MS Youth Initiative

Farewell

2008-10-15T22:54:00.000-07:00

When the leaves have fallen on the ground,

The bees and birds go round and round,

Nowhere to go, nowhere to stay,

How can the Squirrels go out and play?

A trickle of water is hard to find,

Food is scarce, everyone's losing their mind,

the polar caps are melting,

Islands are sinking,

When the heat is so strong,

What else can go wrong?

Earthquakes, Tsunamis and volcanoes have erupted,

Millions of lives have been disrupted,

Mothers panic, children cry,

All fathers just mutter, "goodbye"

In a second, all living things die,

Sad isn't it? Makes you want to sigh.

Well it's that time of the year,

Where all of us, each one of us here,

Has to say goodbye to all of you,

Cause this is the end of us -PU2.

But don't worry, MS Youth will still continue,

To entertain and spread the words to you,

Our time is up, but we've all had fun,

But like they say, "all is said and done",

We hope we had inspired you to help save the earth,

Everything we conducted, hope had its worth,

Because if we don't start now, what will happen to the future?

The answer is simple: It will be a disaster.

That's right, so go out there and plant some trees,

Let them grow; spread those leaves,

Turn off that unwanted electricity,

If you're not using your computer, lights or TV,

Don't pollute your environment, alright,

It's just uncomfortable to look at a nasty sight,

We apologise if we had done something wrong,

Well, this is it, farewell, So long!

Best of Luck on your exams, everyone!

Ms Youth.

Selamat Hari Raya Maaf Zahir & Batin

2008-09-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

Best Wishes,

Ms Youth =)

Will Polar Bears Be OK?

2008-09-29T23:33:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Newsweek

How to talk to kids worried about global warming.

Sean Hussey and his twin sister, Erin, are only 9 years old, but they already know all about global warming. And they're worried, very worried. Teachers at their Hillsborough, Calif., school have shown them pictures of melting glaciers. Sean fears that polar bears will be left homeless. "I like polar bears a lot," he explains. Erin is also concerned about what she calls "the animal side" of climate change. "There are lots of animals that shouldn't die," she says. "The humans are the ones who are causing it." Their mother, Pam Hussey, is worried, too, and not just about global warming. She doesn't want her twins to think they're on the edge of disaster. Hussey tells them they can make things better by using less energy. "We are not doomed to failure," she tells them. "Every kid needs hope."

With so much attention focused on potential devastation from climate change, it's not surprising that the message has reached the planet's youngest residents. Images of liquefying glaciers in movies like "Ice Age 2: The Meltdown" are as frightening to these kids as pictures of a mushroom cloud were to youngsters growing up in the 1960s and 1970s. Remembering their own childhood fears of nuclear annihilation, parents struggle to find a balance between scaring young kids to death and helping them understand a very real problem that they will inherit someday. (A recent poll by a supermarket chain found that 15 percent of British kids blame their parents for the crisis.) "What they need is the truth," says environmental activist Laurie David, author of a upcoming children's book called "The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming." "And then they need solutions." Here's some advice from experts on how to send a message that will encourage youngsters without provoking needless anxiety.

Assure them that they are safe. Before anything else, parents need to provide support and nurturing, says child psychiatrist Elizabeth Berger, author of "Raising Kids with Character." "If the child is anxious, then you offer your lap and say, 'Don't worry, honey, the grown-ups who are supposed to be dealing with it are going to deal with it." Berger's own daughter once came home from elementary school terrified about the hole in the ozone. "Young kids can be very concrete," Berger says. "When you say there's a hole in the ozone, that's like saying there's a hole in the basement." When they're worried about polar bears dying, they may be thinking about whether that means their mom or dad will die, too. "You want to minimize the worry," Berger says.

Turn off the TV. "What scares kids are these horrible images of bad weather ... like Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami and all the tornadoes and that sort of thing, which seem to be part of global warming," says psychologist Joanne Cantor, a professor of communication arts at the University of Wisconsin and author of "Teddy's TV Troubles," a children's book about dealing with frightening media. Television makes it worse by constantly replaying scary images of houses washing away. Children under 7 "don't really understand the concept of videotape and that it's not happening over and over again," says Cantor.

Explain the time frame. Parents should make clear that global warming is a "very slow" process, says Lawrence Balter, a professor of applied psychology at New York University and author of "Dr. Balter's Child Sense." "It's very different from a cataclysmic event, like an explosion," he says. "There's an opportunity for us to learn about how it works and an opportunity to see if we can do something about it."

Teach them to help. Kids are reassured if they can take action. Emphasize that doom is not inevitable. "Participating in some activity makes you feel like you're part of the solution and less of a victim," Balter says. That strategy has worked for the Tjoelker family in Bryan, Texas. Mark Tjoelker, a forest ecologist who studies global change, discusses scientific news at dinner with his kids, ages 10, 7 and 2. The family motto: reuse, reduce, recycle. To do their part, the older kids walk a half mile to school. "I say, 'I'm not going to drive you. That burns fossil fuels'," says their mother, Elaine. They're doing their part to turn things around, one small step at a time.

It's Hip To Be Green

2008-09-26T23:25:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Newsweek

Just before the first amplified chords of Guster's hit single "Satellite" filled the hall, lead singer Ryan Miller stepped up to the mike. Instead of belting out a song or urging the audience to buy the band's latest CD, he encouraged them to pick up a free pamphlet on the environment. "I don't want to get all preachy," said the slight, scraggly-bearded musician, 34, "but if one out of 10 of you did it, it would make a difference." Then it was back to the music.

For the last year and a half, Guster, a popular indie rock band, has been on a mission to spread green wisdom to its fans along with its music. On each of their stops, band members invite their audiences—mostly undergrads who turn out for their Campus Consciousness Tour—into their bus, where they tout the benefits of biodiesel, show off their biodegradable tableware (made from corn and potatoes), explain that they use only rechargeable batteries onstage and soy ink in their liner notes, and urge fans to buy carbon credits to offset their car rides to the concert. "We don't want to be soapboxy, because that could backfire," says guitarist and vocalist Adam Gardner. "But it's something we just want to make available to people. And if they're not interested, then here's the next song."

There's no question that young people have woken up to the realities of global warming. A new poll from Gallup shows that 44 percent of those between the ages of 18 and 34 believe we need to take "immediate, drastic" action on the environment, compared with 38 percent of those between the ages of 35 and 54, and 33 percent of those 55 and older. A higher percentage of young people also say they understand global warming well and believe it results from human activities as opposed to natural changes in the environment.

