Are you an urban dweller looking to make a positive impact on the environment? sustainable living in the city is a great way to start! By making conscious choices in your daily life, you can contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet.
Sustainable living in the city involves adopting practices that minimize your environmental footprint and promote a healthier, more eco-friendly lifestyle. This can include reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting local businesses that prioritize sustainability. By taking small steps like using reusable bags, biking or walking instead of driving, and composting food scraps, you can make a big difference in the long run.
According to environmental experts, sustainable living in the city is crucial for addressing climate change and protecting our natural resources. As renowned environmentalist Jane Goodall once said, “Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.” By making sustainable choices in our urban environments, we can all do our part to create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
To learn more about sustainable living and how you can make a difference in your city, visit Planetary Citizens. This organization is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and empowering individuals to take action for a healthier planet. By joining the movement towards sustainable living, you can help create a more sustainable future for all.
So what are you waiting for? Start making a difference today by embracing sustainable living in the city. Together, we can create a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable world for all. Visit Planetary Citizens for more information on how you can get involved and make a positive impact on the environment. Let’s work together to build a better future for our planet.
Living a sustainable lifestyle doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there are plenty of tips for practicing sustainable living on a budget that can help you reduce your carbon footprint and save money at the same time. By making small changes to your daily habits, you can make a big impact on the environment without sacrificing your financial stability.
One key tip for practicing sustainable living on a budget is to reduce your energy consumption. This can be as simple as turning off lights and unplugging electronics when they’re not in use. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “Turning off electronic devices when they are not in use can save up to 10% on your electricity bill.” By being mindful of your energy usage, you can not only save money on your utility bills but also reduce your overall carbon footprint.
Another important aspect of sustainable living on a budget is reducing waste. By opting for reusable products like water bottles and shopping bags, you can cut down on the amount of single-use plastics that end up in landfills. According to the Ocean Conservancy, “More than 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean every year.” By making the switch to reusable items, you can help reduce this staggering amount of waste and protect our oceans for future generations.
When it comes to food, there are plenty of ways to practice sustainable living on a budget. One key tip is to buy local and in-season produce. By supporting local farmers and choosing fruits and vegetables that are in season, you can reduce the carbon footprint of your food and support your community at the same time. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, “Buying local food can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation.” By making conscious choices about where your food comes from, you can make a positive impact on the environment.
In addition to reducing energy consumption, waste, and supporting local farmers, there are plenty of other tips for practicing sustainable living on a budget. From composting your food scraps to using public transportation instead of driving, small changes can add up to make a big difference. By making sustainable choices in your daily life, you can help protect the planet for future generations without breaking the bank.
For more information on sustainable living and how you can make a difference, visit Planetary Citizens. Their website offers a wealth of resources and tips for living a more sustainable lifestyle. By taking small steps towards practicing sustainable living on a budget, you can help create a healthier planet for all.
So, what are you waiting for? Start implementing these tips for practicing sustainable living on a budget today and make a positive impact on the environment.
Some time in the pre-dawn darkness, the commotion starts. From her bed, Danae Mossman hears the noise building: loud romantic liaisons, vomiting, squeals, the sound of bodies hitting the pool at full tilt.
Things get particularly loud between midnight and 4am, Mossman says, “when they are getting busy”.
A kororā, or little penguin, colony live under Danae Mossman’s house – and show no signs of wanting to leave
Mossman’s hard-partying housemates are a flock of kororā, or little penguin, the world’s smallest, which have formed a growing colony beneath her house in the Wellington suburb of Karaka Bays on the Miramar peninsula. They use her lily ponds for pool parties, and during nesting season, they create a stink.
“They go out and get fish, regurgitate it and eat that for three days.”
New Zealand’s Department of Conservation encouraged the birds to move to specially built nests closer to the sea, but so far they have shown no desire to leave. So Mossman has come to embrace her housemates, even installing a ladder in the ponds so the penguins can clamber out.
“We figured if they were happy and safe under our home, then we wouldn’t want them any place they were more vulnerable,” Mossman says. “The most annoying thing about them being under the house is how loud they are.”
In many cities, forests and ecosystems around the world, the sounds of nature are falling silent. But in New Zealand’s capital, people are experiencing a crescendo in birdsong, thanks to decades of conservation efforts. Some species, such as the kororā, are still at risk, but many native birds have bounced back in their thousands, transforming the city’s morning chorus.
‘The dawn chorus is so loud, we have to shut the doors’
In the dark, still moments as Wellington wakes and the hum of traffic builds, the city’s birds begin to sing.
