Are oceans dumping grounds?????

After I went through my earlier posts i felt the need to elaborate on each and every resource which we have polluted and i don't understand the reason why our political leaders couldn't understand an issue as simple and as grave as this.We drive cars, run factories and pollute Earth in every possible manner. But Earth has such a composition that it made alternatives to curb every possible mischief that we humans do. We pollute and Earth has got its own way of absorbing this pollution and it do this with the help of oceans. 25 percent of CO2 that we emit is being absorbed by oceans. But this is one of issues which should raise an alarm and is to be discussed about. To make a beginning first let me post definition of ocean pollution or marine pollution. As taken from Wikipedia,
"Marine pollution occurs when harmful effects, or potentially harmful effects, can result from the entry into the ocean of chemicals,particles, industrial, agricultural and residential waste, noise, or the spread of invasive organisms."


On giving a closer look i could easily interpret that when we drive car, burn crackers, run factories, dispose chemical wastes, spray pesticides it is the oceans which in the end suffer. so elaborating on each point here are the various causes of ocean pollution:

1. Easily said it is the emitted carbon dioxide and other gases which pollute ocean water thereby increasing the carbon content.
2. There are case of ship accidents and oil spills which are major polluters of sea.
3. Factories dump chemical wastes without treatment into seas and oceans.
4. Its the household waste, plastics and other sewage lines that directly mix with ocean water.
5. pesticides that are sprayed on to the crops are finally washed off into the oceans.

So these were some of the common pollutants. But the effect that they have on the sea life and through the food chain on to the land animals and humans is devastating. Lets discuss some bad or adverse effects on the ecosystems caused by ocean pollution:

1. pollution due to any source cause large amounts of lead and other harmful chemicals and metals to be injected into the sea. it pollutes water and sea plants and when these consumed by sea life pollute them as well. We might have not been affected by disruption of sea life but we need to understand that it is ultimately we human beings that consume large quantities of polluted sea food which is disastrously harmful for human health causing immense range of diseases.
2. Pesticides that are washed off into the oceans water along with the toxic metals can lead to serious mutational and dna changes thereby making entire food web susceptible to all possible diseases.
3. Oceans act as carbon sinks but when such huge amount of carbon is fed into oceans its capacity to absorb carbon will definitely decrease and will thus lead to global warming and we very well know the dangers of this as we have so called copenhagen meets to solve this grave issue.
4. in oceans we have a twilight zone where very few marine life survives because it is at greater depth where pressure is much higher along with low oxygen content ans very less sun light. But toxic metals and increasing carbon content has nearly wiped out this marine life and many species are endangered.
5. Most of the marine life lives in sunlight zone(where there is ample oxygen and sunlight). But when these are affected the precious marine life living in midnight zone(bottom of sea) where there are no plants and all surviving creatures are predators, their food chain is got to be disturbed and we know marine life has got a major role to play in maintaining balance of nature.
6. Lastly, the acid rain and increasing carbon content pose grave risk to the precious corals. Increasing acidification of seas and oceans will destroy corals and will seriously affect the ability of sea fish to form sea shells.

SO what we can do to contribute from our side in preventing ocean pollution. Apart from trying to reduce pollution and planting more and more trees we can:

1. to control the amount of waste water we produce.
2. recycle plastics, recharge batteries, use minimum water and try to be more accommodating like encourage car pools.
3. Force governments to set norms for industries to treat their chemical waste before being dumped into the sea or be ready to face huge fine and cancellation of license.
4. Help in cleaning beaches by forming groups and communities.
5. Make sure that only rain goes down the stormwater drain without mixing with sewage.
6. Ensure that any household chemicals and substances such as paint or oil are disposed of properly. Many local authorities have special collection points that can help to avoid these chemicals polluting the water supply.
7. Look out for environment friendly cleaners and detergents.

It is very important that we understand the need to save ocean life. We ought to learn to live green Because it is said that it is never too late but in this matter of saving earth if we do not show urgency then we surely will have to regret deeply and will be toooo late!!!!!!!!

One step ahead of Copenhagen summit....

After fretting a lot over global warming,its causes, its effects and ways to counter it, i came across some interesting articles which led into an entire new spectrum of pollution which until now was in my dark side of ignorance. When i said an entire new spectrum i really mean it. The reason being that, This is an untouched territory to many and i felt the need to highlight it. so my today's post will be about one more dimension of pollution caused by industrial revolution and that is LIGHT POLLUTION also called as photopollution or luminous pollution.Besides posing health hazards to nocturnal life, human beings, light pollution also deprives city dwellers the opportunity to view night sky as illuminated by the natural source of light of stars. To give a more precise definition,as taken from wikipedia,
" Any adverse effect of artificial light including sky glow, glare,light trespass,light clutter, decreased visibility at night, and energy waste ."

