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UK Celebrates Success Of Eco-Schools

Sonya — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:09:41 +0000

Over half of schools in England have achieved Eco-School status, UK Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced today.

“Schools have an important part to play in helping young people to build a greener future for us all and it’s young people that will lead the way in creating a healthy environment for future generations,” says Secretary Benn.

Run by Keep Britain Tidy, the Eco-Schools program encourages children and teachers to make their school more environmentally-friendly and sustainable. They follow a simple seven step process covering themes including waste, healthy living and biodiversity.

Summer of Gaia

Lee Welles — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:12:55 +0000

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Have you ever considered doing “summer camp” in your own backyard? I used to be the Nature Director at a summer camp and can promise you, the magic that can be discovered on a summer afternoon can last a lifetime!

Not only do I write for Eco Child’s Play, I write a series of novels called Gaia Girls Book Sereis. In Gaia Girls, the heroines are granted cool powers and sent on “Gaia Missions” to help the earth. They are able to do this because they are so connected and aware of the Earth (Gaia). I suspect that the majority of us reading and writing here at Green Options spent a portion of our childhood outside getting connected and I want to do my part to make sure the next generation loves Earth enough to care for it. So this summer, I’m combining my nature director experience, with the fantastical fiction. I’m inviting one and all to participate in “The Summer of Gaia!”

Each week, I set you on a Mission that will open up all the magic Gaia has to offer.

Sustainable Living Rule #2: Have FUN

Caroline Savery — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:51:21 +0000

If the revolution isn’t fun, you’re doing it wrong.

I often wonder what people imagine when they hear I’m trying to live environmentally sustainably for three months. Do they picture me living in a tree, hunting rabbits and eating grass? Do they think “oh, I could never do that for myself,” or do they think I’m lying?

Sure, establishing and maintaining a sustainable lifestyle goes against the grain. It can be draining, and it may not be possible to implement the chosen lifestyle modifications in your expected timeframe, which can be discouraging.

But to innovate a way of living that is in keeping with your ideals can be the most empowering thing you ever do. Sustainable living is creative–it will always require imagination and a good dose of gumption. It gets you “out there,” doing new and radical things that you may have never thought you would do. That, my friends, is living!