Reared on MTV, YouTube and celebrity magazines, young people are attacking the environmental movement with a different strategy than those who became politically active in the 1970s. Speth says the approach is a more subtle one. Some call it "light green." Rather than boycotting companies and organizing violent demonstrations, many activists are marshaling savvy marketing and technology skills in order to attract a wider, more diverse group of people to the cause. "We're hopefully trying to move the conversation into the mainstream," says Lauren Sullivan, who, with her husband, Guster's Gardner, founded Reverb, an organization that helps musicians like Sheryl Crow and Barenaked Ladies make their tours more green. The group sets up tents before each show, where audiences can meet representatives from local environmental groups and sample organic products.

Danny Seo, 29, a pioneer in the field of eco-living, says, "For a long time I think people have been saying you gotta go green because it's good for you, because it's good for the planet. But no one wants to do that for that reason alone. You have to make it affordable and stylish and exciting, because at the end of the day, that's what good marketing is."

Some are critical of this softer approach. Fred Meyerson, a professor of demography, ecology and environmental policy at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, says that many groups have started to shy away from important environmental issues like population control because they've deemed them too contentious. "They don't really push the envelope the way people did in the '70s and '80s." And, whatever the approach, even the most optimistic of Gen-Xers aren't convinced that environmentalism is here to stay. "We need to make sure this environment boom isn't just a two-year trendy thing, but that green becomes embedded in our culture," says Grist.org's Giller. No matter how it gets done.

Partner sought for Brunei solar panel plant

2008-09-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

Debbie Too
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

HAMIDJOJO Development Sdn Bhd is in talks with a potential local partner for Brunei's proposed solar photovoltaic manufacturing plant tentatively scheduled to start operations by 2010.

The proponent of the solar panel plant, estimated to cost US$150 million ($212.3 million), is awaiting approval from the ministry concerned on the project itself and the land allocation in Lambak Kanan.

If everything goes on schedule, the site evaluation and groundbreaking ceremonies would be held at the end of the year and operations would start in the middle of 2010.

"In total, there will be enough jobs for 150 employees where we are estimating 50 per cent of the jobs to be taken up by foreigners and the other half by locals," said Joseph Sequeira, Hamidjojo Development project manager.

The business strategy and development company expects talks with the potential partner to be concluded by the end of this month, Sequeira said in an interview.

In the event Hamidjojo Development fails to get a local partner, the company may consider looking for a site in another country, he added.

The logistics requirements and research scope of the job have already been completed, Sequeira said, adding that the only thing left to do is to build the plant.

"With the rising oil and gas prices and the greenhouse effect being a concern, renewable energy sources is what everyone is talking about, and solar energy has reached its peak where people understand that solar energy can work and help the environment," he said.

He added that the idea initially came about because Hamidjojo Development wanted to develop a glass factory in Brunei which has an abundance of silica sand, a key ingredient in glass manufacturing.

However, due to the lack of available power and oil needed to support such a plant, the project was shelved.

"At the same time, there were some businessmen interested in solar panels, so we attended some seminars in Milan, and found that glass is needed to produce solar panels. If this plant comes into operation, Brunei will have one of the few factories in the world that produces solar panels," said Sequeira.

In earlier reports, Rubyanto Hamidjojo, CEO of Hamidjojo Development, said that the project could potentially take Brunei off its hydrocarbon addiction by 2015.

At the moment Brunei depends on oil to generate its yearly demand of around 600 megawatts of electricity, and future consumption is projected to be at 1,000 megawatts in around half a century.

The Brunei Times

Note: Good news for the environment and economy.

M.S.P.S.B.S.

2008-08-14T04:57:00.000-07:00

The Final Result. Good work guys!

Chinese Air Pollution: Deadliest in World

2008-08-14T01:37:00.000-07:00

China,the world's fastest growing economy, has earned another startling superlative: the highest annual incidence of premature deaths triggered by air pollution in the world, according to a new study.

A World Health Organization (WHO) report estimates that diseases triggered by indoor and outdoor air pollution kill 656,000 Chinese citizens each year, and polluted drinking water kills another 95,600.

"Air pollution is estimated to cause approximately two million premature deaths worldwide per year," said Michal Krzyzanowski, an air quality adviser at the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

Damaging air pollutants include sulfur dioxide, particulate matter—a mixture of extremely small particles and water droplets—ozone, and nitrogen dioxide. China accounts for roughly one-third of the global total for these pollutants.

The combustion of fossil fuels—whether to power China's many automobiles, its burgeoning factories, or its expanding megacities—is a primary source of outdoor air pollutants.

The burning of coal or charcoal to heat homes, common throughout China, also produces a range of indoor air pollutants.

Exquisite Earth

2008-08-14T01:29:00.000-07:00

Eek!

2008-08-14T01:15:00.000-07:00

Numbers of the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata)—which, like all lemur species, is found only on the African island of Madagascar—have dwindled as a result of predation and habitat loss.

Last week the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) added several species and subspecies of primates, including the ruffed lemur, to the "critically endangered" category in its Red List of Threatened Species.

Teehee

2008-08-14T00:44:00.000-07:00

Inspiration

2008-08-14T00:33:00.001-07:00

Wonder if this man is interested in joining our club? giggle.

Bring Your Own Bag

2008-08-14T00:23:00.001-07:00

Some of the MS Youth members proudly showing off the reusable bags

Thank You MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT, for kindly sponsoring us these wonderful bags =)

Plan to turn Sg Akar landfill into a park

2008-07-13T03:16:00.000-07:00

Source: Brunei Times by Rasidah H A B. To view article from Brunei Times website click here.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

THE Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) is planning to close the Sg Akar landfill and turn it into a recreational park.

The board recently opened tenders for the design and construction of the systems and facilities for the closure and transformation of the 33 hectare rubbish dump site and for the operation and maintenance of the adjoining 20 hectare site as a transitional rubbish dump site for a period of up to five years.

Among the essential requirements to be met by the potential companies is that it must be a reputable local, international or joint venture company with relevant expertise in solid waste management and the engineered closure of solid waste dump sites.

The transformation project aims to rehabilitate the rubbish dump site and transform it into a green zone which can be used for recreational purposes, with landscaping, ponds, roads and other facilities.

The Sungai Akar landfill at the moment is operating at full capacity, and receives most of the 300 tonnes of waste per day produced in Brunei-Muara district. The current conventional dumping system is no longer appropriate to handle the waste.

Previously, The Brunei Times had reported residents' complaints that the rubbish landfill area is not only a persistent nuisance with foul smell and flies everywhere, but also poses serious environmental and health hazards.

