'Green Practice' Way For Better Future Life

By Rohana Mustaffa

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- For many, the arrival of the new year means making new resolutions, and Nadia is among those who have such resolutions.

At a recent dinner here, Nadia confided to her friends that she has achieved one of her new year resolutions.

"So fast? After all it is only February," one of her friends was heard exclaiming.

Nadia, a 45-year-old private sector employee, said that she has only two resolutions for 2012: reducing her home's electric consumption, which she considers astronomical, and giving priority to green practices.

She is adamant in trying to reduce the power consumption bill for her house, which is occupied by six people. The bill hits a hefty RM500 a month.

Nadia and her husband are away at work during the day while her children are in school. The only person home alone during the whole day is her housemaid.

Nadia has started to rummage through cyberspace to look on the internet for ways to reduce electricity consumption.

CUTTING DOWN ON POWER CONSUMPTION

From December in 2011 she ensured that dwellers in her home used fans instead of air conditioners.

If her family members feel the need to use the air conditioner, Nadia makes sure that the temperature is set at 23 degrees Celsius. She has installed sun blockers on the three air-conditioners in her house as, according to the internet, this helps reduce power consumption.

Nadia also makes it a point that her children switch off the light and fan every time they leave their room. They are also reminded to unplug any electrical equipment not in use.

Nadia's housemaid was told to frequently clean electrical appliances (particularly those with filters) and to ensure that the refrigerator is not overloaded with contents and that hot foods not be placed in the fridge.

When the maid is about to prepare meals, she has been told to take out all the items that she needs in one go and not to open and close the fridge door a number of times.

"Each time the fridge door is opened, about 30 per cent of the cold air will dissipate," said Nadia.

OLD HABITS

Nadia prohibits her housemaid from using the clothes dryer and instead must dry out the laundry under the sun.

She also ensures that all laptops and the television are switched off when not in use.

Nadia shed her old habit of asking the maid to iron the couple's garments every time they leave for office. Instead, the family's clothing is collected and ironed out by the maid at one go.

Sound fussy? But all of these strategies appear to have been effective in reducing Nadia's electricity bill.

When she received the electricity bill for January, the figure came as a pleasant surprise. She was elated, as one of her new year resolutions had been achieved, and she made this known to her friends at dinner.

NOTHING NEW

Nadia's ways of reducing power consumption are nothing new, as these have been recommended by experts and Tenaga Nasional Berhad, the national power utility entity.

Even though Nadia has not adopted all the recommendations, what she has done is related to green practices.

Before this episode, Nadia and her family were not used to promptly switching off any electrical appliances not in use and this was a factor that led to the rise of power consumption.

Every ready mode in appliances (the green and red neon lights on the computer and television screen) contributes to power wastage, as do computer screen savers.

According to studies, most computers consume double the power when the screen lights up. Not using screen-savers, or making the screen blank, will save electricity.

At the recent 1 Green 1 Community carnival, Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui called on the public to turn the green lifestyle into a culture by adapting green technology practices in their daily routine.

"Among the simple practices that you can do at home and school is not to waste power and electricity, as well as use water and electricity wisely," he was reported to have said by the media.

The minister said practicing environmental-friendly green practices is a smart way not only to limit the discharge of toxic materials into human surroundings but also help to conserve the environment -- apart from saving the power.

Small and simple practices such as recycling, wise use of electrical appliances and saving consumption of water and electricity can change a person's life for the better.

GREEN PRACTICE

Green practices utilise green technology to reduce power consumption and boost the economic development of a country.

Every user contributes to green-gas emissions with their daily activities, such as the utilisation of cars, power and chemicals.

Nadia utilises only the sun's rays to dry her laundry, but many countries are now resorting to the sun as one of the sources of renewable energy.

Solar towers with hundreds of solar panels that absorb the sun's energy have been erected.

This energy can be used to heat water to form steam and, if accumulated in vast amounts, the steam can move turbines and generators to produce electricity.

After Nadia's success in reducing her home's power consumption, she is trying to practice other simple green methods and utilises green technology products that are power-efficient.

