The Food Chain of Supply

In the new era of green issues, how can we secure our future in relation to foodstuffs? How can we ensure supply and meet the needs of a growing population on the planet? Today, Envirosafe Solutions considers the issue of food production in the new age of extreme green weather and global warming. What are the factors currently threatening Australian and worldwide food production. How do we manage them effectively?

At present, the world is witnessing a horrific even play out in the region of Somalia in Africa. Some are describing it as one of the world’s worst ever famines and hundreds of thousands of children, men and women are currently facing starvation. In May it was reported more than 29,000 children less than five years of age had died and since then, the situation has worsened day by day.

The problem is the area is absolutely ravaged by drought. 1.85 million People are now affected In Somalia and it is likely as global warming increases, extreme weather conditions such will impact food production and food sources for many areas of the globe.

The Australian CSIRO has outlined a number of factors that may threaten food supply in Australia and the world in the coming years and decades. These include:

·                     “Increases in world population

·                     Fighting over resources (such as arable areas and H20.)

·                     Available cropping areas being used for biofuel

·                     Global warming

·                     Shifts in economic development which may alter food consumption patterns over time.”

We are incredibly lucky in Australia because we are able to supply our own food needs. In addition we also export 3% of the world’s total food that is transacted and traded annually.

However, the issues highlighted by the CSIRO mean that the global stage is changing.

Asia-Pacific Research

Australian scientists are currently involved in a number of food research projects in the Asia-Pacific region. According to the Australian Centre for International Agricultural research which is based all around the Asia Pacific region, Australian scientists are well positioned to “use their skills for the benefit of developing countries and Australia.”

As the global situation plays out and as new green and eco- friendly technologies and approaches to food sourcing are required, Australia will be there to meet this particular challenge.

At present ACIAR works in a number of countries and continents; in areas such as Eastern and Northern Africa, The Asia Pacific rim, as well as China and also areas of The Middle East. Programs are designed to lead to more developed and more fruitful and sustainable agricultural practices using collaboration between Australia and many paired partnering countries. The aim is to foster self-sufficiency and self- support and economic independence in areas where this has not been possible agriculturally, or where this has been compromised or may be compromised in the future.

Envirosafe Solutions is a strong supporter of sustainable environmental and agricultural practices, which is why it has formulated a range of Environmental Cleaning Products specially suited to remote and agricultural industries. Never before has it been so important to utilise products that do minimal damage to the environment, to the land and to our water supplies.  

How to control climate change

The weather and climate of a place depends on various factors. In the past geographical factors mainly influenced the climate of a place. However, in recent decades, man-made factors have had more of an effect on the climate of a place. The situation is now so untenable that in future, it will be difficult to predict climate as it has become so unstable due to extreme human interference in nature. Observations have proved that the climate of Australia has undergone significant changes currently.

The studies predict that the future climate of Australia will experience the following changes

•                      Significant increase in atmospheric temperature
•             Reduced rainfall in certain areas of the country which are receiving moderate rainfall at present
•                      North-West Australia is going to experience high rainfall in summer, which is unusual. 

The impact of change

The impact of change in climate will be different for different areas of the country. Some parts may experience the change as increase in average temperature and drought. Some may experience it as an increase in precipitation and floods. Some parts will experience desertification and increase in fire dangers. The Australian continent is particularly vulnerable to climatic changes because it is already one of the direst continents on the planet. Because of the coastal ribbon development that hugs the perimeter of the landline, any damage to the coastal area will severely affect the economy, populations, habitation of humans and animals and the success and wellbeing of the entire nation

Methods to control climatic changes

The Government of Australia- while aware of the situation -is trying to come up with a practical solution to deal with the issue. They have created Clean Energy Future plan to reduce pollution and to promote the use of renewable energy. Through this plan, government is trying to reduce the pollution caused by carbon emission from the factories and households.

Using clean energy

The Australian Government particularly promotes the use of clean Environmental Cleaning Products energy. The Government is investing in doing research and developing new clean energy technologies. This method is expected to reduce the carbon level in the atmosphere at least five per cent by the year 2020 compared to the level of carbon in the year 2000.

