365 Sustainable Decisions Challenge

  🌍 Our current economy's focus on growth over well-being is contributing to three critical planetary crises: climate change, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss. 💥 These crises are putting us in danger physically and mentally, for example with wildfires becoming more severe due to the climate crisis. 💡 But there's hope! By shifting our economic perspective and embracing sustainable investments, we can make a positive impact. 🌱 💰 Sustainable investments take into account environmental, social, and governance factors, fostering long-term benefits that go beyond financial returns. 😁 Learn how these investments can not only drive positive change but also indirectly improve our health and psychological well-being. 👉 Read more: https://medium.com/@ErlijnG/2-benefits-of-sustainable-investments-on-psychological-well-being-13e42f2162e6

  🌋 Plunyon Kalikuning Park is a popular tourist attraction to enjoy the views on the volcano Mount Merapi. 🇮🇩 But as flying causes a lot of CO2 emissions, wouldn't it be awesome to visit this place virtually? 🎁 And a bonus: joining the virtual guided tour is free! 🚶‍♀️ Set off on the tour here: https://youtu.be/lKvauHdmwWI ✒ Subscribe to the channel for notifications about more exciting locations: https://www.erlijn.nl/link/subscribe

  🌳 Have you ever heard of the famous Black Forest in Germany? Have you ever visited it? 🚶‍♀️ 🚶‍♂️ Join me on a interesting and gorgeous virtual guided tour https://youtu.be/4cx3eou3WBQ 🖊 Subscribe to the channel for updates about new tours by clicking this link: https://www.erlijn.nl/link/subscribe

🌏 Did you know that tourism contributes to 8% of global CO2 emissions? That is why sustainable tourism is critical! 🌱 In this article, I explain how green and social tourism are transforming the way we explore the world and how easy it is for you as tourist to contribute as well: https://medium.com/the-environment/how-tourism-can-benefit-tourists-environment-and-attractions-247382fa7d

  🌳 Oak trees were sacred to ancient Germanic tribes. Do you know what happened to trespassers on oak groves? 🇩🇪 They were sentenced to death! Learn more about this and other fascinating facts about nature and sustainability during this virtual walk in Germany. Subscribe to the channel for updates about new tours by clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/@xplore-nature https://youtu.be/o6Hisjxcqcw

  🐒 Would you like to meet long-tailed macaques? 🇵🇭 Join me on this virtual guided walk in the Philippines! And don't miss any exciting future walks around the world by subscribing to the channel: https://www.erlijn.nl/link/subscribe https://youtu.be/KbGPy6NjLf4

  🍍 When you have finished eating a pineapple, what do you do with the leaves? 🇰🇪 They can be put to good use! Learn more about this and other fascinating facts about nature and sustainability during this virtual walk in Kenya: https://youtu.be/kAI4LQkK0l0

  👿 Do you know how the "Devil's Kitchen" looks like and where this name comes from? 🇺🇸 Pay a visit to it during our virtual walk to Caesars Head in South Carolina, USA, and learn more from the guided tour! https://youtu.be/ibbc7w1Gz_I

It has been an honor to support the United Nations with my expertise on both cyber-security and environmental sustainability! I was lead author on this recent paper on cyber-security threats in the critical energy infrastructure: https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2023-08/ECE_ENERGY_GE.6_2023_3_ECE_ENERGY_GE.5_2023_3_EN_0.pdf

  🇧🇪 How many different species do you guess live in Belgium? Find out the answer and many other fascinating facts during the guided tour through the nature reserve Walenhoek. https://youtu.be/0m2bbjIbAH0

  🇨🇭 Join me on this walking travel tour over the beautiful Uetliberg-Albis in Switzerland! This walking tour allows you to explore nature, relax, and learn a lot about nature and sustainability. This is possible because we come across different interesting plants and animals, hear relaxing nature sounds and background music, and you can activate a guided tour in the subtitles. You will also have plenty of time to enjoy the calming atmosphere. Looking forward to setting off together! https://youtu.be/RktlxHjvKlQ

  🇺🇦 Enjoy this virtual walk through Park saint Volodymir Hill in Kyiv, Ukraine. ☮ During this peaceful nature walk, we are able to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. An unusual atmosphere as a war is going on in the country. We are safe though. 🐦 The singing birds and calming music also make it a perfect opportunity to enjoy the walk. When you want to learn fascinating facts about #nature and #sustainability, I will share a lot of interesting information in the guided tour in the subtitles. 🏙 At the end, I will also take you briefly into Kyiv's city center: https://youtu.be/RGzbt0agqbA

