The power of taking time out and disconnecting
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Welcome back for our final issue of Curiously Green before our summer break. In the infinite scroll of modern life, things can feel overwhelming and it’s important that we find ways to disconnect. Doing so is not just good for our minds and bodies, but can help us to reconnect with nature, with each other and with ourselves, having a positive effect on nature and society in ways that we often can’t predict.
So this issue is dedicated to taking some time out over the summer in whatever way we can, whether it’s some time away with friends, carving out some time to do nothing or quitting TV. Whatever works for you is surely the right thing to do.
This month we also hosted the UK premiere of the documentary ‘Responsible’ at the RSA in London, together with director Tristan Lochon. The film currently has a press embargo until it releases on French TV in September so we’ll tell you all about it in our next issue.
Until then, I wish you all a fruitful summer.
– Tom Greenwood
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Top picks from the green web
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Doing nothing has never been more important
As Curiously Green approaches a summer pause in August, we’ve been reflecting on the importance of taking time out. The opportunity to get away from your desk, device or regular workspace can be an extremely powerful way of solving problems, sparking creativity or both!
The above article extols the virtues of doing nothing; “idleness is a psychological necessity” both for our wellbeing and productivity.
Our MD Chris recently shared his method for getting clarity in a recent post. It’s a practical idea which fits perfectly into this idea.
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We have to design for citizens, not consumers
A great article from Andy Galloway of the New Citizen Project about effective design for climate change. His central point is that we have to take the concept of Citizens into account when telling climate stories and selling climate solutions:
“If we want design to be a force for climate action, we have to design for citizens, not consumers.”
There is a lot to take from this article, but I particularly like the section on the Seven Modes of Everyday Participation.
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Email expiry dates
What if you could do nothing and be more digitally sustainable at the same time? The Email Expiration Date project wants to make this a reality.
At its core is an ugly truth and a simple solution. There are billions of out of date commercial emails being stored on servers across the world. Mailshots for online sales, meeting invites, etc. The solution? An inbuilt expiration date that removes the email from the server once the date has passed.
The project is looking to gather momentum and support. If you’d like to get involved check out the site or the support page.
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"Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering."
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- A.A Milne
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Review of the month (podcast)
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My 12 Month Video Fast
I might not do enough of it, but I believe in the value of taking time away from screens to digitally detox and I’m always interested in the experiences of those who do it. I was therefore intrigued when my friend <Richard Loranger told me that he put his TV in the time out corner and intends not to watch it (or any videos or video games) for 12 whole months. Even better, he’s documenting his experience in a podcast.
Richard is a poet, writer and freelance brand namer, but perhaps more importantly he’s one of the most warm hearted and interesting humans I have ever met. And so as I would expect from him, this podcast is unique. Each short episode goes far beyond just telling us what it’s like to not watch TV, but indulges us in snippets of cultural history, hilarious and at times moving stories from Richard’s very colourful life, and deep philosophical insights, all told through a voice that might just have been made for podcasting.
I recommend starting at the beginning and listening to them in order, as the perfect podcast to help you power down this summer.
– Tom Greenwood
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Shorter notes from the Green Web
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We want to hear from you!
Don’t forget, we want to hear more from you, the Curiously Green community! If you’re heard or read something that may be of interest, please share any links, and your thoughts with us.
Even better, we’d love to know what you’re working on. If you have any case studies or projects you’d like to share, or new approaches you’ve tried that may be of interest, this is a great way to share with like minded folk so please head over to our submission form and tell us all about it!
We can’t wait to hear from more of you. 💚
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Notes from the Curiously Green community
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Our friends at Sustainable UX have been evaluating newsletter platforms (including Ecosend) and evaluating them on digital sustainability criteria. Part one here.
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Comprehensive and well written roundup of recent stories around AI developments and usage from Mightybytes.
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Analysis by Mark Butcher (worth a follow on LinkedIn) on AWS’s claims on carbon reduction using it’s cloud services.
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New article from Wholegrain – Why poor site performance is an issue for digital citizens discusses the intersection between site performance and being a good citizen.
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An innovative visualisation of the principles of ecodesign from French agency Castor et Pollux.
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Ezra Klein talks to author Jenny Odell about “How to do nothing”.
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How much of the internet is covered by credible Net Zero targets? The Green Web Foundation have collaborated with Wikirate to find out.
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Help us shape a greener, more holistic web
If you’re interested in being part of the Wholegrain Digital team, we’re always happy to hear from individuals dedicated to making a difference in the world via digital sustainability.
If you don’t fit the roles advertised at any time, you’re always welcome to get in touch with the team by replying to this newsletter to learn more about us and explore options in a casual conversation.
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Curiously Green is curated and written by Tom Greenwood and Andy Davies.
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