“Hugged nature” reminds of the connection between environmental issues and the fashion industry

A new campaign for collecting clothes has started in Burgas, which will then be used to create an ecological art installation. The campaign runs until 15 June.

“Hugged Nature” is the name behind which a future art installation will be made with the support of the Municipality of Burgas. With this work, the young artist Bozhana Slavkova will raise questions about “fast fashion”, the felling of urban trees and forests, as well as the relationship between environmental and social issues and the fashion industry – the second largest polluter on Earth.

Nature and art connected in one

Through the artistic method of yarn-bombing, which involves dressing elements of the urban environment in specially knitted “clothes” – in this case, the trees on a main street in the seaside town.

Residents of the city and anyone else who wishes can join the initiative by sending their non-usable clothes, especially if they are colourful, to be used for this project. All colours without black are welcomed. Knitted materials will also be accepted, such as cardigans, sweaters, blankets, duvets or crocheted tablecloths. Old fabrics, yarns and ready-made knits will also be accepted.

Those who have the time can prepare yarn from old materials, which will help the initiative. The participants do not need to be from Burgas to participate in the collection of materials. But those from the city can get involved in the whole project as volunteers.

The installation is expected to be installed in Burgas on 1 July, and at the end of August the clothes will be removed from the trees.

The organizers welcome citizens to participate in the project to show concern for nature, create urban art and get rid of unnecessary old clothes. The duration of the installation may vary depending on its condition. The organizers will constantly consult with an expert opinion so as not to cause any damage to the trees.

It is not clear at this time what condition the “clothes” of the trees will be in, but if they remain in good condition, they may then be placed on trees in other cities or sent to people who wish to put them on. When their lives come to an end, the clothes will be given for recycling.

Article taken from https://www.themayor.eu/en

Do you have an idea that can potentially reduce the effects of Climate Change? SeedGreen is your chance to obtain assistance so that your green idea becomes a reality!

As part of the  #ClimateOn National Campaign the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Planning together with the Junior Chamber International Malta and the support of Malta Enterprise has launched a program for those individuals wishing to develop their idea into a start-up or potential project.  

Those interested are requested to visit www.seedgreen.org or else email: info@seedgreen.org or call 23316229 for more information.

Do not miss this opportunity!! Applications close by Friday the 28th May 2021.

Check out the SeedGreen video for more information and follow the #ClimateOn Campaign on Facebook and Instagram for more updates!

#ClimateOn – Turn on The Power For Change”

Starting on 19 April, it will be freely open for viewing

Vertical gardens and foliaged walls are increasingly becoming a common architectural solution in search of marrying environmental harmony and architecture – a way of bringing nature back to our urban lives. But how about letting nature indoors, too?

That appears to be the proposal of Santander’s newest addition – an interior vertical garden inside the Castilla-Hermida Civic Centre; a garden that is reportedly the largest of its kind in all of Europe. As of 19 April, between 8:30 and 21:00 anyone can visit the centre and admire the installation without a need for previous registration or entrance fee.

Nature aesthetics to bring a green therapy benefit

The project was part of the reconversion of the old Tabacalera building in the northern Spanish city into a modern civic centre. Last year, part of this transformation was the design of the vertical garden by FDA Arquitectos. The size of the installation is almost 600 square metres (17 metres in height and 32 metres in width).

In order to make the garden a reality some 22 300 plants from 26 different species have been planted. Given the size of the wall some planning, and adjustments needed to be made in order to make it work. Plants that are nearer the top can enjoy natural sunlight thanks to the glass ceiling but those placed in the lower half will be aided in their photosynthesis with artificial lighting.

The foliage is rooted in a semi-hydroponic textile system, which has been designed at the University of Seville, and which allows for optimal aeration of the roots without losing necessary nutrients.

The mixture of different plant species from different climate zones has been thought out so that no matter what season it is there will always be some plants that are blossoming, in essence creating an ever-changing mosaic.

Santander officials are of the opinion that this blurring between the boundaries of nature and interior design will increase the attractiveness of the city for tourism.

Article taken from https://www.themayor.eu/en

Allowing for more space for outdoor consumption

The Government of Brussels will be simplifying the regulations on catering terraces, making it easier for restaurants and bar owners to install them and extend their establishments. The approved guidelines will be in effect in 2021 and 2022 and are regarded as key support to local entrepreneurs, helping them to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

The move comes after a proposal of State Secretary for Urbanism Pascal Smet and is another step in his ambition to make Brussels a city better suited for people than for cars.

Terraces will have a key role in the revival of the sector

Once the pandemic situation improves and the restrictions on non-essential commerce are lifted, Brussels residents and tourists will be able to enjoy more space for outdoor meals and drinks. According to the new regulation, flexible, modular, multifunctional and movable terraces will not require a planning permit, as long as they provide a free passage of at least 1.50 m. Terrace furniture can be stored outside if it is placed together in a secured way.

“We provide clear and simple rules that are the same for everyone. In this way, many terraces will appear in Brussels this summer. Our bars and restaurants are going through difficult times and this way we are providing more perspective,” Mr Smet commented on the occasion.

The goal is to extend the space of catering establishments, allowing them to receive more clients since, due to the pandemic, indoor capacities have already been dramatically restricted.

Some rules to observe

Now, many more bars and restaurants in the Brussels-Central region will be able to install a terrace, without requiring a permit, through the transformation of parking spaces. However, there are certain rules to follow. These concern the timing and maintenance installation.

Among other things, terraces are seasonal (1 April – 31 October and/or during the holiday season). Their size is limited to the existing parking spaces and cannot exceed 50 square metres. They must be easy to dismantle, which should be done at least once a year.

The rules do not apply to protected sites, which require a planning permit. Catering licenses from the 19 Brussels municipalities remain mandatory.

Article taken from https://www.themayor.eu/en

EkoSkola, run locally by Nature Trust – FEE Malta, is an international programme for schools, helping them towards Education for Sustainable Development through a seven step process. Eco-Schools is the largest global sustainable schools programme – it starts in the classroom and expands to the community by engaging the younger generation in action-based learning. It guides students and all school stakeholders towards leading a sustainable lifestyle involving the whole community.  The Eco-Schools programme caters for students of all ages providing guidelines, explanations, resources, activities and lesson plans all related towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.    

EkoSkola Website: www.ekoskola.org.mt YouTube Channel mPower4Change.  Updates and schools inputs can also be followed on the dedicated Facebook page EkoSkola Malta.

Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is an international programme coordinated by Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and represented locally by Nature Trust Malta. The programme empowers young people to take an educational stand on environmental issues they feel strongly about and gives them a platform to articulate these issues through the media of writing, photography or video. The programme develops participants’ skills and knowledge about the environment, enhances communication and citizenship skills, individual initiative, teamwork, critical analysis, social responsibility, and leadership abilities. Students follow the four step methodology: investigate, research solutions, report and disseminate. Apart from the annual competition, students also have the opportunity to work with foreign students, report international conferences and acquire international certification. Integration with the school curricula is also highly encouraged. 

YRE Website: www.yremalta.org.mt YouTube Channel mPower4Change.  Updates and schools inputs can also be followed on the dedicated Facebook page Youngreporters Malta

Please consider your environmental responsibility before printing this email.

The bodies were lying in the streets un-buried. All railroads and vessels carrying food and such things into the great city had ceased runnings and mobs of the hungry poor pillaging.

The bodies were lying in the streets un-buried. All railroads and vessels carrying food and such things into the great city had ceased runnings and mobs of the hungry poor pillaging.