Lab-grown diamonds are gaining popularity among newlyweds who are seeking a more ecologically responsible alternative to traditionally mined gems.

According to some jewelers, there has been an astounding surge of over 2,000 percent in interest over the course of five years, with individuals discovering the attractiveness of this more cost-effective choice.

In terms of physical and chemical attributes, lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from their naturally sourced counterparts, while being priced at a remarkable 85 percent lower.

A recent survey conducted among 1,500 engaged couples and spouses unveiled that 70 percent of them would be open to selecting a lab-grown option. Their rationale primarily revolves around value for money (55%) and sustainability (43%) as the pivotal factors driving this shift.

However, a notable 69 percent confessed that they would struggle to differentiate between the two gem varieties. This prompted the diamond retailer Queensmith to conduct an experiment with passers-by, who were both taken aback by the price differential and found it challenging to distinguish between the two types of gems.

Based in London’s historical Hatton Garden district, Queensmith revealed an astounding surge of 2,860 percent in the market for lab-grown diamonds within a mere five years. In 2019, lab-grown sales constituted just a solitary percent of total diamond sales; however, the ongoing year has witnessed a meteoric rise to 81 percent of the overall sales, and the jeweler is en route to achieving sales of 1,900 lab-grown diamonds in 2023.

A representative from the brand, which initiated the survey, disclosed that a significant 46 percent of individuals were not even cognizant of the existence of lab-grown diamonds.

“It’s no surprise to see people willing to move away from mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds provide a great alternative that is less impactful on the environment, which is a big concern for most people.”

Fifty-three percent of individuals intending to get married would opt for a more affordable engagement ring if it allowed them to allocate more funds towards their wedding day. The primary focuses include the venue (53 percent) and the wedding attire (34 percent), followed by the rings (31 percent) in third place.

For a portion of these individuals, this prospective scenario has already materialized. More than twenty-five percent of those surveyed by OnePoll revealed that they either possessed jewelry featuring a lab-grown diamond or were acquainted with someone who did.

The Creation Process

While not as uncommon as their natural diamond counterparts, these gems are perceived as equally stunning by individuals. They are available in various hues such as yellow, pink, green, orange, blue, and transparent. These man-made diamonds are produced using methods that replicate the natural creation process and are primarily generated through two techniques: chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or high pressure high temperature (HPHT).

In the HPHT process, pure carbon is compressed within a metal cube and subjected to intense heat and pressure via electric pulses. This leads to the breakdown of carbon, resulting in its crystallization into diamond form. Any minute traces of metals within an HPHT diamond are usually inconspicuous to the naked eye, and many experts consider HPHT diamonds to possess higher quality compared to CVD diamonds. These diamonds are reported to share the same atomic structure as mined diamonds, thereby maintaining optical, chemical, and physical identicalness.

“As people become more knowledgeable about lab diamonds, I’m sure we’ll see increased demand and clients looking to learn more for themselves.”

What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!

True Activist / Report a typo

The post Growing Popularity Of Lab-Grown Diamonds As A Cheaper And More Sustainable Option appeared first on True Activist.

A man with a passion for tracking down fragments of comets that have touched Earth’s surface has transformed this unusual hobby into a thriving jewelry business.

Emil Davidsson is a 31-year-old adventurer hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, who has gained recognition for his unique skill in meteorite hunting.

Emil’s captivating expeditions are meticulously documented in online videos, showcasing his remarkable journey to collect meteorites from various locations. He then channels his creativity by crafting these space relics into exquisite pieces of jewelry that are actually available on the internet to purchase on his very own website.

Among his prized creations are pendants, modestly priced at around $100, carefully crafted from small fragments of meteorites estimated to be priced anywhere from one million to a staggering 4.5 billion years old. More than just pendants, Emil also designs and sells watches that he adorned with meteorites for around $395, as well as rings for $130.

Emil has been meteorite hunting for at least a decade and says they are “extremely rare and difficult to find.”

