Blog – Esirom Foundation https://esiromfoundation.org Generating opportunities around sustainability Mon, 26 Aug 2024 21:16:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://esiromfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/cropped-cropped-esirom-found-32x32.png Blog – Esirom Foundation https://esiromfoundation.org 32 32 Beyond the Farm: How This Sustainable Protein Could Fight World Hunger https://esiromfoundation.org/beyond-the-farm-how-this-sustainable-protein-could-fight-world-hunger/ https://esiromfoundation.org/beyond-the-farm-how-this-sustainable-protein-could-fight-world-hunger/#respond Tue, 21 May 2024 17:19:39 +0000 https://esiromfoundation.org/?p=12420

At the changeNOW conference 2024, the MAASH booth grabbed attention as it offers an alternative to traditional farming. MAASH is an EU approved filamentous fungi-strain called LoCylia® that is a high-quality protein ingredient.

MAASH is a finalised prototype that mimics the texture of meat. Its key impact is that its production is sustainable by emitting 95% fewer greenhouse gases, it utilises 99% less land space and consumes 90% less water in comparison to beef.

Let’s dive into how MAASH can use this feed and food protein ingredients for B2B partners and challenges in the alternative meat sector. We will also touch on how we can be more sustainable, on a smaller scale such as growing our own foods at home.

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Food Insecurity: A Global Crisis

Food insecurity is unreliable access to safe and nutritious food for health and wellbeing. The number one cause is poverty. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) states that up to 783 million people face hunger in 2022.

The impact of food insecurity is malnutrition and all health implications beyond poor nutrition. The world’s population is trending to increase even more rapidly by 2050, and so it is imperative that new solutions are sustainable.

Food Security: Large Scale

LoCylia® is a protein for:

  1. Fishes
  2. Pets
  3. Humans

It can be compared to Tempeh and Soy sauce, which are fermented products that have been enjoyed for many generations. It can be used to make chicken nuggets, sausages, burgers and whatever the food producers wish to utilize it for. They are currently looking for B2B Customers and there are opportunities on the market. The population is becoming more conscious of the issues in the meat industry, and so more people are opting for alternative meat options.

Reasons for Alternative Meat

  1. Health Benefits
  2. Hunger
  3. Climate Change
  4. Animal Suffering and Cruelty

Challenges for Alternative Meat

  1. Cost: meat options are usually cheaper
  2. Consumer acceptance: reluctance to switch or chose non-meat options

Despite the challenges, alternative meat is a great plus for the environment and a favorable high-quality option to address hunger and malnutrition. This is what ChangeNow is about, it is about “accelerating change… around the globe”.

Food Security: Small Scale

  1. Get to know your local farmers
  2. Cook at home
  3. Diversifying meat alternatives
  4. Grow your own food

Growing one’s own food at home is a key path to self-sufficiency. Not only does it save you money, it is more convenient, improves your health, connects you to the earth, and you know where your food comes from.

Grow your own food today

We may not all be able to be changemakers on a large scale but we can make a difference in our homes on a smaller scale. You can get started by:

  1. Selecting a Space: backyard or garden pots
  2. Checking sunlight availability: indoor or outdoor
  3. Preparing soil & fertilisers
  4. Selecting seeds: seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs
  5. Selecting water source: rain vs tap water
  6. Gathering tools: shovel, gloves, fork

Making a small change can empower you and by extension, your community to combat food insecurity and the global food crisis.

]]> https://esiromfoundation.org/beyond-the-farm-how-this-sustainable-protein-could-fight-world-hunger/feed/ 0 10 Ways the Ocean Sustains Us (and How We Can Protect It) https://esiromfoundation.org/10-ways-the-ocean-sustains-us-and-how-we-can-protect-it/ https://esiromfoundation.org/10-ways-the-ocean-sustains-us-and-how-we-can-protect-it/#respond Tue, 21 May 2024 17:10:23 +0000 https://esiromfoundation.org/?p=12412 In our oceans, when marine life is removed faster than they can reproduce and sustain the ecosystem this is overexploitation in simple terms. When we rely on resources like our ocean to sustain us, how do we not consider ocean conservation as a rule?

