by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

Like everyone else over the past two days, I’ve been thinking (a lot) about the new year and our so-called “resolutions”. And in the process, I realized that resolutions are actually Re-solutions. This should be obvious. The history of the world involves confronting problems and finding solutions. But our solutions for comfortable ways to eat, work, live and get around have grown out of proportion and perspective – and with it, so have our lives. Becoming distracted by desires and indulgence, our modern-day solutions are now killing us and the planet (and making many of us unhappy). We need Re-solutions. Fortunately, there are smart people busily forming these new ideas. The only thing left is for all of us to see the truth and do the work.

So, it was one of my Re-solutions last year to create a socially and sustainably-minded blog that would share the logic and excitement of these new ideas for our world. I made a promise, last New Year’s Day, to reveal the unpopular truths, but to do so in a positive, Re-solution-oriented way – one filled with news, information and hopeful thoughts about the future. In the process, I have met many people on the same path and learned a lot.

I learned how to live with less A/C. I learned to improve the gas mileage in my car by filling the tires with nitrogen. I learned that hybrid cars are good, but driving less is better. I learned how to eat and drink almost entirely eco-friendly and local. I learned that a 26-second shower gets me just as clean as a 2-minute one. I learned how to make my own toothpaste. I learned that commuting by bicycle is smart and fun. I learned that what is good for the environment is good for the soul. I learned where to recycle more and waste less and then I learned how to recycle more and waste less all over again. I also learned that there are a lot of amazing people out there who share my hopes and are willing to embrace change.

My hope for everyone for 2008, is the openness and courage to listen, learn and share new ideas – everyday. To keep growing and manifesting our intentions for a more healthy, happy and sustainable future. To resolve to Re-solve.

Let’s ring in the New Year~

by Tao Oliveto, Christmas Day

Speaking of holiday contemplation, The NY Times today revealed a strong message from Christmas in Rome. Pope Benedict XVI spent part of last night’s Christmas Mass on environmental concerns – going straight to the source: Us. “What would he (Bishop Gregory of Nyssa) say if he could see the state of the world today, through the abuse of energy and its selfish and reckless exploitation?”

Speaking of this “ill-treated world”, he continued, “Man is so preoccupied with himself, he has such an urgent need for all the space and all the time for his own things, that nothing remains for others – for his neighbor, for the poor, for God. And the richer men become the more they fill up all the space by themselves”

Ouch. The truth hurts.

But, It also heals, helps and lights the way to Change.

Merry Christmas!

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

Jerry told us this story at a Solstice bonfire at Pickards Moutain the other night. It happened to his childhood friend, Mark Berrang (who everything happens to). He was at an outdoor music festival in the mountains of VA. Prowling the grounds after midnight, he came upon a crazy-happy guy dancing in circles, buck-naked. “What are you doing, dude?”, Mark asked. “It’s the Solstice!”, naked guy exclaimed, spinning gaily. Mark thought a minute and then said, “Actually, it’s not the Solstice for two more weeks.”

Naked guy paused mid-step, then grinned, turned away and continued to dance.

The Solstice is as much a frame of mind as a single event. It’s about the continuous cycle of new beginnings in nature and in our lives – Life, Death and Rebirth.

Grow with it.

by Greg Gillette, Asheville, NC

Has the ability to spark a true soulful conversation been forgotten by the majority of people who are too caught up with materialism and their own inner world? As a whole, the art of conversation is lost, but for the brave and concerned few, we can revive the art of soulful conversation to the forefront to save our society.

Deep down, everyone longs to express their emotions and their dreams and everyone, deep down, is a beautiful spiritual being. But how do move away from inauthenticity and revive our ability to engage in soulful conversation? You must instill in yourself a wholehearted interest for your fellow human beings and have the courage to go beyond the norm and ask big questions. Granted, you cannot have a soulful conversation with everyone, but you can begin with good intentions and a willingness to share ideas and see what happens.

With most people you come in contact with, you will have to begin with the usual pleasantries of how are you, what do you do, where do you live. Then you can bring forth the what are you passionate and curious about. Ask someone big, open-ended questions, like, how do you feel about the state of this country or the world? Are you doing what you want to do? What do you dream about? What are your hopes? What gets you out of bed each morning? Some people may not know what to say because they never hear these questions. Be ready for some possible awkward moments and remember that the biggest gift you can give someone is listening.

The easiest way to test your boldness is to talk to the people you come in contact with every day, such as the local barista, cashier or waitperson. Ask an interesting or funny question. Try these and see what happens: Have you had any interesting dreams lately? Do you really like your job or would you rather be doing something else? What’s your favorite color and why? What’s one thing that you want to do that you have not done yet? You may learn something new or make a friend. At the very least, you may just brighten up the day.

Our society has become too mundane and superficial. It’s time to strike out and get people out of their boxes. Living is about mystery and connections. Lighting sparks of fires can result in deeper relationships and compassionate communication and help us take steps to wake up our society to a fuller potential both personally and otherwise.

I leave you with a passage from Goethe’s “The Fairy Tale of the Green Snake and the Beautiful Lily.”

“Where do you come from?” asked the King.
“From the subterranean passages where gold is found,” said the snake.
“What is more precious than gold? asked the king.
“The light,” answered the snake.
“What is more precious than light?” asked the king.
“Conversation,” said the snake.