Moreover, he’s even been on more serious expeditions on both the driest place on Earth, which is the Atacama Desert, as well as the coldest place on Earth, the Artic Circle, all on a hunt for his treasured space debris.

Emil said, “Every year, I would go on expeditions lasting four to five months above the Arctic Circle.”

To aid in his meteorite hunts, Emil uses a specialized metal detector equipped with pulse indicators that put out high-amperage signals, helping to generate electromagnetic fields around the detector. This innovative device was created to react when it encounters a metal object, causing this electromagnetic “to collapse,” resulting in a voltage spike that is represented as sound.

When a meteorite isn’t readily visible on the surface, Emil must resort to manually excavating the soil, sometimes digging as deep as ten feet – or 3 meters. The thrill of unearthing these celestial treasures could be described as completely out of this world, figuratively and literally!

Making the Jewelry

According to Emil, “Each type of meteorite requires a different process since all meteorites are unique,” explained the craftsman who resides in Bali, Indonesia. “For example, iron meteorites, are composed of 92-99% iron.”

“After we cut them into slices, we need to stabilize them using various methods because if we don’t do that they tend to rust,” he adds.

In addition, he uses nitric acid to bring out the meteorite’s distinctive structure, better known as the Widmanstätten pattern, which also happens to be one of the most amazing features of particular meteorites, as seen in the photo above and to the left.

He explains, “It forms through the slow cooling of molten metal over millions of years resulting in the formation of exquisite crystalline 3D patterns. This unique crystallization process cannot be replicated on Earth as it requires extreme outer space conditions over millions of years.”

“These meteorites originated as remnants from the formation of our solar system, making them older than our planet itself. By holding a meteorite in your hand, you are touching the oldest material you could ever come into contact with,” he adds.

He also shares, “Some meteorites come from the Asteroid Belt located between Mars and Jupiter (so) they have also traveled millions of miles through space.”

However, mostly due to either luck or chance, and really, the gravitational pull of the Earth as these meteorites fall randomly across the planet in mostly remote locations – and thousands of years later – Emil has managed to find some of their remnants using his lucky metal detector in order to create truly one-of-a-kind jewelry that’s seriously otherworldly.

Get ready to be blown away by the video of Emil doing what he does best below:

What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!

True Activist / Report a typo

The post Argentinian Man Hunts For Meteorites In Order To Turn Them Into Jewelry Millions And Billions Of Years Old appeared first on True Activist.

When it comes to Teslas, the image of a budget-conscious individual is not the first thing that comes to mind. However, as surprising as it may sound, the total cost of ownership of the new Model 3 is comparable to that of the cheapest car available in America. Paul Fosse, an insightful writer for Clean Technica, has done the math and compared the latest offering from the popular electric vehicle brand with the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage, a gasoline-powered car known for its affordability.

At first glance, the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage is listed at a new price of $16,245, while the Model 3 costs twice as much upfront. This significant price difference is usually the only factor that matters to car buyers when making their decision. However, Fosse takes a deeper look at the total cost of ownership (TCO) over a span of five years, which includes all expenses related to owning and operating a vehicle.

To estimate the TCO, Fosse uses a baseline measurement from Edmunds.com. However, he finds that their estimates for Tesla value depreciation, taxes, financing, and trade-in value are considerably inaccurate. Through his extensive research, Fosse discovers that Tesla cars, unlike high-end luxury or performance models, depreciate at a much slower rate of about 4% per year, which amounts to only $6,066 over five years.

Additionally, Fosse predicts that the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit will still be available in five years, and purchasing a used electric vehicle still grants a $4,000 credit. This allows retailers to sell used Teslas at a higher price than before. By adjusting the taxes and financing costs, Fosse takes into account the new upfront price, which is nearly $16,500 less than the estimate provided by Edmunds.

Although the cost of insurance for a Tesla Model 3 is approximately $3,000 higher, owners can make up for it with reduced fuel costs (which vary depending on the location) and lower maintenance expenses, considering that Teslas have only one moving engine component. Furthermore, the tax credit plays a significant role in offsetting the overall costs.

