the danish island of samso, in 10 years, has cut its carbon footprint by 140%, and is now a model for 100% sustainability ~ with a simple grid of wind farms, solar panels and sheep. and it has been entirely a grassroots effort ~ all traditional fossil-fuel plants have been closed and dismantled, and new renewable-energy plants are owned by either individuals or a collective of residents of the island. in fact, the island's carbon footprint is negative, as it exports millions of kilowatt hours of electricity from renewable energy sources.

we are not hippies, says soren harmensen (the project's mastermind). we just want to change how we use our energy without harming the planet or without giving up the good life.

such a wonderful story ~ read the full report here.

{via the guardian}