China’s water squeeze worsens as wetlands shrink nine percent
China’s wetlands have shrunk by nine percent since 2003 according to forestry officials, aggravating water scarcity in areas where shortages are already causing pressure on food production, energy output and industrial activity. The lost wetland areas have been converted to agricultural lands, swallowed by infrastructure projects or degraded by climate change. Water has emerged as a major issue in China where its scarcity endangers economic growth and social stability. Nearly 70 percent of China’s energy production depends on water-intensive coal power and although $1.5 billion was earmarked to protect wetlands during 2005 to 2010, according to forestry officials, just 38 percent of those funds were actually allocated. Debra Tan from not for profit, China Water Risk, said that, “receding wetlands will leave less water available in the long term. This will add to the pressure and increase competition for water going forward.” (Thomson Reuters)
Colgate squeezes out water use during manufacture
Personal care company Colgate-Palmolive has developed a system to help identify and share best practice on water reduction throughout its global manufacturing sites. The company has established a global manufacturing water reduction team, with the mission to drive forward its water reduction goals while improving quality, safety and reliability, as well as reducing costs. Colgate’s 2015 goal is to reduce the water consumed per unit of production in the manufacture of its products by 40% compared to a 2005 baseline. Colgate is also working with Water for People, an organisation that aims to develop long-lasting solutions to water, sanitation and hygiene problems in the developing world, towards providing access to clean water in vulnerable regions where it operates and sells its products. Last year the organisation reached over 10,000 people with new community water and sanitation systems, and health and hygiene education in both India and Guatemala. (Edie)
Health & Nutrition
Lidl bans sweets at the checkout
Lidl is claiming to be the first UK supermarket to have banned sweets and chocolate bars from checkouts at all its stores. The discount supermarket has replaced sweets with dried and fresh fruit, oatcakes, and juices, following a trial of these healthier options at checkouts last year. In a survey for the supermarket, 68% of parents said they were pestered by their children for chocolate at the checkout, and 66% gave in some or all of the time. The ban comes after a National Obesity Forum report showed that previous estimates that half the UK population will be obese by 2050 had understated the problem. Katharine Jenner from health campaign group, Action on Sugar said that, “it is an acknowledgement from the retailers that these products are not healthy, however, it is one thing to put people off buying, it is another to make products healthier.” (Guardian)
Environment
New York to boost community solar market in state-wide drive
New York is to move a step closer to becoming energy independent, after plans were unveiled to boost the region’s rooftop solar power market. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced plans to expand the NY-Sun initiative, launched in 2011 to boost the state’s energy security and reduce costs. Since its launch New York has seen solar capacity quadruple, exceeding its target by 50 percent. The next phase of the project is aiming to push solar technologies into the mainstream by making it easier for communities and schools to fit solar panels. Cuomo said that, “despite massive growth in this industry, there are still opportunities to expand solar energy into new markets. Of the nearly 5,000 public schools in the state, many are prime candidates for solar energy but have not been able to navigate the bureaucratic channels to finance it through potential energy savings.” (BusinessGreen)
Greenest Super Bowl ever says NFL
The American National Football League says it will serve up the greenest Super Bowl ever at the MetLife stadium this year. The stadium is the first in the world to meet the standards of the not for profit, Green Restaurant Association, as well as the largest to receive certification. Plans in place consist of, waste oil generated from food production being converted into biodiesel fuel, all food scraps being composted, leftover food donated and materials such as plastic, glass, aluminium and paper being recycled. In addition to the emphasis on recycling during events, the stadium incorporates solar power in its running, and was built with recycled materials in its construction and seating. Brad Mayne, MetLife Stadium President, said that, “from the very beginning, our owners committed to build and operate one of the most environmentally responsible stadiums in the National Football League.” (Sustainable Business)
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