"Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars. Gaze at the beauty of earth's greening. Now, think." ~Hilegard von Bingen
We must decide what kind of world we choose to live in-- a world that wastes and pollutes, or a world in which we take care of our precious resources and protect our future. Do you know the chair you maybe sitting on right now, more likely then not has fabric that contains mutagenic materials, heavy metals, dangerous chemicals. The computer your using -- did you know that it contains more than a thousand different kinds of materials, including toxic gases, toxic metals, (such as cadmium, lead, and mercury), acids, plastics, clorinated and brominated substances, and other additives? It is now clear that the many of the toys we give our children to play with are laced with toxic chemical, from the plastics spoons we hand them to eat with, the food we spoon into their trusting mouths, to the 'rubber ducky' we happily watch on with such a careful eye as they are having bathtime... The first two of these examples, I have just written I read over this weekend in a book called "Cradle to Cradle." I would urge & highly recommend that one reads this book. It is written by William McDonough, who is an architect and specializes in Architecture and Community design, he served as dean the of the school of architecture at the University of Virginia. 
1999 TIME Magazine recognized him as a "Hero for the Planet," stating "his utopianism is grounded in a unified philosophy that -- in demonstrable, and practical ways -- is changing the design of the world." In 1996, he received the Presidential Award for Sustainable Development, the highest environmental honor given by the United States.
We must decide to change and rethink our ways. There is no one else except ourselves to pick up the pieces, we must together become advocates & assert our rights as comsumers; for ourselves, our children, and our world. Most importantly, as McDonough stated in his book, we need to start, "Remaking the way We Make Things."
Maureen Sullivan Stemberg, is an interior designer for over 20 years. During that time, has owned and operated design firms in both Boston & Palm Beach. Design & Fashion Editor of Palm Beach Illustrated. She was the youngest member to be elected to Who's Who, and her work has been featured in the New Yorks Times, House Beautiful, Better Homes & Gardens, House & Gardens, Design Times, 100 Top Designers Favorite Rooms (book by: John L. Pellham), along with several television appearances and recently was honored for her contribution in design "Women of Distinction," 2006.
She is now, "Rethinking the way we make things and would welcome you to join her..."
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Comments: 26
Sue, Thank you! I agree, I agree, I agree...;-)
The examples you give in your article demonstrate that individuals are limited in how much we can do toward sustainability unless systems have been set up and products and services developed that are more eco-friendly. Thankfully, at least governments and organization have set up some recycling systems, but there's so much more to do.
We need more research and data on the eco "footprint" products and services make on the environment from cradle to grave so that we can make better decisions. Consider components such as raw materials extraction, safety, toxicity, processing materials, energy use along the whole chain, pollution, transportation, storage, use, and disposal. We may encounter some surprises, and there are likely to be trade-offs.
To move toward sustainability, let's stir human creativity and engender excitement to discover and develop products, services and systems that are more eco-efficient. By giving nature and the future a voice through our efforts, as well as helping ourselves, we're writing a powerful chapter of history in this endeavor.
Thanks for speaking out and leading the way.
Wilma, Yes, indeed it is a lot to think about and we need all to take a lot of action -- to save our planet not only for our children & other generations to come. The time to act is now...we must! Thank you! Wilma, I know that you love our planet so much and will think & rethink then act. ~mo-zy
Magi, I so agree -- "We must be the deciders." As the late Molly Ivins said over & over again. We must decide a course of action now!! Big hug, my 'greenie' friend from down under. From your 'tree hugger' friend state side. ~mo-zy
I strongly feel we must start addressing the Big Corporations & make them be responsible and become good neighbors -- yet, we must start at home & within ourselves if we are to have any credibility.
I must say, your article on Planet Earth Day so moved me...aside from being a beautiful photo essay. You laid out "simple everyday actions we must take & most of all you made people aware. With awareness, comes action.
I will leave you with one of my favorite when he is addressing "one size fits all"...hmmm. Mr. McDonough, speaks about the International Style IHO: has evolved into something less ambitious; a bland, uniform structure isolated from the particulars of place - - as a designer I would refer to that as a 'cookie cutter foluma. He then continues so eloquently with great passion and much knowledge. "They are isolated from local culture, nature, energy, and material flows. Such buildings reflect little if any of it intact around their "office parks" of asphalt and concrete. The interiors are equally uninspiring. With sealed windows, constantly humming air conditioners, heating systems, lack of daylight and fresh air and uniform fluorescent lighting, they might as well have been designed to house machines, not humans. Now, I again as a designer refer to that as a jungle...these developer's make such huge moneys -- they now must be held accountable for making spaces that provide clean air, clean water, a healthy atmosphere that visual and environmental sound and attractive to work and live in. Let's start using our talent's and be creative -- all the while keeping in mind beauty, safety and sustainability.
Verie, I thank you for stopping by and I very much look forward to many discussion on this most important topic in the very near future. Respectfully, mo-zy P.S. I will always remember the loveliest photo I have seen in a long time -- the one you had taken outside of your home and 'captured a double rainbow.' Promises...
Oh, and one of the best Verne...go to these people sites and read their articles. I may suggest starting with renting the DVD of AL Gore's In Convenient Truth, also read Michael McDonough's book that I address here. I truly thank you, for your condor and your wanting to learn more...If I won one individual over today --I am happy. ~mo-zy
1. Scientific (material science AND spiritual science) Land/Vegetation/Wildlife INTERFACERS (ever hear of animal communication? That kind of interface)
2. PoliticalFolk, ReligiousFolk, BusinessFolk, ServiceFolk, MedicalFolk, Farm & GardenFolk, etc - sitting in Councils with NewMind Village/Town/City ECO PLANNING CONSULTANTS
3. Visionaries bringing in information about an area's potential futures, so GOOD CHOICES can be made
4. BIOREGIONAL and LOCAL PEACEWORKERS networking with others like them around the globe, making sure that their changes are harmonizing with the works of the other councils.
5. Energy healers such as dowsers, shamans, reiki practitioners, etc. to RE-HARMONIZE THE BIOREGION, then the SPECIFIC LOCALE
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976966781
carolion, thank you, as always for being & giving so much of yourself to others. yet, WE=US
are all in this together as you so beautifully pointed out in your piece of yesterday. This is great information for all of US=WE. hug to my friend! ~mo-zy
Moya, I have been reading a lot about what England is doing to make our planet a safer & healthier place to live. Remember. when many years ago the world laugh at Prince Charles for
being aware of Nature and yes, talking to trees and plants. When, he becomes King -- the royal blue will be change to a lovely shade of green. My best to you, mo-zy
Anna, So nice to see you again...last time I was in Prague your country has always been aware of nature and to make sure it is respected & to take care of it. How are you doing. I will stop by see to read your beautiful poetry. chugs, mo-zy
Hey jess, you are indeed welcome...want to make sure "our' little princess of the sea and all the children and we adults have a healthy world to live in. big hug, mo-zy
I have now also finally accepted this to my ""C" ~ Articles/Images That Start with the letter "C" (All subjects matter allowed...)" group, sorry for any delays...