A Picture With a Story

An offline store of 성실화랑

         The paper cup you just threw away, the plastic bag you purchased that is rolling around the ground, even the balloon your child just let go--did you ever notice that these small, sometimes unnoticeable actions will harm our environment? Sungsil Hwarang (성실화랑) is a store that sells eco-friendly products to alert people about the danger. It started in 2011, and has spread throughout Korea, sometimes surprising and sometimes amazing people who see the products. This project's main goal is to introduce the endangered animals to people by collaborations with other corporations.
         Around the world, there are about 40,000 endangered animals, and about 16,000 of them are threatened to extinction. Some that the Sungsil Hwarang portrayed include Mandrill Monkeys, Fennec Foxes, Siberian Tigers, Lesser Pandas, and Siau Island Tarsiers. Fennec Foxes live in Sahara Desert, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Arabian Peninsula in Northern Africa, and needs constant attention, but is not in the state of extinction.

        So now, before you think about a paper sup, think about a mug cup. And before you think about buying another plastic bag, think about buying an eco bag for long-term use. It will make a polar bear smile.

By Cindy Kim

Edible Insects

It is said that the population of Earth will approximately reach around nine billion people by 2050. Obviously, we would need to increase our food production as the population on Earth sky rockets. A difficult task lays ahead of us as we have to produce surpluses with diminishing resources. However, adding insects to our diet may be the solution to our arising problem. Eating insects are beneficial to our livelihoods as they support our health, environment, and our economy.

Surprisingly insects produce a lot of the necessary nutrients a human body needs. It contains various amino acids, vitamins, proteins, and several other important minerals. Edible insects may act as alternatives to expensive meat such as chicken, beef, pork, and fish. For example, adult grasshoppers have similar levels of protein when it's compared to raw beef. Locusts and grasshoppers produce 13-28 grams of protein per 100 gram of fresh weight, while a cattle produces 19-26 grams of protein per 100 grams of fresh weight. Insects can also be produced more efficiently as they require less time to grow and require less resources to grow. They can even be fed off of organic waste while livestocks require significant time and effort.

Insects also emit less greenhouse gases compared to livestocks. Livestocks are responsible for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions. Raising insects and reducing the production of livestocks will significantly benefit our environment. It is also important to notice the rise of food prices as the cost to feed animals increased. This especially takes a toll on the farmers, which is why the prices of meat are increasing globally. On the other hand, a cricket costs 12 times less to feed than a cattle.

 In the Western world, many people view insects as disgusting and unwanted creatures. In order to introduce insects to our diet, it is important to shift this cultural norm. Insects are already a traditional diet in some regions. However, it would be effective for the Western world to make this diet mainstream. Insects don't have to be eaten fresh as many people are displeased by the texture and looks. Insects can be crushed and disguised in regular food so that the consumer would not notice at all.

The Papillon's Kitchen in Seoul is an example of a restaurant that includes insects in various types of food.

By Daniel Kim

Papillon's Kitchen Visit

  Recently, I visited a cafe named "Papillon's Kitchen" to take a glimpse of how people are now starting to make food out of insects. I did not realize in the beginning but later I learned that using insects for food had special purpose. There are hidden values in using insects rather than other common food sources. The first reason is that insects contain approximately 2 times as much protein than meats such as beef, pork, or chicken. Secondly, it is proven to be more healthy than meat. Insects consists of many different types of protein such as essential amino acids and cellulose. These types of protein cannot be spotted in regular meat. Next, the breeding period for insects are significantly less than cows, pigs, and chicken. It only requires 2-8 months of care whereas meats mandate years of care. In addition, it requires much less resources to take care of insects than meat animals. The main difference is the amount of water needed to raise these animals. Water is quickly becoming a scarce resource worldwide, and insects provide a good alternative to food source that does not require much water.  In addition, using insects as food source reduces CO2 output by 3x compared to regular meat which further enhances environment. Lastly, it requires less money to take care of insects compared to meat. The world population is growing rapidly so the world will face the food shortage in the future. So edible insects can add significant value to food resources. Due to all these reasons, its evident that it is more efficient to utilize insects instead of meat. When I saw and tasted the food made out of insects, I was astonished that it was identical to normal food. First of all, there was no difference in the appearance of the food. Secondly, the taste was extremely similar to food without any insects added.
Overall, it was an interesting experience and I realized that this area of alternative food source will need more attention in order to make our environment better.

 

By Justin Chung

 

More than once I imagine building a giant fan to blow all the yellow dust back to China. I thought this was only possible in a cartoon, however, it seems someone has decided to bring the cartoon alive.

Group of Canadian engineers are constructing a wall that literally sucks carbon dioxide right out of the air. While they only have a prototype at the moment, the plan is to have a these walls of fans built in places where its necessary.

Check out below article for more details. Sucking Carbon Dioxide out of the Air

UN News - Earth Hour 2016: UN goes dark to spotlight climate change

UN News - Earth Hour 2016: UN goes dark to spotlight climate change

19 March 2016 – The United Nations will go dark later this evening as the Organization shuts off the lights at its iconic Headquarters complex in New York and other facilities around the world in observance of 'Earth Hour,' an annual global event to put the spotlight on the issues facing the planet and to inspire millions across the world to live more sustainably.

In a video message, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said: “This year's Earth Hour comes at a pivotal moment. Last December, all the world's Governments came together to adopt the Paris Agreement on climate change. This is a historic achievement for people and the planet – but only if we follow through on the promises made.” 

Organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour encourages individuals, companies, organizations and Governments to switch off their lights for one hour at 8:30 p.m., local time worldwide, to focus attention on people-driven solutions to protecting the planet and building a bright, sustainable future.

Mr. Ban notes that the world is now entering a new era of opportunity. “Together, we can create the low-emissions future the world needs for sustainable development and a life of dignity and stability for all. Earth Hour reminds us that we all have a role to play.” 

First launched in 2007, Earth Hour has become an annual event, mobilizing hundreds of millions of individuals to participate and growing to become the world's largest grassroots movement for the environment.

According to the WWF, the UN family will join the thousands of homes, offices, skylines and monuments that will go dark to put the spotlight on the issues facing the planet, and to inspire millions across the world to live more sustainably. At least 178 countries and territories are expected to take part in this year's celebrations.

So far over 366 landmarks are confirmed and will be turning off on the night of Earth Hour including iconic sites such as the Brandenburg Gate, Empire State Building, Sydney Opera House, the Roman Colosseum and Marina Bay Sands.

Amongst participating countries this year 90 are taking actions to achieve impact during Earth Hour through digital interactions, engaging local communities and raising awareness, adds the WWF.

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Earth Hour Campaign Interview with The Korea Herald chairman, Mr.Hong Jung-wook

헤럴드 회장 홍정욱

Earth Hour Campaign by YISS Eco Save Club

5 of YISS Eco Save Club members-Alberta, Jenie, Yoon-jung, Saya and Daniel got together at Itewon street to promote Earth Hour 2016 to visiting foreigners and locals. WWF-Korea sponsored 200 leaflets. The campaign trailed from The Hamilton Hotel to Hangangjin station, attracting most people in Itaewon. Many people were not aware of the Earth Hour 2016 event, inviting the thought that more vigorous promotion will be definitely needed further in the future.