Blog

The time has come and 2008 Change It Conference has met its application deadline and is no longer accepting applicants. For those of you that have applied thank you for wanting to step up and become the next generation of leaders in the global movement for environmental change. We received hundreds of applications and were impressed with each and every one. Unfortunately, we could only accept 70 students per city. For those accepted, congratulations and we look forward to meeting you in July!

Ah, summer--everything is so warm, vibrant, and so green. Truly, summer is my favorite time of year along with almost everyone else. Every year when Memorial Day, the “unofficial” first weekend of summer, approaches I try to set aside from time to think about how I can make this the best summer ever. My typical brain storm consists of lists of concerts, joining a kick ball league, and going to barbecues, but this summer I decided to do something different: work. I know, I know, working in the summer--just thinking about it makes many people cringe. But, for me, this is different.

I walked into a coffee shop on Earth Day and overheard an interesting exchange between the barista and a regular customer.

The barista said to the regular, “Where’s your cup today? You usually bring one, and it’s Earth Day.” He replied, “I forgot it this morning, and besides, every day is Earth Day to me.”

I just returned from Indiana University (IU) in Bloomington where Change It alums Steve Furr, Augusta Johnson, and Chiffone Puckett joined with other IU students to declare their campus a “forest crime scene.” For over a year IU officials have failed to enforce their own policies to protect ancient forests despite pressure from student activists. The campus continues to buy paper products from tissue giant Kimberly-Clark (K-C), parent company to Kleenex and Scott brands, a company that sources paper fiber from the North American Boreal forest- one of our last remaining ancient forests.

Global warming is the most pressing environmental problem threatening our planet. We have a choice: stop global warming and ignite an energy revolution or they can keep doing nothing to stop the coming climate disaster. Everyone knows that Congress needs to act, but they won't unless we turn up the heat.

Big Oil, automakers, utilities and coal companies spend loads of money on ad and media campaigns to dupe the public into thinking they are working to solve global warming in attempts to quell political pressure and add to their already unprecedented access to policy arenas.

It’s been quite a year for Seventh Generation’s Chief Inspired Protagonist. (That’s me!)

Jeffrey Hollender asked me to let the Change It alumni, and any interested studetns, know about a great contest being run by Keen Footwear. Actually, it’s three separate contests called Stand Up, Stand Out, Stand For, and while they all have slightly different requirements here’s the general gist: Entrants submit a creative entry (two of the contests ask for creative essays and the third asks for a photo or video) about their work to create environmental awareness.

Check out this great article (including video of the protest) from 2006 Change It Alum Christine Irvine: It's Getting Hot In Here

She's the one all the way to the left in this picture.

I know it's only just October, but it seems like ages since I was in DC this summer with Greenpeace and 200 inspired students who were fighting for their beliefs and for this precious earth that we all share.

I had nearly lost the spark that Change It had given me, the hope that I had gleaned from so many positive, passionate people. But then I saw this video, created by our good friend Rob at Black and Blue Productions, and it all came rushing back.

But forget about me! We created the video to share that spark of hope with YOU!

Hey everyone...I don't know about you, but Change It was exactly what I needed. Getting to campus can feel like walking up a flight of stairs in skates, but take a deeeeeep breath!

I'm back on campus and you just have to talk to EVERYONE...I promise there is at least one other human being that is into what you care about! If people seem down or negative and have no hope...Then just give up...Wait! NO. You have been inspired and given the skills to make change so now it is officially your duty to inspire others.