A SCOTTISH group is to feature in a brand new series of documentaries by Facebook that celebrates some of Europe’s most sustainable communities.
The Rethinkers series consists of 11 short films across eight countries, featuring communities across Europe that are pulling together to combat climate change and reappraising their approach to their impact on the planet.
The series features communities from Scotland, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium that are driving local initiatives and changing behaviours for a greener future.
The Scots group featured in the film series is Raasay Community Renewables, based on the Isle of Skye, an organisation dedicated to bringing sustainable energy solutions to the Isle of Raasay and its residents.
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The group’s current project, co-founded by Ross Camilli, Ross Gillies and Rosie MacLeod when they were teenagers, involves developing two micro hydro schemes, resulting in an annual CO2 saving of 127 tonnes.
Now in their 20s, they have raised more than £600,000 to fund their dream of a more sustainable future for Raasay through their hydro plant.
Ross Camilli, director of Raasay Community Renewables, said: “We are delighted to be involved in the Rethinkers series and share our journey towards bringing sustainable energy to our community on the Isle of Raasay. Through Facebook groups, we were not only able to share our project within our own community but also much more by allowing people across the globe that want to support initiatives like ours to get involved. For such a small community, this was crucial in making this great project possible.”
Other groups featured as part of the series include Os Om Havet, a volunteer organisation in Denmark clearing the seabed from waste using divers and paddle boarders, and GreenSwap, Amsterdam’s first 100% carbon neutral online grocery.
Elektro Choppers also feature, a group of chopper motorbike enthusiasts from Germany whose bikes have been modified to run off electric.
Facebook says the series launches as Europe grapples with the need to transform its economy and society to put it on a more sustainable path, while trying to recover from the Covid pandemic.
Eva Maria Kirschsieper, Facebook’s public affairs director for sustainability in Europe, said: “The climate crisis is real. A threat that we face and that requires a great collaborative effort in order to combat.
“The new Rethinkers series shines a light on those who are inspiring many with their sustainable approach through an active and engaged Facebook group, and the impact that each group has had on its local community is truly admirable.
“These videos show how coming together on Facebook’s platform can engage others to have a positive impact when it comes to sustainability.
“Facebook is committed to playing its part in encouraging true action to address the climate crisis, which is why we have pledged to take steps towards reducing our emissions and set a goal to reach net zero for the company’s value chain by 2030”.
You can view the full Rethinkers film series at www.facebook.com/sustainability
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