Monday, June 30, 2014

American students develop shingles which despoluem the air

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There is much that air pollution is considered one of the major problems of society, especially in megacities and large cities, but little has been done to end this drama. A recent United Nations study showed that only 12% of the world's population breathes air quality, and that this is especially harmful in Asian countries.

To try to alleviate this problem, students at the University of California, Riverside in polo, are developing a roof that helps clean the air in lab tests, they coated clay tiles with titanium dioxide, a common compound found easily in various products, from paints to cosmetics wall.

The tiles were placed inside a Chamber that reproduces the atmospheric environment, built with wood, PVC and teflon tubes. The camera was connected to a source of nitrogen oxides and a device that reads the concentrations of the pollutant, formed when certain fuels are burned at high temperatures, for example by combustion in cars.

According to the sustainable planet, researchers used ultraviolet light to simulate sunlight, which activates the titanium dioxide and lets him break nitrogen oxides. The result is impressive: the shingles withdrew between 88% and 97% of the oxides of nitrogen.

According to the team of students, 21 tons of nitrogen oxides would be eliminated daily if one million roofs were coated with the mixture of titanium dioxide. They also calculated that it would cost only €3,6 ($ 11.1) to coat a midsize residential roof.

Currently, there are no other tiles on the market that help reduce pollution from nitrogen oxides. However, there are few data on allegations that they reduce pollution, explains the team of scientists.

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Dutch brand creates jeans made with plastics collected in the oceans

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On the market for 25 years, the Dutch brand G-Star clothing revolved reach more people through an idea linked to sustainability. The brand has launched a campaign to clean up the oceans that turns out the trash found in jeans.

In addition to giving you a new worldwide visibility, the campaign was still one of the main awards of the Festival de Cannes, the main event of the world that rewards creativity in marketing and communication.

The campaign has enjoyed the attention given by Pharrell Williams, musician who designed parts. Pharrel is also creative director of Bionic Yarn, a company that manufactures yarns and fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles.

According to the international press, the manufacturing process begins with the selection of bottles, which are then milled and processed into fibers. These are then braided with polyester and used to make wires of the tissues.

According to the G-Star, of the 100 million tons of plastic produced annually, about 10% end up in the oceans. Pollution affects birds, mammals and marine life. "The challenge was to create a collection of quality to look and dress as well as the normal jeans", advanced the company.

Another concern was intended to make the collection appealing to consumers. "It allows people from all over the world can express their concerns to the pollution of the oceans, wearing them," concluded the G-Star. Although the company has financial worries, the truth is that this new collection â€" and especially the visibility that Pharrell Williamas gives you â€" it may be important to change mindsets when it comes to consumption (non-literal) of plastic.

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The beauty of spiral staircases

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The stairs are probably one of the most unlikely photographic objects. But the spiral and helical stairs can be a pleasant surprise to the unsuspecting photographers. Obtained from the right perspective, simple steps can become in fantastic photos.

Lots of good pictures of stairs owe their beauty to the mesmerizing spiral shape of stairs. The spiral staircases are appreciated by the architects and designers by creating space and columns by dynamic shapes. Technically, most of these stairs are helical and spiral â€" not true spiral staircases must revolve around a central point, while the helical stairs turn a set distance from a central point.

Historical applications of spiral staircases are also interesting. Have you ever noticed that the spiral stairs of the castles and towers are almost always in a clockwise direction (from the point of view of who climbs)? The stairs were built this way so the soldiers who defended the castle could take advantage of the confrontation with the enemy in the case of the fight to get on the stairs, referred to Bored Panda. The invading soldiers (who climb the stairs) had no room to manoeuvre the swords (assuming that the majority was right-handed), while the soldiers who defend the castle had enough space to handle their weapons.

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Sunday, June 29, 2014

Super-bananas may end up with a lack of vitamin A in underdeveloped countries

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Genetically modified foods have their pros and cons, being bad in many regions of the globe. However, sometimes these modified foods can surprise by the positive. An Australian University researchers have developed a genetically modified banana type that can be grown in underdeveloped countries in order to put an end to the lack of vitamin A in these locations.

To this end, researchers enriched normal bananas with alpha and beta carotenes, transforming them into super-bananas able to meet the nutritional needs, especially of children.

Every year, more than 650,000 children die due to lack of vitamin a. However, these genetically modified bananas â€" that are being tested in humans in the United States â€" can help prevent many deaths. The lack of vitamin A is responsible for at least 300,000 children blindness annually, which could be easily avoided. However, food shortages in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa are preventing many children receive the nutrients needed for the proper functioning of the organism.

In sight, the new bananas are equal to ordinary, with the exception of banana bark that is orange instead of yellow, referred to Inhabitat. The project developed this genetically modified banana is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and was developed at the Queensland University of technology in Australia.

Currently, the bananas are going through a testing phase of six weeks to determine whether they can be used as a good source of nutrition. If the tests are successful, the new super-banana can begin to be cultivated in developing countries in 2020.

This new food, is right, will continue the controversy of GMOs, which clearly we disapprove of. And the reader, what is your opinion on the subject?

Foto:  Konstantin Zamkov / Creative Commons

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Saturday, June 28, 2014

António Pinto, 17 years: "I will work to manage a multinational company"

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Kicks off today in Lyon, in Matosinhos, summer Summer Spirit, a market developed by a young entrepreneur, António Pinto. Learn more about the man behind this project, only 17 years, and their ambitions for the future.

How did the possibility of organising the summer Summer Spirit? What's the inspiration?

The Summer Spirit Market grew out of the desire to create an initiative that would bring together young brands, mostly Portuguese, with articles devoted to summer, and with a dimension that would allow me to develop organizational and managerial skills.

My inspiration is my great ambition and professional like I have in the areas of economy and business management â€" areas that I intend to follow in the future. How I occupy my free time also reveals a tonic for my creativity. I make a point of encouraging an active lifestyle through participation in activities that I consider to be useful and, above all, constructive for my personal and professional development.

