Virgin Earth Challenge, Gaia-Capitalism, & Religion
The Virgin Earth Challenge, a joint partnership formed by Richard Branson and Al Gore, is a prize of $25 million for "a commercially viable design which results in the removal of anthropogenic, atmospheric greenhouse gases so as to contribute materially to the stability of Earth’s climate." There is a panel of five judges - all "world authorities" in their respective industries: Al Gore, Sir Crispin Tickell, Tim Flannery, Jim Hansen and James Lovelock. Interestingly, the birth of the Virgin Earth Prize* is one of a several initiatives investing in renewable energy research, development and production as part of Virgin Group's "Gaia Capitalism" project and a $3 billion dollar Clinton Initiative pledge (Sept 2006).
Amongst many intriguing issues related to this initiative, is why Virgin chose the term "Gaia Capitalism"? Gaia or Gaea, a term from ancient Greek mythology, means earth goddess and mother of Cronus and the Titans in ancient mythology. Capitalism, or private enterprise system, is an economic system based on private ownership of the production and distribution of goods. I think it is very interesting that Branson and his group would coin "Gaia Capitalism" in light of what both words mean and the agenda of Gore, Lovelock and friends. More and more, I see the hardcore preaching of global warming rooted in a cult-like, enviro-religion of worshiping the so-called mother earth instead of the Creator God.
James Lovelock is the man behind the Gaia Theory (now called "Earth System Science") and frequently quoted in Al Gore's book "Earth in the Balance: Ecology and the Human Spirit". In a discussion on BlogCatalog, I posted my blog post "Nobel Peace Prize 2007: Gore, Climate Change & Religion" and opened it up to the BlogCatalog Community, resulting in over 400 responses. In the thread, I asked the community if Gore thinks climate change is a religious issue, based upon Gore's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech and interview where he claimed the following: "It is time to make peace with the planet" and "We face a true planetary emergency. The climate crisis is not a political issue, it is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity."
Interestingly, but not surprisingly, multi-billionaire and founder of the Virgin megabrand, Richard Branson, was recently dubbed United Nations' Citizen of the Year for his eco-advocacy. (Click here to learn more about his recent interview with Time Magazine, what inspired me to dig deeper with his cause).
Getting back to the Virgin Earth Challenge, let's look at what each of the judges said at a press conference:
Al Gore - “Carbon dioxide levels already are far above anything measured in the prior 650,000 year record, and just last week in Paris scientists gave us their strongest warning yet of the consequences of inaction. So the dangers are clear. But the opportunities, if we take action now, are innumerable, and Sir Richard’s initiative to stimulate exploration of this new approach to the climate crisis is important and welcome.”
Sounds like Gore thinks humankind has the ability to stop global warming. Yet, climate change is part of the earth's natural cycle. Evidence is coming out almost daily to prove this and yet Gore and his groupies continue to preach about a man-caused global warming. Check out this great resource here about "Global Climate Change Facts: The Truth, The Consensus, and the Skeptics", as well as an NPR podcast called "Three Views on Global Warming".
James Lovelock - "To escape the consequences of global heating we need far more than Kyoto, far more than renewable energy and sustainable development. What we need is a near miracle to undo the harm that we have done. Sir Richard Branson's hugely generous prize could sow the seeds for a miraculous invention that would let us make a sustainable retreat to that lush and comfortable world we once knew. We have all spent far too long sleepwalking towards extinction."
Lovelock founded the Gaia Theory (now called a branch of Science!). According to Wikipedia, "The Gaia hypothesis is an ecological hypothesis that proposes that living and nonliving parts of the earth are viewed as a complex interacting system that can be thought of as a single organism. Named after the Greek earth goddess, this hypothesis postulates that all living things have a regulatory effect on the Earth's environment that promotes life overall." Many people, including me, think that the Gaia hypothesis is rooted in a neo-pagan new age (old age) religion.
Sir Crispin Tickell - “We need a significant, lasting and harmless reduction in the volume of green house gases in the atmosphere. To this technology can make an important contribution. This Prize is a marvellous encouragement to all who have bright and practical ideas on how best to tackle one of the major problems of our time.”
Tackle? Humankind will never be able to stop the natural cycle of the earth, no matter how many endorse this silly thought. Certainly, we have the God-given responsibility to steward the earth, but we will never be able to control the earth and stop its natural cycle.
