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Bubblewrapped March 2011

CONTENTS THE TIPPING POINT 10 MURDER OFF THE MUMBAI COAST The point of crying over spilt oil. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE GREEN TONE 16 SHEDDING SOME LIGHT What are you doing on March 26th? We are switching off from 8:30pm - 9:30pm.

18 LATHER AND BLATHER The Body Shop's claims of being clean, green and naturally effective are about as substantial as a handful of foam. What say you? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE WILD TRUTH 24 PECKING ORDER We are on a scavenger hunt for Vultures.

28 HISSING AROUND Don't be afraid of Satan. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B+ 34 MERCHANDISING CHANGE EDITOR Chetna

DESIGNER Guru Munishwar

Shop for a cause. Loosen you purse strings and spread the cheer.

38 THE DREAM PITCH The kids of Project Crayons hit a few fours and sixes with the lads from England. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONTRIBUTORS Akhil Sood Elle Reynolds Rachel Lopez Rahul Fonseca Sachin Rai

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DISCLAIMER Views and opinions mentioned in this eMagazine do not necessarily reflect those of Bubble Wrapped or Graffiti Publishing House.Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Bubble Wrapped and Graffiti Publishing House cannot accept liability for errors and omissions contained in eMagazine. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission from Graffiti Publishing House is strictly prohibited.

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

Do you want to help Japan pick up the pieces? Here is a list of 10 non-profits that have committed to send relief resources directly. For more details log on to http://media.causes.com/ribbon/1032753. Special thanks to The Causes Team, Facebook.

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ADRA: Initial $25,000 of aid committed. Assessment team evaluating affected area and preparing broader response. Providing food and shelter for train passengers that are stranded in Tokyo. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------AMERICAN RED CROSS: Gifts to the American Red Cross International Relief Fund will support their disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES Our partners are assessing the needs where the tsunami has caused extensive damage. CRS has programs in the Philippines and Indonesia and works with partners in numerous islands in the Pacific that might be affected. Central American countries where CRS works could also be in danger. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CONVOY OF HOPE: Disaster Response team established connection with in-country partners who have been impacted by the damage and are identifying the needs and areas where Convoy of Hope may be of the greatest assistance. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS: Putting together relief teams, as well as supplies, and are in contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------OXFAM USA: Oxfam is poised to respond if disaster strikes vulnerable countries in the tsunamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s path. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------REAL MEDICINE FOUNDATION: RMF was founded in 2005 in response to the Asian Tsunami relief efforts. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working to see where our funding, resources and expertise will be most effective to those most affected in Japan. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SAVE THE CHILDREN: Mobilizing to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SHELTERBOX: ShelterBox responds instantly to natural and man-made disasters by delivering boxes of aid to those who are most in need. The box includes a tent for a family of 10, cooker, blankets, water purification, tool kit and other items survivors need to rebuild their lives in the days, weeks and months following a disaster. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------WORLD VISION: World Vision staff members are on high alert, preparing to respond.

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THE TIPPING POINT 8

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MURDER OFF THE MUMBAI COAST Author: Akhil Sood

The explosion of the Deepwater Horizon, a drilling unit on a British Petroleum-operated project off the Gulf of Mexico, resulted in what is considered one of the largest marine oil s p i l l s e v e r, w i t h f a r r e a c h i n g consequences which are being felt even today. Soon after, on August 7th 2010, two international cargo ships, the MV MSC Chitra, and the MV Khalijia 3, collided off the coast of Mumbai, causing another devastating spill. More than 800 tons of oil poured into the sea before any substantial action could be taken, causing tremendous damage to the ecological environment. The financial damage was also far reaching, as movement along the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and the Mumbai port were suspended for a few days after the spill. While not as massive as the incident off the Gulf of Mexico, which continued to spill oil for three months after the explosion, the collision is still one of the largest such disasters to take place on Indian waters.

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

Mangroves along the coasts of

choppy,” says Arun Gupta (name

Retrospective Action and

Mumbai, Thane and Raigad were largely

changed), an engineer for an Indian

Shipping Procedures

destroyed, and the impact is still being

shipping company, “but that is no

According to the guidelines of the

calculated. “The maximum impact of

excuse. It was a grave error. Both the

National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency

the spill was felt on the mangrove areas.

captains were arrested, and usually in

Plan, as devised by the Indian Coast

The spill spread to various land areas,

such cases, the captains are not given

Guard, the duties of the Coast Guard

such as Uran, Mandwa, and Elephanta.

employment after such an incident.” He

involve “marine environmental

It was quite a wide section, and some of

tells us that the authorities were

preservation, protection, and

the mangrove areas were so completely

equipped with the necessary skill and

prevention and control of pollution in

covered with oil that nothing could have

technology to handle the incident, and

the maritime zones of India.” Says

possibly survived,” says Sumaira

the port was shut down for about 8 to 10

Sumaira, “The Coast Guard has been

Abdulali, a well-known environmentalist

days. “‘Lifting’, which is the process of

installed for monitoring and reporting oil

who is also the Managing Trustee of the

stabilising the tilting ship to ensure that

spills. But this is a very difficult area to

Awaaz Foundation. She had written to

further oil does not spill in to the sea,

monitor. Public awareness about such

the government as well, demanding a

and placing it in an upright position, took

disasters is not very widespread, and

probe into the spill. She claims that the

around three weeks. Despite the

very little work is being done in this field

impact of the spill could have been

incident happening at the busiest port in

aside cleaning processes carried out by

minimised, but it was allowed to spread

India, the authorities did not possess

the Bombay Natural History Society

due to a lack of planning. “The spill

the necessary equipment, and a

(BNHS), a few NGOs working actively to

spread over a vast area since there were

salvaging company from Singapore was

raise awareness about it, and some

no systems in place to curb its impact.”

