The livery has purchased 40 hybrid electric bicycles, which are available for rent by both visitors to the island and locals. Located on the Elbow Beach Hotel property on South Shore Road in Paget, Elbow Beach Cycles is the only company on the island to rent advanced pedelec hybrid electric bicycles.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer hybrid electric bicycles for rent as they really do offer the best of both worlds,” said Dudley Thomas, Director-At-Large & VP Business Development of Elbow Beach Cycles.

“Riders enjoy all the advantages of a regular bicycle including fun, exercise and zero emissions, but when they get tired or could use help getting up the steep hills in Bermuda, the Freedom bikes provide the extra power needed to make the ride comfortable.

“In addition to those people who want a fun way to tour the island, these bikes are great for people who are just starting out an exercise programme or those who want to get exercise on the way to the office without working up a sweat.”

Elbow Beach Cycles offers a wide range of rental options for the two hybrid electric bicycle models it carries – the Freedom and the Freedom Sport – for the same price as its traditional pedal bikes, which start at $29 for three hours and go up to $395 per month.

The Freedom line of hybrid electric bicycles operates in various modes. Riders may choose to pedal only, or they may choose the power magnification mode in which the bicycle provides enough power to help the rider pedal more easily no matter how hard he is working, and if the rider is not pedaling at all, the power shuts off to save on battery usage.

In this mode, riders can also choose the assistance level – low, medium or high. In addition, there is a power on demand mode in which the bicycles offer a separate throttle that turns on the power and can run the bicycle with no pedaling at all.

“These bikes are meant to be pedaled normally with the motor used as a backup to help out on hills and in headwinds or to just make riding easier overall,” said Mr. Thomas.

“The experience is entirely different from riding a gas scooter or motorbike. Here the electric assistance is perfectly smooth and silent, and it complements rather than supplants human power. Plus, by removing the grumble of the engine, it intensifies the rider’s experience in that you can take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful island.”

Depending on how much power is used, the Freedom bicycles can run for up to 64 kilometres on one charge. Elbow Beach Cycles operates a Run and Replace system in which guests pay a nominal flat fee for unlimited replacement batteries. Every day they can stop by the shop for a recharged battery or customers may also rent extra batteries and charging units for a small fee.

“Our bikes have ultra-high-capacity batteries that last a long time and require very little time to charge,” said Mr. Thomas. “Also, we chose top European supplier, TXED Bikes, because the bikes are intelligent, innovative, energy efficient and environmentally friendly, and they look really good.

“They are stylish and sleek. All the equipment to power the bike, including the front hub motor, is integrated within the frame of the bike so it’s neat and nothing is exposed.”

In addition to benefits for the rider, hybrid electric bicycles are also easy on the environment. In comparison to taking a car or some other gas-powered vehicle, these human-powered vehicles with electric-assist operate for just pennies of electricity per charge and with no carbon dioxide emissions or other pollutants.

“Purchasing these hybrid electric bicycles is part of a larger green initiative at Elbow Beach Cycles,” said Mr. Thomas. “We are constantly looking for ways to lessen our carbon footprint including implementing paperless billing and invoicing, reducing consumables and transitioning to a data server that runs on clean power.”

Both Freedom hybrid electric bicycle models are unisex. The Freedom hybrid electric bike is designed for leisure riding on varied terrain and the Freedom Sport is more appropriate on road riding. As safety is top priority, all riders who rent bicycles at Elbow Beach Cycles will be provided with a helmet as well as an instruction lesson on operating the cycles.

Residents may drop off compact fluorescent light bulbs, old pesticides, hobby chemicals, outdated medicines or anything with a hazardous or warning label to the facility on these days.

Businesses with large amounts of special waste or those requiring more information should contact Clarkston Trott at 278-0562 or 501-3025.

Bermuda has a comprehensive waste management programme allowing for many waste items to be shipped overseas for recycling or reuse. To learn more about waste disposal in Bermuda visit www.wastemanagement.gov.bm, see the BTC blue pages 27-30 or email recycle@gov.bm.

RenaissanceRe made a leadership gift to BZS’s Education Endowment Fund—allowing critical conservation-education programmes for Bermuda’s children to continue. To thank the company, BZS has dedicated the Fossa Exhibit, one of the Zoo’s most popular, to RenaissanceRe.

The fossa is a cat-like predator housed within the new Madagascar Exhibit that opened last fall alongside a world-class Animal Care Centre, both sponsored by HSBC Bank of Bermuda Limited.

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“RenaissanceRe is committed to Bermuda and supporting organisations that improve the quality of life for everyone on our Island,” said company CEO Neill Currie.

“The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo is a place where Bermudians and visitors of all ages are educated and inspired to develop an appreciation of the fragile environment and unique wildlife around us.

“We are proud to support Bermuda Zoological Society’s conservation-education programmes and to have our name attached to this fascinating attraction in the Madagascar Exhibit which we hope will be enjoyed for years to come.”

The Zoo’s fossa—a two-year-old female named “Orana” (Malagasy for “rain”)—is a member of the mongoose family, representing Madagascar’s top predator. With her long tail, intense stare and agile antics, Orana has proven very popular with BAMZ visitors, including school students who learn about the environmental challenges facing fragile island environments through the Madagascar Exhibit.

RenaissanceRe’s financial gift to the BZS Education Endowment helps support the free conservation-education programmes offered to more 6,000 children every year. These include science lessons in BZS classrooms, visits to local schools, weekend nature encounters and holiday camps, plus field-trips to reefs and national parks around the Island.

“We thank RenaissanceRe for its generous and faithful support of BZS, and its continued commitment to funding the teaching of young people about the importance of our natural environment,” said Lynda Johnson, Development Director of BZS.

BZS is the support charity for Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, funding a full slate of education programmes, conservation and research projects, exhibits and community outreach events. BAMZ is a Bermuda government institution within the Department of Conservation Services.

[Photo credit: Chris Burville]

The Green Globe Certification is an international, structured assessment of the sustainability performance of travel and tourism businesses and their supply chain partners.

Businesses can monitor improvements and document achievements leading to certification of their enterprises’ sustainable operation and management.

Said Kevin Lanthier, Vice President Facilities Management at Rosewood Tucker’s Point, “This Certification further reinforces Rosewood Hotels commitment to be the best that it can be, not only for its guests, but for the environments and communities in which we operate.”

