Organization Earth eyes non-commercial activities in Greece that lure investment
There is a silver lining to the pandemic period for Greece – the country has finally placed itself on the world’s investment map. Savvy experts have picked up that reforms and the rise of startups created by talented and energetic young people are leading to a New Greece – they also know that adapting to the future entails changing mindsets among individuals and companies, so initiatives promoting such transformations are also on investor’s radars.
Organization Earth is a civil society initiative founded in 2010 which is committed to promoting more sustainable living in Greece. Alex Galinos, the Executive Director, told The National Herald that, “the idea was to create a better quality of life in Greece by helping people reconnect with nature through community-based activities and initiatives. Since then, that goal, of fostering more sustainable lifestyles, has shifted from being a ‘nice thing to have to an urgent issue of survival. We are now in the midst of a climate ‘crisis’, not just ‘climate change.”
So, a future that attracts investors must be a sustainable future, and Organization Earth is a promising engine for change in Greece, along with companies that are committed to Corporate Social Responsibility – which investors are also on the lookout for. The two movements are related because today’s children are tomorrow’s corporate leaders.
Galinos knows that mindsets in the country must change – everybody in Greece claims to know that – but even more importantly, he actually grasps how hard they are to change, and that energy and imagination are needed.
“We definitely need to change for us and our kids to survive. That is now in our interest, that is why we do what we do at Organization Earth. We are focusing on the consumer side of the equation. We’re trying to help people change and our work focuses more on children because that is the next generation and it is the segment of the population that is very open to these issues.” And of course, they are developing their habits now – as opposed to the older generations whose habits are harder to change.
Regarding the children, Galinos says, “this is the time to interact with them,” while they are in school and can be taught new approaches and perspectives. The point is also to connect people with Nature and the Earth – especially the new generation of kids born into the sprawling urban environment of Attiki. “You see kids who are surprised to learn that tomatoes come from plants!” he noted.
But Galinos adds that, “the second most important target group is the kids’ parents – because parents, especially those with young kids, do a lot of things together. It is possible to approach the parents and initiate the parents because they want to raise their children with the right values – it’s a great opportunity to work with them also.”
Their programs are popular and people look forward to them. “Often on Sunday, in the Spring and Fall,” he told TNH, “we extend an open invitation for people to come to our farm in the Athens suburb of Ilion. We spend a day together and the kids participate in a number of workshops or activities, depending on the season. They might pull weeds, or pick lettuce, potatoes, and tomatoes. There are also arts and crafts activities. The adults attend lectures on subjects like sustainable food habits or take a free yoga session. And then they will either all cook together or enjoy a nice meal cooked by a chef we invite.”
Organization Earth also works with schools. “We either have classes when the children visit the farm for daily workshops, or we go to the schools for seminars there.”
CULTIVATE YOUR OWN GARDENS
A more sustainable future entails ‘do’s’ in addition to ‘don’ts’. “We like to encourage all people to have their own gardens and we teach them how, Galinos said. He believes there is great potential for change and benefits from home farming, but that the technology is not yet there. He also notes that “it is important to consume ‘in season’ and to produce and consume locally, as opposed to say, Greece obtaining onions from Argentina. We also work with municipalities to create local vegetable gardens.”
Organization Earth also works with local and global companies in Greece as Corporate Responsibility has become a priority of the corporate sector around the world, inspired partly by the UN’s Environmental Social Government (ESG) framework. ESG prompts companies to assess to what extent they are not just not harming Nature but actually helping the environment by promoting economic activity that is sustainable; that they are being socially fair and inclusive; and to examine t what extent that is reflected in the governance model of the firms. Galinos notes that “capital investment at this juncture takes into consideration and actually evaluates companies who take ESG seriously. If they don’t, according to the investors’ perspective, this company may not survive in the future – because there are new risks and opportunities and the companies that do not see that are the companies that will not survive.”
One example of Organization Earth’s collaboration with companies in the ‘Pocket Parks’ it developed with Proctor & Gamble to put more ‘green’ in the concrete jungles of Attiki.
An indicator of Organization Earth’s success is being a recipient of The Hellenic Initiative’s Venture Impact Awards (VIA), which rewards both for-profits and not-for-profits that make a positive impact in society.