Some of the problems caused by light pollution:

1. When we talk about global warming then yes, it is excessive lighting on buildings, hoardings,commercials etc which tend to contribute to this warming by emitting light and heat.
2. one-fourth of the entire energy consumption around the world is in the form of light and electricity. More we cosume light more are the resources burnt to produce electricity,faster these are depleted and they do cause air pollution thereby making Earth a black planet.
3. Apart from causing pains to the ecosystem it also causes various health hazards for human beings. It is a proven study that When exposed to over illumination and excessive lighting it causes headache, rise in blood pressure and skin problems.
4. one of the most interesting results which I came across is the effect of light pollution on the ecosystem. It causes behavioral changes in nocturnal animals and lighting causes changes in prey-predator relationship as over illumination causes confusion among night predators. Not only this,Lights on tall structures can disorient migrating birds.Studies suggest that light pollution around lakes prevents zooplankton, such as Daphnia, from eating surface algae, helping cause algal blooms that can kill off the lakes' plants and lower water quality.
5. As already mentioned light pollution does poses problems for city dwellers to view night sky and there are added problems for astronomical studies.
   

SO it might feel that light pollution is not that big issue when compared with other forms of pollution. But on a closer look we come across the fact that none of the pollution type is isolated. one causes the other and the sufferer of each is Ecosystem, Earth and living beings.
Here i suggest few suggestions that we can do to at our own places to reduce light pollution. Definitely, strong lighting on buildings, streets and hoardings have to be reduced but what we can do at our own places is:

1. Switch off the lights when not needed as it is a waste of energy and we always will have to think about the fast depleting energy sources.
2. Avoid allowing installation of hoardings in your compounds or on buildings as these are unsafe for building structure and yes of course they do cause light pollution.
3. Avoid burning carckers.It causes noise pollution. air pollution and light pollution( In my view it is the single most common source of all kinds of pollution).
4. Improve light fixtures so that light is properly focused wher it is needed and hence lower energy lighting system can be used.
5. Install outdoor lighting that limits the amount of light that escapes upward.
6. Avoid installing too much of decorative lights on the buildings or trees.
7. Get involved in educating your neighbors and city officials about light pollution.
   

Light pollution till now has been the most neglected form of polution. But if little care is taken with a bit of sacrifice it can be reduced drastically. LIVE GREEN!!!!!!!!!!

Copenhagen continues...

Continuing from where I left yesterday....Already we are buried under the debris of pollution ranging from air,water and sound which are contributing seriously to the the degradation of atmosphere, earth, water and various life processes thereby making life suvival difficult on Earth.Darwin's theory of 'Survival of the fittest' seems obsolete because when we are bound to breathe smoke and when fishes are bound to survive in turbid water contaminated with chemicals and washed away pesticides, it merely matters how strong one is because exposure to pollutants has increased to such a level that immunity can definitely help one to survive for longer time but sooner or later one has to succumb to this he who must not be named.
We contribute knowingly or unknowingly in degrading the environment.One of the issues that is engulfing communities around the world is that of E-pollution.Electronic waste, popularly known as ‘e-waste’ can be defined as electronic equipments / products connects with power plug, batteries which have become obsolete due to:
advancement in technology changes in fashion, style and status nearing the end of their useful life.

People tend to change heir personal computers after2-3 years of usage instead of upgrading it.Due to the lack of governmental legislations on e-waste, standards for disposal, proper mechanism for handling these toxic hi-tech products, mostly end up in landfills or partly recycled in a unhygienic conditions and partly thrown into waste streams.Not only computers but batteries, switches, motherboards, chips, televisions, other electrnic equipments forms the bulf of e-waste.Of these, the biggest source of PC scrap are foreign countries that export huge computer waste in the form of reusable components. This toxic e-waste contibutes hazardous chemicals in the form of lead which when washed of by water makes water toxic therby making marine life troubled.one of the serois threat posed by e-waste is due to its non-biodegradable nature.Most of these non-bio degradable items contain heavy metals like, carbon-zinc, silver oxide, lithium batteries, nickel-cadmium

, zinc batteries and nickel-metal hydride etc. When these equipments are burnt then they release abundant amount of fumes which causes damage to Earth in a way beyond our imagination.Land filling also is not a safe method at all. Chemicals present in e waste like, mercury, lead, cadmium or plastics are dumped on the ground. These chemicals pose a severe threat to soil and underground water. Most of these chemical leach into underground water which is extremely hazardous.
The dangers posed by e-waste are of such magnitude that IT companies have signed pact on reducing e-waste .