Lamya Essemlali, the president of Sea Shepherd France and an ocean activist shared some eye-opening perspectives in her talk about “Preserving and Protecting Our Oceans”. The key takeaways from ChangeNOW 2024 in Paris, France will be explored below.

Let’s review what Sea Shepherd does to conserve and protect the ocean, ten (10) ways the ocean sustains life and what humankind does to destroy it. You will learn more about how we can protect marine life and make a difference through volunteerism and service.

Who is Sea Shepherd France?

Sea Shepherd is a movement about protecting and conserving the oceans and all marine wildlife worldwide. They work to defend and enforce international conservation laws that are often disregarded. As quoted by Paul Watson, “If the ocean dies, we all die. Today, we may be considered extremists by some, but for future generations, we will be good ancestors”.

10 ways the ocean sustains life

  1. Produces Oxygen
  2. First Climate Regulation Machine
  3. Largest Carbon Sink
  4. Energy Source
  5. Medicine Source
  6. Food Source
  7. Provides jobs and livelihood
  8. Habitat for Marine Species
  9. Source of Recreation
  10. Economic & Trade Connections

The ocean covers 70% of the planet and provides 50% of the earth’s oxygen. The survival of humankind depends on the regulation of the ocean’s ecosystem. However, various human activities continue to contribute significantly to its destruction.

How are humankind destroying the oceans?

  1. Overfishing
  2. Destruction of Coral reefs
  3. Marine Pollution
  4. Urbanization
  5. Climate change
  6. Unsustainable Practices

About 80% of all debris found in the ocean is plastics.

We are all connected to the Ocean

Human choices directly influence the health of our ocean, from as small as improper waste disposal and consumerism to as large as industrial level activities. Since the ocean is downstream from everywhere, coming from anywhere, it needs protection.

Lamya spoke about trigger thinking. Trigger thoughts are those that cause emotional pain and allow us to perceive threats in our environment. This internal trigger must come from within an individual towards the reality of the ocean. She also mentioned that the reaction of persons tends to be one of fear, seeing the tasks ahead as scary, overwhelming and hopeless. However, she highlighted that there are tools to action that stems from the question, “What can you do?”

What can you do?

According to Lamya, the best person that can answer that question is you. In fact, you are the best person to answer that question. How can you use your service for a greater cause? She added that, “You must put your everyday life in harmony with what you feel”, “Do what brings you satisfaction”, “Money should not be a hindrance… raise funds” and last but not least, “Reconnecting people with nature… the ocean”.

This response had a moving effect, especially concerning the reconnecting with nature and the ocean part of it. Humans have lost touch with nature, so the decisions made daily are often out of touch with the consequences those actions have on the environment. The best solution is to reconnect with nature, reconnect with the ocean and make changes that do not bring harm to the ocean’s ecosystem.

Suggestions of things you can do:

  1. Reduce your plastic footprint
  2. Get involved in a worth cause
  3. Make a donation or support a worthy cause
  4. Plant seeds of change in people’s heart

Connect to an Ocean today

We should not justify the activities that destroy our oceans, but rather to justify why we must change our habits. By reconnecting with nature, we can answer the question, what can I do to help? What changes can I make ? How can I spread the word?

]]> https://esiromfoundation.org/10-ways-the-ocean-sustains-us-and-how-we-can-protect-it/feed/ 0 Ditch Disposables! How Europe’s New Reuse System is Revolutionizing Packaging (and How You Can Be Part of It) https://esiromfoundation.org/ditch-disposables-how-europes-new-reuse-system-is-revolutionizing-packaging-and-how-you-can-be-part-of-it/ https://esiromfoundation.org/ditch-disposables-how-europes-new-reuse-system-is-revolutionizing-packaging-and-how-you-can-be-part-of-it/#respond Tue, 21 May 2024 16:22:05 +0000 https://esiromfoundation.org/?p=12403

New ERA is a solution-driven industry addressing the single-use packaging waste crisis in Europe. They have created a reuse system as a solution for creating a circular economy of packaging. A circular economy is the practice of reducing waste to a minimum, where items and products are reused.

