Unusual Global Eco-Alliances That You Should Know About!

Even though we are all citizens of the same world, it may not be so obvious to most of us of the ‘names’ of certain orgnizations that have coalesced together in recent years to tackle the problem of protecting our planet – specifically the continual global assault on our environmental resources and the health of all of its inhabitants. Call it “planetary justice” if you like, but behind the scenes these six organizations are transforming the way we live and look at this world as human beings whilst building a more sustainable greener planet. There is much to do to preserve just our own local communities and societal heritage here at home but we at Cherltons Green Guide cannot but help to give a high approbation to these wonderfully inspiring multi-dimensional, interdisciplinary “eco-global alliances”. They are as follows:

1. The Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves – http://www.cleancookstoves.org/ Being an American, I take for granted my quiet GE electric cooktop stove.  But did you know that 40% of the world’s population in parts of Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean still cook over open fires and on rudimentary cookstoves? – And they are using dung, brush, charcoal, and crop residues as their cooking fuel?  The shocking truth is that the smoke from these solid fuels causes a wide range of illnesses from respiratory infections to cardiovascular disease, from lung cancer to child pneumonia, from increased cataracts to low birth-weights.  Another words four million people die each year from household cooking smoke each year.  Hence, the goal of this organization is “to foster the adoption of clean cookstoves and fuels in 100 million households by 2020.

2. Eco Health Alliance – http://www.ecohealthalliance.org/ Being a Texan, I am all too familiar with the recent outbreaks of the West Nile virus being reported in the media in this part of the country, but did you know that 60-75% of emerging infectious diseases that affect humans originate in animals? And that two thirds of these animals are wild animals? Hence, the goal of this global, non-profit organization is to prevent the transmission of these EID’s (Emerging Infectious Diseases) from becoming pandemic. And at the same time, this organization is determined to protect the delicate ecosystems of endangered wildlife species as the link between these two goals is interrelated and can affect both human health as well as global biodiversity.

3. Global Climate Change Alliance – http://www.gcca.eu Living in Texas, I am very aware that 94% of the state is abnormally dry. But did you know that weird weather patterns are also adversely hitting the ‘Least Developed Countries’ (LDC’s) such as Cambodia, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Rwanda, Guyana, and the ‘Small Island Developing States’ such as the Solomon Islands, Seychelles, Maldives, and Jamaica? Even though these countries have contributed the least to green house gas emissions? Hence, the goal of this European Union-sponsored organization is to both provide informational exchange and technical and financial support to developing countries on ways to build and integrate a “climate-resilient low-carbon economy”, to incorporate “disaster risk reduction strategies” and to support investments in renewable energies and land resource protection and adaption programs.

4. Trusted Adventures Alliance – http://www.trustedadventures.com/about-us.php Being an experienced world traveler in search of unique one-of-a-kind travel adventures whose touring itineraries typically combine eco-sports such as hiking, biking, walking, rafting and kayaking with cultural anthropological immersions into traditional indigenous communities, I have found it best to partner up with tour operating companies that are internationally known for their responsible travel practices, exceptional guest services, and uncompromising quality. Such is the case with these nine independently operating travel companies –Austin-Lehman Adventures, Wildland Adventures, ROW Adventures, The Wayfarers, Myths and Mountains, American Safari Cruises, Western River Expeditions, Ciclismo Classico, and Great Alaska International Adventure Vacations – all of whom have joined together to “provide authentic, transformational travel experiences” for individuals, families, and groups with the aim of “preserving our planet and its cultural heritage”. To ensure sustainable travel experiences for the future and promote existing local economies, this organization has also been active in funding conservation programs, libraries, and “cleaner” motorized boats – again with the aim of protecting natural resources and world communal heritage throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa.

5. Global Human Ecodynamics Alliance – http://www.gheahome.org Being a cultural anthropologist myself by training, I am fascinated by the field of “Human Ecodynamics” which looks at “the past and present global interactions of humans and the natural world, using fields of inquiry and methods of investigation from anthropology, archaeology, sociology, geosciences, climatology, biological sciences, art, history, and political science.” Hence the goal of this organization is to foster – “working groups” – interested researchers from an array of backgrounds and studies who voluntarily collaborate with each other around a particular project and a common purpose – the biological and sociological interactions of humans and their ecosystems over space and time. Two such collective examples of these working groups now under discussion are: 1) “the issue of coastal erosion as it affects human communities past and present” and 2) “global climate change and the attendant serious threats to the global archaeological record”.

