EARTHDAY.ORG and ZeroWaste.org join forces on the Second Annual International Day of Zero Waste 

EARTHDAY.ORG, the force behind Earth Day, is joining up with ZeroWaste.org to celebrate International Day of Zero Waste. Designated by the UN to be marked on March 30th, it aims to encourage us all to rethink our consumption habits in general and this year to specifically reduce the amount of single-use plastic we use. 

With recycling failing to scratch the surfaceof the plastic pollution problem, EARTHDAY.ORG advocates for a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2040. A goal we can reach given that half of ALL plastic we produce annually is single use. This partnership showcases a shared commitment to end the scourge of plastic pollution. 

"Reducing the amount of plastic we produce is the only way we will solve this issue, and we can support this goal individually by rejecting the casual use of single use plastic in our lives. International Day of Zero Waste allows us to showcase to plastic producers and manufacturers that we really don't want these products anymore," says Michael Karapetian, The Great Global Cleanup Coordinator at EARTHDAY.ORG.

International Day of Zero Waste highlights EARTHDAY.ORG's continued focus on the serious health risks associated with plastics, as they break down into smaller particles known as microplastics, and plastic related additive chemicals leach out of them. These have been linked to some cancers, heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimer’s, endocrine disruption, male infertility, miscarriage, obesity and much more.

"By actively removing plastics and other waste from our lives, we are aiming to protect the environment from pollution as well as the health and safety of both ourselves and the people who live near the production of plastic. Ultimately, the solution is to reduce plastic production at the source." says Lydia McMullen-Laird, co-founder of ZeroWaste.org.

Join EARTHDAY.ORG and ZeroWaste.org by signing a pledge to go zero waste on March 30th, and gain access to resources and tips on living zero waste

, , , , ,

Earth Hour 2024 - Saturday March 23rd at 8.30pm your local time.

, , , , ,
Earth Hour 2024 - Saturday March 23rd at 8.30pm your local time.

Did you know that every year, millions of people turn off their energy use all around the globe for an hour.

“Earth Hour is moment of unity that brings the world together, shines a spotlight on nature loss and the climate crisis, and inspires millions more to act and advocate for urgent change. Each year, we work together to turn a single Earth Hour into thousands and millions of hours of action for our one shared home.”

I’d like to invite you to do the same. Switch off and Give an hour for Earth on Saturday, March 23rd at 8:30 pm your local time. Together, let's create the Biggest Hour for Earth!

, , , , ,

How the Construction Industry Can Help Make Biophilic Design More Popularized

, , , , ,
How the Construction Industry Can Help Make Biophilic Design More Popularized

A greater global emphasis on sustainability has caused biophilic design to gain mainstream attention, but the construction industry also has a part to play. Here’s how construction professionals can help take biophilic design’s popularity to the next level.

High-Profile Biophilic Projects

The simplest way the construction industry can popularize biophilic design is by exposing it to more people. Most of the population lives in big cities, so these locations are the most practical places to start. Greenifying our urban centres will improve the quality of life and give city dwellers a much-needed dose of nature.

, ,

An Eyewitness Account of the Heatwave’s Impact

, ,
An Eyewitness Account of the Heatwave’s Impact

Walking the Camino in Spain, Dutch environmentalist experiences the heat, smoke and fear of the forest fires in northern Spain right now. The juxtaposition of the idyllic beauty of the Gallician countryside and villages is stark contrast against the existential threat that increased temperatures could wreak across Europe.

, , , , ,

Pioneering Research study aims to prove The Value of Biophilic Design in the workplace.

, , , , ,
Pioneering Research study aims to prove The Value of Biophilic Design in the workplace.

Biophilic Design - the use of plants in providing cleaner air and connecting us with nature, coupled with natural light, certain colours, acoustics, and fragrances - has long been proven to have a positive effect on both mental and physical well-being. For over 25 years, expert horticulturalists Benholm Group have pioneered the use of plants for interiors, not only as an eye-catching focal point, but also to promote the natural health benefits that being surrounded by plants can bring.

This concept has now been brought to the forefront of a new research study led by Sustainability Lead at House of Commons + PhD Researcher, Joyce Chan-Schoof to question if we can apply a social and economic value to biophilic design.

Can biophilic design add value to the workplace - not only through improving air quality and aesthetics, but can it have a tangible impact on employee productivity, retention, absenteeism, satisfaction, engagements and up-skilling?

