Category: Sustainability Education Forum

SEF News-Views Digest No. 163 (2-1-17)
Clifton Ware, Editor-Publisher

Want to live a more simple, value-based life? You’re in luck, as there’s plenty of information about creating a simpler lifestyle. In fact, a worldwide movement is gradually taking hold, mostly in developed nations, where a modern, highly consumptive life can be very stressful. Like many Americans, perhaps you, too, are experiencing an ongoing sense of busyness and frustration that borders on burnout. [By the way, being a minimalist doesn’t require carrying everything you own on your person, and your bike.]

SEF News-Views Digest No. 162 (1-25-17)
Clifton Ware, Editor-Publisher

Now that we have a new president, and cabinet—most having voiced intentions to oppose some vital eco-sustainability causes—it seems the sustainability community could use some healing. So when a Facebook “friend” posted “Healing Time on Earth”, a relatively unknown song by my favorite folk singer-songwriter John Denver, I eagerly listened to this inspiring rendition.

SEF News-Views Digest No. 161 (1-18-17)
Clifton Ware, Editor-Publisher

This I know: diversity is evident everywhere in our modern world, most certainly within the ranks of sustainability advocates. Indeed, the sustainability community abounds with diverse interests and perspectives.

Some experts describe three major types of sustainability practitioners: light green—those who focus on easy practices, like recycling proper materials and reducing consumption; bright green—those highly optimistic folk who rely on high-tech solutions, such as electric cars, renewable energy, etc.; and dark green—those who are deeply concerned about the converging crises we face, and committed to understanding and promoting all sustainability issues.

SEF News-Views Digest No. 160 (1-4-17)
Clifton Ware, Editor-Publisher

Welcome 2017! How about beginning the year with a unique sustainability event? Sustainability Forum: Threats and Opportunities will be held this Sat., Jan. 7, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the new Columbia Heights Public Library, 3939 Central Ave. N.E. At this free event you’ll experience three 30-minute presentations, featuring Mike Conley—The Perfect Storm: Our Sustainability Challenges; Alan Ware—Making the Connection: Overpopulation and Sustainability: and Matt Hoiland—Beyond Boom & Bust

If you’re the type of sustainability supporter who’s interested in understanding all of the many facets of sustainability—as opposed to focusing on special areas of expertise—you’ll enjoy associating with other like-minded, ‘big-picture’ thinkers. Many worthwhile organizations cater to people with special interests, including climate change, wildlife, resources, renewable energy, social equality, agriculture, population, and economic areas. But there are very few people—even in the sustainability movement—who demonstrate interest in grasping a big-picture view of how various aspects intersect and influence one another.

> Sustainability Forum: Threats and Opportunities, ., Columbia Heights Library, 3939 Central Ave., Columbia Heights, MN. Featuring 3 30-minute presentations: Mike Conley—The Perfect Storm: Our Sustainability Challenges; Alan Ware—Making the Connection: Overpopulation and Sustainability: Matt Hoiland—Beyond Boom & Bust. FREE EVENT, limited seating; please register: warex001@umn.edu

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SEF News-Views Digest No. 159 (12-28-16)
Clifton Ware, Editor-Publisher

Perhaps, like me, you’re dumfounded in trying to comprehend how others think, what they believe, and why they act they way they do. Throughout the presidential election, and currently, Facebook posts reveal a wide range of emotional outpourings, mostly leaning towards extremes in the socio-political-religious spectrum, left and right. Occasionally, cool-headed “friends” post a more balanced, rational perspective, with pleas for civility and understanding. Some postings provide links to informative articles and books that focus on creating greater understanding of others, especially those who hold opposing worldviews.