Envisioning a Sustainable World

Majora Carter is unlocking the potential in all communities with real renewal solutions. Photo Courtesy: www.majoracartergroup.com

 

 

 

I've never been to a sustainability conference. In fact I've never even really had the chance to attend but the University of Northern Iowa will hold its first Sustainability & Dialogue in Action: Academia and Community Looking to the Future event this weekend, April 12-13. Now not everybody is quite so lucky to live in Iowa and has the chance to attend this event, which is why I'm bringing this dynamic event to you right here on my blog.

The event successfully booked three major speakers and environmentalists including Majora Carter, a renowned urban revitalization strategist, Andres Edwards, educator and award winning author and Winona LaDuke, an American Indian activist and environmentalist.

The three keynote speakers are nothing less than extraordinary and I urge you to check out their achievements and familiarize yourself with their work. Carter is the founder of Sustainable South Bronx and built one of the most successful urban "green collar" training and placement systems, while few were even considering sustainability in urban settings. Carter has created a philanthropic movement with a wide reach, even extending internationally. Follow her on Twitter @MajoraCarter and discover her passion for greater self-esteem and economic potential on the Majora Carter Group website.

Every 15 seconds on our Earth Island, a child dies from waterborne disease. Three times an hour, another species becomes extinct. Each day we consume 85 million barrels of oil and pump 23 million tons of carbon dioxide into an already warming atmosphere. But against this bleak backdrop, beacons of hope shine from thousands of large and small initiatives taking place everywhere from isolated villages to major urban centers. 

Edward's latest text: Thriving Beyond Sustainability. Photo rights: www.andresedwards.com

 

Andrés Edwards begins his book, Thriving Beyond Sustainability: Pathways to a Resilient Society, with these shocking yet eye-opening words. Not only did this particular title win the Gold Medal: Living Now Book Award, Edwards is also an educator, entrepreneur and consultant. Thriving Beyond Sustainability has been recognized for its extraordinary ability to discuss relocalization, green commerce and social transformation.

An author of six books, Winona LaDuke is an Anishinaabekwe (Ojibwe) member of the Mississippi Band Anishinaabekwe and is the Executive Director of Honor the Earth,  raising public support and funding environmental groups. LaDuke was nominated by Time magazine as one of America's fifty most promising leaders in 1994 and continues to write passionately about Native American and environmental issues. Check out her support of the White Earth Land Recovery Project and her website to gain insight into a little discussed topic for many of us.

Which environmentalists, activists and speakers truly inspire you?

Ecofriendly Easter Crafts and Ideas

I am ready for spring. But who isn't at this point?! I love the green grass, fresh air and especially Easter. The holiday is just around the corner and I'm prepping you with information to make this spring holiday even more "green" this year!

Eco-Friendly Easter Eggs

Skip the artificial dyes and harsh chemicals this year-make your own dye naturally with some surprisingly simple ingredients. It's amazing what fruit and vegetable juices can do! Check out this site to see how you can take frozen blueberries to create blue dye or even orange juice to design orange Easter eggs.

Tweet to me @GreenChild1 and share what ingredients you used this year!

Upcycled Paper Flowers

Photo Rights:
 http://tinkerlab.com/seven-recycled-paper-flowers/

Creating projects and crafts are the perfect way to spend time with your family over the holiday. It's the time of year where Easter bouquets and baskets are just about everywhere and you can create your own upcycled floral centerpieces this year using some simple materials lying around your house. Try this DIY Pretty Paper Flowers idea or try these Coffee Filter Flowers. Don't forget the Easter egg basket! Try these easy projects using paper grocery bags or egg cartons. 

Eco-Friendly Easter Egg Hunt

This one's the biggie. It's not Easter without an Easter Egg Hunt. If at all possible avoid plastic eggs or try buying secondhand or used eggs. You can also change it up this year by hiding felted or knitted eggs. Instead of using the plastic Easter grass, try shredding colored paper or newspapers before recycling, fill the eggs with organic candy and choose packaging that minimizes environmental waste. Another great idea is including seed packets in your Easter egg hunt and choosing to plant something this year. Let the kids in your life go crafty this year and create their own upcycled crafts. Include a craft packet in each egg (string, beads, newspapers, etc) and promote reusing and creativity.