What is the role of Lyons in this whole process?

The Lyon has a strong role in the image you intend to convey, because it has a space with a dynamic that has been launching trends and which gathers all the conditions to perform an event with the nature of the Summer Spirit Market.

I identify with the positioning and the dynamics of Lyons is a space where everything happens and that above all propels the young entrepreneurship, and that has been available to give me all the support I need in various processes. I feel pretty backed up but also count on my strong entrepreneurial spirit that highlights mechanisms of initiative and anti dependency, because I always try to do the job for me with much effort and dedication.

Why aren't there more entrepreneurs with their age?

I believe there are more entrepreneurs with my age, I just think you may be afraid to risk or fail to meet the necessary conditions to carry out their projects. Have partners or even investors is something very important for a young entrepreneur and I believe the young age is a factor that arouses suspicion, unless the project is excellent and if sale for you.

Currently, I feel that young people are increasingly enthusiastic in creating a business or develop projects. We have notion of the values of unemployment that exist, which leads us to face increasingly entrepreneurship as an alternative. I think the perception of risk is really the main concern despite the extensive future for norma young people have ahead of us.

The fact that young people don't want to come out of their comfort zones is also an ingredient that is combined to the economic crisis, the financial burden and the threat of unemployment on young entrepreneurship deterrence.

After this market that other business projects intends to develop?

Right now I'm focused on the Summer Spirit and, in Lyons that enables me to have a great space to implement this initiative. However, it would be interesting to try to bring this market to other stops taking advantage to adopt a model of a market dedicated to winter items, for example. Is a possibility that even I have to study.

In addition I have other personal plans and academics who can open doors for business projects in the future. I'm talking about my ambition to study at the London School of Economics in England, or in San Diego State University, in the United States, which are two of the best universities in the world in the area of economy and management. I'm going to study and work for one day, perhaps, come to manage a multinational company.

What advice would you give to those who have some interesting ideas but sees his age â€" between 12 and 18-as a possible hindrance to their implementation?

The main advice I can give is to never give up. We must believe that it is possible to create and implement projects and differentiators that contribute to boost our creativity, management capacity and autonomy. Some of today's most successful entrepreneurs started by exercising your entrepreneurial spirit from an early age.

It is possible to identify successful entrepreneurs to 12 years began to open their first "enterprises", such as improvised stalls selling lemonade in their streets. Are often those same 12 years vendors that, years later, create highly successful companies that thrive for many years or even end up being sold for astronomical amounts.

With the develop of age, ideas and opportunities arise, the trick is to wait for our opportunity but never passively. In the case of the youngest, the ideal is to combine the studies and invest in personal training through participation in various activities and extracurricular groups.

It is clear that it is vital to manage the time and get a sense plus responsibility, being aware that only with work can make us better professionals and build a project of life.

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Friday, June 27, 2014

Nepalese locale will sacrifice 500,000 animals in November

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Every five years, in the month of November, follows the Gadhimai, a Hindu festival which lasts a month where thousands of animals are sacrificed to honor the gods. 2014 is the year Gadhimai and, as such, it is estimated that between 250,000 and 300,000 be sacrificed animals.

Most animals are pigs, water buffalo, goats, chickens and pigeons. According to the reports, the last in 2009 Gadhimai, were killed near 500,000 animals. Typically, the festival begins with the sacrifice of animals smaller and, as the month unfolds, the size of the animals increases.

In addition to the large number of dead animals, the festival attracts thousands of pilgrims â€" in 2009 were close to five million, mainly from India, who offer their offerings to the goddess Gadhimai, referred to the Dodo.

Despite being forbidden to cross the Indian border with cattle, 80% of the pilgrims do, violating the laws of India as well as the international laws of the transport of live cattle. Additionally, the Indian State of Bihar, near the site where is organized the festival banned the sacrificial rituals. However, in Nepal the situation is different. In addition to being allowed to animal sacrifice, the Government subsidizes the practice. In 2009, the Government contributed € 44,200 for the festival.

Over the years, several animal protection associations have protested the practice, but never managed to avoid the ritual. Preparations for this year's Edition of Gadhimai have already begun, as well as the protests, but everything indicates that thousands of animals are once again slaughtered.

Foto:  Ronnie Macdonald / Creative Commons

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A vertical garden interior that purifies the air while growing vegetables

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The FreshWall is a vertical garden that redefines interior farming while maximizing air purification by plants. This innovative garden combines cutting-edge technology with the Scandinavian design, encouraging a greener lifestyle and sustainable.

Currently, the garden is only for business purposes, but the mentors launched a campaign on Indiegogo for the garden can be mass produced and made available to all. This new concept allows people who live in small spaces have their own vegetable garden, but vertical, while plants that grow there purify the air of the room.

The garden requires only some electricity and water, in case you're grown. Each FreshWall puifica the air with an efficiency equivalent to 100 normal plants and combines sophisticated technology that allows you to grow plants all year round, referred to Inhabitat. Thanks to the integrated system of irrigation, this Green Wall destroys the hazardous chemicals and ensures the growth of healthy plants.

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New York: the Green Park that changes color with heat

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The Green Carceri is the green expanse zig-zag shaped created by Studio Tarquitectos to the famous High Line Park, New York. The structure, which is organized around a central core, will have the ability to change color depending on the temperature.

The projected space will be equipped with a botanical research center, a library and a residential area, referred to in Inhabitat. A passive design and a variety of renewable energy systems will reduce the ecological footprint of the building while several Green ramps that emerge at ground level will be used as mini-jardins.

The main objective of design is to create an extension of the public space around the High Line. The building will have a green roof that provides insulation and leverages the rainwater for irrigation and for cooling the mechanical systems. The mini-jardins and mini-estufas will allow the citizens to interact with the Botanical Research Center and learn about urban gardens.

