March 20, 2024

Episode 11: Dr. Beth Blissman on Catholic Climate Action 

Today Dr. Beth Blissman and I discuss the work of the Loretto Community in the UN, the marriage of science and spirituality, and the role of interfaith collaboration in pursuing climate justice on the international stage.

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Blissman emphasizes the interplay of action and faith within Catholicism, highlighting that if you want peace, you should act for justice. An overall eye-opening conversation, this episode promises to challenge assumptions and inspire action.

CALL TO ACTION, EPISODE LINK & CONTACT INFO

Once you have listened to this episode, you might be wondering how you can use what you’ve learned. Fear not, for we had a few ideas!

• Share this podcast with a friend (or an enemy)!
• Sign up to the Green Also Green email newsletter to receive regular updates on the release of new podcast episodes, as well as written content surrounding innovations at the intersection of environmental and socioeconomic prosperity by scrolling to the bottom of this page: 
• If you would like to ask me questions, send in requests for future episode topics, challenge me, or tell me a joke, use this link to the Sustainable Spirit Podcast page of the Green Also Green website: https://greenalsogreen.com/sustainable-spirit-podcast/
• If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Blissman’s work and the Loretto Community, check out:
  • https://www.lorettocommunity.org/
  • Loretto at the UN: https://www.lorettocommunity.org/un/

If you would like to reach out to Dr. Blissman or the Loretto Community, you can do so using the following methods:

• Visit this link to learn more about the Loretto Community: https://www.lorettocommunity.org/
• Email Dr. Blissman: bblissman@lorettocommunity.org

Finally, let this be your reminder to be a little nicer than necessary to all your fellow humans. Happy spring!

The post Dr. Beth Blissman on Catholic Climate Action appeared first on Green Also Green.

February 28, 2024

Episode 10: Je-Shawna Wholley on Intergenerational Spiritual Healing

SUMMARY

Today Je-Shawna Wholley, founder of the groundbreaking Earthseed project, shares her insights into spiritual healing, intergenerational dialogue, and engaging with your family history, offering striking ideas for listeners to consider on how to apply these ideas to their own journey into their past.

Throughout the episode, Wholley discusses how we inherit not only trauma, but also resilience, and how we can prepare to become the best possible ancestors to our own descendants.

CALL TO ACTION, EPISODE LINK & CONTACT INFO

Once you have listened to this episode, you might be wondering how you can use what you’ve learned. Fear not, for we had a few ideas!

• Share this podcast with a friend (or an enemy)!
• Sign up to the Green Also Green email newsletter to receive regular updates on the release of new podcast episodes, as well as written content surrounding innovations at the intersection of environmental and socioeconomic prosperity by scrolling to the bottom of this page: https://greenalsogreen.com/
• If you would like to ask me questions, send in requests for future episode topics, challenge me, or tell me a joke, use this link to the Sustainable Spirit Podcast page of the Green Also Green website: https://greenalsogreen.com/sustainable-spirit-podcast/
• If you are interested in searching for the titles and authors Wholley mentioned in our discussion, look for:
  • Alexis Pauline Gumbs
  • Adrienne Maree Brown podcast “How To Survive The End Of The World”
  • Octavia E. Butler Earthseed series
• If you would like to reach out to Wholley, you can do so using the following methods:
  • Visit this link to see the Earthseed project: https://sites.google.com/view/earthseedblackfamilyproject/about?authuser=0
  • Email her: j@gmail.com

Finally, let this be your reminder to be a little nicer than necessary to all your fellow humans. Happy Tuesday!

The post Je-Shawna Wholley on Intergenerational Spiritual Healing appeared first on Green Also Green.

– Hannah Arendt

Overview

• Introduction
• Why The Intersection Is Fertile Ground For Innovation
• Challenges & Opportunities For Gender Equality In Urban Planning
• Innovation: Gender-responsive Urban Infrastructure
• Conclusion
• Thought to action
• Sources

Introduction

Imagine a city where the walks home at night feel unsafe and the bathrooms are crowded or inaccessible. 

Chances are, you don’t have to leave this to your imagination.

As it turns out, men and women experience cities in very different ways, but the planning process hasn’t always caught up to that reality. 

This means everything from public parks to bus routes might not work as well for women as they do for men, putting women at a disadvantage not just in terms of convenience but also safety and access.

Ana Falu hit the nail on the head when she said, “It’s not only poverty, but inequality,” during this lecture about how gender shapes our experience of cities. 

This insight is a wake-up call for anyone interested in making our cities safer and more inclusive. 

Why?

There’s a huge opportunity here for interdisciplinary innovation—combining the insights of gender studies with urban planning to make cities more welcoming for everyone.

By blending these fields, we can start to see the city through a different lens, one that recognizes and meets the diverse needs of all its residents. 

As we explore how gender studies and urban planning can come together, we’re taking an exciting step towards making our cities feel like they’re truly designed for everyone.

In fact, this approach has already been applied successfully in cities around the world…

Perini, Enrico. Pexels, www.pexels.com/photo/road-between-buildings-705423/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

Why The Intersection Is Fertile Ground For Innovation

In the quest to tackle gender inequality, the fusion of gender studies with urban planning emerges as a game-changer. 

This blend doesn’t just add a new layer to city development; it revolutionizes the way we envision and create spaces, making cities work better for everyone.

The reason? 

It directly addresses the often overlooked needs of different classes and genders, filling critical gaps in traditionally male-dominated urban planning.