summoned in order to repair the

work done by government institutions

damage. They brought their own

like IIT Mumbai. It’s a case of out of

How it Happened

equipment and ship, and used heavy-

sight, out of mind.”

Says Derrick Alvares, who has worked

duty cranes to lift up the container ship

as the Chief Engineer for off-shore

which was tilting. There is a device

Arun adds that while it remains the

harbour tugs, “There are certain

made of thermocole which is used

responsibility of the Coast Guard to

navigational rules, or RoR (Rules of the

during oil spills. It surrounds the erring

monitor all possible spills, such a task is

Road), which dictate the pattern of

ship and being a light material, it floats

much harder to execute. “Aside from

movement on a ship. For example, if one

on the water, preventing the spill from

environmental preservation, the Coast

ship is taking the port side, then the

spreading any further, but it wasn’t

Guard, which is state governed, also has

other has to take the starboard (port and

available at the time of the collision.”

to monitor any infiltration. The naval

starboard are navigational directions).

Arun goes on to inform us that action

base is located near the Gateway of India, and the Coast Guard has to

The collision could have been the result

was taken in the aftermath of the

of miscalculation or a human error.”

incident, and the authorities have

monitor the entire West Coast. It’s like a

“The incident happened around the

woken up to the dangers of oil spills

needle in a haystack,” he affirms.

monsoon season, when the sea is a bit

having procured the necessary equipment now. 11

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

monsoon, but the damage is not

MARPOL, which stands for maritime

Environmental

pollution, is an international protocol of

and Ecological Impact

irreversible. We are waiting for

which India is a signatory. It issues

The spill destroyed a large chunk of the

regeneration this year, but there is also

various regulations that ensure pollution

mangroves in the affected areas,

the problem of intermittent pollution

by shipping companies is minimised. “It

resulting in long-term damage. “The

through industries in the area that affect

enforces strict rules regarding disposal.

authorities carried out procedures to

the mangroves,” he adds.

Food cannot be dumped within three

clean the oil which had infiltrated the

nautical miles of the shore, and disposal

land areas through bio-treatment, and I

of plastic is strictly banned. The

believe this process went off well,

also in the process of setting up an NGO

Oil/Water Separator (OWS) is a machine

preventing further long-term damage.

called the Village Project, which will aim

Well-known filmmaker Vinta Nanda is

through which bilge is passed through.

However, the treatment was carried out

at cleaning up the beaches of Mumbai

It separates oil and water, and the rules

only after the oil had pervaded such a

by working alongside the Khar Danda

maintain that a ship can only discharge

vast area of land,” says Sumaira. Derrick

Fishermen’s Village Association. “We

15 parts per million (ppm), and that too,

talks about the immediate impact of the

are currently in the process of gathering

at a distance of 12 nautical miles from

spill, “It damaged marine life, and

funds, and we should probably be active

the coast, and no oil is to be discharged

resulted in the loss of wages to fishing

within six months or so. The project

into the sea,” says Derrick. When you

trawlers as well.”

aims at cleaning up the beaches, which

The BNHS has been actively involved in

it has accumulated over time, it has

transport for a bilge holding tank. This is

the gauging of damage in the aftermath

almost become like rock.”

used to discharge all the sludge, bilge

of the spill. “Right now, we are still doing

have collected so much garbage. And as

reach Indian waters, you have to contact your local agent and arrange a mobile

and dirty oil on board, and it is necessary

the assessment, seeing the

The government issued a notice

to maintain an oil record book, keeping

geographical extent of the damage, and

advising people to avoid consuming

track of all the bilge on board and being

how much of the areas have been

seafood after the spill. Sumaira narrates

discharged, and also providing the exact

cleaned up. We will submit the final

how the prices of fish plummeted after

location of the ship at these times.” He

report in November,” says Deepak Apte,

the spill, causing a state of disarray in

goes on to inform us that officials from

Head – Conservation, BNHS. He informs

the market as fishermen suffered the

the Port State Control can board a ship

us that the oil has virtually reached most

brunt of it since it remained their sole

anywhere and inspect the record book,

of the mangrove areas from Mandwa,

livelihood. “The drop in prices was

and also check for any leakages, giving

up till Alibaug and Raigad. “A substantial

largely evident. But more importantly,

recommendations to the captain and

amount has been cleaned up, due to

once the ban was lifted, I don’t think it

chief engineer based on that. According

procedures undertaken as well as the

was done on the basis of any scientific

to MARPOL regulations, emissions

process of natural cleaning because of

processes or tests. While the August

from the engine through the funnel are

the strong water supply during the

spill was a large-scale one, and was

also banned, since that pollutes the air.

monsoons. The regeneration of the

heavily reported, minor spills happen far

mangroves did not happen last

too frequently. How can we tell which

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

fish is suffering from the toxic impact of

infiltrating the soil, and in turn the

people who were working with the

the oil, and which one isn’t?” Deepak

vegetables and fruits that we eat. The

refineries and security guards who saw

tells us that the notice was

resultant pollution affects the health of a

the birds suffering.”

precautionary due to the hazards posed

large population in Mumbai, and it

by the spill, and the maximum

becomes difficult to ascertain the extent

Further Oil Spills

impact on the fishes was on

of damage caused.”

