by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

It’s a time of Heroes - courageous, creative and determined And, man, do we need them. Fortunately, they are stepping up come all walks of life artists, musicians, designers, writers, photographers, athletes, small farmers, business owners, students, you’ll even find them in Hollywood. Every one of them moves and inspires me. Some of them bring tears to my eyes.

That was the case when reading the story of Chad Pregracke, one dedicated river keeper dude. About 10 years back, as a skateboarding college student broken-hearted about the state of his beloved Mississippi River, he dropped out of school to spend his days in a flat-bottomed boat dragging out trash. He didn’t have a master plan or hoards of people to join him. “It was just something I knew should be done and needed to be done and nobody was doing it.” (That gave me the first gulp). It can be that simple, yes?

After being discovered by roving reporters and curious eyes, Pregracke himself discovered a wealth of enthusiasm from friends and strangers, some longing for a chance to get involved. “You gotta create an opportunity for people to do something.” he said.

True to his word, he soon founded Living Lands and Waters, a non-profit with 12 employees. With a fleet of barges, he and his crew travel down 6 rivers, including the Missippi, Missouri, Ohio, Anacostia, Potamac and the Illinois as part of the annual event, X-Stream Cleanup. The latest and 4th annual expedition covered 31 sites, involving over 1,500 volunteers. To date, they have hauled in over 4 million tons of garbage, recycled much of it and stirred up interest in concerned communities along the way. Rivers get a shot at restoration as they remove numbers of tires, metal scraps and barrels still partially filled with toxic chemicals.

Corporate sponsorship has helped grow the group’s budget, allowing them to extend their efforts and influence into educational workshops and other local programs. Yet, when Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, Chad dropped everything to be part of the relief efforts. Planning to stay 4 weeks, Chad and his crew stayed 10. To learn more and get involved, go to livinglandsandwater.org.

2008 UPDATE ON CHAD AND LL&W:

IN 2006, Chad and his crews executed 64 cleans ups and hosted the first Big River Workshop, on the Mississippi River.

In 2007, Chad and LL&W founded the Million Trees Project. With the help of communities collecting acorns, a nursery was established with the goal of planting a million trees within the following 5 - 10 years. Chad and National Geographic release, FROM THE BOTTOM UP, the story of the creation and evolution of his river passion and his non-profit organization.

Chad continues to write a weekly column in the Quad City Times in Iowa and has delivered over 300 presentations to corporate, public and student audiences worldwide.

The workshops expand to the Missouri and Illinois Rivers and the LL&W crew plants over 20,000 trees in a five-state area.

2005
LL&W keeps on doing what it does best until Hurricane Katrina strikes the Gulf Coast.  Within days, LL&W cancels aall projects, doubles the crew size, unloads the barges of garbage and fills them up with building supplies.  The fleet and crew head to New Orleans to assist with the relief efforts.  Planning to stay for 4 weeks, the crew stays for nearly 10.

2006
LL&W continues to make an impact, hosting 64 community-based cleanups along seven of the nation’s largest rivers.  Working with over 30,000 volunteers to date, LL&W estimates total refuse collected to be over 3 million pounds!

LL&W’s Big River Workshops host their first excursions–taking 60 teachers on a 3 or 4-day voyage up the Mississippi River.

LL&W expands Adopt-A-River Mile program to include the Illinois River.

2007
Chad releases From the Bottom Up, with National Geographic–the story of the creation and evolution of LL&W, its successes and challenges.

LL&W launches its newest endeavor—The MillionTrees Project.  By starting its own nursery and soliciting the assistance from the community to collect acorns, this project aims to plant a million trees within the next 5 to 10 years.

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC (Re-post from last year’s July 4th entry)

I dread the 4th of July. It’s not the idea of patriotism I mind, it’s the fireworks. First, they are bad for the environment. Inhabitat.com says, “From gunpowder fall out to smoke and dust that contain various heavy metals, sulfur-coal compounds and other noxious chemicals, fireworks are decidedly un-green.” However, it doesn’t stop there. Fireworks used at home injure many people every year and can start fires.

City organized fireworks may injure less people, but most animals suffer when subjected to this noise, even from a distance. Pets who stay indoors are still at risk. Most of my dogs have shown signs of distress and one former dog would shake, drool and pant with terror as soon as the first rocket fires (sometimes as early as Noon!). I know of another dog who jumped through a plate glass window in his panic, was lost for days and badly injured. I can only imagine how the noise, pollution and sight of fireworks may affect surrounding wildlife.

I’ve boycotted fireworks displays since I was in college when I realized that the rocket’s “red glare” symbolizes war, which means I have no reason to enjoy watching or hearing it. I read on inhabitat.com that there are more ec0-friendly fireworks available by Sekon biodegradable fireworks - a gunpowder-free “air launch” technology. If cities could make this switch, it could at least solve one part of the problem. Perhaps you can talk to your town’s officials about this option.