“We are most pleased to have worked with OBM International in achieving this global standard and being the first in Bermuda to do so.”

To qualify for certification, businesses must address a collection of 337 compliance indicators, applied to 41 individual sustainability criteria. The applicable indicators vary by type of certification, geographical area as well as local factors.

Key factors that are focused on are:

• Sustainable Management
• Social/Economic
• Cultural Heritage
• Environmental

Denaye Hinds, Director of Sustainability at OBM International said, “We are extremely proud to have worked with Rosewood Tucker’s Point to achieve this certification.

“We feel it sets a new standard for other resort properties in Bermuda to achieve. And, as a Green Globe Accredited Auditor, it demonstrates the dedication of OBMI to sustainable operations and management.”

Carnegie report that over the past 12 months, in collaboration with Bermudian company Triton Renewable Energy Ltd, they undertook the first detailed study of Bermuda’s wave regime to explore the potential for a commercial CETO wave energy project.

The study was performed with the technical support of the Ground Electronics Services and Bermuda Weather Service [BAS-Serco Ltd.].

The company quotes Minister of Environment, Planning and Infrastructure Strategy Marc Bean as saying, “The success of this technology will serve to move Bermuda ever closer to our Energy White Paper targets of reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and increasing our reliance on renewable sources of energy. I look forward to the deployment of this promising, clean and efficient energy technology.”

Tim Hasselbring, Triton’s Managing Director, said, “Bermuda is a densely populated isolated oceanic island with limited natural resources that can be called upon. This project promises significant benefits to the community in the form of job creation, significantly increased energy and freshwater security and reduced dependence on imported oil.”

Carnegie’s site development manager Mr. Tim Sawyer said, “We look forward to working with the Bermudan government to further develop a commercial CETO wave energy facility in Bermuda. This would follow on from Carnegie’s Perth Wave Energy Project which recently received US$16m in Australian Federal Government and Western Australia State Government grant funding.”

Carnegie and Triton propose to develop a commercial scale wave farm providing up to 20MW of electricity generation and desalinated water to Bermuda. In 2009, the project was selected as one of the Bermuda Electric Light Company Ltd’s preferred renewable energy projects.

Remote islands offer a natural market place for Carnegie’s CETO wave power system. CETO is the only wave technology that is both fully submerged and generates power and water onshore. Bermuda, like most remote islands, is largely reliant upon imported diesel for power generation which is both expensive and comes at an environmental cost. The current retail power tariff on Bermuda is 42c/kWh.

Photo: Carnegie wave measuring buoy off Bermuda, courtesy Triton

Reports said that billboards that appeared in the Chicago area, paid for the Heartland Institute, were designed to promote the organization’s International Congress on Climate Change in Chicago later this month.

The Kaczynski billboard remained live for 24 hours before widespread condemnation forced the group to pull the billboard. It has now suspended the short-lived campaign which was also going to feature similar billboards with figures including Fidel Castro, Charles Manson and Osama Bin Laden.

A statement from Heartland Institute President Joseph Bast said, “We know that our billboard angered and disappointed many of Heartland’s friends and supporters, but we hope they understand what we were trying to do with this experiment. We do not apologize for running the ad, and we will continue to experiment with ways to communicate the ‘realist’ message on the climate.”

ABIR President Bradley Kading communicated the decision to Heartland President Joseph Bast in a letter which said, “On behalf of the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers, we write to disavow any future relationship with your organization.

“Recent revelations of the Heartland Institute’s radical position on climate change as portrayed on the new billboard featuring Ted Kaczynski made our association with other parts of your organization untenable.”

The letter from ABIR appears below click ‘Fullscreen’ for greater clarity:

The photo below was taken at around midnight from a vantage point in St David’s:

Dr. James Garvin, chief scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, said, “Supermoon’ is a situation when the moon is slightly closer to Earth in its orbit than on average, and this effect is most noticeable when it occurs at the same time as a full moon. So, the moon may seem bigger although the difference in its distance from Earth is only a few percent at such times.”

Satellite tracking suggests these whales are on their way to Bermuda waters and are expected here this weekend. Whale researcher Andrew Stevenson is asking whale watchers out this weekend to help identify these whales by taking photos of their fluke IDs so that there is a permanent record of ‘who’ these whales are.

Photos of the underside of whales’ flukes and information may be sent to Mr Stevenson at his email spout@logic.bm.

There will be a full array of equestrian events and performances by local school, dance, and musical groups over the three day event, which will also see a number of handmade and locally grown goods entered into various competitions.

In addition to competitions judging traditional plants and flowers, there are divisions for junior entrants including the miniature garden display division, which will see entrants using a recyclable milk carton used to display fresh cut or dried parts of plants.

For a programme of all the events over the three days click here [PDF], for the first set of photos of the floriculture exhibits click here, and all our past Ag Show coverage click here.

Click to enlarge photos:

The three day event will see numerous competitions in and out of the ring; including the Floriculture division which will see some of the island’s most talented gardeners putting their best work on display.

Awards to be presented in the division include the Lady Leather Trophy, The Bermuda Horticultural Association Junior Challenge Trophy, The Bermuda Florist Rose Bowl, The Bryce Moffat Memorial Trophy, The Hibiscus Garden Club Trophy, The Paget Arbour Society Cup, The Garden Club of Bermuda Award and The Malcolm Hollis Trophy for the best stem of Bermuda Easter lilies.

For a programme of all the events over the three days click here [PDF], for the second set of floriculture photos click here, for a photo gallery/video of the pigs on exhibit click here, for a photo gallery of the decorated cakes click here, and for all our Ag Show coverage click here.

Click to enlarge photos:

It’s the second year RUBiS has provided 12 months’ worth of boat fuel to operate Endurance, the environmental education vessel owned and operated by the support charity for Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo.

Captain Tim Hasselbring with a student aboard the BZS conservation education vessel, Endurance:

“On behalf of RUBiS Energy Bermuda, I am very pleased to confirm the extension of our donation of fuel for the conservation outreach vessel Endurance for another year,” said David Rose, RUBiS Energy Bermuda general manager.

“RUBiS is happy to be in a position to assist the Bermuda Zoological Society’s education programme as it is a fantastic opportunity for schoolchildren to learn about the importance of Bermuda’s marine environment.”

