Hope and Sustainability

Often those working on the issues of sustainability have a crisis, in one form or another, of hope.  How do we create a better tomorrow?  How do we create many better tomorrows to ensure the days that we do not see meet our vision for a just, fair, and sustainable world?

Julia Butterfly Hill speaks on passion, purpose and power

Mount Mercy University welcomed activist, author and environmentalist Julia Butterfly Hill for a special lecture: "Leading Lives of Passion, Purpose, and Power: Turning Compassion into Action," on April 22, 2013 for Earth Day. 

Interview with Tim DeChristopher

"DeChristopher was convicted of interfering with a public auction in 2008 when he disrupted the Bush administration’s last-minute move to auction off oil and gas exploitation rights in Utah by posing as a bidder. He is the subject of the new documentary, 'Bidder 70.' 'We need to be building power as a social movement.

Mount Mercy recognized for diverting 15 tons of food waste from local landfills

Mount Mercy University was recognized by GreenRU for a successful food diversion project on Tuesday, April 23. In just three months, Mount Mercy diverted 15 tons of waste from local landfills. The project is in partnership with Linn County Solid Waste Agency and GreenRU.

Portugal Hits 70% Renewable Energy

Interesting article over at Climate Progress / Think Progress today, Link Here.

"Portugal’s electricity network operator announced that renewable energy supplied 70 percent of total consumption in the first quarter of this year."

"Hydropower supplied most: Hydroelectric power supplied 37 percent of total electricity — a 312 percent increase compared to last year.

Spring is Coming

Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love! - Sitting Bull

After what felt like a long drawn out winter, I'm looking forward to spring weather and everything we enjoy spring for including spring cleaning. 

Four Scenarios of our Sustainability Future

In general, the four main views of sustainability can be broken down into: No-Idea, Dark Green, Bright Green, and Transition.

Composting in the Cafeteria

The Mount Mercy Times recently featured an article about Mount Mercy's composting efforts in the cafeteria: