FROM THE EDITORS “Let’s only start loving those which are dead.” - Humans Yeah, no. Trash that. Stop appreciating things after they’re gone. Stop only loving things when they’re dead. Don’t set loving for later. A healthy balance between humanity and nature must exist, for both to survive. In Psychology, there’s this never ending debate of ‘nature vs. nurture’. We just want you to nurture nature. Save our planet. It’s the only one with chocolate. fleurhelmina s. ang, editor-in-chief
Borrowing words from a favorite Beatle (Lennon, of course), “there are two basic motivating forces: fear and love”. The former has been tried (presentation of frightening facts about global warming and the ilk) but nothing happened. Let’s try the latter. You cannot protect what you don’t love. Such is the leverage of it that this issue of GreenPiece seeks to rediscover the humanistic passion for the natural world-- in hopes that once we realize that the core of our humanity lies on earth itself, we can finally learn how to protect it. phoemela nicole v. ballaran, features editor
Fleurhelmina S. Ang Editor-in-chief Zhusmita May P. Manangan Associate editor Angelica M. Malabad Managing Editor Aljan G. Quilates News Editor Phoemela Nicole V. Ballaran Features Editor Mary Pauline G. Del Rosario Filipino Editor Janine P. Francisco Literary Editor Krystine P. Antonio SPorts Editor Adrian Nazarene DG. Nualda Business Manager Ace B. Rubic Board Secretary
John Jeffrey Q. Gale Circulations Manager Adle Meye R. Enriquez Mary Jude Marby Faith F. Abuan News staff Ira Y. Cruz Jan Michael B. Suarez features staff Jelyn A. Levantino Anne Jane M. Pandian filipino staff Allaine Jolina O. Matic Ehren Louise C. De Dios Literary Staff Jouel Mina C. Ayes Neima G. Chowdhury sports staff cover/back cover/layout Marc Jerome A. Curiano Phoemela Nicole V. Ballaran PHOTOS Google Image
MUSHROOM AS
new plastic
Crazy as it sounds; mushroom is now the “new plastic”. The industry is evolving fast and as it grows, the deterioration of Earth also takes place. However, in Greenisland, New York City, Ecovative made an-eco-friendly, worldwide initiative to promote mushroom packaging. Mushroom packaging is a renewable, home-compostable, green alternative used to replace foams (which can only decompose at 200-500 years). It starts by growing the mushroom fibers on agricultural crop waste (plants that aren’t used as feed or food) such as cotton seeds, wood fiber and buck wheat. It is bonded together with mushroom roots or mycelium. Then the mushroom tissue is planted on the molds to grow the shape needed. Afterwards, it undergoes dehydration and heat-treating process to obstruct its development. This also guarantees that no spores would be left to ensure any hypo-allergenic concerns. As proof of the mushroom packaging’s legitimacy, Dell, a computer technology corporation, is one of the many companies that now use Ecovative’s mushroom packaging. allaine jolina O. matic
THE
ALFA
BIKE
Fifty year old Israeli Izhar Gafni has made water- and fire-proof bicycles out of cardboard. With about four years of trial and errors, encouragement of a supportive wife, and principles of Japanese origami, Gafni has created a cheap, green, light and strong bicycle-– your modern day alpha bike. No, seriously, the ‘Alfa’, as Gafni has dubbed the prototype, is the bicycle that engineers first thought to be impossible. The frame is cardboard-- made from wood pulp and is treated with organic materials; tried and tested against water, fire, and a weight twenty four times its own. Being made completely out of organic materials, the ‘Alfa’ is 100% recyclable and maintenance-free. The frame is cardboard, the tires are reconstituted rubber (will never be punctured and do not need inflating) and the chain is a car timing belt (that will never need adjustment). “So you buy one, use it for a year and then you can buy another one, and if it breaks, you can take it back to the factory and recycle it,” he said in an interview with Reuters. In a few months, the ‘Alfa’ will go into mass production. For now, Gafni is working on three more models of bikes and a cardboard wheelchair. He hopes to mass produce his vehicle to pave way for a cardboard revolution (like using the material for cars and even aircrafts). “We are just at the beginning and from here, my vision is to see cardboard replacing metals,” he said. fleurhelmina S. ANg
