WWF measures environmental footprint of world´s largest fine paper companies

WWF has launched a new voluntary rating tool for paper companies to report on their global ecological footprint.

The Paper Company Environmental Index assesses key environmental criteria, such as use of recycled fibre or fibre coming from well-managed forests, energy use and CO2 emissions, water consumption and water pollution.

Five globally significant fine paper manufacturers — Domtar from North America, M-real, Stora Enso and UPM from Europe and Mondi Group from South Africa/Europe — have been the first to voluntarily disclose their environmental profiles on WWF´s new online Paper Company Index. Results and profiles can be found www.panda.org/PaperCompanyIndex.

“WWF applauds these companies for their leadership and transparency,” says Harri Karjalainen, WWF’s Pulp and Paper Programme Manager. “They are the vanguard of a more sustainable paper industry.”
“Other fine paper and tissue companies, particularly those in North and South America and Asia, are invited to follow suit and show their boards of directors, business partners, shareholders, investors, paper buyers and communities what they have done to reduce their global ecological footprint,” says Karjalainen. “We hope this new online tool can promote some healthy competition within the paper industry. Who can achieve the lightest footprint?”

One of the participating companies, Mondi Group CEO, David Hathorn says: "We are pleased to have been part of the inaugural WWF Paper Company Environmental Index which assessed the efficient use of resources and environmental care. We hope that the index will attract many global paper companies as it provides an opportunity for participating companies to present progress made with reducing their environmental footprint.”

Fine papers have everyday uses including copier/printer paper, book paper, envelopes, forms, writing pads, high-quality magazines and brochures, catalogues and annual reports. WWF has launched the Paper Company Environmental Index at a time when total paper consumption is expected to increase from today’s 400 million tons to 450-500 million tons by 20201 leaving an unacceptably large ecological footprint on the planet if the industry does not make significant improvements. Irresponsible pulpwood harvesting and expanding pulpwood plantations have the potential to threaten fragile ecosystems and create social concerns if not carried out responsibly.

The pulp and paper industry is among the world’s largest users of energy and emitters of greenhouse gases, and a significant source of water pollution and landfill waste. The Paper Company Environmental Index covers impacts on forest ecosystems from fibre sourcing (35% of the maximum 100 points), emissions from manufacturing process such as water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (35%), and corporate transparency (30%). The criteria apply to both policy and production, thus measuring each company´s targets and actual performance.

The index also includes companies’ own operations as well as the supply chain; for example, market pulp bought for production of the end product. The pulp and paper industry’s expansion is driven largely by emerging economies, in particular in Asia. Many global pulp and paper companies are moving their production to the Southern Hemisphere due to lower production costs. Pulpwood from the South is travelling longer distances to North American and European paper mills; approximately 80% of market pulp crosses an international border and 40% crosses an ocean to reach its market.

Disable's parking places

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement organizes a campaign to assist people using a “disable’s car" and are facing serious problems with parking places.

As per the standing law, the local authorities have the obligation to set certain parking places, where, the disable person can park their vehicles near their working and resident locations.

In this respect, we call upon all citizens, who happen to know people facing such problems, to send us all necessary information (name, address etc.) in order to address relevant requests to various Municipal Authorities. You can send all information, either with an email, to gr.greens@gmail.com, or by fax to 22 519400 or give us a call at 99 653634

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement

Cyprus Sets Wheels in Motion for Accessible Tourism

The first open meeting on the subject of “Accessible Tourism” arranged by the Cyprus Committee of Accessible Tourism was held on 3rd June 2010 at Hotel Posidonias, with the participation of the Minister of Trade and Industry, the Cyprus Tourist Organisation and representatives of Municipalities and NGO networks.

ENAT Member, the European Social Forum of Cyprus has taken the initiative to form the Cyprus Committee of Accessible Tourism and was successful in bringing together the major players for this inaugural meeting. The meeting was honoured to welcome the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Antonis Paschalidis, as well as the Municipal Advisers of the Municipality of Yermasoyia, Mrs. Pepy Orphanidou, and the Municipality of Mesa Yitonia, Mr Stelios Stylianos.

The Chairman of the Cyprus Tourist Organisation, Mr. Alekos Orountiotis also attended the meeting. With his positive statements and political will, Minister Paschalidis expressed his support for policy developments that aim to promote the essential material and technical infrastructure for accessibility in all Cypriot hotels and tourism facilities, giving the delegates a sweet flavor of optimism for the future.