The 45-foot Endurance takes students of all ages on summer-camp expeditions, class fieldtrips, research studies and afterschool outings to various marine parks around the Island where they snorkel on reefs, study turtles or enjoy whale-watching and glow-worm tours.

The marine expeditions are part of BZS’s long-running conservation-education programme that boosts the science curricula of some 6,000 students a year.

Captain Tim Hasselbring lets students take the wheel of Endurance during an expedition to a marine park

“Bermuda Zoological Society is extremely grateful to RUBiS for enabling us to continue getting students immersed in the natural environment,” said Dr. Ian Walker, Principal Curator of BAMZ and a board member of BZS.

RUBIS Energy Bermuda, an affiliate of RUBIS Group, has operated an automobile and marine fuel distribution network [12 service stations] since 2006. RUBIS is also the licensed distributor of Shell fuels and lubricants in Bermuda.

BZS is the support charity for Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, funding a full slate of education programmes, conservation and research projects, exhibits and community outreach events.

The two hour clean-up began at 2:00 p.m. with introductions and a short presentation by Anne Hyde of Keep Bermuda Beautiful highlighting the effects of plastic in our marine environment, the consequences of not properly disposing of plastics and our culture of single-use plastics such as food containers. Gloves, bags and pickup sticks were provided.

A slight breeze and gorgeous sunny skies allowed not only shore efforts to be successful but the underwater clean up as well as a dozen scuba divers took to the bay, including 8 divers from BIOS and 3 from BSAC.

In common with all marine debris clean ups, all kinds of items were removed including tires, pieces of plastic, bottles, rope, glow sticks, wooden shipping pallets and much more.

A Marine Debris beach survey was also organized and volunteers were able to do four tar transects and a 1-25 meter visible debris transect. Snacks and drinks were provided by sponsors including Groundswell [who offered free t-shirts]. BlueShark and Dive Cult.

Weldon Carl Wade, founding Executive Director, explains: “Our mission is to be an all-inclusive conduit, helping connect divers for the love of diving, regardless of training standard or other affiliation.

“We also want to create a synergy between existing organizations that promote ocean conservation, education and research. We are very happy to work once again with KBB, excited to work with BIOS and will continue to do so going forward with all of our beach and marine clean-up efforts.”

“I want to personally thank everyone who supported this event, the sponsors, volunteers, divers, BIOS, the Bermuda Ocean Explorers team, Shaqir, Calvina, Keenan, Patricia and my girlfriend Sandrine. We are already working on the next one.”

“Further to BOE’s clean-ups, divers can look forward to a variety of events including the second annual ‘Bermuda to Cozumel’ Diving Excursion happening in June, a Summer Sunset cruise also in June, underwater photography competitions, socials and more.”

Bermuda Ocean Explorers is an eco- and diving-oriented organization launched last September. To connect with Bermuda Ocean Explorers, visit bermudaoceanexplorers.com or email info@bermudaoceanexplorers.com

This follows an amendment to the Development and Planning [General Development] Order 1999 and would allow an average family home to install a solar energy system [of 400 square feet or less] without the need to apply for planning permission and, therefore, follow the same expedited process in terms of applying for a building permit only.

Minister Bean said: “The proposed amendment to the Regulations is a timely one, in that it is coming on the heels of the publication of Government’s White Paper on Energy.

“Its introduction is no coincidence but seeks to complement Government’s energy strategy to encourage a decreased reliance on fossil fuels while enabling an increased use of renewable technologies. The proposed amendment can have far-reaching positive implications, in that each Bermudian home and business place can potentially benefit.

“There are two types of solar energy systems: solar hot water systems and solar photovoltaic systems.

“With solar hot water systems the water running through the panels is warmed by the sun. A typical two to three bedroom home would require a solar collector of 20 to 30 square feet for such purposes.

“The solar photovoltaic systems consist of panels that contain a special material that converts sunlight directly into electricity. A typical two to three person home would require panels totaling approximately 350 square feet for such purposes, in order to facilitate a 5kW system that can generate the annual electricity needed.

“The Energy White Paper contains a target for 5,000 homes to be powered by solar energy by the year 2020. Currently, the Department of Planning has records for 54 solar panel installations, the majority of which have been in the last two years.

“There would still be several thousand larger homes that would require up 600 square feet in area to provide full electricity needs and would therefore still be subject to applications for planning permission.

“The Department of Planning has a target of six days in which “Permitted Development” permits are processed. Applications over the threshold are processed as formal applications to the Development Applications Board but are classified as “fast track” and are expedited.

“A survey carried out by the Department of Energy in 2010 involving 400 residents, showed that 71% of the public were supportive of solar energy systems.”

The Director of Energy Jeane Nikolai said of the amendment: “The Department of Planning should be commended for stepping up to the wicket and making this amendment happen.”

Ms Nikolai added: “The Department of Energy also offers rebates to homeowners for both solar thermal and solar PV. The rebate for solar PV is $1 per watt up to a maximum of 5kW, or $5000.

“Likewise, BELCO will allow the homeowner to sell the electricity that they are not using from their solar PV system to the grid.”

Ms Nikolai added that there are also renewable energy incentives from across the Government Ministries. HM Customs, for example, will allow solar PV systems and their associated mounting systems to enter the island duty free, which means that the consumer can get competitive pricing on their solar PV systems.

Minister Bean concluded: “The use of alternative and renewable sources of energy goes to the heart of sustainability – a development principle to which the Government is fully committed.”

It should be noted that homeowners must work with one of the registered installers in order to be eligible for the rebates, who will act as agent, file the relevant paperwork with the Department of Planning, and also submit the application for the rebates to the Department of Energy. The list of installers along with more information about renewable energy solutions can be found on the Department of Energy’s website.

Tim Madeiros, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Alternative Energy Systems previously said that he welcomed the announcement by the Planning Department to increase the square footage for a Permitted Development Permit for solar panels.

From April 16 to 17 Ms Nikolai will attend the Barbados Power Summit in Bridgetown Barbados and then go on to attend the Jamaica Power Summit in Kingston, Jamaica on April 19 and 20 – as a guest speaker at both. Ms Nikolai’s airfare costs have been covered by overseas event organizers.

Both summits will discuss utilizing local renewable resources, effectively managing oil use, and implementing clean energy practices. Industry professionals will discuss energy development issues related to policy and regulations as well as technology implementation regarding low-cost reliability.

