Japan’s press play the food card in bluefin tuna row
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species is in Qatar discussing proposed regulations covering certain plant and animal species. The main media focus is on bluefin tuna from the Atlantic. Monaco had proposed a trade ban on the fish since increased demand from sushi lovers the world over has depleted ocean stocks by as much as 80 percent in recent years. Though the proposal has … Insidermedicine In 60 – September 1, 2009
What it is:A gentle, smoothing cleanser that adds a soft, flexible bounce to all hair types.What it does:Ojon Tunu Elastik Hair Smoothing Cleanser lets you smooth the cuticle layer while gently cleansing hair, allowing for a perfect blow-dry for straight or curly styles.What else you need to know:This unique formula combines a blend of wildcrafted Tunu, crambe seed oil, and Swa oil extract t…
Olive Oil is a flavorful cholesterol-free oil that has been a mainstay worldwide since Biblical days. Our oil is produced to exacting standards of less than 1% oleic acid as well as many other oil components. From the FDA’s website: Limited and not conc…
Marmarabirlik Olives are sorted according to their sizes, and offered under different names. This makes sure that in any given package, the size of the olives is uniform. As a rule, the bigger the olive size, the more expensive are the olives. The followin…
Marmarabirlik Olives are sorted according to their sizes, and offered under different names. This makes sure that in any given package, the size of the olives is uniform. As a rule, the bigger the olive size, the more expensive are the olives. The followin…
The complete guide to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol-without medication-through a proven diet, exercise, and weight loss program Finally, the #1 ranked DASH diet is popularized and user-friendly. Unlike any diet before it, DASH, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, came out of groundbreaking NIH-funded research. Now, Marla Heller, MS, RD, who was trained by one of th…
The island of Sicily has historically one of the healthiest diets in the world. Now the flavors and benefits of Sicilian cooking are yours to savor in this weight-loss program. Created by physician Acquista, who has successfully counseled patients on weigTitle: The Mediterranean PrescriptionAuthor: Acquista, Angelo, M.D./ Vandermolen, Laurie AnnePublisher: Random House IncPublication Date: 2006/04…
This is the user-friendly guide to the DASH diet. Proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol without medication, it was developed in research sponsored by US National Institutes of Health, entitled, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH). Each new research study continues to prove the benefits of the DASH Diet. The DASH diet is recommended by the U.S. treatment guidelines for hyper…
Because Mediterranean diets offer low carb, low fat alternatives to traditional American diet foods, they are increasing in popularity. You may decide to steer your own eating habits into a better course, especially if you or one of your loved ones suffers from high cholesterol. The delicious Greek and Turkish recipes that are accessible online with this particular diet plan make it simpler than ever before to sign up.
Furthermore, Mediterranean diets are based on everyday ingredients that are combined in many different tasty and titillating ways. In fact, a lot of people prefer to spice up the recipes by using extra virgin olive oil. The fruity and yet nutty taste of this olive oil gives a light and flavorful touch to just about any lunch or dinner meal. With this in mind, the really good news that that the dishes prepared for Mediterranean diets often rely on using extra virgin olive oil.
Another super factor about mediterranean food is that it is truly simple to prepare. For example, a Greek salad consists of a few basic ingredients that can be found at any local grocery store. Pick up some ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh lettuce, kalamata olives and add a touch of balsamic vinaigrette toped with feta cheese. Reading about this salad makes a lot of folks want to bolt for the kitchen and get started.
The latest research has found that an individual’s diet can have a determining role their potential to suffer from heart disease. To take proper care of your heart, you should eat properly prior to any difficulties arising and exercise preventative dietary measures. Because it is so healthy and delicious, I encourage all of my friends and loved ones to eat in Mediterranean manner to eat light. As we all well know, an excess of thick butter sauces and fatty foods will eventually slow you down and clog your arteries.
If you go online and visit ediets.com you can find the mediterranean diet plan along with quite a few others. These weight loss plans will assist those people that want to lose weight as well as folks that simply desire to eat better foods for increased health. The harsh reality is that 80% of the American population is considered to be overweight and at a high risk for diseases that are weight related. Such statistics are certainly contributing to the clamor towards so many diet plans.
The greatest part of the Mediterranean diet is that it boosts your metabolism and does not deprive you of the foods you enjoy. In fact, the vast popularity of the Mediterranean diet is because you can eat a wide variety of foods often during the day. It is a sensible diet because unlike the Atkins diet, this weight management plan does not require you to eliminate any particular foods and assists you in boosting your metabolism.
About the Author
Ryan Cote is the owner of WeightLoss-Programs-Reviewed.com, a website that reviews the top 5 best weight loss programs. Fitness articles and tips also available. Site Map
This revolutionary, all-natural fat dissolving cream helps reduce the cells that store fat from hips, thighs, stomach, arms and legs. Formulated with Mediterranean brown alga to help boost micro-circulation, it breaks up fat cells and stops them from reforming. Plus, it’s clinically proven to inhibit dimpling and increase skin elasticity, firmness, and smoothness. 4 oz…..
The complete guide to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol-without medication-through a proven diet, exercise, and weight loss program Finally, the #1 ranked DASH diet is popularized and user-friendly. Unlike any diet before it, DASH, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, came out of groundbreaking NIH-funded research. Now, Marla Heller, MS, RD, who was trained by one of th…
The island of Sicily has historically one of the healthiest diets in the world. Now the flavors and benefits of Sicilian cooking are yours to savor in this weight-loss program. Created by physician Acquista, who has successfully counseled patients on weigTitle: The Mediterranean PrescriptionAuthor: Acquista, Angelo, M.D./ Vandermolen, Laurie AnnePublisher: Random House IncPublication Date: 2006/04…
Aimed at nothing less than totally restructuring the diets of Americans, Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy may well accomplish its goal. Dr. Walter C. Willett gets off to a roaring start by totally dismantling one of the largest icons in health today: the USDA Food Pyramid that we all learn in elementary school. He blames many of the pyramid’s recommendations–6 to 11 servings of carbohydrates, all …
Best Hotel Rates in the Entertainment Capital of the World – Las Vegas
Las Vegas is one of the most visited cities in the United States. There are several reasons why people want to go to Nevada and experience the magnificence of Sin City. It is a place full of life, glamour, and eccentricity!
Popularized in movies and TV shows as the place you can get married to via an Elvis impersonator, along with people in casinos who are dressed to kill, the mobsters’ haven, there is really more to this city than meets the eye. This city was named by the Spaniards as “Las Vegas”, which would pertain to the meadows that was once part of Mexico and was a railroad town back in the year 1905. It was also part of Lincoln County. This is until the Railroads of Senator William Clark was auctioned in 1909 and established the region as the new Clark County. Finally, on the year 1911, Las Vegas became an incorporated city and became the seat of Clark County.
