ECOCLUB Blogs™

An interesting article, "The US virtual economy is set to make billions"which runs contrary to gloomy current wisdom,reveals how ingrained consumerism (and capitalism?)is in the minds of many ordinary citizens...Of course, that new bubble will also burst, but some will laughall the way to their secret treasure chest under the old garden shed next to the pond(banks are now 'unsafe')Many of those who generally argue for progressive change, and like to speakin the name of "the people", sometimes forget that "the people" apart from thetruly destitute (chronically unemployed, immigrants, minorities and others)also includes a relatively well-off crowd (think lower-middle class)a fair chunk of which is largely ignorant, easily-scared & manipulated but otherwise selfish, prejudiced and disinterested in anything beyond law+order...Aka "the consumer".Virtual games, and day-dreaming communities such as 2nd life (get a life?),seem to be the modern equivalent (and competitor?) of religious satisfaction in the afterlife.In that sense they may be slightly more realistic, instant and reciprocal (not to mentiontailor-made).FAQ:Q. So, can I upload and virtually offset my virtual carbon emissions in your virtual community?A. Yes, virtually.Hopelesshagen. Oh bummer!Enough said in 2009. Best wishes to you dear reader (ok. to both of you for a 2010 with ecological & social progress,...

As we are approaching the holy feast of consumerism, Xmas, there are the endless arguments of whether a real xmas tree is better than a plastic one. The latest wisdom is that a plastic one requires 20 times more CO2 to arrive at your house than a real one. Eco-entrepreneurial people are now also offering a rent a real xmas tree option, whereby at the end of xmas they take back your tree and replant it (hopefully). The obvious, real eco choice: no tree at all. Just decorate your home or garden plants and use the funds to support a worthy cause of your choice.

A vigil rally in Booni, northern Chitral, Pakistan was organized through the facilitation of CAMAT [Chitral Association for Mountain Area Tourism]. The objectives of the placard bearing rally was to showcase support and show solidarity with the climate change SOS Copenhagen conference in addition to highlight the issues of climate change that has already posed a serious challenge to the communities in the Hindu Kush Mountains.The participants were mostly students of government high school Booni and Pamir Public School apart from business community, political leadership, social workers and people from different walk of life. The rally, after walking for a kilometer, concentrated at the main Booni square where teachers, political leadership and business community representatives addressed the gathering. It was maintained that for the last three decades there has been a considerable change in the climate, which is inevitably linked to global warming. The destruction of the village Sonoghor three years ago resulting from glacier bursting is no doubt an eye opener in this regard. Similarly snow avalanches that destroyed the Washeech village in the Torkho valley and the annihilation of village Brep are directly associated with global warming.The melting glaciers high up in the Eastern Pamir region, which are the...

A lot of students and teachers from the USA participated in our study tours. They met many people dedicated to protecting Crete’s heritage -- botanists, geologists, historians, mountaineers, musicians, community-based tourism directors, ecolodge owners, herbalists, organic farmers, artisan food producers and chefs. They discovered a little bit about Crete’s culture and nature and enjoyed fresh and local cuisine along the way. One class filmed their adventures with us for our documentary. Stay tuned!http://www.cookingincrete.com/CCS-Newslett...inter-2009.html

“Fair Food: Field to Table” is a multimedia presentation promoting a more socially just food system in the U.S. It was created by California Institute for Rural Studies and Rick Nahmias Photography.Through the stories and voices of farmworkers, growers, businesses and fair food advocates, viewers learn about the harsh realities of farmworker conditions and, more importantly, the promise of improved farm labor practices in American agriculture. The growing movement for “fair food” is tapping into rising consumer demand for food produced in accordance with their values.More info and video links: http://www.fairfoodproject.org/main/

NGOs Review Gate's Initiative for AfricaStan Okenwa, 5 November 2009A coalition of leading environmental pressure groups in Nigeria who met recently in Abuja to study the development initiative of US billionaire Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), land grabs and non-ecological agriculture have recommended that Africa should not be a dumping ground for unverified technologies such as genetically modified crops.Participants drawn from around the continent rose in unison to declare the need to build knowledge and resistance to land grabs on the continent and other non-ecological agriculture that threaten African agriculture and food sovereignty.The full story:http://allafrica.com/stories/200911050463.html

