FM Welfare Club, Puri

21/10/2017

Many of us enjoyed watching spectacular fireworks displays to usher in the new year. However, the vibrant colours of fireworks belie the effects that they can have on the environment. With this graphic, we take a look at some of the issues that they can cause.

To an onlooker, it seems as if fireworks simply disappear without a trace after delivering their fiery payload to the skies. This isn’t the case though – they leave behind billions of tiny particles, a complex chemical mix born from the various components that made up the firework. The particulate matter left behind after a firework’s demise is one of the most significant polluting issues, and one that scientists have looked into in some detail.

Of particular interest to those investigating environmental problems linked to fireworks are some of the smallest particles left behind, generally referred to as particulate matter (PM for short). Particulate matter is usually divided into two categories of interest: PM10, which refers to particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less, and PM2.5, which refers to particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less. For the purposes of comparison, a human hair has a diameter of 50-70 micrometres.

After a fireworks display, a number of studies have shown that the concentration of particulate matter in the local atmosphere is noticeably increased for days after the display. Just this week in Germany, particulate levels reached 26 times the EU recommended limit of 50 micrograms per cubic metre of air, with figures suggested that across the country over 4,000 tons of particulates were ejected into the atmosphere by fireworks displays. Meanwhile, a study in the US found that particulate concentrations increased by up to 370% in the 24 hours after an Independence Day firework display.

These higher levels of particulates can have effects on our health. The particles remain suspended in the air and can be breathed in. This can cause respiratory problems, or exacerbate conditions such as asthma. Long term exposure to particulate matter is associated with respiratory and cardiovascular disease.

It’s not only the presence of these particles that can cause problems – the chemical nature of some of them can also have detrimental effects. The colours of fireworks derive from compounds of different metals, and some metal compounds are also used as components in the explosive mixture. Small particles of these metals are dispersed by the fireworks’ explosions; barium, compounds of which can be used to give green colours, is one such example.

Other metals have been banned from fireworks in some countries due to their toxicity – these include lead and chromium. However, imported fireworks from countries where these metals are not banned can still lead to them being released during fireworks displays, and increased levels have been recorded in the local atmosphere after displays.

As well as the metals, another kind of compound can also cause problems. Perchlorate compounds are used in some fireworks as oxidisers – chemical compounds which release oxygen and help fuel the combustion reaction inside the firework. Perchlorate can contaminate water when it settles to earth after fireworks displays, and studies have shown that perchlorate concentration in nearby bodies of water can increase significantly, in some cases increasing by over 1000 times the usual average value.

Perchlorate can pose a risk to aquatic organisms, but in some cases it may also pose a risk to us. There is concern that ingestion of perchlorate might interfere with the production of thyroid hormones if it gets into the body. After fireworks displays there is the possibility of perchlorate contaminating drinking water supplies.

Finally, pollutant gases we’re already familiar with can also be produced by fireworks. These include gases such as nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, which can cause respiratory problems if their concentration in the local atmosphere is heightened. Whilst the levels of these compounds produced by fireworks pales in comparison to those produced by the burning of fossil fuels or the combustion of petrol in cars, it can still have an impact at a local level. Their effects were examined in a previous post on atmospheric pollutants.

Scientists aren’t idly sitting by in light of these problems. Efforts are being made to make ‘greener’ fireworks that have less of an impact on the environment. Recently, compositions which reduce the need to use perchlorate compounds in firework compositions have been developed, and other efforts have been made to reduce the presence of harmful combustion products. That said, there’s still plenty still to do to reduce the environmental effects further.

So next time you’re at a fireworks display, do enjoy the colours –
http://www.compoundchem.com/2017/01/05/fireworks-environment/

19/08/2016

04/07/2016

Trees combat climate change:

Excess carbon dioxide (CO2) caused by many factors is a building up in our atmosphere and contributing to climate change. Trees absorb CO2, removing and storing the carbon while releasing the oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the amount of CO2 produced when you drive your car 26,000Kmtr

Trees clean the air: Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.

Trees provide oxygen: In one year an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.

Trees cool the streets and the city: Trees cool the city by up to 10°C, by shading our homes and streets, breaking up urban “heat islands” and releasing water v***r into the air through their leaves.

