Nullker: Who We Are and Why Us?

We won’t brag. We did NOT invent a revolutionary way to save the planet – we simply discovered it! It was hidden in plain sight, in everything that surrounds us, in nature per se.

Nature has been managing itself for millennia, making everything work and stay balanced. Human activity has disturbed this balance. Yet, knowing nature’s ways, we can easily restore equilibrium by synchronizing with it.

In the natural world, everything exists in the form of networks and closed cycles, where all the elements engage in multiple beneficial connections. Think of ecosystems. Everything is at its best. And nothing is ever wasted – it just gets redistributed, reformatted, and reused. The same should be done with the resources people consume and the effort we put in to preserve those resources. 

Translated into the language of economy, the revolutionary way lies through uniting the already existing environmental effort and channeling it in a manner that would enrich all the parties involved: business, communities, and nature.

On “Natural” Economy. 

We believe that the economy should become more… natural (pun unintended)! People should stop fighting against consumption, for it is now an integral part of the modern economic and social reality. What we can and should do instead is change the format of consumption to make it less wasteful and more inclusively beneficial. If you take from the environment – give back in any form convenient. It is already a win-win situation. However, Nullker knows best!..

Our Win-Win-Win Strategy. 

Many of you have heard of the non-zero-sum game – a theory where one participant’s gain does not necessarily mean the other one’s loss. This theory is applicable to economy, as well as ecology. When we consume, nature should not necessarily lose. When we invest into the environmental effort, the economy should not automatically lose. It’s as simple as that. It is the “eco Nash equilibrium” of sorts, where “eco” stands for both ecology and economy.

Nullker went even further and took the standard win-win scenario to a whole new level. The resulting “win-win-win” approach presupposes that people take from nature, give back, and still receive more – from other people and businesses who also value nature and with whom they can create more joint initiatives mediated by Nullker. We bring sporadic eco effort together in a self-perpetuating cooperation on a single platform, making economic and cultural growth easier and more integrated. 

In essence, the key to saving the planet is in working together to unify and multiply the efforts. And this key is held by every single member of the growing Nullker community. The more of us – the bigger the impact.

Same Money – Different Outcome. 

Nullker’s philosophy is the money spent for connecting people and businesses, for popularizing green ideas and brands, for growing the community of people who care – about each other, about the economy, and about the planet.

For us, donation is not a matter of “how much” but more a matter of “how”.

Same money can make a different impact. Here is an example:

#1 A direct donation to an account of an animal shelter is what it is – a good act with a proportional, converted value. The donor’s money converts into a certain amount of food, vaccines, rehab, etc.

#2 A donation via the Nullker platform splits and restructures charity to convert it into a direct monetary input PLUS an investment into bonding with the like minded people and brands, immediately returning to the donator in the form of new contacts, discount points (NULLs), and information.

In the first case, animals get help and donors get moral satisfaction. That’s good, but could be better.

In the second scenario, animals get help, donors get moral satisfaction and NULLs that they can further use to their benefit, for example, by choosing among our partner brands to discover more eco products and services, more stories of people who care. In response, the partner brands are expected to invest more in the ecological initiatives. The bigger the donor base – the bigger the brands, their quantity, and their interest.

All in all, money is the same, but the impact is of tremendously different proportions and reach.

Would you like to join the green new world in the making? Join now https://nullker.com/ Let’s unite our natural and economic resources for a greater and more balanced future!

The post Nullker: A Sustainable Global Community where “ECO” stands for Ecology as much as Economy  appeared first on Green Prophet.

Picture this: you just had a long day of work, you finally come home, get ready for bed, and ultimately knock out. But have you ever thought about what the mattress you sleep on every night is made of?

There is always a more sustainable way of living. Almost every aspect of your life can become more sustainable. Today, I will talk about your mattress and the kinds of impacts they have on the environment.

