• Are We Openminded Enough To Change Outdated Practices So That We Can Adapt to Our New Climate?

    With today's unpredictable climate, producing an ample food supply for the world's population has become increasingly challenging, especially in developing countries. Much of the farmland in these areas have been made available by clearing rainforests, which only compounds the problem of global warming. Even after the land has been cleared, there's no guarantee that the field will produce a bountiful harvest. Often, a flood, drought, or other natural disaster will prevail, leaving farmers with little or no reward for all their hard work. If the crops do come through, they must be shipped hundreds or thousands of miles to the highest bidding consumers all around the world, and all too often, thrown in the trash where they end up in a landfill. We know our population is growing and demand for food is growing. We know weather conditions will only get worse. How will we adapt as a species to the new habitat that we've created for ourselves? What is the solution?

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  • Building One House

    This week, after all the questionable nonprofit organizations in the news, I'd like to highlight one of my favorite nonprofit organizations. Red Feather Development Group, started by Robert Young in 1995, builds sustainable housing for homeless native Americans living on reservations in the middle of nowhere.

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  • I Can Make That

    Growing up, my family only bought what we could not make ourselves. Mother made all of our meals from scratch, even while we were on the road. She sewed curtains, crocheted blankets, even made soap by melting down all of our soap scraps. My father had a wood shop in our garage and knew how to use it. He would produce coat racks, toy chests, shelves, desks and other furniture as needed.

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  • $10 gas? Don't panic!

    When the oil runs out, will our future look more like the Jetsons or the Flintstones? With gas prices predicted to reach $7-10 per gallon by 2012, it is smart to prepare now. If you plan to replace your car before 2012, think about what kind of commitment you will make.

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  • ELF On Fire

    I woke up this morning to the news that the Earth Liberation Front (a loosely organized group of autonomous activists who have been classified as eco-terrorists by the US government) have claimed responsibility for the early morning arson of several homes in Woodinville (a suburb of Seattle.)

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