I prefer to think we can evolve past fireworks for good and choose a meaningful alternative. How about a light show or raising flags or playing music? Let’s make July 4th something to celebrate - like an Indepence from Oil Day - or at least for now, a creative, safe and eco-friendly holiday, something all beings can enjoy.

by Tao Oliveto

By now, we’ve all heard about the many benefits of a consistent yoga practice - calmer mind, healthier organs, detoxification, better digestion and sleep, balanced nervous and hormonal system, muscle flexibility and strength, stronger core, back and joints. And I can tell you from both my practice and teaching experience, that all this can be realized through regular practice of a reputable system of yoga.

But, can yoga really make life easier? Well, yes and no. Obviously, all of the above things can make you fell a heckuva lot better than the average, non-yoga person. Still, yoga cannot make the outside problems and harsh realities of life vanish. So, while yoga does not make life easier, it does make you easier with life. “Through a regular yoga practice, we become less hindered by our past and less invested in our fantasies”, says Donna Farhi, one of America’s most respected yoga teachers and author. Practice gives you direct access to an inner place of grounding and presence which can allow us to stop feeling overwhelmed by thoughts and emotions stirred up by daily events and relationships. In this space of stillness, we can find more acceptance and listen to the messages and wisdom that come from the mind and heart working together.

Now that we have our sh** together, what about the world “out there”? It is difficult not to experience periods of hopelessness in the midst of the world’s suffering and uncertainty. Yet, be hopeful we must, as well as find the things that we can do to be part of world change in both small and large ways. Ultimately, more people finding hope and peace will have an effect on the world. So, just how do we get there? Here’s some ideas:

1. Have hope about the future even while accepting uncertainty. Share that hope in some way each day. Discover valid reasons why we can expect good things to happen and tell others.

2. Develop your awareness. Live with continually increasing openness and sensitivity towards others, the earth, animals and yourself.

3. Do a lifestyle check. What are the consequences of the way you live and consume natural resources? What could you, your workplace, your business, be doing differently?

4. Contribute to a cause outside yourself. We have a big job ahead of us and it will take everyone to get it done. Resist the temptation to sit back and wait. Become pro-active in your life and community.

5. Stay informed (but not always from television news). Turn to less sensational news sources, read and talk to others.

5. Send out positive, life-changing energy. Choose a mantra or a prayer of your own and repeat it to yourself several times a day.

6. Smile and breathe.It’s o.k. to find a happy, peaceful place inside yourself. Go there to heal and restore when you need to. Laugh, entertain each other and have some fun. The people around you will benefit and you will be able to accomplish more.

7. Keep practicing yoga daily. It makes all the above possible.

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

We’ve long known, but as long forgotten, that raw and/or fermented foods are important factors in the holistic picture of diet and health. Fermentation was first used as a way to preserve perishables before refrigeration existed and the ancient philosophy of Macrobiotics includes fermented foods for their enhanced and abundant nutrients. I’ve included fermented/cultured foods like miso, tempe, apple cider vinegar and kefir in my diet for years. Why are these foods so important? Bacteria, baby!

Our culture has become exceedingly germ-phobic and obsessed with cleanliness. And in the midst of trying to eliminate disease-causing bacterias, we’ve created a overzealous fear of all things microbial. Industry enthusiastically fed this fear and soon the marketplace was swarming with anti-bacterial soaps and other cleaners. Are we less sick due to our efforts? Actually, no and then some.

There’s no sign that fewer people are succumbing to viruses and other illness, but there’s plenty of evidence that our immune systems are continually becoming weaker and that new and antibiotic-resistant bacterias are gaining ground in our environment and bodies. Microorganisms cover our bodies and the surfaces of our home in the form of friendly bacterias that protect us and help develop the immune system. “The cleaner we live…the more likely we’ll get asthma and allergies” states Dr. David Rosenstreich, director of Allergy and Immunology at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine. In other words, Mr. Clean was wrong.

There are many facets to a whole and healthy life and discovering ways to work with the body’s diverse system, rather than against it, can be a worthwhile and fascinating journey. How to begin?

Step One: Don’t believe everything you’re told on television or radio - research, read and talk to others.

Step Two: Ditch the antibacterial soap and consider washing your hands, and other stuff at home less often. (Continue to wash hands when using public restrooms.)

Step Three: Play in the dirt.

Step Four: Eat fermented/raw/cultured foods. The process of fermentation makes food more digestible and nutritious, while live, unpasteurized fermented foods provide good bacteria in the gut. Fermentation creates new nutrients, removes toxins from foods and have been shown to function as antioxidants in the body. Think sauerkraut, cheese, miso, tempeh, kefir and yogurt. Home “brewing” isn’t as hard as you may think - Learn more from this book by Sandor Ellix Katz, Wild Fermentation, The Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods.

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

One of my friends gave me an awesome gift the other day. I was coming to visit him and mentioned that I was riding my bicycle. He grumbled, since I’m continuously speaking in eco-tongues in his presence. “This road is damn dangerous and I’d rather not have to peel you off the pavement,” he said and promised to make it up to me. The next morning I called, expecting to find him, as usual, at his favorite coffee shop, but he was at home. “What’s wrong - you sick?” “Nope,” said this reluctant enviro, “we had a deal - I skipped the drive this morning.”

