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ast year the Earth Day Network, via EarthDayNetwork.org, succeeded in signing up more than 1 billion people around the world eager to perform at least one act of green for Earth Day, which is annually observed on April 22. Their 2014 goal is 2 billion people making a commitment. I have pledged to slay my ghost energy usage once and for all, turning off the chargers and electronics I usually leave plugged in (and drawing down energy) even when I’m not using them. Mea culpa! Sometimes being part of the planetary solution simply means knowing some of the many doable steps we can take, so we can act on more of them. Some Louisianians say they still are not convinced that climate change is happening, regardless. Such a state of denial is perplexing. Ninety-seven percent of scientists working in the field of climate science agree that Planet Earth is warming and human activity is a driving force. They reference a huge body of peer reviewed scientific studies. Although 3 percent remain skeptics, they offer no evidence to back their criticism. Yet the media tend to give at least equal weight to the skeptics (burying journalistic heads in the sand, as well). As with any information we receive, it’s always wise to consider the source, and make up our own mind as to what we believe. Two books I have found enlightening are Hell and High Water: The Global Warming Solution, by Joseph Romm, and Six Degrees: Our Future on a Hotter Planet, by Mark Lynas. I learned that the factors determining climate are complex; even climate researchers are still discovering how various factors contribute and interact. These and other experts are doing their best to predict future conditions and identify the political forces working overtime to prevent the human race from taking a more rational approach to solutions. Another good source of information I like is the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCSUSA.org). This collaborative started by Massachusetts Institute of Technology students and faculty now encompasses more than 400,000 member scientists, concerned citizens and others advocating for practical solutions for a healthy, safe and sustainable future based on independent and rigorously conducted studies. Just as we need to inform ourselves about how to stay well, we owe it to ourselves and following generations to be well-informed about the health of the environment in which we live. It will take us all working in concert to keep it healthy and safe for our families and communities. To that end, please join me and other sustainably-minded folks at the sixth annual Earth Day Festival and Green Business Expo presented by the Louisiana Bucket Brigade. It’s on April 19 at Armstrong Park, in New Orleans. In addition to superb local food and music, you’ll meet up with local green businesses and nonprofits helping to show us the way to a brighter future. It’s a good place to find the best way for you to get more involved in promoting sustainability in our region. Of course, Natural Awakenings staff will be there and we look forward to seeing you.
In health and sustainability,
Lolita Werhan, Publisher
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Publisher/Editor Lolita Werhan Assistant Editors S. Alison Chabonais Paul Scott • Colleen Morgan Design & Production Paul Scott Advertising Sales Lolita Werhan Advertising@NOLAHealthyLiving.com Distribution Sonny Daniels • Jennifer Parker Jerome Holmes • Keith Thompson Rosalie Torres • April Stolf Elizabeth Ohmer Pellegrin Jeff Teachworth To contact Natural Awakenings S.E. Louisiana Edition: PO Box 750758 New Orleans, LA 70175-0758 Phone: 504-330-2157 Fax: 504-324-0131 Editor@NOLAHealthyLiving.com www.NOLAHealthyLiving.com © 2014 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.
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