Read more at thenationalherald.com
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel
- 1) 'Nature Positive' peport highlights new collaborative era in travel & tourism
- 2) Greek Climate Change Minister signs memorandum for Attica fire protection zones
- 3) UN Tourism and Croatia to launch Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism
- 4) Greece's Meteora Pyli Geopark added to UNESCO Global Geoparks network
25/04 22:00
Greek FM talks with Kuwaiti counterpart on bilateral relations, regional cooperation
25/04 14:49
Prices of products in Easter Basket the same or lower in Greece than in 2023
25/04 13:57
25/04 12:44
Greece and China to ink cooperation protocols in the fisheries sector
25/04 09:53
Extended shop opening hours for Easter in Greece start on Thursday
25/04 02:19
Athens Airport voted as the best in marketing strategy at European awards in Denmark
25/04 02:10
President of Hellenic Republic visits La Chascona Museum in visit to Chile
24/04 21:31
Thirty-one Greek political parties to take part in European Parliament elections
24/04 21:25
Payment by bank cards now accepted on Athens Airport Express bus lines
24/04 14:12
Herculaneum papyri unveil more than location of Plato's tomb in Athens
23/04 23:52
Greece’s New Ambassador to the United States visits Queens in New York
23/04 21:49
Traffic regulations in Athens due to the Olympic Torch Relay on Thursday-Friday
23/04 20:59
President of Hellenic Republic wraps up visit to Uruguay at parliament
23/04 15:44
Greek government will pass legislation halving commission paid for POS transactions
23/04 15:03
Precise location of Plato's burial site unveiled by ancient papyrus
22/04 22:33
'Nature Positive' peport highlights new collaborative era in travel & tourism
22/04 21:25
22/04 20:37
Greek and Turkish delegations discuss Confidence Building Measures for 2024
22/04 18:29
Over 114,000 Greek Diaspora citizens register to vote by post in the European elections
22/04 13:40
19/04 01:29
Athens State Orchestra presents 'St. Matthew's Passion' by Bach on April 30th
18/04 21:49
Greek Climate Change Minister signs memorandum for Attica fire protection zones
18/04 20:32
'Easter Basket' and 'Godparents basket' to be put into effect next week in Greece
18/04 20:17
18/04 17:40
17/04 21:06
Thessaloniki Port: Performance growth for 2023 with record container throughput
17/04 20:57
Traffic regulations imposed in Athens for the 41st Peace Marathon on Sunday
17/04 20:52
17/04 18:15
Greek Foreign Minister addresses the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens
17/04 17:12
16/04 21:02
NHM hosts the Trial of Pericles at the Harris Theater in Chicago on April 17
16/04 20:17
Greece will invest $830 million to protect marine biodiversity
16/04 01:46
New York Greek Independence Parade honors 1821 and solemn Cyprus Anniversary
16/04 01:35
Olympic Games Paris 2024: Olympic Flame to be lit at Ancient Olympia in Greece
16/04 00:29
European Committee of Regions and UN release study on Rural Tourism
15/04 20:41
15/04 19:58
Minister: Greece is transforming into a hub for exporting quality agri-food products
15/04 18:51
Greek Environment Minister meets Chinese Deputy Minister of Natural Resources
13/04 00:13
UN Tourism and Croatia to launch Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism
12/04 00:03
2024 marks a critical year in the enduring strength of Greek-German relations
12/04 00:00
11/04 22:07
Ambassador: US committed to upgrade of Greek military and support NATO's SE flank
11/04 19:40
Hellenic Pride on display at rainy Chicago Greek Independence Day Parade
11/04 02:06
Delphi Economic Forum IX: Energy collaboration a 'key' in Greek-Bulgarian relations
11/04 01:58
UN Tourism launches investment guidelines for Albania sector
10/04 19:01
Greek FinMin: New package of economic measures in 2025 to lower taxes, raise pensions
10/04 18:25
Greek city of Nafplion hosts Mediterranean Yacht Show for ninth year running
09/04 23:57
Greek PM on Tilos: Innovative projects for a cyclical economy are of key significance
09/04 23:55
UN Tourism members promote agenda for Europe as region leads global recovery
09/04 23:46
HFS presents 1968, Rousing Docudrama about Greece’s First European Cup April 21
09/04 22:48
Stolen 7th-century BC oenochoe returned to Greece by Hanover museum, municipality
09/04 22:42
Greek civil servants confederation ADEDY to strike on May 21
09/04 21:55
Greek Migration Minister meets Senior US Coordinator for Lawful Migration
08/04 23:48
08/04 23:41
Elliniko-Argyroupoli Mayor marches in Greek Independence Philadelphia Parade
08/04 21:53
Project Voria casino complex in Maroussi moving ahead after environmental report
08/04 21:36
Minister: Up to 120 delegations to take part in 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens
08/04 19:22
Direct flight from Shanghai to Athens offers access to key tourism market for Greece
08/04 18:31
AI conference to attract distinguished speakers to Thessaloniki on April 25-27
04/04 23:28
City of San Jose marks March 25 with 16th Annual Greek Flag Raising Event
04/04 22:16
