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One Wind Farm Providing 30% of Kenya’s Power

David Allen — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Wind farms are being developed throughout the western world, but recently there has been a huge uptake of this method of generating power and one in particular that is getting a lot of attention is the one in Kenya.

This wind farm in the developing world will be producing a massive thirty per cent of the nation’s power, which is one wind farm providing almost a third of the country’s power requirements. Kenya’s demand for power only increase around eight per cent per year, so could be that these developing countries are destined to become the greenest of all?

Source [Eco Geek]

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One Wind Farm Providing 30% of Kenya’s Power

Trashy make great bags

David Allen — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:00:12 +0000

There is so much trash around these days that some people are actually getting down to doing something about it. In this case it is the Trashy Bags people from Ghana, West Africa, who are cleaning up in more ways than one.

As the organisation motto reads, “Our bags are complete trash” which is a pretty good statement.

They collect as many of the plastic drink bottles that have been discarded throughout the country of Ghana. They then somehow manage to patch all of these together to make the product known as Trashy Bags.

Source [Trashy Bags]

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Trashy make great bags

Hand knitted draught excluder

David Allen — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:00:04 +0000

You initially think that these have been knitted, yet these have been knitted by a co-operative of women in east Africa, rural Kenya in fact. Yet this is a non profit organisation, which is strange as you would think that they would be in it for the money, but clearly there is more to just making money in Africa.

The women who work in these places are really looked after by the co-operative, they get healthy and safe working conditions.

Materials:

Natural wool yarn, treated with natural vegetable-based dyes. Filled with acrylic.

Dimensions:

36″ long

About:

These items are handmade one-by-one; therefore, some variation is natural.

Availability:

This item is currently in stock.

Price:

$36.00

Source [Branch Home]

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Hand knitted draught excluder

Eco cooking in Kenya

David Allen — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:00:32 +0000

They know how to be at one with nature in Kenya, here is a guy, who using the eco oven that is run on garbage and old car oil, it reaches temperatures of around 930 F, but as you could imagine there is a slight odour issue there.

The residents of the village use to cook and heat up water, but the great thing is that they also get rid of all their garbage at the same time, garbage is a serious problem in Africa, as most places have no dumps or pick ups, so it is just discarded anywhere and everywhere.

Source [Gizmodo]

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Eco cooking in Kenya

Paper made from elephant dung

David Allen — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 15:00:19 +0000

It seems that in order to made paper you do not have to cut down thousands of trees, you just have to get yourself a large shovel and follow a herd of elephants and what they drop as they walk around is your basic raw material.

Once it has been all mushed up, dyed, rolled out and then dried in the sun, that is your basic paper from elephant dung and you thought that it could not be done!

Priced at $9.99 from Audrey’s All Natural Shoppe.

Source [Happy Hippie]

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Paper made from elephant dung

Give some rice for free!

David Allen — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 17:00:49 +0000

Here is a great idea; in fact it is one of the best that I have seen for some time. Here is your chance to give rice to those who have nothing and what’s so great about that? It is not going to cost you a single cent!

All that you have to do is answer some questions; they are easy though I got 1000 grains in about ten minutes, so if everyone did that imagine how much rice that would be?

The web site shows how many grains of rice are donated on the day before, which is really great to know that by having a little bit of fun that someone who is disadvantaged can actually get something out of it too.

Source [Free Rice]

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Give some rice for free!

Bikes To Rwanda – Bikes on a Mission

Missy — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:45:24 +0000

From the editors of Good Magazine, comes this YouTube video on the work in Rwanda of bike transport for workers. As bikes are crucial to the speed and efficiency of work for coffeemakers in Rwanda. Bikes were made to satify the need for cost efficient and energy efficient modes of transport, without these bikes workers would have to haul giant heavy bags of coffeebeans large distances to and from the plant factories.

This initiative is both eco friendly and cost effective, not too mention great for the people of Rwanda. Watch video for details. The video has great music, too.

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Bikes To Rwanda – Bikes on a Mission

Help Buy Goats 4 Families in Ethiopia

Missy — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 01:30:19 +0000

Wanna help needy families in Ethiopia buy a goat for milk? You can when you buy a bottle of Shea Terra Organic Body Cremess, all-natural body lotions, because .50 cents from the sale of each bottle will go towards the purchase of a goat.

Celebrity mom Angelina Jolie is behind this initiative and supports it all the way, as it helps third world families with much needed income and work.

The body cremes are great too, as all Shea Terra cremes are natural and organic and the ingredients do not contain parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances or colors.

Do your body and Mother Earth some good with Shea Terra.

Source: [Parents.com]

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Help Buy Goats 4 Families in Ethiopia

Baby Genius with Geography

Missy — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:30:25 +0000

You have to see this video, it shows parents asking their 2 year old daughter, Lily, to point out states and countries in a big world map, and she knows where all of them are. It is amazing. I dont know where half of these are. lol.