In fact, the 2021 paper “Building Safer Public Spaces” argues that women are excluded from participating in public spaces as a result of fear. 

According to Dr. Pablo Navarrete- Hernandez, a co-author of the paper, “The theory says, and I would agree, that the planning and design of cities is male dominated.”

“So, as a result, there is significant bias over who gets consideration when building the public space… At its core, we (the co-authors) are recognising the need to include larger representation of women on those decisions.”

Yet these challenges aren’t new. 

The historical context of urban planning reveals a deep-rooted tradition of overlooking gender-specific needs. 

This oversight is largely due to the male-dominated nature of the field, which has shaped urban environments with a one-size-fits-all approach, often failing to consider the diverse experiences of other demographics.

The early urban planners, predominantly men, focused on broad structural and economic issues, largely ignoring the social and personal dimensions of urban living. As a result, the way different groups experience and navigate urban spaces was not considered.

During the post-war period, particularly in the mid-20th century, the modernist movement in urban planning further entrenched the neglect of gender-specific needs. 

The emphasis on car-centric development, high-rise residential blocks, and the separation of residential areas from commercial and industrial zones did not take into account the daily routines and safety concerns of women and other marginalized groups. 

These urban designs often resulted in environments that restricted mobility, access to services, and social interaction for those without access to a car, disproportionately affecting women who were more likely to be engaged in caregiving roles and dependent on public transportation.

It wasn’t until the feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s that a significant critique of urban planning from a gender perspective began to emerge. 

Now, there is a growing recognition of the need to adopt a more intersectional approach to urban planning that accounts for the varied experiences of gender, race, class, and ability. 

By understanding and integrating the diverse experiences of all city dwellers, architects, engineers, and policy makers can craft urban environments that truly cater to everyone. 

This isn’t just about making spaces look good; it’s about making them feel right for every individual, enhancing the quality of life and fostering a sense of belonging.

Pixabay. Pexels, www.pexels.com/photo/low-angle-view-of-building-against-sky-248913/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

Challenges & Opportunities For Gender Equality In Urban Planning

One of the primary challenges in merging gender studies and urban planning is the resistance to change, rooted in the supposed neutrality of urban planning as a discipline. 

Traditional urban planning practices have been deeply entrenched, and introducing a gender perspective requires a paradigm shift in thinking and approach. 

This resistance can come from institutional inertia, where existing frameworks and policies do not readily accommodate new, inclusive methodologies.

Furthermore, a lack of awareness about the importance of gender inclusivity in urban spaces hampers progress. 

Without a clear understanding of how urban environments differently impact genders, planners and policymakers may fail to recognize the need for change. 

This challenge is compounded by institutional barriers such as limited funding, policy constraints, and a shortage of gender-focused expertise within the planning profession.

However, overcoming these challenges opens up a wealth of opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and social justice in urban development.

Inclusive Design: Incorporating gender studies into urban planning leads to more inclusive designs that consider the diverse needs and experiences of all city dwellers. This approach fosters empathy and understanding, creating spaces that support the well-being of every individual, regardless of gender.

Safety and Accessibility: Addressing the need for safer and more accessible urban spaces can lead to innovative design and policy solutions. This includes enhancing public transportation systems to be more gender-sensitive and ensuring public spaces are secure and welcoming for all.

Public Services and Amenities: Reimagining the distribution of public amenities to be more accessible and equitable can significantly improve urban living. This shift toward inclusivity ensures that facilities like restrooms, parks, and childcare are designed with the diverse needs of the community in mind.

Community Engagement: Engaging with communities through a gender-focused lens allows urban planners to gain a deeper understanding of varied needs. This engagement is critical for crafting solutions that resonate with the community, ensuring urban developments are reflective of its diversity.

For those at the start of their careers in fields that shape our urban environments, recognizing and addressing the challenges of integrating gender studies into urban planning is not just a matter of equity; It’s an opportunity to lead in creating innovative, sustainable, and just cities that truly cater to the needs of all their inhabitants.

Dorobantu, Adrian. Pexels, www.pexels.com/photo/low-angle-photography-of-brown-building-2379980/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

Innovation: Gender-Responsive Urban Infrastructure

Barcelona stands as a pioneering city in the realm of gender-inclusive urban planning, showcasing innovative practices that could inspire young professionals, entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers dedicated to making a significant impact on global challenges, including those outlined by the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

This city’s approach to urban planning demonstrates how thoughtful design and policy can create more inclusive, safe, and equitable urban environments for all genders.

One key area improvement has been the redesign of public restrooms to accommodate the needs of women better, acknowledging research findings that women spend, on average, three times as long as men in restrooms. 

Factors such as the need for more space due to stroller access and going to the restroom with children, all increase usage time and suggest that women’s restrooms should be significantly larger than men’s. 

Safety at night is another profound difference in urban experience between genders. 

The story of Conchi Braojos, a nightshift worker, highlights the challenge women face when public transportation schedules do not align with their needs, forcing them to walk home late at night and exposing them to potential dangers. 

In fact, the dangers of nighttime transportation not only affect night shift workers, but also those who are out at clubs, festivals, or restaurants. 

In response to this, Barcelona’s initiatives, such as the “No Means No” project, aim to combat sexual harassment and enhance safety for women and young people out at night.

Moreover, Barcelona is making strides in making women feel seen and represented in the urban landscape. 

A study across seven major cities revealed that only 27.5% of street names are named after women. 

