https://www.bornandraisedearth.org/connect-rfa daily 0.75 2021-03-18 https://www.bornandraisedearth.org/turfscrubber daily 0.75 2022-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1610609639844-5RJUH3O6TTI5ZN9KVUSX/eb294674-065ec61cd0-42f0c202-m-6.jpg Turf Scrubber - MISSION To research the efficacy of alternatives to traditional treatment of “wastewater” effluent, develop a workable system to polish “wastewater” to decrease nutrient levels using native Hawai’i stream limu (macroalgae) in a Turf Scrubber and make use of the naturally polished water in an environmentally responsible manner by irrigating native forests on the island of Maui. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1610609666042-G1MGPAWER50T0WWJXMN5/e6ed16dc-00917911fb-42f0c202-m-2.jpg Turf Scrubber - OVERVIEW Through natural and sustainable means, water that was once regarded as “waste,” is restored to its rightful value as precious and life-giving. The Turf Scrubber technology incorporates the natural cleansing and absorbing properties of the native algae of Hawai’i – limu – to remove harmful nutrients found in “wastewater”. The nutrient-rich limu and revitalized water are then harvested and captured to fertilize and irrigate native forests in Hawai’i. This potentially eliminates the current issue of “wastewater” treatment on Maui, as well as provides a natural, safe and sustainable byproduct while reevaluating the discourse that ever deems water as waste. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1610609694003-UKWYMCWGZJRRXQRTUGXG/000116670005_126170_lrg_1530132713.jpg Turf Scrubber - HOW IT WORKS Polluted water is conveyed to the Turf Scrubber, where it is pulsed in waves across a sloped floway. Movement of the water down the floway encourages the growth of native stream limu, which grows into an algal turf on the surface of the treatment floway. The limu, in turn, absorb excess nutrients and carbon dioxide in the water. Routine harvesting maximizes algal growth and pollutant recovery. Harvested biomass is recycled into environmentally beneficial end products. Products currently made from algae include soil-enhancing compost and livestock feed. See More. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1646359312860-ZQSPCACJKE6B5B2KKILQ/flushaware-logo.png Turf Scrubber Please visit the above site - FlushAware - to learn more about the fate of your flush on Maui and its impacts on life in the ocean and how you can take action to help influence positive change for our reefs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1584477837958-O4N82RV2YJORQOKLVA10/70016979-009146e056-42f0c202-m-2.jpg Turf Scrubber https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1584477839404-U1N4XGNEJXTXJ1FEJD5W/58340015.jpg Turf Scrubber https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1584477764314-UNLYJ6HZUMM9HGJBDELM/09240020_74842_lrg_1504379302.jpg Turf Scrubber https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1584477836434-BIKKOC4U575DHL3KNUB3/3dc6843f-06ec925c91-42f0c202-m-7.jpg Turf Scrubber https://www.bornandraisedearth.org/zero-waste-maui-fair daily 0.75 2021-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1584489463948-FX9E55HWQKA7WN3DF00E/000116680013_126170_lrg_1530147196.jpg Zero Waste Maui Fair - OBJECTIVE In viewing the current condition of the world as our own and in understanding the impact our decisions of today have on the future, it is essential to use positions of leadership and power to encourage conservatory actions and facilitate sustainable options and procedures. The outlook of sustainable shifts and endeavors must be one marked by longevity, perseverance and cooperation. Change in long standing practices and customs is not typically characterized by ease, and is more often than not met with resistance. In maintaining a distinct and determined goal of lessening the environmental impact on both our sensitive island ecosystem and the world, implementing small, but effective, substitutes and adjustments in operational procedures is rendered imperative and urgent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1610610255456-48HVJI9AOIR34M989ZHQ/000425810021_321157_1606181691_lg.jpg Zero Waste Maui Fair - OUTLINE Options for achieving a more sustainable event include but are not limited to: Reusable containers: Available for purchase (wholesale price $, suggested retail price $$), or deposit. Bamboo sporks: Available for purchase (wholesale price $, suggested retail price $$), or deposit. Glass mason jars: Available for purchase (wholesale price $, suggested retail price $$), or deposit; Available in 3 sizes Promote and incentivize fairgoers to bring their own containers and utensils Promote and incentivize vendors to offer completely compostable/natural options (i.e. taro or banana leaves for take away and environmentally friendly cleaning products) Eliminate paper napkins https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1610610287638-NMTNJ6XL5BIF8GTT886P/09240008_74842_lrg_1504379278.jpg Zero Waste Maui Fair - GOALS The Maui County Fair Sustainability Initiative aims to lesson