Reuse in simple terms means to use something again. Reuse falls under the 3R hierarchy, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Reuse packaging offers a solution to multiple problems, including the increasing consumption of single-use plastics, the recycling gap, and the need to preserve Earth’s precious resources.

Let’s walk through why we should reuse, how reuse packaging works and its benefits to circularity. You will also learn more about how we can collaborate better in the circular economy and what the future may look like.

Why Reuse?

Single use disposable items have a high cost environmentally, economically and socially. Recycling has taken the lead in solving the plastic crisis, however, rates are regressing and have only perpetuated the linear economy. To solve this problem, reuse packaging offers a range of alternatives to single use.

The reuse of packaging materials for food ware or takeaways is a climate strategy offering multiple benefits such as,

  1. Environmental: reduce CO2 emissions
  2. Economical: Offers a new market beside Recycling
  3. Social: New Job, New Industry

How does the reuse packaging strategy work?

This is a total collaborative system offering the collection, sorting, recycling and the redistribution of waste. The reuse packaging system, therefore, must be recyclable from design to concept. The design uses best industry practices and innovations which sets standards for the value chain. These are the key reuse and refill targets,

  1. Takeaway solutions : reuse offer for food & drinks

Bumerang

Recircle

Vytal

Bibak

  1. Beverage solutions: includes take-back obligations
  2. Retail solutions: space dedicated to refill stations

Berny

Bric A Vrac

  1. Ecommerce & Transport Solutions: specific targets for grouped packaging

Boomerang

Hey Circle

Corplex

  1. Collection & Washing Solutions

Bout’ à Bout‘

Eternity Systems

This infrastructure provides value by building an efficient, sustainable & convenient reuse system. It provides safe and available packaging for food and utilizes an extended product incentive scheme. Also, AI technology is emerging to influence higher sorting rates by detecting and influencing better sorting habits. Together all collaboration influences this circular economy.

Through the partnerships of businesses and key stakeholders, the higher the collaboration, then the higher the impact. This allows for more accessibility, harmonization of packaging and leads to increased competition against single-use production.

How can we collaborate better?

According to NewERA, we can collaborate better by,

  1. Having an open mindset
  2. Dialogue with key stakeholders
  3. Improving the processes
  4. Capacity tracking
  5. Financial Investment

What does the future look like to you?

As the population continues to grow, how do we see the public spaces? What does the consumer journey look like? How do the homes of tomorrow appear?

The solution to the alternatives, requires a change of mindset in the way we consume. There is a need for more public awareness and education. To advertise and market the offers and practices of reuse packaging. To implement and or improve our waste management such as waste sorting for a cleaner environment.

If there is a robust alternative, would you say no to single-use plastics today?

Improve your consumer habits today

There is an alternative to single-use plastics, whether implemented or not. Reuse allows consumers to move away from linear economy to a circular economy concept. Circularity minimises waste output into our environment while allowing consumers to continue to enjoy the things they like. Since the benefits of consumerism doesn’t end with circularity, the change starts with you.

Perpetual

Citeo

]]> https://esiromfoundation.org/ditch-disposables-how-europes-new-reuse-system-is-revolutionizing-packaging-and-how-you-can-be-part-of-it/feed/ 0 Netflix for the Planet: The WaterBear Streaming Platform https://esiromfoundation.org/netflix-for-the-planet-the-waterbear-streaming-platform/ https://esiromfoundation.org/netflix-for-the-planet-the-waterbear-streaming-platform/#respond Thu, 18 Apr 2024 22:16:52 +0000 https://esiromfoundation.org/?p=12303 Media plays a crucial role in shaping environmental awareness and inspiring action. Streaming platforms have become powerful tools for spreading knowledge and advocating for change. WaterBear, launched in 2020, is a unique platform unlike any other. It’s a “Netflix for the Planet” offering free, award-winning documentaries and films focused on environmental and humanitarian issues.