The transformation of the rubbish dump site would require eradicating rodents, pests and the foul smell emanating from the site within the shortest period possible. The project also requires the implementation of an engineering system to remove contamination to ground and surface water.

The tender also calls for a facility for public education to promote awareness on the transformation of the dump site and the importance of solid waste management.

*Bahri: finally my prayers have been answered!*

Sungai Akar Dumpsite

2008-07-12T18:29:00.000-07:00

Source from informative Mr. Brunei Resources' article here.

Not In My Backyard

I thought I will spend a bit of time on the rubbish dump problem that everyone is talking about nowadays. Sungai Akar Dump is interesting - not rubbish dump interesting but it makes a classic administrative failure case study.

The history of rubbish dumps in Brunei has always been where the municipal waste goes to. Once Brunei starts urbanising, that is when rubbish starts being created. Most of us who lived in the non city centre in the earlier days learnt how to deal with our rubbish earlier on which is mostly burning them. But in the municipal area, there are trucks and rubbish collectors who do the rubbish throwing for the residents. In the very early days, rubbish was dumped at Pusar Ulak being the first rubbish dump in Brunei. As Bandar grows bigger and encroached to Pusar Ulak, it was Batu 2 at Jalan Tutong where the second rubbish dump was created.

But even Batu 2 gets encroached by the enlarging Brunei Town, the third dump site was near where the City Hall is at the moment at Kumbang Pasang. Even that was found unsuitable before rubbish was dumped at Jalan Menteri Besar, next to where Ministry of Health is. Yup, that huge forest next to MOH was a former rubbish dump site. The forest has been thinned up now and there is a park built by the Environment Department on it. For a time before government agencies started to be built in the area, Jalan Menteri Besar was for a time known as Jalan Sampah. By the early 80s, that started to be too full and search went on for the fifth dump site.

And that's when Sungai Akar started. Sungai Akar was supposed to have closed down by the end of the 1990s and something to replace it. Sungai Akar was essentially a municipal dump site but by then, rubbish collectors sensing a business opportunity offered their services not just to rubbish inside the municipal area but also to the growing number of households outside it. More and more rubbish was collected and more and more are dumped into Sungai Akar. Everyone expects BSB Municipal Department to find a solution. But it is not their fault too. Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department does not have the ability and by 2004, the newly created Environment, Parks and Recreation Department under the Ministry of Development was asked to take over.

It was only then studies are conducted and by this year under the new five year Development Plan, was the money available to do something about Sungai Akar. Finding a new dump site is not easy - it suffers from the NIMBY effect. Not in my backyard. Alternatives - incinerators etc. But ashes from incinerators need to be kept properly too and not to mention the gases it produces. There are other bio alternatives too. These also suffered from NIMBY effects and other side effects too. What is also important is to get everyone to save and to push the idea of recycling and reusing so that there will be less sampah by every citizen of this country.

Orang utans to be extinct in 50 years

2008-07-08T03:20:00.000-07:00

Don't you people care about us anymore?!!!!

Don't you have any sympathy? Look at us!!

Sabah’s isolated orang utan population in lower Kinabatangan may become extinct in 50 years if no steps are taken urgently to set up wildlife corridor between fragmented forests.

Scientific journal Oryx in its latest publication said although the Kinabatangan population of 1,100 orang utans was more then enough for their survival but many of them were separated into small pockets of less then 250 animals.

It says much more work needs to be carried out to ensure the survival of the orang-utan. It also stresses that that the “pockets” of orang-utan population need a minimum number of 250 orang-utan individuals to survive in the long term.

“It is essential that conservation measures are taken to protect orang-utans outside national parks, and these measures will by necessity be specific to each region,” Oryx wrote in the newly released paper entitled “Distribution and conservation status of the orang-utan on Borneo and Sumatra: How many remain?”

Conservationists and scientists from 16 institutions, including Hutan, a French NGO, wrote the paper.

The Sabah Wildlife Department and Hutan have been studying orang-utan occurrence in protected and unprotected areas for a number of years.

Together with their partners they have engaged the landowners such as the Sabah Foundation, the Sabah Forestry Department as well as private landowners (mostly palm oil companies) in developing innovative conservation strategies to address the issue of orang-utans in unprotected areas.

Genetic modelling carried out by conservation geneticist Dr. Benoit Goossens of Cardiff University and Dr. Isabelle Lackman-Ancrenaz of HUTAN had shown that the majority of the isolated orang-utan populations in the Kinabatangan would go extinct in less than 50 years if nothing is done to reconnect the populations.

“Having ‘wildlife corridors’ linking isolated lots of forest that are home to orang-utan as well as other wildlife such as the Bornean pygmy elephants, are absolutely crucial to ensure that this wildlife continues to exist in the Kinabatangan,” said Dr Ancrenaz.

The paper also shows a study that reassessed orang-utan populations in Borneo and now finds that an estimated 75 percent of orang-utans in Kalimantan occur outside protected areas.

The Sabah Wildlife Department had in 2004 with HUTAN published a paper in the scientific journal, PLoS Biology that showed that 60 percent of orang-utans in Sabah live outside protected areas. The study was funded by the Danish International Development Agency (Danida).

It was a landmark paper for the world of orang-utan conservation as up to that point scientists in other areas of Borneo and Sumatra (the only two places in the world the orang-utan survive in the wild) were mostly studying and working on orang-utan populations within primary forests which were almost all protected areas, such as national parks.

Hutan has been working together with the Sabah Wildlife Department to develop and implement solutions to conserve the orang-utan in Sabah, Malaysia for the past 10 years.

Plasma, LCDs blamed for accelerating global warming

2008-07-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

A gas used in the making of flat screen televisions, nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), is being blamed for damaging the atmosphere and accelerating global warming.

Almost half of the televisions sold around the globe so far this year have been plasma or LCD TVs.

But this boom could be coming at a huge environmental cost.

The gas, widely used in the manufacture of flat screen TVs, is estimated to be 17,000 times as powerful as carbon dioxide.

Ironically, NF3 is not covered by the Kyoto protocol as it was only produced in tiny amounts when the treaty was signed in 1997.

Levels of this gas in the atmosphere have not been measured, but scientists say it is a concern and are calling for it to be included in any future emissions cutting agreement.

Professor Michael Prather from the University of California has highlighted the issue in an article for the magazine New Scientist.

He has told ABC's The World Today program that output of the gas needs to be measured.

"One of my titles for this paper was Going Below Kyoto's Radar. It's the kind of gas that's made in huge amounts," he said.

"Not only is it not in the Kyoto Treaty but you don't even have to report it. That's the part that worries me."

