Balkan Beats 29

Balkan Beats

#29

FREE PRESS

A BIMONTHLY MAGAZINE BY THE VOLUNTEERS OF THE UNITED SOCIETIES OF BALKANS

Editorial

The 29th Edition Considering the environmental issues and the movements that are tied to it, for this edition, the editors decided to talk about this matter; tackling it from multiple perspectives and tying together articles about the colour green and ecology. We found it fitting to choose this topic as it is one of the most significant issues that affect everyone no matter the geopolitical location, race, language you speak or the basis of your belief system. Therefore, we strongly believe that all must take action to resolve a current issue and a future existential threat.

Within

this issue, we have provided information from a plethora of fields on how the world is affected by human neglect and destruction. Although these words may sound harsh and you think that you personally have not

by Amanda Miteniece and Astrid Vallet

intended to harm our planet, the global climate emergency indicates that we should not waste time on distributing the blame.

Instead, we should do something about it and it all starts with YOU!

In this publication, the writers chose their subjects

based on their personal interests and concerns.

Therefore, the topics that are covered range from art, society and politics towards natural issues. This edition is written by the new team of volunteers thus providing a fresh perspective. We bring together different world views and knowledge about the topic “green” that comes from a variety of cultural backgrounds and different ways of living as our team consists of volunteers from all over Europe.

Balkan Beats, a part of Balkan Hotspot

Balkan Hotspot is the EVS (European Voluntary changes in the Balkan and Eastern European Service) project of “United Societies of Balkans”, region and under the need for the creation of a a NGO founded in Thessaloniki in 2008 by a team better social environment. of active young people.

Key areas of the organization’s activities concern The Balkans and Eastern Europe are geograph- the defense of human rights, the organization of ical regions with many cultural features which youth exchanges and training courses, which will offer a broad spectrum of actions and youth in- bring young people from Balkans and Europe tovolvement initiatives. The organization was cre- gether, the organization of local educational semated as a response to the pressure of constant inars and multimedia production.

United Societies of Balkans is a Non Governmental Organization, founded in Thessaloniki in 2008, by a team of active young people. The organization was created as a response to the pressure of constant changes in the Balkan and Eastern European region and under the need for the creation of a better social environment. Key areas of the organization’s activities concern the defense of human rights, the organization of youth exchanges and training courses, which will bring young people from Balkans and Europe together, the organization of local educational seminars and multimedia pro- duction(webradio, videos, documentaries).

Main goals of the organization • To promote the values of non formal le- aring,volunteering, active citizenship and democracy for the creation of a better future for European youth.

• To promote human rights, solidarity and respect for diversity.

• To build healthy cooperation bridges between countries of the Balkan area and that of Eastern Europe with the rest of Europe.

• To locate and multiply the special cultural attributes of our societies.

• The break down of prejudices and stereo- types between Balkan countries.

UNITED SOCIETIES OF BALKANS, NGO

Property of Balkan Beats The United Societies of Balkans, NGO, does not necessarily share the opinions expressed in Balkan Beats. It is illegal to reproduce any part of this publication without referring to the source.

www.balkanhotspot.org

This magazine is distributed free of charge.

9, Alamanas str., Agios Pavlos, Thessaloniki Tel./Fax: +30 2310 215 629 | www.usbngo.gr Cover © Mario Urminsky

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Contents

Contents Volunteer Life VOLUNTEER VOICE

04

FESTIVALS

A Month Without Waste USB NEWS

08

Learn To Live Together

Local Life FOOD

10

A Vegan Food Guide For Thessaloniki NATURE

13

Wildlife In Danger ORGANISATION

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Out Of The Borders

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ART

35

Green In Art:

Celebrating While Staying Green CINEMA

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The Power Of Friendship

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TIPS

39

Effortlessly Eco TRAVEL

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What About Your Feet?

Thoreau SOCIAL AND POLITICAL

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Make Europe Green Again

28

GALLERY

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Green In Greece DRAWING

Indigenous Movements And The Fight Against Climate Change

Agroecopolis

Mix Fix

TRAVELLING

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Sustainable Travel

46

Floral Heart POEM

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When The Last Tree Burns

NATURE

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The War Against Plastic

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Volunteer Life VOLUNTEER VOICE

A Month Without Waste How our volunteers challenged themselves to create a better future.

by Francesco Cirica

Marleen Müts is 23 and she is from Estonia. Andre is 25 and he comes from Portugal.

During their EVS in Thessaloniki, they took the challenge to live an entire month without producing a single piece of trash. A daring experience that changed forever their everyday life.

Marleen in her Balkan Hotspot t-shirt.

© balkanhotspot.org

Andrè in his Balkan Hotspot t-shirt.

© balkanhotspot.org

Andre: Mostly for the plastic issue, which we are

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Why did you decide to reduce the amount of waste you produce to zero?

Marleen:

Well, for sure the environment we lived in Greece influenced this decision a lot.

Like buying coffee in plastic cups, streets full of plastic, no one understanding the sentence “όχι σακούλα” (“no plastic bags, please”). According to research conducted by the University of Patras in 2019, 50% of the litter disposed of in the Greek Seas is consists of plastic bags) and so forth. The main thing bothering me was the plastic because at the beginning we were not sure whether to go plastic-free or zero waste, but in the end, we decided to go the “hard way”, namely, zero waste. In the end, I think it came from a place of self-development because at the time we challenged each other quite often.

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getting day by day more aware of. Also, because if you choose to be a sensitive person about your surroundings, you’ll easily feel that something’s wrong about the amount of trash, of waste, you see around you. When you feel you want to actually change something and prepare a better world for the future generations, I believe that step one is to fight capitalism in all ways, and I believe the easiest and more accessible to do that is to practise a zero-waste lifestyle.

2 What was the easiest thing to

change in your way of life? And the hardest one?

M: For me, I guess the easiest thing was to take my bottles and coffee cups with me because it kind of gave me the awarding feeling when I got coffee in MY cup. Of course, I also failed sometimes, for example, one time I forgot my water

VOLUNTEER VOICE

bottle and I NEEDED water so I had to buy it. In the beginning, the hardest was figuring out the hygiene part, because - surprise-surprise - everything comes in plastic bottles. Thus I was freaking out about washing my hair with soap. But now, 6 months later, I am not even thinking about changing back to packaged shampoos. Ah, and also, ice cream.

A: The easiest thing was to give up on trash

food. When you deeply analyze a supermarket and its products, it doesn’t take much time to understand that most of the snack and unnecessary products come wrapped in plastic. For me was easy to quit them because it made my diet better and led me to a healthier lifestyle. And I can also say that the hardest was the same.

Nowadays there are products that are only available wrapped in single-use plastic and stores offering alternatives are not in every corner.

3 You said, for the most part, living

zero waste is all about planning...is it true?

M: I strongly agree with this. As I said before, my

failures came mostly from failing to plan or forgetting. And I really love the fact that you actually have to plan, otherwise, you cannot get this bougatsa or ice cream or coffee. It just showed me how comfy we are in our pile of plastic! We can just go, buy, consume and throw it out...

Also, we didn’t have to buy much food for cooking because of our EVS catering service, but now

Volunteer Life

that I am no longer a volunteer I cook and it just takes me planning and organising my jars to go to the shop where I get food in bulk.

A: No doubts about it. And also about making a

small investment. The single-use plastic industry was inserted in society by capitalism, which needs people to be focused on issues like work, and all the process that people need to, for example, get to their workplace. I mean, slow public transports or live longing traffic lines drain away people’s time. With easy access to prepared food that can be grabbed anywhere, people save time, consume more and do not need to worry about cooking. Well, most of these ready-to-go products are wrapped in plastic, that has an almost irrelevant price. You need to invest time and efforts in order to organize your life, buy your boxes/cups, and everything you need to replace single-use plastic. It takes time and money… but in the end, you will use them for years and years and you feel way better about your lifestyle.

4 Is going zero waste more

expensive than your previous way of life?

