Darkness in the World

Now here is an interesting idea...

"On September 17, 2008 from 9:50pm to 10:00pm.
We propose to turn off all lights and if possible all electrical appliances, so our planet can 'breathe'.
If the answer is massive, energy saving can be enormous.
Only 10 minutes - let's see what happens.
Yes, we will be 10 minutes in the dark, but we can light a candle and simply
be looking at it. This way we and our planet breathe.
Remember that there is strength in numbers! The Internet can be very powerful and we can really accomplish something big."

Why not take part of that movement? It's just 10 minutes, for one lonely night in the entire year, and who knows... maybe one small action could have a great big impact in the world...

Blog Action Day 2008 - Poverty

Hey Everybody!

October 15 is Blog Action Day, a day in which everybody writes a post on a single issue, to raise awareness to a specic problem.

This year's theme is POVERTY.

Get involved! To find out how you can contribute, go to the Blog Action Day Blog.

Taking IT Global - Commitments

Commit to making the world at a better place, one little step at a time. At TakingITGlobal you can show what you are committed to doing, that will help not only the world, but your country, your community, and yourself. If you don't find a commitment you are looking for, you can create your own.

Here is my list!

1. Ask how products are manufactured before purchasing them.
   
2. Be a friend/lend a hand.
   
3. Be less of a consumer.
   
4. Be a Mobile Activist.
   
5. Choosing walking over driving whenever I can.
   
6. Conserve energy.
7. Consume less electricity.
8. Disposing of technological equipment in safe disposal areas.
9. Eating more organic foods.
10. Joining an organization that has a mission to create peace in my community or country.
11. Learning a new language.
12. Learning about my rights as a worker.
13. Learning more about other cultures.
14. Make blogging a habit!
15. Making more time for myself.
16. Reducing the amount of plastic I use.
17. Seeking out two new alternative news resources.
18. Sharing my knowledge with others.
19. Showing my support for local artists.
20. Showing tolerance of other people's belief and cultures even if they are different from my own.
21. Spending more times with family/friends.
22. Stop procrastinating.
23. Sustainable mobility.
24. To not be late.
25. To switch off lights in unoccupied rooms.
26. Treating others with respect.
27. Turning my computer/monitor off when not using them.
28. Understanding other cultures.
29. Use my dollar to support local businesses.
30. Using less electricity.
31. Voting.
    

How about making your own list?

Interesting FACEBOOK Application

Facebook has an interesting feature, which allows people to raise money for a variety of causes, join different groups, and even install easy to use applications that will help NGOs fund their projects.

One interesting application is the (Lil) Green Patch application. This application, as stated in the name, adds a green patch on your profile, alongside a plant. The more plants you have, and the more you receive, the more money will be donated by sponsors for the preservation of the rainforests.

More than that, it has an interactive feature. Aside from being able to send plants to your friends (a limit of 20 plants a day), you can also help take care of your friends' patches, and in doing so, earn Green Bucks which you can use to by "tools" to help care for those patches. It's fun, easy to use, and helps the environment. It takes very little effort to add that application, so what are you waiting for?

Human Rights Day

On December 10, the world celebrates Human Rights Day, in honor of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly.

Here it goes!

"PREAMBLE

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction."

For the full Declaration, click here!

International Literacy Day

""Literacy, key to good health and well-being" is the theme of International Literacy Day 2007 which is celebrated globally on 8 September."

Everybody knows that the world needs to change, but for that to occur, everyone needs a minimum of education, of knowledge. Literacy is a giant part in that. It opens doors to all sorts of information, and gives you a myriad of tools to work with and to accomplish many things in life. This year, UNESCO's theme for Literacy Day involved good health and well-being. Last year, it dealt with sustainability.

Find out more about International Literacy day by clicking here, and most importantly... spread the word and celebrate being literate enough to be able to read this.

People are More Important than Patents

Doctors without Borders are petitioning against one of the players of the pharmaceutical industries, in favor of generics and low cost medications.

Here is their manifesto:

"Millions of people around the world today rely on affordable medicines produced in India. India's law contains elements that help put people before patents, but Novartis is taking the Indian government to court to force a change in the law. Neither Novartis, nor any company, should stand in the way of people's right to access the medicines they need.

We urge Novartis to DROP THE CASE now against the Indian government.
People before Patents: The lives of millions are at stake!"

To sign the petition, click here!