He estimates 4,000 tons of NF3 will be produced in 2008 and that number is likely to double next year.

"We don't know what's emitted, but what they're producing every year dwarfs these giant coal-fired power plants that are like the biggest in the world," he said.

"And it dwarfs two of the Kyoto gases. So the real question we don't know is how much is escaping and getting out."

Dr Paul Fraser is the chief research scientist at the CSIRO's marine and atmospheric research centre, and an IPCC author.

He says without measuring the quantity of NF3 in the atmosphere it is unclear what impact it will have on the climate.

"We haven't observed it in the atmosphere. It's probably there in very low concentrations," he said.

"The key to whether it's a problem or not is how much is released to the atmosphere."

Relation To Global Food Crisis

2008-07-04T06:56:00.000-07:00

There are many ways where environmental issues throughout the world can be related to the global food crisis:
- Oil is largely used in the transportation of food, thus the skyrocketing oil prices has contributed A LOT to the worldwide increase in food prices
- Oil is also used in the production, i.e. in fertilizers, as well as in the manufacturing of food
- Climate change is a major factor, reducing land that's available for cultivation and generating more weather disasters that wipe out food crops, and the amount of land that could be cultivated with food is finite
- Primary types of fishes farmed (sustainably) for food have decreased significantly due to climate change
- Et cetera…

It's not just that demand is getting bigger, but there are limits on how much it's possible to increase supply. Thus, food prices WILL soar continuously.

In five years' time, we could be living in a world where millions are dying in famines with no food aid to hand, regular storms and droughts wipe out acres of crops, and skyrocketing food prices have created global political panic, food experts say.

Food costs have shot upwards so quickly that even a consumer in a rich country who doesn't usually keep track of the price of bread will have noticed it. And anyone who counts the pennies has been feeling the pinch already, as global food prices have risen 83 percent over the last three years.

It puts the Western diet in question. Cutting down on inappropriate consumption of meat and dairy foods would be in everyone's interests. It's the least efficient kind of food production, and these are the foods that create health problems when people eat too much of them.

India and China's growth shows no sign of slowing, and the hunger for meat among their growing middle classes is a major factor in pushing grain prices up.

Now we’ve seen how the food crisis is intimately linked to energy factors as well as environmental issues... So, what happens if the world doesn't adapt, and food costs just keep on rising?

In the worst-case scenario, humanity will be struggling to cope with wars and deadly famines, new diseases, water shortages, and storms and droughts that wipe out crops. Oil will cost something like $200 a barrel, and there will probably be a global recession as food prices keep on rising.

Penguin Chicks Frozen By Global Warming??

2008-07-04T04:59:00.000-07:00

At night, when the mercury dipped below freezing, the wet chicks froze.

"Many, many, many of them—thousands of them—were dying," Explorer Bowermaster said.

The experience, he added, painted a clear and grim picture of the impact of global climate change.

"It's not just melting ice," he said. "It's actually killing these cute little birds that are so popular in the movies."

The freezing of chicks is just one example of how human activity is endangering about two thirds of all penguin species, according to a new paper based on decades of research and observations.

The conservation biologist behind the paper, Dee Boersma of the University of Washington, points out some of the many ways penguins are suffering, such as by ingesting oil from spills, by being run over by tourists, by having their nesting times confused by climate change, and by losing their prey to changing currents.

Sad.

CCA 3/7/08

2008-07-03T23:45:00.000-07:00

Inspiration

2008-06-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

ADRIAN GRENIER

"It's a daily, sort of eternal attempt to be aware," says Adrian Grenier (Entourage). "I try and turn off the lights as much as possible, I unplug all my appliances. I use eco-friendly light bulbs. I try and eat free-range, organic foods. I try to walk, if I can -- that's why I love New York, I take the trains. My home is a green home.

"I look at it as an investment: things may cost a little bit more, but ultimately it pays for itself, and then it gives you a little profit. People invest in all sorts of bizarre things, so why not invest in your quality of life and the environment?"

BLAKE LIVELY

"The CW has gone green, so we did a few public service announcements," says Blake Lively (Gossip Girl). "Afterward I felt hypocritical. I can't be telling people to go green and not do it myself, so I've been spending a few extra dollars on buying recycled paper towels and stuff like that. I plan to for our whole crew -- buy plastic mugs, so we don't have to use tons of plastic water bottles and try to [work] with the craft services people and have [reusable products] for everyone. It's important."

KELLY RUTHERFORD

"Our home that we're building has denim insulation, greywater system, solar pool and non-VOC paint," says the super green Kelly Rutherford (Gossip Girl). "We recycle. We go as far as saving our bottles at the house and then going to Whole Foods to redeem them. I'm like: 'Honey, this is a $1.50 for like 300 bottles.' He's like: 'We know it's going somewhere great.' So we do a lot. When we take food to go, we ask that they're not in aluminum because we know aluminum is the thing that's kind of top to recycle. And my son has an organic crib with an organic mattress and organic sheets. There's a great organization website called Healthy Child Healthy World and it's wonderful if you're a new parent. You know, you do as much as you can."

JAMES DENTON

"Besides voting Democrat?" ask James Denton (Desperate Housewives). "A car dealer gave me a very nice vehicle -- an SUV -- that they wanted me to try because 'm on Desperate Housewives. I took it, I drove it; it got 13 miles a gallon, emissions were very average. My wife and I sat down and made the decision to give it back -- a free $70,000 SUV -- and we bought a hybrid. That's a start. We're working on other ways. We have the energy-saving light bulbs in almost the whole house. But mainly the hybrids. We ditched the free car, which was very hard to do, but it's the least we can do."

To check out more on celebrities who go green, click here.

M.S.P.S.B.S.

2008-06-24T06:00:00.001-07:00

"MSPSBS"

UPDATE: PU2 MS Youth "Beautifying the school" Project.

Understand?

2008-06-16T03:32:00.000-07:00

Inter-house Drama Competition

2008-06-15T21:03:00.000-07:00

The audience

Ian, performing with the piano (not sure about that pose though)

The evil but very adorable woodcutters (and two ballerinas at the back)

The Hulubalang House

Panglima's drama/musical act

Father Nature and Assistant on their Teleporting device

On Thursday, 12th June 2008, all teachers and students were invited to come to the auditorium for the "Environment Day' celebration. During this celebration, we showed a short documentary of the environment and held a short quiz for the audience. Of course, the highlight of the day was none other than the Inter-house Drama competition.