Supporting the pollution control actions

Government is encouraging the pollution control actions taken by businesses and factories. This is a method to reduce pollution and to create efficiency in production. The federal government under Prime Minister Gillard has formed a trust to fund innovative clean energy ideas and to provide technical help in establishing clean energy businesses. Training is provided to the youth for working in these clean energy industries. This will help the workers to get qualified in green skills.

Reducing the pollution from households

The Australian Government is especially keen on reducing the carbon pollution produced by households. The Government implemented the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme to install solar hot water system and heat pump systems in households. They are also promoting the use of energy efficient cooking appliances and the construction of Eco Friendly green homes and buildings.

Fast action is needed in order to preserve the environment and the natural climate of Australia. In fact, a complete global action is necessary to bring about any significant changes in the levels of carbon pollution and global warming that are causing global climatic changes.

Envirosafe Solutions supports a proactive government and bipartisan approach to climate change. The Extreme Green range of products is a safer and cleaner alternative. 

The Galapagos Islands

Today, Envirosafe Solutions focuses on the amazing Galapagos Islands and hopes you will enjoy a brief spotlight on this amazing island grouping and all that it has to offer the world.

The Galapagos Islands are a famed island group. They lie around the equator in the Pacific Ocean approximately 1000km from continental Ecuador and South America.  They were the focus of Charles Darwin’s studies and Beagle Voyage and are famous for their rich and vast number of endemic species.

Distinct Island Grouping

The Galapagos group straddles the equator and its islands cover both the north and south hemisphere of the earth. There are 15 central islands as well as 3 smaller, along with approximately another 100 rocks and islets. The islands are actually located on the Nazca tectonic plate, resulting in considerable volcanic activity and hotspot activity. (Hotspot activity occurs “when the Earth’s crust is being melted from below by a mantle plume to create volcanoes.”) It is noted for its incredible species diversity and its significant contribution to the understanding of species requirements, Eco Friendly evolution and species origin, all of which have increasing significance in the current global environmental climate.

Charles Darwin Research Station

The importance of the research station cannot be underestimated. It is a biological research station populated constantly by international and Ecuadorian scientists who focus on scientific research and conservation. Its team is over 100 strong and its main objectives are 

•                    “To provide knowledge and assistance through scientific research
•                     Develop action to ensure the conservation of the environment
•                    Develop action to ensure the biodiversity in the Galapagos Archipelago
•                     To develop into one of the world’s leading research institutions dedicated to the conservation of the Galapagos Islands.” 

Current Research Projects

The Centre also focuses on a number of flagship research projects which are of vital significance to the planet. The three main flagship areas include:

•                     Climate Change – which monitors climate change as it relates to the Galapagos and the wider planet
•                    Human Footprints – analyses human impacts and policies and human behaviours upon the natural world
•                     Project Floreana – focuses on the restoration of the Floreana Islands with the aim to develop a balance between ecosystems and the human inhabitants on the island. 

Envirosafe Solutions understands the unique historical and environmental role the Galapagos Islands plays in the current state of extreme green concerns for the planet. This island group offers the world a unique opportunity to study the effects for human impact, global climate change and ecosystem delicacy and subtlety. Envirosafe Solutions also cares about the Environmental Cleaning Products and produces safe environmentally friendly substances with a reduced impact and footprint. Please consider using environmentally safe and sound products in your business and home. For more information contact the sales staff at Envirosafe Solutions on  1300 809070      

Green wine!

Envirosafe Solutions keeps a careful eye out for those businesses and organisations and concerns that are forging new environmentally friendly practices in production, development and business modeling. Today, the focus is on one very forward thinking winery that is making a real mark on the Australian wine market and wine industry.

There’s nothing like a glass of good red with a meal.

But green wine?

Well…it’s not really green, but it is organic and environmentally sound. One winery is producing quality wine the eco-friendly way, and proving that quality production, an organic approach, and great wine can and do go together.

Tamburlaine Winery is Australia’s largest producer of organic wines and is situated in the Pokolbin district of the Hunter Valley in NSW as well as Orange on the Central Tablelands of NSW. James Halliday, one of Australia’s leading wine authorities, has bestowed it with a five star rating, indicating that quality and environmentally sound practices are now established hallmarks of great wine production.

The Organic Approach

The organic approach to wine making means that the wine is produced without any synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fungicides or artificial fertilisers. Sulphur dioxide is used carefully in the process, and traditionally used wine additives “which are residual in the end product” are excluded.