FOR-PROFIT SEEDS HURTING FARMERS, BIODIVERSITYSOURCE: Inter Press Service, ItalyAUTHOR: Haider RizviURL: http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=48976DATE: 10.23.2009FOR-PROFIT SEEDS HURTING FARMERS, BIODIVERSITYArticle Excerpt:UNITED NATIONS, Oct 23 (IPS) - Large biotechnology firms are not only depriving poor farmers of inputs essential for their livelihoods, but are also pushing up food prices, according to a new U.N. report.”Excessive protection of intellectual property rights in agriculture is an obstacle rather than an incentive for innovation,” says Olivier De Schutter, the U.N. special rapporteur on the right to food, who authored the report released Tuesday.In ”Seed Policies and the Right to Food”, presented to the General Assembly body tasked with discussing human rights issues, De Schutter pointed out that the world’s proprietary seed trade is dominated by a mere 10 companies.There are currently two ways for farmers to access seeds - storing them from one year to the next and exchanging them locally, or depending on commercial systems that market ”improved seeds” certified by regulatory authorities.The traditional seed system, according to the report, is rapidly deteriorating due to neglect of agricultural policies. The commercial system, on the other hand, is flourishing as a result of globalisation and the strengthening of intellectual property laws by institutions like the World Trade Organisation.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Bhutan. This Himalayan country did not open their doors until 1974 and I feel fortunate to have been one of the less than 30,000 people who visit each year. And if you’re still wondering where the heck Bhutan is, I’ve got your answer athttp://www.14dd5266c70789bdc806364df4586335-gdprlock/user/Reinventure#p/a/u/2/tUuZWCeWCBM. Although I ended up with an unexpected souvenir (I broke my ankle hiking), I learned this country is very committed to sustainability. The constitution mandates that a large portion of the country remain forested, tourists must travel with a guide and prices are set to give tourism companies a reasonable living.While I’ve been resting my ankle, I’ve edited my hours of Bhutan video to a length that people might actually watch. For a few highlights check out http://www.14dd5266c70789bdc806364df4586335-gdprlock/user/Reinventure#p/a/u/0/4y_JTjaDQc0Or for a ring-side view of the amazing flight into the country see http://www.14dd5266c70789bdc806364df4586335-gdprlock/user/Reinventure#p/a/u/1/wGeyuZE2GoYIt doesn't compare to a real trip, but then again, it comes with no jet-lag!Thanks to Lotay and Fin of Bridge to Bhutan www.bridgetobhutan.bt for showing us the best of Bhutan and providing lots of unique experiences (not counting the twisted ankle!). If you’re interested in your own trip to Bhutan or the unique approach that the Bhutanese are taking...

It was the most visible sign of the post-war division of Europe and Germany after the horrible crimes of nazism. It was the result of cold war, super-power pressures and dirty tricks, in a peculiar situation where there was a free-market, freewheeling, bright-lights enclave, West Berlin, in the heart of an austere, 'socialist' country. It was also a symbol (of the failure and the defeatism) of a state that gradually had less and less to do with socialism and more to do with policing and monitoring its citizens: the loathed Berlin Wall that over 5,000 succeeded to climb, and 136 or more tragically failed, murdered for no reason by guards 'following orders'. It's fall 20 years ago was not seen then by ordinary people seen in the pictures celebrating, and it is not seen now, as a cold war triumph for capitalism (indeed western leaders such as Thatcher had pleaded with Gorbachev for its preservation according to recently unclassified docs), but rather, it was seen as a new beginning for the people of an emancipated & united Germany and Europe, for a better world without divisions and borders, where freedom of movement and ALL other human rights of ALL humans are...

a great article by a great author, Arundhati Roy, on a relatively unknown topic,the long battle for the green heart of India, pitting corporate mining interests against tribes,and special forces against insurgents:http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/20...ists-green-huntthe big question is, would a community-owned, genuine, ecosocially just tourism be a feasible, peaceful way out of the circle of violence?