Meatless Mondays: One-Pot Lentil Bolognese

 One-Pot Lentil Bolognese is a staple in a busy household, especially if like me you have a can or 2 of already cooked lentils on hand and also a can of crushed or chopped tomatoes. It also satisfies all the Bolognese meat lovers here but is much quicker to make.

Going meatless once a week is also a gentle nudge toward better health. Studies show that plant-based diets can lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. 

Meatless Mondays encourage you to explore nutrient-rich foods like legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats—ingredients that nourish your body and support long-term wellness.

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 30 min

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed

• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice

• Fresh parsley and grated parmesan (or vegan alternative)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened.

2. Add garlic, oregano, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute.

3. Stir in lentils, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender.

4. Season to taste. Serve over pasta and top with parsley and cheese.

Substitutions: Make It Work With What You’ve Got

Cooking meatless doesn’t mean you need a specialty grocery run every week. Here are some easy swaps to help you adapt the recipes:

Lentils

• Dry lentils → Canned lentils: 1 cup of dried lentils = about 2½ cups cooked, or 1½ standard cans (400g each). If using canned, drain and rinse before adding to your dish. You may also want to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.

Garlic

• Fresh garlic → Jarred minced garlic: 1 garlic clove = ½ teaspoon of jarred minced garlic. For recipes calling for 3 cloves, use 1½ teaspoons.

Vegetable Broth

• No broth? No problem:

  • Use water + seasoning: Add salt, pepper, herbs (like thyme, oregano, bay leaf), and a splash of soy sauce or tamari for depth.

  • Or dissolve 1 bouillon cube in 2 cups of hot water as a quick broth substitute.

Cheese

• Dairy cheese → Vegan cheese:

• Swap 1:1 with your favorite plant-based cheese.

• Or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost—about 1 tbsp per serving.

Unsung Heroes: Janet Willoner, Tree Giver of North Yorkshire

In a quiet corner of North Yorkshire, one woman has turned her garden into a forest of hope.

Credit: Janet Willoner

Janet Willoner, a passionate gardener and environmentalist, has grown and donated more than 4,000 trees—yes, four thousand—from her own backyard. Without fanfare or funding, she’s spent years nurturing saplings that now thrive in parks, schoolyards, and community spaces across the region.

Her efforts recently earned her the Green Award from BBC Radio York, but Janet’s story goes far beyond accolades. It’s about the power of one person to make a lasting impact—root by root, tree by tree.

A Garden That Gives Back

What began as a personal love for gardening blossomed into a mission to restore nature. Janet carefully propagated native species, tended them through every season, and gave them away to anyone who needed them. Her trees now stand as living testaments to generosity and resilience.

In a time when climate anxiety can feel overwhelming, Janet’s work reminds us that change doesn’t always come from big institutions—it often starts in our own backyards.

Why It Matters

Reforestation is one of the most effective ways to combat climate change, support biodiversity, and improve air quality. By creating a local supply of trees, Janet has helped reduce the carbon footprint of sourcing and transporting plants, while strengthening community ties.

Her grassroots approach is a model for regenerative action—quiet, consistent, and deeply rooted in care.

A Legacy in Leaves

Janet’s story is a beautiful reminder that you don’t need a title or a budget to be a hero. You just need heart, patience, and a willingness to give.

So here’s to Janet Willoner—the Tree Giver of North Yorkshire—whose garden has grown more than greenery. It’s grown hope.

Read her story in her own words at Yorkshire Rewilding Network 

Read about more good people:

Promoter of Peace 

Women leaves $4 million to help homeless

Awarded for services to the environment

10 Positive Quotes on Global Renewable Energy Progress

In this post, we’ve gathered 10 powerful quotes that celebrate the progress, ambition, and optimism driving the global shift to clean energy — proof that a greener tomorrow isn’t just possible, it’s already underway.

