Real luxury is carbon negative

Sustainability in practice. Bouquet with plants grown locally. No artificial fertilizers or pesticides. Collected manually, near creative assembling point. Made with love and care. Hand delivered by the creator in nearby location, reached in less than 30 minutes by foot. Including complimentary smile and a good day hug. To dispose end of life bouquet, compost, cut in small pieces to use as mulch or use the dry plants as materials to do tapestries ;)

Photo by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC) November, 2025.

Ler antes de estragar

Sim, existem muitos quilómetros de alternativas para colocar paineis solares no nosso pais. Para além dos locais em ambiente construído, grandes extensões foram identificadas pelo Centro de Investigação Comum Europeu (JRC), em Portugal e nos restantes estados-membros da UE, com imenso potencial: autoestradas e caminhos de ferro. 

JRC (2024). European transport infrastructure as a solar photovoltaic energy hub. Utilizando dados geoespaciais para quantificar o potencial de implantação em larga escala de painéis solares ao longo das principais estradas e ferrovias da Europa, tendo em conta “geografia, restrições ambientais, limitações de uso da terra e parâmetros técnico económicos”, resultados revelaram potencial de capacidade de “energia fotovoltaica de 403 GWp na União Europeia (UE)”, ou seja, o “equivalente a 55 % do objetivo de capacidade solar fotovoltaica total da UE fixada para 2030.” Considerando apenas as linhas ferroviárias, “a produção anual total de eletricidade fotovoltaica teria potencial para atingir 250 % do atual consumo anual de eletricidade da rede ferroviária da UE.“ 

JRC (2024). Communication on the potential of applied PV in the European Union: Rooftops, reservoirs, roads (R3). Neste artigo, avaliaram também o potencial de instalação de painéis em autoestradas e linhas férreas, constatando que a “capacidade instalada total de energia fotovoltaica poderia exceder 1 TWp, o que é muito superior à capacidade total de energia fotovoltaica para 2030 da Estratégia de Energia Solar da UE (720 GWp) e seria uma contribuição significativa para os vários TW necessários para a transição global atingir o zero líquido, até 2050” Podiámos também pensar na utilização das faixas de gestão de combustíveis para instalação dos parques solares.Todas elas, formas existentes de baixar e evitar custos ambientais, como alternativas à ocupação e destruição de paisagens protegidas, florestas, montados, corredores ecológicos ou solos agrícolas, incuíndo o abate de todo o tipo de povoamentos florestais que tanto necessitamos neste momento.

Mas falta o tempo gasto no scroll para a leitura de publicações credíveis. Falta a pausa para pensar no que se leu antes do break everything. Falta serenidade (e seriedade) para ver mais longe. Só assim se justifica que se continuem a destruir áreas vivas de importância fulcral para manter os sistemas naturais que ainda funcionam e que precisamos como pão para a boca e como o ar que respiramos. Literalmente.

Photo by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC) November, 2025.

November

Photo by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC) November, 2025.

November

"The paradise lies in the fluid possibilities of emergent alliances, associations, and organizations, and the ways they network through the impacted area to circulate what's needed. And in both the deep kindness motivating that action and the agency and alliance that emerge." Rebecca Solnit (2025). No Straight Road Takes You There. Photo by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC) November, 2025.

November

"(...) new ideas often travel from the margins and the shadows and move to the center". Rebecca Solnit (2025). No Straight Road Takes You There. Photo by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC) November, 2025.

November

“The organized expression of collective interests is what gives shape and meaning to democracy, and requires trust, continuity, structure – and the willingness of people to join things”. Yuan Yang, 2024. Why We Should Join Things. In Democracy: Eleven Writers and Leaders on what it is – and why it matters. Image of tapestry «Democracy vessel» (83 x 80 cm). November 2025. Below, fresh flowers of agapanthus collected in July. Dry flowers. Multipurpose tools used during work. 

All photos by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC).