In response, Barcelona’s government has made a concerted effort to name streets after women, with a target to push this figure to 60%, ensuring women’s contributions and presence are visibly acknowledged in the city’s geography.

The city has also introduced the “superblock” concept, transforming urban spaces to prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and community activities over car traffic. 

These superblocks, formed by closing off nine-block sections to through traffic, are redesigned with parks, picnic areas, benches, play areas, and more, creating safer, more accessible, and enjoyable spaces for everyone, especially those navigating with strollers or seeking safe public spaces.

Barcelona’s gender-inclusive urban planning initiatives illustrate the immense potential for innovation when gender studies principles are integrated into urban infrastructure projects. 

These efforts not only make the city safer and more accessible for women and gender minorities but also contribute to a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban environment for all citizens.

Wehrli, Nick. Pexels, www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-view-of-city-buildings-5282585/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

Conclusion

Interdisciplinary innovation is not merely an academic exercise; it is a necessary evolution in how we conceive, design, and inhabit our cities. 

By acknowledging the diverse needs and experiences of all city dwellers, urban planning can transcend traditional boundaries, fostering environments that support the well-being and empowerment of every individual.

The call to action is clear: urban planners, policymakers, and the broader community must collectively embrace the integration of gender studies into urban planning. 

This commitment involves not only recognizing the unique challenges faced by women and gender minorities in urban settings, but also actively seeking solutions that address these issues. 

It is about creating spaces that are safe, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all residents, thereby enriching the urban experience for everyone.

As such, the potential for transformative change in cities worldwide is immense. 

By championing gender-sensitive approaches in urban development, we pave the way for a future where every city is built with the needs of all its inhabitants in mind, heralding a new era of urban innovation and social justice.

Thought to Action

1. Support Gender-Focused NGOs: Volunteer, donate, or participate in programs run by NGOs that focus on gender equality in urban spaces.
2. Advocate for Gender-Inclusive Policies: Lobby your local government representatives to incorporate gender perspectives into urban planning and policy-making.
3. Participate in Public Forums: Attend city council meetings, public hearings, and forums to voice the need for gender-inclusive urban planning.
4. Contribute to Community Planning: Get involved in local community planning initiatives and advocate for gender-inclusive spaces.
5. Create Inclusive Community Spaces: If you’re part of a community organization, strive to make community spaces welcoming and accessible to all genders.

Sources

Dorina Pojani, et al. “Sexism and the City: How Urban Planning Has Failed Women.” The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2018, theconversation.com/sexism-and-the-city-how-urban-planning-has-failed-women-93854. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

Dorobantu, Adrian. Pexels, www.pexels.com/photo/low-angle-photography-of-brown-building-2379980/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

Horacio Cristian Terraza, et al. Handbook for Gender-Inclusive Urban Planning and Design. World Bank, Washington, DC EBooks, 21 Jan. 2020, openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/63c07ff8-cd1e-52c0-9441-005b9aa22bcf. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

“How Can Urban Planners Build More Inclusive Cities for Women? | LSE Research.” Lse.ac.uk, LSE Research for the World, 9 Nov. 2023, www.lse.ac.uk/research/research-for-the-world/society/unsafe-in-the-city-how-urban-planners-can-build-more-inclusive-cities-for-women. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

Navarrete-Hernandez, Pablo, et al. “Building Safer Public Spaces: Exploring Gender Difference in the Perception of Safety in Public Space through Urban Design Interventions.” Landscape and Urban Planning, vol. 214, 1 Oct. 2021, pp. 104180–104180, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169204621001432?via%3Dihub, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104180. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

News, BBC. “How to Build a City for Women – BBC News.” YouTube, 25 July 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdSSg9SZYAY&list=TLPQMDgwMjIwMjRzOI4qiLX6pA&index=3. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

Perini, Enrico. Pexels, www.pexels.com/photo/road-between-buildings-705423/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

Pixabay. Pexels, www.pexels.com/photo/low-angle-view-of-building-against-sky-248913/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

Rustin, Susanna. “If Women Built Cities, What Would Our Urban Landscape Look Like?” The Guardian, The Guardian, 5 Dec. 2014, www.theguardian.com/cities/2014/dec/05/if-women-built-cities-what-would-our-urban-landscape-look-like. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

Sara Ibanez O’Donnell. “Feminist Urbanisms in Barcelona. Rethinking Public Space and the Right to the City through a Gender Lens.” ResearchGate, unknown, Oct. 2019, www.researchgate.net/publication/339003976_Feminist_Urbanisms_in_Barcelona_Rethinking_public_space_and_the_right_to_the_city_through_a_gender_lens. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

Sneha Visakha. “Feminist Urbanism: Smashing Patriarchy in Design – Urbanet.” Urbanet, 8 Mar. 2023, www.urbanet.info/feminist-urbanism-smashing-patriarchy-in-urban-design/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

UN-HABITAT WORLDWIDE. “S03E03 Ana Falu – Gender Perspectives in Urban Planning.” YouTube, 12 Feb. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sop4fqc2NV8. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

Wehrli, Nick. Pexels, www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-view-of-city-buildings-5282585/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

The post Urban Planning + Gender Studies: Pioneering Equality in the City appeared first on Green Also Green.

Today Dr. David Haberman sheds light on Indian river environmentalism, tackling water pollution issues and drawing lessons from Indian environmental activists, offering invaluable insights for listeners on how to apply these practices to their local environmental challenges.