Ms Nikolai said: “At both conferences we will discuss the respective energy developments in our region and some of the key issues around alternate energy. In my presentation I will discuss what we’ve done here in terms of developing the Energy White Paper and hopefully plant the seeds of regional collaboration as a big part of what we need to do to achieve successes.

“With our solar and wind resources, ‘we’ (speaking regionally, not locally) could become the epicenter of all things renewable for the world. If a country needs to train someone in solar PV or solar thermal, or wind installations they should be able to come here, to the Caribbean region, to learn from us. We built tourism on our sunshine and breezes, we need to build our green economy on that same resource.”

Ms Nikolai will also discuss the development of the White Paper, and its connection to sustainable development. Ms Nikolai plans to touch heavily on the Energy White Paper during her presentations.

She said: “White Paper proposed policies are manifold – they range from intra-departmental government policies such as the establishment of an energy management programme within the public service to allow us to lead by example, to the eventual prohibition of inefficient goods from being imported, to amending building codes and mandatory energy auditing.

“The biggest challenges are that we need to get the public forcefully behind our policies.”

The Minister of Environment, Planning and Infrastructure Strategy Marc Bean said: “Conferences such as these are imperative for Bermuda as there are many gains to be made by a regional collaboration. It’s important to share that knowledge, and to soak up what we can from what other countries similar to ours are doing.”

“The Ministry will be receiving a full report from Ms Nikolai upon her return, as is required from any attendance to a conference, and I look forward to learning about the development of regulatory environments in other locations and also what sorts of policy initiatives worked in other countries.”

Some of the topics to be explored at the Conference include: FastOx waste gasification; plasma gasification technologies; wind development challenges in small island environments; funding opportunities and financial impact for renewables; alternative energy solutions markets; LED streetlight pilot project case studies; partnering with local manufacturers to create jobs; fluid-applied cool roof technology; recycling technology for replacement of old hardware; and domestic refinement capacity and potential of crude oil for Caribbean regions.

Writing essays on the theme “Five Ways that I Keep My Bermuda Green”, 261 students entered the 2012 contest, as compared to 119 in 2011. The contest is intended to raise awareness about environmental issues, as well as to encourage research and writing.

http://youtu.be/U6W7r77q9gw

The 2012 contest judges were:

• Bermuda National Library, Marla Smith, Librarian, Youth Library
• Representing the Earth Hour Council and also the Ministry of Environment, Planning & Infrastructure Strategy: Director of the Department of Energy Jeane Nikolai and Sustainable Development Officer Nicola O’Leary
• BELCO Environmental Officer Wendell Richards and Sigma Corporate Information Analyst Thania Redman

The 2012 contest winners are:

In the ages 15 to 18 category:

• First Place – Raymond Bean, Jr., The Berkeley Institute
• Second Place – Justin Ferreira, Warwick Academy
• Third Place – Kahlid Y. Muhammad, CedarBridge Academy

In the ages 12 to 14 category:

• First Place – Amelia Oatley, Warwick Academy
• Second Place – Blair Smyth, Mount Saint Agnes Academy
• Third Place – Aldon Campbell, Somersfield Academy
• Honourable Mentions went to William Porter from Whitney Institute Middle School, and Cassy McPhee from Mount Saint Agnes Academy

In the ages 9 to 11 category (which had 189 entries):

• First Place – Nicholas Siese from Warwick Academy, who also won First Place in this category in 2011, when he was attending Somerset Primary
• Second Place – Caroline Amaral, Mount Saint Agnes Academy
• Third Place was a tie, with prizes awarded to both Abigail Jones from Warwick Academy, and Eanajah Armstrong from Somerset Primary
• Honorable Mentions went to Zane Curtis-Thomas from Somerset Primary School and Jahmiko Marshall from Harrington Sound Primary School

The prizes for the winners are:

• 1st Place, Kindle Fire® loaded with the selected books on environmental topics and $50; also each 1st Place winner’s school receives $250 to use for an environmental project
• 2nd Place, books and $50
• 3rd Place, books and $25
• Honourable Mention – $25 Gift Card to Brown & Co. (hopefully to buy books!)

The gift books selected for the students by Librarian Marla Smith are:

• Ages: 9 – 11 365 Ways to Live Green for Kids – Diane Gow McDilda (2008)
• Ages: 12 -14 Green Teen – Jenn Savedge (2009)
• Ages: 15 – 18 Generation Green: The Ultimate Guide to Living an Eco-Friendly Life – Linda Sivertsen (2008)

You can read the three first place essays: Raymond Bean here, Nicholas Siese here, and Amelia Oatley here.

Click to enlarge photos:

Mr Madeiros said, “I welcome the Planning Department’s announcement of an increase in the square footage for a Permitted Development Permit [PDP] for solar panels from 80 sq ft to 400 sq ft as it reduces the planning process to one week from 12 to 14 weeks for a full DAP 1 application.

“With 400 square feet, a powerful system such as SunPower can produce up to 980kWh’s of electricity, which is equivalent to a Belco bill of $411.91 based on the current rate of $0.42/kWh. Using energy efficient panels like SunPower e-20 panels provides more power using less space.

“Planning has been very helpful and accommodating to the solar industry and changes in processes like this will only help to encourage Bermudians to take advantage of clean energy sources to preserve our island for generations to come,” concluded Mr Madeiros.

Following a short presentation at 2pm, the cleanup will continue until 4pm. KBB and sponsors will be providing gloves and bags and there will be food, snacks, juice, water and music. Scuba Divers will be in the water, and anyone interested in joining the dive effort is asked to contact them in advance.

“There are some people in our communities who are very visibly involved in sustainability and green issues, but we know there are others who want to contribute, but aren’t sure how or where to start,” explained Judith Landsberg, Greenrock’s President.

“We’ve created an online calendar as a central place where people and organisations can promote their activities to attract attendees to their events, and also sign up new volunteers, it’s a great opportunity to forge new relationships and get new people involved. No event is too small!”

Held on April 22nd, Earth Day champions the cause of the environment and the need for us all to think about creating a sustainable future. It’s now been going for over 40 years with the inaugural Earth Day in April 1970 widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement.

Earth Day has grown to become a global event, now taking place in 192 countries with more than 1 billion people participating in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world.