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THE BUTTERFLY’S TALE Superheroes are those with extraordinary powers. They have the ability to create a big change in this planet. But in saving our environment, we don’t really need extraordinary powers or superheroes. In fact, a young woman did a big step to protect earth. This woman is Julia “Butterfly” Hill, an American environmentalist, known for living on top of the millennium year old tree to prevent loggers from cutting it down. Hill was only 23 years old when she started living in a tree named Luna to save it from the Pacific Lumber Company loggers. Luna was a 180-foot California Redwood tree that is a part of a rainforest where many animals inhabit. For 738 days, Hill lived up the tree in a platform from reused scrap wood, with walls and roofs made from tarps. She did not come down for two years until Pacific Lumber Company agreed to protect Luna and the three acres of trees around it. When she came down the tree, Hill became known for her non-violent action in saving the forest and, as a result, became the youngest person in the Ecology Hall of Fame. She founded the Circle of Life Foundation and What’s Your Tree Program to continue saving the environment. NEIMA G. CHOWDHURY
READY, SET,
BEAUTIFY! Get rid of oily skin
Treat tired eyes
Admit it. You keep on wiping your face with your handkerchief to free yourself from all the oil your coarse pores produce. Let this remedy help get rid of that gloss: Make a paste out of beaten egg white and oatmeal. Apply the mixture on your face. Wash off with water after 15 minutes.
Working in front of the computer and reading with bad lighting would really tire your lovely eyes. Aside from the usual cucumber remedy, you can also opt for using beaten egg whites by applying it over your eye area with the use of cotton balls. Rinse after 15 minutes.
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LAW OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES Thomas Midgley was a spectacular chemist: he singlehandedly manipulated the climate of the earth, making him the first geoengineer. One of his revolutionary inventions was discovered in 1928. While he was working at Frigidaire, a manufacturer of home appliances, where appliances used refrigerants, the primary cooling element, which included methyl chloride, sulfur dioxide, and ammonia-- all of which are highly toxic, explosive, and flammable. He synthesized dichlorodifluoromethane, commercially called Freon. By 1930, nearly all appliance manufacturers had already switched to Freon. Only after forty years that the harmful effects of Freon were discovered. It was the first of the long line of chlorofluorocarbons that tore the ozone layer. It fueled the fire into more aggresive research toward developing greenhouse gases. Thankfully, the ban for Freon was made into effect in 1978. John Robert McNeill, environmental historian, remarked Midgley to have “had more impact on the atmosphere than any other single organism in Earth’s history.” ADRIAN N AZARENE DG. NUALDA
With the stress you encounter everyday, you tend to forget about your appearance. Yes, it is important to take care of your body to be presentable because it reflects your personality. But what if you’re on a tight budget? Set aside buying expensive products just to satisfy your needs. In fact, typical beauty products in the market contain chemicals like petroleum-derived ingredients that pose health risks and ruin the environment. The following easy-to-do and natural remedies are in your kitchen. So, why not try them and be beautiful? Mary pauline g. del rosario Lighten elbows and knees If it is a no-no for you to have uneven skin tone, especially on your knees and elbows, make a paste out of 1 tsp. of dry milk powder, some lemon juice enough to dilute the powder and water. Rub on skin areas you wish to lighten. Wait 10 minutes before washing.
Enjoy silkier hair Save your allowance from expensive salon treatment just to attain shiny hair. Instead, mix ¼ cup of vinegar and 6 cups of cold water. Let the vinegar sit for 5 minutes. Then, shampoo and condition your hair as usual.
Say no to sand paper hands
Hello tighter pores
Free your hands from callouses and roughness: get a few drops of olive oil and massage into both hands making sure to spread the oil. Wear gloves overnight and feel how soft your hands are in the morning.
Large pores often make skin look oily and saggy. Combine egg whites and 1 tsp. cornstarch and whip it until frothy. Spread the mask mixture over your face and let it dry. Rinse with warm water. Repeat the process once or twice a week.
Oh, brighter teeth! Never feel shy to smile and to show your sparkling teeth . Mash one ripe strawberry and mix it with ½ tsp. baking soda. Apply the mixture to teeth and wait for 5 minutes before gargling with water. Brush after with regular toothpaste.