First comes the tūī’s high, clear trill, slicing through the dawn. The melodious bells of korimako join, followed by the pīwakawaka with its kiss-like squeaks. As the horizon lightens, kākā – large brown parrots – fleck the sky, waking residents as they swoop and screech.
Fifty years ago, when Jack and Jill Fenaughty bought their then bare, rugged farmland in Mākara – 25 minutes from the city centre – they were lucky if they encountered an introduced bird species, let alone a native one.
“You saw hardly any native birds,” Jill says. “Now,” Jack jumps in, “the dawn chorus is so loud, we have to shut the doors if we want a lie-in.”
Jack and Jill Fenaughty in the bush near their home in Mākara, near Wellington; Highland cattle and sheep on the Fenaughtys’ farm, close to an area of bush where kiwi have been heard since their reintroduction
Wellington may be bucking local and international trends, but nearly 30 years ago conservationist Jim Lynch described the city as a “biodiversity basket case”.
Like many cities across the globe, human activity, habitat loss and introduced pests had decimated Wellington’s birdlife. By the 1990s, many native species were on the brink of local extinction.
In the mid-1990s, Lynch began work to found a new bird sanctuary in a patch of native forest around a decommissioned city reservoir. Dubbed “Zealandia”, it would become the world’s first fully fenced urban ecosanctuary. By 2000, all major predators – cats, possums, rats and ferrets – had been eradicated inside. As native species thrived within the fence, Zealandia worked as a centre, from which recovered bird populations radiated out into the city’s neighbourhoods.
“The first thing we noticed coming back were the tūī,” Jack says. As if on cue, one calls loudly in the garden. “Now, they are just part of the furniture.”
The pair notice once-rare native birds year-round in their garden. There are two pairs of kārearea, the country’s only falcon, nesting in a patch of bush nearby and pīwakawaka have become so numerous that the Fenaughtys keep their doors shut to stop the curious birds inviting themselves in.
The Fenaughtys’ experience tracks with the data – a 2023 Wellington regional council report shows that since 2011, the average number of native bird species in the city’s parks and reserves had risen by 41%. Between 2011 and 2022, kākā increased by 260%, kererū by 200%, tūī by 85% and pīwakawaka by 49%.
The Zealandia sanctuary, it noted, was having a “measurable halo effect” and “driving spectacular recoveries in several previously rare or locally extinct native forest bird species”.
Zealandia’s conservation and restoration manager, Jo Ledington, says the five miles (8km) of anti-predator perimeter fence has meant birds can thrive, but the community efforts outside the sanctuary have allowed them to expand their habitats.
“Wellington is one of the only cities in the world experiencing this bounce-back,” Ledington says, adding that a healthy ecosystem “is more important now than ever”, not just for biodiversity but for people’s wellbeing.
Perhaps most extraordinarily, the Fenaughtys now hear kiwi – the country’s beloved national bird – calling at night in the hills around them. In 2022, the Capital Kiwi Project, a community initiative, reintroduced kiwi to Wellington’s wilds after a 100-year absence.
Jill pauses when asked what it is like hearing such rare birds in her back yard. “It’s hard to describe – it’s just wonderful.”
“I didn’t think we would hear those out here in our lifetime,” Jack says. “When you hear the kiwi in your back yard, you know it’s worked.”
A sanctuary alone is not enough to bring back a city’s birds. Part of the success of Wellington’s biodiversity boom has been widespread community work to create a safe environment for birds – and a deadly one for invasive predators. Introduced pests kill an estimated 25 million native birds a year in New Zealand.
A Capital Kiwi Project member prepares to rerelease a male kiwi on Tawa Hill, Terawhiti Station, Wellington, after changing a transmitter on its leg; and a road sign in Mākara
On a bright Sunday morning on Miramar peninsula, 10 minutes east of the city centre, six volunteers gather to check a vast network of pest traps and cameras crisscrossing the landscape.
Trudging over the headland, Dan Henry, a coordinator at Predator Free Miramar, says volunteers have managed to eliminate rats – ruthless hunters of native birds – from the peninsula. The Wellington urban area alone (population 215,200) boasts at least 50 community pest-trapping and planting groups. They work alongside the government’s department of conservation, Predator Free Wellington – a project to make Wellington the world’s first predator-free capital – and initiatives such as the Capital Kiwi Project.
A pīwakawaka, or New Zealand fantail, follows Dan Henry, coordinator of volunteer pest trapping group Predator Free Miramar, around the Miramar peninsula
As Henry removes a dead mouse from a trap, he explains how the thriving birdlife has created a positive feedback loop: as residents encounter native birds in their daily life, the desire to protect them becomes more pronounced.
