Category: Blog

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Blog Circular Economy

Streaming: the tip of the digital iceberg

To mark Digital Clean-up Awareness Week (10-16 March), Facilitec organised a screening of the ARTE documentary ‘Frankenstream, ce monstre qui nous dévore’ (‘Frankenstream, the monster that devours us’.), followed by a lively debate with digital experts.  What issues were raised by our guests and the audience in attendance, and above all what concrete actions can we all take to make the digital world more responsible?

When the immaterial pollutes more than the real

Tick tock, tick tock… We’re getting dangerously close to colliding with an ever-growing iceberg: the environmental impact of digital technology. We’re all dependent on it, yet we’re not measuring the scale of our digital footprint.

The documentary ‘Frankenstream’ shed light on an alarming phenomenon: streaming, which alone accounts for almost 60% of global Internet traffic.  Each piece of data collected can travel up to 15,000 km before being stored in a data centre, often powered by fossil fuels.

Alya Bolowich, the LIST researcher who took part in the discussion, reminded us that Luxembourg has 9 data centres and that this figure could rise even higher with the forthcoming arrival of Google in the Grand Duchy. Ireland, champion in terms of the number of data centres in Europe, is now facing a threat both to the environment and to the country’s energy security, with data centres consuming 18% of national energy. So the more we continue to stream, the more likely we are to run out of electricity.

The figures revealed by the documentary are striking:

– 30 billion devices connected to the Internet in 2023, a number that could double by 2030;

– 3 to 4% of global CO2 emissions come from the digital sector, a trend that is set to increase sharply with the development of artificial intelligence;

– 60% of greenhouse gas emissions from the digital sector are due to the manufacture of equipment.

Programmed obsolescence: a regulated scourge?

The race to innovate is pushing us to renew our devices at a frenetic pace, with a phone replaced every 2-3 years on average. However, manufacturing a simple 2kg computer requires 700 times its weight in raw materials, the extraction of which is extremely polluting and is often located in a few strategic areas of the world, giving rise to major environmental and social impacts. The high concentration of certain resources, such as cobalt and rare earths, raises questions about sustainable supply, working conditions for miners and geopolitical stability.

Obsolescence, whether technical (software incompatibility), physical (fragile components) or psychological (aggressive marketing), is contributing to an explosion in electronic waste[1]. Today, only 22% of electronic waste is collected and recycled, and 60% ends up in unauthorised dumps like the one at Agbogbloshie in Ghana (more information in the documentary Welcome to Sodom).

Faced with this reality, the European Union is reacting with two new regulations:

– The ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation), due to come into force in 2025, will require manufacturers to make software updates available for at least 5 years after a device has ceased production;

– The Cyber Resilience Act, due to come into force in 2027, will require security updates to be provided free of charge for at least 10 years.

What can we do as users?

Without waiting for legislation, we can implement accessible actions, with simple everyday gestures to pollute less and extend the life of our devices, proposed by Daniel Waxweiler, software engineer at LIST and freelance consultant in information technology, also invited to the discussion:

– Closing unused tabs on our browsers to reduce energy consumption;

– Unsubscribing from useless newsletters and regularly emptying the recycle bin;

– Using Wi-Fi rather than the mobile network to watch videos (less energy consuming);

– Watching videos in low definition if HD is not essential, or even use sound only if possible;

– Opting for repairs rather than buying new;

– Giving preference to reconditioned and repairable products;

– Asking yourself before every purchase: do I really need it?

– Supporting stricter regulations on programmed obsolescence;

– Getting involved in local initiatives (recycling, repair cafés, awareness-raising);

– Putting pressure on companies to produce more responsibly.

A future in our hands

We face a crucial challenge: not to be devoured by the digital monster, but to use it as a powerful lever for action, rethought in a sustainable way. The transition to more responsible use will not happen without collective awareness and individual commitment.

There’s still time to act: every gesture counts and every choice makes a difference. Together, let’s reduce the digital footprint!

Transition Minett offers a number of Repair Cafés, some of which are concerning digital reparation, and if you want to switch to free and open source software, such as Linux or Libre Office, visit our workshop at Facilitec to help you make the switch!

If you’d like to find out more about the impact of digital technology and its solutions, join us at a digital mural on Thursday 27 March at Facilitec. Places are limited, so register now at jeanne@transition-minett.lu.

Loane N. – European volunteer working with Transition Minett

[1] Source : World Health Organisation

Categories
Blog Circular Economy Waste Reduction

Monday 17 February 2025 – the day Luxembourg has already used up its share of resources for the year

A cry of alarm or yet another reminder of a climate emergency that has become difficult to ignore. I found it difficult to write this article, not only because I feel that we are taking a step backwards, or at least that we haven’t done enough. But on reflection, this date is a challenge to us as citizens, because if not now, when?

From 17 February, Luxembourgers will be living on credit for the rest of the year in terms of the planet’s resources. Luxembourg is second on the podium, just behind Qatar and ahead of Singapore. Nothing to be proud of. 

Isn’t it time we, as citizens, took a long, hard look at ourselves?  Should we face ‘failure’ and forget all the efforts we have made alongside you? Because we needed to rationalise our actions as an association supporting citizens’ initiatives, we tried to identify all the signs that we had missed, all the people that we had not reached through our actions. And we have to admit that, despite all our scenarios, in the end we don’t now who to blame. Perhaps because we are all responsible.

