Author: Anca Rusu
-
Arne Næss: Good living according to deep ecology
Written by
These days, we have the option to offset our carbon, recycle our waste, buy ethically, and build sustainably. At least in theory. But consumerist society is adapting to the new terminology of change, making us, the consumers, more confident and relaxed in our consumption – so we can keep on consuming and even feel good…
-
Are Vinyl Records Sustainable?
Written by
There was a time when spinning records was the only way to listen to music of your choice at home. Subsequently, for a few decades, vinyl records had to compete with audio cassettes and CDs. And then came the tsunami of digital streaming that devastated all physical music formats. Miraculously, in the past 20 years,…
-
10 Books That Offer Hope (and Solutions) for the Future
Written by
It’s December 2020 and we’re in dire need of positivity and hope. With so many global crises unfolding, investigating solutions to both new and old problems should provide a welcome boost. With their charm, potential for depth, and centuries-old format, books are still the ideal medium for presenting, developing, and discussing solutions – hence this…
-
8 Tips for a Non-Consumerist Festive Season
Written by
How can a celebration that has nothing to do with buying things be returned to values of kindness and care? Can we reclaim not only Christmas but all holidays, both religious and secular, and make them less about ‘stuff’, nicely wrapped in marketing strategies? Surely we can show our love in other ways than just…
-
Household Objects to Reuse or Upcycle Instead of Recycling or Throwing Away
Written by
Upcycling is a common-sense act that’s finally been given its own name. It’s an act that counters our throwaway culture, and applies at those moments when we decide not to chuck away an object because we don’t need it anymore (like something that’s broken) or because it’s served its single-use purpose (like a jam jar).…
-
On Maximising Individual Action and the Joyful Challenge
Written by
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead The new mantras of change — “build back better”, “green recovery”, “just recovery” — suggest policy, decisions taken in high places, and organisations pushing for green new deals: actions…
-
How to Serve Your Community during Lockdown
Written by
On the first day of the lockdown we found a handwritten card in our mailbox: “During these difficult times we would like to offer some help or even a chat.” It was from a schoolkid in our street. And the offers kept coming for days, from the local churches, the street associations, the local borough…
-
Europe by Train: England to Sweden, Return
Written by
This past December, I took the train from London to a small town in Dalarna, Sweden. About a year before, I made the same journey by plane. Travelling on land wins hands down; not only was it doable, it was easier and more fun than anticipated. First of all, I’m not new to train travel.…
-
OMG CLIMATE | A Free Community-Run, Open-Space Event around Tech and Climate Change
Written by
Talk about it! It’s one of the first things you can do about the climate crisis, and one of the main pieces of advice anyone from climate scientists to engineers and teachers would give. But it needs to be constructive talk in conjunction with action. This series of unconferences explores complicated topics (last year it…
