Spur, Lipor, UCASUL and Companhia das Lezírias win EBAEpis (with LIST)

Spur, Lipor, UCASUL and Companhia das Lezírias are the big winners of the European Business Awards for the Environment-innovation award for sustainability (EBAEpis). The winners were revealed a few minutes ago, in the course of the Conference "innovation and sustainability in the cities of the future", held at Culturgest.

During the ceremony were distinguished three categories of entities: management, process, products and services, and was also awarded the Biodiversity.

In category Management the great winner was Li, with the project "sustainability strategy of Lipor", which is based on an integrated approach of the values and principles of sustainability management systems, operations and activities, practices and decisions, giving particular emphasis to dialogue and interaction with stakeholders in a transparent and open relationship.

The award category was assigned to Process UCASUL, with the REFINOLEA project that focuses on the valorization of olive-residue oil extratado (residue after extraction of olive-residue oil) and the study of its implementation of technically and economically feasible way, to allow recovery of the entire integrated biomass.

In the category of products and services won the Spur with a project of sustainable agricultural production, in which bet on improving the health of their soils and plants, preserving natural resources. In addition to the preservation of biodiversity, the project aims to protect and study almost extinct vine varieties in the country and establish auxiliary fauna, fundamental in natural control crop pests.

The Companhia das Lezírias won the prize the Biodiversity with EVOA project, which aims at the promotion of natural values, being the primary motivation avifauna conservation. In addition to the increase of areas of refuge for nesting and tide, the project, which has the support of Breeze since its founding, intends to attract birds and generate ideal conditions for the observation of the same, maintaining its tranquillity.

Sonae Sierra, WeDoTech, EPAL and Docapesca were distinguished with honourable mentions.

The EBAEpis is organized by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) in collaboration with the Directorate-General of economic activities, the BCSD Portugal and the GCI and has been responsible for the selection phase of Portuguese candidates to European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE), which will be unveiled in November. The EBAE are an initiative of the European Commission which aims to recognise and promote businesses and organizations that give a relevant contribution to sustainable development.

The GPA Portugal and the EBAEpis-innovation award for sustainability initiated last year a merger, having regard to the common objectives and synergies. So, from this year, national candidates EBAE premiums are named by Portugal GPA.

Foto: epSos.de/Creative Commons

Category: Management

Category: Process

Category: products & services

Prize

The Biodiversity

EVOA â€" Space of Visitation and birdwatching

Read More

Sustainability: trade can contribute to the change of behaviors

Trade has a proximity factor with the consumer and, therefore, can contribute to behavioural change, in the sense of a larger appeal to sustainable consumption. This was the main idea advocated by the Director-General of the Portuguese Association of distribution Companies (APED) during the first GPA Conference 2014, dedicated to sustainable cities.

"The Portuguese consumer is wise," said Isabel Moral Wheat. "Sustainable consumption is central to the distribution sector, so the proximity factor of trade can contribute to this behavioral change", advanced the responsible.

On sustainable cities, one of the great pillars will be the technology. According to Miguel Moreira, administrator of Portugal Telecom (PT), this may "respond very well to the challenges of the cities of the future, both in terms of improving living conditions or resource efficiency. Here, the Manager gives an example.

"There is a blatant misuse of resources. The average rate of occupation of offices around the world, is 50%. They are there, they cost millions, consume energy, resources and are semi-vazios. Technology can help end this, "he explained.

The administrator of PT gave another example: the absence of telework strategies in companies. "The so-called commute to compute is ridiculous. In the cities, there are people moving 30 kilometers every day to stay hours in front of the computer. They could be making your work much closer to home, "he explained.

"This makes no sense. That person will pollute, will travel by car and contribute to the traffic ... technology can be an essential tool for improving the lives of people living in cities and reduce business costs, "concluded Michael Moreira.

The debate brought together the President of still waters of Portugal, Afonso Lobato Faria, and the Managing Director of Dalkia, José Manuel Bandeira. You can read the main conclusions of the two managers in this link.

Read More

Green Project Awards launches series of conferences in 2014

The Green Project Awards organization intends to create, through 2014, great moments of reflection and debate on the most pressing issues for sustainable development. Sustainable consumption, sustainable cities, green economy and Natural Capital give the motto for the development of a series of conferences, which will be promoted in partnership with a number of prominent entities in different practice areas.

This cycle of conferences kicked off today with the debate on "innovation and sustainability in the cities of the future", taking place at Culturgest, and with the intervention of different speakers: Ana Morais Wheat, Director-General of the APED â€" Associação Portuguesa de Distribution Companies, Miguel Moreira, Director of PT, José Manuel Bandeira, Managing Director of Dalkia, and Afonso Lobato Faria, President of Águas de Portugal, the newest partner of the Green Project Awards.

Sustainable consumption is another preferential areas, giving name to one of the new categories of Green Project Awards. Thus, the Conference will be held June 5, in partnership with Ikea and the Continent. To help draw the themes and projects to be addressed in this area, the Green Project Awards counted with the collaboration of APED, DECO, and the Institute of social sciences of the University of Lisbon.

The Green Project Awards and EDIA-development company and the Alqueva infrastructures will create an award for the promotion of sustainability in the region of Alqueva, in 2014. And in this context, the EDIA is also a partner in the GPA in conducting a Conference on Natural Capital, where agriculture, forest, sea and biodiversity will be highlighted.

In 2014, the theme of the green economy will continue to earn featured, ending the cycle of conferences, together with the delivery of prizes to the winners of the 7th Edition of the Green Project Awards.

Present in Portugal, Brazil and Cape Verde, the Green Project Awards already received over 1000 applications and recognized more than 60 projects. The GPA aims to arrive later this year to Angola and Mozambique.

Read More

Viewpoints of Portugal featured in Condé Nast Traveler

The Portuguese Lisbon belvederes â€" and not only â€" were highlighted this month by the Spanish edition of Condé Nast Traveler magazine that devotes an extensive article to these sites.

The text begins by the miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara (1st photo gallery), in Lisbon, described as a "balcony overlooking downtown, downtown", passing then to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia Sanctuary (2), in Viana do Castelo, a perfect place to enjoy the sunset over the estuary of the river Lima.

Again in Lisbon, the highlight goes to the miradouro do Castelo de São Jorge (3), where there is one of the best panoramic views of the Portuguese capital, followed by the Moorish Castle (4), in Sintra, from where the landscape that can be seen largely compensates for the effort of the climb.

Note, also, to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia (5), in Lisbon, whose walls are lined by hundreds of tiles, and once again coming out of the Portuguese capital, the journalist draws the attention of the reader to the currency scenario from Monsanto (6), presented as "the most Portuguese village of Portugal".

Read the article.

The following are the Palácio da Pena (7), in Sintra, formerly Kings scenario, the Cabo da Roca (8), located in the westernmost point of continental Europe, passing then to the North, more specifically to the Miradouro da Serra do Pilar (9), which provides a magnificent view of the city of Porto.

The article, signed by Alvaro Anglada, ends in Marvão (10), Alentejo village where the landscape you enjoy from your Castle is odd.