This year, the day on which the Earth’s resources are exceeded comes three days earlier than in 2024. Just three days, which only serve to accentuate our need to act. Three short days that place Luxembourg as the second nation where our estimated consumption of renewable resources exceeds the Earth’s capacity to regenerate them in one year. This second place can be explained by our consumption of carbon-based energy, which is much higher than that of our neighbours. Or it could be due to the country’s strong car culture. For example, in 2024 the country had 678 vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants1, for a population of almost 668,606[1], and that’s just one example among many.

What can we do now?

Transition Minett is you, it’s us. We thought you didn’t want to see yet another bad news in your actuality feed. But not to talk about it is to look the other way. Well, let’s keep on acting, trying and trying again so that in 2026 this date can be put back a few days. Let’s take action for the planet and for ourselves, through efforts that are big, small, individual or collective! We cannot hope for change without you, our citizens.

So, to the sceptics, the convinced, those who don’t have the time to get involved, those who have given up: speak up, get informed, let’s imagine a sustainable future and build it together, here and now!

Finally, because it’s important to look at what we can do better in the future, it’s also important to thank you and recognise what has had a positive impact on the Minett region and our consumption habits, whether less or better. Yes, we’ve got a long way to go before one day we’re no longer in second place in this ‘league table’, but we’ve also organised or co-organised impact events such as the gourmet walk, the AlimenTERRE Festival, Repair cafés, a visit to organic producers, second-hand markets, and YOU have developed initiatives for greener, more responsible neighbourhoods. In short, we can’t afford to be defeatist about this symbolic date. On the contrary, this is the time to redouble our efforts and to continue now, more than ever, what we have started – an ecological transition by you and for you.

To become a player in this transition, visit the citizen participation platform: participation.transition-minett.lu

*The overshoot day is calculated by dividing the planet’s biocapacity (in global hectares) by humanity’s ecological footprint (in global hectares), then multiplying by the number of days in a year, i.e. 365.

Visit the official website: overshoot.footprintnetwork.org.

Loane N. – European volunteer working with Transition Minett

[1] Source: World Bank data as of 2023

  1. Source: Eurostat ↩︎
Categories
Blog CASA Lallange

Discovering CASA Lallange

A group of residents from Lallange and the surrounding area got together to celebrate Liichtmëssdag. A procession of around thirty children and adults, carrying lanterns, shared a warm moment. This convivial event was also an opportunity to officially launch CASA Lallange, a meeting place designed by and for local residents.

What will CASA Lallange mean in concrete terms?

A place for residents of the Lallange neighbourhood to meet, exchange ideas, get information and take initiatives, where everyone is welcome and made to feel welcome. This initiative was born out of the desire of local residents to get involved.

Here’s a look back at the friendly atmosphere that brought young and old together.

The aims of La CASA Lallange are to :

– Enable local residents to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere, through regular drop-in sessions run by volunteers.

– Promote social interaction and encourage environmental awareness in the neighbourhood.

– Encourage residents to take the initiative and organise their own activities and projects, according to their interests and skills.

– To act as a relay for other existing initiatives and services, through collaboration with other associations or the town of Esch, by offering them visibility and space in Lallange.

For the moment, La CASA Lallange does not have a dedicated space. However, if you would like to talk to the citizens involved in this project, please feel free to drop by the Jardin des 4 Coins du Monde on Sunday mornings (opposite 16, rue Dr Émile Colling, 4069 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg).

If you have a question and/or would like more information about CASA Lallange, please write to contact(@)casa-lallange.lu.

A big thank you to Lallange School, which agreed to host the final rally of the Liichtmëssdag walk!

Categories
Blog Circular Economy Waste Reduction

The Digital Clean-up Day Campaign that’s right for you

On 15 March, we’re holding a day to raise awareness of the environmental footprint of digital technology. Being concerned about the environment also means being aware of our digital usage.

This day is part of an awareness-raising initiative aimed at contributing to responsible digital use. It’s a great opportunity to share some convivial moments with you on this theme during the week from 10th to 14th March. We’ve already come up with a number of events where we can discuss the steps, we can all take, at our own level, to reduce the amount of waste we store online, but we invite you to share your ideas as well.

In concrete terms, when we talk about being more aware of our digital responsibilities, we’re thinking of deleting the message archives that we keep preciously on our phones ‘just in case’. Spoiler alert: we hardly ever use these archives… We also think of all the e-mails we open without ever deleting them, or the hundreds of newsletters we receive every week: ever more numerous, ever more polluting.

But beyond the mental burden that this over-solicitation imposes on us, there is a very real, measurable impact that we often choose to ignore: digital pollution. For example, do you know how much CO2 an e-mail emits?

In 2022, the carbon base of the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) offered an assessment of the carbon footprint of an e-mail:

– A simple e-mail emits 4g of CO2.

– An e-mail with an attachment emits 35g of CO2.

– A spam email emits 0.3g of CO2.

For TikTok videos, which generally last between 15 and 60 seconds, the carbon footprint per video would be approximately between 0.73 and 2.92 grams of CO₂. This footprint can vary depending on the quality of the video and the connection mode (Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G).

On a global scale, with more than 1.5 billion users in 2024, TikTok would be responsible for emitting around 50 million tonnes of CO₂ per year, a carbon footprint comparable to that of Greece!1

Beyond direct pollution, it is crucial to consider the data storage space required by these billions of users. Because if one thing is certain, it’s that nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is stored!