Trees conserve energy: Three trees placed strategically around a single-family home can cut summer air conditioning needs by up to 50 percent. By reducing the energy demand for cooling our houses, we reduce carbon dioxide and other pollution emissions from power plants.

Trees save water: Shade from trees slows water ev***ration from thirsty lawns. Most newly planted trees need only fifteen gallons of water a week. As trees transpire, they increase atmospheric moisture.

Trees help prevent water pollution : Trees reduce runoff by breaking rainfall thus allowing the water to flow down the trunk and into the earth below the tree. This prevents stormwater from carrying pollutants to the ocean. When mulched, trees act like a sponge that filters this water naturally and uses it to recharge groundwater supplies.

Trees help prevent soil erosion: On hillsides or stream slopes, trees slow runoff and hold soil in place. Trees shield children from ultra-violet rays

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Trees reduce UV-B exposure by about 50 percent, thus providing protection to children on school campuses and playgrounds - where children spend hours outdoors.

Trees provide food: An apple tree can yield up to 15-20 bushels of fruit per year and can be planted on the tiniest urban lot. Aside from fruit for humans, trees provide food for birds and wildlife.

Trees heal: Studies have shown that patients with views of trees out their windows heal faster and with less complications. Children with ADHD show fewer symptoms when they have access to nature. Exposure to trees and nature aids concentration by reducing mental fatigue.

Trees reduce violence: Neighborhoods and homes that are barren have shown to have a greater incidence of violence in and out of the home than their greener counterparts. Trees and landscaping help to reduce the level of fear.

Trees mark the seasons: Is it winter, spring, summer or fall? Look at the trees.

Trees create economic opportunities: Fruit harvested from community orchards can be sold, thus providing income. Small business opportunities in green waste management and landscaping arise when cities value mulching and its water-saving qualities. Vocational training for youth interested in green jobs is also a great way to develop economic opportunities from trees.

Trees are teachers and playmates: Whether as houses for children or creative and spiritual inspiration for adults, trees have provided the space for human retreat throughout the ages.

Trees bring diverse groups of people together: Tree plantings provide an opportunity for community involvement and empowerment that improves the quality of life in our neighborhoods. All cultures, ages, and genders have an important role to play at a tree planting or tree care event.

Trees add unity : Trees as landmarks can give a neighborhood a new identity and encourage civic pride.

Trees provide a canopy and habitat for wildlife: Sycamore and oak are among the many urban species that provide excellent urban homes for birds, bees, possums and squirrels.

Trees block things: Trees can mask concrete walls or parking lots, and unsightly views. They muffle sound from nearby streets and freeways, and create an eye-soothing canopy of green. Trees absorb dust and wind and reduce glare.

Trees provide wood: In suburban and rural areas, trees can be selectively harvested for fuel and craft wood.

Trees increase property values: The beauty of a well-planted property and its surrounding street and neighborhood can raise property values by as much as 15 percent.

Trees increase business traffic: Studies show that the more trees and landscaping a business district has, the more business will flow in. A tree-lined street will also slow traffic – enough to allow the drivers to look at the store fronts instead of whizzing by.

05/06/2016

24/05/2016

Some of the tips for effective disposal off solid waste include:

(*) Keeping the streets, sidewalks and other public places free from garbage by utilizing the garbage bins thus keeping the streets clean and free from litter and debris.
(*) Placing the solid waste from households in a single location so that the garbage is easily picked up by the garbage collection personal.
(*) Using kitchen waste in the form of food scraps as a compost heap to be used in the garden or giving it to garbage collection personal.
(*) Reusing shopping bags and baskets whenever going for a grocery shop or a super market until they are no longer fit for reuse and disposing them in a proper way.
(*) Medical waste must be disposed off properly by disposing them in a drop boxes or supervised collection sites and incinerator centers.
(*) Recycling waste products will help in reducing the impact of solid waste on the environment. The business of recycling of solid waste is a billion dollar industry in the developed countries.
(*) A proper f***l sludge management for disposing off the f***l matter in another way managing solid waste.
(*) Using recycled paper and stationery products will go a long way in reducing the solid waste.
(*) Reusing the plastic boxes, bags, glass containers, postal material etc.
(*) Maintaining and repairing items such as appliances, cloths so that they last longer is another way of managing or reducing the impact of solid wastes.

