http:// 2013-04-24T01:04:42Z 2013-04-24T01:04:42Z aerator-pumps-play-important-role-for-australians

Perth, WA, April 24, 2013 - In a recent blog post, Pump Solutions Australasia explained how aerator pumps work and how important they are to our way of life in Australia. Aerator pumps are crucial to waste treatment and to aquafarming. Since fish farms and adequately processing our sewage are important parts of modern society, it can safely be said that Australia would have to make some pretty big adjustments if there were no aerator pumps available. Aerator pumps are used to provide oxygen as part of the sewage treatment process, and for water whose oxygen has been depleted, compromising its ability to support aqueous life. Their primary applications are in sewage treatment and aquafarming. Small aerator pumps are used for aquariums, and provide a miniature model of what larger aerator pumps accomplish. In sewage treatment plants, aerator pumps are used to provide oxygen for the second stage of the treatment process. In the second stage of the waste treatment process, microorganisms are used to remove organic waste material from sewage. Those microorganisms must have oxygen to live. The aerator pump provides oxygen to the microorganisms, allowing them to consume the organic waste material and thus remove it from sewage. In aquafarms, aerator pumps provide oxygen to water where oxygen has been depleted due to too much demand. A fish farm, for example, produces too many fish for the amount of oxygen that would naturally be present in the water supply. When the oxygen becomes depleted, it is then necessary to supplement the oxygen in the water, or the fish will die. Aerator pumps provide oxygen by drawing air from above the surface of the water, and releasing it at the bottom of the water, where the bubbles rise to the surface. On their way to the surface, the bubbles interact with the water, and oxygen is transferred into the water. This process is known as subsurface aeration. Pump Solutions Australasia carries a full line of Tsurumi submersible water pumps, including their line of water aerator pumps. Tsurumi, located in Kyoto, Japan, has manufactured pumps since 1924. Since their first submersible pump, produced in 1953, Tsurumi has been responsible for many innovations and advancements, and have developed an impressive resumé in the field of submersible pumps. Tsurumi now manufactures 500,000 pumps per year, with a capacity of as many as one million if the demand arises. They currently make submersible pumps than any other manufacturer in the world, and export them to every major international market. Mike Hurlbatt, owner of Pump Solutions Australasia, is proud to be Western Australia’s distributor of Tsurumi pumps: “Tsurumi is an old, respected name in submersible pumps. It is not a stretch to say that almost everybody’s way of life has been influenced, either directly or indirectly, by a Tsurumi pump. You don’t notice them, but they are the most popular option for submersible aerator pumps in waste treatment facilities and fish farms everywhere.” Hurlbatt continued, “Aerator pumps fill a vital role in treating waste and in making sure that anything produced in aquafarm has enough oxygen to live. The smaller pumps are also great for small ponds that need a little oxygen boost to keep the marine life alive.” Hurlbatt concluded, “If you need an aerator pump, large, small, or in between, we have exactly what you’re looking for.”  Pump Solutions Australasia is Western Australia’s foremost distributor of Tsurumi submersible water pumps. For more information, call 1300 922 973 or visit their website: http://www.pumpsolutions.com.au/.

2013-03-27T02:06:43Z exponential-growth-projected-for-desalinated-seawater-as-drinking-water

Perth, March 27, 2013 - For years, humanity has continued to grow exponentially, while resources have remained finite. Although the mathematics of the situation is obvious, our world was so replete with resources that the thought of running out has been relegated to those considered to be eccentric at best. As the 21st century progresses, however, population growth, combined with drought and urbanisation, have produced a situation in which it no longer takes an environmentalist or a mathematician to state the obvious: if we’re not careful, we’re going to run out of many resources, especially fresh water. Luckily for humanity, 71% of the earth is covered by ocean. In addition, technology currently exists that allows us to desalinate seawater and turn it into drinking water. According to estimates from the World Health Organisation, as many as one billion people currently don’t have enough fresh water. Within 40 years, that number could be as high as four billion. Those numbers have caused those in the health and water industries to predict exponential growth for seawater desalination during that time frame. Close to 60% of the world’s population is currently concentrated within 60 km of a sea coast. In those regions, it will soon be essential that desalinated seawater becomes their main source of fresh water. This will leave the freshwater resources, mostly located in land, to the 40% of the world’s population which lives inland. By 2020, the world’s population is projected to be as high as 7.5 billion. In order to prevent severe water shortages in many regions, most observers are calling for seawater desalination to begin as soon as possible. In the year 2000, the market for services and products which convert seawater into freshwater is estimated at $2 billion. By 2020, that market is expected to expand to as much as $18 billion.  The process of seawater desalination is most commonly done by reverse osmosis; this is known as salt water reverse osmosis, or SWRO. Osmosis refers to what happens when two solutions, which are composed of a solvent (in this case, the seawater) and a solute (in this case, salt), are divided by a semipermeable membrane. If the pressure on both sides is equal, the solutes will move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until both solutions have the same amount of solutes.  In reverse osmosis, pressure is added to one side of the equation. The water is forced through a membrane or a series of membranes which remove the solutes from the water. This results in the water with low solute concentrate moving in the direction of water with low solute concentrate, because the solutes are left behind. The end result is water which no longer has salt or any of the other solids that it originally contained. According to Mike Hurlbatt, owner of Pump Solutions Australasia, it’s time for Australia to start moving toward desalinated seawater as soon as it is feasible: “It might not look like the situation is crucial yet, but we really need to start moving on this. We have the technology already; let’s put it into service now, before somebody’s town runs out of water.” Pump Solutions Australasia is an Australian importer and distributor of water pumps, including submersible pumps, vacuum pumps, and reverse osmosis systems. For more information, call 1300 922 973 or visit their website: http://www.pumpsolutions.com.au/

