The Farmer's Club consists of local farmers from the districts of Chivi and Mutasa in Zimbabwe. The Farmer's Club teaches sustainable farming methods and small business growth! Chivi is in a much drier area, and as such, is in need of more assistance to help these farmers keep their crops growing!

We are currently working with DAPP (Development Aid from People to People) trying to help the farmers of Chivi raise money to build multiple weir dams to help catch the rainfall that will be coming in the next few months!!! Without these weir dams they will not be able to secure enough water for their crops during the dry season. Without those crops they will not have enough food to eat nor enough to sell to markets.

Help to support farmers in Chivi, Masvingo, Zimbabwe to maintain their way of living by making a donation today!!!

The Gaia Movement has followed the 2 week COP26 conference online in November 2021 in Glasgow Scotland. It has been a conference with intense meetings, negotiations and workshops - many people were gathered most inside but also many outside.

November 6th was “Global Day for Climate Justice” and 250,000 people gathered in Glasgow to demonstrate and to put pressure on the politicians and others working inside:

The pressure is on - it is now or never. The climate crisis is at “Code Red” threatening the very existence of humanity and nature.

World leaders signed a new climate change agreement. While some countries committed to more ambitious cuts to heat-trapping pollution, many nations did not agree to cut emissions fast enough for the world to avoid the worst damage from climate-driven storms, heat waves and droughts.

The agreement is built on compromises on many fronts, including a last-minute change by India to weaken efforts to” phase-out” coal. It was changed to “phase-down” coal. Still, it is new ground in creating a worldwide consensus to transition away from fossil fuels and to speed up countries' ambitions to cut emissions faster.
Emissions need to fall around 45% by 2030 in order to prevent by 2100 from heating up more than 1.5 Celsius degrees (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). Instead, emissions are expected to rise almost 14% over the next nine years.

All nations were agreeing to do what it takes “to keep 1.5 goal alive." It is a question what that means.
Clear for all is that the poor countries are suffering the most.
For some Island nations it is a matter of survival.

Here are some of the commitments:

Compensation for climate change related “Loss and damage:”
The poor countries are facing intense droughts and changed in rain pattern and many other consequences already. They are suffering from a problem they have done little to cause. They proposed, that wealthier countries compensate them for climate change-related "loss and damage."
The U.S., Japan, Norway, Sweden and others announced new climate finance pledges this year, but the $100 billion goal from previous conference is still elusive and likely won't be met until 2022 or 2023. That amount is also far below the need. A U.N. report estimates that funding for climate adaptation should be 5 to 10 times greater than what's being spent now.

In the final compromise, countries agreed to begin a two-year work plan ending in 2024 to settle on how climate finance will ramp up to meet the needs of the most vulnerable nations in the future.

In the meantime, the wealthier countries agreed to collectively double funding for climate adaptation projects by 2025.
The wealthier countries failed to meet their commitment to deliver $100 billion annually starting in 2020 and at the same time they pay hundreds of billions of dollars in subsidies for fossil fuels each year.
A few countries promised to increase funding. One of them was Japan. They pledged an additional $2 billion per year for the next 5 year and Italy pledged an extra $1.4 per year for 5 years. Climate finance is expected to be included in the final COP26 agreement.
But in negotiations, the idea ran into a brick wall. Wealthier countries, including the U.S., didn't support it.

Methane - cut 30% in 2030:
More than 100 countries signed a pledge to cut methane emissions 30% by 2030. The potent greenhouse gas has 80 times the heat-trapping power of carbon dioxide when first emitted into the atmosphere.

Deforestation - halt and reverse 2030:
More than 130 countries agreed to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030, including the heavily-forested nations of Brazil and Russia.

US-China agreement - boosted cooperation:
US and China the world’s top emitters of greenhouse gases agreed to boost cooperation on combating climate change over the next decade. They said they will work together on increasing the use of renewable energy, regulations, and carbon capture.

Zero-Emission Vehicles 2035 and 2040:
More than thirty countries including US, Japan, Germany and China, many states and cities and several automobile companies including Ford, GM, Volvo and Mercedes agreed to work to guarantee the new cars and pickup trucks sold are zero emission by 2035 in leading markets and 2040 globally.