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

You can call New York City a energy-consuming city, but you could also say that most of it serves a small footprint. Take away the autos and you have Venice – sort of. Whether you love it or hate it – when NYC speaks, many people listen. And a 84 foot lighted Holiday Tree speaks loudly.

The 75th annual tree-lighting happened on November 28th but their was more than sparkling lights to cheer. This year the 60 year-old Spruce held 30,000 L.E.D.s (light-emitting diodes) powered by solar panels on the roof of Rockefeller Plaza. Officials project will save as much energy a day as an average family uses in a month (or perhaps 4 Manhattan-sized apartments).

Tishman Speyer, the co-owner and manager of Rockefeller Center, says the carbon emissions created by cutting and transporting the tree will be offset and the lumber to be used later by Habitat for Humanity. Read more here.

White House – can you hear me now?

HO HO HO and Merry Christmas, Tao

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

What’s better than sex and rock ‘n roll? Sex, rock ‘n roll and changing the world. For many years, I have enjoyed Rolling Stone Magazine. It helps me be engaged in both the music world and the political climate, with their excellent coverage of the rock and roll scene and their weekly news features. This month, RS has outdone themselves with the third installment of this year’s Fortieth Anniversary issue (#1039). Find a copy and start reading! Or, go to the website and read it online.

This is a collection of 25 interviews on the future of American and the world with the artists, scientists and leaders who “helped shape our time.” No kidding – this is good and inspiring and thought-provoking dialogue from icons to idols to iconoclasts. The lineup is spectacular – I simply have to list them all: Al Gore, Bono, Bill Maher, Tim Berners-Lee, George Clooney, Eli Pariser, Craig Venter, Sam Harris, Eddie Vedder, Dave Matthews, Cornel West, Jon Stewart, paul Krugman, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Billie Joe Armstrong, Kanye West, Chris Rock, Lisa Randall, Dave Eggers, William Gibson, Jane Goodall, Bill Gates, Bruce Springsteen, Bill Clinton.

In order to absorb it all, I’m limiting myself to two reads/day. There’s a lot to take in and take away – ideas, inspiration, amusement, outrage, ideas, information, along with a little fear, but much more than that – hope. Read along with me and give me your thoughts. Happy Anniversary, Rolling Stone and thanks.

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC
I do want everyone to buy eco-gifts during this season, and to buy recycled and biodegradable whenever possible and yes, there are companies large and small helping us create healthier goods and it all becomes a way of change that can save us and the planet…

But, even green-minded, biodegradable, post-consumer recycled stuff is still – more stuff. The real question is how much of the stuff do we really need (or even really want) and when will we get to the truth of the matter? Too many people, buying too much stuff wastes dwindling resources and perpetuates a throw-away culture! Remember my post about my online order from Real Goods? Well, I’ve received all of my “good for the planet” stuff – in 7 different boxes! After the third one arrived, I called to point out that this didn’t make much sense to me when the cover of their catalog reads “Reduce Your Carbon Footprint.”

What happens in the days following the gift-giving (ie: “shopping”). MORE SHOPPING! We scoop up all the things on sale and then some. We used up a bunch of fuel driving or flying to see relatives and now we get back in the car and drive, in a frenzy, to the mall for another fix. Because what happens when you get stuff? You want more stuff.

What can we gain when we get off the buy-and-die treadmill? A lot. Things like authenticity, healthier minds and bodies, time, and a long-forgotten thing called, meaning. This visionary photographer explains Post-Consumerism this way:

“Post-Consumerism is the idea that something can have value without having a price tag attached to it. Post-Consumerism revels in the power of the individual: in the belief that a person is not what they buy, own or consume. Post-Consumerism is a re-awakening of humanism; a fatigue of being pushed to the point of purchasing strictly for vanity. Post-Consumerism says that one cannot purchase identity, individuality or self and speaks to those who really should know better.”

– Chip Morton, Adbusters No. 75 January/February

To Read More, go to post-consumerism.com

By Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

I’ve never thought of myself as thrifty. Even when I’ve had to adhere to a meager budget, I have maintained an aversion to cutting coupons or “one day only” sales. In all cases, I prefer to do without (or pay more at a small store) than to face the perils – and “steriles” of a mall. Usually, whatever I thought I wanted is quickly forgotten. I’ve had more than my share of “stuff” anyway and it started to hit me that the more I had, the more uncomfortable I felt. (Read No Impact Man post for more on this.)

I started to turn things around several years ago. I have come to acknowledge “less is more” and value things that have a little “history”, but some of the old-time quality as well, so I shop at thrift and vintage stores because it’s fun and interesting, not because it’s cheap. Granted, “cheap” helps when it comes time for another specific purchase, when I can use those saved dollars to choose a higher value on something else – like organic, Fair Trade and/or local goods.

Although we are, as a whole, addicted consumers, we are being pushed towards a more reasonable place. “Thrifty” is morphing into a way of life that is not only helping the planet, but is packed with meaning and simplicity. Recently, a[nother] news reporter showed up at our place and talked to Jerry and others, asking questions about our spendthrift ways and explore our co-housing community. His article is a thorough and especially interesting look at our culture and spending. You’ll find it in the RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER below:

What Happened To Thrift?
Prosperity and technology have fed decades of consumerism. But some are second-guessing our thowaway culture.
By J. Peder Zane