letterfrompublisher
This Fourth of July, we can be proud that America has been the fertile soil for some of the most progressive social revolutions in all of history, a tradition that continues to demand from us extraordinary vision and the courage to act. As we take stock of the value of our nation’s inde- pendence this month, the largest social movement ever is quietly rising from the bottom up. Around the world, some 2 million organizations are working around the clock to redirect civilization toward
ecological sustainability and social justice. This unnamed force is coherent, organ- ic and self-organized, involving tens of millions of ordinary people dedicated to extraordinary positive change. It appears to be an instinctive, collective response to threats to humanity’s biological survival. The devastating Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico drives
the point home; clearly, society must move beyond reliance on environmentally costly fossil fuels. To effect real change, we must progress beyond the blame game to take responsibility for the ways we personally fuel the demand for petroleum products. A healthy or aching Earth—it’s our choice, yours and mine. Our power is limited only by our imagination and elbow grease. I’ve been
inspired by the story of 11-year-old Olivia Bouler, who quit crying over oil-coated wildlife and got busy drawing pictures of birds in exchange for donations to the National Audubon Society. She has already raised $70,000 to pay food and motel expenses for volunteers working to save Gulf birds. I’ve been rethinking what I can do right where I am. Preparing this month’s
special Natural Food edition has inspired me in new ways. Everyone agrees that eating naturally grown, fresh, local food is good for our health and our environ- ment, as well as the local economy. So, I’m learning how to get more out of my backyard organic garden by joining a community garden group with members like permaculturist Gerry Segal and Local Food Enthusiasts founder Kimberly Cavalier. For the hot summer months, when my garden isn’t producing, I’m planting more tropical fruit trees purchased from and with the guidance of master gardener Frank DeNardis (page 32). In addition, I seek out regional foods as much as possible (see page 34).
Though I’m still not bicycling nearly as much as I’d like, I am increasingly
conscious about making any car trips as efficient as possible. I’ve also joined con- versations with groups working to develop local sustainable-living communities (page 10). My admitted weaknesses are air travel and running air conditioning in the summer (thank goodness for carbon offsets). As we all adjust how we live in small daily ways, millions of shifts can add
up to an irresistible force. The movers and shakers on our planet aren’t the billion- aires, politicos and generals—they are the incredible numbers of thinkers around the world filled with love for their neighbors and the Earth who are resisting con- vention to remake, restore, renew and revitalize everything they touch. There is inherent goodness at the heart of our humanity that has proven able to change the world in times of need. Let’s put it to work.
Happy Independence Day,
Sharon Bruckman, Publisher 6 Collier/Lee Counties
swfl.naturalawakeningsmag.com
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