GoSustainable is a non-profit breaking new ground in agricultural labeling, expanding to a whole-system approach (including soil fertility, integrated pest management, water conservation and native crops), rather than focusing exclusively on organic farming methods. Working with rural farmers in developing world markets, GoSustainable certifies sustainably grown crops through its Global Farm label. Putting the power [...]
When was the last time you checked the tag of your t-shirt to look for more than just a size or price? Do you know what your clothes are made of or who made them? The answers to these questions may surprise you, as inputs of clothing production have significant effects on [...]
Something’s stirring in Portland, Oregon. According to a 2007 report released by the Corporation for National and Community Service, 35.8% of Portlanders find time in their schedules to volunteer in their community, ranking Portland sixth in the nation among cities with the highest rate of volunteerism.
Everyday, individuals restore wetlands, rebuild bikes, help at farmer’s markets, [...]
Aaron Rust over in Slaterville Springs, NY calls himself “the happy farmer”. He is a one man show with no employees, running a 12-share CSA of mostly vegetables and a few berries. He does this part time but is a full-time dad of three, ages 2, 5, and 7.
Aaron kindly took the time [...]
“Get Naked! Naked is an attitude, a lifestyle and an initiative. Bare yourself to nature, live a simple sustainable life.”
Naked is a Shanghai-based company that specializes in the design, building, and operating of retreat style houses in an environmentally friendly manner. Naked promotes environmental awareness and education through the management of their properties, connections to [...]
“My art is meant to be political in a welcoming way- letting the message seep in,” explains paper-cutting artist Nikki McClure. Her art inspires people to live more simply and sustainably, while enjoying life itself.
Her paper-cuts include short and simple, but powerful words and messages like: “Embark; Transcend; Save Your Strength; Find it For [...]
The folks at Honig Vineyard and Winery in Rutherford, California are dedicated to sustainability and earth-friendly practices. Though they have not felt the need to pursue Organic certification, they manage their vineyard in an organic manner.
These include mechanically tilling rather than spraying herbicides, installing owl boxes rather than poisons for rodent control, improving habitat [...]
Contact with the soil reminds us that we are an integral part of nature, rather than feeling shut out and excluded? Permaculture is a spiritual reconnection as well as an ecological strategy. –Maddy Harland, Editor of Permaculture Magazine
The word permaculture has been buzzing around for decades. But the definition is slightly elusive: what does [...]
Oberlin College begins their “Ecolympics” on March 31st. This “waste, water, and energy reduction competition and environmental education campaign” continues until April 22nd, consisting of events for everyone, and friendly competitions between dorms.
The purpose of Ecolympics is to get students thinking about the impact of their everyday habits.The Ecolympics will kick off with an environmental [...]
The Otesha Project is a grassroots group of hopeful young people who know that our current way of life is harming the planet and its inhabitants, but believe that hope and action will remedy this.
Otesha means “reason to dream” in Swahili. This group insists that we must BE the positive change we want to see [...]
