Issue 009/August 2013

FOOTPRINTs

an Earth Walkers publication

Green & Grin: a carnival to the environment with love

It all started with the sustainability module which my rebel, Rebel 15, took this semester with Dr. Madeleine Cheah. We were supposed to organize an event and after much discussion, we eventually decided that our class would have a Green carnival that would advocate the conservation of endangered species and educate the Rebels on environmental conservation through a series of games. At the same time we also wanted to raise awareness of organic food products through a Green Eatery which would serve food made with organic ingredients. Through the support of the Rebels and a successful event, we have earned a total profit of approximately $1,200; most of which we donated to the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) and the Nature Society (Singapore) and a small token to the Earthwalkers in support for the common goal of environmental sustainability. Weve also managed to reach out to those less fortunate through the clothes and items we collected for our flea market by donating them to the Salvation Army. Preparation for the actual event started only three weeks prior to the date. Within the short frame of time, we had conceptualized our event theme, marketing campaigns, collected pre-orders for our cupcakes and banana bread, collected items for the flea market, as well as selling our carnival tickets. It was a large collective class effort that made everything possible. In retrospect, I was amazed with our class for the efficiency and spontaneity in making this greatly successful event possible. Our Green Eatery had secured more than 100 pre-orders for cupcakes and banana bread and the F&B team had been instrumental in their baking. Without their dedication and effort, it would not have been possible to fill so many orders of our sweet treats in just two days; especially while having to juggle with the huge workload of class. Within three hours, we had managed to sell all of the 100-odd orders of food items and made a total revenue of more than $500. The interesting complimentary beverages were inspired by sustainability issues and themes and the amiable and energetic bartenders had made the experience for the Rebels enriching and pleasant. Each of the drinks made were carefully mixed on PHOTO Green & Grin Carnival the spot and served in hopes that rebels could enjoy their delightful taste. The team in-charge of the flea market was also proactive in selling all their collected, second-hand items at $2 and with sheer effort and promotions, the flea team had able to raise $83 at the end of the carnival. Our games booth had never failed to amaze and entertain Rebels with their green and innovative games; where all the game materials used were recycled, reused items. The laughter and energy from those which tried their hands at them enlivened the carnival experience we wanted to form. Our handicraft booth also wowed the Rebels with their handmade bookmarks and friendship bands. The souvenirs also doubled as a keepsake for those who came by to remember our carnival and the notion of sustainability. Our marketing team, who had been working hard through the weeks prior to the event, were also truly innovative in their ways of creating event awareness through the use of handcrafted Minions Boards and a Facebook page, garnering the attention and support from many rebels and faculty members. Lastly, the production team, who has been working hard behind the scene, facilitating and overseeing the overall event, did an awesome job ensuring that all the details were always taken care of. All in all, I believe that our Green & Grin Carnival had met the objectives of raising funds to support endangered species conservation as well as the conservation of the natural landscape of Singapore. Throughout the journey of creating this event, we had learnt that nothing is impossible as long as we put our hearts and souls in fighting for a cause that we support. Sustainability and green initiatives are not just academic modules in textbooks, but rather it is a lifestyle and ideology that need to be exercised and lived out. What would be better than to do something good for the community, wildlife and the environment? Let us all work towards a more sustainable future for our society and planet Earth through our lifestyle. Lastly, thank you for all who had come for our carnival which was crucial to our success. I am glad that we have to make a difference together to support the world we live in. Shane Goh

The true cost of organic food

Organic food is worth the price, or is it? I personally went down to Super Nature, an organic supermarket at Orchard Boulevard to decide for myself. Why organic food, one might ask? The most significant difference between organic and conventional food is the use of pesticides and fertilizers. In order to be certified as organic, no pesticides are to be used; only natural fertilizers. Crops are left to grow and defend themselves, making them stronger and more resistant to pests and bacteria. Without the rampant use of chemicals in pesticides and fertilizers, chances of pollution and chemical run-off into waterways are reduced to near-zero. Soil ecology is enhanced due to the presence of various soil nutrients, hence allowing for diverse crop growth. With reference to livestock, they are not injected with synthetic growth hormones. Neither are they being bred in feedlots or Contained Animal Food Operations (CAFO). When livestock are not bred in close, confined quarters and allowed to be as they are, they live better; and as agreed by gourmet chefs worldwide, taste a whole lot better as well. Although I believe that organic food has a higher nutritional content due to the lack of pesticides, this remains controversial.

PHOTO Urbani Tartufi Organic Honey

Organic farming is so much more labor intensive and require superior farm management practices. There are stricter regulations and require stronger compliance to standards in order to be certified organic. Although going full organic might not make good economic sense as a student, I believe it is possible to incorporate some organic produce into our daily meals, using price, availability, and quality of food as a base for selection. Besides, the levels of pesticide found in various foods might also be a good determinant on your selection of organic produce. As I walked out of the organic supermarket amazed at the price difference, I understand why it costs so much more. However, I am hopeful that as the demand for organic produce increases, it brings about a global food revolution with regards to sustainable and better farming practices. If simple economics prevail, Made with 100% recycled material so please recycle me this demand will eventually drive down prices, making organic food increasingly affordable to the world, not just to its citizens but also to its environment. Pang Wei Rong