Aside from the much-publicised spill following the collision in August, the

shellfish, including crabs. Much apart from the people who may

country faced yet another spill in

The oil from the spill washed ashore on

have gotten exposed to the oil at the

January this year, when an Oil and

the nearby islands, completely

time, a large chunk of animals also

Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC)

destroying the fishing life of the areas.

ended up suffering due to the spill.

pipeline burst around 80 kms from the

“The water on the land was

Thankfully though, the damage was not

coast of Mumbai. However, the damage

contaminated, which caused these

too great. The Bombay Society for the

caused was minimal as a contingency

people to suffer severe financial losses

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

plan was swiftly put into action and the

as the quality of fishes procured was

(BSPCA) treated various birds who had

rupture in the pipelines was plugged

suspect. However, perhaps more

suffered damage to their health as a

within two days, preventing the oil slick

significant was the widespread impact

result of exposure. Colonel JC Khanna,

from spreading.

on the people who were residing on

Secretary of the BSPCA, tells us that lots

these nearby islands. It hampered their

of flamingos and pigeons were brought

However, Sumaira informs us of another

very life since even the water that they

to the hospital for treatment. “Lots of

spill that allegedly happened soon after

needed to drink was stained with the oil.

birds, especially from the seashores,

the one in August. “It happened

Also, the powerful waves resulted in the

were brought to us. Probably 90% of

sometime in October or November, but

oil even reaching holiday resorts like

them recovered, except for the odd bird

w a s n’ t a c k n o w l e d g e d b y t h e

Alibaug, causing further pollution. You

which had inhaled the oil, which causes

authorities. I have photographs which

can’t underestimate the power of the

severe respiratory problems. The

show fresh oil washed ashore. The

tides going out,” says Arun.

damage was not long term. Generally,

characteristic of this oil was different

Sumaira raises further concerns as she

flamingos come in the months of

from the oil spilled by the ships, but no

August and September. It takes around

action was taken and it went

maintains that the influence of the spill

six to eight months to clear out the

unreported. Due to limited media

on health of the people could be drastic.

effects of the spill. That particular year,

coverage, not enough attention is being

“The number of people exposed to the

the number of flamingos that came was

paid to these minor spills that occur

oil cannot be restricted to just the

20-30% less than usual. Luckily, the

from time to time and cause a

fishermen on the coastal areas.

impact was only short-term, and the

significant impact on

Ultimately, it has a significant impact on

situation is expected to improve. The

the environment.”

the health of all those exposed, be it

people who brought the animals to us

through evaporation, or the oil

included a lot of activists, but also

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

THE GREEN TONE 14

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

SHEDDING SOME LIGHT Author: Elle Reynolds Photography: (courtesy) WWF-India Ironies are commonplace in a land where the festival of lights and daily power cuts live in a state of unnatural symbiosis. Wielding the power of light, therefore, can come across as redundant, if there is no higher purpose. Enter Earth Hour, launched four years ago in Sydney, Australia. 2.2 million individuals and over 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour in support for a cause that in one year took the message of global energy sustainability to more than 35 countries across 18 time zones. Stepping up in 2009, India joined hands with now over 120 nations worldwide in this annual call for action against climate change scheduled for March 26th from 8.30 to 9.30 pm this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last year, Earth Hour became the largest voluntary action ever witnessed in history,â&#x20AC;? said Aarti

Khosla,

Programme

Communications and Campaigns, WWF-India who has worked with the initiative from the very beginning. 120 private and public organisations across 125 cities in India participated in the

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

effort last year. Banks, local cafés,

budgets,” said Aarti “and to some

Uttar Pradesh also signed in to the social

defence institutions like the Indian

extent trying to explain the merit of a

networking page and left this note. “(I)

Military Academy willingly flipped the

switch off campaign to an Indian

will go to the nearest electric house,

switch in support. “It is a simple call to

audience that is fundamentally an

explain the cause and ask for their

action,” said Aarti. “We want to

energy starved society is tough.” If

support by cutting the power supply of

empower individuals to tackle the issue

you're smiling to yourself at this

near by areas for (that) one hour,” he said

moment and know your idea can make a

about his plan for the hour.

difference, this team is all ears.

Noble intentions indeed, but what

of climate change for themselves.” Some of the project's toughest critics

happens after March 26th, 2011? “The

often ask the all-important question.