Check it out below for a free geography lesson.

Source: [You Tube]

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Baby Genius with Geography

The most polluted places in the world?

David Allen — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 21:00:57 +0000

It is interesting to know exactly where the most polluted places on earth are, maybe we already know some of then, Chernobyl must spring to most people’s minds as being one of them, and actually it is on the list.

In research conducted by the Blacksmith Institute has come up with the top ten of the most polluted places in the world, and these are:

Sumgayit, Azerbaijan
Linfen, China
Tianying, China
Sukinda, India
Vapi, India
La Oroya, Peru
Dzerzhinsk, Russia
Norilsk, Russia
Chernobyl, Ukraine
Kabwe, Zambia

Most of the other places get onto the list because of the heavy industry such a petro chemical; this leaves the surrounding areas bleak and bad for the environment.

Source [Hippy Shopper]

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The most polluted places in the world?

Farm Animal Existence in Peril

Brian Yalung — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 09:02:57 +0000

Do you remember how the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park were created? It was through some stored gene species in test tubes to which they were mated with another specie frogs. While this may not be totally the same with the current issue at hand, groups such as Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) have proposed that the same be used to help avoid potential extinction of farm animals. Yep, you heard it right, farm animals and not the usual wild animals.

Unlike for wild animals, the case of farm animals is based more on food consumption and demand by consumers all over the world. While there are still some good supplies of the common farm animals, they may not last long if the breeding is not done properly and seriously.

An over-reliance on just a few breeds of a handful of farm animal species, such as high-milk-yielding Holstein-Friesian cows, egg-laying White Leghorn chickens, and fast-growing Large White pigs, is causing the loss of an average of one livestock breed every month according to a recently released report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The black-and-white Holstein-Friesian dairy cow, for example, is now found in 128 countries and in all regions of the world. An astonishing 90 percent of cattle in industrialized countries come from only six very tightly defined breeds.

Source: Rare Breeds Of Farm Animals Face Extinction

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Farm Animal Existence in Peril

Africa Taking Their Pollution Problems Seriously

Brian Yalung — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 21:11:56 +0000

While Africa has not been known to have a serious problem with pollution, they are taking advanced steps and preventive maintenance measures to avoid falling into the same trap that has plagued countries such as China.

The indicators are there for Africa and while it is still early, groups and organizations concerned with the said pollution problem are underlying the necessary steps to avoid this problem from getting out of hand.

“The economic consequences of air pollution (e.g. increased expenses of health services, damaged ecosystems that sustain the economy and reduced productivity from workers with pollution-related illnesses) makes it clear that it is cost-effective to timely redress the air pollution problems,” said a University of Zimbabwe environmental researcher.

Source: Africa: Continent Must Urgently Address Air Pollution

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Africa Taking Their Pollution Problems Seriously

Vineyard is carbon neutral

David Allen — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 13:00:40 +0000

A vineyard in South Africa has become the first in region and only the third in the whole world to become carbon neutral; this is a remarkable feat for the Backsberg wine estate, in Stellabosch.

This allows the vine yard to have a “Carbon Neutral Approved” sticker on its bottles, the vine yard has had its carbon footprint measured and has taken steps to offest it by taking advice on how to change the amount carbon that the farm uses.

This is a great example of how commercial farming can change to being an eco friendly industry.

Source [BBC News]

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Vineyard is carbon neutral

Celebs put their names to tee shirt campaign

David Allen — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:00:28 +0000

Using the peace sign as part of a logo is great way of showing how little peace there is in Africa. Perhaps this is why so many have got involved in the Omni Peace program.

Many Hollywood greats have got together and put their names to the shirts and vests that could end up making a great deal of difference to the people of Africa, by eliminating the problem by the year 2025.

The shirts and vests are various prices, some are around $65, but for every garment sold fifty per cent goes to the charity, which is a great cut from the sale of these tees. This is a great cause; with some really great stars getting involved putting their names up and getting the word out to everyone.

Omni Peaces Tee’s priced at $65, with fifty per cent going to charity.

Source [EcoRazzi]

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Celebs put their names to tee shirt campaign

Silver jewelry from old coins

David Allen — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 17:00:32 +0000

Silver Jewelry is very popular these days, and so that is why these high quality silver pendants made from melted down Maria Theresa Dollar coins, which where originally minted in the 1782 and used in the countries of Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, Niger and Chad.

The pendants are in the forms of Coptic Crosses and Stars of David which measure 1.5 “ x 1.5 ”, weigh five grams and will cost around $23.