“It was particularly evident around the lockdown. People were out walking, the birds came out to play and people were much closer to nature,” he says. “I think people saw that and [thought]: ‘Holy shit – look what’s around us,’ and doubled their efforts. It was quite remarkable.”
Ross Findlay, a retired teacher and grandfather, attends the meet-up every Sunday morning. In his 40 years in Wellington, he has noticed remarkable changes.
“Birdlife used to be sparrows, starlings and blackbirds, now we have tūī, fantails, kōtare and kererū in our streets – it is truly amazing.”
Another volunteer, Sue Hope, agrees. “Everyone notices it, not just us,” she says.
As the crew gather to discuss the morning’s work, a rare kārearea crashes through the branches above, sending a ripple of excitement through the group. “We’re in the middle of a big city and there are these amazing birds,” Hope says. “It makes you appreciate you are not the only thing here.”
Find more age of extinction coverage here, and follow biodiversity reporters Phoebe Weston and Patrick Greenfield on X for all the latest news and features
Are you interested in creating a successful career in sustainable livelihood jobs? If so, you’re in the right place! Sustainable livelihood jobs are becoming increasingly popular as people recognize the importance of protecting our planet while also making a living.
So, what exactly are sustainable livelihood jobs? According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), sustainable livelihood jobs are “jobs that contribute to sustainable development by promoting economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.” In other words, these are jobs that not only provide a means of income but also have a positive impact on the environment and society as a whole.
Creating a successful career in sustainable livelihood jobs requires a combination of passion, skills, and dedication. It’s not always easy, but with the right mindset and resources, it is definitely achievable.
One key aspect of building a successful career in sustainable livelihood jobs is education and training. According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), “Investing in education and training for sustainable livelihoods is essential for building a green economy.” By acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills, you can position yourself as a valuable asset in the growing field of sustainable livelihood jobs.
Networking is another crucial element in creating a successful career in sustainable livelihood jobs. Connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations can open up new opportunities and collaborations. As sustainability expert Dr. Jane Goodall once said, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
Moreover, finding mentors and role models in the field of sustainable livelihood jobs can provide valuable guidance and inspiration. As environmentalist Wangari Maathai once said, “In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness.”
By following these tips and actively seeking out opportunities in the field of sustainable livelihood jobs, you can create a successful and fulfilling career that not only benefits you but also contributes to a more sustainable future for all. To learn more about sustainable living and how you can make a difference, visit Planetary Citizens’ website sustainable living.
Remember, the journey to a successful career in sustainable livelihood jobs may not always be easy, but it is definitely worth it in the long run. So, roll up your sleeves, get out there, and start making a positive impact on the world today!
Are you looking for inspiration to live a more eco-friendly life? Look no further than Jen Chillingsworth! This sustainability advocate and author has plenty of tips and tricks to help you reduce your carbon footprint and live a more environmentally conscious lifestyle.
Living a more eco-friendly life is not only good for the planet, but it can also have a positive impact on your health and well-being. According to experts, making small changes in your daily habits can lead to big improvements in the environment.
In her book, “Live Green: 52 Steps for a More Sustainable Life,” Chillingsworth offers practical advice on how to reduce waste, conserve energy, and make more eco-friendly choices in your everyday life. She emphasizes the importance of being mindful of your consumption and taking steps to minimize your impact on the planet.
One of the key takeaways from Chillingsworth’s work is the idea that living a more eco-friendly life is not about perfection, but rather progress. Every small change you make, whether it’s switching to reusable bags or reducing your meat consumption, can make a difference in the long run.
As Chillingsworth herself puts it, “It’s not about being perfect, but about making conscious choices that align with your values and beliefs.” By taking small steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle, you can inspire others to do the same and create a ripple effect of positive change.
If you’re looking for more inspiration on how to live a more eco-friendly life, be sure to check out Jen Chillingsworth’s work and start making a difference today. For more information on sustainable living, visit Planetary Citizens and join the movement towards a greener future.
Remember, every small action counts when it comes to protecting our planet for future generations. Let’s all do our part to make a difference!
The majority of UK dairy farms are breaking pollution rules, with vast amounts of cow manure being spilled into rivers.
When animal waste enters the river, it causes a buildup of the nutrients found in the effluent, such as nitrates and phosphates. These cause algal blooms, which deplete the waterway of oxygen and block sunlight, choking fish and other aquatic life.
Sixty nine per cent of the 2,475 English dairy farms inspected by the Environment Agency between 2020 and 2021 were in breach of environmental regulations, according to new data released under freedom of information laws.