Government needs to introduce

Sanjana Chowdhury, homemaker from

stronger policies to promote renewable

Mumbai, Maharashtra switched off all

energy in homes and businesses. They

her electrical appliances at home in

also need to support use of lesser

support last year. She said, “I want to

carbon intensive fuels, and implement

continue my support. But, how much

climate friendly actions towards

power is saved in that hour and how do I

Their Facebook fan page

becoming 'carbon neutral cities',”

know what is being done with it?”

facebook.com/earthhourindia

said Aarti.

and Twitter WWF-India (earthhour.in) who help

twitter.com/earthhourindia

organise the event in the country

pages ask members for feedback on

initiative, Smt. Sheila Dixit, Chief

provides updated information online. It

how they plan to spend Earth Hour this

Minister of Delhi and Mr. Singh, CEO

In a bid to extend its support to the

maintains that the aim is a behavioural

y e a r. T h e r e s p o n s e h a s b e e n

and SG, WWF-India will come together

change rather than merely acting as a

encouraging. While some take on the

to mark the start of Earth Hour 2011 by

power saver campaign. “The aim is to

role of crusader, others plan to focus on

turning off the power at India Gate in

create a conscious recognition of the

some tinder loving in their own lives.

New Delhi on March 26th at 8.30 pm.

amount of energy each person uses. A

Expect low visibility at other famous

segment of our society wastes ever-

Akash Shirodkar from Porvorim, Goa

landmarks in the city like the

increasing amounts of energy. This

logged on and said you will find him, “on

Qutub Minar, Red Fort and the

must be checked.” While long-term

the street from 8.30 to 9.30 pm, asking

tomb of Humayun.

benefits may seem vague and

people who have not participated, to

unquantifiable, slow positive change is

join hands with other people (around the

Even, the city that never sleeps,

better than none at all.

world) and switch off all their appliances

Mumbai,

and lights for another hour.”

incandescent stars – the Gateway of

What few people realise, is that even a

will

encourage

its

India and Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link - to join

campaign that seems as simple as this

Another vocal supporter of the project,

its counter parts worldwide and get

one has cog-stopping hurdles. “Tight

Ashutosh Morrisson, from Ghaziabad,

some much needed shut eye.

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

LATHER AND BLATHER Author: Rachel Lopez

Back in the 1980s, many years before Naomi Campbell threw her first hairbrush at an assistant, Vogue magazine decided that supermodels were not famous enough and dedicated a whole cover story to their skincare regimes. Campbell was interviewed, as were Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington and Claudia Schiffer. Even Linda Evangelista, who famously said that she wouldn't get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day, answered questions about her cleansing routine – perhaps from her bed itself. Among the usual revelations of “I drink lots of water” and “I head to a secret spa in the mountains every weekend”, was one model's confession that her flawless skin was courtesy a Body Shop cleansing bar. It may sound hilarious in 2011, but over two decades ago, it probably wasn't so funny. A newly booming America – with bad hair, c l o y i n g p e r f u m e s , Wa l l S t r e e t millionaires and shoulder-pads – was where bigger, brighter and louder was always better, even in the skincare market. It made sense then for the

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

model to recommend not something

nickname, “the shares that defy gravity”

In the case of The Body Shop, both of

trendy, but it's very opposite – a little

since it opened at 95pence but

the above have unfortunately been true.

known brand that championed natural

increased by more than 500%.

While the company puts shiny happy

cared as much for your skin as it did for

Today, however, even a buyer who

on its labels, they are by no means plant-

the rainforest and labs full of red-eyed

knows nothing of Anita Roddick (who

derives. The company itself claims that

rabbits. That the brand was founded by

died in 2007) will find that The Body

they are not “all-natural”, but “inspired

a maverick bohemian made it easier to

Shops slogans sound self righteous,

by nature”, a convenient phrase that

love. Anita Roddick may have been up in

even a bit suspicious. Let's say you're

allows them to produce what the

arms about community trade and saving

looking for their body lotion made with

cosmetic industry calls “alibi

whales (by using jojoba oil instead of

community-trade cocoa butter. There's a

formulations”: synthetic compounds

whale-produced spermaceti), but she

Body Shop in every major Indian city and

combined chemically with a tiny

ingredients, recycled its packaging and

images of plants, blossoms and herbs

was no ordinary hippie. She liked to

more than a few in the biggest metros.

sprinkling of natural ingredients.

bathe. She smelled good. She even

In fact, the chain has become the

Meaning there's not enough cocoa

shaved her underarms for Pete's sake.

second largest cosmetic franchise in

butter in the bottle to offer enough

the world, with 2,400 stores in 61

skincare benefits. It's not even enough

It's little wonder then that The Body

countries. Each outlet has at least 10 of

to fragrance or add colour to the lotion –

Shop quickly became cool, popular and

every item on display, plus a

that's all synthetic.

successful. In an era when you could

conservative estimate of five in storage,

buy everything, Roddick's brand of

so that's 15 500 ml bottles which

As for the fair trade claims, consider

ethical consumerism ensured that you

adds up to 18,000 litres of

this: The Body Shop started sourcing

could also buy a conscience. She

lotion in stores right now.