Fotos: Cebete, MiguelVieira, Bernt Rostad, tiseb, guymoll, guymoll, Angel T., Bert Kaufman, Leandro's World Tour, Jsome1/Creative Commons

. fancybox-wrap {position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; }. fancybox-skin {position: relative; /* margin-top: 20px! important; */background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; }. fancybox-opened {z-index: 8030;} . fancybox-opened. fancybox-skin {-webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); }. fancybox-outer,. fancybox-inner {position: relative;} . fancybox-inner {overflow: hidden;} . fancybox-type-iframe. fancybox-inner {-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;} . fancybox-close {background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width: 25px; height: 25px; float: right; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 5px; }/*. ng-gallery-image img {width: 565px; height: 393px;}*/10 miradouros portugueses1of 10jQuery (document). ready (function ($) {var thumbContainerWidth = 0, thumbs = Array (), selectedIndex = 1, thumbIndex = 1, imageOffset = 7; $ ('. ng-gallery-thumbnail-box '). each (function () {thumbs.push($(this)); }); /* thumbnail navigation */$ ('. ng-greensavers-thumb-next '). unbind (). bind (' click ', function (e) {e.preventDefault(); if (thumbIndex< == (thumbs.length-imageOffset)) {$ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). stop (). animate ({left:-$ (thumbs [thumbIndex]). position (). left}); thumbIndex + +; } }); $ ('. ng-greensavers-thumb-prev '). unbind (). bind (' click ', function (e) {e.preventDefault(); if (thumbIndex >1) {$ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). stop (). animate ({left: $ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). position (). left + ($ (thumbs [thumbIndex-1]). position (). left-$ (thumbs [thumbIndex-2]). position (). left)}); thumbIndex--; } }); $ (window). load (function () {/* set thumbnail container width */$ ('. ng-gallery-thumbnail '). each (function () {thumbContainerWidth = thumbContainerWidth + $ (this). width () + 10; }); $ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). width (thumbContainerWidth); }); });

Read More

New portal utilizes Google Maps to locate the deforestation

The Global Forest Watch is a portal that gathers information about the forest cover of the planet and allows users to view, almost in real time, the areas that have lost or gained forest, through data collected by satellite, crowdsourcing and open data.

The interactive map was organized by the World Resources Institute (WRI), who collaborated with Google Maps and more than 40 organizations for the development of the project. Through the Global Forest Watch any user can gain access to the database on the loss and gain of forest cover between 2000 and 2013. The data are updated with a monthly periodicity, the sustainable planet.

The application allows the user to analyze data from all locations on the planet and calculate the estimate of reforestation or deforestation of certain area. The portal also allows the download of data so that they can be used for other initiatives or scientific purposes. In the future, the WRI intends that the system permits the insertion of another type of information which may be created new maps.

The map is especially harmful for the Portuguese and Spanish forest â€" the literal North Portuguese and Northern Spain have been severely affected by the loss of forests, as you can see here.

Read More

Eco-Cooler: heat released by ships ' engines exhaust will feed refrigerating plants

The project Eco-Cooler plan to reuse the heat released by the exhaust of the engines of ships and convert it into energy to feed the refrigerating plants of holds of fishing vessels. The project, managed by the sea economy business forum, was developed in partnership with the shipyard Nautiber, financial consultant Linear momentum and the INOVA Research Center â€" and has already been approved.

The Eco-Cooler arises from a pilot action which was adopted by the program and PROMAR, by reusing the heat, allow possible reducing energy consumption of the cooling system.

With the development of the prototype, the Consortium hopes, as stated in a statement, "contribute to increased profitability through the implementation of innovative technologies without increasing catch capacity, the improvement of safety at work on Board of vessels, a major contribution to energy efficiency, savings in the consumption of fossil fuels, reducing imports and increased exports of Portugal".

Once the shipyard where it will be implemented the project in Vila Real de Santo António, the Consortium hopes to have the Spanish fishing fleet as a client of this installation, thus contributing to national exports of technology.

Foto: marcusrg/Creative Commons

Read More

United Kingdom: full revealed prehistoric forests

The intensity of the storms that, since November, ravage the British territory, is to reveal numerous prehistoric forests submerged so far, according to The Telegraph.

The forests are along the coast of Cornwall and Wales and are being identified for the first time in 40 years. One of the most impressive is located in Mount Bay, Cornwall, and consists of pieces between three and five meters of old oak, pine and beech. Until now, these were preserved by the sand.

It's been a long time since scientists know of the existence of these forests, but just now the geologists will be able to use radiocarbon dating to realize your age and realize when they stayed submerged-it is estimated that the phenomenon has occurred there are 4,000 to 6,000 years and No 12 thousand years ago, as previously thought.

At this time, British communities were slowly abandon the lifestyles of hunter-gatherer for agriculture.

"The storms revealed pieces of pine and oak trees between two to five meters, as well as remains of bushes with acorns and hazelnuts well preserved. These forests have grown four or five thousand years ago, when the climate was slightly hotter than nowadays, "said Frankie Howie, responsible for Geoconservation Group and leader of the wild life Department of Cornwall.

In the coming months, the forests should be submerged again.

Foto: Keith Morris/Wales Online

. fancybox-wrap {position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; }. fancybox-skin {position: relative; /* margin-top: 20px! important; */background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; }. fancybox-opened {z-index: 8030;} . fancybox-opened. fancybox-skin {-webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); }. fancybox-outer,. fancybox-inner {position: relative;} . fancybox-inner {overflow: hidden;} . fancybox-type-iframe. fancybox-inner {-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;} . fancybox-close {background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width: 25px; height: 25px; float: right; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 5px; }/*. ng-gallery-image img {width: 565px; height: 393px;}*/Florestas pré-históricas1of 14jQuery (document). ready (function ($) {var thumbContainerWidth = 0, thumbs = Array (), selectedIndex = 1, thumbIndex = 1, imageOffset = 7; $ ('. ng-gallery-thumbnail-box '). each (function () {thumbs.push($(this)); }); /* thumbnail navigation */$ ('. ng-greensavers-thumb-next '). unbind (). bind (' click ', function (e) {e.preventDefault(); if (thumbIndex< == (thumbs.length-imageOffset)) {$ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). stop (). animate ({left:-$ (thumbs [thumbIndex]). position (). left}); thumbIndex + +; } }); $ ('. ng-greensavers-thumb-prev '). unbind (). bind (' click ', function (e) {e.preventDefault(); if (thumbIndex >1) {$ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). stop (). animate ({left: $ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). position (). left + ($ (thumbs [thumbIndex-1]). position (). left-$ (thumbs [thumbIndex-2]). position (). left)}); thumbIndex--; } }); $ (window). load (function () {/* set thumbnail container width */$ ('. ng-gallery-thumbnail '). each (function () {thumbContainerWidth = thumbContainerWidth + $ (this). width () + 10; }); $ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). width (thumbContainerWidth); }); });

Read More

Spanish veterinary denounces trafficking of orangutans for prostitution

The prostitution of orangutans is a common practice in some Asian countries, being that many of these animals are enclosed and suffer continual sexual abuse of several people, according to the Spanish veterinary Karmele Llano, who works at the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS).

Llano, which for eight years has denounced the abuses suffered in Borneo, an orangutan of 12 years, called Pony, says the prostitution of orangutans is common in places with Thailand, for example.

"The case of Pony is not isolated. We know that in Thailand it is common to see brothels to use orangutan females as sexual fun for customers, "explained Llano Taringa magazine.

In agreement with the Orangutan Conservancy Association, there are only 20 thousand orangutans in the world. The NGO explains that they can extinguish in just 10 years, cases continue to occur cases like these â€" or, for example, boxing fights between these animals.

In the case of Pony, she was discovered completely shaved, perfumed and with painted lips. The animal was chained to a bed, so that customers of the brothel, in the village of Keremgpangi, could take advantage of her â€" according to Llano, these are mainly employees of the timber industry and palm oil extraction.

However, these cases do not occur only in Asia. Second report the La Gaceta, such practices are also applicants in countries where the legislation on protection of the rights of animals is non-existent. Including in Europe.

According to the Spanish diariomascota, in Germany the non-inclusive of legislation as illegal the practice of sex with animals. There are, therefore, small brothels, mostly illegal immigrants, who are dedicated to this kind of customers with zoófilas slopes

Read More

Algarve: project unites the memory of older craftsmen to the creativity of the newest (with video)

The Algarve is a region of contrasts. Considered one of the most beautiful areas of Europe, with its beaches, the Algarve is also a region with seasonal employment, uncertain, and high migratory flows.

The lack of employment for young people is one of the major gaps in the region, and it is to be combated, among others, with projects like the TASA (Ancestral Techniques current solutions). The project has as its backdrop the handicrafts and seeks to combine the algarvian tradition to local artisans.

"The project was designed to prove that the crafts can be an activity with a future. And for young people, because without them you cannot maintain this activity, "explained to Alice Green Economy Pisco, of coordination and Regional Development of the Algarve (CCDR), which launched the project in 2010.

One of the major gains of the project passes through contemporary approach appended to these regional crafts products, which was considered essential for its affirmation in the national and international markets.

Today, the TASA is pivoted by ProActive Tur, a tourism company responsible by virtue of the decision of the 10 initial network artisans to continue to work on the project. Between the ages of 30 and 60 years, these craftsmen have created 30 new products â€" Cork, linen, palm leaves, clay and wood are some of the most commonly used raw materials.

The project relies on memory of older and newer ' creativity, reinventing a lost art. "The TASA joined different arts. We have various products worked by two craftsmen together. Other decisions of the project was selling artifacts, i.e. utilities don't have articles purely decorative, "concluded Alice Pisco.

The connection between the ten craftsmen is made by designer Joana Cabrita Malik, born in Faro. "There is a very large proximity among all, and although some have a certain age, all have opening to welcome me and talk openly about new ideas. And they excite easily with the new products, "explained the designer the green economy.

The project, which has already been subject of reportage in Green Savers in January, is being developed and coordinated in Loulé. See the episode 209 of the green economy.

Read More

Bhutan wants 100% of electric mobility in the medium term

Trapped between China, India, Bangladesh and Myanmar, Bhutan achieved fame a few years back, when popularized the concept of gross national happiness. Now, the country is again in the spotlight, as it intends to change all their cars for environmentally friendly vehicles and powered by electricity.

The plan was announced on Thursday by Tshering Tobgay, Bhutan's Prime Minister, and Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan Renault, and predicts that the Nissan Leaf take their entire fleet of taxis and official state capital and largest city, Thimphu (pictured).

The partnership provides for the assessment of what are the best places to install supply networks in the country and, in the medium term, the end of the sales tax and import taxes of green vehicles, to stimulate the transition among the population.

According to data from the World Bank in 2009 Bhutan had 46 passenger cars per 1,000 people, which means your 742 thousand citizens have about 34 thousand cars. These numbers may seem irrelevant to the global market for green cars, but the truth is that Bhutan can become a global example. And hopes to profit from it.

According to the sustainable planet, with this measure, the Government hopes to save the Country's money, in the long run, since it will no longer be necessary to import petroleum-derived fuel to supply the fleet of cars. Today, the biggest source of income from Bhutan comes from selling electricity, or to be more specific, the energy produced by its biggest dam, Chhukha Hydel.

Almost all the hydroelectricity produced there is sold to its richest neighbor, India. And almost all the money is used to pay for the import of petrol.

Foto: hktang/Creative Commons

Read More

Germany: coal dependency threatens entire cities

Last year, the renewable sources reached the 25% of the total power capacity in Germany. Still, the country still relies heavily on coal mining: the use of this energy reached the highest values of the last 20 years, referred to the Inhabitat.

Although it is considered one of the most progressive countries in the world in terms of clean energy production, Germany relies heavily on coal. Thus, various towns that date back to the middle ages will have to be transferred to other locations for mining companies can exploit.

The small town of Atterwasch, in the area of Brandenburg, will be relocated, as well as the village of Proschim â€" with 700 years. Also a church of Magdeborn will be changed to local.

Germany last year exported more energy than it imported, something that could be attributed to the increase of the quantity of energy produced in coal and anthracite. Even though the country set a goal to eliminate its reliance on fossil fuels until 2050, carbon emissions continue to increase despite the development of industries of solar and wind energy.

Some experts believe that this situation can be explained by the low prices of carbon dioxide allowances in the EU emissions trading scheme. The imposition of stricter rules on carbon polluters at European level may be the only solution to the current energy problem that threatens Germany.

Foto: Bert Kaufmann/Creative Commons

Read More

The cleaning product made in Portugal that does not use water (with video)

In the Isodet, a family-owned company founded 14 years ago, all are trained in chemistry. Started by professionals with a wide experience of multinational companies linked to the sector of industrial maintenance and hygiene products, the company has always sought to bring environmental concerns for their products.

The result of these concerns, the company has developed seven years ago, a product washing cars, boats and motorcycles without water, Waterless V8. To use it, simply a packaging and two Microfiber cloths.

"With the spraying, the product does flow dirt to the surface of the plate. That's the secret of the product. He can take the dirt that is in the micropores of the plate, and, to do this, simply pass the cloth under the surface ", explained to the green economy Jorge Antunes, one of the Government leaders of the Isodet, which in 2013 invoiced € 250 000.

"Then, with the first cloth, collect the dirt that was removed from the plate. The second makes polishing cloth and activates a wax product itself, which gives it that glow. And seals the plate ", he continued.

The charge claims that a car needs 165 litres of water to be washed. With this process, the vehicle can be cleaned in its entirety â€" yet, the process becomes more efficient with regular maintenance. "There is no need to be cleaning the bottom many times", Jorge Antunes Government advances.

According to Isodet, if all cars were washed Portuguese, twice a month, by this process, would it be possible to save 6,400 Olympic pools of water per year.

The product is already used in the Portuguese Navy and has been exported to France and North Africa. In the near future, the Isodet aims to create a washing machine that does not use water. It would be an innovation certainly very well-received in Portuguese homes.

Read More

Giant isopod died after five of hunger strike

A giant isopod, a crustacean resembling a bug but much larger account, was found dead in his tank by attendants. The event would not have anything out of the ordinary, hadn't the animal refused to eat for five years.

This giant isopod, called paragraph 1 to be distinguished from nine other isopods that inhabited the same tank in Japan, didn't eat since January 2009, when you ate a whole mackerel.

However, in addition to having made a hunger strike for five years, the animal has another unusual behaviour: fooled the keeper. According to the handler, Takeya Moritaki, the animal tricked him, since sometimes the animal was eating when moving the mouth and front legs around the food, to please the Aquarium team. However, the animal never swallow the food.

Moritaki was preparing a mackerel to the biannual ration of paragraph 1 and after entering the food in the tank noticed the isopod froze when food entered the Aquarium. Realizing that something was wrong, the attendant removed the paragraph 1 of the tank and found he was dead. The animal made a hunger strike for five years and 43 days.

According to the available data, this crustacean was the animal that was on hunger strike during the greatest period of time. Paragraph 1 has been autopsied but not found the cause of death, but everything indicates that may have been due to the hunger strike. The animal will be now frozen for preservation. However, researchers continue to study the No. 1 to understand why refused to eat.

The giant isopod paragraph 1 was taken from the Gulf of Mexico to the Toba Aquarium in September 2007, measuring 29 inches and weighing a pound. The giant isopods are crustaceans related to shrimps and crabs and isopods earthlings (animals of account). It is thought that these animals are abundant in the cold waters and deep Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean.

Read More

German couple wants to buy electrical network of Berlin

"If we are going to make a difference, so our only option is to buy the entire electricity grid of Berlin". It was this conclusion reached a young couple of Germans â€" Arwen Colell and Luise Neumann-Cosel-with a passion for adoption of sustainable energy sources.

All this couple needs are €400 million â€" corresponding to 40% of the capital requirement the estimated value of the network, about $ 1000 million. To this end, the couple created a cooperative â€" Bürger Energie Berlin-, open to all who wish to participate in the project. Every investor has the right to one vote, regardless of the value that invista. Profits are then distributed according to the amount invested in the project. "The aim is to attract as many people as possible who wish to have a say in the way that the power supply is managed," says Colell in the Guardian.

The energy network of Berlin is sold through tender every 15, 20 years and anyone can buy the network and manage it. The Government of Angela Merkel has already spent millions on "Energiewende" (energy transition) and the program is being implemented very slowly. Many argue that the program has been a disaster: energy prices have increased dramatically, energy poverty has increased and subsidies have resulted in one of the biggest transfers of wealth from the poor to the rich-taxpayers with fewer resources financed subsidies for the program after transiting to the shareholders of the power companies and the owners of the land where are installed the solar panels and wind farms. Faced with these management problems, this couple wants to improve the efficiency of the electricity grid of the German capital and implement alternate forms of energy.

