For the past century, planet Earth has been seriously damaged. More and more of us realize that our world is in danger. However, some people are actually doing something about it. People who clean beaches, produce sneakers using the trash they find in the ocean and even build small farms or eco-friendly cities.
Scroll down to read 11 inspiring stories of people from different countries who are trying to save the planet.
Turtles returned to a clean beach in India after twenty years.
A breathtaking beach in Mumbai was covered in trash. Before that, the beach was the birthplace for olive turtles. However, because of the garbage, turtles had to move to other areas, and the situation was only becoming worse. A man named Afroz Shah came to this beach and began cleaning up the trash. Volunteers supported him.
Together, they took away over 5,000 pieces of trash, prompting the United Nations to call their project, “the biggest beach cleaning project.” This Spring, twenty years later, turtles came back to the cleaned beach and laid eggs. Approximately a hundred baby turtles were born! Volunteers protected them on their way to the Arabian Sea.
“Cleanman” can collect 28 bags of trash in 1 hour.
People sometimes talk about piles of trash left in nature. Cleanman from Chelyabinsk prefers taking action rather than talking. Dirty, trash-filled areas in forests and parks were reborn after his visits. His activity got attention when some Dutch people created a video about him. After that, he gained followers. When they asked him about the mask, he said that he wanted to attract attention to the problem of ecology, not to himself.
His motto is powerful and simple: “Cleaning is easy, and there is nothing humiliating about it!”
“Water Wells for Africa” project
In 1994, Kurt Dalin was in Malawi and was surprised when he saw people arguing for every bucket of filthy water and watched girls who had to walk 1/2 of a day to bring huge buckets of water on their heads. He decided to help them: he created a well in the poorest and dryest village. That saved all the inhabitants who were always thirsty and had to drink dirty water.
In the first four years, the project supplied water to 26,000 people. Ten years later, there were 76 wells and the organization Water Wells for Africa was founded. Today, over 300,000 people in Africa have access to pure water.
Fashion brands support eco-friendly clothing.
Famous clothing brands like NIKE, Zara, Levi’s and others have been promoting eco-friendly ideas for many years. H&M, for instance, uses organic cotton instead of natural fur, while M&S opened factories that have equipment which requires less electricity and water. Zara does not only release eco-friendly clothing, but they also keep separate trash containers in their stores.
Levi’s is the first brand to have released eco-denim and jeans with a “Waterless” sign which means the company saves water in different production stages. Adidas created collections of eco-friendly sneakers made of trash collected from the ocean. And NIKE has been promoting the Reuse-A-Shoe project since 1993. Shoes are recycled to create tennis courts and treadmills. Most companies now use bags that are biodegradable within two years.
Forest-healing drones
Deforestation is slowly destroying the planet. Different companies are searching for ways to restore what some call the “lungs of the planet.” The most successful start-ups that promote forest restoration are the ones who use drones. These drones scan the environment to choose the right seeds and then additional drones plant them.
There is a drone named Robin that can plant trees throughout one hectare (107,639 sq ft) in 18 minutes and count 100,000 trees in a day. A British project called BioCarbon Engineering aims to plant 500 billion trees by the year 2050 to combat deforestation.
The “greenest” restaurant in the world
The cafeteria of the MUSE school in California is a reigning champion among all eco-free restaurants. It has the highest scores in different criteria (like their quality of food, the menu, the economy of resources, waste management, and so on) and has four stars. The film director, James Cameron and his wife, Susy presented this restaurant with solar batteries in the shape of turning sunflowers.
The school grows their fruits and vegetables. In 1.5 years they have replaced most of their foods to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Removing the “Eastern Garbage Patch”
There are over 100,000 tons of plastic in the Pacific Ocean. Several scientists suggested ideas on how to clean it, but the best method on how to remove the “Eastern Garbage Patch” was suggested by Boyan Slat six years ago. With his improvements, the project began at the beginning of 2018.
