Eco Agri Sustainable Farm Showcase

Eco Agri Sustainable Farm Showcase

I first got connected with Organic farmer & social entrepreneur Ramon “Chin-Chin” Uy, Jr. via Facebook, who organized the Organic Farmers Festival in Negros Occidental last November 2010 with Organic Na! Negros Producers and Retailers Association (ONOPRA).

with Eco Agri’s Nonoy Moraca, Chin-chin & Francine Uy of Fresh Start Organics

When I presented at The Negros Initiative Conference, Chin-chin, a young, dynamic Sustainable Farming advocate immediately signified his support as our partner NGO, and we couldn’t ask for a more genuine green and Sustainability proponent who will spearhead the Community Based Rural & Agro Tourism in Negros.

The family owned business RU Foundry and Machine Shop established Eco-Agri Development Foundation Inc. (EcoAgri) their NGO arm which was formed to handle all activities related to Sustainable Farming initiatives.

Negros Initiative partner, Eco Agri Foundation

EcoAgri manages the interactive showcase farm in Barangay Pahanocoy, Bacolod City, to include exhibit or demonstration of Vermiculture and Vermicomposting, Biogas System, Lemon Grass Oil production, Hydraulic Ram Pump for drinking water and irrigation without using fossil fuel driven engine or electric motor, the Windmill (pumping water for drinking and irrigation), among other technologies to support organic farming activities.

Vermicomposting, Biogas System, Lemon Grass Oil extractor, Hydraulic Ram Pump, Windmill

Eco-friendly Fresh Start Organic products, ideal for Eco hotels & resorts

Chin-chin with his wife Francine, ownFresh Start Organics, which offers a whole array organic products, fertilizer, produce, natural personal care products, ideal as eco-friendly hotel amenities, such as soaps, shampoos and lotions and of course, superb organic food produce and deli. A new green (organic) revolution in the making!

Negros Initiative partners with EcoAgri in their PURO program

As part of their mission and vision, EcoAgri with Fresh Start Organics will implement its tasks in partnership with the Negros Initiative in empowering communities for sustainable development to achieve food and environmental security, providing support services to the beneficiary communities, not only in Negros but the whole Philippines and beyond. Under its Skills Enhancement and Entrepreneurship Development (SEED) Program, they will assist out of school youths, individuals and community organizations in the fabrication of equipments and other technologies and develop them into entrepreneurs by providing additional capital and support facilities. Through their Ecological Management Program (EMP) they will assist in Waste management in partnership with the LGUs, Communities, Private Sector, Academe and NGOs; in Rain forestation, Biodiversity Protection and Conservation.

EcoAgri services include PURO (Produce UR Own- Organic), Research and development, manufacturing and installation of technologies to support organic farming activities of the partners and beneficiaries; Promotion and marketing of farmers organic products under Fair Trade conditions; Establishment of community-based organic fertilizer production and Community-based seed banking, collection and propagation of indigenous varieties of rice and vegetable and other crops.

These activities will be shared not only with the local communities but also with all like-minded visitors to Negros who seek a holistic, rustic-chic holiday experience. Interactive Organic Farm guided tour with sumptious organic meals are offered as well as pre-scheduled presentations of the EcoAgri Showcase Farm for interested local government units (LGUs), small and medium entreprises ( SMEs)  and social entrepreneurs worldwide.  Aside from these, several activities throughout the year will be organized such as Organic Farmer’s Market, Food Festivals and Organic Farming Exhibitions, of course incorporating Green Events ethos! Watch out for more yummy details!

Eco Agri Park & Fresh Start Organic Farm Tour with organic meals

Eco Agri Farm is a proponent of The Negros Initiative : a Sustainable Tourism, Conservation and Social Responsibility framework to be implemented with institutional partners Green Hotels, The Clean Blue & Zero Carbon Resorts. Sustainability Capacity Building and Training programs towards a green economy for destinations, cities and communities include Good Governance, Rio 21 Agenda, Waste Management/3Rs/MRF, Resilience, Disaster Prevention and Management. Educational programs can be customized for public and private stakeholders, local government units, private businesses and the local community in general. For more info, check our website: http://www.sustainabilityguruasiapacific.com or email sustainability@sonixnet.jp.

 

Sustainable Ethos for Occidental Negros

The Society for Sustainable Tourism & Development, Inc. (SSTDI) is a newly formed not-for-profit, non-government organization (NGO) to lead & implement the Negros Occidental’s Sustainable Tourism capacity building and training, promoting green travel experiences of culture, cuisine, conservation and meaningful visits to local communities.    

Last October 2011, while working on The Boracay & Coron Initiatives I took a side trip to my home province sugar land Negros Occidental in southern Philippines. Upon request of Tita Sonia Sarrosa, energetic CEO of 2010 ASEAN Green Hotel Awardee Nature’s Village Resort, I did a stopover to give a talk and presentation on Conservation, Social Responsibility and Sustainable Tourism.   I was happy to learn that in fact, Negros Occidental became the first organic province and aims to be the organic bowl of Asia.