The first challenge of the cooperative was being taken seriously. The first year of the project was passed to manage local policies and establish partnerships. "This is putting the knowledge and financial power of many. We need partnerships with energy management firms, a strong network of financial partners and community involvement, "explains Colell.

This first hurdle was crossed successfully. Efficient communication campaigns and simple and the presence established in the debate of energy management makes it difficult for politicians and sector operators ignore them.  Currently, it is possible to see, through their website, the amount of partnerships established by the cooperative. The next step is to present the technical and financial details for the management of the network and be able to find entities that finance the project.

Foto: tsaarni/Creative Commons

Read More

Sochi 2014: British training centre abandoned and covered in trash

In recent years, the British team that participates in the Winter Olympics in Sochi, in Russia, trained at Sheffield Ski Village, a purpose built centre to host Olympic athletes on the outskirts of the former British industrial town.

Now, the Center is abandoned and, curiously, covered in trash-proof that it's not just in Portugal that the sports equipment, designed specifically for an event, have difficulty in being used.

The decline began in April 2012, when a fire destroyed part of the property. Later, the vandalism has transformed the once high-performance Center in an abandoned property.

The Sheffield Ski Village was the largest artificial ski resort in Europe but, according to British media, the owner of the land has started a process to build 70 homes on the site, which has 6.6 hectares.

See some of the pictures from the Center.

. fancybox-wrap {position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; }. fancybox-skin {position: relative; /* margin-top: 20px! important; */background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; }. fancybox-opened {z-index: 8030;} . fancybox-opened. fancybox-skin {-webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); }. fancybox-outer,. fancybox-inner {position: relative;} . fancybox-inner {overflow: hidden;} . fancybox-type-iframe. fancybox-inner {-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;} . fancybox-close {background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width: 25px; height: 25px; float: right; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 5px; }/*. ng-gallery-image img {width: 565px; height: 393px;}*/Resort de ski de Sheffield1of 19jQuery (document). ready (function ($) {var thumbContainerWidth = 0, thumbs = Array (), selectedIndex = 1, thumbIndex = 1, imageOffset = 7; $ ('. ng-gallery-thumbnail-box '). each (function () {thumbs.push($(this)); }); /* thumbnail navigation */$ ('. ng-greensavers-thumb-next '). unbind (). bind (' click ', function (e) {e.preventDefault(); if (thumbIndex< == (thumbs.length-imageOffset)) {$ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). stop (). animate ({left:-$ (thumbs [thumbIndex]). position (). left}); thumbIndex + +; } }); $ ('. ng-greensavers-thumb-prev '). unbind (). bind (' click ', function (e) {e.preventDefault(); if (thumbIndex >1) {$ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). stop (). animate ({left: $ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). position (). left + ($ (thumbs [thumbIndex-1]). position (). left-$ (thumbs [thumbIndex-2]). position (). left)}); thumbIndex--; } }); $ (window). load (function () {/* set thumbnail container width */$ ('. ng-gallery-thumbnail '). each (function () {thumbContainerWidth = thumbContainerWidth + $ (this). width () + 10; }); $ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). width (thumbContainerWidth); }); });

Read More

Friendship between Japanese and stray cat octogenarian gives rise to bestseller

In 2003, a hot bitch gave birth to a little white kitten in the barn of Misao Ihara, an elderly woman in Japan. Quickly, the small animal was adopted by Misao and became inseparable friends.

The small animal was called "Fukumaru" in hopes that the god of the lucky (fuku in Japanese) came and everything becomes better (maru). Since the little cat was adopted in 2003, the granddaughter of Misao, the photographer Miyoko Ihara, who lives with her grandmother, began documenting the relationship between the elderly and Fukumaru. The pictures gave rise to a book, which is a bestseller in Japan and was well-received in the United States.

Despite his 88 years, Misao is still quite active and will every day to his small farm in Chiba. Fukumaru is a constant presence, helping with the chores.

"In part, because they are a little deaf, my grandmother and the Fukumaru are always take care of each other. Are very close, "said Miyoko, quoted by the Huffington Post. "The Fukumaru's so happy beside my grandmother. When I take a picture of the two is like you're shooting in small ".

The photographic project entitled "Misao, the great mother and Fukumaro, the cat". Misao believes that the success of the book the granddaughter is due to the tranquility that is retractada in the photographs. "When I see the way my grandma lives life really feel she has a kind of strength that my generation can't match. She rises with the Sun and go to bed when he goes down. Loves the cat and the vegetables that grow on Thursday as if they were children, "says Miyoko.

. fancybox-wrap {position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; }. fancybox-skin {position: relative; /* margin-top: 20px! important; */background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; }. fancybox-opened {z-index: 8030;} . fancybox-opened. fancybox-skin {-webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); }. fancybox-outer,. fancybox-inner {position: relative;} . fancybox-inner {overflow: hidden;} . fancybox-type-iframe. fancybox-inner {-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;} . fancybox-close {background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width: 25px; height: 25px; float: right; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 5px; }/*. ng-gallery-image img {width: 565px; height: 393px;}*/Amizade1of 12jQuery (document). ready (function ($) {var thumbContainerWidth = 0, thumbs = Array (), selectedIndex = 1, thumbIndex = 1, imageOffset = 7; $ ('. ng-gallery-thumbnail-box '). each (function () {thumbs.push($(this)); }); /* thumbnail navigation */$ ('. ng-greensavers-thumb-next '). unbind (). bind (' click ', function (e) {e.preventDefault(); if (thumbIndex< == (thumbs.length-imageOffset)) {$ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). stop (). animate ({left:-$ (thumbs [thumbIndex]). position (). left}); thumbIndex + +; } }); $ ('. ng-greensavers-thumb-prev '). unbind (). bind (' click ', function (e) {e.preventDefault(); if (thumbIndex >1) {$ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). stop (). animate ({left: $ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). position (). left + ($ (thumbs [thumbIndex-1]). position (). left-$ (thumbs [thumbIndex-2]). position (). left)}); thumbIndex--; } }); $ (window). load (function () {/* set thumbnail container width */$ ('. ng-gallery-thumbnail '). each (function () {thumbContainerWidth = thumbContainerWidth + $ (this). width () + 10; }); $ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). width (thumbContainerWidth); }); });

Read More

Facebook creates application that unites flood victims with local volunteers

Facebook is uniting, automatically, users who live in the areas affected by floods in the United Kingdom with local volunteers who would help. The social network has developed the application during one day and already put into practice, says The Guardian.

The functionality arose from an event organized recently at Google's Office in the United Kingdom, in which joined programmers of Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft, as well as Google's own, with the aim of developing computer applications that could help the public affected by the floods.

The British environmental agency granted their information to programmers and Facebook made use of these data to find out where your users reside. Then, the social network began sending links to the Flood site Volunteers to persons residing in the areas affected by floods.

The service will be implemented gradually over the next few days to ensure that volunteers can manage the increase in requests for help, said responsible of Facebook. The American company says it will not make this a permanent feature functionality on your site.

Access to data from the British environmental agency will be closed in may, Facebook can only run the application for a given time. Still, if these solutions get revenge in the near future, Facebook can lead voluntary processes related to technology all over the world â€" and that's no small feat, considering the challenging period in the history of the world in which we live.

Read More

The world's largest vertical garden opens in 2015 in Sri Lanka

Bosco vertical and from Milan, is not yet fully built and the architecture firm Milroy Perera Associates (MPA) is already working on a project that will build the (new) vertical residential garden the world's tallest. The project will be built in Sri Lanka, referred to Inhabitat.

The architects of the MPA has aligned with Mäga Construction Engineering firm to conceive the Clearpoint Tower that will house 46 apartments 164 floors filled with vegetation.

The Tower will be located 10 kilometres from the Centre of Colombo, the largest city in Sri Lanka. In order to reduce the heat inside the Tower, the architects have designed the glass surfaces in the building in order to not be directly exposed to the Sun's rays.