This year the focus is on individuals and groups coming together to show their commitment towards living sustainably and safe guarding our planet for future generations by pledging “An Act of Green”.

The type of activity communities can get involved with covers a huge range with the only requirement being that it’s a ‘green’ event. Activities already registered in other countries include everything from arranging a local litter pick to screening an environmentally aware film, and from ‘greening a school’ to car pooling.

Greenrock are not just here to co-ordinate Bermuda’s Earth Day but are committed to getting involved with their own “Act of Green” as well. In partnership with the Bermuda National Trust, Greenrock have been collecting student videos for an Earth Day video competition, which will be followed by Earth Day assemblies at many of the schools.

Another initiative, in partnership with AES, is to install the first ‘Hydration Stations’ (water-bottle filling stations) in Hamilton. Last week they also co-hosted a visit by Algalita Founder, Captain Charles Moore who gave a talk about plastic pollution in the ocean.

All events can be registered in the Greenrock website at www.greenrock.org/earthday. By registering your activities you’ll be promoting your event to attract attendees or volunteers. Even if you’re doing something as an individual, maybe switching to energy saving lightbulbs or buying more local food, register your “Act of Green” because together they all make a difference and encourage more people to think about what they can do to contribute.

“The Earth Day Network has set a goal of a billion acts of green and we want to show Bermuda’s contribution – let us know what you’re doing and we’ll register your efforts to count towards this exciting global initiative,” explains Judith Landsberg.

For more information, email info@greenrock.org
To register your event or find out more, visit www.greenrock.org/earthday

The owner of Wadson’s Farm, among many other things Mr. Wadson grows Easter lilies for the Queen, the island’s annual seasonal gift to Her Majesty.

“The Queen had written us a letter expressing concern about the length of the lily stems,” Mr. Wadson told “The Boston Globe”  yesterday [Apr.6]

Describing the farmer as “an outspoken fellow” with the “sort with calloused hands and rugged spirit honed by almost 40 years of tilling the land in the hot Bermuda sun,” the newspaper said  “Well, that year, I met her once at a formal get-together here.”

Governor Sir Richard Gozney, Lady Gozney and Tom Wadson with the 2012 Easter Lilies sent to the Queen  

Mr. Wadson is known around Bermuda  for his busy farm and farmer’s market stand but also for his playful sense of humor, straightforward and blunt

“So I told her, ’Your Majesty, we have a microscopic complaint department but just wanted you to know that your complaint stood out because it’s the only one we’ve gotten that was handwritten’!” Mr. Wadson told the newspaper.

The Queen took it in stride, Wadson said, even smiling at the comment. And later that night, Mr. Wadson said, he went and quaffed a few brews with her husband, Prince Philip, whom he dubbed, “a good fellow, a down-to-earth sort.”

The three-day meeting — which was held in Nassau — drew delegates from throughout the Caribbean as well as fisheries experts from Bermuda. Wrapping up on March 28, the conference was held under the auspices of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism [CRFM] — an inter-governmental organisation with the mission to “promote and facilitate the responsible utilisation of the region’s fisheries and other aquatic resources for the economic and social benefits of the current and future population of the region”.

CRFM executive director Milton Haughton said the invasive Pacific lionfish was an issue of major concern.

“In only a few years this invasive species has spread across the entire Caribbean causing untold negative impacts on local fish stocks and marine ecosystems,” he said.

Lionfish are an invasive species in the Western Atlantic and are likely to cause widespread economic and environmental harm.

Triangle Diving video of lionfish cull on Bermuda’s reefs

Originating in the Indo-Pacific Region, it is believed they were introduced into the Atlantic in the late 1980s by local aquariums or fish hobbyists in Florida.

They have now spread throughout the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, South America and as far north as Massachusetts and Bermuda.

Lionfish are indiscriminate predators, preying on species which are commercially, recreationally and ecologically important

It has been demonstrated that lionfish — which can eat up to 30 times their own stomach volume — are able to reduce juvenile fish populations on a reef by nearly 90 percent in as little as five weeks.

Lionfish have no known predators in Bermuda waters so their population can increase exponentially.

Increasing numbers of lionfish have been found on Bermuda’s reefs in recent weeks but just this week a specimen was caught in Harrington Sound.

“Harrington Sound is a hatchery — it’s a place where juveniles grow up,” Graham Maddocks of the Ocean Support Foundation told the “Bermuda Sun”, saying the discovery was a worrying new development.

“It seems the bio-mass of the lionfish could be growing enough to where they are coming into shallower waters instead of sticking to the deep water as we have seen before. Anyone who sees a lionfish should contact the Ocean Support Foundation and we will come and collect it.”

Ms Ratteray Pryse [pictured] said “Planning & Design Bermuda” is intended to provide a productive dialogue space for discussion, argument and possible accord about the way we live, work and play — with the aid of examples from around the world.

“Why start ‘Planning & Design Bermuda’?” she said “I thoroughly enjoy the diverse aspects of design — structures, streetscapes, interiors, gardens — and the intricacy of the planning framework within which change occurs on our island.

“There is an overlap between planning and design where a mutually beneficial creativity can exist and be nurtured.”

Trained as an urban planner, Ms Ratteray Pryse obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Geography, with a minor in Environmental Studies, at McGill University, Montreal, Quebec and a Master’s in Planning at the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario.

She presently works full-time as a planning and development consultant for ARP Consulting Services, having worked in a part-time capacity for the consultancy since 2000.

ARP Consulting Services provides advice on planning law and policy, assists with processing applications for development and subdivision, undertakes environmental impact assessments, researches and writes ministerial appeal cases and coordinates community outreach for projects.

Until 1999, Ms Ratteray Pryse worked at the Bermuda Department of Planning and was the Assistant Director (Administration & Control) when she left to join the third sector and start the planning consultancy.

In the third sector, she was director of the Bermuda International Film Festival.

In a report to the government, the RSPB warns that 33 species of birds, including penguins, parrots and albatrosses, are now critically endangered across the remnants of the former British Empire.

“Our overseas territories hold more threatened bird species than the entire continent of Europe,” said RSPB official Graham Madge. “Yet only £1.4 million a year is spent by the government protecting the habitats that provide homes for these endangered creatures. We need to spend 10 times that amount to save them.”

