Here's what we've got for you today:

• Tiny Home Village For The Homeless

• Solar River

• Noem ‘The Line’: A Sustainable City In The Desert

• GAC's Eco-Friendly Hydrogen Concept Car

• Make Your Own Toothpaste

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Good Eco News

A New Dawn: Tiny Home Village Revolutionizes Housing for the Homeless

A groundbreaking initiative in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, is redefining affordable housing and community development. The 12Neighbours village, established by tech entrepreneur Marcel LeBrun, offers a compassionate solution for the homeless. With 78 eco-friendly tiny homes, each renting for as little as $200 a month, this community is not just a place to live, but a springboard for personal development and social reintegration​​​​.

Overview

12Neighbours is more than just a housing project; it's a holistic approach to addressing chronic homelessness. Located on 55 acres of land in New Brunswick's capital, the village currently houses 77 residents, aged 18 to 71, who benefit from a comprehensive range of services. These include addiction and mental health counseling, medical services, employment opportunities, and access to a laundry room​​​​.

The community fosters financial independence, with many residents employed in the village's carpentry program or print shop. The focus is not just on providing affordable housing but on empowering individuals to overcome barriers and lead full, independent lives​​.

Key Points

• Innovative Housing Solution: 12Neighbours presents an innovative approach to homelessness, providing affordable, permanent housing in a supportive community environment.

• Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: The tiny homes are eco-friendly, equipped with solar panels to reduce utility costs​​.

• Community and Support: With amenities like a community garden and picnic benches, the village nurtures a sense of community and connection among residents​​​​.

• Empowerment Through Employment: The village's screen-printing business and carpentry program offer residents employment, contributing to their financial stability and personal growth​​.

• Future Expansion: Plans are underway to expand the village, with the construction of a 12,000-square-foot "social enterprise center" to further enhance community life​​.

For more details on this inspiring initiative, read the full story on Business Insider México.

Green Gadgets

Leaf Razor

Probably, one of my favorite zero-waste gadgets that I ever got is my Leaf Razor and now also the Twig.

My partner and I absolutely love the Leaf Razor! It's perfect for everyday shaving, and to reach those tricky spots under my nose I use the Twig. It's been a game-changer for our grooming routine.

My wife finds it easy to use on both her arms and legs.

Key points:

• zero waste

• plastic free

• uses conventional razor blades

• they take you're used blades back

• beautiful design

• great company

Curious about starting your own recycling business?

🌟Get 10% Off with code THEZEROWASTEMAN

Check out their website here.

Eco-Design

Solar River: A Revolutionary Approach to Solar Energy and Irrigation

Tectonicus Constructs LLC is pioneering a unique solution in renewable energy through its Solar River project. This initiative involves installing photovoltaic (PV) panels over irrigation canals, providing a dual benefit of energy generation and water conservation.

The design is competitive with traditional land-based systems, offering a lucrative opportunity for farmers and irrigation districts to enhance their infrastructure, lower energy costs, and produce clean power without using valuable agricultural land.

Key Points:

• Solar River combines energy and water solutions in an innovative way.

• The project utilizes unused land or canal right-of-way for energy generation.

• It offers environmental benefits such as improved PV performance due to water cooling, reduced canal evaporation and contamination, and the ability to locate power generation near pumps.

• Recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy and other prestigious programs, Solar River is setting a new standard in sustainable energy practices.

Check out their website here.

Driving into the Future: GAC's Eco-Friendly Hydrogen ERA Concept Car

GAC, a Chinese automaker, recently showcased its hydrogen ERA concept car at the Guangzhou Auto Show. This innovative vehicle, blending the features of a four-wheel drive and an SUV, stands out for its use of sustainable materials and advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology​​.

The Details:

• Eco-Friendly Materials: The car's exterior is made from upcycled materials, including marine recycled plastic, seaweed, and bio-based components, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability.

