EcoArts

Global Exchange Joins Forces with EcoArts Tours

2011-05-19T22:07:00.000-07:00

Malia Everette has been the Director of Reality Tours at Global Exchange for 13 years. She shares her thoughts on why she chose to form a partnership with EcoArts Tours on several exciting programs.

A New Year of EcoArts Experiences

2011-01-14T18:13:00.000-08:00

As 2011 unfolds, we hope the new year brings you new growth, abundance, happiness and experiences! As a pleasant way to start the year, enjoy a short film that was shared with us by filmmaker Aine Carey. The film, The Last Dragon Kingdom, provides an inspiring look into the unique world of Bhutan. Inspired by her experiences in Bhutan, Aine is now creating a feature film titled Get Karma, that explores the life of a young Bhutanese man aspiring to have the #1 tour company in Bhutan. We hope her films will provide you with new knowledge and inspiration to experience The Dragon Kingdom this year.

Experience The Dragon Kingdom and travel on the
Bhutan EcoArts Tour

The Arts and Climate Change Movement Emerges in New York

2010-08-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

Lisa Phillips, the Assistant Director of the Lenfest Center for Sustainable Energy at The Earth Institute of Columbia University shares information about an emerging, arts-sustainable program - PositiveFeedback.

"PositiveFeedback is a joint arts and climate initiative of the Earth Institute, Columbia University, the Center for Creative Research at NYU, and the CUNY Institute for Sustainable Cities. We serve as a nexus for arts/science interest related to climate change, while aiming to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public perception. PositiveFeedback cultivates and supports a diverse community of scientists and artists focused on climate change and engaged in each others' work. We encourage relationships between arts and science collaborators whose research will be mutually beneficial and will inspire subsequent exploration and investigation. Our research and public programs will yield new ways of understanding and communicating the unprecedented phenomenon of global climate change, illuminate our shared responsibility and motivate a call to action."

Read more about PositiveFeedback:
Illuminating the Science: Art and Climate Change
Science and Art Mobilize to Fight Climate Change

Indonesia's Last Glaciers from Earth Institute on Vimeo, one of the climate change videos posted on the EI channel.

Climate Change and the Arts

2010-05-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

There is a growing movement in connecting the arts with climate change. Stemming from the negative human impacts on the environment, artists are collaborating with scientists, educators and policy makers to communicate sustainable messages through art. EcoArts Tours involves artists of all genres in environmental and cultural, sustainable travel programs. The International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP) furthers environmental and cultural conservation through ethical photography. Art for Conservation presents visual arts that convey clear messages of natural wonders and environmental threats, with a percentage of art sales benefiting conservation efforts. And as shown in the documentary "Art From the Arctic", British artist and filmmaker, David Buckland, has organized three Arctic expeditions to provide artistic collaborations with climate change scientists.

To summarize some of the thoughts from the artists involved in the film...Spending time in nature feeds back into your art. The relationship is symbiotic in that each natural place informs and envelopes you in a different way. And although you can never fully convey the feeling, humans can engage with and react to a natural place, and create art that communicates a message.

Uranium Mining Threatens Grand Canyon National Park and the Habasupai Tribe

2010-05-10T20:34:00.000-07:00

Since induction in the National Park Service in 1919, the breath-taking Grand Canyon remains an international tourism attraction evident by the more than 4.3 million annual visitors. The immensity of the landscape extends from a river system spanning 277 miles (446km) long, with the canyon reaching up to 18 miles (29km) wide, and a mile (1.6km) deep. Hiking, camping, river trips and guided tours are many ways to enjoy and explore this vast region.

Although management of the NPS continues to work on conservation of the cultural and natural heritage, high visitation numbers have resulted in years of overuse, crowding and ecosystem issues. Uranium mining proves the greatest threat to watersheds of the region as well as the health, cultural integrity, and economic well-being of the Havasupai People. EcoFlight provides a documentary with Roger Clark, from the Grand Canyon Trust, talking about the detrimental aspects of four uranium mines near the Grand Canyon National Park.

Take Action

As travelers, support indigenous communities and book your travel with Havasupai-managed services and lodges. Many volunteer options to support conservation efforts exist through the Grand Canyon Trust and Sierra Club/NPS.