At current, it holds many titles for different people. It is famously known as the wedding capital, entertainment capital, casino capital of the world, and thus, Las Vegas is also known as Sin City because most of the vices are found here.
Hence, the rich landscape of Las Vegas makes it a place where tourists not only go for gambling, shopping, and entertainment. There are also several parks in the area. Where in, you can actually do some outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and even skiing!
Taking a break in Las Vegas will keep your heart pumping and adrenalin rushing. This is with all the sights and sounds that you can experience in this city. To enjoy your stay without burning a hole through your pocket, here is a list of fine Las Vegas hotels that will cater to your every need. From here you can already plan a trip that will suit your liking and standards. If you have the luxury of time and have plans for a long vacation, it is advised that you make your trips from a Sunday afternoon check in towards a Thursday morning check out so as to truly avail of wonderful deals with these hotels and other establishments. Thus, it is common that the prices would skyrocket during the weekend in Las Vegas.
1. The Palms Palace Hotel Condo and Spa
Location: 4381 West Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89103
This private haven is recommended for those who are looking for a wholesome, stress free and relaxing vacation without too much noise and action as compared to an average gaming hotel in Las Vegas. It is an affiliate of the renowned Palms Las Vegas. The Sky Tube also connects this sanctuary with its glitzy counterpart, the Palms Casino Resort. It was recently built, during the first quarter of 2008, and designed by Jon Jerde. This 49-storey Palm Palace offers 599 luxurious suites with breath taking views of the city and mountains of Nevada. Each room is furnished with a 42″ Plasma TV, lavish linens, and pillows. Aside from this, flat screened LCD TVs are provided; their bathrooms have a rainfall showerhead and a Jacuzzi. Guests are also pampered with their 24-hour room service, concierge, and business center. For relaxation, they have an in-room Spa service.
Furthermore, the hotel features its own Fitness Center and Lounge/bar located at their lobby. Celebrated chef Kerry Simon is the one behind their spectacular restaurant that overlooks the outdoor pool and boasts of three dining rooms that can host up to 75 guests.
Avail of its sale rate and package that will start with only $127.
Hotel Amenities:
• Concierge
• 24 hour front desk and business center
• 24 hour room service
• Spa services
• In room spa services
• Fitness Center
• Outdoor pool
• Wireless internet access
• 1 hotel restaurant (on site)
• Lounge/ bar (on site)
• Parking on site
Room Amenities (Standard Room):
• Telephone
• Complimentary newspaper
• Mini-bar and ice maker
• microwave
• Workspace
• Pull out sofa bed
• Television
• Cable TV, Radio
• Refrigerator
• Coffee maker
• In room safe
• Individual climate control
• Handicapped rooms
• Kitchenette and sink
• Bathrobe, toiletries/ travel kits
• Bathtub with jets
• Iron and ironing board
• Cribs available upon request
2. Meridian Luxury Suites
Location: 250 East Flamingo Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89169
This hotel was renovated just last 2006. It is a four-storey hotel that possesses 600 lavishly designed suites and is strategically located at the center of the strip. With a Mediterranean theme, guests are given a wide array of activities to choose from. Aside from this, it is just a few minutes away from the famed Las Vegas culture and nightlife. Guest rooms are also featured with high-speed internet access, DVD/VCR player, and cable TV.
Their on sale rate and package would start from $97. If you book in advance, you can receive a 25% discount.
Hotel Amenities:
• 24-hour fitness center,
• Recreation facilities -indoor racquetball and squash courts
• two outdoor tennis courts
• Sauna
• Ice machines On Floors
• Pets allowed
• outdoor swimming pool
• business center
• wireless internet in the lobby
• concierge services
• laundry/valet services
• free on-site parking
Room Amenities:
• Telephone
• Cable TV, Television
• VCR/DVD
• Individual climate control
• Complimentary high speed internet
• Coffee maker
• Refrigerator
• Kitchen with sink
• Radio/clock radio
• Iron and ironing board
• Cots/rollaway beds
• Hair dryer
• Cribs upon request
3. Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino
Location: 129 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas NV
This establishment is actually famous for the large gold nugget located at the back portion of its casino. The hotel is also recognized for the first class service it can provide to its guests, making them come back for more. With the numerous activities found in the hotel, guests will certainly have a memorable stay in this casino-hotel. Lavishly styled rooms and suites offer spectacular views of the city. It is even furnished to your heart’s content. With over 1,900 rooms, a casino, a spa and wellness center, and a 600-seat showroom, The Golden Nugget is worth every penny. Wired internet access is available in the guest rooms for only $11/ 24 hours.
For a rate and package that would start at $63 a night, it is definitely worth it!
Hotel Amenities:
• Casino
• Non-Smoking Rooms
• Showroom
• Safety Deposit Box
• Hotel Restaurants
• Spa/Massage & Wellness Centre
• Jacuzzi
• Hot Tub
• Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Game Room
• Meeting/Banquet Facilities
• Laundry/dry Cleaning
• Business Center
• Concierge Services
• Barber/Hair stylist
• Room Service
• Souvenirs/Gift Shop
• Tour Desk
• Multi Lingual Staff
• Complimentary Guest Parking (on-site)
Room Amenities:
• Air Conditioning
• Wired internet for USD 11.00 per 24 hours.
• All children under 18 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding.
• Extra beds and baby cots are upon request
• Complimentary Newspaper
• Refrigerator
• Telephone
• Cable and Satellite ready TV
• Daily Maid Service
• In-Room Safe
• Telephone (Voicemail)
4. The Luxor Hotel and Casino
Location: 3900 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
The unique architectural design of this hotel gives it a distinguished look, making it very different from the rest. Inspired with an Egyptian theme, the onyx-hued pyramid that rises 350 feet into the sky is topped with a bright beacon of light that can be seen throughout Las Vegas.