Source [Great Green Goods]

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Silver jewelry from old coins

Bamboo Bike Project, a Source of Transport and Jobs in Africa

Missy — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 19:49:14 +0000

Craig Calfee, is a bike designer and shop owner based in Santa Cruz, CA who conceived of an idea to help poor rural individuals in Africa with much needed transport.

He came up with the idea to enable the people of African villages to create bikes made out of strong and (more importantly) locally available bamboo. And in turn create jobs, too.

He teamed up with David Ho, an avid cyclist and member at Earth Institute of Columbia University, a nonprofit organization that focuses on sustainable development and the world’s poor. The two managed to get funds for a 10 day trip to Ghana, Africa to perform demonstrations on how to build bikes out of bamboo, sisal, and other locally available materials.

Bikes are a symbol of hope to many in third world countries and signify a cheaper and easier form of transport, a healthy source of income, and food for their families.

We hope Craig and his team succeed in their Bamboo Bike Project.

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Bamboo Bike Project, a Source of Transport and Jobs in Africa

Buying Killed Elephant Ivory

Brian Yalung — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 18:16:22 +0000

Now this video is something that not any person will want to see. We already despise the killers from reading or hearing about them but seeing the actual animals as elephants being killed one by one for their ivory tusks is something that is truly unforgiving.

We all long for ivory, but the creatures that suffer on their behalf needs to be considered. Elephants are being killed for our sake and trade purposes. Can we accept this fact and go on with our selfish desires?

Download latest version of Flash to view video!.

Click Here to View in Full Screen Mode

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Buying Killed Elephant Ivory

Mac and iPod covers in African Colors

David Allen — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 17:00:32 +0000

There are two choices in type of canvas; medium weight stripped 100 per cent cotton double piled yarn and coffee bean canvas, which is hard wearing and again 100 per cent cotton.

Twenty per cent of all the profits from all sales of the Africa collection is donated to Africa, the programs supported are Teach a Man to Fish, and the Lwak Girls High School who run a Bee keeping enterprise.

Africa Collection Prices:

Summer Canvas Mac Book sleeve – $36

Summer Canvas Mac Book Pro 15 inch sleeve – $40

Summer Canvas Mac Book Pro 17 inch sleeve – $46

Coffee Bean Canvas Mac Book sleeve – $42

Coffee Bean Canvas Mac Book Pro 15 inch sleeve – $46

Coffee Bean Canvas Mac Book Pro 17 inch – $52

Source [Hippy Shopper]

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Mac and iPod covers in African Colors

The Beyond Green Film Project.

David Allen — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 21:00:55 +0000

Young film makers worldwide are being asked by Listen Up to enter into the Beyond Green International Film Project.

Filmmakers should be aged between 13 and 19 year of age, and are asked to produce a short personal story on their physical, cultural and social environments. There will be two questions asked of the young producers.

How do you and people in your community interact with the environment?

Is there a better way?

Those who are selected will be eligible for a $10,000 grant to go towards production.

The deadline has been extended to the 13th July 2007.

Source [Tree Hugger]

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The Beyond Green Film Project.

Half the World to Be Cities by 2030

erin — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 23:00:43 +0000

The New York Times has a really interesting article on its website today. A recent study by the UN suggests that by 2030 over half the world’s population will live in cities.

The most rapid change is expected to occur in Asia and Africa. Also, poverty in urban areas is expected to increase drastically as city populations increase.

The United Nations says:

In Latin America, where urbanization came earlier than in other developing regions, many countries and cities ignored or fruitlessly tried to retard urban growth. “Now the levels of insecurity and violence are a product of this approach,” said Mr. Martine, a demographer and sociologist. “People have been left to fend for themselves and have created these enormous slums.”

The article paints a pretty depressing picture. To check it out for yourself, click here.

image via public scholarship

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Half the World to Be Cities by 2030

Vanity Fair’s Africa Issue Hits Newstands

erin — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 05:00:38 +0000

Vanity Fair went green a few months ago and now it’s time for them to go to Africa!

Their latest issue — which puts Africa in the spotlight — has several breathtaking covers shot by Annie Leibovitz and featuring Bono, Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Jay-Z, Djimon Hounsou, Chris Rock, Alicia Keys, Warren Buffett, Desmond Tutu, Muhammad Ali, Bill and Melinda Gates, Iman, Don Cheadle, Barack Obama, Madonna, Maya Angelou, Queen Rania of Jordan, President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

The issue has features on the AIDS pandemic, Madonna’s work in Malawi, Jeffery Sachs’ work in Eastern Africa, the Congo, Nelson Mandela and many more. It covers “shout-outs for the challenge, the promise and the future of Africa.”

It looks like a thought-provoking and intelligent issue. If you haven’t already, pick up a copy at your local grocery store!

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Vanity Fair’s Africa Issue Hits Newstands

Keetsa Mattress Store - Keetsa! Blog - Eco-Friendly and Green News » Africa

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