In the modern nutrition universe, that level of commitment deserves an applause. But for those who don’t live in a Nordic fishing village, the nutrition company Zinzino has built its omega-3 research and formulations around these principles, combining biomarker testing, antioxidant protection and traceable sourcing across both sustainably harvested small-fish oils and a vegan marine-microalgae alternative.
Dubai Municipality has set up 12 AI-powered "Ehsan Stations" to safely and officially feed strays. The city also officially supports Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.
A new project in Spain shows how digital twins, which are virtual replicas of real environments, are becoming powerful tools for protecting ecosystems.
In the modern nutrition universe, that level of commitment deserves an applause. But for those who don’t live in a Nordic fishing village, the nutrition company Zinzino has built its omega-3 research and formulations around these principles, combining biomarker testing, antioxidant protection and traceable sourcing across both sustainably harvested small-fish oils and a vegan marine-microalgae alternative.
Dubai Municipality has set up 12 AI-powered "Ehsan Stations" to safely and officially feed strays. The city also officially supports Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.
A new project in Spain shows how digital twins, which are virtual replicas of real environments, are becoming powerful tools for protecting ecosystems.
In the modern nutrition universe, that level of commitment deserves an applause. But for those who don’t live in a Nordic fishing village, the nutrition company Zinzino has built its omega-3 research and formulations around these principles, combining biomarker testing, antioxidant protection and traceable sourcing across both sustainably harvested small-fish oils and a vegan marine-microalgae alternative.
Dubai Municipality has set up 12 AI-powered "Ehsan Stations" to safely and officially feed strays. The city also officially supports Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.
A new project in Spain shows how digital twins, which are virtual replicas of real environments, are becoming powerful tools for protecting ecosystems.
In the modern nutrition universe, that level of commitment deserves an applause. But for those who don’t live in a Nordic fishing village, the nutrition company Zinzino has built its omega-3 research and formulations around these principles, combining biomarker testing, antioxidant protection and traceable sourcing across both sustainably harvested small-fish oils and a vegan marine-microalgae alternative.
Dubai Municipality has set up 12 AI-powered "Ehsan Stations" to safely and officially feed strays. The city also officially supports Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.
A new project in Spain shows how digital twins, which are virtual replicas of real environments, are becoming powerful tools for protecting ecosystems.
In the modern nutrition universe, that level of commitment deserves an applause. But for those who don’t live in a Nordic fishing village, the nutrition company Zinzino has built its omega-3 research and formulations around these principles, combining biomarker testing, antioxidant protection and traceable sourcing across both sustainably harvested small-fish oils and a vegan marine-microalgae alternative.
Dubai Municipality has set up 12 AI-powered "Ehsan Stations" to safely and officially feed strays. The city also officially supports Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.
A new project in Spain shows how digital twins, which are virtual replicas of real environments, are becoming powerful tools for protecting ecosystems.
In the modern nutrition universe, that level of commitment deserves an applause. But for those who don’t live in a Nordic fishing village, the nutrition company Zinzino has built its omega-3 research and formulations around these principles, combining biomarker testing, antioxidant protection and traceable sourcing across both sustainably harvested small-fish oils and a vegan marine-microalgae alternative.
Dubai Municipality has set up 12 AI-powered "Ehsan Stations" to safely and officially feed strays. The city also officially supports Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.
A new project in Spain shows how digital twins, which are virtual replicas of real environments, are becoming powerful tools for protecting ecosystems.
In the modern nutrition universe, that level of commitment deserves an applause. But for those who don’t live in a Nordic fishing village, the nutrition company Zinzino has built its omega-3 research and formulations around these principles, combining biomarker testing, antioxidant protection and traceable sourcing across both sustainably harvested small-fish oils and a vegan marine-microalgae alternative.
Dubai Municipality has set up 12 AI-powered "Ehsan Stations" to safely and officially feed strays. The city also officially supports Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.
A new project in Spain shows how digital twins, which are virtual replicas of real environments, are becoming powerful tools for protecting ecosystems.
In the modern nutrition universe, that level of commitment deserves an applause. But for those who don’t live in a Nordic fishing village, the nutrition company Zinzino has built its omega-3 research and formulations around these principles, combining biomarker testing, antioxidant protection and traceable sourcing across both sustainably harvested small-fish oils and a vegan marine-microalgae alternative.