6. Global Green Grants Fund – http://www.greengrants.org/ Like most Americans, I do my bit everyday in giving to charities that support animal rights and promote land and ocean conservation efforts right here in the USA – but this association of “changemakers” does a great deal more! It is a public charity that funds eco-related projects primarily in the developing world and emerging economies – projects that address “toxic contamination, destruction of natural resources, disappearance of water, food, and work and displacement from traditional lands”. Their mission in essence is “to mobilize resources for global environmental sustainability and social justice” and since 1993 they have been doing just that – making nearly 6,000 grants to youth groups, tribal councils, and non-governmental organizations who are in need of basic educational resources and infrastructure and “green” leadership.

Shopping for Sharks, Penguins, Elephants and Kids? – A Unique Kind of Experience: Eco-Retail and Reusable Therapy! (Part II)

In Part I of this article, an underlying assumption was made that your online eco-shopping experience would generate unique gift ideas, new product purchases, and a psychological uplift whose primary beneficiaries would be yourself, your family, your friends and your pets — and of course the environment itself – – but what if the beneficiaries were perfect strangers – people you had never met before in your life? And what if the gifts you gave them were “used” items? Well, – Welcome to the Eco-friendly World of “Reusable Gift-Giving”!

Once again, the best source of reusable gift-giving ideas can easily be found online through some really cool non-profit organizations many of which were founded by socially-minded entrepreneurs. Let us now take a look at eight of these socially and environmentally progressive-thinking groups and at the same time, take stock of our own closets, bins, storage boxes, and bureau drawers.

1- Sole Responsibility – www.soleresponsibility.org
Gift-Giving Category: Unworn & Slightly Used Running Shoes

Gift-Giving Goal: Founded by a group of women runners in 2005 – Jennifer North of Ottawa, Canada and her running mates, Tracy Clark and Cindy Scott – this non-profit organization collects, washes, and sends unworn and gently used athletic shoes to needy communities in Africa – including refugees, orphan children, the elderly, the disabled, the disadvantaged and the physically-challenged in Africa.

Ask Yourself: Are you interested in collecting running shoes thru your office or school or expanding the number of collection sites?

2- Cell Phones for Soldiers – www.cellphonesfor soldiers.com/
Gift-Giving Category: Used Cell Phones

Gift-Giving Goal: Founded by the Bergquist family of Norwell, Massachusetts in 2004, this non-profit organization collects ‘used’ cell phones, sells them to recycling firms, and takes the proceeds to buy calling cards for deployed and returning troops so that they can communicate with their family cost-free while serving in the United States military.

Ask Yourself: Are you interested in gifting your cell phone to an American service man or woman in remembrance of a loved family member or close friend who made a difference in your life?

3- Cristina Foundation – www.cristina.org/
Gift-Giving Category: Used Computer Equipment & Related Technology

Gift-Giving Goal: Founded by David Bruce McMahan and Yvetter Marrin in 1984, and based in Greenwich, Connecticut, this non-profit organization collects used pc desktops, notebooks, printers, scanners, copiers, keyboards, modems, monitors, software, video cards, and digital cameras -and in turn – donates these used items to schools, public agencies, and other non-profit organizations who help to train people with disabilities, students at risk and economically disadvantaged persons so that they may lead more independent and productive lives.

Ask Yourself: Are you interested in gifting computer equipment so that others in need may have access for the first time to special educational programs and vocational support?

4- Bicycles for Humanity (B4H) – www.bicycles-for-humanity.org
Gift-Giving Category: Used & Unwanted Bicycles & Related Accessories

Gift-Giving Goal: Founded in 2005 by Pat Montani in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, this non-profit organization collects old and unwanted bicycles, bike parts, clothing, helmets, and shoes and sends them to disadvantaged communities in Africa so that people there are empowered with their own transport.

Ask Yourself: Are you interested in giving the gift of mobility so that others may have better access to healthcare, education, food, water, employment, and social opportunities?

5- Riley’s Toys Foundation – www.rileystoys.org/
Gift-Giving Category: New, Slightly Used & Unwanted Toys

Gift-Giving Goal: Founded in 2009 by then five year old, Riley Hebbard, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, this non-profit organization collects new toys and slightly used and unwanted toys and sends them to vulnerable children in Africa many of whom live in orphanages, AIDS camps, refugee camps, and various impoverished areas.

Ask Yourself: Are you interested in giving the gift of joy to a struggling child that is toyless and forgotten by creating a smile of hope with your toy?

6- St. Jude’s Ranch for Children – www.stjudesranch.org/
Gift-Giving Category: Used Greeting Cards

Gift-Giving Goal: Founded by Episcopal priest, Father Jack Adam, in 1967 and based in Boulder City, Nevada with two other locations in Texas – this non-profit organization recycles used greeting cards by allowing abused, abandoned, and neglected children residing at their facilities to reconstruct these old cards into new holiday cards and greeting cards for every occasion which are then sold in turn to support their organizational programs and services.