1. “The nation that leads in renewable energy will be the nation that leads the world 10, 20 years from now.” — James Cameron

2. “100% renewable energy is 100% possible and can happen sooner than we think.” — John B. Quigley

3. “The future is green energy, sustainability, renewable energy.” — Arnold Schwarzenegger

4. “Germany’s experience shows that solar and wind can keep the lights on in a highly industrialized nation.” — Osha Gray Davidson

5. “Wind and other clean, renewable energy will help end our reliance on fossil fuels and combat the severe threat that climate change poses to humans and wildlife alike.” — Frances Beinecke

6. “For decades, we've been told that it doesn't make economic sense to switch to renewable energy. Today, that's no longer true.” — Barack Obama

7. “Climate change is not just another issue. It is the issue that, unchecked, will swamp all other issues. The only hope lies in all the countries of the world coming together around a common global project to rewire the world with clean energy.” — Ross Gelbspan

8. “Energy is essential for development, and sustainable energy is essential for sustainable development.” — Tim Wirth

9. “Nuclear power and fossil fuels are the choices of the past. Renewable energy is the choice of the future that is here today.” — Hermann Scheer

10. “Support renewable energy. Recycle. Reuse. Restore. Replenish.” — Claudia Black

Several of the quotes in our list come from authors of books and by clicking on their names you will be taken to more information about these books. 

The shift to renewables needs to be a world wide shared journey — and every step counts. Let these quotes be a reminder that change is not only possible, it’s already in motion.

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Cultivating optimism - 5 ways to try

Optimism isn’t just a personality trait, it’s a skill you can cultivate. Psychologist Martin Seligman coined the term learned optimism, showing that by challenging negative self-talk and reframing how we interpret setbacks, we can train our minds to expect better outcomes and engage more positively with life.

Here are a few gentle, practical ways to begin:

1. Reframe Your Inner Dialogue

Notice when your thoughts spiral into worst-case scenarios. Instead of “I always mess this up,” try “This is hard, but I’ve handled tough things before.” It’s not about ignoring reality—it’s about giving yourself a fairer narrative.

2. Practice Gratitude

Even jotting down three small things you appreciated today—sunlight through the window, a kind comment, a warm cup of tea—can shift your focus toward abundance.

3. Surround Yourself with Hope

Optimism is contagious. Spend time with people who see possibility, not just problems. Their perspective can gently reshape your own.

4. Find Purpose

Stanford researcher Leah Weiss says that optimism grows when we live with purpose—whether that’s advocacy, creativity, caregiving, or simply showing up for what matters.

5. Mindfulness and Acceptance

Being present helps you respond rather than react. Optimism doesn’t mean denying hardship—it means believing that growth is possible through it.

Further information

Optimism is the belief or attitude that things will turn out well, even in the face of challenges or uncertainty. It’s about expecting positive outcomes and focusing on the good, rather than dwelling on the bad.

Here’s how it shows up in everyday life:

• Seeing a setback as temporary and believing you’ll bounce back.

• Saying “I’ll figure it out” instead of “I can’t do this.”

• Trusting that people mean well, even when things go wrong.

• Looking forward to the future with hope, not fear.

Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring problems—it means facing them with confidence that solutions are possible. It’s a mindset that can boost resilience, improve health, and help people cope better with stress.

Gratitude is the feeling of thankfulness and appreciation for what you have, what others do for you, or even for life itself. It’s about noticing the good—whether it’s a kind gesture, a beautiful moment, or something you often take for granted—and letting yourself feel thankful for it.

Here’s how gratitude shows up:

• Saying “thank you” and meaning it.

• Feeling moved by a sunrise or a quiet moment.

• Remembering someone’s kindness and appreciating it.

• Shifting focus from what’s missing to what’s already good.

Gratitude isn’t just polite—it’s powerful. Studies show it can improve mood, reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and even support physical health.

Hope is the belief that things can get better—even when life is hard or uncertain. It’s a feeling that gives you strength to keep going, even if you don’t know exactly how things will turn out.