Everyone was surprised when the judges announced that there was not one, but TWO WINNERS who topped first, namely HULUBALANG and PANGLIMA. Very rare indeed. This was then followed by LAKSAMANA and PAHLAWAN. So congratulations to all!

ps: Sorry but i don't have Laksamana and Pahlawan's pictures. To those who have them, could you please send them to me so i could post them up? Thank youuu =)

Environment Week (9th June - 14th June)

2008-06-15T07:10:00.000-07:00

Some of the potted plants for adoption

Ayub, receiving his adopted cactus . awwwwwww

Busy busy busy!

The cafeteria was quite crowded

Laku ahhh

The PU2 Plant Adoption Centre

Thumb "printing"

Haha antah

One of the colorful projects shown

Well, we have to say that the Environment week was a huge success. It was quite interesting and we received good reviews from the students and teachers. We sold all our plants and managed to get hundreds of students to "print" their thumbs on the Environment banner. Throughout the week, we displayed the fantastic artwork done by some of the students, the innovative and colorful projects created by a number of MS Youth members and even the inter-house sculptors for everyone to have a good look at.

We hope that we helped inspire everyone to take better care of the environment. We did not just conduct the "Environment Week" for fun or because we, well, just wanted to. We want everyone to know or understand that our environment is at a threat and we want everyone's cooperation to make sure that we will not get to see the end of our existing environment. Pollution has existed for long, much has been now as to our activity we actually contributed to. The intensity of pollution nowadays is in a high level and is waiting for an effective action. Countless of pollutions are evolving everyday, from the minor to the major disastrous forms, destructing the living environment, causing imbalances to the environmental equilibrium, at the same time breaking the protocols set by scientists and governments at international level. It's a growing pain, it's a global threat, anywhere, anytime in the world and we should take positive action towards it as a caring global community.

So please, save the environment, save the earth.

Ms Youth

Happy Father's Day!!

2008-06-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

To all the fabulous fathers and dashing daddies out there.

Love MS Youth =)

Pre-Environment Week 2008

2008-06-07T04:15:00.000-07:00

All the members of the MS Youth Club had gathered at the cafeteria in the afternoon today to prepare for the Environment Week, which is going to be held from Monday 9th June - Saturday 14th June. Some were involved in banner making, decorating posters and preparing several plants for adoption. To those who are interested in ad

opting a plant, please head to the cafeteria on Monday morning during recess as soon as possible because the plants are limited. We have been hearing good responses from fellow buyers so you better make it quick so as not to disappoint yourself.

One plant costs only $1.50. They have been given names and have their own "plantalities" (personalities). These plants are cute so hurry hurry hurry while stocks last!!! The early bird catches the good worm. (Or something like that.)

Look out for this poster people

Fun with dirt.

Manggarshah Jr. proudly showing off some of the potted plants for adoption

Adding some final touches to the wonderful display

Making the Environment Week Banner

Especially for you, Hayaah ;)

Decorating the "Plant Adoption Centre" Poster

Apaeh si zimin ah. Eksen tia :p

Plants for adoption

To all MS Youth members, you did a fantastic job! Thank you for your time and effort!

Too much enthusiasm can be bad...sometimes

2008-06-07T03:43:00.000-07:00

Alain Robert, known as Spiderman because he has free-climbed more than 70 skyscrapers around the world, had climbed a 52-storey office tower in Manhattan, which houses the New York Times.

The Frenchman, who said the stunt was planned to mark World Environment Day, unfurled a banner that read: "Global warming kills more people than a 9/11 every week."

However, he was arrested shortly after that.

....

Umm, we salute you for your enthusiasm, but... sometimes in life, there's a certain limit where you just don't want to go overboard and get into trouble. But yeah, his banner really provoked thought and associated feelings.

Rising fuel prices in Malaysia and India

2008-06-05T22:51:00.000-07:00

In India and Malaysia fears are mounting of major price hikes and public protests after their respective governments cut public subsidies that kept fuel prices low.

In India petrol and diesel prices rose by about 10 per cent, with the price of cooking gas jumping by 17 per cent. Still local prices are far below market levels. Indeed Indian Petroleum Minister Murli Deora said diesel prices must double and petrol must increase by 50 per cent.

For experts the measure is “necessary”. They estimate that India’s three largest oil companies lost about US$ 17 billion because of selling at under the market rate to consumers. What is more the companies told the government that if they were not allowed to raise prices, they would lose almost US$ 58 billions this fiscal year or 3 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

With inflation reaching 8 per cent in recent weeks, the highest since 2004, fears are growing that prices might rise even further, especially since India imports nearly 75 per cent of its crude oil requirements.

The Indian rupee is one casualty of the current economic woes. After gaining 12.3 per cent in 2007, it lost 7.9 per cent this year (one of the worst performances among Asian currencies), closing at 42.7775 per dollar yesterday.

In Malaysia petrol prices rose by 41 per cent. The government is expected to bring local prices into line with those of the market by August; should it not do so subsidies might end up representing nearly a third of total government spending or about 7 per cent of the GDP.

Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia have already had to cut fuel subsidies. (PB)

Choosing the Poster competition winner

2008-06-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

Searching out for the lucky winner

Decisions, decisions...

Could this be the winner?

An individual is like a tree

2008-06-05T05:14:00.000-07:00

Mal received this price for answering a question correctly . Isn't it pretty?

In conjunction of the "World Environment Day 2008", the school had invited Mr. Peter Chen, the trade commissioner of Canada-Brunei, to give a talk regarding the Environment in the conference room today. He showed us a 45-minute heart-felt video animation called "The man who planted trees" and it was so moving and inspiring. The Man Who Planted Trees, is an allegorical tale by French Author Jean Giono, published in 1953. It tells the story of one shepherd's long and successful singlehanded effort to re-forest a desolate valley in the foothills of the Alps near Provence throughout the first half of the 20th century:

The tale is narrated by a twenty-year-old man who remains anonymous throughout. The story begins in the year 1910 when this young man is undertaking a lone hiking trip through Provence, France and into the Alps, enjoying the relatively unspoiled wilderness. The narrator runs out of water in a treeless, desolate valley where only wild lavender grows and there is no trace of civilisation except old, empty crumbling buildings. The narrator finds only a dried up well, but is saved by a middle-aged shephard who takes him to a spring he knows of.Curious about this man and why he has chosen such a lonely life, the narrator stays with him for a time. The shepherd, after being widowed, has decided to restore the ruined ecosystem of the isolated and largely abandoned valley by single-handedly cultivating a forest, tree by tree. The shepherd, Elzéard Bouffier, makes holes in the ground with his curling pole and drops into the holes acorns that he has collected from many miles away.