Munch-My-Lunch: Hairloom ANd Caramel Cafe

Our pick this month is Hairloom and Caramel Caf located at Shaw Towers along Beach Road. With the caf scene entering Singapore, this proves to be a hidden find in the nearby vicinity. Hairloom and Caramel Caf is a salon cum caf, side by side. It has a slight vintage dcor with mainly whimsical furniture apart from comfortable couches at the side to lounge in. Some exciting artsy merchandises are carefully placed to blend in with the PHOTO Hairloom and Caramel Cafe quirky and artistic feel. Be prepared to be surprised by the natural lighting this caf has as it uses floor-to-ceiling glass windows and its dcor has been ever-changing since their opening. In line with healthy good food with a nice ambience, this caf has what it takes. We recommend the Smoked Salmon with Olive Bread Sandwich priced at just $7 during the lunch special. The salmon is not too dry and unlike other cafs, the salmon slices were served generously and drizzled with oriental vinaigrette. With a top-up of $1.50, you get a Sandwich and Side Salad set to top up your meal. If sandwiches are not your kind of thing, you may want PHOTO Smoke Salmon to try the Soy Sauce Braised Chicken Breast Salad in Japanese Yuzu Dressing. The succulent pieces of chicken breast go amazingly well with the somewhat odd and unexpected Japanese Yuzu dressing. A complete twist from the typical Caesars, Italian or Thousand Island dressing we normally hear of. Mixed in the PHOTO Chicken Breast Salad pile of greens are sliced tomatoes, purple lettuce, cucumbers and some other veggies; topped with dried seaweed to give it an even more Japanese touch. One can get to enjoy this tangy treat for only S$8.50. Overall, this whimsical cafe is a hidden find in the vicinity with its salon patronised by celebrities like local artiste, Ms. Rui En, and a caf with its cakes and desserts too tempting to resist. On your cheat days, order their Whole Bread and Butter Pudding Cake for a sinful, but surely satisfying treat after a tough week of school. Liang Lilin

The land of enchantment

Beaches, horses, old towns, it is just like Europe. But in America Looking out the window during the hour plane ride to Albuquerque (All-Ber-Kirk-y), New Mexico a landscape few of us islanders get to see; the natural, rocky outcrops of Lake Mead. The great lake will continue on to the Colorado River and unto Grand Canyon. The city of Albuquerque is known for hot air balloons, boasting the largest balloon fiesta in the world with about a thousand balloons in the sky; all a myriad of different colors and shapes. Well, that was until the local airport control sent in a complaint and a 750-balloon limit was put in place. On any other day, you can easily book a balloon for 360-degrees views of this fine city. It is recommend to take an early flight so you can rise in the air with the sun. Furthermore, the clean city air allows for stunning panoramic shots of both the sun and moon in the same frame. But if you fear heights like I do and start to get the shivers, you could take a tram up and still get to an equal height to the balloons. Sandia Mountains, in the northeast tip of Albuquerque, has sweeping views of the lush landscape and stretches to the horizon. However, due to the high altitudes, do expect a drop of about 10 degrees Celsius when you get up there. Another attraction to see while in the area is the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, a cultural museum of Americas indigenous people. The museum boasts a vast wealth of Native American history, culture, and song and dance performances. You could also visit Albuquerque Old Town as another way to understand the Native Americans; an area in the city which is rich in Native American culture. Do buy some of their unique handmade trinkets to help the local economy. PHOTO Hot air balloons over Albuquerque

PHOTO (Left and Center) Indian Pueblo Cultural Center & (Right) Albuquerque Old Town Intercity transportation is unheard of but if you got yourself a car, head north to their state capital, Santa Fe, or head south to the beach! Well its not really a beach, but the White Sands National Monument is a collection of pure white sand dunes across a vast area stretching 581km2. Sounds boring? Check out the photo! To get there, you pass a town named after a TV show (Im serious), alien-themed cities (Roswell is nearby) and border security (aliens love USA). Ask anyone what makes America American and you get answers like hamburgers, baseball, Chevy and road trips. So if you want to drive a large Chevrolet on roads far larger and on speeds far exceeding Singapores, choose New Mexico. Forget flying about, road trip your way around and youll have way more fun. (Just remember that Albuquerque radio has only about 12 songs on replay and you totally got to train those back muscles at the gym for those hours in the seat.) Joshua Hugh Tan

Washboard Abs by Sheldonfitness

You have been doing tons of crunches and sit-ups, but those abdominal muscles just aint showing and you have already tried every way possible of making them pop. Does popping washboard abs seem like mission impossible? Washboard abs might not be on the top of every guys list, but who wouldnt want to have that toned PHOTO White Sands National Monument 8-pack so you can flaunt them at the beach? Here are Sheldon Fitness insane popping abs tips: Cardio Face it! In order to see those abs, you need to have a relatively low fat content. Not everyone has good genetics. Some people can do without cardio but still be able to stay lean all year round. But if you are those who aint that lucky, you have no choice but to throw in at least 4 cardio sessions per week. You can go riding on the bike, running PHOTO Sheldonfitness on the treadmill, swinging the kettle and even doing some boxing. Doing cardio with an empty stomach in the morning helps your body to use fats as its source of energy. I know there are debates out there which are against this method, however, so far it has worked for my clients and myself. Weights Using weights, you will be able to expand the abdominal muscles and make them thicker! With thicker abs, your abs appear more visible even with a higher fat percentage of 13%14%. Weighted sit ups and kneeling cable crunches are good exercises to thicken your abs. Variety Variety is very important when it comes to abs training. Confuse and shock your abs with different exercise. You will need to hit your upper abs, lower abs and also your obliques. Hence, doing sit ups or crunches only wont give you the popping abs you are looking for. Below are the various abdominal exercises you can try: Sit ups, Crunches, Leg raises, Jack knife, Hip raise on parallel bar, Mason twist, Bicycle, Kneeling cable crunch, Side crunch Sheldon Yen
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FOOTPRINTs
Managing Director Yeo Hui Wen Writers Shane Goh Sheldon Yen Joshua Hugh Tan Pang Wei Rong Liang Lilin
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