How did you keep your Easter environmentally friendly this year?

The Easiest Upcycled Projects

Everybody has at least a few pieces of scrap cloth, hooks and maybe even an old photo canvas they  haven't used in ages. If you still aren't sure what "upcycling" is, you're in for a real treat-it's the perfect excuse for someone who loves crafts and is eco-friendly. "Upcycling" allows you to repurpose and reuse old materials that are outdated and make new treasures from trash. This week I attempted to make my own project and upcycle those old hooks and photo canvases I had lying around.

I am just plain tired of losing my keys. This project is simple and quick to create and can even blend in with your home's decor. Gather a handkerchief, a photo canvas and nail hooks to get started. Fold the handkerchief around the canvas and secure it using either a stapler or a hot glue gun. (I used a hot glue gun) Drill small holes into the canvas and insert the hooks and that's it! I also wanted a cute display for my necklaces and earrings, so of course I made two canvases!

Share some of your favorite craft ideas. How do you reuse old materials in your home? Check out some of my favorite upcycled crafts sites and find new ways to recycle your old knick knacks!

Pinterest 

Totally Green Crafts

Upcycled Crafts

Happy Go Lucky Blog

MSN Living

The Best Eco-Friendly Twitter Accounts

"Penny Vase" from @TotGreenCrafts 

If you haven't jumped on the Twitter bandwagon just yet, this may serve as just one more reason to do so. I'm about to reveal three Twitter accounts related to sustainability and environmentally consciousness I decided to follow this week. Drum roll please!

@GreenMtnCoffee  is an account I automatically search for every time I log in (yes, I'm tooting on my little horn for this company again!). Green Mountain offers timely Tweets and always provides relevant information concerning coffee (of course) and fair trade blends. They are such a fun brand to engage with and are excellent at educating people regarding ethical trade practices. Follow them for the story behind each coffee bean and get in on the sweepstakes and savings. Coffee is one of those products that gives you a warm, fuzzy and connected feeling and Green Mountain really captures that essence through its social media. It's easy to brew a better day.

@Home_Energy4U

 Everyone is looking for ways to become more energy efficient, especially concerning their home. @Home_Energy4U is straightforward and honest about how to save money and energy in your home. Maintained by Kevin Butters, this Twitter handle features regular updates on home every efficient guides. You can easily scroll through his tweets and find everything you need, whether it's practical tips for recycling in a classroom or how to cut costs with solar exterior window shades, helpful tips are never more than a click away. Check out how you can save with an energy efficient home: Make Your Home Energy Efficient

"Repurposed Jean Notebook" from@TotGreenCrafts

I am a shameless DIY'er and I especially love reusing products for craft ideas. I can't believe I haven't found @TotGreenCrafts until now! Can you believe you can make coasters from recycled ribbon, chairs from books and bracelets from recycled denim? Check out their site for more ideas http://totallygreencrafts.com/.

Environmental Causes to Care About

This week I decided to mix things up and throw out a survey. Sustainability has many faces-it's not all about "going green" or plain recycling. There are two causes I believe will define this decade and maybe even our generation. If you're looking to support a truly valuable cause, look no further.

Property of http://water.org

Water.org  has been pioneering innovative solutions to the global water crisis for more than two decades. Water is more than just something that flows freely from our taps. Many people simply don't have access to water for cooking, bathing or drinking. According to the site, a child dies every twenty seconds from water-related illness. Every twenty seconds. That definitely made me think twice about taking ridiculously long showers. Many women are forced to walk long distances and spend unbelievable amounts of time collecting water. Water.org is doing more than raising awareness and there are simple ways for everyone to get involved. Co-founder Matt Damon officially began a "toilet strike" in March 2013 when he realized toilet water is cleaner than the water available to nearly one billion people worldwide. Hundreds have joined and support the movement by using the hashtag #strikewithme on Twitter or making donations. Support the strike. Strike with me.  Whether it means simply getting involved socially with the Water.org Facebook cover photo, joining a community of athletes on TEAM.Water.org or making a simple donation, "there is no shortage of ways you can make a difference." Everyone deserves to be empowered with safe water.