Imagine that all the data not stored on your personal devices, but in the Cloud, is stored in data centres, which themselves consume a lot of energy. These facilities require a constant power supply and air conditioning to prevent the equipment from overheating.

In short, you’ve got it: so many factors and emissions linked to our digital consumption that we don’t even realise have an impact on the environment, but they are very real.

Because Transition Minett wants to initiate events based on your ideas, we are listening to any suggestions you may have on the theme of digital pollution. What topics or issues would you like to see addressed during the week of 10 to 14 March? Or perhaps you have an activity or action in mind that we could set up together?

We are also planning to organise a screening of a documentary on the digital footprint. What kind of discussions or animation would you like to see after this screening?

Feel free to submit your ideas on our participative platform: participation.transition-minett.lu or by email to comm@transition-minett.lu

💡So get on your keyboards and share your best ideas with us!

  1. Source: novethic.fr ↩︎
Categories
Blog MESA

André Zewen: An Organic Walnut Farmer Tackling Environmental Challenges

Get to know André Zewen, who has spent 42 years cultivating walnuts while staying true to his vision of sustainable farming in harmony with nature. Despite facing a particularly tough year with harvests halved, André remains steadfast in his commitment to producing high-quality organic products and preserving biodiversity.

Adapting to Climate Challenges with Resilient Agriculture

The canton of Vianden has a rich tradition of walnut farming dating back to 1934, when the first walnut market was held, now the largest annual gathering of producers in the region. Located in Fouhren, André Zewen’s small walnut farm supplies products to the MESA grocery store.

This year, walnut harvests in the canton reached just 10% of their usual levels. André’s own yield dropped from 10 tons in previous years to 6 tons. A wet winter, spring frosts that damaged buds, and previous dry summers weakening the trees were to blame. “We’re in a transitional period. Some walnut varieties handle these conditions better than others, but we need to support them,” he shares.

Despite these setbacks, André is focused on building a diverse and resilient farm. Harvesting walnuts from multiple plots helps reduce losses during extreme weather events. Yet, climate change poses increasing challenges.

“In the early ‘80s, when I began, the walnut varieties we used suited the climate. Today, rising temperatures are disrupting this balance. We need to observe and adapt,” he says. Even after this difficult year, André remains hopeful. “Good and bad years are part of farming, but what we’re seeing now is different. Nature is changing, and we must change with it.”

Choosing Organic: A Logical and Committed Decision

On his 23 hectares, home to 1,150 walnut trees that he planted himself, André strictly avoids chemical treatments, including copper, even though it is permitted in organic farming. His holistic approach prioritizes protecting his sheep, maintaining healthy soil, and providing wholesome products. Labor-intensive manual sorting ensures top-quality walnuts, which are pressed into natural oil highly sought after by individuals and organic wholesalers alike.

For André, organic farming isn’t a marketing gimmick; it’s a way of life. “Organic isn’t an ideology—it’s understanding how life works. Everything in our economy depends on nature: if we harm it, we harm ourselves. Caring for nature is an investment in the future.” Producing organically is, for him, about respect and understanding. “Sure, we could use chemical fertilizers or irrigation to increase yields, but at what cost? These methods weaken trees and invite diseases.”

André prioritizes sustainability over high yields. Every step of his process is designed to minimize environmental impact: the walnuts are washed, air-dried for four days, and then pressed to create premium oil. He also ensures that no part of the walnut goes to waste. Fresh walnuts, while less popular due to their short shelf life, complement dried walnuts, which store well in their shells. The oil, known for its subtle flavor and health benefits, retains its nutritional properties through natural processing. Packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in a near-perfect ratio of 5:1, walnut oil is also recognized for helping reduce bad cholesterol.

André’s Advice

Walnut oil is ideal for enhancing lamb’s lettuce, endive, or raw red cabbage salads. As a delicate oil, it should never be heated. Store dried walnuts in a cool, dry place, and keep the oil refrigerated and tightly sealed after each use. Proper storage ensures it stays fresh for up to 18 months.

For more information, visit André Zewen’s website: https://www.zewen.lu

Categories
Blog Circular Economy végan

Portraits of engaged citizens

Discover the portraits of six citizens engaged in the ecological transition in Esch-sur-Alzette.
These inspiring volunteers actively participate in various projects led by Transition Minett, thus contributing to building a more sustainable future for their community. Meet them through these testimonials and delve into their varied initiatives, bringing about change.

Commitment and passion: Meeting with Céline and Jonathan, volunteers at d’Haus Vum Vëlo in Belval.

It is at the Belval train station, which houses the Maison du Vélo (d’Haus Vum Vëlo), that we meet Céline and Jonathan. These two enthusiasts devote their free time, especially in the evenings and on weekends, to helping residents become independent in repairing their bikes.

After Stockholm, Céline has been living in Esch for three years and works full-time as an engineer specializing in air quality and agriculture. Jonathan, for his part, is a computer programmer and has lived in Esch for four years. For Céline, “volunteering is a way to continue learning and sharing” while Jonathan adds: “After a day behind a screen, it is essential to connect with people and do manual activities.”