Brazil nuts from the Kayapo tribe in

eventually steered her ad campaigns to

1991, launching a huge campaign

target unfair representations of women

That's an awful lot of lotion. And there

calling for “Trade not Aid” to developing

in the media – pointing fingers at the

are some four other products in the

countries. But the former University of

very supermodels who liked her soaps,

cocoa butter line. If even a quarter of it

Chicago anthropologist and Kayapo

but it seemed to have worked. In the

was cocoa butter, that's an impossible

expert Terrence Turner has stated that

stock market, it was given the

amount of cocoa to be traded ethically.

the “project has been very disruptive for

Unless of course there's less cocoa

the Kayapo”. When the tribe's chief sued

butter in your lotion or lip balm than you

the company for exploiting his image for

The Body Shop quickly became cool, popular and successful. In an era when you could buy everything, Roddick’s brand of ethical consumerism ensured that you could also buy a conscience.

think. Or worse, you're buying less

commercial gain in 1993, it turned out

fair-trade products than you've been

that The Body Shop was sourcing no

led to believe.

more than 0.165 % of its goods from fair-trade sources. The chief won. The gravity defying share price finally fell to earth.

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

In The Body Shop's Charter, Roddick

system at The Body Shop's

pandering to a market already created

states that the company's “goals and

headquarters in New Jersey. The

by competitors like Ole Henrickson and

values are as important as our products

management ignored the reports,

TiGi. No wonder even Indian

and profits”. But that axiom rang hollow

prompting him to quit.

models seemed to have moved on to newer distractions.

long before the brand was taken over by the L'Oreal Group for 652.3 million

Their other causes, including opposing

pounds in 2006 (Anita Roddick and her

animal testing, promoting AIDS

husband Gordon reportedly made 130

awareness, human rights and battling

million pounds from the sale). Roddick

domestic violence and globalisation

has claimed that hers was the “first skin

have found to be riddled with hypocrisy

and hair care company to encourage

too. Roddick who applauded

customers to bring back used

companies that refused to trade with

packaging for recycling” offering US

repressive economies like China, was

customers 25 cents off if they came in

exposed as buying gift baskets from the

with empty Body Shop containers for a

Chinese.

refill. But in reality, customers got as little as 10 cents off per ounce, hardly an incentive to save the world.

In recent times, The Body Shop's worst enemy has not been the watchdogs

The Body Shop started sourcing Brazil nuts from the Kayapo tribe in 1991, launching a huge campaign calling for “Trade not Aid” to developing countries. In 1993... it turned out that The Body Shop was sourcing no more than 0.165 % of its goods from fair-trade sources.

among the public, but its own product The company's green image has turned

line. Once known for its radical new

muddy over the years. In the early

innovations (it popularised body scrubs,

1990s, various guides, including

hemp lotion, blue-corn face masks, tea-

Consumer Reports, criticised The Body

tree cleansers and Vitamin E creams)

Shop products on overall quality or for

the brand fell behind in the 1990s

liberal use of synthetics. There have also

market where brands like Aveda, Lush

been

and Origins dominated. Their line of

instances

product

contamination. David Brook, a former

naturally derived cosmetics came too

Environmental Protection Agency

late as well, offering little to distinguish

lawyer and the company's US manager

itself in terms of ingredients, quality or

of environmental affairs in the early

packaging. The brand's most recent

1990s, provided environmental-agency

launch, sulphate free shampoos

records showing that pollutants were

inspired by the rainforest, are also

being discharged into the local water

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

FOR HIRE To advertise here please contact Chetna at adsales@bubblewrapped.asia

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THE WILD TRUTH 22

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

PECKING ORDER Author: Rahul Fonseca

Dwindling numbers and bleak statistics have almost sent vultures in India to the land of the dodo. Known as the recyclers of nature, vultures are extremely important to our survival. With a rapidly decreasing vulture population, that has fallen by over 98% in the past few decades, these birds have almost been exterminated. Dr. Vibhu Prakash, Deputy Director of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) Mumbai and Head of their Vulture Conservation Breeding Programme has witnessed the decreasing numbers first hand. He said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vulture population has dropped from approximately 40 million in the 1980's to about 60,000 in 2007. The difference is significant and the cause needs better coverage.â&#x20AC;? Today the numbers stand at a dismal 11,000. This is due, in no small measure, to misconceptions about these birds and a loss of their natural habitat. Contrary to popular belief, vultures do not hunt living creatures. Most often their typical diet includes the remnants of small and large animal carcasses. Gruesome though the thought may be,

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

these large avians are an integral link in

support the fact that these giant birds

April 2004 resulted in a landmark

the circle of life. The birds keep the

were in fact being poisoned, it was

decision. Diclofenac was to be phased

spread of infectious diseases among

unintentional. Diclofenac - a non-

out and an official ban on the use and

animals and humans in check. Vultures

steroidal anti-inflammatory drug was

production of this drug was passed by

are of also of vital importance to the

introduced to India for veterinary use in

the Central Government in May 2006.

