Buzzworm Earth BlogEnvironmental solutions and conservation news.

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Through 2007, Vietnamese economic market trends indicated that civilian aircraft and industrial rubber were the leading imported products, while cotton apparel and home furnishings topped the exports list. This trend has apparently started changing somewhat with the conclusion of 2008. According to Daniel Workman in his article “Top Vietnamese Exports and Imports”, at the end of the 4th quarter, the trends now appear as follows:

Top 5 Fastest-growing export categories:

- iron and steel mill products (semi-finished)

- plywood and wood veneers

- diamonds – both uncut and unset

- appliances – household and kitchen

- DVD players, televisions, and assorted video equipment

Top 5 Fastest-growing import categories:

- nuts

- industrial rubber products

- copper

- soybeans

- assorted non-ferrous (non-iron) metals

The Stage is Set for Profitable Imports

Despite the global economy and the US financial markets experiencing considerable turbulence in the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2008, Vietnam managed to exceed $10 billion (USD) in exports to the US by the end of October (2008). This equaled the total of the entire prior year (2007). Current speculation is that 2009 will see an increase over the prior year that could reach 15%.

Conversely, current numbers indicate that US exports alone into the Vietnamese market are approaching the $1.5 billion mark. Does this indicate that exporting products into Vietnam’s market would be a profitable and viable opportunity for other companies and countries besides the United States? Absolutely. Here are some key considerations concerning this growing economic market:

- Population: 86,116,559 – 13th most populous country in the world (57% of the entire population is below the age of 30)

- GDP Real Growth Rate: 8.48%

- GDP percentage by economic sector: Agriculture – 19.4%, Construction and Industry – 42.3%, and Services – 38.3%

- Principal exports: crude oil, electronic components and products, fishery products, footwear, and garments and textiles

- Principal imports: equipment and replacement parts for machinery, refined petroleum, steel, textile industry cloth and materials

Export Opportunities

According to the US Commercial Service based in Hanoi, there are a number of potentially profitable

for other countries yet to be investigated. For those companies and countries interested in entering this expanding Southeast Asian market, here is a list of the 10 most lucrative sectors of the Vietnamese economy:

- Airport and ground support equipment

- Computer hardware and software services

- Education and training

- Environmental technologies (pollution control equipment)

- Franchise opportunities

- Gas, oil, and petroleum machinery and related services

- Medical equipment and supplies

- Power distribution and transmission

- Safety and security equipment

- Telecommunications equipment and related services

These are some of the best export opportunities in Vietnam.

Steven D is a prolific writer and Managing Director at Singapore Dovalize Pte. Ltd. He is currently promoting business in Vietnam and to know more about it, check out
Vietnam business, exports and import

Turpentine Wine

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Even at a time when the number of tourists interested in visiting places of historical interest has dwindled to some extent, Prague has maintained its repute as one of the most popular historical destinations of the world. The city with architectural splendors in the form of palaces, museums and galleries is a must visit for those who have a keen interest in history or architecture. This city never ceases to surprise people and has something new to offer at all times. As a result, it is commonly believed that one trip to Prague is not enough because it has a lot to offer. Prague is known as the home to several well-known museums some of which that date back to the 18th century.

Lobkowicz Palace in Prague houses perhaps the most famous museum in the city. This vast palace has a museum that treasures some of the most precious art prices and antiques possessed by the Lobkowicz family. The Prague national museum is another well known museum in the city. Located in the Wenceslas Square, this museum is to be found inside a building which is the landmark of the Square. Being the oldest museum in the city, the National Museum hosts several exhibits that reflect the glorious past of the country. In addition, this museum is known for exhibiting some rare paintings by world famous European artists.