The genesis of a collective project

It was during the first meeting of the Citizen Collective for the Climate, organized by Transition minett, in December 2022 that Céline and Jonathan met for the first time. Passionate about cycling and the challenges of soft mobility, they decided with other committed citizens, including Vélorution participants, to co-found a group dedicated to the creation of the 1st Maison du Vélo.

“We saw that there was a clear need for repair services in Esch. The idea was simple: to offer a space where everyone can learn to repair their bike and become independent,” explains Céline.

A commitment rich in challenges and satisfaction

Finding a location for the Maison du Vélo was a major obstacle. But thanks to their perseverance and the support of the community, they managed to launch this project. “Now, the challenge is to sustain the idea. It takes time, energy, other volunteers and funding,” Jonathan emphasizes.

Despite the challenges, they describe their commitment as deeply enriching. “We learn a lot, we make friends, and we share unique moments with people from all walks of life,” enthuses Céline, who remembers among other things the bike ride with the Minister of Mobility. “Seeing the recognition and smiles of those who manage to repair their bike is a very motivating reward for the time spent on this project,” adds Jonathan.

Among their ambitions for the Maison du Vélo, Céline and Jonathan wish to develop thematic workshops, offer electric bike rentals, and even explore upcycling initiatives to give a second life to used bikes.

Jonathan concludes: “It’s not just about bikes, it’s a way to rethink mobility and reduce our ecological footprint, while creating connections.”

For those who are hesitant to take the plunge, Céline shares this advice: “Don’t wait to be an expert. The important thing is to want to learn and contribute.” And Jonathan adds: “We don’t realize how much we can accomplish until we start.”

La Maison du Vélo embodies an ecological transition in action, driven by ordinary citizens with extraordinary ideas. Thanks to volunteers like Céline and Jonathan, the movement for soft mobility continues to grow in Esch-sur-Alzette.

To find out more about Haus Vum Vëlo and opening hours: www.hausvumvelo.lu

Marie, a life dedicated to human and animal rights

Married and mother of four children, Marie* shares with us her rich and inspiring experience as a committed citizen. On the eve of retirement, this psychologist by profession is also active in the Naledi association for the adoption of South African children. She prepares candidate parents on a voluntary basis before their trip and the first meeting with the children, then supervises them during their reception in Luxembourg.

Marie devotes her time and energy to causes that are close to her heart, mainly respect for human and animal rights. For the past two years, Marie has been involved in various volunteer activities at the Mesa, including the CCC group for vegan cooking where she shares her delicious recipes.

“I want to change the world, and when I retire, I will be able to get even more involved.”

In addition to this, Marie is involved in humanitarian projects for children in Uganda, such as installing toilets, and she also provides psychological support to political prisoners in Turkey through letters. She even shares a funny anecdote: “I used to stick a red telephone, a symbol of resilience, on my letters sent to prison, but it was refused by security. They thought it was a hidden message!”

A journey marked by turning points

Marie’s journey has been shaped by defining moments. One of the most powerful was when she became aware of the suffering of animals in the dairy industry, which led her to adopt a vegan lifestyle with her entire family. “Seeing a cow lose her calf so that we could have milk was a shock. Today, it’s easier to find alternatives, and that changed everything for us.” Among the projects she would like to develop, Marie imagines vegan cooking workshops in La Mesa, but also meetings to connect people, such as a vegan breakfast with refugees. These initiatives reflect her desire to unite communities and promote more sustainable practices.

Marie knew La MESA where she would come to eat from time to time with her husband, but the turning point to get involved in a CCC group came when she met other vegans during an activity organized with Amnesty International at MESA.

With such energy and concrete projects, Marie is a source of inspiration, for whom commitment is a collective and personal adventure: “My husband, always active, supports me enormously. It makes everything easier.” She concludes by encouraging everyone to act on their own scale: “Don’t wait. It’s always individuals who change the world and small actions that make big differences.” She insists on the fact that commitment does not require being an expert: “You learn on the job, and skills come with experience.” Getting involved has brought Marie much more than she imagined: deep friendships, personal satisfaction, and the conviction that every action counts.

Want to join Marie and contribute to a better world? La Mesa and its initiatives are here to welcome you!

*Christiane Marie, who prefers to be called just Marie, as her other first name refers to a religion. For her, Marie is a little more neutral, she does not want to be identified with any religion.

Véro and her commitment to second-hand goods

At 32, Véro, a trained educator and resident of Strassen, tells us about her volunteer career and her commitment to Transition Minett (TM). Passionate about yoga and pilates, and sensitive to ecological issues, she brilliantly combines her professional, creative and volunteer activities. We met her at the “Marché de Noël autrement” organized by TM with the residents where Véro held a second-hand stand with her mother.

For almost 10 years, Véro has been involved in associations. Her adventure with TM began thanks to a clothes swap organized at Brill. Seduced by the idea of ​​promoting second-hand goods and giving a second life to objects, she joined the TM volunteer team to help out during events. “When you like it, you find the time. It’s great to see new people arrive, it motivates you!”, she confides.

Véro defines herself as a committed citizen, but with modesty: “I can always do more!”. She also notes that in Strassen, there are fewer opportunities for ecological engagement than in Esch-sur-Alzette, which motivated her to join TM.

Over the course of her missions, she discovered a friendly space: “We help each other, we share tasks, and everything is done in a good mood. If someone is unavailable, there is no problem, everyone does their best.”

