#sustainable

#HongKong’s status as a #leading #sustainable #fashion #hub in #Asia has been reinforced by the latest #HKTDC ESG #Index 2026, which rose to 65.5 for the fashion #industry, up 2.3 percentage points from 2025. The increase, released by the Hong Kong #Trade Development Council (HKTDC), reflects growing industry confidence in #HK as a premier #platform for sustainable fashion development and ESG-related #business opportunities.

The #Moroccan #FoodForest That Inspired an #AgriculturalRevolution These ancient forest gardens may be more relevant than ever. by Eric J. Wallace April 1, 2019 "It was 1975 and Geoff Lawton was wintering with friends in Morocco. Camping on beaches north of Agadir, they’d been surfing for weeks when locals told them about Paradise Valley. Located along the Tamraght River in the High Atlas Mountains, it promised 5,200-foot vistas, blue-green waterfalls, and lush, rainforest-like vegetation. "Lawton, then 21, was on his first trip outside the U.K. 'Tourists had yet to ‘discover’ the area, so the culture was very much preserved,' he says. 'For me, it was like going back to Biblical times.' "The dirt road to the Valley climbed through a barren, arid landscape into rural hills studded with mud brick homes. Twenty kilometers in, the group stopped at the tiny village of Inraren for directions. Lawton went to relieve himself in a roadside wood. " 'I remember thinking it was odd that this lush, green forest should be bursting from the desert,' he says. "Stepping inside, things got stranger. The air felt cool, almost misty. Growing in the shade of tall date palms were trees, vines, and shrubs bearing bananas, tamarinds, oranges, figs, guavas, pomegranates, lemons, limes, mulberries, carobs, quince, grapes, and other fruits and nuts. Following a footpath through the grassy understory past groves of olive and argan trees, Lawton discovered a cluster of fenced-in vegetable and herb gardens—most about a quarter-acre in size. Here and there, goats were tethered to posts. Chickens clucked through the underbrush and roosted in trees. Gazing down a leafy corridor, he spotted a man leading a donkey. Its saddlebags brimmed with produce. " 'I felt like I’d wandered into some kind of ancient organism,' says Lawton. “I had goosebumps all over.' "Totaling about 65 acres, the food forest was a remnant of one of the world’s oldest #sustainable systems of agriculture. While its origins have been lost to history, scientists agree it is at least many centuries old. Some, including Lawton, date its establishment to 2,000 years ago. When asked about the forest’s age, villagers shrug. " 'I have no idea how old it is or when our ancestors first began gardening here,' says 45-year-old Abdelmajid Ziyani, a construction worker and member of a local argan and olive oil cooperative. 'But I know it has been here for centuries.' " Related video: "The 2000 Year Old Food Forest in Morocco - Discover Permaculture with Geoff Lawton" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd-b_C7a_es Read more: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/what-is-permaculture-food-forests #SolarPunkSunday #ForestGardens #UndergroundSprings #Permaculture #AncientFoodForests #SustainableAgriculture #History #AgricultureHistory #Histodon #TraditionalAgriculture

#HongKong’s status as a #leading #sustainable #fashion #hub in #Asia has been reinforced by the latest #HKTDC ESG #Index 2026, which rose to 65.5 for the fashion #industry, up 2.3 percentage points from 2025. The increase, released by the Hong Kong #Trade Development Council (HKTDC), reflects growing industry confidence in #HK as a premier #platform for sustainable fashion development and ESG-related #business opportunities.

#HongKong’s status as a #leading #sustainable #fashion #hub in #Asia has been reinforced by the latest #HKTDC ESG #Index 2026, which rose to 65.5 for the fashion #industry, up 2.3 percentage points from 2025. The increase, released by the Hong Kong #Trade Development Council (HKTDC), reflects growing industry confidence in #HK as a premier #platform for sustainable fashion development and ESG-related #business opportunities.

EverySaturday, the Ugandan government decided that every Ugandan citizen is to clean . This is to make our country clean and #sustainable As the #NutritiousFoodsUganda, we also gathered and we started cleaning, the cleaning gone well and nothing went wrong. I fully support this idea that the Ugandan government made #environment #climate #ClimateAction #mastodon #Uganda #solarpunk #solarpunksunday #Green #un #climatejustice #sustainability #nature #biodiversity #today #silentsunday

‘Doves and food and fun’: the fight to save a farming pioneer #Wakelyns needs £1.2m to save its diverse organic crops and ‘micro’ enterprises including a bakery and honeybee hives "It’s almost a political project about land use – maximising the #sustainable productivity of the land." - David Wolfe by Patrick Barkham Tue 30 Jun 2026 06.00 EDT "The aerial view of Wakelyns matches the experience of visiting it at ground level: in a region dominated by prairie fields of industrial agriculture, here lies a vivid green lung of land. Its sounds and sights in summer – the sleepy purr of the turtle dove, the vivid pink flash of a bullfinch – have vanished from most of the British countryside. "But Wakelyns is not a nature reserve – it is a thriving farm, a 'living laboratory' for #agroforestry and a hub for innovation and business. It is also under threat, and its owners must raise £1.2m to turn it into a charitable community benefit society. "The 56-acre former pig farm in Suffolk was bought by Martin and Ann Wolfe in 1992. Martin was a government plant pathologist who wanted to do more innovative research than his employers had allowed. Seeking to farm crops with fewer pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers, he created one of the first agroforestry schemes in Europe. "Turning productive cereal-growing fields into 56 narrow 'alleys' of farmed land between rows of planted trees had been 'widely regarded as mad', said their son, #DavidWolfe, an environmental lawyer who now runs Wakelyns with his wife, Amanda Illing. 'The farmer who sold the land to them said: ‘You’ve ruined a perfectly good wheat field’.' "Today, Wakelyns is an inspirational example of agroforestry, which has become official government policy. The government’s carbon delivery plan wants to turn 10% of arable land into agroforestry by 2050, with financial incentives to encourage more farmers to transition into something like Wakelyns. "The lush trees that divide the alleys are all crops. After more than 30 years, some are tall trees for timber, while others provide #apples, #cherries and #plums. The most lucrative tree crop is #hazel, which is coppiced on a seven-year cycle to produce high-quality hazel stakes for traditional hedgelayers. Each stake is sold for £1.40 and Wakelyns cannot grow enough. The farm’s motto is '#ResilienceThroughDiversity'. It pioneered the first commercial #lentil growing in the UK, and is still the country’s only commercial #BlackLentil grower. 'If Britain is serious about wanting to feed itself, we should stop growing oilseed rape for biodiesel and grow #pulses,' said Wolfe. "Wakelyns’ diversity encompasses a uniquely genetically diverse population of wheat and multiple varieties of apple tree. When big orchards, which typically grow a narrow range of apple varieties, complain of a terrible harvest, a mixed orchard such as Wakelyns’ is fine, because every year some varieties thrive. #Monocultural farmers, says Wolfe, 'put it all on red or black'. "Wolfe and Illing took over the farm in 2020 after Wolfe’s parents died. To the innovative farming principles, they added 'enterprise stacking', bringing people back to the land via a series of symbiotic relationships." Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jun/30/suffolk-agroforestry-farm-wakelyns-community-ownership-survive #SolarPunkSunday #Trees #UK #MutualAid #HempTextiles #FoodSecurity #FoodForests #CropRotation #CropDiversity #OrganicFarming #SupportUKFarms #SupportLocalFarmers #Polyculture not #Monoculture

#cycling #France “The future of #sustainable #transportation has arrived, and it’s in the form of a groundbreaking #ebike that doesn’t rely on lithium batteries. Created by French inventor Adrien Lelièvre, the Pi-Pop is an electric #bike powered by supercapacitors instead of traditional lithium-ion batteries, offering a fresh and #ecofriendly alternative to the growing #ebike market”

#vegan #emissions #climate #climatechange #planet #sustainable

What war on EVs? US charging startup combines solar power and sustainable style for EV drivers only. https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/17/ev-charging-style-reliability-hospitality-industry-rangeway/ #evs #evcharging #chargingstations #sustainable #sustainability #energy #solarenergy #solar #renewableenergy #greenhydrogen #offgrid #travel #mobility #transportation #zeroemission #decarbonization #missouri #us #stlouis #electricvehicles #electriccars

