Wednesday, February 25, 2009

rise #21

Are you an environmentalist? Or are you a humanist?

“Myth: we have to save the earth. Frankly, the earth doesn't need to be saved. Nature doesn't give a hoot if human beings are here or not. The planet has survived cataclysmic and catastrophic changes for millions upon millions of years. Ov
er that time, it is widely believed, 99 percent of all species have come and gone while the planet has remained. Saving the environment is really about saving our environment - making it safe for ourselves, our children, and the world as we know it. If more people saw the issue as one of saving themselves, we would probably see increased motivation and commitment to actually do so.” - Robert M. Lilienfeld and William L. Rathje

Amazing website: Next Monday is Climate Action Day, i.e. a day to get the attention of our elected leaders to get them to see how serious we are. For more info, check out Climate Action Day


Green tip: Check out this handy paper products purchasing guide to help you make some sustainable decisions Paper Products


Interesting statistic: $427 million - Amount spent by the oil and coal industries in the first six months of 2008 in political contributions, lobbying expenditures and advertising to oppose climate action.

Book recommendation: As a humanist, I’m realizing just how big a task we have in front of us and how a systemic change is needed. For those readers out there, please check out Plan B 3.0 and Hot, Flat, and Crowded from your local library and join me in making a difference.

Whenever approaching a problem keep this nugget in mind from Ken Boulding: “The definition of suboptimal: Doing the best possible job at something that should not be done at all.”

Life tip: Keep your brain healthy & happy. Check out these 50 items for staying sharp for years: Brain Health


Mmmmm recipe: Bean & kale soup; sounds delicious and warm: Bean & Kale
. Find more winter recipes at Winter Recipes

Listen. Live. Learn. Love. Laugh.
RK