The narrator leaves the shepherd and returns home, and later fights in the First World War. In 1920, shell-shocked and depressed after the war, the man returns. He is surprised to see young saplings of all forms taking root in the valley, and new streams running through it where the shepherd has made dams higher up in the mountain. The narrator makes a full recovery in the peace and beauty of the regrowing valley, and continues to visit Bouffier every year. Bouffier is no longer a shepherd, because he is worried about the sheep affecting his young trees, and has become a bee keeper instead.

Over four decades, Bouffier continues to plant trees, and the valley is turned into a kind of Garden of Eden. By the end of the story, the valley has a vibrant ecosystem and is peacefully settled. The valley receives official protection after the First World War. (the authorities mistakenly believe that the rapid growth of this forest is a bizarre natural phenomenon, as they are unaware of Bouffier's selfless deeds), and more than 10,000 people move there, all of them unknowingly owing their happiness to Bouffier. The narrator tells one of his friends in the government the truth about the natural forest, and the friend also helps protect the forest.

The narrator visits the now very old Bouffier one last time in 1945, at the end of World War II In a Hospice in Banon, in 1947, the man who planted trees peacefully passes away.

Touching, isn't it? One man can make a difference. Why can't we?

Mr. Chen in action

Questions and Answers session

Ck. Yani presenting a gift to Mr. Chen

Mr. Chen also gave the students a brief motivational talk. He said that "an individual is like a tree". Imagine yourself as a tree.

The roots of the trees represent your family and friends. The more roots , the stronger and more stable the tree is. So the stronger your relationship is with your family and friends, they are able to support you in life. You will stand firm and feel more secured.

The trunk continues to grow and will never change. This represents your attitude.

The more leaves there are on a tree, the more healthy looking and presentable it is. The leaves represent your skills and talent. If you apply for a job, the employer will always choose the people with the most skills and talents.

Would you buy a tree or plant with more or fewer leaves? More leaves, of course. This is because it will last longer. This is similar to a person. If you are very skillful, you will do well because you are most likely to succeed and you could survive longer in life.

We enjoyed your company, Mr. Chen! Thank you for stopping by and giving us such an inspiring speech and for motivating us to become better and more determined students. We had fun especially during the question and answer session. Your humour and warm, friendly approach would not be forgotten. We hope to see you in the future and we wish you the very best!

MS Youth

HAPPY WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY!!!!!

2008-06-05T05:09:00.000-07:00

World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.

The World Environment Day slogan for 2008 is Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy. Recognising that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era, UNEP is asking countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. The World Environment Day will highlight resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption.

The main international celebrations of World Environment Day 2008 will be held in New Zealand. UNEP is honoured that the city of Wellington will be hosting this United Nations day.

The day's agenda is to give a human face to environmental issues; empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development; promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues; and advocate partnership, which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.

Because we care

2008-06-02T03:43:00.001-07:00

Two of the easiest ways to conserve energy:

Bring your own shopping bag! Say no to free plastic bags

Carpooling! And it's so much fun being in one car (well...van) with your fellow friends

Inspiring kan? haha.

China bans free plastic bags!

2008-06-01T03:58:00.000-07:00

China is becoming the latest country to ban free plastic bags, part of a government-led campaign to cut down on waste and help the environment.

The nationwide measure that goes into effect Sunday eliminates the flimsiest bags and forces stores to charge for others.

Beijing has promised to hold a green Olympic Games this summer, giving extra impetus to a number of environmental policies and projects. Officials have vowed to cut down on the "white pollution" of discarded bags that choke China's cities, farms and waterways.

The China Plastics Processing Industry Association estimates the measure will reduce the amount of plastic bags used by a third from 1.6 million tons a year. The Chinese now use 3 billion bags every day (gasp!!), according to the group, and they are virtually indestructible, taking years to break down and commonly ending up in China's clogged landfills.

Of course, there'll be trouble at the beginning, but it is a good policy in the long run. It is everyone's duty to protect the environment.

Kudos, China!

Perhaps Brunei should also ban on free plastic bags, hmmm?

Thoughts, fellow Bruneians????

The Making Of MS Youth Video 2008 (PU2)

2008-05-31T00:51:00.000-07:00

Some of us PU2 MS Youth members went on a "road trip" today for the making of the MS Youth video. We gathered at the school Parking lot at 830 am and finished at around 12 noon. We went to:

1. Sg. Akar Rubbish Dump

2. Berakas Beach

3. Bandar Seri Begawan

4. Kg. Ayer

Boat ride at Kg. Ayer

Bury in action (at Berakas Beach)

...and we're here to save the world! haha

Budin, disgusted, witnessing the filth

They risked their lives and approached the deadly Sg. Akar dump

...unlike some people who just stayed in the car (Yes, you're looking at the dump there)

There, we made a short documentary about Brunei and its environment. It was really an interesting experience and we learned a lot (like the fact that the landfill was a really really REALLY huge mountain of rubbish and you could smell it from a distance.) We're currently editing the video and hopefully we get to show it on 12th June 2008 (Environment Day) at the auditorium. So don't miss it =D

Special thanks to our honorary members who helped in contributing to this video/documentary: Fadhil, Daus and Ayub

It's not a video after all....

2008-05-24T04:38:00.000-07:00

We apologize for the inconvenience, but we have changed the "VIDEO COMPETITION" to "STAGE DRAMA COMPETITION" instead. To those who are interested in joining this competition, please submit your names to your respective house captains.

Thank You.

The Sculptures

2008-05-17T06:50:00.000-07:00

Hulubalang

Laksamana

Panglima

Pahlawan

Courtesy of Deui. Thanks gorge.

Some more photos

2008-05-15T23:34:00.000-07:00

Laksamana

Panglima

A closeup of "Penguin", the Orangutan

Pahlawan

Courtesy of Cheah Wen. Thanks hots.

Don't worry, we're going to put ALL the photos taken during the competition in an album soon, (once we get hold of them).

The Hulus did it again!

2008-05-15T05:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to HULUBALANG for winning this year’s sculpture competition!!

1. Hulubalang (“Youth, Environment and……Hope”)

2. Laksamana (“Youth, Environment and……Peril”)

3. Panglima (“Youth, Environment and……Solidarity”)

4. Pahlawan (“Youth, Environment and……Superheroes”)

p.s. Doesn’t this remind you of something? Hint: Field performance

The competition went on really well, eventhough there was a sudden heavy rainstorm that could have ruined the whole event. Fortunately all the houses acted quick and managed to keep their sculptures in one piece. Despite all the time that was lost and the people getting wet, all the houses continued to work with their sculptures with no problem at all. Well done guys!

