A New Book about Climate Change

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As we ponder how to deal with the climate crisis, one of the most important realizations is that we are not alone. The challenges are huge, and it will require all of us to deal with them together.

The good news is that many people are thinking of creative ways to move toward sustainability. In a new book, Facing the Climate Crisis Together: Voices for Advocacy and Action, we hear from 33 climate champions and their work for a sustainable planet.

We need to realize that every step toward healing the planet matters. Some actions have great impact, some reach large audiences, and some are valiant attempts that may not seem like much but enable us to carry on with integrity. We need to keep at it daily, doing our part. We are all struggling with the climate monster that has been created. The great news is that we can face it together, in small but strong communities of advocates and activists around the world.

This book includes voices of people like you and me—what inspired us, what we feel passionate about as we face the climate future.

The stories give hope and renewed energy for climate action. We plant seeds of change, not knowing the outcome but hoping that what grows will improve the world. We put the seeds in the ground at a favorable place, water them, maybe solicit help for their care, and pray for a harvest we can share with others. The Earth is powerful, always renewing, always active to sustain life. We can be that way too.

The voices in this book encourage us never to give up. As we listen to others who are active in their communities, we see glimmers of hope. As climate activists, we are engaged in the most important efforts of our time. We rally with others as we pursue our vision for a better world.Continue reading

3 Improvements to Make your Garden Wildlife-Friendly

Contributed article in our lifestyle series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

As more of our natural wildlife habitat is destroyed by increased construction and urbanization, creating wildlife-friendly gardens to protect biodiversity is a form of damage limitation.

So if you’ve got green fingers and fancy playing your part in saving the planet, here are three simple improvements to make your garden wonderfully wildlife-friendly.

Habitats

Creating a wildlife-friendly environment doesn’t mean that it should transform into an untamed jungle that the neighbors will scoff at.  It should actually be accessible to everyone that frequents it and minor adaptations can make major differences without causing inconvenience.Continue reading

Moving Towards Sustainable Development with a Circular Economy

Contributed article in our sustainability series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

A linear “take-make-dispose” economy, which is the most popular economic models around the world, is largely wasteful because up to 90% of the raw materials used in the manufacturing process end up as waste even before the leaving the production line. In addition, 80% of goods manufactured are eventually thrown away within the first six months, which translates to an unsustainable rate of wasting fast-diminishing natural resources. Fortunately, a circular economy that is based on regeneration and restoration can help solve almost all the problems associated with a linear economy. More specifically, a circular economy aims to keep raw materials, goods, and product parts at their highest value and utility levels all the time. This is in addition to differentiating between biological and technical cycles.

To learn more, checkout this infographic created by Rutgers University’s Online Master of Public Administration.

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The Rise of the Circular Economy

Contributed article in our sustainability series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

What is a Circular Economy? This term is epitomized in the “recycle” symbol of an arrow going around in a circle. In a world where resources are dwindling, circular economy is the potential answer to concerns about energy, about landfill use, and social responsibility. The term refers to eco-friendly behavior, which is potentially beneficial to everyone involved.

To learn more, checkout the infographic below created by the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Online MBA program.Continue reading