The year zero - Culture, Environment and Innovation

Written By Steven Dagenais

Mydas Greenworks kicks off 2025 with a newsletter on environmental sustainability and cultural development.

On this January 2025 edition:

Age of Union Pledges $287,000 to Protect the Amazon Rainforest and Empower Local Communities

The Kaarimã village, where the Juma Institute headquarters will be established.

In a groundbreaking commitment to environmental preservation and community empowerment, Age of Union Alliance has announced a USD $287,000 investment to support the Juma Institute. This funding will facilitate the development of a new Knowledge Centre and reinforce efforts to safeguard the Amazon Rainforest, one of the most critical ecosystems on Earth.

A Partnership for Change

The Juma Institute, a leading organization in rainforest conservation, has long been at the forefront of protecting the Amazon's biodiversity and promoting sustainable development for local communities. Age of Union's financial commitment will help amplify the institute’s efforts by supporting:

  • Construction of a Knowledge Centre: This facility will serve as a hub for education, research, and collaboration, equipping local populations with tools and resources to engage in conservation efforts actively.

  • Forest Preservation: The funds will directly support initiatives that combat deforestation and protect the rich biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest.

  • Community Empowerment: By investing in education and sustainability, the initiative ensures that local communities are both the stewards and beneficiaries of their natural environment.

A Global Call to Action

Age of Union founder Dax Dasilva continues to champion bold environmental initiatives, aligning with the organization’s mission to protect vulnerable ecosystems worldwide. This latest project highlights the importance of empowering local communities as active participants in conservation efforts, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for our planet’s future.

"By investing in knowledge and preservation, we’re not just protecting the Amazon; we’re inspiring a new generation to carry forward the legacy of environmental stewardship," said Dasilva.

The collaboration between Age of Union and the Juma Institute exemplifies how strategic funding and partnerships can drive meaningful impact. As the Knowledge Centre takes shape, it will undoubtedly become a beacon of hope and a model for conservation efforts globally.

This investment reminds us all of the critical need to act decisively to protect our planet's natural wonders. For more information about Age of Union's initiatives and how to get involved, visit their website.

DJS 4 Climate Action announce EARTH NIGHT 2025: Join the Movement!

Register for Earth Night

Calling all changemakers, creatives, and community builders!

The 8th Annual EARTH NIGHT is just around the corner, and DJs for Climate Action invites YOU to be part of this global celebration. This is your chance to connect with others, spark curiosity, and reimagine the future of our planet—together.

Why EARTH NIGHT Matters

Earth Night is more than an event; it’s a movement. We step away from the relentless crisis mindset to embrace:

  • Curiosity: Exploring what’s possible beyond the status quo.

  • Indigenous Wisdom: Learning from time-tested practices for living in harmony with nature.

  • Regenerative Leadership: Leaving every place and community better than we found it.

By blending music, art, and climate action, Earth Night fosters a collective spirit of hope and connection that transcends borders.

Host Your Own EARTH NIGHT 2025 Event

Have a vision for Earth Night? Make it happen! Whether you’re planning a DJ set, a community discussion, or an art installation, your creativity and passion are what make this night truly special.

Register your event now and let us help you bring your ideas to life. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the details sorted yet—just share what you can, and we’ll guide you from there.

  • Find FAQs here

  • View Earth Night guidelines here

Let’s Create a Harmonious Future

Earth Night 2025 is about more than just raising awareness—it’s about fostering action, connection, and joy. Together, we’ll celebrate the transformative power of community and the resilience of our planet.

Ready to be part of something extraordinary? Register your event today and help shape the future of our planet.

Together, let’s make this Earth Night unforgettable.

Cuerpos at MUTEK Montreal 2024, Photography by Vivien Gaumand

MUTEK Montréal call for Projects for the 2025 edition of its renowned festival closes very soon! This is your chance to showcase innovative works in digital art, electronic music, and audiovisual performance on an international stage.

MUTEK and Sustainability

MUTEK isn’t just a leader in cutting-edge creativity—it’s a trailblazer in environmental responsibility. The organization has won prestigious awards recognizing its commitment to sustainability, including:

  • The Grand Vivat Award for eco-responsible events - 2023

  • MUTEK has joined the very first Écoleader cohort

From adopting circular economy practices to pioneering innovative methods for reducing environmental impact, MUTEK is setting the standard for eco-conscious cultural events.

How to Participate

MUTEK Montréal 2025 welcomes submissions across various disciplines, including:

  • Electronic Music Performances

  • Immersive Audiovisual Creations

  • Interactive Installations

  • Innovative Digital Art Projects

No matter your medium, MUTEK is the perfect platform to bring your ideas to life while championing sustainability.

📅 Deadline | January 31, 2025
📍 Learn more and submit your project here: MUTEK Montréal 2025 Call for Projects.

Join the Movement for a Sustainable Future

By participating in MUTEK, you’ll align with a community that’s not only redefining digital and electronic art but also creating a sustainable future for the arts. We’re proud to collaborate with MUTEK through Mydas Greenworks as we continue to drive meaningful change in the cultural sector.

Let’s work together to inspire, innovate, and make an impact!

Ready to take the stage? Submit your project today!

Picture for MIT Environmental Solutions

Do you know an exceptional individual making a transformative impact on global sustainability? Now is your chance to celebrate their achievements! The Martin Society of Fellows for Sustainability at MIT is inviting nominations for its 2025 cohort.

This prestigious fellowship recognizes and supports early-career leaders and innovators who are addressing today’s most pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges with groundbreaking solutions.

Who Can Be Nominated?

The Martin Fellows program seeks individuals who demonstrate:

  • Visionary Leadership: Bold ideas that challenge the status quo.

  • Interdisciplinary Expertise: A collaborative approach across multiple fields.