Taking all these factors into account, Fosse calculates that despite its slower speed and fewer features, the Mitsubishi Mirage still has a five-year TCO of $31,349, which is only $1,000 less than a brand-new Model 3 Tesla. Additionally, over the course of five years, the Mirage emits 200 more grams of CO2 per mile, resulting in a substantial difference in carbon emissions, amounting to several metric tons.

In conclusion, although the upfront cost of a Tesla Model 3 is higher compared to the cheapest car in America, when considering the total cost of ownership over five years, it becomes evident that the Tesla is actually an economy-class car. With slower depreciation, potential tax credits, and reduced fuel and maintenance expenses, the Model 3 offers comparable affordability to the Mitsubishi Mirage.

Furthermore, the Tesla produces significantly fewer carbon emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. So, while a Tesla may not scream “budgeter” at first glance, its long-term affordability and eco-consciousness make it a smart choice for cost-conscious consumers.

What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!

True Activist / Report a typo

The post Owning A Tesla Model 3 Could Equal To The Cheapest Car In The US appeared first on True Activist.

The US General Services Administration (GSA) is auctioning off six historic American lighthouses this year. This is a unique opportunity for those who love lighthouses and want to own a piece of American history.

Lighthouses are beautiful and iconic structures that have stood for centuries as beacons of hope and safety for sailors. However, with the advent of GPS technology, many lighthouses are no longer needed for their original purpose. This has led to the government selling off lighthouses to private citizens and organizations who are willing to preserve them.

The GSA has a long history of selling off lighthouses. In fact, since the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act was passed in 2000, more than 150 lighthouses have been sold or transferred to various organizations. Of these, 81 are now owned by government agencies and nonprofits, and another 70 have been sold to the public.

The six lighthouses that are being auctioned off this year are all located in the northeastern United States. They include the Penfield Reef Lighthouse in Connecticut, the Stratford Shoal Lighthouse in New York, the Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Light in Ohio, the Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entrance Light in Michigan, the Lynde Point Lighthouse in Connecticut, and the Nobska Lighthouse in Massachusetts.

The auction for these lighthouses will begin on July 11, 2023. The starting bid for each lighthouse will vary depending on the condition of the structure and its location. However, the GSA estimates that the lighthouses could sell for anywhere from $10,000 to nearly $1 million.

This is a unique opportunity to own a piece of American history and to help preserve these important landmarks. If you are interested in bidding on one of these lighthouses, you can find more information on the GSA website.

In addition to the six lighthouses that are being auctioned off, there are also several other lighthouses that are available for free to eligible organizations. These lighthouses are located in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania.

If you are interested in owning a lighthouse, but do not have the funds to bid on one of the lighthouses that are being auctioned off, you may want to consider applying for one of the lighthouses that are available for free. To learn more about how to apply for a free lighthouse, you can visit the GSA website.

“Costs for upkeep of lighthouses are relative to what the new owner plans to do,” the GSA mentioned in a notice of the May 2023 “Lighthouse season.”

“A total restoration could be thousands of dollars while a simple cleaning is much less. New owners should expect to have to paint, clean, and possibly restore broken or missing items. Most lighthouses do not have any utilities, so there would be a cost associated with making the lighthouse livable.”

“People really appreciate the heroic role of the solitary lighthouse keeper,” John Kelly said. He is of the GSA’s office of real property disposition and he spoke to AP about this. “They were really the instruments to provide safe passage into some of these perilous harbors which afforded communities great opportunities for commerce, and they’re often located in prominent locations that offer breathtaking views.”

What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!

True Activist / Report a typo

The post Lighthouses In The US Given Away For Free In Order To Fulfill Preservation Efforts appeared first on True Activist.

Parents of growing children now that taking care of a young one isn’t cheap. These kids grow out of their clothes and shoes in a matter of months, weeks for some. For others, they’re lucky enough to get hand-me-downs from older siblings and friends.