For the first time since its rediscovery in 1951, the population of Bermuda’s National Bird — the critically endangered Cahow —  passed the landmark number of 101 nesting pairs, the Department of Conservation announced recently.

Abundant when Bermuda was first discovered, the ground burrowing Cahow was quickly decimated by introduced predators such as rats, pigs, dogs and cats, and hunting by the early settlers.

First Cahow chick of 2012

The Cahow soon disappeared from the historic records and it was thought to have become extinct. In 1951 the Cahow was miraculously rediscovered on several small rocky islets but the entire population consisted of only 18 nesting pairs, with the entire population only producing 7 to 8 chicks annually.

For the last 50 years the Cahow Recovery Program has been one of Bermuda’s priority protected species projects. Now managed by the Terrestrial Conservation Section of the Department of Conservation Services the team works hard to control predators, build artificial nest burrows, and carry out research to better understand the Cahow and enable it to recover.

The society’s report is part of a series of submissions to the UK Foreign Office, which is preparing a white paper on Britain’s strategy regarding its 14 overseas territories, including Bermuda, Montserrat, the Falklands, Tristan da Cunha and the atolls of the British Indian Ocean Territories, as well as Gibraltar and a sizeable area of the Antarctic.

The white paper will propose economic and political changes in policies for running these areas, and will outline ways to use them more actively to bolster Britain’s defences.

The key concern for environmental charities like the RSPB is the need to improve care of the alarming number of threatened and endangered animals now found in these territories. “The overseas territories hold 85 per cent of the threatened biodiversity for which the UK is responsible,” said Jonathan Glenn-Hall of the RSPB. A typical example is the Tristan Albatross, which breeds almost exclusively on Gough Island, part of the Tristan da Cunha archipelago.

The albatross’s numbers have been destroyed by invasive species brought to the island, in particular, rats, cats and pigs which all eat albatross chicks. The invaders were eradicated several years ago in a campaign that only triggered a new threat to the Tristan Albatross: mice. Without predators, mice on Gough Island have thrived and now grow to three times their normal mainland size. They burrow into the flesh of nesting chicks so that the birds bleed to death, and only then do the mice eat them. About 1,000 Tristan Albatross chicks are thought to be killed in this way every year. One recent survey has shown that in 2008, the number of Tristan Albatross chicks that managed to fledge was five times lower than normal.

“Invasive species like rats and cats are a major problem for the overseas territories,” added Mr. Madge. “The remnants of our empire consist mainly of remote islands on which a small number of species have settled and evolved into forms unique to that place. They have evolved in a bubble and that makes them very vulnerable to threats introduced by humans and gives us a special responsibility for looking after them.”

In the case of Gough Island, it is estimated that at least £5 million will be needed to eradicate its giant mice and save Tristan Albatross from extinction. “We estimate that in total, Britain needs to spend £16 million a year for the next five years to halt the worst threats to the habitats of its overseas territories,” added Mr. Glenn-Hall.

Bermudian conservationist Dr. David Wingate on the rediscovery of the Cahow

Birds are not the only concern, the RSPB admits. For example, on St Helena introduced plants such as Bilberry and Furze have pushed many native plants to the edge of extinction, with the St Helena Olive Tree being declared extinct in 2004. “It is unthinkable that this would have been allowed to drop off into extinction if the species had been found in Britain, but all too often the overseas territories are out of sight and out of mind,” added Glenn-Hall.

Other threatened species include Blue Iguana on the Cayman Islands and turtles in the Caribbean which will lose many nesting sites as global warming melts ice caps and causes sea levels to rise. However, it is the importance of the bird populations of the overseas territories that is stressed by Madge, and in particular seabirds. When it comes to these, Britain is in second place among countries with the most threatened populations, he says. Only New Zealand has more endangered seabirds. “Thanks to our overseas territories, we outrank the US, Mexico, South Africa and other large nations when it comes to being responsible for saving endangered birds.”

Apart from feral invaders, ecologists have highlighted three other main dangers facing birds in overseas territories: climate change, poor planning controls and weak management of local fisheries. A typical victim of climate change is Northern Rockhopper Penguin, also found on Gough Island and suffering not from mice but from disruptions to the food chain, brought about by global warming. Populations have declined by more than 90 per cent in the last 50 years.

By contrast, White-chinned Petrel – which breeds on several South Atlantic islands including South Georgia and the Falklands – is suffering major population reductions because birds are getting caught in longlines towed by fishing vessels, and being dragged underwater.

In the Cayman Islands, uncontrolled development is destroying the habitats in which the Grand Cayman Parrot and the Cayman Brac Parrot breed, again with disastrous consequences for their populations. “Many of these places rely on money brought by tourists, who visit to see the exotic wildlife,” added Mr. Madge. “We have a responsibility to make sure that wildlife survives.”

Immediately following the fire, residents were advised to block gutters until the arrival of the next hard rain in order to lessen the impact of particles entering the tank. This time has now passed.

Residents have been advised to drink bottled water in the short term as the fine horticultural particulates – although not toxic to the water supply – may dirty the tank.

Homeowners who have not cleaned their tanks in the past 6 years should take the opportunity to do so now (if roof is clean).

Homeowners whose roofs are dirty and have not been painted in the past two years should take the opportunity to do so now.

Testing results from the last major fire indicated that contaminant levels still fell within drinking water quality guidelines. However, current testing arrangements are presently underway – the results of which will be released to the public as soon as testing is completed.

In the absence of regular treatment or disinfection, residents are reminded to always boil tank water before drinking.

For further information please contact 278-4975/4976/4977

The kits feature solar cell technology, include all necessary equipment and installation, which AES said will result in immediate savings on homeowner energy bills.

“The 1.44kW system will produce approximately 2,000kWh of energy per year, and requires only 80 sq. ft. of roof space. The kits start at $8,899 for first-time buyers of solar energy,” AES said.

“The SunPower Solar Starter Kit includes six SunPower 240watt AC panels, a SunPower web-based monitoring kit, a Belco Net Meter, complete installation and all government fees and permitting costs.

“The solar panels feature SunPower Maxeon solar cell technology, which captures up to 50 percent more sunlight and conducts more electrical current than conventional solar cells. The panels feature an industry-leading 25-year warranty.”

The monitoring system allows homeowners to keep track of energy production in real time from anywhere in the world using a computer or smart device.