(Malaysian Standards point that a product shows its power efficiency rating in a scale of one to five stars. Buyers can evaluate this on the power standard label when buying a certain product).

Among the green practices that can be done by individuals like Nadia are recycling, reducing the amount of garbage disposed, giving priority to environmentally friendly products, using public transport more frequently and prudent use of treated water.

At a recent forum on green technology, several non-government organisations (NGOs) said the government is serious in encouraging the use of green technology through measures such drafting the green technology policy, setting up a ministry specifically for this technology and developing green technology.

However, they expressed reservations about whether the society really knows what green technology is.

GREEN TECHNOLOGY

Green technology refers to development and product application, appliances and the system to conserve the natural environment and surroundings, to minimise human activities detrimental towards the environment.

Green technology is environmentally friendly. Low-carbon technology reduces emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere that can contribute to climate changes.

This technology deal s with environmental issues such as pollution, depletion of natural energy resources and global warming.

A panel member at the forum said innovations such as the solar tower can be promoted among the public.

"The bicycle is seen as one of the best examples where the existing green technology is retained and encouraged to help people conserve the the natural environment," said the panel member, adding that the important issue is awareness of giving priority to quality of life, avoiding wastage, reducing energy consumption and conserving the environment.

After educating the society on the 3R campaign - Reuse, Reduce and Recycle - it will be wise to encourage people to adopt green practices. as this is the way to have innovations in green technology for a better future.

-- BERNAMA

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Young Malaysians Movement Green expo on May 17-19

In conjunction with Sabah Youth Day, the Young Malaysians Movement (YMM) will organize YMM Green Expo on May 17-19 at Likas Sports Complex.

The purpose of the expo is to raise awareness of the community towards environmental protection in view of global warming.

The event to be launched by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman on May 18 and will be divided into 11 segments offering exhibition and interactive programmes for the youth and public to participate

According to YMM Sabah chairman, Deric Chiew said some 20,000 people including 30 primary and secondary schools from around Kota Kinabalu are expected to turn up for the event.

Meanwhile, Sabah Youth Council president Kevin Lim thanked the state government for endorsing them to stage the event for the third year running.

The public and youths in particular are encouraged to come as many programmes have been drawn up for them and there will be a special on-site production of EM Mud-ball workshop using EM Rice Rinse Water.

Visitors also stand a chance to win draw prizes in the form of electrical appliances on May 18 and the winners will be determined based on the persons who called the organizer after a lucky number is picked.

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Going green for mother earth

Every mother deserves the best, including Mother Earth! With Earth Day coming up, the Asianparent Malaysia offers you some tips to pamper our darling Mother Earth by going green!

For a mom, going green is all about sharing easy ways to make a difference in our health, our kids’ health, and the health of our planet. Being environmentally-friendly is good for our home and the Earth.

Moms these days are concerned will all of the chemicals and toxins that are introduced to their children. If you’re committed to a natural, healthy home, find workable tips that can help you keep your home and planet natural and clean.

Going green isn’t hard at all. Here are some small, easy, green choices moms can make in their homes.

Easy ways to go greener at home

Healthy food choices

We all want the best for our kids, but going completely organic can be daunting. The greater the pesticide load, the greater the reason to consider buying organic. Choose organic whenever possible and use a produce wash to rinse pesticides, wax, and other contaminants off of your fruits and vegetables. Try to reduce your meat consumption, especially red-meat.

Conserve water

An effortless way to avoid water wastage is to install low-flow fixtures. Exchange your showerhead for a water-saving variety that saves a gallon of water a minute. A faucet aerator can immediately cut water consumption. Also, conserve water by putting your sprinklers on a timer. Fix leaky faucets. Collect rainwater to water your garden plants as tap water is treated with all sorts of chemicals.

Simply recycle

Each piece of your trash should have a separate destination. Classify your waste into landfill trash, recyclables, compostables, green waste, and old usable items. Create an easy way for everyone at home to sort their trash into one of these five. Label and inform them about these- regular trash bins, recycling receptacles, a bowl for compost items next to the kitchen sink, the green waste bin outside, and a box for donations.