E-Parisaraa, an eco-friendly recycling unit on the outskirts of Bangalore which is located in Dobaspet industrial area, about 45 Km north of Bangalore, makes full use of E-Waste. The plant which is India’s first scientific e-waste recycling unit will reduce pollution, landfill waste and recover valuable metals, plastics & glass from waste in an eco-friendly manner. E-Parisaraa has developed a circuit to extend the life of tube lights. The circuit helps to extend the life of fluorescent tubes by more than 2000 hours. If the circuits are used, tube lights can work on lower voltages. The initiative is to aim at reducing the accumulation of used and discarded electronic and electrical equipments.

Now it is we who also have to contribute in this noble cause of reducing E-pollution.But how can we do it????Here are some tips which might seem small but when followed by everyone can start a revolution:
1)Use your electronic equipments for as long as possible. Even if they become old and obsolete try continue using them.In case of computers before changing your computer check if it can be upgraded and if this can be done by replacing two or three components then itwill be great contribution.
2)Working consumer electronics may be donated to a charity or thrift store so that they can be reused by others.
3)Learn how to recycle rechargeable cell phone batteries - to keep heavy metals out of landfills. Bury old batteries in your back garden, or look for recyclers that have taken the new 'Electronics Recycler's Pledge
4) Nokia has started with its initiative to reduce e-pollution.There are close to 5000 Nokia recycling points globally, each taking back mobile devices and accessories.Find your nearest recycling point at Nokia care centre,Nokia priority dealers, Nokia concept stores.You can also know about your nearest recycling point. Just SMS GREEN to 55555.

There are few who have taken this whole issue to an altogether a new level.Mr. B.K.Soni has no qualms making his hands dirty.His no ordinary van is an electronic shredder on wheels. It goes from office to office to pick up discarded e-waste. To read more about this wonderful initiative click here ECORECO....

Copenhagen summit at your own place

SO, Copenhagen summit is finally over.We got to see more stubbornness of developed nations and basket full of promises that is not going to solve any immediate problem.Countries are too stringent on their issue and none is ready to budge to make this Earth some what more greener. Kyoto protocol may die and green technology will be a distant dream.Emissions are increasing with green house gases showing signs of making blanket on earth making it more hotter and less greener. Where as countries are showing improvement in declining rate of deforestation where forest cover has increased by 0.07 percent in india,on the other hand we have increased the emissions at much faster rate scaling on 20-30 percent. If this rate continues we will definitely have to bow down to hammer of nature with increased floods, droughts, el nino's and katrinas. Melting glaciers are already dangerous signs making picture very clear but we have 15 days summits where bargains are being made to buy carbon credits,passing of green technology becomes very difficult and there is only blame game between developed and developing nations.
Is anything other than maintaining the equilibrium of Earth more important??Why are countries not ready to decrease their emissions????Why countries are hesitating in passing green technology to poorer nations???I have no political knowledge but to me 15 day drama at Copenhagen seemed to be purely insane and 'We can'(read Obama) now seems 'We cannot'.Leave apart making this Earth better Place for our future generations,first, we have to make sure that we can survive. In metropolitan cities we breathe smoke and drink contaminated water which can surely land one on a hospital bed.
So without being too cynical about everything lets start a copenhagen summit at our own homes, in our own complexes and localities. The idea is when each one will contribute it will make a big diference and will mark a new beginning.From now onwards everyday i will come up with few small suggestions that might sound very small for such a big issue but once it starts getting executed the results will definitely come forward. It will require a bit of sacrifice but that is worth of it. I will also mention the name of organizations which are working in their own respective manner to improve this place and make it a better one to live.

Todays tips:
Tune your car to cut air pollution:
1)Maintenance and service at regular intervals helps reduce the amount of emissions.
2)Oil change at recommended time interval is also essential. Change the oil even if the car is unused for several months. Avoid using low grade oil and lubricant.
3)Drive the car at a steady speed. This improves the fuel economy of the car. High fuel efficiency means less fuel consumption and less emissions.
4)Tyre pressure also plays a vital role in fuel consumption. Proper inflation is very necessary to run the car smoothly or else the car wheels will simply drag on the road. This requires more fuel and henceforth, more emissions. So, check wheel alignment and tyre pressure at regular intervals.
5)Don’t idle the car for more than two minutes. Switch off the engine if the car is stopped for a couple of minutes. Also reduce engine warm up time during winters. Idling for longer periods result in excessive engine wear which takes in more fuel for combustion and expels more pollutants.
6)If possible combine car trips. If there are two people travelling from the same place to the same destination, they can use the same car for commuting. This will at least reduce one car on road. One plus one becomes two and slowly the number will increase to ten and hundred out of the thousand cars running on road.
7)Sweep away the dirt from the carburetor and adjust the idling speed at every 3000 kms.
8)have a well fitted fuel cap on your car to avoid the unnecessary release of fumes from your petrol tank into the air where they can be breathed in and contribute to photochemical smog.
9)think about converting to Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). This will not only reduce your contribution to air pollution, but is also more cost effective.