Mattresses are made from a wide range of materials, including organic ones such as cotton and wool, and synthetic fibers such as polyurethane. Polyurethane, a plastic material often used in furniture, bedding, and carpets, is popular for its flexibility and durability. The issue with the development of mattresses in both organic and synthetic materials is due to fossil fuel use. However, the massive size of mattresses and the extensive need for mattresses generates tons of greenhouse gases, polluting our planet and contributing to climate change.

While the production of mattresses is just one thing, the disposal and decomposition of mattresses are even more polluting. Millions of mattresses are disposed of each year, most going to landfills. According to Canadian Mattress Recycling, a mattress can take decades to decompose in a landfill. Even worse, only 19 percent of mattresses are being recycled. Mattresses are not biodegradable. This is why leaving them in landfills is utterly unsustainable because they are massive and sit in the landfill taking up too much space. The best way of ridding of an old mattress is to bring it to a recycling center or have it picked up by one. Most people don’t realize that most mattresses are recyclable. Other options for disposing of your old mattresses can be by warranty-based recycling, donating, or reselling them.

If you are looking to buy an eco mattress, then keep reading. When looking for an eco mattress, your best options are mattresses made from organic, biodegradable materials. These mattresses are typically 100 percent recyclable, so this is your best bet for disposal. Even if the mattress finds its way into a landfill, it is biodegradable and won’t further pollute landfills. One mattress you can buy from is Birch, their eco mattress is made of wool, cotton, and latex, all of which are biodegradable and from natural sources.

Bamboo

Another option for purchasing eco mattresses is mattresses made from bamboo. Gaining popularity, bamboo mattresses are a great option for producing mattresses because they are renewable and come from the bamboo plant, which is fast growing and doesn’t require excess water or irrigation to grow. Mattress production from bamboo also has a much smaller carbon footprint compared to production from other sources, making it more environmentally friendly. In addition, bamboo is a natural growing plant and is biodegradable and compostable so if it ends up in a landfill, it won’t be there for so long. And don’t be hesitant to its name, bamboo mattresses are comfortable and efficient as they are moisture-wicking to keep you cool all night.

Other Factors

There are a lot of companies out there that now sell eco mattresses, so it’s important to look into the company you want to buy from to ensure the materials they use are organic and natural. Also check to make sure the company you are buying from takes extra strides to commit to being an eco-friendly company through their production methods, transportation, and other factors. Look into buying from a high-quality company, so that your mattress lasts you a while to reduce waste. You should also be sure that the mattress is eco-friendly by being non-toxic to yourself and your home.

The post A sustainable nights sleep appeared first on Green Prophet.

Veganism is taking the world by storm, with more than 79 million vegans taking over the diet industry. Being vegan is adventurous, fun, and full of amazing health and environmental benefits.

Going vegan is not as hard as people may think, there are plenty of food alternatives that can substitute all the delicious foods that you’d hate to give up. In addition, the environmental benefits of going vegan are astronomical and can vastly reduce one’s carbon footprint. Today I will share with you a recipe that I have been making for years now. It is delicious, incredibly healthy, and definitely worth trying.

Spinach Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie

If you like the banana and peanut butter combo, you are sure to like this smoothie. It is thick, creamy, sweet, and vegan. It is high in protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied all day. It is full of nutrients to promote good health and a clear mind. This is a must-try for those who are vegan or just want to find a delicious smoothie recipe.

Ingredients:

• Spinach

Spinach is one of the healthiest things you can put in your smoothie. The good thing about spinach in smoothies is that it does not taste like anything in smoothies, especially with bananas and peanut butter. There are tons of amazing health benefits in spinach, such as its anti-inflammatory, preventing cancer, reducing blood sugar, helping with weight management and so much more.

• Banana

Bananas are my favorite fruit to put in any smoothie because they provide a thick and creamy, sweet flavor and are full of nutrients like potassium. Make sure to use bananas that are ripe in order to get the best results.

• Peanut butter

Peanut butter is a must in this recipe. It is high in protein and provides a lot of flavor. Peanut butter is delicious and filling, and full of great health benefits. Just make sure you are using natural peanut butter and that its only ingredient is peanuts. You can also use other nut butters such as almond butter and sunflower seed butter.