Throughout the episode, Dr. David Haberman emphasizes that external pollution stems from internal pollution, highlighting the critical importance of cultivating a profound connection with our water bodies, suggesting that we are more inclined to protect what we love, and we love what we feel connected to.

CALL TO ACTION, EPISODE LINK & CONTACT INFO

Once you have listened to this episode, you might be wondering how you can use what you’ve learned. Fear not, for we had a few ideas!

• Share this podcast with a friend (or an enemy)!
• Sign up to the Green Also Green email newsletter to receive regular updates on the release of new podcast episodes, as well as written content surrounding innovations at the intersection of environmental and socioeconomic prosperity by scrolling to the bottom of this page: https://greenalsogreen.com/
• If you would like to ask me questions, send in requests for future episode topics, challenge me, or tell me a joke, use this link to the Sustainable Spirit Podcast page of the Green Also Green website: https://greenalsogreen.com/sustainable-spirit-podcast/
• If you are interested in searching for the titles Dr. Haberman mentioned in our discussion, look for:
  • “The Body of God” by Sallie McFague
  • “Loving Stones” by David L. Haberman
• If you would like to reach out to Dr. Haberman, you can do so using the following methods:
  • Visit this link to see more of his work: https://religiousstudies.indiana.edu/about/emeriti-faculty/haberman-david.html
  • Email him: dhaberman@indiana.edu

Finally, let this be your reminder to be a little nicer than necessary to all your fellow humans. Happy New Year!

The post Dr. David Haberman on Indian River Pollution appeared first on Green Also Green.

The Sustainable Spirit Podcast

 January 15, 2024

Episode 7: Dr. David R. Loy on Eco-dharma, Eco-activism & Ecological Healing

SUMMARY

In this episode, Dr. Loy, a distinguished professor, writer, and Zen teacher in the Sanbo Zen tradition of Japanese Zen Buddhism, discusses ecodharma, a concept that intertwines Buddhism’s teachings with ecological consciousness.

He begins by explaining his bold decision to return his honorary degree to Carleton College, a move inspired by his Buddhist principles and a commitment to ecological sustainability.

Ecodharma, as Loy describes, is the integration of ecological awareness into Buddhist practice, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life. This concept is not only relevant to Buddhists but also offers a universal approach to addressing the ecological crisis. He advocates for an ‘eco-awakening’, urging people to recognize their intrinsic connection with nature. This awakening involves adopting Buddhist perspectives, like mindfulness, to harmonize modern life’s demands with environmental stewardship.

Loy also introduces the idea of an ‘eco-sangha’, a community that fosters a deeper understanding of our relationship with the environment. He discusses the challenges of maintaining such a community and how they can be overcome, emphasizing the role of collective effort in ecological healing.

In discussing eco-activism, Loy advises on how individuals and communities can engage in environmental activism effectively, without succumbing to negative emotions like despair or anger. He stresses the importance of sustaining motivation and energy in the face of daunting ecological challenges.

Lastly, the concept of ecological healing is explored. Loy explains this in the context of Buddhist teachings, highlighting how individuals can engage in this healing process. He correlates ecological healing with the Buddhist concept of ‘Dharma’, discussing indicators of successful ecological healing at individual and community levels.

Through this discussion, Dr. Loy aims to provide listeners with practical ways to integrate these concepts into their lives, highlighting examples and strategies to inspire positive ecological change.

CALL TO ACTION, EPISODE LINK & CONTACT INFO

Once you have listened to this episode, you might be wondering how you can use what you’ve learned. Fear not, for we had a few ideas!

• Share this podcast with a friend (or an enemy)!
• Sign up to the Green Also Green email newsletter to receive regular updates on the release of new podcast episodes, as well as written content surrounding innovations at the intersection of environmental and socioeconomic prosperity by scrolling to the bottom of this page: https://greenalsogreen.com/
• If you would like to ask me questions, send in requests for future episode topics, challenge me, or tell me a joke, use this link to the Sustainable Spirit Podcast page of the Green Also Green website: https://greenalsogreen.com/sustainable-spirit-podcast/
• If you would like to reach out to Dr. Loy, you can do so using the following methods:
  • Visit this link to see more of his work: https://www.davidloy.org/
  • Email him: david@davidloy.org

Finally, let this be your reminder to be a little nicer than necessary to all your fellow humans. Happy New Year!

The post Dr. David R. Loy on Eco-dharma, Eco-activism & Ecological Healing appeared first on Green Also Green.

The Sustainable Spirit Podcast

January 1, 2024

Episode 7: Dr. S. Brent Rodriguez-Plate on Religious Objects, Building Peace & the Value of Symbols

SUMMARY

This episode of the Sustainable Spirit podcast features Dr. S.B. Rodriguez Plate, a writer, public speaker, editor, and college professor, who bases their work on the fundamental question of what it means to be human and what makes humans religious. Through their experiences and research, Plate has continually discovered that religion is about bodily experiences, not just beliefs.

In this discussion, they delve into the profound connections between religion and material objects, as explored in their book “A History of Religion in 5 ½ Objects.” Here, Plate discusses how ordinary objects like stones, incense, drums, crosses, bread, and the human body attain religious significance. They explore how these objects become sacred or holy in various religions, examining the evolution and consistency of their symbolism across different cultures and times.

Plate also addresses how religious objects facilitate a deeper understanding of the divine and the core beliefs of a faith, drawing a connection between the divine glimpse offered by religious objects and how these can be tools for reconciliation and peacebuilding, especially in conflict areas.

