There is so much gloom and doom environmental news these days, sometimes it’s hard not to feel depressed. So this week, for a mental health pick-me-up, I’ve intentionally searched out good news; stories of positive events and people making a difference. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!
1. According to an article in the Washington Post, buying locally-grown food is not only a healthier, more ecological way to shop, but it’s also excellent for the local economy. According to researchers, if people in southeastern Minnesota bought just 15% of their food from local sources, it would generate two-thirds as much income as all the region’s farmers receive from subsidies. And if the population in and around Seattle bought 20% of their food dollars at local businesses, it would inject an extra billion dollars each year into the local economy. So here’s one more good reason to shop at the farmer’s market every week!
2. And speaking of local and sustainable food, I had the honor of guest posting this week at Farm to Table about thirteen ways we can create a sustainable food tipping point. Our current fossil-fuel, chemical and subsidy-dependent food system benefits no one but big agribusiness companies. Some think that if just 5% of consumers refuse to buy products that contain genetically modified organisms or animal foods from confinement operations and instead choose local, organic food and grass-fed animal products, we could tip the scales toward a healthier, more humane and more sustainable food system pretty quickly. But shopping differently is only part of the solution. See what else we can do to turn the tables on industrial, heavy-footprint food.
3. Similarly despite a tough economy, the number of eco-city initiatives popping up lately around the world continues to grow, according to Treehugger. Fascinating and inspiring new eco-friendly development concepts in Abu Dhabi, South Korea, Amsterdam and Belgium promise to be energy independent and carbon neutral, as well as quirky and refreshing in design. Check them out!
4. The current global downturn, the worst since the Great Depression 70 years ago, has pounded the last nail into the coffin of globalization, according to analyst Walden Bello at Foreign Policy in Focus. If corporate bailouts, outsourcing, layoffs, and growing economic and environmental problems make you mad, check out this 11 point plan for deglobalizing the economy and restoring health and sustainability to local communities worldwide.
5. Finally, according to Science Daily, Americans used more solar, biomass and wind energy in 2008 than they did in 2007. The nation used less coal and petroleum during the same time frame and only slightly increased its natural gas consumption. The estimated U.S. energy use in 2008 equaled 99.2 quadrillion BTUs (“quads”), down from 101.5 quadrillion BTUs in 2007. Can you believe it, we actually saved energy! Keep up the good work America. We can make a difference!
Have a great, green week!