Zoroastrian community as one of the

the late 1980s. The drug was a popular

key ways to dispose their dead.

treatment for ailing livestock throughout

In spite of the ban, a recent survey by

the Indian subcontinent. Healthy birds

the BNHS found the drug readily

The BNHS was among the first

excrete uric acid through the kidneys.

available in drug stores around the

institutions to notice the dwindling

Birds eating the carcasses of these

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in the Nilgiri

numbers and sounded the alarm in the

animals built up toxic levels of the drug,

Hills range in South India. The results of

late 1990's. Due to their efforts of

which caused kidney damage and gout.

this survey showed that most people

recording this rapid population decline,

With kidney failure, uric acid builds up in

from farmers to veterinary experts were

three vulture species were listed as

the bloodstream and crystallizes on

unaware of the ban and continued to

'Critically Endangered' by the

organs, especially the heart, liver, and

u s e t h e d r u g . C . S a s i k u m a r,

International Union for Conservation of

kidneys causing death. To most

Ornithologist, and the South Zone Co-

Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened

farmers, Diclofenac is a godsend. Like

ordinator of the Vulture Conservation

Species. To be listed here, means that

most over-the-counter painkillers, it

Project of the BHNS said, “This is a very

the species is at extremely high risk of

does not cure livestock but can alleviate

dangerous situation as far as vultures

pain enough to allow animals to

are concerned. If laws are not enforced

continue labouring through the day.

and the situation brought under control

extinction in the wild. Theories abound as to why vulture

New research has uncovered a similar

immediately, the remaining vulture

populations have declined at such a

drug that has also lead to a number of

population here will be extinct soon.”

rapid pace. Some believe that

vultures dying. “Ketoprofen is less toxic

widespread urbanisation has chased

than Diclofenac, but it also causes fatal

An answer to this dilemma might just be

these raptors out of their habitat. Others

visceral gout”, said Prakash.

another drug, Meloxicam. Developed by

During The International Workshop

Indian Veterinary Research Institute

maintain that they have been trapped or intentionally poisoned by villagers who

the BNHS in collaboration with the

believe that vultures prey on their

conducted at Kathmandu, Nepal in

(IVRI), this alternative painkiller for

livestock.

February 2004, India woke up to the

livestock does not poison carrion-eating

need for action against vulture

birds. With promising test results, it was

Extensive research conducted by the

extinction. The aim was to tackle the

introduced into the Indian market in

BNHS, UK-based Royal Society for

causes of vulture decline by 2010 and

2006. Expensive at first, the drug is

Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the

establish self-sustaining populations of

slowly becoming affordable as more

Zoological Society of London (ZSL) have

vultures in the wild by 2030. The

companies manufacture and distribute

evidence to the contrary. While findings

National Workshop held in New Delhi in

it across the country.

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

In 2005 the BNHS started a vulture

centres in Haryana, West Bengal and

Awareness Day. The aim is for each

breeding project in Haryana and West

Assam. US-based The Peregrine Fund

participating organisation to carry out

Bengal with 18 vultures caught in

started the The Asian Vulture Population

their own activities worldwide to

Assam. The project has shown signs of

Project, a factual data resource,

highlight the cause of vulture

success with 15 hatchings buoying the

compiled and verified by

conservation and raise the global levels

numbers in 2010.The captive population

informed observers.

of awareness. While re-populating the

In an effort to save these helpful

Sustained long-term conservation will

at the Pinjore centre in Haryana has now increased to 134 birds since the

wild is difficult, it is not impossible.

project's inception. According to

scavengers from extinction, the state of

ensure future generations will see and

Prakash, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bringing as many vultures as

Maharashtra also recently embarked on

experience these majestic birds in their natural habitat.

possible into captivity is the best way to

a project to create a safe haven for these

save them from extinction.â&#x20AC;? The captive

birds to feed without fear of being

breeding of vultures has been difficult

poisoned. The first of its kind in India,

as no prior work had been done with the

the vulture 'restaurant' at the Phansad

species and the project met with mixed

Wildlife Sanctuary, in Raigad district,

reactions. The strongest opposition has

opened in January 2011. Forest officials

been because this procedure requires

ensure there is a continuous supply of

wild specimens to be captured, eggs

cow, water buffalo and bullock

collected from nests and artificially

carcasses at the main feeding area.

incubated. Others agree that breeding

Vultures gather at the large clearing

projects are necessary and a number of

equipped with tree stumps and logs of

prominent members from the

wood that mimic perches. Officials

Zoroastrian community have been vocal

work together to ensure that the

about their support for sustained

carcasses are Diclofenac-free and safe

breeding projects. One of the biggest

to consume. International organisations

DID YOU KNOW?

challenges though, is that captive

have also extended their support by

Vultures serve a higher purpose for a

breeding is extremely difficult as

sharing resources. Websites like

little over 1,00,000 Zoroastrians that live

vultures mature after four years,

www.vultureday.org provide helpful

in the Indian sub-continent. The

mate for life and hatch only

information through e-newsletters and

Zoroastrian faith does not permit natural

one chick every year.

one can find more information via social

elements of wind, fire, earth and water

networking sites like Facebook and

to be polluted by death, seen as the

Although there was initial difficulty in

Twitter. An increasing number of

work of evil. The dead must be allowed

obtaining permissions from the Central

professionals are exploring the online

to disintegrate naturally or be

Government and the Ministry of

medium to fuel the awareness drive and

consumed by birds like vultures, who

Environment and Forests, the BNHS

the first Saturday of September every

they believe were created specifically

now runs successful vulture breeding

year is observed as International Vulture

for this purpose.