Dr James Hansen, Director of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies - “I think we have a very brief window of opportunity to deal with climate change ... no longer than a decade, at the most. This is why I am supporting the Virgin Earth Challenge as a judge – we must explore all means, both known and unknown, to help alleviate this crisis.”
Sounds like Hansen is rallying the gullible masses to respond immediately to their rhetoric and enviro-fanaticism, to do what they say because they are in the know.
Tim Flannery, author of The Weather Makers - “If we continue as we are, humanity will so pollute our atmosphere this century that we will create another world, the likes of which has not been seen for 50 million years. And we will destroy human civilisation in the process.”
Flannery seems to be declaring a global warming, fear campaign (like the rest of his enviro-religion groupies).
Sir Richard Branson - “We would also like to call on governments and members of the international community to join us in The Virgin Earth Challenge by matching or adding to the prize pot available to encourage the greatest number of entrants of those who could come up with a solution which could save our planet. If the greatest minds in the world today compete, as I’m sure they will, for The Virgin Earth Challenge, I believe that a solution to the C02 problem could hopefully be found – a solution that could save our planet - not only for our children but for all the children yet to come.”
"Save our planet" is over-used and loaded. We are not responsible for "saving" the earth. We are responsible for stewarding the earth, not saving it. Man, my friends, contrary to growing rhetoric, is not the savior of anything or anyone, let alone the planet. Can't you see how this religion is spread throughout this campaign? It is the foundation of this global warming movement, to worship and serve the creature instead of the Creator.
The evidence is all pointing to a greater agenda and people need to wake up and begin questioning facts instead of being fed information and blindly accepting it as truth. Gore's enviro-evangelical message is gathering momentum, capturing many and filling minds with rubbish about man's responsibility to "save" the earth. We are called to steward the earth, my friends, not to save it. We will never save this earth.
*(The Virgin Earth Challenge judges will meet for five years to review designs submitted the previous year. If they find a design they think is worth the award, they can aware the prize before the 5 year term and discontinue the challenge. If they don't award the prize, they will "roll the prize forward" for a another date.)
Green, Eco-Friendly Shopping Bags: Ethical Shopping!
As a result of San Francisco finally enacting a ban against plastic shopping bags and California requiring large supermarkets to sell reusable shopping bags, green entrepreneurs are creating reusable shopping bags. Traders Joes, Wholefoods, and Costco are my frequent shopping destinations and I have reusable shopping bags for each. When I forget my reusable bags I feel guilty about it; it takes the joy of being a planet friendly shopper to an ignorant consumer using more trees or causing pollution in the ocean! This brings up another planet unfriendly practice in need of eco-friendly alternatives: plastic and styrofoam packaging. Awhile ago, I saw this show on the Home Garden TV Network, where an artist recycled styrofoam plates by cutting them into various shapes to be used as cut out stencils. Naturally, I thought this to be a brilliant idea. But I am not a painter and so my plates collected and just took up space. So eventually they found their way to the garbage bin and into the California garbage dump. Now that I think about it, I'll start donating these styrofoam plates to a local school!
Become an ethical shopper by beginning with green, eco-friendly shopping bags. Buy them at one of the following online stores: Chicobag.com, MyOwnBag.com, Olive Smart Bags, or Reusable Bags.
Shop green, buy fair and be globally minded all the time.
Green Your Home: Install Solar Panels
With the depletion of oil and rising oil prices, we should all be intent upon using alternative energy, especially for our homes. Indeed, solar panels on the roof of your home will greatly benefit the planet and your finances. The initial financial investment required to go solar is worth the returns on the environment and future generations, while hedging you against future electric rates. In addition, investing in solar panels will increase the resale value of your home, making you a very happy seller. As you consider installing solar panels, let's look at price, quantity, net metering, financing, and future outlook.
PRICE
The price for solar panels varies from state-to-state, but in California, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York generous incentives are available. To find additional information about your state, click here.
QUANTITY
You can get an estimate of how much money you will save by installing solar panels by going to FindSolar.com (a joint partnership between the American Solar Energy Society, Solar Electric Power Association, Energy Matters LLC, and the U.S. Department of Energy).
NET METERING
Offset your utility bill by giving excess electricity back to the power grid. Note, however, that net-metering states only cancels out your bill and does not pay you for excess electricity you may provide. Learn more here.
