Rachel’s Blogs

I’ve never been a fussy eater. In fact, growing up I was a bit of a human dustbin.

But things seemed to have changed as I got older and became more concerned with what I was throwing in the dustbin.

One of my (many) New Year resolutions for 2012 was to cut out meat. Well… I haven’t turned vegetarian.. rather I have become pescatarian.. (Though I sometimes feel I should be rephrased more as pest when dining with friends as I becoming increasingly choosey.) This basically means that I don’t eat meat; however, I do consume seafood, fruit and veg, dairy and so on.

Like many other consumers I have become more aware of what I ingest, and this is the inspiration behind the topic of this week’s Eco Ventures, “Sustainable Seafood”.

Do you know where your catch of the day comes from? Do you ring ahead and ask hotels if they serve shark fin? Many may not ask such questions, but if you do, you are most definitely not alone.
Speaking to hotels in Singapore this week,I found out this is becoming an increasing phenomenon. Some consumers are calling ahead of Chinese Lunar New celebrations next week to find out if shark’s fin will be served before attending a seasonal lunch or dinner.

Michael Tan, Director of F&B at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore cited this call from a consumer. “He (the customer) was invited for a yu-sheng celebration here with us, which is a big thing here, and he called and asked if we have shark fin on the menu and we told him no, and he was so pleasantly surprised he said ‘Look, I’m coming!’ ”.

Four Seasons Singapore removed shark fin from its menu on 31st December 2011, and Mr Tan says there has been no change in the number of customers coming through restaurant doors. “I believe it is a positive impact on our business,” he adds.

In place of shark fin, Four Season offers a host of delicious soups.
This week, another big hotel chain, Shangri La, jumped on the bandwagon, with its own ‘Sustainable Seafood Policy.’

In a statement Shangri – La said:
“Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts today (17th January) announced its ‘Sustainable Seafood Policy’ including the commitment to cease serving shark fin in all of its operated restaurants as well as accepting new orders for shark fin products in banqueting with immediate effect. Future banquet bookings made prior to this date will be honoured as per the signed contractual agreement. At the same time, Shangri-La announced that it will phase out Bluefin tuna and Chilean sea bass in all its operated restaurants within the year.”

Well, here are some facts that might shock you….

According to World Wide Fund for Nature:
1. 73 million sharks are killed every year, primarily for their fins.
2. In 1996 only 15 shark and related species were considered threatened. This has soared by 12 times in over a decade and by 2010 over 180 species were considered threatened
3. Singapore is the second largest shark fin trading nation
Another hotel chef told me that there is nothing wrong with the physical action of eating shark fin, but just the manner in which the shark is caught. That’s because the sharks are often caught just for their fins, and then thrown back into the ocean – left to sink to the bottom to die a slow and painful death.
Other than banning shark fin on menus, there are a number of other ways hotels are going sustainable when it comes to seafood.
For example, Grand Hyatt sources sustainably-fished produce. The salmon it uses is farmed organically in Ireland and provided on a seasonal basis. Chef Lucas at the Grand Hyatt tells me he is taking a top down approach, and from about a year ago, he looked at items which have the highest consumption, and searched for sustainable sources.. and looks to bring that down through items served.
Chef Lucas also says that if we start consuming what is seasonally available, and only what we actually need, we can make a big difference.
And he is probably right. You’ll recall that recently the campaign toward banning shark fin in Singapore received a boost when supermarkets Carrefour and NTUC FairPrice made the decision to remove it their shelves.

For this week’s Eco Ventures I took a look at a study by Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) entitled “Minerals and metals scarcity in manufacturing: The ticking time bomb”.
The report included findings from a survey of senior executives from 69 leading companies in seven different manufacturing industries across three regions.

The survey showed that executives of leading global manufacturing companies believe that the impact of minerals and metals scarcity will increase strongly in the next five years.
Now while the study highlights metals used in manufacturing of industries such as aviation and medical devices.. It got me thinking……

Where will I be in 5 years time?

With the global population now at 7 billion, how will we keep up?

How will things change?

How will we adapt and evolve as undoubtedly we always do?

And last but not least.. in 5 years time the scarcity of the metals mentioned in the report will increase.. but as a consumer, what could I give up? How can I improve my consumption pattern? And what are the 5 things that I could not live without.

