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Issue 002/January 2013

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an Earth Walkers publication

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE NEW YEAR

Sorry guys, looks like we survived the apocalypse after all Darn Mayans and their calendars. So I guess were back to save the Earth. As with all things, each new year brings about further progression and betterment of the cause. Ironically though, as our society progresses, so does the detriment we cause to the environment. As we rush into the future and the glories of what a new day could bring, we often forget what we should really be concerned about. To this, the Earth Walkers approached three respected and knowledgeable educators in the fields of Sustainability, and Hospitality & Tourism to give their takes on what trends they foresee in the year ahead with regards to the industry and our society.

Sustainability and Society

Singapore has prospered well over the past four decades, but, like all else in life, there can be a price to pay unless attention is given to all matters. Certainly, we would like to sustain this prosperity, and many know well about economy vs environment, but sustainability is not only about green leaves and profits. It also includes all of society. There are very few who want a world where most of us are living in poverty, (this would also be not sustainable for economy and prosperity). Instead of thinking about the me, and right now, we should also think about us, our future, and our childrens future, - not only to begrudgingly sustain the environment while making more profits, but, more importantly, so that we can all have a better standard of living. We should all keep this in mind, because, as they say, Think globally, but start locally.

A. Prof. Dr Madeleine Cheah Hevera University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Singapore Campus)

Fallacy of Composition
Sustainability is the issue. The Earth is not in danger, just the life forms that depend on the balance of nature that is life giving. Humans are in no way exempt from this vital system of support. So when we have artificially high levels of consumption that creates an imbalance of our natural support system we place ourselves and the future of all life forms on planet Earth at risk. The solution has to be education - to be followed by motivation. Singapores public servants do a respectable job by both public service programs and also attempting to motivate their citizens. The students need to do their part by educating themselves as to the importance of what it means to be responsible for their actions as well.

Professor Emeritus Ken Teeters University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Las Vegas Campus)

PHOTO JOHN GOH // Harnessing power from nature in Spain, an iberian peninsula facing a rapidly warming climate

Going Green and Tourism in Singapore: Where going back to nature is the future
We can possibly look at the linkage between going Green and Tourism in Singapore at three levels. The first is the physiological level, which looks at the functional capabilities of greenery such as its ability to provide shade from the heat and remove air borne pollutants to keep the air quality fresh. These two factors will help Singaporeans and visitors better adapt to the hot and humid climate. The next level is physical, which is represented by Green Developments such as the Night Safari, Botanical Gardens and the upcoming Marine Life Park amongst other nature based attractions. As urban tourism development and city based marketing is highly competitive and correspondingly homogenous, emphasis on Green Tourism will provide Singapore with a competitive advantage over competitor destinations such as Dubai, Shanghai and Macau. The third level of analysis is strategic in nature, referring to the role our natural environment and greenness plays in establishing Singapore as a global city of the world. The collective distinctiveness and elements (of which the greenness is a key pillar) that positions Singapore as a lifestyle node and global city of the world is able to attract visitors, foreign talents and to keep Singaporeans rooted as well. To remain competitive, Singapore needs to not just tap on its global experience and knowledge but also to tap on its unique proposition. I believe the ability of Singapore to entrench itself into the first developed tropical country in the world will put it in a compelling position to vie for the visitors and foreign talents of the world.

Desmond Lim Assistant Director (Student Development) & Course Manager (Diploma in Leisure & Resort Management) School of Business, Temasek Polytechnic
We have spent years trying to come up with new technologies and processes to cut down on waste, to improve energy efficiency and to find alternative sources of power. However, material progress can only take us so far if our society is not willing to be involved. From this, we can see that the way forward is heavily based in knowledge and understanding and the benefits of doing so is clear - progress, profits and a living world for the future. To quote Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a German playwright and poet, he said Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. And that, I believe, should be our mantra for the year ahead. Aiden Eng Ruhan

>> Check out our facebook page for the full story from Professor Ken and Desmond Lim

green building research

It was once said that using solar panels in Singapore was unfeasible as the island does not have sufficient space or exposure to prolonged sunlight. However, new research and technology may provide the solution. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has formed a partnership with U.S.-based Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to build a facility which will experiment with Green Building technologies. A member of the national laboratory system supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. laboratory features the minds of 13 Nobel prize winners and 13 recipients of the National Medal of Science. The facility itself will be the first in Asia to feature rotational solar panels which will follow the suns path through the day to absorb the maximum amount of sunlight; making such solar panels a possibility in respect to finding a green, alternative power source. Keep an eye out for this facility people. Having such technology to tap onto the islands estimated 2,022.4 hours of statistical mean monthly sunshine could mean that your lessons in Facility Management could prove all the more vital in the future.

Victoria Tan

Its time to bring me for another cycle!

