About This Site:

Many years ago after I graduated with a masters degree in sustainable business practices, a close friend asked me, now that I was an “expert,” what the best energy source was.  I have been asked questions like this one many times over the years, be it energy source, cleaning product, food item, mode of transportation, etc.  Ultimately the answer typically comes down to “it depends.”  More than anything else, Sustainability means applying as much information as you can to understand the weight and impacts of your choices – and knowing that ANY choice you make will have an impact of some kind.  The purpose of this site is to document my exploration of different ways to reduce my own footprint and live mindfully.
BUT FIRST! I hereby slap the biggest disclaimer I can on myself and this site: I do not live the life of an ascetic, nor have I ever claimed to be an expert. I drive not one, but two gasoline-powered cars; I own boots made from vegan leather and cow leather (understanding the drawbacks of both); I have an embarrassingly water-intensive hobby (homebrewing).
If you are here, I assume you are interested in learning more about small (or big) steps you can take to reduce your impact on the planet.  For my part, I will share what I have learned through reading, listening, and doing. What I share may not be the most recent or complete information, but I will do my best to make sure it is.
Friendly discussion is welcome and encouraged on this site, but all I ask is that is that everyone who comes here treats others with respect and civility.
We are all learning.

Recent Blog Posts

Learning something new every day...

2024 General Election, Part 1 – Pennsylvania, Here I Come

As this post goes live, we’re nearly three weeks out from Election Day in the United States, with critical races happening up and down the ballot. I always hesitate to tell people how to cast their votes, and at a time when we are more polarized than ever, that approach wouldn’t do much good anyway. But there could be a better way to mend division.

On the Road

Good, challenging travel teaches you about yourself, and I seem to have learned more about myself in Fiji than I did about Fiji. My introspective blog series does not begin to do justice to this beautiful country, but I am grateful that I had the opportunity to explore some of my growth edges against such an amazing backdrop.

Southern Cross

Since I was 19 on an anthropology study abroad trip to Ecuador, I have searched for authentic intercultural experiences. It’s difficult, to be sure, and not everyone wants their travels to be difficult. My vacation in Fiji after the Climate Lab week came to an end raised some important questions: what is the value in striving for authenticity and is it even achievable?