Island Rover Institute demonstrates the concepts of industrial conservation: reduce, reuse, refurbish, reutilize, remanufacture, and recycle as a means to educate youth on the principles of resource conservation and waste mitigation.
The ship “Island Rover” is built as a platform to facilitate educational programs for youth. Through operating education‑under‑sail programs she will empower our youth and open doors to both continuing education and industry career opportunities.
Mission
The primary Mission of the Island Rover Institute is the EDUCATION of the populace as to what the species “Homo sapiens” is doing to “Mother Earth”.
We do not inherit the world from our parents!
We borrow the earth and its resources from our children!
We have mortgaged the earth to a level which may not be payable by our children or grandchildren.
Island Rover Institute (IRI) achieves:
Education by demonstration
– the building of the traditional topsail schooner “Island Rover” …
Education by example
– the building of all booths and public display exhibits by utilizing …
Education via presentations
– to groups — large and small — who will listen …
Education via the written word
– points out that the human species is not exhibiting the wisdom …
The staff of the Island Rover Institute (IRI) does not even pretend to take on the task of becoming experts in the specific fields of discussion BUT are ONLY striving to be individuals knowledgeable enough to point out the sources of that expert knowledge, wisdom and research data.
Topics of Concern
Several of the topics of concern are already house‑hold words like:
“Global Warming”, “Climate Changes”, and “Environmental Health Issues” which many in the general populace are aware of but may not understand the full implications of, nor the underlying causes.
We have now started to hear about “PEAK OIL” and are experiencing it daily in fuel pricing.
IRI has accumulated links and references to what is believed to be the most accurate and unbiased information available.
June 2026 editorial comment:
Remember! This web site is a Re‑Launching of a portion of the 2004–2014 extensive web site that was available to the public as an Educational Platform.
What follows is data and information of that period.
Current events and recent new knowledge has not been elaborated on YET.
1. Sustainability
Undoubtedly the single most important concept facing society today and the key to the survival or failure of civilization is “SUSTAINABILITY”.
A. Sustainable Energy
- John Howe — “The End of Fossil Energy – the Last Chance for a Sustainable Future”
- Richard Heinberg — “The Party is Over” and “Power Down”
- Matt Savinar — “Life After the Oil Crash”
- Matt Simmons — “Twilight in the Desert: The Coming Saudi Oil Shock and the World Economy”
These learned and well‑informed men are telling us that major changes relative to fossil energy are coming and will affect supply and demand.
June 2026 editorial comment: The world is already experiencing much of what was projected.
B. Environmental Sustainability
Unity College of Maine offers more environmental programs and graduates more students with environmental majors than any other college in the country.
Their leadership role is exemplified by Ecological Sustainability programs, Agricultural Sustainability, and personal lifestyle examples (e.g., Prof. Mick Womersley’s Straw Bale House).
C. Pathways to Sustainability
The Chewonki Foundation (www.chewonki.org) fosters appreciation for the natural world and promotes alternative viewpoints suggested by nature.
“Pathways to a Sustainable Future”.
2. Global Warming and Climate Change
Ross Gelbspan speaks about the reality of global warming and climate change.
- Global Warming Solutions — Kelpie Wilson interviews Ross Gelbspan
- Kyoto Protocol — USA remains the only country failing to sign; individuals can take action.
3. Environmental Health Issues
Theo Colborn’s “Our Stolen Future” highlights long‑term impacts on human and ecological survival.
4. Next Industrial Revolution
Paul Hawken — “Ecology of Commerce” and “Natural Capitalism” argue it is not too late to change course.
5. Patterns of the Natural World
Authors and speakers (Hawken, Lovins, Anderson) argue corporations must emulate natural processes — no waste, everything reused.
6. Chemical Disruption
Environmental consequences — Theo Colborn.
7. Soil Erosion and Falling Water Tables
“Soil erosion, as big a problem as global warming,” say scientists.
8. Population Growth
World population growth trends and sustainability concerns.
9. The American Way
“Fast Food Nation” — Eric Schlosser
“America Adrift” — Jim Nelson Black
10. Deforestation
- World Wildlife Fund: humanity consumes 20% more resources than Earth can produce.
- Easter Island — micro example of planetary collapse.
- Jared Diamond — “Collapse”, “Guns, Germs, and Steel”.