Additionally, the zig-zag form the extension promotes natural ventilation and is covered in ink with thermal properties that changes color depending on the outside temperature.

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Warming in the Arctic can smooth winters in Europe

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A warmer Arctic could lead to less extreme events â€" and less cold â€" in autumn and winter in Europe, parts of Asia and the United States, according to a study published on Sunday by the University of Exeter.

According to James Screen, researcher in Exeter, England, with the Arctic warmer, the cold winds that blow from the North are heating up faster than that blow from the South. This means that the reduction of variability in temperatures â€" and, potentially, less cold weather extremes.

Published in Nature Climate Change, the study goes against what many scientists said in recent years, while the links between Arctic warming and Jet currents â€" and how they influenced the weather systems around the world â€" were being studied.

Using climate models, Screen showed that these changes will continue in the future, with projected decreases in temperature variability in all seasons â€" with the exception of the summer.

Foto:  NASA Goddard Photo and Video / Creative Commons

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Thursday, June 26, 2014

An application that translate sign language in real time

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Students of the School of communication Berghs, in Switzerland, developed an application that allows for real-time interaction between people who use sign language to communicate and those who can't understand the meaning of gestures used.

The application was awarded at the Cannes Film Festival, the biggest and most prestigious event of publication, communication and marketing in the world, and works with the aid of two electronic tracks used in the forearm of the person who carries out the signs.

Named Google Gesture, the application can analyze the movement of muscles, associate them to gestures and send the information to the smartphone, which would play the matching words in real time.

See the project.

Although the application using "Google" in their name, the company is not involved in the project. In fact, this application was created for an advertising campaign, having forecast still to be developed in the short term. Nobody wants to take on this idea?

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Azores: search at sea the solution to the economy (with video)

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All Portuguese regions use different strategies to boost the local economy, taking into account their cultural and geographical capital gains. The Azores are no exception, and the tradition linked to the sea always comes to mind of the rulers when it comes time to invest in tourism and services.

One example is the SailAzores, a company founded in 2010 and who rents sailboats with and without skipper. The company emerged from the dream of two sisters and two brothers-in-law and received some help from regional government. "The passion for the Azores by sea and boats made us study the market and understand that there was a gap in the market: no one was renting boats without a skipper," explained Nicholas Faria, partner at SailAzores.

The first sailboat cost 300 thousand, but the total investment already totals € 1 million, since they are already four boats held by SailAzores. "Through Community funds, the regional Government has a program of incentives. We have enjoyed this program and earned the trust of the regional Government, "explained Nicholas would do.

In 2010, never thinking of the four partners that SailAzores grow so much. Like all other professional lives, the solution went through hiring two employees â€" for the marketing department and for the maintenance of sailboats.

With 350 to 400 customers per year, the next step of SailAzores is to allow the anchor in bays in the archipelago. "We will create the project Anchoring Azores and put, as a first step, five anchoring buoys around the islands of the central group. In a second phase will increase the number of buoys, "said Nicholas would do.

When the project is on the ground, SailAzores customers will be able to spend the night in the Bay. According to company officials, the business will continue to grow and there's room for new companies of sailing yachts rental option without skipper, the example of what already exists in Greece, Italy, Croatia. See the episode 275 of the green economy.



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Switzerland: roofs give way to urban gardens

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The large roofs, mechanical plans and without use are perfect to install urban gardens. At least that's what you think the Italian architect António Scarponi, enthusiast for producing food within cities and decided to create an opportunity for agricultural activities in Basel, Switzerland.

Antonio took advantage of the unused spaces of the city and set up a space for urban agriculture these roofs. In just 400 square meters, the responsible implemented two prefabricated modules: a greenhouse for the production of plants and containers for other purposes, the companies Office cloakrooms and storerooms.

Second counts the sustainable planet, was even installed a hydroponic system to create a balanced environment. Thus, while a fish tank nourishes the vegetables, plants clean the water from the fish.

The architect asserts that any industrial building plan can produce food and behave spaces like this, that can be arranged in different layouts.

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Photovoltaics for own final consumption are exempted from licensing

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The production of electricity to fuel consumption directly from a family or company will have a more affordable licensing scheme, according to the business journal. The diploma, which provides legally production to consumption, will now be subject to a public consultation, but the Secretary of State for energy, Artur Trinity, assured the Business exists "in the interests of administrative simplification".

Last year, remains the newspaper, the Government worked on a preliminary draft for the so-called "distributed generation", that is, the generation of electricity from small producers, with much lower powers to those of large power plants.

This diploma will make the framework of production for own final consumption â€" which was a legal vacuum â€" and will introduce changes in the operation of micro and miniprodução. The document has already been sent to associations of the sector, said Jorge Moreira da Silva still, Minister of the environment.

The aim of the Government is to approve the new regime in Council of Ministers by the end of July.

As regards consumption, one of the main novelties advances that facilities under this scheme will not have a share of power allocation, as was happening until today in the micro-and miniproidução. Thus, the access to this model will be free.

For installations up to 700 watts of power is only required a prior communication electronically to DGEG (Direcção-Geral de Energia e Geologia). Over 700 watts operating certificate will be required. Only the equipment with more than one megawatt (MW) of power is that they will need to have a license for exploration and production.

The diploma is still Government referred to a clause that ensures that, if the consumption market grow very quickly, the electrical system does not imbalance. If the production for own final consumption is a success, the system will lose part of consumption that normally bear the costs of the sector. If this succeeds, the legislation provides that the production facilities for consumption on pay a contribution to the system, but the equipment up to 1,000 watts will be exempt.

However, this scenario will only when 180MW are reached in consumption facilities.

Foto:  Mataparda / Creative Commons

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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Antibacterial soap is damaging sewage treatment systems

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Triclosan is an indiscriminate killer, bacteria will even in places where the microbial communities work hard to keep us healthy, including sewage treatment systems.