Unfortunately, most parents are forced to buy brand new items for their little ones. And while it’s not a problem for some, those who are trying to save on money find themselves strapped for cash because of unexpected expenses.

So, for those who don’t have kids, they need to know that they need at least 15 pairs of shoes for a child to grow starting from a toddler into a teenager. That’s a lot of dollars to spend.

An Indian entrepreneur from Pune saw how this was a problem, which is why he has designed a line of shoes that slowly uncurl as the child grows. This pair is able to solve the problem that has been pestering parents since time immemorial while, at the same time, lower manufacturing waste that the world no longer needs.

The latest line of expanding shoes is called Aretto and these were designed by Satyajit Mittal and his childhood friend Krutika Lal. These innovative knitted uppers come with all the features every parent would want their kids’ shoes to come with: durability, flexibility, and washability.

“Children do not wear the right shoes for the first ten years of their lives,” Mittal, the man who was responsible for designing the Aretto shoes with the help of the consultations he got from childhood podiatrists, told The Better India.

“Between zero and three years of age, children’s feet size changes every three months, and you need roughly 15 sizes between zero and nine, before attaining final foot size at 13 years. We figured out the problem that while feet grow, their shoes do not.”

The podiatrists had several concerns, but were more than happy to help. They explained to him that children generally have a broader footprint. That’s because they haven’t worn shoes for most of their lives like many of us. Their feet have tens of thousands of nerve endings that give the body feedback needed for them to understand the proper use of the amazing musculature found in their feet so that they are able to properly walk and run.

Most shoes designed for kids don’t consider this kind of need. They know this simply by looking at how frequent parents need to buy new shoe sizes for their young ones. They need one that comes with proper foot function. Hence, Aretto was designed to take everything into account. That’s because parents often have to forcefully stuff their toddler’s feet into shoes that are either too small or too large. This is a big issue because according to the experts, this can already disrupt critical and proper muscle development that’s needed.

“We wanted to give children the right fit for all cycles. We chose one shoe to cover three sizes that allow 18 mm growth. We took inspiration from how a flower blooms from the bud stage to the fully-flowered stage. The transition happens organically every day. We applied this concept to the shoe,” Mittal said.

“We started working on a shoe that flexes as per the feet. Simply put, as and when the feet grow either from the front or back or sideways, and when a child wears this shoe, it expands accordingly and takes the shape and contour of their feet. That’s why children feel comfortable wearing such shoes,” he added.

The shoes come in a variety of prices. If you looked at how much these cost, you’d see that these are sold for Rs1,800 to Rs 2,600 which ranges from $22 to $31. This is actually quite reasonable and very affordable considering how much you get to actually save. The shoes are also available internationally. What’s needed from the international buyers are the following: an account in an Indian bank, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, or WhatsApp Pay. This means that the shoes are easy to purchase.

The brand of shoes are fairly new on the market, but these have already generated 21 lakh, or Rs 2.1 million ($25,000) in revenue from many of their happy customers.

What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!

True Activist / Report a typo

The post Expanding Shoes For Parents Who Want To Save On Expenses appeared first on True Activist.

Two sisters were put up for adoption at the end of World War II, but finally, after 75 long years, they have finally been reunited. Annie Jipelaar and Sheila Anne Fry who are both in their late 70s have Sheila’s daughter-in-law and Annie’s son to thank for their reunion, as they took it upon themselves to track down their long-lost relatives.

Sheila was adopted as an infant in 1946 in the United Kingdom, and she had zero knowledge of who her actual birth parents were. However, using a DNA test revealed that she had a half-sister who lived in the Netherlands that was born only a few months after she was to the same father. When Sheila’s daughter-in-law, Karen, got a message from Annie’s son, Marc, both sisters took a DNA test that confirmed they were biological sisters.

Just last year, the sisters finally met for the first time, which was an extremely emotional experience for the two of them. Sheila described it as, “It was like looking in the mirror and talking to myself. It was amazing. We have the same hobbies, and the same medical complaints—it is very strange.”