Mrs. Orphanidou reported on the decisions already taken by Yermasoyia Municipality to transform the municipality into the first Accessible Municipality of Limassol, and the 14 policy steps that follow the direction of TOURISM FOR ALL. She also expressed the decision of her Municipality to apply the law strictly, regarding the awarding or renewal of operating permits, ensuring that accessibility requirements are upheld.

The coordinator of the Committee Mr Chrysis Michailidis, spoke on accessibility as a Human Right and a characteristic of Culture, noting the gap between the Law and its application. The Cyprus Committee of Accessible Tourism wishes to thank the Honourable Minister Mr. Antonis Paschalidis for his support to the committee and the Hotel “Posidonias” that provided the meeting venue.

Progress in environmental matters? Or all those plastic bags!.

How do Cypriots measure up? An example is how plastic bags in supermarkets, kiosks, shops and bakeries are handled.

There are several “distinctions”, all of which don’t live up to those in the international context, whether we aspire to be European or part of the wider international society. In many countries, plastic bags need to be purchased, in others they are banned. India, for example initiated a law in 2005 where manufacturers and stores selling plastic bags will be fined Rs 5,000, while individuals using bags face penalties of Rs 1,000.

Here, we are still at the stage where at best, paper or canvas bags are offered for sale, and at worst people are forced to accept plastic bags. Starting with shops, the best we can hope for is that an international company gives out paper bags. At worst, you are told that you may not leave the shop without a plastic bag for security reasons.

And how do all these other countries do without those? Regarding supermarkets, a remarkable (?) change has happened. Two big chains actually sell canvas bags instead of selling the plastic bags so is this progress? One advertises an environmental awareness. But does it happen? Purchasing fruits, I have yet to see a place where those can be gathered in anything else than plastic bags.

When we, as customers, arrive at the cashiers, who are ultimately the ones who decide on what to do with our purchases, the final verdict is and has been that you have to inform them that you come equipped with a canvas bag. I have, in such incidences, endured many comments which ensured that I felt bad after any shopping experience, such as: “Are you sure you can carry this?” Yes, well, I have bought groceries for 40 years or so, so why wouldn’t I know? In addition, a known bakery chain insists that customers need to use plastic bags.

I recently went to a store where the cashier actually giggled at my request to carry out one item without taking any bags. Summarisng these reactions, it is not surprising that the younger generation resists the idea of taking a canvas bag or refuse a plastic bag.

Until recently, it was considered to be “gay” by my sons to do so. Where is the progress? There are less negative comments and pitying looks. Good enough? We have a long way to go and not much time to get there.

Annette Chrysostomou

CYPRUS - Salination of Water Resources

Water is a very valuable commodity in Cyprus. The yearly rainfall on the island is not generally adequate. Throughout the history islanders relied on underground water reserves to survive the year.

During the British collonial rule an extensive and complex network of wells were built to use the underground water resources. The British also introduced strict laws about water usage during dry summer months. However, the corrupt Turkish Cypriot leadership in north Cyprus and the political situation in Cyprus which does not allow adequate partnership and collaboration on water resources let to the salination of underground water resources.

This is now a very serious problem and many households receive domestic water which is practically unusable. This water is not very suitable for farming either. Unplanned and corrupt management of existing wells and new, deep wells using newer technologies dried up the underground reserves. This led to the invasion of the water-beds by the sea-water because of the pressure difference. When the sea water intrudes in an underground reservoir cleaning it up necessitates several years. To tackle the water-problems many schemes were developed.

However, the Turkish Cypriot leadership which is controlled by Republic of Turkey governments is a slave of their will and their funds. This meant that already corrupt Turkish bureaucracy made the decisions on these schemes. For example, many dams were built but the corrupt construction companies either wasted the funds or simply did not finish the job. Right now, many of these dams are serving as breeding grounds for migratory birds and picnic areas for Cypriots.

Eighteen dams were built up to now but only one serves for agriculture however others merely contain water till drying out and the water in them become salty. Denser water accumulate calcium and other materials down on the base and pollute land, close all orifices which cause feeding aquifer.

Then new water flowing into dams mixes with a highly condensed salty water that makes dams useless for any purpose. Turkish governments have also been promising impractical solutions such as bringing water from Turkey in large balloons pulled by ships or a pipeline under the Mediterranean sea. These are done mainly to serve the nationalist rhetoric of independent, self-reliant TRNC which survives thanks to "motherland" Turkey and suffers under Greek embargoes. Nowadays bringing water by balloons are proved to be impossible and project was dropped. Turkish authorities still talk about transferring water by ships however pipeline project was tendered to a company.