With a package and rate that would start at $80 a night, discover the wonders and mysteries of Egypt along with the glitz and glam of Las Vegas in this great pyramid alias The Luxor Hotel and Casino
Hotel Details:
• Casino
• Fitness Center
• Spa/Massage
• Game Room
• Swimming Pool
• Uniformed Security on Site
• Laundry/ Dry Cleaning Service
• Business Center
• Car Rental
• Crib/Rollaway Bed
• Administrative Services
• Wheelchair Accessible
• Barber/Hair Stylist
• Currency Exchange
• Gift Shop
• Meeting Facilities
• Electronic Key
• Room Service
• Multi-lingual Staff
• Restaurant in Hotel
• Hot Tub
Room Details:
• Air Conditioning
• Non-Smoking Rooms
• Mini-Bar
• Complimentary Newspaper
• Refrigerator
• Iron
• Telephone
• Telephone (Voicemail)
• Television (Cable/Satellite)
• DVD/VCR
• Daily Maid Service
• Broadband Access
• Whirlpool Bath
5. The Mirage
Location: 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
This is one of the premier hotel resorts in Las Vegas. The Mirage is made up of more than 2,700 deluxe rooms and almost 300 suites located in a lush setting of greenery and spectacular waterfalls. The Mirage offers you the illusion of a tropical sanctuary while frolicking in the exciting and charismatic atmosphere of Las Vegas. In the evening, the “volcano” in front of the casino will give you a spectacular “lights” show! A variety of restaurants, exquisite shops, and world-class entertainment is also provided to tickle your fancy.
Their rate and package starts at $96 a night. Aside from this, anything you can imagine can be found at The Mirage.
Hotel Details:
• Casino
• Fitness Center
• Spa/Massage
• Game Room
• Swimming Pool
• Children’s Pool
• Hot Tub
• Concierge Services
• Administrative Services
• Wheelchair Accessible
• Fax (For guests)
• Uniformed Security on Site
• Laundry/ Dry Cleaning Service
• Concierge/ Club Floor
• Business Center
• Car Rental
• Crib/Rollaway Bed
• Barber/Hair Stylist
• Currency Exchange
• Surveillance Cameras On Site
• Smoke Alarm in Rooms
• Computer Use Available
• Gift Shop
• Meeting Facilities
• Parking Area Well Lit
• Sprinkler in Rooms
• Electronic Key
• Common Area High speed Internet Access
• A-V Equipment Rental
• Room Service
• Multi-lingual Staff
• Restaurant in Hotel
Room Details:
• Air Conditioning
• Newspaper (Free)
• Refrigerator
• Iron
• Telephone
• Television (Cable/Satellite)
• Non-Smoking Rooms
• DVD/VCR
• Daily Maid Service
• Broadband Access
• In Room Broadband Internet Access Fee
• Safe (In Room)
• Whirlpool Bath
• Telephone (Voicemail)
• Mini-Bar
With all the upscale accommodations and luxurious amenities of these hotels and others in Vegas, there is still a lot more to see in the city that will make you go back for more. Aside from going to the casino, listed below are some of the famous tourist spots and things to do while in Las Vegas.
1. The Fountains of the Bellagio
Located within the Bellagio
2. Flamingo Garden
3555 Las Vegas Blvd
3. Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
Mandalay Bay
4. Cirque de Soleil Show – reserve tickets to get the best seats for the show
• KÀ, MGM Grand (877) 264-1844
• Mystère, Treasure Island, (800) 392-1999
5. Masquerade Show in the Sky (Rio) – one of the most popular free shows in Vegas
3700 West Flamingo Rd, +1 702 777-7776
6. Sirens of Treasure Island
3300 South Las Vegas Blvd, +1 702 894-7111
7. The Buffet in Wynn Las Vegas
3131 Las Vegas Blvd South +1-702-770-7100
8. The Buffet in Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd South (Bellagio), +1-702-693-7111
9. 3121 – Originally Club Rio
3700 W Flamingo Rd (inside Rio Hotel), +1 702 777-7776
10. Ghostbar (Palms),
The Palms, +1 702 942-6832
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There is virtually no person that likes to travel and doesn’t want to spend a least a holiday in the USA. Most of the people spending their holidays in US are not going to be able to tell you off the top of their heads which is the place they want to go to first or which is the place they prefer. Also most of the people can tell you at least 5 US cities without thinking it about it too much. Because of the large number of big cities and famous ones too, the top US cities’ lists might differ, but on most of them one will find New York, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, New Orleans, Washington DC and Las Vegas. These cities might be the most well known places and have a lot of tourist activities and things to do and things to see, but there are numerous others worth visiting thus the USA can be a holiday destination as many times as you want without being worried of getting bored.
In terms of organizing your trip the first thing you need to do is plan it, figure out how much it would cost you and see if you can get the visa in case you need one. If you are looking for a cheap holiday try flying in spring or autumn when plane tickets are usually cheaper and there are more deals. If you are already on the continent you can either fly into USA or drive or come by bus from Canada or Mexico. Once in the country if you are spending your vacation in more than one place you can use the low cost airlines, you can take the bus or rent a car. In the cities, depending on how big and how developed they are you can get around by bus, metro, train or bicycle. Walking is not always recommended because of the big distances between the tourist attractions especially in the big cities. Concerning your meals you can always it in fast foods, buffets, food courts or dinners which are cheaper than restaurants and you can always check the prices before buying anything or sitting down, thus there are no surprises when the bill comes. You can also buy food from the convenience store and from the supermarket. Accommodation is probably the most expensive thing you have to pay apart from the air fare, but even that can be found at reasonable prices in hostels, motels, inns and camping areas. A place in a camping area or a hostel usually starts from $10 per night and a place in a motel can cost from $30 to $80 and more a night. It all depends on the holiday destination and the time of the year you are going.
As far as the things that you can do or the activities that you can try there is simply no activity that cannot be done in the USA. Depending on your holiday destination you can visit national parks, canyons, beaches, mountains or simply downtowns. In many of the big cities you will be able to visit a Chinatown and if your destination holiday is New York you can visit a lot of European neighborhoods like for example the Italian neighborhood or the polish one, the Russian one or the Dutch one and so on. If you like cities that never sleep you can choose from Las Vegas, New Orleans, New York and many more and if you like quiet places you can choose smaller cities where there is still plenty to do. While Las Vegas is famous for the casinos, Los Angeles is famous for Hollywood and Disneyland. But the most tourist attractions are the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, the Niagara Falls, the Mt. Rushmore National Monument, the Grand Canyon National park, the Yosemite National park, the Death Valley, the Great Lakes, the White House, and many more.
Not only is the country big enough and with enough destinations to make your decision difficult, but there are so many events happening throughout the year in all the fields that instead of making your decision easier it is actually getting even more difficult. A few of the big events and festivals from the USA are the Super Bowl, the Mardi Gras, the Kentucky Derby, the Burning Man Festival, the Halloween, as well as the important holidays like for example the Memorial Day, the Independence Day and the Thanksgiving Day. Every state has at least one big event or festival happening during the year, but you can also have a great time at the small town fairs. If you are traveling with children you can choose to spend your vacation at one of the many amusements parks available in the country, but make sure the amusement parks you want to go to is opened during the period that you are going on your holiday.