This approach has benefits across the board and Tamburlaine Wines lists a number of key advantages to organic farming methods for grape vine growing.

•              It leads to sustainability by optimising humus in the soil
•         The vines are supported and sustained by the natural fertility of the soil as opposed to synthetic fertilising products
•          Significantly minimises need for irrigation as increased humus leads to increased water retention
•               Eliminates harmful effects of farm chemicals on surrounding areas
•               Eliminates possible wine toxins for the consumer
•                Promotes and maintains healthy vineyard ecosystem.                     

A Formal Environmental Management System

The Australian Government’s Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities state that an EMS “is a tool for managing the impacts of an organisation’s activities on the environment. It provides a structured approach to planning and implementing Environmental Cleaning Products protection measures.”

Tamburlaine Winery developed and implemented a formal EMS in 2003, and this is now the underpinning foundation of their business system and their decision-making. It includes such practices as

•                      Sustainable farming practices
•                      Water management strategies
•                      Solid waste management
•                     Energy efficiency
•                      Environmental purchasing

Envirosafe Solutions supports the kinds of approach put forward by businesses and concerns such as Tamburlaine Winery. It strongly supports and promotes the need for environmental purchasing and believes smart business sources and utilises materials and products that are less damaging to the environment. Envirosafe Solutions believes a extreme green alternative can always be adopted, even in areas where there is an historical reliance on high toxicity products and materials. Products such as biodegradable cleaning liquids which are healthier for soil and land and water, and safer alternatives for harsher products are available from Envirosafe Solutions.

The Extreme Green team at Envirosafe Solutions may be able provide you with safer alternatives to the products you are currently using.

To find out more about the many Environmentally Friendly Liquids that are produced and supplied by Envirosafe Solutions, telephone   1300 889070 .      

New Government website

The Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency has set up a climate change website that can keep families and businesses and industries up to date on the latest climate change information and ideas that are coming out of Canberra. The website is most specifically designed to tackle the challenges of climate change and focuses on a number of main areas.

These include:

•                      Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
•                      Promoting energy efficiency
•                      Adapting to climate change impacts
•                      Helping to shape a global solution 

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

At present, the main requirement for the human race is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The Australian government currently invests more than $5billion towards developing clean energy technologies, and once a carbon tax is introduced this amount it set to rise.

Encouraging business to reduce emissions

The new website also encourages Australian businesses “to take action to reduce their emissions through the Clean Business Australia program which promotes and advocates an increase in energy efficiency in Australian workplaces and buildings.”

Encouraging households to take action

It is also important Australian households take action as 20% of Australian carbon pollution is generated by these. The website outlines various ways in which average households across our continent can make a true difference. And while these measures may seem insignificant on their own, when combined with the changes each and every household can make, these impacts can be significant and considerable. Ways to reduce your household’s carbon footprint include considering:

•                      the ways you travel to and from work
•                      the ways you travel to and from school
•                      the way you use electrical appliances
•                      the way you use your air conditioning
•                      the way you use your heating appliances
•                      whether you turn appliances off at the power point when not in use
•                      turning off computer when not in use
•                      planting trees
•                      recycling
•                      watching water use
•                      Products you use at home. 

Eco-friendly products

Envirosafe Solutions has developed an Environmentally Friendly Liquids and other products that are suitable for both domestic and business use. These products may contribute to the reduction or minimisation of your carbon footprint and can reduce harsh chemical impacts on the local and national environment. Unlike other eco-friendly products that may be on the market, the Envirosafe Solutions range does not compromise on results or quality, so you can be assured of the results you require.

All households, as well as local councils, businesses, organisations, industries and governments are currently adjusting to the reality of climate change. All of us are learning new strategies and adaptations which require commitment, research and effort on our parts.

You can be a part of a solutions-based change in household practices and business practices. Please call Envirosafe Solutions to enquire about and purchase our eco-friendly liquids and products. You can feel good and simply do well by purchasing Envirosafe Solutions products. 1300 889070.

 

Are you an extreme green EFB?