CINEMANTICS THE TREE OF LIFE
KALAYAAN
SPACE TOURIST
In Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life,” the very core of our existence and humanity can never be more fleshed out. The film-– considered to be visual poetry-– tackles life in multiple layers. One is through the eyes of three boys of the O’Brien family where the death of one sibling and the beauty and wonders of a simple home put nature’s ability to simultaneously give and take life to the obvious. Then there’s the intricately woven images depicting the power of not only earth, but also of the universe as a whole.
If you went to Cinemalaya 8 and failed to see Adolf Alix’ “Kalayaan,” saying that you missed out on a chance of a lifetime would be an understatement.
Spending $20 million for a first class trip to space probably sounds ludicrous as compared to buying your own resort or vacation spot. But for businesswoman Anousheh Ansari, the idea could not sound more reasonable enough.
Describing its content to you would probably fill up not only this entire page, but also the magazine. So instead of filling you in on what you are about to see, it’s better to allow you to anticipate for what you will feel: life.
text
Kalayaan focused on three soldiers stationed in the Kalayaan group of islands, a remote area that continues to be uncharted territories for the Philippines. The storyline: three extremely bored (another understatement) soldiers relish and, at the same time, slowly rot in paradise with a mythical creature (which seemed like a mermaid). Simple plot yet heavy symbolisms.The breathe-taking scenery and deafening tranquility is a juxtaposition of having all the beauty of the world and having no means to enjoy it. The film also pays tribute to those who continue to fight for life in whatever form of battlefield.
Christian Frei’s “Space Tourist” is a documentary film about an ordinary citizen signing up for a Russian space program before booking passage to the International Space Station; all for the sake of her dream. Throughout the film, you will once again get to appreciate the beauty of the planet, only now it’s through the windows of a space shuttle.
KRYSTINE P. ANTONIO
COMING SOON: LIFE OF PI “All living things contain a measure of madness that moves them in strange, sometimes inexplicable ways.” Based on the best-selling novel by Yann Martel with the same name, Life of Pi follows the story of a young man, Pi Patel, who survives a disaster at sea and is stuck on a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean. Only, he’s not alone in the adventure he’s about to embark on, he’s with the ship’s other only survivor-- a Bengal tiger. However, the movie is more than just scenery porn with its open ocean view and wide array of animals. Even the author himself remarks at what he originally thought to be the “unfilmable” book, “I’m happy it works so well as a film. Even if the ending is not as ambiguous as the book’s, the possibility that there might be another version of Pi’s story comes at you unexpectedly and raises the same important questions about truth, perception and belief.” Ang Lee (Oscar and Academy Award winner for Best Director for Brokeback Mountain) based this movie on the screenplay by award nominee David Magee and gave justice to the movie that spent almost a decade in development and delivers a theatrical treat that hopes to be a truly cinematic experience. The film is scheduled for screening in the Philippines on January 2013. FLEURHELMINA S. ANG
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BRINGING THE COUNTRY TO THE CITY text ADRIAN NAZARENE DG. NUALDA
Farmville, the most popular farming simulation game in Facebook with 31 million users, has smitten fans all over the globe. It is not difficult to agree why it does: Imagine seeding vegetables at your own pace and on your brand new Hot Rod seeder, sprinkling fertilizer on crops, and waiting for it to grow, then harvesting with your newly-acquired Hot Rod harvester, the one with flames on the side. But why stick with something you only see in the computer? Why not make every backyard your Farmville? It doesn’t take a lot; that hint of interest may do more than suffice. CLAIM THE LAND Real-world Farmville in the city is called urban farming. More than a unique approach to planting, it is a revolution to a lifestyle. It’s not just agriculture; it is having your carrot cake (made from the organic ones) and eating it too. What you plant, and eventually what you will be eating, will absolutely be nutritious and pesticide-free. Organic food in most groceries does not come cheap, but your cake made up of healthy carrots can be dirt-cheap (no pun intended). Urban agriculture’s not only for veggies; it spans a wide array of disciplines too: animal husbandry (how people healthily breed domestic meat in the form of bovine, swine, and poultry without hormones and other manipulating factors), aquaculture (same as above, but with respect to the fish and aquatic organisms), agroforestry (combining ideal farming methods to support productive animal breeding) and horticulture (the use of aggressive methods for intensive cultivation of plants, including fruit-bearing trees for human consumption). FOOD FOR ALL Almost fifty percent of the total world population is in the city. Urban dwellers may spend around forty to fifty percent from their total income