Plate provides historical and contemporary examples of how these symbols have been used to promote peace and justice and discusses their role in interfaith understanding and dialogue. They also consider how religious objects can symbolize justice, contribute to healing communities affected by injustice, and foster social harmony.

Overall, this is fascinating discussion that promises to uncover the little-discusses material aspects of spirituality, as well as the powerful applications of these ideas toward building peace across the world.

CALL TO ACTION, EPISODE LINK & CONTACT INFO

Once you have listened to this episode, you might be wondering how you can apply what you’ve learned. Here are some good places to start!

• Share this podcast with a friend (or an enemy)!
• Sign up to the Green Also Green email newsletter to receive regular updates on the release of new podcast episodes, as well as written content surrounding innovations at the intersection of environmental and socioeconomic prosperity by scrolling to the bottom of this page: https://greenalsogreen.com/
• If you would like to ask me questions, send in requests for future episode topics, or more, use this link to the Sustainable Spirit Podcast page of the Green Also Green website: https://greenalsogreen.com/sustainable-spirit-podcast/
• If you would like to reach out to Dr. Rodriguez-Plate, you can do so using the following methods:
  • Visit this link to see more of their work: http://www.sbrentplate.net/
  • Email them: splate@hamilton.edu

Oh, and Happy New Year! I wish you an incredible year of joy, growth & unexpected miracles. May you make peace with your past, find excitement in your future & stay grateful for your present. See you next episode!

The post Dr. S. Brent Rodriguez-Plate on Religious Objects, Building Peace & the Value of Symbols appeared first on Green Also Green.

When was the last time you cooked something that filled your entire kitchen with smoke? 

You had to open the windows, call the alarm company, and confirm that no, you hadn’t burnt dinner. Well…maybe. 

Of course, this is a disaster. Yet the even larger disaster is that inefficient and dangerous cooking methods are still a reality for billions worldwide. This leads to missed education and work opportunities, serious health complications due to inhaling toxic fumes, and increased air pollution. 

In fact, the inhalation of toxic fumes is the second biggest killer in Africa. It contributes up to 60% of early deaths due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. 

Pexels, www.pexels.com/photo/lit-bonfire-outdoors-during-nighttime-1368382/. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

Millions of African women every day spend hours burning wood over basic stoves in poorly ventilated spaces. As a result, they inhale toxic fumes and smoke from animal dung, charcoal, firewood, coal, and agricultural waste. This contributes to approximately 3.7 million premature deaths annually worldwide, with women and children most threatened.

This is important and relevant, even to a person living an ocean away from these biomass stoves. 

Why? 

There are several reasons. Global health impact, economic interdependencies, resource management, geopolitical stability, biodiversity loss, not to mention ethical responsibility. 

But I am not here to convince you biomass stoves must go. Nor do I seek to depress you with statistics. 

Instead, I seek to ask how the fields of public health and pollution control can come together to uniquely tackle this interdisciplinary problem.  

Public Health + Pollution Control: Why combine them? 

By combining public health’s pre-emptive insights with the reactive measures of pollution control, biomass stoves have met their match.

The liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cook stove. 

Wait, you’re thinking. You mean like the gas stove in my kitchen?

Yes and no.

These stoves are similar to the kind in your kitchen, yes. 

As they are a type of gas stove, they work in a similar way to natural gas stoves. However, they use LPG, a flammable mixture of hydrocarbons including propane, butane, isobutane, butylenes, and propylene. 

They are also one of the most popular alternative fuels used in the modern day. 

But also, no. These stoves are different from what you have in your kitchen. 

They are smaller and simpler to use, although still very expensive. 

In fact, according to this 2023 Fortune article, a new cooking stove can swallow up to three-quarters of monthly income for a low-income household, depending on the technology. 

However, making this change will pay back as much as four times the upfront investment within a year, due to the higher efficiencies of modern solutions.

So what is the innovation here?

Providing LPG stoves to replace biomass stoves is at the crossroads not only of pollution control and public health, but also of social justice and engineering. 

The insight lies in this: indoor air pollution is not just a pollution problem. It is also a money problem, a health problem, and an education problem. 

Pollution control is a field marked by its dedication to keeping our environment clean and safe. In this case, it is about focusing on managing and reducing air pollution. But that is not enough. 

Pollution comes from people, and people have a long list of reasons for causing it. Most of these reasons boil down to one word: inefficiency. 

It is, in this case, the field of public health that helps to identify and address this inefficiency. 

As a discipline, it is not only about treating illnesses, but about preventing them too. It considers the big picture of health and policy in order to improve healthcare systems across all scales.

So when you combine these two fields, it becomes clear that pollution is really a people problem.

 As such, it calls for a people solution. 

The LPG stove is a great example of this, not because it is without fault (because it still has a long way to go), but because it tackles a multi-faceted problem with a multi-faceted solution.

 It’s a solution that offers financial gain as well as improved health. 

This is crucial, considering the harrowing effects of household air pollution (HAP) and the crippling implications of poverty. 

Arslan, Adams. Pexels, www.pexels.com/photo/outdoor-cooking-using-firewood-11126365/. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

In fact, according to this 2021 article in the journal Nature, “for 3 billion people living in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), the simple act of cooking is a major health and safety risk”. 

Overall, household air pollution accounts for 3.8 billion premature deaths annually. 

On the flipside, this means that billions also stand to benefit from cleaner cooking technology. 

Not only this, but cleaner cooking technology could also act as a remedy to deforestation and climate change. While LPG gas is indeed a fossil fuel, much like oil and natural gas, it emits half as much carbon dioxide as cooking with charcoal. 

