Ukrainian activists have adopted a number of clever methods for political action, including nudity and humor; now for their non-violent demonstrations they are utilizing an even more powerful tool, a simple mirror.
For five years Annie Leonard and the folks from the innovative Story of Stuff Project have been creating compact educational videos explaining complicated ideas in a very accessible and easy to understand format. One of their most recent short films, The Story of Solutions, is perhaps the most hopeful and inspiring in the series.
Siemens’ latest commercial for their extreme wind turbine program combines dramatic, computer-generated camera angles, swooping visuals, and an epic soundtrack that might be more appropriate for a summer blockbuster if, you know, Siemens weren’t out there actually trying to save the world with their cheap, clean, non-polluting power. The kind of “save the world” thing that clean power providers do every day, in other words. Projects like the massive wind turbines shown in this commercial, Siemens hopes, will help reduce…
In an attempt to reverse rampant extreme poverty and severe economic inequities, the Swiss populace is now demanding a vote to implement a Basic Income for all of its citizens. These proposed economic reforms would mandate $2500 francs monthly for every adult; regardless if they are rich or poor, all people would be treated equally.
The planned documentary Bikes vs Cars is more than a film, it is part of a global movement to fundamentally change how we get around. Although the simple bicycle is an affordable, sustainable, healthy and fun method of transportation, in many cultures the polluting inefficient automobile still continues to prevail. This powerful film analyzes the politics and consequences of subsidizing the car, and also highlights individuals from around the world who are fighting to improve bike access and infrastructure.
This week’s moment of inspiration comes in the form of a three-minute video entitled “Giving”, which beautifully chronicles the story of a humble shop keeper who is suddenly repaid for some of the selfless and caring deeds that he performed over the course of his life.
Sometimes the simplest graffiti can offer wise insight into very dense and complicated issues, while at other times art installations may just strive to celebrate life’s ordinary moments. Here are a few examples of some recent thought-provoking public murals, knitter tagging and clever graffiti.
Access to clean water is becoming increasingly scarce, but in an arid nation like Australia, water is most especially precious. Now many homes across the vast country are beginning to learn just how simple and important it can be to collect their own rainwater. Several areas in the country have even begun requiring rainwater catchment systems for all newly constructed buildings.
Many local communities are looking at ways that they can incorporate green technology into their city’s municipal infrastructure. One impressive success story is the Tindo electric bus in Adelaide, Australia. Although many cities have experimented with using hybrid or electric technology in their public transport systems, this vehicle is the world’s first 100% solar-powered electric bus; and not only is it powered by the sun, but this service is also offered free of charge.
Economist and former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich shares an insightful Labor Day message concerning how we can improve the plight of struggling workers in the United States.
California is once again leading the nation in enacting more sensible gun control regulations. This week the state Congress is continuing to draft legislation that would create a comprehensive database for the purchase of ammunition, as well as require all guns to remain locked up when they are not in use, and extend how long a person is prohibited from owning weapons after they have made violent threats against someone.
Nearly half the people on our planet do not have safe water to drink. Friendly Water for the World is a nonprofit organization, founded by Quakers, whose mission is to help expand access to low-cost clean water technologies, as well as information about health and sanitation, to people in need. They teach communities how to construct simple biosand water filters, which remove nearly 99% of all parasites, disease and water-borne pathogens.
Incredibly, some Spanish towns are now fining people who search through dumpsters for food the equivalent of nearly $1000; while elsewhere, other communities are beginning to understand the power inherent in salvaging and reusing resources gleaned from our garbage.
In a huge victory for both clean energy and environmental advocates, the Edison Power Company announced on Friday that its troubled San Onofre nuclear power plant will be permanently shuttered.