Sustainable Manufacturing: Greening your Processes

January 19, 2009

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January 20, 2009

Sustainable manufacturing is defined as the creation of manufactured products that use processes that are non-polluting, conserve energy and natural resources, and are economically sound and safe for employees, communities, and consumers.

Many large, multinational companies are cognizant of impending overseas environmental regulations and growing consumer demand for a new generation of environmentally friendly products, and they are beginning to formulate their response. Some have embraced the notion that green products and production techniques are a competitive weapon.

These companies are finding that green manufacturing initiatives offer competitive market advantages. Manufacturers can actually save money by institutionalising greener products and processes. Sustainable manufacturing has become not only a more responsible way for many organisations to do business, but a more profitable way as well. Read more

Asia Environmental News: 11 Nov 08

• China pays high environmental and social price for reliance on coal (Guardian) – The True Cost of Coal, a new report published by Greenpeace, the World Wildlife Fund and The Energy Foundation, says that the social and environmental impacts of using coal cost China an additional 1.7 trillion yuan.
• New deal to rescue Borneo orangutans in Malaysia (Yahoo) – The Malaysian-based LEAP Conservancy group is planning to buy 222 acres of tropical jungle land on Borneo island from palm oil operators, and turn it into a forest sanctuary to protect Borneo’s orangutans, pygmy elephants and other endangered wildlife.
• Thailand commissions nuclear power plant study (Today) – The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand is conducting a feasibility study for Thailand’s first nuclear power plant.
• Marina Barrage: First city reservoir opens (Straits Times via Wildsingapore) – Singapore opens its new Marina Barrage to create the 15th reservoir, and to increase water supply and control flooding.
• Singapore could draw more green energy projects (Business Times via Wildsingapore) – Singapore is looking to attract more mega investments to develop new alternative energy ideas and technologies.

42% of Asian children are not concerned about environmental protection

In a study conducted by TNS, children aged 3 to 9 in four Asian countries (China, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand) were asked on their level of concern about the need for environmental protection. The results are shown below:

• Very concerned - 15%
• Somewhat concerned – 43%
• Not very concerned – 32%
• Not at all concerned – 10%

The study results suggest that 42% of children in Asia are not very or not at all concerned about the need for environmental protection. This is in contrast to the children’s mothers, who are 95% concerned about the need for environmental protection. Why do a high percentage of our future generation not care about the environment?

Perhaps we are just too harsh on them. They are still young and innocent to understand the need for protecting the environment. Or they do know the need but are more concerned about other things such as schoolwork, toys and computer games or just about having fun.

Regardless of the reasons, there is a need for parents to educate their children and raise awareness about the environment. Since parents know more about the need to protect the environment (as shown in the high 95% concern), they should be the role models and educate our future generation.

Source: TNS via Treehugger. Image attribution: Sailing ( Ronn ) “El Viaje”.

No more shark’s fin soup for Malaysia’s environment ministry

Malaysia’s Sinchew-i reported that the Natural Resources and Environment Minister has decided that there will be no more shark’s fin soup at the ministry’s events. Minister Azmi Khalid said:

By refraining from the consumption of shark’s fin soup, it is hoped that the ministry would contribute in one way or another toward the current conservation efforts for shark species.

This is a small step by the Malaysian government and something that other Asian countries can emulate.

Source: Sinchew-i.

Where is Cameron Highlands?

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Cameron Highlands is one of Malaysia’s most well-known hill resorts. Its cool climate and fertile land has allowed tea plantations, flower nurseries, strawberry and vegetable farms to flourish. Read more