As you can imagine, I follow a number of sites that promote sustainability or environmentally friendly activities. I get very excited when I see communities, governments and countries making steps the right direction. So often we hear about how we are damaging the environment, but I get a sense that there are a number of people who are making huge efforts to bring change. So instead of saying we can’t do anything, it is all too hard, we can look to what others have done and follow their example.
Here are some of the very interesting and amazing things that are happening around the world:
1. This is what tackling climate change looks like... and it's beautiful!
Nyngan and Broken Hill's (Australia) solar power plants were officially launched last week, meaning more than TWO MILLION extra solar panels are now delivering energy into the national grid! http://bit.ly/1S4X8iw (Courtesy of The Climate Council, Australia)
2. The Aussie invention – The Seabin
Two Australian surfers, Andrew Turton & Pete Ceglinski created the Seabin. The Seabin is an automated rubbish bin that catches floating rubbish, oil, fuel and detergents. It designed for floating docks in the water of marinas, private pontoons, inland waterways, residential lakes, harbours, water ways, ports and yacht clubs. Their invention is gaining worldwide attention. Have a look at their website: www.seabinproject.com
3. The Power of Windfarms
In 15 July 2015, Denmark’s windfarms was able to meet its domestic electricity demand and export power to Norway, Germany and Sweden. Read more in this link: http://bit.ly/1LZOE8L (Courtesy of The Guardian)
4. From Devastation to Cultivation.
This has been happening for a while, but I think it demonstrates what can be done, even after disaster has struck. Four years after the devastating tsunami, communities in southern Sri Lanka’s resettlement villages have learnt to create sustainable sanitation systems. Plants are growing over a household seepage bed to help purify wastewater, and guess what? The plants are thriving and producing vegetables and fruits for the families They were helped by the Red Cross Society, to use composting and gardening techniques to help purify wastewater in their households. Read more in this link: http://bit.ly/23JBuE1 (Courtesy of OneWorld South Asia).
5. Young minds showing us all what we can do
I will be crossing my fingers and toes, hoping this works. Boyan Slat is a Dutch entrepreneur, who was just 16 when he imagined an ingenious way to remove plastic from the oceans. He may be about to realise his dream. I first came across his work in an article by The Age, which also included a video about his work.: http://bit.ly/1RWCFfw (The Age – theage.com.au). So I looked a bit further and found more details about his work on The Ocena Clean up website (www.theoceancleanup.com). I have linked one of their great vidoes below. Well worth watching.
There are many more things I could talk about, but I think I will leave them for a later date. It is amazing what some people have achieved. It shows you what can be done when people put their minds to it. Now I know you may think “I can’t do anything like this”, but even as an individual there are ways we can add to the environmental movement. One way is by putting pressure on our government or local council to make such changes. Also, as a consumer it is our choices that will drive the market in the right direction. And as I have said before, if we all do our bit it all adds up.
I would love to hear any stories or news you have heard. Or have you had an eco achievement of your own?
Please let us know. We love to hear your comments.
Until the next time, have an earthly passionate few days.