Why Hope Is a Good Thing

• It fuels resilience: Hope helps you bounce back from setbacks. When you believe there's a chance for improvement, you're more likely to keep trying.

• It supports mental health: People with hope tend to feel less anxious and depressed. It’s like emotional oxygen—keeping your spirit alive.

• It motivates action: Hope isn’t just wishful thinking. It encourages you to take steps toward a better future, even small ones.

• It connects you to others: Sharing hope builds trust and community. It reminds us we’re not alone in our struggles.

Hope doesn’t mean ignoring reality—it means believing that change is possible, and that you have a role in shaping it. Whether you're facing illness, loss, or uncertainty, hope can be the quiet force that helps you move forward.

Mindfulness is the practice of paying full attention to the present moment—without judgment, distraction, or rushing ahead. It means noticing what’s happening right now: your thoughts, feelings, body, and surroundings.

Why Mindfulness Is a Good Thing

• It calms the mind: Mindfulness helps quiet racing thoughts and reduces stress. It’s like giving your brain a deep breath.

• It improves focus: By training your attention, mindfulness makes it easier to concentrate and stay present.

• It supports emotional health: Mindful people tend to feel less overwhelmed and more balanced. It helps you respond, not react.

• It enhances physical well-being: Studies show mindfulness can lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and even reduce pain.

• It deepens connection: Being fully present helps you listen better, communicate more clearly, and enjoy relationships more deeply.

Mindfulness isn’t about clearing your mind—it’s about noticing what’s in it, gently and with curiosity. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference.

Acceptance means recognizing and allowing things to be as they are—without trying to fight, fix, or deny them. It’s not about giving up or agreeing with everything; it’s about making peace with reality, especially when it’s painful or out of your control.

Why Acceptance Is a Good Thing

• It reduces emotional suffering: Struggling against what you can’t change often adds more pain. Acceptance helps ease that burden.

• It builds resilience: When you accept a challenge, you’re better able to respond calmly and wisely, rather than react with frustration or fear.

• It supports healing: Acceptance creates space for growth, self-compassion, and moving forward—especially in chronic illness, grief, or life transitions.

• It improves relationships: Accepting others as they are (even when they’re imperfect) leads to deeper understanding and less conflict.

• It brings clarity: When you stop resisting reality, you can see it more clearly—and make better choices from a grounded place.

Acceptance doesn’t mean you stop caring or trying. It means you stop wasting energy on what can’t be changed, and start focusing on what you can do.

Solar Panels Shine Bright with Recycled Glass

In a breakthrough for sustainable energy, researchers have confirmed that solar panels made with recycled glass perform just as well as those made with brand-new materials. That’s right—no drop in power, no compromise in quality. Just clean energy, made cleaner.

The study, led by Arizona State University and solar recycling firm SOLARCYCLE, tested prototype panels built from a 50/50 mix of recycled and virgin glass. The results? Identical performance across all key metrics. It’s a quiet revolution in how we think about renewable infrastructure—not just what it does, but how it’s made.

Dr. Zachary Holman, vice dean for research and innovation at ASU, put it simply: “You don’t have to sacrifice performance to build solar panels more sustainably.” That’s a powerful message for an industry often caught between ecological ideals and practical demands.

The glass was taken from old solar panels that were no longer working. The company used its special technology to clean and reuse the glass. By showing that this recycled glass can be used to make new, high-quality solar panels, the team proved that solar panels can be made in a way that creates less waste, makes it easier to get materials, and keeps useful stuff from being thrown away.

SOLARCYCLE isn’t just experimenting in the lab—they’re taking action. They’re building a new factory in Cedartown, Georgia, that will make solar panel glass using mostly recycled materials. It’s the first factory like this, and it’s part of a bigger push to make solar energy even more eco-friendly—not just renewable, but able to renew itself.

Other companies are jumping in too. In California, PV Circonomy has created machines that can recover 99.3% of the parts from old solar panels. And in Sweden, scientists have figured out how to recycle solar cells over and over again without losing their power.

