Category: sustainable

This is What Democracy Looks Like!

Minnesota Capitol
Minnesota Capitol

Saturday was an incredible day for democracy!  Thank you to everyone in the United States and around the world who marched or just lent their spirit of support!

 “Hey, you have to hand it to Trump, he just became President and bam, America looked pretty great today.”Jack Burditt ‏@jackburditt    (Jan. 21, 2017 on twitter)

 

Women's March on Washington
Women’s March on Washington
 

From NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

 

Washington D.C.
Washington D.C.

..”We will do, Andas our founders called upon us to do, and hold our government to account. For careless words and misguided deeds that undermine our greatest strengths. For callous judgments that turn the engines of national prosperity to the profits of a wealthy few. For reckless policies that put polluter profits first and put the rest of us at risk.”
—NRDC President Rhea Suh.

 

And from Utah: https://youtu.be/ya-HyxDgh24

Let’s March Forward and Speak Out!

Marching Forward

 

 

15492584_244597329293546_8634890680505174690_nhttps://www.womensmarch.com/

Saturday, January 21: March in solidarity for clean air and water, march for the protection of civil rights, women’s rights, and the health of our children. Imagine the world as we want it to be and work for it.

To a find a march location near you, Click here

What can you do?
What can you do?

 

We Expect Walkable Communities

Always watch for pedestrians
Always watch for pedestrians

Every pedestrian who loses to a driver is tragic. (http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-pedestrian-death-spike-illustrates-grim-us-trend/409805035/) Last year, I was knocked down by a car as I crossed 50th Street with the walk light in Minneapolis. By contrast, when I’m crossing busy Tower Avenue in Superior, Wis., cars and trucks from every direction stop and wait for me. Why would drivers in Superior have a different standard? Many of us want and expect walkable communities. Law enforcement and everyone must do better.

This is my letter to the editor published in the Startribune.com  on January 9, 2016.

Use writing to make the world better

 

Fish for dinner? Where was it caught?

Locally caught fish is the best choice
Locally caught fish is the best choice

To think that people are going to stop eating fish is a heavy lift.  Even the vegans I know will eat fish and sushi. Do you purchase fish and shrimp?  Some things to consider:

Why would anyone purchase or eat fish caught in Viet Nam or China? I thought this was such an interesting and strange story, and It should be shared to heighten people’s awareness. Most Americans eat fish caught in Asia while fish caught in Massachusetts is exported to Europe. Why would anyone purchase or eat fish caught in Viet Nam or China? Watch the segment on Dog Fish, a sustainable fish, here.

In the United States it is possible to purchase sustainable Gulf caught shrimp and scallops, as well as wild caught cod, salmon and other fish from the Pacific Ocean. Also, fish from the Great Lakes is excellent.

Be a Climatarian, consider the planet when you make all food and fish choices, and buy local and USA products if they are available.  And then there is the thought that we shouldn’t be eating fish at all. Read it here from One Green Planet

 

 

Use Writing to Make the World Better!

“Imagine a world where humankind lives in harmony, not only with itself but also with other forms of life, in balance with the planet’s resources. Imagine the world as you would like it to be.” Steve Wilbers

Imagine clean water and clean air
Imagine clean water and clean air

Writing coach, Steve Wilbers is imagining the world as he would like it to be.  Can you imagine how powerful it would be if everyone held a vision of kindness, and imagined a world of kindness.  Powerful!

His suggestions are timely: Write a thank you note, blog, write a letter to a newspaper. Read his article here.  Write about your passions, your images of how the world should be. Speak out, write, and make the world a better place!


 “You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one”
Imagine, John Lennon

 

Plunging Into the Unknown

15823364_718364334989461_4505640581112931957_nThe year ahead is impossible to predict. As with every year, many unknowns lie ahead. Most of us like being in control, and the unknowns are scary. What can we control in 2017? How we treat other people, and how we treat the earth are things we can control.  What kinds of kindness can we spread?

I hope 2017 fills you with kindness!

Kindness to our air and water!
Kindness to our air and water!

Peace and Good Will to All

“In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship and never in want.” Celtic

“May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch on your door, and happiness be guided to your home by the candle of Christmas.” Celtic

Holiday blessings and wishes for all; Celtic and Irish blessings for the holiday season:

Six blocks of Christmas luminaries in my neighborhood
Six blocks of Christmas luminaries in my neighborhood

 

 

“Nollaig Faoi Shean Is Faoi Mhaise Dhuit” (Gaelic)

(pronounced) Knoll-ig f’wee haan ss f’wee shun-ah g-with
(translation) (A Christmas of Happiness and Joy to you)
(old Irish Saying)

“May you be blessed

With the spirit of the season, which is peace,

The gladness of the season, which is hope,

And the heart of the season, which is love.”

Irish blessing.

New Year Celtic Blessing

Slàinte maith, h-uile latha, na chi ‘snach fhaic!
Gun cuireadh do chupa thairis le slainte agus sonas.
A h-uile là sona dhuibh ‘s gun là idir dona dhuib.
Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr!

Good health, every day, whether I see you or not!
May your cup overflow with health and happiness.
May all your days be happy ones.
Happy New Year!

How Can You Reduce Holiday Waste?

Header

Last year I did a series on reducing waste over the holidays. Read it here  Maybe just do one thing different this year.

Below is from the Minnesota Pollution Control:

Holiday waste

The presents have been opened and the festivities are over. What’s to be done with all the stuff and waste that’s left? Are there eco-friendly ways to keep it out of the trash?

A lot, and you bet!

The EPA reports that garbage increases 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, and it’s not hard to see why. Drive down any street or alley in late December or early January and you’re likely to see trash bins and bags overflowing with holiday waste. Some of these materials have potential value, which can be lost when they hit the waste stream.

Even if your holidays weren’t  the “greenest” on the block, there’s still time afterwards to engage the 5 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle, and Rethink.

https://www.pca.state.mn.us/ Living Green 365

Before you toss, ask yourself these questions:
•If broken, can it be fixed?

•Is it reusable or recyclable?
•Can it be upcycled into something of value?