2013-01-24T02:09:30Z action-sheds-australia-warns-farmers-protect-your-farm-sheds-from-bushfires

Summer is here, and with it comes the heat: and with the heat comes bushfires. Not only are farm sheds susceptible to bushfires, but they can also endanger any building within 20 meters. Newer sheds are built of Zincalume or ColorBond steel, and are very safe from fires. However, the steel can radiate heat that causes the contents inside the shed or wood buildings within 20 meters to catch fire.The most common way for a bushfire to burn a home or shed is by what are called “ember attacks.” Embers are transported through the air and find gaps within buildings, where they then ignite the materials inside. They can be transported under eaves, in roof cavities, or through air vents. The embers can sit for hours, but once the fire starts, it is extremely difficult to extinguish.Since this summer has been a brutal one for bushfires, Action Sheds Australia recommends that those who have farm sheds immediately take precautions to protect both the sheds and their houses.First, remove all flammable materials from the shed. Next, install weather stripping around the insides of all windows and doors. This will eliminate any gaps, including those that aren’t normally visible. Then, put leaf guards on gutters; this will prevent a build-up of leaves.Also, external skylights should be covered by non-combustible firescreens. Then, cut the flashing to the profile of the roof sheets with a scribing tool. Last, remove firewood from both the shed and house areas. During a bushfire, nothing can guarantee that any house won’t be one of those that burn, but simple precautions can decrease the likelihood of a fire.Max Italiano, owner of Action Sheds Australia, has a strong commitment to safety, and hopes that all unnecessary fires can be avoided: “We have erected a lot of farm sheds, both in the Perth area and outside of it, and we always go out of our way to provide our customers with the utmost in safety. Usually, that comes in the form of very strong, well-moored sheds, but bushfire season brings a different set of variables into play.”Italiano continued, “We are ShedSafe certified, which means that we only handle sheds that are built to the most stringent standards of safety in Australia. That guarantees that they are sturdy. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make them, their contents, or the surrounding buildings fireproof. In fact, the very thing that makes our sheds so sturdy, the steel construction, can make them dangerous to nearby buildings in a bushfire.”Italiano strongly advocates paying diligent attention in a year that has seen more brushfires than usual: “There’s no way around it: this has been a terrible summer for bushfires. Under normal circumstances, this wouldn’t even be an issue for most people. Usually, the wind and rain are much more of a threat to safety and structural integrity of a shed or house than bushfires. This season, though, has made fire prevention measures crucial.”Italiano concluded, “There is a point where your house and shed are going to go up in flames no matter what you do. Fortunately, though, there is a lot you can do to prevent your house or shed from catching fire if the bushfire is far enough away. We want to see everyone stay safe.”Action Sheds Australia, based in Perth WA, can erect quality barn or farm shed anywhere in Australia. Visit their website for more details: http://www.actionsheds.com.au/about-action-sheds-australia/ or call them at 1300 778 628.

