I try to keep on top of the news around the environment, but I often cannot stand to read so much depressing news stories in a row. I am suspicious that this constant onslaught of bad news stomps out our motivation to try, because the problem just feels too big. On this blog, I am trying to propose an environmentalism that is personally sustainable- a bunch of little changes we can all keep up with, and I want to focus on the positive, not because I won't readily admit the problems we face are huge and important, but because good things are happening. It's worth focusing on and feeling empowered, because the changes we make CAN make a difference.


Wow, I am trying to think of a more depressing week for news, but it would be hard to top this one.I mean, just nothing kind to be found. But, there are good things out there!

1. Awesome Kids take on Plastic Straws- Meredith Moss in the UK started a petition to deliver to McDonald's CEO to encourage them to give up the plastic straws. Preach, girl! We use over 500,000,000 plastic straws A DAY, and if large restaurant chains like McDonalds gave them up or switched to paper, we could eliminate a tremendous amount of pointless. waste. Interested in backing her up? Read her story here, and even better, sign her petition here. Clean water is worth fighting for!

2. UC San Diego Bans Single Use Bottles on Campus- In the battle against single-use plastics, it doesn't get much better than a major university banning them completely. Please, let this continue to catch on. I don't think you can discount that a university right on the water can see the tremendous destruction caused by these bottles, and I am so pleased they are cutting the bottle (let's all follow in their lead). I am living for a world with boxed water, and I know it is coming.

3. Buffalo News "The Value of Values"- This article talks about the growing consumer investment in the ethics and values behind what they buy. It isn't just a race to the cheaperst option anymore, and thank God for that. Let's all keep learning this lesson and making the world better!

I try to keep on top of the news around the environment, but I often cannot stand to read so much depressing news stories in a row. I am suspicious that this constant onslaught of bad news stomps out our motivation to try, because the problem just feels too big. On this blog, I am trying to propose an environmentalism that is personally sustainable- a bunch of little changes we can all keep up with, and I want to focus on the positive, not because I won't readily admit the problems we face are huge and important, but because good things are happening. It's worth focusing on and feeling empowered, because the changes we make CAN make a difference.

1. Clean Energy is Growing Faster than Ever Before- Fossil Fuels and energy companies are fighting back hard (I get that they are angry their demand is being depleted and they want their money, but maybe it's time to join the clean energy movement, not fight it?), but despite the efforts against green energy, it picked up massive steam (or winds or sunlight) in 2015. Clean energy isn't such a rarity anymore, and I am hoping my children will grow up in a world where it is even considered normal. It's an area where we know we can do better, so it's good to see lots of people are taking that leap, even if we have a long way to go (do you know Americans could get 40% of our energy from rooftop solar panels? that's awesome).


2. Parkway Gardens are approved by LA City Council- You may have heard in the news this week that some Canadian cities are fighting against front yard gardens. Well, they aren't alone, and lots of American cities have push back against front yard or "parkway" gardens. Thankfully, just this week, LA switched directions on this issue, and a city that certainly could be growing more of it's own food now can. Very big deal if you are part of the growing your own food movement (which this blog is all about this month! Let's hear it for growing even a tiny percentage of your own food!). Go curbside veggies!

3.Recycling Cigarette Butts- Dear loved ones who smoke, it is so gross. Also, I live in fear of you getting sick from those little sticks and having to have a hole in your throat. I hate it. I also hate it because it creates a shit ton of litter that gets in our water and is truly horrible for animals. Yuck. I love you. Quit smoking. On National Geographic, they talked about some new options for recycling cigarette butts. This is a nice solution to a TOTALLY UNNECESSARY environmental problem (quit smoking), but it is cool they are thinking about it.

I try to keep on top of the news around the environment, but I often cannot stand to read so much depressing news in a row. I am suspicious that this constant onslaught of bad news stomps out our motivation to try, because the problem just feels too big. On this blog, I am trying to propose an environmentalism that is personally sustainable- a bunch of little changes we can all keep up with, and I want to focus on the positive, not because I won't readily admit the problems we face are huge and important, but because good things are happening. It's worth focusing on. 

from nearmap on mashable

1. Disney's Renewable Energy with Mouse Ears-  If Disney knows two things, it's how to run a parking garage and how to brand themselves. You could see their giant solar panel Mickey Mouse as obnoxious, but it makes me smile. Because if Disney wants renewable energy to be a part of their brand identity, then it has real mainstream traction. I used to pitch to The Boy that McDonald's or Target should have a huge solar power initiative as a PR move, because they are so ubiquitous (not to mention the investment would pay for itself). I think this is pretty similar, and I love it. What a way to power Disneyworld!

2. Las Vegas's Lights are Getting a New Source of Energy- Three of the most major casinos published a plan to power their casinos with solar power. They are getting pushback from Las Vegas utilities companies (not uncommon, they want to make their money more than help the Earth), but I feel confident these casinos can make it happen. They strip gets so much sun, so it really makes sense for the whole thing to be solar-powered!

3. The Black Mambas- This all female collective are "winning the war against poaching" fighting the illegal rhino poaching industry in South Africa. How badass is a bunch of ladies out fighting poachers? Even better? They are succeeding! The poaching of rhino in that area is down 76%. Wow. I love reading about them- we can all do something big when we work together!