The plan is to remove 50 percent of the trash in five years using huge floating barriers. The collected litter will be used to produce chairs, car parts and other things. Most investors of The Ocean Cleanup Foundation consist of Silicon Valley’s businessmen.
“The Shoe That Grows” project
At one time, volunteer, Kenton Lee saw orphans in Kenya wearing shoes which were too small for them, and many children were running barefoot with injured feet. This was when he came up with an idea for sandals that could grow together with a kid. Using a special tool, you can increase the size by five points which can be useful for five to six years.
He created a website for The Shoe That Grows project where anybody can buy shoes for kids from any place in the world. Many people want to help.
A family grows tons of vegetables to supply surrounding restaurants.
A family that runs Urban Homestead in California manages to grow enough fruits and vegetables for themselves and local restaurants. They have 400 kinds of vegetables, fruits, and even edible flowers. They make three tons of harvest a year. The family also has goats, ducks, chickens, and bees, so they can always supply milk, fresh eggs, and honey.
In the beginning, these parents merely wanted to grow safe food for their kids. The father set solar batteries on the roof and started to power his car with plant waste. To save water and land, the family uses vertical gardens and clay pots. “People thought we were crazy 33 years ago when we started, but it worked out. And now 90 percent of our food comes from the garden which is just $2 per family member,” they explained.
Neapolis Smart Ecocity — a city of the 21st century
In Cyprus near Paphos, there’s an eco-city, Neapolis — an extraordinary place in the Mediterranean. There will be houses to live in, entertainment hubs, malls, hospitals, a green area and a view of the sea. In this smart city, people will be able to work and get an education in the research center, university, and more.
All the supply systems of Neapolis will be equipped with AI which will help to protect the environment. 25 percent of the energy will be produced using natural resources. The new life in Neapolis will start around the year 2023.
People of India planted 50 million trees in one day.
In 2016, volunteers in India worked for 24 hours planting 80 different kinds of trees. They did it along roads, railways, and on public land. India (like many other countries) experienced a massive loss of its forests over the past centuries because people chopped them down for fire and other purposes.
At this moment, this number of trees (49.3 million) planted in one day holds the world record.
A 3-year-old boy recently rescued after spending two days lost alone in the North Carolina woods has said that a bear protected him and kept him warm in the freezing conditions.
Casey Hathaway disappeared from his grandmother’s home while playing with two other children last week. The 3-year-old was eventually found about a mile and a half away. Casey was found to be in surprisingly good condition considering the fact that he was outside for two days during especially bad weather that included heavy rain and winds and temperatures that dipped into the 20’s
“He didn’t say how he was able to survive and all that. He did say that he had a friend in the woods that was a bear that was with him,” Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes told reporters. Adding:
“This kid was strong, he was meant to survive. … He’s got a story to tell.”
In a Facebook post that has since been deleted, Casey’s aunt, Breanna Hathaway, spoke of the bear that kept her nephew safe:
“He said he hung out with a bear for two days. God sent him a friend to keep him safe. God is good God. Miracles do happen… We appreciate the thoughts but we do want to recognize that everyone wants to get Casey a stuff little bear and although we absolutely love that remember that he can only home so many.”
Search teams from surrounding counties began searching for Casey after he was reported missing. He was finally found after a woman walking her dog reported hearing a boy crying for his mother in the woods. Police soon found him about 50 yards into the woods, caught in vines and sticker bushes.
Casey’s grandmother set up a GoFundMe page “at the public’s request” this weekend. The fundraiser is called “Casey and the Bear.”
The fundraiser’s description reads:
“Casey is the most amazing 3 year I have ever met. This little one was lost in the woods for days in the freezing temperatures, rain, dark nights and wind. He told us that his best friend the bear was with him to help keep him safe. Thanks to God’s mercy he came home to us alive and well. His parents searched diligently minute after minute of every hour/day without stopping.
