Monthly Favourites: March 2024

Date added: Mon 25 Mar 2024

Welcome to The Natural Energy Company’s monthly favourites!

Each month we will be sharing what the team has been reading and watching in the world of sustainability! 

Favourite Reads

• “How the World’s Whitest Paint can Reduce Energy Use” 

At Purdue University, Professor Xiulin Ruan and his team of Mechanical Engineering students have achieved a groundbreaking feat: the development of the whitest paint ever recorded. This innovative paint boasts an extraordinary capacity to reflect 98% of sunlight. When applied to a building's roof, it can lower surface temperatures by more than 20°C compared to conventional alternatives. This substantial cooling effect promises to significantly alleviate the strain on air conditioning systems in hot climates, leading to a substantial reduction in energy consumption.

https://happyeconews.com/worlds-whitest

-paint-can-reduce-energy-use/#:~:text=

By%20reflecting%20rather%20than%

20absorbing,%C2%B0C%20using%20

this%20approach.

• “A good turn: the world’s tallest wooden wind turbine tower”

Swedish startup Modvion has innovated by using layers of spruce timber for their 105m wind turbine, offering a more sustainable alternative to steel. This choice has made their manufacturing process nearly carbon neutral compared to steel production. Since the turbine's blades began spinning in December 2023, it has powered over 400 homes in Gothenburg.

https://www.positive.news/environment/

A-good-turn-the-worlds-tallest-wooden

-wind-turbine-tower-in-pictures/

• Silent Spring by Rachel Carson’s 

Rachel Carson's 1962 publication, "Silent Spring," ignited controversy in the U.S., facing staunch opposition from chemical companies. Through rigorous scientific analysis, Carson illuminated the harmful impacts of synthetic pesticides, notably DDT, on both human health and the environment. Her work spurred a government inquiry, leading to a significant reversal in U.S. pesticide policy, with global reverberations.

"Silent Spring" holds a special place among our founding Director Richard's favourite reads.

Favourite Watches

• “The Year the Earth Changed” by David Attenborough

Attenborough delivers an enlightening documentary highlighting the profound positive effects observed in nature during the Covid-19 pandemic, when human interference was notably reduced. One remarkable phenomenon he discusses is birds adjusting their songs due to decreased road noise, producing melodies previously unheard by researchers.

https://thecatalystnews.com/2022/09/29/

review-of-the-year-earth-changed/

• The Last Tourist

A poignant documentary delving into the repercussions of over tourism on our environment, wildlife, and communities worldwide. Through insightful revelations, the film sheds light on the harsh realities while imparting crucial knowledge on sustainable travel practices, encouraging viewers to explore our beautiful  planet responsibly.

https://thelasttouristfilm.com/

Tune in next month for more content the team have been loving!