Grab Bag
That’s Why It’s Called the Giving Season
‘Tis better to give than to receive, or at least that’s one way it’s been said. There’s a great opportunity as we enter into the season of giving to give more than sweaters, neckties, chocolates and battery-powered toys (no, I wasn’t thinking about those toys). Sure those can be fun, but some of the most meaningful […]
Two Cents About Coming Out Day
October 11, 2013 is the 25th Anniversary of National Coming Out Day, a day when gay, lesbian, bisexual and other folks acknowledge their sexual orientation to friends, family, co-workers, or other acquaintances. With growing acceptance of gay marriage, Presidential acknowledgement and support of gay rights (or even gay existence, for that matter), and increasing protections in […]
Helmet Head (A Recycling Rant)
A while back, I suggested that retailers implement what I called “point of purchase” recycling for consumer goods. The idea is this: retailers who sell recyclable products (and especially products like CFLs or rechargable batteries that contain hazardous materials) should provide in-store recycling opportunities for those products. Recently, I found another opportunity where recycling needs […]
A Problem with Problem Shifting
The Guardian last week publicized a Norwegian study which looked at the environmental credentials of electric cars. The article focuses in on this statement from the study: “it is important to address concerns of problem-shifting.” Yes, problem shifting. Chew on that for a moment. While there are some problems that electric cars alleviate—a vehicle’s consumption of […]
National Pollinator Week (Who Knew?)
I discovered on Monday that June 18-24 is National Pollinator Week. Maybe you’re thinking “oh geez, it’s always national something-or-another week.” Which, in fact, it probably is. But while I could go on about the damage we’re doing by polluting our environment and how that negatively impacts the pollinators that gift us with nearly $20 billion […]
The Cost of Fuel Poverty
Fuel poverty, a term more commonly used in Europe, describes the disproportionate burden of heating costs for low-income individuals. Here in the states, where urban mass-transit systems are often not as robust as those across the sea and long-distance travel is almost certainly gas powered, fuel poverty goes far beyond the burden to heat one’s home. […]
Triple Bottom Line: The Third P
Listening last night to Dr. Vandana Shiva’s opening keynote to the Living Future conference, it’s clear that green building repeatedly espouses the three Ps of the triple bottom line: planet, profit and people. Dr. Shiva’s keynote focused on the people and how much their livelihood is reflected in and impacted by our food systems. One of […]
On an Ecosexual Hike
Last weekend, a friend invited me to join on an ecosexual hike. And no, I’d never heard of the term either. In short, the hike promised to “explore the sensual side of nature, including the secret sexy life of plants.” Organizers Kim Marks, the conscientious owner of pleasure shop As You Like It, and Annie Sprinkle, […]
The Awesomeness of Nature
In lieu of my regular commentary this week, allow me to simply share a few photos of what makes nature so awesome (and worth protecting the resources and creatures that are part of it). This hawk was eating his lunch near my house last week; Kent Saunders snapped a few photos. Click on a thumbnail […]
The Environmental Diet: Part II
Last week, I suggested that maybe we needed to go on a diet—one to benefit the environment. Since diets themselves are hardly motivators for us to prioritize our consumption, other motivation is key to success. For some, like Chris Mayou of Earth Advantage, ensuring a clean, resource-rich planet for her grandkids provides the motivation to […]
Building Thought 