Live Lightly on the Earth (a work in progress): Reflections
September 16, 2007
I felt as though I had returned home after a long absence. A gaping void was filled, a few tears flowed, and they are still flowing.
I was filled with a sense of belonging that I have not felt for many years. I also sensed the spirit of my father by my side, nodding approval to all he saw.
And, what he saw was that I was surrounded by people of like mind…environmentalists from all over New England…150 strong, gathering to try and make the world a better place to live in…to “Build Bridges: Creating Change for a Common Good”…
Parts of quotes as I scribbled rapidly during keynotes and workshops: Rachel Carson, “If a child is to keep an interest in nature, he must have an adult to share his excitement.” Tom Wessels, “No system can grow uncontrollably and remain sustainable.” “Cell phones have a much higher carbon footprint than laptop computers.” “We must become a community of less consumption or anxiety and depression take place / more computer time yields less reflective time with lots of input but experientially poor.” Alisa Gravitz, “Affirm and re-double your commitment to living lightly on Earth.” “Whenever a dollar leaves your hand, it has an impact.” “Buy intentionally / Buy Green / Buy Local.” Chesapeake Bay Foundation, “No Child Left Inside.”
Inspirational… values affirmations…humbling…eye-opening…dedication to a cause…dedication to a way of life…dedication to helping all living things…dedication to the creation of worldwide sustainability…making a difference locally and globally…happy feet…happy faces…dancing bodies…laughter…applause…appreciation…
Maine Environmental Education Association, New England Environmental Education Alliance, Audubon, Chewonki, Four Winds Nature Institute, Maine DEP, Ferry Beach Ecology School, Univ. New Hampshire Climate Change Research Center, Co-op America, Auburn land Lab, Center for Whole Communities, Maine Primitive Skills Schools, Hands-On Boat-Based Education & Science, White Pines Program, Audubon Expedition Institute, Kroka Expeditions of Vermont, Antioch University…to name a few of the presenting organizations at the conference. Powerhouses of environmentalism all in one great location at Camp Matoaka in Smithfield, Maine.