An image from the World Wildlife Federation's
campaign to end wildlife crime.
Property of http://worldwildlife.org

You don't have to be an animal lover to be passionate about stopping wildlife crime. This deadly serious crime presents a devastating threat to elephants, rhinos and tigers. If we want to protect our wildlife for future generations, changes have to be made. Earlier this month after nearly 1.5 million people signed a petition to ban ivory trade, Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra announced the end of the elephant ivory trade in Thailand. Thailand is considered the world's largest unregulated ivory market and poaching is at an all time high. Anyone can sign the pledge to stop the elephant slaughter at avaaz.org.  Elephants aren't the only species at risk of extinction: tigers and rhinos are also helplessly subjected to the bloodshed for qualities that make them beautiful and distinct in the animal kingdom. The World Wildlife Federation is urging people to join their campaign to speak up for the animals, push for government reform and encourage others to ask questions before buying wildlife products. Poaching is an immediate threat to tigers, where every part from the whisker to the tail are used in products like rugs. Tigers are also poached for medicinal usage and folk remedies.

Property of http://worldwildlife.org

Animal Planet is currently airing a three-part miniseries documenting the commercial demand for rhino horns on "Battleground: Rhino Wars."   South African rhinos are hunted relentlessly for their horns, leaving baby rhinos to fend for themselves, separated and alone. According to Animal Planet, nearly 700 rhinos were killed in 2012. Park rangers and security forces are simply unable to handle the situation, essentially forcing U.S. Special Forces and veterans to step in on their behalf.  If you still don't think it's a serious cause, I urge you to click on the link above to learn more about the show or watch this video from the Today Show about the rhinos' fight to survive.

Hopefully this post sheds at least a small beam of light on how important sustainability is when considering both the survival of our wildlife and providing clean water for our planet.

Green Rankings: Who Made the List?

Photo Rights: Newsweek

Since I began writing this blog, I've come across some interesting news and articles regarding which companies are the most "green." I decided to compile a short list of the companies I find most influential and inspirational. Check out the Newsweek Green Rankings 2012 and see if your favorite companies made the list and compare the environmental footprints generated by 500 U.S. companies.

1. Patagonia

Patagonia's Women's Down Sweater
100% recycled polyester
Photo Rights: www.patagonia.com 

The Newsweek Green Rankings looks at the 500 largest and publicly traded companies and while Patagonia might not be analyzed in these rankings, it certainly cannot be overlooked. Within seconds of visiting their website, viewers have the ability to pledge to the Common Threads Initiative and truly understand Patagonia's supply chain habits by viewing The Footprint Chronicles. Patagonia also is passionate about their current project Our Common Waters and set the goal to develop only bluesign approved materials by 2015. Bluesign Technologies, a group based in Switzerland, monitors the energy and water usage by system partners and Bluesign approved fabrics are those created with efficient use of energy and water.



2. Green Mountain Coffee 

Photo Rights: www.greenmountaincoffee.com

Brewing a better world is what Green Mountain Coffee is all about. Waste reduction and responsible energy use have always been top priorities of this socially just company. One reason why I truly wish this company continued and growing success is its demand for sustainable products. Not only does Green Mountain offer one of the largest selection of double-certified, Fair Trade organic products, but encourages consumers to also demand the same. Raising awareness for sustainable coffee and ensuring minimum wages for farmers are core values which serve as vital focus points for this Vermont company.

3. IBM

Once again, IBM was chosen as the highest ranking environmentally conscious company in 2012. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, engaging in product stewardship, promoting battery recycling and disposal and understanding how to prevent pollution are only a few of the reasons IBM was ranked first. This month, IBM was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its great ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and also remaining on the cutting edge of setting and enforcing requirements for suppliers to reduce their own carbon footprints.

