GBM Blog
Biofuels in 2011
Last week I made my way to the UK houses of Parliament, and not just to look at its grand exterior but to expand my knowledge of biofuels. Yes, biofuels. As somewhat of a newcomer to the subject, my previous knowledge was limited to the fact that biofuel is made out of plants, and sometimes out of recycled cooking oil. I also knew that GBM was not in favour of it but not the reasons why. I was interested to learn more about the topic from the panel discussion which Friends of the Earth, RSPB, and Action Aid had arranged. They had invited a range of different academics and expert speakers to discuss the impacts of biofuels on the environment and people around the world. In particular the discussion was focused on the EU’s new target, the so-called Renewable Energy Directive (RED- another RED different from the REDD GBM often reports on), which states that 10% of all land transport fuels should come from a renewable source. I was eager to find out, have we finally made one massive step into a more sustainable future?
Let's Make Earth Day Last All Year!
It’s not every day that we get to dedicate the day to the Earth BUT it should be! Let’s make this Earth Day last. Pledge something green from walking or cycling to work to buying locally grown food to turning off your lights to PLANTING A TREE. Bottom line: let’s not only make changes this Earth Day but this WHOLE year.
Mount Kenya 101: a rich history that you will experience with our Climb Mount Kenya Challenge!
Standing just over 17,000 (5,199m) feet above sea level, Mount Kenya is the second tallest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro. Mt Kenya is located on the equator in central Kenya and is an extinct stratovolcano that is thought to have risen over 23,000 ft (6,500m) before it erupted over 3 million years ago.
Happy Birthday to Prof. Wangari Maathai!
In true Green Belt Movement spirit, Prof. Wangari Maathai planted a tree in Kenya this morning to celebrate her birthday. She was joined by GBM friends, staff and Board members to mark this joyous occasion.
Climate week is here!
Climate Week 2011 is one of many of the positive steps that are being taken to combat climate change across Britain. Businesses, charities, schools, councils and others are running events during this week 21-27 of March 2011.
A Green Belt Movement Dream Come True
It is no exaggeration to say that Karura Forest is one of the most beautiful places in Kenya.
‘A Tree Stands Alone and Wangari's Dream’
Yes, that's right! A year four class, at the Hitherfield Primary School and Children's Centre in London, has written the poem ‘A Tree Stands Alone and Wangari’s Dream’. They were inspired by Wangari’s life, in particular her admiration for an old wild fig tree growing in her home village Ihithe. This was a very special tree to Wangari and she often spent time there when she was little, both to play and to fetch water in a nearby stream. Her love for this tree inspired the class to invent this “Kenyan” proverb: “May the fig tree's leaves drop blessings on all who care”.
"A forest is a group of trees. Yours, mine and ours."
On this beautiful Friday afternoon, enjoy this story from one of our GBM Kenya staff members about him and his wife’s love for each other and for the environment!
Where is the LOVE? Kenya Roses on Valentine's day
Red roses have become the quintessential symbol of love. This Valentine's Day, boyfriends, husbands and lovers alike will flock to their local flower store to buy a dozen red roses - an embodiment of their love, passion and commitment.
The Vision of Wangari Maathai featured during MLK Jr. Holiday in US
Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai is being shown in 63 locations around the US during MLK Jr. Day of Service and the following week. These screenings are sponsored by a partnership of Community Cinema, The Campus Kitchens Project, North Carolina Campus Compact and HandsOn Network. The screening of the film is followed by a facilitated interactive discussion reflecting on the film, its application to the local community and its resonance with an engagement component that asks participants to reflect on how the film fits with the themes of MLK Day of Service