Already the air conditioner will minimised thanks to a correct orientation of apartments that will allow natural ventilation. In addition, the plants will serve as sound damping and heat and will provide cleaner air.

The vertical garden will be watered by an automatic drip that saves water and works independently of the residents. Some of the building's energy requirements will be met through solar panels installed on the roof, which will be used for public lighting, elevators, recycling systems and other services.

These measures will be in place to reduce energy and water consumption in a building that is intended to be a pioneer in terms of sustainability. Torre wants to keep a balance with nature and the environment, and be completed by the end of 2015.

. fancybox-wrap {position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; }. fancybox-skin {position: relative; /* margin-top: 20px! important; */background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; }. fancybox-opened {z-index: 8030;} . fancybox-opened. fancybox-skin {-webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); }. fancybox-outer,. fancybox-inner {position: relative;} . fancybox-inner {overflow: hidden;} . fancybox-type-iframe. fancybox-inner {-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;} . fancybox-close {background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width: 25px; height: 25px; float: right; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 5px; }/*. ng-gallery-image img {width: 565px; height: 393px;}*/O jardim vertical do Sri Lanka1of 12jQuery (document). ready (function ($) {var thumbContainerWidth = 0, thumbs = Array (), selectedIndex = 1, thumbIndex = 1, imageOffset = 7; $ ('. ng-gallery-thumbnail-box '). each (function () {thumbs.push($(this)); }); /* thumbnail navigation */$ ('. ng-greensavers-thumb-next '). unbind (). bind (' click ', function (e) {e.preventDefault(); if (thumbIndex< == (thumbs.length-imageOffset)) {$ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). stop (). animate ({left:-$ (thumbs [thumbIndex]). position (). left}); thumbIndex + +; } }); $ ('. ng-greensavers-thumb-prev '). unbind (). bind (' click ', function (e) {e.preventDefault(); if (thumbIndex >1) {$ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). stop (). animate ({left: $ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). position (). left + ($ (thumbs [thumbIndex-1]). position (). left-$ (thumbs [thumbIndex-2]). position (). left)}); thumbIndex--; } }); $ (window). load (function () {/* set thumbnail container width */$ ('. ng-gallery-thumbnail '). each (function () {thumbContainerWidth = thumbContainerWidth + $ (this). width () + 10; }); $ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). width (thumbContainerWidth); }); });

Read More

Flavors galore: the biological farm that you want to spend to sell directly to the public

The Flavors of Sauces is an organic farm located in Oliveira de Azeméis. The project was born from the hands of Isabel Malheiro Araújo, an agricultural engineer who in 2010 decided to fulfill the dream of making real a draft organic farming not only produces and should market vegetables and fruit, but were an engine of environmental education and sustainability.

Through a contract of lending, Isabel Araújo rented the land where today is located the Flavors of sauces and, from 2011, began planting various vegetables and mixed orchards. In August 2012, the project has gained a new partner, Raul Santos, agricultural engineer.

The challenge for 2014 is to get society to the fifth. In 2013, the mentor of the project won the approval of a project of the PRODER, for recovery of premises in ruins that the land offers. The aim is to deliver this year's grocery store on the farm.

With the birth of this Bodega, Isabel Araújo and Raul Santos intend that the fruits and vegetables grown on the farm can be sold to consumers directly at the premises of fifth and not just once a week, through the Agrobio market hampers of Aveiro.

The goals for this year include the creation of a library and a teaching kitchen, the idea is to promote organic farming and environmental protection, as well as promote the creation of jobs and "make increasingly the difference in rurally de Aveiro".

In addition to the biological products that produces sauces, Flavors still invests in educational environmental actions, being assiduous presence in schools and in different municipal initiatives.

. fancybox-wrap {position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; }. fancybox-skin {position: relative; /* margin-top: 20px! important; */background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; }. fancybox-opened {z-index: 8030;} . fancybox-opened. fancybox-skin {-webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); }. fancybox-outer,. fancybox-inner {position: relative;} . fancybox-inner {overflow: hidden;} . fancybox-type-iframe. fancybox-inner {-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;} . fancybox-close {background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width: 25px; height: 25px; float: right; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 5px; }/*. ng-gallery-image img {width: 565px; height: 393px;}*/Sabores aos Molhos, Oliveira de Azeméis1of 9jQuery (document). ready (function ($) {var thumbContainerWidth = 0, thumbs = Array (), selectedIndex = 1, thumbIndex = 1, imageOffset = 7; $ ('. ng-gallery-thumbnail-box '). each (function () {thumbs.push($(this)); }); /* thumbnail navigation */$ ('. ng-greensavers-thumb-next '). unbind (). bind (' click ', function (e) {e.preventDefault(); if (thumbIndex< == (thumbs.length-imageOffset)) {$ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). stop (). animate ({left:-$ (thumbs [thumbIndex]). position (). left}); thumbIndex + +; } }); $ ('. ng-greensavers-thumb-prev '). unbind (). bind (' click ', function (e) {e.preventDefault(); if (thumbIndex >1) {$ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). stop (). animate ({left: $ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). position (). left + ($ (thumbs [thumbIndex-1]). position (). left-$ (thumbs [thumbIndex-2]). position (). left)}); thumbIndex--; } }); $ (window). load (function () {/* set thumbnail container width */$ ('. ng-gallery-thumbnail '). each (function () {thumbContainerWidth = thumbContainerWidth + $ (this). width () + 10; }); $ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). width (thumbContainerWidth); }); });

Read More

The beauty of the abandoned bus stops of the United Kingdom

Recently, the News Magazine of the BBC visited one of the abandoned bus stops of rural Cumbria zonal and asked readers if they considered that that was the nearest abandoned the United Kingdom.

This stop serves the village of Milburn, in Eden Valley, the location of the United Kingdom that has the more sparse population and is utilized by about six to seven passengers per week.

Several readers responded to the challenge of the BBC and suggested alternatives even more abandoned than this stop of Cumbria.

1 and 2. stopping the sheep nuts from North York Moors, England

Located in Dale, on the border of the North York Moors National Park, a small concrete shelter serves as a bus stop. The nearest homes are miles away, on the other side of Dale, and who want to catch a bus subject to wait hours and can only do only on Tuesdays. The only route that serves this stop has as destination the town closest to Guisborough. To pass the time, who waits for the bus, you can always admire the scenery or the stop graffiti, including a sheep nuts.

3. removal from Islay, Scotland

This stop is located at Glenegedale Airport, one of the airports of the island of Islay, in Scotland. Although this airport several flights per week to Glasgow, Oban and Colonsay, this stop was claimed for the sheep. Still, there are a few buses that serve this stop, but more often to see if you look at the stop than passengers.

"3300BA0497", England 4.Paragem

The Cricket Ground is located in Clumber Park, in England. Isolated in the middle of the natural park, the site is also known as "3300BA0497" Transport Department of Nottinghamshire, since most of the people who know this stop are the employees of this Department. Several years ago that has no regular bus stop. However, the site still has some utility, since it can serve as a point of rest or park visitors shelter on rainy days.

5 and 6. stopping the 23A, England

Once a year, a bus part of Salisbury Plain to the abandoned village of Imber. The trip, which began to be made five years ago by a group of bus enthusiasts, takes passengers to the site which was evacuated by the British Ministry of defence, in 1943. The old location was evacuated to serve as a training ground for American soldiers during World War II and remains to this day training camp for the British army.

7. removal of Cape Wrath, Scotland

This bus stop is not ticked. It's just a stopover of minibuses that are the rails of Cape Wrath, the Northwestern most point of Britain. Access to the site is done only by ferry and minibuses are the only non-military vehicles that run through these tracks. There is no regular schedule in passing and using these minibuses is only for tourist purposes and made with markup.

And dear reader, do you know any semi-abandonada bus stop in Portugal? Send us this forum and site for info@greensavers.pt.