Tim Madeiros, CEO of AES, said, “The SunPower Solar Starter Kit is designed to make it easy and cost-effective for homeowners to adopt solar power. And with financing options with Butterfield Bank, the Belco buy-back programme and government incentives, it makes sense for homeowners to switch to solar.

“We are excited to make this offer as part of our commitment to provide Bermudians with renewable and non-polluting energy services and to help them own their power.”

Mr Madeiros also states that solar power is an eco-friendly solution that perfectly complements other green initiatives such as electric cars and offers this scenario: “If you’re thinking about purchasing an electric car, a SunPower Solar Starter Kit will generate enough energy to offset the electricity required to charge the car at night so you can drive green on free energy for life.”

The introductory $8,899 price will be offered through the end of August 2012 and is a one-time only offer for first-time buyers. Prices may vary depending on conditions.

“I invite all of us here and at home to let this be the start of a sustained effort to conserve our energy usage beyond the symbolism of this one hour. The decisions we make today will influence what happens in Bermuda tomorrow,” said the Minister.

Minister Bean’s full remarks follow below:

Thank you for having me here today to join in the observance of Earth Hour 2012.

Once again, Greenrock – under the leadership this year of their President Judith Landsberg – has done Bermuda a great service by bringing businesses, Government, NGOs and our people together to show our commitment to the planet.

Those of us here and across the island who are observing Earth Hour 2012 are taking a positive first step towards change just by thinking about how our energy usage influences the earth’s climate. This leads us to consider how climate change affects our quality of life, economy, social well-being and natural environment …and stimulates the desire to protect these things.

Therefore, it is my hope that Earth Hour will act as a catalyst to encourage our people to move toward a culture that is much less dependent on fossil fuel. We know for certain that these fuels will eventually run out so it is crucial that we implement alternatives now which will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and are less harmful to our environment and, ultimately, ourselves.

Earth Hour is an opportunity for our island to showcase local lifestyle changes and environmental solutions that we should adopt. But we must commit to sustainable living beyond this hour and encourage our family and friends to do so as well.

Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and energy conservation are aligned with the Government’s Sustainable Development Plan. The Energy White paper has also established aggressive but achievable goals for Bermuda to reduce its carbon emissions by 30% by 2020. Officials and lay people from every sector of our community must take this guidance to heart and act now so that we can reduce our Carbon footprint.

The Departments of Energy and Sustainable Development have been entrusted with the monumental task of promoting policies that encourage the use of alternative energy and changing mindsets regarding our current energy usage. They have the confidence and support of my office, the Premier and Cabinet.

I ask that each of us take the time to assume a lifestyle based upon practical energy conservation habits and adopt energy efficient technologies.

I invite all of us here and at home to let this be the start of a sustained effort to conserve our energy usage beyond the symbolism of this one hour. The decisions we make today will influence what happens in Bermuda tomorrow.

As many of you would remember, in 2011 Bermuda commemorated Earth Hour by turning off the lights with hundreds of millions of our global neighbors across the 7 continents.

It is exciting, to say the least, to be participating in this worldwide effort again in 2012. Together we can make a difference across the globe, in our individual countries and our own neighborhoods. Together to we can sustain Bermuda and the world by learning to use our resources wisely and to minimise our impact for future generations.

I congratulate you all and I look forward to joining with the people of Bermuda and the world in celebrating Earth Hour 2012 and beyond.

Thank you and enjoy the evening.

Today Bermuda’s bluebirds are critically endangered — its main threats are overdevelopment, the aggressive house sparrow competing for nest boxes and the chicken mite.

The bluebird is almost completely dependent on man for its survival. The Bermuda Bluebird Society, which falls under the auspices of the Bermuda Audubon Society, has long been encouraging local residents to erect their own backyard bluebird boxes even trails if space allows.

Bluebird boxes may be purchased from Aberfeldy Nursery in Paget The Bermuda Audubon Society will benefit from the sale of each box. Ready made boxes cost $30 and kits are $15.

The Bermuda bluebird is a member of the thrush family and bears the Latin name Sialia sialis. Bermuda is the only place outside of the eastern half of North America where it has ever been known to breed.

Throughout Bermuda’s history these bluebirds were very abundant, attaining population densities much higher than are found in the American continent. As recently as the early 1960s flocks of 50 or more bluebirds could be seen winging over the island.

Flock of bluebirds visiting the home of Ralph Richardson in February 2011

Bermuda’s bluebird population flourished when earlier settlers created more habitat by clearing woodland for open pasturelands, cropland and lawns.

The bluebird nested in holes of the shore cliffs, in walls and under the eaves of the houses, as well as in the numerous hollows provided by cedar trees.

The first and most drastic decline of the bluebird population occurred in the late 19th century when the House sparrow was introduced.

The aggressive and adaptable sparrow multiplied rapidly and soon became the most abundant bird in Bermuda. The sparrow, as a hole-nester, rapidly displaced the bluebirds from the eaves of houses and soon began taking over the cliff holes and hollow of the cedar trees as well.

By the 1930s the natural bluebird nestlings were confined almost exclusively to holes in the trunks of cedar trees. The cedar scale endemic in the late 1940′s and early 1950s killed over 90% of Bermuda’s cedar forest.

In an attempt to remove the eyesore and reforest the island the Government and private landowners felled most of the dead cedars destroying many ideal-nesting hollows.

Pesticides, the decline of habitat, other pest birds, rats, lizards, feral cats and mites also played roles in the decline of the bluebird in Bermuda.

The bluebird is now almost completely dependent on nesting boxes for their survival. Most parks and all the golf course have monitored trails. A large number of private homes also have nesting boxes.

Habitat is the key factor to consider when setting up a bluebird trail. Open grassy areas with scattered trees and low or sparse ground cover is best. Look for perch sites, such as a fence line, wires, or tree branches where bluebirds may perch to look for food.

Another shot of bluebirds converging in Mr. Richardson’s garden

Monitor the young in the nest and remove unhatched eggs or dead chicks to prevent ants from invading the nest. Trees and shrubs provide a landing spot for the young bluebirds when they first leave the box. This will keep them off the ground, away from predators.

Be sure that boxes are mounted in areas where pesticides are not used.

Boxes should be spaced at least 100 yards apart.

Check your bluebird boxes at least once a week during the nesting season. Birds do not mind being checked.

