The Roots of Advocacy – Shiva’s Early Years and Formation of RFSTE

Vandana Shiva’s journey into environmentalism began with a poignant moment from her childhood – the clearing of a beloved forest for an apple orchard. This awakening experience fueled her dedication to environmental causes. After earning her doctorate, Shiva returned to India and founded the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology (RFSTE) in 1982. This organization became the crucible for her grassroots campaigns against clear-cut logging and large dam constructions. Shiva’s early years laid the foundation for her conviction that the human-environment relationship demanded a profound reevaluation.

According to the on-site records of 《The Icons,》In her speech at COP28 on December 5th, Shiva reiterated, “Climate change is the metabolic disorder of the Earth,” emphasizing the urgency of recognizing the planetary-scale impact of human activities. Her early campaigns and foundation work were the initial steps in her larger mission to address the environmental repercussions of industrial agriculture.

Navdanya – Seeds of Diversity, Seeds of Resistance

In 1991, Vandana Shiva launched Navdanya, meaning “Nine Seeds” or “New Gift” in Hindi. This initiative, an integral part of RFSTE, sought to combat the rising tide of monoculture driven by large corporations. Recognizing the dangers posed by the homogenization of crop production, particularly in the face of climate change, Shiva and Navdanya took bold steps. The organization formed over 40 seed banks across India, advocating for the conservation of unique strains of seed crops.

Shiva’s commitment to diverse, locally adapted seeds was fueled by her anticipation of threats like the Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. This agreement, she warned, could enable corporations to patent life forms, making farmers dependent on purchasing seeds each year. Her efforts were not just theoretical; Navdanya actively engaged in educating farmers about the benefits of preserving their indigenous seed varieties. Shiva’s conviction that decentralized, diverse agriculture is more resilient in the face of a changing climate echoes in her words, “Unlike native seed strains, developed over long periods of time, the seed strains promoted by large corporations required the application of large amounts of fertilizer and pesticides.”

Agroecology and Sustainable Living – Bija Vidyapeeth’s Impact

In 2001, Vandana Shiva further expanded her influence by establishing Bija Vidyapeeth, a school and organic farm offering month-long courses in sustainable living and agriculture. This endeavor represented a tangible step towards realizing Shiva’s vision of a decentralized approach to agriculture based on agroecological principles. Bija Vidyapeeth became a hub for individuals seeking to learn and practice sustainable living, fostering a community dedicated to Shiva’s ideals.

In her speeches and writings, Shiva consistently highlighted the pitfalls of corporate-dominated agriculture. She believed that the biological wealth of poorer countries was often appropriated by global corporations without consent or fair profit-sharing. Shiva’s commitment to agroecology and sustainable living extended beyond theory; it became an experiential reality at Bija Vidyapeeth.

Global Impact and Ongoing Challenges – Shiva’s Advocacy in the 21st Century

As Vandana Shiva’s influence transcended national borders, her critique of corporate domination and environmental exploitation gained global attention. Through works like “Biopiracy: The Plunder of Nature and Knowledge” and “Stolen Harvest: The Hijacking of the Global Food Supply,” Shiva addressed the impact of corporate trade agreements, the decrease in genetic diversity of crops, and the implications of patent law.

In contemporary times, where pesticide consumption globally stands at 4 million tonnes annually, with potentially harmful chemicals leaching into aquifers, Shiva’s warnings resonate even louder. Her words, “chemicals for agriculture are basically oil,” encapsulate the challenges posed by the current agricultural practices. Despite receiving numerous awards and honors for her environmental and social justice work, Shiva continues to grapple with the ongoing challenges, particularly in the context of a rapidly changing climate.

Vandana Shiva’s journey from her formative years to her recent advocacy at COP28 showcases a relentless commitment to the principles of sustainable agriculture. Her quotes serve as guideposts, reminding us of the urgency to address climate change and the interconnectedness of our actions with the health of the Earth. As Shiva persists in her environmental odyssey, her impact reverberates globally, inspiring individuals and communities to embrace a more harmonious and sustainable coexistence with the planet.

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“The Strongest Neighborhood Chief” Fang Ho-sheng: “Food Sharing Fridge” Changes Taiwan’s Food Waste Situation

The post Vandana Shiva’s Pioneering Efforts in Sustainable Agriculture: A Manifesto for Mutual Futures first appeared on The Icons.

According to the United Nations, approximately 9.31 billion tons of food go to waste globally every year, with one-third of that being clean and edible food. This wastage amounts to a staggering 1.3 billion metric tons, consuming 1.4 billion hectares of land. Most of the discarded food worldwide ends up in landfills, where its decomposition generates roughly one-tenth of the world’s global-warming gasses, surpassing emissions from all transportation combined. If global food waste were a nation, it would rank as the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter, following only China and the United States. Every stage of the food production, transportation, processing, cooking, and disposal process demands significant energy.Despite this colossal waste, nearly 29.6% of the world’s population, equivalent to 2.4 billion people, still cannot access a consistent food supply.