Foto: geezaweezer/Creative Commons

. fancybox-wrap {position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; }. fancybox-skin {position: relative; /* margin-top: 20px! important; */background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; }. fancybox-opened {z-index: 8030;} . fancybox-opened. fancybox-skin {-webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); }. fancybox-outer,. fancybox-inner {position: relative;} . fancybox-inner {overflow: hidden;} . fancybox-type-iframe. fancybox-inner {-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;} . fancybox-close {background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width: 25px; height: 25px; float: right; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 5px; }/*. ng-gallery-image img {width: 565px; height: 393px;}*/As paragens esquecidas1of 7jQuery (document). ready (function ($) {var thumbContainerWidth = 0, thumbs = Array (), selectedIndex = 1, thumbIndex = 1, imageOffset = 7; $ ('. ng-gallery-thumbnail-box '). each (function () {thumbs.push($(this)); }); /* thumbnail navigation */$ ('. ng-greensavers-thumb-next '). unbind (). bind (' click ', function (e) {e.preventDefault(); if (thumbIndex< == (thumbs.length-imageOffset)) {$ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). stop (). animate ({left:-$ (thumbs [thumbIndex]). position (). left}); thumbIndex + +; } }); $ ('. ng-greensavers-thumb-prev '). unbind (). bind (' click ', function (e) {e.preventDefault(); if (thumbIndex >1) {$ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). stop (). animate ({left: $ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). position (). left + ($ (thumbs [thumbIndex-1]). position (). left-$ (thumbs [thumbIndex-2]). position (). left)}); thumbIndex--; } }); $ (window). load (function () {/* set thumbnail container width */$ ('. ng-gallery-thumbnail '). each (function () {thumbContainerWidth = thumbContainerWidth + $ (this). width () + 10; }); $ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). width (thumbContainerWidth); }); });

Read More

Green House: an ecological and sustainable hostel made in Peniche

The Portuguese coast, especially the Western region, is increasingly on the route of the surfing world, bringing thousands of practitioners per year and, with them, investment and boosting the local economy.

With the arrival of tourists, the local hospitality industry had â€" and have â€" to restructure its offer and services. And the best way to do that is through the sustainable tourism-linked deals, or they weren't real surfers ambassadors of the sea and the environment.

One of the most recent offerings is the Green House, a hostel that promotes a sustainable and ecological concept. "Both the furniture as decoration result from the use of recycled materials, which gives us a natural and inviting environment," explained Green Savers responsible for hostel, Ana Cabral. All existing parts can still be purchased by the guests or visitors, according to the charge.

On the other hand, the lamps used in illumination of the hostel are low consumption and Green House favours the use of ecological detergents. There is also a "system services" in which volunteers from various countries perform small jobs, according to their experience and motivation. "In Exchange for bed and breakfast, they contribute little works of creation and improvement of furniture, support for promotional activities or management", explains Ana Cabral.

Breakfast served daily is homemade: the bread is made in own hostel, being the fruit of the season purchased direct from the producer. "With her do the natural juice and jams", stresses the responsible.

The Green House is also responsible for promotion of exchanges related to solidarity. "We were pioneers in this type of action, in Baleal Beach and Peniche. We changed his clothes and books (available year-round); sale of gourmet products whose sale reverts in favor of IPSS (like CERCI Peniche, which produces gourmet products); collecting donations in genera for IPSS (as the Association, receiving clothing and other donations for children at risk); and bet on local artisans ", concludes the responsible.

. fancybox-wrap {position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; }. fancybox-skin {position: relative; /* margin-top: 20px! important; */background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; }. fancybox-opened {z-index: 8030;} . fancybox-opened. fancybox-skin {-webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba (0, 0, 0, 0.5); }. fancybox-outer,. fancybox-inner {position: relative;} . fancybox-inner {overflow: hidden;} . fancybox-type-iframe. fancybox-inner {-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;} . fancybox-close {background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width: 25px; height: 25px; float: right; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 5px; }/*. ng-gallery-image img {width: 565px; height: 393px;}*/Green House, hostel ecológico no Baleal1of 20jQuery (document). ready (function ($) {var thumbContainerWidth = 0, thumbs = Array (), selectedIndex = 1, thumbIndex = 1, imageOffset = 7; $ ('. ng-gallery-thumbnail-box '). each (function () {thumbs.push($(this)); }); /* thumbnail navigation */$ ('. ng-greensavers-thumb-next '). unbind (). bind (' click ', function (e) {e.preventDefault(); if (thumbIndex< == (thumbs.length-imageOffset)) {$ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). stop (). animate ({left:-$ (thumbs [thumbIndex]). position (). left}); thumbIndex + +; } }); $ ('. ng-greensavers-thumb-prev '). unbind (). bind (' click ', function (e) {e.preventDefault(); if (thumbIndex >1) {$ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). stop (). animate ({left: $ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). position (). left + ($ (thumbs [thumbIndex-1]). position (). left-$ (thumbs [thumbIndex-2]). position (). left)}); thumbIndex--; } }); $ (window). load (function () {/* set thumbnail container width */$ ('. ng-gallery-thumbnail '). each (function () {thumbContainerWidth = thumbContainerWidth + $ (this). width () + 10; }); $ ('. ng-thumbnails-container '). width (thumbContainerWidth); }); });

Read More

Connect4Climate offers €11 Grand Prize best documentary on climate change

Until April 1, the Action4Climate invites young filmmakers and film lovers to make a documentary about climate change, that shows the perspective of younger age groups about climate change.

The documentary should have between one to 12 minutes and must also address how the changes associated with global warming and other climate issues influence the everyday life of young people and the measures that can be taken to sensitize the population to these problems.

The competition is divided into two categories by age groups: from 14 to 17 years and 18 to 35 years. Participation can be done individually or in groups, with the maximum of five elements. The best short of category 14-17 years takes home professional video equipment, whereas the category 18-35 years enables a prize of €11, 000 (Annual thousand). The second and third classified in this category receive £ 7,300 and £ 3,600, respectively.

The documentaries distinguished will still be inserted in circuits of film festivals and made available on the platform MTV Voices.

The competition jury will be chaired by Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci. Among the members of the jury are still other familiar names of the seventh art: Fernando Meirelles, Wim Wenders, Marc Forster and Atom Egoyan.

The Action4Climate is a project launched in 2011 by the World Bank, Global Environment Facility and by the Italian Ministry of environment, with the aim of creating an open and participative platform that involves young people in a global debate about climate change in order to promote greater local action geared towards this theme.

Read More

The lone owner who challenges the market

Charlie Wright, 62, still lives in the same house he was born in Birkenhead, Wirral, Merseyside, UK region and refuses to abandon it â€" even when pressed for all: autarchy, real estate and, indirectly, by their neighbors, who have sold their own homes.

A few years ago, Wright was just one of the existing 600 on site, a popular neighborhood. Now, the British â€" who grew up with nine siblings in property â€" is alone. "I was born here and live here for 62 years. My mother bought the House after the second world war and lived here with my nine brothers. I'm not leaving, "explained to the British press.

The Wright House is surrounded by garbage and demolished buildings â€" the region tried to build an industrial zone on the ground but, with the crisis, the investment failed. Now, the area is desolate â€" but Charlie stays in your House.

See pictures of the terrain.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/A última casa do bairro1of 10jQuery(document).ready(function($) { var thumbContainerWidth = 0, thumbs = Array(), selectedIndex = 1, thumbIndex = 1, imageOffset = 7; $('.ngg-gallery-thumbnail-box').each(function() { thumbs.push($(this)); }); /*thumbnail navigation */ $('.ngg-greensavers-thumb-next').unbind().bind('click', function(e) { e.preventDefault(); if(thumbIndex<= (thumbs.length-imageOffset)) { $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').stop().animate({ left : -$(thumbs[thumbIndex]).position().left }); thumbIndex++; } }); $('.ngg-greensavers-thumb-prev').unbind().bind('click', function(e) { e.preventDefault(); if(thumbIndex >1) { $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').stop().animate({ left : $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').position().left + ( $(thumbs[thumbIndex-1]).position().left - $(thumbs[thumbIndex-2]).position().left ) }); thumbIndex--; } }); $(window).load(function() { /* set thumbnail container width */ $('.ngg-gallery-thumbnail').each(function() { thumbContainerWidth = thumbContainerWidth + $(this).width() + 10; }); $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').width(thumbContainerWidth); }); });

Read More

Tesla Model S arrives in Portugal tomorrow

The Tesla Model S electric car will be tomorrow, for the first time, on display in Portugal, according to ZEEV, company dedicated to the commercialization of electric mobility solutions â€" bicycles, motorbikes, cars and charging stations.

