Well Being: May 2008 Archives
Usually not!
Green is a method of building that uses subtle techniques such as sourcing local materials, using non-toxic materials, including space for water conserving landscaping, and using solar heat, natural light, and natural ventilation effectively.
Those strategies don't look very different. Buildings have used bits and pieces of these smart building design and construction techniques for many centuries. Today's "green" building not only uses these techniques on the outside of the building skins, but internally. Energy efficient equipment reduces energy use. Low water flow plumbing reduces water consumption. Low energy lighting reduces energy use. Non toxic and recycled materials are selected for paints and carpets. Modular construction such as carpet tiles vs. wall to wall carpets reduce the need to fill landfills with old materials when they wear only in traffic patterns.
Most green buildings can't be identified from the street! So you might like to search online for green buildings in your community and identify some of them. They make great outings for visiting family and friends! Taking a tour will give you wonderful insights into local materials, technology innovations, and just smart living!
Ms. Migiro pointed out that the world is faced with an “unprecedented” rise of food prices, plunging many developing countries into a crisis that threatens to thwart efforts to achieve the global anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Highlighting some of the effects of the crisis, Ms. Migiro noted that families that do not have enough to eat are being forced to make terrible choices, such as deciding between food or medicine, or choosing whether to send their children to school or to the fields where they might earn money to help the family.
“And it’s women who are hit the hardest,” she said. “The development emergency engulfing whole communities is taking its heaviest toll on women.”
The crisis offers an opportunity to re-invest in agriculture in Africa.
“Helping African farmers can have a decisive impact on women’s lives,”
Ms. Migiro said, noting that for the most part it is women – who make
up 80 per cent of Africa’s farmers – that are out there under the hot
sun, tending the fields and harvesting crops.
“But the same women hit hardest by the food crisis are ready to hit
back,” she added, stressing that with the right support, they can move
their communities from subsistence farming to commercial farming and
even industry. This is crucial not only for the continent but for the
world, which is just not producing as much food as it consumes.
“We need to do much more… to empower women. Women can drive the Green Revolution in Africa. They hold the key to breaking out of the food crisis; to educating the young; to peace, progress and prosperity,” the Deputy Secretary-General stated.
SOURCE: UN.org