“Food Sharing Fridges” Transforming Taiwan’s Food Waste Situation

Over the past three decades, Taiwan has witnessed a rapid economic boom, and with it, there has been an increased demand for a higher quality of life and a wider variety of food. However, this has led Taiwan to become the second-largest food waste in Asia, trailing only China. Taiwan squanders a staggering average of 3.84 million tons of food annually, enough to stack wasted kitchen leftovers in a manner equivalent to “13,500 Taipei 101 skyscrapers.”

In response to this escalating food waste crisis, an increasing number of people are acknowledging the problem and addressing it. One such initiative, the “Food Sharing Fridge,” founded by Chief Fang Ho-sheng, has seen great success in the South Airport community. Residents place surplus food into the fridge, which is then made available for those in need. This endeavor not only aids in reducing food waste but also assists those who require it.

Chief Fang’s initial goal was to support school-age children in the community so that their family’s circumstances would not impact their education. He also aimed to train more young individuals within the community to acquire essential life skills and help the elderly and vulnerable families resolve their life challenges, thereby enabling the entire South Airport community to flourish like other neighborhoods in Taipei. Later, he recognized the problem of food waste by many businesses and the daily struggle of people to have nutritious meals, prompting the establishment of food banks and the “Food Sharing Fridge.”

Fang Ho-sheng’s Philanthropic Endeavors: Founding the “Food Sharing Fridge” for Underprivileged Communities

Fang Ho-sheng, serving as the Chief of Zhongqin Neighborhood for 24 years, is not just concerned with his own community but also the broader issues of Taiwan. Every day at 1:30 PM, he delivers meals to Taipei Main Station, where many homeless people gather, aiding more individuals in need. His philanthropic efforts extend far beyond his neighborhood, encompassing multiple locations to cater to a larger number of impoverished people.

The Chief’s mission goes beyond providing food; it includes assisting individuals who may have strayed off the right path, offering them an opportunity to rejoin the workforce. His selfless dedication and care for deprived communities have earned him the title of Taiwan’s “Strongest Neighborhood Chief,” serving as an outstanding example for other community leaders.

Due to the early loss of his mother and the lack of a caregiver for his five siblings, neighbors and elders gave a helping hand during the most challenging times. His father, characterized by his generosity, always purchased oranges in bulk because he didn’t just want to provide for his own children but for the neighborhood kids as well. This sense of gratitude led Fang Ho-sheng down the path of community service.

The “Food Sharing Fridge” initiative created by Fang not only tackles the issue of food waste but also provides a platform for sharing food in the South Airport community and some other communities, helping financially strained families. His work also extends to assisting the elderly in seeking medical care, providing health information, and delivering food and supplies during times of crisis, benefiting the entire city of Taipei.

During the pandemic, he not only delivered meals to needful residents in Wanhua District but also aided social welfare organizations in providing water to the homeless. The Taiwan Food Banks Association’s resource system exhibited remarkable flexibility and rapid response, offering material support to Wanhua District and other areas during the pandemic.

Fang Ho-sheng’s story is one of inspiration and hope, demonstrating that one person’s selflessness and love for their community can change not only the entire neighborhood but also the whole nation. He is Taiwan’s “Strongest Neighborhood Chief” and a model for community leaders worldwide.

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The post “The Strongest Neighborhood Chief” Fang Ho-sheng: “Food Sharing Fridge” Changes Taiwan’s Food Waste Situation first appeared on The Icons.

In recent years, the global climate crisis has escalated to new heights, with rising temperatures leading to devastating wildfires and the extinction of thousands of species. Human and natural disasters have become more frequent, fueling an increased awareness of global warming. Despite this growing awareness, the planet continues to suffer. Data from the Mauna Loa observatory in Hawaii reveals alarming trends, forecasting atmospheric CO2 concentrations of 419.2 parts per million (ppm) for this year, compared to the global average of 417.2 ppm in the previous year.

Addressing these pressing challenges demands a multifaceted approach: reducing carbon emissions and plastic waste while simultaneously restoring lost forests through tree planting. Trees are the Earth’s natural carbon vacuums, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Emissions expert Georgette Kilgore emphasizes that, depending on their species, an acre of trees can sequester about two to five tons of carbon dioxide annually.

#TeamTrees: A Global Movement to Replenish Forests

In June 2019, Youtuber Jimmy Donaldson, known as “Mr. Beast,” reached a milestone of 20 million subscribers on his channel. In response, he launched an ambitious project called #TeamTrees, with the goal of planting 20 million trees worldwide. Collaborating with the prominent tree-planting non-profit organization “Arbor Day Foundation” and enlisting the support of hundreds of other YouTubers, the initiative aimed to raise awareness and funds for reforestation. For every US dollar donated to the project, one tree would be planted.

