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333 asks: What is An Earth Guardian?
333 Asks:
What is An Earth Guardian? http://www.earthguardians.org
An Earth Guardian is “a dedicated group of children, youth, parents, schools, and organizations working together on behalf of leaving a better world for future generations. We are committed to being active care-takers of our precious Earth.”
Are you an Earth Guardian? Hint hint, in truth, we all are Earth Guardians! And as environmentalist writer Bud Wilson writes,“ "Here’s the answer: “YES; I am an Earth Guardian, I care and I’m committed to honoring Life, Nature and the Earth.” Mr. Wilson invites each of us to: Awaken to the realization there is no separation, that awareness is all you need. And when you combine that awareness with resting fully in the present moment and you’re on your way to a meaningful life of service. Earth Guardians are speaking up for Global Sustainability. More than that, they are taking action.” ”
The Guide to Health and Healing, asked Three Questions to Four of the Earth Guardian Honorees.
Sally Ranney, ( http://www sallyranney.com),
Individual Steward of our Future Awards;
1. What current environmental problems are you most concerned about?
The Belo Monte dam in the Amazon. The Brazilian government plans to move forward to build the world's third-largest dam, built on the ecologically delicate and sacred Xingu River. Building this dam would unearth more land than was required for the Panama Canal, guarantee the extinction of thousands of fish species, and flood hundreds of acres of Amazon rainforest. That and missing the window for action to reverse the worst consequences of climate change.
2. What are some things we can do, to leave our future generations a planet worth inheriting?
Exercise our democratic rights. I call it the "sandwich effect" of social change. We have to pressure our representatives to act from the top down and meanwhile mobilize the power of the people to act from the bottom up. There is no time for laziness and no room for apathy, we must act now, while we still can.
3. Are "youth organizations", like the Earth Guardians, important, and how can we all support them?
The youth voice can be a powerful force because youth have a moral authority and wisdom that is unique to that age. When they are mobilized and organized and demand action they can inspire society to change. We can support them through organizations like the Earth Guardians, dedicated to encouraging and amplifying the youth voice so that people will listen.
Organic India~ Michelle Sondheimer is the General Manager and will be receiving for Organic India (http://www.organicindiausa.com) the Business Steward of our Future Award.
1. What current environmental problems are you most concerned about?
Our products are farmed in India, and we are very concerned about the sanctity of the land we use to plant, cultivate and grow our herbs. GMO crops threaten natural farming methods, the health of humans and animals that consume them, and result in the use of dangerous pesticides and herbicides. In the past Indian farmland has been severely impacted by the use of chemicals which have not only eroded the land's natural regenerative properties, but have also infiltrated the water systems, which has contributed to many health issues experienced by the Indian people.
2. What are some things we can do, to leave our future generations a planet worth inheriting?
Convert more and more land throughout the world to organic farming. We also need to effectively communicate that people and the land are totally connected, that chemicals used in conventional agriculture enter our water supply, thereby poisoning the streams, rivers, and oceans upon which every living thing depends. We must respect Mother Earth in the same way we respect people. In this way, Mother Earth is a true family member of us all. People are connected to one another, and the land. In this way, People and the Land are ONE.
3. Are "youth organizations", like the Earth Guardians, important, and how can we all support them?
Organizations such as the Earth Guardians represent a significant opportunity to train and educate future generations on the importance of saving and preserving our planet. We are all responsible for making prudent decisions which will help our planet maintain and sustain itself as future generations inherit the Earth. We can support Earth Guardians' and other organizations through education, commitment, leadership, knowledge, inspiration....but most of all becoming role models for our youth to follow in raising consciousness and commitment to save and preserve our planet.
Mark Retzlof from Alfalfa's Market (http://www.alfalfas.com)
1. What current environmental problems are you most concerned about?
Global warming, GMO’s contamination, water usage and seed diversity.
2. What are some things we can do, to leave our future generations a planet worth inheriting?
Become much more aware of our impact on Global environmental conditions. Educate young people about how simple changes can bring large impact. Think Global work locally.
3. Are "youth organizations", like the Earth Guardians, important, and how can we all support them?
Very important. We are training our leaders for tomorrow. Much gets done peer to peer. Not much resistance to new ideas from youth – very open minded to proper messages.
The Grow Foundation,
(http://www.growefoundation.org ),
Bryce Brown Winton will be receiving one of the Outstanding Steward of our Year Awards
1. What current environmental problems are you most concerned about?
Growe is very concerned with the degradation of soil and water systems caused by the heavy use of chemicals and pesticides
2. What are some things we can do, to leave our future generations a planet worth inheriting?
Invest in providing children with the knowledge and skills to live more healthy and environmentally sustainable lifestyles.
3. Are "youth organizations", like the Earth Guardians, important, and how can we all support them?
The youth organizations in our communities that are working to instill in children a connection to nature, values and attitudes needed to protect our planet are critically important to society and need all the policy and funding support they can get.
On 12/12, this coming Monday, the Mayor of Boulder will declare “Earth Guardian Day”. Come Celebrate in Boulder, Colorado on Dec 12th, 2011
Register and click on this link to attend the Awards Gala here and now.
“Earth Guardian Day”, celebration will be at the new Shine Restaurant and Gathering Place. Remember the “Trilogy Sisters” – they’re at it again.
Join with a festive and passionate group of Earth cherishing youth and adults, as they honor activist Daryl Hannah, former Mayor Susan Osborne, Activist Sally Ranney (Ted Turner’s Environmental advisor) and Clean Energy Action along with other recipients. Come find out why Alfalfa’s Market, The Growe Foundation and Organic India are also being recognized.
There is an awakening that we are all interconnected and interdependent – ultimately that’s the essence of the message the Earth Guardians are sharing with those willing to listen to the voices of our youth.
References:
http://www.earthguardians.org,
http://www.elephantjournal.com/2011/12/are-you-an-earth-guardian--dont-miss-this-celebration/,