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only for food. And over 250 million people struggle in miserable hunger, merely surviving by foraging through the streets for decent food. Gardening centers in the middle of cities can help cater to the simple needs of the modern family’s kitchen. By planting vegetables, it is not only the family that is ensured of ample supply of ingredients, but also the locality. You’ll be also secured that vital cooking implements don’t run out and that you have plenty to share to everyone. MORE FARM, LESS HARM Industrial farming, or the outright commercialization of agricultural products, employs modern technology to maximize profit. But modern technology has its downsides. Usage of synthetic fertilizer and pesticides could lead into the mutation of the animal kingdom into more ferocious beings, and contamination of the earth’s surface with various toxic chemicals. Modern farming techniques also use fossil fuels. A conventional truck averages 2400 kilometers per delivery of food; it uses an average 3.8 liters of fuel to deliver 45 kilograms of foodstuff. If we let these trucks drive shorter distances, we can save more at the fuel station and more importantly, reduce carbon footprint. Moreover, planting crops creates more leaves, which absorb and lessen carbon dioxide. Many structurally-enhanced abodes in the metropolis can also benefit from rooftop plants, On a hot day atop a residential building, the plants around may cool the temperature of the surroundings (and the building itself) by as much as twenty percent lower. Nothing can be more satisfying than getting down and dirty for the environment. The gratification of enjoying outside of your comfort zone and lending a hand for nature’s sake is priceless. Now, how about some carrot cake?
anatomy of nature PHOEMELA NICOLE V. BALLARAN
In her art installation entitled Echology, Mathilde Roussel contrasted human form with natural elements using dew, pollen, sap, branches, grass, bark, and milk, all encapsulated in glass jars. The withering specimens resonate the same fact of life that everything wilts. www.mathilderoussel.com
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art genom
FLEURHELMINA S. ANG
Integrating man-made elements into rural landscapes, Norwegian artist Rune Guneriussen captures photographs that range from dramatic to whimsical. His belief (art itself should be questioning and bewildering as opposed to patronising and restricting) could be translated into one’s love for nature. www.runeguneriussen.no
Strangeness at the Sea text PHOEMELA NICOLE V. BALLARAN Humans have long been fascinated by the infinite space and abundance of heavenly bodies above their heads; without knowing that they only need to look down towards the great depths of the ocean to be aware of another mystery that is worth marveling at. Brace yourselves for the math: 99% of the living space on Earth belongs to the ocean, of which less than 10% has been explored by humans. When you think of it, land animals are already overwhelming in number. But 50-80% of all life on the planet is found under the sea--eight of which are listed in here, all of them noted for their bizarreness (mostly somatic in nature). These fantastical dwellers of the aquatic are of just a tiny speck of the marine life. So muse on the idea of what possibly lurks beneath-- creatures swimming their way either upon discovery or abysmal oblivion.
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Sea Angel Blame the sea angel’s translucent and gelatinous body for its heavenly sight as it flap its “wings”, living up to its name. Well, those aren’t actually wings but, in fact, its feet. It is also hermaphroditic; meaning, it both has the male and female reproductive organs. The sea angel is-- like the snails and slugs-- a mollusk.
Vampire Squid The fullness of its name will make you wonder what it is that this squid do to deserve such name: Vampire Squid from Hell. It’s probably due to the vampire squid’s sly ability to get away from predators of any sizes: a) it wraps itself with its capelike webbed arms and opens a light-producing organ called photophores (located on its head), then slowly closes it to trick the predator into thinking that it is getting away; b) when a large predator inadvertently bumps it, the vampire squid will pump out phosphorescent particles to confuse the predator as it safely swims away.
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Leafy sea dragon Appearing almost the same as the habitat it resides in, the leafy sea dragon is known for its great camouflaging. This characteristic could be attributed to the leaflike appendages and the lobes of skin that grow on it, making it look like a floating sea weed. Yellow usually means slow down; but for the leafy sea dragon, yellow is the go signal for mating: its tail turns bright yellow when it is ready to reproduce.