At All Things Good, we believe sustainability isn’t just about what we save—it’s about what we reimagine. This isn’t just a win for solar. It’s a win for circular design, climate resilience, and the kind of future we want to build.

SOURCE 

Meatless Monday: Cauliflower Steaks with Roasted Bell Pepper Sauce and Baked Ricotta

Why Meatless Mondays Matter: A Small Shift with Big Impact 

At All Things Good, we believe that small, intentional choices can lead to powerful change—and that’s exactly why we’re proud to feature Meatless Mondays as a regular part of our blog. This global movement isn’t just about skipping meat once a week; it’s about embracing a more mindful, sustainable, and health-conscious way of living.

Do you love cauliflower?

Here’s a delicious and simple vegetarian recipe you can whip up in under an hour: Cauliflower Steaks with Roasted Bell Pepper Sauce and Baked Ricotta

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 1 cauliflower (cut into 1-inch thick steaks)

• 9 oz potatoes (cut into wedges)

• 9 oz low-fat ricotta

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• 1½ tbsp olive oil

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 1 cup roasted bell peppers

• 1 garlic clove

• 1½ tsp sugar

• 1 tbsp parsley (for garnish)

 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F).

2. Prep veggies: Cut cauliflower into steaks and potatoes into wedges. Place them on a baking sheet with the ricotta block.

3. Season: Mix onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Brush over the cauliflower, potatoes, and ricotta.

4. Bake for 30–35 minutes until fork-tender and golden. Flip cauliflower halfway through.

5. Make the sauce: Blend roasted bell peppers, garlic, sugar, and ¼ tsp salt until smooth.

6. Serve: Plate the cauliflower steaks and potatoes, drizzle with bell pepper sauce, and top with baked ricotta. Garnish with parsley and black pepper.

It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor—perfect for a cozy dinner or a nourishing lunch.

If you don't have red bell peppers or any bell peppers, don't worry, just remove them from the recipe. It still makes a hearty, meatless recipe that is delicious. You could add more fresh herbs, like basil, as a garnish. 

To See and Behold: Why Witnessing Wildlife Is a Radical Act of Hope

In a world often overwhelmed by loss—of habitat, of species, of ecological balance—there is something quietly revolutionary about seeing. Not just observing, but truly beholding the rare and the newly discovered. It’s a form of reverence. A way of saying: You exist. You matter. We will fight for you.

This month, two extraordinary sightings remind us why bearing witness to wildlife is more than a pastime—it’s a call to action.

The Regent Honeyeater, photographed by Jss367

The Regent Honeyeater Returns

In the Queens Lake Nature Reserve on the NSW Mid North Coast, a group of birdwatchers spotted not one, but two critically endangered regent honeyeaters—before they even left the car park. With fewer than 300 individuals left in the wild, these birds are considered ecological ghosts, flitting through fragmented habitats in search of flowering trees and safety.

What makes this sighting even more miraculous? These honeyeaters were wild-born, unbanded, and feeding among other species. Their presence suggests that nature, when given even a sliver of sanctuary, still dares to persist. It’s a reminder that conservation isn’t just about numbers—it’s about dignity, habitat, and the right to exist without vanishing.

A New Manta Ray Emerges

Meanwhile, off the coast of Florida, marine scientists have officially identified a new species of manta ray—Mobula yarae, named after a mythical water spirit from Brazilian folklore. This gentle giant, stretching up to 20 feet wide, becomes only the third known manta ray species in the world. Its discovery is the result of over 15 years of meticulous research, underwater photography, and genetic analysis.

Why does this matter? Because you can’t protect what you haven’t named. Formal recognition of Mobula yarae allows conservationists to track its population, assess threats, and advocate for its protection. It’s a triumph of curiosity, patience, and the belief that the ocean still holds secrets worth saving.

Why Seeing Matters

To witness an endangered species is to stand at the edge of extinction and say, I see you. To discover a new species is to affirm that the world is still unfolding, still capable of surprise. Both acts are deeply human—and deeply hopeful.

