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Get Connected: Worldchanging Newsletter, RSS and Social Networks

WorldChanging Team — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:55:36 +0000

As proven by the 2008 U.S. Presidential Elections, having a strong, online social network can make a big difference in your campaign. Here at Worldchanging, our campaign is to promote the tools, models and ideas that already exist for building a better world. We know the solutions are out there, we just need to spread the message and put those ideas to work. But we can't do it without you. The more people we can connect with, share ideas with and build community with, the brighter our future will be.

One way to connect with the Worldchanging message is to sign up for our weekly newsletter. Each Friday, we'll send you the best of our original work from the week. For a daily fix, try signing up for our RSS feed.

Many of you are already our friends on Facebook and Myspace, and thousands of you are following Worldchanging and Alex Steffen on Twitter. Thanks for connecting! We greatly appreciate having such a wonderful, engaged online community.

If you have yet to friend or follow us, please click on the links below

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(Posted by WorldChanging Team in Team at 2:55 PM)

Get Connected: Worldchanging Newsletter, RSS and Social Networks

WorldChanging Team — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:55:36 +0000

If you have yet to friend or follow us, please click on the links below

Help us change the world - DONATE NOW!

(Posted by WorldChanging Team in Team at 2:55 PM)

Consumer Reports is buzzing about “Bright Green”

Julia Levitt — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 19:18:28 +0000

Daniel DiClerico at Consumer Reports recently wrote about Alex Steffen and the phrase Bright Green in this piece. He discusses why the meme, and the movement it describes, might be poised for takeoff in 2009:

Why the buzz? Steffen coined bright green in 2003, but 2009 could be its breakout year, thanks in large part to the new administration in Washington, D.C. From the campaign trail to his inaugural speech to last week’s address to the joint congress, President Barack Obama has consistently brought the conversation back to sustainability and energy efficiency. “No recent president made energy and the environment such a centerpiece of his inaugural speech, not even Jimmy Carter, who burned much of his political capital, not to say cardigans, struggling to rejig America’s energy habits,” wrote Keith Johnson, eco-blogger for The Wall Street Journal, in January.

The president included $11 billion in his budget for the creation of a 3,000-mile smart grid with state-of-the-art transmission lines and has shown a commitment to solar, biomass, geothermal, and wind technologies.

Such initiatives are designed not only to help the planet but also to stimulate the economy by creating jobs and saving you money—a key tenet of the bright-green movement. To quote Steffen: “Bright-green environmentalism is a call to use innovation, design, urban revitalization, and entrepreneurial zeal to transform the systems that support our lives.”

Want to learn more about "bright green?" Read our feature story: Bright Green, Light Green, Dark Green, Gray: The New Environmental Spectrum.

Image source: ConsumerReports.org

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(Posted by Julia Levitt in Team at 11:18 AM)

Consumer Reports is buzzing about “Bright Green”

Julia Levitt — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 19:18:28 +0000

Why the buzz? Steffen coined bright green in 2003, but 2009 could be its breakout year, thanks in large part to the new administration in Washington, D.C. From the campaign trail to his inaugural speech to last week’s address to the joint congress, President Barack Obama has consistently brought the conversation back to sustainability and energy efficiency. “No recent president made energy and the environment such a centerpiece of his inaugural speech, not even Jimmy Carter, who burned much of his political capital, not to say cardigans, struggling to rejig America’s energy habits,” wrote Keith Johnson, eco-blogger for The Wall Street Journal, in January.

Want to learn more about "bright green?" Read our feature story: Bright Green, Light Green, Dark Green, Gray: The New Environmental Spectrum.

Image source: ConsumerReports.org

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(Posted by Julia Levitt in Team at 11:18 AM)

Last chance to take the Worldchanging Readers’ Survey

Sarah Kuck — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:43:52 +0000

The Worldchanging Readers’ Survey has been underway for almost two weeks now, and we are nearing the end of the collection period. If you want to give us your two-cents about how Worldchanging can be a better resource for you, now is the time.