FINANCING
Get a solar home equity loan versus spending the capital to do so. This is a fantastic solution, especially if the estimated savings from your utility bill and tax deductions for the loan are more than the amount of the loan.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
Although solar cells are beginning to be built into roofing materials, take heart because today's solar panels may be tomorrow's energy source for your electric or plug-in hybrid car.
To learn more about solar panels for your home, click here.
So what are you wanting for? Go solar!
Christmas Blessings
Views of Poverty
When you think of poverty, what comes to your mind? Homelessness? Living paycheck to paycheck? Subsidized housing? The extended large family living in a 2 bedroom apartment? The National Geographic images of those starving in Darfur, Sudan or some other African nation? Indeed, poverty brings up different mental images, depending upon one's experience. However, nothing compares to seeing, smelling and experiencing poverty in the developing world. Nothing. You will be transformed somehow when your life touches that of another human being living in dire conditions.
I know of many Guatemalan Mayan families living in the most distressing conditions, including: cornstalk homes, aluminum and cardboard shacks, dirt floors, and no running water and/or bathrooms. The first time I saw such poverty, injustice and righteous indignation filled my being. How could we allow this? How could we let people suffer and not do anything? My experiences in Guatemala changed me from a mere adventure traveler to an advocate for the plight of the poor in Guatemala.
We are all responsible for making life better for the poor, the suffering, the sick and the needy. What will it take for us to recognize that it is only the grace of God separating us from those living in poverty? It has nothing to do with karma; the poor do not deserve a life of poverty, nor do the wealthy deserve their life of privilege. It is the duty of the rich to give to the poor, to improve the lives of others, making the world a better place for all.
Do you agree?
Be globally minded and make life better for all.
Do the Rich Have a Responsibility to Care for the Poor?
Sometimes when I tell people about my business or passion to help the poor in Guatemala, I get blank stares or, worse, detached or angry questions or comments. Why help them? Do you really think you are going to make a difference? Who cares? We have enough to worry about in the US. Why give up your comfort to go to a place like that? I am continuously amazed with the ignorance of some... and then I remember when I neglected to think about the needs of the poor.
Do the rich have a responsibility to care for the poor? Yes, we do. When you see poverty, especially in the developing world, it is overwhelming: lack of clean water, housing, food, education and so much more grip one's heart like no other. Being around the Guatemalan poor reminds me of the grace I walk in. I did not choose to be born in my country, nor my socioeconomic level, nor did the poor choose their plight. When I look into the faces of the Guatemalan poor, I see myself. Indeed, you don't need to be financially rich to care for the poor. Instead, and even more importantly, one needs a heart of compassion, true riches, and a drive to improve the lives of others. Caring for the poor in the developing world can take on many forms: volunteering, giving money, donating needed items, sponsoring a child, building a school or library, buying fair trade and socially responsible products and gifts, and on and on. Everyone can get involved, helping the poor, one person at a time.
What do you think?
Be globally minded and make life better for all.
Eco-Travel around Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Lake Atitlan is surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, lined by twelve villages around the shores of this gorgeous lake. Although the national language is Spanish, three Mayan dialects are spoken amongst the indigenous: Tz'utujil, Kaqchikel, & Quiche. One never tires of the magnificent views and scenery, although the poverty is staggering.
When you go to Lake Atitlan , I highly recommend staying and/or visiting the following unforgettable hotels on the shores of the Lake:
Casa Del Mundo - A must-stay hotel in Jaibalito
Hotel Atitlan - A beautiful hotel in Panajachel
Hotel Aaculaax - An eco-friendly hotel in San Marcos La Laguna
Villa Sumaya - A gorgeous hotel in Santa Cruz
Posada De Santiago - A lovely hotel and restaurant in Santiago Atitlan
The area around the Lake is an outdoor enthusiast's playground: kayaking, diving, volcano climbing, mountain biking, swimming, hiking, horseback riding and more. Jovenes Mayas organizes and leads eco-tours around the Lake. They can be found in the charming village of San Marcos La Laguna. I highly recommend using their services because they are knowledgeable, interesting and trustworthy. Also, for you non-Spanish speaking folks, the guides are tri-lingual (Mayan dialect, Spanish and English)!
