Wood is the main source of energy in Cambodia, which has resulted in widespread deforestation. In response, French NGOs have developed an alternative – charbriquets made from coconut shells and dried organic waste. The fuel does not use chopped lumber – giving it a clear advantage. The briquets are inexpensive and burn longer than wood. Factory manager Carlo Figa Talamanca who took over the company from his former employers now wants to reach a wider market. He is working with a French aid group that turns students into a sales force. Talamanca is confident that his social enterprise SGFE (Sustainable Green Fuel Enterprise) will soon reach profitability.

James’ biggest hope is to empower the people in his community. One way he is doing that is by running a recycling an compost center in Monrovia, Liberia. He provides jobs with a purpose – and helps keep the city cleaner.

Listen to the report by Tamasin Ford:

Liberia recycling

Lavender Hill is one of the areas in Cape Town, South Africa with a serious gang problem and the highest unemployment rate. Subsequently, there are many cases of drug abuse and domestic violence. Marcelle van Zyl started a project in the area called Lavender in Lavender Hill. The idea is to keep the youth off the street and create employment opportunities by cultivating lavender and making soaps, teas and oils with the plant. The project started last year, but is lacking funds and therefore cannot employ more than five people at the moment. But Marcelle is working hard to keep the initiative going, as it is impacting positively on the community.

Listen to the report by Faatimah Hendricks:

Lavender Hill

For more on the Lavender Hill project, go to their Facebook page.

A year ago, 23-year-old Mathew Jose found out that only 20 percent of the waste generated in India is recycled. This was despite the unique system of door-to-door rag-pickers in India who buy waste from households and sell it to recyclers at a higher price. This inspired Mathew to start a recycling revolution by reviving the unorganized sector of rag-pickers – and raise funds through recycling, too.

Mathew’s passion and faith in his cause is contagious, and that’s plain to see at all his campaigns. But Mathew is quick to insist that the real hero is the movement itself, and the ones who make it all possible – the rag-pickers.

Listen to Pia Chandavarkar’s report:

India’s Paperman recycles waste to fund education for girls

Emily from Kenya protects the butterfly species that are native to the area. She works with the local young people, raising awareness of the butterflies and of the importance of protecting the environment.

Kenyan environmentalist gives butterflies a future

Learn more about the Kakamega Environmental Education Programme (KEEP) here.

This report is part of Deutsche Welle’s Learning by Ear series. For lots more informative and inspiring stories, visit the Learning by Ear website.

Are you between 13 and 35 and have a great idea for how to help the planet and prevent climate change? Connect4Climate is holding a contest ahead of the UN Conference on Climate Change in Durban, South Africa. The contest runs through November 15.

Here’s Connect4Climate’s website.

You can submit your entry in the form of videos or photos on their Facebook page.

And don’t forget to share your great idea on the Generation Change blog, too!

Do you know of a similar project in your country? Tell us about it!

Andrew Mude, the man behind an innovative livestock insurance program, reflects upon the scheme’s successes so far – and its future potential.

Check out DW’s interview with Andrew Mude.

Here’s more about the International Livestock Research Institute.

What kind of unique insurance program would your community need? Share your thoughts!

Giant sea turtles in western Africa are threatened with extinction. But Miguel from Cape Verde faithfully patrols the beaches to keep them safe while they lay their eggs.

Miguel rescues Cape Verde’s endangered giant sea turtles

DW reporter Carla Fernandes on meeting with Miguel in Cape Verde:

Boavista island on Cape Verde has lovely beaches! When I went there that was all that came to my mind. But this beauty became much deeper when I realized the meaning it has for the balance of an animal species like the marine turtles. Marine turtles prefer sandy beaches to make their nests. So looking at the white sand gain a new meaning: life. It was impressive to see a sea turtle laying her eggs on the sandy beach of Curralito and I was much more moved by this experience than I thought I would be.

Visit the Turtle Foundation’s website.

Here is the Turtle Foundation’s blog on its work on Cape Verde.

Used teabags become necklaces and empty tetra paks turn into shower curtains. Julia Vernersson encourages others to think differently about waste by making useful – and beautiful – everyday objects out of it.

Listen to the report

See some of Julia’s work here.