About the Author
Paul Ritchie Inge runs Rank Bank.Our business rates the best business opportunitiesonline.We try and look for things that will offer online entrepreneurs real profit opportunities and an education about how to make online profits.To see Rank Banks current Number 1 Pick just Click Here >>> Rank Banks Recommends
Dallas offers a vast wealth of living accommodations, from traditional single-family homes to condominiums, lofts, apartments, townhomes and high-rise apartments. Each area of the city boasts a little of everything. You’ll find, though, that certain areas of the city are known for different types of living accommodations. You’ll find a large amount of lofts in the Arts District and West End and Downtown has a wealth of high-rise Dallas apartments.
One of the city’s finest apartment complexes and an excellent representative of the luxury apartment offerings throughout the city is Rienzi at Turtle Creek. This apartment complex is absolutely unbelievable. Inspired by villas in the Mediterranean, the apartments are spacious and sumptuously appointed. With apartments and penthouses offered, beautiful views of the city’s skyline and gorgeous parks, the Rienzi is an amazing place to live completely dedicated to resident’s convenience.
The Post apartments are another fixture within the city. You’ll find that they are spacious and combine the best of Texas with amazing culture. Post apartments are known for upscale living on a grand scale, with quality construction and amazing amenities. One of the best things about the Post apartments in Dallas is the grounds. They are immaculately kept and landscaped to provide the most relaxing area you’ll find in an apartment complex in Dallas. These are more than merely grounds, they’re a place to relax, have a picnic or watch the kids play. Post Dallas apartments also have a large number of amenities, with washer and dryer hookups, high speed Internet and more.
One of the most popular living choices within the city is loft apartments. If you are looking for apartments in Dallas, living in loft apartments is a very real option. Dallas has a wealth of authentic loft apartments that have been converted from old business and warehouse space. Deep Ellum, the Arts District and West End all have an incredible number of historic buildings that have been converted into loft apartment space. Many of these are actually mixed use buildings, letting people work and live in the same space. There are restaurants and flower shops, cafés and boutiques on the bottom floors allowing residents to buy everything they need, all without leaving their building. These lofts many times come with the original hard wood floors, steel doors and have been fitted with granite counter tops, whirlpool spas and more. You can find an amazing amount of true loft living in the city of Dallas and the neighborhoods around them are filled with character and charm, art, laughter and life.
Dallas is truly a city of apartments. Over 4 million people in the Metroplex live in apartments and may of the apartment communities are some of the finest in the nation. With offerings like the Post apartments, the large selection of loft living and amazing high-rise apartment communities like Rienzi, Dallas is an amazing place to live.
About the Author
Bill Hinson is the CEO of Rental Markets Inc. who manages an Rent-Dallas-Apartments.com, a website dedicated to promoting Dallas Apartments providing resources, and information as well as an apartment search for people looking to move into Dallas, Texas.
hi i want to know do it work and do it work what the food list you surpose to eat on this diet please tell me how the diet if
done and how much weight u lose each month
Mediterranean diet is AWESOME!!!! The diet focuses on using::: lots of fish, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Often, cooking involves the use of balsamic vinegar and olive oil (be careful with the oil– high in calories; just a little should do the trick). The diet is great because you are cutting out a lot of fat from your diet (beef and chicken aren’t used), and after a meal you feel just enough satisfaction– without regrets!!! Legumes such as chickpeas, and lentils are great because they give you a great source of fiber (good for your digestive system), and protein (keeps you full). The whole grains are great for getting your energy from the carbs, but are healthy for you at the same time (fiber, once again!). And don’t forget the fish! Protein and brain power! In regards to the weight loss, it differs for everyone. I would estimate that you could easily drop the first ten pounds just by switching over to eating these foods in place of your usual diet within a month. But stick with it if you want to keep the weight off. You can’t just switch back. If you want to continue losing weight, increase your exercise in addition to eating the mediterranean foods. Good Luck!!
Also, try searching for a recipe of vegetarian chili with lentils– a recipe actually given by a nutritionist from Greece!
Longevity and the Mediterranean Diet | Fitness Over Forty
The complete guide to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol-without medication-through a proven diet, exercise, and weight loss program Finally, the #1 ranked DASH diet is popularized and user-friendly. Unlike any diet before it, DASH, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, came out of groundbreaking NIH-funded research. Now, Marla Heller, MS, RD, who was trained by one of th…
Do you love your low carb diet, but can’t face another plate of bacon and eggs in the morning? The #1 Best Seller, 25 Quick and Easy Low Carb Breakfast Recipes is here to rescue you from dietary boredom with mouthwatering breakfast recipes that will help you stick to your diet and get the results you want. Eating a delicious low carb breakfast has never been easier to do than with this especially-…
The island of Sicily has historically one of the healthiest diets in the world. Now the flavors and benefits of Sicilian cooking are yours to savor in this weight-loss program. Created by physician Acquista, who has successfully counseled patients on weigTitle: The Mediterranean PrescriptionAuthor: Acquista, Angelo, M.D./ Vandermolen, Laurie AnnePublisher: Random House IncPublication Date: 2006/04…
The mediterranean food diet is one of the plans of the healthiest diet you’ll find, and nutritionists are more than enthusiasm. The researchers believe this will provide the healthiest diet menu and in the long term, healthier lifestyle and longer life expectancy.
With a list of foods that includes small portions of meat, chicken, turkey and eggs, this diet is not only satisfying and full of tasty recipe options, is a way to keep your body healthy and better able to withstand the chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The mediterranean diet also includes fruit and vegetables, seafood and vegetables, olive oil, nuts and beans. The Mediterranean diet is defined and proper food combinations, along with natural health benefits of the food itself, provides a healthy and balanced diet that is easy to fulfill.
Here’s why it works
While the Mediterranean diet is not designed to enhance weight loss, the food offerings on their menus are conducive to the kind of healthy lifestyle will encourage your body in a natural way to lose excess weight. The nature of the foods you eat on this diet plan is satisfactory, filling, and delicious. You will not feel deprived, so do not be tempted to go fishing for carbohydrates and sweets to satisfy cravings.
The Mediterranean diet cook book will increase the health benefits of foods on your list of acceptable foods from the diet because it teaches the correct way to prepare, and the best combinations to get the most nutritional boost. Not enough to eat only foods in the diet food list, you must be prepared properly to reap the maximum benefit from them.
Olive oil is important in food preparation in the Mediterranean diet, as it offers the best fat for your body. Olive oil provides the “good” fat that helps reduce bad cholesterol in your body, and is also an antioxidant that helps the body to reduce and stabilize free radicals. However, despite its benefits, olive oil should be used in moderate amounts.