• Oat milk

Oat milk is vegan, delicious, and works great in any smoothie recipe. You can also use other non-dairy milks like almond milk or soy milk, but I’d stay away from almond milk as it is not the best for the environment. Also, make sure you are using good oat milk as many oat milk companies fill their milk with bad ingredients, so I recommend you can make your own oat milk.

• Flaxseed

This ingredient is not as common in smoothies but it’s something I’ve been incorporating for a while now that people do not know how healthy it is. Flaxseed is full of fiber and a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.

• Vegan protein powder of your choice

This is your choice in selecting a protein powder. There are so many protein powders on the market, but few that are both vegan and clean. There is also the option of choosing a flavored protein powder, like vanilla or chocolate. I suggest getting one that’s either vanilla or chocolate because it adds more flavor. Just make sure you read the ingredients carefully and know what is inside the protein powder so that it is good for you and vegan.

This recipe is quick and easy to make. One tip that I recommend is to freeze your bananas. This is my best tip for making a thick, creamy smoothie. No matter what fruit you put into your smoothie, you should use it when it’s frozen. This way you don’t have to use ice cubes to make it cold and it won’t water down your smoothie.

For the most part, you don’t need to use exact measurements when making a smoothie. I typically estimate what I think works best, but this is around how much I use in a single serving for this smoothie. There is also no specific order in making this smoothie and all ingredients can be thrown into a blender and you are sure to come out with a delicious smoothie.

• Handful of spinach
• 1 banana
• 1 cup oat milk
• 2 tablespoons flaxseed
• 2 scoops of protein powder

You are also welcome to add/take out any ingredients in the recipe. Other things you can add to your recipe include other fruits like mixed berries. There are tons of other nutrients you can add to your smoothie to make it a superfoods smoothie with tons of vitamins and minerals.

I love using superfoods powder, which is typically vegan but you should always double-check. In addition to flaxseed, you can also try hemp seeds and chia seeds. You can even add different greens to the smoothie like mixed greens, kale, or even avocado.

Smoothies are one of the best foods to incorporate into your diet for how healthy and customizable they are. It is so easy to add healthy and nutritious items to your smoothie in order to ensure you are getting in all your vitamins and minerals. It is easy to go vegan with this smoothie recipe.

The post The Healthiest Vegan Smoothie appeared first on Green Prophet.

Cockroaches are everywhere, getting in our houses, food, and garbage. Some cultures might eat them but these pesky pests are annoying, large, and gross. No one wants cockroaches roaming their homes. While we all want to get rid of these pests, it is important to do so in a manner that is eco-friendly because pesticides can kill. I will teach you how to get rid of cockroaches in a way that is won’t harm the environment or you.

Pesticides are bad for the environment because the chemicals in them runoff into water bodies and contaminate the water. According Adam Teva Ve Din, Israel still uses glyphosates and more chemicals on its fields than most other Western nation. In Israel, there is widespread use of herbicides in agriculture and urban landscaping. Glyphosate is used widely in Israel to grow wheat, banana, avocado, watermelon, melon, grapes and other agricultural produce. Municipalities often use Roundup (owned by Scotts) and other pesticide products that contain glyphosate to maintain landscaping in parks, gardens, playgrounds and other public open spaces.

Consider that eight of Canada’s ten provinces have instituted restrictions or bans on the use of non-essential pesticides including glyphosate. Roundup has been banned in numerous other countries, states, and cities, due to concerns that exposure to the pesticide may lead to serious health concerns including cancer.

Pesticide contamination on the landscape is detrimental to ecosystems too. Pesticides are also bad for vegetation and soil as they kill plants and insects non-selectively – the good ones and the bad. In addition, pesticides are toxic to humans and can cause unpleasant side effects, such as headaches, nausea, and even cause death in extreme cases. In general, pesticides are so toxic that they quite literally kill everything.