' Those who shout loudest against #Green policies and visions for a #sustainable egalitarian future are those few with the most to lose.' https://substack.com/@fatboyfriend/note/c-287269216 https://substack.com/home/post/p-203688103 'Hopetown by Simon Wilson 'The case for #voting Green 'I’m not a member of the Green #Party, but they're getting my #vote. Here’s why. ... 'THE GREENS HAVE two core messages. They’re both simple enough to express, but they can be difficult to explain. 'The first is that we have to change. We’re living beyond what’s called “#planetary boundaries”, which is a way of saying we are using up #Earth’s finite #resources, destroying #biodiversity and making the #planet inhospitable to life. 'There’s no “fix the economy and then we’ll sort out the planet”. The way we’re “fixing the economy” is the problem... 'The second message is that the problems we face have a common cause. It’s the super-rich. Not “people who are well off”, but a tiny #elite: #Elon #Musk and all who travel with him, the #tycoons of the #fossil-fuel #industry, the #financiers who enable them. They have created the #climate crisis, the menaces of social #media, the funnel that sucks #wealth upwards even while they pretend it trickles down. 'The #oligarchs and #techbros are not trying to solve the #world’s problems, although they have the resources to do so. They’re causing them so they can make #money from them.' 'Green policies turn those core messages into action plans. #Energy reform, to leave fossil fuels in the ground and introduce rooftop #solar with #batteries at massive scale. Urban networks of #electrified public #transport, #cycling and walking that are so frequent, reliable, safe and cheap they offer genuinely better #travel options for many people much of the time. #Conservation strategies to clean up our #waterways. A proper commitment to social #housing. 'And tax #reform, targeting the super-rich and offering a #tax cut to 96% of us...' #PartyVoteGreen

[Small] Is Not Nothing Your garden is not nothing. Your repaired jacket is not nothing. Your conversation with a neighbor about starting a seed library is not nothing. Small, consistent, local action is what change has always been made of. Every #sustainable choice helps. #gardner #agriculture #farmers #MakeADifference

#Wales - #RSPB buys 'magical' 96-hectare landscape to reconnect #habitats by Oscar Edwards, July 11, 2026 "A charity has bought a 96-hectare upland area of Gallt-y-bere in the hope of reconnecting two landscapes that are home to rare habitats and wildlife. RSPB announced the purchase of the 'vital missing link' located by the banks of the #RiverTywi in #Carmarthenshire. "The area falls between two separated parts of the bird conservation charity's Gwenffrwd-Dinas nature reserve in the Elenydd, it said. "The move will allow conservationists to reconnect the fragmented landscape for the first time in 60 years, allowing #wildlife to move across the different areas and build stronger, more diverse and #sustainable #ecosystems." Read more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdx78nk7g25o Archived version: https://archive.ph/3CavH#SolarPunkSunday #WildlifeHabitat #WildlifeCrossings #CelticRainforests #WildlifeDiversity #HabitRestoration #RareWildlife #NatureReserves

Remineralizing #ToothPowder Recipe

By Merilin Vrachovska Posted on June 24, 2021 Updated on April 15, 2026

"Creating your homemade tooth powder is one of my favorite DIYs. It’s affordable, effective, and gives you full control over what goes into your oral care routine.

Plus, it promotes remineralization – a natural process that helps repair and strengthen enamel to prevent decay.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to make a simple and sustainable DIY remineralizing tooth powder, why each ingredient matters, how to use it, and answer common questions based on my personal experience.

Unlike conventional toothpaste, this one contains no fillers, foaming agents, or unnecessary additives. It’s pure, natural, and effective.

Ingredients & benefits

1. Bentonite clay

Bentonite clay is naturally mineral-rich (calcium, magnesium, silica) and gently abrasive. It raises your mouth’s pH and binds to toxins and bacteria, making it perfect for oral detox. It’s not abrasive enough to damage enamel and helps reduce bad breath.

Always use food-grade bentonite clay from a reputable source. Because it’s sourced from the earth, it can absorb heavy metals if not tested properly. Avoid using metal utensils when handling them – use ceramic, glass, or wood instead.

Alternatives: Kaolin clay is also effective if you don’t have bentonite.

Where to buy plastic-free bentonite clay: Zero Waste Bulk (the US), A Drop In The Ocean (the US), All Things Being Eco (Canada), Zero waste store (Australia) Make your own natural beauty without the waste

Baking soda

Baking soda is an antimicrobial powerhouse. It gently polishes teeth, helps neutralize acids in the mouth, and supports enamel remineralization.

Studies have shown that brushing with baking soda reduces plaque and enhances stain removal without increasing tooth sensitivity.

Also, baking soda is actually one of the least abrasive options out there – it scores low on the RDA scale, which means it’s much gentler on your teeth than most commercial toothpastes. That’s why it’s perfect for a tooth powder recipe.

Plastic-free baking soda: The Good Fill (the US), The Source Bulk Foods (the UK)

Tip: Use soft-bristled brushes and avoid applying heavy pressure to keep abrasiveness low.

A curious fact: An article in a leading dental journal from 1911 described baking soda as “the ideal tooth powder”, capable of “giving a high polishing to the teeth, without the danger of scratching them.”