The Mediterranean diet contains foods that are, for the most part, unprocessed. Whenever you do not over-cook or process them, foods like fruits and vegetables, nuts and grains are fine. For this reason, the diet calls for the preparation of their meals from scratch.
It is because of the few restrictions on the mediterranean diet food list that works, although some foods may not necessarily think the diet is allowed in small portions. The diet provides for moderate portions of eggs, dairy and other foods that are not normally associated with a healthy diet. Talk about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet with your doctor or nutritionist to learn more about the food offered, and how, when taken in combination, promoting a healthy lifestyle.
A modern approach to a very old technique; clay pots were commonly used for cooking in wooden ovens. Maintaining the same principles as outdoor cooking, this clay baker maintains the water it is soaked in, thereby enhancing the natural flavour of the food through self basting. All liquids, flavour, taste, nutrients, and vitamins are retained within the food, as it cooks in its own natural juices. …
Le Souk Ceramique is a fair trade company that works in Nabeul, Tunisia. All of their ceramic production is hand-made and hand-painted at their studio. Le Souk’s workmanship is truly artisanal – they use no machinery for their painting, nor any decals or stencils. They paint each piece freehand. They use only foodsafe paints and glazes; for your safety as well as that of their employees….
WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l…
WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l…
WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l…
Green Logistics, Urban Air Quality Management And Biofuels Use By Dr. S. K. Modak
Introduction
Logistics constitute a vital link in the present day transportation systems. They have improved the cost, efficiency and reliability aspects of our delivery systems comprising the end part of supply chain. However, the negative environmental impact of transport movements leading to high fuel consumption emissions, enhanced noise levels, movement vibrations and accident rates have now reached such high proportions that the sustainability issues have inevitably come to the forefront of discussions all the world over. Logistics, including the reverse distribution logistics, have to be made environment friendly. In this context, ‘Green Logistics’ assumes great significance.
Present day transportation owes much to modern technology which has indeed helped develop a high degree of organization and control over freight movements not only within a country but also across the seven seas. Technology could be called the most effective driver of growth of transportation industry today. It is however paradoxical that logistics providers in their eagerness to serve own narrow and commercial interests have lost sight of the objectives of green logistics. The conflict between industry’s self-interest and the much-avowed green objectives therefore deserves serious debate and action.
 The objective of this paper is to discuss the significance of the concept of green logistics, transport industry related green house gas (GHG) emissions, air quality management in urban agglomerations, modal shift issue, use of bio-fuels and sustainability issues in general.
  What is Green Logistics?
  The concept of ‘greenness’ came to be discussed in relation to the transportation industry during the eighties and nineties, especially after the World Commission on Environment and Development Report, 1987 announced environmental sustainability as a goal for international action. The transportation industry was identified as one of the culprits contributing to environmental degradation. Studies and reports had also suggested that environment ought to be incorporated in the logistics framework or supply chain paradigm. The term ‘green logistics’ has since then become a catchword.
 Traditionally, logistics takes care of the forward distribution of products which includes transport, warehousing, packaging, inventory management and information processing starting from the producer to the retailer and end user. Environmental considerations require that, as a corollary, care has also to be taken of ‘reverse logistics’ which involves recycling and disposal of waste and used materials. Reverse flow logistics have, in fact, opened up a new market for the take back (10). In fine, the entire life cycle of a product – production, distribution, consumption and disposal – has to be considered as part of logistics. Since quite a few related operations like inventory, materials handling, packaging etc may be outsourced to other agencies, operational integration assumes great significance in the total supply chain. In other words, the various independent operations linked together on a transactions-to-transactions basis are buffered by inventory.  The focus is on maintaining a continuous flow of desired velocity by synchronizing all the activities which form part of the supply chain.
 The key benefit of establishing an effective connectivity is the minimization of transport costs incurred by firms. The logistics expenditure is comprised of following elements: (a) In-bound logistics cost (operations), (b) Out-bound logistics cost (marketing and sales), (c) Service cost, and (d) Management profit (12). The hallmark of an effective integration in supply chain is (a) Transit time compression, (b) Reliability of service,, (c) Just in time (JIT) delivery (d) Good information systems support, (e) flexibility in operations (f) Customization and (g) Minimization of ‘back haul’ or empty trucks in return journey. The same criteria apply to reverse logistics which require management of products returned by customers, their recycling or reuse, repair or removal of products and finding alternate channels to sell impaired assets (18). All these have environmental implications.
 Transport administration, as part of supply chain is also of great significance. It involves expertise in vehicles and equipment scheduling, load planning, routing of freight, advance shipment notification, consolidation of cargo, tracing the movement of cargo as part of control and an efficient information system. It also involves documentation in terms of bill of lading and shipment manifest and what is quite important, a competitive pricing strategy (2, 4).
 In modern times international trade has become a bigger part of world’s economic activity. The role of transportation in the global supply chain is now all the more important. Transporters may use a combination of modes like air, road, rail, water, pipelines and inter-modal. Trucking is normally more expensive than rail or water but it provides the advantage of door-to-door shipment and shorter delivery times. It also eliminates the need for transfer or transshipment between pick-up and delivery points. Shippers therefore often prefer road transport over rail for all short distance movements within the country. When it comes to global trade, water transport becomes the dominant mode, although air transport is also preferred for light-weight and perishable cargo.
 Transport Industry and Green House Gas (GHG) emissions
  Transport is certainly an energy- intensive industry involving high levels of direct and indirect GHG emissions. According to Carbon Budget and Trends Annual Report, 2007, global carbon emissions rose rapidly during 2007 with industrializing nations like China and India producing more than half of mankind’s output of carbon dioxide CO2 which happens to be the main cause of global warming (11). The Report states that emissions from burning fossil fuels was the major contributor to CO2 increase and India would soon overtake Russia to become the world’s third largest emitter of CO2. It should be noted that 450 parts per million (ppm) of CO2 leads to two degrees Celsius increase in atmospheric temperature with disastrous consequences in terms of global warming. A wake- up call to industry, business and our wily politicians is given by recent figures of atmospheric CO2 concentration in general which rose to 383 ppm in 2007. This was 37% higher than the mean level. China, India, Russia and Japan are considered as the big players in CO2 emissions and in that the vehicular pollution is the main culprit(6). Country wise figures in the accompanying table 1 illustrate the severity (23).Â
.Table 1 : Showing GHG emissions for select countries
Country                 CO2 Emissions             Growth Rate
(In million tones)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â (1990-2004)
Â
United States                   6,046                             25
China                               5,007                            109
Russia                              1,524                              23
India                                1,342                              97
Japan                               1,257                              17
Germany                            808                             -18
Canada                               637                              54
United Kingdom               587                               01
Korea                                 465                              93
Italy                                   450                              15
World                           28,983                               28
Note: Share of developed countries is 15% in world population,
                              but 50% in CO2 emissions.