2011-11-23T05:03:00Z santa-launches-poll-to-turn-green

Santa Launches Poll on "Green Switch" 92,000 VOTES ALREADY Vote Now and See Poll Results www.greensanta.com.au North Pole Wednesday 23nd November: As Australia recovers from the OBAMA visit another far more popular figure at this time of year Santa has arrived to promote an environmental Christmas present " Backyard Bird Watching" and gauge community support for him to switch to a "Green Suit" Santa is running a poll on his website www.greensanta.com.au and with 92,189 votes counted the trend for a Green Santa is just 2679 votes ahead This a finely balanced vote despite the major focus on green issues such as climate change and a carbon tax. Visitors to the site are invited to vote for a red or green Father Christmas, one click for yes to the change to green ,sees Santa change color instantly. SANTA FUNDRAISING for people living with Younger Onset Dementia Santa is also using his www.greensanta.com.au website to help raise funds to support the services for people living with Younger Onset Dementia by Alzheimers Australia Vic. Alzheimer's Australia Vic has announced the release of a special edition of a new eBook 'Bird Watching in My Back Yard' that promotes bird watching as an activity for people with dementia, their carers and families as a way to keep loved ones' minds active and socially engaged. The eBook is also suitable for every Australian family who wants to involve their children in developing environmental life skills in their own backyard. The special edition is the brainchild of Ron Smith, a Melbourne based publicist who co-authored the eBook with Bob Winters, one of Australia's leading sustainability educators. "The online publication had been written as a conversation piece and designed as a project book for all Australian families,"Mr Smith said. "My personal experience with my father for over fifteen years provided the catalyst to look for a low cost, meaningful and peaceful activity which the whole family can join. This led to the creation of this special edition and fundraising program in support of Alzheimer’s Australia Vic’s Younger Onset Dementia program." "It is estimated there are 16,000 people under the age of 65 living with dementia in Australia and the purchase of this eBook will assist in providing vital support to those impacted," said Alzheimer's Australia Vic Chief Executive Officer, Maree McCabe. Santa’s outfit may be up for change , one tradition remains safe as he appears on the site sitting in a comfortable big chair with the traditional milk and biscuits he is greeted with in homes around the world. Media Enquiries Green Santa Ron Smith 61+ 398185700 Australia Mob 0417 329 201 ronsmith@medialaunch.com.au Bird Watching In My Back Yard Special Edition

2011-11-16T06:56:16Z igniting-a-little-polish-in-everyone

Now in its seventh year, the Polish Festival @ Federation Square is more than just a passing fancy. It is a fixture on the Melbourne festival calendar. It is all about igniting a little bit of the Polish in every one who visits our festival. How is that done? Have you ever experienced the delight of savouring Polish cuisine? It is an experience rarely forgotten. Whether it is pierogi1 (boiled, baked or fried dumplings of unleavened dough traditionally stuffed with potato filling, cabbage, ground meat, cheese, or fruit) or pczki2 (traditional Polish doughnut filled with jam) your taste buds will be left in a state of bliss. But it is much more than just food, it is a spirit that is echoed in the folk dances filling the main stage with a blast of colour and boundless energy, infecting spectators. This infection starts with simple toe tapping, progressing to clapping combined with laughter and finally some even break out and join in. Once filled with the spirit that is uniquely Polish, there are still lots of things to do from Polish craft demonstrations to the Art Exhibition "The Power of Colour" by a collection of artists with Polish links living and working in Melbourne. Young ones are not forgotten. They have a dedicated area - KIDSTOP – with a variety of craft activities designed for young children. So come along and see what everyone's talking about. You don't need an invitation as far as we are concerned you are part of our family.www.polishfestival.com.au -ends- 1Pronounced - pierre-roh-gee2Pronounced - ponch-keeAbout the Polish Festival @ Federation Square:The Polish Festival @Federation Squareis a not for profit festival run under the auspices of the Polish Community Council of Victoria Inc. Now in its seventh year, the Polish Festival @ Federation Square is a major ethnic event on Melbourne’s calendar. In 2009 32,000 people visited the festival to sample the array of Polish culture in the heart of Melbourne. For more information please visit - www.polishfestival.com.au

2011-08-13T04:55:35Z carbon-debate-puts-immediate-focus-on-housing-design-1

August 14th 2011 The current carbon tax debate is placing an immediate focus on housing design and energy saving products as prudent people considering purchasing a home or carrying out a renovation will increasingly begin to factor in the cost of running a home and using building products that are less energy intensive to produce. Archicentre State Manager Victoria, David Hallett said considering the carbon tax is planned to be introduced in July 2012 it is prudent for people to consider its impact when planning a building project which can take up to twelve months to commence. Mr Hallett said, “As carbon pricing will impact both on materials used and on the running costs of the home, the major area for home buyers and renovators to create a winner is at the design stage. “Ultimately the cost saving starts with the design and siting of the home including making provision for natural light in the main living areas and the orientation of the home to gain the maximum benefit for passive solar heating and provision for water harvesting. “This is the stage where all of the ideas are assembled and thought through to ensure the best design for the budget is worked out. “This stage can also the most expensive time for new home builders or renovators, if they make a mistake on the original design and have to undertake costly variations, the greatest reason for cost blow outs on projects.” Mr Hallett said the proposed carbon tax is a catalyst for people to look differently at housing and encourage smaller and better designed homes, and being more careful in material selection as a major strategy to cope with Australia’s housing affordability. Archicentre undertakes over 20,000 reports each year and its Design Concepts consider climatic conditions, prevailing local conditions, site orientation, the zoning or location of the rooms in the home, materials, construction techniques and the building cost. Mr Hallett said the first step in orientation is maximising the northern aspect, where exposure to the sun is best controlled. Eaves and pergolas can be precisely designed to block the summer sun, and still allow the desirable winter sunshine to penetrate. “It is important to prioritise rooms based on access to views and solar orientation. An open-plan kitchen and living area, for example, should have top position, while bedrooms or bathrooms require less daylight, as they are largely used for short periods of time, or at night. By zoning the home, unused areas can be closed off, and cooling and heating appliances can be designed for maximum efficiency and minimum use. Mr Hallett said the carbon tax introduction will have a major impact on reinforcing sustainable housing design across the market in new homes and renovations. Archicentre Checklist of Improvements to the Home Insulate the ceiling Weather seal windows and doors Fit blinds, curtains or drapes Buy high star-rated appliances Install solar panels Replace single flush toilet cisterns with dual flush cisterns Upgrade your heating system to a more efficient design Put in a rain water tank Upgrade your hot water service Fit a grey-water diversion system Upgrade your windows using double glazing or other high tech. glass Build a pergola or verandah to provide shade when neededwww.archicentre.com.au