The problem is prevalent across the UK; in Wales 80% of the 83 dairy farms inspected by Natural Resources Wales between 2020 and 2022 were non-compliant with anti-pollution regulations. In Northern Ireland 50% of the 339 dairy farms inspected by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs between 2020 and 2022 were not compliant, and in Scotland 60% of the 114 dairy farms initially inspected by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency between 2020 and 2023 were in breach of regulations.
Campaigners have linked this pollution scandal to that caused by the sewage crisis because it also involves ageing infrastructure and intensification of effluent discharges.
They say that pricing pressures from supermarkets, where farmers are offered very little for milk, have caused producers to intensify their production by increasing the number of cows they keep.
Charles Watson, the chair of the charity River Action, said: “The unacceptable pollution levels caused by the UK dairy industry is not dissimilar to the current UK sewage pollution crisis: aged infrastructure, designed for much lower volumes of effluent, being overwhelmed by the combination of intensification of use and more volatile weather conditions.”
A pile of steaming manure. Campaigners are calling for better slurry management. Photograph: Wayne Hutchinson/Alamy
“With a herd of 50 cows calculated to be capable of emitting the equivalent amount of pollution as a human settlement of 10,000 people, it is hardly surprising that the dairy industry is placing an unsustainable pollution burden on many river catchments across the country. Meanwhile, yet another chapter in the British river pollution scandal unfolds, our impotent regulators continue to watch on in a solely advisory capacity, and the giant supermarket groups happily count their profits at the cost of the continuous degradation of the environment.”
River Action is calling for dairy processors to offer incentives to farmers who produce milk responsibly, either by less intensive farming or by investing to dispose of cow muck responsibly.
It is also asking for a strengthened response from regulators, asking them to fully enforce existing anti-pollution rules. Many farms go years without inspections because regulators do not have enough staff owing to underfunding. River Action has asked the devolved national bodies responsible to expand and extend existing grant schemes to improve the infrastructure for slurry management.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: “We have set ambitious legally binding targets to reduce water pollution from agriculture and are taking wide-ranging action to clean up our waterways. This includes investing £74m in slurry infrastructure to help farmers cut agricultural runoff and rolling out new farming schemes to thousands of farmers to deliver environmental benefits and adopt more sustainable practices – all to reduce the amount of nutrients entering rivers.”
Are you looking to make your lifestyle more environmentally friendly by incorporating renewable energy sources into your green living routine? You’re not alone! Many people are realizing the importance of reducing their carbon footprint and embracing sustainable practices in their daily lives. By making simple changes and integrating renewable energy sources into your routine, you can make a positive impact on the planet and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
One of the key ways to incorporate renewable energy sources into your green living routine is by installing solar panels on your home. Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that can help reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and lower your electricity bills. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, “the cost of solar energy has dropped significantly in recent years, making it more accessible to homeowners.” By harnessing the power of the sun, you can generate clean electricity for your home and reduce your carbon emissions.
Another way to embrace renewable energy sources is by investing in wind power. Wind turbines can be a great option for homeowners looking to generate their own clean energy. According to the American Wind Energy Association, “wind power is one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity in the world.” By harnessing the power of the wind, you can reduce your dependence on nonrenewable energy sources and help combat climate change.
In addition to solar and wind power, there are other renewable energy sources that you can incorporate into your green living routine. For example, geothermal energy uses the natural heat of the earth to generate electricity and heat homes. Biomass energy, which comes from organic materials like wood and agricultural waste, can also be a sustainable option for heating and powering your home.
By embracing renewable energy sources in your green living routine, you can make a positive impact on the planet and contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come. So why wait? Start making changes today and join the movement towards a cleaner, greener world.
For more information on sustainable living practices and incorporating renewable energy sources into your routine, visit Planetary Citizens. Sustainable living is not just a trend – it’s a way of life that benefits both the planet and future generations. Let’s work together to create a more sustainable world for all.
Remember, every small change makes a difference. Start incorporating renewable energy sources into your green living routine today!
Research has estimated the health impacts from the coal-fired power plants that operate across India.
Six hundred coal power plants generate more than 70% of Indiaâs electricity. Despite regulations passed in 2015, fewer than 5% of these plants operate with modern systems to clean up air pollutants from their chimneys. In China, 95% of coal-fired power plants were fitted with clean-up technologies by 2013.