  It is also felt that since Russia is effectively reducing the emission rate, India may soon rank as third greatest polluter after U.S.A. and China.
 Addressing Urban Transport Air Pollution
 Transport no doubt plays a crucial role in the proper and efficient functioning of our cities.\, but it is also responsible mainly for air pollution. Vehicle emissions are considered a serious issue in most metro cities of the world including India. The levels of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) is much higher than the standard of 90 (as in 1992) set by the World Health Organization (WHO). A comparison of the SPM concentration in selected Indian Cities with that in other Asian cities is given in Table 2.
 As can be seen, in 1992 each of the three Indian cities of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata had exceeded many times over the WHO limit of 90 SPM and our national capital was the worst offender.
 Table 2: Figures of Average Annual SPM Concentration in Cities of Asia- During 1990-1999 (WHO SPM limit 90 as in 1992)             _________________________________________________________________________
Bangkok          215                      Hong Kong          55                    New Delhi       490
Beijing             380                      Kolkata                394                  Seoul               101
Busan              100                      Manila                  198                 Shanghai          250
Chonguing      250                     Mumbai                252
 The blame for rising pollution levels can be laid at the door of steeply rising vehicle population in Indian cities as show in Table 3.
 Table 3: Total Number of Registered Motor Vehicles in India during 1951-2004
                                                                                                  (Figures in thousands) Â
Year        All          Two          Cars, Jeeps        Buses      Goods          Others
             Vehicles    Wheelers    & Taxis                           Vehicles
Â
1951Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 306Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 27Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 159Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 34Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 82Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 4
1961Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 665Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 88Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 310Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 57Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 168Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 42
1971Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1865Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 576Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 682Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 94Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 343Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 170
1981Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 5391Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2618Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1160Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 162Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 554Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 897
1991Â Â Â Â Â 21374Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 14200Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2954Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 331Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1356Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2533
2000Â Â Â Â Â 48857Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 34118Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 6143Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 562Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2715Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 5319
2001Â Â Â Â Â 54991Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 38556Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 7058Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 634Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2948Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 5795
2002Â Â Â Â Â 58924Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 41581Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 7613Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 635Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2974Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 6121
2003Â Â Â Â Â 67007Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 47519Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 8599Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 721Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3492Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 6676
2004Â Â Â Â Â 72718Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 51922Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 9451Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 768 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3749Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 6829 _______________________________________________________________________-
Source: (19) and Transport Research Wing, Ministry of Road Transport, G.O.I.
 Motor vehicles are prone to emit large quantities of Total Organic Gases (TOG) including hydrocarbon (HC), Carbon Mono oxide (CO), Fine Particulate Matter (PM), Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), and Sulphur Oxides (SOx). These air pollutants cause severe health and environmental effects. The fine Particulate Matter (PM) results in aggravating respiratory and cardio vascular diseases and impairing lung function. Besides, the environment may get degraded by way of acid rain, eutrophication, visibility impairment and, of course, climate change. According to a study published in Current Science (5), while the Indian economy grew by 2.5 times during 1975-1995, the vehicle pollution level increased by 7.5 times. This is disturbing indeed. It shows that transport system and air pollution are directly co-related. The emissions from motorized vehicles in practical terms depend on vehicle kilometers, vehicle speeds, life of vehicles and composition of vehicle fleet. The emission rates of different categories of vehicles are shown in Table 4.
 Table 4: Emission Rates of Different Categories of Vehicles in Typical Indian City in gms/km
Â
Vehicle category              CO           HC        NOx        SO2         Pb           TSP
Â
Two- wheeler                  8.3           5.18            -          0.013       0.004           -
Motor car                       24.03         3.57         1.57       0.053       0.012           -
Three-wheeler (autos)Â Â Â Â 12.25Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 7.77Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â -Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 0.029Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 0.009Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â -
Bus                                   4.38         1.33         8.28       1.441          -              0.275
Truck                                3.43         1.33         6.48        1.127         -              0.450
Light commercial vehicle 1.30Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â o.50Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2.50Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 0.400Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â -Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 0.100
Note: (-) indicates negligible quantity
Source:Â (21)
 Here one can see that emission rates in terms of CO and HC for personalized modes of transport like motor car and two wheelers are very high suggesting the need for their substitution by public passenger transport modes lie bus or metro rail. The figures of average efficiency of different categories of motor vehicles as expressed in terms of kilometers per litre are as in Table 5.
 Table 5:
                         Vehicle category         _Fuel type          Kms. per litre__
Â
                                  Bus                        Diesel                    4.30
                               Two wheeler             Petrol                   44.40
                               Three wheeler           Petrol                    20.00
                               Motor car                  Petrol                    10.90
Source:Â (21)
 An idea of the vehicular emission loads in selected Indian cities can be had from the figures in Table 6.
 Table 6: Estimated Vehicular Emission Load in Selected Metropolitan Cities of India
 Name of city   Vehicular pollution load (tonnes per day)
_________________________________________________________________________                     Particulates   Sulphur   Oxide of      Hydrocarbons  Carbon       Total
                                             Dioxide   nitrogen                               monoxide
Delhi                 10.30            8.96         126.46           249.57         651.01      1046.30
Mumbai              5.59            4.03           70.82            108.21         469.92         659.57
Bangalore           2.62            1.76           26.22              78.51         195.36        304.47
Kolkata              3.25             3.65           54.69              43.88         188.24        239.71
Ahmedabad       2.95             2.89            40.00             67.75         179.14         292.71
Pune                  2.39             1.28            16.20             73.20         162.24         255.31
Chennai             2.34             2.02            28.21             50.46           143.22       226.25
Hyderabad         1.94             1.56           16.84             56.33            126.17       202.84
Jaipur                 1.18             1.25           15.29             20.99               51.28        88.99
Kanpur              1.06             1.08            13.37             22.24              48.42          6.17
Lucknow           1.14             0.95              9.68             22.50              49.22        83.49
Nagpur              0.55             0.41              5.10             16.32               34.99       57.37
Grand Total     35.31           29.84         422.88           809.69             2299.21   3597.20
Source: (3)
 The air pollution levels in our cities are disturbing indeed. The number of motor vehicles moving on Indian roads today is certainly much more than the figure of 7.2 crore in 2004 (See Table 3). What is more alarming is their concentration in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. Delhi, for instance, which had 1.4 percent of Indian population accounted for 7 percent of total motor vehicles in the country. Another worrying feature is that while the share of mass transport (buses) is quite below the desired range of 60-85 for two million plus cities, the share of personalized transport (cars and two wheelers) and para- transit (autorikshaws and taxis) is above the optimal range of 10-20 in most cities.