Today Envirosafe Solutions considers the real meaning of environmentally friendly business (EFB.) What does it mean and what does it entail? Are you addressing and embracing sustainability and change in your workplace, or are you lagging behind the times and adhering to outmoded and environmentally harmful – possibly even irresponsible attitudes – that hurt your profit margin and may even damage your brand reputation in both the short and long term.

Here is a comprehensive outline of what it really means to be an EFB.

Are you an environmentally friendly business? The likelihood is you have begun to incorporate a few environmentally friendly approaches in the workplace. Perhaps you are less liberal with printing and paper usage than you were five years ago. Perhaps you turn off your computer or the lights on the way out of your office at the end of the day. Perhaps you even encourage others in the workplace to ride a bicycle or catch public transport, rather than drive to work each and every day solo.

These are, without a doubt, some of the steps you and I can take to become an EFB. But there are many more small and even larger, and more evident changes that will contribute to significant global environmental change.

The State Government of Qld released an extreme Green Office Resource Guide that outlines what you can do to go green. Here are some of the main approaches you can address in your workplace:

·                     Develop an energy efficiency goal

·                     Develop a workplace lighting procedure

·                     Develop a strategic information technology procedure – turn off computers when not in use, shut down computers, unplug from power point

·                     Reduce air-conditioner use in the office.

·                     Green procedures for kitchen

·                     Develop a procurement policy

·                     Purchase only environmentally sustainable equipment

·                     Reduce paper products consumption

·                     Carbon reduction policies – goals and strategies

·                     Waste management – reduce, reuse and recycle

·                     Behaviour management changes

·                     Green office self-assessment reporting

The Australian Government’s Austrade site also weighs in on the approach, stating “being environmentally friendly is good for profits, good for Australia and good for the world.”

One of the central focus areas of sustainable business is emissions trading and carbon pricing. The Business Council of Australia has developed the Sustainable Growth Task Force which advocates “an effective, sustainable response to climate change that is ultimately about moving from our current high-emission global economy…to a low-emission global economy.” It also states that any emissions trading policy must accord with the BCA’s core values, and:

·                     Be as least cost to the Australian community as possible

·                     Use market based mechanics wherever possible and applicable

·                     Try to maintain the viability of the domestic electricity sector

·                     Develop protectionist strategies for trade-sensitive and export industry areas

An Environmentally Friendly Business therefore needs to implement new EF strategies and also remain competitive and realistic about the cost of these in a market based economy.

Envirosafe Solutions – as a business entity itself – clearly understands this dilemma, and has developed its range of eco-friendly liquid products in a cost-effective manner that will not erode your profits. Most of the Extreme Green range of liquids has high viscosity which means that initial capital outlay is partially cancelled by the high quality nature and concentration of the products. Minimal amounts are required because the Envirosafe Solutions range is not extended by water.

For more information on the Envirosafe Range of Environmental Cleaning Products, please visit our website products pages or contact a member of our sales team who will be able to help you in the choice and selection of products for your business. Become an EFB. Telephone Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 889070

 

New research shows climate change puts fish in hot water

Fish species are under threat from rising ocean temperatures, according to research by the CSIRO. A recent study has highlighted the effects of global warming on a long-living fish species off the coast of Tasmania. Combined with ocean pollution – from disastrous oil spills to plastic waste and non-eco friendly industrial liquids – threats to fish stocks are a major cause for environmental concern and the future of sustainable marine industry.

Research by Australian scientists has led to the first reported example of a fish species being threatened by southern hemisphere ocean warming.

The findings were published in April and suggest a marked decline in the health and reproductive rates of the banded morwong species.

The CSIRO has been monitoring sea temperatures at Maria Island, east of Tasmania, and has recorded a rise in surface water temperatures of two degrees Celsius during the past 60 years. This rise has had a negative impact on the banded morwong, a species known to live up to 100 years and remain in the same waters their entire lives.

The concern for proponents of the green revolution is that this new research shows the stresses climate change can induce in fish species. CSIRO marine ecologist Ron Thresher co-authored the study and said that significant changes in temperature were detrimental to fish species.

“Generally cold-blooded animals respond to warming conditions by increasing growth rates as temperatures rise but theory and laboratory studies show this has a limit. As temperatures get too high, we begin to see increased signs of stress, possibly eventually leading to death. We are looking at whether climate change is beginning to push fish past their physiological limits.”

