Welcome to my online home RoblesReports.com.
My name is Michel Robles. I’ve been a journalist and photographer since 1989, mostly on a freelance basis. My special interest is in reporting on science as well as on sustainable solutions to problems concerning our environment, nature, spatial planning and global development. Sometimes I also write on socio-economic issues and the journalist profession itself.
I’m a Dutchman (hopefully my writing is no double Dutch…), working from my home town Nijmegen in Holland. Originally, I was educated a psychologist. Then, during the eighties, I sort of stumbled into jobs with several environmental organizations (such as Greenpeace) and animal welfare foundations, as a campaigner, educator or editor.
At the end of the eighties, I happened to do several stories that made national magazines and newspapers. So one morning I woke up, realizing: Oops, I’m a journalist!
I hope to combine a reporter's mental distance and nuance with a healthy dose of social commitment. For that reason I also initialize real life projects, aimed at enhancing our surroundings.
I’m an active member of the Dutch association of Investigative Reporters (Vereniging van Onderzoeksjournalisten VVOJ).
Professionals interested in hiring my services may contact me by e-mail: mail@roblesreports.com
I have started this website as an extra outlet for my writing, photo stories and projects. You won't find a cascade of short news items here. My core business is giving background stories and heralding new trends and technological developments.
I hope people from all over the our magnificent bluegreen miracle ball can find useful new and sustainable solutions and technologies here, in a language they understand. Many of the stories are in English, many in Dutch and quite a few in both languages or even other tongues.
By the way, the site has been designed as an easy one to navigate. You’ll often be able to access stories from a number of related ones, related pages et cetera.
Enjoy!
Photo: © Michel Robles
Martial Art
Once they were bullets, pistols or grenades. Now under the deft hands of Mozambique’s possibly most famous sculptor Goncalo Mabunda they have been transformed into Art.
Recycling AK-47's and other arms from the one-time civil war has become the trade mark of Mabunda and a couple of his fellow artists. I saw some of the results in a small B&B in Antwerp. But even the British Museum and the Bill Clinton Foundation acquired pieces from the 'Arms into Art' programme. Read more…
Photo: © Michel Robles
High on FSC
Ten years ago the Netherlands were an admired environmental pioneer nation. Nowadays, due to a shortsighted neoliberal policy we are almost tail-end Charley within the European Union. Belgium, on the other hand, is a real runner-up. Last December (2010) the Flemish Leukenheide distillery presented Dennenknopje (Pine Bud). Dennenknopje is the world’s very first jenever (traditionally a truly Dutch strong drink), made from a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) labeled wood product. The gin-like softbooze is distilled from pine cones from the Pinus silvestris. The pines grow in Flanders’ vastest, FSC certified forest region Bosland. A local high from an okay forest. Innovation can be anywhere.…
Questioning Plastiki pride
The newly designed cradle-to-cradle catamaran Plastiki has recently arrived is Sidney after a publicity voyage from California across the Pacific Ocean. The designers claim extreme recyclability. But, contrary to earlier announcements, the ship will not be up-cycled now that it has reached its destination. The builders say they've become too attached to their newborn baby. Of course, the vessel can be a showcase for years to come. But, hey, isn't this kind of attachment of people to their achievements precisely the reason why our earth is becoming such a cluttered place? www.theplastiki.com
Sweet C2C
Cradle-to-cradle handmade beauty: go haunt the town's antique and recycle shops and flea markets for a bunch of elegant (or maybe you prefer funny or modern design) plates, saucers and wine glasses. Wash them well, sand the glasses' brims lightly and glue things together with strong porcelain glue. Any shape, size and design you fancy, will do.
Lo and behold: you have now created your own home grown bonbonnière! For sweets, cookies, fruit - or sandwiches if you like. Ladies love'em! Dozens were sold in a fashion shop in my home town. Enjoy more...
Photos: © Michel Robles
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