TL;DR: SDG 15 – Life on Land

• SDG 15 focuses on protecting, restoring, and sustainably using terrestrial ecosystems, managing forests, halting land degradation, and preventing biodiversity loss.

• Forests cover over 30% of the Earth’s surface and are critical for biodiversity, climate mitigation, and livelihoods—but deforestation continues at a rate of 10 million hectares annually.

• Key challenges include tropical deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and the crossing of planetary boundaries related to land use and biodiversity.

• Achieving this goal supports carbon absorption, protects vital ecosystem services, and promotes resilience, economic stability, and cultural heritage.

• Individuals can help by reducing waste, choosing sustainable products, supporting conservation policies, and promoting biodiversity in their communities.

In 2015, leaders from 193 different countries agreed on 17 global goals they felt the world needed to achieve by 2030. Goal 15 Li...

For the year of 2024, the team here at Fifty Shades Greener have decided to focus our energy and efforts into spotlighting small, community driven sustainability projects from anywhere in the world that are operating on a grass roots level.

We hope their stories inspire you, and more importantly that they spark hope.

Our seventh story features Emma Tuite, Director of Sea Shepherd Ireland, the Irish group of this international marine protection organisation.

The Beginning of Sea Shepherd Ireland

Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization, with a very clear mission: to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species.

Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biod...

We are delighted to present the fourth volume in our "Year of Hope" 2024 blog series. 

Our fourth Story of Hope is shining a spotlight on Understory - an environmental education and zero-waste organisation founded by Alex Konieczka.

"Understory was founded to provide you with a solution to one of the biggest global problems that is biodiversity loss, as a result of the make and waste model. Understory uses reclaimed materials to create sustainable zero waste products, designed to strengthen your connection to nature and help biodiversity. There is no such thing as waste in nature."

For the Fifty Shades Greener team, Alex's story inspires as well as motivates you to push forward with new ideas and when you see there is an urgent need amongst society for something - stick to your ethics and go for it! Read her story for yourself below...

💡Who Is The Founder Of Understory? 

My name is Alex Konieczka, I'm the founder of Understory, as well as an ecologist, educator, youth worker, ze...

Many of our hospitality clients have asked what the best carbon offsetting projects are in Ireland, particularly as these businesses strive to become carbon neutral.  In a previous Opinion Piece, I have highlighted how I find carbon offsetting problematic: Carbon Offsetting - who can I trust? (fiftyshadesgreener.ie).

I do however understand that there is a need for offsetting to exist for businesses who cannot reduce that small remainder of carbon emissions to become neutral or achieve net zero figures by themselves.

The issue that arises for me is understanding the different options for businesses and the language around offsetting.  I feel it is not very accessible or transparent.  As I delved into some research, I find myself in murky waters and asking many questions – are there any other offsetting projects available in Ireland apart from the popular tree planting?

How are these projects regulated? What credits are the government buying and why are we not able to have more ind...