Feed from leftovers

Pollution caused by feed not eaten is a major concern for shrimp farmers. Madhusoodana Kurup, professor at Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala, used a technology to convert these leftovers into protein-rich feed. Sumana Narayanan understands how this benefits farmers On why left-over feed is a problem

It stinks

Another risky landfill plan in Mumbai THE Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai plans to partially close down and modernize the Deonar dumping ground in the eastern suburb at a cost of Rs 5,000 crore, but environmentalists fear it may end up increasing the risks of land subsidence and pollutants leaching into the groundwater.

Scalding waste

Residents oppose waste-to-energy plant in Delhi residents of Okhla in Delhi have come out against a proposed waste-to-energy (wte) plant in the area, saying it will put the health of about 200,000 people to risk and pollute their water tank 100 m from the site. On August 4, they stalled the transfer of land for the project based on the controversial technology that burns waste to produce energy, and, in the process, releases toxins in the environment.

No hair-raising experience this

Courtesy earthworms, hair, weed easily converted to manure

Polythene banned

Delhi takes stringent steps the Delhi High Court has asked the state government to ban the use of plastic bags in all shopping centres and to come up with a notification in this regard.

US EPA takes up cell phone recycling campaign

The us Environmental Protection Agency has teamed up with the country's leading cell phone manufacturers, service providers and retailers to motivate users to recycle their old cell phones and other handheld devices. The move is part of the agency's year-long campaign: Plug-In to eCycling.

An artistic solution

santiago sierra's artwork, currently showing at Lisson Gallery in London, can safely be called revolutionary. Exhibits consisting of rectangular solid blocks neatly organized on the gallery floor may not draw attention until the viewer gets to know the material used to make them. The Spanish artist, known for challenging power structures, picked up human waste from New Delhi and Jaipur, and processed it for three years to produce his art (see pp 44-45). These blocks can also be used to make furniture, door panels and other utility products.

London gallery displays recycled human waste

Three rooms of London's Lisson Gallery are currently home to 21 blocks of recycled human waste.&nbsp I walk in between them, passing my fingers over the surface of one, round the corner of another. They don't smell, crumble or smudge.They are not distasteful to the eyes. They are large as doors and, having travelled here from Delhi, look hardwearing. A lick of paint and they could be your bedroom door, your kitchen table.

House made of thermocol

The 'thermocol houses' have braved three monsoons and stand unaffected even today. "In 2002, we were inundated with a pile of Styrofoam (thermocol) blocks from some sewing machines that we had bought. We decided to experiment with them," says Manubhai, one of the three developers of the thermocol house.

CO₂ from cars to feed algae

the use of algae as a source of biofuel has gained popularity in the last few years. In July 2007, three entrepreneurs from the uk came out with a way to feed algae by capturing carbon dioxide (co2) from automobiles. This co2 was used to feed algae which then produced biofuel.