Dubai Municipality has set up 12 AI-powered "Ehsan Stations" to safely and officially feed strays. The city also officially supports Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.
A new project in Spain shows how digital twins, which are virtual replicas of real environments, are becoming powerful tools for protecting ecosystems.
Normally, we’re not big into doom and gloom here at Green Prophet. Not because we don’t believe that bad things can happen, but rather because we believe that focusing on solutions is usually more helpful. And we’re determined to focus on solutions now, because it’s clear that Israel is running out of water. Fast. And that is enormously scary. The question is, what can the average person do about it?
According to the statistics in the above video (in Hebrew), the average person uses about 30 gallons of water per day. Some 40% of this water is used for the toilet.
See, the flush toilet that we use now was invented by Brits, and I’m guessing that water conservation was not one of their most pressing issues. But the fact is that the toilet uses way more gallons per flush than it actually needs to to get the job done.
So here’s what you do:
Get a bottle and fill it with water. Then shut off the water that leads into the toilet by turning the knob next to the tank. Next step is to flush the toilet, which lets out the water from the tank.
Now take the top off the tank (no tools are necessary!). Put the bottle inside the toilet tank, cover the tank, turn the water back on and you’re set. Now whenever the toilet flushes, it will use at least a quarter gallon less than it usually does–and still get the job done. If you have concerns about this, ask your local handyman or plumber.
It’s a particular shame that toilets use so much water, when it is pretty much the only water we use that can’t be recycled. Water we use to bathe or wash in is called “gray water,” and is usually recyclable for certain uses. But water from the toilet, or “black water,” is gone forever as far as our ability to reuse it is concerned.
Seems like it’s time for a change–and the most effective changes start at home.
Cut the junk out of coffee junkie. Instead of a foam or paper cup, use your own travel mug if you are on the go, or ask the café for glass if you have a few extra minutes. Drinking from class or a coffee in a handmade pottery mug is always tastier than dribbling coffee down your shirt in the drive through.
Not only can you cut waste but Styrofoam can actually disrupt your hormones. And you don’t want to ingest the chlorine used to bleach paper cups, they create carcinogenic dioxins during production.
How to have a sustainable coffee break
Avoid capsules
Use an American drip, pour-over or classic espresso machine to brew your coffee
Buy organic and fair-trade coffee or visit cafes that support regenerative agriculture and farm to table
Drink slowly and from a glass cup or coffee mug
Talk to your neighbor or read a print newsaper or book
Recycle your coffee grounds in the compost
Compost filters or make your own cotton reusable filter
Use organic milk or a no-milk alternative like oat milk
If your home java is as good as store bought then consider bringing it in a thermos. You can save cash and regulate your intake at the same time.
One of the things that I am often talking about with people in my guise as an ecomum, is taking life just that little bit slower, not rushing from place to place with your kids, feeling that if you don’t move you are missing out on something.
I am always encouraging the idea of just sitting down with your children and simply enjoying your time together. So it was a very pleasant surprise the other day to come across an article about Mindful Parenting (MP) and to know that there is a whole movement out there encouraging parents to slow down and connect with their children.
Ministers of the Environment from across the region will address the challenges and opportunities of tackling climate change, the links between global competitiveness and environmental policies at the end of April.
Heading to Paris, ministers from the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries, their counterparts from Chile, Estonia, Israel, Russia and Slovenia, and ministers from Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, and South Africa will discuss ways they can work together to achieve common environmental goals. Reducing pollution, conserving nature and producing less carbon is on the agenda.
The Ministers will base their discussion on the recently published policy solutions for climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity and health impacts of pollutions. The Environment Minister of Italy, with the Environment Ministers of Denmark, Japan, Mexico, Portugal and the US will chair the discussions.
Unlike at Bali, we hope that Israel’s Gideon Ezra does make it to the event, and not send a representative. It is Pessach, however.
For the second year in a row, Israeli schools are participating in a recycling competition called “Recycle Time 2008” to see which school recycles the most bottles and cans.
The four month educational program and competition – which has been taking place in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Ashdod, Rishon Lezion, Kfar Saba, Beer Sheva, Rahat, and Modiin – began in December and is now coming to an end.
The money raised from the recycling deposit refunds for the bottles and cans will be returned to the schools and the winning school will be given prizes as well.
