By John Fox
We are all familiar with the problems: the gap between rich and poor, the loss of biodiversity, climate change, the decline in natural resources, pollution of the air, water and soil, and acres of refuse. It is clear that the world is not working in a way that can be sustained in the long term.
Accepting this situation, the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 launched “Agenda 21”. This is a program to ensure “sustainable development”, that is to say development that meets the needs of the present generation without comprising the needs of future generations.
If everyone on Earth used as many resources as we do in Western Europe, we would eventually need three planets to satisfy humanity. Therefore, if the human race is to survive we must choose goods and services that consume less energy and preserve natural resources. This would mean opting for quality and sustainability and avoiding quantity and excess.
The American TV station, Home & Garden Television (HGTV), is launching a brand new series that will feature the stunning home properties of American expats living abroad. With over 90 million viewers and a huge web following, the station has chosen Geneva as one of the first locations to be featured in the new show.
In the Geneva episode, the program host will explore four homes looking for great design ideas and highlighting the value-added elements within each space. From interior design to the lifestyle and culture of the area, the homeowners will give viewers a first hand look at what it’s like to live overseas.
Filming will begin in Geneva the week of July 11th. Chosen homeowners will need to commit to one day of filming (the interview portion only takes about 3 hours; the remainder of the day is spent taking beauty shots of “your space”). The producers hope to have completed “casting” no later than June 1st so if you’re interested in taking part, don’t waste any time contacting them.
Applicants are requested to submit pictures of themselves and their homes (interior and exterior shots). If the producers like your space they will then contact you to set up a phone interview.
According to producer, Katie Woolsey, this will be one of the most artistically shot programs on the HGTV network. She says, “We are looking for fun, outgoing, enthusiastic homeowners in Geneva, so don’t wait to be a part of this amazing opportunity!”
The new, as yet untitled, show will be aired in America in the fall and should be available for viewing on www.hgtv.com.
If you’re interested in applying, please contact Katie immediately, and email photos of you and your property to:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
001-303-872-8678 (USA)
www.hgtv.com
Nyon wishes to educate smokers and offer them a simple and practical solution to help keep the streets clean. A small, recyclable, attractive round tin box is being provided for the discrete disposal of their cigarette butts and used chewing gum, which can be thrown away later in the garbage. The campaign begins April 19th, 2011. Five thousand pocket ashtrays are available free at various distribution points.
Dressed in the visual identity of Nyon’s waste logo, this little ashtray that opens and closes with a single click, will also host chewing gum or other small garbage such as candy wrappers. Seen as a waste of no importance, many cigarette butts are discarded daily in the streets of the city. However, their slow degradation contributes to polluting the environment, including water. The street cleaners have noticed a marked increase of cigarette butts in the streets, which happens to coincide with the cantonal no-smoking ban in public places. This is what prompted the Municipality to raise awareness to preserve the cleanliness of streets.
Distributed in town, accompanied by a brochure, and also available at the déchèterie de Bourgogne (chemin de Bourgogne 12), reception of the Administration communale (place du Château 3) and the Police station (place du Château 10), this pocket ashtray will become the gadget of the year! Distribution of these gems will be targeted at people using the beach and pool and at any smoker over age 16 with the slogan "Well done!"
This simple gesture by the Nyonnais helps contribute to the cleanliness of Nyon's public areas. «Pour une ville propre, mégots et chewing-gums sont à leur place dans le cendrier de poche».
Spring is here and it's the moment to start taking care of your lawn: fertilization, scarification, and general prep! If you can't manage it yourself or don't have the time then why not try one of the local companies specializing in this kind of thing?
Casajardinia is one company that speaks your language and has lots of experience working with international clients. The company works with private individuals, local relocation companies and estate agents, offering clients a range of services for the garden and the home. Garden services extend from lawn mowing and hedge trimming, through to the installation of lights and sprinkler systems. Work can be carried out as part of an annual maintenance contract or according to demand.
By Lisa Cirieco-Ohlman
My parents were friends with Marianne and Karl Gunther many years ago. I have been visiting Marianne at the Résidence Bon Séjour in Versoix for a few years now and am inspired by her peps and dynamic personality! She has a razor sharp memory (I am very jealous of that) and she doesn’t miss a trick.
I was quite amazed when I found out that she had published a book, My Geneva Repertory, and asked her if I could see a copy. This 275-page book is, in fact, a compilation of all the writings Marianne has produced since the early 70s when she was about 60 years-old! I started reading her tales of living in the 70s and 80s in Geneva, reminiscing at the way these memories came flooding back to me. I moved here in 1972, when Geneva was a sleepy town! Things have come such a long way since then!
Many of the articles were written for The Courier magazine, published by the American Women’s Club (now known as the American International Women’s Club). Marianne recounts the best place to get hosiery repairs (remaillage), where to get handbag handles remedied, jewelry mended, and elbow patches sewn on. This is truly a historical bible for the area! Many of these places have either gone out of business as they were too specialized or because the bigger shops have gobbled them up.
