Inspiring solutions: Ivili.org
Posted in Movements by Kate Archdeacon on November 6th, 2009
Source: The Ecologist
Image: Shidhulai Boatschool
Ivili.org is a free and evergrowing library of tools, solutions and inspirations for sustainable living. Whether you are looking for advice on sustainable living, such as growing food in your garden using permaculture techniques or generating your electricity in a more ecofriendly way; or if you want ideas and inspirations for community projects that might work in your own area; or are keen to volunteer on an environmental project but don’t know what’s out there; or perhaps you are a funder looking to support essential work in an area you are passionate about, then Ivili is a unique place to start looking for what you need as it only focusses on bringing you sustainable solutions from all over the world. Furthermore, if you are involved in or know of something you think should be on here, all you have to do is sign up and you can add it in.
“There’s a man in China who has invented a solar water heater by lining his roof with glass bottles. Elsewhere permaculture gardeners are greening the deserts of the Dead Sea. A community tourism project in Thailand is helping villagers rebuild their lives after the tsunami. And a group called The Dinner Garden in the US is offering free seeds to anyone looking to grow food to feed themselves.
I could go on and on. I love that there are solar-powered floating schools in Bangladesh. An alternative currency helping the local traders of Brixton. And the ‘Pot-in-Pot’ desert fridge that uses no electricity to keep food cool.
These stories give me hope. And they make me wonder why they get so little play in the mainstream media. Sure, there is occasional coverage, such as BBC Worldwide’s World Challenge, which each year selects six or so inspiring projects from among a host of nominees to make a programme about and funds the winner to the tune of $10,000.
But what of the many nominated projects they examine that don’t make the final cut? Are all of them not worth reporting on, bringing to a wider audience, potentially inspiring others or opening up doors to funding? For the average person home at night after a long day’s work, to flick through the channels and find yet another documentary following a beleaguered polar bear as it drifts to oblivion is disempowering.
Learning that there are thousands – maybe even millions – of people all over the world making a difference, and maybe living happier, more fulfilling lives as a result – might that not be a more effective driver to change?” Read the full article by Jeremy Smith.