Have your bluebird boxes in place by mid-March when bluebirds are looking for nesting sites. Bluebirds nest from March until early August and are usually left alone by sparrows from July on.

They usually have two broods per season, but three broods are possible. Learn to recognise a bluebird nest — it is a tidy and neat cupshaped nest that is usually made up of 100% woven grass or casurina needles.

Bluebirds usually lay three to five light blue eggs. The incubation period for bluebird eggs is 12 to 14 days. Nestlings remain in the nest 18 to 21 days before they fledge.

Remove bluebird nests as soon as the young birds have fledged and sterilize the box with boiling water.

A sparrow nest is untidy, made up of mixed foliage and often strewn with bits of trash. Always remove sparrow nests immediately.

Keep records of the activity in your boxes. This information is valuable to the Bermuda Audubon Society, which compiles data on bluebird populations in Bermuda.

Don’t be discouraged if your nesting boxes are not used the first year. If bluebirds are not common in your area, it may take them a few seasons to find your new box.

Bluebirds generally return to the same area each year. For additional information you can write to the Bermuda Audubon Society here.

In addition, a television station in Iran has bought the rights to broadcast the film in the Middle East, and South Korea will be dubbing the film into Korean and will showcase “Where the Whales Sing” to a young audience during their Environmental Film Festival in Seoul next month.

The 60-minute documentary is the culmination of Andrew Stevenson’s Humpback Whale Film & Research Project, intended to research and collect visual and acoustics data on the humpbacks as they migrate past Bermuda to broaden our knowledge of these magnificent animals.

This film was first shown at the Bermuda International Film Festival in March 2010, and has went on to win a number of awards both locally and overseas.

The Chicago-based Heartland Intitute has repeatedly attacked human-caused global warming as “junk science.”

ABIR, the public policy branch of the Bermuda re/insurance industry, was named as a benefactor of the Heartland Institute in documents leaked in February. The lobby group, with offices in Hamilton and Washington DC, issued a statement saying: “Substantial scientific evidence documents that human activity is affecting the climate of the earth.

“Although it is impossible to predict how and when this climate change will affect the weather in specific geographic areas, we can assume that the impact of climate change on re/insurance risk will be significant.

“Given changes in the climate, the ability to forecast future loss experience based on past historical experience is jeopardized. Climate change has implications for ABIR members as re/insurers, businesses, investors, citizens and employers.”

The Scientific Mainstream Accepts Human Activities Impact On Climate Change

GM’s announcement was not made in a company statement, but rather in communications with Greg Dalton of Climate One, an ongoing dialogue about the environment at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco.

“General Motors has decided to discontinue funding of the Heartland Institute, an organization that downplays the risks of climate disruption, three weeks after GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson was asked about it during a Climate One radio interview,” said the Wednesday [Mar. 28] post on the Climate One website.

“Yep, it’s true,” said Greg Martin, a GM spokesperson. “Dan Akerson was giving remarks at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco a few weeks ago, and the issue of GM’s very modest and previous contribution to Heartland came up, and Mr. Akerson said he’d look into it. And we’ve looked into it, and we’ve decided to discontinue it.

“As Dan said at the Commonwealth Club, GM’s operating its business as if climate change is real.”

The development is fallout from the release of Heartland Institute funding documents in February, which showed that GM contributed $15,000 to Heartland in 2010 and 2011. Peter Gleick, president of the Pacific Institute and a MacArthur “genius” grant recipient, revealed in February that he had assumed a false identity to obtain some of those documents.

The documents also showed that ABIR made donations to the Heartland Institute along with a subsidiary of Bermuda-based Renaissance Re. ABIR noted its support was for a separate and unrelated part of the think tank’s programmes and has played no role in the group’s climate change work.

In a statement released to the press, Heartland Institute President Joseph Bast said: “The General Motors Foundation has been a supporter of The Heartland Institute for some 20 years. We regret the loss of their support, particularly since it was prompted by false claims contained in a fake memo circulated by disgraced climate scientist Peter Gleick.”

On March 23, the Washington DC office of the Heartland Institute hosted a symposium on “onshoring” catastrophe re/insurance reserves now held in off-shore business domiciles including Bermuda.

The Illinois-based Heartland Institute has been part of ongoing efforts to transform the District of Columbia into “Bermuda On The Potomac” — an onshore domicile for leading global re/insurers.

Greenrock hosted an Earth Hour Expo at City Hall, with green exhibitors, live entertainment and more. The videos below show entertainment at the event including African Dancers, Fire Spinners, Capoeira Camara, Dawn & The Rhythm Fire Drummers, Joy Barnum, Gavin Smith, Greenrock President Judith Landsberg, Mayor Charles Gosling, BELCO’s Andrew Parsons, and Environment Minister Marc Bean.

Dawn & The Rhythm Fire Drummers:

Fire Spinners:

Capoeira Camara:

African Dancers:

Joy Barnum:

Gavin Smith:

Greenrock President Judith Landsberg:

Mayor Charles Gosling:

BELCO’s Andrew Parsons:

Minister Marc Bean:

The Earth Hour Expo seeks to raise awareness on sustainable living in Bermuda through green exhibitors and entertainment. Greenrock management committee member Eugene Dean commented: “Living more sustainable lifestyles is something that each of us can achieve, hence our commitment to supporting initiatives of this nature as we seek to change mindsets in our island home.”

Exhibitors shared information about their sustainable products and services, including Bermuda Janitorial Supplies, BGA Wholesale Distributors, BA, Norwex Enviro Products, KBB, Thermax Bermuda, thegreenhousebermuda, PureNERGY Renewables Ltd, Butterfield & Vallis, Department of Energy and more.

Live entertainment included Joy T. Barnum, Christina Quinn, Val Sherwood, Jules & Aswad, Live Wires, Princess Black, Rivah and Gavin “Sundjata” Smith performing acoustic sets on the steps of City Hall, followed by Bermuda Donquilli, Capoeira Camarà, Fire Spinners and Dawn & The Rhythm Fire Drummers during the lights out celebration.

This year is the fourth year that Greenrock has led Earth Hour in Bermuda. Since 2007, Earth Hour has been celebrated globally by hundreds of millions of people in over 130 countries, serving as a visual referendum on the importance of a sustainable lifestyle.

Click to enlarge photos: