012. But the number of seized illegal shipments as early as 2013 points so that the value is 20% higher compared to that of 2011. In addition to increasing the number of seizures, the amount of ivory confiscated shipment is also increasing. The amount of ivory confiscated this year is to be the largest of the last 25 years.

The decrease in the number of elephants killed illegally in 2012 may be related to the fact that the number of shipments of ivory being smaller in amount, but larger in volume, since the average weight of shipments increased 15% compared to 2011.

One of the main export markets of ivory is China. "Ultimately, the illegal slaughter of elephants for the ivory trade is driven and sustained by demand from consumers who are willing to pay for illegal ivory, as examined by the domestic consumption in China," said the report.

To combat the increase in poaching, elephants not only, but also of other protected species, the European Union approved this week a programme to improve the protection of elephants, great apes and rhinos in Africa, as well as other species such as sea turtles in the Caribbean and Pacific.

The programme should strengthen the monitoring of animal populations and poaching, help to strengthen the legal framework for poaching and allow the creation of an emergency response system for sudden increases of hunting and illegal trade.

The program â€" Minimising the Illegal Killing of Elephants and other Endangered Species (MIKES) â€" will be funded with €12,3 million for the period from 2014-2018 and will be implemented by CITES, in collaboration with several agencies of protection of African animal life.

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Thursday, December 26, 2013

Sewers Chinese are feeding bacteria that no antibiotic can kill

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Over the past few years, antibiotics have saved hundreds of millions of lives and prolonged billions of others. But, paradoxical as it may seem, by the increase in administration of antibiotics the bacteria are becoming more resilient, which may represent potential lethal consequences, both for humans and for animals.

Although some "super-bactérias" â€" as are known bacteria resistant to antibiotics â€" can be neutralized with special antibiotics there is the fear that others cannot.

An example of this resistance is the New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM-1), an enzyme discovered in 2010 in India which causes bacteria such as Escherichia coli and salmonella to proliferate immune to antibiotics.

A recent study reveals that the sewage treatment plants in northern China are failing to kill bacteria containing NDM-1 and that are, in fact, makes them stronger.

"We see the waste treatment plants as a place of protection, to get rid of all these disease-causing used waters," says one of the study authors, Pedro Alvarez, Rice University, quoted by Quartz. "It turns out, however, that these microbes are eating their waste and to proliferate. Sewage treatment station out between four to five of these super-bactérias for every one who entered ".

In addition to the feed, treatment stations are helping bacteria to run rampant since the effluents that contain these bacteria are reintroduced into the environment. The study found an even greater concentration of these bacteria in residual sludge used as fertilizer.

Previous investigations revealed that bacteria containing the NDM-1 have been quite ineffective in transferring the enzyme for other bacteria. However, Pedro Alvarez and other researchers discovered that bacteria carriers of this enzyme can spread it to ' healthy ' bacteria-which means the NDM-1 can spread antibiotic resistance out of the sewage treatment stations.

"It's scary. There's no antibiotics that can kill, "says Alvarez. "We learned of its existence Only recently, when a Swede got infected in New Delhi, in India. Now, people are starting to realize that more and more tourists who try to climb the River Ganges are getting infected and cannot receive effective treatment, "reveals.

This is another study that highlights the importance of Governments or hospitals to reduce the administration of antibiotics for humans but also animals.

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China: company that sold contaminated milk returns to the market with organic products

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Five years after the scandal of milk contaminated with melamine, the Chinese company Sanlu is back on the market a new segment â€" the organic products.

In 2008, recalled, Sanlu produced and marketed milk powder contaminated with melamine, which caused the deaths of six babies and poisoned more than 300 thousand children. The case, publicized internationally, led to the bankruptcy of the company and to life imprisonment of the former Director-General of the company.

Now, under a new management, the company is dedicated to the production and trade in organic products, like noodles or spaghetti corn-based. After the bankruptcy of the Sanlu Group, which was held in part by New Zealander Fronterra, the image and the registration of the mark were acquired by Xinhua Jiang, a private investor who now leads the Zhejiang Sanlu, the new owner of the company brand, writes the Quartz.

In an attempt to return to the market, the company revealed in November, a food fair, a small range of products based on buckwheat, corn and other cereals. Through the new line of products, the Zhejiang Sanlu is trying to get part of the revenue and popularity that Sanlu was one of the largest milk powder brands in the Chinese market.

"Our commercial objective is to revive the brand ' Sanlu ' and build a new world mark of organic cereal-based food," says marketing director of Zhejiang Sanlu, Yang Xiangdong. "We don't want to see a reputable brand with more than 50 years disappear in history", he adds.

The reintroduction of the brand through new products had so far little impact among Chinese consumers, who have not yet forgotten the scandal of 2008. "In the heart of the public, the Sanlu is practically a synonym of counterfeiting, shoddy and dangerous products," said Li Zhiqi, a marketing consultant in Beijing. "The value of this tag is almost zero," he stresses.

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Designer builds House in the forest from containers

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Julio Garcia, artist and designer, built his home in a forest of Savannah, in the State of Georgia. To build the housing, the designer used two cargo containers recycled and transformed into a bright home.

The humble dwelling is the artistic haven of Garcia when he's not working in Miami or Brooklyn.  Housing, of 74.3 square meters, is composed of one bedroom, a kitchen and a large living area. The predominant color is the White House so that it can reflect the natural light that illuminates the House through the large Windows.

Both containers are connected by a wooden structure with two meters which is covered by a roof, highest Inhabitat.

The House also has a small terrace and wooden doors of containers can be opened, allowing an extension of the dwelling.

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Wednesday, December 25, 2013

The most read news 20 of 2013

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The year isn't over yet, but we love lists. So, we decided to publish the list of the 20 most read news of the year. The list can be changed at any time, of course, but it's a very interesting source to realize what the likes of our readers â€" your tastes.

The list can also be leveraged for you, dear reader, to catch up on some "stories" that you passed throughout the year. Also these year-end lists turn out to contribute so much to our main goal to inform and reach more and more people.

Some of the news is from 2012, but remain with thousands of visitors. What shows the continuity of the online, even off the time when the information was published.

Biodiversity, employment, innovation and a bit of science fiction are the most viewed themes for our community. And the reader, I'd like to see covered themes in 2014? Comment-this news.



1. scientists discover finally what is the Appendix

2. Portuguese Tiago Barros Architect may have created the more sustainable means of transport ever

3. the community living in the tunnels of Las Vegas

4. the French girl who lived until the age of 10 in the African jungle

5. Fascinating ruined mansions all over the world

6. Eight bad habits responsible for backache

7. the most dangerous airport in the world

8. Belgium: there are 8,000 jobs to the Portuguese. Learn how to apply.

9. the Lake that turns the animals in calcified statues

10. Why do McDonald's left Bolivia?

11. English couple spends less than € 60 for the expenses of the House

12. the monk who lives alone at the top of a 40-foot monolith

13. East Timor needs more 34 teachers. Applications until February 13.

14. Dogs of the air force who guarded Prince William slaughtered after the mission

15. Students prove that plants die in the presence of wi-fi

16. what will the cities with rising sea levels?

17. Animal unknown to four meters gives the coast in southern Spain

18. Grotto with clouds inside discovery in China

19. amazing images captured by the world's most expensive camera

20. the cities and abandoned equipment from around the world

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Tuesday, December 24, 2013

China: a ghost town built next to a nuclear power plant

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The ghost towns are among the most fascinating stories Chinese that giant country, being seen, in other parts of the globe, with incredulity and astonishment. One of the newest cities built from scratch, in Huizhou, Southeast China, has as a neighbor one of many nuclear power plants in the country. The result? A new town â€" and even more deserted.

According to the international press, the venture has 22.5 square miles but ... no one wants to live there. For obvious reasons, by the way.

Called Dayawan, the venture is an hour from the largest city, Shenzhen. This is, in fact, the other argument that is moving away from the possible interested parties.

"Never buy a House there. Get quite scared at night, "explained Wen Lin. According to reports from journalists, only two of 2,328 apartments have lights on at night.

Those responsible for the venture will do anything possible to bring interested: downloaded the price of houses and even provide lunch for those who want to make a tour of the site. So far, however, without success.

See some of the photos of Dayawan â€" another housing complex Chinese completely empty.

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12 Portuguese citizens who have noble acts

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The noble House of honored Citizenship for the second time, Portuguese citizens who have noble acts.

The awarded the distinction are sourced from various localities of the country and have been recognized for practicing "acts of altruism, to the benefit of any third party, absent of any personal interest, and that somehow reflect the character of those who practiced, as well as the integrity, honor and humanity", reads a statement issued by the noble House of citizenship.

The noble House of citizenship is a project to raise awareness of citizenship which is based on the premise of promoting individual example as civic improvement accelerator of the individual and society "and was created with the aim to identify, recognize and distinguish noble acts committed by citizens, paying them homage through honours"

The second Ceremony of Attribution of Praise ran on December 14 in Santarém. Find out about citizens who practised noble acts.

Afonso Eduardo-Alhos Vedros

In February 2000, he founded a social Center that, by the end of 2013, supported more than 400 needy families residing in the District of Setúbal and Vale da Amoreira.

Alexandre Moreira-Chamusca

Plunged into the Tagus River to save the life of a child of three years, that was being taken by the current in one afternoon of summer 2010.