Coal, oil and gas must stay underground by 2050:
Scientists warn, that to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (we are at 1.1 now), at least 90% of coal reserves and 60% of oil and gas reserves must stay underground by 2050. Only a few countries, states and cities have pledged here. Denmark and Costa Rica have been in the lead followed by Sweden, France, Greenland, Wales, Ireland, Quebec and California. None of the really big players.

Firms’ Net Zero Pledges 2050:
Just want to mention that 450 banks, insurance companies, pension funds and other firms have collectively managed $130 trillion and committed to use their funds to reach net-zero emission by 2050

Conclusion:

Added up all the pledges will not reduce emissions fast enough to keep the world within the crucial limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2100, as agreed to in the Paris climate talks.

Instead, the world would be on track for 1.8 degrees Celsius of warming, according to an analysis from the International Energy Agency.
1.8 degrees Celsius is an improvement over the previous pledges. But it depends entirely on countries following through on their promises, and many have provided few concrete details.

Even with past commitments, many governments haven't backed up words with actions. Based on what countries are currently doing, the world is headed toward 2.7 degrees Celsius of warming.

In the end of the conference, the final agreement asks the countries to revisit and strengthen" their plans by 2022. There will be a meeting again in 2022 in Egypt.
World leaders have met 26 times since the 1990s to work out complex climate agreements. It is the first time the agreement has mentioned to stop using fossil fuels - phase out (or phase down).

Oil-and-coal-producing countries, like Saudi Arabia and Australia, have historically objected to any mention of “phasing them out” until now.
So, this is a step forward - even though we do not have time for these baby steps.

Leading a more eco-friendly lifestyle isn’t limited to what you put into your body and what you put on your body. Actually, becoming truly eco-friendly means that you attempt to use all types of alternative products that will make less of an impact on the environment. Take your cleaning products, for example. Most people have a cabinet at home filled with products for cleaning kitchens, bathrooms, floors, bedrooms and more. That adds up to a plethora of products, many of which contain harmful ingredients. Typically, these ingredients are not only bad for your health, but they are also toxic to the environment.

As an environmental 501 c3 organization, The Gaia Movement USA is dedicated to public education of important environmental issues. We want to address many issues that affect the environment and we focus on problems like global warming, climate change, textile waste and more. We understand that making small changes, like switching to eco-friendly cleaning products, can make a lasting impact on the environment. Thus, our employees and volunteers are constantly researching new eco-friendly products on the market and constantly encourage the public to switch over to products that are less toxic to the environment.

Read below on some of the best eco-friendly cleaning products on the market today:

• Murchison-Hume “Everyday Furniture Spritzer”: This refillable spray cleaner is easy to use and is great for cleaning wood and upholstery. The spray eliminates dust and unsightly grime without the use of harsh chemicals.
  
  
• The Laundress Surface Cleaner: This cleaner is biodegradable and has a subtle scent. You can use it to clean almost any surface in your home.
  
  
• IQ All Purpose Cleaner: Made of just two ingredients, an all-natural solution and tap water. The cleaner is tough on dirt and grime, yet easy on the environment. The bottle is refillable.
  
  
• Earth Friendly Products Everyday Stain & Odor Remover: Great for clothes and carpets, this green formula is filled with enzymes and plants, which break down organic stains.
  
  
• Mrs. Meyer’s Lavender Surface Wipes: These biodegradable cleaning wipes come equipped with a lemon verbena scent so you can clean on the go.
  
  
• J.R. Watkins Aloe & Green Tea Window Cleaner: This window cleaner is made with coconut-based aloe and green tea to get rid of smudges and dirt on windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces.
  
  
• Citra Drain Natural Enzymatic: This natural enzyme product will get rid of annoying clogs that are stopping up your sinks. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to the typical harsh drain cleaners. Plus, it will leave behind a heavenly citrus scent.
  
  
• Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwashing Pacs: These concentrated detergent pods are great for removing grease and caked on food off of plates and silverware. Plus, they are phosphate-free and do not contain any chlorine or synthetic fragrances. A much better alternative to conventional dishwasher pods.
  