Private farm of Bonnin family

A select group of Provincial officials and private tourism stakeholders were waiting patiently for my delayed flight to listen to my presentation, gleaned from my first hand experience with Inkaterra, Peru’s Eco pioneer and Conservation Leader since 1975.

Next day, we visited Sagay City, south of the province, home of Museo sang Bata Sa Negros (Children’s Interactive Marine Museum).  The Museum size, design and exhibits were originally intended for children but it is an attraction for visitors of all ages, too. Its focus is to educate primarily, children  on Coastal Marine resources especially of nearby Carbin Reef Marine Reserve. However the Museum also serves as a Welcome Center for all guests, offering a brief intro about Sagay’s marine biodiversity, conservation programs and a small hall dedicated to Sagay’s son, the late Governor Joseph Maranon. Several children act as guides in each mini-exhibit and their spiels are heartwarming and interesting not only for kids but also for adults

Just a quick motor boat ride from the pier across the water, we island-hopped to Carbin Reef Sandbar, the visitors’ base to the 200 hectare Marine Sanctuary. The tongue shaped white sand bar is open for day visitors on a limited capacity for swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving.From Carbin Reef, we took a brief ride to Barangay Vito, where we took the motorboat to Molocaboc Island. We were graciously welcomed by the Barangay Captain and residents who offered us an exquisite lunch of native seafood, proudly produced by the island. Molocaboc has no fresh water resource, thus all residents make use of large earthen jars for rain water catchment to have water supply.

Sagay, Negros Occidental’s rich marine resources

Japanese NGO’s visit the island yearly to do their outreach programs to include mangrove reforestation and sea ranching (a sustainable way of aquaculture & fishing). We then took a quick visit to the farm of college-friend, Jojo Bonnin in Barangay Alangilan,  a mini green-hideaway, just 15 minutes from the city.

Jojo Bonnin’s farm, mini green getaway

From this visit, The Negros Initiative was born, to develop responsible travel to Negros with proponents to include: Eco Agri Sustainable Agri Farm  showcase, Don Salvador Benedicto, the next emerging eco hot spot in the Philippines, and Fresh Start Organic Sustainable Agri tours.

Agri Tourism Sustainable Farm Show Case

The Society for Sustainable Tourism & Development, Inc. (SSTDI) is formed to lead The Negros Initiative in the Sustainable Tourism, Conservation and Social Responsibility development for Negros with institutional partners Zero Carbon Resorts, Green Hotels & Clean Blue. Sustainability

Society for Sustainable Tourism & Development, Inc. (SSTDI)

Capacity Building and Training programs for cities, municipalities and communities  include Good Governance, Rio 21 Agenda, Waste Management/3Rs/MRF, Resilience, Disaster Prevention and Management. Educational programs will be customized for public and private stakeholders, local government units, private businesses and the grassroots community in general.

ZERO CARBON RESORTS is our joint project with GrAt for the SMEs in the Tourism Industry to reduce carbon footprint by switching from use of fossil fuel to renewable energy sources especially solar energy and green technologies.

Green Hotels Asia Pacific our network of reliable eco-responsible hotels

GREEN HOTELS ASIA PACIFIC is our network of the most reliable eco responsible hotels around the world. It works to help the hotel industry embrace sustainability by integrating innovation and added value with environmental actions in a vibrant global exchange of green hoteliers, operators and responsible clients.

CLEAN BLUE ASIA is thenew industry standard for beach management and safety – ISO 13009 - the “Clean Blue Industry Standard” CBIS – to help provide beach operators with the information and guidance to effectively manage the beaches of Asia – Pacific.

For more information visit: http://sustainabilityguru.webstarts.com or email sustainability@sonixnet.jp

2011 Fresh Start: 11 Reasons to go Organic

by Fresh Start Organic

Re-posted from Fresh Start Organics Facebook page… good insight and info to share for everyone!

 

It’s Nutritious! Studies show that organic food is filled with more vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and flavonoids than conventionally grown food.

It Tastes Good! Organic food is grown in harmony with nature – so it’s naturally more delicious and flavorful.

Its Cheaper! Looking at the price tags when comparing organic and conventional products is misleading. If you include the long-term costs such as social, environmental and health costs, you’d realize that organic food is much, much cheaper.

It Promotes Biodiversity! Organic farming disrupts native ecosystems as little as possible in its methods, which promotes the growth and development of wildlife species.

It Protects Future Generations! Children are up to 164 times more sensitive to cancer-causing pesticides used in conventionally grown food. Going organic will lessen the risk of future health problems.

6. It Helps Rural Communities! Organic farming uses locally available materials and manpower, which creates and maintains sustainable local communities.

It Reduces Health Risks! Many toxic chemicals linked to cancer and other diseases are still used in conventional farming. Going organic means prevention and protection from these long-term effects.

