Livin’ Veg

Saving Earth’s Oceans And Marine Life November 19, 2009

Last night I was fortunate enough to see Carl Safina, cofounder and president of the Blue Ocean Institute, talk about his work to save our planet’s oceans. As veggies, I think we spend a great deal of our time advocating for farm animals and (because they are in our homes) companion animals. I know that’s where I focus most of my efforts. There is so much suffering taking place and we have the video footage of factory farms and puppy mills to inspire us to be active. Sadly, I do feel as if the AR world ignores marine life a little bit. Especially when it comes to the plethora of life beneath the surface.

Sure, we pay a lot of attention to seals, whales, dolphins, and sharks. The biggies. But overfishing is quickly depleting the ocean of all its inhabitants, not just the popular ones. And we don’t have the undercover video footage to shock us into action because most of it is taking place on boats and away from the watchful eyes of activists. Consider the picture of the Loggerhead turtle I took off the Blue Ocean Institute’s website. That turtle is an unintentional catch. Meaning, the fisherman who caught it were actually looking to catch shrimp off the coast of South Carolina. But the fact is, we pull out millions of creatures from the oceans every day and because of that fact, the earth’s oceans are in mortal peril. They need us to speak for them, to act for them, and to change their fate.

I’m going to be posting about more take actions having to do with ocean life. Safina gave some wonderful advice to activists last night. He said that we should all channel our activism into areas we are good at. If you like the law, become an environmental lawyer. If you like to write, then write. If you’re a teacher, then teach the topics. Personally, I will be writing about the topic and teaching kids about the issues.

Want some ideas on what you can do now? Check out the take action section of the Blue Ocean Institute’s website and make a difference.

No Impact Man September 25, 2009

No Impact Man is making its tour around the country and I’m desperate to see it. Sadly, it’s already been to NY so I’m going to have to wait. What is No Impact Man? It’s a film about a family that tries to produce zero waste for an entire year. That means no trains, subways, cars, elevators, food that isn’t local, tv, etc. Green to the nth degree.

I’m pretty green, but this movie is going to make me look like some wasteful celebutant. Not all my food is local. I drive to work 3 days a week (and work the rest from home). I am on my computer ALL the time. I go to the gym. I used to take the stairs, but a pesky foot problem has made it so I have to take the elevator. Basically, I want to see No Impact Man so it can give me a much needed kick in the butt. Sure 50% of my clothing is used, but what about the other 50%? How do we enjoy life and be as effective as possible. I think this movie might have some answers to that question.

I think we all wish we had the courage and conviction to do with No Impact Man has done in his book/film. Watch the trailer and be inspired. Then support the film when it comes to a theater near you. Or, buy the book. Even though, technically, that’s not too good for the environment. So! Buy the book used:)

Awesome Big Cat Conservationists In Botswana September 18, 2009

NPR did a great little piece on two conservationists: Dereck and Beverly Joubert. They focus their efforts on big cats, photographing them for magazines like National Geographic as a part of their conservation efforts.

Their biggest project of late was the task of following one leopard for 5 years. From infancy into adulthood. And the trick is to do it while staying out of the way of the animal. How do they do it? This is what they say:

“The non-intervention is purely because we want to be able to understand these animals in a way that [will help] them survive in the future. … What we are out there to do is to hopefully show people how similar we are to animals, and how these wilderness areas are so precious.”

This is the kind of conservation I really love. People studying animals without interfering, without poking them with needles or sticking them in a zoo.  Down and dirty watching from afar for a period of time. And doing it so the creature can be better understood and therefore protected better in the future.

You should read the whole article. It’s short. And at the bottom listen to the couple talk about their work. Truly admirable.

Thanks to my friend Alex for the tip!