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Showing posts from October, 2014

Letter to the Editor: Inappropriate to misrepresent sale of sharks as ecotourism

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There is nothing ecologically responsible in your recent  article on 'ecotourism' in Kuala Sepetang (Oct 14, The Star).  The picture of the business owner, Tiong Kawi, holding what looks like a baby blacktip reef shark or spot-tail shark for sale, in an article which is ostensibly about ecotourism, is misleading and harmful, as it creates the impression that the sale and consumption of wildlife constitutes ecotourism.  The consumption of wildlife, even those that are not critically endangered, is incompatible with the principles of ecotourism. Ecotourism, by its definition, is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people. When implemented properly, ecotourism can encourage local guardianship of natural resources, habitats, and wildlife. Ecotourism should inculcate concern about the plight of wild animals and the environment, not promote the consumption of wildlife.  Very often, instances of abuse and e...

Green Living Household Tips

Pencinta Alam Newsletter October 2014 Green Living Column Green Living Household Tips Compiled and edited from http://www.dailydanny.com/ 1. The ultraviolet radiation from the sun can be a natural and effective way to deodorize and kill smelly bacteria in hard-to-wash household items.  On a sunny day, bring items like rugs, yoga and workout mats and throw pillows outside.  Place them on a clean tarp away from animals and cars emitting fumes into the air.  Allow them to absorb the sun’s rays for several hours to fully deodorise before bringing them back inside the house.  2. If rust has encrusted gardening equipment such as trowels, shovels and shears, brew a pot of strong black tea (about 4 teabags) and allow the tea to cool. Pour the tea into a bucket and fill it with cold water.  Soak the tools for about 1-8 hours, depending on how rusty they are. As the rusty tools soak, the tannic acid in the tea is gently attacking the rust and making them easy to scrub cle...