The same day I began reading this month's Ode about energy generation and green energy I heard the most beautiful interview on National Public Radio on ethanol and other fuel alternatives.

The program was Science Friday and in it the host interviewed a biofuel advocate, David Blume (author of "Alchohol Can be a Gas"). I would highly recommend Ode put Mr. Blume on the short list of people to interview for future articles---if only to hear him paint beautiful pictures of a world where alternative fuels are promoted on a local grass-roots level and alternative fuel sources are plentiful and actually environmentally beneficial.   Read more...

When I was a kid, which was conveniently during a time I lived in Hawaii, I became obsessed with starfish. What stunned me most was their ability to, rather quickly, shed and regenerate a limb. I wondered if it hurt to do this, or if it was some sort of everyday occurrence. I noticed the same thing about geckos and their tails and sea cucumbers that would vomit out their own internal organs. All of these biological feats are meant to be life-saving, so I imagine shedding a limb or spilling out one's guts isn't taken too lightly in the animal kingdom, but I cannot tell you how many quivering gecko tails wound up in my hands sans rightful owner.   Read more...

BBC Journalist Christine Jeavans has challenged herself to give up plastic for a whole month. This is certainly a large feat when you think about all of the coffee cup tops, grocery bags, water bottles - not to mention babies diapers that people use everyday. Can it be done? Keep up with her challenge on her blog here.

Read full story:news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7535500.stm
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China's cheap gas leads to more SUV sales, find out where to take a walk in your neighborhood, and make your office sustainable with People Cube.   Read more...

"The past is never completely lost, however extensive the devastation. Your sorrows are the bricks and mortar of a magnificent temple. What you are today, and what you will be tomorrow are because of what you have been." - Gordon Wright

All of us have experienced, (or likely know someone who has experienced - especially in today's volatile world), some type of devastation in the past. Perhaps it took the form of the violence of war, crime, or domestic abuse. Or maybe it was economic ruin, or the loss of a loved one or a failed relationship.   Read more...

Did you know that all the world's faiths are filled with wisdom for work? That major media (e.g., Fortune and Industry Week) have reported favorably about the trend to integrating spirit and work? That when you bring spirit to work, work is more ethical and satisfying; and you typically have more time and energy for a rich life?

The Spirit and Work Resource Center (/www.spiritandworkresourcecenter.com) is filled with examples of how to fill any job, anywhere, with integrity, purpose and great joy. We've recently expanded our free online resources. Here you will a recommended books list; links to articles including an interview with Huston Smith on the wisdom of all the world's religions for work, and a FAQ sheet. New resources are being added weekly.   Read more...

If one understands the basics of how the human body works, then most assuredly they paid attention during health or biology class. As we quickly take a deeper look inside the body both science and spirituality agree we are energy beings or energy centers as well as flesh, blood and bones. This is why defibrillators (devices which give an electrical charge) can either stop or start the heart.   Read more...

Begone, evil spirit! Begone! OK, so that’s not how a typical acupuncture treatment begins (at least in my clinic). Even for possession. And when we talk about possession in Chinese Medical terms, we’re not usually referring to an evil spirit or the devil, like in the movie “The Exorcist”. Instead, we’re referring to an internal possession of the mind. This internal possession occurs when a person is unable to control their own thinking, resulting in a pattern of compulsive thought and behavior.   Read more...

Community-based tourism generates lucrative revenues for poor or native communities in developing countries while enabling travelers usually accustomed to chain hotels and beachfront resorts to learn about traditional cultures. Pictured: A room at the Posada Amazonas lodge in Peru’s Esé-eja community of Infierno.   Read more...

Dear EarthTalk: How does congestion toll pricing, used in some cities around the world, cut down on vehicle traffic and promote green-friendly public transit? -- Bill Higley, via e-mail

Despite increasing green awareness and steadily rising gasoline prices, Americans and other denizens of the developed world—not to mention millions of new Chinese and Indian drivers hitting the road every week—are loath to give up the freedom and privacy of their personal automobiles. But snarled traffic, longer commute times and rising pollution levels have given city transportation planners new ammunition in their efforts to encourage the use of clean, energy-efficient public transit.   Read more...