November

“We need to step outside the machine in order to comprehend how it is working and where it is failing us”. Step into Nature, “a generous teacher, if we can only manage to slow down and listen to what it is saying”. Nature is the system of systems, running with stunning complexity, based in feedback loops “allowing natural ecosystems to continue in equilibrium for eons” even if some “have failed to notice, let alone appreciate”, others haven't. 

“Democracy, too, is a delicate ecosystem – of checks and balances, rights and needs, power and accountability, It requires a healthy, functioning environment and a diverse community of interacting organisms”. It also requires feedback loops. “Our voices matter. Stories bring us together. Silences keep us apart” and erase democracy, in our country and in other's countries. Democracy is interconnected. Worldwide.

Elif Shafak, 2024. Terra Incognita. In Democracy: Eleven Writers and Leaders on what it is – and why it matters. 

Foto Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC). October 30, 2025.

October

Thinking about the growing impact of artificial intelligence on electricity consumption, the vulnerabilities in energy security concerning critical mineral supply chains, within a fragile geopolitical and economic context, and the impacts of climate change already evident in our daily lives, I sent the prompt.

It would be wise for us to employ more people and less artificial intelligence. AI requires many finite critical materials, creates geopolitical and economic wars, and end-of-life hazardous waste. As for people, they use less energy, are abundant, can teach each other, and, at the end of life, they are organic and decompose.

On the monitor, I received the wording that this reflection stimulates debates about digital sustainability, where the "logic is clear”, according to the LLM I used.

"AI is not “immaterial”: it demands enormous amounts of energy, critical materials (lithium, cobalt, rare earths), cooling water, and generates technological waste.

Scarcity and geopolitical risks: the demand for critical minerals is already causing international tension.

Life cycle: servers and chips have a short lifespan, creating electronic waste that is difficult to recycle."

Regarding «human capital» (instead of «people», like I used in my prompt), the LLM wrote:

"Human capital is renewable: people can learn, adapt, and collaborate without generating comparable environmental impacts.

Social efficiency: many tasks that are currently automated could be performed by humans with a smaller ecological footprint, if there is investment in training and valuing work." 

It then suggested a comparative table «AI vs Human Capital» regarding energy, materials, environmental impacts, flexibility, and what it termed hidden costs. I accepted.

After the table, it left a conclusion: 

“This table shows that AI has a significantly greater ecological and material footprint, while human capital is more sustainable and adaptable.” (bold from the LLM tool) 

At a time when billions are being invested in artificial solutions, incurring monumental costs for the environment, instead of investing in natural and human capital, it is ironic that this conclusion comes from an AI tool and does not feature among global political priorities.

Photo by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC). October 30, 2025.

September

“Be brave. Be Kind. And then act. Because it’s action, however imperfect, that begins to bend the world towards justice, towards compassion, and towards change”. Tirana Hassan, September 2025.

Photo by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC), September, 2025.

September

“Merely assuming that information and communication technology (ICT) would foster the spread of democracy was clearly a failed strategy. (…) The gradual erosion of democracy in our time is being accelerated by the growing, unaccountable power of technology companies (…) Undermining principles have practical consequences (…) Tech’s metastatic and unchecked growth has resulted in real-world violence, instability, and division.” Marietje Schaake (2024). The Tech Coup: How to save democracy from Silicon Valley. Photo by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC), September 5, 2025.

post-growth

Prompt: Contentment is anathema to capitalism. 

Response: "Capitalism thrives on the idea that individuals will always want more, driving demand and innovation. Contentment can dampen this drive. (...) If people are satisfied with their current situation, they may not engage in the consumer behaviors that fuel economic expansion. (...) This dynamic raises interesting questions about the balance between personal fulfillment and economic systems." 

Prompt: Relation of contentment with the photo.

Response: "(...) The lush greenery suggests a peaceful retreat, promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being. Being surrounded by plants can enhance feelings of contentment, as nature often provides a calming effect. (...) The presence of a small table and chairs indicates a space for reflection or social interaction. Such environments can foster connections with oneself or others, contributing to a sense of fulfillment. (...) Spaces like this encourage mindfulness, allowing individuals to appreciate the moment and their surroundings, which is essential for cultivating contentment. (...) This serene setting contrasts with the hustle of urban life and consumer culture, highlighting the beauty of simplicity and the joy found in small, everyday moments.