Pink See-Through Fantasia The combination of the words pink, see-through, and fantasia sounds like a perfect name for a lingerie. But a pink see-through fantasia is a sea cucumber that is found in the Celebes Sea. It feeds on anything that stumbles upon its mouth with arm-like appendages. As with other transparent marine animals, a floating Pink See-Through Fantasia is also a sight to behold.
Barreleye fish Also known as “spook fish,” the barreleye fish has a black body with a transparent head and a pair of extraordinary eyes. The surprising fact is that what look like as eyes (those just above its tiny mouth) are its nose, and its real eyes are actually the two spheres inside the fluid-filled, see-through head. These tubular eyes of the barreleye fish enable it to scan the environment above its head.
Christmas Tree Worm One of the very aptly named resident of the life aquatic, the reason behind the Christmas tree worm’s name is selfexplanatory.The worm’s spiral structure is its breathing and feeding organ that catches any floating phytoplankton that goes near it. This marine worm doesn’t move that much. In fact, it is sedentary-- meaning, once it finds a place on a live coral that it likes, it burrows thru the coral and stays-- making you wish that your lover is the same as this worm.
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look beyond the shots
To take pictures is easy, but to create durable images with subjects that can’t be directed is another thing. Tim Flach’s masterpieces humanize animal poses and gestures, making the audience perceive different sides of the wildlife. www.timflach.com
ZHUSMITA MAY P. MANANGAN
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LOVE IS IN THE AIR text ANGELICA M. MALABAD
People often watch romantic movies to fall in love, without recognizing the details around them that are most likely parallel to those films. The details are the minute living things that we typically see but we’re not exactly sure about the purpose of their existence-insects. They are tiny but they can give love as much as a human can. And like men, male insects have their unique ways to woo females of the same species.
Cicadas are widely known for the singing insects. Hundreds or even thousands of male cicadas gather in an area and chant an ear-splitting chorus. It is believed that the louder the sound they produce, the greater chances of attracting females of the same species.
Love is certainly not blind
By rubbing their forewings, male crickets create a scratchy and loud sound that effectively lures females. Once the females move closer, the song changes to a softer courtship call.
For insects, having a 20/20 vision is essential to find a mate. Some of them begin their hunt by looking for visual cues or signals
On the other hand, the death-watch beetle simply bangs his noggin against a hard wooden surface to produce love calls. This loud pounding appeals to the females.
Butterfly male species spend much of their afternoon looking for receptive females. Like humans, attractiveness catches attention: the female with the most striking color could be the number one prospect.
Dancing and cuddling
Male flies typically rest where they can watch female flies travelling along their sight. If one comes along, he takes flight and makes contact with her; then, escorts her to an appropriate place for mating. Probably, fireflies are the most aggressive female insect species. They use their light as a signal for the males, to show that they are interested in mating. In response, the male will glint back to the female until they find each other. The 'harana' magic If modern Filipino men don’t believe that harana is the most romantic approach to get a woman’s affection, there are some insects that prove otherwise.
Any woman is an easy target to a man who can dance. Some male insects, specifically spiders, love to perform in front of their chosen mates. Jumping spiders can perform a linear dance, a zigzag dance, and even a sort of can-dance with their forelegs. Male flies, on the other hand, display their aerial dances to get a chance to cuddle with the females since like to be fondled and caressed to get in the mood for copulation. Wedding Gifts It is said that gift giving is one of the best strategies to warm one’s heart. For insects, this could also be applicable. A male hanging fly hunts and captures an arthropod before looking for a partner. Then, he will entice a female using the chemical signal from his prey, and offer
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“And like men, male insects have their unique ways to woo females of the same species.”
it to her as a gift. She will inspect the food, and if she finds the meal delectable, they will mate. If it does not appeal to her taste or if she finds the gift insufficient, she will immediately turn down his courting. For balloon flies, they wrap their prey in pretty, silken balloons and offer it to the females. Females travel to a group of readyto-mate males and choose a partner who presents the most attractive silk package. Don’t give the males too much credit, though. They’ve actually learned to trick the females by offering them empty balloons. Mormon crickets also have their unique way of giving presents to their chosen mate. They produce spermatophylax, a protein-rich wad which they attach to the females’ genitalia. The females eat the offering, costing the males 30% of their body weight. That’s a pretty selfless present.
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