Issue 001/December 2012

FOOTPRINTs

an Earth Walkers publication

ONE STEP AT A TIME

As we approach the most wonderful time of the year, perhaps it is apt that we take stock of the blessings we have received, the obstacles we have overcome and the moments that we never want to forget. When we gather with our family and friends for the many year-end parties, let us not take for granted the simple things which make our world the bustle of life it is. Let us never forget that our actions will always result in a reaction, and it is up to us to decide what it will be. Its not like we dont know whats going on in our world. It seems like the more we hear of the harm humans are causing this planet, the more we seem to be numb to the consequences. Have we all really reached such a point of indifference and apathy that we continue with our daily lives, pretending that our actions have no effect on the future? We know that the Earth is in a dire state. We know that the ice caps are melting, leaving helpless polar bears stranded, fighting for their survival. In 2008, the PHOTO JOHN GOH polar bear became the first animal to be added to the Endangered Species Act list of threatened species because of global warming. According to the US Geological survey, two-thirds of the worlds polar bear population would be extinct by mid-century as the sea ice continues to melt. We know that the hole in the ozone layer is not getting any smaller and we have definitely felt the effects of global warming in Singapore. Reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have shown that in the last century, global temperatures have increased by 0.8oC and are predicted to rise by up to 2.9oC this century. These numbers may seem small but just think about this. When the human body temperature increases by just 0.5o, it is considered a medical fever and the effects are not fun at all. What then, is our planet going through?

Myth #1: CFCs are heavier than air, so they cant reach the ozone layer
Although CFCs and other ozone depleting substances (ODS) are heavier than air, the winds in the troposphere stir around ODS molecules to mix them with air and lift them up to the ozone layer.

Myth #2: Volcanoes are causing ozone layer depletion

Volcanic eruptions are powerful events that can inject hydrogen chloride into the atmosphere, the vast majority of eruptions are too weak to reach the stratosphere

Myth #3: Ozone layer depletion occurs only in Antarctica

Ozone layer depletion has been measured everywhere outside of the tropics, not just Antarctica.

I believe deep down, we all do care. We want our air to be clean. We want our waters to thrive with marine life. We want enough trees for oxygen and for wildlife to have a home. We know what is good for us, and we sincerely want the best for our planet. But, like any other ideal, without real action, it is only an intention; and we all know what the road to hell is paved with. Time is always an excuse. In our fast paced world, we have other priorities like assignments, exams, clocking our 1000 hours and even having a decent social life. Somehow, saving the environment seems to have no space in our tight schedules. Perhaps it is because we think that dedicating ourselves to a cause requires us to give up much of our leisure time and we see it as an opportunity cost I either save the earth today, or watch a movie. Now, which sounds more interesting? But thats where many of us dont realize that it is the small steps we take, that eventually contribute to the bigger picture. Doing your part is largely about personal responsibility and being a considerate individual. Perhaps the lack of this need for being responsible and considerate as individuals has also created the mess the world is in today. Lets use a very simple example that we frequently see in school. There are afternoons in the HCL where the rubbish bin next to the bar counter is stacked full of empty food containers. Instead of taking a few steps to walk outside and dispose of their litter, students place their trash along the bar counter, as if it is a moving line that will eventually end up at the bottom of the bin. This shows a very fundamental lack of consideration, for the person who has to clear the trash, as well as for the general school environment. If Aunty Suzy is not around for the day, that trash will be left there, rotting. All it takes is for a few good souls five minutes to dispose the entire black rubbish bag outside and replace a new one in the bin. Just five minutes and some consideration can make a difference. As Confucius says, A journey of a thousand miles begins with a singe step, and its these small steps we take that eventually bring us to our destination. Let our present this Christmas be not only to the ones we love, but also to the planet that has provided with us so much more than we can ever give her. Warren Elliot Wee Made with 100% recycled material so please recycle me