The 700 of you who have taken the survey thus far have told us that (among other things) the majority of you are 25-44, hold a college degree or higher, and face issues of sustainability, foresight or social innovation daily at work. You've told us that what you read on Worldchanging is worth sharing--whether around the water cooler, around the dinner table, as part of official business or in posts to your own blogs. And you've also pointed out a lot of very specific ways we can improve, from our design and user interface, to the topics we focus on editorially.

This kind of feedback is incredibly helpful for us. We need to hear from you! Join the conversation -- fill out the Worldchanging Readers' Survey today.

By doing so, you'll be entered to win a limited-edition Worldchanging tote bag featuring the art of our award-winning book designer Stefan Sagmeister. Perhaps more importantly, you'll be helping to guide the development of this site over the next few years.

Click Here to take the survey

Thanks!

Sincerely,
The Worldchanging Team

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(Posted by Sarah Kuck in Team at 11:43 AM)

Alex Steffen on the Leonard Lopate Show

Sarah Kuck — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:22:33 +0000

On Tuesday, Leonard Lopate of WNYC interviewed Worldchanging Executive Editor Alex Steffen about the "stickiness" of environmental trends. Leonard wanted to know why environmental trends -- like bringing your own canvas bag to the store -- catch on in some places, and not in others. Laura Haight, senior environmental associate with the New York Public Interest Research Group in Albany, New York, also joined in on the conversation.

So, how do environmental trends spread? How can we improve their chances of sticking? And where does individual responsibility end and government responsibility begin? Listen to find out.

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(Posted by Sarah Kuck in Team at 1:22 PM)

Worldchanging Seeks Office Manager (full-time)

Sarah Kuck — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:56:02 +0000

If you enjoy bringing order to the artists; if your part in every adventure is designing the itinerary; if you're the one who remembered to pack sunscreen, baby wipes and TP for Burning Man, then you may be just the worldchanger we're looking for.

Worldchanging is seeking a fun, energetic, resourceful type-A to be our office manager three days per week. The job involves light admin, basic bookkeeping, and a variety of other essential duties that allow us to keep the lights on and the doors open. Sample tasks include managing bill payment, preparing tax documents (you'll have some guidance), managing office supplies and helping coordinate touring and meeting schedules. As Worldchanging's primary support staff, you'll be expected to handle day-to-day problem solving, so creativity and a willing attitude are a must. A good grip on Excel, and any bookkeeping experience will put you on the top of our list.
So if making things run smoothly brings you joy, and you're willing to tackle a variety of tasks both small and large—and also if you love Worldchanging and are interested in what we do and who we are—there's a good chance that you'll be happy here.

Competitive non-profit pay
Worldchanging is an equal-opportunity employer

Please send inquiries to Sarahk@worldchanging.com

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(Posted by Sarah Kuck in Team at 2:56 PM)

Edward Burtynsky honored with Ideas for Life Award

WorldChanging Team — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:04:02 +0000

The Canadian Environmental Awards 2008 has chosen to recognize the photographic prowess of Worldchanging Board Member Ed Burtynsky with their Ideas for Life Award. This award is given for outstanding efforts that increase environmental awareness or the conservation, restoration or sustainability of Canada's environment through excellence in the arts, entertainment or design.

Edward Burtynsky is known as one of Canada's most respected photographers. His remarkable photographic depictions of global industrial landscapes are included in the collections of 15 major museums around the world, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Bibliotèque Nationale in Paris, the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

What a phenomenal achievement. Congratulations Ed!

Visit these sites to view some of Burtynsky's works:
Edward Burtynsky Photographics Works
Edward Burtynsky Gallery site
Edward Burtynsky represented by Robert Koch Gallery

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(Posted by WorldChanging Team in Team at 11:04 AM)

Jer’s Environmental Facts Label Gains Buzz

Sarah Kuck — Fri, 02 May 2008 20:10:09 +0000

CNET.com and Package Design Magazine have recently covered Worldchanging contributing editor Jer Faludi’s ideas for Environmental Fact Labels, saying that they may indeed be the future of green labeling

From designer clothing to processed food, we use labels to tell us the (perceived or real) value behind what we are choosing to buy. So why not have eco-nutrition labels that convey not only the brand, but the backstory?