Sheila knew she was adopted because her parents had told her, “I was special because mummy and daddy picked me.”

Sheila explained that their father had been a Canadian soldier that fought against the Nazis in Europe, but thankfully he managed to make it home after the war. However, the family had attempted to search for him for eight years and they never managed to find him, assuming they had hit a dead end in their search.

Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, Annie was also trying to uncover her family history. She found out that her stepfather was not actually her biological father after overhearing a conversation between relatives and searching through family documents. She learned that her biological father was in fact a Canadian soldier that had fought in World War II and participated in the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation.

Marc, Annie’s son, made a breakthrough when a joke between cousins led him to do a DNA test. He was astonished to discover through an email he received that there was a DNA match and that his mother had a half-sister. Marc told his mom he had found her sister and was able to arrange a video call in May 2022.

Marc shared, “They had an amazing conversation. They look the same, they have the same hobbies. It was amazing.”

Then just a couple of months later, a face-to-face meeting took place in the Netherlands.

Sheila shared, “We both love to crochet, and we both knit and do crafts. I must say, Annie is a lot better than me,” she joked.

Meanwhile, Annie also agreed that the meeting was “very special.”

She shared, “We immediately connected… and although the language was a problem it felt very natural to see and talk to my sister after all these years. It can be difficult to keep in touch as we are not very good with computers and phones. My English is not good, but I am trying to learn. I wish she lived closer.”

What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!

True Activist / Report a typo

The post Two Sisters Reunite 75 Years After They Were Put Up For Adoption At The End Of WWII appeared first on True Activist.

Cars come with built-in airbags to protect the rider from road accidents. While many have lost their lives on the road, the airbags have also saved the lives of many. As for motorcyclists, they have their helmets to protect their heads from impact.

But what happens to these motorcycle drivers the moment their bodies hit the road? A company has come up with a solution that could very well save and protect their bones from impact. This new invention could also be the new life-saver.

In fact, motorcyclists can soon find comfort in the fact that a company had finally produced the world’s first airbag suit that they can use while they are on the road.

The garment that the jeans are is made from is the strongest denim ever. What makes this pair of pants even more unique is the fact that the airbags are activated through the small CO2 cartridges built into it whenever the rider falls from the bike.

The cartridges come with a trigger mechanism that is a tether that connects the pair of jeans to the motorcycle. When a road accident or some sort of strong impact happens, the tether creates a puncture in the cartridges which then inflate the airbags in it.

If the motorcyclist gets thrown off or flies off the bike, a protective air cushion is there and is instantly deployed. The good news is that the CO2 cartridges can be replaced immediately, which means that the jeans can be used on the next road trip.

While the airbag can take care of the forces that come with the impact, the single-layer denim fabric called ‘Armalith’ can handle the intense abrasion that comes with the fall. This was stated by the officials from the Swedish company Airbag Inside.

They say that they have tried and tested the Mo’cycle brand jeans at speeds of up to 45mph (70kph), and saw only minimal abrasions to the denim.

“The airbag covers new areas on the lower body—areas previously unprotected from impact hits, such as the thighs, the rear part of the body, and especially the tailbone. To protect the spinal column’s first bone with airbag technology is ground-breaking because spinal column injuries are the ones paralyzing motorcycle riders,” as per the company’s crowdfunding campaign.

“The Airbag Jeans reduce the risk of injuries, are as comfortable as any other pants, and are 100% reusable,” they said.

There is currently an online sale taking place on the crowdfunding platform called indiegogo.com so that everyday motorcycle riders and retailers are able to get their hands on the product immediately for $528 (€499).

The genius behind the design is a man named Moses Shahrivar. He has been developing protective biker clothing for years. He is also the founder of the fashion tech startup company called Mo’cycle.

The first prototype that was made and designed by Shahrivar came last 2005 and it was a Kevlar and leather-lined jean. However, these denim airbag jeans are said to be more breathable. The best part is that these also come in relaxed or regular fit, depending on what the people want.

The company has promised a delivery date that is scheduled during the summer. They have also set up a campaign page for those who want to learn more about the jeans.

