Kiwis fight for dioxin tests

People matter. Two reports and their updates are streaming in this week about angry residents from New Zealand and Cyprus.

Residents of Paritutu, in New Zealand are asking for free tests for everyone to determine how much dioxin is actually present in their blood. Dioxin tests are extremely expensive and can only be undertaken by special labs. Remember, India does not even have such a facility. So clearly, if a resident wanted to test his or her own blood, it would be way too expensive.

Dioxin is likely to be present largely on account of the chemical industry. With these demands, the residents are actually asking for industrial liability for poisoning. The idea has its origin in the investigation into a dioxin scare, where at least one woman showed extra high dioxin levels.

Another angry person is the Mayor of Dhali, in Cyprus. Usually, mayors are part of the government, but this one is exceptional. He is so angry with an incinerator being put in use without any environmental studies that he went and chained himself to the fence of the agricultural ministry. The minister then came out and asked him to get serious. But the Mayor says this won't stop him. (Incinerators pollute the environment with dioxin.)

Flower waste  

DO flowers thrown into the Yamuna have an afterlife? As detritus, dirt and organic matter flowing into the Bay of Bengal, yes. But it's more than that.
A group of cashstarved-idea-rich persons have begun to see waste with new eyes.

They have been converted into handmade paper, powdered colour (as for Holi), a reminder that this year too, it is possible to get organic colours.

That isn't all there is. A few existing looms, unused for the lack of materials, have now begun churning out creations that have skillfully included fibres from old brooms and rags.

What is fascinating is the low cost: with some sense and self-confidence a little trash can go a long way.

(If you feel for Planet Earth, write to earthwatch1@rediffmail.com)