If the National Museum is famous for reflecting the history of Czech republic, the Museum of the City of Prague is a tribute to Prague city. Its chief attraction is the 20 sq ft model prepared by Antonin Langweil which depicts the city. Furthermore, there are some unique sculptures and ancient artifacts housed by this museum. Likewise, the National Gallery at Veletrzni Palace and Museum of Communism also deserve a special mention as these museums have depicted history from close quarters enabling visitors to travel back in time.

Roland Poitevin is a dedicated writer with a passion for business and environmental issues.

You can check out his new website at Island Range Hoods which helps people find the best new Range Hoods and information they are looking for relating to this subject.

Cleaning up Fossil Fuels 5 of 5 World Debate – BBC Discussion

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Although kelp grows in many locations, the kelp forests off the coast of San Diego are some of the richest and most developed beds on earth.  Kelp is generally found in areas where nutrient levels are high.  This often occurs where there is an upwelling of nutrients from deep waters or where nutrients are provided locally but other mean such as seal wastes.  The size of the kelp beds vary from year to year, determined by water temperature and storm actions as well as various pollution and harvesting issues. 

Kelp creates flat patches on the water, as the vegetative growth mutes the wave and wind action on the ocean’s surface.  Close up, it looks like you are moving through the leaves at the very top of the forest canopy.  Under water, it looks like a dimly lit forest with the sun’s rays piercing through a submerged forest.

The Kelp Plant

The kelp plant is one of the fastest growing plants on earth and under ideal conditions may grow a couple feet per day.  It prefers water temperatures in the 50 – 65 degree F range and may reach upwards of 120 feet in height. Kelp anchors itself of the ocean floor by mean of a “hold fast” – a bunching together of the roots on rocky reefs or onto anything it can find to hold on to.  As the leaves reach the surface of the water they spread out to form a canopy much the way trees in a forest do.  Often the kelp branches will appear like deer antlers sticking out of the water – perhaps the analogy is a result of the author’s rural upbringing in Canada.

The kelp bed provides a habitat for a host of creatures, both herbivores and carnivores.  It is a rich ecosystem with some eating the plant itself; some eating the plants springing up in the environment created by the kelp bed; and some eating the other animals that come to the kelp bed for food and shelter.

Uses for Kelp

The kelp plant has been used for thousands of years and has many uses.  The beds off of San Diego were harvested beginning in 1911, which continued until 2005, when operations ceased due to economic issues.

Kelp is very rich in iodine and extracts are used to treat thyroid problems, as well as used to treat arthritis.  Kelp-derived alginate is used as a thickener for ice cream, salad dressing and toothpaste, as well as a host of other products.  Literally, it is contained in dozens of common consumables used each day.

Boating around Kelp

The kelp beds extend a couple miles off the shoreline of San Diego, but they are especially prevalent off of Point Loma.  While boating, it is necessary to be careful venturing too deeply into kelp for a couple of reasons:

• The kelp may wrap around the boat keel or prop shaft and you may get stuck;
• Motoring through kelp may cause pieces of it to break off and clog the water intake ports on the engine, resulting in engine overheating.

The kelp beds provide a rich habitat and valuable natural resource that need to be protected.  Many local residents are unaware of kelps existence or importance within the local maritime systems.  Now that the reader has an understanding of this issue, please work to protect the kelp beds off our coast.

Captain Parks having spent many years chained to his computer desk, now spends most of his time working on the water in some manner. He has a USCG boat license, is a ASA Sailing instructor and a PADI Divemaster.

He owns a luxury charter yacht company in San Diego, CA and thoroughly enjoys sharing his passion for the ocean and it’s creatures with others.

Andy in San Diego part 2

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I need to know about a recent environmental issue in Hungary?

I have to write a newspaper article for Hungary so it would be preferred if it had more information. It needs to be recent like less than a year ago.
A website including information would be fantastic as well.

http://www.rec.org/REC/Publications/ETSu
http://www.iisd.ca/chemical/ifcs5/heavym
http://www.ce-review.org/thematicarchive
all are pretty old but it will give you a start

Environmental Health : How to Recycle Paper