Reuse or repurpose

Every time you buy a used or refurbished product instead of a new one, you’re making sure one less product has to be manufactured, packaged and shipped, and also reducing all the emissions those processes cause. 

For clothes and furniture, check out your local vintage store. Go paperless and pay all your bills online. Put a stop to unsolicited mail. Reuse scrap paper. Print on both sides, or let your kids color on the back side of used paper.

Save energy and fuel

Consider switching to a solar hot water system. You can save nearly 40% on energy costs. Switch light bulbs to CFLs. Preferably switch to energy efficient appliances. Turn off lights when you leave the room. Enjoy natural light and don’t turn on lights at all for as long as you can.

Shut down all appliances when not in use. Drive the speed limit, and combine all your errands for the week in one trip. If possible walk or ride a bike for closer distances.  Try shopping at your local market which sells local produce.

Kitchen

Replace potentially harmful cleaning products with safer, environmentally friendly alternatives while using dishwashing soap, floor cleaner, wood polish, disinfectants, etc. Consider purchasing a water filter to purify the water you drink and use for cooking. Use reusable instead of disposable bags. Buy an inexpensive reusable water bottle instead of plastic disposable ones. 

Bathroom

Replace potentially harmful personal care products and cleaning products with safer alternatives. Your soap, toothpaste, and anything you use on your body regularly should be free from toxic chemicals. Air fresheners, toilet cleaners, tile cleaners, etc. can all leave behind dangerous residues on surfaces and stay in the air for hours.

Nursery

Consider organic bed and bedding to reduce exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals emitted from mattresses. Organic clothes are also recommended because of the heavy pesticides used in cotton. Avoid particle board furniture, new carpeting, and VOC paints. Using cloth diapers takes a huge burden off the landfills, and eliminates your child’s exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

Laundry

Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot. Save on energy while avoiding the toxins found in dryer sheets when you wash as usual, then line-dry them. Not only will clothes smell delightfully fresh, but the sun even acts as a natural whitener and brightener, even removing set in stains, so you can ditch the bleach and harsh stain removers as well.

Involve kids

To double our efforts in preserving nature, involve your kids too. By teaching them the effects of global warming and other grave environmental issues, they will understand how everyday activities impact the world at large. It’ll be second nature to them when they’re adults and make it easier to pass the same down to future generations!

Source: The Asian Parent

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Go for Greener Malaysia

To preserve the country's natural resources promised that it will enact a stricter and updated laws to prevent illegal logging activities in important and strategic conservation areas

To undertake preservation and reforestation programmes, and enhance education programmes to inculcate appreciation of the environment

To give financial incentives to commercial and private premises to invest in renewable green energy resources such as biomass and solar

To create more green lungs in major cities, and an increase in its allocations to revitalize rivers and streams, besides enacting stricter laws and by-laws

Above are among the Barisan Nasional (BN) 13th General Election manifesto which was launched by its chairman, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

To ensure the sustainability of our environment and its resources is very crucial.

The BN government previously has put many efforts in order to protect our environment and its resources by setting up the Malaysian Green Technology Corporation towards research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Besides that, the establishment of Green Technology Financing Scheme worth RM3.5 billion helps to provide soft loans to companies which contribute to the production and utilization of green technology-based products.

River of Life project which worth RM500 million was set up to transform the Klang River into a vibrant and livable waterfront with high economic value.

The BN government through its respective agencies and department has put up various efforts to sustain the environment and increase environmental awareness among the citizens.

Protecting the environment is a policy to make quality of life better for this and the next generation of humans. 

Everyone must persevere in upholding this great task for a better environment and at the same time recognize the need to improve knowledge, value, skills and tools to meet environmental challenges.

We in Malaysia are very fortunate because we are blessed with beautiful environment and bestowed with abundant natural resources.

Because of our rich biological wealth, the country’s economic growth and socio economic development have continued to depend largely on the utilization of its vast natural resources.

Therefore, it is time we realize that when the environment is at stake, it is best to put our political differences aside and work together for a lasting solution. Our environment is our heritage.