  
• Greenworks Free & Clean Laundry Detergent: Because you probably wash your clothes often, purchasing eco-friendly clothing detergent is important. This one is a natural formula that fights stains without unnecessary chemicals. Great for the environment and your wardrobe. These products provide an eco-friendly yet effective way to keep a home looking clean and smelling fresh

The Gaia Movement USA is passionate of educating people about environment-related issues. We partner with many other organizations to spread the word of recycling all across the world. While it is important that people in other countries recycle or reuse, we want to make sure the United States is also following suit.

Many people have heard that they need to recycle, but what does this actually entail? Here Gaia gives a breakdown on what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint:

• Beyond Eco Commercial Cleaning "Change your Cleaning Habits: " You can make a huge impact by simply changing your cleaning habits at home or in the office," says Martha Hernandez, who along with husband, Sal, started Beyond Eco Commercial Cleaning in Austin, TX in 1991. "Swapping out paper towels for reusable cloths can make a major impact in the reduction of waste. There are also numerous eco-friendly cleaning products available to choose from or you can even create products and reuse plastic spray bottles to also reduce waste in your home or office."
• Drive less/carpool: By now everyone has heard that car exhaust is extremely harmful to the atmosphere. It may not be feasible for you to cut down on your driving time, but it is a good idea to try to carpool with others heading in your same direction. By carpooling, you are saving at least one other car from being on the road. You will also save yourself money by not having to fill up your gas tank. This cut in car exhaust may not seem like much, but it can drastically help save the planet in the long run if many people do this.
• You can be radical and next time you buy a car, change your fossil fuel car to a cleaner hybrid or electrical car.
• Reduce water bottle use: It takes a lot of energy and emits much CO2 to create the plastic used to make water bottles. Most water bottle companies do not make their bottles with recycled materials. On top of this problem, a lot of people will just throw their water bottles in the garbage can instead of in a recycling container. These water bottles that are thrown out will end up sitting in landfills for years to come, causing harm to the earth. Gaia suggests using tap water filters to save plastic from being created. These tap water filters are great for filling up re-usable travelling cups when you are on the go.
• Grocery store packaging: When shopping at different stores, consumers often see plastic bags as the bag of choice for carrying home their goods. In the past few years, more and more stores are giving out reusable bags to save consumers from trashing the plastic bags. These reusable bags are often given out for free or for a discounted price. These bags are especially good for frequent customers of the store to use. Even little things like this are effective in saving the planet from future harm. The Gaia Movement USA is dedicated to spreading this knowledge to people around the country. It is important now more than ever to start taking precautions regarding the environment. The Gaia Movement USA knows that without recycling and cutting back on our carbon footprints, it will mean devastation for future residents of the earth.

The concept of going green means that an individual is pursuing a more environmentally friendly lifestyle by making ecologically responsible decisions, using eco-friendly products and more.

People who “go green” typically make alternative decisions with regard to the food they eat, the products they utilize and the transportation they use. The mission of going green is to reduce one’s carbon footprint and provide a better environment for generations to come.

Kitchens are a major source of harm for the environment. Often times, it is a place where food is wasted, water is used in abundance and energy is used in excess. Thus, when attempting to make changes to go green, it is important to evaluate the practices one is using in your kitchen and make applicable changes. Below are some ideas for becoming more ecologically responsible in the kitchen:

1. Wash dishes the smart way: Washing dishes, whether by hand or in a dishwasher, can waste gallons of water. Washing dishes in a dishwasher uses approximately 37 percent less water than washing dishes by hand. However, individuals can save water if they wash dishes by hand the eco-friendly way. The best way to do this is to fill one side of the sink with soapy water and use the other side of the sink to simply rinse the dishes. If you decide to wash dishes using the dishwasher, make sure you have a full load in before starting the cycle. Also, if your dishwasher has an “economy” cycle, make sure to put that on in order to save water and energy.
2. Don’t leave the fridge open: Opening your refrigerator and leaving it open for long periods of time is a waste. Make quick decisions when you have your fridge open in order to save energy and keep your fridge running smoothly.
3. Don’t waste bags: This rule applies to the kitchen, but is actually something to think about while grocery shopping. Always bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store so you don’t have to waste plastic and paper bags at the checkout line.
4. Think about product packaging: Many products you buy for the kitchen will have tons of unnecessary packaging. Try to opt for products with the least amount of packaging. A good way to do this is to buy large sizes of products instead of individually wrapped ones. These solutions are easy to put into place, but end up making a major difference when it comes to the health of the planet.