Since April 2nd, French TV channel France 2 has been broadcasting a series of 5-minute short programs on the general theme of sustainable development and especially on original and creative solutions to address the problems at stake. Embark on a journey to Thailand, Laos or Guadeloupe to meet those who are proof that it is possible to combine human activities to the preservation of biodiversity. This new program is hosted by Yolaine de la Bigne, founder of the neo-planete website.
“Et si on changeait le monde”, on Saturdays and Sundays at 10.30 pm until August 28th 2011, and from Monday to Thursday at 7.45 pm from June 6th to the 30th and from July 25th to August 11th 2011.
When thinking about trash cans, it’s hard to imagine something pretty, elegant or design, although recent models have been adapted to our modern kitchens. A trash can that seems to come from out of space has recently been pleasing the very heart of the most fervent adepts of waste sorting: the Ovetto. Designed by Italian architect Gianluca Soldi, the Ovetto trash can is peculiar in that it looks like an egg, symbol of life and rebirth. As aesthetic as it is practical, it is set on a swivel base, making it easier to access the different compartments. Each compartment has a door for removing the 30-liter bag and a small opening for waste deposit. Another significant plus for the laziest: the crusher for plastic bottles, aluminum cans and milk cartons, fitted on the top of the egg! Of course, the bin itself is green since it is made out of recycled polypropylene and delivered in a recycled cardboard box, wrapped up in organic, biodegradable plastic. An innovation available for 179 euros.
Since 1993, the brand Somewhere brings a hint of poetry to ethical fashion. Responsible casual chic fashion, Somewhere first draws its inspiration from nature and puts natural fabrics forward such as linen, organic cotton or wool. Certain clothes (and even sneakers) are made with recycled fabrics or fibers. Urban men and women can all identify with this organic but modern, instinctive and easy to wear clothing line.
The boutique is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 7.30 pm.
A little extra:Somewhere takes part in many ecological causes. For example, the brand supported the film “Hope” from Yann Arthus-Bertrand and the “Green Act” project in 2009, in partnership with PEFC in order to promote the sustainable management of forests by planting around 5,000 new trees in the Landes.
Somewhere
93, rue du Commerce
75015 Paris
France
T. : +33.(0)1.48.56.17.78
Being green friendly is now very popular, and even bakeries are now turning green, like Bread and Roses for exemple, which is also a grocery store. This is a great opportunity to discover the large variety of organic breads they offer. A bread is called “organic” when 95% of its agricultural ingredients are coming from green friendly producers only. Sometimes, so called “professionals” are cheating with the 5% “non organic” ingredients that are tolerated. But thankfully it’s not the case for most of the transformers. To make it simple, organic bread is made by by using organic flour.
Bread and Roses 2
25, rue Boissy d’Anglas – 75008 Paris
T. : +33.(0)1.47.42.40.00 www.breadandroses.fr
Other Parisian address of Bread and Roses :
7, rue de Fleurus – 75006 Paris
T. : +33.(0)1.42.22.06.06
Journalist and co author of the best seller “Pesticides”, Fabrice Nicolino is concerned by the consumption of meat in the world nowadays. In his book, he talks in a very straightforward way about the frightening issue of industrial meat (“bidoche”, in French). He says it’s of very poor quality, because of the way the animals are fed (with GMOs) and because of the drugs they are given. In Europe, 70% of the total cultivated area is used the feed the cattle because it takes 7 to 9 vegetal proteins to make only one animal protein. Industrial breeding doesn’t only consume lots of energy, it’s also a threat to climate balance and most of all destroys the relationship between men and animals, pushing men to be very cruel. Living beings with sensitivity are reduced to the level of a merchandise. In the book the author describes very clearly the tragic cycle of meat consumption, which is increasing with countries like China and India, to the detriment of the environment, of health (swine flu is one very good example of that), of hungry men and of animals themselves.
« Bidoche », by Fabrice Nicolino, Ed. Les Liens qui Libèrent. 19,95€.
We have all heard about the Hinkley water pollution scandal featured in the movie “Erin Brockovich”. Would you believe such a pollution can occur every day in France ? A few years after the advertisement from bottled water maker Cristaline “I do not drink the water I use“ (note : for washing) which led “Eau de Paris” (one of the tap water suppliers) to bring a lawsuit against it, what is the real situation of tap water in France ?
Journalist Sophie Le Gall went through all France with test tubes to uncover the true stage of contamination. In centre France, Normandy or in the Atlantic coast, water is full of pesticides and nitrates, directly or indirectly linked to various types of cancers. In centre France, water is purified with aluminum powder, a neurotoxin which may cause Alzheimer’s disease. In other areas, radon (a radioactive gas) was found. Everywhere, water contains medicine residues, from antidepressant to anticancer treatments, or birth control pills that can change fishes’ gender.
What to think about possible authorities’ complicity ?
Tonight, « Poison in our tap water ? » informs us about a true scandal and health issue that should be exploding news.