Thanks to the overwhelming support from the global YouTube community, tens of thousands of people contributed to the cause. The initiative’s objective was achieved on October 26, 2022, with a remarkable 20 million trees planted across various regions, including the US, Canada, Haiti, Burundi, Kenya, India, Nepal, and more. Even after the initial goal was met, the momentum persisted, resulting in a grand total of 24,474,788 trees planted to date. Additionally, the Arbor Day Foundation has utilized these trees to aid in reforestation efforts after natural disasters and counteracts human-driven deforestation.

#TeamSeas: A Force for Ocean Cleanup

Building on the success of #TeamTrees, Mr. Beast initiated another environmental campaign in 2021, when his channel reached 30 million subscribers. This time, he partnered with former NASA engineer Mark Rober and The Ocean Cleanup organization to form #TeamSeas. Their mission was to remove 30 million pounds of trash from the world’s oceans. Similar to #TeamTrees, #TeamSeas pledged that for every US dollar donated, one pound of garbage would be removed from the ocean.

Remarkably, within less than a year, the foundation reached its ambitious goal in January 2022. Currently, an impressive 33,470,584 pounds of trash have been successfully removed from the oceans, contributing significantly to marine conservation efforts.

Combining Technology with Climate Actions

The integration of technology into climate actions has been nothing short of revolutionary. Historically, initiatives such as reforestation and ocean cleanup demanded extensive time and labor investments. However, technology and machinery have begun to reshape these endeavors, making tree planting and beach/ocean cleaning more efficient and accessible. 

For instance, companies such as Agrodronas utilize drones for aerial seeding. These drones release seeds over designated areas, promoting reforestation and land restoration, making it a vital tool in combating deforestation. 

In one of Mark Rober’s groundbreaking videos, an automatic trash-collecting boat was deployed in a river, effectively removing more trash than a hundred people could have collected manually in hours. This trash-collecting boat was developed by Boyan Slat, the founder of The Ocean Cleanup. 

Boyan Slat, as many might know, was that 16 year old teenager who wildly claimed that he would be able to clean up 80% of the ocean trash in 2030. He and his organization have been actively working towards this goal. They have made significant strides in collecting plastic waste from rivers and oceans, with the goal of preventing further harm to marine ecosystems.

The trash collecting boat, in Mark Rober’s video, is the “Interceptor 004”, which is one significant project by Boyan Slat and his team. The robot operates by first anchoring near the riverbank. It guides and gathers floating trash using a surface-level barrier and then transports it via a conveyor belt into one of six floating dumpsters onboard. These dumpsters, once filled, float downstream for sorting, with recyclables separated for recycling and the rest disposed of through local waste management.

This innovative system ensures efficient river cleanup while minimizing environmental impact and promoting responsible waste management practices. Since 2020, 12 versions of Interceptors have been deployed to creeks, rivers, and harbors around the world, each operated by the local government. 

Embracing technology is essential for addressing environmental challenges efficiently, but it also comes with its challenges. High costs, weather-related risks, and other concerns have limited the widespread adoption of technology-driven climate actions. Nonetheless, continuous advancements and innovative solutions hold great promise for a greener future.

In closing, the joint efforts of #TeamTrees and #TeamSeas, led by prominent influencers and organizations, have demonstrated the power of collective action and the impact of technology in combating climate change. By inspiring people worldwide to contribute and invest in the environment’s well-being, we can nurture a sustainable planet for generations to come. The path ahead may still be challenging, but these initiatives exemplify what is possible when humanity unites to protect our precious Earth.

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The post Mr.Beast, the World’s Largest Personal Youtuber, Demonstrates Practical Sustainable Actions! #Team Trees and #Team Seas: Combining Technology and Climate Action to Truly Build a Green Future first appeared on The Icons.

Captions: Children without shoes, their feet exposed to danger (Image/ “Saving Souls with Old Shoes” Line account)

“They need shoes,”  Yu-Jen Yang said to himself upon learning the tragic facts.  He then founded “Step30 International Ministries.” His epiphany struck him with a profound sense of purpose. After extensive investigation , he discovered that the average person in Taiwan owns three to five pairs of shoes, some of which are discarded after minimal use  just because they are no longer in vogue. Thus, since 2015, the “Step30 International Ministries” organization has been collecting used footwears from across Taiwan and sending them to various African villages. These seemingly old shoes find new users  as they save lives, and the initiative has raised additional funds to dig wells and build schools, ensuring safe drinking water and improving local education.

