Positively Newsworthy So Much Good News

positively newsworthy

GOOD NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE.

1 Super Charged Nature

“The beauty of this technology is you can have reefs anywhere along the coast, even in areas without natural coral reefs.” Coral Reef Alliance

CORAL REEFS GET ELECTRIC THERAPY.

by Kate Stuart

Coral reefs are considered one of the richest ecosystems in the world, providing important care for the diverse life underwater. The health, abundance and diversity of the organisms that make up a coral reef is directly linked to the surrounding terrestrial and marine environments. Over the last five decades we have seen how climate change and human interference has directly affected coral reefs and has caused a decline in their survival, affecting other parts of the ecosystem. Each species in the ocean has a role to play, some a very specific and unique function, that if they were to become extinct could herald a devolution. Electrical stimulation is the only method known to reverse the impacts of extreme stresses on corals and other marine organisms. Developed in the 1970s, electrical technology has been successfully applied to growing limestone breakwaters to protect islands and coastal areas from erosion and rising sea levels. In nature, coral reefs grow at an extremely slow rate; however, electrically charged reefs can grow at a speed of up to 12 times higher than normal. Low voltage charges accelerate the coral’s growth phase bringing barren areas back to life. This electric technology can be powered by the sun, using solar energy as well as wind and wave energy. According to the Coral Reef Alliance, “The beauty of this technology is you can have reefs anywhere along the coast, even in areas without natural coral reefs.” At a time when coral is being damaged by external forces, this technology has been seen to have immensely positive impacts on this delicate ecosystem, creating a more resilient mariculture, now and well into the future.

2 Plant-Based Packaging

CIRCULATING FOOD WASTE BACK INTO THE ECONOMY.

by Kate Stuart

Sustainability has become a mainstream topic of conversation in recent times with more and more people considering what products they use, how they use them and how to dispose of them ethically. It is estimated that the global cosmetics industry produces over 120 billion units of packaging every year, most of which is non-recyclable and ends up in landfill, or worse yet, the ocean. A plant-based packaging solution has been developed by industrial design student, bio-designer and material researcher Alara Ertenü to combat the circulation of single-use plastics. Packioli uses the by-product of artichokes and peas. Artichoke leaves and peapods can be used to create a durable material that can take the place of plastic. When it comes to artichokes, more of the vegetable is discarded than consumed. In Turkey alone, 40 tons of artichokes are produced annually; this creates a gargantuan amount of food waste. “By using artichoke leaf, it tackles the enormous artichoke waste - 80 percent of each artichoke is thrown out - especially in the west of Turkey.” The idea is that this material could be used instead of using single-use plastics for commercial products. While this product isn’t in circulation as of yet, the idea is to spark a conversation on the possibilities that are out there. The project aims to address the pressing environmental issue of single-use plastic consumption while simultaneously reducing food waste – two main concerns within the world today.

By using artichoke leaf, it tackles the enormous artichoke waste - 80 percent of each artichoke is thrown out…”

“The hope? To give kids and adults alike a real image, a touchable action, to emulate and inspire them to dream big...”

3 ‘Project Empower’

AIM BIG.

by Alison McEvoy

This autumn saw Damian Browne row across the Atlantic, 3,000 nautical miles from New York to Galway, in a 6.2 metre row boat. With only the power of his arms to propel him, Damian made the journey in 112 days at sea. Damian was originally accompanied by his lifelong friend Fergus Farrell, but Fergus had to be airlifted to safety due to health problems after 13 days. The pair created ‘Project Empower’ in advance of their journey, sharing their driving forces, their visions for what the world would take from the move and their personal ambitions to break a record that has been set for the past 125 years. In 2018, following an accident, Fergus was told he had 5% chance of ever walking again. Just one year later he walked 206 km across Ireland for charity. These guys are not Disney characters but real flesh and blood superhumans. Super because of their constant decision to dream big and never give up. According to Damian, this is the message they wish to embody with their actions: “The hope? To give kids and adults alike a real image, a touchable action, to emulate and inspire them to dream big in whatever avenue of life they decide to pursue.” For Fergus, “My kids are a huge driving factor. I want to show them no matter what life throws at you, you can achieve what you need to by hard work, determination and never giving up on yourself.” If you are in need of some serious inspiration, check out the documentary ‘Waves of Change’ on these two. It is like an injection of positivity and empowerment!

projectempower.ie

positively newsworthy the little things

1 Moon Bathing

A COSMIC PURSUIT TO RESTORE BALANCE AND HARMONY.

by Kate Stuart

“The moon is much more calming…it helps connect us with our more spiritual side and allows us to take in the medicine of our own intuition.”

“I am ready to allow my guidance from within to be ‘good enough’.”

Moon bathing is a practice of soaking up and harnessing the energy of the moon. The moon brings about tides in our bodies and emotions, as well as in nature. By listening to its calling and following its cycles, we can tap into the moon’s natural power. Moonlight exposure is thought to relieve anxiety and stress and improve relaxation by prompting a natural release of melatonin. An ancient practice passed down through generations, moon bathing is a form of meditation aimed to promote positive energy and restore balance in one’s self-awareness. By allowing the body to release excess cortisol levels that build up through the stress of our daily lives, you will be able to relax and ease tension from within yourself. Author Deboarh Hanekamp says, “The moon is much more calming. It puts us in a receptive and open place. It helps connect us with our more spiritual side and allows us to take in the medicine of our own intuition.” Connecting with the phases of the moon can bring awareness to other cycles and rhythms within your own body, mind, heart and spirit. Moon bathing is based on the idea that women naturally menstruate in sync with the cycles of the moon, with menstruation occurring on the full moon. Working with the phases of the moon can have powerful effects on connecting to your own intuition. It helps create energy rhythms that gently support you through the seasonal cycles of your life! Embrace winter and seasonal changes by moon bathing.

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2 The Celtic Wheel

ANSWERING THE CALL OF THE SEASON.

by Alison McEvoy

The concept of the Celtic Wheel made itself known to me a few years ago, through the wonderful and wise Mari Kennedy. I began her ‘Wheel of the Year’ course and, through her guidance, entered Samhain more consciously than ever before. My intention and invitation to myself to ‘let die’ what was no longer serving me, was more powerful than I imagined. I faltered, fell of the wheel and was plunged into the depths of loss of structure to my life. Now, coming on five years later, I am ready to re-engage with the call of the season - conceptually encompassed by the Celtic Wheel. I have printed out the wheel on a beautiful canvas and hung it above my desk. For the first time in my life I do not feel as if I need to be guided by without, to worry if I am ‘doing it right’ or ‘really getting it’. I am ready to allow my guidance from within to be ‘good enough’. What I have found though, is that events keep popping up to me, inviting me to engage communally with others also wanting and willing to answer the call of the season... Autumn Equinox workshops and Samhain gatherings. When not called into community, I can sit in my own space, listen to what is coming up for me, write it down and be inspired to do this or that ritual, meditation or creative project, etc. and it is all perfect. I am in tune. I am part of the wheel, initiated by my intention and desire, guided from within. It has taken a long time for me to feel this way, so simple and so natural. So, as I pause before Samhain, accepting the invitation to “rest and appreciate what has gone before”, I appreciate that this is a year where I acknowledge the wisdom, and rightness-for-me, of my own inner tutor/intuition.

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