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Ethics, Self-Interest and a Purposeful Life

Ethics, self-interest and a purposeful life I wonder if we can find our way to “redemption” through service to community, the earth or perhaps the divine? It seems to me that everyone from news reporters to the Occupy Protesters are questioning whether “normal business practices” are ethical.  Good question – there have been lots of wrongdoing exposed of late – but before we simply damn the business world as unethical lets look closely the nature of ethics. This blog proposes a...

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What If We Have the Right to the Capital our Capacities Warrant?

From money with strings to money without strings When we contemplate the power that issuing money will give us in the R Credits system, it is critical that we develop a vision for how we want our economy and society to look. Rather than going into all the social justice and environmental issues we will want to address, it might be useful to look at a fundamental issue like access to capital. In our current economic system, most of us can only get access to capital by appealing to an individual...

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Building Toward 2012: International Year of Co-ops

In the wake of a global recession that has devastated communities and livelihoods, people are hungry for alternatives to corporate greed and stock market speculation.  As we look at challenges such as climate change, unemployment and growing disparities of wealth and ownership, people are looking for opportunities to grow sustainable, resilient regional economies.  In this context, co-operatives are both a viable model of enterprise as well as tangible expressions of economic democracy,...

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November 2011 News from EarthThrives

What a whirlwind of a year, and it is not over yet. While you are holding onto your down coats and bathing suits as we see what the rest of the year has in store, why not head on over to EarthThrives.com to read some of the latest news? Common Good Finance Has a Solution Learn about the proposed R dollars – a local credit/ currency designed to be successful. Greening Greenfield Film Series Coming up 11/30/11 -> GASLAND Take action for a more sustainable future by attending one of the...

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September 2011 News from EarthThrives

Back to School No matter how ‘old’ you are there is something for you to take advantage of to further your own education on the topics of ‘green’ and ‘sustainable.’ Just look at our Events Page, which continues to swell with events and reminds us just how much is going on in the Pioneer Valley. Green is NOW! As far as events that are not to be missed; the 7th Annual Sustainability Summit which is happening tomorrow 9/24 at GCC. Check out the 2011 Clean...

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2011 Clean Energy Connections Conference

If you are having trouble viewing this, please visit www.umass.edu/green/conference. NOVEMBER 2, 2011    MASSMUTUAL CENTER, SPRINGFIELD, MA Join the hundreds of other individuals, like you, who believe that the green economy is real.  Register EARLY at Reduced Rates!   Clean Energy Connections is the premier business development information and networking cleantech event for Western Massachusetts.  Now in its fourth year, it is an exemplary program for individuals and organizations that...

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Sustainable Agriculture Jobs after College?

Maybe and maybe not. But there is plenty of “good work” that needs to be done! If you listen to the news these days, everyone is talking about jobs, jobs, jobs (the lack of them).  Sunday’s newspaper had several stories about the many reasons for 9% unemployment in the U.S. and the editorials predict a very slow economic recovery.  It’s a pretty depressing picture for recent college grads (as well as anyone else just entering the workforce).  Students (and parents) are asking if...

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Relocalize the food system to support democracy!

When economic power is concentrated in a few multi-national corporations, it not only erodes two sustainability objectives (environmental integrity and social justice) but creates a political situation that undermines democracy. I wrote in an earlier blog… “the global food system will always favor large, financially efficient businesses which exploit people, undermine democracy, erode community, and degrade natural resources in order to maximize profits.” Another of my blogs...

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Water: PVSustain 2010 Annual Event

Water, considered one of the basic needs, brings no surprise that this was the topic of the PVSustain 2010 annual meeting and discussion this December. Water in its various forms such as rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, and oceans are more than just a visual aspect of our natural landscape. Plants rely on water to grow, it is one of the most sustainable forms of travel, and our body require it to live. Water nourishes. As part of the landscape it is part of our place-based awareness. Drought or...

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YourOliveBranch.org

YourOliveBranch.org

Your Olive Branch is a thriving online presence publicizing the good news, good ideas, and successes of our move towards a peaceful and equitable world. Their website (linkto: http://news.yourolivebranch.org/) brings out new stories every day on the environment, arts, food & health, business, education, peace, science & technology, and inspiration. The site is also a center for networking individuals and organizations working towards peace and sustainability. The fight for a better...