According to the company, the vehicle will be exposed in the shopping centre Amoreiras in Lisbon tomorrow until February 23, Sunday. "[At the show] we will meet some of our electric mobility solutions, taking advantage of the occasion to present exclusive and firsthand, the Tesla's Model S electric car in Portugal," says the company.

In addition to the Tesla, the electric bike also will be presented A2B Alva â€" in this case, will be a European premiere.

Read More

Scientists track whales from space

The observation satellite WorldView-2, the American company DigitalGlobe, are using high resolution photos of the Earth and image-processing software to detect whales near the surface of the ocean, according to the report published in the journal PLoS ONE.

A team of scientists from the British Antarctic Survey tested the WorldView-2 with Southern Right whales-southern Gulf Coast in Nuevo argentina, and found that the automated system captured 89 percent of whales during a manual search of images.

"With the increased resolution of photos captured by satellite and the improvement of our analysis, we started to be able to monitor more species and in other types of locations," said study author Peter Fretwell to BBC. "It will be possible to make total counts of populations and, in the future, follow the trajectory of the same," he added.

The waves and the cloudy water can confound the WorldView-2, having been due to these aspects that the Frankish-southern whales were chosen for the tests â€" because they are slow swimmers, too shallow and can be used to control other animals.

"The other aspect is the fact that many researchers of marine mammals have been killed flying in small planes while they were researching whales," said Vicky Rowntree, Director of the program of the southern right whale in the Ocean Alliance, the BBC. "I want the scientists let the small planes that circulate about the whales and start doing it from a distance".

Photo: NOAA

Read More

Portuguese MEPs more fought for environment (with LIST)

The Portuguese non-governmental organization Quercus joined Sanbag, United Kingdom, European network of climate action, WWF and I-Parlameter and today introduced a ranking of grievance that more fought for green economy and dependent subjects.

The list is based on 11 relevant decisions taken in the last five years in relation to the European climate policy â€" each subject (or vote), according to the importance of the subject, weighed differently in total scoring.

The specific assessment of each of the MEPs allowed a quick query about whether a particular MEP is a champion for the climate â€" or a climate destroyer. The list revealed Monday Danish MEP Alda Shah as the one who defended the fight against climate change.

According to the list-which can also be seen here â€" Portugal has seven MEPs "climate champions", five "climate friendly" and two MEPs "destructors" climate.

Thus, the climate champions are Alda Sousa, Luís Paulo Alves, Rui Tavares, Elisa Ferreira, António Correia de Campos, Marisa Matias and Capoulas Santos, (an independent, two of the left bloc and the rest of the PS), Alda Shah obtained same perfect score (100).

The five "climate friendly" never voted, but on several occasions abstained or did not participate in some polls. Are they Vital Moreira, Ana Gomes, Estrela, Inés Zuber and João Ferreira (members for PS and PCP).

The deputies Mario David and Nuno Teixeira, PSD 's, were a "clear obstacle to European climate policy," according to Quercus, with seven votes against in 11 decisions â€" click the photo to see the full list.



Photo: Xaf / Creative Commons

Read More

Prince William wants to destroy ivory collection of the Queen of England to fight illegal hunting

Prince William wants to destroy the 1,200 ivory artifacts from Buckingham Palace to fight the slaughter of elephants and the illegal ivory trade. The Duke of Cambridge wants in this way to "send a message" to the poachers but also to world leaders, so that they are more attentive to the illegal trade of the material.

The collection, with an incalculable value, includes a throne of India that belonged to Queen Victoria, as well as teeth, vases, statuettes and pieces of furniture with inlaid ivory. According to the Daily Mail, sources close to the Duke says, if this is successful, will urge other heads of State to do the same.

William is a supporter of animal rights and an assiduous presence in fundraising events for animals. The Prince demanded even though the ivory artefacts present in Clarence House, the official residence of his father, were stored. The collection comprises essentially want to shred William for gifts that world leaders were offering to British Royal family over the centuries.

Although William wanted to destroy ivory artefacts collection, Buckingham Palace sources claim that the items in the collection that have not been offered were acquired "respecting all the relevant legislation".

Foto: cliff1066™ / Creative Commons

Read More

Low cost flights and put French TGV cars on Red

Although it's exciting traveling through the countryside to great speeds, the economic situation of France means that fewer people are willing to pay large sums to travel on the network of the Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV).

According to the Quartz, the SNCF, the public company that manages the French rail network, entered the red in 2013, the net losses of 180 million, which compares with the profit registered in 2012, about €376 million. The negative results of the previous year due mainly to a sharp depreciation of € 1.4 billion in the value of the high-speed rail network.

"The TGV is not profitable enough to cover the costs of maintenance and renewal of its fleet," admitted the SNCF. Other factors contributing to the low adhesion and damage of the TGV are the low cost flights and cars, which currently constitute as most economic alternatives to the TGV.

For this year, SNCF expects a "slight improvement" but the TGV passenger volume should continue to fall. To boost revenue, and infrastructure services divisions are planning projects outside of France.

Photo: 8: 00 / Creative Commons

Read More

Australia Approves the disposal of sediments on the great barrier reef for expansion of coal Harbour

The authorities of the marine park of the great barrier reef Australia approved the release of up to three billion cubic metres of sediment in the marine reserve of the great barrier reef.

The sediments will come from dredging to expand the Abbot Point port terminal, in the province of Queensland, for the construction of what will be the biggest coal port in the world, referred to Inhabitat. The port, in operation since 1984, is located near the border of Navy great barrier and the aim is to increase to 70 million tons the amount of coal that annually there will pass. Increasing the capacity of the port is expected to create more than 15 thousand jobs and increase profits for up to €2,7 billion (R$8,8 billion).

This decision "can smother the corals and marine plants," Salina Ward, a marine biologist at the University of Queensland and one of 233 scientists who signed a petition against the draft sediment deposition.

The reservation of the great barrier reef is composed of around 3,000 corals and provides habitat for more than 1,600 species of fish, extending over 2,600 kilometres off the coast of Australia. The great barrier was considered a world heritage site by Unesco in 1981. The site concentrates on about 10% of the total existing coral reef on the planet.

Last year, Unesco indicated that it was considering putting the Great Barrier in the list of endangered sites in 2014 due to the threats it faces, ranging from the dredging for the ports of fossil fuels, increasing the movement of ships in the region and the impacts caused by agricultural developments.

Read More

Why do cats like to knock down objects?

If you have a cat will already be accustomed to that he drop various objects for no apparent reason. However, this behavior has an answer: to knock down objects, cats are developing their survival instincts.

Cats, like humans, often feel the need to touch the objects stop the better understand. But why is that instead of simply touching objects, they feel compelled to throw them to the ground? According to Mikel Delgado, an expert on domestic cats, this behavior can be seen as a form of joke. However, the games of cats may not be as simple as they seem.

"The banter to animals are a way to practice and develop the tools they need to survive, like hunting, but usually a way overhyped," says Delgado, quoted by Dodo. "In a sense, the cats can therefore test how things work in the world â€" ' what happens if you touch this? That amount of force need to drop this? How fast it falls '? ". According to Delgado, the cats, in addition to the sensitive whiskers, also have sensitive coat on back of legs and many nerve endings in the feet, which transmit information to the brain under the "prey", which in this case are the objects.

Another possible explanation for the fact that cats drop objects is the attention. "Many cats drop objects from high places, especially during the night and early morning, to wake up the humans", indicates Delgado. "The attention given by humans reinforces this kind of behaviour in many cats, what makes them continue to drop the objects".