Last year the competition was held in Tel Aviv alone and 76 thousand beverage containers were collected.
The “Giborei Israel” (Heroes of Israel) school took first place, with a total of 12 thousand containers.
Though I’ve been busy with my mom visiting, I haven’t forgotten the fun at last weekend’s HaSalon Israeli designer home accessories fair in Tel Aviv. And that’s because one of these supergreat industrial crate benches is now in my living room.
Lool 82 is an Israeli design collective that creates funky home accessories from benches and end tables to wall hangings to stuffed animals. All bear impeccable attention to detail and a real sense of quality. To say these things can really hold is a double entendre: Not only do they hold real people sitting on them but open the lid and they can hold anything else – and hide it away. We bought a bright red one with a neato retro patterned cushion top – deep chocolate brown with golden flowers – to hide away some of the growing piles of toys and dolls in our living room. I also wanted to buy one of these but we’re maxed out on end side tables.
We are enamoured by Yael Mer’s evacuation kayak skirt and slipper rocker inventions which first appeared here on Green Prophet. The slipper rocker is a take on a Waldorf education playboard made from wood. Yael’s version incorporates slippers but also limits the function of the board.
And of course, the wildly popular StickyStains of Yael’s boyfriend and design partner Shay Alkalay.
The StickyStain turns your stain into an alien hero.
Today, take a gander at an extension of Mer’s slipper rocker, the Rocking Boots. The big question is where can we get a pair?
Ilan Bar-Kat and Lisa Bloom live in Zichron Yaacov, after having spent 7 years in the green (in both senses green) emerald Isle of Eire. Lisa was born in Dublin’s fair city, where they tapped into the recycling & composting ethic which is so strong there – Ireland was the first country to ban plastic bags (so Green Prophet salutes the land of Ireland & the Irish for that!). Slainte!
If you’re out and about and you know that you will be sitting idle in your car for more than a minute, turn your motor off. It’s a great way to safe energy, gas and money. Those drops add up over time.
Previously famous for harboring a fledgling prophet in her guest bedroom for a weekend (and for cooking amazing, veggie-licious meals), our friend Debby is putting the pedal where her mouth is, and will be biking 300 miles from Jerusalem to Eilat to raise money for worthy green causes–the Arava Environmental Institute in southern Israel and Hazon, a US-based organization that focuses on greening elements of the Jewish community.
Her goal is to raise at least $3,600 – you can sponsor her by making a tax-deductible donation here.
To explain her commitment (which makes our legs hurt just to think about it) Debby writes,
“The Arava Institute is bringing people together from different countries in the region to work together on environmental issues, which pay no attention to national borders…I also think that getting people together to work on specific issues can lead to greater tolerance and understanding in general, which may lead to more peaceful relations overall.”
If so, consider getting yourself nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award for Environmental Protection.
To be awarded on Israel’s 60 year anniversary, the Ministry of Environmental Protection is looking for a few good green women and men. Lucky winners will get the chance to meet Shimon Peres, Environmental Protection Minister Gideon Ezra and Minister Ruhama Avraham, who heads the Committee for Israel’s 60th Independence Day Events.
No mention of big prize booty, however, in the press release issued by the Ministry. But if you win, expect a fancy Academy Awards style statuette for your mantelpiece.
The sun is out, flowers are in bloom, and it’s a great time of year for kids to be outdoors. And if they’re going to be outdoors anyway, why not give them the gift of environmental appreciation? Don’t pass up on the great eco camp offered by Yevulim Community Ecological Farm this Passover.
Located in Kfar Mellel (between Kfar Saba and Hod Hasharon), Yevulim is offering this camp to children between the ages of 5 and 10 from April 13th-17th. The activities aim to connect children to nature in a number of ways, as well as teach them how to protect the environment.
Mathis Wackernagel, Phd, co-creator of the term ‘Ecological Footprint’, will be in Israel on Thursday, speaking at a Tel Aviv University Porter Environmental School presentation.
Wackernagel completed his doctorate in Community & Regional Planning at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, and his thesis research led to his development of the concept of the ecological footprint, roughly meaning human impact upon the world.
Clean water is a human right, a life giving force that should be universally available and commonly owned and managed.
Right now, corporations pump billions of litres of water – water that belongs to everyone – out of underground aquifers each year and sell it back to us at a profit. Even worse, bottled water companies are also responsible for hundreds of millions of virgin plastic water bottles each year.