Prompt: You said "This serene setting contrasts with the hustle of urban life" and yet this is a city balcony. 

Response: "(...) the setting is indeed a city balcony, which adds an interesting layer to the discussion of contentment. The balcony serves as a personal retreat amidst the urban hustle, allowing individuals to escape the noise and chaos of city life, even if just temporarily. (...) Incorporating plants in city living can enhance well-being, providing a connection to nature that is often lacking in densely populated areas. (...) The ability to create a serene space in an urban environment reflects a conscious effort to cultivate contentment, balancing the demands of city life with personal well-being. (...) The arrangement of plants and seating suggests a thoughtful approach to living, where individuals prioritize moments of peace and reflection, even in a bustling city. 

Prompt: Do you think it is a good image for what post-growth can be? 

Response: "Yes, the image can effectively symbolize the principles of post-growth. (...) Emphasis on Sustainability. The lush plants represent a commitment to sustainability and ecological balance, key tenets of post-growth thinking, which advocates for living within ecological limits. Quality of Life Over Quantity The cozy balcony setting emphasizes the importance of quality of life and well-being over material accumulation, reflecting a shift away from consumerism. Connection to Nature. The presence of greenery highlights the value of integrating nature into daily life, promoting mental health and a sense of community, which are central to post-growth ideals. Intentional Living. The serene atmosphere encourages mindfulness and simplicity, suggesting that fulfillment can come from small, meaningful experiences rather than constant growth and consumption. Urban Resilience. The image illustrates how urban spaces can adapt to promote resilience and sustainability, showcasing a vision for future living that prioritizes harmony with the environment.

Photo by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC), August 20, 2025.

August

"It has become quite difficult to remember the simple fact about humankind. Its magical power and its beauty is only visible when you too are there, without the mirrors, and only when you are close enough to touch one another". Ece Temelkuran (2025). Together: a manifesto against a heartless world. Photo by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC).

Sustainable prosperity

«A shift towards an economy of care, craft and creativity (...) is not just about the quality of public services or the possibility of creating decent employment. It's a direct answer to the search for a sustainable prosperity. The quest for the good life. To the desire to live well - within the limits of a finite planet.» Tim Jackson (2025). The Care Economy. 

Photo of tapestry «Connected» (81 x 91 cm) by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC). August 2025.

Garden design as Art

"(...) bear in mind that garden design as it is studied by the one nation which really understands it - the Japanese - takes many years of serious application to reach perfection. It is a very high art". Frances Wolseley (1919). Gardens: their form and design. Found and suggested by paula simoes' blog. Photo by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC), July 13, 2025.

PS - The Countryman's Log Book

July

Earth, Mogli. Photo of Kaya by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC), June 15, 2019. Cats.

July

“(…) the whole world is crumbling and we can do more than ask for hope. And what if there is no hope? Do we just lie down and accept our fate? Or, a more dangerous question: what if there is hope? Are they ready to do what it takes? (…) she looked like one of those rare women who had earned the lines on her face. ‘They mean something else when they speak of hope’ (…) ‘Think about faith’ (…) ‘Not the religious kind.’ So I did”. Ece Temelkuran (2025). Together: a Manifesto Against a Heartless World. Foto Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC), July 2025.

July

“The will to touch reality” and all the “beings within it was as simple as the urge to breathe, and breathe together”. The Tree was right. “After all, one cannot hesitate when it comes to breathing. And one learns that breathing in difficult times is something that requires” other beings “to help you do it properly”. Ece Temelkuran (2025). Together: a Manifesto against a Heartless world. Foto Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC), June 23, 2025.

Solstice

Developing self-confidence "empowers you to overcome your ego, acknowledge your deficiencies, and start on the path to doing and being better." Shane Parrish, 2023. Clear Thinking: the art and science of making better decisions.  Foto by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC).

June

Photo by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC).

...

