Appropedia : Wikipedia goes green

by Florent Godard on Oct.18, 2009, under Communication, Ecology, Ecology thoughts

Appropedia is a wikipedia-like website totally dedicated to sustainable development. It is a unique place to discuss specific topics and get information and links.

Appropedia’s layout…just like Wikipedia’s.

The Appropedia website’s layout is similar to that of Wikipedia, but the big difference is that Appropedia has been created to help people get together and find solutions in sustainable development, reduce poverty through aid and foster international development. Its aim is to bring some light on technologies mainly used in the developing countries (“the Majority World”, according to the website) to improve water supply and purification devices, transport systems and agricultural practices.

It also gives advice on how to alter everyone’s everyday life, like how to destroy stereotypes on solar cookers or how to build your own waterless toilets. Each article explains the advantages and drawbacks of each device and the ways it can be used in full details.

This “appropriate technology wiki” was created to help people find the right technology for their everyday needs while being respectful of the environmental, cultural, economic situations.

Just like in Wikipedia, anyone can add, remove, or edit content. Having recently scored more than 10 million viewings, the website and its content have also been translated into six languages ( French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish).

Since it was launched in April 2006, Appropedia has grown up so much it now includes six similar websites: Sustainable Development Wikia, WinWinWiki, Wikigreen.org, Village Earth’s AT wiki, HowToLiveWiki – home of the Hexayurt, as well as Sgoals – the site for sustainable business.

For further information go to http://www.appropedia.org/Welcome_to_Appropedia