They remind us that conservation isn’t just about preserving the past. It’s about co-creating a future where biodiversity is not a luxury, but a legacy.

So the next time you walk through a nature reserve or dive beneath the waves, remember: your gaze is powerful. Your presence matters. And every creature you see is a story still being written.

12 creative little libraries from around the world.

Our cities are full of large libraries that are amazing and free, but here we have chosen to share the little tiny libraries that are springing up everywhere. These libraries can be created by anyone, anywhere and each one has a story to tell about the love of books, the love of sharing, and a sense of community.

Hundreds of little libraries have been created but not all of them have been photographed and shared. That’s why we set out to find as many little libraries as we could. We love how they add uniqueness to the areas of the cities and suburbs where they are found. We really enjoy the creativity that has gone into making these libraries and have included what we feel are the most creative from around the world.

We hope you enjoy this list of the most creative little libraries from around the world.

We would love to add more. Did we miss any from your neighborhood? Feel free to submit pictures at our Facebook or Twitter feeds to be added here or let us know in the comments below.

Tree stump library



Robot library Monica Thompson

Tardis in Kenmore Washington, USA. Jennifer Brozek

Wizard of Oz Tornado library Pomeroy Street MASSACHUSETTS, USA

Space age library

 

Winchester, Texas USA. 'We decided to build a library that reflected our small community.
A chicken coop theme fit us perfectly!' - Margaret Atkins.



Created by Stereotank, a public installation project providing New Yorkers
with a spontaneous opportunity to read a book.

Tree trunk library in Jackson Street Seattle, USA

Library in a phone booth

Public Bookshelf created in a bus stop in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil

Book house in Maleny, Queensland, Australia.

 

Houston, Texas USA. A boat-shaped Library at the church for Clear Lake Community.
Diane Jones.

 

If after seeing these cute and worthwhile structures you may feel inspired to build your own out of an old cupboard or some other creative design in your head. There are people who can help you with the considerations that you may yet have not thought apart like "how do I keep my little library protected from the rain? " or "how wide should the shelves be to house most books?"

Little Free Libraries & Tiny Sheds: 12 Miniature Structures You Can Build is highly recommended, as the book you need, by The Little Free Library organization. Yes, there is an organization! They are a nonprofit organization based in Hudson, Wisconsin, USA. Little Free Library (LFL) is an award-winning nonprofit organization at the center of a global literacy movement. Find out more about it here.

This book is produced in cooperation with Little Free Library, and is a builder's complete source of inspiration and how-to knowledge. Illustrated throughout with colorful step-by-step photography and a gallery of tiny structures for further inspiration, Little Free Libraries and Tiny Sheds covers every step: planning and design, tools and building techniques, best materials, and 12 complete plans for structures of varying size and aesthetics. In addition, author and professional carpenter Phil Schmidt includes information on proper installation of small structures and common repairs and maintenance for down the road. You can check it out or purchase it here. 

Little Free Libraries and Tiny Sheds book cover

If you liked this article you may also like History of the Little Free Library which includes the benefits of running a little library.

Awarded for services to the environment

Alison Teese was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to conservation and the environment at the 2015 Australia Day Awards. The OAM list provides national and formal recognition for Australians who have made a significant difference to their communities.

Alison Teese is a farmer who has been recognised for setting up a philanthropic trust to preserve the nation’s native eucalypt trees. She was raised on a dairy farm in Gippsland, Victoria, in Australia, and her early life shaped her passion for the land and natural science. Her work involves a range of projects that extends from creating bird habitats to conserving native trees.

In 1989, Alison became one of the founding members of the Moolort Landcare Group and still remains an active member today, as she continues to raise awareness of the environment including climate change and land management.

 

Landcare Australia Limited is the leading not-for-profit organisation responsible for raising awareness and funding for the Landcare movement.

 

SOURCE: Landcare's facebook page

 

Living plants generate electricity

A new type of sustainable energy is now available. Living plants are creating clean, renewable, sustainable, efficient, bioenergy.