Luckily, there are ways around the toxicity of pesticides so they can be used in an eco-friendly way. One way is by using an all-natural powder called diatomaceous earth (DE) which some people also eat for health reasons. DE is a naturally occurring remnant of fossils and shells found in underground deposits. It can be found in sediments of water bodies such as rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans all over the world. It is used in everyday products such as toothpaste and face washes.

Simply dust this powder over areas that you don’t want cockroaches in and this option works great. It cannot harm you if ingested or inhaled, so it is a great option to use as a pesticide alternative. It also works on a wide range of pests because it absorbs the oils that insects are attracted to. You can usually find it in health stores.

Borax as antidote to cockroaches

The next eco pesticide to get rid of cockroaches is one you can make at home. By mixing borax and sugar, you can have a pest-free house. Borax is also naturally occurring and can be found in household cleaners and laundry detergents. But it is toxic to your body to injest (to your kidneys, and don’t inhale the powder). This method works because pests eat the borax, so you will need to mix it with sugar.

Mix equal parts of borax and sugar and you have an alternate, eco pesticide. Sprinkle this powder over the areas that you want pests to avoid and will kill many insects, including cockroaches. Although this method is environmentally friendly, it is still toxic and needs to be handled carefully. Avoid children being exposed to it, getting it on the skin, or eyes, or inhaling it. Keep it away from food. Under-counter or where the cockroaches hide is a good place to start.

Eco pesticides you can buy

If you are looking for companies where you can buy all-natural, eco-pesticides directly, this is a good one:  Wondercide creates a wonderful pest control spray based on peppermint that is safe to use in the household and is made from natural essential oils.

This peppermint spray kills cockroaches and other pests that may make their way into your home. The spray is vegan, cruelty-free, and does not contain any artificial colors, dyes, or fragrances. It is safe for humans and pets, so it’s a great option in the household.

If you are trying to avoid using any powders or sprays, Pest Reject is another option that is eco-friendly. Pest Reject is a plug-in device that uses an ultrasonic frequency to repel pests such as mouses, spiders, mosquitos and cockroaches.

This device is long-lasting, low consumption, does not produce any radiation, and has no chemical odor. It does not make any noise so everyone in the household can sleep peacefully. The device can cover up to 1200 square feet per unit, so they recommend that you have one device per room.

They can be found online. I highly recommend this device if you struggle with pests of all kinds.

No one should have to worry about cockroaches infesting their homes, so take these sustainable steps to kick them out of your house.

The post Eco solutions against cockroaches appeared first on Green Prophet.

Five years ago Noa Wertheim, Vertigo’s co-artistic director, and her three sisters created the Vertigo Eco Art Village in Israel’s Elah Valley, overlooking the site where Bible says David defeated Goliath. They live with their families in the village, which has composting toilets, solar-heated showers and a water-recycling system. 

Today, the village is also home to a professional dance studio/theater and a sculpture garden. It hosts activities with the goal of ‘fostering artistic creation engaged with the environment,” including educational workshops in practical ecology, agriculture, green technologies, etc., while Vertigo dancers rehearse in a refurbished chicken coop. Their dance philosophy surfs the edges between art and science. Their programs can range from building sustainable wind turbines to studying movement, yoga, Jewish religious philosophy, earth building and classical ballet.

Wertheim’s husband, Adi Sha’al, is also a dancer. They met at the Jerusalem Tamar Dance Company, and together they founded Vertigo in 1992. The company has received several awards from Israel’s Ministry of Culture; most recently Vertigo dancer Rina Wetheim won 2010’s outstanding dancer award.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrfCe-2i7HI]

::The Australian

Image of woman dancing via Shutterstock

Read more about Vertigo, ecology and dance from Israel:
Vertigo Dancers Get Their Groove On in an Eco-Arts Village 
Cooped Up With Vertigo
Celebrate Shavuot at Vertigo Eco-Arts Village, A Great Alternative to All That Cheese

The post Israeli Eco Artists Dance in Australia appeared first on Green Prophet.