Thus, the above are the basic ones that help in disposing off the solid waste in a proper way.

17/05/2016

BENEFITS OF TREES:

Trees clean the air: Trees helps in absorbing odors and pollutant gases such as sulfur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides etc and provide us with fresh air. They offer the most important thing that is fresh air which is the basic need for human to survive. You should not forget that the fresh air reduces the chances of increasing diseases from polluted air.

Trees provide oxygen: why is oxygen importance to us? Oxygen is life. I hope, you understand what importance of oxygen is for survival. The only resource of Oxygen is tree. Oxygen for 18 people can be provided in one year by an acre of mature trees.

Trees cool the streets and the city: Trees cool the streets and the cities by their shade and ev***ration from the leaf surface cool the city further by up to 10°F. Hence they are called the natural air conditioners.

Trees Active lifestyles: Trees helps in improving health as they strongly encourage people to go to parks or in green environment for walking, exercising, jogging or biking which helps them reduce obesity and keeps them fit.

Raise property value: Homes with more trees or having green ambience in surroundings tend to have higher property value than those without trees, because it decreases pollution and have fresh air around which attracts people more.

Trees shield from ultra-violet rays: Ultraviolet rays are very harmful for anyone and can cause the most common form of cancer i.e. skin cancer. Trees help in protecting from ultra-violet rays as they reduce UV-B exposure by about 50%.

Trees provide food: Trees provide food for human beings and also for birds and wildlife. You can plant fruit trees like an apple tree which does not take much space and can be easily planted on the tiniest urban lot. It yields up to 15-20 bushels per year.

Trees heal: According to studies, people with green ambience out their windows heal faster and with less difficulty or complications. So planting trees around or outside your house can not only help you prevent from visiting doctors more often but also heals you naturally.

30/04/2016

Trees not only remove harmful chemicals from the soil, but also help reduce the greenhouses leading to global warming. Advantages of planting trees in reducing global warming

1. An average size tree creates sufficient oxygen in one year to provide oxygen for a family of four.
2. Planting trees in the right place around buildings and homes can cut air-conditioning costs up to 50 percent.
3. Planting trees for the environment is good as they are renewable, biodegradable and recyclable.
4. If we plant 20 million trees, the earth will get with 260 million more tons of oxygen.
5. Once acre of trees can remove up to 2.6 tons of Carbon Dioxide each year.
6. During photosynthesis, trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen.
7. Trees keep in cheek the air and water pollution.
8. Why planting trees is important is evident as they are the natural habitat of the animals and birds, as well as many endangered species.
9. Planting trees means more wood and paper products which can be easily recycled.
10. A newly planted whole forest, can change tones of atmospheric carbon into wood and other fibrous tissue, thus reducing global warming.

So, start digging immediately if you have the means to plant a tree. Automobile traffic, manufacturing and other human activities are playing havoc with our environment. Reduce global warming simply by planting trees for the environment.

17/03/2016

Did you know that 30% of everything we dispose of in this country is organic material comprised of food waste and yard waste? Just think about how much longer our limited landfill space would last if we reduced what’s deposited there by that amount.

17/03/2016

Source reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, and energy recovery are all examples of resource conservation. Resource conservation avoids GHG emissions from common waste management pathways, including:

Emissions from combustion - Waste incineration produces emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (NOX), a GHG that is 310 times as potent as CO2. Emissions from transportation - Transporting waste to disposal sites produces GHG emissions from the combustion of the fuel used in the equipment. Emissions from landfills - Waste in landfills decomposes anaerobically and produces methane (CH4), a GHG that is 21 times as potent as CO2.

In terms of climate benefits, reducing and reusing materials offer the best approaches to reduce GHGs. Because no waste is generated, Source Reduction and Reuse avoid all emissions associated with recycling, composting, combusting, or landfilling the material. Recycling typically requires less energy than producing goods from virgin materials. Energy savings from recycling translates into GHG savings because fewer fossil fuels are combusted to produce energy.

Source reduction and recycling can also increase carbon storage in forests. By preventing or reducing harvests of raw materials, preserved trees continue to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. Composting produces a useful product from organic waste that otherwise would have been landfilled, therefore composting helps prevent methane emissions from and leachate formulation in landfills.