, , ,

How Biophilic Design creates Sustainable Environments

, , ,
How Biophilic Design creates Sustainable Environments

Connecting to the environment makes people feel more relaxed in their homes and workplaces. Incorporating nature indoors has become increasingly popular after the pandemic, we are seeing more people decorating their homes with plants and natural materials. The Biophilic Design concept can create a unique look and is excellent for the environment.

Here are some ways biophilic design creates a sustainable space.

, ,

What are the Benefits of Biophilic Design on Healing?

, ,
What are the Benefits of Biophilic Design on Healing?

Biophilic design can introduce better healing with natural elements and an improved look. Incorporating it in hospitals and doctors' offices could give patients more benefits than you would expect.

How can biophilic design help a patient’s healing process? Many studies have proven the positive effects of nature on the human mind. However, with modern interior design and increased times in the workplace, getting time outdoors can be challenging. Biophilic design can do a lot to increase patient and physician health. Here’s a look at some of the benefits and how to start introducing them into your facility.

, , ,

Healthy Home - Pop up Biophilic Design inspiration

, , ,
Healthy Home - Pop up Biophilic Design inspiration

Westfield London is launching a biophilic-designed home pop-up called ‘Healthy Home’, with renowned sustainable and wellbeing designer Oliver Heath, working with a range of home and interior brands to curate an exclusive collection inspired by biophilia. Visitors to the pop-up, which will be live between 19th to 22nd May, will be able to discover the benefits of biophilic design and how to transform their own homes into mindful and restorative spaces through clever designs that focus on various approaches, ranging from sensory design to supporting biodiversity.

, ,

Time and Tide - The COP26 Pilgrimage update

, ,
Time and Tide - The COP26 Pilgrimage update

We catch up with Glen Cousquer who was leading part of the COP26 Nature Pilgrimage. He shares with us some images and a poetic thought on the feelings, the view of the SSI, the haunting fiddler on the beach. “The earth holds our footsteps even as the tide patiently wipes them clean. Sadly, our footsteps lay increasingly heavy on the earth and we can no longer rely on the time and the tide to wipe them clean.

Time and tide wait for no man as they say … especially when man is leadenfooted.”

, , , , , , ,

Space and Nature are a Need, not a Luxury

, , , , , , ,
Space and Nature are a Need, not a Luxury

From Edible bus-stops to pocket parks and Roof gardens on the tops of London Banks, journalist Hartley Milner takes us on a trip around the UK and London highlighting the difference nature has made to spaces, and how clever and heart-felt use of Nature in Design has transformed lives.

Read on for not only some interesting statistics but also there is a compelling interview with the architect of the beautiful and inspiring Maggie’s Cancer Care centre in Southampton.

Why the Hospitality Industry needs Biophilic Design

Why the Hospitality Industry needs Biophilic Design

Why the Hospitality Industry needs Biophilic Design

As many of us are aware, the benefits of bringing nature into your life include reduced stress and anxiety, creating clarity of mind and increased creativity. The hospitality industry needs nature to meet sustainability goals as well as bringing unique benefits to people in their venues, subsequently attracting additional customers. One of the main benefits of visiting hospitality spaces incorporating nature, include reduced stress and anxiety, and enhanced relaxation and enjoyment…

, ,

‘Biophilic Design in the Home’ – a new online course from the Oliver Heath Design School

, ,
‘Biophilic Design in the Home’ – a new online course from the Oliver Heath Design School

Have you ever wanted to really ground yourself in Biophilic Design?

We have teamed up with Oliver Heath to give you 10% off their level 2 course. ‘Biophilic Design in the Home’ is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about Biophilic Design, whether you’re a designer looking to add another string to your bow or are simply interested in helping yourself and others feel happier and healthier..

, , , ,

Farming and Town Centres – the future of shopping and grazing

, , , ,
Farming and Town Centres – the future of shopping and grazing

There were two articles in the FT at the weekend (5/6 December 2020) which caught my eye. One of them was about British farming written by a farmer calling for a bit of sense. With the fall-out that is going to rain down on us from leaving the EU, one of the industries that will feel the pinch will be British farming. For years now farmers have received subsidies and been flooding the land and soils with artificial aids such as fertiliser and chemical sprays in order to stress the land to produce more. …

, , , , ,

Why we should live together - Part 1 . PLANTS & AIR

, , , , ,
Why we should live together - Part 1 . PLANTS & AIR

You may have heard of the “sick building syndrome” where the actual building we live and work in is making us sick. There are a mass of chemicals that are hidden in the paint we use, the cushions and chairs we sit on, the clothes we wear, the carpets we walk on… it can cause everything from coughs, allergies, skin problems, dry eyes, right down to cancers and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract.