CleanLah: A Green Instagram - or not

Sick of unsightly rubbish piles in the wrong places? Fret not. Theres now a government-endorsed mobile app for you to complain your heart out and see that its cleared. Affectionately dubbed CleanLah, the app essentially allows smartphone users to be the eyes of the National Environmental Agency (NEA). Users simply upload snapshots of dirty areas mapped onto locations. It will then be sent to the relevant agency for their follow-up, the app developers claim. While a quick check by this reporter of unresolved issues in the area around campus did prove that the NEA had been doing their homework, a lot of scepticism remains amongst our student populace as to whether the initiative will take flight. Already, there are clear signs of abuse of the app, where users have uploaded photos of whimsical bits of rubbish, such as empty cans of beer and drinks. Teo Kah Eng, a student from the Class of 2014, had this to say, I think people will be better off calling [the authorities] instead. Christy Ho, a second-year student, dismissed it as a lame initiative.

In-app screenshot of CleanLah, developed Its good that the NEA has picked up on the popular use of smartphones. But really, its just another by buUuk version of STOMP it encourages the complaint culture in Singaporeans, she further elaborated. Aza Zainuddin, another second-year student, felt that the app made the government look like a nanny, and that locals themselves could do better as citizens to clean these places ourselves, rather than always count on the authorities to pick up after them. Kenneth Cheong

DIY: snow globe jars

Christmas is around the corner, and whats better than presenting a Christmas gift handmade with love to your family and friends? Look around your house and youll realize that you have plenty of items to recycle and use for Do-It-Yourself gifts! This edition of DIY teaches you how to make Jar Snow Globes Items needed: Glass jar with a lid (can be recycled from preserved foods) Distilled water Liquid glycerine Glitter Figurines Super glue Directions: Step 1: Attach your figurines to the lid PHOTO JULIEANNART.COM of the jar with the super glue. Step 2: Let it dry completely (prefereably 24 hours) Step 3: Fill the jar with water and add a drop of liquid glycerine. Step 4: Add any amount of glitter at your own discretion. Step 5: Screw the cap on tightly and shake! You are done! Its simple to make, inexpensive, and made with love. So try it today! Mellissa Seah

Chunky Chocolate Blocks

Ingredients White Chocolate 200g Good Quality Dark Chocolate 200g (70% or more Cocoa Content) 10-12 Digestive Biscuits 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter

PHOTO NICOLE VOON

Earth Walkers and Footprints

The Earth Walkers dont need a glorified introduction. We are just an ordinary group of students wanting to do something not-soordinary for our peers, our college and the world. I suppose we see a lack and wish to address it. Our main focus is environmental sustainability and educating you on the small things that make a big difference to the world. We are recruiting members to join our cause. Footprints is a publication of Earth Walkers. We will update you with news on sustainability and the environment that is affecting our industry. More than that, it is a platform for all students to raise any concerns and issues. So feel free to write in to us if you have something to say, a recipe to share or even a nice caf to recommend. Like us on Facebook to get updates on exclusive events and articles that are not featured in our newsletter. We are also currently looking for people who are interested to contribute either as writers, photographers or creative designers. Drop us an email if you have queries and we will be sure to get back to you real soon!

Directions Melt the chocolate & butter over a hot water bath. Keep stirring until it becomes a smooth liquid. Remove from the hot water bath and crush in the Digestive biscuits. Stir & combine until it thickens and forms a thick paste. Feel free to add more biscuits if it is too smooth. Line any medium container with plastic wrap & pour the paste in. Spread it out evenly and cover the top with more plastic wrap. Leave in the fridge to harden for 3 hours. Cut into small, bite-sized pieces and serve. Warren Elliot Wee

FOOTPRINTs

EDITORIAL Managing Director Aiden Eng Ruhan Editor-in-Chief Warren Elliot Wee Writers Kenneth Cheong Mellissa Seah

ART & DESIGN Creative Director Victoria Tan Creative Designer Edith

www.facebook.com/unlv.earthwalkers unlv.earthwalkers@gmail.com

Made with 100% recycled material so please recycle me