Brainstorming

 

Today I want to share with you some ideas I have for the recycling project I am planning. I've been thinking and I need something that will advertise recycling as well as inform and involve others. Here are the ideas I came up with:

1. Organizing a Paper Recycling Workshop

 You already saw how much I looove this crafting activity and as I have already organized a workshop where I taught the lower school kids in my highscool how to make candles from scratch (well we didn't make the wax...) and it was lots of fun I don't think I would have a problem gathering my little recycling unit! However there are many inconveniences workshops like these take a lot of planning, the purchasing of the screens might be costly so it will require funds and it requires a lot of time.

2. Organizing a Dance Using Recycled Decorations

Events like these are always popular and this would give me a chance to show the potential of recycling. Since the decorations will be made out of waste it would reduce the cost considerably and the making of the decorations would involve the whole school community. But of course this is not the best choice, it lacks focus on the recycling and it will still require some funds for the entertainment.

3. Buying Bins for "Courte Echelle" and Informing them About the Need for Recycling

"Courte Echelle" is a school for disabled children close to my own school. They don't have a very developed recycling program and so this might be a good way to introduce them to it. I would need to fundraise a bit of money to buy the bins but it is not unmanageable. However (yes there is always a con to these things...) it would require maintenance, the bins would have to be emptied every week and that means I need to organize a that myself (Courte Echelle will not be able to do that themselves).

4. Collecting Second Hand Objects from Pupils and Donating them to a Local Charity

I have already talked about the benefits of recycling for the under privileged in Mauritius, this is one way to put this concept into action. It would involve the school community and it is a form of recycling which adapts very well to the need of Mauritius. Organizing the collect and motivating pupils to take part might be a little challenging but it would give me a chance to advertise the cause to the school community. It's simple but effective.

The Need for Recycling in Mauritius

I already talked about our little island in previous posts but today I want to tell you more about why recycling and green initiatives are so important for the island's sustainability. Firstly the ratio of space to population is huge, the island spans a tiny 40x60 km for about 1,288,684 (on the 31st December 2011). That means that the amount of waste being produced is huge and the space in which to put it away is small. Secondly Mauritius's economy relies largely on tourism which means it must retain its natural charm and CLEAN beaches. Ever lied down on the beach, dug your feet into the sand and felt foreign objects touching your skin? Yeah it's awful! Thirdly there is a lot of potential in recycling for the benefit of the poorer part of the population. Many objects can be made from recycled things and because they can be made from waste they cost considerably less or even nothing at all!

 

Mauritius has started turning towards the green and developing recycling however a lot of people on the island remain uneducated about the issue. A lack of commitment is also slowing down the process a little bit and of course a lack in sufficient funds because sometimes recycling can become quite expensive as well for example recycling glass glass and metal recycling can build up a nice bill because it requires a lot of filtering and other energy demanding processes. But I remain certain that in the green trend will take more speed during the next few years in Mauritius and even if it's hard at the start it will become easier in the future!

Sources: http://www.gov.mu/portal/goc/cso/ei949/pvs.pdf

I Want You!

 

 TO HELP SAVE THE PLANET!

Well this is ironic coming from this guy but hey that's not a bad idea! You want to know how you can help?

1. DO NOT PRE-HEAT THE OVEN

Unless you are making bread or pastries of some sort, don't pre-heat the oven. Just turn it on when you put the dish in. Also, when checking on your food, look through the oven window instead of opening the door.

2. HANG DRY

Get a clothesline or rack to dry your clothes by the air. Your wardrobe will maintain color and fit, and you'll save money.

Your favorite t-shirt will last longer too.

 3. GO VEGETARIAN ONCE A WEEK

One less meat-based meal a week helps the planet and your diet. For example: It requires 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef. You will also also save some trees. For each hamburger that originated from animals raised on rainforest land, approximately 55 square feet of forest have been destroyed.]

 4. USE BOTH SIDES OF PAPER

American businesses throw away 21 million tons of paper every year, equal to 175 pounds per office worker. For a quick and easy way to halve this, set your printer's default option to print double-sided (duplex printing). And when you're finished with your documents, don't forget to take them to the recycling bin.

 5. BAN BATHTIME!

Have a no-bath week, and take showers instead. Baths require almost twice as much water. Not only will you reduce water consumption, but the energy costs associated with heating the water.

 6. SECOND-HAND DOESN'T MEAN SECOND-BEST

Consider buying items from a second-hand store. Toys, bicycles, roller blades, and other age and size-specific items are quickly outgrown. Second hand stores often sell these items in excellent condition since they are used for such a short period of time, and will generally buy them back when you no longer need them.

 7. INVEST IN YOUR OWN COFFEE CUP

If you start every morning with a steamy cup, a quick tabulation can show you that the waste is piling up. Invest in a reusable cup, which not only cuts down on waste, but keeps your beverage hot for a much longer time. Most coffee shops will happily fill your own cup, and many even offer you a discount in exchange!

 8. GO TO A CAR WASH

Professional car washes are often more efficient with water consumption. If everyone in the U.S. who washes their car themselves took just one visit to the car wash we could save nearly 8.7 billion gallons of water.

 9. USE RECHARGABLE BATTERIES
Each year 15 billion batteries produced and sold and most of them are disposable alkaline batteries. Only a fraction of those are recycled. Buy a charger and a few sets of rechargeable batteries. Although it requires an upfront investment, it is one that should pay off in no time. And on Christmas morning when all the stores are closed? You'll be fully stocked.

10. And last but not least...

 

For more of these tips visit:  http://www.50waystohelp.com/

All credits go to them.

The Future of Earth

There was a time where the future was bright... but now its kind of foggy because of all that smoke in the way. However we do have some ideas on what the future will look like if we continue at our rate! Here are the different theories in pictures (not always backed up by science...)

Best case scenario we all go live on a gigantic spaceship and become obese whilst our planet is cleaned by adorable little robots...