  🌺 Did you know that bromeliads bloom only once in their lifetime? 🇨🇴 Meet several bromeliads on this relaxing nature walk over the gorgeous Orchid Trail in Medellin, Colombia: https://youtu.be/Z1Mr-643Vlg 🌍 And when you appreciate these videos, make sure you don't miss future videos and support this YouTube channel by subscribing: https://www.erlijn.nl/link/subscribe

🌱 Do you know how a butcher's-broom looks like and where this name comes from? 🇮🇹 Don't miss this and other fascinating facts about nature and sustainability during this walk in Tuscany, Italy! https://youtu.be/vPahwWTCwug  

  ⁉ Do you know what this is: GCTAGCGTAGCTTAA? And do you know where this can potentially be found? 🇵🇱 Learn the answers and other fascinating facts about #nature and #sustainability in the guided tour during our walk in Krakow, Poland! https://youtu.be/zD1-s6d6xYA

  ⛰ Do you know how fast the Indian tectonic plate is moving? And how quickly it makes the mountains in Norther Pakistan grow? 🚶‍♀️ I will share the answers - and other fascinating facts about #nature - in the guided tour on our way to Daniyor view. Looking forward to go on this adventure together! https://youtu.be/CkAiunxO8wk

  🌬 Do you know why hydropower is uncommon in The Netherlands and they using windmills instead? 🇳🇱 Learn more about this and other fascinating facts about #nature and #sustainability in this guided walking tour along the Dommel stream: https://youtu.be/oRlP9kQP7XM

I have good news! My xplore Nature videos, in which we explore #nature around the world, from now on have guided tours in English, Dutch, and German! And I'm also working on adding these languages to previous videos, so more are coming soon. Enjoy this walking tour video to the scenic Lake Berglstein in Austria! https://youtu.be/H3Z0r4OeUkg

🥔 As our world population grows, the demand for food rises, which presents environmental challenges. 🌍 Agriculture's greenhouse gas emissions and land usage contribute to these concerns. 🌱 Innovative solutions are emerging to minimize agriculture's impact. For example, potato peels can be transformed into biofuels! 🛢️ This offers benefits like reducing fossil fuel reliance, lowering biofuel costs, and curbing waste sent to landfills. 🔬 Dive into how potato peels can be used for sustainable bioethanol and biogas production: https://medium.com/the-environment/4-ways-potato-peels-can-be-used-for-biofuel-production-36707bfb50e8 Huge amounts of potato peels are wasted around the world (credit:  domnitsky  on  Shutterstock )

 🌴 Do you know what dancing pines are and what sound they make? 🇮🇩 I'll show them in this relaxing nature walk through the picturesque Pengger Pine Forest in Indonesia, and much more! https://youtu.be/a_oHpC3XQcA

  🚰 Do you know what one of the most important indicators of water quality is, and why? 🚶‍♀️ During this relaxing stroll along the Steinlach in Germany, I explain this and other fascinating facts about #nature and #sustainability. Join now, for free, from the comfort of your home: https://youtu.be/-_2gWACNVqg

  🐜 Do you know why some ants are great pollinators and others are not? 🚶‍♀️ Learn more about this and other fascinating facts about nature and sustainability during this guided walk in Switzerland! https://youtu.be/5p25JJh2uRY

❗ Do you know why processionary caterpillars are dangerous? 🇪🇸 Stay on a safe distance when learning about them and having a look at their nest during this virtual walk in Spain: https://youtu.be/wSm-bRx8GTM

Sadly, Kyiv in #Ukraine is currently not safe to visit. Unless you travel with me! Join me on a peaceful virtual walk through Grishko Garden: https://youtu.be/aWZRgoi2UAk

  🌳 Do you know how a Strangler Fig looks like and why it is a killer tree? 🇰🇪 I'll show you and explain this in the guided tour on our way to the 14 falls in Kenya! https://youtu.be/IFZwcIKTh7A

  🇧🇪 Have you ever visited Belgium? 🌳 Explore #nature in Belgium during this walk in the beautiful Hobokense Polder! During this varied walk, we come across different interesting plants and animals. You will have plenty of time to look at them thoroughly and learn more about what you see in the optional guided tour. Also, the singing birds and relaxing music make it an excellent opportunity to calm down from a busy day. https://youtu.be/lfF_NB63Iyg

  🌱 Did you know that plants have an incredible ability to heal the environment? 🌿 Through a process called #phytoremediation, certain plants can naturally remove pollutants from soil and water, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly method. 🌍 🌱 Phytoremediation involves various techniques, such as phytovolatilization, where plants absorb pollutants and release them into the atmosphere; phytodegradation, where enzymes inside plant cells transform organic pollutants into harmless substances using sunlight energy; and phytostabilization, which prevents pollutants from spreading further by making them insoluble. 🌿 Other methods like phytoextraction, phytostimulation, and phytofiltration are also employed by plants to absorb, store, and decompose pollutants with the help of microorganisms. 🌿 🍃 With our growing environmental concerns, phytoremediation offers a natural and cost-effective solution to combat pollution, restoring our ecosystems for a healthier planet.