In fact, achieving universal clean cooking access worldwide would cut global carbon dioxide emissions by 1.5 billion tonnes, the same amount generated by all planes and ships today.  

What does this teach us?

There is a synergy between social justice and engineering. And that synergy is a source of tremendous innovation.

In a world divided by haves and have-nots, the voices of socially-committed citizens identify the gaps that engineers, policy makers, and entrepreneurs can apply their expertise to. 

The lesson is to run toward collaboration, not away from it, and in doing so, untangle the problems we once thought unapproachable. 

Thought to Action 

1. Adopt Energy-Efficient Cooking Practices: If applicable, switch to more energy-efficient cooking appliances in your own home. For example, using electric or induction stoves can reduce reliance on biomass fuels.
2. Promote Sustainable Cooking Habits: Share recipes and cooking techniques that require less energy or a lower carbon footprint.
3. Consumer Choices: Support businesses that provide eco-friendly cooking options or that invest in clean energy. This can include purchasing products from companies with sustainable practices or investing in green technologies.
4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Implement and advocate for waste reduction strategies in your community. Less waste can mean less biomass burning, which contributes to indoor air pollution.
5. Advocate for Clean Air Initiatives: Write to local representatives to support policies that reduce air pollution, such as incentives for clean cooking technologies or stricter emissions standards for industries.

Sources

Check your sources!

“The Human Health and Conservation Connection.” World Wildlife Fund, https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/the-human-health-and-conservation-connection. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

“How Embracing ‘One Health’ Approach Can Create a More Sustainable Planet.” United Nations Environment Programme, https://www.unep.org/technical-highlight/how-embracing-one-health-approach-can-create-more-sustainable-planet. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

“Air Pollution Solutions: Technology.” Kaiterra, https://learn.kaiterra.com/en/air-academy/air-pollution-solutions-technology. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

“Access to Modern Stoves: A Game Changer for Africa’s Economic Development.” Fortune, 5 Dec. 2023, https://fortune.com/2023/12/05/access-modern-stoves-game-changer-africa-economic-developmentand-equivalent-carbon-dioxide-emissions-world-planes-ships-adesina-birol/. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

“Nigeria: How Clean Cooking Helps the Climate.” BBC Future, 3 Nov. 2021, https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20211103-nigeria-how-clean-cooking-helps-the-climate. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

“Darfur Low Smoke Stoves Project, Sudan.” United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, https://unfccc.int/climate-action/momentum-for-change/financing-for-climate-friendly/darfur-low-smoke-stoves-project-sudan. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

“Zero Carbon Clean Cookstoves for Africa.” United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, https://unfccc.int/climate-action/momentum-for-change/activity-database/zero-carbon-clean-cookstoves-for-africa. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

“Household cooking fuel estimates at global and country level for 1990 to 2030.” Nature, 2021, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-26036-x. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

“LPG: An Alternative Fuel.” HowStuffWorks, https://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/alternative-fuels/lpg2.htm. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

“Scaling Clean Cooking Responsibly: Tackling Air Pollution Through Woman-Centered Model in Nigeria.” Climate & Clean Air Coalition, https://www.ccacoalition.org/news/scaling-clean-cooking-responsibly-tackling-air-pollution-through-woman-centered-model-nigeria. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

The post Air Renaissance: LPG Stoves, A New Dawn for Public Health and Pollution Mastery appeared first on Green Also Green.

The Sustainable Spirit Podcast

 December 4, 2023

Episode 6: Dr. Sarah Pike on Ritual, Radical Eco-Activism & Paganism

SUMMARY

Welcome back to another episode of the Sustainable Spirit Podcast! In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Sarah Pike, a distinguished professor of Comparative Religion at California State University, Chico, and an expert in ritual studies, discusses her book For the Wild: Psychological Roots of Radical Eco-Activism. Her insights offer a profound understanding of the intersection of ritual and radical eco-activism.

The episode begins with Dr. Pike exploring her inspiration to explore radical eco-activism after observing the FBI’s labelling of such activists as a major domestic terrorism threat around 2006.

She then defines ‘ritual’ in the context of eco-activism and suggests ways in which non-activists can adopt simple nature-based rituals to foster a connection with the environment. Dr. Pike observes that these rituals contribute to the emotional resilience of activists, providing a sense of community and commitment.

As such, she goes on to encourage listeners to harness the power of rituals to build resilience and spark change.

CALL TO ACTION, EPISODE LINK & CONTACT INFO

Once you have listened to this episode, you might be wondering how you can apply what you’ve learned. Here are some good places to start!

• Share this podcast with a friend (or an enemy)!
• Sign up to the Green Also Green email newsletter to receive regular updates on the release of new podcast episodes, as well as written content surrounding innovations at the intersection of environmental and socioeconomic prosperity by scrolling to the bottom of this page: https://greenalsogreen.com/
• If you would like to ask me questions, send in requests for future episode topics, or more, use this link to the Sustainable Spirit Podcast page of the Green Also Green website: https://greenalsogreen.com/sustainable-spirit-podcast/
• If you would like to reach out to Dr. Pike, you can do so using the following methods:
  • Visit this link to see more of her work: https://www.tf.uio.no/english/research/projects/redo/partnere/pike.html
  • Email her: SPike@csuchico.edu

Finally, let this be your gentle reminder to be a little more lovely than necessary to all your fellow earth-dwellers. See you next episode!