4. Target

Target made of the biggest jumps on the 2012 Green Rankings list and moved over 150 spots in only one year now ranking #85 in the U.S. Utilizing two-lamp light fixtures is one way the company reduced energy use by more than 40 percent. Target also has invested great efforts in reducing waste by 15 percent, water use per square foot of office space by 10 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent. Sustainable living, smart development and efficient operations are valued by Target as well as an extensive line of sustainable products. The Archer Farms potato chips bag is now offered with 25 percent renewable plant-based plastic, natural and organic beauty products are found on the store shelves and are not tested on animals and cleaning products are also made with biodegradable ingredients.

5. Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola's PlantBottle Packaging
Photo Rights: http://www.coca-cola.co.uk

Nearly all of Coca-Cola's production facilities now meet the ISO 14001 environmental management standards and is focused on an initiative for sustainable sugar. Several other reasons why Coca-Cola deserves to be recognized is for its dedication to the Arctic polar bear. Through a partnership with the World Wildlife Federation, Coca-Cola pledges money to assist scientific research and reduce conflicts between people and bears. Polar bears have been a symbol and legend associated with the beverage company since 1922 and now Coke has the chance to protect its icon. Finally, in 2012 Coca-Cola received the Sustainable Pack of the Year prize for its PET 100 percent recyclable plastic bottles partially composed of plant-based materials.

Check out the Newsweek rankings-which companies do you find most inspirational? Which ones should have made the list and didn't?

Run Green With Brooks, Newton and Vibram Five Fingers

As a runner myself, I'll admit I'm completely obsessed with the gear. Whether it's the flashy short shorts, the reflective jacket (perfect for those late night runs) or the latest kicks, part of the reason I love running is to have a reason to wear the coolest new stuff. Okay, yeah I run because I enjoy it and also for the health benefits but I'm one of those runners whose closet has more running clothes than work clothes.

Brook's "Green Silence"
Photo Rights: www.brooksrunning.com 

Part of going on my runs is simply to take in some fresh air and enjoy the quiet trails and the changing seasons. As someone who completely avoids the treadmill at all costs, I love finding a new route, one that passes by a quiet river or a wooded path where the deer are never far from the trail. Part of being a runner is enjoying the environment and also taking care of your surroundings. You wouldn't throw a plastic water bottle on the ground (plus, why are you not using a reusable water bottle?!) so why would you wear clothes with toxic dyes, colorants and adhesives?

Brooks offers the first "built for speed" biodegradable midsole running shoe. Composed of 75% recycled material and made with non-toxic dyes and colorants, the "Green Silence" shoe even requires less petroleum and energy to create.

Newton Running "Distance" Line
Photo Rights: www. newtonrunning.com

Perhaps you've seen the "barefoot" running shoes lately. While they may look like something out of a science fiction movie, there has been plenty of talk about the potential benefits of a barefoot running experience, which "barefoot" running shoes mimic. Several companies now offer their webbed creations made from renewable wool, scrap material and recycled plastic water bottles and recycled nylon. Vibram Fivefingers, Vivobarefoot,  Kigo, and Newton Running  all offer minimalist barefoot styles for trail running, speed training and level to the ground options made with recycled laces, webbing and soles.

If you're a runner, you have to have a watch. While Sprout watches aren't traditional running watches, the water resistant selections would work well for runners who think, "I just need to be back in an hour," and simply want to keep track of the time. Sprout watches are made with organic cotton, corn resin and cork and are supported by corporate philanthropy focused on advocating for clean water and working with the  Trees for the Future center.

For the time being, eco-friendly watches for runners seem to be in short supply. There are plenty of solar powered watches made from recyclable materials but aren't ideal for an activity such as running.

Tweet @GreenChild1 and let me know if you are aware of any eco-friendly running watches. Where do you find your environmentally friendly gear?