  🇺🇸 Would you like to explore the USA? 🌲 During this virtual nature walk in Michigan, we embark on a nature-filled adventure. The singing birds and relaxing music also make it a perfect opportunity to escape from the daily hustle and bustle. When you would like to learn fascinating facts about #nature and #sustainability, you can activate the guided tour in the subtitles. You'll for example learn about ancient tribes in this area and the importance of vegetation for cities! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5mQhT5gU-Y

  🌴 Would you like to go on a free mini-vacation? 🇹🇷 Enjoy exploring nature in Turkey by joining this virtual hike through forest and field. At the end, you are rewarded with a beautiful view over the mountains close to Bektashlar. On this enjoyable hike, you also have plenty of time to explore beautiful details of Mother Nature and listen to relaxing music. You can activate the subtitles to make this a virtual guided tour and learn fascinating facts about #nature and #sustainability. Looking forward to join together on this virtual guided nature hike! https://youtu.be/_kidWYBdovc

  🇮🇹 Exploring nature in Italy has never been easier! 💚 Join the virtual tour over Gello Hill in the romantic Tuscany. On this peaceful and enjoyable walk, you will see and learn a lot about the gorgeous landscape. You can listen to the relaxing music, and hear the birds singing. The optional guided tour will tell you more about the area and for example the olive trees we pass. I am looking forward to go on this virtual guided nature walk together! https://youtu.be/s1wPBYm7CN8

  🇦🇷 Today's new walk is on a hidden landfill and enjoy the beauty in the nature reserve Costanera Sur in Buenos Aires, Argentina! On this peaceful and enjoyable stroll, you have plenty of time to explore gorgeous details, listen to the relaxing music, and enjoy the singing birds. The optional guided tour will tell you more about this reserve and other fascinating facts about nature and sustainability. Looking forward to join together on this virtual guided nature walk! https://youtu.be/7uEG1rhQfI0

  🚰 Currently, 1 in 5 people in the world, approximately 1.2 billion individuals, suffer from water scarcity. 🌍 And this number is growing due to environmental issues such as pollution. 💧 Water pollution has far-reaching consequences, affecting marine life and even making fish go bigger. 🔬 To combat this issue, optical biosensors offer a sensitive and versatile solution to detect pollutants like pesticides, pharmaceuticals, organic compounds, microorganisms, and heavy metals in water. 🌊 Learn more about the fascinating world of optical biosensors and their role in preserving clean water: https://medium.com/the-environment/how-optical-biosensors-can-detect-water-pollution-a8b8116397fc Although water pollution looks beautiful, it harms the environment and organisms (credit:  agsaz  on  Shutterstock )

  🍀 Enjoying nature is very beneficial for our health. 🇵🇭 So, join me on a relaxing stroll through park St. Padre Pio, a green oasis in the Philippines! The heartwarming green, the relaxing background music, and the calming noise of flowing water will let you escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. https://youtu.be/mZB2skhnf_c

  🌿 Did you know that nitrogen air pollution can have surprising effects on pollen allergies? 🌸 🤧 Nitrogen pollution alters for example pollen exposure, affects pollen shape, impacts allergen release, and triggers defense mechanisms, which can all lead to (stronger) allergic reactions in our bodies. 😷 🌱 Learn more about how nitrogen air pollution can influence allergies: https://medium.com/the-environment/8-ways-pollen-allergies-are-impacted-by-nitrogen-air-pollution-297c4da5938f

🍃 Would you like to explore nature from the comfort of your home? 🇦🇹 Walk with me through beautiful nature and stunning views in Hörbrunn, Austria! We will cross fields and can enjoy gorgeous view while hearing birds sing and relaxing music. You can activate an optional guided tour if you would like to learn amazing things about nature and sustainability, including how ocean waves can be helpful for heating our homes! https://youtu.be/zLzOQZI0PUg

  🇨🇴 Do you know what the heliconia flower really is? 🌺 Explore the beauty of nature and the heliconia flower in this virtual guided tour through in Cerro El Volador or "The Butterflies Trail" in #Colombia! In this city park, a lot of stunning natural details can be explored and discovered. Join me on this investigation of the beauty of nature by activating the optional guided tour in the subtitles. I will share fascinating facts about #nature and #sustainability, for example what the heliconia really is! Also, you'll hear birds singing and relaxing music during this wonderful walk. https://youtu.be/PmQdJJfI2xM