What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!

True Activist / Report a typo

The post Airbag Jeans To Protect Motorcyclists From Road Accidents appeared first on True Activist.

Introduction

HiPP is a European brand of organic infant formula that is widely known for its high-quality ingredients and strict manufacturing standards. HiPP German formula is made from milk sourced from biodynamic farms in Germany, which means that the cows are fed with organic grass and hay and are not treated with any antibiotics or hormones. This HiPP Formula is also free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives and does not contain genetically modified ingredients.

Moreover, HiPP German formula contains a balanced ratio of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that are important for infant growth and development. The formula is also enriched with prebiotics and probiotics that support healthy gut flora and improve digestion and immunity. 

Some parents may choose HiPP German infant formula because it contains organic milk from pasture-raised cows, organic whey, and organic vegetable oils that provide essential nutrients for an infant’s growth and development. The company also claims that its products do not contain any harmful ingredients such as GMOs, pesticides, artificial flavors, and preservatives. 

Here are a few points which make the formula the best choice for your infant:

1. Organic Ingredients: 

HiPP German infant formula is made using organic ingredients, meaning that the milk used comes from cows that are organically fed and is not treated with any hormones or antibiotics. Organic certification ensures the product is free from pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

2. Essential Nutrients: 

HiPP German infant formula is designed to provide all the nutrients infants need for healthy growth and development. It contains a balanced combination of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D.

3. Gentle on the Digestive System: 

HiPP German infant formula is formulated to be gentle on the digestive system of infants. It contains a blend of whey and casein proteins that are easy to digest and organic vegetable oils that are similar to the fats found in breast milk.

4. No Artificial Additives: 

HiPP German infant formula contains no artificial additives such as colors, flavors, or preservatives. This means the product is free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives that may cause adverse effects in some infants.

5. Manufacturing Standards: 

HiPP is known for its high-quality manufacturing standards. The company uses a unique production process that aims to preserve the natural composition of the milk and ensures that the product is easy to digest for infants. This can be important for parents concerned about their baby’s digestive health and want a gentle formula on their stomach.

Final Words

HiPP Formula is the most reliable product for the growth and development of your infant. But it’s important to note that every infant is unique and may have different nutritional needs and feeding preferences. Therefore, before making any decisions about infant formula, it’s recommended that parents consult with a healthcare provider who can provide personalized advice based on the infant’s individual needs and circumstances.

The post Why Is HiPP German The Best Choice For Your Infant? appeared first on True Activist.

Some people seek refuge elsewhere for many reasons. Some are trying to flee from a war while others are simply looking to start a new life after being exposed to oppression. However, moving isn’t always easy. There will be cultural differences, and for some, language barriers.

For these refugees, starting a new life on foreign soil won’t be easy. They’ve already said goodbye to their friends and family in a place that they’ve lived in, and now, they have to start and build new relationships from nothing.

US citizens or lawful permanent residents now have the ability to sponsor refugees who need safety in America. This was launched through a new program called the “Welcome Corps.”

The program is linked to a group of non-profits that specialize in the resettlement of Internationally Displaced Persons, or IDPs. The Welcome Corps allows private US citizens to be able to efficiently and quickly capitalize on humanitarian instincts. The program was designed for people who have witnessed tragedies that have been happening all over the world.

The Welcome Corps was designed just like the Canadian refugee system. This means that an IDP thinking about coming to America will be referred to the Welcome Corps by non-profits such as Community Sponsorship Hub or International Refugee Assistance Project.

In order to be able to sponsor the refugees’ resettlement in the U.S., five citizens or permanent residents should come together and agree to financially and socially support an IDP and their family with as much as $10,000. This will go one for their first 90 days in the country.

Once the five-member agreement is established, they will be referred to the consortium of non-profits. This is where they will go through instructional sessions that has been designed to teach them how to help the IDP apply for residency, enroll their children in school, find work, search for housing, and everything else that comes with starting a new life aboard.

