As we continue to be bombarded with a constant stream of alarming news about the state of the environment, it’s easy to feel disheartened and helpless. However, amidst all the doom and gloom, there are also positive stories of sustainability and environmental movements from all around the world that remind us that change is possible. In this article, you can find 7 positive stories of sustainability and environmental movements from all around the world to inspire us all.
1. The Ecovillage Movement
Ecovillages are communities that are designed to be environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable. These villages prioritize sustainability and community, promoting practices such as using renewable energy, organic farming, and green building. The concept of ecovillages emerged in the 1960s, and has since spread around the world. Today, an estimated 400 ecovillages exist globally.
2. The Green Belt Movement
Founded in 1977 by Professor Wangari Maathai, the Green Belt Movement is a movement to promote environmental conservation, build climate resilience and empower communities (especially women and girls). It also aims to foster democratic space and sustainable livelihoods. Through this movement, the community has planted over 51 million trees in Kenya.
3. Maasai Olympics
The Maasai Olympics is an initiative by the Maasai tribe in Kenya to promote nature conservation and reduce conflict around wildlife. The idea was born in 2008 and the first games were held in 2012. It has been held every two years since, with a cancellation in 2020. The Olympics replace traditional lion hunting with athletic events such as running, high-jumping, and javelin throwing, encouraging young Maasai men to use their skills for sports rather than killing lions.
4. Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness
Bhutan is a country that prioritizes the happiness of its citizens over economic growth. The country has a unique policy called Gross National Happiness (GNH), which measures the development progress of the country based on the happiness of its people, rather than their wealth. With the four pillars of GNH, Bhutan prioritizes sustainability and environmental conservation, along with cultural preservation and good governance, as important factors in ensuring the happiness of its citizens.
5. The Rise of Ethical Fashion Brands
Many fashion brands have recognized the environmental and social impacts of the industry and are working to promote more ethical and sustainable practices. One such example is RINGO-TEX by appcycle, which promotes ethical and sustainable alternatives to leather. Read more about how appcycle turns apple waste into beautiful vegan leather.
6. Circular Fashion Economy
The circular fashion economy aims to reduce waste and maximize the use of resources by promoting practices such as recycling, upcycling, and sharing clothing. In this model, clothes are designed to last longer, be easily repaired, and be eventually repurposed or recycled into new garments. The aim is to keep materials and products in use for as long as possible, reducing the need for virgin materials and minimizing the amount of waste that goes to landfills.
7. Slow Fashion Movement
The slow fashion movement is a response to the negative impacts of fast fashion, which has led to overconsumption, exploitation of workers, and environmental damage. The movement advocates for a shift away from fast fashion towards a more mindful and intentional approach to clothing consumption. At its core, slow fashion emphasizes quality over quantity. It encourages individuals to invest in high-quality clothing that is designed to last longer, rather than purchasing low-quality items that will quickly fall apart and need to be replaced frequently.
These movements demonstrate that while there are certainly challenges to overcome, there is also hope and sources to draw inspiration from. By highlighting these inspiring sustainability and environmental movements, we hope to inspire you to take action. Whether it’s through making small changes in your daily habits or supporting larger initiatives, you can make a difference. If you don’t know where to start, you can join or support one of the movements we’ve discussed here. Also check out our guide on developing an environmentally conscientious lifestyle.
appcycle is a company based in Aomori, Japan, that aims to reach a more sustainable future of the fashion industry. appcycle’s product, RINGO-TEX, is a vegan leather made out of apple food waste. To find out more about appcycle and RINGO-TEX, browse this website and follow our Instagram.
