By Sarah Ferry
In 2010 mountaineers removed two tons of rubbish from Everest, rubbish that we see in our everyday lives. But what was it doing up there in the first place, and what can New …
By Sean Weaver
Over the last twenty-five years of environmental practice, I have had countless opportunities to experience and reflect on how to enhance my effectiveness. I have had my fair share of failures and successes over these years, and the lessons learned have been invaluable. I have tried manipulation, bending the truth, back stabbing, anger, hatred, arrogance, self-righteousness, knowing everything, defensiveness, paranoia, rejection, and they all left me dissatisfied for several reasons, and among them was the fact that they were not as effective nor as satisfying as a more powerful force of nature: compassion.
The reason so many of us got into this whole business of environmentalism and social justice was because we felt (and feel) violated when we witness needless suffering. This compassion can then sometimes get lost beneath a set of strategies we employ to put things right. But these strategies can commonly embody the very same emotional drivers as the problems we seek to overcome – greed, hatred, ignorance.
Einstein once said that we cannot solve problems using the [heart]-mindset that created them. I tend to agree, not just because I think it is wholesome to act compassionately, but because I have tried selfish and compassionate modalities of environmental practice, and have seen how compassionate action has delivered bigger, better and more enduring outcomes than the selfish ones.
Think for a moment of the contest between advocates for biodiversity on one hand, and the jobs of local people on the other, in a classic environmental dispute over a forest. A selfish and ignorant environmental practice might ignore the legitimate needs of local people, and put its entire effort into winning at all costs.
This is sometimes justified on the basis that “nature always loses, so now its time for nature to win for a change”. Fine. But first show me the line that divides nature from people in this interconnected ecological world. Then show me why it is impossible to deliver both social justice and environmental protection in the same solution.
There is no necessity to alleviate environmental destruction by means of social injustice, any more than it is necessary to alleviate human suffering through environmental destruction.
I have tried out this approach and seen it work on numerous occasions. An example of compassionate environmental policy: In 1998 I prepared a regional economic development policy framework as my contribution to help resolve the impasse between environmentalists and local logging supporters over the protection of the West Coast indigenous forests, back in the late 1990s. People told me I was mad “It will never happen.” The outcome: 130,000ha of forest protected because $120 million in regional development funding was provided by the government for the West Coast community – a community that thrived after the forests were protected.
This is quite unlike the outcome for Minginui – a small town in the central North Island that still suffers intense social hardship after the indigenous logging was stopped in Whirinaki forest in the 1980s. Think of tropical rainforests and how much we want them protected. Then think of the local people in these developing countries…
When environmental protection causes unnecessary social hardship is hardly sustainable (i.e. enduring), because it creates powerful political enemies of conservation, and rightly so. But eco-political leadership from the heart is built of sterner stuff and can out-perform selfish modes in 84,000 ways. There are more angles on the West Coast indigenous forest story to share but this will have to wait till another time…
See Ekodo Facebook Group for details and workshops.
Today I would like to introduce you to Sarah Ferry. Sarah was a graduate from the first ever Happyzine Positive Writing Course and her debut piece is up in the headline position right now. It’s …
There’s nothing like changing a newborn nappy by candlelight to remind me of the perils of Peak Oil. Romantic it wasn’t.
For a few months there my bedtime reading was Rob Hopkins’ Transition Town …
I write this blog scrunched forward, squinting at the screen in my contact-lenseless state. It’s been a chaotic day of family and animals, kind of exhausting, and heart-filling, all at once. So first – here’s …
Greetings and welcome to the first of my twice-weekly blogs for the month of September. I recently approached Charlotte about blogging for a month about my journey back to living healthily, in part because you …
Along the way, I also began to hold out for more in my relationships. For more joy. For more safety. For more trust. I slowly learnt to say ‘I love you, but I don’t love …
Media Release
31 August 2010
Yealands Estate Wines looking for ‘Art on a Bottle’
Sponsors of the Yealands Estate Marlborough Art Gallery – Yealands Estate Wines and The Marlborough Art Society would like to announce the first year …
I heard the story of these guys a few weeks ago on the National Programme and thought they sounded pretty cool. They’re very busy ‘going green’ and are even hoping they’re the most sustainable vineyard …
I find something inherently comforting about being surrounded by wood. As I look around our little 1940’s cottage I realise how much of nature’s cloak we’ve drawn around us; our wood framed weatherboard house has …
Your eyes are feasting on an array of delicate blooms with their own artists palette of shades and immeasurable incalculable infinity of geometric designs.
How does this make you feel?
Relaxed, senses sated?
This is the powerful effect …
Ok, so today’s great moment was: standing in the kitchen making really bad, highly immature jokes with my flatmate and laughing uncontrollably. There were many more sweet moments today, such as completing another Positive Writing …
I listen in each week to Bioneers – which is an ass-kickingly brilliant positive radio show that’s broad-casted regularly on Fresh FM. Yes indeed, it truly rocks. Here’s the link to their radio shows. They …
Gaibrielle Syben of www.myva.co.nz is offering an exclusive 20% discount this month only, to Happyzine subscribers only, who would like some help to smooth out their accounts.