  • Sustainable Impact: Practical and scalable solutions to global challenges.

Whether your nominee is a scientist, artist, policymaker, entrepreneur, or community organizer, they should embody the spirit of sustainability and innovation.

Nomination Deadline: February 1, 2025
Learn more about the process and criteria here.

Why Nominate?

The Martin Fellows join an inspiring global network of sustainability leaders, gaining access to:

  • MIT’s world-class resources and mentorship.

  • Funding and support for transformative projects.

  • A platform to amplify their impact and reach.

Let’s uplift the visionaries who are redefining sustainability for a better tomorrow!

How to Get Involved

  • Know someone who fits the description? Nominate them today!

  • Share this opportunity within your networks to ensure the most deserving leaders are recognized.

Together, we can spotlight and support the trailblazers shaping a more sustainable future.
Submit your nomination now!

Reimagining Sustainability: Matteo Volani's Inspiring Creative Journey

Matteo Volani founder of Not So Creative

In a world that demands bold thinking and innovative solutions, Matteo Volani is leading the charge to redefine sustainability through creativity and purpose. His unique approach, highlighted in Indonesia Expat, offers a fresh perspective on integrating sustainable practices into business and art.

A Vision for Sustainability

Matteo Volani’s journey is anything but conventional. Combining his expertise in design and a passion for environmental responsibility, he challenges the status quo by weaving sustainability into the fabric of his creative projects. His philosophy? Sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a mindset.

Key Takeaways from Matteo’s Journey

  1. Purpose-Driven Design: Matteo emphasizes the importance of aligning creativity with ethical practices, proving that beauty and sustainability can coexist.

  2. Innovating for Impact: By embracing unconventional ideas and exploring new materials, he’s creating designs that are both functional and environmentally friendly.

  3. Inspiring Action: Matteo’s work serves as a call to action for individuals and organizations to rethink their impact on the planet.

What Can We Learn?

Matteo’s journey is a reminder that innovation and sustainability aren’t confined to large-scale projects—they can thrive in everyday decisions and creative processes. By prioritizing purpose over profit, we can all contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Join the Movement

At Mydas Greenworks, we celebrate changemakers like Matteo Volani who inspire us to think differently and act boldly. Let’s draw inspiration from his journey and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Read the full article here and discover how you can reimagine sustainability in your own work!

Together, we can make creativity a force for positive change.

Discover the Rolling Green Sustainable Production Guide: Milieu Sauvage Edition

Milieu Sauvage" Sustainable Production Guide

Rolling Green - On Tourne Vert (OTV) is proud to release the "Milieu Sauvage" Sustainable Production Guide, a comprehensive resource for creating eco-friendly audiovisual productions in natural environments. This innovative guide equips filmmakers, producers, and creatives with the tools they need to reduce their environmental footprint while respecting the ecosystems where they work.

What’s Inside the Guide?

The guide offers practical advice and best practices tailored to production teams working in remote and natural locations. Key highlights include:

  • Eco-Logistics: Strategies to minimize transportation emissions and manage on-site energy consumption.

  • Waste Management: Tips for reducing and properly disposing of waste during outdoor shoots.

  • Biodiversity Protection: Guidelines for respecting local wildlife and minimizing disruption to natural habitats.

  • Green Practices for Teams: How to engage your cast and crew in sustainable production efforts.

Why It Matters

Producing content in natural settings comes with a responsibility to protect those environments. The Milieu Sauvage Sustainable Production Guide ensures that creative teams can continue to capture the beauty of the natural world without compromising its integrity. By adopting these principles, you can contribute to a more sustainable film and media industry.

Join the Movement

On Tourne Vert is a leader in promoting environmentally responsible production practices. Whether you’re an independent filmmaker or part of a major production company, this guide is a must-have for aligning your creative process with sustainable values.

📥 Download the full guide here: Milieu Sauvage Sustainable Production Guide (PDF)

🌍 Let’s work together to create a greener future for storytelling. Share this guide with your network and inspire change in the industry.

🎥 Your story matters. Let’s tell it sustainably.

Ecojustice and environmental experts are raising concerns about Canada’s newly introduced climate disclosure standards. While the move marks a step forward in addressing corporate accountability on environmental impacts, critics argue that the standards lack the depth and rigor needed to drive meaningful climate action.

What Are the New Standards?

The updated climate disclosure guidelines aim to provide greater transparency about the environmental impacts of Canadian businesses. Key requirements include:

  • Reporting on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

  • Highlighting Climate Risks in Financial Statements

  • Aligning with Global Standards

Despite these goals, experts say the guidelines leave too much room for interpretation and do not mandate robust accountability measures.

The Concerns

Ecojustice and other advocacy groups have pointed out significant shortcomings in the standards, such as:

  • Lack of Enforcement: Without strict regulatory oversight, companies may not fully adhere to the guidelines.

  • Scope Limitations: The standards fail to address the full lifecycle of GHG emissions, such as those tied to supply chains.

  • Inadequate Alignment with Global Best Practices: Critics argue the guidelines lag behind frameworks like the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

Why This Matters

As Canada positions itself as a leader in the global fight against climate change, the effectiveness of these standards is critical. Transparent and enforceable climate disclosures are key to holding businesses accountable and ensuring progress toward national and international climate goals.

What Needs to Change?

Ecojustice and its allies are calling for:

  • Stronger Enforcement Mechanisms to ensure compliance.

  • Mandatory Scope 3 Emission Reporting, which includes indirect emissions from supply chains and product use.

  • Alignment with Global Standards, ensuring Canadian businesses remain competitive and accountable on the world stage.

Join the Conversation

At Mydas Greenworks, we recognize the importance of corporate accountability in the fight against climate change.

📖 Read the full article here to learn more about the challenges and what’s at stake.

Steven Dagenais
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