M: It depends. I would say for sure no, because

I gave up on a lot of bad habits I had, like buying snacks and ice creams in a package. Thus, I also saved money on them. But yes, the bulk shops can be slightly more expensive than to buy things in plastic from a supermarket. Andre will put down something how we are privileged

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Volunteer Life VOLUNTEER VOICE

© Marleen Müts and Arianna Salan

Marleen in a video against plastic waste made during her EVS

your own bottle, buy food in the market, eat veganyway to choose more local product and stuff. an food, shopping second hand, not buying that (laughs) snack you wanted or you are not using plastic straws - whatever you do, you are already doing A: As I stated before, in the beginning, you’ll something to make a change. need to do a small investment to get your own gears. After that, I think you can choose the kind A: You left me speechless...perfectly said! of lifestyle you want to have. Some products are more expensive because they are made with betHow people around you affected ter products such as glass packaging - it’s the your decision? I mean, has been so-called “conscious market” that it’s also a milhard to stick to your decision when lion-dollar business. And then, it’s about where everyone else wasn’t? and how you live. If you have access to nice local markets and buy your own fresh food (yes, I M: Yes, there were some moments that I could said it, Marleen), I doubt that, when the maths of not buy something because it had a package. the month are made, you’ll spend more than you It was especially hard for me when my friends were spending having your past life. from home came to visit me and brought me things I had missed from home (in a package).

What is the first step to take in Buying beer outside - sometimes there were no everyday life in order to reduce glass bottles. And I was carrying home the glass our personal waste? bottles in my bag to recycle. So yeah, it can be a bit uncomfortable for sure. But it is all about if M: I guess the first thing is to really want to you really believe in the cause or not. make a change. There is no difference if you recycle your trash, buy coffee in your own cup, use A: She said everything (laughs)

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5

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VOLUNTEER VOICE

7 Are you still living zero waste?

M: The truth is, no. But we are way more aware

Volunteer Life

—most important— the tube itself is almost impossible to recycle!

of what we consume and buy. And I personally Ingredients: believe that this month took away my fear of - 2 spoons of organic coconut oil trying things, making my own products, washing my hair with soap etc. Even though I am not liv- - 1 spoon of baking soda ing zero waste every day, I am for sure living a more low waste life and I am making more sus- - 15-20 drops of essential oil (the one you prefer) tainable choices when consuming products.

A: No, but mostly. And for sure now I am living in

a more conscious way.

8 Would you like to share with us

one of the recipes you use to make your own personal care products?

We will share with you this recipe for a ze-

ro-waste toothpaste that I found on trashisfortossers.com. It’s extremely easy to make, and it will save a lot of trash since the toothpaste tube usually comes wrapped in a lot of packages and

Recipe:

Put the ingredients together in a jar and stir them

until they will become a proper paste and...that’s it! You have just made your own toothpaste. To use it, you can just scoop a little bit of it on your toothbrush. It will not foam in your mouth and its consistency can be a little bit different than the one you are used to. If the toothpaste looks too hard or too liquid, don’t worry. Just put the jar under hot water for a couple of minutes (for the former) or in the freezer (for the latter) and it will regain the perfect density!

A picture of all the personal care products Marleen made with her own hands.

© Marleen Müts

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Volunteer Life USB NEWS

Learn To Live Together A Youth Exchange in a community in the mountains

by Melina Meldonyan, Manwlis Paradeisopoulos, Vasilis Kokalas, Andrew Mamakoukas, Matoula Kanakaki, Dimitra Moudaki

A group of young Greek participants experienced what does it mean to live in a community

in the mountain, living with bioproducts, embracing the ecology, using the human abilities instead of machines to create new things.

Our youth exchange was called ‘’Learn to live together’’ and it took place in France, in a community in the mountains known as ‘La Borie de noble’’. We were five countries participating in the project Greece, France, Italy, Spain and Turkey.

At first, we hadn’t figured out exactly what we

were going to do there and we went with excitement and a little bit of trepidation. Some of us were staying in the central big house, which was quite old, though well preserved, with candles on

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the corridors and wooden tables, creating the feeling of a medieval movie. Arriving at night, we had to settle down and go out to eat with the rest of the participants, volunteers and trainers.

Entering the central hall, we sat on the floor on pillows and began to know the rest until we ate.

That is how the days went by. Growing up in the city, we met a completely different life and mentality than our grandparents had in the past. The day was filled with various workshops that we

USB NEWS

could choose to do such as wood carving, sensorial theatre, sewing, spinning, acro yoga, music, gardening and much more that we would not have the chance to try out in the city. We learned to work together in households and not expecting everything from others. We cleaned, cooked, and washed our clothes with the old way with boiled water, so when we went back home our habits were also changed a bit. We were feeling more independent.

Volunteer Life

the ecology, using the human abilities instead of machines to create new things. Wish all the world to had that peace and humanity that those people were showing to each other all the time.

Not even a single fight, not even violence.

To be honest at the beginning, even before the

project we were all thinking about the relationships between the countries of Greece and Turkey. The funny part of it was that we were so similar to cultures that we were impressed. We as Greek participants were always sitting with the Turkish participants to eat at the same table and have fun. Many prejudices were disappeared among the two countries and even the trainers were impressed and happy for the results. We all got so emotional the last day, something that we didn’t expect. We will miss all of them and especially that green and colourful environment that was surrounding us. Hope that all the cities were like La Borie, living with bioproducts, embracing

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Local Life Food

A Vegan Food Guide For Thessaloniki

by Gizem Inan

Do you have difficulties to find the vegan option when you are eating out? Do you want to

be vegan, but you think it’s gonna be struggling to eat outside? Struggle no more! Going vegan in Thessaloniki is easy, and this guide will make your life even easier.

For vegan pizza, there are two places too nearby place: “Pizza Espaniol” and “Pizza Chris”

Pizza Espaniol Thessaloniki has a great culinary culture that

is part of Mediterranean cuisine. It means that there is a lot of variety of vegetable dishes that are rich in olive oil. You can eat in tavernas, there is a lot of things and dishes also for vegan people. Grilled vegetables, salads, fava, moussaka, potatoes, houmous… In addition to this culinary tradition, it is possible to find vegan flavours from different countries!

For falafels and vegan desserts, you can eat at the “Falafel Taste Middle East”:

Falafel Taste Middle East

Source: Google Maps

Address: Mitropoleos 106, Thessaloniki 546 21 Working hours: Monday-Sunday 12:00-01:00

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Pizza Espaniol

Source: Google Maps

Address: Armenopoulou 19, Thessaloniki 546 35 Working hours: Monday Closed, Tuesday-Sunday 12:00-00:00

Pizza Chris

Pizza Chris

Source: Google Maps

Address: Armenopoulou 17, Thessaloniki 546 35 Working hours: Monday-Saturday 12:00-04:00, Sunday Closed

Food

For Asian Food, there are vegans sushis at “Mongo Asian Food” and “Koi Sushi Bar”

Local Life

For dessert, you can find baklavas, cheesecakes, profiteroles, etc. at “Pasalidis Patisserie - Ice Cream”

Mongo Asian Food

Pasalidis Patisserie - Ice Cream Mongo Asian Food

Source: Google Maps

Address: John Kouskoura 6, Thessaloniki 546 22 Working hours: Monday-Sunday 12:00-00:00

Koi Sushi Bar

Koi Sushi Bar

Source: Google Maps

Address: Mitropolitou Iosif 3, Thessaloniki 546 22 Working hours: Monday-Sunday 12:00-00:00

Source: Google Maps

Address: Agiou Dimitriou 140, Thessaloniki 546 35 Working hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-23:00

For vegan ice cream, there are many choices at “Vanilla Gelateria”

Vanilla Gelateria

Source: Google Maps

Address: Mitropoleos 129, Thessaloniki 546 21 Working hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-22:00

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Local Life Food

For Vegan Taverna, you can go to the “Tarantoúla”. And, you can try also vegan rakomelo that is a greek hot and sweet alcoholic drink.

rOOTS Vegetarian & Vegan Place

Tarantoúla

Source: Google Maps

Address: Arrianou 16, Thessaloniki 546 35 Working hours: Monday-Sunday 12:00-04:00

There are also other vegan restaurants where you can find a lot of different vegan choices :

Address: Mpalanou 4, Thessaloniki 546 23 Working hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-02:00

The Saints Stores

Eleφant in the rooμ

The Saints Stores

Source: Google Maps

Address: P. Mela 1, Thessaloniki 546 21 Working hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-00:00 / Sunday 10:0023:00

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rOOTS Vegetarian & Vegan Place

Eleφant in the rooμ

Source: Google Maps

Source: Google Maps

Address: Geor. Papandreou 11, Thessaloniki 546 45 Working hours: Monday Closed / Tuesday-Saturday 14:00-22:00 / Sunday 13:00-20:00

Nature

Local Life

Wildlife In Danger Animal trafficking and poaching

by Renata Diurczak

Europe plays an important role as a transit area in the illegal wildlife trade. Although people think that wildlife trafficking and poaching does not happen here, the geographic location of Greece is one of the main entry points from Africa and Asia. them. Luckily, there is also the other organization that we cooperate with, called Arcturos, which turtles, snakes, exotic birds and other animals takes care of orphaned bear cubs and weak are caught or killed, then mutilated and smug- bears, successfully transition them back into the gled by traffickers or poachers, by ship, plane or wild.» car to Europe. It is an international business that thrives worldwide, also on the internet which is Unfortunately, sufficient research and infornow the world’s biggest marketplace, open 24/7 mation about the illegal wildlife trade in Greece for buyers and sellers. Animal traffickers have a have not been done yet. The practise shows, number of strategies. They work really smart and that also poaching of songbirds, butterflies and fast, having organized teams and international chameleons are a major problem in the Aegean. contacts. What drives the illegal business? High According to Bird Life’s The Killing, «Of the 25 demand and low penalties. Increasing wealth million birds illegally killed in the Mediterranean and improved global transport support the ille- each year, 20.1 million of those are songbirds.» gal trade. Mainly wildlife parts are consumed Although the animals are protected under Greek as medicine, food, religious and cultural items, law, they continue to be collected because of the souvenirs, luxury items, trophies and exotic pets. lack of effective tools and punishment.