It can be a challenge to …
Chickpeas (Garbanzos)
Chickpeas, native to Asia, are a key ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cookery. They’re tan and shaped like a small hazelnut. Chickpeas contain more iron than other legumes and are a good source of unsaturated fats. …
by Claire Chateau
“And after we get the Gold Award…what do we do?”
This was one of the burning questions asked by Alex, eight, last week, as he was reflecting upon the eco-journey of his school, together …
by Claire Chateau
Like me, you are probably an expert at finding reasons why you are not going to make it to the early local growers market at the week-end. Busy week at work (“all the …
I’m just dashing off to watch Grand Landscape Designs on a friend’s TV. Yes! Having sworn off TV for a year (at our house) I’m finding myself lusting after it’s many luscious programmes elsewhere! There’s …
Last week I chatted merrily about water conservation, about my dreams to capture more and how to put it to use. A very keen part of the permaculture process. Another principle of permaculture …
While some days it doesn’t seem as if I achieve anything (as the mother of this good news website, plus one gorgeous three year old and one Golden Retriever), actually I do. Even today, as …
Media Release
Eco labels and the right information have mass market appeal
Sellers using eco-labels backed with the right information could make as many as 85% of New Zealanders more likely to buy a product.
Huge numbers …
The good news is that last night, late last night, I finished the second draft of my e-book. The title of my e-book is ‘Ten ways to chillax and have fun as you contribute to …
Come away with me, today we’re going to visit Ro and Joanna Piekarski, of Pohara Valley, Golden Bay. Wear your gumboots, because come the end of our time there it will rain. And you can …
Youthline Press Release
From audio to visual – NZ musicians help Kiwi youth
Hollie Smith, Julia Deans and Riki Gooch have more than just Kiwi music in common.
Along with 13 other local musicians, they’re switching mediums to …
By Sean Weaver, 23 August, 2010.
This is the first of a series of blogs that Sean Weaver will write about Ekodo.
Eko (ecological) do (way) is the way of the eco-warrior. Ekodo turns environmentalism into a …
“Over a half-century ago, British negotiators learned the power of silence from a negotiator who single-handedly brought the British Empire to its knees. Gandhi also took breaks at regular intervals, during which he remained silent …
“Dear friends of the Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market,
We’re very excited to announce that the next street market will take place on Sunday, 26th September from 9am – 12.30pm in the West Lynn shopping district on …
I’m currently cradling my three year old son in my arms. He came home from his Dad’s yesterday with a fever and has had a temperature ever since. He’s doing well, it’s funny how kids …
Remember the day, oh such a sweet, sweet day, when you could use the toilets out the back of shops if you were in serious need? I fondly recall a time when you just took …
By Suzi Franks
Last week I told you about the wonderful world of edible flowers and Charlotte has asked if I could pick some of my favorites and tell you about them.. I said ‘Of course …
The good news is I’m ninety percent of the way through the second draft of my e-book. I read back over it today and enjoyed it, I hope I’m not the only one! Now let’s …
It all started in early autumn. I cycled past a garage sale, and spotted what looked like a solar panel on the lawn. It couldn’t be – could it?
I’d always harboured a secret desire to …
Hikurangi Foundation
Media statement
For release: 19 August 2010
Residents have their say on “Taxi-bus”
Warkworth residents are being surveyed on a Taxi-bus service to see if this could be a solution to the lack of public transport in …
I’ve got the night off my main job tonight: that of being a Mama. Tis the most important job ever! And I try very hard to do a good job (don’t we all?). So tonight …
I check the weather online almost as often as I check my email. Not that it changes anything- we’ll still get weather. So it seems almost ironic, in a very long wet winter, …
Hello Frocks on Bikes Flocks!
We are very excited about Frocktober 2010. We are also aware that it is fast approaching! Here in Wellington, we are in the process of planning a ride and event. We …
It was the last thing I ever thought I’d do. I’d seen the infomercials on TV and was not the least bit attracted to it (well, Ok, maybe a little). But, you know how it …
The house I live in, which I’m renting, brings me great pleasure. It has everything I need and more. It has an eager little heat-pump, which, at one press delivers me enough warmth to fill …
Nominations are being sought from around the country for the Countdown Senior New Zealander of the Year 2011 as part of the New Zealander of the Year Awards. This award is open to those aged …
I don’t know if this makes for boring reading, but so many good moments happened today that it’s hard to know which one to tell you about. Why on earth would this be boring? I …
By Cress Spicer
One client of mine was a teenage boy of 11 years who had autism and severe teretts syndrome. He had recently been diagnosed at the B.C Childrens Hospital and had a particularly bad …
Yeah, when it comes to life and happiness I’m a cheap date. I mean, it doesn’t take much to please me, lately.
