Author: Fono

Things are Technically Good

- Fono 1 Comment

We write a lot about technology around here, so when I say that this post is the mother of all tech-related posts, that’s saying a lot. Usually we report on one positive technology at a time; this time, we’re reporting on dozens.

The Tech Museum Awards exist to recognize and celebrate technology that benefits humanity. Nominations for the 2006 awards are currently being accepted, but in the meantime, check out the 2005 laureates. Amongst them:

Enviro Options
Enviro Options developed the Enviro Loo to make inroads into the enormous backlog of the sanitation requirement of the entire human race. The design is an attempt to produce a sanitation system that can be mass-produced, relatively cheaply. The technology is simple. It requires no chemicals… It is powered by radiant heat absorbed from sunlight and wind power. It requires minimal maintenance. It will not pollute ground water, and is user friendly.

Malnutrition Matters
Malnutrition Matters designed the VitaGoat system to benefit people in villages and rural areas of developing countries, by providing sustainable employment on a micro-enterprise basis and improving nutrition… The VitaGoat enables quick preparation of protein-rich foods such as soymilk and tofu that are highly beneficial for protein-deficient diets and especially for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Pinball Clemons vs. A History of Violence

- Fono

With the rapidly mounting history of gun violence in Toronto, there has been a lot of talk of law-and-order solutions to the problem, but that doesn’t come even close to addressing the real issue.

So it’s nice to see that the government of Ontario, along with erstwhile football star “Pinball” Clemons, is launching an initiative to invest $15 million into programs for at-risk youth in marginalized communities throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

“The Youth Challenge Fund — is it a solution? Absolutely not,” Clemons said. “This is a program that builds into tomorrow. This is not something that is going to today eradicate violence.” We’re inclined to agree.

Water and Ice(land)

- Fono 1 Comment

A recent issue of The Walrus contained an article on Iceland’s burgeoning experiments with alternative energy sources. Iceland already harnesses geothermal energy, which provides half of the overall energy consumed by citizens and businesses. However, they are also planning to start using hydrogen power, and be oil-free by 2050. “We want to become the first hydrogen society in the world,” said the chairman of the ruling Progressive Party.

Interestingly, both Shell and DaimlerChrysler are active participants in the plan; Daimler will provide hydrogen-powered vehicles, and Shell will provide hydrogen filling stations.

Of particular interest to our Canadian readers may be a quote from a senior official in the hydrogen program. When asked how Canada might go oil-free, she responded, “You have solar! You have wind! You have hydro! Many countries have geothermal too, but they are just waiting for the world to run out of oil before they do anything about it.”

Banking for Beggars

- Fono 1 Comment

How do you break the vicious cycle of poverty?


The Grameen Bank in India is doing it by issuing microcredit loans to poor people who can then use the money to engage in entrepreneurial activities, like lime-making, garment sewing, and transport services. As of July 2004, the bank had 1267 branches and 3.7 million borrowers, 96 percent of whom were women. 94 percent of the bank is owned by borrowers. In late 2003, the bank established a new lending program specifically for beggars in Bangladesh.

Overall, the initiative has been wildly successful.

And there’s a US division too!

Easier Whistleblowing in China

- Fono

The Chinese government has launched a website that allows the public to report corrupt officials online:

The new site (www.jubao.gov.cn) is run by the party’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the Ministry of Supervision.

The Web site offers Chinese villagers and others a way to lodge complaints directly, bypassing local authorities who are sometimes criticized for retaliating against petitioners or refusing to take action on complaints.

China has the world’s second-largest population of Internet users after the United States, with more than 100 million people online.

China also has a huge problem with peasants getting screwed over by middle management while higher levels of government turn a blind eye. This certainly won’t solve the problem, but it could be a good start.

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