Reenita's Wisdom

I am as guilty as anyone of finding pleasure through chocolate on occasion. In fact, there are certain “feel good” snacks that I associate with my childhood, Kitkat being one of them.

However recent reports of  Nestle’s role in eradicating the Indonesian rainforests, home to the Orangutan, puts perspective on my desire to snack on Kitkat’s “chocky-bickies.”

A Sumatran Orangutan (Src: Sumtran Orangutan Society)

According to this morning’s Sun, Nestle is guilty of purchasing palm oil used in the treat, from a company which allegedly clears Indonesian rainforest lands to develop palm oil plantations instead. Greenpeace says that this has led to the death of more than 1,500 orangutans in a year. [...]

While the world praises India’s development, the country’s acquifirs have been significantly depleted of water in the last several years.  Water is being pumped from wells at a much faster rate than it is replenished by rainfall.

India’s diminishing access to clean and safe water supplies has been long apparent to those involved in the discussion on the world water crisis.  Recently, this serious issue has become the subject of video awareness campaigns on international airlines.

India’s Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, has warned of severe water shortages in the next few decades. While this is fast becoming evident in urban centers like Mumbai and Delhi (which has the highest per capita consumption of water), the highest impact will be felt in rural areas.

More than ever, it is time to become mindful about taking steps towards conserving water.  If you are looking for ideas as to how you can make a difference in your own home, then take a look at the Green Living Guide to Water Conservation.

Pushpalata Vij (1922-2010)

The Indic culture believes that each of us is named for a reason. Names are not a reflection of your parent’s whim but a symbolic reference of your life purpose. Rarely though in our frenzied existence, do we stop to think about the reason behind why we were named.

Last week, when my grandmother passed, I reflected on her name, Pushpalata.

Pushpa translates from Sanskrit as flower, and lata, a creeping vine. The former is easier to make sense of -  through the seasons of life, my grandmother’s garden embodied the florescence of beauty, purity and simplicity. More subtle however is the creeping vine; it grows out along the ground, rooting every so often to enhance the striking presence of other plants with its own understated yet beautiful border. This  was my grandmother, Pushpalata Vij. [...]

At the outset of every new year, one begins to speculate on how the days will unfold and how one’s dreams and desires will play out. In Hong Kong, people look not only at the fact that we are in January of 2010 but also that we are on the eve of a new Chinese Year of the Tiger.

2010 is the Chinese Year of the Tiger (Src: Flick.com/Digitalart)

Associated with passion, power and explosive personality, one can only begin to imagine what the Year of Tiger means for China. [...]

Clean Surfaces With A Natural All Purpose Surface Cleaner

There are plenty of natural cleaning ingredients that you probably already stock in your pantry. Vinegar (acetic acid) removes grease, stains and is an excellent water softener. Washing soda (sodium carbonate) cleans clothes, softens water, cuts grease and increases the cleaning power of soap. Lemon juice, my personal favorite, cuts through grease, removes stains from clothing and is a bleach alternative. Organic vegetable oils condition and create a protective coating over wood. Here is a wonderful all purpose cleaner that can be prepared from these ingredients.

What You Need

• 3 Tbsp vinegar
• 1/2 tsp washing soda
• 1/2 tsp vegetable oil based liquid soap
• 2 Cups hot water
• juice of 1 lemon

What To Do

• Mix ingredients in spray bottle or bucket
• Apply and wipe clean

Give Your Tiles & Counter-tops A Scrub Down With Ammonia

Ammonia is good for almost everything. Even though its aroma is quite strong, it can be allayed when mixed with other ingredites. Here is a recipe for a terrific, nontoxic, all-purpose cleaner that is almost odorless. Suggested by Greenpeace, the environmental organization, it is perfect for scrubbing linoleum, walls, bathroom and kitchen tiles and even rugs.

What You Need

• 1/2 Cup ammonia
• 1/4 Cup vinegar
• a handful of baking soda
• 1 bucketful of warm water

What To Do

• Mix ingredients in a bucket
• Apply to tiles or counter-tops and wipe clean