Sometimes, human trafficking may be connected with the illegal trade in wildlife. It brings high Greece is a transit country for illegal trade. If it profit and low risk of detection or prediction of is not stopped here, the wildlife species or parts can easily move across EU countries via the the transit route of illegal products.

Schengen Zone. It is difficult to find proper data How does it look like in the north of Greece? or to quantify the exact scale of the profits, but «Bears and wolves are caught and killed in many estimated numbers are terrifying. Wildlife crime ways. Sometimes, it happens by accident, but of- is worth between EUR 8 and EUR 20 billion annuten for trophies or to sell. It is easier to transport ally, based on source data from 2016 published and vend only cubs, so often mothers of bears by the European Union. Moreover, the problem or wolves are just killed and babies are sold in is growing, and it is growing fast – wildlife cythe other country» said Georgios Theodoridis bercrime is the latest challenge to fight with. from Callisto, the environmental Organization International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) for Wildlife and Nature in Greece. «Recently, in works closely and identifies criminals who look September this year we had two phone calls re- to get the profit online. Sergio Tirro, head of engarding the bears which were trapped, two illegal vironmental crime analysis at Europol said that traps, one was for wild boars, the other one was «cybercrime is under the spotlight because the for wolves. In both cases, it was a young cub, internet is an easy platform to place and to offer around 2 – 3 years old, we went there to release illegal goods anonymously… including wildlife.»

Many animals are in trouble: rhinos, elephants,

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Local Life Nature

From food through medicine until fashion, ani-

mals are hunted, caught, and killed by a human.

To stop animal trafficking and increase the protection of wildlife, the legislation and policies must be effective. Already, illegal wildlife trade is a priority for the European Union, as it is an international problem. The EU Wildlife Action Plan 2016, 2020 covers three main areas: prevention, enforcement and cooperation. Although it is not enough to crack down the organized groups of traffickers and poachers - the demand must be reduced. To do it, firstly, public awareness should be raised thanks to demonstrations, social media and public campaigns, which show and teach people about the problem. The issues we face are complicated and difficult to change.

Furthermore, companies have to stop selling illegal wildlife products and educate customers on what not to buy and why.

It is our responsibility to ensure that animals

have the freedom and protection they need – coexistence brings success around the world.

Wildlife trade must be stopped, it kills animals and impacts our environment and future generations.

To stop animal trafficking and increase the pro-

tection of wildlife, the legislation and policies must be effective. Already, illegal wildlife trade is a priority for the European Union, as it is an international problem. The EU Wildlife Action Plan 2016 – 2020 covers three main areas: prevention, enforcement and cooperation. Although it is not enough, the legislation and strict law should be directly created for companies, to prevent them from selling illegal wildlife products.

To crack down the organized groups of traffickers and poachers - the demand must be reduced.

Also, public awareness should be raised thanks

If you would like to support Callisto through donation or shopping, feel free to check out their website and e-shop: www.callisto.gr © www.callisto.gr

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Nature

Local Life

to demonstrations, social media and public campaigns, which show and teach people about the 1950s, the population of the big cat was around 4,000. They were hunted as a pet, or simply killed problem - what not to buy and why. for the fur. The hawksbill turtle is described as Extinction is a natural process if it is caused by critically endangered. They are hunted due to natural selection. Although, from food through their shells and egg collection. Rhinos, they are medicine until fashion – animals are hunted, killed for their horn and medicine, the Javan rhicaught, and killed. Man’s actions have caused no population from Indonesia counts only 50 rhislow disappearance of some species, making it nos nowadays. According to the World Wildlife very difficult for many animals to survive. Every- Fund, the Asian elephant numbers have declined one should be aware of the rule: if the last sur- by almost 80% in less than the last 25 years. It viving member has died, the species becomes is our responsibility to ensure that animals have extinct, and it is gone for good. Scientists say the freedom and protection they need – coexthat animals like birds, reptiles, mammals and istence brings success around the world. It is fishes are in danger because of human activities. still possible for many species to make a strong For example, the south china tiger is considered comeback from the brink of extinction, but wildas functionally extinct, it has not been seen in life trade must be stopped, it kills animals, our the wild for more than around 25 years. In the environment and future generations.

Bears and cubsv © https://www.facebook.com/callisto.gr

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Local Life Organisation

Agroecopolis

To make a change about food sovereignty and access to land

by Mário Urminský

Discover the story behind AgoEcoPolis, a young non-governmental organisation based in

Thessaloniki that aim to make a change in our society regarding food production and consumption. It is the Hellenic Network for Agroecology, Food Sovereignty and Access To Land and we have met with Jenny Gkiougki, one of the founders of the organisation and director in chief.

The logo of Agroecopolis

How did the NGO START?

It’s my personal story. In 2010 I was in India,

and somebody told me that my country is going towards bankruptcy. I was travelling for a year and didn’t know what was happening in Greece.

When I came back it was the end of 2010. I was thinking that I will stay here a couple of months and then I will continue my journey. However, life-changing events appeared within Greece.

I realized that there are people in this country that were actually thinking of changing things.

Thus, I made the decision to stay here and help with these changes. I basically stayed and used all of my savings and I was living with a gift economy, without any income, working more than when I had my own company. However, it was different because I was working on a national change. Very early on I realized that I want to dedicate my work on food sovereignty.

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What does it mean food sovereignty?

When we talk about food sovereignty we are

saying that food and everything that is related to food is important thus, we as people should have the upper hand. Right now there is absolutely no control and say over food. When we buy food in the supermarket we know nothing about who made it and how. We don’t have ways of knowing. So for me, food is a Trojan horse.

What was your first project?

In 2014 I organised the permaculture caravan by

myself for 6 weeks running through the whole country teaching permaculture for free. Thus, showing people sustainable and different alternative approaches. It got to the point when it just became too much for me and I also didn’t want people to talk about me because I want people to talk about agroecology. So we decided to make the organisation AgroEcoPolys in 2017.

Organisation

Local Life

What are the purposes of the organisation?

We are a grassroots organisation, all of us are

ing means no chemicals. But we can also have a farm that is 300 hectares big. Monoculture (growing only 1 thing) of tomato in the middle of winter, that can still be organic. However, if you think about nature, it never has a monoculture; has zero plastic and never grows anything out of season. If nature works this way, she knows something. Maybe it’s better to listen to her instead of doing something on your own. This is What can you tell me more about why we are not talking necessarily about organic organic agriculture here? agriculture because even in organic agriculture In Greece, we are missing the knowledge and things are not nice. Creating a lot of pollution skills for agroecological farming. Organic farm- that is not sustainable. activists working for systemic change. The system needs a substantial change and it needs it now. That is especially true with climate crisis (change) and the idea of our health, and food how we are growing our food globally. It’s also about the aftermath. We need to change how our food is produced and distributed.

Š https://www.agroecopolis.org

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Local Life Organisation

What about permaculture?

We are focusing on three values of permacul-

How do you help farmers here?

Earthcare - whatever we do we want to make

debts to the state as we have very high taxation. Soon there will be a problem where to plant seeds. Our idea is to create farmland trust so an organisation that will take possession of greek farmland to safeguard, to make sure it will stay farmland and it is not used for hotels and malls.

We are working for small farmers and families, not for the big companies. We want to secure them, to give the opportunity to proceed to do their job, give them the knowledge and find land.

We are helping farmers to send their products to a collective of consumers in a way that is beneficial for both sides. Farmers here are making a direct connection with groups of consumers.