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HISSING AROUND

Author & Photography: Sachin Rai What causes more deaths in modern cities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; road accidents or snake bites? Yet, the sight of Cleopatra's messenger of death can create havoc and in most cases it's the snake that's brutally killed. A recent report suggests that snake bites fatally affect as many as 50,000 human lives and an additional 9, 50,000 people get bitten but live to tell the story across the world.

A recent BBC

documentary titled One Million Snake Bites, released as yet in the UK features the famous herpetologist Romulus Whitaker investigating the truth behind these statistics and figuring how best to help people and save the snakes as well. In India, snakes have traditionally been venerated as Gods in Hindu mythology and thus command a lot of respect which is perhaps borne out of fear. In many parts of India snakes such as the Cobra are still worshipped and festivals like Nag Panchami are celebrated with much enthusiasm (and indeed, aberration). With the advent of modernisation and urbanisation, among other factors, one can observe a

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

decrease in people's confidence and

dump â&#x20AC;&#x201C; basically, any place which can

tolerance levels which has ultimately

sustain rat populations. Most snakes

Some easy steps to avoid snake-bites

resulted in a lowering down of its iconic

are active during the night but usually

-Identify potential habitat:

status to almost that of a pest.

tend to avoid confrontation with

Don't wander off in places with a lot of

Urbanites, especially, panic at the sight

humans and even larger animals like

wooden debris/piles of construction

of this creepy crawly in their city (more

dogs. They are known to attack humans

materials/ruins. Ensure that

so when it is in their backyard), and

only in self-defence as any self-

confrontation is reduced by clearing off

some well-intentioned ones proclaim

respecting organism would, especially

rotting junk from your backyard.

with great conviction that the snake

when cornered.

-Wear covered shoes: If you

needs to be rehabilitated in its 'natural'

really cannot avoid such places then

setting that is to say, dense forests. The

However, it must be remembered that

truth, however, is a bit more complex...

snakes are not snuggle-toys and a

protective shoes.

respectful distance must be

-Contact a snake rescuer (not a charmer): If you do happen to spot

wearing gumboots or such other

Of the 15-20 species of snakes found in

maintained. It may come as a surprise to

and around Mumbai it is only four

many, but it is illegal to kill a snake in our

a snake, stay calm, disperse the crowd,

species that cause most fatalities, while

country. There are several snake rescue

gently move away (remember not to

the rest could either cause extreme pain

societies whose volunteers can come

startle the snake) and contact a local

at worst or minor injury at best. The

up to your doorstep to rescue snakes by

snake rescuer. If it is during the day

Spectacled Cobra, Common Krait,

causing the least amount of distress to

when snakes are generally less active, it

Russell's Viper and Saw-scaled Viper are

people and the animal. So next time you

will usually take cover in a

among the most venomous snakes

spot a snake, call the nearest snake

burrow or a crevice.

found in the city but let's briefly remind

rescuer before you scream for help and

-Keep an eye: While the snake

ourselves that a lot more people lose

end up with blood on your hands.

rescuer is on his/her way, remember to

their lives to road accidents and

keep a watch on where the snake last

diseases than to snake bites. And

took shelter but don't try to be

among the non-venomous ones, the Rat

too curious.

Snake, Checkered Keelback, Vine Snake

Did you know?

and Common Kukri can be encountered

Katraj Snake Park at the outskirts of

in the city.

Pune city was initiated by the renowned herpetologist Neelim Kumar Khaire and

While different snakes feed on a variety

is known to house a variety of snakes

of creatures, most of the big ones prey

including the King Cobra. The staff and

on rats and are thus dubbed as nature's

volunteers here provide education to

municipality. It is for this reason that one

thousands of tourists who make their

can encounter snakes in places like

way to see the fascinating reptile

gutters, rotting wooden debris, piles of

collection here.

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

ASLI

JANWAR

KAUN?????

He trusts you completely. He loves you without question. He will devote his entire life to you. And yet, you abandoned him on the street. To starve and fall sick. Scared and alone. To die, slowly and painfully. Every day, pets are left to die by owners who think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alright to treat a loving, innocent creature in this manner. So tell us, who is the real animal here? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be silent. Report all such cases to Animals Matter to Me on +91 9819380310 and help bring justice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

B+ 32

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

MERCHANDISING CHANGE Author: Chetna, Nikita Sawant

Retail therapy can do no wrong; shopping can cause no harm. And Bubble Wrapped now makes 'burning a hole in your pocket' the 'right thing to do'.