The failure of baloons has shown the uselessness of bringing expensive water but the show continues. Furthermore, the animosity between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaderships did not allow joint programs to develop to tackle this problem. In an island as small as Cyprus and with a mixed infrastructure -- which was built before the partition, it is impossible to handle the water-resources without joint programs. This is not only an environmental problem but also a very humanitarian problem.

There are many sources of funding and various methods that have been successfully employed in the region. These should have been an utmost priority for the leaderhips to implement in Cyprus, however, they could not see beyond their nationalist, self-serving rhetoric and interests.
(CAN)

Bio-fooled: proposal on EU criteria would allow damaging unsustainable biofuels

Commenting on the Communication on the sustainability criteria for biofuels, presented today by the EU Commission, Green MEP Bas Eickhout, Member of the Environment Committee, said:

"The Commission's proposals on applying the so-called 'sustainability criteria' for biofuels are riddled with loopholes and would allow climate-damaging fuels to get the all clear in Europe. Far from ensuring the sustainability of these fuels, the communication could undermine overall EU climate policy. The Commission does not acknowledge the potential problems with biofuels anywhere in the communication.

While pressure from MEPs and NGOs has thankfully resulted in the deletion of the scandalous definition of palm oil plantations as forests, the new loopholes that have been introduced are just as shameful. "Among the more odious loopholes, are the 'by-product definitions', which take no account of the existing economic uses of by-products.

This would mean that by-products could be diverted from one economic usage to use as biofuels and be substituted by more greenhouse gas intensive alternatives, without any attempt to factor in the resultant emissions increase. Another major flaw is the 'energy allocation definition', which would allow undistilled ethanol to be classified as near-zero emissions! This makes a mockery of the lifecycle greenhouse gas assessment process and renders the so-called 'sustainability criteria' nothing more than an exercise in greenwash."

Green MEP Claude Turmes, Vice-President of the Greens/EFA in the European Parliament and Parliament's rapporteur for Renewables, said: "It seems that Commissioner Oettinger is ill-advised in this dossier.
The Commission has still made no progress in setting out how to take account of the climate impact of indirect land-use change (ILUC) for biofuels. This issue is absolutely crucial for assessing how much greenhouse gases these fuels account for over their lifecycles and is therefore fundamental to assessing the 'sustainability' or not of biofuels.

This prolonged delay is inacceptable. Under the legislation on renewable energy agreed in December 2008, the Commission was tasked to come forward with measures to account for the full climate impact of agrofuels. It is also inimical to the interests of investors, who are badly in need of legislative certainty for their investments."

Israel's deadly raid on a flotilla of aid ships headed for Gaza

The world is reeling from Israel's assault on an aid flotilla trying to reach Gaza. It's time for a full investigation to begin -- and for the siege of Gaza to end. Sign the worldwide petition, then forward this message:


Israel's deadly raid on a flotilla of aid ships headed for Gaza has shocked the world.

Israel, like any other state, has the right to self-defence, but this was an outrageous use of lethal force to defend an outrageous and lethal policy -- Israel's blockade of Gaza, where two thirds of families don't know where they'll find their next meal.

The UN, EU, and nearly every other government and multilateral organization have called on Israel to lift the blockade and, now, launch a full investigation of the flotilla raid. But without massive pressure from their citizens, world leaders might limit their response to mere words -- as they have so many times before.

Let's make the world's outcry too loud to ignore. Join the petition for an independent investigation into the raid, accountability for those responsible, and an immediate end to the blockade in Gaza -- click to sign the petition, and then forward this message to everyone:

The petition will be delivered to the UN and world leaders, as soon as it reaches 200,000 names -- and again at every opportunity as it grows and leaders choose their responses. A massive petition at a moment of crisis like this one can demonstrate to those in power that sound bites and press releases aren't enough -- that citizens are paying attention and demanding action.

As the EU decides whether to expand its special trade relationship with Israel, as Obama and the US Congress set next year's budget for Israeli military aid, and as neighbours like Turkey and Egypt decide their next diplomatic steps -- let's make the world's voice unignorable: it's time for truth and accountability on the flotilla raid, and it's time for Israel to comply with international law and end the siege of Gaza. Sign now and pass this message along:

Most people everywhere still share the same dream: for two free and viable states, Israel and Palestine, to live side by side. But the blockade, and the violence used to defend it, poisons that dream. As a columnist wrote to his fellow Israelis today in the newspaper Ha'aretz, "We are no longer defending Israel. We are now defending the siege. The siege itself is becoming Israel's Vietnam."