The wastewater treatment plants add often anaerobic digesters so you can reduce the amount of garbage that have to deal with. Bacteria that survive in oxygen media degrade organic waste, including sewage, and produce small molecules of ammonia, carbon dioxide and methane â€" which can be used as fuel. Thus, the amount of waste handling is much smaller, the treatment process is more effective.

However, in the presence of antibacterials in wastewater, these anaerobic bacteria cannot do its job of cleaning. Triclosan is an antibacterial agents more used and its use is becoming worrisome. In addition to being incorporated in antibacterial soaps, products for acne, this component can be found in other less obvious products, such as toothpaste, detergent for dishes, sportswear, labial balsamos and even in pencil, referred to the New Next.

A new study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology indicates that "in wastewater treatment plants, the antibacterials can sabotage the work of aerobic bacteria and promote resistance to other microbes". The solid waste resulting from the process of filtering and treatment often end up as fertilizer, and are scattered in fields and cultures, infiltrating into the soil and killing microbial life essential to the functioning of ecosystems in the subsoil.

However, the problem has a simple solution: end the use of triclosan. Several studies that investigated the use of this component and the effectiveness in reducing disease concluded that the antibacterial soaps are not more effective than the traditional soaps.

Photo: ASCOM-municipality of Votuporanga/Creative Commons

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Community funds with €44 million for environmental projects in 2014

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The European Commission opened last Wednesday the nomination period for the submission of proposals for a new Community Fund, which will finance projects related to the climatic actions.

The subprogram-LIFE Climate Action â€" is equipped with €44,26 million to finance the development and implementation of innovative measures to respond to climate change in Europe.

"The new LIFE programme for Climate Action offers new funds from earlier for climatic innovative projects throughout Europe. This will help give life to more sustainable technology and maximising the climate solutions that already exist. These funds will also help to achieve the policy objectives under the climate as well as to comply with the legislation already adopted in this area, "said the European Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard.

The subprogram is entered in the EU LIFE Programme 2014-2020, which will provide €864 million for climate action over the next seven years, the European Commission said in a statement.

Interested organisations should submit proposals until October 16, 2014. The second phase of submission of applications runs in the fall and is for non-profit organisations active at European level in climatic and environmental issues.

The LIFE is a program of Community funds was implemented in 1992 and already has co-funded more than 4,000 projects. The EU LIFE Programme for Environment and Climate Action 2014-2020 is divided into two periods: 2014-2017 and 2017-2020. For the first period is available a budget of €449,2 million.

Foto:  Cintia Barenho / Creative Commons

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Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Mega Pic-Nic: Avenida da Liberdade received 700 thousand people

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Approximately 700 thousand people visited the sixth edition of the Mega Pic-Nic Continent, held on Saturday in Avenida da Liberdade, in Lisbon. The event, it should be borne in mind, it is proposed to bring the field to the city, at the same time as extols the values of traditional culture, healthy food and local economy.

"The 2014 Edition of Mega Pic-Nic provided who live in the city the possibility to learn the various teachings of the field, [combining] national production-related activities to the moments of conviviality," explained the Continent in a statement.

At the height of the World Cup, called Quinta da Selection presented a recreation of fruit and vegetables and livestock farms, which presented the "genuineness and high quality of Portuguese products", highlighting a field internship with a 2000 m 2 garden and several playful initiatives, where families might live and learn the best does in the field.

Mega Pic-Nic was attended by a delegation of the European Commission and the Secretary of State for food and Agribusiness Research, Nuno Vieira e Brito, through a visit to the venue of the event, during the morning. In fact, the European Commission was also represented for the first time in Mega Pic-Nic through recreational and educational space, with the goal to promote the program "Taking Care of Our Roots", in the framework of the common agricultural policy.

"The visit of the European Commission is a clear sign of international recognition that the Mega Pic-Nic has achieved, having already been awarded as the best European public event in 2011, and perceived as a role model for other European cities," explained the Continent in a statement.

Considered one of the most important events in the country, the Mega Pic-Nic, organized by Continent told, once again, with the support of the Municipal Chamber of Lisbon, the CAP â€" Confederation of Farmers of Portugal and Mainland Producers Club, represented by more than 40 domestic producers.

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England: ecological House will be demolished because it does not fit in the landscape

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In Pembrokeshire, in England, there is a young couple who built a House inspired by the Hobbit, the Lord of the rings saga, like so many other fans around the world. The House took a year to build and only natural materials were used. However, the English county authorities say that housing has to be torn down, arguing that integrates the landscape of the region.

Charlie Hague and Megan Williams, both lovers of nature, spent more than £ 18,700 to build housing, which is located in a secluded location, on the grounds of the father of Charlie, near Fishguard.

However, the House was built without a permit and the authorities contend that the building will have to be demolished after the request, the couple eventually deliver, have been refused, the British press. The couple spent four years living in a caravan before the construction of the House began last summer.

Built from straw bales and cal, housing is valued between € 18,700 and € 25,000. The couple argues that it was the only way I can have my own place, after local housing prices have increased exponentially, primarily due to the demand of tourists.

For the finishes used wood and House was ready weeks before the couple's son was born. Currently, the couple has a self-sustaining way of life, cultivating and creating their food and animals.

"Despite the low visual impact, housing the rural nature destroys and presents an intolerable form of development", argue the authorities.  The couple launched a campaign and online petition, which was signed by approximately 90,000 people from all over the world, and is determined to continue to fight for housing.

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Chicago: lampposts will detect pollution and tell people

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It is said that the walls have ears. In this case, are the Chicago lampposts that will have ears and eyes. The American city will install a new series of lighting that will have the ability to measure air quality, monitor the noise and tell pedestrians.

The new posts will be placed until the beginning of July and, in addition to the air quality and noise, will be able to monitor the luminous intensity, warmth, precipitation and wind. Pedestrian counting will be done by monitoring traffic from smartphones.