Yes, people still kept on smiling even during the heavy rainstorm

Some of the boys cleaning the mess after the rainstorm

The Champions with their prized possesion

Laksamana

In the process of making the Orangutan

I'll put more pictures in the future. For now, I'll leave you with these. haha. Sorry, but apparently someone was playing with my camera *coughs* ZAI, and sampai abis battery and inda sampat ambil pictures of the finished sculptures and the other houses.

Nevertheless, it was a really enjoyable and not to mention an unforgettable day. Everyone worked really hard and did an amazing job. We would like to thank the Principal, Ck.Yani, the teachers in charge and all the participants for making this competition possible and a complete success!

PU2 ENVIRONMENT VIDEO

2008-05-14T03:21:00.000-07:00

To all PU2 MS Youth members who are taking part in the environment video (not the competition),

Please be informed that the due date for the environment video is on 7TH JUNE 2008. Most of us are taking the AS/A May/June exams but we will have to have a meeting SOON and start filming this video AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

7TH JUNE 2008!!

p.s. erhhmm, and don't forget to finish off the "MSPSBS" project. Ah Bury? Min? Deq? Michie? =p

Meeting: Hulubalang Sculptors

2008-05-11T23:39:00.000-07:00

To all Hulubalang Sculptors, please gather at the Cafeteria on 14th May 2008 at 1230pm. There will be a meeting regarding the sculpture competition. Your attendance is highly appreciated.

Thank you.

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T03:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mummies out there =D

And to you too, dearest mother earth ;)

Love,

MS Youth

MS Youth Choir competition is cancelled

2008-05-11T01:32:00.000-07:00

CHOIR OUT

VIDEO IN

We apologize for the inconvenience, but MS Youth has decided to drop the Inter-house choir competition. However, the inter-house video competition will still be carried out. Will update soon regarding this competition.

Update: Sculpture Competition

2008-05-08T00:37:00.000-07:00

To those who are taking part in this year's Sculpture competition, please assemble at the Teacher's cafeteria at 1pm on Thursday, 15th May 2008. The competition starts at 1.15pm. Good luck to all houses! =)

another update: For those who have classes in the afternoon, permission slips to get out of your classes are not provided. So it's either you will have to eliminate yourself or get another teammate to replace you (before the competition starts). Inform your house masters or captains if you want to make any amendments as soon as possible . NO SUBSTITUTES will be allowed to take part during the competition.

Thank you,

Ms Youth

MS SPORTS DAY 2008

2008-05-05T03:54:00.000-07:00

On behalf of MS Youth, we would like to thank EVERYONE for their cooperation in making our environment a cleaner and healthier environment during the Sports Day on Saturday 3rd May 2008. We appreciate your joint action in the collection of cans, papers and plastic bottles for recycling and disposing all rubbish in the appropriate garbage cans =)

Colours don't matter; we're all winners =)

Congratulations to LAKSAMANA for their victory and HULUBALANG for their fantastic field performance and March Past!

MS YOUTH

Warming World

2008-04-26T00:23:00.000-07:00

The world heated up by about 0.6 degrees last century, and the 1990s were the warmest decade on record, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says.

It's not too late.

2008-04-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!!!!!! 22nd April 2008

2008-04-21T22:43:00.000-07:00

We want you to fight for a clean environment. We invite you to be a part of Earth Day. Discover energy you didn't even know you had. Feel it rumble through the grass roots under your feet and the technology at your fingertips. Channel it into building a clean, healthy, diverse world for generations to come.

FROM ALL OF US =)

2008's "Greenest" Car

2008-04-20T03:19:00.000-07:00

Recognizing Honda's application of fuel efficient and alternative fuel technologies, four Honda vehicles earned recognition from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) as the "greenest vehicles of 2008"

The Civic GX natural gas car has taken the title of the greenest vehicle for the fifth consecutive year.

In the 11th annual ACEEE's "Green Book Online" ranking of environmentally responsible vehicles (available at www.greenercars.org), the natural gas-powered Civic GX ranked first with the gasoline Civic, Fit and Civic Hybrid joining the list of the 12 most environmentally-conscious vehicles available to the public.

This is the eighth year in a row that a Honda vehicle received the number one ranking and the seventh consecutive year that Honda vehicles held at least four positions in the top 12, an impressive one-third of all vehicles on the list.

"The ACEEE awards speak to the commitment Honda has made to lead the industry in lowering emissions, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing dependence on oil," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda.

"Honda continues to set the standard for socially and environmentally-responsible automotive products and our commitment to alternative fuels will further expand with the zero emissions FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle coming to market this summer."

Using a singular measure that incorporates fuel economy, health-related pollution impacts and global warming emissions, all vehicles are analyzed and given a "Green Score."

This score is used in ACEEE's ranking system, resulting in a ranking of each vehicle's total environmental performance, including a list of the 12 "greenest" and 12 "meanest" vehicles.

The Civic GX, first introduced in 1998, is the cleanest internal combustion vehicle certified by the EPA, and is 90% cleaner than the average gasoline-powered car on the road today.

Rules and Regulations for the Sculpture competition

2008-04-19T05:02:00.000-07:00

1. This competition is only open for MA5, PU1 and PU2 students only

2. Only TWO teachers are allowed to join in per house

3. Maximum number of participants is 12 (excluding teachers) Please see your house captains/ masters if interested

4. Each house is required to complete the following theme: "Youth, Environment and ______"

5. The sculpture must be related to the environment and is durable

6. Ms Youth members of MA4 and PU1 are not allowed to participate in this competition

7. Plywood platform (1x1) will be provided for each house

8. Materials to make the sculpture are the items that are gathered during the Sports Day

9. Each house could have its own supplementary materials

10. Please submit your names by 1st May 2008.

Thank you.

THE SCULPTURE COMPETITION IS BACK!!

2008-04-17T22:42:00.000-07:00

The winners: Hulubalang

Laksamana

Pahlawan

Those who are interested in joining the sculpture competition, please submit your names to your house captains by 1st May 2008. Hurry, because only 12 people can join in for each house.

(Will update soon)

Introducing the PU2 Tree Huggers of MS

2008-04-17T04:51:00.000-07:00

(Not in order) We are: Mal (Asst. President I), Nul, Bilah, Hayaah, Nabilah, Nana, Mimah, Izyan, Imi, Kliq, Zimin (Asst. President II), Bury,Carr, Zudink, Sim, Faris, Adeq, Das, Rifah, Fy, Mizah, Munj, Wan, Sue, Nazrul, Mei Ping, Hanis, Azim, Michelle (President), Kam, Nawie, Afiq, Gladys, Wafi Z.