Thousands of pro-peace activists in Israel today protested the raid and the blockade in demonstrations from Haifa, to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem -- joining demonstrations around the world. Regardless of which side threw the first punch or fired the first shot (the Israeli military claims it did not initiate the violence), Israel's leaders sent helicopters of armed storm-troopers to raid a convoy of ships in international waters bringing medicine and supplies to Gaza, and some now lay dead.

Their lives cannot be brought back. But perhaps, together, we can make this dark moment a turning point -- if we arise with an unshakable call for justice, and an unbreakable dream of peace.

With hope,

Ricken, Alice, Raluca, Paul, Iain, Graziela and the rest of the Avaaz team

SOURCES:

Live coverage from Al Jazeera:
http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2010/05/31/live-coverage-israels-flotilla-raid

Live coverage from the Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2010/may/31/israel-troops-gaza-ships

"The Second Gaza War: Israel lost at sea" - Bradley Burston, Ha'aretz
http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/a-special-place-in-hell/a-special-place-in-hell-the-second-gaza-war-israel-lost-at-sea-1.293246

Analysis of violence from IDF's perspective from Debka, reporters with ties to Israeli intelligence:
http://debka.com/article/8824/

70% of Gazans suffer from food insecurity - 2008 ICRC report, cited by al Jazeera:
http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2010/05/20105319333613851.html

Analysis of possible political consequences of the flotilla attack:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gtowfFjiFD4HYdHuYgxydKNwVRDwD9G2B3880

NICOSIA DEAREST

MUNICIPAL HALL LEDRAS STREET
14 – 25/06/2010

A city that keeps shifting, sprawling through its walls, constantly changing faces while growing larger and more complex, Nicosia is alive and breathing. A place to call home for its citizens, a place to call capital for Cypriots and a place to find a home for its visitors.

Recognizing the need for creating a visual identity for the city of Nicosia, the Applied Arts Department of Frederick University, has initiated the idea of founding the organization ‘Nicosia Dearest’. The organization will run as the official promotional office for the city, showcasing its culture, history, tourism, entertainment and urban life. Foremost objective of ‘Nicosia Dearest’ will be to produce a promotional campaign for Nicosia, and shaping a distinct character which will communicate the spirit of the city both visually and contextually.

Students from the Graphic and Advertising Design Program of Frederick University have been creatively engaged on this project and along with the support and cooperation of the Nicosia Municipality, will showcase their work on the upcoming exhibition ‘Nicosia Dearest’ on Μοnday, June 14th, 2010 at the Municipal Hall on Ledras street.

Toxics Action at Dell HQ, Texas

In 2006 when computer giant Dell announced they'd quit using the most harmful toxic chemicals in their electronics by the end of 2009.

At the time that was a great start and CEO Michael Dell set the bar for the rest of the industry with his public commitment. Now it's almost June 2010 and Dell still hasn't made a single computer that's free from PVC plastic and brominated flame retardants (BFRs).

Meanwhile many of its competitors have already done so. Why is Dell going back on its very public promise? There's no excuse. You can ask Dell to do better.

Please write and tell CEO Michael Dell to honour his commitments and phase out the use of toxic chemicals.

Eoin Dubsky
Online Organizer Greenpeace International
http://www.greenpeace.org Facebook Twitter

Daniel Cohn-Bendit's speech on the Greek economy crisis

We, at Cyprus Social Ecology Movement, feel the need to congratulate the Green MEP, Daniel Cohn-Bendit for his passionate speech in European Parliament regarding the Greek economy crisis.

During his speech, Daniel Cohn-Bendit, uncovered the financial games against Greece, from countries within EU. "France and Germany" said, "are forcing Greece to take drastic measures against the Greek people, and on the other hand, they demand from Greek government to purchase army equipment of billion euros worth, from them.

Daniel Cohn-Bendit pointed out the absolute need for full demilitarization of Greece and Turkey, being the only solution for financial recovery of these two countries. He also gave emphasis on the urgent need of the Turkish troop's withdrawal from Cyprus!

We feel that Daniel Cohn-Bendit's speech constitutes a serious and very positive and realistic opinion and we strongly believe that our Government, as well as the Greek and Turkish governments, should take well into consideration.

Unfortunately, this statement by the co-president of the Green/EFA group in the EP should be given more value and attention by all of us.

The fact that, till today, there was no official reaction by the Cyprus Green Party, is giving us the impression that we spoil every opportunity we have for the solution of our problem and we avoid to listen any realistic suggestions.
The political orientation of a Green party should be based on such opinions, away from any nationalistic and separative positions.