For Véro, getting involved is much more than giving her time. She finds joy, recognition, and the opportunity to learn and identify herself in ways other than her work. “I learned to organize myself better, to be flexible, and to find solutions.”

Véro dreams of seeing flea markets gain popularity and helping to break down prejudices about second-hand goods. She imagines events adapted to the seasons, to specific needs, and accessible to all. “Second-hand goods must become even more popular, it is a positive action for the planet.”

Véro invites everyone to find out more and not to hesitate to take the plunge: “Keep your eyes open, ask questions in your community, and look at what is happening on social networks.”

She emphasizes the importance of not being afraid to get started: “You don’t have to be an expert. We are learning all the time!”

She concludes with a message full of gratitude: “Thank you to TM, especially Camille, to all the volunteers and especially to my mother who supports me and helps me on all the stands. Happy holidays to all!”

Get involved like Véro and join TM to be part of the ecological and social transition!

Retirement as a field of civic action

At 63, Guy, father of two daughters, fulfilled grandfather, passionate DIY enthusiast and amateur photographer, has transformed his retirement into a period of commitment and creation. We find a citizen who makes every day an opportunity to contribute to a more responsible world.

Guy readily defines himself as a committed citizen, both in his village and for the environment. For him, this commitment goes well beyond individual actions. “As a child, I grew up near a wood, a real paradise for a child. This proximity to nature marked me. Today, as a photographer, I find this connection to nature with its colors that make it an inspiration. To preserve this beauty, I committed myself, first for my daughters, and now for my grandchildren. I want to pass on this awareness of nature to future generations.”

Guy insists on the importance of slow but lasting change. “Change doesn’t happen in ten days, or even ten years. It takes time and requires reconnecting people with nature.”

DIY at any age

Before retiring, Guy didn’t have time to do DIY, caught up in a busy professional and family schedule. But in 2018, he decided to give it a try, finding a new source of satisfaction in this activity. “Each project is a challenge: a drawer, a wooden figurine, little things like that. What I like is learning by trying.”

Today, he devotes several days a week to the FACILITEC workshop where he volunteers. “I discovered this workshop thanks to my son-in-law. I was immediately won over by the project, which combines creativity, nature and social support.”

Volunteering has changed Guy, particularly in his way of seeing the world. “I have developed my critical thinking.” What I learned is that new things are often scary. But by talking to others, I understood the importance of opening up and taking action, even on a small scale.”

A project to inspire future generations

Guy dreams of a project with the next generation. “I would like to develop the workshop with larger machines to launch projects to mobilize more people around common ideas.” He also wants to pass on his passion to children. “I have grandsons, and I relive with them what I experienced with my daughters. Children are the future. Why not support them through manual workshops or creative projects? They have this magic, this vision of the world that can inspire us.”

For Guy, everything starts with motivation. “You can’t force anyone to get involved. But for isolated seniors, I recommend finding an activity that motivates them. The workshop gave me a reason to get up in the morning and be disciplined. You have to dare to try.”

Guy embodies an inspiring example of the transition between working life and retirement, showing that civic engagement can be reinvented at any age. Between DIY, photography and transmission, he proves that it is never too late to learn, create and, above all, act.

The Facilitec workshop welcomes you every day from Monday to Friday and even the last Sunday of the month. Please check the schedule on our website or contact atelier@transition-minett.lu.

Building connections and spaces for a united community: meeting with Sraboni

It is in the heart of the community garden of Lallange that we meet Sraboni, a volunteer and Indian expatriate who has been living in Esch for six years. A mother of a young child, she devotes her free time to bringing this place of exchange and solidarity to life by reviving the concept of community. With her energy and passion for sharing, she embodies an engaged citizen, who participates in the transformation of her neighborhood into a welcoming and friendly space for all.

A commitment born from the need to connect

When she arrived in Luxembourg, Sraboni first faced the classic challenges of expatriation: the language barrier and the lack of reference points in a new country. Getting involved has become much more than an activity. “When I arrived in Luxembourg, I had to overcome many challenges, such as the language and being far from my family. The community garden was a revelation: not only did I improve my French there, but I found a second family there,” she explains. “The members of the garden, like Françoise, our 82-year-old eldest, have become an essential part of my life,” she confides. By sharing her story, Sraboni reminds us that volunteering is not just an altruistic act: it is a personal journey that builds bridges between individuals, gives meaning to community life, and sometimes finds a second family. Sraboni discovered the garden thanks to a colleague of her husband. She found it a welcoming space open to all, without judgment. “The garden is aptly named ‘Les Quatre Coins du Monde’ because it reflects the diversity of the people who frequent it,” she emphasizes. Sraboni is a fervent advocate of civic involvement. Her commitment, although initiated to improve her French and meet people, has become a driving force for the community. Beyond the challenges, Sraboni sees volunteering as a way to stay connected to nature and to flourish: “I learned that basic emotions are universal. Whether you come from here or elsewhere, we are all looking for a sense of belonging.”

While she acknowledges the difficulties in sustainably mobilizing residents, Sraboni considers her commitment to be deeply enriching. “I learned that basic emotions, like the need to belong, are universal, no matter where you come from.”

Her advice for those who are hesitant to get involved? “Do it. Hesitation is normal, but if you don’t try, you will never know what it can bring you. Don’t wait to be an expert.” What matters is to participate, listen and learn,” she advises.