The post Dr. Sarah Pike on Ritual, Radical Eco-Activism & Paganism appeared first on Green Also Green.

The Sustainable Spirit Podcast

 November 20, 2023

Episode 5: Dr. Sabina Magliocco on Witchcraft, Paganism & Gender Equality

SUMMARY

This episode delves into the fascinating world of witchcraft and paganism, juxtaposing their portrayal in popular culture with their actual practice and significance. It begins by examining the accuracy of witchcraft as depicted in fairy tales like “Hansel and Gretel,” and in media like “Hocus Pocus” and “Bewitched,” exploring what witchcraft and magic truly entail.

The episode then shifts to discussing witchcraft as a feminist practice, emphasizing its role in folklore and empowerment. It highlights how witchcraft allows engagement with the extraordinary in everyday life, raising questions about the nature of the numinous and its accessibility to all, not just pagan practitioners. The conversation explores how folklore acts as both a historical archive and an evolving process, particularly in the context of paganism, and how it influences the evolution of gendered language within neo-paganism. The role of magic in deepening our experience of the world and transforming consciousness is also examined, along with its modern and secular applications.

Gendered language and ritual, especially in goddess spirituality, form another significant part of the discussion. The episode delves into how gendered language influences the way neo-pagan practitioners connect with the divine and express their spirituality, including the use of rituals to challenge traditional gender roles. The balance between inclusivity and tradition in neo-pagan rituals, the impact of goddess spirituality on gender and divinity, and the engagement of men in practices traditionally associated with femininity are also explored.

CALL TO ACTION, EPISODE LINK & CONTACT INFO

Once you have listened to this episode, you might be wondering how you can use what you’ve learned. Fear not, for we had a few ideas!

• Share this podcast with a friend (or an enemy)!
• Sign up to the Green Also Green email newsletter to receive regular updates on the release of new podcast episodes, as well as written content surrounding innovations at the intersection of environmental and socioeconomic prosperity by scrolling to the bottom of this page: https://greenalsogreen.com/
• If you would like to ask me questions, send in requests for future episode topics, challenge me, or tell me a joke, use this link to the Sustainable Spirit Podcast page of the Green Also Green website: https://greenalsogreen.com/sustainable-spirit-podcast/
• If you would like to reach out to Dr. Magliocco, you can do so using the following methods:
  • Visit this link to see more of her work: https://anth.ubc.ca/profile/sabina-magliocco/
  • Email her: magliocco@ubc.ca

Finally, let this be your reminder to be a little more amicable than necessary to all your fellow earth-dwellers. Until next time!

The post Dr. Sabina Magliocco on Witchcraft, Paganism & Gender Equality appeared first on Green Also Green.

As a constant force throughout human history, agriculture itself has faced massive changes over the course of time, and will only continue to do so. From domesticating plants and animals to genetically modifying crops, humans have been environmental engineers for centuries. 

Despite this though, food insecurity is still a major threat to many. According to a 2023 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) report on international food security and nutrition, about 29.6 percent of the global population – 2.4 billion people – were moderately or severely food insecure in 2022, of which about 900 million (11.3 percent of people in the world) were severely food insecure. It is projected that almost 600 million people will be chronically undernourished in 2030.

This is not only an issue in rural areas. In fact, urban food deserts represent a critical issue in our cities, where access to affordable and healthy food is not just a convenience, but a necessity for a healthy life. 

What Are Urban Food Deserts?

Medical News Today defines food deserts as regions where people have limited access to healthful and affordable food, often due to low income or the need to travel significant distances for healthier food options. 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) further elaborates, defining food deserts as areas with poverty rates of 20% or more, or where median family incomes do not exceed 80% of the median in urban areas (or statewide in nonurban areas). These areas also have specific geographic criteria based on the distance from large grocery stores.

The issue is more pervasive than many realize. Between 2000 and 2006, the USDA identified approximately 6,500 food deserts. It’s estimated that around 23.5 million people in the U.S. live in low-income areas more than a mile away from a large grocery store, with 11.5 million of these individuals being low-income themselves. 

This situation leads to increased reliance on limited food options available at convenience stores or fast-food restaurants, often resulting in diets high in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. 

The consequences? Higher incidences of obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related conditions.

What’s the answer?

Fortunately there are many, but today I’m interested in one in particular: the Glasir project. 

What I love most about it is that it sits at the intersection of architecture and urban farming. As a result, it integrates food systems into urban design, enhancing local food accessibility, and building community through education.

With that said, let’s look at urban farming like an architect.

The Intersection In Action: Fram Lab’s Glasir Project

What first caught my attention about the Glasir project, glasir meaning “glowing”, was its name, given after a majestic tree in Norse mythology, Glasir, that was “the most beautiful among gods and men”. 

Indeed, through its artificially engineered symbiotic relationship with nature and surrounding communities, the Glasir project evokes this very idea, revisiting both modular design and vertical farming with fresh eyes and refreshing creative force. 

FramLab. “Glasir,” FramLab, www.framlab.com/glasir. Accessed 14 Nov. 2023.

Modular Design + Vertical Farming 

The project acknowledges the significant challenges of modern agriculture, such as its high water usage and large land requirements, which contribute to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. With the expected growth of the world’s population and the increasing pressure on land and water resources, there’s a need for more sustainable and efficient farming practices.

Glasir aims to address these issues by introducing a community-based urban farming system that leverages the advantages of modular design-an approach which divides systems into smaller modules -and aeroponic growth systems- a method of growing plants suspended in air. These structures are capable of providing affordable, locally-grown produce throughout the year. 