Bioenergy is renewable energy made available from materials derived from biological sources.

Plant-e is a company that develops and produces products in which living plants generate electricity. To find out more please watch this video.

Pay it forward

International Pay it Forward Day is 

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Pay it Forward Day UK

Pay It Forward Foundation

Pay it forward is an expression used when someone who is done a good deed repays it to others not the original benefactor. The concept is old, but the term is quite recent:

• First use of the term may have been by Lily Hardy Hammond in her 1916 book In the Garden of Delight: "You don't pay love back; you pay it forward."
• The Pay it forward concept was the key plot element in an ancient Greek play from 317 BC called Dyskolos by Menander.
• The concept was described by Benjamin Franklin, in a letter to Benjamin Webb dated April 25, 1784:

I do not pretend to give such a deed; I only lend it to you. When you [...] meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by a like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with another opportunity. I hope it may thus go thro' many hands, before it meets with a Knave that will stop its Progress. This is a trick of mine for doing a deal of good with a little money.

• The term "pay it forward" was used by Robert A. Heinlein in his book Between Planets, published in 1951
• In 2000, Catherine Ryan Hyde's novel Pay It Forward was adapted into a film of the same name, starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment. It describes creating a social movement of doing good deeds to make the world a better place.

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Modern technology helping to keep remote communities connected

Many rural communities in AFRICA are separated by great distances from the urban centers, including the capital city of  Mali,  Bamako. Mali is the world's 24th-largest country, similar in size to South Africa. Most of the country lies in the southern Sahara, which is hot and dusty. Mali is mostly flat, rising to rolling northern plains covered by sand.



Image of children in Mali by Flickr: gao mali

Image of children in Mali by Flickr: gao mali

Communication tools such as internet blogging and affordable mobile phones are helping to strengthen the links between the residents of rural villages and the larger cities. This is especially important for many Malians who have left their communities for greater educational and economic opportunities in Bamako.

 

 

 

Read full story at Rising Voices which aims to extend the benefits and reach of citizen media by connecting online media activists around the world and supporting their best ideas.

Mali is in dark green and Libya in light green in Africa.

 

Change the world in just 5 minutes at a time

Can a bunch of school kids really change the world in five minutes a day? This class of Aussie primary school kids demonstrate over the course of a week that it only takes five minutes a day to make a positive impact—from recycling to planting fruit and veg to collecting old mobile phones and telling jokes.

Young people are carers of our land

Students from Cannon Hill State School in their school garden
PHOTO: Slow Food Brisbane

Australian children will be given extra support as carers of our land.

Landcare activities will be included in the school curriculum under a new program, by Landcare Australia and the Primary Industries Education Foundation.

The program, launched in September 2014, will initially be aimed at primary school students in rural and metropolitan areas.

 

This is good news for Australia's students and teachers and their knowledge of the environment. This is good news for the future of the environment.

 

Good Fact: 76% of primary schools already have some kind of growing program in their schools and Landcare will be supporting these.

"Research shows that I think it's close to 70 per cent of adults in the Sydney Basin, for example, have never seen a working farm, so their actual appreciation of how food grows is very limited." Ben Stockwin of Primary Industries Education Foundation.

The program will provide knowledge and a hands on approach about:

• Caring for the environment
• How food is produced
• Sustainable practices

There are Fact Sheets and learning sequences to help teachers and students.

Audio: Landcare Australia and the Primary Industries Education Foundation have developed curriculum for primary students. (ABC Rural)

Find out full story at ABC Rural
Find out more about Landcare.
Find out more about Primary Industries Education Foundation

A water bottle with edible packaging

Ooho is a spherical membrane for carrying water, which can be eaten after drinking the contents.

Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez, Guillaume Couche and Pierre Paslier created the biodegradable packaging using a combination of brown algae and calcium chloride. To drink, you simply suck on the membrane and pour the water into your mouth. The packaging can then be either eaten or thrown away.