Ocean pollution – our dirty secret

Fish stocks and marine plant and bird life have been exposed to increasing threats over the past century and not just from a warming planet.

The ocean has become a vast dumping ground. It has been polluted by oil spills, nuclear and radioactive waste, demolition materials, discharge from ships and storm water run-off containing toxic fertilisers and other non-environmentally friendly liquids used by industry.

While many countries have put in place regulations or signed international treaties such as the London Convention to control ocean dumping, every part of the industrialised life has come at a cost to this precious resource.

Agricultural and industrial practices have a high impact on the quality of waterways as stormwater run-off washes residue fertilisers and chemicals into rivers and oceans.

Switching to environmental cleaning products is a small change that can have big results. Perth-based Envirosafe Solutions supplies a comprehensive range of eco-friendly industrial liquids to all industries as well as government enterprises. Its range includes the Extreme Green Marine Glass Cleaner, a fast-acting, biodegradable and non-toxic cleaner designed to remove salt residue from all type of marine and aircraft equipment.

Research shows climate change is adding to the threats facing fish and marine life. Small changes such as using Environmentally Friendly Liquids will help create a sustainable marine environment.

Eco-tourism catching on in mainstream hotels, parks

Accommodation providers offering everything from cabins nestled in woodland settings to urban backpacker hostels have caught onto the eco-tourism movement. The green revolution has captured the attention of travellers and the tourism industry, driving environmentally sustainable practices, including reduced energy consumption and the use of environmental cleaning products. Today we take a look at the eco-tourism movement.

Thirty years ago Australian eco-tourism was largely the domain of small, nature-based tour operators but the movement has increasingly been embraced by the mainstream.

Walk into any city hotel room and you will notice the change: The small sign posted in the bathroom encouraging guests to refrain from using a daily linen service; the carefully selected bottle of organic, sulphate-free shampoo in the shower; the unlabelled, refillable bottle of dishwashing liquid under the sink; the nearby paper recycling bin.

Accommodation venues have also started listing energy reducing initiatives and other green credentials – including the use of eco-friendly liquid products – in their brochures and guest information folders.

For every cynical guest discounting these changes as simple cost-cutting, many more are embracing the measures as a sign operators care for the health and future of its guests and the environment.

Evaluating the authenticity of green assertions can be difficult as terms such as green and eco-friendly can be bandied without independent scrutiny.

In Australia there are several eco-certification schemes in place including:

•                      Ecotourism Australia, a respected eco-certification organisation for nature-based operators but less suited to city accommodation properties;
•                      Green STAR Ratings – Most travellers will be familiar with STAR ratings and the Eco-Friendly STAR logo identifies venues which have undertaken energy efficiency, waste management, water minimisation and guest education;
•                      EarthCheck (Green Globe) is an international green credential certification body which allows operators to measure their resource use and waste outputs;
•                      Some operators self-evaluate their green credentials outside of official accreditation schemes, motivated by the opportunity to reduce their environmental footprint.

Some of the simple measures being implemented by hotels, parks and hostels in rural and metropolitan settings include linen reuse programs, low-flow showerheads, low-flow toilets, sensor lights and the use of refillable guest products such as shampoo or laundry powder.

Easily-accessible bins for recyclable products such as papers and milk and juice cartons have become widely available at caravan parks and hotels.

Environmental cleaning products reduce water and soil contamination. Biodegradable, low-toxic products are available to replace most chemical cleaners.

Perth-based Envirosafe Solutions supplies its Extreme Green range of eco-friendly industrial liquids to accommodation providers across Australia.

Director Murray Simon said eco products not only delivered results comparable to harsh cleaners but were economical and sustainable. He added that efforts to reduce environmental impacts helped hospitality operators connect with their guests.

“Discerning travellers are increasingly seeking out green credentials when choosing accommodation venues – they would rather spend their money at environmentally-responsible enterprises.”

Envirosafe Solutions’ environmental cleaning product range includes dishwashing liquid, glass cleaner, gentle, triclosan-free anti-bacterial hand wash and biodegradable, low-phosphate laundry powder.

As Australian eco-tourism moves beyond nature-based operators to mainstream accommodation providers, the use of environmentally sustainable practices and products – including eco-friendly industrial liquids – has been embraced.