“By combining the flexibility of modularity with the efficiency of aeroponic growth systems,” its website reads. “The project offers self-regulating, vertical farming structures that can provide neighborhoods with affordable, local produce year-around.”

Modular design offers flexibility, scalability, and efficiency in construction. It allows for tailored solutions that can adapt to various urban environments, making the most of limited space in densely populated areas. 

Aeroponic systems, on the other hand, represent a leap in agricultural technology. They use mist to deliver nutrients to plants, significantly reducing water usage compared to traditional farming methods. This system also allows for faster plant growth and higher yields, making it ideal for urban settings where space and resources are limited.

By combining these two fields, the Glasir project creates a model for urban farming that is both space-efficient and resource-efficient. Each tree is constantly adapting to user demands and environmental conditions, all based on an AI model and environmental sensors that enables the tree to optimize its growth and distribution of production modules in response to solar gain, temperature levels, prevailing winds, and the presence of adjacent structures.

FramLab. “Glasir,” FramLab, www.framlab.com/glasir. Accessed 14 Nov. 2023.

Addressing The Challenges Of Urban Deserts

Glasir addresses the challenges of food production in urban environments, where traditional farming is impractical. By doing so, it creates a symbiotic relationship between urban dwellers and their food sources, not only offering a solution to the problem of urban food deserts but also strengthening communities. It reconnects urban populations with nature, agriculture, and local food supplies, which are often lost in rapidly urbanizing environments​​​​.

This project not only addresses the practical issue of urban food deserts but also fosters a deeper connection between residents and their environment. It is based on a subscription service model for periodic distribution of crops to households, businesses, and schools. In addition to this, its embedded cavities and terraces in the structures invite the community to harvest fruits and vegetables, play, and explore. 

Glasir’s approach goes beyond merely providing food; it cultivates a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the local environment and community well-being. This model demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary projects in not only solving practical problems but also in building stronger, more resilient communities​

By incorporating vertical farming structures into the urban landscape, Glasir brings food production closer to consumers. This proximity not only ensures access to fresh produce but also educates and engages the community in sustainable agricultural practices. Such involvement can enhance community cohesion, as residents collectively partake in nurturing and benefiting from these urban farms.

By melding the realms of architectural and agricultural innovation, the Glasir presents a compelling solution to urban food deserts and goes further to reinvigorate community ties, serving as an inspiration for future urban planning, demonstrating that when we bridge diverse fields of knowledge, we can create holistic solutions that address both environmental challenges and social needs, paving the way for more resilient and connected urban communities.

Thought To Action

1. Plan Your Meals: Start by planning your weekly meals. This helps in buying only what you need, reducing impulse buys, and minimizing food waste. 
2. Embrace Imperfect Produce: Buy ‘ugly’ fruits and vegetables. These are often discarded for aesthetic reasons but are just as nutritious and tasty.
3. Master Food Storage: Learn the best ways to store different types of food to extend their shelf life. For instance, keeping apples away from other produce prevents them from ripening too quickly.
4. Compost Kitchen Scraps: Set up a compost bin for organic waste. This not only reduces landfill waste but also provides nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
5. Donate Excess Food: If you have food you won’t use, donate it to local food banks or shelters. This helps those in need and prevents good food from going to waste.
6. Support Local Food Pantries: Volunteer at or donate to local food pantries and soup kitchens. This supports your community and helps combat local food insecurity.

Sources

Block, India. “Precht’s the Farmhouse Concept Combines Modular Homes with Vertical Farms.” Dezeen, Dezeen, 22 Feb. 2019, www.dezeen.com/2019/02/22/precht-farmhouse-modular-vertical-farms/#. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.

Denisa Ogoyi. “5 Challenges the Agricultural Sector Faces in 2023.” Earth.org, Earth.org, 13 Feb. 2023, earth.org/challenges-farmers/. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.

FramLab. “Glasir,” FramLab, www.framlab.com/glasir. Accessed 14 Nov. 2023.

“Glasir | Framlab.” Framlab, 2016, www.framlab.com/glasir. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.

“Global Report on Food Crises 2023 | World Food Programme.” Wfp.org, 2 May 2023, www.wfp.org/publications/global-report-food-crises-2023. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.

“Item.” Who.int, 2023, www.who.int/publications/m/item/the-state-of-food-security-and-nutrition-in-the-world-2023. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.

“Key Messages.” Fao.org, 2023, www.fao.org/3/cc3017en/online/state-food-security-and-nutrition-2023/key-messages.html. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.

“Origins of Agriculture – Research, Techniques, Domestication | Britannica.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 2023, www.britannica.com/topic/agriculture/Research-techniques. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.

“Publication Preview Page | FAO | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.” FAODocuments, 2023, www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/cc3017en. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.

“The Development of Agriculture.” Nationalgeographic.org, 2023, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/development-agriculture/. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.

“This Modular Vertical Farm Could Sweep Away “Urban Food Deserts.”” Euronews, Euronews.com, 19 Sept. 2021, www.euronews.com/green/2021/09/19/this-modular-vertical-farm-could-sweep-away-urban-food-deserts. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.

World Bank Group. “Food Security Update| the Bank’s Response to Rising Food Insecurity.” World Bank, World Bank Group, 13 Nov. 2023, www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.

The post Urban Farming + Architecture: Outgrowing Urban Food Deserts appeared first on Green Also Green.