Producers get more money and consumers pay less money because we cut the intermediaries.

ture

sure that it’s for the benefit of all beings on earth.

Like farming, we are promoting to be in collaboration with nature not against it. To think about flowers, mountains, forest.

PeopleCare - think about people, if it is good for

them and beneficial or against. If they are not used as slaves.

FairShare - It means to be fair, to leave something for nature. It’s normal that some of the fruits will be eaten by bees or bugs, cause we are living in an ecosystem. Nature helps, so we need to think about it as well. Also, think about the future generations!

Farmers are starting to lose lands because of

Š https://www.agroecopolis.org

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Organisation

Local Life

Can you tell me more about food policy councils?

when you cook with ingredients. Food is a very good medium to create a dialogue between difFood policy councils are the way for the citizen ferent cultures. We believed that by using conto be able to participate. You can make people nections between our countries we can prove understand that they do something and can to people that we have more things in common change something. than against. This garden is also an opportunity to become a farmer in future.

If you are a producer and live near the city, in Greece there are not farmers markets, just street Can you tell us what is the current markets, the biggest percentage are resellers. situation in GREECE? What if I want to have market only for the small producers? Food policy council is collected from Greece is perfect for farming. Because of geogthe bottom, people collectives, who are interest- raphy, Greece has many islands and mountains. ed in matters related to food, they start getting It’s perfect for creating a little microclimate. It many stakeholders together, parents, teachers, has more than 300 days of sunshine. But the chefs, and we come and create proposals that whole country is empty, the land is not used. A we take to the municipality and tell them our lot of people live in cities. We are missing knowlplan. The point is also to buy food supplies from edge, resources, equipment. We are trying to fill local farmers to strengthen the local economy. this gap. We need people who want to do farming and to do it here.

How do you work on issues of inclusion for sensitive social groups, migrants through the idea of food production?

A message to the people who would like to collaborate with your organisation?

Four months ago our organisation created a so- We are a small organisation. We still have some

cial space where we have a garden for everyone.

Food is the centre of everything. We can make people educated. When it comes to refugees and migrants, the Greek people in this place started a project called Earthbound gardening: starting to grow food together. When you take foreigners and greek children and you ask them for the name of the plants, many of them have the same word. So greek and refugees children automatically learn together. It’s the same in the kitchen

things to work on, because we are grassroots.

I can say for sure whoever comes here for an internship will acquire knowledge in many fields.

We have many different areas: videos, seminars and research. So they will have a very unique experience, and understand a lot about the Greek situation. Interaction on an international level will lead them to get deep an understanding of all the levels too. They should be prepared for hard work while having an interesting experience.

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Out Of The Borders Festivals

Celebrating While Staying Green Eco-Festival, What’s the point?

by Astrid Vallet

A festival is a friendly time spent with friends, as well as an opportunity to meet strangers, filled

with a lot of good moods. It’s an ideal atmosphere to see your favourite band or the opportunity to discover new artists...The festival atmosphere is very special and that’s why we’re addicted to it.

The downside is that all this good energy has a rather significant impact on the environment. High water and energy consumption, plastic waste: you may not know it, but music festivals have a very high carbon footprint.

to strive towards being “green” in order to keep celebrating while preserving the environment.

As a first step, some festivals now offer shuttles

to avoid using the car. If you are not able to take public transport, choose to carpool. We won’t lie to each other, it’s still much nicer to travel together... for the atmosphere and also for the wallet.

For a few years now you have also noticed that

eco-cups have become more popular than using plastic cups. And the planet says thank you! Your Reducing the impact of the festival on the en- personal souvenir collection too. vironment while creating a friendly atmosphere is a real challenge: from solar energy to organic Dry toilets, waste sorting, waste and paper refood and waste sorting, having an environmen- duction, water fountains, ecological energy suptally friendly approach is very important. ply… all of these eco-friendly solutions make the festival experience more enjoyable. And if you But is the solution to avoid festivals perma- are volunteering or organizing festivals that are nently? This is a relevant question, because who not already green, you need to keep in mind that wants to celebrate by polluting our beautiful every action counts! planet?

Here is a list of famous festivals that turned out Good news! You don’t have to quit going to to be ecological and environmentally friendly: these wonderful events! Some organizers have already thought of various solutions not only by The We Love Green Festival in Paris, promoting ecological practices but also by im- 6-7 June 2020 plementing new strategies to combat climate change. As this is obviously not the case for all Thanks to its avant-garde policy, the festival has festivals, you can just encourage the latecomers simply become one of the kings of ecology in © Mathilde Dupanloup

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Festivals

Out Of The Borders

France. Highly committed to sustainability and The concerts take place at the foot of the mounenvironmental prosperity We Love Green offers tains, in Metabief. This remarkable site offers an you a rich music program and a green lifestyle. exceptional setting for festival-attendees.

Lollapalooza in Chicago, 18-19 July 2020

In order to preserve the nature that welcomes

it, the Festival de la Paille and its volunteers are committed to the environment and encourage With its Rock and Recycle plan, Lollapalooza pro- the public to do the same: vides its festival-goers with numerous recycling and compost bins as well as water stations, dra- The site of the Festival de la Paille is exceptionmatically reducing the use of plastic bottles. Fes- al and must remain so. This involves collecting tivalgoers are also encouraged to collect recycla- and sorting waste, but also and above all raising ble waste and exchange it for Lollapalooza items. awareness among the audiences (festivalgoers, volunteers or service providers). A Green Brigade has been set up. A team of volunteers will reopen Glastonbury in Pilton, from June 24 each bag in order to sort the waste as much as 2020 possible. These volunteers also meet the pubIn partnership with Oxfam, Greenpeace, and lic to raise awareness of sustainable practices WaterAid, it implemented a green policy that (throwing cigarette butts and garbage in the garrequires a year of fallow land every five years bage, etc.). and thousands of volunteers to ensure that the festival site continues to prosper as a farm after Almost all of the catering offered to the public (festivalgoers, volunteers and artists) is local. This festivalgoers return home. limits the movement and transport of goods.

However, small festival organizers are also This is only a small part of the efforts that are working hard to take care of the planet: made by the Festival de la Paille to preserve the Le Festival de la Paille, Metabief, environment.

France

Hidden in the mountains of the Mont d’Or, in

Franche Comté, France, the Festival de la Paille was created 20 years ago. The festival takes into account the themes of sustainable development.

© Mathilde Dupanloup

Above all, don’t forget that it’s also your responsibility to be respectful and ecological at any time.

© Mathilde Dupanloup

21

Out Of The Borders Cinema

The Power Of Friendship

Beyond prejudice

by Nada Aboufaras

Film inspired by a true story, has received three Oscar awards including one for the best

film 2019. Can a friendship between two very different people, which initially seemed impossible, last despite people’s prejudices and complications?

Movie scene with Tony Lip on the left and Don Shirley on the right.

New

© Universal Pictures

York, 1962. Tony Vallelonga, known as Tony Lip, is a family man from the Bronx, who is very much in love with his wife Dolores, who for a living does temporary jobs and gambling.

Determined and clever, when the club where

he works is temporarily closed, he agrees to work for Don Shirley, a refined and reserved black pianist.

The musician needs a man like Tony to solve

any problems related to having to travel through very racist states of the southern USA that, followed by obstacles and risky situations, will not fail to arrive.

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On the right Don Shirley and on the left Tony Vallelonga. © Nick Vallelonga

Cinema

Out Of The Borders

In fact, many critics are against this film, as

some have called it “a terrifying film that only Between the two during their adventure on the whites like”, or even “it is a junk movie that only road, comes a reciprocal understanding and whites look to convince themselves that they are desire for knowledge that will then turn into a not racist”. friendship that will last until their deaths.

But many critics liked it generally, for the brilViggo Mortensen, the actor who plays Tony Lip liant screenplay and especially for the remarkin the film, thinks that “these stories allow you able performances of Ali and Mortensen. to know a little more about who is different from you. They are very important at the moment,” he The film “Green Book” skillfully bring out the austresses, “because you see a lot of ignorance thenticity and delicacy of all these issues. It is around, for example on issues such as the crisis an encounter between two foreign and different people, coming from opposite worlds, who slowof migrants or religion”. ly learn to know and respect each other.

Mahershala Ali sees the close friendship of their characters in the car as a force that bridges the gap between their different world: “It’s not that they become more similar to each other, but they learn how to accept one another and become true allies over time,” says the actor, “ they come to understand that they are in this road trip together, as friends, as a kind of teammate, and it’s nice to see what is going to happen.”

The film takes the name from the vacation and

travel guide for black people “The Negro Motorist Green Book” written by Victor Hugo Green.