Ask Yourself: Are you interested in giving a teenager “green” entrepreneurship skills and a sense of importance, dignity, and purpose in life?

7- The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) –
www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/fur/wildlife_rehabbers_fur_donations_list.pdf
Gift-Giving Category: Used Real Furs

Gift-Giving Goal: Founded in 1954 by journalist Fred Myers and his three colleagues – Larry Andrews, Marcia Glaser, and Helen Jones – this Washington D.C.-based organization is the largest animal advocacy organization in the world. Backed by 11 million Americans, the HSUS is dedicated to seeking a humane and sustainable world for all animals that will also benefit people. In its efforts to reduce animal suffering and celebrate pets as well as wildlife, the HSUS now collects used real furs (including fur apparel, fur trims, and fur accessories) and sends them to wildlife rehabilitators so that these furs can then be repurposed as blankets for orphaned and injured wild baby animals they find every year.

Ask Yourself: Are you interested in giving an abandoned or injured wild animal the warmth and comfort of a furry blanket a.k.a. – a surrogate mother?

8- Combat Paper Project – www.combatpaper.org/
Gift Giving Category: Used military uniforms

Gift-Giving Goal: Founded in 2007 by Drew Matott, a paper and book artist and Drew Cameron, a soldier-turned-artist, this San Francisco-based organization administers papermaking workshops all across the USA to assist military veterans to work out, reconcile, and share their personal military experiences by teaching them how to make paper pulp by hand from their old combat uniforms and transforming the pulp into a variety of cathartic works of paper art – giving the veterans “a vehicle to tell their personal stories of military service.”

Ask Yourself: Are you interested in donating a military uniform to a veteran community at one of these workshops so that our military men and women are better able to embrace their military experiences and find within themselves the artistic ability to turn uniforms into combat paper and ultimately books, personal journals, broadsides, and other works of art?

Truly the backstory of these reusable gift-giving ideas is fascinating. You may now want to ask yourself this all important question – are you inspired enough to organize a grassroots chapter of your own within your local area?

Shopping for Sharks, Penguins, Elephants and Kids? – A Unique Kind of Experience: Eco-Retail and Reusable Therapy! (Part I)

You don’t have to be a child to like stuffed animals nor do you have to travel far to see an Emerald Hummingbird, a Sumatran Rhino or a Pygmy Elephant. Instead, you can sit comfortably in front of your home computer screen, go onto the internet, and visit the “World Wildlife Fund Gift Center” – www.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/ – and “Adopt” yourself a real Emerald Hummingbird, Sumatran Rhino, a Pygmy Elephant or any other of a 100+ endangered species! Indeed, this is online eco-shopping at its best – gift shopping that not only makes a transformative lifestyle statement about protecting the planet for future generations but encourages others – friends and family – to preserve the habitats of these endangered animals. As for your eco-conscious purchase – you not only have a memorable photo and an adorably fetching plush version of your favorite adopted animal – but the camaraderie of a world renown conservation organization whose many publications, partnerships, and projects are an added feature to its array of gifts, cards, and soft toys.

But don’t stop your eco-shopping there – Check out Oceana’s online “Marine Wildlife Adoption & Gift Center” – www.store.oceana.org/ – which features a Sea Turtle cookie cutter kit and Penguin cookie cutter kit that includes each of these delightfully cuddly plush animals as well as a scrumptious cookie recipe and a personalized adoption certificate. But don’t rest your fingertips there – Yes, keep shopping! – For there’s “The Nature Conservancy Marketplace” – an online eco-store – www.shop.nature.org/ – featuring not only a wide array of unique Home and Garden accessories, Apparel, Books and DVD’s but globally diverse “Adopt An Acre Gifts” – See www.adopt.nature.org/ – which showcases an array of lost and near lost landscapes around the world where endangered plants and animals still thrive. Here you have the choice to “Adopt a Coral Reef” in the Bahamas, or in the Dominican Republic, or at Kimbe Bay in Papua New Guinea, or off the Pacific island nation of Palau. And if that isn’t exciting enough, you also have the choice to also “Adopt an Acre” in Australia’s Gondwana Link, Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, Africa’s Grassland and Savannas, and various places in the USA – in particular the Appalachians, the Northern Rockies, and the U.S. Southern Forests. And don’t forget to browse the NRDC’s online “Green Gifts” store address – www.nrdcgreengifts.org/ – whose extraordinary collection of gift ideas includes a Whale Nursery, a Songbird Sanctuary, an Underwater Park for Otters, a One-day Photo Safari in Yellowstone National Park, an escorted One-day Tour with the “Wolf Whisperer” and “Green Teacher Kits”. With over 1.3 million members strong, the “National Resources Defense Council” offers gifts that not only make the environment richer and safer for all of us but rewards the shopper with a greater sense of entertainment, fashion, and travel options and most importantly a greater taste of self-definition.