« Du poison dans l’eau du robinet », Monday 17th May, 8:35pm on channel 3, documentary film directed by Sophie Le Gall and presented by Marie Drucker.
Good resolutions are plentiful, but actions are lacking. The Copenhague failure is a new blow for the environment. During this time, the future of the planet becomes more and more uncertain. The unpolitical project 10:10, started in France by the GoodPlanet Foundation, created by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, concerns us all. Whether we are a natural or a legal entity, let’s make the right choice and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 10% starting 2010.
By gathering around the photographer and his positive message : “Everybody can do something for the planet. And it’s easy”, we are doing the right thing for the protection of the planet, no matter what decisions are taken politically. The 10:10 project is already a big success in the United Kingdom. In just a few months, prominent personalities such as Kevin Spacey and Vivienne Westwood, companies such as Microsoft, Sony, Adidas and many institutions have given a positive answer to this call. By working hand in hand on a global level, we can have a great impact on global warming and make a lasting change for the planet.
“Cinema is an artistic spectacle, a source of emotion, but it can also function as a weapon to serve and defend the most noble causes, not the least of which is nature.” Jacques Perrin, July 2005.
After “The Monkey Folk”, “Microcosmos” and “Winged Migration”, French movie director and producer Jacques Perrin presents his new film “Oceans” which is released in French theatres today January 27. He doesn’t call it a documentary but a “wild opera”.
Sailing 10 knots in the middle of a tuna shoal, accompanying dolphins in their wild rush, swimming with the great white shark shoulder against fin… The movie Oceans is about being a fish among fishes. It is about questioning Man’s footprint on wild life and answering with images and emotion to the following question : “The ocean ? What is the ocean ?”
More than 4 years and 54 sites of shooting on all oceans and seas of the planet, 70 expeditions, 12 teams, more than 100 species shot… and at the origin of all this the simple dream of the two film directors : swim with fishes and dolphins, accompany them in their underwater movements whatever be their speed and acrobatics. In one word, stick to them, create a proximity that would become complicity and new emotions : stop watching a show and be part of it. Never slow down : the speed and energy feeling is far too precious. This is it : a living camera which dances with whales, jumps with dolphins, bursts with tunas and glides with manta rays…
In order to combine image quality with the handiness necessary for the shooting, the team has “re-invented” cinema : Thetys the world unique gyro-stabilized camera which allows shooting with a perfectly straight horizon while speeding on and surfing the waves, Birdyfly the electric remote controlled helicopter, tiny and silent, that can get close quietly to the largest cetaceans or Jonas the torpedo that hosts a camera, towed at full speed behind the boat to accompany and precede tunas and dolphins, without disturbing them.
The wildlife and human challenge has come with an incredible technical challenge, taken up thanks to the collaboration of companies and sea lover individuals from all around the world, in a unique goal : help us re-discover the ocean.
While watching the trailer and images, the wide opened eyes and mouths, the dream of Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud has come true.
PS : For those who criticize some of the sponsors’ names (Total of Veolia for example), I believe that we should rather rejoice that the movie directors managed to draw off such a big amount of money to these companies, while it would have been extremely difficult to produce it only with “green” and “eco-friendly” funding. I don’t think that these companies can get off lightly just with this movie, what matters for us is the result, and what a result !
In terms of ecology, Costa Rica is apart. Indeed this Central American country decided to link its development with the protection of nature. Development that involves the reforestation of the country: in 1986 the country’s forest cover was only 21%, now representing over 50% of the surface area. Óscar Arias, President of the Costa Rica (and Nobel Peace winner) placed ¼ of the country under protected status, and refused to open to oil exploitation. Renewable energies also continue to expand
Costa Rica was one of the first to implement a system of payments for environmental services. Thus, the owners of the forest sector who manage sustainably their fields, contributing at the same time to the carbon sequestration, preservation of the hydraulic system and also the beauty of landscapes, receive an allowance. Let’s do not forget Costa Rica attracts nearly two million of tourists a year. This benefit is financed by a tax levied on the consumption of fossil fuels.
Let’s admit it, the latest version of the iPhone or the new range of netbooks make you dream right? You may find it difficult to keep up with the ICT (Information and Communication Technology)? React! To become an eco-citizen, have a rational consumer behavior.
At present, we all know the devastation caused by these new ICTs on the environment. Between 2005 and 2008, according to a study by Idate, these high-tech devices have been detonated their electricity consumption by 20%! Despite efforts made by the major manufacturers, including choosing an eco-design, these devices are too power hungry. Because households over-equip themselves with flat-screen televisions, laptops or mobile phones.
Over-consumption is also caused by a rapid turnover, which gives irreparably wanting to change the material to be at the forefront of innovation (therefore be trendy).
Another problem not to overlook: the fact that these devices remain in standby (or sometimes on) like the ADSL boxes.
So leave our land breathes, and at the same time save money on our electricity bills (do not forget that this “high-tech consumer” is the 3rd item of household expenditure after heating and hot water). Interact with your reason and not just walk with your heart.