António Martins-Algueirao

Intercepted with your own vehicle, the October 28, 2013, in Vila Verde, an uncontrolled vehicle coming down the street with a child inside.

Carlos Pinto-Tavira

In August 2011, founded the project "friends of Joy", which promotes social and cultural activities to users of home of Irene Foundation roll, contributing to "rejuvenate" who it benefits.

Elsa Caires â€" Lisboa

The Association's voluntary Conversation Friend managed, with persistence and dedication, help for a homeless person, having followed and watched the whole process of treatment through 2013.

Emídio Almeida-Santarém

There are 35 years saved a roof a family of five elements during the floods that ravaged the freguesia de s. Nicolau, in Santarém.

Hugo Martins â€" Lisbon

Conversation Association volunteer friend, helps homeless people in the greater Lisbon area, bringing them a message of hope and making sure you have access to basic health care.

Maria Fernanda Santos-Braga

Mentor of the project "Braga to the bone, Solidarity that moved the population of Braga to the importance of bone marrow donation to treat leukemia and lymphomas and which held awareness-raising and fundraising during 2012.

Maria Filomena Alves-Torre de Moncorvo

Supports more than 30 years, low-income households the Alferrarede food hampers, distributing and providing transportation to school to underprivileged children.

Maria Gomes-Santarém

Provided to a young better living conditions and a new reason to smile, to provide the Foundation for this could build a path his independent and with a future.

Mário Luis Mendes-Carnaxide

After several years of volunteering, founded in 2007 to his own youth association â€" TACE (Tread, Act, succeed, Evolve). Is the reflection of a man who despite the misfortune of life manages to give the best of themselves to the community that welcomed him, supporting and guiding young people to find new and better ways.

Raquel Gaspar-Lisbon

Participated in the April 7, 1999 on rescue operation of the life of a dolphin bottlenose dolphin of the Sado River, which got stuck in a narrow river.

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Monday, December 23, 2013

The most productive day of the week is Tuesday

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If you want to monetize the most of your labour hours, concentrate on Tuesdays, since it is the most productive day of the week.

The conclusion is a study prepared by Accountemps and reinforces the same conclusion as has already been indicated in 1987, 1998, 2002 and 2007. In this year's study, most human resource managers claim (RH) that employees strive more and are more productive on Tuesdays.

About 39% of HR managers polled claim that employees of his companies are generally more productive on Tuesdays, while 24% pointed to Monday as the most productive day of the week. In 2007, approximately 57% of managers indicated that Tuesday was the workday more productive, referred to Quartz.

In contrast, the less productive days of the week are Thursday and Friday. This can be a very useful information for employers, as they tend to set deadlines and goals to keep production dynamics in the last days of the week.

In the case of employees, the best they have to do to increase productivity in the last days of the week is off of social networks and focus exclusively on tasks they have at hand, advises Kimberly Stiener-Murphy, Director of Accountermps. Stiener-Murphy also advised workers to concentrate on a project at a time, which is more productive than working in two or three at the same time.

Now that you know that Tuesday is the most productive day you can better organize your schedule for the week and schedule important meetings to this day.

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Sunday, December 22, 2013

Sewers of London warn for possibility of clogging at Christmas

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London families were advised by the city for not putting the remains of Christmas lunches and dinners down the drain, under penalty of the giant Fatberg-dirt masses that clog the drains â€" come back to haunt the city.

The Thames Water, which manages the London sewers, warned the families that the blockages in the sewer system can increase by 25% at this time of year, so the oils, leftover food and sauces should not be sent there.

"The biggest obstruction had to deal with was the size of nine double-decker buses in fat feed and baby wipes, under Leicester Square, in 2010. We had to get him out of there to pressure, and the smell is awful, "explained Danny Brackley, Deputy director of the sewers of London.

The Thames Water spent €14,2 million (US $ 45 million) a year to repair sewers due to phenomena such as the Fatberg.

"When the fat freezes, removes oxygen from the atmosphere, so we must be very careful not to be poisoned," said Brackley.

Actually, are consumers themselves to feel its bad practices in the skin. Who get fat feed into the sewers can see her climb the lids, near their homes, or even the toilet.

"Everyone must wait for the fat feed cool, put it in a container and recycles it," explained Brackley, which has been working for four years on Thames Water but it is continually impressed by the complexity and diversity of his work.

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Climate is shifting the North Pole for East

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Climate change is causing the displacement of the North Pole, due to sudden changes in the Earth's rotation resulting from melting glaciers. The discovery suggests that monitoring the position of the polo can become a new tool to track global warming.