If you want to go horseback riding or climb the San Pedro Volcano, simply take a boat from Pana to San Pedro La Laguna, across the majestic beauty of Lake Atitlan. You can inquire where to set up such adventures right when you get off the dock. Stay at Hotel Sak'Ari and dine at Tin-Tin, a great restaurant owned and run by Gary, a Canadian guy.
If you want a guided horseback ride above the clouds, contact the folks at Posada De Santiago, make a reservation for a night or two and another one for a horseback riding adventure.
You can rent kayaks at Casa Del Mundo (where you can also stay for a night) or in numerous villages around the Lake. Trust me, you don't need a reservation but you will want to go kayaking in the early morning before the wind starts or around dusk, when there is little wind.
Mountain bikes can be rented in Pana or San Pedro La Laguna. Again, forget the reservations, there will be enough bikes for you. Just go and ask where the bike rental stores can be found.
Please remember: NEVER go hiking or volcano climbing alone. There are numerous stories of robbers along hiking trails. A local guide will be of great benefit and security as you step into the wild beauty of Guatemala.
The sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular around the Lake, though the afternoon will bring a wind across the Lake. The best time to travel to Guatemala is between October and May, otherwise you'll hit the rainy season. While in Pana, make sure to dine at the Sunset Cafe where you will enjoy great sunset views of the Lake and volcanoes, listen to great music and eat delicious food.
Check out Atitlan Resource for more information.
Happy Traveling!
Globally Minded Fair Trade Contest for BloggersUnite!
So what are you doing for BloggersUnite?
Rules: 1) one gift per household, 2) post a comment our Globally Minded Blog between now and 12/24/07, 3) drawing will be held on on 12/26/07, 4) 5 winners will be selected and notified on 12/27/07, 5) winners will be highlighted in a future blog post, 6) names of the winners (and, if applicable, website/blog) will be required to disclose winners, 7) mailing addresses will be required so we can send your Globally Minded prize, 8) prizes will be shipped anywhere in the continental US via regular mail, 9) prizes are not necessarily shown in our catalogue, and 10) comment as much as you'd like (genuine comments only, no spamming).
Eco-Friendly Toys: Give Green Gifts to Kids!
With the growing chatter of lead in toys, let's agree to care for our children by buying only eco-friendly and green toys. Such a decision to support safe toys will result in a better world for all of us. By being educated consumers, we can force companies to produce toys that are healthier for our children and better for the planet. Fortunately, the lead problem in toys has spurred an increase in green gift givers. Let's look at some creative green gift ideas for young children:
Planet Happy - Their toys include all kinds of green, organic and fair trade products for children of all ages, including wooden toys, baby toys, arts and crafts, games and puzzles and so much more. They also give a percentage of their profits to support the planting of trees! Buy a toy and help green the earth! Novel. 
Kate's Caring Gifts - This company sells a variety of eco-friendly and fair trade gifts, and open-ended educational toys to inspire young children to develop their imagination. Their wooden toys are made from sustainable and renewable resources like bamboo, MDF and rubberwood. Toys include: stuffed animals, wooden puzzles, animal coat hooks, wooden animal play sets and more.
North Star Toys - These beautiful wooden toys all made from sustainable and non-toxic materials. Take your pick of animals, vehicles, boats and more.
In closing, from this time forward, go green with eco-friendly toys for all the children in your life. Supporting the green toy movement will make the world better and healthier for all. So what are you going to buy first?
Go Green this Christmas: Gift Wrap and Gift Ideas
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans increase their trash by 25% between Thanksgiving and Christmas, resulting in 25 million tons of garbage a year! With these staggering statistics in mind, let's agree to a be more green this Christmas simply by giving or wrapping presents in a more globally minded, earth friendly manner. Here are some ideas to get you going:
1. Forget the traditional gifts of things, simply give love! Volunteer, spend quality time with your loved ones and be the present to another!
2. Give gift cards: This reduces environmental waste substantially while making your loved ones thrilled. Gift cards can be for book stores, movie tickets, museums, music stores, spas, manicure, coffee stores, and more.
3. Give plants: This great gift is inexpensive and enjoyable all year long.
4. Wrap oversized items with just a bow. Save paper and time.
5. Wrap boxes or presents with brown garbage bags and decorate the outside using markers, ribbon, or other creative decorations.