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Go Green Malaysia

Hydrophonics (example)

By Ragunathan Santiagoo and Wong Yee Shian

The advance science and technology have made ways to minimize independence on soil for plant cultivation. The Hydroponics from the Greek words hydro (water) and ponos (labour) is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions instead of soil. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel or mineral wool.

Plant physiology researchers discovered in the 19th century that plants absorb essential mineral nutrients as inorganic ions in water. In natural conditions, soil acts as a mineral nutrient reservoir but the soil itself is not essential to plant growth. When the mineral nutrients in the soil dissolve in water, plant roots are able to absorb them. When the required mineral nutrients are introduced into a plant’s water supply artificially, soil is no longer required for the plant to thrive. Almost any terrestrial plant will grow with hydroponics, but some will do better than others. 

There are two main types of hydroponics technique. They are solution culture and medium culture. Solution culture does not use a solid medium for the roots, just the nutrient solution. The medium culture method has a solid medium for the roots and is named for the type of medium, e.g. sand culture, gravel culture or rockwool culture. 

Advantages of Hydrophonic Method 

Compared to the conventional cultivation method it has various advantages. The farmer has full control on the crops, can be planted densely with less rate of fertilizer usage. The crop can also be harvested faster without deteoration of bad climate and pesticides usage. It is capable of producing 2000 tonnes of tomato per hectare per year of land compared to the conventional cultivation of at 50 to 100 tonnes per hectare per year. Saves an incredible amount of water; it uses as little as 1/20 the amount as a regular farm to produce the same amount of food. Hydroponics technology has made high altitude crops species able to be cultivated in temperate climate in Malaysia. Salad Webb Wonderful Lolla Blonda The hydroponics technique is suitable for variety of crops in Malaysia such as in the following. 

Type of crop suitable for hydroponics cultivation in Malaysia Crop Category

Vegetable - Salad, cabbage, tomato, chilli, cucumber
Flowers - Rose, orchid
Herbs - Chives, mint, parsley, sage, thyme
Fruits - Banana, watermelon

(Source:Terangganu Hydroponics Association, 2006) 

The most common technique used in hydrophonic cultivation for farming in malaysia is the continuous flow culture which are known as the “nutrient film technique”. In this technique the nutrient solution constantly flows past the roots. Whereby a very shallow stream of water containing all the dissolved nutrients required for plant growth is recirculated past the bare roots of plants in a watertight gully, also known as channels. Ideally, the depth of the recirculating stream should be very shallow, little more than a film of water, hence the name ‘nutrient film’. A properly designed NFT system is based on using the right channel slope, the right flow rate and the right channel length. 

Do It Yourself (DIY) 

As for beginners or any household may try them which is relatively easy to be carried out. Plants can be grown in containers of nutrient solution such as, plastic buckets, tubs or tanks. The solution is kept low enough that sufficient roots are above the solution so they get adequate oxygen. A hole is cut in the lid of the reservoir for each plant. A homemade system can be constructed from plastic food containers with aeration provided by an aquarium pump, aquarium airline tubing and aquarium valves. Clear containers are covered with aluminium foil, butcher paper, black plastic or other material to exclude light, thus helping to eliminate the formation of algae. The nutrient solution is changed on a schedule, such as once per week. 

Conclusion 

Hydrophonic technique of plant cultivation may serve as a solution for food shortage due to the rapid industrialization and global environmental changes. The basics of this technology can be explored by starting our own vegetable cultivation in the kitchen yard. Without doubt it will produce much yield and benefits to its owner if the culture is made with a little attention. Let us go green Malaysian, cultivate your own food, it may worth a lot for the embraces. 

Source: unimap.edu.my

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8 Ways to Green Your Paper Use

8 Ways to Green Your Paper Use

by Trey Granger

This story is part of Earth911’s “Green Eight” series, where we showcase eight ways to green your life in various areas.

