365 Sustainable Decisions Challenge

  🌿Dive into the vibrant flora of Colombia with this latest Xplore Nature video! Join a captivating nature walk through Parque Arvi Medellin, where we unravel the secrets of its unique plant life. 🌺 Discover why this site visit isn't just enjoyable and relaxing but also educational; the optional guided tour provides fascinating insights into the area and its diverse nature. 🍃 Ready to unwind and learn something new? Let the beauty of Parque Arvi inspire you! 🎥✨ https://youtu.be/5pl4YPyvc-o

📗 Have you had the opportunity to read 'A Guide to a Healthier Planet'? If so, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to share your thoughts by leaving a review on the platform where you purchased your copy. Your feedback provides valuable insights for other readers. Thank you! (If you have missed it, you can still learn more and get your copy here: https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/guide-to-a-healthier-planet )  

During litter picking today, we found a very heavy item below the leaves. We couldn't carry it, but that is no problem: we can tell the city when we found something like this, so that they can pick it up. Awesome as together we can!

⚠ Leaders often think that resolving environmental issues is costly. But while growing economies today and cleaning up the mess later seems cheaper, shockingly, already a 0.5°C rise could cost $15-38.5 trillion! Learn more about the hidden costs of the 'grow now, clean up later' mentality: https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/the-4-worst-costs-of-a-grow-now-clean-up-later-mentality-ff6a5caaa583   The consequences of the “grow now, clean up later” mentality includes plastic pollution (credit:  BlueRingMedia  on  Shutterstock )

  👂 Did you know that noise pollution not only disrupts our daily lives but also impacts our health and well-being? 😟 Long-term exposure can lead to hearing loss, cardiovascular issues, sleep disturbances, and even mental health issues. 🌍 🔇 It's time to take action! Learn how technologies and public policies can help reduce noise pollution and improve our quality of life: https://medium.com/the-environment/how-technology-and-policies-can-relieve-us-from-noise-pollution-bc785b586e07 Noise pollution can literally make us ill (credit:  Siberian Art  on  Shutterstock )

  🌐 In today’s world, we often discard glass containers without a second thought. But glass still has a huge value. This value is recognized in recycling plants, which turn waste glass into new glass. But they are treasures even before recycling, as they are a great resource for do-it-yourself projects. 🍶 For example, the humble salt shaker — it is an everyday item that is used around the globe and can easily be made from a glass container. So why not make one yourself instead of running to the shop to buy a new one? I can tell you, it is a great opportunity to save a few bucks! ♻️ And the value of trash isn’t just monetary. When we create something ourselves, we value it even more. So, I bet that you’ve never had a cooler, more beautiful salt shaker than the one you made yourself. 🌍 And if you want, you can even use it as a statement. As a commitment to sustainability, to resourcefulness, to caring well for our planet. By repurposing a glass container into a salt shaker, you...

Fynbos is a type of shrubland that only exists in South Africa. It is one of the most critically endangered types of vegetation on Earth because its natural habitat has been turned into areas for housing, wine farming, and commercial pine plantations. Enjoy walking through Fynbos near Cape Town while it is still possible here: https://youtu.be/GyK3-lol8Ow !

I noticed that living environmentally friendly has become so normal in my daily life that I always find a way to make a positive difference. For example, earlier this week, I went litter picking. As me and a few of my neighbors are doing this every week, we can tell the city where we put the bags with collected trash, so that they can collect them. Today, I was happy to see that these bags were gone! 👏  

As I've been extremely busy in the last few weeks and and will be in upcoming weeks, I noticed that I need to take care of myself and take a break. I'll probably be back on Wednesday November 22nd. During that time, enjoy the virtual journeys on https://www.youtube.com/@xplore-nature!  

  🇧🇷 This virtual walk overlooking Praia Grande, Brazil, is very scenic and provides a beautiful high view of the beach and ocean. Don't miss it! https://youtu.be/ZKkPO-7ZAME

  🌍 The fashion industry revolutionized our wardrobes, but at what cost? A century ago, most people owned just a few pieces of clothing, but now, fast fashion has led to an extensive wardrobe. Yet, there's a hidden price tag: environmental degradation. 🌊 Did you know that the textile industry contributes to 20% of the world's water pollution, largely due to dyeing processes that produce up to 200 tons of polluted wastewater for every ton of textiles? And let's not forget the energy-intensive nature of these processes, which often rely on fossil fuels. 🍃 But there's hope! Sustainable practices can make a huge difference. From replacing toxic chemicals with enzymes to using natural dyes and innovative techniques, we can turn the tide on this environmental challenge. Read more about how we can make textile dyeing more sustainable and reduce its impact on our planet: https://medium.com/the-environment/3-ways-dyeing-in-the-textile-industry-can-be-made-more-sustainable-...

Have you ever come across a Strangler Fig? If yes, do you know why these trees are special? A) They don't have roots and instead rhizomes just like moss B) They start growing high up on a tree and extend their roots down to the ground. C) The whole tree consists of roots only On this visit in Kenya, you'll come across a Strangler Fig and learn the fascinating answer: https://youtu.be/IFZwcIKTh7A

Today, I'm taking you on a virtual vacation to the "Brazilian Caribbean". Enjoy! https://youtu.be/ZKkPO-7ZAME

Did you know that white poplar trees can have two sexes? I share fascinating facts like this about nature and sustainability in the guided tours of my Xplore Nature virtual walks. Don't miss this walk in Pakistan and enjoy passing white poplar trees! https://youtu.be/T0alWYuFsrM