If a butterfly flaps its wings in Vermont, will a breeze rustle the needles of an Oyamel fir tree in Mexico? Back in the 1970’s, the Butterfly Effect spun off from the concept of Chaos Theory, which attempted to reconcile the apparent randomness of the universe. The Butterfly Effect holds that the faintest movement of …
In 20220, Sustainable Woodstock—partnering with the Greater Upper Valley Solid Waste Management District and Good Point Recycling—collected, shredded and recycled some 2.5 tons of paper and collected over 4.5 tons of used electrics. In 2022 we will again stage this event at the Woodstock Union High School & Middle School parking lot from 10:00AM-1:00PM on …
From appreciating their beauty and form to understanding their role in storing and sequestering carbon to mitigate climate change—trees are having their moment. Here in the Green Mountains, much of the attention goes to Vermont’s State Tree; our arboreal rock star, the sugar maple. According to iNaturalist.org, however, there are some 75 species of tree …
The growing awareness of climate change and its impacts on the world around us is often accompanied by thoughts and feelings that color the perspectives that influence how we live each day. When was the last time you experienced a hot summer day and simply thought about taking a swim, or going out for some …
A ray of light may soon break through the political storm clouds that have long overshadowed previous attempts to implement meaningful efforts to fight climate change at the federal level. The climate and energy bill proposed by Democrats in the U.S. Senate, which is part of the larger Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, would provide …
Hope on the Horizon in Federal Climate & Energy Bill Read More »
The Whole Earth in Our Hands It wasn’t long ago when we listened for decisions rendered by the Supreme Court of the United States with hope that the court’s rulings would reflect justice for all, and a jurisprudence imbued with compassion and concern for the greater good. This hope now seems misplaced, if not quaint, …
Native communities of the early 1600’s, such as the Wampanoag and Massachusett, taught the newly-arrived Europeans how to plant seeds individually rather than sowing seeds by broadcasting them on the ground, as was the custom in Europe. Over many generations, by carefully selecting and planting seeds from preferred plants, Native Americans encouraged certain varieties of …
SusWoo Kids Gardening is a living process—a part of the natural cycle. Each garden is a tiny ecosystem that will succeed if you watch and take your clues from the natural world. Do not worry about being a perfect gardener. Gardening does not have to be complicated and does not require you to be an …
The season of picnics and potlucks is upon us. You may soon find yourself choosing foods from a delicious spread at a friend’s potluck or sampling exotic dishes at a street fest, when you notice that the writing on your plastic cup, plate or utensil says, “Made from Corn: Certified Compostable.” But the item looks …
Consider the forest understory. One derivation of under implies a secondary position or role in relation to the trees that tower overhead, originating from the Old English for “beneath” or “underneath.” In other derivations, however, under means “between,” “among” or “in the presence of.” Indeed, when we walk through the lower, seemingly modest component of …