Present in the United States from 1936 to 1966, it “facilitated” their movements and helped them to find any type of accommodation, from hotels to service-stations.

Films like Green book are called “Feelgood mov-

ies”. Those movies are produced to make us feel good as the movie has a happy ending.

Green Book, 1963 edition introduction.source: 99percentinvisible.org

“If we had to wake up one morning and find out that everyone is of the same race, creed and colour, we would find some other cause of prejudice by midday.”

— George David Aiken.

The Negro Motorist Green Book covers from 1937 to 1960, source: commondreams.org published by Victor H. Green & Co.

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Out Of The Borders Cinema

Thoreau A green-way of life

by Pablo Rubio Martín

Poet, philosopher, pencil maker, and above all, ecologist. Discover the life of the man that goes to live alone in the forest for his love for nature.

his brother in his home village, Concord. Thoreau preferred to give his classes outside the classroom, taking walks with his students through the countryside. Guided by other contemporary authors such as Margaret Fuller (women’s rights activist) or Nathaniel Hawthorne (author of the mythical novel “The Scarlet Letter”), he was most influenced by his friend Ralph Waldo Emersons, leader of the transcendentalism.

This philosophical movement, invited to detach itself from the material and embraced the primaeval, nature. QUOTE: “You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.” (Henry David Thoreau)

It’s no wonder Thoreau became one of his main figures. Until his death, he defended a model of life in which man not only does not harm the environment, but commits himself to it, and takes Portrait of Thoreau source: Wikipedia care of it and praises it with commitment, like a deity. Vegetarian, encouraged recreational hiking Nowadays we live in a society that moves and canoeing, as well as the conservation and rapidly fast. Technologies make people more preservation of the environment. independent, and some of us start to forget our origins, nature. But now, imagine that you live in North America at the beginning of the XIX century, when fierce capitalism started to develop. On July 12, 1817, in a small town in Massachusetts, where many English settlers arrived, Henry David Thoreau was born. Son of a pencil maker, work that he also pursued until his death, Thoreau studied rhetoric, philosophy and science at Harvard University. Not interested in traditional professions, he opened a school with Replica of Thoreau ́s hut

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source: Traveler.es

Cinema

Out Of The Borders

This is when one of the most fascinating periods His political ideas and his vision of nature greatly

of his life begins. He bought a cabin in a lakefront forest (Walden Pound) where he lived away from the worldly noise for “2 years, 2 months and 2 days” of his life.

It was there that he wrote “Walden: Life in the

Woods”, an essay in which he relates his experiences like a diary; his self-sufficient way of life with which he intends to demonstrate that one can use nature through his understanding. Although he used his garden and the green pines and the blue lake that surrounded them, he sometimes received visits, because according to him QUOTE: “loneliness is a greater pleasure, but we need others sometimes to be able to express ourselves”.

influenced later movements such as the workers in Great Britain, the Indian independence movement, the hippies; or figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King or Leon Tolstoy.

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth” — Thoreau.

After contracting tuberculosis in 1835, he left

his long solitary walks, for the revision of his His writing style was precise and simple, but texts, the sending of letters to friends in which at the same time particularly poetic. His analy- he kept his ideas and in making pencils. ses of the environment were precise and useful later for biologists and ecologists. After a tax Nowadays, although everything is going fastpayment problem, a Thoreau dissatisfied with er, there are more and more people concerned the laws and rulers wrote from a lecture “Civil about the environment and the future of our disobedience”. In it, he exposes a brutal critique world. In each of these movements is the small of a state that continued to enslave and wage footprint of Thoreau. He died on May 6, 1862… and his last words were “moose” and “Indian”. unjustified wars.

Views of Walden Pond

source: Lithub.com

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Out Of The Borders Social and Political

Make Europe Green Again

Thinking of a greener Europe is possible

by Felicia Vigliotti

From 2014, the work of the European Union will seek to provide citizens with the right tools

to drive change. Horizon 2020 (and then Horizon Europe) is letting citizens continue working on their goals, fostering the shift to a sustainable Europe. Let’s find out about these programs together!

When we set the goal of becoming greener, European Union provides billions of euros to first we need to ask ourselves: what does the word “green” means? It is not only preserving nature and fighting climate change. It is about transforming everyday actions into sustainable deeds. Thus, the change is coming and the only way how to visualize its effects is to improve research in various contexts. European institutions created a seven-year program that is known as Horizon 2020. At this moment, it is the best opportunity to encourage citizens in contributing to change. The only effort is to take the time to understand how it works.

Illustration of Horizon 2020

26

enhance collaboration on innovation between the private and public sectors breaking down as many walls as possible. And how does this relate to the “green” and sustainability? Research and innovation are the only possibilities to make our planet safer and more liveable. Every field, from technology to medicine, from industry to social challenges, has an impact on us and at the same time on our environment.

The Horizon 2020’s global aim is sustainable de-

velopment and climate objectives. In the last six

source: European Commission

Social and Political

Out Of The Borders

“Innovation is the only way for the EU to maintain a strong, sustainable and competitive economy. This confirmation will help ensure the timely launch of the new programme in January 2021. The text will provide our researchers with clarity on the EU’s priorities in the field and our citizens with certainty that we are listening to their concerns.”

— Nicolae Hurduc, Romanian Minister for research and innovation.

Application’s fields of the research and innovation programs in Europe source: European Commission

change. From the submission of the proposal towards the grant agreement, the step is brief. One word: simplify, which will remain central to Horiyears, more than half of the funds went to projzon Europe’s seven-year programme 2021-2027. ects that proved to be eco-friendly. Every euro invested in this decade generated 11 euros in The purpose is to give continuity to the sustainpositive economic effects. So, economic invest- able development of the European Union and at ment in research is indispensable for the growth the same time to be able to keep up its voice in of the area and the complete development of its the global context. The European institutions will potential. The European Union’s design work has continue in the coming years to place these isbeen essential in providing the best possible ser- sues at the centre of the political dialogue. vice to citizens. Horizon 2020 is easy to access for universities, companies and a small group of Each of us can benefit from European funds if people who wants to work together on improv- our project is noteworthy: that is why I strongly ing our lifestyle. Furthermore, ideas soon arrived: believe in the validity of this programme. As citifrom waste to digitalization, passing through the zens, we are the first ones that are able to change fight against Ebola. The funds are easily and and shape the reality in which we live: nothing is quickly accessible. So, two things are essential: out of the question, with the only claim for ina computer and a brilliant idea. At this point, novation and sustainability. From the data colthe path will be downhill and the finish line will lected in recent years, one thing can be said with seem closer every day. Accessing the Horizon confidence: Europe is a continent with many 2020 webpage is straightforward. In a few sim- ideas, endless creativity and sincere inspiration, ple steps, one could be a major player in global which must be maintained and supported.

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Out Of The Borders Social and Political

Indigenous Movements And The Fight Against Climate Change

by Inês Ribeiro

The Climate Crisis is one that knows no borders or nations. Yet, indigenous communities

are disproportionally affected by its effects and, simultaneously, sidelined on the mainstream environmental movement and debate. Without any doubt, that is a colossal mistake.

In recent years, numerous voices emerged to re-

mind us that we face a serious crisis, one that can put in danger nature and the human civilization as we know it. However, this is not a recent fight for the indigenous communities. They are one of the most affected and vulnerable groups in regards to environmental catastrophes and health risks related to pollution and degradation of nature.

pact on the indigenous communities. The Uru-Murato, an indigenous group from Bolivia, significantly depended on the Poopó Lake. It was their main source of food and income, but with the rising temperatures, mining activity and unproductive irrigation techniques its water vanished.

Currently, with the rising of the sea level and its

temperature, the biodiversity in the Arctic is being From Bolivia to the Arctic, there are several cases severely affected and, consequently, the survival where climate change is already having a huge im- of the indigenous communities as well. With the

The Poopó Lake completely vanished leaving the indigenous community extremely vulnerable.

28

© Josh Haner/The New York Times

Social and Political

Ice-cap melting is bringing new challenges to the Arctic indigenous communities.

ice-cap melting, a new run to energetic resources remerged, which could culminate in the creation of new transportation routes, raising the risk of ecological catastrophes and food insecurity. As a consequence, several local groups across the Arctic are mobilizing to protect the environment, as well as their culture and traditions.

Out Of The Borders

© Kathryn Hansen / NASA

implemented. Since these strategies are drawn in a more generic and global way, the communities are extremely helpful due to their familiarity with the real and specific environmental conditions, but also with social and economic contexts.

