Last year, I wrote about switching to a zero-waste lifestyle and my experience working towards that goal. Since then, I’ve been trying my best to reduce my use of plastic as well—which, admittedly, I thought I could avoid by simply recycling. However, after watching Plastic Paradise and Gasland, I immediately changed my course of action. …continue
In their new book, Guide to the Geology of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park, Duane and Ruth Braun describe in vivid detail the picturesque scenery and geologic origins of Mount Desert Island (MDI), the home of Acadia National Park. The book takes readers on a powerful journey through time, following the geologic history …continue
This was the year—finally—that I got more serious about planting my garden. During earlier attempts, I’d taken a fairly lazy, noncommittal approach: container-planting herbs here and there, buying a fruit tree, or starting squash seedlings. Despite my valiant efforts, the squashlings made it all of two months, and my herbs were a victory short-lived after my cat …continue
In her latest book, scientist and activist Vandana Shiva delivers a powerful manifesto calling for meaningful agricultural consciousness and genuine sustainability. Shiva, whom Bill Moyers has called a “rock star in the worldwide battle against genetically modified seeds,” draws upon her thirty years of research to debunk the myth—propagated in large part by the GMO …continue
As a kid, I was obsessed with whales. I saw the movie Free Willy and grew determined to become a whale activist. I learned all kinds of Orca facts, and even harassed my friends and family for using too much water, telling them to save some for the whales (not sure how I came up with that one). When my parents took me to …continue
Our usual Western view of the world teaches us separation. Medically, we’re taught to believe that each organ is separate from the others and that the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of our lives are distinct. We’re also encouraged to see ourselves as separate from the people and the world around us. The long history …continue