A Picture Really is Worth a Thousand Words

2010-04-27T17:48:00.000-07:00

An interesting picture that I just had to share.

Travel Philanthropy - A Conscious Way to Travel

2010-04-15T15:34:00.000-07:00

In the latest issue of Worth magazine, a very captivating article shares the insight of Joseph Stiglitz, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in economics. Amidst the rhetoric of valuable information highlighting past and present economic affairs, one statement resonated with me for its simplistic, humanistic view. When asked about his parents’ influence on his chosen career path, their advice emanated a philanthropic tone. As Stiglitz recounted, “what was important was using your mind and being of service to others.”

Philanthropy abounds in every facet of society - from corporate and family foundations, community and educational programs, and in the travel industry. Travel has often been recognized as a method for bridging cultural gaps and creating peace. As stated by President John F. Kennedy in 1963,

“Travel has become one of the great forces for peace and understanding in our time. As people move through the world and learn to know each other, to understand each other's customs and to appreciate the qualities of the individuals of each nation, we are building a level on international understanding which can sharply improve the atmosphere for world peace."

Expounding on President Kennedy’s notion of traveling for peace, travel as a mechanism for philanthropy is one of the most prevalent sectors of the industry today. As explained by The Center for Responsible Travel in their Travelers’ Philanthropy program, “This emerging movement is helping to support and empower local and indigenous communities by providing jobs, skills, and lasting improvements in health care, education, and environmental stewardship.”

Many travelers strive to leave a positive impact in the amazing communities and environments that had compelled them to travel in the first place. The number of philanthropic programs are increasing and available through tour operators and travel organizations around the world.

Learn how you can be a philanthropic traveler

Travelers' Philanthropy
Travelers Giving Back
The LEX/NG Joint Fund for Exploration and Conservation
SAVE Travel Alliance
Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA)

Consumers' Power to 'Green' the Airline Industry

2010-04-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

According to a 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, the impact of aviation emissions "is 2 to 4 times greater than that of CO2 emissions alone." This is further compounded by aviation being the world's fastest growing form of transportation.

Although you can't prevent people from traveling, you can empower people to travel responsibly. With any movement or revolution for change, the stimulus derives from the people. So, before you fly again, educate yourself on the options available to travel in the most eco-friendly way. And if an option doesn't exist for your particular journey, then demand change and let your voice be heard. Here are some resources to help you get started in 'greening' the airline industry.

Recycling in the Airline Industry

According to Green America's 2010 Report, the average airline passenger generates 1.3 pounds of waste per flight. This adds up when you multiply that by the 678 million airline passenger trips made in 2008 in the United States alone. And sadly, nearly 75 percent of airline waste is recyclable, yet only about 20 percent was recycled. Read more on various airline recycling programs and steps you can make as a consumer to make a change.

100% Carbon Neutral Airline

Since 2004, NatureAir is the first airline in the world to compensate for 100% of airline emissions. The commitment of this environmentally conscious, Costa Rican company proves an exemplary model for the rest of the aviation industry to follow.

Luxury business eco-jet

The P180 Avanti II by Piaggio Aero Industries is the latest carbon-cutting option in business aviation. This Ferrari-branded plane has the lowest carbon emissions for corporate travel, at a rate of one-third less emissions than aircraft of similar size.

Carbon offsets

Although not a solution to climate change, offsetting is an interim measure to deal with the ecological impacts of travel. Select a carbon offset company and start offsetting your emissions when you travel, at home and at work.

3Degrees

Carbonfund

Climate Care

Native Energy

Terrapass

Zerofootprint

A Green Festival Tribute to Howard Zinn

2010-04-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

On April 12, the San Francisco Green Festival paid homage to historian, playwright and activist, Howard Zinn.

During an unusual day of torrential April showers, eco-conscious individuals gathered to hear personal recounts and joyful remembrances of Zinn's life. Alice Walker narrated a vibrant oration on their friendship and the influence Zinn has had on her life. Actor and activist, Danny Glover shared passionate insight on analogous topics included in Zinn's writings. Chris Moore, a producer of the documentary The People Speak, provided a humble introduction and invitation to view this landmark film. The Green Festival culminated with an inspiring tribute that broke through the clouds and glimmered Howard Zinn's light into all in attendance. He will always be remembered and his legacy lives on, in each of us.