To help us realize the full impact that our purchases will have, Jer has been working to create the idea of an “Environmental Facts” label that lists the production impacts and all ingredients.

CNET writer Elsa Wenzel writes that perhaps one day soon a corporation’s practices and materials will be as easy to size up as calories and fats in a box of cookies.

Way to go, Jer!

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(Posted by Sarah Kuck in Team at 12:10 PM)

Green Computing Interview

Alex Steffen — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:38:41 +0000

There's a long interview with Jer about green computing over on IT Conversations:

As more companies examine the issue of environmentally friendly products, it is not surprising that the concept of green computing would grow in importance. IT professionals are examining the problems related to power consumption, the hazardous materials used in manufacturing computers, as well as the complexities related to recycling of older devices. Jeremy Faludi, a product designer currently working for Project Frog, discusses the subject with Phil and Scott.
Jeremy talks about how he was drawn to the problem and gives a number of examples of green performance of components. He reviews how companies must continue to focus on the environmental situation and how best to keep the issues in mind in both planning and with normal activities.

Worth a listen!

Help us change the world - DONATE NOW!

(Posted by Alex Steffen in Team at 9:38 AM)

Green Computing Interview

Alex Steffen — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:38:41 +0000

There's a long interview with Jer about green computing over on IT Conversations:

As more companies examine the issue of environmentally friendly products, it is not surprising that the concept of green computing would grow in importance. IT professionals are examining the problems related to power consumption, the hazardous materials used in manufacturing computers, as well as the complexities related to recycling of older devices. Jeremy Faludi, a product designer currently working for Project Frog, discusses the subject with Phil and Scott.
Jeremy talks about how he was drawn to the problem and gives a number of examples of green performance of components. He reviews how companies must continue to focus on the environmental situation and how best to keep the issues in mind in both planning and with normal activities.

Worth a listen!

Help us change the world - DONATE NOW!

(Posted by Alex Steffen in Team at 9:38 AM)

A Brighter Shade of Green

Alex Steffen — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 22:21:29 +0000

The WIE magazine piece we mentioned before, A Brighter Shade of Green: Rebooting Environmentalism for the 21st Century, is now online. It's worth a read:

"Another world is possible,” goes the popular slogan of the World Social Forum, a yearly gathering of antiglobalization activists from around the world. No, counters Worldchanging in a conscious riff on that motto: “Another world is here.” Indeed, bright green environmentalism is less about the problems and limitations we need to overcome than the “tools, models, and ideas” that already exist for overcoming them. It forgoes the bleakness of protest and dissent for the energizing confidence of constructive solutions. As Sterling said in his first Viridian design speech, pay-ing homage to William Gibson: “The future is already here, it’s just not well distributed yet.”

Help us change the world - DONATE NOW!

(Posted by Alex Steffen in Team at 2:21 PM)

A Brighter Shade of Green

Alex Steffen — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 22:21:29 +0000

The WIE magazine piece we mentioned before, A Brighter Shade of Green: Rebooting Environmentalism for the 21st Century, is now online. It's worth a read:

"Another world is possible,” goes the popular slogan of the World Social Forum, a yearly gathering of antiglobalization activists from around the world. No, counters Worldchanging in a conscious riff on that motto: “Another world is here.” Indeed, bright green environmentalism is less about the problems and limitations we need to overcome than the “tools, models, and ideas” that already exist for overcoming them. It forgoes the bleakness of protest and dissent for the energizing confidence of constructive solutions. As Sterling said in his first Viridian design speech, pay-ing homage to William Gibson: “The future is already here, it’s just not well distributed yet.”

Help us change the world - DONATE NOW!

(Posted by Alex Steffen in Team at 2:21 PM)