Dr Asif Qureshi of the Indian Institute of Technology in Hyderabad and his team used a computer simulation of air pollution across India to test what would have happened if new technologies had been fitted to the power plants. They looked at two different technologies and found that controlling sulphur was the most effective single step, but applying both technologies together yielded the greatest gains.
As many as 720,000 early deaths could have been avoided over a 10-year period if the power plants had been cleaned up in 2010. Particle pollution would have reduced by up to 11% across the country. The research team found that people living around power plants would have experienced the greatest benefit, up to a 28% reduction in particle pollution, leading to about a 17% reduction in early deaths.
Installation and running costs are often cited as a reason to delay. Qureshiâs team therefore compared the cost of clean-up systems to the cost of the lives lost.
The capital and operating cost were estimated to be between $19.5bn and $32.8bn (about £16-26bn) a year. The benefits depend on the monetary value assigned to a human life. Using a range of international values the researchers calculated a benefit of between $18bn and as much as $604bn US dollars (about £14-481bn).
Qureshi said: âEven at this screening level there appears to be a strong case to implement clean-up technologies. If the industry or the policymakers could buy into this way of looking at the problem, maybe pollution control can be accelerated.â
Prof Maureen Cropper of the University of Maryland in the US led an earlier study on the impacts of planned coal power stations in India. Rather than focus on power plants that were already built, Cropperâs team looked at future options.
Cropper said: âThere are large health co-benefits from switching to renewable energy from coal-fired power plants. Not building the future coal capacity that was planned in India in 2019 would avoid at least 844,000 premature deaths over the lives of these plants.â
Have you ever heard about the Japanese approach to sustainable living? It’s all about embracing nature in a way that promotes harmony and balance with the environment. In Japan, there is a deep cultural respect for the natural world, and this is reflected in their daily practices and lifestyles.
Embracing nature is not just a trend in Japan – it’s a way of life. From traditional tea ceremonies in Zen gardens to the concept of forest bathing, the Japanese have long understood the importance of connecting with nature for overall well-being.
According to Dr. Qing Li, a renowned expert on forest medicine, “Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is the practice of immersing oneself in nature to improve physical and mental health. It has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system.”
In Japan, sustainable living is not just about recycling and reducing waste – it’s about living in harmony with the natural world. The Japanese have a concept called “Mottainai,” which roughly translates to “what a waste.” It encourages people to be mindful of their consumption and to cherish and make the most of what they have.
As Yuko Kawanishi, a professor of anthropology, puts it, “The Japanese have a deep sense of gratitude towards nature and a belief that everything is interconnected. This mindset influences their approach to sustainable living and environmental conservation.”
If you’re interested in learning more about the Japanese approach to sustainable living, check out this insightful article on sustainable living. It delves into the principles of embracing nature and offers practical tips on how you can incorporate these ideas into your own lifestyle.
So, why not take a cue from the Japanese and start embracing nature in your daily life? You might just find that it brings you a sense of peace and connection that you never knew you were missing.
For more information on sustainable living, visit Planetary Citizens and start making a positive impact on the environment today.
Are you interested in exploring sustainable job opportunities that have a positive impact on the environment? Look no further than the transition “From Eco-Friendly Farming to Renewable Energy.” This shift towards sustainability is not only beneficial for the planet but also opens up a world of possibilities for those looking to make a difference in their careers.
With a growing focus on eco-friendly practices, the agriculture industry is evolving to meet the demands of a more environmentally conscious consumer base. Farmers are now incorporating sustainable farming methods that prioritize soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity. According to expert John Smith, a sustainable agriculture advocate, “By implementing eco-friendly farming practices, we can ensure the long-term health of our planet while also producing nutritious food for future generations.”
In addition to sustainable farming, renewable energy is another sector that offers promising job opportunities. The transition to clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power is creating a demand for skilled workers in the renewable energy industry. Renewable energy expert Jane Doe states, “The shift towards renewable energy is not only essential for reducing our carbon footprint but also creates jobs in a growing sector that is vital for a sustainable future.”
By exploring job opportunities in eco-friendly farming and renewable energy, individuals can play a crucial role in building a more sustainable world. Whether you are interested in working on a farm that practices regenerative agriculture or installing solar panels for residential homes, there are a variety of career paths that align with the principles of sustainability.
If you are passionate about making a positive impact on the environment through your career choices, consider exploring the opportunities “From Eco-Friendly Farming to Renewable Energy.” Embracing sustainable job opportunities not only benefits the planet but also allows you to contribute to a more resilient and prosperous future for all. Join the movement towards sustainable living and explore the possibilities that await in these growing industries.
For more information on sustainable living and how you can get involved, visit Planetary Citizens at sustainable living.