Including indigenous groups in the largest envi-

ronmental movement is crucial and enriching as they would bring to the table innovative perspecarises as to the most active non-state actor in tives and ideas, and combine traditional knowlthe environment movement, criticizing the poedge with different technologies to obtain the litical processes and the hegemonic economic most effective solutions. doctrine that paved the way towards the devastation of nature. Yet, there’s an enormous lack of Their participation can be very fruitful by boosting visibility of these groups within the mainstream the resilience of the projects. This would be posmovements and media platforms, being side- sible since these plans would be drawn bearing lined and struggling to make their voice heard. in mind the real necessities and local character-

Being in the frontline, the indigenous movement

istics. The mainstream movement must ally and include indigenous voices in this key moment for the global stage has been increasing, which is climate action, confirming and highlighting the important to assure the efficiency of the plans interdependent character of this global problem.

In fact, the participation of local communities in “But we are not complacent, we are not hopeless, and we are not giving up. Indigenous people are a necessary part of the solution, and many people beyond our spheres recognize the need for the inclusion of our nations.”

— Kaitlin Grable, Social Media A ssociate for Greenpeace USA and Indigenous activist .

Marchers of the Native Nations March, Pennsylvania, carrying a banner asserting “We Exist. We Resist. We Rise.” © Amanda J. Mason/Greenpeace

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Out Of The Borders Travelling

Sustainable Travel

Travelling to leave a positive impact on the local environment

by Amanda Miteniece

Sustainable tourism is the key to minimise human impact on nature. As non-urban/country

tourism is increasing in popularity, it is important to examine how the tourism industry affects one of the most viral problems our society faces today, climate change. Questions about the consequences of tourism in matters such as the carbon footprint, plastic waste and disturbance of wildlife should be addressed as an urge to the importance of minimising the impact humans have on nature.

The climate crisis is an issue that needs to be

addressed on a global scale, however, that does not mean that you must give up travelling. As a larger part of the population is becoming aware of the environmental issues that traditional tourism carries with it, a new section of tourism that seeks to tackle the aforementioned issues arose. The recent statistics estimate the growth to reach 15% worldwide (thoughtco.com). How-

Beach sign

30

ever, these numbers are not nearly high enough to fight the extreme amount of fossil fuels that are burned by transportation that in turn pollute the air. Thus, transportation is already a big contributor to the negative impact. Therefore, every individual must make a choice, because in one way or the other you are going to leave an impact. The question is, whether it is going to be in a positive or a negative way.

Š getinthering.co

Travelling

The

protection of nature first and foremost should come from local governments and companies that are tourism based. Furthermore, if there are no infrastructures in place for the preservation and the clean-up of natural facilities, people should pressure their local government to create conditions for ecotourism. Laura di Sciascio, a graduate of Maastricht University has done research about the protection of nature in Norway, where she examined the management side of sustainability. This research was a part of her bachelor thesis.

“Everyone has free access to camp, hike or visit any place in Norway, therefore I was interested in how nature can be protected during this peak of mass tourism.”

Although there are two opposing sides regard-

ing the infrastructure that should be in place for tourists, the stakeholders could come to a coherent conclusion. This is because the protection of nature is at the highest priority not only in Norway but also within the whole Scandinavia.

“The paradox of giving free access to nature for everyone and at the same time taking care of it interested me because I got to experience travelling within the Scandinavian environment.”

In the case of Norway, Laura found out that the

cooperation between the various stakeholders is a big part of the management of nature. At the end of the day the preservation and clean up still trumps any argument between the various parts of the discussion. When I asked if this type

Out Of The Borders

of management could be applied within other countries where tourism vastly destroys the environment, she replied, that it could be done.

However, there needs to be cooperation from the government as well as corporations. Unfortunately, this is not the case in many developing countries where tourism is the single most important income. The Scandinavian countries are a good example that should be followed for the protection of nature and wildlife.

Thus, this research raises ethical questions. Ecotourism makes people realise that even when on vacation you still have responsibilities. Furthermore, the general population needs to be educated about the repercussions.

However, it is not only the impact on nature that

we need to worry about. The environmental aspect is only one component that should be seriously considered. It may seem overwhelming to not only plan a trip and at the same time searching for ways to leave minimal repercussions on the local socio-economical and natural environments. However, if you don’t want to spend time on searching for information by yourself, there are an abundance of companies around the world that provide the opportunity to travel in a sustainable, low impact way.

It is a newly growing part of the tourism industry, however, ecological travel companies already have been around for a few decades.

A few examples include “Responsible Travel”, “AndBeyond” “Adventure Alternatives” and countless others that provide the opportunity to be a conscious traveller. There are no clear guidelines of how sustainable tourism should operate, therefore, each company provides a unique experience. David Gilo, one of our volunteers, is a part of a sustainable company in Spain. The underlying idea for this company is based on not only reducing waste but also helping local communities. The accommodation is organised in the homes of the locals and food

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Out Of The Borders Travelling

© Laura di Sciascio

View on the Lysefjord from the Preikestolen Pulpit Rock

choices are based on helping local business- Personal initiative, that is offered by companies es instead of big companies. Thus, this way of like the one David is a part of, makes a substantravelling also offers a more authentic experi- tial difference to the local environment, however, when compared to the waste created by the mainence by creating interactions with the locals. stream tourism industry, ecotourism does not cancel out the negative impact. Like everything else in the world, these issues are linked to the “When a person joins one of economy. Thus, it is a vicious circle. The only way the organized trips, they have to how to get out of it is to take one step at a time. acknowledge that we don’t produce However, if we all make that one step, together we any trash, practically going zero can make an impactful difference. Step one is getwaste.” ting out of our comfort zone and starting to make educated and ecological decisions.

David

says that conscious travelling is even more exciting because you, as an individual, can make a difference. It’s an added thrill to the already existing adventurous feeling that you get from exploring new places and cultures.

“Sometimes while hiking we pick up the trash along the way.”

Picking up garbage on the Roopkund trek

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© indiahikes.com

Nature

Out Of The Borders

The War Against Plastic

How to refuse or reduce plastic use in our lives

by Elena Mullor

Have you ever thought that your first toothbrush is still somewhere in the world? That’s the

footprint that you are leaving on the Earth since you were born. Even without knowing. Probably there are lots of plastic stuff that you have used throughout your life.

The industry has produced 8,300 millions of plas-

tic tonnes since the beginning of plastic manufacturing in the 1950s. Mundial plastic production grew 3,15% in 2018, producing around 340 millions plastic tonnes. Asia is the world’s largest producer of plastics with 51%, where China holds 30% of the total percentage. In Europe, the countries with the highest plastic demand are Germany, Italy, France, Spain and the United Kingdom, in that order. It’s estimated that the amount will exceed over 500 million tons per year by the year 2020, a 900% growth when compared to the 1980 statistics, according to Greenpeace.

the world, emphasizing that beverage manufacturers produce more than 500 billion single-use plastic bottles each year. The problem with this type of plastic is that when we throw it in the trash, most of it is disposed of in green spaces, damaging the environment. These days, the oceans are the most polluted because almost all the plastic that we throw out ends up in our oceans. This affects the ecosystem and marine life, thus many aquatic animals suffer the damage caused by plastic in the water.

Europe made of plastic

As we all know, nowadays the plastic problem Plastics production is growing increasingly fast, is affecting the whole planet. The human race and consequently the “super-production” are destroying what we call home. This year, 2019, the plastic danger is more alarming than ever.

The global plastic production has increased in the last 50 years, but mostly in the last decade as the industry has been producing more than ever in human history. It is a problem caused by the overproduction of single-use plastics all over

according to the report Plastics-the Facts 2019, released by PlasticsEurope (the Association of Plastics Manufacturers in Europe) and EPRO (the European Association of Plastics Recycling and Recovery Organisations). To be precise, in 2018 were produced 340 million tonnes of plastic around the world. From this total, almost 62 million tons were produced in the European continent.

Europe

is the second smallest continent in terms of surface area and the fourth most populous continent after Asia, Africa and America, with about 10.03% of the world’s population.

The plastic demand by European manufacturers

Plastic is stuck in our seas

source: Greenpeace website

reached 51 million tons last year. Of this amount, as we said, almost all the plastic came from Germany, Italy, France, Spain and the United Kingdom. These five countries together with the Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg) cover almost 80% of European plastic demand.

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Out Of The Borders Nature

In 2018, million tons of post-consumer plastic waste was collected and handled in Europe, of which 32,5% was recycled; 42,8% was used for energy recovery and 24,9% was destined for landfill. PlasticsEurope believes that primary plastics production in Europe will fall between 5% and 0,5% in 2020.