So sitting here, pondering this questions, here are the 5 things I would chuck in a bag if the fire alarm went off at home.. (and please note I say 5 “things”…. People and pets are not included )

1. Change of Clothes
Admittedly I probably have too many, but at the same time I am not a big shopper. I do however feel that a naturalist lifestyle is not for me.

2. Family photo album
That said I will make a mental note to actually make one. I have a few scattered around here and there – but I’m sentimental, and have a few favorites I would like to keep together.

3. Phone
My Smartphone.. yes, like many of you it contains ALL my contacts.. MOST of my music.. my diary/calendar of events… and much more I’m sure.

4. Wallet
I may be sentimental… but seems I do have a few practical bones.. most of the stuff in there however is replaceable…. Though difficult to replace most of it without my IC!

5. Wedding Rings/Wedding Pearls/Quaich
All of the above as you have probably guessed are wedding-related.
As a wedding present, my mother-in-law’s family gave me a beautiful set of pearls which I cherish and wear almost every day.
A pewter Quaich, a gift from my father to keep happiness flowing wherever I may be.

So what about you.. what are the 5 things you would take in a rush? What are the 5 things you could not live without? And what are the five things you could probably do with cutting out?

Copenhagen.. Cancun.. and now Durban.

Twelve days of talks begin in Durban, South Africa today.

In 2009, the much anticipated and hyped Copenhagen (COP15) ended in what some described as a flop.

Last year’s Cancun talks ended marginally better with the Cancun Agreements – which according to the UN climate change body UNFCCC are “a set of significant decisions by the international community to address the long-term challenge of climate change collectively and comprehensively over time and to take concrete action now to speed up the global response.”

This year’s talks in Durban has two main items on the agenda.

Firstly to provide a answer to what is to become of the Kyoto Protocol which is due to expire in 2012.

And the second, to provide follow-up to the agreements that concluded the 2010 Cancun talks.

No big shakes are expected with only modest moves on the cards.

The talks will involve representatives from 190 countries and take place for two weeks from 28th November to 9th December.

Graham Owen Director of Climate Change and Sustainability at KPMG makes an interesting observation.

He says, “I’m not sure that 2 weeks of talks is necessary the best place, I think too much pressure is put on them – it is almost like people need to take a step back and say where do we actually want to get too – instead of arguing at a specific place two weeks a year and it all seems to lead to that.”

The Kyoto Protocol for example is due to expire next year, and with deadline approaching, carbon trading is moving to an almost standstill and prices dropping dramatically.

Experts say another issue confusing the market is the various individual initiatives being set up by governments – for example Australia’s tax scheme, California’s emission reduction targets and not to mention the carbon tax that is hitting airlines flying into Europe from 2012.

Owens says, people need to look beyond their own immediate needs for their countries, that sometimes there is too much politicking and not enough global view.

He told me, “You know I think possibly some of the issues surrounding externalities make climate change complicated because its cross border it’s not a simple thing to deal with and unfortunately people go back into their shells as countries as companies and think what’s in it for me – I think taking a step back and thinking – what’s in it for us in ten years time – where are we going to be then? Instead of just thinking where is it going to be in the next 2years.”

So if not two weeks of talks once year – what do you think would be the best solution to bring those around the globe together to a binding and achievable climate change solution?

Here is a quick recap of some of the commitments made by some of the globes largest economies:
UNITED STATES – Has pledged to cut emissions by 17 percent compared to 2005 levels by 2020. (Remember US has not ratified the Kyoto Protocol)
EUROPEAN UNION – Will cut emissions by 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2020.
RUSSIA – Pledged to cut emissions by as much as 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020.
INDIA – Plans to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 20-25 percent from 2005 levels.
CHINA – Pledged to reduce its carbon intensity by 40-45 percent from 2005 levels by 2020.