We may talk of a paperless world, but paper still makes up 35 percent of our solid waste. Even though new paper can be created by growing more trees, that doesn't mean we can't be smart about the paper we use. Here's eight ways to optimize your paper use for the environment's sake:

1. Save Those Boxes

Many of your larger purchases will come in a cardboard box that you can't wait to get rid of. While you may not have a need for the plastic packaging (you can find a location to recycle plastic using Earth911), the box can definitely come in handy for:

    * Wrapping gifts
    * Shipping packages
    * Moving

The beauty of cardboard is that it can be collapsed into a flat sheet for easy storage under a bed, mattress or in the back of a closet. All you need to create a "new" box is some tape.

2. Recycle Your Mail

No matter how many mailing lists you unsubscribe from, you're still going to have paper to dispose of after reading your mail. Almost all of it can be recycled as mixed paper, so why not set up a bin for your letters, catalogs and multi-color advertisements?

Two mail-related products you may wonder about are envelopes with plastic windows and stapled paper. Both are most likely accepted in your area, because the metal and plastic can be filtered out prior to recycling.

3. Pay Bills Online

You can reduce the amount of mail you need to recycle in the first place by signing up to receive statements via email. You'll decrease paper use, save money on stamps and have easy access to your information online. Plus, payments posted online send you an email confirmation so you can feel confident about avoiding late fees.

4. Print Double-Sided

Computer paper has two sides; how many are you printing on? If you have a laser printer at home, you can change the setting to double-sided printing and copying. Otherwise, consider printing documents one page at a time and printing the second page on the back of the first. It may take you more time, but you'll also have less paper to buy.

5. Buy Recycled

Paper recycling is only beneficial if a market is generated for recycled content. Guess what: you generate that market by buying recycled content paper. In the case of newspaper, you're buying recycled without even knowing it. For computer paper, the higher the recycled content, the better for the environment (100 percent recycled is available at most office supply stores). Ask about recycled content paper at you're local copy store as well.

6. Get a Library Card

If buying recycled content paper is green, renting paper is neon green. The library may seem out of date with internet access and national book chains, but it's a great way to reuse paper. You can also find newspapers and magazines at the library, and sometimes even textbooks. If you decide to get rid of books, find book reuse and recycling locations using Earth911.

7. Make Paper Bag Book Covers

With more cities placing restrictions on the use of plastic bags, paper bags may be your packaging of choice. Well, these bags have many reuse options to keep them out of the trash, including covering your hardcover books. This also protects your books from damage and food stains. Plus, once you're done with the cover you can still recycle the bag with the rest of your paper.

8. Recycle Phone Books

How many recycle telephone directories into new white and yellow pages, as well as insulation material and the aforementioned grocery bags.

Source: earth911

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Keeping it Clean and Green

MALAYSIA is known to have some of the best tourist spots in the world. Be it the rainforest or skyscrapers in the city, Malaysia is filled with wonderful sights. In line with this, the Tourism Ministry launched the 1Malaysia Green 1Malaysia Clean Campaign (1MG1MC) last July. The idea, mooted by Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, aims to create greater awareness on preserving the beauty and cleanliness of the country.

“We must protect, preserve and conserve the environment,” stresses Dr Ng.

To ensure success of the campaign, the ministry is working with the Housing and Local Government, Youth and Sports, Education as well as the Natural Resources and Environment Ministries.

“The campaign is now at the initial stage and the ministry plans to make it bigger and broader this year. Hence, we are working with many parties to ensure the campaign will be a big success,” says Arif Mohd Daud Mohd, director of the industry development division at the ministry.

Some of the activities and programmes which have been carried out include:

> Plant A Tree project at ministry-registered homestays, to encourage tourists to cultivate trees at places where they had stayed.

> Gotong-royong activities at tourist spots such as beaches, waterfalls, parks and gardens.

> Activities promoting the 1MG1MC campaign at tourism events such as the Water Festival in Labuan, Langkawi in Kedah and Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan; 1Malaysia International Night Tourism Floral Parade in Putrajaya; Youth Tourism Carnival in Putrajaya; Parks and Garden Carnival in Penang Botanic Garden; and LIMA Tourism Carnival 2011 in Langkawi, Kedah.

> Collaboration with the private sector, media and non-governmental organisations in cleanliness and environmental awareness programmes such as Start in Pulau Tioman in Johor, Project Revive, 1MG1MC Boot Camp and Save Our Waterfall.