Through her involvement, Sraboni embodies the idea that volunteering can transform individuals as well as communities. With projects like Casa Lallange, she hopes to continue to build connections and inspire other citizens to get involved. “Life is too short, don’t wait for someone to welcome you somewhere, if you want to go, if you want to do something, do it, we don’t know what tomorrow holds, don’t let anyone hold you back.”

Casa Lallange is a neighborhood house by and for the residents of Lallange that will be launched in February 2025. The project was created by the CCC group “quartier Lallange”.

Youngsub, 26 years old and committed to a better world

Youngsub is a 26-year-old student from South Korea, currently doing an internship as a data scientist. Now living in Bettembourg, after having lived in Esch, Youngsub stands out for his commitment and his vision of a more united future.

When we ask him if he considers himself an engaged citizen, Youngsub answers modestly: “I want to say a little. My priority is to protect my family, but I also do my best to protect the future of our planet. In my own way, I try to help my neighbors and contribute to a better world.” Youngsub combines this commitment with his professional and personal projects. Although he often works late, he devotes about two hours a week to volunteering, mainly on weekends. “It’s a question of organization. I schedule my actions to find a balance between my work and volunteering,” he explains.

From mentoring to gardening

Youngsub started volunteering by helping math students. More recently, he has been involved in gardening, an activity that combines his love of cooking and his desire to learn more about the ingredients he uses. “I started in July. Even though I don’t have any special skills, I’m learning little by little.” Gardening, for him, is a way to explore a form of food autonomy while contributing to the Breedewee garden community.

He sees this approach as a habit to cultivate. “If I don’t start helping today, I’m afraid I’ll never do it.”

Challenges and learnings

Like many, Youngsub had apprehensions before getting involved. “Getting involved for the first time can be intimidating. We are afraid of the responsibility or the effort required. But once you start, you realize that volunteering can be fun, sometimes more than watching a series on Netflix.”

From this experience, he also retains practical skills, particularly in gardening: “I learned simple but essential things, like pruning plants or recovering soil.” On a human level, he emphasizes the joy of meeting people who share the same values: “It reassures me to see that there are people who want to make the world a better place. It gives me hope.”

For those who want to get involved, Youngsub recommends “getting out of your comfort zone” by participating in events. He reminds us that it is not necessary to be an expert: “The most important thing is the intention. These days, you can learn anything, even on ChatGPT, but getting started allows us to learn from our own experience!” »

Finally, he shares a particular ambition: “I dream of a system that allows people to meet their basic needs, such as food and shelter. Once these concerns are removed, people will be able to open up more and contribute to their community.”

Youngsub concludes with an inspiring message: “The people I meet in these projects are always open, happy and ready to share. Why not join such enriching initiatives?”.

Youngsub embodies a committed and forward-looking youth, determined to do their part to build a more united world.

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Categories
Blog Waste Reduction

Waste Reduction Week is over, but action is all year round

With the European Week for Waste Reduction having just ended at virtually the same time as COP 29, we continue to move dangerously close to a point of no return in terms of the use of limited natural resources. Added to this are international geopolitical challenges that are taking us further and further away from the environmental issue. One of the key questions on which neither of the two events made any real progress was how to finally change our consumption habits.

During this European Week for Waste Reduction, we have tried to raise your awareness through facts and quizzes. But beyond raising awareness, it’s possible to take a small step towards the transition every day. Because this transition is first and foremost yours, we asked you what you do to reduce waste on a daily basis.

For Elisabeth and Marcus1, one of the solutions they try to apply on a daily basis is to barter timeless objects such as clothes, board games or books. Objects that, when they’re not damaged, can be used by others almost infinitely. Rico avoids wrapping fruit and vegetables when he has to buy them in the supermarket. Louise is learning how to make her own cosmetics and cleaning products. Valentin uses glass jars and a water bottle on a daily basis. Daphnée refuses to take single-use bags in the shops and buys her clothes almost exclusively at second-hand shops or on second-hand apps.

As you can see, we’re all doing something, big or small, to reduce our waste. This week, we haven’t tried to make you feel guilty. On the contrary, if you have retained even a single piece of information, we have already done our part: supporting you in your transition.

And because we also wanted to share with you our actions to reduce waste on a daily basis, here are the top 10 tips!

1. Selective sorting – It sometimes requires a bit of thought and discussion, but you soon get the hang of it, and it’s still the most accessible way of contributing to the recycling of our waste.

2. Barter – a system that has existed since the dawn of time, remains an effective alternative. In practical terms, this means exchanging goods for other goods: an object for an object, a service for an object, or dropping an object into one of our Giveboxes.

3. Bulk – To avoid single-use products and packaging, bulk is an excellent option, available in particular at MESA.

4. Second-hand – Very much in vogue these days, second-hand offers a new lease of life to our objects and clothes. Going to a flea market or garage sale is another way of buying second-hand. In fact, we’ve created a map listing second-hand shops in Luxembourg. 

5. Eco-refills and homemade products – Making your own cleaning products or cosmetics is the best way to know what you’re applying to your skin or using in your home.  If you’re interested, Ahoua offers workshops where you can learn how to make your own products. 
For more information, visit missbak.com.

6. Zero Waste Dinners – These solidarity dinners allow people to share unsold or uneaten food in the shops, while reducing food waste. On the last Sunday of each month, MESA hosts events organised by Foodsharing Luxembourg. 

