A new concept is on its way

Published on February 2017

If there is one place that you will add on your countries to visit, would you consider traveling to which many refer to the unspoiled land?

The pictures presented are personal photos of Jacob. Learn about living in the biggest island in the world. When I was young, I used to wonder about the eskimos in the North Pole and since I grew up in a warm tropical country – Philippines, I was undeniably amazed to hear about Jacob’s journey in Greenland for the whole year in 2005.

In my interview with my nordic man, I saw a glimpse of Greenland and the Greenlanders. His immersion to the depressing winter months under the northern lights in winter and his great tropical feel like under the midnight sun in summer (6 months of winter and 6 months of summer).

Be surprised how unspoiled the island is; its preserved nature. Greenlanders were perceived as good hunters.Sheree: In a year of stay in Greenland, what are the things that you have discovered or considered unique when it comes to their culture? (cite at least 3, could be a mix of positive and negative discoveries).  Jacob:  They are known to be very good hunters and are very practical in the way of using everything from the killed animal; consuming all the meat including the internal organs and making totems using the animal bones.  Totem(s) is a human-made bone or stone landmark.
(see the link on the bottom of the story)  Greenland.comhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/ilovegreenland read more detailed definition of Totems (Inuksuk) in the link below.

or check out the link:

http://www.greenland.com/en/about-greenland/culture-spirit/crafts/ One negative side that I have seen is the alcohol consumption problem. As a result, some of the greenlanders get lost (in their way of living) and some even die of overdosage from alcohol and they have a tendency to find it difficult to control. It is the same with some individuals around the world. It is not a consequence of their personal problems, they are actually satisfied with their life in general. Simple and quiet.  I find greenlanders very happy and loving but also tend to be aggressive sometimes. I think it is equal to the level of aggression, danger and unforgiving nature that surrounds them.  Sheree: Did you find it easy connecting with the locals in Greenland? How simple their lifestyle is? You made an impression that it is the “unspoiled land” and the land where the good hunters are.  Jacob: In most cases, you will see them in the bars/pub and so it makes it easier to connect to them; greenlanders love to socialize to new comers or foreigners. On the other hand, talking about their daily life, it is quite the opposite — they tend to be reserved in that manner.  As a navyman at that time, I did not had much time to converse with them intimately.   Sheree: They must have really good beer in there. :p   Alcohol and beer cooling by the glacier water. Jacob and his colleagues sat beside the ocean. “Det var hyggeligt”. Moving over to the next question.What is the most remarkable experience you had in Greenland in 2005?   
Jacob: Hold da op!  A lot! From glaciers calving resulting to icebergs. Sweety, have you ever seen a muskox before? Sheree: I do not have much idea about that. Could be an animal?  Jacob: A wild one. Seeing a muskox up close when I was driving our guard-car (a four-wheeled landrover), the muskox used it as as a scratching post. 

 More on my remarkable experiences. I could never forget The wildest thing that I have experience was seeing the massive land and ice without any humans or animals around the area and no background noise at all.  Sheree: It must be a very peaceful land.   Jacob: Nemlig. Det var forunderlig. I have never experience something so beautiful and pure than that in Greenland. I could remember the taste of the purest water one could ever imagine.  Sheree:  I believe that there is a chance that you will visit Greenland again in the near future. Please take me there and I promise to wear wool stockings. hi hi! 😉 😀  Sheree: Let us talk about more about the places you’ve been in Greenland.  Jacob: Let us see… Going to many historical spots from a viking grave to an old abandoned mining town. Added to the remarkable experience was the weather itself. Incredible snowfall on more than any other country that I have been. Once the snow fall reached over a meter snow in an hour, it was like going through a white densed cloud. Jeg var heldig! I knew how to get back to my barraks on a sense of direction since I could only see more than one arm length in front of me.  read a detailed information about ice calving here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_calving or read about ice sheets in the official tourist of Greenland here:http://www.greenland.com/en/about-greenland/nature-climate/glaciers/    Sheree: Tell us about the Greenlanders point of view about technology and global warming.First, were there some situation where you get to be involved about their technology?  Jacob: Since I was an electronics mechanic at that time, I had a lot to do with their communications technology; from maintaining the operational function of the main antennas up to fixing their computers in Ivitut (Grønnedal). They actually have the same level of technology as we have in the big cities.  Sheree: Skat, I want to learn more about global warming, so this question is very important to me. How does the greenlanders feel the impact of global warming?  Jacob: They are very aware of the global warming since for them it means more snow and rain (ice rain). Greenlanders have also noticed that a lot of the sea ice has disappeard quickly. Normal ways of traveling over it has changed drastically. Before, it was possible to cross over the inlets by solid ice on foot or a vehicle (where the sea goes to the land) and now they have no other choice but use boats instead.  When it comes to technology people in the cities seems to have the same level as we do in denmark but outside of that I am not very aware of it. They are very dependent of the parabolic antennas for directed communication.  

ParabolicAntennahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parabolic_antennaInletshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inlet Sheree: Aside from the notion that some people from Asia thought that it is extremely cold in Greenland, since it is considered up in the north pole, would you like to enlighten us about the Northern lights in the winter and Midnight sun in the summer?   Jacob: Det er rigtigt skat. The temprature in Greenland is very low and especially when its very windy the cold is harsh and penetrates like bone-deep. But at the same time when there is no wind and the sun is shining, it feels like a bright summer day even if the temperature is down to -20 degrees celcius.  I did see the Northern lights there, it looked liked waves in the sky like light rolling over the night sky. In the summer time the sun is up in the sky 24/7 and it is very hard to tell the difference between nighttime and daytime. One will also find it very difficult to sleep since your mind thinks its daytime still that is why i slept mostly with the thick curtains drawn and a sleeping mask over my eyes. Northern lights. Photo credits of Mads Phil, Visit Greenland flickr, greenland.comhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/ilovegreenlandread more about Aurora Borealis also known as the northern lightshttp://www.greenland.com/en/about-greenland/nature-climate/northern-lights-aurora-borealis/  Sheree: Tusinde tak min skat. 😉 Det er dejligt at vide om din fantastiske oplevelser i Grønland. Vi skal have en tur derover snart og lære at jagte. 🙂

Here is a link to Greenland’s main (tourist) website. 

http://www.greenland.com/en/about-greenland/nature-climate/fauna-of-greenland/

In one of my research projects of finding alternative modes of transportation that is undoubtedly creating an impact to our environment, I discovered the TSP group that was founded in 2009 led by Pio Fortuno.

I remember back in 2014, TSP escorted us into a rural place in the Philippines in support to the Rotary Club of Angeles Skytown medical and dental mission in the area of Sapangbato, Angeles City.

Many might not know, that the Philippines is considered an agricultural and developing country, but sad to say that more areas in the center of the country is waste and air polluted. Admit it or not, from the time we were thought to be responsible of our own trash, we sometimes forget or worst, have ignored it even if it is just a tiny trash from a candy wrapper.

On the brighter side, many Filipinos are excelling in promoting a healthier environment and that counts to peace and prosperity. One movement would not be enough to say “I participate in the development.” One should always be consistent in his/her mission towards achieving his goals. Small or big it may be. If not, pass the knowledge or awareness to someone who could do it or make the lead afterwards. Life is always a cycle, we received, we give, we learn, we support, we lead.

Moreover, air pollution is a major problem in many countries in the world. Some car companies started producing electrical powered cars that could provide cleaner exhausts and green mobility. We do not of course state that diesel powered cars should be taken out into consideration when it comes to private and public vehicle/modes of transportation. These great helps our industry, both air and land.

Green transport system is a contribution to lessen the dependency of the use of oil in general. Reducing it to some amount so that we would then use it either for household or industrial purposes.

In Denmark, bicycling is very popular and it is also because it is a part of their culture. In every city and in small streets, you will see bicycle lanes and even stop lights for these lanes. A lot of people uses it everyday to go to school, work, grocery shopping, travelling, as a sport, as an exercise and many more.

I learned to bicycle even when I am wearing high heeled shoes and a dress on. What could be more fashionable and practical than riding a bicycle? 😉 Just do not forget a helmet on.

Sometimes, you will see the danish or the new danes are wearing formal dresses and coats. Yes, the cost of public transportation in Denmark is very high. Oh yes. From my own point of view, it might be because of the environmental hazards it has and at the same time, things like these in Denmark are heavily taxed. I will try to reach out to DSB, Ministry of Transport and to the ministry of Food and Environment to know more about it and enlighten more of my readers of this topic.

In the statement below, you will learn about the Tiklop Society of the Philippines. This is from TSP’s facebook page.

The Tiklop Society of the Philippines is a Philippine-based, non-stock, non-profit organization that brings together decent people with a singular love and appreciation for folding bicycles. It is a nexus for discussion about the technical aspects of these bikes as well as avenue for fostering camaraderie among the members by facilitating friendly discussions, meet-ups and rides. All folding bike brands are welcome here, as we are bound by the folding action of these amazing machines. Tiklop, is the Filipino word for “fold”.

TSP seeks to promote the use of folding bikes as a means to better oneself and achieve cleaner air and more livable cities. By nature of its fold, these bikes are most suitable to bimodal transportation, wherein one combines biking with other modes of public transportation such as buses, jeepneys, or trains. Through this, one can easily increase their range of travel and this will hopefully cut down on the number of private cars on the road. These bikes are well suited to urban landscape with its quick fold, they may be taken inside establishments such as malls, groceries, markets, banks and the workplace. If enough people bike to their destinations instead of using cars, there will be less road congestion, promote cleaner air, calmer streets and a healthier populace.

Formed in 2009, TSP has rapidly grown from a single member to quite a handful today. In a short time, TSP has been instrumental in making small-wheeled folding bikes acceptable to the riding public. 

For further information about TSP, visit their facebook group:

Tiklop Society of the Philippines. 

You can also download the project in pdf form of the Ministry of Transport in Denmark entitled “A Greener Transport”. You might get great ideas and inspiration. You are welcome to write to me so I can send you a pdf form of it to your e-mail. Contact me under the contact details section of my website. See their official website here:

The photo in this page was taken during one of TSP’s “Lighten Up” Projects wherein we stand by the side of the road and flag down bike commuters from the financially challenged sectors, and when they stop we outfit their bikes with lights and give them vests and helmets if we have any. This way it is hoped that they have a safer journey when they ply the roads to and from work everyday. Such is the spirit of TSP, where we aim to give back to society as well. 

Photo courtesy of TSP.

Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, or Antartica. Does it matter where you live to be able to tell a good story from another continent? The facts will get you there.

Sheree Ann

Denmark. The long season of rainy days and long winter nights doesn’t bother me at all, rather it calms my spirit. You have challenged me in many many many ways, but surprisingly your language became the music of my soul. 

Iceland, what a beauty you are. You literally swept my feet away. With your mind blowing storms, I realized how fragile we are — physically. I have only seen a glimpse of you and yet, you did not fail to impress me.

       I have been in the land of Ice and Fire for a week together with my sister Diane and my baby Elise who was six and a half months old that time. It was a wonderful experience knowing that it is still in the height of the winter time. It is a place that I would like to see again in the future. It was a three-hour direct flight from Copenhagen to Reykjavik. We were lucky to bath in the Blue Lagoon. There are some free (hidden) hot springs that we would love to try someday. I love the 38-degree celsius geothermal seawater temperature.

      My sister had the opportunity to have an 8-hour trip together with some other tourists to the beautiful nature attractions in the south of Iceland. Unfortunately, she was not able to see the Aurora Borealis that week. While she was busy hiking in the cold, I got myself occupied with preparing meals in our hotel. Lamb meat is very popular in Iceland. The sheeps are walking freely in the field and even in the streets if they have the chance in the summer time according to the locals, reason why the lamb meat tastes great. I made some soup, which apparently is very similar to what they are serving at the restaurants.

     Funny enough, on our last day, I have ordered the Icelandic soup at Hlemmur Square, which surprisingly almost the same recipe of the one that I cooked the first day. I also love Ástarpungar aka Love Balls, doughnut with whey cheese and cardemom sugar. I recommend that you try the fish menu at the Old Iceland restaurant. Iceland has also very good ice cream and milk. I just love dairies. Try Skyr. And yes, never buy bottled water. The tap water is free and the purest water that you could get anywhere in Iceland or anywhere in the world I must say.

     In my curiosity, I walked around to see  the city of Reykjavik with Elise in her stroller. That day, I found an art exhibit and lucky enough to be welcomed in. As an art appreciator, taking the time to look art is a relief. Meeting the Reykjavik Art Team was amazing. Gunnar was my point of contact, since it started when I talked in danish. Wondering if danish and icelandic language have similarities. I made a short video about the interview.

Environmental facts

Home of more than a hundred volcanos. Eruptions are barely felt. Iceland experiences major volcanic event once every five years. 

The vast majority of Icelandic homes are heated using geo-thermal hot water, one of the most environmentally friendly forms of heat-generation in the world. Probably, the world’s greenest country. -iceland.is

About the Reykjavik Art Team

“A group of visual artists who run studios together at Höfðatorg Bríetartún 13. The members are of various ages and with a range of different backgrounds.” 

“RAT exhibitions aims to combine different art forms and form a complete whole. RAT was establish in 2019 with the aim to create a platform for exhibition, gathering, working and creating a live discussion of art.” -Reykjavik Art Team

Gunnar Gunnarsson

He loves to paint women, portraying them as strong and like a sculpture. Gunnar has always been interested in art and artistic creation. He was influenced by his father who operated an art gallery called Ásmundarsal; now Folkekunstmuseet in the 1960. His family lived in the same building where the gallery was.

He began organizing art studios 20 years ago. Reyjavik school of Visual Arts and Kópavogur School of Visual Arts. 

Gunnar’s attachment to art awakened his interest in studying Psychology and works as one today. His focus is free body expression and motivation to stimulate creativity. Art keeps him alive and artistic creation makes the artist feel young. He is married to Jodis Hlodversdottir who is also an artist and a member of Reyjavik Art Team.