2011-08-07T07:28:11Z update-on-oceans-left-out-of-political-climate-debate-in-australia

10 minutes.Link Belowwill give you the http://ten.com.au/video-player.htm?movideo_p=41949&movideo_m=122665Media Enquiries Ron Smith Earthwatch Australia 613 98185700

2011-08-02T11:28:19Z international-environmental-pioneer-to-visit-australia-next-week

Media Release ‘You can look at plenty of satellite pictures and see change in them, but until you get on the ground—in some cases down on your hands and knees—you can't fundamentally understand what climate change is all about."…..Brian Rosborough Melbourne August 3 2011 Brian Rosborough is the Founding Chairman of Earthwatch Institute who headed up the organisation for 25 years, is set to visit Australia early next month. Way ahead of his time in 1971, Brian was responsible for one of the most visionary approaches to supporting scientific research; involving the community in the research, to help them understand changes in the climate and the environment. Richard Gilmore, Executive Director of Earthwatch Australia has announced that Brian will be a special guest at Earthwatch’s 40th Anniversary to be celebrated in Melbourne on August 10 at a black tie gala event at Crown Palladium to raise funds for much-needed oceans research. A former investment banker, Brian Rosborough, launched Earthwatch in 1971 with the goal of providing ‘social venture capital’ to scientists by enlisting volunteers to do fieldwork. Now, one of the world’s largest private funders of field research, Earthwatch sends nearly 4,000 volunteers each year on join scientific expeditions in 60 countries. Since 1971 Earthwatch internationally through 100,000 global supporters, volunteers, scientists and educators have committed nearly 11 million hours to conservation research - equal to more than 5,000 years of work. Currently raising millions a year from the generosity of institutions, individuals, governments and corporations, Earthwatch has a global reach. Earthwatch is supported by more than 150 staff, locatedin our headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, as well as in offices in Oxford, England, Melbourne, Australia, and Tokyo, Japan. Mr Gilmore said, Brian Rosborough has a significant history with Australia arriving with very few connections and little money to set up the Australian Earthwatch Institute some 30 years ago. “He soon gathered a small but esteemed group of prominent Australians. That group included legendary names like Sir James Vernon, Sir Jack Crawford, Sir John Proud and Sir Laurence Muir,who along with the Myer and Darling families chose to take a gamble on an untried and unproven idea.” Brian Rosborough Background Brian Rosborough serves as a Member of Advisory Board of CMarket; Inc. and serves as a Trustee of Deerfield Academy. He served as a special envoy to the United Nations, as well as serving on a wide variety of boards including PrincetonUniversity, the Fulbright Institute, Mt Holyoke College, the Rocky Mountain Institute, and numerous others Mr. Rosborough Founder Earthwatch Institute in 1971. Mr. Rosborough has been involved in social venture capital since ... leaving the investment banking business in 1971. Mr. Rosborough served as Director of EarthCare Co. since December 16,1998. He served as a Member of the Advisory Committee of CMarket, Inc. More Links Brian Rosborough CV Earthwatch Australia Earthwatch International About Earthwatch Earthwatch Institute is an international non-profit organisation that brings science to life for people concerned about the earth's future. Founded in 1971, Earthwatch supports scientific field research by offering volunteers the opportunity to join research teams around the world. This unique model is creating a systematic change in how the public views science and its role in creating environmental change. Today, Earthwatch recruits close to 4,000 volunteers every year to collect field data in the areas of rainforest ecology, wildlife conservation, marine science, archaeology, and more. Through this process, we educate, inspire, and involve a diversity of people, who actively contribute to conserving our planet.