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Eco Kids Column, Pencinta Alam Sept 2014 Keeping Cool In The Heatwave By Wong Ee Lynn < wongeelynn@yahoo.com / gl.mnselangor@yahoo.com > The recurring hot and dry season can be a source of discomfort and frustration for many. Some people complain that they are unable to sleep at night without an air-conditioning unit in their bedrooms. If you are one of those people, you may want to consider these tips to help you keep cool: If you do not have an air-conditioned bedroom: 1. Keep the house shut tight during the day. Don't let in unwanted heat and humidity. Open up the windows to ventilate at night either naturally or with fans.  2. Install awnings on windows to provide shade. 3. Plant trees for shade around the house, especially as ‘sun-breakers’ outside windows. 4. Install window shades or mini-blinds. Mini-blinds can reduce solar heat gain by 40-50%.   5. Have a cold shower or a cold drink before bed to help bring your temperature down. If you do have an air-conditioni...

Green Living Column for Pencinta Alam Sept 2014 COLLABORATIVE CONSUMPTION AND AN INTRODUCTION TO THE GREEN LIVING LITTLE FREE LIBRARY By Wong Ee Lynn < wongeelynn@yahoo.com / gl.mnselangor@yahoo.com > As individuals concerned about the environment, many of us are aware of the adverse environmental impact of excessive consumerism. At the same time, we also realise that increased economic prosperity since the middle of the 20th century means that we are often surrounded by an abundance of assets. Many of us acquire or possess items that are infrequently used -- such as electric drills, power washers, holiday homes, books that are read only once and toys and bicycles that are outgrown.  As communities become more aware of this abundance of assets, many initiatives have been set up around the world by organisations and individuals to share such assets. The advantages of a sharing economy, also known as collaborative consumption or a collaborative economy, are that it reduces the ...