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement

Caroline Lucas becomes Green Party's first MP

The Green Party has gained its first ever Westminster MP. In a major electoral success, the party's leader and MEP Caroline Lucas took the seaside seat of Brighton Pavilion from Labour.

Britain is the only country in Europe which has never had a Green MP elected to its national parliament.

Her victory is a remarkable achievement for the party, which has sought to put environmental issues at the heart of the General Election campaign.

Caroline Lucas, centre, celebrates becoming Britain's first Green Party MP after winning the Brighton Pavilion seat

Speaking after the result was announced she said: "Today the people of Brighton Pavilion have made history by electing Britain's first Green MP to Westminster.

"Thank you so much for putting the politics of hope above the politics of fear and I pledge that I will do my very best to do you proud.

"For once the word historic fits the bill."

One of the most tightly contested seats in the country, Brighton Pavilion was once a solid Tory stronghold, which was snatched by Labour in 1997.

Miss Lucas, 49, beat off female rivals Nancy Platts for Labour and Charlotte Vere for the Conservatives in an exciting three-way race.

A CND activist in her youth and a campaigner against US weapons on British soil, privately-educated Miss Lucas has more recently been a leader of the Stop the War Coalition.

he Green party leader has been hailed by the left-wing Guardian newspaper as one of their 'eco-heroes'.

Miss Lucas campaign was boosted by the support of actress Joanna Lumley who urged voters to shun mainstream politicians and back the Greens.

The Greens have mounted their biggest-ever general election campaign this year fielding candidates in 335 constituencies.

Her victory represents a shift towards a more radical style of politics.

As well as campaigning for environmental issues, the party backs higher taxation on the rich, permanent taxes on bankers bonuses and 20mph speed limits in all towns.

At the last election, Labour MP David Lepper took the seat with a 5,000 majority. But he announced his retirement before the General Election.

The Green party have been steadily building up their polling base in Brighton. At the last General Election, the Greens polled a best ever 22per cent of the vote in the constituency and have 9 local councillors in the area.

Cyprus and Denmark top the EU garbage heap

CYPRIOTS Danes and the Irish produce the most waste per capita in the whole European Union, while the Czechs, Poles and Slovaks the least, data from the EU's statistics office showed yesterday.

Eurostat said one Dane produced on average 802 kg of municipal waste in 2008, the highest rate in the 27-nation bloc. Cypriots generated 770 kg of waste on average – 10 kilos per person more than the average American - and the Irish 733 kg.

However the data also showed that even though Danes produce more waste, Denmark burned 54 per cent of its waste, recycled a further 24 per cent and composted 18 per cent, putting only 4 per cent of it into landfills.

Cyprus, however, stowed 87 per cent of the rubbish in landfills and recycled only the remaining 13 per cent, compared to 48 per cent in Germany – the top country for recycling in the EU.

The island was in sixth highest position when it came to landfill dumping. But taking into account the fact that the other countries ahead of Cyprus - five eastern European states - only produce half the amount of rubbish per person, the situation changes.

The Czechs produced 306 kilos of rubbish per capita, the Poles 320 kilos and the Slovaks 328 kilos.

The figures leave Cyprus clearly in the landfill lead along with Malta, which although produces 100 kilos per person less, throws 97 per cent on landfills and recycles only three per cent.

Environment Commissioner Charalambos Theopemptou said yesterday the difference between Cyprus and Denmark when it came to the waste issue was that the latter had efficient system to dispose of it. “This is the difference. It’s what you do with the waste after you produce it,” he said.

“Other countries have policies to cut waste, strict checks strict recycling laws. Not anyone who wants is allowed to dump waste.

He said that in other countries companies, supermarkets and others who produce a lot of waste are not allowed to dump them in landfills. They are forced to take them for recycling.

“They are very strict,” he said. “We have landfills and we dump whatever we want.”

Last week DISY deputy Kyriacos Hadjiyiannis described Cyprus as an “open landfill” during a House

Environment Committee.

Chairman Andreas Fakontis said 113 landfills are currently in operation across Cyprus and there was absolutely no policy for scaling back the production of refuse. He said no measures are taken to cut waste and save money by having smaller waste processing units.

He also said abandoned landfills were one of the most serious environmental problems in Cyprus. “While they are closed, they continue to be sources of pollution; the ground continues to be contaminated; the aquifers; toxic substances are produced and foul smell,” Fakontis said.

Fakontis added that people continue to dump rubbish in these landfills illegally.

The House wants inspectors who will be responsible to penalise those who dump waste illegally by imposing a substantial on-the-spot fine.

Fakontis said the government has given its okay but these ‘green’ inspectors have not been appointed yet।

CyprusMail