Jodis Hlovdversdottir

An art teacher who focuses in teaching children how to paint. She loves the thought of working with young people. “It is a pleasurable job, because they are open-minded and I like taking them to art exhibitions where they get their inspiration to paint”. She graduated from the Art School in Reykjavik as a textile designer, specializing in skin (leather) and fish skin.

Marteinn Bjarnar Thordarson

An audio and visual artist, who has been travelling to the core of the unknown using music and art as a medium. His passion for music and painting resonates in his works and appears to be the main instruments of his exploration. Harmonics of Frequency Modulation – a project of Marteinn using his own musical compositions.

I would not wonder why Icelanders are close to the nature. They have an unforgiving nature, yet their love for the environment is impeccable.

Inga Maria Brynjarsdottir

Born in Reykjavik, Iceland, graduated from the Icelandic Academy of the arts in the year 2004. Since then, Inga Maria has been working in the fields of fine arts, illustration, design and animation. Inga Maria´s work is based on her fascination with nature, wildlife and the oddities and ugliness in life. Inga Maria combines real life with the imaginary with a slash of distortion, which varies.

Helpful links:

See their facebook page. RAT – REYKJAVIK ART TEAM

https://www.iceland.is/

I dress myself, not to impress, but for comfort and style

Lindsey Wixon

Understanding sustainable fashion has evolved in many creative ways. Some are fond of true vintage and retro style warddrobe, while others are into a more environmental and trendy side called upcycled apparel, and some are loyal fans of known branded and signature clothing. For many years I have been buying and giving away the clothes I was purchasing from store to store. Gathering clothes that are on sale and as cheap as it could get was one of my to-do lists. This is not because it was the only thing I could afford, but the thought of it looks good on my eyes might look and feel good as well. In reality, it was a waste of money and resources. At one point I got tired of sorting them out and cleaning up my closet was an unending sad routine. 

Two years ago, I started investing in natural fabrics like linen and organic cotton. In the first year, buying from known mass produced brands was a good idea. Through my experience, they are indeed a random of good and bad quality. Polyester was a cheap solution to produce clothes in the fashion industry, that unfortunately degrades the quality of a beautifully designed piece of apparel. In some cases, mixing polyester with cotton or viscose and any other fabric natural fiber makes the quality better and makes it lasts longer.

I kept reading and researching and started outsourcing, since my hunt for a good clothing was not yet over. While living in the nordic country where locally produced and carefully designed clothing is preferred, I on the contrary was a little challenged, that is finding the right size primarily. One solution might be taking the clothes to the tailor and you definitely need to allocate a budget for it. Luckily, I found a local designer who is willing to make clothes for me. She designs clothes using organic cotton, velvet in lively colors and with nature-inspired prints for women and young girls. 

Good to know. Facts from the Technological Institute in Denmark.

When are clothes organic?
If you go for clothes made of organic cotton, there are three general criteria for when you can say that cotton is organic:

• Do not use pesticides, insecticides or foliar felling agents
• Fertilizer must not be used
• Genetic modification (GMO) must not be used

When it comes to organic cotton clothing, there are several different labels to go for, e.g., you can look for; GOTS (Global Organic Cotton Standard) and CMIA-Organic (Cotton Made In Africa).

In my own experience and learnings.

Why Linen is good for you?

Linen is of natural fiber and it has anti-bacterial properties that makes it ideal for people with skin allergies. It is elegant as it is considering that it is also a fashion statement of those living in tropical countries. It is a little costly than cotton, but definitely cheaper than silk. You will also enjoy how light and airy it feels during the summer time. As with any other fabrics, following the care instructions for washing it will benefit you in the long run. The only cons of linen is that it demands ironing. It wrinkles easily, but that is one of the characteristics of it. Linen bedsheets are also recommended as they like silk fiber, naturally repels unwanted microscopic organisms, therefore reducing bad odor and allergic reactions. Linen doesn’t need to be washed at high temperatures for it is a natural fiber. It is preferred to be washed at 40 degrees celsius using non-bleaching soaps or in my case, I uses liquid soap especially formulated for fine or wool. It works for me and my family. Reduce the use of fabric softeners, as this has chemicals that are not good for the environment. In rare cases, fabric that are prone to statics, a little amount of it would be effective in minimizing it. It is wise to choose your washing detergent carefully by reading the labels before purchasing or make a research about the contents. Me and my husband uses Forbrugerrådet Tænk as a guide for some products that we would like to invest, especially appliances, children’s necessities, food and cosmetic brands.

Thank you for reading. You might also want to read A Stronger Bond, which also talks about enriching culture thru fashion and promoting sustainability.

Sincerely,

Sheree Ann Kratmann Indiongco

This article is not sponsored. 

 I recommend you to watch Plastic Pollution

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