Bottled water also does not always have the same supervision and standards that tap water has. Often your tap is healthier than the plastic bottles of water you buy. If you don’t like the taste of your tap water, then filter it. Save on money, plastics and green your self daily!
Enviro-friendly folks like to extol the virtues of using Ecover. We use some of the products ourselves. Heck, the company’s even been recognized by the United Nations for their work in “cleaning” up the environment.
The plant-based products, which include dish washing soap to floor detergent, are popular among the green types, especially those who consider themselves eco-chic. Admittedly we do feel a bit holier than thou when we use them, feeling as though we have the luxury to pour our washing machine’s grey water all over the garden.
But is Ecover really all that green? The brand may have a brown stain. According to a new survey by Organic Consumers Association, Ecover dish washing detergent has about double the amount of cancer-causing dioxane in it than regular run-o-the-mill washing up detergent.
Dioxane, according to Wikipedia, is a known eye and respiratory tract irritant. It can cause damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. It is a known carcinogen in animals. Used as a solvent, the chemical is also found in foaming agents and as a byproduct in cosmetics manufacturing.
Should we be worried?
The somewhat un-green exposure of Ecover has made it to some of the smaller blogs and community forums such as the Israel_Wholistic_Forum (where we first spotted the find), Allie’s Green Answers and Life Goggles.
Allie wrote Ecover and this is the response she got:
Substantial quantities of dioxane are found in the production of synthetic fibers, such as polyester, a fabric that is worn daily by roughly 85 % of the planet’s population.
Mainly produced by two US companies, the ingredient is also used in high dosages as a solvent in mass production, including the paper and cotton industry as well as the polymer industry for the production of PET bottles.
It is therefore astonishing that the above-mentioned investigation turned a blind eye on such superabundant and well-spread sources and preferred to single out easy-to-research, mere minute traces of dioxine in detergents.
Several years ago, the European detergent industry put a limit on dioxane traces at 100 parts per million of surfactant. Ecover’s own criterion is set at half, namely 50 parts per million.
This leads to values as low as the 2,4 parts detected in the Ecover product. The threshold for reporting the presence of dioxane in tap water in The Netherlands, a country with a stringent environmental legislation, is 3 parts per million parts of water. This means that, in the unlikely event, you drank an entire bottle of pure Ecover Dishwashing liquid you still wouldn’t reach that threshold!”
Perhaps a zero tolerance limit on green products is too much to expect. The news, however, is important for a number of reasons. For one, it will probably blow the lid off the airtight market that Ecover has around the world. Over here in Israel, Ecover is by far the most dominant eco-cleaning product, now being sold even in mainstream grocery stores.
Secondly, do any of us really wonder what makes a cleaning product eco? Other materials in Ecover such as sodium lauryl sulphate are also linked to cancer. Maybe the product is phosphate free, but that doesn’t mean it’s home free (in our green books).
Another thing we’d been wondering about Ecover is all that plastic packaging. Sure it’s possible in some locations to buy the less polluting refillable solutions, but really? Why haven’t the greens thought up a type of cleaning product concentrate, the size of a capsule that one can toss into a bottle and refill with regular tap water? That would save immensely on packaging, transport and disposal waste.
Over here in Israel and on Green Prophet, Sophie from Tinok Yarok imports and sells a Canadian brand called Worx. We’d be interested to hear why Sophie imports this brand and not Ecover.
And back to the survey. Which brands do measure up to the highest green standards?
For minimizing dioxane risk, the best grade goes to Dr. Bronner as non-detectable for dioxane. The brand carries soaps which are not only organic and safe, but all purpose. One soap can go from washing dishes, to teeth, floors and laundry. We had a boyfriend in Toronto once who swore by the stuff – using it to wash his teeth and his hair!
See a screener for a new film about Dr. Bronner. Warning, he’s quirky.
Dr. Bronner was a holocaust survivor, who had a vision to promote world peace. Last we heard there was no-one selling Dr. Bronner in Israel, although his website is selling Holy Land fair trade olive oil.
A business opportunity?
Update #2: see the discussion we started unfold at TreeHugger (there are some great comments by chemists)
We are enamoured by 
Green Prophet was contacted this week by a green husband and wife team who are in the eco-business of making composters here in Israel (see left).
