THE NEXT GENERATION OF ASSOCIATIONS: YUVAM DÜNYA

A social initiative composed of young leaders, activists, volunteers and scientists devoted to explaining the climate crisis and providing solutions, artists and influential communicators who can convey these messages to the general public… A new kind of association which is pushing the climate agenda, one that I am proud to be a part of… Yuvam Dünya founder Kıvılcım Pınar Kocabıyık tells its story:Illustrations: Başak Notz @basakillustrates

The idea of Yuvam Dünya emerged about four years ago and we have been an association for about three years. We have numerous ongoing projects categorised under four main themes: education, publishing, social transition and the private sector. The target audience for every project is different and can range from children and youngsters to teachers, workers, parents and athletes.

IMPROVING THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM

Following a protocol signed with the Ministry of National Education, the “Climate Change and Environment” course was included in preschool, primary and secondary school curricula across the country.

THE DIGITAL CLIMATE AND CULTURE MAGAZINE

Our weekly digital climate and culture magazine “Dünyahali” (“State of the World”) is developed and published in collaboration with the Boğaziçi University Climate Centre. Also available as a podcast, “Dünyahali” features a broad selection of content on the climate crisis, as well as culture and art by some of the most influential experts in their fields.

YUVAM DÜNYA LIBRARY

Yuvam World Library is an initiative that aims to translate the latest literature on climate issues into the Turkish language. Our second book “The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change” will be published very soon. Our first book “How Bad Are Bananas? The Carbon Footprint of Everything” is already available at bookstores. It is a captivating book that brings different perspectives to our carbon footprint. Consider it as a concise encyclopaedia that details how the products and services we use impact the climate. A fantastic children’s book is also coming soon.

TRANSITION TRAINING FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR

We execute important projects on the circular economy and employee culture transition programs in collaboration with those in the private sector. We want to ensure that corporate transition takes place at all levels, not just at the level of production. The Scientific Advisory Board of Yuvam World organises training programs for companies on the climate crisis, sustainability, tips for going green at home and at the office, and feasible ways of making the green transition at an operational level.

NİL KARAİBRAHİMGİL – “UYAN ANNE, UYAN BABA (WAKE UP, MOM! WAKE UP, DAD!)”

Our social awareness-raising projects focus on social transition. We realise and use the storytelling power of art and sports. “Wake Up, Mom! Wake Up, Dad!” is a song by one of our founding members, singer Nil Karaibrahimgil, that was performed by the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra. Listened to more than 20 million times so far, it representsone of the ways in which we convey a message that is universal.

RAISING AWARENESS AT AN INDIVIDUAL LEVEL

The climate crisis can be an overwhelming issue to deal with. Many people ask themselves, “Am I supposed to save the world?” Yes, it is our generation that has to carry this responsibility forward. Being informed about this subject as an individual, sharing your knowledge, adopting greener habits, supporting NGOs and volunteering, all make a big difference even at the level of just a single person.

‘WE ARE THE LAST GENERATION THAT CAN CHANGE THE FATE OF OUR PLANET’

I hope – for the sake of the world, Turkey, myself and my children – that in 50 years’ time, we will have learned to respect our planet and the rich diversity of life on it. We are the last generation that can change the fate of our planet.. I want to believe that, in the future, our children and grandchildren will regard us as superheroes, members of a generation that tackled the climate crisis and won. If we act now, I believe we can achieve this together.

 

YUVAM DÜNYA’S GUIDE TO LIVING A GREENER LIFE:

CONSUMING CONSCIOUSLY

  1. Don’t buy more than you need.
  2. Know the carbon footprint of every product you buy.
  3. Look after your possessions and use them longer.
  4. Distribute unused items to those in need.
  5. Choose to use green brands that are produced sustainably.
  6. Choose to use products with a long shelf-life.
  7. Choose to use domestic and local products.
  8. Do not use single-use plastics.
  9. Use fabric shopping bags or baskets instead of plastic bags.
  10. Minimise your use of paper.

TRAVELLING GREEN

  1. Air travel has a large carbon footprint. Travel byland whenever possible.
  2. Use carpooling apps to reduce pollution and costs.
  3. Drive at the optimum speed to reduce fuel consumption. Drive an electric vehicle, if possible.
  4. Ride a bicycle or a scooter instead of driving.
  5. Walk short distances and take public transportation for longer distances.

FOR A GREENER HOUSE

  1. Don’t overheat your house in the winter. Reducing room temperature by 1 degree Celsius can reduce energy bills by up to 10%.
  2. Reduce heat loss. Poor insulation can double your energy bill.
  3. Install double-glazed windows.
  4. Buy products that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
  5. Avoid using air conditioners. A fan is significantly more energy-efficient.
  6. Don’t leave electronic devices on standby. Switch the power off completely.
  7. Iron a batch of clothes rather than turning the iron on to press a single shirt.
  8. Keep the water you rinse your fruit/vegetables in to water your plants.
  9. Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth or shaving.
  10. Always use rechargeable, instead of disposable, batteries.

FOR A GREENER GARDEN

  1. Increase diversity in the garden. Try wild varieties.
  2. Avoid lawns. Plant ground cover that requires less water consumption.
  3. Practise the principles of permaculture.
  4. Avoid pesticides and synthetic fertilisers.
  5. Use autumn leaves as compost.
  6. Collect rainwater to water your garden and indoor plants.
  7. Collect greywater and use it for irrigation.

FOR A GREENER LIFESTYLE

  1. Don’t go shopping unless you need to.
  2. Use the stairs instead of the elevator.
  3. Plant as many trees as possible.
  4. Protect and defend green space.
  5. Receive your monthly bills electronically .
  6. Spend more time in nature.
  7. Be informed about the climate crisis and inform others.
  8. Keep track of your carbon footprint.
  9. Become a member of, or volunteer for, NGOs working on the climate crisis.

FOR A GREENER KITCHEN

  1. Reduce your meat consumption. Eat more vegetables.
  2. Eat fruit and vegetables that are locally grown.
  3. Learn how to grow your own vegetables in your garden or on your balcony.
  4. Buy products from ecological/organic and local farmers.
  5. Compost your kitchen waste. Use this nutrient-rich soil to grow your vegetables.
  6. Don’t fill your plate with more than you can eat and don’t waste food.
  7. Only run the dishwasher when completely full. A dishwasher uses less water than washing by hand.
  8. Use biodegradable bags, cooking containers and films.

FOR A GREENER OFFICE

  1. Use energy-efficient lighting solutions and switch off lights whenever possible.
  2. Use energy-efficient office electronics.
  3. Use energy-saving sensors in toilets and common areas.
  4. Open doors and windows to cool the interior instead of switching the air conditioner on.
  5. Use fuel-efficient company cars or vans, and choose the shortest route to reach your destination.
  6. Schedule online meetings rather than travelling to meetings.
  7. Separate and recycle office waste. Be aware of your local recycling guidelines to avoid wasteful ‘wishcycling’.
  8. Avoid printing out electronic documents whenever possible.