What about Greece?

Based on research findings over the years, the amount of wasted plastic on the seabed has actually increased in the last 15 years, in spite of the introduction of environmental legislation to protect against this, according to Professor Giorgos Papatheodorou of the Marine Geology and Natural Oceanography Laboratory at Patras University. That’s why Greece needs to enforce these mechanisms to ensure that the legislative framework is implemented.

Significant densities of plastic have been found

at the bottom of the greek seas, ranging 500 waste items per square kilometre, and the worst data has been found in the Saronic Gulf, with 3.500 waste items per square kilometre, according to Papatheodorou.

The most important thing that we have to do is

to identify where the pollutants and waste come from, thus enabling action to stop pollution at its source. 80% of waste comes from the land, while 20% originates in the sea, from shipping.

“The problem has become immense; it’s time for

policies and their correct implementation and, in fact, more stringent policies as protection of the marine environment and plastic”, noted Professor Papatheodorou.

Greece has a population of 11 million people and 37 companies working around plastic and it’s distribution. Specifically, Thessaloniki has a population share of over one million, and eleven of these companies are seated in this city. Thus, it would be radical to assume the significance of plastic within the market. Thessaloniki is a big city with the capacity to make their streets and parks more beautiful than they currently are.

That’s why one of the most shocking notions about the city is the quantity of trash accumulated in the streets. It is not surprising that most of this garbage is plastic.

What can we do to reduce our impact on nature?

It is a simple question that most of us are wondering for the past few years. We can reduce our plastic consumption by changing our daily lives.

Like taking your own reusable shopping bag to the supermarket, carrying your own food containers, cups and other utensils, shopping in stores and local markets that sell bulk cereals, grains, etc that are package-free. Avoid the use of cosmetics with plastic microspheres in their composition: polyethene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and/or nylon.

They are normally found in exfoliating products.

Instead, choose cosmetics with components such as clay, nutshells, or seeds.

We don’t have time to delay any longer. Clearly,

Our cities are turning into landfills.

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source: Elena Mullor

awareness and sensitisation campaigns are key and the central action we must carry out because it appears to have a real imprint on the marine environment. Now you can drink your coffee with your personal Thermo and your metallic straw.

With simple changes in our lives, we can do a lot for the Earth and our oceans. Thus, we can reduce plastic production and improve the quality of our lives as well as the rest of living beings.

Art

Mix Fix

Green In Art: a question of time.

by Pauline Eldaroff

Green is one of the most important colours because it’s a direct association with the environment. The English term “green” has the same Germanic root as the terms “grass” and “grow”.

Plants have this colour because of the pigment present in their leaves: chlorophyll. In psychology, green symbolizes renewal, growth, balance, calm and harmony. In art, green has sometimes had moments of glory, and sometimes not at all.

Today, this colour is simple to achieve, but

Newton’s chromatic circle

© comptoir-des-peintures.fr

this has not always been the case in history.

Green is one of the additive primary colours, such as red and blue. It is a combination of yellow and blue, that’s what we are taught in primary school. This was only revealed late in history because mixing several materials together was a taboo. It was only after Newton’s discovery of the chromatic circle in the 17th century that it was finally understood that it was a colour halfway between yellow and blue.

In this article, we will focus on the evolution of the image of green through time and art.

In

Let’s start at the beginning, prehistory. This is the only period in history during which green is so little present. No traces of green pigments were found in the rock paintings. In contrast, the Neolithic people of northern Europe had created a dye for clothing from birch leaves.

But the result was more brown than green.

the history of Western art, artists have long struggled to obtain the perfect shade of green. When they thought they had the right mixture, the colour would eventually fade or even disappear completely. The green paint of yesteryear was so corrosive that it tended to burn canvas, wood or paper. Green paintings It is only from ancient history that green beand wallpapers of the 18th and 19th centuries gins to become more present. In ancient Egypt, were created from toxic arsenic. green had a very good image as it represents

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Mix Fix Art

regeneration, rebirth and the cultures that are made possible by the annual flooding of the Nile. The hieroglyph used to represent green was a growing papyrus shoot. This clearly shows the link between colour, vegetation and growth. Osiris, the ruler of the underworld was represented by a green face. Green was also a symbol of good health. This colour was also used in make-up that the living and dead wore around the eyes to protect them from harm.

Green beetle-shaped amulets have also been found in tombs. Created from malachite, they protected and gave vigour to the deceased.

This colour also represented the sea. Indeed, this one was called “very green”.

fabrics, they proceeded in two steps. The first consisted in colouring them yellow using a dye created from saffron, then dipping them in a blue dye obtained from the roots of the woad plant.

In ancient Greece, green is very rarely found, as it is not one of the four colours used in Greek painting. Blue and green were two colours sometimes considered to be the same and unique colour. In addition, the same word was sometimes used to describe the colour of the sea and the colour of trees. Democritus, the philosopher, wrote about two types of greens. The cloron, a pale green, and the prasinon, a leek green. For Aristotle, green was a mixture of black, which symbolized the earth, In order to create a green pigment, the Egyp- and white, which symbolized water. tians reduced malachite to powder. Malachite is a stone that contains a lot of copper, A mong the Romans, green was the colour of hence its green colour. Green earth pigments Venus, the goddess of gardens, vegetables or mixed pigments of yellow ochre and azur- and vines. There were ten words in Latin for ite blue were also used. In order to colour the the different varieties of green. They used a lot of green earth pigment to make wall paintings in some Roman cities.

This colour was also present in mosaics and

glass. A green-grey pigment was also used by the Romans. This was done by soaking copper plates in the fermentation of the wine.

Piece of Malachite

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© Wikipedia.org

In the following periods, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the colour of people’s clothing revealed their social status. Green was the colour reserved for merchants, bankers and nobility. Unfortunately, the first green pig-

Art

Mural painting of the Livestock House at Prima Porta

ments used in clothing dyes were not resistant to washing and sunlight. These pigments were made from plants such as fern, plantain banana, nettle or leek juice, etc. A better way to dye clothes in a more durable way appeared in the 16th century. This technique consisted first of dyeing the blue fabric with pastel, then yellowing it with Reseda Luteola, a plant widely used in dyeing.

For painters, there were more pigments available. The monks used Verdigris. They obtained it in the same way as the Romans and used it to colour the manuscripts. They also used powdered malachite and the colours of green earth.

Mix Fix

Š histoiredelantiquite.net

very quickly replaced vegetable pigments and dyes. These were more stable and brighter.

Unfortunately, some of them contained high levels of arsenic and were therefore banned.

During these two centuries, green was associated with the romantic movement in literature and art. Goethe, a German poet and philosopher, said that it was the most relaxing colour and the most suitable for room decoration.

Some painters, such as John Constable and Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, represented the lush green of landscapes and forests. This colour contrasted with the dark and cold colours of the industrial revolution.

During the second half of the 19th century,

green in art was also used to create specific emotions. American artist James McNeil ic green pigments and dyes were created and Whistler, who made colour the central element

During the 18th and 19th centuries, synthet-

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Mix Fix Art

of his paintings, created a painting called green symbolizes the environmental movement, nature, the organic, what is healthy for “Symphony in grey and green” in 1865. humans.

At the end of the 19th century, studies on colour theory showed that complementary After these many evolutions of thoughts colours such as red and green were mutually around the colour green throughout history, green still has a great future ahead of it, esreinforcing when placed side by side. pecially since it is used to symbolize the enviSince the 1980s until today, this colour has ronmental movement. This colour is therefore become a political symbol. It is indeed the co- not about to disappear from the artistic movelour of various political parties in Europe. The ments.

“Symphony in grey and green” by James McNeil Whistler in 1865

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© peintures-tableaux.com

Tips

Mix Fix

Effortlessly Eco

6 sustainable swaps that seem all to easy for the impact it gives

by Amanda Miteniece

There are countless actions that can be taken in order to lead a more sustainable life. Here I

have singled out a few tips that will help you to start living a more conscious, eco-friendly life.

