by Amanda Froelich, True Activist

These colorful homes are bulletproof, fireproof, and can withstand earthquakes. They also maintain a comfortable temperature, produce zero carbon emissions, and are powered by solar and methane gas from recycled waste.

Credit: Andreas Froese/ECOTEC

Plastic is everywhere. In fact, the environment is so riddled with it, researchers predict that 99% of all birds on this planet will have plastic in their gut by the year 2050.

It is not enough to persuade people to use less, plastic needs to be repurposed and reused to be kept out of landfills. Despite informative infographics, emotional statistics, and recycling programs, many nations – especially the United States – continue to toss plastics into landfills without much care.

God said:

Everyone goes by his heart, even those who are not aware they do. That you are certain you know something or everything doesn’t mean you do. On the other hand, you may continually think you don’t know much or anything at all and that others know better than you. This isn't an indicator across the board either, is it?

The human heart is your playing field. Even the most impersonal logical person goes by secret places in his heart. He may think he is going by logic alone. Nevertheless, his heart has ventured in, and his logic justifies the deep calling of his heart. Never does anyone go by logic alone.

No one is without a heart. Everyone goes in the direction his heart voices. Every heart voices: “This is how I want it. Give it to me.” How you would like life to follow what you want when you want it.

Consciously, you may only be aware of what your head wants. You have fooled yourself more than once.

Yes, you may have indeed favored your intellect. The fact is, no matter how fact-centered you may be and no matter how heart-centered you may be, it is your own heart-centered logic you go by. The thing is that you do not have to justify yourself. You can choose what you like for any reason you like or for no reason. That’s pretty much what everyone on Earth does, knowingly or not. The logical mind likes to be bossy.

“The first supermarket supposedly appeared on the American landscape in 1946. That is not very long ago. Until then, where was all the food? Dear folks, the food was in homes, gardens, local fields, and forests. It was near kitchens, near tables, near bedsides. It was in the pantry, the cellar, the backyard.” – Joel Salatin

There is a growing trend of people seeking to connect with nature and create more sustainable local food systems. A diverse variety of urban spaces are appearing across the globe. Inner city vacant plots and verges, community gardens and roof top gardens have appeared throughout urban and suburban environments. Unused spaces are being converted into productive habitats which also help with community building. Part of the urban agricultural revolution is the development and spread of community gardens which are popping up in cities, on university campuses and schools as well as at corporate offices and industrial estates.

A community garden is typically a piece of land collectively gardened by a group of people in a local community. Gardens can be either owned by individuals, local councils, not for profit organisations or some form of community trust. Gardens vary from region to region but generally provide fresh produce and plants as well as fostering community and connection between local residents.