Earth Matters

It was reported in June last year that Malaysia spent about RM1 billion a year to manage solid waste generated in the country, and that by the year 2020, Malaysians will generate some 30,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, which is an unsustainable pattern.

Dr. K. Kalithasan, coordinator of the River Care Programme at the Global Environment Centre (GEC), explains the whole concept of solid waste to us and the many problems that arise from improper management of it, both to the environment and the economy.

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Thinking that planting can beautify and improve the built environment is narrowing the meaning of the term landscape - so believes Kamariyah Kamsah, a retired landscape architecture lecturer and member of Badan Warisan Malaysia.

She advocates the term landscape as the physical outdoor environment that all of us use in our daily activities, rather than just the act of beautifying the environment by planting trees and ornamental plants.

In the bigger scheme of things, beyond its visual beauty, find out how everyday landscape has the potential to serve environmental, social and cultural functions.

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Find out all you need to know about eco enzymes, the almost magical solution made up of fermented kitchen waste, which is proving to be an eco-friendly answer to all manner of cleaning needs.

Mariam Osman of EcoKnights, who is an eco-enzyme advocate, gives us the 411 on how to make this solution in the comfort of your home, by simply using household items and kitchen refuse. You'll save the world and your moolah too.

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Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, is the basic crux of sustainable development.

The Nippon Paint Young Designer Award competition was launched to encourage young Malaysian students in the fields of design and architecture, to think about this very concept.

Student Tee Khay Mee, winner in the architecture category for 2010, talks about her award-winning entry here.

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A century ago there were some 100,000 wild tigers across Asia and the Russian Far East. Today, is it estimated there are about only 3,200 tigers left worldwide.

These magnificent creatures have been sent to the brink of extinction as a result of poaching, illegal trade, and habitat loss.

Mike Baltzer, Tiger Network Initiative leader of WWF and Dr. Arun Venkataraman, Conservation Director of WWF-Malaysia, give the low-down on the global tiger situation, and discuss the recently concluded St Petersburg Tiger Summit, which saw an alliance of governments, international agencies, civil society, and the private sector unite to discuss ways to save wild tigers from extinction.

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Zoo Negara has come a long way from it's humble beginnings as a 5-acre garden. With a focus on education, conservation, research, recreation and training, the zoo has evolved into an important center for wildlife conservation, rather than as a glorified prison for these beautiful creatures.

Zoo Negara's current Director, Dr. Mohamad Bin Ngah discusses Zoo Negara's plans and programmes, and how the zoo, which is a non-governmental organisation, is on its way towards becoming a globally-rezoo to be reckoned with.

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Illegal wildlife trade totals billions of dollars a year globally, and conservationists say the problem is most acute in Southeast Asia.

Malaysia has gained a disreputable reputation as being the transit point of illegal wildlife global trade routes.

Elizabeth Lisa John of TRAFFIC Southeast Asia and Sara Sukor of WWF Malaysia talk about this troubling trade, and enlighten the public on how they too can help put a stop to animal trafficking.

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Said to be our closest cousins, orangutans are among the most intelligent of primates, found in the wild in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. Sadly, their very existence is under severe threat, thanks in great part to the degradation and destruction of their habitat.

Fareea Ma, CEO of Way Out Experiences Ltd (WOX) talks about the status of our hairy relatives existence, and the need for increased education and awareness among all quarters to ensure their future survival and conservation.

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Imagine crossing the continents in an old souped-up school bus, one juiced mainly by biodiesel and vegetable oil, on a scientific quest to discover global carbon emissions and energy consumption.

The larger than life Biotruck Expedition is certainly no figment of imagination, as it rolls into Malaysia this week, one of their stops in this road-trip experiment of global eco-proportions.

Bio-truckkers Andy Pag and Christina Ammon tell us more about their exciting expedition, and along with Vinesh Sinha of Fathopes Energy, they also discuss the role that biodiesel can play in the fight against global warming.

www.biotruckexpedition.com

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The remote and isolated forested area of Ulu Muda lies on the north-eastern flank of Kedah, bordering Thailand.

Despite its rich biodiversity, outstanding area for conservation of wildlife and immense natural beauty, Ulu Muda remains relatively unknown to most Malaysians.

Eco-travel and sustainable tourism exponent Anthony Wong reveals Ulu Muda's many hidden treasures and natural wonders, and the need to preserve this important area.  

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