Inspiring Stories, Empowering Action

WaterBear goes beyond entertainment. Their tagline, “watch, connect, and take action,” reflects their mission to bridge the gap between awareness and action. By signing up for free, viewers can:

  • Explore a wide range of inspiring content: Discover documentaries and films that will educate, motivate, and spark environmental consciousness.
  • Support NGOs and partners: WaterBear collaborates with over 80 NGOs. Viewers can directly support these organizations through volunteering, donations, or signing petitions.
  • Take action in various ways: Spread awareness by sharing videos, discover sustainable products and travel options, or get involved with environmental causes – all with a simple click.

Sustainability Behind the Scenes

WaterBear’s commitment to the environment extends beyond the content they offer. They strive for sustainability in all aspects of their operations:

  • Albert Certification: They’re working towards Albert Certification, a prestigious standard for reducing the environmental impact of film production.
  • Internal Sustainability Practices: WaterBear implements sustainable practices in areas like travel, energy use, recycling, and waste reduction.
  • Sustainable Streaming: They utilize Vimeo’s streaming services, which leverage Akamai Technologies’ commitment to renewable energy and emission reduction.

WaterBear: Making a Difference

WaterBear has demonstrably impacted the streaming industry. They create positive change through powerful storytelling that compels viewers around the world to connect with nature and take action for a sustainable future. By combining exceptional content with actionable steps, WaterBear empowers individuals to become active participants in protecting our planet.

Join the movement and explore WaterBear today!

]]> https://esiromfoundation.org/netflix-for-the-planet-the-waterbear-streaming-platform/feed/ 0 Diverse Solutions to Tackle Biodiversity Loss https://esiromfoundation.org/diverse-solutions-to-tackle-biodiversity-loss/ https://esiromfoundation.org/diverse-solutions-to-tackle-biodiversity-loss/#respond Thu, 18 Apr 2024 22:12:59 +0000 https://esiromfoundation.org/?p=12301 Climate change and biodiversity loss are two of the biggest challenges faced by the planet and society. Both of these issues are deeply interconnected, and acknowledging this is essential in developing effective strategies to tackle these challenges. With advancements in science and technology, we are constantly producing solutions to effectively monitor, conserve, and restore ecosystems. This can vary from traditional citizen science to using technologically advanced methods such as drones and eDNA.

At a recent biodiversity conference, exhibitors in the biodiversity industry presented a diverse range of solutions to tackle the biodiversity crisis in more ways than one.

Project Seagrass: Restoring Ocean Health

Project Seagrass is an international initiative that implements seagrass protection and restoration strategies with an innovative and socially inclusive approach. Seagrass meadows, also referred to as underwater gardens, are globally threatened. These habitats play a crucial role in keeping our oceans healthy and are full of life, providing refuge for marine life ranging from crustaceans, fish, manatees, and sea turtles. It’s simple, when we lose seagrass, we lose biodiversity and an important carbon sequester. Seagrass also helps to stabilize coastlines, produce oxygen, and they provide food security and support livelihoods.

Project Seagrass uses a multidisciplinary approach, which includes restoration, monitoring, outreach, research, and advocacy. This project, which is a decade old, has executed successful projects in over 10 countries and planted over one million seagrass seeds. One of their most notable achievements is launching a citizen science website and mobile app, Seagrass Spotter, which encourages people to record the presence of seagrass with photo evidence. This app has been used across 105 countries and assisted in scientific data collection.

Inverto Earth: Nature-Positive Business with Mangroves

Inverto Earth was born when two people while working on humanitarian drone systems decided to create their own version but with a biodiversity approach. Inverto helps businesses become nature positive by restoring mangroves in an effective way. It steers entities and individuals away from the typical ‘lazy’ approach, where an area is selected, and thousands of mangroves are planted and then forgotten in the hope that they will grow, which often results in failure.