15 October, 2009

Punchline of the day:

'Be More'

- Titan

1)Which is the national river of India?
ans: Ganga

2)Which is the first animated character to find place at Madam Tussaud museum in Newyork?
ans: Spongebob square pant

3)Who is the new MD of Wockhardt?
ans: Murtaza H Khorakiwala

4)Who is the first person to get a Nobel prize and Oscar?
ans: George Bernard Shaw

5)Which famous persons portrait do we find on US dollar note?
ans: Benjamin Franklin

6)Who recently stepped down as director of media firm NDTV?
ans: Narayan Murthy

7)What is India's national aquatic animal?
ans: Dolphin

8)On what basis the poverty line ascertained?
ans: Calcium intake by the people

9)Which king is known as the 'Napoleon of India'?
ans: Samudragupta

10)Flemish is the the term used to describe the inhabitants of which country?
ans: Belgium

11)Which chemical is used for cloud seeding?
ans: Silver iodide

12)India's rank in the list of human development index?
ans: 132

13)Year in which All India Radio began its formal operations?
ans: 1936

15)Who is known as the first space tourist of the world?
ans: Dennis Tito

2 October, 2009

1)Who is the the chairman of planning commission of India?
ans: Dr. Manmohan Singh

2)This person became the youngest one to sail around the world alone recently?
ans: Zac Sunderland

3)Where would you find Wills tower(formerly known as 'sears tower') in the world?
ans: Chicago

4)Who was the president of India during the emergency from June 1975 to March 1977?
ans: Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed

5)Shelbyville is a fictional city in the famous television series of?
ans: The Simpson

6)SEBI was created in which year?
ans: 1988

7)The version of Google Earth by ISRO launched recently?
ans: Bhuvan



MAHATMA GANDHI, our father of the nation...here some facts about him which many of us might not be knowing

1)Mahatma Gandhi spoke English with an Irish accent

2)As a child he was afraid of darkness.

3)He was married at the age of 13 to Kasturba Gandhi.

4)Mahatma Gandhi had a law office in South Africa.

5) His income during those days in South Africa touched fifteen thousand dollars a year! Something still a dream for most Indians !

6)Mahatma Gandhi experimented with diets to see how cheaply he could live and remain healthy. He started living principally on fruit and goats’ milk and olive oil.

7)the last words on his lips were 'Hey Ram'.

8)Mahatma Gandhi inspired many noble prize winners but he himself never got one.

9)Gandhi's policy of Satyagraha, based largely on Hinduism, was influenced by many diverse sources, including Christ, Leo Tolstoy, and Henry David Thoreau.

10)He was educated at London University and became an attorney. But the first time he attempted to make a speech in court, his knees trembled, and he was so frightened that he had to sit down in confusion and defeat.

1 October, 2009

Punchline of the day:

'What the web can be'

-Macromedia


1)'Project Arrow' is associated with?
ans: Department of Post

2)Global Positioning system(GPS) was developed by?
ans: US department of defence

3)Acetylalicylic acid is the chemical name of which drug?
ans: Aspirin

4)Who was the first president of constituent assembly of India, when it met on December 9, 1946?
ans: Dr. Sachidanand Sinha

5)The great musician, Tansen, belonged to which vocal gharana?
ans: Gwalior

6)Which port built during the British rule, is the oldest operating port in India?
ans: Port of Kolkata

7)Which American state has the highest number or representatives in the US house of representatives?
ans: California

8)Who is the chief of press council of India?
ans: G.N. Ray

9)What is the venue for the first ever youth Olympic games scheduled to take place in the month of August next year?
ans: Singapore

10)According to the reports of UN world food program(WPF), which country tops world hunger chart?
ans: India

Commonly used idioms with their meanings:

Blow the gaff	Reveal the plot
To eat humble pie	To apologize
Throw down the gauntlet	Challenge
Bury the hatchet	Make peace
Apple pie order	Extreme neatness