 The impact of such a rapid growth of vehicle population in the background of grossly inadequate road space, poor street furniture, illegal encroachment by hawkers, parked vehicles and pavement dwellers can be easily imagined. Most Indian cities today face severe traffic congestion, especially during peak hours when vehicle speeds slow down to 5-10 kms per hour in central business district areas. Vehicular emissions in the form of CO2, HCs and NOx drastically increase the pollution levels.
 Mass transport services like buses and suburban rail systems are generally overcrowded. They are irregular and involve long waiting times. This naturally leads to a massive shift to personalized transport and para-transit modes. In India owning a motor car is still considered a status symbol. As a result the neo-rich are fast joining the car-owners club and it is feared that the situation may worsen after the rupees one-lakh nano car arrives on Indian roads. All this may also lead to a soaring up of accident rates to dizzy heights. It is time we listen to the wake up call and save ourselves from turning into a car-oriented society.
 Air Quality Management – Measures    Â
  It is obvious that we need to act without delay through effective intervention in the transport sector. Green transport through green logistics should be our goal. Maintenance of air quality standards is possible through setting an ambient air quality monitoring network for vehicular emissions and simultaneously helping motorists to make the transition. The variety of measures that need to be undertaken can be on following lines:
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(a) Diesel engines emit carbon particles TSP, heavy hydrocarbons, sulphate and other by-products of combustion, and petrol engines also emit CO, NO and other volatile compounds. However, diesel engines are considered as relatively dirtier and government should discourage their use through suitable policy measures including differential pricing (14).
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(b) The government should promote the use of alternative cleaner fuels like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG). Thankfully, it is already doing this gradually and effectively. The air quality in Delhi and Mumbai has certainly improved after their use in public transport buses and autorikshaws. It should also take care to establish CNG filling stations along all major roads. Another good news, according to a Research Report by Frost and Sullivan ( ), is that car makers in India are soon likely to roll out models that run on alternative fuels like CNG and LNG. They are also developing a converter kit which will transform an existing petrol and diesel vehicle into a CNG/LPG driven vehicle. Such converter kits for three-wheelers are already in the market. After this conversion India will actually need 10,000 CNG pump stations whereas today their number is less than 5000 across 15 cities.
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(c) Use of old vehicles should be effectively curbed. Shortage of finance or fear of unemployment should not come in the way of enforcement of government directives. Petitions for judicial intervention should be quickly dealt with. Obsolete models, except those used for vintage car ralleys, ought to be made to retire.
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(d) Improvement in fuel quality in terms of lower surphur content in diesel and lower benzene and aromatics in petrol should be enforced. The Department of Road Transport of the Government of India has rightly promulgated Rules in April 1995 regarding use of unleaded petrol and fitting of catalytic converters in new petrol-driven cars. Similarly, the norms for sulphur content in petrol have been fixed at 0.1% and for diesel at 0.25%
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(e) Setting up of emission standards for all kinds of motor vehicles is necessary. Happily, the next generation emission norms for two-wheelers and three-wheelers have been made effective from April 2005. If feasible, the government may start conducting emission testing of motor vehicles prior to their registration. It may be stated that the automotive sector of Indian industry is quite sensitive to environmental risks and safeguards.
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(f) The local enforcement agencies should launch sustained drives against smoke-belching vehicles which abound in small and medium sized Indian cities. For this purpose they should bring emission testers to roadsides for inspection of vehicles. Forced retirement of older high-polluting vehicles may be resorted to. The government should also bring in pedestrian safety laws and clear footpaths of all encroachments to allow pedestrians their right to walk safely.
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(g) Better integration between rail transport systems and other ‘feeder’ bus services and water transport facilities should be brought about by linking them together. Common ticketing and information systems to offer seamless connections between different transport modes can also be thought of. Elevated railways integrating LRT and MRT lines may be constructed to discourage private car ownership. (20)
 Modal Shift
 The question of changing the modal split in favour of railways and waterways also needs to be addressed seriously. It is a well-established fact that road freight vehicle movements give out greater carbon emissions per tonne kilometer than rail or water borne freight. The road arteries in India these days are getting more and more congested affecting climate change. The share of rail transport in freight movements, not in absolute but relative terms, has been declining relative to road transport, because of the accessibility and door-to-door delivery advantage enjoyed by road transport. This however does not augur well from the environment and sustainability viewpoint. There is no doubt that Indian rail freight traffic during the last decade has increased in absolute terms thanks to the Container Corporation of India – a subsidiary of Indian Railways- playing a more customer-friendly role in providing ISO containers both at port terminals and inland container depots (ISDs). However, for logistics providers road transport still continues to be the favoured mode for the reason that their criterion of measuring transportation costs differs from that of the government. The costs of environmental degradation for them are external and do not need internalization for business accounting purposes.
 It is here that policymakers should use their ingenuity in evolving such fiscal, regulatory and organizational measures which will bring about a modal shift from road to rail and water transport. Unfortunately, there is no evidence yet of serious thinking on the part of policymakers to bring about such environmentally desirable modal shift from road to rail and water. The reason is not far to seek. The decision about mode choice by shippers of freight involves many complex issues. It depends upon a variety of factors influencing performance of rail freight movements and the costs in terms of money and time that is to be borne ultimately. It is therefore necessary to identify the barriers that prevent the desired modal shift and evolve suitable measures to achieve the objective. It is the logistics managers who can really enlighten us on the eco-friendly way of influencing mode choice.(  )
  Switch to Bio-fuels         Â
Due to soaring prices in the world oil market during the last few decades, need arose to break free from oil and use alternative energy sources like bio-fuels which would cut oil demand, provide energy security and prevent climate changes. Simultaneously, efforts were begun to promote research and development in clean alternative energy options like wind, water, solar and hydrogen resources. However, a switch to bio-fuels- specifically ethanol – was looked upon as the easier way to achieve the objective (7)
  The question often being asked is whether reliance on bio-fuels would prove a good strategy. Researches undertaken by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) reveal a different story (17). During the period 2000-2007 there was a boom in ethanol production. Brazil and USA controlled the market producing 90% of ethanol. European Union (EU) also followed suit. Large tracts of land were diverted towards production of palm and soya-bean to produce bio-diesel and towards corn and sugarcane to produce ethanol. This led to a surge in commodity prices throughout the period. According to IFPRI, if this trend continues, by 2020 prices of corn are estimated to rise from present 26% to 72%, of sugar from 12% to 277% and of oilseeds from 18% to 44%. This scenario is bound to have a serious impact on the poor strata of society with diet quality getting reduced and malnutrition spreading to large parts of Asia and Africa.