 In its earliest days, the concept was brought to life in a humble student kitchen, where each prototype was crafted by hand. The creators experimented tirelessly, refining their formulas and seeking honest feedback from anyone willing to taste—friends, family, even curious passersby. The name “Ooho” emerged organically, inspired by the delighted exclamations people made when encountering the quirky, edible spheres for the first time: a chorus of surprised “Oohooo!”s that captured the spirit of the invention perfectly.

Each Ooho bag costs  0.02 USD to make. Ooho could soon be the cheap, environmentally friendly alternative to the plastic bottle.

The video shows the invention in action.

Have you heard of Zinio?

"To see magazines done correctly, look at Zinio" ~ Huffington Post

 

Zinio is all about digital magazines - thousands of them. There are magazines on news, politics, sport, technology, art, style, travel, history and so much more.

They are publishing magazines in the digital domain that you can download to mobile devices, tablets and desktops.

So besides being environmentally friendly they are definitely convenient and have some really cool features too like the Bookmark where you easily save your spot in the magazine you are reading at any time. There are over 5000 publications available in 33 languages and also some magazine articles are available free through the website or smartphone or tablet apps.

Try Zinio Now! Experience digital with a free magazine. Choose from BusinessWeek, Men's Health and more.

More than 3,000 articles are available free at any given time which is wonderful for reading when travelling or anytime. Go to Zinio website to have a look for yourself.

Oh by the way... I am an affiliate for Zinio

Promoter of Peace

Peace Pilgrim, in 1953, Toledo, Ohio, USA.

" In order for the world to become peaceful, people must become more peaceful." Peace Pilgrim.

At age 44, Mildred became Peace Pilgrim 
She put on a top on which she had sown her new name and set out to walk across America. She wore blue clothing because it was considered the international colour of peace at the time.
It was 1953 and Peace Pilgrim walked from California to New York, and from border to border, sharing the message of peace. Peace Pilgrim walked and spoke continuously across every state of America, and in Mexico and Canada from 1953 to 1981, when she died.

She was born in New Jersey, USA and given the name Mildred Lisette Norman.  She was married for 13 years to Stanley Ryder.
Her life was then changed by a mystical experience. In her book, she explains this "spiritual awakening" and the meditation practice that inspired her to start her walking journey for peace.
She vowed to "remain a wanderer until mankind has learned the way of peace, walking until given shelter and fasting until given food."

Read more about Peace Pilgrim: Her Life and Work in Her Own Words

“This is the way of peace: Overcome evil with good, falsehood with truth, and hatred with love.” Peace Pilgrim.

Get more news about peace at GNN.

Hallie helps the environment

Hallie Turner is an eleven-year-old climate activist.  She has attended marches in Washington, D.C. and writes about climate change and what we can do about it.

For Hallie, it is not just about the Youth March that she led it is a continual and big picture view of taking action for the environment.