Whoa. Not only was I kinda moved, but I realized that he was on to something! Maybe we could offset for the ones we love!? Are your friends flying to Paris on a honeymoon this June? Carpool to work that month in their honor. Driving to visit grandma? Bring her a set of CFLs!

Traveling to visit loved ones is a fact of our current culture and I say “sustaining” relationships is important. First, make sure those trips are about quality, not quantity and rethink those that fall under the “obligation” category only. We could also consider other meaningful ways to “be there” - arrange a strategically timed phone call during special events or send a letter that can be read aloud. Some years, my family has sent a video of a celebration that I missed.

Beyond this, there’s only one thing left to do - OFFSET!

Already trading out those love miles with a carbon offset company? Then you and your loved ones could challenge yourselves to accumulate offsets in other ways. Wanna visit the new friend you made at Green Fest? Change a bulb, ride a bike, car share, jog outdoors instead of on the treadmill, use only the cold setting on your washing machine, turn off the ice maker in your freezer - the list is endless! Once you start creating new green habits, you’ll get hooked - and then you’ll be sharing all of the LOVE and the eco-ball will be rolling!

The Changers offset mileage and other every day energy use at Terra Pass. It’s fast, easy and affordable. Go there now and share the love!

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

Tree-hugging roadside assistance? Who knew? Now you do, so it’s time to wake up and smell the petroleum - AAA is not only old news, it’s bad news, with a long history of lobbying against any and all auto alternatives like mass transit, bicycle paths and even the Clean Air Act.

Better World Club, roadside assistance and travel service jumped out of the auto-industry supporting box, bringing travelers an intelligent way to improve their “car-ma”. Two boyhood friends from Ohio survived the ’60’s, worked their way through law school, did some other worldly stuff and eventually created a company that is un-paving a way to better travel. Better World not only offers all the traditional roadside services with generally lower rates, but members receive discounts on hybrid and bio-diesel rentals as well as other types of eco-travel. They also offer Roadside Bicycle Assistance, Auto Insurance and family membership prices for domestic partners.

Ok, so BW won’t bail you out of jail, but you get the benefit of knowing that they are actively promoting “low impact, responsible travel through partnerships with companies who share their philosophy and commitment to protecting the planet” and donate 1% of revenues to environmental clean up and advocacy. They are supporters of the Pay As You Drive (PAYD) insurance initiative, even showing up to testify in it’s favor before the Oregon House Transportation Committee. PAYD programs will encourage less miles on the road (studies project as much as a 20%decrease) but could result in fewer new roads and fewer accidents.

It gets even, uh, Better. Members booking flights or becoming BW-insured, receive free carbon offsetting and are encouraged to make donations towards additional offsetting of personal energy use.

If you’re already a member of another roadside service, you can still join now and become an active member of Better World Club the day your old (smelly) service expires. Call now or visit them at www.Betterworldclub.com.

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

There is hope for the future of commerce. The workforce is beginning to take matters into their own hands - working on terms that fulfill not just a livelihood, but a “right livelihood” that nourishes the soul, the planet and communities. At yesterday’s event (see below) for sustainable entrepreneurs and businesses, it became obvious that we are willing to take risks, to revisit expectations, to shift the idea of “work” to a place that is more healthy and satisfying and hopeful.

There is Green Planet Catering green catering company, Green , who serves only local and organic food, provides biodegradable utensils, composts all job waste and even delivers in a vehicle powered by vegetable diesel - that he makes with his own waste oil. He says his long days don’t feel like work.

Scott Blackwell started the Immaculate Baking Company in his garage with big dreams and a few simple goals: To create top-quality baked goods with fun and unique combinations, to celebrate the creativity of folk art, and to somehow give back. So, he created “Cookies With a Cause”.

Filling an important niche is Southern Energy Management, a husband and wife team, who help businesses and home owners plan energy systems that will minimize energy costs and footprint. They become “team” leaders who provide solutions to commercial and residential energy use.

Trinity Design/Build specializes in historic preservation, renovation and green retrofitting of existing buildings. They work with homeowners, contractors, and architects and their services include everything from conceptual sketches to turn-key design/build.

There’s more of course, and I’ll be highlighting and sharing what I’m learning from these inspired and committed people. For now, remember, we’re shifting, tipping, pushing the iceberg - don’t give up. Change is a’foot.

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

Today we Changers will be participating in an event with UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. Jerry will be moderating a discussion panel of motivated businesses, including the director of U.S. marketing from Burt’s Bees. We will conclude with a workshop on branding for good, where Jerry will explain, “Branding is not rocket science. It’s a cocktail party.”

BASE and The Change present:
Branding for Good
A Panel Discussion on Successful Branding Strategies for Sustainable Entrepreneurs

The Center for Sustainable Enterprise (CSE) at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School was established to help executives and future business leaders understand how social and environmental considerations are changing the competitive landscape of business.

The CSE provides education, research, and outreach to business students, executives, and organizations to help them benefit from the opportunities inherent in sustainable enterprise. Kenan-Flagler Business School is ranked one of the top business schools in the world for education in this arena.

We are looking forward to meeting many inspiring people!