A few months ago my beloved iPhone 3Gs met with an unfortunate accident.
Since then, while using an interim replacement, I have been waiting for the next hot model.
Today I read the latest report by Chinese environmental group the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs.
The report claims that through five months of research and field investigations it found that the pollution discharged from Apple has been expanding and spreading throughout its supply chain.
The group added that investigations had discovered more than 27 suspected suppliers to Apple that had had environmental problems, encroaching on local communities and their surrounding environments.
Now, this is not the first time such accusations have been made against suppliers to one of the world’s hippest gadget makers, and I am sure it will not be the last…. we all remember Foxconn which has made an appearance in the latest report.
I have not been to China and seen firsthand the claims made in the report, such as a village so badly polluted by a factory that people living nearby sometimes could not open their windows. But it did bring to light questions of my daily consumer patterns. We often take for granted the easy accessibility of new technology into the market without questioning where it came from and what sacrifices were made to bring it to our doorstep.. And millions of other doorsteps around the globe at a rapid pace.
The full report is available online, as is Apple’s environmental report.
Apple did not respond to my queries regarding the report by the time I published this blog, but should I have an update I will inform you.
Analysts I spoke with said that large companies such as Apple do tend to have solid environmental mandates, but that they can be hit along the way by issues stemming from their suppliers.
Apple has a dedicated section on its website in which it details its environmental initiatives. With regard to manufacturing it states that “Apple is committed to ensuring that working conditions in our supply chain are safe, workers are treated with respect and dignity, and manufacturing processes are environmentally responsible.” This statement is followed by a link to its supplier responsibility site.
As a consumer we are often rendered helpless by such situations and what I really think this calls for is stricter guidelines, mandates, and regulations on a global scale that can monitor the situation and stamp a compulsory green mark on products so that even if we can’t make a trip to China to view a factory – we can be assured of the origins of a product.
Green mark products are being developed, and green certifications, but credibility in a time of such reports still comes in to question.

Update – 2nd September 2011

Hello!

Please see below comments from Apple in response to my query:

Apple audits all final assembly manufacturers ever year. As of December 2010, Apple has audited 288 facilities located in China, Czech Republic, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States. As part of this audit process, once again we review all ares of the Apple Code including the Environmental Impact requirements as outlined above.”

Yes, I’m afraid it has been some time since my last entry.. and I’m sure some of you will understand why

With just around 2 months to go.. there is mainly one thought.. mostly one thought on my mind… the day I say “I do”.

The preparation for this wondrous occasion started a little over six months ago and the clock has since tick tocked at formula one speed.

At that point, in my opinion, weddings are a money burning.. wasteful business.. and while that has changed little.. we all know everyone loves them.

For this reason, I started my journey with the intent to add an eco element to our special day.

I viewed countless venues… garden centers.. parks.. hotel after hotel.. looking at issues such as transportation.. food.. company ethics.. while ensuring that the ambiance and spark were there.

My grandma used to say… you are what you eat….

While there are arguments for and against the consumption of sharks fin and everyone is entitled to an opinion – I choose not to eat sharks fin. For weddings I have attended in the past, there is always the awkward pause as I decline the waiters offerings…. the strange silence as everyone guzzles the delicacy while I munch on fried noodles..

Singapore is said to the second largest shark fin trading nation. And according to the WWF,73 million sharks are killed every year, primarily for their fins.

This has resulted in an increasing number of shark species being threatened. In 2010, 180 species were considered threatened.

We will be having a traditional Chinese wedding dinner, and we have said no to sharks fin soup.

Friends have asked why bother, the number of guest we have is a drop in the ocean. In my opinion, every little helps.

What’s in an invite….

There are various routes we considered for the invitation.. do we take it cyber and have virtual invites… cutting cost.. cutting energy used to make the invites.. and cutting paper used.

How about recycled and sustainably sourced invitation solutions.. in Singapore such providers are few and far between…

I’ve discussed location.. food.. and invitations..

There are a multitude of other issues I can’t even begin with here.. the dress.. the band.. the transport.. the accommodation.. the rings.. the flowers.. the list goes on.

I am glad to say though, that while our big day may not be a grand green gala, we are consciously making an effort to make our day sustainable without feeling it has lost its magic and breaking the bank.

My soon to be husband and I, have made small changes to make a small difference, but we are just one of many, trying to make a big impact

From bamboo bras to leafy lovables…

Eco fashion is a trend that most designers seem to be branching out to as consumers warm to the idea of incorporating sustainable practices not only in their transport, but also food choices, housing…. and so on.

But what exactly is sustainable fashion?

Well it seems to vary from one designer to the next.

Is it the type of material you use? Is it recycled? Was it sustainably made as part of a CSR effort to support a rural community?

Was minimal transport involved in the production of the of the product.. and does it then have a low carbon footprint? Or is it fair trade?