"When we keep a safe distance from reality, we fail to understand that those inside it are fighting with everything they have. The uneasiness of the spectator, her feelings of guilt and helplessness, are simply irrelevant." Ece Temelkuran (2025). Together: a manifesto against a heartless world.

March

A propósito das narrativas exageradas e erróneas da grandiosidade do ser humano, António Damásio, em Sentir e Saber (2020), escreve: 

"É grandiosa no que diz respeito aos seres humanos; menospreza injustificadamente os seres não-humanos; e não reconhece a interdependência e a capacidade de cooperação das criaturas vivas, desde as que existem ao nível macroscópico até aos seres humanos. Em última análise, não reconhece a presença de dispositivos e mecanismos poderosos, presentes na natureza desde o início da vida." 

Photo of tapestry detail «undigitise» by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC). March 2025.

Equinox

A new cycle begins. “(…) it’s about as full circle as it gets. (…) One day at a time, and suddenly you realize life is brighter, life is lighter. You made it through the storm” (Dunbar, 2024), except, other entities bully your neighbors, make them suffer, threaten them, persecute them, injure them, kill them and destroy everything. And in the end, they hope to live happily and securely ever after? Is this the implosion of humanity, cause surely it is not a vision for a better world...

Lucy Claire Dunbar (2024). The Book of Gifts. Fotografia de Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC), março de 2025.

PS - Banda sonora pode ser a que li no que Flora Graham escreveu no Nature Briefing de 11 de fevereiro de 2025, sobre o músico Cosmo Sheldrake (com Nature) que ajudou investigadores a registar «the wonderful, wet and complex” sounds of the fungi and other organisms in the soil, in the words of evolutionary biologist and co-author Toby Kiers»: soil.

Gaze

in english: "a steady and intentional look at something or someone, often for a long time, typically indicating interest, admiration, or contemplation. It can also imply a psychological relationship of power between the observer and the observed". by DuckDuckGo 

in portuguese "a light, thin and transparent cotton or silk fabric, very porous, sterile (or sterilizable), of varying elasticity, thickness, shape, reticulation and size, depending on the use for which it is intended. It is usually used in dressings and surgical interventions, and may be impregnated with medications such as antiseptics." by Wikipedia

Photo of tapestry (80 x 80, belonging to «404 Humanity not found» serie) by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC). January 19, 2025.

January

“(…) my story bleeds through from my cover into the real world, a message from a parallel universe revealed through graphic design and visual creativity. My cover is the shadow on Plato’s cave wall, a hint of the truth and imagination hidden within. When you look at me, I am designed to make you want to open the lid and let my stories escape through your gaze, diving through your eyes into your mind, where they can live and breed anew. I’m only a book. Hold me.” Robert Klanten, Mathias Hubnel and Andrew Losowsky (2013). Fully Booked. Photo of tapestry on the making (belonging to «404 Humanity not found» serie), by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC). January, 2025.

January

“The courage not to be vanquished by anxiety, not to hurt others out of frustration, not to grow to furious with the world for the perceived injuries it heedlessly inflicts, not to go crazy and somehow to manage to persevere in a more or less adequate way through the difficulties (…), this is true courage, this is a heroism in a class all of its own.” Alain de Botton (2017). The Course of Love. Fotografia de Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC), janeiro de 2025.

Humanity 404

 

"We who are not there, witnessing from afar, in what ways are we mutilating ourselves when we dissociate to cope?" Isabella Hammad (2024). Recognising the Stranger. Photo of tapestry on the making by Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC). January, 2025.

January

 

"Vertigo is from the bottom up. Vertigo has always been defined as a disturbance felt in front of an abyss or at a high point in relation to the space between us and the ground. Reversing the direction of this axis by designating the vertigo that can be felt when looking upwards is equivalent to shifting the focus of this disturbance from the drop, the earth, and the materiality to the rise, the sky, and spirituality."

Placa colocada junto das fotografias da exposição do artista Fernando Lemos, no Espaço Engawa, do Centro de Arte Moderna da Gulbenkian. Fotografia de Monica Pinheiro CC BY-NC-SA (CC), 30 de dezembro de 2024.