6. Stuff boxes with newspapers and/or shredded paper.
7. Give a homebaked pie, cookies and/or fudge, instead of buying a gift.
8. Buy online gift certificates.
9. Make a homemade gift (calendar, recipe book, photo book, etc.)
10. Buy fair trade gifts online and multi-ship to save money.
11. Use reusable gift bags.
12. Buy unique gifts at a thrift store (something novel, not dated!).
When it comes to gifts, be socially responsible, eco-friendy and globally minded. Buy fair trade and give fair trade gifts. Make a difference today!
Amazing Grace: Freedom from Slavery For All
I just rented Amazing Grace, the inspiring story of William Wilberforce, a Cambridge graduate turned politician and philanthropist, who tirelessly advocated for the abolition of slavery in England during the late 17th century. During college, he became friends with William Pitt, who later became the future Prime Minister. In 1780, both Wilberforce and Pitt joined the House of Commons and four years later, Wilberforce became a Christian. Passionate with the rights and justice for all men, Wilberforce became a strong voice for African men, women and children who were forced into a life of servitude and abuse by English plantation owners. Although he contemplated leaving politics, William Pitt and John Newton, a former slave trader turned abolitionist minister and the one who penned the song "Amazing Grace", convinced Wilberforce to remain and to become the chief parliamentary abolitionist speaker. This single decision to stay in politics and advocate for slaves became his lifetime legacy.
Not surprisingly, Wilberforce's campaign to destroy the slave trade in England was wrought with opposition, especially by those who feared an economic and political collapse of their beloved country. Wilberforce fought this battle with faith, courage and a conviction; he believed that every human had a God given right for freedom and dignity. Just three days before his death on July 29, 1833, Wilberforce received the glorious news that the Emancipation Bill was passed by the House of Commons. He lived to see his years of work change the course of history.
Fast forward more than 170 years, the world is still plagued by slavery. Studies show that modern day slaves number 27 million, including men, women and children. The Amazing Change is the call to action today.
In closing, I'd like to remind you of the words to the song that inspired Wilberforce's call to justice:
AMAZING GRACE
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!
Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine.
"Amazing Grace" is a well-known Christian hymn. The words were written late in 1772 by Englishman John Newton. They first appeared in print in Newton's Olney Hymns (1779), which he worked on with William Cowper.
Nobel Peace Prize 2007: Gore, Climate Change & Religion
Former Vice President Al Gore won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for efforts to "build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change." There is growing rhetoric that climate change could have a devastating impact on living conditions for animals and mankind, including a mass exodus from areas deficient in natural resources to areas rich in natural resources. This type of migration has the potential of inciting wars and conflict within states and between countries.
During Gore's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, he said "It is time to make peace with the planet". On Friday, Gore attended a news conference stating, "We face a true planetary emergency. The climate crisis is not a political issue, it is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity."
Sounds to me like Gore thinks climate change is a religious issue. Thoughts?
Fair Trade = Globally Minded Ethical Sourcing
It was not until 1997 that I understood the difference between "free trade" and "fair trade". Don't confuse the two; they are radically different. When I first came to Guatemala and saw the gorgeous textiles and quality handcrafts, my capitalistic and opportunistic mentality kicked in. The low prices combined with my "gringa" bargaining power were intoxicating: I saw huge margins and profits. Taking care of the economic rights of the poor were shamefully far from me. However, soon the narcissistic infatuation with bargaining dissipated as I became more aware of the plight of the Guatemalan poor and the gross injustices committed against the Guatemalan artisans. Like many artisans in emerging markets, Guatemalan artisans are continuously oppressed by the incessant price negotiation and pushiness of greedy, capitalistic buyers. There is often no concern for the poor as self-absorbed buyers demand a cheaper and cheaper price.
Free trade promotes economic growth, often at the expense of the poor. Fair trade, on the other hand, promotes economic growth, empowering the poor through transparent and just trading relationships. Supporting and buying fair trade products really does improve the lives of artisans and farmers. Fair trade is the only ethical form of sourcing for globally minded, socially conscious buyers and consumers.
Globally Minded works with artisans in Guatemala to design and produce beautiful, fair trade, eco-friendly, handmade necklaces, bracelets and brooches. Buy our fair trade jewelry on Amazon for your loved one and save 10% until the end of 2007. Free Super Saver Shipping also available. We support artisans and children with every purchase. We give a portion of our profits to Globally Minded Works, to support education in Guatemala.