According to the sustainable planet, several computer simulations had already suggested that the melting of ice and the consequent sea level rise could affect the mass distribution of the Earth's surface. This, in turn, would lead to a shift of its axis, a fact confirmed by measurements of the positions of the poles.

Now, Jianli Chen, the University of Texas-Austin, and colleagues showed that the melting due to greenhouse gas emissions is also making its contribution to the phenomenon.

The oscillation of the axis of the planet is a combination of two main components, each with its own cause. One is called the Chandler wobble, and it is believed to happen because the earth not be rigid. Another is the annual oscillation related to orbit around the Sun.

Since observations began in 1899, the location of the North Pole has moved 10 cm towards the South per year, along the latitude 70 West. This is due to changes in the distribution of Earth's mass.

However, Chen's team found that, in 2005, this oscillation has undergone a change abruptly and started a movement to the East, which resulted in approximately 1.2 meters since then. This fact will be directly related to the rapid melting of the glaciers, observes the Newstrack India.

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Saturday, December 21, 2013

Brazilian environmentalist tracks native species to reenter in the cities

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Environmentalist Ricardo Cardim grew up in a typical apartment of São Paulo, between the concrete and asphalt of one of the largest cities in the world. Still, the sustainable planet, he fell in love with plants and their new project merges, exactly, these his two passions: the Green and the city

Ricardo tracks endangered species, like the Toucan-tongue, manacazinho-of-field or araçá, embaúba, angico-white, Palm-jussara and aroeira-pimenteira and reinsert them in the life of cities. "I'm fascinated by the species of Cerrado and Atlantic forest and, even then, I couldn't understand why the trees of São Paulo had nothing to do with what I studied and admired," says Ricardo Cardim to sustainable planet.

In 2007, Ricardo has created a blog that feeds until today, the Trees of São Paulo, where botanical curiosities history placed metropolis and tries to defend Brazilian biodiversity.

In 2009, when it was master at the University of São Paulo (USP), Ricardo decided to clean up and explore an abandoned area on campus. "I discovered there a living museum, a Cerrado remnant landscape, with bushes, fruit trees and rare flowers. I found this on another ground vegetation in Jaguaré ", stresses the responsible. Ricardo was after after State officials to get attention to the sites, such as conservation reserves.

The next step was to take the plants almost extinct, play them in nursery and applied in green roofs and walls of their sustainable landscaping company, Sky Garden. "It was the way I found to get my aim in practice: rescue our original plant diversity in urban centers" the next step is to open a shop to sell and propagate the value of these treasures.

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Bananas from Mozambique and Jordan hit by fungus that causes rotting

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The fungus Fusarium Oxysporum f. SP. Cubense reached an important variety of bananas planted for export in Mozambique and Jordan, with scientists now fear that this will spread and the Cavendish variety, the most consumed in the world, is seriously threatened.

According to the Huffington Post, the fungus, which has been found in several plantations, cause evil-Panama, rotting bananas.

In the early 20th century, this fungus caused the first important losses in banana plantations, precisely, of Panama. Throughout the first half of the 20th century, on the other hand, he was decimating crops from around the planet. The variety Gros Michel, so predominant, succumbed to the fungus, until in the late 50 's found a variety that you resisted â€" Cavendish.

For many decades, scientists feared that this fungus, then confined to Asia and Australia, spreading around the world, endangering the Cavendish variety. "Given the current modes of travel, there are almost no significant doubts he will reach the largest harvests of Cavendish," said Randy Ploetz, plant pathologist, in 2008.

In his book Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World, the author Dan Koeppel spoke with several researchers from the fruit, they told him it was only a matter of time before that bananas were destroyed by the fungus. "Just a little piece of contaminated land, literally, to see this thing in every continent," explained Koeppel.

The banana is the most consumed fruit in the world and, only in the tropics, is a staple food for more than 400 million people.

Foto:  IAN RANSLEY DESIGN + ILLUSTRATION / Creative Commons

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Friday, December 20, 2013

Green dot society explains recycling in 2 million households

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The company green dot (SPV) kicked off today with one of the largest ever carried out awareness-raising activities, in Portugal, when it comes to recycling of packaging waste.

So, a team of Green Point Society will, in the coming months, knocking on the door of 2 million homes in more than 200 Portuguese counties, with the Mission of converting all those who still do not recycle in total separators (separating all types of packaging) and clarifying the rules of recycling all that recycle.

With the Mission initiative recycle, presented this morning in Lisbon, the company green dot aims to contribute to increasing the recycling rate in Portugal, namely urban flow (household and packaging of small trade), going to meet the goals proposed in the new strategic plan of urban waste (PERSU 2020).

The action is coordinated with the municipalities and municipal systems, with the aim of further create the conditions for a growing number of Portuguese do our civic mission of separating your packaging waste if they are to be sent for recycling.