Six other online eco-retail stores that capture the shopping imagination include the “Sierra Club Store”, the “National Audubon Society Marketplace”, the “National Wildlife Federation Shop”, the “National Geographic Store”, the “Aid to Artisans Online Store” and the “Global Goods Partners Online Store”. Let us now take a look at some of their best-selling items:

1-Sierra Club Store – www.sierraclub.org/store/

Category: Holiday Cards
– Horses Holiday Card Assortment
– Nature’s Details Holiday Card Assortment
– Crater Lake & Wizard Island Holiday Cards

Category: Books
– “Edible Landscaping” by Rosalind Creasy
– “Nukespeak” by Stephen Hilgartner, Richard C. Bell & Rory O’Connor
– “Desert Song” by Tony Johnston, Illustrated by Ed Young

Category: Eco-Socks – Men’s & Women’s

2-National Audubon Society Marketplace – www.marketplace.audubon.org/

Category: Audubon Mobile Field Guide Applications
For the iPhone, iTouch, Android, & iPad
(Covers North American Birds, Insects, Wildflowers, Mammals, Fish, Trees & More)

Category: Audubon Shade Grown Coffee
(100% Organic & Certified by the Rainforest Alliance)

3-National Wildlife Federation Shop – www.shopnwf.org/

Category: Backyard Decorations
– Dragonfly Tea Lantern
– Dragonfly Wall Plaque
– Pine Cone Thermometer Clock
– Personalized Fairy Garden Plaque

Category: Birdhouses & Feeders
– Hydrangea Glass Birdbath
– Acorn Suet Feeder
– Finch Tube Feeder with Spiral Perch
– Rustic Wooden Birdhouse

Category: Tree Sponsorship – Holidays
– Sponsor a Holiday Gift Tree
– Sponsor a Holiday Gift Garden
– Sponsor a Holiday Gift Grove
– Sponsor a Holiday Gift Small Forest

4-National Geographic Store – www.shop.nationalgeographic.com/

Category: Books
– “Food Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 Extraordinary Places to Eat Around the Globe” by National Geographic

Category: Historic Collectibles
– Irish Pewter Compass
– Handcarved Polish Chess Set
– Roman Cast-brass Horse

Category: Map Puzzles & Gifts
– Custom Nautical Tile Clock
– Custom Nautical Tile Tables
– Personalized Aerial Map Jigsaw Puzzle

Category: Kids Toys & Games
– National Geographic Talking Planetarium
– T. Rex Remote-Controlled Puzzle
– Wacky Wigglers Mechanical Toy Set
– National Geographic Sustainable Earth Lab
– National Geographic Archaeology Kit: Egyptian Pyramid
– Kids Interactive Intelliglobe

As for the next two online eco-retail stores, they are non-profit organizations whose many gift displays provide the only means of revenue for struggling artisan groups around the world who are trying to keep their eco-communities and handicraft traditions alive. Most of these artisans are women living in Asia, Africa, and underdeveloped parts of Central and South America and the Caribbean who are often unable to reach the global marketplace on their own.

5-Aid to Artisans Online Store – www.atawebstore.org/home.php

Category: Sugar Bowls from Mozambique

Category: Green Recycled Glass Vases from Egypt

Category: Indigo Market Bags from Benin

Category: Papier-Mache Patchwork Bull Head from Haiti

6-Global Goods Partners Online Store – www.globalgoodspartners.org/template/index.cfm

Category: Jewelry
– Colorful Beaded Bracelet in Maasai Tribal Style from Tanzania

Category: Accessories
– Textile and Leather Travel Tags from Peru
– Beaded Lion Keychain & Zebra Keychain from South Africa

Category: Home Décor
– African Beaded Bowl from Tanzania
– Indian Candle Holders Made from Broken Bangles
– Beaded Nesting Boxes from Tanzania

Category: Pet
– Rainbow Dog Sweater from Bolivia

Category: Children & Baby
– Handmade Stuffed Cotton Bunnies from Peru

Category: Bags
– Coin Pouches from Peruvian Textiles

Isn’t it time now to do some eco-shopping of your own and find that creative green gift that encourages cultural and environmental diversity and matches your unique individuality?