• Power and Performance: It boasts hydrogen fuel cells, 200kw motors, and offers 540 horsepower with an 800-kilometer range, all while emitting zero emissions​​.

• Unique Design: The ERA features innovative doors opening in different directions for passengers and driver, spacious interiors with rotating front seats, and bio-based mycelium leather seating​​.

• Availability: While the concept car has been unveiled, a concrete production date is yet to be announced​​.

Our Thoughts: The GAC hydrogen ERA concept car is a notable step towards sustainable transportation, combining eco-conscious material use with cutting-edge hydrogen technology. It's a promising glimpse into the future of automotive design and environmental responsibility.

Key Points:

• Innovative use of upcycled materials.

• Advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology.

• Zero emissions with impressive performance.

• Unique and luxurious interior design.

Read the full article here.

NEOM: A Beacon of Sustainability and Innovation"

NEOM, a groundbreaking sustainable development in northwest Saudi Arabia, is making strides in various sectors, from eco-tourism to green energy. This visionary project intertwines luxury, sustainability, and technological advancement.

The Details:

1. Eco-Tourism Initiatives:

   • Epicon: A new luxury coastal tourism destination on the Gulf of Aqaba​​.

   • Sindalah: Set to become a global yachting destination, partnering with Burgess and other leading yacht services​​​​.

   • Leyja: Another addition to NEOM's sustainable tourism offerings​​.

2. Green Energy Development:

   • NEOM Green Hydrogen Company: Received its first major delivery of wind turbines, marking a significant step in building the world’s largest green hydrogen plant​​​​.

   • Sustainable Water Solutions: Partnerships aiming for zero-waste water solutions, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability​​.

3. Innovative Technology and Infrastructure:

   • Autonomous Vehicles: NEOM invests $100M in Pony.ai for autonomous vehicle technology across the Middle East​​.

   • Electric Air Taxis: Collaboration with Volocopter for urban air mobility solutions​​.

   • Digital Communications: TONOMUS launched NEOM's first digital communications facility, enhancing the region's technological infrastructure​​.

Our Thoughts: NEOM represents a pioneering blend of sustainability and innovation. Its holistic approach, integrating eco-friendly tourism, renewable energy, and cutting-edge technology, illustrates a progressive model for future urban developments.

Key Points:

• NEOM is a frontrunner in sustainable regional development, emphasizing eco-tourism, renewable energy, and innovative technology.

• Significant projects include Epicon, Sindalah, and Leyja for eco-tourism, and the NEOM Green Hydrogen Company for renewable energy.

• Investments in autonomous vehicles, air taxi services, and digital communications showcase NEOM's commitment to innovative infrastructure.

To explore more about NEOM's initiatives and future plans, visit their newsroom.

Self-sufficient Me

Let’s make your own Toothpaste:

There are several ways to make your own natural toothpaste. Here are a few recipes:

1. Baking soda, salt, and water toothpaste:

• Take one tablespoon of baking soda

• Add a tablespoon of natural salt

• Add three drops of an essential oil

• Add enough water to make a paste

• Mix together until it forms a nice, soft paste

2. Coconut oil and baking soda toothpaste:

• ½ cup of coconut oil

• 4 tablespoons of baking soda

• 15 drops of peppermint essential oil

• Mix together until it forms a nice, soft paste

• Transfer the toothpaste to an airtight jar

3. Baking soda and water toothpaste:

• 1/2 cup baking soda

• 1 tablespoon water

• 1-2 drops of peppermint or other essential oil (optional)

• Mix together until it forms a nice, soft paste

To use the homemade toothpaste, simply add ½ teaspoon to your toothbrush and brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice each day. Homemade toothpaste is customizable, eco-friendly, and can save you money. However, it's important to note that baking soda can be abrasive and may damage tooth enamel if used too frequently, so it's best to limit its use rather than use it regularly.

Let me know if you tried some of these recipes and is there one you prefer best.

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