the environmental impacts the annual fair has on our community, island, ocean and world. We strive to do this through the replacement of all single use plastic and paper items with reusable, and/or naturally compostable options. https://www.bornandraisedearth.org/belize-eco-village daily 0.75 2021-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1584488600177-XQ06UJBWCQ3JSVWTV5KP/R1-06989-0018.jpg Belize Eco Village - MISSIONS To reach out to families living in vulnerable conditions. To assess the community needs and work toward their fulfillment (ie. build extra bedrooms, restrooms, kitchen, roofing, etc). To provide opportunities to experience traditional (medicinal) herb use and the local lifestyle to visiting volunteers. To host groups and provide free accommodation in return for skills, labor and donations to benefit community families in need. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1584488827525-KMGRG8P3DJ1AWN59BE3V/aa55abbb-04f76d206a-42f0c202-m-4.jpg Belize Eco Village - OVERVIEW To create an organization and space that works with the community for the community. To utilize the location and facilities of the organization in coordination with local schools, international students, professionals (i.e. medical practitioners, etc) and volunteers. To facilitate participation of youths from local schools and surrounding communities in sport (i.e. football field, basketball court, leagues, etc). To encourage families from outlying (countryside and rural) areas to engage with organization so they too can experience benefits. To work with cultural practitioners/groups and encourage youths to participate in and preserve the local culture. To connect with the elderly population of the community to address and satisfy their needs (i.e. health, food, housing). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1584488289579-OKANDFFCKH57FMHLVHEO/Screen+Shot+2019-07-02+at+11.04.44+AM.png Belize Eco Village https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1584488255948-1RU7OQM4PIHF25MB7U7B/Screen+Shot+2019-07-02+at+11.06.47+AM.png Belize Eco Village Local resident’s rendering of site plan. https://www.bornandraisedearth.org/stories daily 0.75 2021-03-18 https://www.bornandraisedearth.org/home daily 1.0 2022-04-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1599860692190-3PVHE6XRX9PJYD9M3KH2/000116670002_126170_lrg_1530132705.jpg Home TURF SCRUBBER https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1599860303346-X05F4WH4M7OTWHWATWOJ/000230690016_191559_1552342809_lg.jpg Home WATER SOLUTION-ARIES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1599856139424-XAY0XIAAW5AJ81X3WLKN/R1-06989-0014.jpg Home BELIZE ECO VILLAGE https://www.bornandraisedearth.org/about daily 0.75 2022-04-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1635272733276-H11CYYW4IEI78J5T8S2G/Born+and+Raised+Earth About https://www.bornandraisedearth.org/projects daily 0.75 2021-07-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1599888669221-Y1GVT98S6CPK11W3G6DW/000116670002_126170_lrg_1530132705.jpg Projects - TURF SCRUBBER Injection well wastewater discharge is one of many stressors degrading Maui’s nearshore reefs. Native freshwater algae species hold a key to solving wastewater problems on the island and can be grown with Turf Scrubber technology. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1599888744041-LVP595B7HOVKQMCG55JU/R1-06989-0014.jpg Projects - BELIZE ECO VILLAGE A space created with the community for the community to cultivate independence, pride and a culture of tourism that places unprecedented focus and importance on uplifting and engaging with native populations while preserving and protecting natural resources. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1610609354740-WOR9D39Z7MJWDN60VO9P/iu.jpg Projects - WASTE TO ENERGY Without the availability of an antidote to the disease of waste and landfills, humans have accepted living with the problem. Despite the bold visions of climate solutions, there are very few proposed answers to this worldwide issue. The naturally arising question is: What would we replace landfills with exactly? Enter down-draft gasification — the process of converting waste with organic material into a completely clean byproduct. This technology has the potential to eliminate landfills — and create a need to “mine” them for energy — while having negative greenhouse emission through carbon sequestration in soil reclamation efforts. The technology has great potential in attaining climate goals if carried out on a greater scale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1599888704255-K77ADVXOICU50LHDQNOR/000230690016_191559_1552342809_lg.jpg Projects - WATER SOLUTION-ARIES Uniting the youth of Earth through expansive linkages of geography, science and culture with a focus on freshwater appreciation and conservation in regions surrounding the Great Lakes of Africa and North America. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1599888791228-EVR2GBU4ZHBKM57F27BJ/36996350-D38C-4090-90F2-C0C2BE922835.jpg Projects - ZERO WASTE MAUI FAIR Environmental impacts caused by the annual fair are mitigated through a multi-step, comprehensive plan to transform it into a zero waste event that can then be scaled to and applied across the entire state. https://www.bornandraisedearth.org/water-solutionaries daily 0.75 2022-03-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1634627665580-WZNSH7AVVNIKBJ4U7WSV/WS_Logo_Transparent.png Water Solutionaries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1646344799902-5K93FF1SX2JXZK933NKP/waves_drawing.jpg Water Solutionaries - THE VISION ~ A world where teen leaders can collaborate to ensure clean water for healthy people and a vibrant planet. Water Solutionaries (WS) fills a critical opportunity gap for teens (13-17) by fostering a container in which youth can learn, connect and lead with each other as water problem solvers, based on their interests and concerns. The result is a global community of transformative interactions that engage and channel energy into positive, youth-generated water solutions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1620953372495-4Y1YW8IGKEKX5OY55GVO/iu-1.jpeg Water Solutionaries - CONTEXT PROBLEM: Youth feel frustration, grief, and isolation in the face of a daily reality of mounting challenges from climate change, pollution, socio-environmental injustice, and geopolitical instability. All intertwined with real implications on their well being. And impacting the basic element of life on Earth… water. Such daunting threats overwhelm a young person’s response capacity. SOLUTION: Teens need a globally accessible, solutions-based framework to harness technology and ongoing peer support to solve water problems wherever they are. Through WS, youth join together and share their experiences, ideas, abilities, and perspectives. With this base, they make substantial positive change and exercise their agency to change the world. WS believes that solutions are an opportunity to challenge and transform frustration and anger into positive actions and channel what feels out of control, into projects that have influence and purpose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1620953500791-WZ3JKFA3Y8DIWVWPAYKT/000230690015_191559_1552342806_lg.jpg Water Solutionaries - OBJECTIVE The Water Solutionaries Model is rooted in solutionist attitude. A credo that emphasizes solutions thinking as an opportunity to challenge and transform frustration and anger into positive energy. Through this solution-centric framework teens are able to: Connect to peers through small groups and one-on-one Learn and share knowledge Change their own behaviors Investigate and address local and global issues Understand intersections and how to leverage change Build networks across freshwater geographies Solve locally relevant problems Grow leadership as changemakers Amplify positive ideas and solutions https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1597558384443-TTW70GWZLMS22TKWR2JE/Screen+Shot+2020-08-15+at+8.04.38+PM.png Water Solutionaries - PILOT The pilot phase is intended as a model for other entities to start and grow similar and connected initiatives, thereby reaching a broader audience with transformative content and structure. Through regular correspondence between regions in the Great Lakes of both North America and Africa, youth are able to make connections while learning about the differing and similar traditions, values, challenges, realities, languages and viewpoints amongst themselves all within the framework of discussion surrounding important ecological and cultural aspects concerning Earth’s most precious resource. These connections can create channels for youths to open doors, blaze trails, develop their voices, and take seats and stances at the table. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1620953405669-4TSTSLZ3YURT6812CGD5/04870006.jpg Water Solutionaries - ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES Water Solutionaries hopes to help… Develop an effective and scalable pilot project that is both widespread and deep-seated. Set up a framework to foster meaningful connections and an ethic of stewardship and action centered around freshwater. Amplify the capacity of youth water leaders through local/global connections via training, knowledge-sharing, leadership development, and community action. Provide in-depth, peer connections on digital platforms for these key stakeholders to gain knowledge and begin and/or further their engagement in game-changing freshwater projects. Create channels for youths to open doors, blaze trails, develop their voice, and take a seat and stance at the decision-making table. Maybe they will even opt to rebuild the table. https://www.bornandraisedearth.org/water-solutionaries-info daily 0.75 2022-03-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1635270328503-TGBV5O10QNGXSX6GYDFF/Water+Solutionaries+%7C+Intro+Packet+%28Images%29.jpg Water Solutionaries Concept Deck - INFO DOC It all begins with an idea. Over the course of a summer dozens of teens convened to realize an idea of kickstarting a global community of transformative interactions that engage and channel energy into positive, youth-generated water solutions. This concept document reflects their collective work. https://www.bornandraisedearth.org/manifesto daily 0.75 2021-10-19 https://www.bornandraisedearth.org/waste-to-energy daily 0.75 2021-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1610609395976-PXU2SC69DJRH82BWX7R5/20130602-EKO-Fire-4.jpg Waste to Energy - THE PROBLEM There are three key problems associated with landfills: 1. Toxins: Countless materials that enter landfills contain harmful, toxic substances. Burying these toxins pave the way for their reappearance in our soil and groundwater, becoming massive environmental hazards that require huge remediation efforts. 