Its Environmentally Sustainable! Organic farming does not pollute waterways, air or soil. It uses renewable inputs as well, which make it safer and healthier for the environment.

It Builds Healthy Soil! Organic farming relies on the belief that healthy soil equals healthy food. Using natural inputs, organic farmers make an effort to maintain the vitamins, minerals and quality of the soil.

It Meets Quality Standards! Organic farming is strictly regulated to make sure that they live up to quality standards. When you buy organic, you are getting a product that lives up to its name, which is what all consumers deserve.

Its Available! You and your family can now enjoy a wide selection of organic and natural products every day. Fresh Start Organic food stores now offer fresh, healthy, chemical free food from salad greens, culinary herbs, fruits, vegetables, rice, coffee, snacks, sweeteners and all natural personal care products daily.

 Note: Fresh Start Organic & Eco Agri Development Foundation Inc. are our partner NGO’s in The Negros Initiative.

A Green Yuletide Guide

For a non-Christian country, Japan celebrates Christmas to the max, but not for traditional or religious reasons. Not to mention that most Christmas trees and decor are depressing blue color lights! Singapore inaugurated the Orchard Christmas light up with no less than their President, a national event to herald shopping hoarders.   Ti’s the season of extreme enterprise just like everywhere in the globe. In the Philippines, they put up the Yuletide trimmings as early as September, to bring the holiday cheers early amidst typhoon time. It’s simply a silly spell of trash and bash for profitable purposes. So before your Christmas becomes just a blur of stress and duress, get guided by these holiday eco ethos and lighten your impact to the environment.

1. Buy green gifts.  Consider eco-friendly and socially-conscious products and think about impact and environment when buying gifts. Remember the environmental effort and message gives more meaning, so look for a green approach for each gift: i.e. organic products, reusable, recyclable and really useful.

2. Reuse, reduce & recycle. Be creative in practicing these principles: reuse gift wrappers, reduce waste, recycle unused gift items and give them off. These 3Rs in gift giving is not only economical but less stressful!

Avoid Plastic Bags!

3. Eco shopping bags. Bring your reusable shopping bags when heading out to your gift buying spree this season and avoid plastic bags abound.

Save energy, avoid rush crowds!

 

4. Shop online. Save fuel and energy. Instead of charging out in traffic and lining up kilometric queues in stores, shop online instead! Items purchased online can be delivered straight to your recipient, so it can also cut down effort in personal delivery and again, fuel in driving around to give those gifts!

Green Gift-GCs

5. Cool gift certificates. Instead of buying ordinary gifts, buy something special like a concert ticket, spa certificate, book club or gym trial and the like.  Your friend will think of you as a cool and considerate giver.

6. Gift of charity. As a great alternative to buying another picture frame, mug or socks for the person who may not need more of the same, give them the gift of charity, a donation to an environmental project or to any other organization for the needy. Donate to these charities or purchase gift cards in their name- a tree seedling for reforestation, donation for a wheelchair, clothes or books for orphans, etc. There are so many humanitarian and environmental organizations in need of support where you can contribute, in the name of a friend.

Donate in the name of a friendBring happiness not only to a friend but also to recipients

 

Make everyone happy!

7. Christmas cards from recycled paper. Thousands of cards each year are bought every yuletide season. Consider the alternative E-greeting card and if you must, buy Christmas cards from recycled paper. Think Amazon and deforestation before you buy that Christmas card.

Reusable, recyclable gift packaging

8. Biodegradable wrappers and bows.  Use recycled paper and natural materials instead of plastic or metallic wrappers and bows. Needless to say, they’re easier to dispose and less harmful to the environment. These calls again for creativity: reuse materials, or make the wrapping part of the gift, such as scarves, baskets and or reusable decorative boxes.

9. Re-chargeable batteries. When buying battery operated toys, encourage use of re-chargeable batteries; educate children as early as tots about the proper use of recharging – they’re not only eco friendly but also economical.

Going (green with) banana xmas tree!

11. Live instead of plastic Xmas tree. Purchase a live tree to use as Christmas tree and it doesn’t have to be a traditional fir. Santa will not scold you if you use other foliage as Christmas tree as you can re-plant them in your yard after the holidays. Besides, it serves a natural indoor air purifier. And oh, use natural décor non-plastic, non-hazardous materials and low consumption lights.  

Segregate your garbage

12. Avoid wasteful consumption. Christmas is a garbage fest. Before the gift opening and feasting begins, set up your garbage disposals accordingly – for cans, bottles, paper etc. Again, practice the pre- and post party 3Rs. 

Christmas has almost lost its essence due to over- commercialization and excessive hype. Make your Yuletide more meaningful and less stressful. Think outside the gift box a little and you can have greener Holidays that may benefit the environment and humanity.

Check out Fresh Start organics from Negros!

Is your Christmas green? Share your eco holiday season tips, please add them to the comments section!