Books by Howard Zinn

A People's History of the United States: 1492 to Present
A Young People's History of the United States (Enhanced Omnibus Edition)
You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train: A Personal History of Our Times
The Twentieth Century: A People's History
The Unraveling of the Bush Presidency

Books by Alice Walker

In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens: Womanist Prose
We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For: Inner Light in a Time of Darkness
There Is a Flower at the Tip of My Nose Smelling Me
The World Has Changed: Conversations with Alice Walker
Her Blue Body Everything We Know: Earthling Poems 1965-1990 Complete
Why War Is Never a Good Idea
In Love & Trouble: Stories of Black Women
Hard Times Require Furious Dancing: New Poems
Overcoming Speechlessness: A Poet Encounters the Horror in Rwanda, Eastern Congo, and Palestine/Israel
Alice Walker's the Color Purple (Bloom's Modern Critical Interpretations)

Gandhi’s Teachings on Nonviolence Towards Nature and Humanity

2010-04-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

“Nonviolence is not just a state of being where violence is absent or invisible. It is a conscious, active effort not to harm anyone morally, spiritually, physically, mentally, economically, socially, or in any other way.” – Arun Gandhi

The India EcoArts Tour culminates with an intimate look at Mohatma Gandhi’s Legacy today as explained by our guest guide, Tushar Arun Gandhi (Mohatma Gandhi’s great-grandson). In preparation for this tour, I read books and publications that the Gandhi family has produced from their personal path of nonviolence in continuing Gandhi’s legacy. In his book Legacy of Love, Arun Gandhi, grandson of the preeminent spiritual and political leader, provides personal stories and recounts the lessons learned from his grandfather.

The most obvious form of nonviolence, and that is apparent for the majority of people, is that of the physical form. However, Dr. Arun Gandhi shares his knowledge on the essential elements of nonviolence in all realms, from the tutelage received from his parents and grandfather. And two aspects that are basic tenets in the field of sustainable development, are nonviolence again nature and humanity. For this reason, I felt important to share Gandhi’s lessons on these two aspects, as recounted by Dr. Arun Gandhi.

“Always remember: Wasting anything is a bad habit. Do you know how much money, efforts and natural resources go into making things for our use, even pencils? Imagine if millions of people around the world threw away perfectly good pencils each day. How much would it cost the world? Hundreds of thousands of acres of trees are chopped down just for the wood. Add to this the human effort, the money invested, and all the other incidental expenses. All that goes down the drain everyday. That is violence against nature.

When we overconsume the Earth’s resources, we create an economic imbalance in societies and in the world. Affluent people and affluent societies can afford to buy everything in large quantities. They have an abundance of wealth and think they have the license to waste. They use a great deal and leave others with very little. It is this imbalance between the rich and poor that gives rise to crime, violence, prejudice and other negative attitudes.

…The Earth can produce enough for everyone’s needs, but not for everyone’s greed. Our greed and wasteful habits perpetuate poverty, which is violence against humanity.

…Always remember that wasting anything is violence, and every action makes a difference somewhere in the world. You must learn to use everything carefully, sparingly and completely, so that we can share the resources of the world equally with everyone.”

For more information about

Dr. Arun Gandhi
M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence
Gandhi Worldwide Education Institute
Tushar Arun Gandhi
Learn from Gandhi’s family on the India EcoArts Tour

Other Books by Mohatma and Arun Gandhi

Legacy of Love: My Education in the Path of Nonviolence
The Search for a Nonviolent Future: A Promise of Peace for Ourselves, Our Families, and Our World
The Forgotten Woman
Vows and Observances
Prayer
Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth
The Essential Gandhi: An Anthology of His Writings on His Life, Work, and Ideas
The Bhagavad Gita According to Gandhi
The Way to God: Selected Writings from Mahatma Gandhi
Non-Violent Resistance (Satyagraha)