, , , ,

The Ancient & The Modern: Luminous Spaces Biophilic Design

, , , ,
The Ancient & The Modern: Luminous Spaces Biophilic Design

I became aware of the topic of biophilic design in 2008 through an online presentation by Stephen Kellert, former Professor Emeritus of Social Ecology & Senior Research Scholar, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale University.

I immediately recognized a kinship between my work in feng shui and this new discipline and have dedicated the last decade to studying and, eventually earned a certificate in biophilic design from the International Living Future Institute earlier this year. (See my earlier post on The Intersection of Feng Shui & Biophilic Design)…

, , , ,

Sound Without Walls – Considering room acoustics in hospitals as an integral aspect of biophilic design

, , , ,
Sound Without Walls – Considering room acoustics in hospitals as an integral aspect of biophilic design

Sound may not be one of the first things we think of in biophilic design but what most people want from the auditory environment is intrinsically linked to nature.

Our hearing is often key in our perception of the world around us; it helps us to interact, communicate and be aware of what is happening and impending change. It is designed for the outside, a world without walls and other hard reflective surfaces that focus sound and allow it to build up to levels where it affects our concentration, increases levels of anxiety, negatively affects performance and interrupts our sleep….

, ,

The Intersection between Feng Shui and Biophilic Design

, ,
The Intersection between Feng Shui and Biophilic Design

Feng shui is an intuitive art that has been practiced for thousands of years. It was built on the observation of nature, common sense, and gut instinct and was used to locate the optimal places for survival. But today, the primary goal is to enhance success in life. Feng shui is a language of metaphor that requires attention to the feel of spaces.

On the other hand, biophilic design was developed in reaction to our modern, technology-driven lives. It is based on researchthat shows access to nature and natural elements decreases stress and improves our feeling of wellbeing.

, , ,

Shinrin-yoku - Forest Bathing

, , ,
Shinrin-yoku - Forest Bathing

By 2050, the United Nations states that 75% of the world’s projected 9 billion population will live in cities. So, is it so surprising that as a species we have become disconnected from nature…and forests, in particular, where we have lived for most of our life on earth? We are also, increasingly an indoor species. The World Health Organisation names stress as the health epidemic of the 21st century. Since its inception in Japanese culture in the 1980’s, Shinrin-yoku, meaning ‘Forest bath’, has proven to affect health and wellbeing beneficially in a myriad of ways. Forest Bathing/Shinrin-yoku - a Japanese practice reconnecting people with nature, alleviating effects of stress and burnout, developed in the 1980s during tech boom. Research into the practice has continued since then, and expanded worldwide…

,

Biophilia, Five Elements and Wabi Sabi

,
Biophilia, Five Elements and Wabi Sabi

Biophilia finds its way in most of my projects

It is only recently I asked myself the question “Why is it that everything I do encompasses biophilia in one way or another?

I do “Interiors with a Purpose” - mostly for workspaces - and I always invite nature into the spaces I create. It’s the most obvious way to create an environment that thrives and engenders wellbeing I believe.

It worries me whenever I see an office environment in a bad state. Of course, I like designer furniture, art ,etc. But even more I appreciate when people make an effort - when you feel that the surroundings have been taken good care of and you feel a good atmosphere. The best atmosphere is when nature is present. Humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature…

World Bee Day 20 May 2020

World Bee Day 20 May 2020

Something different from us today. I received an email this morning from Friends of the Earth. It was addressed to me from the Bees.

I wanted to share something with you. I am founder of Argenta Wellness, I’m a commercial documentary, portrait and natural world photographer, all my life has been wrapped around conservation, environmentalism and the embracing of nature. My mother was influential on me when I was a child, her own course on ecology and vociferous stance on protecting our rain forests helped shape my thirst for understanding the natural world. My father used to swim in the River Wensum when he was a boy, he loved birds and just being outside, birds would come to sit on his hand or just by him as he painted in the garden. I was a real bird nerd when a child too, priding myself on identifying as many as I could (I still do this I confess…!)…

Cart (0)