Green Options » tribe

Socialism or Theft? Bolivia’s Government Redistributing Land with Abundant Natural Gas to “Enslaved” Indigenous Tribes

Levi Novey — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 04:23:01 +0000

The government of Bolivia announced plans on Tuesday to buy land and distribute it among landless indigenous groups in an effort to improve their lives.

One of these groups are the Guaraní people, who some claim are living in Bolivia in “a situation of servitude analogous to slavery.”

There are others who dispute that claim, including several prominent American ranchers. They claim that President Evo Morales’ government wants to confiscate their land using the bogus slavery accusation and redistribute it so that it can obtain rights to more of Bolivia’s profitable natural gas reserves.

Tribe in Canada Will Use Wind Energy to Power 30,000 Homes

Levi Novey — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:17:06 +0000

The First Nation community of Beardy’s and Okemasis has agreed with the alternative energy company SkyPower to develop a large wind park. It will be known as the Willow Cree Wind Project. According to the primary source for this article, construction of the park might begin as soon as 2010. The turbines will be built on approximately 12,000 acres of land located near Big Quill, a community near the town of Wynyard, Saskatchewan. The planned wind park will produce 100 megawatts of energy, enough to power 30,000 homes per year.

Chief Rick Gamble elaborated upon the other benefits that the Willow Cree Wind Project will provide. He is quoted as saying,

We chose to partner with SkyPower because of their extensive experience in wind development with First Nations. Moreover, the Willow Cree Wind Project will generate a reliable source of local benefits, including job training programs, employment for the local community, as well as have a positive impact on local tourism. The proposed development will be an important driver of local economic development for years to come.

The tribe’s partner SkyPower is the largest alternative energy company in Canada. One of its more notable projects is in Ontario. SkyPower commenced construction earlier this year on what it claims will be the largest solar park in North America. If all goes as planned, it will be finished late next year.

Green Style Spotlight: Yoga, Tribe and Culture

Victoria Everman — Thu, 10 May 2007 12:34:47 +0000

Off the Mat, Into the WorldIn just the past 30 years, yoga has grown from being seen as a hippy-like hobby for bored housewives to a widely prescribed, physically and spiritually taxing experience that helps people of all background balance their lives. Embracing the specific yogic concept of ahimsa, or non-harming, Yoga, Tribe and Culture has created a clothing company that inspires others to use the 6,000-year-old knowledge of yoga in their daily interactions. Also in line with the same principle, the brand's items for men, women, and children are made from fair-trade, organic cotton. "Buying organically produced food and wearing organically produced clothing is the way of the future. As consumers, we have a tremendous amount of power to direct the future of our world. We have a choice regarding where we put our money and what kind of products we purchase. The right choices can positively affect our earth for generations to come."

The company was started only three years ago by Carmena Su and James Wvinner, who both shared a love of yoga, art, and fashion.

[Our] dream was to create a line of clothing and media products that was hip and authentic while using consciously sourced materials. Yoga, Tribe and Culture arose out of living in this day and age – to make sense of our identity consciously (or not) by the way we dress, what and who we listen to and where we devote our energy."

This passion for change has attracted some of the most well-known faces on modern day yoga to the brand, such as: Shiva Rea, Duncan Wong, Seane Corn, and the AcroYogis. YTC is also a major supported of YouthAIDS, a global, action-based initiative, working in more than 60 countries to educate and protect young people from HIV/AIDS. A limited edition women's tank top and men's t-shirt (featured in the image above) is available, which gives $10 of each shirt sold directly to YouthAIDS.

Yoga means Union – it is a worldwide spiritual and physical practice but you don’t have to have a yoga mat or go to a yoga class to practice yoga. Skaters, surfers, dancers, knitters, musicians, couch potatoes can all be great yogis. Our goal at Yoga, Tribe and Culture is to speak to the urban yogi, combining ancient yogic concepts and intentions with a strong, modern, bold design. Ideally a yogi is someone who is engaged with the world and who dedicates their practice to the betterment of others.

As previously mentioned, items for men, women, and children are available from the company's online store. Currently, there is only one design available for both babies and toddlers, for $30. Three different collections are available for women, mostly comprised of tank tops, but some long sleeve tops are available as well, with prices ranging from $40-42. Men have 3 collections available as well, ranging from $32-40. If you join the company's e-newsletter mailing list, you received 10% off your first order.