Photo: librarian / Creative Commons

Read More

Urban Habitats may be a refuge for biodiversity

With the process of urbanization and industrialization, the cities were gaining ground natural habitats, often leading to the destruction of these and endangering native species of these spaces.

However, the cities that are located within or near these hotspots of biodiversity can accommodate a wide variety of wildlife, and may even become a refuge for many species of plants.

A recent study-"Urban biodiversity hotspots wait to get discovered: The example of the city of Ioannina, NW Greece" â€" prepared by Greek investigators tried to figure out how far the cities located in biologically important areas may provide suitable habitat for a wide diversity of plants. To this end, researchers focused in Ioannina, a town in northwestern Greece, near several protected areas national or European level, including a National Park, an urban forest of pine trees and a Lake, referred to the Science for Environment Policy, an environmental news service of the European Commission.

In all, investigators have identified about 11 different types of habitats which contained 379 species and subspecies of plants, including native and non-native species. About 27 (7%) of the species were plants with conservation interest that were endemic to Greece or the Balkans, or who were considered to be in danger by the EU. Non-native plants represent 11% of the total of identified species.

The habitats where these plants were found were classified by scientists as semi-natural or anthropogenic (local extensively altered by human activities). The semi-natural sites account for the smallest portion of non-native species and the largest proportion of species of conservation interest. However, approximately 68% of all species and subspecies have been found in anthropogenic habitats and the widest range of habitats or biodiversity of flora was found on the outskirts of the city or within the city itself.

In this way, the findings of the study indicate that there are European cities in which anthropogenic habitats are important for protecting biodiversity.

Foto:  OiMax / Creative Commons

Read More

U.s. Olympic skier wants to adopt dogs of Sochi

After the story of the Russian millionaire who built a shelter to 140 of 2,000 dogs of Sochi that were going to be slaughtered, now is the time of Gus Kenworthy, American athlete to compete in the Olympic Winter Games, to be in the spotlight of the media. This skier wants to take home, besides the obvious medals, a dog and their four dogs.

Kenworthy saw the family of dogs in the vicinity of the Gorki Media Center and decided he had to help animals. "The dogs are adorable," said the skier at the end of the semifinal of slopestyle, cites the USA Today.

The athlete found a temporary shelter for animals and equipment to carry on the plane and is trying to be vaccinated next week. According to Kenworthy, who posted a photo of animals on Twitter, several friends and family elements provided to adopt animals, being that the skier should keep at least one of the dogs. "I have received many messages from friends and family who would like to stay with them, including the mother of dogs" reveals Kenworthy.

Follow Gus, on Twitter, here. It's the quickest way to know, within a few days, if the skier managed to bring the dogs to the United States.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/O amigo dos animais em Sochi1of 2jQuery(document).ready(function($) { var thumbContainerWidth = 0, thumbs = Array(), selectedIndex = 1, thumbIndex = 1, imageOffset = 7; $('.ngg-gallery-thumbnail-box').each(function() { thumbs.push($(this)); }); /*thumbnail navigation */ $('.ngg-greensavers-thumb-next').unbind().bind('click', function(e) { e.preventDefault(); if(thumbIndex<= (thumbs.length-imageOffset)) { $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').stop().animate({ left : -$(thumbs[thumbIndex]).position().left }); thumbIndex++; } }); $('.ngg-greensavers-thumb-prev').unbind().bind('click', function(e) { e.preventDefault(); if(thumbIndex >1) { $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').stop().animate({ left : $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').position().left + ( $(thumbs[thumbIndex-1]).position().left - $(thumbs[thumbIndex-2]).position().left ) }); thumbIndex--; } }); $(window).load(function() { /* set thumbnail container width */ $('.ngg-gallery-thumbnail').each(function() { thumbContainerWidth = thumbContainerWidth + $(this).width() + 10; }); $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').width(thumbContainerWidth); }); });

Read More

Germany: polar bear dies after eating coat and bag from zoo visitor

A polar bear at the Zoo from Stuttgart, in Germany, died after eating a jacket and bag that were thrown by a visitor to your space. Anton, of 25 years, died on Sunday night, after several attempts of handlers to save him â€" tried to threw up the bag and coat, but to no avail.

According to the zookeepers, cited by The Local, the animal showed strange behavior for days, which only became clear when he began spitting bits of materials of the coat and wallet. The zoo's veterinarian gave him, then medicines for which the animal threw up the rest of the pieces, which didn't happen.

"There must have been something quite tasty on her jacket, something that Anton could not resist," their handlers, Andreas and Jürgen Wössner Diesenhofer. Usually, the animal just tore the objects and garments that fell to his cage.

How and why the coat and wallet were thrown in a cage of Anton remain unclear. However, the electrified fence that surrounds the space bear has not deterred in the past 20 years about 200 child shoes were thrown in water, add about 50 baby dolls, hundreds of hats, cameras, cell phones and glasses.

The zoo veterinarian appealed it to visitors to inform employees and attendants of items by accident fall into the spaces of the animals. "If we knew that something was in the cage we might have been able to save Anton," says Tobias Knauf-Witznes. Anton could have lived another 10 to 15 years, hadn't eaten the coat and wallet. The animal died of serious internal injuries and inflammations.

Anton is not the first animal to die in Stuttgart zoo due to ingesting that objects that were left by visitors. A hippo died a few years ago of intestinal obstruction after swallowing a tennis ball and an elephant seal died after swallowing a teddy bear.

Foto:  Elfboy / Creative Commons

Read More

20 breathtaking hotels

The tourism sector is one of the most CO2 emissions issue: there's the air travel, the construction of hotels in protected land, with high maintenance or the food is ordered from the other side of the world.

However, more and more hotels they can take advantage of its biodiversity and minimize its impact on her. Sites that show you below, in essence, try to do it.

See the names of the hotels and their sequence of images.

1. Äscher Cliff, Switzerland

2. Hotel Kakslauttanen, Finland

3. Ladera Resort, the Caribbean island of Montserrat

4. Rayavadee Krabi, Thailand

5. Hotel Ristorante Grotta Palazzese Polignano a Mare, Italy

6.Panchoran Retreat, Bali

7.Hotel Ubud Hanging Gardens, Indonésia

8. Attrap Reves, France

9. Katikies Hotel-Oia, Greece

10. Hotel Le Sirenuse, Amalfi coast, Italy

11. Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden

12.The Cambrian Hotel, Adelboden, Suíça

13.Homestead Resort and Spa, Utah, Estados Unidos

14.Villa Escudero, Philippines

15. Hotel-Restaurant Öschinensee, Switzerland

16. Astarte Suits Hotel, Greece

17.Hotel the Moulin du Roc, Franca

18. Juvet Landscape Resort, Norway

19.Montana magic Lodge, Chile

20. Giraffe Manor, Kenya

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/20 hotéis de charme1of 19jQuery(document).ready(function($) { var thumbContainerWidth = 0, thumbs = Array(), selectedIndex = 1, thumbIndex = 1, imageOffset = 7; $('.ngg-gallery-thumbnail-box').each(function() { thumbs.push($(this)); }); /*thumbnail navigation */ $('.ngg-greensavers-thumb-next').unbind().bind('click', function(e) { e.preventDefault(); if(thumbIndex<= (thumbs.length-imageOffset)) { $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').stop().animate({ left : -$(thumbs[thumbIndex]).position().left }); thumbIndex++; } }); $('.ngg-greensavers-thumb-prev').unbind().bind('click', function(e) { e.preventDefault(); if(thumbIndex >1) { $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').stop().animate({ left : $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').position().left + ( $(thumbs[thumbIndex-1]).position().left - $(thumbs[thumbIndex-2]).position().left ) }); thumbIndex--; } }); $(window).load(function() { /* set thumbnail container width */ $('.ngg-gallery-thumbnail').each(function() { thumbContainerWidth = thumbContainerWidth + $(this).width() + 10; }); $('.ngg-thumbnails-container').width(thumbContainerWidth); }); });

Read More