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Sustainable Agriculture and the Public University

My last blog presented a vision of sustainable agriculture and called for a renewed commitment of the “body, heart and soul” of those of us working at public universities like the University of Massachusetts to agricultural research, teaching and outreach. However if the public universities don’t re-energize their agricultural programs at a time when a billion people are hungry, another billion malnourished, and still another billion “overfed”, others surely will! Agricultural education is...

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Amherst Farmer’s Market Seeks Performers, Musicians and Visual Artists

PRESS RELEASE: Have you heard about the Wednesday Farmers’ Market at Kendrick Park in Amherst? Starting June 15th, it’ll be the bee’s knees. Featuring a slew of locally grown and produced goodies, this new market aims to create a fun and vibrant community atmosphere, with delicious prepared foods, and tons of art and music. The market is seeking musicians, performers, and visual artists (for on-site art-making!) to overwhelm us with their brilliance and good looks. The market...

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Bike Week, 2010

More at www.pvBikeWeek.com Pioneer Valley cities and towns, from Greenfield to Springfield are hosting fun events for bicyclists such as free breakfasts, bike tours, lectures, public music, community bike rides, and bike-themed film screenings. Some events will be giving away prizes. The week long program encourages people to try bicycling, whether commuting to work or school, or just running errands around town. Bicycling is a fun, efficient way to reduce your carbon footprint and get...

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Earth Day – 40th – 2010

Earth Day – 40th – 2010

April 22nd is Earth Day — 40th Anniversary – Some local events that happened for Earth Day in Western Mass: More events listed at Earth Day.net Wbgy Earth Week   A reminder of what lead to Earth Day, 40 years...

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Donate to Youth Green Team

On January 18, 2010,  the Mason Square Veterans Outreach Center and the youth of the Groundwork Springfield, Groundwork Lawrence, and Groundwork Somerville Green Teams will gather for a day of Caring and Sharing in honor of Dr Kings birthday. The youth will share some of the  experiences they have learned about the natural environment, and assist with any cleanup and repairs needed at the center. We will offer a free lunch so we are asking for donations of  food, paper goods, beverages, books...

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Winter Conference – Food from Farms for Families

Northeast Organic Farming Association, Massachusetts Chapter (NOFA/Mass) presents its 23rd Annual Winter Conference:  Food From Farms For Families on January 16, 2010 at Worcester Technical High School. Joel Salatin to present keynote speech and all day seminar, Introducing Livestock to your Farm Over 40 workshops on organic farming, gardening, landscaping, and sustainable living. Lively exhibit area, NOFA/Mass Annual Meeting, great children and teens program, potluck lunch! General...

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Oct 3: Montague Green Building Open house Tour

Saturday, October 3rd, Montague green neighbors will open their doors as part of the NESEA) Green Buildings Open House tour – (Map and Directions inside) Montague, MA – September 21, 2009 – Montague homeowners and town building managers are excited about how they are saving on fuel and electric bills as a result of the efficiency and renewable energy systems they have implemented. On Saturday, October 3rd, these green neighbors will open their doors as part of the Northeast...

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Oct 3: Green Buildings Open House

Join North Eastern Sustainable Energy Association on October 3rd for the annual Green Buildings Open House (GBOH). This is the largest sustainable energy event in the Northeastern USA ! It is held annually on the first Saturday of October in conjunction with the ASES (American Solar Energy Society) National Solar Tour and National Energy Awareness Month.  Its goal is to showcase energy efficiency and renewable energy features in the many advanced buildings within NESEA’s 10-state...

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Western Mass Green Consortium

The room is abuzz with chatter consisting of personal anecdotes and business opportunities. Local residents sip their locally brewed beer while brainstorming ways to protect the environment. This is not your average mixer, this is something bigger. The Western Mass Green Consortium (WMGC) is a groundbreaking collaborative consisting of local small businesses, educators, organizations and individuals coalesced around a common mission: to “promote sustainable business practices, nurture the...