The placement of these new ' smart ' lampposts stems from an initiative of the University of Chicago and the Argonne National Laboratory and the idea is to collect precise details about what happens in the city and how people use it and its consequent impact. On the other hand, it will help to know where are the polluted and points where there are disturbances in movement of pedestrians, referred to Gizmodo.

Although the project can concern the residents and pedestrians at the level of privacy, investigating authorities shall ensure that the data will be collected and stored in anonymous form.

According to Charlie Catlett, director of the Urban Center for Computation and Data, the aim of this new system is "better understand the cities". "Part of the objective is to make these things in public utilities," explained to the Chicago Tribune.

Photo: Chicago in the years 50 1950sUnlimited/Creative Commone

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Monday, June 23, 2014

Anonymous art collective creates maze with 6,000 recycled plastic bottles

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The Luzinterruptus, a collective of anonymous art, created a maze constructed from recycled plastic bottles 6,000 â€" a critique of consumer society. The urban intervention â€" Labyrinth of Plastic Waste â€" is the contribution of the group to the Katowice Sreet Art Festival in Poland.

To construct the maze, Luzinterruptus collected 6,000 bottles of a local factory and several residents who also donated bottles. In total, more than 26 metres of plastic waste were converted in a maze of plastic debris with 3.4 meters tall and a size of 7 × 5 meters.

The bottles are supported by walls made of plastic bags. During the day, sunlight reflects the colors of the plastic, which is colored. At night, the installation is illuminated by LED lamps, the maze turns into something resembling an ice sculpture.

"We wanted to demonstrate, in a poetic way, the amount of plastic waste are consumed daily, focusing attention still on the big business of bottled water, which causes serious problems in developing countries, where many people see your reservations water be privatised", explains the group, quoted by Inhabitat.

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Dogs less beautiful in the world

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The canine beauty pageants are enough events popularized all over the world. Less popular are the contests to elect the ugliest dog in the world. However, since 1998 in California held an annual event to determine the ugliest dog in the world and this year's competition was held on Friday.

All participating dogs must have a certificate of ugliness passed by a veterinarian and judges determine the ugliest dog based on the hair, in the toothed smile and wild expressions. However, be distinguished as the ugliest dog in the world is equivalent to receive a prize of € 1,100.

However, the organizers of the event ensures that the intention is not to make fun of these animals less beautiful, but rather get to know animals that do not meet the normal standards of beauty but are loved by their owners. "The contest of the ugliest dog in the world is not an event to ridicule the animals but for, in a fun way, show some animals with strange aspects and to show the world that these dogs are very loving and beautiful creatures," said event spokesman to the Daily Mail.

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What are the forums? (with video)

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A few years ago, António Santos was at a Conference when he heard a foreign speaker say that I missed the April 25 bridge, albeit extraordinary, he didn't have a bike path or walkway.

The idea never left António's head, to the point, several years later, the Portuguese be on Genesis of AlmaLisboa, an initiative that aims to create a bike path and pedestrian passage in one of the most incredible infrastructure of Portugal, the bridge 25 April.

At the outset, it is a simple idea. It is not necessary to the coming of a foreign speaker, certainly, to realize the potential of the bridge to soft modes. But the truth is that, sometimes, a different look puts issues, so obvious, we would remember.

According to António Santos, the idea would make Lisbon in a city more modern and appealing â€" for its locals and tourists â€" in addition to contributing to environmental sustainability and transport.

The bike path and pedestrian passage could use the train's Board, without harming any movement: automobile or train. "It's a sin not to take advantage of the available space. It serves to people travelling and increase mobility in the soft modes. And serves to the very structure of maintenance and upkeep of the bridge using the two ways to carry out their work, "explained the charge to green economy.

Although the idea is far from being achieved, the truth is that in the genesis of this was a conference where someone saw, unselfishly, beyond. See what you can learn at confere nces that take place every day in Portugal?

Foto:  Jeffrey / Creative Commons



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Sunday, June 22, 2014

Kiruna: a Swedish town that will change places

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Some architects are known to move the masses with its design to leave any gaping, but few are those who can literally move entire cities. One of them is the Studio of architects Swedish White Arkitekter recently won an international competition to move the city of Kiruna, in Sweden.

A century of mining has caused several cracks and cracks in the basement that destabilize the foundations of the small town, and the White Arkitekter presented a plan to resettle the city over the next few decades.

Kiruna was founded by a mining company in 1900, and subsequent years of iron extraction have destabilized the foundations of the city. Thus, it is necessary the relocation of the city and of its 20,000 inhabitants â€" see a current photo of the city in the Gallery (Photo 19).

The project presented by the architects winners intends to move the city from West to East, a process that will take place in several stages, and make the city a more vertical than horizontal space.

The first phase of the plan will create a new center of the city, which will be a great Avenue with direction from West to East that will pass through the Centre of the current city. Gradually, the density in the East of the new city will be increased while the West buildings are dismantled.

"Relocate literally a city will be a bit like walk like a centipede with their house and move feet in slowly a few kilometres to the East," says Mikael Stengvist, architect of atelier chosen, cites the Inabitat.

Although the process is inconvenient for the inhabitants of Kiruna, there are some advantages associated with the massive relocation project. Since the city expanded rapidly due to its dependence on ore, the location lacks modern infrastructure, which makes it isolated. Part of the project of relocation of Kiruna will contemplate a new transport system, including trams and trains will improve links to neighboring towns. There are also high hopes that the new city attract new business and trade, making the city less dependent on the ore.

The ore in this town is limited, since there isn't much raw material to extract. When iron runs out, the municipal authorities intend to transform the surroundings of the mine and part of the ancient city in a Green Park that aims to be a waypoint on the reindeer migration route.