  In this situation, rich countries may continue to emit majority of green house gases (GHGs) and the poor countries will bear the burden of climate change in terms of hotter climate, lesser rain, and deforestation, and also low incomes, malnutrition and greater dependence on agriculture and natural resources for living.
 It is feared that the risks in switching to agro-based fuels are real. The switch may trigger further deforestation and destruction of the ecosystem. Warnings are therefore being given that agro-fuel policies should not be pursued further without a proper risk analysis. (1). According to a UNIDO document, “the key concern here is the competition between land use for bio-energy production and food and animal food production.” The fuel versus food issue is really enigmatic. The document further states that “the coupling of energy market with food market can increase food prices and hence worsen the access to affordable food for many” (25). This warning can be ignored only at our peril.
  It should be clearly understood that increased prices may result in increased incomes for farmers and give them their food security, but the overall effect would depend upon the distribution of increased incomes. In the opinion of the Food and Agriculture Organization (2006) the food versus fuel issue needs detailed analysis of the possible outcomes of bio-fuels policy. The Stanford University’s Wood’s Institute for Environment claims that reliance on bio-fuels as part of America’s new energy plan is not a good strategy. It is a fact that USA’s Ethanol-from-Corn Program has led to a rise in prices of food crops due to farmland diversion. (23) This can happen anywhere and in India too. Lands can be diverted for production of soya-bean and sugarcane. The decision to switch from fossil fuels to crop-based fuels has therefore to be taken with extreme caution. Scientists state that agro-fuels production from oilseeds and corn has the potential to damage our climate catastrophically.
  Researches are being carried out to produce liquid bio-fuels for transport as such. Here the ‘first generation fuels refer to bio-energies made from sugar, starch, vegetable oils or animal fats using conventional technologies. ‘Second generation’ fuels refer to those from lingo-cellulose biomass feedback using advanced technologies. In India, we have resorted to gasification of solid bio-mass through setting up small scale plants mainly in rural areas which produce heat and energy. We should upgrade the technology so as to feed the gases into pipelines or alternatively compress them for use in transport vehicles. In this respect Brazil has a success story to report. The production of sugarcane ethanol has reduced that country’s dependence on fossil fuels and also ‘cleaned’ the industry. (  )
  In fine, as long as the thrust is on producing ‘clean’ energy and on scaling down petroleum consumption, bio-fuels can be considered as welcome. But we must carefully assess the fall outs of switching to bio-fuels. President Obama’s New Energy Plan for USA supports greater use of ethanol produced from maize. This has led to increase in food prices, especially of wheat. If we in the same way produce sugar ethanol in India, it may deplete our water levels and degrade soil quality. Bio-fuels may not prove to be so ‘green’ after all. (23) The sustainability of bio-fuels does not seem to be as strong as it appeared earlier.
 References
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1. Almuth Ernsting, Deepak Rughani, Dr. Andrew Boswell (2007): “Agro Fuels Threaten to Accelerate Global Warming”, UNFCCC, Bali Version, www.biofuelwatch.org.uk
2. Bowersox, Closs, & Cooper (2008), Supply Chain Logistics Management, McGraw Hill, 2nd edition
3. Central Pollution Control Board: National Ambient Air Quality Statistics of India, different years
4. Chopra Sunil and Peter Meindl (2007) : Supply Chain Management- Strategy, Planning and operation, Prentice Hall of India
5. Current Science (1999): “Urban Air Pollution- Commentary”, Vol.77, No.3, August 10, 1999.
6. Financial Express, November 3, 2008, Emerging Ventures India
7. John Browne (1997): “Bio fuels – A Solution for Climate Change- Our Changing Earth Climate”, A Presentation in the Council of foreign Relations, New York, Nov.13, 1997.
8. John Pucher, Nisha Korattyswaropan, Neha Mittal, Ninu Ittyerah (2005): “Urban Transport Crisis in India”, Transport Policy 12, Elsevier, pp. 185-198.
9. Prodosh Mitra (2009): “Biofuels are not so green- Counter view”, Times of India, February 17, 2009
10. Rodrigue Jean-Paul, Brian Slack, Claude Comtois (2001): “Green Logistics (The Paradoxes of)”, in The Handbook of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Brewer et al (eds.), Pergamon/Elsevier publishers, London Greening Business Survey 2008
12. G. Raghuram and N. Rangaraj (2005): Logistics and Supply Chain Management- Cases and Concepts, Macmillan, Delhi
13. Hindustan Times, December 19, 2007: “India is on an eco drive”.
14. House of Representatives, Phillipines Policy Advisory No.2004-03 (2004): Addressing Urban Transport Pollution.
15. Indian Express, November 16, 2007:International Energy Agency (IEA) Report on World Energy Outlook
16. Jain, A.K. (2009): ” Retrofitting Cities and Built Form to Meet the Challenges of Climate Change and Carbon Emission”, Akruti Journal of Infrastructure, Vol. II, No. 2, pp. 101-121
17. Joachin von Braun (2008): “Food Prices, Biofuels, and Climate Change”, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
18. Sahay B.S. (Ed.) (2004): Energy Issues in Supply Chain Management, Akruti Journal of Infrastructure, Vol. II, No. 2, pp. 122-1
19. Sanjay K. Singh (2005): “Review of Urban Transportation in India”, Journal of Public Transportation, Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 79-97
20. Warwick J. McKibbin (2009): “Climate Change Policy for India”,
21. Sibal and Sachdeva (2001), “Urban Transport Scenario in India and Its Linkage with Energy and Environment”, Urban Transport Journal, Vol.2, No.1, pp.34-55
22. Sudarsanam Padam & Sanjay K. Singh (2002), “Urbanization and Urban Transport in India- The Sketch for a Policy, Central Institute of Road Transport, Pune
23. Times of India, November 28, 2007, “Global Warming- Earth on Fire”- Subodh Varma
24. Tiwari Geeta (2007), “Urban Transport in Indian Cities”, Urban Age, Newspaper Essay, L.S.E.
25. UNIDO (2007): Bio Energy Strategy- Sustainable Industrial Conversion and Productive Use of Bio Energy – Report
 e-mail: shankermodak@yahoo.co.in
About the Author
Dr. S.K.Modak is an eminent educationist with over 4 decades of teaching and research experience at college and university level. He has authored 12 books, 4 monographs and over 100 articles in journals and periodicals. He has pioneered a new discipline: Human Orientation Science dealing with guidance systems and signage at public places.
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