7. Repair instead of throwing away – This is possible thanks to the Repair Cafés organised throughout Luxembourg, or simply at home, by borrowing tools via the Gutt Geschier initiative.

8. Buy better to buy less – In an ideal world, we would have to review our consumption system to reduce our waste production and our impact. Responsible consumption means buying less but better. By reducing quantity and increasing quality, we can have a long-term impact on the overproduction and overconsumption of waste.

9. Composting – Although it requires a certain amount of organisation, composting is an excellent way of reducing organic waste. If you’re interested, a workshop to raise awareness of living soils will be held at MESA on 10 December.

Read more: Living soil workshop at MESA

10. Digital sorting – What’s digital got to do with it? What could be better than doing something while waiting for the bus, in the doctor’s waiting room or waiting for the washing machine to finish because it’s been due for 10 minutes? In short, you can use this time to delete unnecessary e-mails, unsubscribe from newsletters that no longer interest you (not the Transition Minett one, which is still relevant ;)), and clean out your photo gallery. This reduces server congestion and environmental impact.

Acting together

We’ve already launched a number of initiatives to reduce our waste and consume responsibly. On 1 December, the ‘alternative’ Christmas market, organised by residents for residents, will take place at Pavillon 5 (access from side 1, rue Arthur Useldinger, Esch-sur-Alzette). The market highlights second-hand consumption and offers an alternative to our model of over-consumption, which is particularly marked during the festive season.

Read more: Discover the Christmas Market in a different way… By and for local residents

The list could go on, but taking action is better than just reading or talking. So it’s up to you now! We’re already very proud of you, because you’re leading the transition.

1 The names have been changed

Categories
Blog

Esch’s new ecological transition map

Discover and download the map with all the places linked to the ecological transition in Esch-sur-Alzette:

Esch Transition MapDownload
Categories
Blog

ECO-ANXIETY: some tips to improve our mental health

Decouvrir l - 2

May 2023 (Forli, Emilia Romagna, IT) = On a sunny afternoon of a dry season, alternating with violent rains here and there, I read on my phone screen the civil protection’s weather alert for heavy rain forecast.

I dismissed the problem without thinking, and that same evening, and for the next 48 hours, it fell on the territory of Emilia the same amount of rain that usually falls in 7 months.

The rainfall caused landslides, destruction, and fatalities.

Locked at home during those days, without light or electricity, forced to attend university lectures online despite living a few minutes walk from the faculty, I had the realisation that I was experiencing an environmental catastrophe firsthand. 

A (not-so-new) feeling of fear and helplessness in the face of life’s unpredictability crept into my everyday life. That same anguish, which has become stronger over the past few years, has a precise name and face: Eco-anxiety, and thousands of young people all over the world suffer from it. 

What is eco-anxiety?

The American Psychology Association (APA) describes eco-anxiety as “the chronic fear of environmental cataclysm that comes from observing the seemingly irrevocable impact of climate change and the associated concern for one’s future and that of the next generations”1. 

Specifically, eco-anxiety can be triggered by various events we witness in our daily lives, such as rising temperatures or weather reports on television, or, worst of all, we can witness first-hand climate disasters such as floods or forest fires that are becoming increasingly frequent.

Concern for the planet’s future has become a daily cause of distress and frustration for some people. Eco-anxiety manifests itself through symptoms that should be monitored, such as intense anxiety about the state of things, a feeling of powerlessness when faced with environmental degradation, a loss of faith in the future, obsessive thoughts about the climate, frustration, and anger towards the generations blamed for the current climate situation, panic, and depression, and in extreme cases, loss of appetite, insomnia and difficulty in concentrating. 2

Image created with Canva by Noemi Dolciotti

But who are most affected?

Anyone can suffer from eco-anxiety, but certain categories of people feel more pressure from environmental issues: 

  • Young people. Given the state of our planet, the future of the younger generation is uncertain. Yet, the data in the IPCC reports are very clear: to avoid disastrous climate consequences, we should be able to limit the world temperature rise to 1.5°C.3  However, to this day, only 6% of scientists believe that it is still possible to stay below this threshold.  Young people more than others (especially young women) feel the weight of this responsibility on their shoulders, and the uncertainty surrounding the future is becoming an increasingly tangible threat for some.

Other categories suffer particularly from eco-anxiety: 

  • People most easily affected by climate change, such as those who work in contact with nature or agricultural land (farmers, etc.);
  • People living near areas at risk (maritime and coastal regions or extremely dry areas);
  • People from marginalized communities who do not always have the means to cope with the burden of environmental damage.

How can we deal with it?