LINKS: iMatter
One of Hallies's letters

Four Corporations That Use Solar Power

The solar power industry is booming in the United States, though you might not know it simply by looking at the statistics.  The U.S. Energy Information Administration and Ecoworld did a survey on solar power usage throughout the world by country, and found that Germany ranked number one, followed closely by Spain and Japan. The United States is ranked 4^th on this list - which is no small accomplishment - however, there is definitely some serious room for improvement.
The US may be lagging behind other countries as a whole, but companies that are based in the United States have been significantly increasing their solar consumption.  The Solar Energy Industries Association and the Vote Solar Initiative found that US chain stores are relying more than ever on solar power companies to provide energy for their facilities.  You may be more than a little surprised when you learn which companies have been utilizing this renewable resource.
Wal-Mart
Many people are shocked to learn that Wal-Mart has been using solar power in some of their stores.  This multi-national retailer has seen a lot of controversy over the years due to many of their policies, and environmental activists have had many negative things to say about some of their products and regulations.  Wal-Mart is more than aware of their environmental shortcomings, and has been slowly trying to become a greener company.  They've recently begun to carry more environmentally friendly versions of their products, and have started to install solar panels on the roofs of many of their stores.
Kohl's
Kohl's is one of the nation's largest retailers, and their special department stores need a lot of power to to operate.  Kohl's has five strategies in place to help lessen their impact on the environment: maximize energy efficiency, minimize waste, responsible building design, reduce climate damaging emissions, and encourage environmental values.  The majority of the power that their stores use is derived from solar power and the company plans to continue to decrease their reliance on non-renewable resources in the coming years.
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson is no stranger to environmental controversy; people have been concerned about the pollution generated from their manufacturing processes as well as the ingredients in their products for many years.  Although Johnson & Johnson may have to improve some of their products and processes, they're doing great when it comes to using green energy.  They use wind power, on-site solar power, and they still manage to purchase renewable energy certificates from wind and biomass facilities.
Intel
When people think of environmentally friendly companies, electronics manufacturers probably don’t come to mind.  Many electronics manufacturers have been often criticized for using environmentally damaging minerals in their products, and for consuming a lot of energy during their manufacturing process.  The Intel Corporation, however, was actually named the largest Fortune 500 green power purchaser from the EPA.  They've purchased more than 1.5 billion solar kilowatt hours each year, and they're one of the largest solar energy users in the state.  Their four corporate locations in California rely on solar power, and many of their other locations also use solar power.
The fact that such an increasing demand on solar power companies comes from the nation’s largest corporations is a great indication of things to come. The United States has clearly expressed a commitment to greener energy consumption, and may very well rise to the top of the list of the most solar-powered countries in the future.

Jessica Holmes is an avid blogger who enjoys blogging about environmental concerns.

Reducing Waste Plastic & Poverty Around the World

Turning Plastic into Purpose: How The Plastic Bank Is Healing Our Planet and Uplifting Communities 

In a world drowning in plastic waste, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But what if that waste could become a source of empowerment, dignity, and environmental renewal? That’s the radical promise of The Plastic Bank—a global initiative that’s redefining plastic not as pollution, but as potential. 

What Is Social Plastic? At the heart of The Plastic Bank’s mission is the concept of social plastic—plastic waste that’s ethically collected and repurposed by people living in poverty. Instead of ending up in oceans or landfills, this plastic becomes a currency for change. Collectors can exchange it for essentials like food, education, training, and even access to 3D printing services that support local entrepreneurship. This isn’t just recycling—it’s regeneration. It’s a circular economy model that restores ecosystems while restoring lives. 

Cleaning Oceans, Lifting Lives Every year, over 300 million tons of plastic are produced globally, with an estimated 7 million tons leaking into our oceans. The Plastic Bank tackles this crisis head-on by establishing repurposing centers in regions most affected by both plastic pollution and poverty. Their first center in Lima, Peru, is just the beginning. By assigning real value to waste plastic, they’re creating a system where environmental cleanup becomes a pathway out of poverty. It’s a win-win: less plastic in our waterways, and more opportunity for those who’ve long been excluded from economic stability. 

Innovation Meets Impact The Plastic Bank isn’t just collecting plastic—it’s transforming it. Through partnerships and crowdfunding efforts, they’re building infrastructure to process, store, and ship social plastic, with future plans to convert it into raw materials for 3D-printed tools and household items. This tech-enabled approach ensures that the benefits of plastic recovery ripple outward—supporting local economies, reducing emissions, and fostering resilience. 

Why It Matters Environmental degradation and social inequality are deeply intertwined. The Plastic Bank recognizes that healing one requires healing both. By empowering communities to become stewards of their environment, they’re proving that climate action can be people-centered, scalable, and profoundly hopeful. As founder David Katz puts it: “Global social and environmental crises are linked, and so are the solutions.” 

How You Can Help If you believe in a future where plastic waste becomes a force for good, consider supporting The Plastic Bank’s crowdfunding campaign or sharing their message. Every action—every bottle collected, every dollar donated—helps build a world where people and planet thrive together. 

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