2017 In Review: The Year's Top 10 Stories
As we reflect on the year gone by, we thought we'd celebrate the stories you - our readers - enjoyed reading in 2017. These articles came from all parts of the country. They not only gave us much to be optimistic about, but also reinforced our belief in what we do: take these stories to larger numbers of people who are seeking hope and inspiration in a world where environmental threats loom large.
If a particular article caught your attention and left you inspired, or if there's something that you would like to see on Eartha in the future, please write in to us. We love hearing from you!
1. Not Just Another Brick In The Wall: 10 Indian Architects Who Are Building Sustainable Homes
Source
The country's property boom is not only hungry for sand, iron, cement and water, but it is quickly obliterating any nuances that existed in traditional design to address a region's climate, environment and culture. There is, however, a breed of Indian architects who are espousing sustainability as a defining feature of their work and building homes that are in harmony with nature.
2. 8 Questions Every Citizen Should Ask Before Rallying For Rivers
Rally For Rivers brought the issue of India's dying rivers into popular consciousness - a laudable effort. But, before you extend your support to the campaign, stop and ask these important questions.
An urban farming movement that’s taking root in a tech park in Bengaluru gives workers an opportunity to reconnect with the land and enjoy better health and safe, fresh and tasty food they've grown themselves!
Unlike several cities that continue to drown under the weight of their own waste, Bengaluru has woken up to the benefits of composting by turning its organic waste into black gold. Its weekly Composting Santhes bring citizens and local government officials together and offer residents an opportunity to participate in keeping the city garbage-free.
That the food we put into our bodies today is making us unhealthy is not news. But, climate change or, more specifically, a rise in global atmospheric carbon dioxide from anthropogenic activities is affecting the nutritional quality of the foods we eat, say scientists working at the intersection of agriculture, human health and climate change.
6. How This Eco-Friendly Wedding Went Back In Time To Send Guests A Green Message
In the time of the big, fat Indian wedding, no aspect of which is spared the no-holds-barred treatment, this union from Tamil Nadu stands out with its simplicity and respect for nature.
7. 11 Indian Women Environmental Champions You Should Know This Women's Day
Illustration by Vidya Gopal
In honour of Women's Day, we celebrated the work of 11 inspiring Indian women who are making an enormous difference to our environmental history with their work as scientists, researchers, journalists, activists, entrepreneurs, artists and innovators. A favourite of ours too!
8. A House Cheaper Than An iPhone? These Tiny Homes Might Be The Answer To Sustainable Urban Housing
The solution to urban problems of sustainable housing, water shortage, congestion and crowding is, quite literally, in your backyard, we discovered in this super cool rooftop experiment.
9. Green The Red: Making A Case For Sustainable Menstrual Hygiene Products
Reusable menstrual hygiene products such as washable cloth pads and menstrual cups are slowly gaining mainstream acceptance in, making way for more and more women to experience safe, healthy periods without any of the trash associated with disposables.
When improperly discarded, cooking fats inhibit the free flow of wastewater to sewage treatment plants and are extremely damaging to plumbing and drainage systems. So, how do you safely get rid of used cooking oil?
Featured image via Pinterest.
