Bio Bus comes to ISB

Andy Pag is traveling around the world and giving an environmental message on the way. However, he is not just saying it; he's living it. He built a bus out of scrap material in a junkyard. If that wasn't enough, the bus runs on bio fuel. However, bio fuel can be very controversial and in many cases, it is worse for the planet and the habitat it destroys for many animals. However Andy isn't supporting the deforestation of rain forest, the oil palm plantations or even fuel made from corn or any other food crop. However, his message is all about using waste. His fuel is actually from waste cooking oil from restaurants.

Off course the bus itself is equipped with other eco products. Most things on the bus are again from waste materials, with a few exceptions such as the solar panel on the roof and the led lights.

Andy left England 14 months ago and has slowly made his way around the world, with one adventure after another. Not all has been positive, the bus has broken down several times due to its age, and the fuel has frozen in cold countries, Andy has been falsely suspected of terrorism in a ridiculous charge and spend some time in jail in India.

However, overall the journey has been worth it and Andy is in no hurry to finish it anytime soon.

Andy spoke with ISB students in 3 presentations held throughout the day and had an audience ranging from grades 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and various HS classes.

Some 6th graders even made a video about the Bio Bus.


To see more go to http://www.biotruckexpedition.com/

Compass of Sustainability

A few months back, I attended a workshop at NIST and it was about the COMPASS OF SUSTAINABILITY.

When we think of a regular compass, we think of a guiding tool that helps us find our way and give us direction. The Compass of Sustainability has the same goal, but in a different way. Instead of North, South, East, West, the Compass of Sustainability has:

N = Nature
E = Economy
S = Society
W = Wellbeing

The Compass of Sustainability is a reflective, decision-making tool that incorporates sustainability. It was designed to help businesses become sustainable, but is now being used more and more by schools to guide decisions and also used in the curriculum for all ages and subjects.

Currently, it has been experimented with grade 5, 8, Environmental Stewardship class, Global Issues, and some HS classes. Keep your eye on this one as it may grow to something quite important at ISB.

Eco Trip 3 - Elephants and Rivers!!

March 11-13 ISB will head out for the 3rd eco trip of the year. It promises to be an exciting one whereby we stay on a raft boat in Sai Yok national park on Friday and then work with elephants on Saturday and Sunday at Elephant's World in Kanchanaburi.

Permission forms can be picked up on Mr. Dyke's desk in the Community Service Office (next to nurse office and book store).

There is only room for 25 and it will fill up fast. HS and MS students are welcome, but swimming ability is a must as we will stay on a river.

See Eco Trip Itinerary and camping checklist here

Eco Survey (Attitude and Behavior)

Thank you for helping me with this survey.

I need people to take my behavioral survey and attitude survey. I just need synergy students to answer the questions honestly (don't say what you think I want to hear; just be honest). This will be the pre-test and in about 3-4 months I will ask you to take it again for the post-test.

Now it is time for part 2: Post Test

Please do both by clicking on the link.

• Behavioral survey (Eco Footprint). Please copy and paste the survey in a word document, complete the survey, and email it back to kerryd@isb.ac.th.
  

• Attitudinal survey. There are 3 groups. Please read to make sure you chose the correct group depending on your experience.
  

Group 1: Those who have never taken the Environmental Stewardship class before.
Group 2: I have taken the Environmental Stewardship class in the last year or less.
Group 3: I have taken the Environmental Stewardship class more than 1 year ago.

Thank you for your help.

Bottled Water Prices Double To 20 Baht

As ISB continues to make moves to be a greener school, tough decisions are made that are not always easy to swallow (pardon the pun). As of Oct 12, 2010 ISB will charge double for bottled water. This is to discourage the buying of bottled water and to encourage more to move toward using reusable bottles that are safe and better for the planet.

ISB has supported this move by installing 2 new water dispensers in the cafeteria and sports area. This dispenser provides clean, safe drinking water for FREE! ISB has also ordered 1400 safe and eco friendly reusable water bottles. These bottles are being sold now at the bookstore for 350 baht.

The hardest part is to convince people to learn the truth about bottled water and stop believing misleading advertising and media. Most of us believe bottled water taste better, is safer and healthier, and comes from pristine water flowing from an untouched mountains. This simply is NOT true and there is plenty of evidence of this on the Internet and in other places. If you look at the presentation below you will start learning the truth about bottled water.

We also invite the ISB community to join us for Movie Night on Thursday, Oct 21, 2010. We will show the movie TAPPED in the new theater at 2:20 and 3:30.

Tap vs Bottled Water

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ISB Health & Fitness Week

Health & Fitness Week at ISB September 13 – 16:

This year’s theme = Healthy People/ Healthy Planet. For detailed information and facts about some of the events check out the slide show and movie.

• Monday: Walking school bus for those who live in the Nichada area. For more information about this, check out www.walkingschoolbus.org Contact Sabine Mau (sabinecmau@yahoo.com/ 082-332-3010) if you would like to volunteer to be a “bus driver.”
• Monday: Meatless Monday in both the ES and main cafeterias – lots of delicious vegetarian options! See MENU HERE
  

• Tuesday: Morning fitness exercises with Mr. Udagawa in front of the school (7:05 a.m.)
• Tuesday: Health Checks given by Samithivej Hospital (in front of the Booster Hut) - open to all community members

• Wednesday: Cycling Day. Let’s see if we can get 500 bicycles on campus!

• Thursday: Health and Fitness Fair all day in the PE area: health checks given by Bumrungrad Hospital, fitness vendors, interactive health classes

• All Week: Healthy food options in the cafeterias

Health & Fitness Week 2010

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FOOD INC.



Food Matters

Tree Planting - 2010

30 students, 300 trees, lots of rain and a bus that broke down 7 times.

Great group of kids on this trip. Hope you had a great time.