Ecosia planted trees

© www.planetforward.org

Ecosia few seconds it’s not only ecologically beneficial but also overall a smart decision. After all, one ecological difference in the world is by chang- average size tree can provide a family of 4 oxying your search engine to Ecosia. This compa- gen for a whole year! ny provides a service where each search that is conducted within this program contributes Reusable objects to planting trees in various places around the world. Therefore, by switching your daily activity There is no secret that plastic is a big contributor of “googling” to Ecosia you would contribute to to the global waste issue. Thus, an easy way how afforestation while doing so. On average ever 45 to avoid your individual contribution to this issue searches are equal to one tree. Like every other is by getting reusable utensils, cup, water bottle internet browser, Ecosia is a B type Corporation and Tupperware. Single-use plastic that is pro(https://bcorporation.eu/directory/ecosia-gmvided by the food industry can be easily avoided bh) that gains revenue from advertisement, thus if you have these items with you on a daily basis. making it a free platform. Moreover, this compa- Most of us get a coffee on the way, buy a ready ny is known for its transparency when it comes to eat salad at the supermarket or buy a bottle to data protection. Thus, your personal data can- of water. However, if you bring your own cup not be taken without your knowledge. By making and food on the go in a Tupperware with your this easy swap that quite literally will take you a own utensils, you have made an environmental-

Hands down the easiest way how to make an

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Mix Fix Tips

Reusable cups and bottles

© www.notonthehighstreet.com

ly-friendly choice by not creating single-use plastic waste. On top of that, you will save money.

Digital tickets

Digital tickets

© www.graphizona.com

When possible, have your tickets in a digital

train, concert etc. tickets saved on your phone to form. Almost everyone has a smartphone these avoid overusing paper and you’ll be sure to never days, why not use it for good? Have all your plane, lose a ticket ever again.

Local farmers market

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© www.seattlemonorail.com

Tips

Mix Fix

Market friendly

Shop secondhand

In every town or city, there is a farmers market where you can get not only plastic-free but also local produce. The amount of plastic used to wrap single items of produce in supermarkets seems unnecessary. In a market, produce comes package free and overall cheaper. Just by changing your shopping location you can save money and help the local economy. An added value is the contribution to economic sustainability by supporting local farmers. Also, don’t forget your reusable shopping bags, so you will have somewhere to put all that produce in.

Cheap fashion stores that change their collec-

Find your local thrift stores

tion every 2,5 months contribute to the global fast fashion waste. Stores like H&M, Zara, Bershka etc, have a low cost, however, they “invite” the customer to consume more than you actually need due to the low price point. I am not saying that you need to look for an expensive sustainable brand. Not at all! Thrift shops and flea markets have started a fashion movement of their own as you will be able to find clothing that is unique while not contributing to the fast-fashion global issue - all for a very affordable price!

© https://www.facebook.com/thriftstore.gr/

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Mix Fix Tips

Reuse or recycle

by your local government. In Thessaloniki, for example, there is a phone you can ring for We all know that recycling is important and cleanliness and recycling! should have an infrastructure in every country. If you don’t recycle, all that waste is go- These are only a few tips to make that first ing to end up in a landfill or even worse - the step to become ecofriendly. It could be that ocean. Here in Greece, this is a huge issue, as you already knew this, so this advice may there is almost no infrastructure to manage serve you as a kind reminder. There are many trash. You can see that by just merely walk- small ways how to contribute, thus making a ing on the street. However, my advice is to huge difference. If this issue has visualized reuse whatever you can. Learn the most ef- anything is that there are no small actions, fective methods of recycling that are offered only inactions.

Reuse plastic bottles

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Š www.hometalk.com

Travel

Mix Fix

What About Your Feet?

“Rather than love, than money, than faith, than fame, than fairness.. give me the truth.”

by Alessandro Pantorno

Considering the idea of riding with poor pocket money, without taking any mean of transport.

The world moves fast, every day thousand and

thousand of people moves around it like mosquitos in a room. We create an amazing network of connections among cities like it has never been before. We got this world in a pocket. We can call it a “fast world”. But are our feelings as fast as planes and trains? Don’t you think that as human beings we are missing something? This fast society it’s just driving you crazy, Stop! Stop thinking about your next “all-inclusive” trip to “nowhere”. Stop thinking about new clothes, washing machines, smartphones, IKEA, cars, pills and anything else you’re about to buy. You don’t need it! The best way to stop the industrial machine, I think, is to reject it. Changing your lifestyle to one that fits your feet. A bunch of people nowadays choose to go around the world on foot, by bicycle, taking it slowly, and enjoying it with small pocket money but at the same time lots of energy.

The first things that you need in order to hit the

road are determination, adaptability, and confidence. Let’s talk about the technical part: first of all, you need a bag, your small house right on your back; it doesn’t have to be very big, choose a medium-size, and most importantly it must be comfortable so that it doesn’t bother you. Then you need a tent, a sleeping bag, and an air mattress. Subscribe to a website such as Couchsurfing and Warmshowers, they’re about hospitality exchange, so you can choose also to sleep in someone’s house for free. Then bring the strictly necessary to prepare some hot food: electric hotplate, little pan, cutlery (Swiss Army knife).

Of course, if you’re not a hunter, your diet will be based on fruit and vegetables that you will find during your journey. Then just bring some comfortable clothes: trekking shoes, stocking, underpants, tank tops, two pairs of trousers, a K way, consider the weather conditions, but always bring some winter clothes; the best way to put it inside the bag is to roll them up. Don’t forget toothpaste, towel, documents, some medication.

Now just choose the place you want to go, and

prepare your trip; there are many ways to organize it, it’s up to you. I don’t like to organize that much, but I advise you not to leave unprepared, study the paths where you will have to go, (get a map of the place if you don’t have a mobile phone), study the plants (if you decide to leave with little money), learn to hunt and how to make a fire without a lighter. It’s a hard choice, I agree, because you’re gonna move from your safe and comfortable zone to an unknown experience, but you’re going to learn the pleasure of discovery, the beauty of another culture through the genuine eyes of the people met on the streets, the food, and the landscape, and a lot of feelings that only those experiences can bring to you. It’s not just about exploring new places or rejecting the industrial society, it’s about your personal growth through this flashing slice of light, this huge thing you’re living in! You’re part of it, like a small rock of a big mountain, you need to stay in touch with it, discover it, love it, because it’s your family, it’s Mother Earth, and we are destroying it.

So I’m asking you, what about your feet?

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Mix Fix Gallery

Green In Greece

© Felicia Vigliotti

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Gallery

Mix Fix

© Astrid Vallet

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Mix Fix Drawing

Floral Heart

by Pavlos Anastasiadis

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Poem

Mix Fix

When The Last Tree Burns

by Tea Nocolae

when the last tree burns and the last drop of water falls

when the soil dries and crumbles and the Earth’s womb shrivels

when loss swells in the air and death curls in the dust

there will be no one left to murmur forgive us, Mother, for defiling you. Š Pablo Rubio

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Elena Mullor | 23 years old

Renata Duirczak | 28 years old

Staying in Greece for 7 months until May 2020

Staying in Greece for 7 months until May 2020

Favourite topics are culture, travel, cinema

Favourite topics are economics, nature, sport

Ines Ribeiro | 21 years old

Felicia Vigliotti | 25 years old

Staying in Greece for 7 months until May 2020

Staying in Greece for 7 months until May 2020

Favourite topics are international politics, culture and human rights

Favourite topics are geopolitics, human rights, travel

Amanda Miteniece | 23 years old

Mario Urminsky | 23 years old

Staying in Greece for 7 months until May 2020

Staying in Greece for 7 months until May 2020

Favourite topics are arts, culture, travel, nature

Favourite topics are international conflicts, history, religious differences

Pablo Rubio | 23 years old Staying in Greece for 7 months until May 2020

Pauline Eldaroff | 22 years old Staying in Greece for 2 months until December 2019

Astrid Vallet | 21 years old

Gizem Inan | 26 years old

Staying in Greece for 6 months until March 2020

Staying in Greece for 2 months until November 2019

Favourite topics are culture, social issues, travel

Favourite topics are migration, social inequalities

Francessco Cirica | 28 years old

Nada Aboufaras | 19 years old

Staying in Greece for 12 months until January 2020

Staying in Greece for 2 months until December 2019

Favourite topics are cinema, art and literature

Favourite topics are culture and immigration

Guests

Favourite topics are culture, cinema, arts, fascinating stories

Favourite topics are culture, nature

Alessandro Pantorno | 21 years old Tea Nicolae

Pavlos Anastasiadis

General Directors: Editors: Aristodimos Paraschou Amanda Miteniece Christian Cibba Astrid Vallet Graphic Designer: Alexandros Tagaridis Find us: www.balkanhotspot.org Usb_ngo.gr

Staying in Greece for 7 months until May 2020

Favourite topics is music

The volunteers responsible for this publication are hosted in Greece in the framework of the European ERASMUS+ Programme, European Voluntary Service. This project has been funded with support from the European Commision. This publication [communication] reflects the views of only of the author, and the Commision can not be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.