Our supportive followers of this story has asked for a GoFundMe page be created for the family. This is reason for setting up the page. I am Casey’s paternal grandmother aka Memaw to him. I am Casey’s dad’s mom. So many of the public followers have asked for a GoFundMe for Casey and his family. I WANT TO MAKE THIS PERFECTLY CLEAR THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FROM FAMILY. THIS HORRIFIC EVENT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR PERSONAL GAIN. We as the family dont EXPECT donations. So on the behalf of the PUBLIC’S request only here it is.”
Experts guess the bear that Casey spoke of was likely a black bear as it is the only species of bear found in North Carolina. As of 2012 there were about 17,000 in the state, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Black bears are not known to attack humans and they typically survive on a diet of berries, nuts, and small animals.
Lost North Carolina Boy, Age 3, Who Went Missing Says He 'Hung Out With A Bear For 2 Days' | TIME
Say it isn’t so?! Is bald quite possibly the new black when it comes to men being perceived as manly, dominant, and just downright sexy? Are the days where shiny, hairless scalps on bald men were something others took pity upon in the past?
New research suggests that the oh-so-effortless bald-headed look that middle age men have begun sporting for the last several years is now wildly attractive.
The Process Of Balding
For most men, the process of balding can be a slow process ranging from several years to a few decades. But what is true is the process of balding does not happen overnight. Studies show that by the age of 35, approximately 66% of men lose a considerable amount of hair, and by 55, almost 90% of men have incurred significant to total hair loss. And if you’re balding, it’s likely you’ll choose to shave the several remaining tufts of hair you do have, instead of combing them over, which is likely why by the age of 55, 85% of men have incurred complete Mr. Clean status.
Male pattern baldness is largely due to a man having a family history of baldness in their genetics. Research shows that the androgen receptor gene is implicated in male pattern baldness. The androgen receptor gene plays an important role in growth regulation.
Bald: The New Sexy
For years, baldness contributed to low levels of self-esteem, anxiety, and depression and spending a ton of money in hopes of reversing the process or hiding the effects of that hair loss was not unlikely. But guess what? Going bald, or just simply shaving it all off and bearing your crown to the world could potentially be one of the best things to happen to you! Just as Dr. Frank Muscarella from Florida’s Barry University says. Muscarella’s male participants were rated in four quadrants: physical attractiveness, aggressiveness, appeasement, and social maturity ranging from honesty to intelligence and social status.
The study had two groups of participants. One group scored photos of men who had full heads of hair. The other group would score the same men, but with their hair computer digitally removed.
The results showcased that overall, most people from the groups perceived bald men as more honest, intelligent, and stronger. And with some of the best looking men in Hollywood being bald (think Jason Statham, Bruce Willis, and Dwayne Johnson to name a few), it’s no wonder why the study also found that bald men are sexier and more masculine.
Conclusion
So if there were ever a time to rejoice in becoming bald, NOW WOULD BE IT! While you may perceive your situation as not ideal, you can still look good and feel even better and more confident about your appearance. Who knows what may become available for you in life once you choose to embrace rather than shame your bald beautiful dome!
I think that every woman has been in a situation when she likes someone, but she doesn’t know whether he likes her as much as he says he does. So, she decides to take a step back and see if he will pursue her.
The thing is, when someone really wants to be with you – you’ll know it. He would make sure you know his intentions and his interest for you. He will put an effort to let you know how much he cares about you and wants you in his life.
Contrary, a man who is not that into you will only string you along making you doubt yourself and the relationship. Sure, he may be charming and tell you that you are important to him, but if he is not willing to try and make things happen between you – he is not someone who wants to be with you and you should not waste your time on him.
When a man tries his best to make a good impression, takes you on dates and treats you the way you deserve to be treated, that is a man who really likes you and wants you in his life.
We are all guilty of going after people that are wrong for us, and that cycle needs to be broken once and for all.
Don’t waste your time with someone who is not sure whether you are the right woman for him. Don’t spend time and effort on someone who is not willing to do the same for you. Relationships are not that complicated, we make them that way.