tesla motors
What are your associations with the electric car? Slow? For clean energy freaks? Lame and totally un-cool? Think again. Who would have expected an electric car to win Motor Trends 2013 Car of the Year award? The Tesla Model S has came through, beating other finalists such as the Honda Accord, BMW 3 Series, Lexus GS, Porsche 911, Porsche Boxster, and Subaru BRZ. Tesla Motors, founded in 2003 by CEO Elon Musk, is based in California. They first made headlines when the Tesla Roadster, an all-electric sports car, was being created. The Tesla Model S, considered the worlds first premium electric sedan, was released recently in June 2012. It drives like a sports car, eager and agile and instantly responsive, wrote Angus MacKenzie, editor-at-large of Motor Trend Magazine. But its also as smoothly effortless as a Rolls-Royce, can carry almost as much stuff as a Chevy Equinox, and is more efficient than a Toyota Prius. 2012 Tesla Model S With an AC-induction type electric motor and lithium-ion battery packs (40kWh, 60kWh, 85kWh), the Model S can travel an approximate 480 kilometres (300 miles) with each battery charge. Constructed in aluminum, the car body is light, yet strong and stiff. Besides, the Model S only takes 5.6 seconds to go from 0 100kmh and boasts a top speed of 214kmh. If charging the Tesla Model S is a concern for the road user, CEO Elon Musk has already unveiled 6 Supercharger stations in California. Tesla intends to cover high-traffic routes in the United States over the next year and 100 stations by 2015. Plans of expansion into Europe and Asia will also be underway in the second half of 2013. The Supercharger stations are powered by solar technology. SolarCity, responsible for the installation of these solar-paneled carports, also has Musk leading as its chairman. According to him, these cheap and easy-to-install Supercharger stations are able to put back more energy into the grid than they take out. And for Model S owners dropping by to charge their ride, Tesla has promised that it will always be free. As Musk says, as long as you bring enough sandwiches and drinks, you could drive across the United States without your wallet. With Tesla and their lofty aspirations, this might just be the beginning to a burgeoning electric-car industry. This is a significant step towards profitable clean energy and a sustainable transport industry. Although the switch to electric will be faced with definite high inertia, Tesla is already driving the change, slowly but surely. Pang Wei Rong

new year resolutions

Most of us have probably made tons of resolutions over the years and we are so full of zeal and dedication when the year starts, but by the time February hits, we lose steam and give ourselves all sorts of excuses. Well, I would like to say that hopefully this year will be different. In the spirit of all that is new and fresh, we have compiled resolutions from all of you and selected the top 5 most popular resolutions as well as the top 5 most interesting ones that really got to us. TOP 5 MOST COMMON RESOLUTIONS 1. Grades - It seems most of us are so focused on the paper chase that getting a good GPA is the most popular resolution we gathered. Oh well, we are Asian after all. 2. Money - We could all do with a little more dough. But some are counting on Lady Luck and want to get rich by striking TOTO or 4D. We wish you all the best. 3. Good career - Grades alone arent enough. Go network and build as many industry contacts as possible. Often times, its not what you know, but who you know that matters. 4. Happiness & health - Both can be achieved through individual effort. Happiness stems from within and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a personal responsibility. Still, Im heartened to see this resolution in the Top 5. 5. Find a partner - After collating the results, we found out that there are an equal number of Find a Bf and Find a Gf. So what are you waiting for? Say hi to that cute person youve been eyeing in school. You never know what might result. TOP 5 MOST INTERESTING RESOLUTIONS 1. Pass all modules with colorful colors - I kid you not, someone actually wrote that. How did you make it to UNLV? 2. Press new year resolutions 2012 and rename to 2013 - Im sure most of us totally feel this way. Lets try harder this year. 3. Speak slower - Some people should also learn to speak better and others, not to at all. 4. A better year than 2012 - This actually almost made it to the Top 5 Most Common Resolutions. Apparently many of you have had a terrible year. Well, breathe, look up and embrace the new year. Believe it will be better, and it just might. 5. 12 month, 365 day fun-fair - I just love the word fun-fair. Spread the fun, laughter, peace and joy! Warren Elliot Wee

NEW 2 YOU: ANOTHER PERSON'S JUNK, YOUR TREASURE!

I recently came to know of a not-so-well known but incredibly worthwhile thrift store nearby school called New 2 You. For those of you who dont know what thrift stores are, theyre basically non-profit second hand stores selling their wares at really reasonable prices. They stock anything and everything people have donated from old books to vintage furniture, clothes and shoes. Think of it as a flea market you may be more accustomed with, just without the desire to profit from you in any way. All proceeds go to charity and you get to do your part for the environment and sustainability through recycling too! What makes New 2 You different from other thrift stores is the treasure throve of items they have for sale. This is no karang guni Sungei Road stall selling useless junk you dont need or want. The chances of you walking in and finding pre-loved designer clothes, bags and shoes that you actually want (fashionable arts students from nearby institutions are a regular crowd here and can attest to that), to books that genuinely call out to you inquisitive nerdtastic readers out there, are astronomical. There is the element of surprise every time you pop by. You never know what treasures you may find. Prices start from $4 for clothing items (like this amazing Timberland Flannel Shirt I picked up) and $1 for books. Singapore Council of Womens Organisations (SCWO) 96 Waterloo Street Singapore 187967 Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 2.30pm www.facebook.com/New2UShop Aza Zainuddin

NOBLESSE wine
Singaporeans have become more avid wine drinkers as is evident from the numerous wine bars and shops popping up all over town. We have chosen a simple and inexpensive wine that is great with most red meats to feature in our very first wine recommendation column. We hope that you do give it a try and you can always participate in UNLV Wine Societys events to know more about this fabulous drink. Country of Origin and Year: Chile, 2011 Grape Varietal: Merlot Taste and Pairing: Velvety and well rounded with an aroma of red berries, goes well with meats like chicken & duck or slightly spicy dishes Price: $16.95, available at East of Avalon Wines 281 Joo Chiat Road Warren Elliot Wee

FOOTPRINTs

EDITORIAL Managing Director Aiden Eng Ruhan Editor-in-Chief Warren Elliot Wee Writers Aza Zainuddin Pang Wei Rong

ART & DESIGN Creative Director Victoria Tan Creative Designer Edith

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Its time to bring me for another cycle!