Nadya, living in the world's second-largest plastic-contributing country, champions personal responsibility: "Be an example. Start from yourself and together we do good things to our

Nadya, living in the world's second-largest plastic-contributing country, champions personal responsibility: "Be an example. Start from yourself and together we do good things to our environment."

She adopted this philosophy two years ago during an environmental NGO internship. Working on a zero-waste-to-ocean project, Nadya realized she, too, had been a significant waste contributor, prompting her commitment to change.

This message was shared at a TEDx event, independently organized by a local community. Learn more about TEDx at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

After fleeing war-torn South Sudan, Mary Maker found security and hope through education at Kenya's Kakuma Refugee Camp. Now a teacher of young refugees, she champions education as an essential

After fleeing war-torn South Sudan, Mary Maker found security and hope through education at Kenya's Kakuma Refugee Camp. Now a teacher of young refugees, she champions education as an essential tool for rebuilding lives and empowering girls, stating it can "turn their tears of loss into a passion for peace."

TED Talks feature leading thinkers and doers sharing insights on technology, entertainment, design, science, and global issues. Explore more talks at TED.com. Follow TED on Twitter, like on Facebook, and subscribe to our channel.

Learn from Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and cofounder of Project Dandelion. Her inspiring work, from breaking glass ceilings to championing

Learn from Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and cofounder of Project Dandelion. Her inspiring work, from breaking glass ceilings to championing climate justice, embodies a vision of tolerance and empathy for a new Ireland and a better world.

Prince Charles has voiced strong opposition to climate change deniers and skeptics. This position aligns with a sentiment expressed in 2014 by Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and UN

Prince Charles has voiced strong opposition to climate change deniers and skeptics. This position aligns with a sentiment expressed in 2014 by Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Robinson, a grandmother of five, questioned, "What will they say about what we did or didn't do?" This quote appeared in the New York Times article, "Forecast of Hopes and Fears," published on September 22, 2014.

Mary Anderson, Director of Public Works for the City of Highland Park, IL, has 25 years of experience in

Mary Anderson, Director of Public Works for the City of Highland Park, IL, has 25 years of experience in municipal government and public works. She is also an original appointee to the APWA Center for Sustainability.

At the June 2011 APWA Sustainability in Public Works conference in Portland, Oregon, Ms. Anderson presented on the APWA Framework for Sustainability and the Center for Sustainability initiative. The session was videotaped by Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv, "the voices of sustainability."

Human objects in space are creating dangerous clutter. MIT Assistant Professor Danielle Wood advocates for sustainable space technology, stressing the need to respect both people and the

Human objects in space are creating dangerous clutter. MIT Assistant Professor Danielle Wood advocates for sustainable space technology, stressing the need to respect both people and the environment in future missions. This approach is crucial for managing the "industrial waste" accumulating beyond Earth.

One promising solution involves a wax-based fuel for satellites, made from beeswax and candle wax. This less toxic and more affordable alternative would help bring objects closer to Earth for safe deorbiting and destruction, offering a sustainable way to address space debris.

Watch the newest video from Big Think: https://bigth.ink/NewVideo. Learn skills from top minds at Big Think Edge: https://bigth.ink/Edge. Read the full transcript: https://bigthink.com/videos/sustainable-space-tech.