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USA: sustainable products represent 15% of the total sales of retail

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Brands labeled as natural, ecological, organic and fair trade are no longer a niche market in the sectors of food, toiletries and home. These products gradually were blended in the general retail and conquered a considerable market share. Currently, these products that appeal to the "responsible consumption" represent an important area of profitable growth.

An analysis of the Boston Consulting Group and Information Resources analyzed all u.s. retail chains and concluded that the sale of the products more "responsible" represents 15% of the total sales of all chains, with the sales increase 9% annual pace in the last three years â€" which represents 70% of the total growth.

The consultants expect that the same trend is found in other developed markets. Market studies also point to future growth, with most consumers to indicate the intention of buying more of these products.

However, the more sustainable products of major brands that will experience an increase in sales, but the specialized brand products. The big brands lack or do not possess even products of this type shows the consultant.

It is recalled that several Portuguese managers debated this week, sustainable consumption. Green Savers was there and brought him the main conclusions.

Foto:  Glory Foods / Creative Commons

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Saturday, June 21, 2014

Lisbon school WINS project Gives Power to the Electron

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The School Neighborhood Priest cross, of Lisbon, was the winner of the challenge to the schools of the third phase of the project of awareness videos â€" gives Power to the POW electron, promoted by Amb3E â€" Portuguese Association for waste management. The winning video was "the beginning of consciousness".

Already the individual prize was collected by Joana Santos, with the work "the world of WEEE (continued)". The individual video winner has as protagonist a three-year-old boy who reminds that the WEEE contain harmful substances and pollute the environment when they are poorly conveyed. The second prize in the individual category was assigned to Guilherme Fernandes with the project "the count To get REE at the point Electron" and the third prize went to Marta Barreto, with the video "for a better future".

Individual category winners were presented with a smartphone, an LCD and a camera. The School Neighborhood Priest Cross will receive, in turn, € 1,500 in electrical and electronic equipment of your choice.

The project Gives Power to the Electron is an initiative that encourages the Portuguese to take part in a contest of videos that act as elements of behavioral change the environmental level. The POW intends to emphasize the importance of channelling of waste Electronic and electrical equipment by means of electron.

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Portuguese spend €370 per month with the automobile

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The monthly average of the costs of the vehicles in Portugal is around €370, with half of the automobiles has spent more than €290 per month. This is the conclusion of the first statistical report published by the portal Autocustos for the first quarter of 2014.

The report, which was published today at least one Car, was based on an anonymous survey conducted for users of the Autocustos site between January and may this year. The size of the sample submitted by Portuguese users is 230 vehicles, being the 8.2% margin of error.

According to the report, the average monthly devaluation of the vehicle is €145, i.e. the equivalent of 1,740 euros per year.

Aft er the devaluation of the vehicle, the second largest monthly cost for the Portuguese is with the fuels (29%) that can reach € 108 per month. However, the remaining costs of the private vehicle, as the vehicle insurance and coverage, interest on car loan, auto inspection, single circulation tax (IUC), maintenance, repairs, parks, tolls, parking tickets and fines and washes, add up to €119 per month, which means about 32% of all these monthly charges.

If we take into account that the net average wage in Portugal is around €711 monthly liquids, "notes that it seems that if you work half a year to pay for the car. This is great irrationality. From a financial point of view, it would be exactly equivalent to only work part-time without owning a car, "explained João Pimentel Ferreira, free software programmer who developed the portal Autocustos.

The report was conducted by Fernando Martins, graduated in statistics from the Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon. You can consult the full report here.

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Friday, June 20, 2014

Ocean acidification could cause extinction of marine species

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Much of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by human activity that is released into the atmosphere is absorbed by the oceans. However, since the levels of CO2 emissions are increasing, also gas adsorption by the oceans increases.

The absorption of CO2 by the oceans is a natural process, essential for maintaining thermal equilibrium on the planet. However, the CO2 changes the chemical composition of the water as it reduces pH levels and makes it more acidic. Once the CO2 absorption levels are higher acidity levels increase at the same rate â€" a change that threatens aquatic life.

This increase in ocean acidification and its consequences were depicted in a new study published in the journal Paleoceanography. The investigation, conducted by the University of California-Santa Cruz, Yale and Columbia, reveals that the process of acidification is occurring ten times faster than in the Paleocene-Eocene thermal Maximum, a period of drastic climatic changes that occurred there are 56 million years ago and became extinct several aquatic species and forced the evolution of others. During this period, which lasted approximately 70,000 years, global average temperatures have risen about 11.6 degrees Celsius.

Increasing acidification of waters is already a serious threat to many marine ecosystems, such as coral barriers. However, the acidification of waters is also a danger for the human species, since it depends on the food provided by the oceans. Another study, shows that ocean acidification is eroding the conhas of a species of small marine snails, which are source of food for the salmon, mackerel and herring, which are in turn food for humans and other larger fish.

The Intergovernmental Panel on climate change estimates that the acidification of marine waters and other effects produced by climate change can reduce the amount of fish available for fishing, a reduction that may have an impact of €10,3 billion for the fishing industry in 2050, referred to Discovery News.

Photo: Creative Commons/Sesimbra/pedrosimoes7

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e-Golf: German car electric version arrives in Portugal this month (with features)

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It won't be long for the Portuguese put your hands-and feet-on Volkswagen e-Golf, the first purely electric version of one of the most successful models cars of all time, the Golf-30 million units sold.

The e-Golf will be officially launched later this month, you know the Green Savers and the first cars arriving in Portugal in July. The price is not yet set, but is expected to around € 38,000 â€" still, an estimated price.

In its electric version, the iconic VW brand's strong point â€" autonomy between 130 and 190 km â€" and a selection of driving profiles: Normal, Eco and Eco + (these two are a redundancy, since the car is 100% ecological).

Autonomy depends on the route to go, driving style and weight of the cargo. On the other hand, if the outside temperature is too low, the autonomy can be less than these values.

