Hassan Fathy: An Early Visionary of Sustainable Architecture
Born in Alexandra on the 23rd of March, 1900, Hassan Fathy passed away in 1989, but not before leaving his mark on the world. Fathy was an architect and the very first Egyptian that did not incorporate western ideologies into his architectural techniques. Instead he dug into the past and brought back old techniques...
Where Does Coal Come From?
For hundreds of millions of years the world had no coal reserves. So where does coal come from now? Coal is a fossil fuel made from the carbon atoms locked up in plants that lived millions of years ago. 345 to 280 million years ago, the world was mostly covered with luxuriant vegetation which...
Ecotourism Benefits the Galapagos Islands?
Ecotourism sounds like it is good for the environment; after all it has the word “eco” in it. But like many things too much of a good thing can cause irreversible damage and this is true for the environment and those wishing to visit pristine areas. Take for example the case of the Galapagos Islands. ...
What Is Deforestation and Why Does It Matter?
What is deforestation? Surely the rainforest is an example that comes to mind, logging trees within the intensely bio-diverse forest along the equator. And yet, deforestation occurs everywhere, and has for centuries, likely in your own back yard. Deforestation is the conversion of forests to pasture, cropland, urban areas, or other landscapes that have few...
Sustainable Packaging: Making A Difference?
Sustainable packaging design is one viable way of providing packaging that is environmentally smart and responsible. Ideally, minimal to no packaging is ideal, but not always practical. So alternatively, choosing carefully choosing packaged products for purchase can make a difference in how we preserve our resources. Sustainable packaging, like the word ‘sustainable’ is loosely defined,...
The Slow Money Alliance
“What would the world be like if we invested 50% of our money within 50 miles of where we live?” The Slow Money Alliance has a set of principles in place in order to “enhance food security, food safety and food access; improve nutrition and health; promote cultural, ecological and economic diversity; and...
Sustainable Development In India: So Much Now- and More to Come?
Sustainable development, including its three pillars, is vital for the successful and lasting development of any country. Such an endeavor can take many forms. For sustainable development to take place, communities (thus social aspects), the environment and the economy must be taken into account. This is no different for India. India has...
Your Top 10 Ways To Go Green
We are starting to become more aware of our environment and the impact our daily lives has on it. People say that they will change their ways, but when push comes to shove, no one really goes through with this promise. The time to act is now and making changes will not only...
Vegetable Oil Fuels – A Not So New Way of Keeping Wheels Turning
Vegetable oil fuels are an alternative for diesel fuel as well as for the use of heating oil burners. More recently they are becoming the fuel of choice for green-minded vehicle drivers. Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine, did initially experiment with engines running on vegetable oil fuel. He thought that it...
Heritage Livestock and Heirloom Produce: Let’s Keep Our Diversity, Shall We?
Heritage livestock is of the uptmost importance and one organisation that has these interests at heart is the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC). Agriculture is today very dominated by genetic engineering and so are our farm animals. To maximise size as well as immunity, genetics come into play. As a result, a hybrid animal is...
Subsistence Agriculture – Reclaim This Step Towards Sustainability
Subsistence agriculture is simply put the cultivation of land and rearing of crop and animals to feed your own family, and share or trade the rest. However he word “subsistence” thwarts the meaning of the action of local farming and raising of food for one’s self and family. The word, subsistence implies a lack, and...
Becoming Self Sufficient And How You Can Make A Difference
In terms of environmental responsibility and the carbon footprint we leave behind when engaging in our daily activities, becoming self sufficient can help alleviate the strains we put onto our planet. How to Be Self Sufficient 101 Becoming self sufficient has to do with how you go about your daily activities and how you use...