EM naturally attach themselves to harmful micro-organisms, neutralizing odours and cleaning stagnant water.

On resort islands like Phuket, water contamination presents a serious challenge, both for residents and those working within the hospitality industry. Widespread construction and development can disturb the natural balance and the water is one of the first resources affected. A constantly growing transient population, combined with high volumes of human and residual waste mean that if solutions can’t be found, pollution quickly takes hold. EM, or Effective Micro-organisms, offer an effective, natural answer to the problem of wastewater treatment and many residents and businesses around the island are already using EM products to clean and protect their natural surroundings.

Effective Micro-organisms were first developed by Professor Teruo Higa at the University of Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan. Concerned by the damaging effects of agrochemicals, he focussed his attentions on developing natural alternatives, and through his research discovered that micro-organisms could be divided into three distinct categories: harmful, beneficial, and opportunistic. EM naturally attach themselves to harmful micro-organisms, neutralizing odours and cleaning stagnant water. In most cases for cleaning water ecosystems, EM outcompete other harmful micro-organisms causing them to die out due to lack of a food source. This is why they have to be continually added.

Although Dr. Higa’s research is not new, the word EM only recently became well known around the globe. EM products are now used in households and businesses throughout Asia, South and North America, Europe and Africa, both for cleaning and as natural fertilizers. An annual international conference on EM moves around the globe, while in Asia, Thailand has become the EM information centre, with partial funding from its Japanese counterpart.

Here on Phuket, Environmental Solutions and Protection Ltd (ESP) is one company that supplies EM products and also conducts regular home and hotel visits to clean out decorative ponds and septic tanks using the solution. “EM can be used in many types of water treatment,” explained the company’s founder, Brad Kenny. “It literally eats waste. Everything from leftover foods to pond sludge and even bad smells.” In fact, a number of home and villa owners on Phuket already apply Extended EM in and around their properties and several resorts also use EM in various ways, particularly to treat their decorative ponds, waste water and prevent unpleasant smells. Phuket Villas and Homes, a leading villa rental agency, is currently in the process of applying EM throughout the company’s portfolio of managed properties.

Introducing EM to your home or business is quite straightforward. Just 10CC of EM solution is enough to produce a full litre of “Extended EM”, which you can apply in a variety of ways. The concentrate ESP uses is mixed with the source water and aerated, either by hand agitation or mechanical means. Before applying the Extended EM, let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes in a sealed container. The lid should be loosened occasionally to release pressure from the fermentation process, after that, it’s ready to be applied. One litre of EM concentrate costs around 100 baht and stretches a long way. Small amounts can be poured down the wash basin or into the toilet to reach septic tanks, even the spill-off from cleaning the house with water mixed with EM solution will flow into the ground and help remove harmful micro-organisms.

To buy EM products or schedule a cleaning visit on Phuket, call Brad Kenny on 08 1633 4279. You can also buy EM solution at the “Kachonjit Shop” in Kamala, near the Thai Military Bank, also in Rawai. Call 08 1891 4793 (Thai language) for more details.

This article is provided courtesy of Phuket Villas & Homes as part of the company’s corporate responsibility programme.

Posted under Lifestyle

More than 30 percent of world resources on construction!

Building a green house
According to international statistics, construction uses up more than 30% of the world’s resources, the building industry consumes 12% of fresh water in OECD countries and property development accounts for up to 40% of total energy consumption. As a result of this environmental impact, an international challenge has now been set for the property industry to consider how buildings can be made carbon neutral by 2020. There are already a number of projects in Thailand working to achieve this.
Below are some of the most effective approaches to eco-friendly building.

Passive designs
This refers to the use of simple design techniques that assist in controlling the ventilation and average temperatures within a building without the use of any mechanical systems. On Koh Samui, the Aqualina project by Exclusive Developments utilises passive cooling techniques and also features a series of planter beds on villa roofs that absorb heat, thus helping keep the building cool. In addition, external retaining walls contain compacted soil to insulate the building and keep its ambient temperature cooler than conventional structures.

Alternative energy
On-site energy generation from renewable sources such as the sun, the wind, the tide, the waves or even the crops that we grow, can take two forms: building-integrated renewable energy generation or stand-alone generation. Integrated ideas include solar powered hot water systems, which can be mounted on the north-facing roof. Meanwhile, with access to the right kind of wind, there is also the potential to build a medium scale wind turbine that feeds the buildings directly adjacent to it with electricity via its own power cable.

Water saving
Water is also a major consideration when building, both during the construction process and once the development is occupied. Ocean’s Edge Condominium project in Pattaya features purified drinking water, pumped from two on-site wells to every faucet in the development. In addition, the buildings include black and grey water storage, with treatment and recycling, as well as rainwater collection for use on the gardens. The construction itself also features ‘superblock’ a modern, aerated, lightweight brick and UPVC exterior doors and windows with three layers of glass to maintain internal temperatures.
Here on Phuket at Mai Khao Beach, the West Sands development is setting a similar example with green building techniques that include energy efficient hydrothermic air conditioning and hot water systems, water conservation practices, biodegradable refuse plants, solar energy, double-glazing, and superior insulation. Barry King is Director of Sales & Marketing for Central and City Developments, the company behind West Sands. He says that by choosing an outstanding natural location for the project, the idea was to offer an unrivaled lifestyle to residents and guests while at the same time striving to create the smallest environmental footprint possible.
Dollars and Sense of Green Building is an online report that outlines how the understanding of ‘green’ has evolved. The report reviews what has been learned from case studies, improvements in rating tools and industry practices. For more information visit www.gbca.org.au/dollars-sense08

This article is provided courtesy of Phuket Villas & Homes as part of the company’s corporate responsibility programme.

Posted under Lifestyle