What you shouldn’t do: 

  1. Over-stimulate yourself. Staying informed about climate change is a useful way of keeping abreast of developments and becoming aware of the state of the planet and what is happening to others, but be careful not to become overwhelmed! Obsession is never the right solution, so skimming the news or even taking breaks from the media can help alleviate the symptoms of eco-anxiety.
  2. Isolating yourself. One of the biggest mistakes people can make in anxiety situations is usually to close in on themselves; talking to a family member, a friend, or a professional when experiencing episodes of anxiety or panic is always the best solution.
  3. Avoid universal pessimism. Yes, it’s important to be realistic when discussing the future of the planet: the current conditions are not the best… but there’s still a lot that can be done! Studies on mitigation and adaptation to climate change are constantly evolving, and nothing is yet definitive!4

What you can do:

  1. Make changes. Work on the things we can do right away: buy organic and local products, reduce food waste, favor soft and sustainable mobility ( bicycles, etc.), buy second-hand clothes, recycle, save energy, donate to associations that fight to preserve the environment, make those around us aware of environmental issues and sustainable practices… there’s a lot we can do, we just need to roll up our sleeves! 
  2. Get involved. Don’t forget that you’re not alone – many of us have the same concerns. Finding a local or regional organization to join or volunteering for NGOs or associations can make a real difference! As well as helping the environment, it’s a great opportunity to meet new people and get socially involved! One example is joining a group from the Collective Citoyen pour le Climat in Esch!
  3. Go outside! Take a breath of fresh air, do some outdoor activities, get in touch with nature, appreciate and be grateful for the life we are lucky enough to live every day, and focus on the beauty of the things you have in the present.

Sources:

  1. https://www.iberdrola.com/social-commitment/what-is-ecoanxiety#:~:text=The%20American%20Psychology%20Association%20 ↩︎
  2. https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/resource/understanding-and-coping-with-eco-anxiety/  ↩︎
  3. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/ ↩︎
  4. https://www.colorado.edu/health/blog/climate-anxiety  ↩︎

To go even further:

Categories
Blog

Buy less and more consciously: a “trend” that will help your wardrobe…and the ecology!

This is the first of a short series of articles on ecology in Luxembourg. Over the next few weeks until the end of June, I’ll be taking you on a journey of discovery on a variety of topics, starting with fast fashion, and then moving on to food, mobility, and more!

To find out more about the problem, just pass by “rue de l’Alzette” in Esch

In Luxembourg alone, the average person throws away 12 kilos of clothes a year, of which only 1% is recycled1. So where does the rest go?

This is the question that the exhibition “The Revival“, on display until May 11th in the former Sephora building (69 rue de l’Alzette) in Esch, seeks to answer.

Observation, reflection, and hope for a change: that’s the aim of this interactive exhibition, which shows the impact of fast fashion on other countries, such as Ghana.

As we all know, most of the clothes we buy at low prices from fast fashion chains are not produced ethically, either from a social/human point of view (such as the Rana Plaza accident, considered one of the biggest disasters in the fashion world) or from an environmental point of view (pollution and waste of vast water resources).


Photo of the revival exhibition. Ghana is one of the many landfill sites in the country where over-consumption is not generated directly, and discarded clothes are imported from global “North” countries.

Our most powerful weapon: our conscience

Although much progress has been made in recent years to regulate the impact of the fashion industry, there is still a long way to go. So how can we help?

We can start by committing to the path of sobriety, which is necessary if we want to create a positive impact and change the fashion industry.

However, the concepts of ‘sobriety’ and ‘minimalism’, which are in direct contrast to the consumerist society we live in, often have a negative connotation. We associate ‘owning less’ with a form of failure or social status that we reject. On the contrary, it could be an opportunity to free our minds, lighten our budgets, and save precious time.

The most effective solution is certainly to change our shopping habits and the way we dress. That’s why we need to ask ourselves some essential questions before we purchase an article: “Why am I buying it? Is it really useful? Will I still be wearing it in a few years? Is it made from sustainable materials?

One way to solve the problem: create a capsule wardrobe!

Photo: the beginning of the presentation led by Adelaide Dubucq in the Lëtz’ Refashion Luxembourg boutique.

To learn how to shop differently, I went to Lët’z Refashion by Caritas in Luxembourg City, a boutique-atelier dedicated to circular fashion. As part of the “Rethink your clothes” campaign, I took part in the “How to create your own capsule wardrobe” workshop with Adélaïde Dubucq, image consultant and founder of Relooking and Queen.

The event was instructive in many ways: I learned that, on average, each of us has around 70% of unwanted clothes in our wardrobe that end up being thrown away. To avoid this issue, Adélaïde Dubucq explained the importance of creating a ‘capsule wardrobe’, a wardrobe made up of a few essential items that can be worn for any occasion. The keywords are comfort, minimalism, creativity, and style. We only need 40 pieces in our closet – between clothes and accessories – that are easily interchangeable and combinable with each other. They should mostly be in neutral basic colors, but let’s not forget about our favorite unique and colorful pieces! This number, which may seem relatively small, is ideal for avoiding the “paradox of choice” that we face every day when we have to decide what to wear among the thousands of different items we possess.


Photo: spaces in the Letz’ Refashion boutique

Following trends and constantly updating our wardrobes doesn’t necessarily mean dressing fashionably or with style. Finding your style is essential if you don’t want to fall into the trap of “wanting to own everything you see in the shop window or online”.

So what do you do with the clothes you don’t need? Here are some ideas:

Create a stock, pack them up, and physically give them to organizations like Caritas, or sell them on platforms like Vinted or Facebook Market, sell them at flea markets, swap them at swap parties, or simply give them to friends and family or people in need.

On this occasion, I learned that even though it’s hard to make a change, it’s always less complicated than you think. And our smallest actions can have a huge impact, not just on our own lives, but on the lives of others…

I look forward to seeing you back here on the Transition Minett website to follow me on the next adventure and discover more about the ecological transition in Luxembourg!

To go even further:

  1. source: Exhibition “The Revival” by caritas Luxembourg ↩︎