“The Man Who Pulled Me Out of a Aimless Life Path”

Caption: (Left) Yu-Jen Yang describing the “man who saved his life,” the Australian pastor, (Right) 18-year-old Yu-Jen Yang (Image/ 104 Career Power)

Yu-Jen Yang’s life was not always that of a charitable mastermind or a person with a heart overflowing with compassion. In fact, he was perceived as a societal underdog or a “small delinquent” in the eyes of many. Raised in a family of shoemakers, he lacked interest in academics from a young age. His father sent him to study in Australia during middle school, where he found himself roaming the streets, hanging out in bars, and mingling with diverse crowds, skateboarding, and doing graffiti as part of his everyday routine. Little did he know that a chance encounter with a heavily tattooed man who turned out to be a local pastor would change his life forever. Curious, he accepted the pastor’s invitation to his home and soon found himself building strong bonds with the tattooed punks of the church, a group he humorously refers to as his “soul buddies.”

This serendipitous encounter later became the “straw that broke the camel’s back.” It led him away from a confused  lifestyle and introduced him to faith. After becoming a church group leader, Yu-Jen Yang left his doors unlocked and  welcomed young people into his humble, tiny apartment with open arms. His small living space was often filled with these wandering youth, whom he jokingly referred to as “a pile of bodies” he had to carefully navigate around every night.

“God Uses Willing Hearts, Not Perfect People”

Years later, back in Taiwan, Yu-Jen Yang married his Canadian wife, and they both devoted themselves to serving at the church. His father-in-law, a missionary working in Africa, mentioned during one of their conversations, “The children there have such radiant smiles, but their feet are all rotten.” Seeing photos of these children’s decaying feet on his father-in-law’s phone sparked something within Yu-Jen Yang. He wondered, why not donate the surplus shoes that so many people in Taiwan possess? A single person could own three to five pairs, and some even had ten or twenty! So why not send some of these shoes over to Africa?

In 2014, Yu-Jen Yang and his wife posted this issue on social media, and the response was overwhelming. The next day, their doorstep was flooded with deliveries from the post office. They temporarily stored the massive pile of old shoes at his brother’s place, which playfully transformed their living space into a shoe warehouse, prompting their neighbors to jest, “When did you guys become recyclers?”

Yet, sending this large volume of shoes to Africa was not an easy feat, even with the family’s combined effort. Luckily, the power of publicity and the compassion of many others came into play, and they received assistance from volunteers and the media. However, the challenge shifted to the financial aspect. As a middle-income family, how could they afford to ship this substantial aid overseas? But with unwavering determination and a leap of faith, Yu-Jen Yang emptied their bank accounts and committed their entire resources to this humanitarian endeavor. This led to the establishment of the non-profit organization “Saving Souls with Old Shoes International Christian Care Association,” which successfully delivered  tons of shoes to those in need across Africa.

Yu-Jen Yang asserted, “You can’t sit in an air-conditioned room and think about the problems in Africa.” A few years later, he moved his family to Kenya, where they expanded their efforts and projects, including the “Living Water Project” (providing clean water and sanitation), the “Rising School Project” (building shelters for schools, bestow quality education), “Chicken Farming” (promoting sustainable communities), “International Volunteers,” and “MOVE Mission,” laying out more opportunities for individuals to engage in service.

Throughout this journey of service, Yu-Jen Yang and his family, along with their fellow workers, encountered challenges beyond the imagination of ordinary people. Under very limited resources, sometimes they would go days without food. Not to mention all the criticisms from social media or their own social communities of what they are doing or what they have done. Yet, they also experienced numerous blessings, which shaped their life stories into an increasingly compelling narrative. His wife and daughter miraculously recovered from malaria, helping young boys clean jigger flea-infested feet so they can happily play sports again, creating hygiene pads for girls, teaching proper health education, and promoting gender equality—their impact has been profound. His wife, Kara, shared a memorable and heart-wrenching dilemma during a TV interview: When she had just a bit of porridge left and was feeding it to their baby, several starving children approached, eyes locked on the bowl. It was a heartbreaking choice between her role as a mother and a servant.

“I am not afraid of difficulties or suffering, but I fear a life without a meaningful story,” said Yu-Jen Yang. From a street kid in his late teens to a life-saver for thousands upon thousands, he attributes his transformation to his faith. “God uses willing people, not perfect people,” he says, reflecting on how he was changed during his most wayward moments and how he now has the power to change others.

For those who wish to delve deeper into Yu-Jen Yang’s incredible life journey, they can attend his lecture: “Unleashed: Embracing Life’s Best Arrangement | Yu-Jen Yang.”

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The post Founder of “Step30 International Ministries,” Yang You-Ren: “From Troubled Youth to International Missions, Letting the Old Shoes in the Shoe Cabinet Save Lives.” first appeared on The Icons.