So, learn to say ‘no’ to every man who doesn’t appreciate you for the wonderful woman that you are.
You can learn a lot about someone by their way of treating you in the beginning stages of the relationship. If he doesn’t try to communicate with you and doesn’t want to form a deeper connection with you, it is time to kick him to the curb.
Because you deserve a man who knows what he has when he has you. A man who accepts you and thinks that you are the most incredible woman that he’s ever had. A man who proudly shows you in public and wants everyone to know that you are his woman. A man who loves you and shows you his love in different ways.
You deserve someone who will be fighting together with you when life gets rough and not someone with whom you feel good one minute only to tear you down the next.
You are a brave, strong and capable woman. Don’t let someone diminish your confidence. Don’t let anyone make you feel less than them.
When you start dating someone, always try to be open-minded and always pay attention to the way they date you. Do they pursue you or not? After all, not every crush is supposed to turn into a relationship, but it is safe to be sure where you stand.
Finally, know your worth and never settle for less than you deserve!
Sure, addiction seems to be quite the hot topic at the moment and many people have their own views when it comes to whether or not it is a ‘disease.’ While you might not think it is a ‘choice’ calling it a disease is not as cut and dry as you might want it to be.
Addiction can and does destroy people and families. It is a damning thing for anyone to go through be it firsthand or having to watch a loved one go through it. That being said, it does not necessarily meet the requirements of a ‘disease’ at all.
I recently came across a paper published in CMAJ that went over how addiction is not a disease and it really put things into perspective for me. Addiction begins with a choice, a choice of whether or not you will take a substance put in front of you. Once you make the decision to give that drug a try, you are creating your own prison.
You Could Actually Even Go So Far As To Say Addiction Is More So A ‘Self-Inflicted Mental Illness.’ The Paper Mentioned Above Wrote As Follows In Regards To Addiction Not Being A Disease:
Addiction does not meet the criteria specified for a core disease entity, namely the presence of a primary measurable deviation from physiologic or anatomical norm.2 Addiction is self-acquired and is not transmissible, contagious, autoimmune, hereditary, degenerative or traumatic. Treatment consists of little more than stopping a given behavior. True diseases worsen if left untreated. A patient with cancer is not cured if locked in a cell, whereas an alcoholic is automatically cured. No access to alcohol means no alcoholism. A person with schizophrenia will not remit if secluded. Sepsis will spread and Parkinson disease will worsen if left untreated. Criminal courts do not hand down verdicts of “not guilty by virtue of mental illness” to drunk drivers who kill pedestrians.
At best, addiction is a maladaptive response to an underlying condition, such as depression or a nonspecific inability to cope with the world.
The study on the neurobiology of addiction3 referred to in the CMAJ editorial1 looked at the brains of people with addiction after they had damaged them by their behavior — brains were not examined in their premorbid state. This is analogous to saying that the sequelae of a traumatic brain injury were themselves the cause of said brain injury. Ironically, the title of the referenced article uses the term “disorders” not “diseases.”
Medicalizing addiction has not led to any management advances at the individual level. The need for helping or treating people with addictions is not in doubt, but a social problem requires social interventions.
When we allow people to refer to addiction as a disease, we are placing it alongside things like cancer and that is not fair at all. When people with cancer decide they want to be free of ‘disease,’ they can’t just detox their cancer away. No, getting off of drugs is not as easy as those who have never used may think, but at the end of the day it is not comparable to any kind of ‘disease.’
Yes, depending on the drug, the physical withdrawals might be hell, but that still doesn’t put it on the same level. What do you think addiction is? Do you agree?
Neuroscientist Marc Lewis: 'Why Addiction is Not a Disease' (ABC RN)
Do ever wonder if you made the right choice when it comes to marriage? Did you hit the marriage jackpot? Well, we will help you find out that. Below you will see a list of 13 things, and if you can relate, then you should be calm because you made the right choice.