"The used packaging in our homes are not trash. The vast majority is made of recyclable materials. When properly separated and placed in the recycling bin, the used packaging can make new lives and generate value. Therefore, the Mission of Recycle should be all. Recycling is a civic Act, with positive impact on the environment, on quality of life of the populations and in the national economy, reason which led us to undertake this initiative ", said Luis Veiga today Malik, CEO of green dot Corporation.

According to the study "habits and attitudes vis-à-vis domestic waste separation", 69% of Portuguese households are regularly the separation of used packaging. With the mission to recycle, green dot society aims to contribute to the increase of households recycling rate and separators in Portugal.

Since its inception in 1996, the company green dot have sent for recycling more than six million tonnes of packaging waste, equivalent to the weight of three bridges Vasco da Gama.

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Thursday, December 19, 2013

Estradas de Portugal will reduce public lighting of roads to save € 500 thousand

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The Roads of Portugal (EP) will reduce public lighting of roads under their jurisdiction, during the year of 2014, to lower energy costs, which this year amounts to more than € 1 million, the company reported today in a statement.

With this reduction, the EP account save annually about 50% of the expenses that have habitually with the street lighting in more than 14,500 kilometers of road network under its management, Lusa said the company source.

According to the EP, other European Union countries such as Spain, have already taken similar measures. "[We will] implement rapidly measures applying in full via the sublanços and us Liaison Committee of motorways and expressways, roundabouts, crossings or tunnels," said the company.

Among such measures is the reduction in the number of hours in which the lighting is switched on and the adequacy of lighting schedule effective road traffic, with deletion overnight in places where traffic is particularly lacking.

The reduction in the total number of lamps lit, interspersing the erased with the ones who stay connected is one of the measures to implement, as well as delete-if the lighting in the sections where there is being "totally unnecessary due to the characteristics of their own via".

The EP stated that will bet on using elements with the greatest possible energy efficiency and strengthen the quality of retroreflection of road markings and vertical signage.

Although the bet on energy efficiency, as regards public lighting is always good news, will be an unknown figure out what the connection of this measure the increase in accidents in total points-and if there is a correlation between the two factors, it is always regrettable.

Foto:  MarcoJLima / Creative Commons

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San Francisco will ban bottled water

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In San Francisco, in the United States, the fight against plastic is stronger than ever. The latest action of the city to get rid of this waste is to ban bottled water â€" plastic â€" in the city.

The proposal provides for a gradual ban of the sale of plastic bottles â€" from 600 grams and lower weights â€" throughout the city. David Chiu, Chairman of the Board of supervisors of the city, explained that San Francisco has one of the best tap water in the United States, so it makes no sense to sell bottled water.

Initially, sales of bottled water are prohibited in concerts, major events, parks and caravans of food â€" there are more than 100 locations. Until 2016, saw the ban be extended to the whole city.

"We have access to water from the Hetch Hetchy Valley reservation (Yosemite National Park), one of the best in the country. Doesn't make sense for us to have plastic bottles ", explained Chiu.

The city undertakes also to get clean water to all parts of the city, as an alternative to bottled water.

Since 2007 that San Francisco prohibits the use of public money to buy bottled water, an initiative that led to the saving of €363 million (US $ 1.1 million). According to Business Insider, the production of bottled water uses 17 million barrels of oil per year. Interestingly, the amount of water needed to make the packaging is the same that is placed inside of this.

Concord, Massachusetts, was the first American city to ban the sale of plastic bottles, in January. But Concord has 18 thousand inhabitants, San Francisco has 4.3 million.

Foto:  Muffet / Creative Commons

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Mission racing Smile donate 6,000 hampers the Portuguese Red Cross

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About 3,000 people participated in each of the races Smile Mission which took place in Lisbon and Porto, which means social responsibility project delivered 6,000 food hampers to the Portuguese Red Cross.

According to the aggregator my Well-being, after about 3,000 people crossed the finish line in the first race Mission are smile back to Padilla, on 8 December, the race Lisbon Smile Mission also had more than 3,000 participants, who ran and walking for the fight against hunger.

"In order to involve civil society in combating this scourge, the Mainland joined this year, two of the oldest and most established races of the country â€" we are back to Padilla at the port and the 56th Grand Prix of Christmas in Lisbon", explains the aggregator.

All food hampers, resulting from the number of participants who crossed the finish line at the track, will be distributed to families in need, identified by the Portuguese Red Cross, according to the most urgent needs of each region.

This is an initiative that aims to suppress the basic needs of many Portuguese families who seek help from the institution.