According to Volkswagen, technological innovation of e-Golf allows you to ensure a top speed limited to 140 km/h, so the car is the only model of the range fitted as standard with the radio and navigation system of high technology, the Discover Pro.

From the functional point of view, the new model is also fitted as standard with the App Car-Net-and-Remote, which allows the battery charge, the activation of auxiliary heating/air conditioner (during the battery charging procedure) and the demand for vehicle data through a smartphone.

Abroad, the Volkswagen highlights the headlights in LED electric Golf, as well as C-shaped taillights, visual feature of all VW models equipped with electric propulsion hybrid or plug-in.

With a very low consumption â€" less than 100 kWh/12.7 Km, the e-Golf is about "10% more efficient than the best and most direct competitor with steel construction". The vehicle is also completely silent, and costs €1,9 to 100 km for energy.

The battery Positioned between the front and rear axle, the lithium ion battery has a weight of 318 kg and consists of a total of 264 cells integrated into 27 modules (6 and 12 cells). The total capacity of the battery is gross to 24.2 kWh. Some of these are reserved to prevent damage as the result of a total discharge of the battery.

The battery management system, called BMC, which assumes the functions of security, Diagnostics and monitoring. It is also he who regulates the temperature of the battery in the controller-Junction-Controller, one interface to provide power to the motor. When the vehicle is stopped or suffers an accident, is switched off automatically the electric current from the battery.

How to load? One of the greatest challenges of electric vehicles has as its backdrop the shipment. In Golf, and as with his "brother" e-up!, there are several form of shipment. The simplest is to connect the charging cable (standard) to a conventional socket 230 V. E-Golf batteries are loaded to 100% when they are completely discharged, within 1:0 pm.

Optionally, Volkswagen offers a wallbox to the garage or a parking place covered, which enables an output of 3.6 kW load. In this case, the battery requires approximately eight hours to be fully charged.

In addition to the wallbox, there are also public places of loading that offer a power 3.6 kW load.

For the e-Golf, the client may also request to Volkswagen for the vehicle is prepared for the Combined charging system CCS (Combined Charging System) with direct current (DC). In this mode, the battery reaches over 80% of its capacity in just 30 minutes.

Watch the silence as was expected, the e-Golf is silent. With the absence of combustion engines, there are other sources of noise that are heard. Thus, Volkswagen has implemented a specific acoustics concept for e-Golf, designed for the characteristics of electric vehicle and which make it possible, even hear a PIN fall. But beware: the silence of the electric car has been criticized, including by the European Association for the blind, which asks cars more noisy and warn people, blind or not, their passage. Learn about all the features of the vehicle and, below, some photos of the e-Golf.

Goodbye, Rev counter Located on the left side of the instrument panel, the display of kW of the vehicle replaces the tachometer. It indicates the main energy levels: If the motor vehicle is prepared to boot if the battery is being charged via regenerative braking or if she's being consumed.

On the right side is positioned the analog speedometer which in this case indicates a speed up to 160 km/h. In the color display other values are indicated, cases of a continuous view of the autonomy, the level of regenerative braking that is active and the information about the remaining charging time and the type of loading plug connected.

But as I'm going on vacation? Today, the electric car is a great ally of the city trips, but has some problems on long journeys. To work around this issue, Volkswagen developed a partnership with Europcar, in which owners of electric vehicles of the German brand can rent a car with conventional motor with a special price.





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Scientists may have discovered the largest water reservoir in the world

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A water tank three times greater than the total volume of Earth's oceans may have been discovered under the United States, 700 km depth. The discovery was published last week in the journal Science.

The article was written by American investigators, led by Geophysicist Steve Jacobsen, and Northestern University by Brandon Schmandt, seismologist at the University of New Mexico.

The water found is not in liquid form, but magma wells were found, which may indicate the presence of water. During the investigation the laboratory experiments were used to Jacobsen, where the rock layers studied the Geophysicist of the planet under simulated high pressure, similar to the 700 km depth, together with comments made by seismologist seismic activity data that were collected under the USArray project, a network of seismographs throughout the American territory, referred to Treehugger.

Based on investigations, scientists believe the water is stored in the molecular structure of minerals inside the Rocky mantle, in the form of the mineral itself, created by pressure and heat inside of the mantle. In this layer there is a terrestrial ringwoodite, a mineral that has water in its composition which, according to scientific articles published earlier this year, allows to infer the existence of a reservoir of water in the Earth's mantle equivalent to the water of the oceans.

Researchers believe that water exists on the planet's surface might have arrival at great depths through the tectonic plates. During the investigation, they found evidence of an extensive melting underneath the North American territory, close to the depth at which can be found the mineral. The depth is this fusion of materials of the Earth's interior is the one that presents the best temperature and pressure so that the water can leave the ringwoodite, a phenomenon that scientists compare to sweating.

Currently, only there is evidence of the existence of ringwoodite in the United States, having the presence of the mineral in other parts of the Earth to be confirmed yet.

Foto: Wikimedia Commons

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Thursday, June 19, 2014

Wai-o-Tapu: one of the most beautiful places in the world

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Between October 11, 2009 and 22 December 200, the production team of the Lord of the Rings movies used various locations in the areas of conservation of natural parks within New Zealand 438 days.

The end result is apparent in the trilogy by Peter Jackson and eventually raise the small country to the top of the world of natural beauty â€" even then there were few who knew him, even if it was photography, the beaches or lush mountains New Zealanders.

Another of the secrets of New Zealand is Wai-o-Tapu, a geothermal wonder located in Taupo volcanic zone. Wai-o-Tapu, meaning "sacred water" in Maori, is an area with hot springs and geysers are breathtaking.

More than words, see this scenario in our gallery.

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Berlin: ducks fall in love with golden retriever

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Native to North Africa and southern Europe, the Heron Buckaroo is so named for being too close to the cattle, in search of its parasites and insects. The Group of ducks we talked about this news has the same behavior, probably for other reasons, with the golden retriever Miedosos.