Remember, if your husband does any of these things, you are one lucky lady to have such lovely married life and a fantastic, stand-up man beside you.
13 Things That Make Him the Perfect Husband
1.Your Husband Encourages and Inspires You
The fact is that many individuals get caught up in their daily routine that they forget the dream they nurtured.
The good thing about a great husband is that he knows your dreams and supports you. He will do anything just to make sure you’re living your dream no matter if it is doing a Ph.D., owning a small shop or traveling the world.
He is right beside you, and your happiness means the world to him.
2.Your Husband Can Comfort and Calm You
Whom do you rush to in situations where you are devastated, disappointed and depressed? In case the answer to this question is your significant other, then you should know that he is your best friend.
When you feel overwhelmed or receive terrible news, your partner is there to calm you down and comfort you. Through good and bad, right?
3.He Still Flirts with You
When it comes to marriage, it’s essential to find new ways to love the same person.
In case your partner keeps the charm alive by flirting with you, know one thing he is head over heels in love with you and your partner is young at heart for sure. In case you find yourself blushing, you hit the marriage jackpot.
4.Your Partner Works Hard
Your partner puts effort into his career, hobbies and your marriage. You should know that you have married a winner when he helps you in everything.
5.Your Husband Loves Spending Time with You
Successful couples can be doing anything and still enjoy each other’s company. He wants to be with you even if you aren’t talking or also if you are doing different activities.
It is not only the idea of being beside you; it is the tender, comforting feeling of it.
When you find out that your significant other is tagging along with you for an activity he does not really enjoy, you should know that you have one amazing partner.
6.He Loves and Respects His Mother
If your significant other treats his mother with respect and does everything to take good care of her, then there is huge possibility that he will treat you the same.
You should bear in mind that his mother is actually the first woman in his life and the bond with his mother reflects the way he treats other women.
7.He Complements You Often
Due to everyday chores and activities, we begin taking things for granted, and somehow we fail to find the joy in the small stuff. But, your partner genuinely complements you and is really proud to have you in his life.
8.Your Husband Is Selfless
You should know one thing unconditional love and selflessness go together. It is the idea of loving profoundly and committing wholly that you and your children always come first, even before himself.
In case you know that your partner selflessly puts you first, then you can sleep soundly knowing that you have made the right choice.
9.Your Partner Says “I Love You” Often
People show love in different ways. But the most common ways are physical touch, acts of service, gifts, quality time and last but not least words of affirmation. It is so amazing that 3 words can change your day and eventually your life.
In case your partner is someone who voices his love, you can stay calm cause he knows where his affections lie and most importantly he wants you to feel that.
10.You Are His #1 Priority
Your happiness is the most important thing to him. Your partner puts you first and does his best to be there for you. He tries to keep his promises and hates to let you down. You can trust him, and you feel safe because you come first.
11.He Surprises You
Who doesn’t love a spontaneous dinner date, a sudden short trip or flowers? Your partner loves to make you happy and see you smile. Therefore he always plans surprises and does everything to sweep you off your feet.
12.You Are a Team
The truth is that living together needs immense patience. You need to accept his quirks, do your job, take care of your kids and the house, and multitasking is the only way to achieve all this.
However, if you are married to the right one, life will be easier. Your partner will do his best to make the annoying tasks such as washing clothes or doing the dishes- fun! You are a team.
13.He Admits When He Is Wrong
This is very important especially when you are married to someone. It is like that since many relationships start to crumble over seemingly small things.
Things which in the grander scheme of other things, don’t matter. That being said, the habits of spouses can become bigger than they should grow.
In case you know what we are talking about, it is actually about the times when your partner admits that he is wrong.
You have to admit that when your partner agrees and acknowledges why, how and where they were wrong, you fall in love a bit more. This subtle act comes with significant impact.
Conclusion
Can you relate to the things above mentioned? Did you hit the jackpot? If so, go and hug your husband and hold him tight, because you are one lucky lady. And he, he does everything he can to make you feel like you are the only woman in the world.