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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

United Kingdom: the only herd of reindeer in freedom

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The only herd of reindeer in the United Kingdom freedom dwells in the Scottish Highlands. About 150 elements, the herd can be found in two separate locations in Scotland â€" in the Cairngorm Mountains and the Glenlivet Estate, locales that are about 48 kilometres.

About 50 animals can be found in the Cairngorm Mountains, while the rest remain in Glenlivet Estate.

The reindeer were re-introduced in the area in 1952 by a reindeer breeder Mikel Utsi, Swedish. At the beginning, the creator started with just a few reindeer, which were playing over the years. Currently, the number of reindeer herd varies between 130 and 150 since the reproductive process of the animals is controlled and most Cubs are born in summer.

"Observing the area between the Rothiemurchus forest and the Cairngorms from Aviemore railway bridge on a cold morning of April 1947, it reminded me immediately of the pastures of reindeer in Lapland," says Mikel Usti, quoted by the British press.

"In 1952, brought some of my reindeer from Sweden to Scotland, as part of an experiment to prove that they could live and reproduce in this location," says Usti.

The reindeer are usually animals tame and often during the winter months are used to pull sleds.

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Siemens receives world's largest request ever for wind energy

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The German multinational Siemens announced yesterday having received the largest order ever for world wind, a request that includes the manufacture of 448 wind turbines with a capacity of 1,050 megawatts.

The turbines will have a nominal heat output of 2.3 MW each and 108 metre rotor diameter and must be installed in five different projects in Iowa, in the United States.

In a statement, Siemens explained that the turbines will be supplied to the MidAmerican Energy, in a deal that will be the biggest ever of the wind industry. Although it has not disclosed numbers, Siemens explained that will also be responsible for the services and maintenance of wind turbines.

Iowa is one of the leading u.s. States in wind energy. In 2012, 24% of the total power generation across the State, came from wind sources. On the other hand, the new package will provide 660 thousand homes with renewable energy, a project that will be complete in 2015.

It is recalled that the State of Iowa is also about to receive his biggest solar Park, an infrastructure that will be installed by a rural cooperative in Frytown community. The construction will be completed in March 2014 and will meet 15% of the energy needs of the 600 townspeople.

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The magnificent Natural Park of Faial (with video)

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The Natural Park of Faial was distinguished by the European Commission as the destination to represent Portugal in the EDEN program (European Destinations of Excellence â€" European destinations of excellence), important award assigned by the European Union at the best places in Europe for sustainable tourism activities â€" and that for the first time joins to our country.

The green economy visited the Park, gathering images that leave us completely dazzled. "At this point, the Park has 37 partners, which give you a range of great offers, from diving with sharks, hiking, whale watching, boat tours and Jeep or hiking water", explained John Melo, director of the Natural Park of Faial.

One of the partners is the Home Of Ávilas, responsible for streamlining some of the activities of the Park. "We make descents to the boiler, walking trails, visits to centers of liberation", explains Philip Avila guide certified by the Natural Park of Faial and responsible for the House Of Ávilas.

Despite the beauty of the landscape, the main objective of the Park is to ensure that visitors arriving throughout the year. "The peaks in July and August are always overcrowded, but it was important to bring people in other periods", explains Philip Avila.

The next bet of the Natural Park of Faial is a pedestrian route with 37 kilometers, which will help bring more visitors â€" preferably at other times of the year.

See the episode 166 of the green economy.



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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Greater Porto: who Recycle will get discounts on goods and services

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Lipor, the company that manages the collection and recycling of waste in eight municipalities of the Grand Harbour, will reward users of Ant recycling centers (Ermesinde) and Cal (Gondomar) with a trading card deposit of waste by points that entitle to discounts on goods and services.

According to the newspaper Público, the project is called Ecoshop and will be extended to companies that use the Ecofone Line for collection, domicile, of material for recycling.

This pilot project has as a partner the company green dot and may also include discounts on fuel. However, and according to the initiative's Manager, Emanuel Monteiro, commercial partnerships are not yet closed.

The card will start to be delivered later this month and works in a simple way: who put three pounds of paper in an EcoCentre will have eight points on the card, for example. The value of each deposit is specified in regulation, here. The document is also specified the type of material that can be deposited: batteries, contaminated packaging, rubble, styrofoam, wood, lamps, cooking oils and minerals, paper and cardboard, batteries, plastics, clothing, electrical equipment, scrap waste, ink jet cartridges and toners, glass and scraps of Greens.

In Exchange for points, several companies have agreed to give benefits to the best recyclers. There are four categories, according to environmental awareness: up to 250, 500, 1000 and above 5,000 points. The best recyclers can win a tablet or smartphone.

According to Emanuel Monteiro, these partnerships can include the area of retail and services such as auto repair shops.