Xylitol

Xylitol is a must for cavity prevention. This natural sweetener (often from birch) not only improves the taste, but also fights the bacteria that cause plaque, gum disease, dry mouth, gingival inflammation, and tooth decay. It helps maintain a healthy oral environment and even stimulates saliva production, which supports remineralization.

Essential oils

- Peppermint oil – Soothes toothaches, kills odor-causing bacteria, and adds a fresh flavor. 
- Cinnamon oil – Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and known to fight bacteria responsible for cavities. 
- Clove oil – Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. Effective for gum issues and oral pain. 

Allergy warning: Always patch test essential oils before use. If you’re sensitive, you can skip them and add extra xylitol for flavor.

Homemade tooth powder recipe

4 tbsp bentonite clay (53g)
4 tbsp baking soda (57g)
4 teaspoons xylitol (17g)
8-9 drops of peppermint essential oil
3 drops cinnamon essential oil (optional)

Instructions

1. In a clean glass jar, combine the bentonite clay and baking soda using a non-metallic spoon.
2. Add the xylitol and mix thoroughly.
3. Drop in the essential oils, then mix again until well mixed.
4. Seal with a plastic-lined or non-metallic lid."

Learn more: https://www.almostzerowaste.com/tooth-powder-recipe/#sustainable-toothbrushes-to-pair-with-your-tooth-powder

#SolarPunkSunday #DIY #DIYPersonalCare #PersonalCareProducts

I'm going to start a new painting today with my natural inks. Cherry bark, walnut, rhubarb roots and avocado pits + peels will be giving me color today. I thoroughly enjoy working with natural inks. I know when I've made them, where the plants grow, in what season I harvested and processed the plant material, and how amazed I was when I tested their colorful water ♡ It is very much like making a strong, strong pot of tea and voila: beauty. #naturaldye #naturalink #sustainableartist #sustainable #sustainableart #Wildink #wildart #plantink #garden #plants

Kevin Bacon (pardon, Kevin Bean) launches Beansday to help save animals. Please share when you care for animals and try to save them, everyday. #beans #animalrights #bonen #kevinbacon #humane #vegan #meatfree #sustainable #duurzaam #govegan #beansday #cinema #actor

Before I became a drystone waller I knew nothing about how walls were built, or by whom. That's the thing about drystone, it's everywhere, it's ancient, it's extraordinary, and most of us walk straight past it. The very first Drystone Diary is live. What drystone actually is, how it works, and why it matters. https://kristiedegaris.substack.com/p/drystone-diary-what-is-drystone #DrystoneDiary #Craft #Scotland #UK #Ecology #Sustainable #Nature #Environment #Writing #History #Culture #Women #Countryside #NatureWriting

🇪🇬🚝🌆 Commercial service has begun on the East of #Nile #Monorail in Greater #Cairo, marking Africa’s first monorail system. Delivered by Alstom with Orascom Construction and #Arab Contractors, the 56-kilometre line has 22 stations, 16 now operational, linking East Cairo to the New Administrative Capital. The driverless Innovia system using CBTC GoA4 signalling has capacity of up to 45,000 passengers per hour per direction, easing congestion and improving connectivity across key districts. Journey times between El Moshir Tantawi and Justice City stations are reduced from around 1 hour 20 minutes by road to about 40 minutes. The project is also the first in Africa to feature platform screen doors. Vehicles were manufactured in Derby, #UK, with testing and commissioning led locally, with around 98% #Egyptian workforce involvement, supporting Egypt’s Vision 2030 and long-term #sustainable #urban #mobility goals.

"#Canada’s northern plan and NATO’s Arctic Sentry are turning the (#Arctic) region into a new battleground and impeding #Indigenouspeople’s persistent efforts to preserve their homeland for peace and #sustainable development." https://ricochet.media/climate/carneys-plan-to-militarize-the-melting-arctic-threatens-peace-at-the-top-of-the-world/#cdnpoli #NWT #Nunavut #Yukon #militarization #mining #extractiveIndustries #colonialism

The #Global #Mayors #Dialogue opened on January 6 in #Harbin, #Heilongjiang Province, gathering mayors and representatives from countries including #Canada, #Finland, and #SouthKorea. The #event focused on #sustainable development #strategies for #winter #economies, leveraging Harbin’s reputation as #China’s “#IceCity” and its annual #Ice and #Snow #Festival.

The #Global #Mayors #Dialogue opened on January 6 in #Harbin, #Heilongjiang Province, gathering mayors and representatives from countries including #Canada, #Finland, and #SouthKorea. The #event focused on #sustainable development #strategies for #winter #economies, leveraging Harbin’s reputation as #China’s “#IceCity” and its annual #Ice and #Snow #Festival.