Energy recovery at incineration facilities and landfills can conserve resources by offsetting fossil fuels used for energy. Energy recovery is often associated with electricity generation, such as landfill methane capture, although it can also offset fossil fuels used at industrial sites, resulting in fewer GHG emissions.

17/03/2016

Waste reduction program fundamentally depends on four rules. School teacher should first learn and then educate their students of these four rules of waste reduction....

09/09/2015

Almost everyone thinks that he/she alone cannot make a difference. People claim to use dustbins at homes and offices, but then don't give a second thought throwing wrappers out of their house on the street direct. In facts people litter only when they see the roads are already very dirty. (This is not excuse but human behavior). For e.g. You would not find much dirt on the highways or in the malls. There are other people who think littering is only related to garbage on roads and land, and not when you throw garbage into sea, rivers and on road. One cannot blame the municipality officials/government for this too. They are installing dustbins next to every public place.

Lot of people think that its because indians have a mindset which leads to filth. We disagree with it for following reason:-
a) Indian malls are usually clean. This wasnt possible as its the same people who visit mall and who visit public market areas.
b) Entire India is dirty. India has very diverse culture and people from different regions have very different mindset. For ex. Compare mindsets of Gujaratis and Punjabis. Its hard to believe that filth in dirty places is something common among all these mindsets.

People don't learn about India through pictures. They learn about India through experiences . And experiences are dreadful for those who are not accustomed to such unhygienic practices. People easily blame municipal corporations for the ill-management of dustbins in a city . But they don't realize the core problem. The problem every Indian suffers from; the dementia that anything outside one's home is not home.

For a area to be clean, there are two factors that come into play when we consider garbage and littering:

1. Education
2. Social Pressure

Let me explain....Consider a group of 100 people.

Scenario 1: If all of the 100 people are uneducated and do not understand the hygiene problems and the diseases that happen due to dirty surroundings, they will no qualms about keeping their homes clean by throwing the garbage out on the street. Also, since no one among their peers will have any problem throwing the garbage out on the streets, it will become a kind of social norm. In such a scenario, even if one person does his part and keeps the streets clean by properly disposing off his garbage, he will not be making a difference.

Scenario 2: If from that group of people, 50 are educated and 50 are uneducated, the levels of uncleanliness will decrease but they will not go down completely because there will always be this seemingly ignorant group of people who will be adamant about their habits and will continue throwing the garbage out on the streets. The educated lot will try and protest a couple of times but their plea will likely fall on deaf ears and soon, they will realise that its no use protesting. So they will do their part and will clean the streets when they can and continue on with their lives. In fact, there will be times when the educated people will feel lazy and end up throwing garbage on the streets thinking his piece of plastic will not really make any difference.

P.S. The second stage is where India is at, currently.

Scenario 3: If there is a group of 100 people and all of them are educated enough to know the downsides of a unclean place, none of them are likely to throw garbage on the streets. The best part about this situation is not the fact that they will not only not throw garbage on the streets because they know that it will spread disease, but they will also not throw garbage for fear of being looked down upon by society.

The point we are trying to make is that the government can make as many rules as it wants . But in a country of 1.2 billion people, enforcing a 200 rupee fine for everyone who litters is very difficult.
What the government can do is provide litter bins at public places and it can employ cleaners to clean up public roads, but even they can only do so much. And to be true, we have seen both, litter bins pop out at places like bus stands and cleaners actually do their jobs in sweltering heat. But to really become clean, people need to be educated as explained above in Scenario 3.

08/09/2015

Puri has been included in the Union government's Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (Hriday). The decision will give a boost to the city's image, particularly at a time when it is about to celebrate the Nabakalabar festival (change of idols of Lord Jagannath and his siblings in their 12th century temple), which is expected to be attended by nearly 50 lakh visitors from all over the world this year.

Under this programme, the Centre will provide Rs 22 crore as financial assistance for development of infrastructure in the city.Besides Puri, 11 other cities of the country have been included in the proposed project. These are Amritsar (Punjab)m Ajmer (Rajasthan), Mathura (Uttar Pradesh), Gaya (Bihar), Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu), Vellankanni (Tamil Nadu), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Badami (Karnataka), Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh), Waranagal (Telangana) and Dwarka (Gujarat).