> A special TV programme for children featuring the campaign mascot “Mr Bin” to create awareness among children on the importance of keeping the environment clean.

> Collaboration with print and electronic media to publicise the 1MG1MC campaign.

Daud says the ministry plans to bring the campaign to a bigger platform this year. Cleaning efforts at tourist spots with NGOs, the corporate sector and schools will be more frequent. It will work with other groups, both governmental and private, as well as youths in higher education institutions, to spread the message on a greener and cleaner country.

To enhance the campaign, the ministry has launched the 1malay siagreenandclean.com.my website, which highlights and addresses issues pertaining to cleanliness and dirty tourist spots. The website also allows the public and tourists to upload pictures of popular destinations.

Another effort undertaken by the Ministry is to link up with some 36,000 students of 674 secondary schools nationwide which are registered under its Students Tourism Club (Kelab Pelancongan Pelajar or Kelab 3P).

“The mindset of the young should be shaped as they can influence their parents to think green when it comes to recycling and creating a cleaner and healthier lifestyle,” says Daud.

Recently, the Kelab 3P lined up several activities related to 1MG1MC, including a 3P Carnival which saw students competing in public speaking, choir and “explorace”. The 1MG1MC campaign is an excellent initiative to educate the young to keep the country clean, as well as promote the country’s tourism industry.

For more information, go to 1malaysiagreenandclean.com.my or e-mail info@motour.gov.my. 

Source: http://kepkas.sabah.gov.my/2012/01/31/keeping-it-clean-and-green/

Photo Source:  http://regougou.blogspot.com/2011/08/lets-protect-our-environment-go-green.html

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Keeping Malaysia clean and green

The 1Malaysia Green, 1Malaysia Clean Campaign or 1MG1MC, was launched on July 18, 2010 by Minister of Tourism, Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen. A brilliant and innovative tourism campaign, the 1MG1MC aims to instil a cleanliness mindset among Malaysians, particularly at tourist spots.

It is also to create an awareness of the importance of keeping tourist spots clean and to inculcate in the mind of Malaysians the importance of preserving the beauty and cleanliness of the country.

Through campaigns such as 1Malaysia Green, 1Malaysia Clean, the Ministry of Tourism believes it will help the ministry to answer the call by the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

The government aims to improve the tourism industry which would provide 2.7 million jobs in the industry by 2015.

In ensuring the success of the 1Malaysia Green, 1Malaysia Clean campaign, the Ministry of Tourism has been working closely with four other ministries – Ministry of housing and Local Government, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of education and Ministry of Nature Resources and environment.

Apart from collaborating with the ministries, the campaign has also involved several non-governmental organisations, the private sector, Kelab Pelacongan Pelajar and Kuala Lumpur City hall to participate in some of the campaign programmes.

To enhance the success of the campaign, the Ministry of Tourism has also launched the www. 1malaysiagreenandclean. com.my website which is an integral part of the campaign. It highlights and addresses issues pertaining to clean or dirty tourist spots.

The website enables the public and tourists to upload pictures of any spots, especially tourist areas which are clean or those that need upkeeping.

Among the activities and programmes under the 1Malaysia Green and 1Malaysia Clean campaign are:

* Plan A Tree project at homestays registered with the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia. This project is to encourage foreign tourists to plant a tree at the homestay before leaving for their country.

* “Gotong-royong” activities at tourist spots. l Collaborating with food and drinks associations and hawkers to implement a “Cleanest hawker Stall” competition.

* Collaborating with taxi associations and organising a “Cleanest Taxi” contest and ensuring knowledgeable and respectable drivers.

* Organising a “Cleanest Mall” competition. l Collaboration with Giant hypermarket to place the 1Malaysia Green, 1Malaysia Clean campaign logo on Giant shopping bags.

* A special TV programme for children that will feature “Mr Bin” to emphasise to children the importance of keeping the environment clean.

* Collaborating with print and electronic media to publicise the “1Malaysia Green, 1Malaysia Clean” campaign.