CRY WORLD A space with a purpose - to see, to know, and to do what’s right for India’s marginalised children, CRY World is the on-ground shop supported by CRY – Child Rights and You. When you buy a product from CRY World, you contribute towards the organisation’s work to ensure children their rights in villages and slums across the country. For more information visit www.cryworld.cry.org. T-shirts (for adults) Vivid colours from the 'Expressions of Childhood' palette are offset by striking black. Show your support for child rights in a stylish and attractive way. M, L and XL sizes Priced at Rs. 210/-

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T-shirts (for children) Bright, funky colours with cheeky messaging that's bound to be a favourite with kids and parents alike! S and M sizes Priced at Rs. 185/Stationery The perfect accessories for your desk - a handy memo pad in a wooden box and a foldable pen stand. Available in two designs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 'Handprint' and 'Stand up for Child Rights' - that capture the bold, carefree colours from the 'Expressions of Childhood' palette. Priced at Rs. 120/- to Rs. 140/DIY Sand Art Kit This Do-It-Yourself kit comes with 4 coloured sand cones, a variety of craft materials, texturing tools and a detailed 'how-to' leaflet to ensure your child (4-10 years) can create greeting cards, photo frames and any other showpiece. Priced at Rs. 225/DIY Craft Kit A Do-It-Yourself kit perfect for children (4-12 years) to create wall hangings, bookmarks and greeting cards. Each kit is equipped with 4 coloured paint tubes, a variety of craft materials like sequins, crepe paper and a detailed â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;how-to' leaflet. Priced at Rs. 225/-

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EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EMPLOYMENT Gauri and Vikas Vichare have given vocational training and skilled labour a new dimension through their work at the Dindayal Sanstha. The women of Milind Nagar, Aurangabad have patched up their sense of self-worth and independence as they sewed together many pieces of cloth transforming them into bags, pouches, folders and more. Today, they manage additional expenses and run their house better now that they have another source of income. Many have saved money and invested in electric sewing machines, thus helping them produce more pieces within the allotted time. The bags and other products made by the women of Milind Nagar are sold at various exhibitions in Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad. Gauri and Vikas can be contacted on 9960921132 for special orders. Photography and inputs by Nikita Sawant.

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

THE DREAM PITCH Author: Chetna

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Never thought that I will play with players from a different country. Project Crayons made our dream true.â&#x20AC;? Those were the words of Kuldeep, the captain of the Project Crayons' Gully Cricket team that recently played against Northants Cricket Club (NCCC) from England in Bangalore. Barry Gourdriaan, Head Physiotherapist with the NCCC read about the Gully Cricket initiative on Facebook and wasted no time in contacting Neishaa Gharat, CatalystGlobal Awareness & Collaborations of Project Crayons to propose a cricket jamming session with his team. Subsequently, 15 boys from Ambujwadi community travelled to Bangalore from Mumbai and interacted with the boys from England on 23rd February at JSS Cricket Ground. NCCC has an existing programme called the Emerging Players Programme (EPP), aiming at offering a platform to the youth with promising potential in cricket. The objective is similar to the Gully cricket i.e. to give a global platform to the youth to inculcate team building and leadership qualities. Barry has

Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

expressed his intention to make it an annual exchange program and to make Project Crayons Gully Cricket Initiative international. Kevin Innes, Coach of NCCC said, “Your community boys are wonderful and without any professional training they played so well. I loved training them and would love to train them in future.” He and his partner coach Andy patiently and humbly taught them various techniques of cricket. Their enthusiasm motivated the players of NCCC as well as the two coaches. Kuldeep, the captain of the team couldn't help but reminisce about the days of playing with a simple wooden board, and chalk drawn wickets on the wall. Abhishek, one of the Project Crayons' boys said, “Miss thank you so much! I learnt a lot today from Northants players,” while Rajan found it hard to express his joy and said, “Itna accha laga khel kar aur sikh kar ki kya bolu.” To support or congratulate Project Crayons, write to them at projectcrayonsindia@gmail.com or visit www.projectcrayons.org Join them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ProjectCrayons

VOLUME I, ISSUE III, MARCH 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

“The world is going to end in 2012, for sure!”

non-profits that are directly involved. It's a sincere request to all our readers to extend

“This is God's way of punishing us.”

your support in whatever way you can. If you know of other local organisations or individuals

“We are to blame. We are destroying the Earth

who are helping out, do let us know.

and Mother Nature is giving it back to us now.”

THE BEGINNING Lastly, do join us on Twitter and Facebook to stay updated. Thanks to everyone who has joined our online communities and extended your support by sharing our link with your

This month we are supporting another cause “It's just a result of seismic changes. There are

and that is Earth Hour. Do remember to switch

scientific explanations. There's no Anti-Christ; the

off your lights and electrical appliances on

world is not coming to an end; and it's not

26th March from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. We are

because of global warming or any of our other

switching off today to switch on tomorrow!

environmentally hazardous habits.”

individual networks. We hope to make Bubble Wrapped more interactive in the coming issues.

Cheers! Chetna editor@bubblewrapped.asia

I hope you enjoy reading our March issue with Since the earthquake and Tsunami hit Japan on

reports on oil spills off the Indian coast, The

11th March, these are some of the comments

Body Shop's green claims and the Vulture crisis.

I've heard. Post-mortems are important only if

This issue we are also starting a new column

the findings are going to be put to some

called 'Merchandising Change' in the B+

positive use. Endless debates are a waste if

section dedicated to products sold or

their only aim is to convert people to your own

promoted by NGOs and individuals in a bid to

personal viewpoint. Through all the chatter, the

help children, women or various communities.

only thought I have is to find a way to help

'Change the way you shop' is the new motto at

and thanks to the Causes team at Facebook,

Bubble Wrapped.

P.S.: Don't forget to send us updates about your NGOs or any social initiatives you are associated with.

we at Bubble Wrapped have shared a list of

VOLUME I, ISSUE III, MARCH 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

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