2. Leachate: When water filters through a landfill, the residual liquids – leachate – that have broken down from waste materials are extremely toxic and can easily and quickly drain into surrounding ground water and water ways. 3. Greenhouse Gas: When organic material (food scraps and green waste) is compacted and buried at a landfill, the oxygen is removed from the material, causing it to break down in an anaerobic process. Eventually this releases the very potent (25x more so than CO2) greenhouse gas —methane. Photo: Aerial View Maui Landfill Fire - “Compost Fire” Due to High Levels of Greenwaste & Resulting Methane Gas - Hawai’i News Now https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1610609423799-D0R8MZYXC84ZWHD1VXPX/National-Geographic-46th-and-47th-Week-in-Breathtaking-Photos-06.jpg Waste to Energy - LANDFILLS A LANDFILL’S FOOTPRINT According to multiple experts, including the US Energy Information Administration, landfills are the second most polluting industry in the country. Only the energy industry, broadly defined as both coal and oil and gas extraction and burning, exceed landfills' catastrophic emission of GHGs. MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE V. VEHICLE EMISSIONS Landfills in this country regularly and dependably emit more pollutants than all transportation in the United States. In fact Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in United States sends twice as much GHGs into our atmosphere as all of the gas engine vehicles operating in our nation. The landfill problem is uniformly local. Every community disposes its waste in a nearby landfill that constantly sends Carbon Dioxide and Methane into the air. In Maui, for example, more than 500 tons of air polluting waste is dumped daily into the Maui County landfill. And the polluting effect, by way of comparison, is equivalent to 7,500 gas engine vehicles driving across the island. The landfill problem is urgent and in need of immediate correction. Photo: Central Maui Landfill, Pu’unene - Maui Now https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1610596737481-C71GRPLTCOXFPJ89JWP5/BFC4E2CD-126A-4F86-A894-E1918FEAE6F5.jpg Waste to Energy - CURRENT ALTERNATIVES REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE Reduction and recycling are essential components in seeking alternatives to landfills. Communities throughout America have made and continue to make valiant efforts to throw away less and to repurpose what remains. Experience shows us, however, that from our pre-historic origins to the present humans have discarded waste which could not be reduced or repurposed. We will inevitably produce some portion of waste that we will dump in the ground. One of the limitations to the recycle everything approach is the substantial energy required to convert discarded waste into usable products. The energy cost manifests both economically and environmentally. The EPA estimates that we in the United States recycle at a rate of 32%. A doubling of our rate of recycling would still result in 400 tons of waste dumped in the Maui Central Landfill. We should not surrender the dream of a Zero-waste culture. We should use all the tools available. INCINERATION From pre-historic humans to the present the only alternative to dumping waste has been burning it. As soon as we discovered fire we incinerated our waste. That archaic remedy stays with us. Incineration is crudely basic, inefficient and obviously polluting. The internal cost of inefficiency and the external cost of pollution haunts trash incineration everywhere that it's used. Not surprisingly people in general and the environmental movement in particular have not focused on eliminating landfills or incineration. Without the availability of an antidote to the disease we have accepted, to a large extent, living with the problem. Despite the bold visions of climate solutions nobody proposes the closure of landfills or incinerators even incrementally. The naturally arising question is: And replace them with what exactly? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e472b0b122d1c24174126e1/1610609450915-1ZDCR03NXF3FIFI3CMKS/IMG_6250.jpg Waste to Energy - SOLUTION There exist solutions to this massive problem that not only answer the question of what to do with the waste we as humans create, but also how to take care of it sustainably and create useful byproducts.