For designers, the decision can be tricky, but help is at hand.

There are various trade and industry associations out there to help provide advice, such as IE Singapore, or more sector-specifically the National Association of Sustainable Fashion Designers in the US.

Today I met with Marilyn Tan, a Singapore jewellery designer.

Marilyn endeavors to promote sustainability through her lifestyle and products – such as these silver leaf pieces which she makes from fallen leaves from the spices in her kitchen.

To me, sustainable fashion is just one piece of a wider puzzle and wider movement.

Well it’s finally happened – the long awaited Singapore standards for green data centres have officially been launched.

And with the data centre landscape estimated to grow by 50% from now to 2015 it is indeed timely, especially considering that the 10 largest data centres consume roughly the same amount of energy as 10% of Singapore’s households.

The Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) says that IT equipment utilizes only 30% of the total energy consumed by a data centre.  The remaining 70% is taken up by cooling which leaves room for energy consumption reduction

It’s interesting to think how data centres have changed or fit into our everyday lives – and I suppose the impact is greater than you may think.  Think of it this way – with banking services, government services and businesses services all moving online (because services we want aren’t available there we wonder why) the only way is up in-terms of the size of the data landscape.

I wonder however, as these services scale down brick and mortar operations which possibly have a heavier carbon footprint for overall serviceability – especially considering the carbon footprint of a consumer travelling to obtain a specific service – what the average cost and carbon difference is..

 I look forward to seeing further green initiatives come from the government – a wide array of green certifications seem to have rolled out this year – from food courts.. to hotels..  to data centres.. what next?

Additionally, for those of you that took part in this year’s Earth Hour – I’m interested to hear your thoughts on the annual event by WWF?  And did you go beyond the hour?

Sitting inside some of the new hybrid vehicles I felt a little like batman in the batmobile.

A button to press to cover the vehicle to pure electric here – a dial to switch from sport.. to cruise.. to eco there…

It’s quite amazing to see some of the new options and alternatives that are coming to market, and the targets that some of the big boys are setting out.

For example in Singapore – Lexus is targeting that 36% of its sales come from Hybrid this year! That’s up from around 25% in 2010.

Toyota has pinned its growth on emerging markets and eco vehicles as well.

Looking to Europe, most of the big boys are plugging multimillion dollar amounts into hybrid and alternative development.
I have to say I was surprised to see the iconic statuette of Rolls Royce on the electric-powered Phantom luxury sedan.

These pictures weren’t taken aboard the Starship Enterprise… No no.. They were taken in an Equinix data centre in Singapore.

The blue LED lights reduce energy usage by about one-to-two per cent in comparison to the everyday light bulb, and are part of the firms efforts to reduce its energy usage.

Energy accounts for as much as 60% of a data centre’s operating cost, and Equinix is looking to reduce its energy usage by 30% in the next five years.

What I thought was pretty interesting about this data centre in comparison to other “green” data centres I have seen is that it uses recycled NEWater to cool the centre.

In Singapore, to help reduce the energy consumption and operating costs of data centres, the Infocomm Development Authority is partnering other government agencies and industry to develop a green standard for data centres in Singapore.

At the moment the experts say the move is pretty broad-based – as globally different countries have different standards – but it is a move in the right direction.

A Green Data Centre Standards Working Group under the industry-led Information Technology Standards Committee has been formed to drive the development of the standard.

You can find out more about the standards here: http://www.itsc.org.sg/

This jatropha field in Singapore could power roughly 5 cars for a year.
That’s according to Biofuels Asia – a Singapore-based clean-energy company.
The seeds of the jatropha plant which looks like a type of shrub can be crushed and processed to create biodiesel.

Some analysts estimate that the 900,000 hectare of jatropha planted globally could produce roughly 1.8 million tons of crude jatropha oil every year.
And Biofuels Asia has developed a strand of jatropha plant that produces 5 tons of oil per hectre per year in comparison to 2 tons from a wild jatropha plant.
An interesting alternative to fuel given the continued increase in oil prices.
Biofuels Asia says that it expects its major market to come from vehicles and power plants.
I wonder though… what the long term potential is for such biofuels in the transportation market given the increase in electric alternatives. Then again, some are forecasting demand for biofuels to grow by 20% to 30% per year.