The advantage of the State Dept. assigning this task to a private-private partnership is that the community response brings about a better and more welcoming environment for the refugees.

“You have five friends as soon as you step off the plane,” Sarah Krause said. She is the executive director and co-founder of the Community Sponsorship Hub, one of 200 non-profits the government has assigned with organizing the Welcome Corp. She spoke to Fast Company about this.

“It can take a long time to make five friends in the United States as a newcomer otherwise.”

In the second part of the development for the Welcome Corps, State will then enable private sponsors to identify IDPs just by themselves for referral to the program. The state hopes to welcome more than 5,000 vetted refugees. They will also get the help of around 10,000 private sponsors.

For those who are thinking about becoming a sponsor and helping refugees when they need help the most can visit the Welcome Corps website to know more about the details of the program.

What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!

True Activist / Report a typo

The post Welcome Corps Program Assists Refugees Entering The State appeared first on True Activist.

When it comes to keeping the ocean clean, nonprofit organizations need all the help they can get. That’s why the co-founder of Airbnb.org donated $25 million. He wanted to provide help and support to the Dutch nonprofit The Ocean Cleanup. Right now, they’re in the process of assembling and deploying the largest plastic capture system ever developed to be used in the seas.

The Ocean Cleanup’s pilot-scale ocean cleaning system is called System 002. This has been deployed in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP), an area found between Hawai’i and California since the late 2021. Right now, the system had successfully taken out almost 200,000 kilograms, or roughly 440,000 pounds, of plastic. Without it, the trash would have been there for decades.

This pilot system that was recently deployed is now in the process of being scaled up to the largest, most cost-effective ocean cleaning system that has ever been developed. The system comes with a capture area of 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) across, and a three-vessel team will be there to operate it 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

“I’m proud to partner with The Ocean Cleanup in their crucial work to remove harmful plastics from our oceans,” said Joe Gebbia. He is the co-founder of Airbnb and Samara. “The Ocean Cleanup has created systems and technology that actually work at scale. In order for them to deploy across our oceans and rivers, they now need to scale their funding. It is my hope that this donation can inspire others to act.”

Right now, they are the only group there cleaning the trillions of plastic pieces in the GPGP. In order to pull this off, The Ocean Cleanup has streamlined their cleaning systems so that they are cost-effective. This will enable them to stretch the donations as far as possible.

The man behind it all is Dutch whiz kid and Ocean Cleanup founder Boyan Slat. He has been working on this capture system and developing it for more than ten years. The system was slowly enlarged and fine-tuned. He based the design on the fieldwork harvesting plastic from the GPGP. System 03 has the capacity to clean the ocean ten times faster than the previous model. With enough support, he would have the capability of cleaning all the plastic patches of the world’s oceans with only about 10 to 50 of these systems.

“Joe’s continued support of The Ocean Cleanup’s mission has a direct impact on our operations all over the world,” Slat said. “Thanks, in part, to his generous assistance, we are able to scale up our work in oceans and rivers, helping us reach our goal of ridding the world’s oceans of plastic. On behalf of the world’s largest ecosystem, we are immensely grateful for the support.”

Slat’s work in the GPGP will be considered one of the greatest works that has been accomplished in the 21st century. Before him, there was a real and overwhelming problem. There was a patch of plastic trash that was two times bigger than Texas and was swirling in International Waters. No one knew how to handle the problem and he was brave enough to take it on.

Slat had depended on his team. He had a vision which was based on basic scientific deduction and elegant engineering solutions. He was able to show everyone that even the most difficult and complicated problems had solutions.

Slat’s vision got the attention of millions in private contributions. These call came from philanthropists such as Gebbia. They bought into his vision even when government scientists mocked at his use of fossil-fuel vessels that were going to be pulling the nets to collect the plastic waste.

Video source: https://youtu.be/fq0YkhXKIKw

What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!

True Activist / Report a typo

The post The Ocean Cleanup Organization Gets $25 Million From Airbnb Co-Founder appeared first on True Activist.