Urban plans published for seven townships in Thessaloniki and Attica of Greece
04/04 17:24
FinMin: The new EU economic and fiscal framework is good for Greece
04/04 15:30
Greek PM meets with the chiefs of the international pharmaceutical manufacturers
04/04 00:15
Deputy Minister for Macedonia-Thrace meets US Embassy Deputy Mission Chief
03/04 20:12
Syracuse AHEPA Chapter 37 marks March 25th Greek Independence Day
03/04 18:10
Greece's Delphi Economic Forum on April 10-13 to focus on 'The Great Transition'
03/04 16:42
Minister: Industrial production has returned to the pre-crisis levels in Greece
02/04 18:06
30/03 23:21
Eleni Gatzoyiannis scholarship offered to Greek students at Boston University
29/03 16:44
3rd edition of 'This is Athens - City Festival' with 250+ events from May 1 until June 2
29/03 15:53
Athens Metro station Aghia Varvara to stay closed on Saturday and Sunday
29/03 13:55
Greek Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy concludes visit to Montenegro
29/03 12:00
29/03 11:51
28/03 18:41
Attica Region to channel 640 bln euros to services of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
28/03 17:32
Greece to auction three-month T-bills on April 3, 2024 in a book entry form
28/03 15:46
Greece's Meteora Pyli Geopark added to UNESCO Global Geoparks network
28/03 14:44
IPTO announces framework agreement tender for undersea power cables in Greece
28/03 11:49
IOBE: Construction sector in Greece records robust growth and good prospects
26/03 23:51
St. Thomas Hellenic School honors 1821 and the Feast of the Annunciation in NJ
26/03 21:59
PM at Economic Club of Canada: Greece is an attractive investment destination
26/03 17:56
Greek State budget primary balance reaches a surplus of 3,378 million euros
26/03 11:45
Ancient Messene to get upgraded visitors' facilities after approval by Council
23/03 17:43
New requirements for 'Golden Visa' program to kick in on March 31
23/03 16:49
Athenians continue to head out of the Greek Capital for March 25 long weekend
23/03 16:47
Greek Parliament lights to be turned off for Earth Hour 8:30-9:30 pm
22/03 21:54
US President on Greek Independence Day: Alliance with Greece stronger than ever
22/03 19:51
High diplomacy and geopolitics at Delphi Economic Forum IX in Greece
22/03 19:32
Tax authorities enable payments with foreign bank cards in Greece
22/03 14:19
22/03 00:24
Greece ranks first on list of countries with fastest business environment progress
22/03 00:02
Hellenic Police acquires first electric VAN-type highway patrol vehicle
21/03 22:41
21/03 15:33
Unseen Museum presents "The stele of the twin babies" exhibition in Athens
20/03 22:48
Health Minister: 95% of Greek hospitals to perform afternoon surgeries
20/03 21:52
Greek Deputy Minister of Justice meets delegation from US Embassy in Athens
20/03 21:44
Greek Interior Minister to visit United States and Canada on postal vote
20/03 20:55
Philadelphia Icarians mark 85th Anniversary and organize Apokriatiko Dance
20/03 18:01
Development Minister: We continue the battle against high prices in Greece
19/03 22:28
President of the Hellenic Republic meets her Ethiopian counterpart in Athens
Herculaneum papyri unveil more than location of Plato's tomb in Athens
Greek FM talks with Kuwaiti counterpart on bilateral relations, regional cooperation
Extended shop opening hours for Easter in Greece start on Thursday
President of Hellenic Republic visits La Chascona Museum in visit to Chile
Thirty-one Greek political parties to take part in European Parliament elections
Prices of products in Easter Basket the same or lower in Greece than in 2023
Payment by bank cards now accepted on Athens Airport Express bus lines
Greece and China to ink cooperation protocols in the fisheries sector
Athens Airport voted as the best in marketing strategy at European awards in Denmark
Precise location of Plato's burial site unveiled by ancient papyrus
Greek Education Minister calls on universities to carry out final exams online
TUI chief forecast: Tourism sector in Greece to break all records during 2024
IPTO chief: Starting construction on Greece-Cyprus-Israel power interconnector
Greek president organizes reception for diplomats at Presidential Mansion
Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino and The Dolli among the world's best new luxury hotels in 2023
Consumers to see price cuts up to 18.1% in 3,000 Greek supermarket products as of Friday
Over 114,000 Greek Diaspora citizens register to vote by post in the European elections
Greece’s New Ambassador to the United States visits Queens in New York
Greek PM inaugurates 'One & Only Aesthesis' tourist resort in suburb of Glyfada
'Easter Basket' and 'Godparents basket' to be put into effect next week in Greece
Deadline to file taxes is extended in Greece to July 31 by Finance Ministry
New publication: 'I am not Maria - I am Callas: Her real life and an eon of myths'
Temporary residence for displaced Ukrainians extended in Greece to March 2025
The bratti hotel signage at the XENIA 2023 exhibition & the Architect Show 2023 event