The four ducks shoot the dog when they see it and, most intriguing, attempt to copulate with him. After all, explains Ulrike Kersjes, owner of the animal, Miedosos be cool when you see them around.

The dog and the ducks live in a suburb of Berlin, Germany and, according to Ulrike, the four ducks fell in love by Miedosos. "Sometimes you have to rescue him, take him into the House or to the other side of the garden. After the hassle a while eventually stop. But, a few minutes later, they come back to him, "says Ulrike. "I think they're in love". See some pictures of this unnatural ratio.

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Developed by Portuguese scientist Sensor allows detecting dangerous foodborne bacteria

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Every year millions of people are affected by diseases caused by food-borne bacteria and some of them have even died. One of the main food-borne bacteria that causes these deaths and illnesses is the listeria, which leads to Listeriosis.

However, researchers at the University of Southampton, led by Portugal's Salome are testing a Ganai new device which detects the most common cause of listeriosis, directly on surfaces where food is prepared, without having to send samples to be tested in the laboratory.

Listeriosis is caused by the bacterium Listera monocytogenes and mainly affects newborns, the elderly, pregnant women and patients with immunodeficiency, although it is a rare disease. Symptoms include fever, vomiting and diarrhea. If left untreated, the bacteria can spread through the body and cause dangerous diseases, such as meningitis. Usually the bacteria enters the body through food such as milk, cheese, fish, meat and vegetables.

However, this new sensor may prevent many clinical complications caused by the bacteria. The sensor is embedded in a device that uses pressurized air and water to isolate the cells from the surface to test and then puts them in touch with an antibody specifically prepared for detection, as referred to in Gizmag. If the bacteria is present via antibody become fluorescent and this fluorescence is detected by a camera designed specifically for the device.

"We have investigated biofilms in different environments to search the right pressure to remove the cells of different surfaces, without harming their own cells," explained Salome Gião, licensed in biological engineering at the University of Minho. "We also found that biofilms may form on the surfaces, even if they are covered with water".

Currently, the bacterium detection techniques are based on laboratory tests, which can take days until they know the outcome. Additionally, although the current tests identify all types of cells, they do not discriminate and dangerous living cells and dead cells and harmless. The new device is designed to overcome these problems, with the ability to accumulate and detect the pathogen at the site within three to four hours. See a photo of the team at the University of Southampton â€" Salome Gião is in the foreground.



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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

The American who lives in a Boeing 727

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Bruce Campbell is a former electrical engineer who lives in a Boeing 727 since 1999, when he decided to save the plane from the junkyard.

The plane is complete â€" wings, cockpit and landing wheels â€" and this 64 years of Portland, in Oregon, sleeping half the year on the aircraft.

The former engineer decided to buy for having knowledge of the history of a Mississippi Barber who did the same. Campbell spent about €161 thousand to make the aircraft habitable and now intends to increase the aircraft for a large Boeing 747, refers to the Mirror.

One of the things that stays original aboard is the food unpalatable, since Bruce Campbell admits kitchens with a microwave or a toaster, feeding mostly canned or cereals. Here are some pictures of the housing.

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What do the markings to encourage sustainable consumption?

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The creatives have a great responsibility in promoting sustainable consumption. Should not be seen as mere passive interfaces, but rather as active constituents, said Guta Moura Guedes this morning, at the Conference of Green Project Awards "Sustainable Consumption-consumer power".

"While designer when I'm designing a bottle, I can tell the client what you're asking is not feasible the sustainable point of view. I have this responsibility, "explained the President of Experience Design.

An opinion was refuted by Carlos Coelho, Chairman of IVITY Brand Group, which stated that "doesn't fit to be creative agents of change. The creatives are creators of interaction between audiences and producers or vice versa ".

"Companies active in the market does not have on its agenda the concern of sustainability as they should have and are not creatives to do this role," he explained.

Ana Morais Wheat, Director-General of the Portuguese Association of distribution Companies (APED), who also participated in the Panel "Stimulating sustainable consumption practices: design, brands and consumption", stressed that companies look increasingly for sustainability in their business models and that 80% of the decisions that are taken by companies in developing a product start in design, IE"environmental concerns have started many behind in the production chain and from conception, design".

Citing a Eurobarometer survey of the European Commission, Ana Morales said that Wheat 56% of the population is aware of the environmental impacts of consumer products. Thus, he added, "the consumer assumes behaviors according to the information we have, so it is essential to invest more in awareness-raising campaigns".

Vasco Colaço, President of Deco, believes that the national panorama also has influenced the consumption pattern of consumers. "This crisis we live in forced people to rethink their consumption habits, looking to be more selective in their choices, either by difficulty, either by the price increase," he said, adding that the Government did not always take advantage of the change.

"Nearly 56% of the energy consumed in Lisbon is linked to transport. What happened is that the income of households has decreased and there was a tendency to pass to ride public transportation. However, what happened is that there has been a significant increase of transport charges, which led to the loss of passengers ", exemplified.

For the President of Deco, the solution would "maintain the tariffs so that people use in a natural way transport. But there was the obligation of the people change their habits and the politicians did not know take advantage of the move to consolidate more sustainable behaviours ".

However, the responsible considers that not only the Government that has a role to play in promoting sustainable consumption. "Companies should do something so that green products are not seen only as something distinct or as a marketing strategy. This is a systematic process and everyone has to assume their responsibility in the system ".

Organized in conjunction with APED, DECO and ICS, the Conference of Green Project Awards was still as one of the high moments the signing of a cooperation protocol between the GCI and the Business Association of Portugal (AEP), with the aim of coordinating efforts between the two entities.

After the debate on sustainable consumption, the GPA now prepares its next conference dedicated to sustainable cities, which will take place July 15.

Foto:  JC i Núria / Creative Commons

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