When we think of a group of people who enthusiastically utilize the latest in technology, we don't tend to think of the Amish. They shun cars, photography and wars. But the Amish communities of America have taken to solar power in a big way. And I'm not just ... keep reading
Written by Rena Sherwood in November 2008, about Clean Technologies, Green energy, Philosophy & Religion, Solar (1 comment)
Romania, 1990 - the dictator Nicole Ceausescu and his wife have been overthrown and executed less than a year ago. Lines of pregnant women wrap around the block waiting for a legal abortion. In 1966, Ceausescu had made having less than five children punishable with heavy fines. Despite the fact that ... keep reading
Written by Rena Sherwood in October 2008, about Children and Families, Environment & Wildlife, Environmental Disasters, Philosophy & Religion, Population (6 comments)
Many activists combating climate change have been accused of not walking their talk. This can't be said of Switzerland's Dr. Martin Vosseler, who wrapped up a walk across America to promote the use of solar power. That's right - he walked from Los Angeles to Boston - an estimated ... keep reading
Written by Rena Sherwood in October 2008, about Clean Technologies, Events, Solar
Things are bad. Even organized religion says so. Although some not-so-organized spiritual traditions like Paganism and aboriginal spirituality have been preaching the green gospel for centuries, now Christians want to get in on the act. Pope Benedict XVI wants Catholics to change their wasteful ways. At least, that's the ... keep reading
Written by Rena Sherwood in October 2008, about Climate Change, Economics, Environment & Wildlife, Environmental Disasters, Philosophy & Religion (3 comments)
It's a good thing that seals don't hold a grudge. Otherwise, we would not be able to do valuable research on how climate change is affecting the world's oceans. Southern elephant seals spend most of their lives diving, which makes them the perfect employees to get readings ... keep reading
Written by Rena Sherwood in September 2008, about Climate Change, Environment & Wildlife, Water (1 comment)
"Sesame Street" icon Oscar the Grouch turned green in 1970 (his original color was orange). This is his theme song, "I Love Trash", penned by the immortal Jeff Moss (who also wrote "Rubber Ducky"). Considering the rate of trash made by society, how even the beaches are filling up with ... keep reading
Written by Rena Sherwood in September 2008, about Children and Families, Pollution, Recycling
Both revered and vilified in his lifetime, the Dalai Lama continues to teach justice not only for humans but for the environment. He has been living in exile from Tibet since the Chinese took it over in 1959. Here, in a talk delivered to the University of Michigan, he is ... keep reading
Written by Rena Sherwood in September 2008, about Philosophy & Religion, Politics & Government
"Give me your tired, your poor ...Your wretched refuse of your teeming shore..." - From the base of the Statue of Liberty Susan Strasser's 1999 Waste and Want: A Social History of Trash could have been titled America & Trash: A Love Story. The book focuses on America's relationship to ... keep reading
Written by Rena Sherwood in September 2008, about Consumerism, Pollution, Recycling
It's called the BigBelly (not to be confused with a Jelly Belly) and it just might be the future of trash cans. And, God knows, trash cans need something to make them look forward to the future. They run on 30 watt solar power panels and are made from ... keep reading
Written by Rena Sherwood in September 2008, about Clean Technologies, Design (1 comment)
It's too late to save the planet, the economy or government, so you better just worry about saving yourself. This is the view of an increasing number of survivalists around the world, who see the collapse of Western civilization as a given, so they are learning how to live ... keep reading
Written by Rena Sherwood in August 2008, about Agriculture & Food, Clean Technologies, Coal & Oil, Consumerism, Economics, Energy Saving, Environmental Disasters, Philosophy & Religion (2 comments)
