Goings on

I thought I'd take a moment today and catch you up on what's been going on in my life (not that I have any true notions of readership). There's been school, networking, reading and a goodly amount of relaxation.

I've been going to school for Sustainability Management for two weeks now. Let's just say there may be some conflicting world view and opinions between my classmates, the instructor, and I. I come from a social and political background of activism; a place where the power of the people and bottom-up strategies are idealized. As Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." I'm not opposed to top-down strategies, otherwise where else would the all important dollar come from? Last week when my instructor suggested the only way to make any sustainable change in this world is through boycott and corporate restructuring, I countered with an alternative argument. I suggested that 'we the people' aren't merely the problem that has plagued this over-heated, over-populated, over-burdened planet but that now small groups of dedicated, caring, organized citizens are in fact a powerful force in making change that can ultimately save us. I suggested boycott and corporate change are not our only choices but that working cooperatively and rewarding companies by bringing them our business if they choose to do the right thing by our environment could work wonders as well. I'm still stunned by his response. Seriously, who still says "Hooey"? I had up until that point been quite engaged in class discussion but I'm a bit taken aback now. Think I'll keep my mouth shut, do my assignments, continue to live my gloriously naive and hopeful life, and melt into the classroom's wallpaper. Seriously, hooey?

Oh but on a bright note I got to visit two local, green entrepreneurial gurus. Toby Barazzuol of the Eclipse Awards and Saul Brown of Saul Good Gift Company share office space in the Strathcona area of Vancouver. They run businesses that are both environmentally sustainable and also socially responsible by using local, sustainable products, by building a green and sustainable office space, and by giving back to the Downtown Eastside, one of Canada's poorest neighborhoods (if not THE poorest neighborhood) in their involvement with the Strathcona Business Improvement Association. I've befriended them through the wonders of Twitter and through this garnered an invitation to visit their office space and borrow from their library. So D and I went for a visit. It's true the neighbourhood is kinda scary for a girl fresh out of Kitsilano. One has to step gingerly between the used condoms on the street, evidence of a flourishing sex trade. Once inside we were quite taken by the amount of natural light flowing into the 2nd floor work space from the north side windows that operate much like the front doors of garages. The floors appear to be of reclaimed wood, there are beams reinforcing the roof necessary to support the garden they've planted above, and they have a games area with big screen tv where staff can play if they need a break. There is also a sitting area and bar-b-q area on the roof with serene views which they are hoping to open up soon for public meeting rental space. They've moved to a four day work week in an effort to save money but are seeing the personal benefits in themselves and their workers as to how this can produce a healthier and happier population (more time to work out and cook at home meals with the family). They let me peruse their library and borrow a few books too. I like these guys not just because they are kind in reaching out to a new up and comer, but because they care about the triple bottom line where people, profits and environment stand on equal footing in their business agendas.

I've been tinkering with a small entrepreneurial idea regarding natural lighting for all the dark, dank, basement suite rental units we have here in Vancouver. I still have a ton of research to do though so no thoughts to put up here. But in the meantime the weather has been cooperative and gorgeous so there has been a heck of a lot of bike riding and reading in parks lately. Thank goodness for the sun!