Momentous moment number one for today was when I was driving along and two …
Press Release – Massey University
WWF-New Zealand has teamed up with Massey University and some of the country’s leading designers, architects and artists to launch an innovative new green design competition as part of this year’s …
Media Release
31 August 2010
Yealands Estate Wines looking for ‘Art on a Bottle’
Sponsors of the Yealands Estate Marlborough Art Gallery – Yealands Estate Wines and The Marlborough Art Society would like to announce the first year …
Nominations are being sought from around the country for ‘Local Heroes’ as part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2011. Kiwibank Local Heroes Awards recognise those everyday people doing extraordinary things in …
Gaibrielle Syben of www.myva.co.nz is offering an exclusive 20% discount this month only, to Happyzine subscribers only, who would like some help to smooth out their accounts.
It can be a challenge to …
LETTING SPACE
“MAKING DREAMS REALTY”
Wellington’s first Free Store opens today at 38 Ghuznee St, supplied by local retailers keen to reduce waste and provide excess stock to the community for no cost.
Artist Kim Paton, creator of …
by Claire Chateau
Like me, you are probably an expert at finding reasons why you are not going to make it to the early local growers market at the week-end. Busy week at work (“all the …
My dream of turning Auckland’s rooftops green is one step closer to reality, with planting of the first Urban Pantry rooftop vegetable garden taking place on Monday. The lucky rooftop is on the building I secured last …
If you’re still not convinced that fashion can be stylish and sustainable, let me tell you about New Zealand’s pioneer in the area of sustainable fashion design… Starfish.
This Wellington based label has always been one …
Nominations are being sought from around the country for the Countdown Senior New Zealander of the Year 2011 as part of the New Zealander of the Year Awards. This award is open to those aged …
By Sean Weaver
Over the last twenty-five years of environmental practice, I have had countless opportunities to experience and reflect on how to enhance my effectiveness. I have had my fair share of failures and successes …
Hello Frocks on Bikes Flocks!
We are very excited about Frocktober 2010. We are also aware that it is fast approaching! Here in Wellington, we are in the process of planning a ride and event. We …
How about this story. A guy – lets call him Dave – is reading some material by a NZ pediatrician and a US economist, and is so stunned by the material he resolved to tell …
Chickpeas (Garbanzos)
Chickpeas, native to Asia, are a key ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cookery. They’re tan and shaped like a small hazelnut. Chickpeas contain more iron than other legumes and are a good source of unsaturated fats. …
Today I would like to introduce you to Sarah Ferry. Sarah was a graduate from the first ever Happyzine Positive Writing Course and her debut piece is up in the headline position right now. It’s …
I wonder how many of you who read my last article on happiness have started your own enquiry and become more aware of what makes you feel happy and how happiness leaks away? …
A piece of cake! – Struggling farmer’s wife who baked her way to a fortune
Bill Gates & Other Corporate Leaders Call For Renewable Push – American Energy Innovation Council promoting clean energy technologies
More wind …
Greetings and welcome to the first of my twice-weekly blogs for the month of September. I recently approached Charlotte about blogging for a month about my journey back to living healthily, in part because you …
Cycling Advocates’ Network (CAN) says reverse-in parking is better for people in cars and pedestrians as well as cyclists.
CAN spokesperson, Anne FitzSimon, applauds New Zealand Transport Agency support for reverse-in parking.
“Reverse-in parking improves the driver’s …
‘‘Maori Art and Design: Weaving, Painting, Carving and Architecture’ by Julie Paama-Pengelly, has been selected as the winner of the Art, Architecture and Design Award at the Nga Kupu Ora Maori Book Awards 2010.
The book’s …
Youthline Press Release
From audio to visual – NZ musicians help Kiwi youth
Hollie Smith, Julia Deans and Riki Gooch have more than just Kiwi music in common.
Along with 13 other local musicians, they’re switching mediums to …
It would be easy to become dis-heartened if you work in the sustainability field in New Zealand. Although the National party has introduced an emissions trading scheme, it is gutless, and won’t in any meaningful …
There’s nothing like changing a newborn nappy by candlelight to remind me of the perils of Peak Oil. Romantic it wasn’t.
For a few months there my bedtime reading was Rob Hopkins’ Transition Town …
Feeling the love? Express it this Valentine’s Day with a lush gift. Hannah Campbell has searched high, sideways and low for the very best in unique and truly sustainably produced Valentine’s Day offerings. Relax, we’ve …
By Sean Weaver
Over the last twenty-five years of environmental practice, I have had countless opportunities to experience and reflect on how to enhance my effectiveness. I have had my fair share of failures and successes …
What are the benefits of moving smoothly?
The Tai Chi classics say that smooth movement equals an even movement, meaning neither too much nor too little. If you move according to these written guidelines, you’re physically …
Tuesday, 6 July 2010, 9:53 am
Press Release: New Zealand Government
Youth Affairs Minister welcomes Youth MPs
Parliament is about to be taken over by 122 young New Zealanders representing each sitting MP, with 10 Youth Journalists reporting …