For now, the project will last a year. After this trial period, will evaluate their relevance and continuity. The idea for this project was born from an internal competition.

Photo: Younger Blog

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Supplier of Coca-Cola accused of "stealing land" the Guarani

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The indigenous Guarani people asked Coca-Cola to stop buying sugar from Bunge, American power multinational implicated in a case of theft of land, in Brazil.

According to a recent report by Oxfam, quoted by Survival International, Coca-Cola is buying sugar to Bunge, which in turn acquires sugar cane in "stolen lands" the Guarani to produce biofuel.

"While these companies profit, we are doomed to continue with hunger, misery and death," said a spokesman of the Guarani to Survival International. The Guarani community of Jata Yvary, Mato Grosso do Sul, is composed of 370 people. Already lost most of their ancestral homeland â€" the one that sells sugarcane to Bunge â€" and is forced to live in a small piece of land, completely surrounded by plantation.

According to Survival International, the Aboriginal tribe suffers from serious health problems as a result of toxic pesticides of plantations. Now, she "cries" lost forest, from which derives part of its medicines, health and shelter.

"Farmers already have destroyed almost all the forests, our medicinal plants, fruits and resource. They spread pesticide from planes, our children are headache and begin to vomit, "said Arlindo, leader of the Jata Yvary.

The land formerly occupied by the Guarani are now used to raise livestock, plant soybeans and sugarcane. "The Guarani are [to pay] by the growing world demand for biofuels", concludes the Survival International.

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Bike-sharing system in London is in crisis

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Released in the summer of 2010, the Boris Bikes were received with great enthusiasm by the Londoners. Two-wheeled vehicles, which are part of the bike sharing system of London, are supposed to start a new phase of sustainable mobility in greater London, leaving more and more cars for second place and interweaving in its importance, with public transport.

In November 2012, about 726,893 trips were made by Boris Bikes â€" so-called because of its great booster, London mayor Boris Johnson. Last month, however, this number dropped to 514,146 â€" almost a third.

To make matters worse, the Transport for London, which runs the British capital's transport, announced that Barclays, main sponsor, will no longer finance this system in 2015. At the same time, the recent wave of deadly road kills of cyclists is upset the local authorities.

According to Grist, the crisis of the Boris Bikes can be summed up to three factors: cost, danger and maintenance. In January 2013, prices per hour doubled, from €1,2 to €2,4 ($ 3.8 pair $ 7.6). "Although the old prices were a pittance, the new ones are too close to the cost of public transport, and many began wondering whether it is worthwhile to look for a bike and getting sweaty pedaling", explains the Grist.

Then there's the safety factor. Cycling in London, as we've been talking about for the last year, is increasingly dangerous.

Finally, it is hard to find a station with the right number of bicycles. Normally, or are empty â€" and it is impossible to lift a bike â€" or completely filled â€" and it is impossible to deliver it. I.e. the Boris Bikes have a serious problem of logistics and distribution.

The system is also too expensive. With just 4,000 bicycles, it would cost the city's taxpayers, on average, about € 1,670/year by bicycle ($ 5,320). On the other hand, Barclays has invested about half of the € 60 million ($ 190 million) pledged.

Next spring, the system will be reinforced with 2,000 bicycles and expand collection stations to the South-West of London. "Although the idea be the predecessor, the bike-sharing system is too associated with Boris Johnson to drop it without a fight," explains the Grist.

Foto:  [Duncan] / Creative Commons

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Monday, December 16, 2013

The Asian folk beliefs that try to combat pollution

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The high levels of pollution in major Asian cities are not news to anyone. However, this winter seems to have air quality worsened and the waves of smog have increased, preventing people in the streets or making the day-to-day activities.

In the absence of a definitive solution to the problem of pollution, many citizens try to minimize its effects on health, trying to protect their lungs from harmful agents. However, the methods they use to protect themselves are ineffective, at best, or harmful at worst. Get to know which are:

Cigarette filters in the nose

"A magical solution to deal with the pollution. Take two cigarette filters and insert them into your nostrils, "says a popular message on Sina Weibo, a Twitter-like social network, referring to the Quartz.

Health authorities quickly belied the fact, stressing that the filters can impair breathing and even send small filaments to the lungs. In addition, cigarette filters fail to neutralize the harmful effects of tobacco, so also unable to neutralize the harmful effects of pollution.

Grilled Bacon

In South Korea, where pollution from China came through the wind and covered Seoul and other cities, sales of grilled bacon, known locally as Sam Gyeop Sal, more than tripled. The Koreans believe that the dish can absorb the environmental toxins.

Anti-pollution martial arts

An elementary school of Hebei, an industrial town in the southwest of Beijing, has implemented a program of anti-pollution martial arts. The institution believes that the martial arts will help strengthen the lungs of children and help them withstand better the polluted air from China.

