19
Jul, 2021
Sustainable Development

How to Contribute to Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The concept of needs goes beyond simply material needs and includes values, relationships, as well as the freedoms to think, act and participate – all amounting to sustainable living, morally and spiritually.

It is such a crucial subject that in 2012, the United Nations met to discuss and develop a set of goals to work towards. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) eventually came up with a list of 17 items that included, amongst other things:

  • the end of poverty and hunger
  • better standards of education and healthcare, particularly as it pertains to water quality and better sanitation
  • to achieve gender equality
  • sustainable economic growth while promoting jobs and stronger economies
  • sustainability to include health of the land, air and sea

As this is an issue that all countries are facing and we all want to leave a better world for future generations, here are a few tips on how each and everyone can contribute to save our planet.

  1. Good Health and Well-Being

    This refers to reducing the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.

    – Don’t drink and drive

    – Lower the speed while driving

    – Drive considerately

     

  2. Responsible Consumption and Production

    This refers to reducing the global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses.

    – Don’t “overbuy” – plan meals and use shopping lists

    – Freeze fresh products and leftovers if you don’t have the chance to eat them before they go bad

    – Eat less meat, poultry and fish. Producing meat takes a lot more resources than producing plants.

    – Buy and eat seasonal produce from local growers

  1. Reduced Inequalities

    This refers to empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin or religious belief.

    – Don’t be judgmental to differences but be open-minded

    – Embrace differences and learn from people different than you

    – Be helpful, be a friend and take your time to listen to peoples’ different opinions and situations

  1. Responsible Consumption and Production

    This refers to substantially reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.

    – Donate what you don’t need – clothes, books, furniture or food. By donating, you also contribute to other goals aiming towards no poverty, zero hunger and reducing inequalities.

    – Shop second-hand or trade clothes with colleagues, friends or family

    – Use refillable water bottles and coffee cups

    – Use reusable cloth bags rather than plastic

     

  2. Decent Work and Economic Growth

    This refers to drastically reducing the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.

    – Encourage youth to work and get an education

    – Provide jobs, trainee spots and internships

    – Inspire youth by showing the value of having a job, earning your own money and being able to provide yourself and your family

    – Show value in contributing to society

  1. Clean Water and Sanitation

    Sustainable Development Goal #6: Clean Water and Sanitatio… | Flickr

    This refers to achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water.

    – Convince your company to commit to a water, sanitation and hygiene pledge (WASH). This will not only help keep your community clean but set a standard and expectation for others to follow, including your competitors.

  1. Sustainable Cities and Communities

    More and more people are packing into urban areas each year. The sustainability of cities is vital to the future of humanity but they are eating up our natural resources. As big consumers of energy, businesses can take the lead in reducing energy consumption by investing in renewable energy resources such as solar, wind and biofuel.

As we move forward, we can all continue in our resolutions for the new millennium – ensuring that no one is left behind on the way to a safer, happier future.

What is your way of contributing to the goals? Share your thoughts in the comment section below because there is no such thing as too many ideas when it comes to making the world a better place.

3
Jun, 2021

5 Ecological Inventions That Could Save the Planet (Part 1)

Specialists constantly sound the alarm that our planet is dying, mainly because of human activity. Governments seem to remain deaf to the alarmist discourse of scientists. However, some good ideas are emerging and could give the planet some respite. 

First, let’s look at the current state of the planet.

It is no secret that the ecological state of the Earth is extremely worrying for the future. Humanity seems to be at a turning point in its existence. A turning point that it is having trouble getting into and whose outcome seems inevitably disastrous. Here are some extremely striking figures about the current ecological situation of the planet:

– Every 20 minutes on Earth, an animal or plant species disappears

– A quarter of all animal and plant species could disappear within 50 years because of human activity

– Global warming is increasing, to the point that the world’s largest glaciers are melting

– Many underwater species are dying, and their corpses reveal stomachs filled with plastic

– Endangered animals are still being trafficked

– Big companies are dumping polluted water into rivers

– Air pollution kills nearly 9 million people every year

– Water sources (lakes, rivers, etc.) are drying up fast

– Forests are disappearing to make way for fields of crops or commercial, residential, hotel, etc. 

And the list of casualties is still long… However, there is also good news. This post looks at 5 futuristic inventions that could well change our lives. 

1. Bicycle paths made of recycled plastic

This initiative was born in the Netherlands. The Dutch are known to appreciate the bicycle and use it mostly as a means of transportation. It is composed of no less than 500,000 bottle caps and thus allows cyclists to circulate easily. The plastic corks, although in nature, do not risk polluting or suffocating any animal.

2. Ecological cell phones, yes: it exists!

Again the work of a Dutch company, Fairphone offers cell phones whose components are all from responsible sources. They can be repaired when they are broken or no longer work and are fully recyclable. 

3. Autonomous buildings

SolarEdge is probably the most successful when it comes to autonomy. Their solar panels have provided enough energy to run computers, smartphones, lights, and electric vehicles. Equipped with thousands of sensors that measure live temperature variations and movements, energy consumption is adapted according to a building’s activity. Moreover, these solar panels consume far less energy than a corporate building of the same size.

In another example, the Galapagos Islands replaced their airport on Baltra Island with a 100% green building. It is made only of recycled or reused materials to maintain harmony with the archipelago’s environment—solar panels and giant wind turbines power this airport. There is no air-conditioning and no windows.  

4. Biodegradable tableware

Biotrem is a Polish company offering dishes made of natural wheat bran. It is therefore biodegradable and edible! It takes only 30 days to degrade if it is thrown away in nature. The plates, bowls, and cutlery are perfectly waterproof and solid. They are even microwave-safe.

The company produces 15 million biodegradable products each year, a real opportunity to reduce single-use plastic. 

Respect the planet and support it. It’s the best footprint you can leave on this planet. Please read part 2, which covers 5 more ecological inventions that could save the world.

Don’t forget to leave us your comments and share this article. Also, do not hesitate to request a topic of your particular interest. We promise to respond without delay and revert with as much information to help you save the planet.