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Sustainability Pioneers go to Solarfest, VT

Sustainability Pioneers go to Solarfest, VT

On July 10-12th a band of Pioneers from the Valley caravanned to the Northern territories of Tinmouth, Vermont to enjoy the music and performing arts renewable energy festival Solarfest. This unique event started in 1995 in Middletown Springs, VT at the result of a dream of one of the founders. It has since multiplied in size and attracts artists, vendors, activists and innovators who are dedicated to the celebration of renewable energy and sustainable alternatives. The weekend of sustainable...

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The Green Machine

The Green Machine

What happens when you combine a group of like-minded activist and artists, an old school bus, gallons of green paint and vegetable oil? It is either going to be one heck of a party or the Vegan Bus. Probably both. The brain child of Derek Goodwin, the purpose of the bus is to “increase public awareness about the connections between dietary choice, personal health, cultural ethics, and globally sustainable ecology.” On Wednesday, July 29, Cafe Evolution, a vegan restaurant in...

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Students Learn about Climate Change Solutions And work with Greening Greenfield Energy Committee

Students Learn about Climate Change Solutions And work with Greening Greenfield Energy Committee

GREENFIELD, MA – Earlier this year a dozen middle school students worked with volunteers from the Greening Greenfield Energy Committee (GGEC) and learned about climate change solutions during the Expanded Learning Time program at the Greenfield Middle School. The students did hands-on experiments to better understand how global warming works, how to do more with less, and how to make energy that does not emit carbon dioxide, the major source of global warming and climate change. “I am...

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Carbon Offset Conundrum

If you are reading this, you probably have already heard about carbon offsets. Chances are you have seen a car in front of you on the highway with one of those nifty little stickers proclaiming the car as “carbon neutral” courtesy of TerraPass. That might even be your car. Sorry for flashing my high beams. It was an accident. There are many companies offering carbon offsets, all based on the concept of giving them money – the amount is based on the level of carbon dioxide emissions...

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Earth Thrives Executive Director Visits Cuba

Kirsten Bonanza, Executive Director of Earth Thrives, has departed to Cuba to participate in a US-Cuba Global Partnership on Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, through the Global Exchange program based out of San Francisco, CA. Kirsten has been a powerful advocate of sustainability networking in the Pioneer Valley, connecting with organizations and businesses in an effort to heighten the level of efficiency and effectiveness behind this movement by centralizing movement...

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What’s a Co-Op?

What’s a Co-Op?

With the national economy changing in unprecedented ways, many people are exploring collaboration and investment that are more attractive for long term resource building. Whether a consumer, a member, or a donor, involvement in a cooperative can have community and wealth building components that put dollars into action on the local level and essentially back into your pocket. Joining a coop can be fun and easy.  It is a great way to become a part of a new community and learn about alternative...

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Locally Grown in Holyoke

Locally Grown in Holyoke

High quality, local, organic food does not have to be an expensive luxury item. Nestled between two apartment complexes in downtown Holyoke, a small stone statue welcomes visitors. Flowers – not yet in bloom – mark the perimeter of the roughly one-quarter acre plot of land. Inside, gardeners grow everything from rainbow chard to strawberries to ají dulce, a sweet pepper native to Latin America. A small blue house – reminiscent of the houses on the island of Puerto Rico...

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Greenfield Debates Biomass in Western Mass

The proposed plan to build a biomass wood and woodwaste burning plant in Greenfield is creating a bunch of controversy with experts on both sides making significant claims about the benefits and detriments of the proposal. From job creation and municipal ordinance to environmental implications, this fence has more than two sides! Check out articles and information from across-the-board sources. A brief explanation of biomass: Biomass proponents advocate for the use of newly-dead biological...

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Earth Day – 2009

Earth Day – 2009

April 22nd is Earth Day — 40th Aniversery – Some local events that happened for Earth Day in Western Mass: More events listed at Earth Day.net Local Events from Mass Live At Smith College:  the Earth Day Festival Wednesday, April 22, on Seelye Lawn, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 2009 Sustainable Energy Summit | May 1 – 2 coming next week   A reminder of what lead to Earth Day, 39 years...

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