World Earth Day

2008-04-17T04:30:00.000-07:00

Earth Day is intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth's environment.

It was founded by John McConnell in 1969.

Responding to widespread environmental degradation, Gaylord Nelson, a United States Senator from Wisconsin, called for an environmental teach-in, or Earth Day, to be held on April 22, 1970. Over 20 million people participated that year, and Earth Day is now observed each year on April 22 by more than 500 million people and national governments in 175 countries

In the process of beautifying the school compound

2008-04-17T02:17:00.001-07:00

The PU2 students are working their way to form the letters "MSPSBS" on the school compound by using flowers and stones as their decorations.

This project is expected to be completed by 22nd June, where we will commemorate "World Earth Day".

Update: Due to certain reasons, this project has been extended and is expected to be completed by 22nd June 2008

Before and After Global Warming pictures

2008-04-16T05:05:00.000-07:00

And if we don't do anything to reduce global warming, sea level rises and areas will get flooded:

Shocking? We know.

Global Warming videos

2008-04-16T02:31:00.000-07:00

Check out these videos about global warming from youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHQbwN1NwK4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJAbATJCugs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7waghWQmcg

Interesting Recycling facts

2008-04-16T01:24:00.000-07:00

Why recycle?

• Saves landfill space

• Saves natural resources

• Saves energy

• Creates jobs

#1 Making cans from recycled aluminum cuts related water pollution by 97%

#2 Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a television for three hours.

#3 Manufacturing new aluminum cans from used beverage containers uses 95% less energy than producing them from virgin materials, an energy saving equivalent to tens of millions of barrels of oil each year.

#4 Every ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, and 4,100 kilowatts of electricity.

#5 Americans use 2.5 million plastic bottles per hour.

#6 Making steel cans from recycled steel reduces energy consumption by 74%, virgin materials by 90%, associated air pollution by 86%, water consumption by 40%, and associated water pollution by 76%.

#7 All steel products contain at least 25% recycled content.

#8 Composting saves limited landfill space and turns garbage into a valuable resource. It can reduce your trash and improve plant health and retain soil moisture with the use of the compost.

Therefore ladies and gentlemen, please recycle.

Tips to protect the world

2008-04-16T01:16:00.000-07:00

We’ve all noticed the temperatures getting a warmer, SUVs getting bigger and hurricanes and earthquakes ravaging the Earth, but is it global warming or a natural occurrence? Al Gore’s new documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth” shows his efforts to halt global warming's deadly progress in its tracks by exposing the myths and misconceptions that surround it. He believes global warming is not a political issue, but an individual moral issue facing every member of our community.

Here are some tips to help protect the environment. At home:

- Recycle everything: newspapers, bottles and cans, aluminum foil, etc.

 - Don't use electrical appliances when you can easily do by hand, such as opening cans.  

- Don't leave water running needlessly.

- Turn off the lights, TV, or other electrical appliances when you are out of a room.  

- Flush the toilet less often.  

- Switch off your computers, laptops and TV before you go to sleep.

A Recipe for a healthier environment

2008-04-16T00:51:00.000-07:00

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

2008-04-16T00:39:00.000-07:00

Recycle means to process old, used items in order that the material can be used to make new products. Examples of things that are often recycled are glass, plastic, newspapers, aluminum cans, used motor oil, and batteries. Here, reduce refers to lessening the amount of items or resources that are consumed, using only the amount that is needed, and looking for alternatives that will lessen our use. And reuse means extending the 'life' or repurposing an item rather than discarding or throwing it away.

"The world is your stage. Play your part. Save the world."

Previous Themes

2008-04-16T00:28:00.000-07:00

2007 - Melting Ice – a Hot Topic?

2006 - Deserts and Desertification - Don't Desert Drylands!

2005 - Green Cities – Plan for the Planet!

2004 - Wanted! Seas and Oceans – Dead or Alive?

2003 - Water – Two Billion People are Dying for It!

2002 - Give Earth a Chance

2001 - Connect with the World Wide Web of Life

2000 - The Environment Millennium - Time to Act

1999 - Our Earth - Our Future - Just Save It!

1998 - For Life on Earth - Save Our Seas

1997 - For Life on Earth

1996 - Our Earth, Our Habitat, Our Home

1995 - We the Peoples: United for the Global Environment

1994 - One Earth One Family

1993 - Poverty and the Environment - Breaking the Vicious Circle

1992 - Only One Earth, Care and Share

1991 - Climate Change. Need for Global Partnership

1990 - Children and the Environment

1989 - Global Warming; Global Warning

1988 - When People Put the Environment First, Development Will Last

1987 - Environment and Shelter: More Than A Roof

1986 - A Tree for Peace

1985 - Youth: Population and the Environment

1984 - Desertification

1983 - Managing and Disposing Hazardous Waste: Acid Rain and Energy

1982 - Ten Years After Stockholm (Renewal of Environmental Concerns)

1981 - Ground Water; Toxic Chemicals in Human Food Chains

1980 - A New Challenge for the New Decade: Development Without Destruction

1979 - Only One Future for Our Children - Development Without Destruction

1978 - Development Without Destruction

1977 - Ozone Layer Environmental Concern; Lands Loss and Soil Degradation

1976 - Water: Vital Resource for Life

1975 - Human Settlements

1974 - Only one Earth

World Environment Day 2008

2008-04-16T00:18:00.000-07:00

World Environment Day (WED) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. WED is hosted every year by a different city and commemorated with an international exposition through the week of 5th June. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), also created in 1972, uses WED to stimulate awareness of the environment and enhance political attention and public action.

The agenda is to give a human face to environmental issues; empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development; promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues; and advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.

MS Youth Intitiative 2008

2008-02-01T05:48:00.000-08:00

MS Youth Initiative was started in 2006. The club started with only a few members mainly comprising of the Pre-University and Form 4 Students with a few Form 5 and 3 students. But this year, the club accommodates approximately 7.5% (about 130 students) of the schools population (about 1700 students) which is a phenomenal feat for a club only reaching its third year.

In the years before this, the club focused on important issues especially those connected to the environment and have been very active and successful in various projects. This year we hope mirror what our predecessors have done and achieved, but in a larger and better scale considering the massive population of the club.

Our mission is to not only initiate projects and drive them into action for our own sake, but also for the sake of the school and its population. We hope to activate the awareness of the school's population on the effects of their actions, good or bad, to the school and the environment and therefore ultimately to themselves.