* Collaborating with highway companies to distribute 1Malaysia Green, 1Malaysia Clean stickers at selected toll plazas and R&R (rest and relax) areas to increase awareness of the campaign.

* Organising a “Spot the ‘1Malaysia Green, 1Malaysia Clean’ car stickers” competition.

Source: http://kepkas.sabah.gov.my/2012/01/13/keeping-malaysia-green-and-clean/

Green Sabah says: The 1Malaysia Green, 1Malaysia Clean Campaign (1MG1MC) is a brilliant effort in implementing cleanliness awareness among Malaysians, especially in places that a tourist attraction. This campaign not only requires the cooperation of certain bodies, but it is everyone's responsibility to ensure the success of this campaign. Hopefully this campaign will show positive results and boost the tourism industry in our country.

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Malaysia First Geothermal Plant in Sabah.

Sabah will have the country’s first geothermal plant by 2014 as the State taps into environmental-friendly energy to feed the growing needs.

Yesterday, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) and Tawau Green Energy (TGE) entered into an agreement called the renewable energy power purchase agreement (REEPA).

The ceremony commenced with Andrew S.R Amaladoss, Project Director of TGE, Ramzi Raad, Managing Director of TGE, Datuk Baharin Din, Managing Director of SESB and Zunaidah Osman, company secretary of SESB signing the documents.

The historic event was witnessed by Datuk Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Tan Sri Leo Moggie, Chairman of SESB and Dato Sri Che Khalib Mohammad Noh, President and CEO of TNB.

According to Amaladoss, the energy is not only renewable but also one of the most environment-friendly energy technologies available today.

The carbon print of geothermal power is 65 times lesser than coal, 49 times lesser than fossil oil and 40 times lesser than natural gas.

He also said that if well-maintained the reservoir can be sustained for the next 100 years.Work to the plant in Apas will kick off today with completion date for Dec 2014.

Based on the terms of the agreement, the generation plant with its capacity of 30MW will be incorporated into SESB’s Grid, utilizing the 132kV lines into Tawau and Kalumpang for a period of 21 years.

The project cost is estimated to cost almost RM400 million and will be financed by local financial institutions on a conventional project financing basis.

Source: http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/54307

Green Sabah says: Geothermal is the most environment friendly renewable energy technologies available, therefore it is good that this project was planned to help resolve the power shortage issues in Sabah and at the same time help protect the environment.

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Go Green : CM to Tourism Operators

Tourism players in Sabah should go green by coming up with eco-friendly products and services to keep up with the growing trend among travellers opting for tour operators, resorts and hotels that are able to keep their carbon footprint low, said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

He said that the green efforts could help to resolve adverse environmental issues frequently attributable to tourist inflows.

"I realise it will not be easy to do this overnight and I hope that you will at least start by taking small steps that will eventually accumulate to make a big difference," he said in his speech at the World Tourism Conference (WTC) 2010 closing ceremony here today.

His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.

Musa said by keeping up with trends especially on sustainability, tourism assets could be protected and able to meet visitor's expectation.

"The tourism industry is dynamic and highly sensitive to changing visitor perceptions and needs. Visitors have become more knowledgeable with many carrying out their own research through the Internet to determine their choice of destinations," he said.

Musa said tourism in Sabah had steadily grown into an industry that was making significant contribution to the state and national economies through smart partnerships between federal government, private sector and many other stakeholders including local communities.

"This is reflected by the diversification of tourism products and growth of visitor arrivals. In 2009 we recorded 2.24 million arrivals generating RM3.87 billion in tourism receipts.

"As of August this year, we recorded 1.59 million arrivals, an increase of 7.6 percent compared to the same period last year. Our target is to attract 2.36 million visitors this year and by 2020, we hope there will be 4.5 million people visiting us," he said. - Bernama

Source: http://www.dailymail.com.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3742:go-green-sabah-cm-tells-tourism-operators&catid=2:nation&Itemid=3

Green Sabah says: Tourism is very important in Sabah as it is one of the main source for this state's income. By promoting green efforts, it will help to boost the tourism industry too. Be part of it. Each and everyone must play their role to support this green efforts.

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