Julie Pippert: Using My Words

On Sunday evening my family and I often watch a show called Big Ideas for a Small Planet . It's a Redford/Sundance initiative. I like it because it provides both problems and solutions; moreover, they are usually realistic, "I can do that!" solutions. Plus, it makes me hopeful. I think we all need to feel hopeful about the environment. If we feel hopeful, we don't feel powerless. If we don't feel powerless, we think there is something we can do, and every little bit helps. Last night's episode was called Pray (webisodes available here ), and was about the stewardship of the earth and faith. There were a variety of segments within the episode, but one in particular caught my attention: the destruction of reefs across the globe due to global warming, man's negligence, hostile environment and so on. Here's a little background about reefs: Coral Reefs are the oldest, most complex ecosystems on earth. They are home to more kinds of life than any other oce...

A blogger I really like recently wrote a really fantastic post about mindful, organic and green living. Her journey began with cleaning out her closet, paring down to only what she needs. This is a goal I've had for a long time, but can't seem to accomplish. It's an emotional hurdle I need to overcome. If Helen Buttigieg (my idol) were here, she'd have some wise words on the matter of why I retain clothing I no longer need (most of which doesn't fit my body or my current lifestyle). After puzzling out that my clothes are the only area of material possessions in my life that are ridiculously cluttered and to which I illogically cling, she'd figure out why. She'd figure out that I cling to my old clothes because I cling to the past, and am not easily able to let go or transition. Although generally I deposit my memories into stories carefully stowed in my own mind---which is, of course, cluttered---to be pulled out in fanciful moments or as fodder for social...