Start shopping for fair trade jewelry now and remember: buy fair and be globally minded all the time.
Human Rights Day: Dignity and Justice for All of Us
December 10th marks the start of a year-long commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR), established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948. The 2008 Human Rights theme is "Dignity and justice for all of us." All countries have accepted the UDHR as a standard for human equality and value. However, it is critical for individuals and communities to accept and act on these principles. We have come a long way with human rights but we are far from a world free of discrimination. A contract does not change the behavior of people. Change begins with a heart decision and manifests itself in a change of behavior.
My faith tells me that each life is of value: born and unborn, rich and poor, male and female, educated and non-educated, literate and non-literate, strong and weak, young and old, and on and on.
Yes, it is good to promote Human Rights Day, and, more so, to act upon it and make life fair, just and balanced for all. Let's begin within and seek to encourage all people around us of their value, dignity and importance in this world.
What are your plans to be globally minded, promote dignity and justice, and make life better for all?
Globally Minded Jewelry on Sale at Amazon
Save 10% when you buy our Globally Minded jewelry on Amazon (thru 12/31/2007). Also, save even more money through FREE Super Saver Shipping! We give 15% of our profits to Globally Minded Works to support the education of children in Guatemala. Thanks in advance for buying Globally Minded fair trade jewelry. Happy shopping!
Eco-Friendly Homes: Green Living
Although the US is going through a traumatic mortgage crunch, eco-friendly homes are on the rise for globally minded, socially conscious builders and buyers. By building and buying green homes, you'll make two profitable investments: financial and sowing into the next generation. Indeed, I am a strong believer that humankind is called to steward the earth and have dominion over all creation. Taking care of the earth is something we should've been doing all along.
So what makes a green home green? In addition to being environmentally sensitive, green homes and communities are:
- Natural resource efficient
- Energy efficient
- Clean air friendly, and
- Water efficient
If you can't afford to buy a green home, consider the following simple ways you can green your home today:
Decrease Your Utility Bill
- Use energy efficient compact florescent light (CFL) bulbs. Merely changing 5 of your most frequently used lights keeps $100+/year in your pocket.
- Program your thermostat 78 degrees plus in the summer and less than 62 degrees in the winter. This could save you $100+/year.
- Weatherstrip your doors and windows from any air pockets, saving $100+/year on your utility bill.
- Replace your heating and cooling filters and you'll save another $100+/year.
And remember, you can easily save money by going to bed early (no lights), wearing warmer clothing in the winter and cooler clothing in the summer (so you don't have to adjust the temp) as you lounge around your house.
Use Green Products
- Think globally and buy locally, while reducing fuel consumption, packaging and plastics.
- Buy energy efficient appliances and cut your energy bill $50/year per appliance.
- Reduce water usage by using low flow toilets and water heads, installing aerators, fixing drips, and incorporating native plants in landscape.
- Improve your indoor air quality with natural cleaning products like baking soda or vinegar.
- Use wood alternatives, specifically rapidly renewable products: bamboo, linoleum, recycled content tile or non-volatile organic compounds carpet and wood products from sustainable managed forests, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
- Use rapidly renewing floor materials like cork, eucalyptus, or bamboo.
Launching an Internet Cafe in Guatemala
In January of 2001, I moved to San Pedro La Laguna, a village on the shores of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala to launch PlanetOutreach, the first ever satellite internet cafe and telecenter around the lake. We received a generous grant from the eBay Foundation and another grant from the Skoll Foundation to help us get started. The village for this internet cafe was selected based upon one of my business partner's relationship with Colegio Bethel, a local school in the village. The goal, aside from providing travelers and locals the ability to communicate with their loved ones and bridge the digital divide, was to support teachers' salaries with profits generated from the internet cafe. (Years later, after I had left the project, I learned that they school never did receive any support from the internet cafe. Naturally, this was distressing for me to hear.) To help locals get tech savvy, we provided computer classes in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Indeed, it was an amazing 1.5 years of my life. I learned so much about living in a foreign country, setting up a social enterprise, living amongst the poor, and the humility of being a non-native Spanish speaker in a Tzutuhil and Spanish speaking village!