Instead, Inverto connects businesses with local communities to plan, plant and monitor coastal ecosystems, which are 3×3 meters in size. It encourages the business to connect with nature, engage with communities and play an active role in the restoration activities. Inverto supports every step of the process and equips and trains the locals in the area to utilize drone technology and on the ground field techniques to monitor the restoration. The clients can then access this data and enhance their green profile. Since its start-up in 2022, Inverto Earth has conducted projects in Pakistan and the UAE and plans to start up projects in Australia and Indonesia. Their approach goes beyond simply restoring crucial mangrove habitats, as it also creates social benefits through alternative livelihoods and provides clients with a full picture on climate, biodiversity, and their social impact.

DNAIR: Biodiversity Monitoring with eDNA

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has recently emerged as a powerful tool for biodiversity monitoring, species detection, and research. It allows scientists to determine species presence in an area without directly observing them by collecting environmental samples and testing them for their DNA.

DNAIR is a company that has developed technology that enables biodiversity monitoring at an unprecedented scale using eDNA from the air. This technology targets businesses that want to assess their sustainability efforts and make informed decisions that can reduce negative impacts on the environment. As a relatively new company, they are still in the pilot stage and strongly believe that this technology can provide a large market opportunity for companies to invest in biodiversity protection.

A Multifaceted Approach to a Global Challenge

Project Seagrass, Inverto Earth, and DNAIR are three entities that offer diverse solutions to address the biodiversity crisis. Together they incorporate simple yet effective multifaceted strategies utilizing technology and human resources to protect both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, as well as encouraging corporate responsibility and accountability.

]]> https://esiromfoundation.org/diverse-solutions-to-tackle-biodiversity-loss/feed/ 0 Putting a Price Tag on Nature: How Endangered Wildlife OÜ Values Biodiversity https://esiromfoundation.org/putting-a-price-tag-on-nature-how-endangered-wildlife-ou-values-biodiversity/ https://esiromfoundation.org/putting-a-price-tag-on-nature-how-endangered-wildlife-ou-values-biodiversity/#respond Thu, 18 Apr 2024 22:00:33 +0000 https://esiromfoundation.org/?p=12291 In today’s world, where financial considerations heavily influence our actions, expressing the true value of biodiversity can be challenging. As a conservation scientist, I believe every species has an intrinsic right to exist. However, biodiversity loss is accelerating due to human actions. What if we could determine a species’ worth in economic terms? This is where Endangered Wildlife OÜ comes in.

The Problem: Disconnected Decisions

Our relationship with nature has deteriorated, as evidenced by climate change and biodiversity loss. This disconnect makes it difficult to understand the true impact of biodiversity loss.

The Solution: Endangered Wildlife OÜ

Shana Vida Gavron, founder of the award-winning Endangered Wildlife OÜ, saw the need to assign economic value to wild species, treating them as economic citizens alongside humans. Launched in 2005, her software bridges the gap between conservation efforts and financial decision-making.

How it Works: Assigning Value to Biodiversity

Endangered Wildlife OÜ’s software analyzes credible environmental and economic data to determine a species’ total conservation value. This value considers factors like:

Carbon Value: The ability of a species or ecosystem to store carbon dioxide.

Aesthetic Value: The beauty and recreational value of nature.

Species Existence Value: The inherent right of a species to exist.

Impact Value: The positive or negative ecological impact of a species.

Economic Values: The economic benefits provided by a species (e.g., fisheries, tourism).

For example, the software can determine the value of an endangered mangrove habitat, considering its role in carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and fisheries. This empowers businesses to:

Measure their Environmental Footprint: Companies can assess the impact of their operations on biodiversity.

Develop Sustainable Strategies: Businesses can integrate biodiversity considerations into their decision-making processes.

Evaluate Biodiversity Investments: Investors can assess the potential financial benefits of biodiversity conservation projects.

Bridging the Disconnect

The current biodiversity crisis directly affects human well-being. Endangered Wildlife OÜ’s software bridges the disconnect between nature and finance, allowing us to incorporate biodiversity into daily lives, corporate decision-making, and investment activities.

By putting a price tag on nature, Endangered Wildlife OÜ offers a powerful tool for protecting our planet’s precious biodiversity.

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