The truth is that physical activity, even indoors, leads to an increase of breathing, which causes people inhale more toxins.

Foto:  tpayne99 / Creative Commons

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Scientists try to convert CO2 into solid magnesite

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Researchers at Stanford University, in the United States, believes his latest study, conducted in an abandoned mine in California, can help create solutions to a very important issue: how to store the carbon emitted by human activities?

The team spent two years trying to unravel a mystery in the mine geological Red Mountain, located about 100 km from Palo Alto, California. In it, are some of the largest veins of pure magnesium carbonate, a mineral made of carbon dioxide (CO2) and magnesium. The big question was trying to find out how these veins were formed, millions of years ago.

Researchers have proposed a solution that could lead to a new technique to convert carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas, in solid magnesite. In fact, the conventional geological armazamento involves the capture of CO2 from industrial chimneys â€" and its injection as subsurface fluid. But there's a big concern: prevent CO2 leak back into the atmosphere. So, the solution found through convert CO2 into a stable mineral.

According to the sustainable planet, one of the most difficult parts of the task goes through from the rock to accommodate the C02. "And this may require brute force. This type of violent rupture happened in the region studied, with the intense geological activity millions of years ago in coastal California mountain chain, near the famous San Andreas fault. The idea is to replicate this process, "explains the site.

The mine had 140 thousand metric tons of CO2 equivalent, before the magensita were mineralized in the early 20th century. The whole area could contain 13 gigatonnes of carbon.

Human activity put in the atmosphere more than 500 gigatons of carbon. According to scientists, an irreversible change of climate is expected to happen around 1000 gigatons, a threshold for which humanity walks up to the middle of this century.

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The coldest place on the planet

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The coldest place on the planet is located in the eastern plateau of Antarctica, on a high ridge, where temperatures can fall to minus 92 C in various caves during a clean night of winter.

Scientists at the National Snow and Ice Data Center made the discovery while analysed detailed maps of the Earth's surface, which have been drawn up with data from remote sensing satellites, including the MODIS sensor, allocated in NASA's Aqua satellite, and the TIR, placed in Landsat 8, a joint project of NASA and the US Geologial Survey.



This new value is several degrees lower than the old lowest temperature recorded, about minus 89.2° c. This value was recorded in 1983 at the Russian Vostok Research Station, in Eastern Antarctica.

Although these have been lower temperatures of the planet recorded by satellites sensors, permanently inhabited sites with the lowest temperatures recorded are located in northwestern Siberia, where the values down to about less 67.8 degrees Celsius in the towns of Verkhoyansk, in 1892, and in Oimekon, in 1933.

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Sunday, December 15, 2013

Perfluorotributilamina: the greenhouse gas that is 7,100 times worse than CO2

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Every year the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere are increasing, as well as the list of greenhouse gases. The latest addition to this list is the Perfluorotributilamina (PFTBA), a chemical used in the industry that has the potential for global warming 7,100 times greater than CO2, the main gas responsible for climate change. The conclusion was published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

Although only a small amount of PFTBA being present in the Earth's atmosphere, the lifespan of this substance is hundreds of years old, which means it is also present in the atmosphere during these hundreds of years. This chemical, odorless and colorless, is widely available in online sale sites and their sale is not regulated. "There are no policies to control their production, use or issue," said Angela Hong, one of the researchers at the University of Toronto who participated in the study, cites the Quartz.

The industrial conglomerate 3 m, which sold for more than 40 years several PFTBA related chemical, called fluorinertos, says in his online portal that these chemicals "have high global warming potentials and atmospheric life for long periods. As such, they must be carefully managed to minimize the emissions ".

The chemical properties of PFTBA â€" and other perfluorocarbons (PFCs) â€" makes it perfect for cooling lasers and electrical circuits. Google, for example, has registered several patents with PFTBA to use the chemical cooling systems of their servers. The PFC can still be used, in theory, by astronauts and by divers, as a replacement for liquid oxygen.

The PFC can still be used as artificial blood (even if its implementation is still being studied). The molecular structure and the nature of the intramolecular chemical bonds of these substances allow the existence of empty spaces in the structure of the liquid, which causes the PFC dissolve oxygen and CO2 like no other substance. The PFTBA can also be used for frying potatoes.

Laboratory tests have been done with mice, and found that the animals managed to survive several weeks after breathing perfluorocarbons, albeit with some lung damage.

Researchers from the University of Toronto just discovered 0.18 PFTBA parts per billion in the atmosphere, compared with the 400 parts per million of CO2. However, the researchers argue that the use of this substance should be carefully monitored, as well as other potential greenhouse gases which have not yet been studied.

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