Latest news with #RobinWallKimmerer
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
I suspect there's something poisonous about money. That's why I'm embracing a gift economy
I've heard from a very wise friend that something she hadn't previously considered, which she read in my 'tiny house' article, was that the housing market requires most people to be in debt. It's been a strangely positive experience to come to the concept of 'economics' through living my life as a poet, novelist and medical journalist, because it allows me to critique things that might otherwise go unnoticed. Another very wise friend told me that her husband went to university to study economics, was told on day one that the entire model is built on a concept of infinite growth, and he quit to become a gardener. No wonder we're friends. The first book of economics I read was The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The point of this beautifully written, small book (a long essay, really) is that different concepts of 'economies' exist – we needn't be beholden to the neoliberal, western, cut-throat, strangle-your-dreams economy that many of us feel mired, indeed trapped, within – and she describes something from her Potawatomi heritage called the gift economy. She speaks of reciprocity and abundance, rather than grasping and scarcity. The revolutionary thing about Kimmerer's writing is that it's gentle, assured, and as a reader I'm left with no doubt that she's correct. With my leap to a tiny house, part of my decision-making came from the practical economics of the fact that I would either need to earn more or spend less. Because my daughter is not yet in school, I want to spend less money so I have more time: so I can be present and available for her. No doubt, I could have turned my efforts to a full-time job with higher income, put her into full-time daycare – but none of that appealed to me. A slow and gentle lifestyle is possible, it's just not sold to us, so it is harder to listen out for. We have to listen for that silence beneath all of the racket and noise. For me, even right this moment, that silence is not silence: it's raindrops and birdsong. The morning sun is lighting up the pale bark of the gumtrees. Fairy wrens are dancing on my deck. I can choose to spike my nerves and turn on the news, because yes, I want an update on how that fair vessel Madleen is doing: my mother's heart holds all her crew close, and I am amazed to be in a world where such feats could be seen as heroic, but in fact feel simply necessary. Even their work, should it succeed, is a gift. Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morning How many gifts surround you? My daughter is a gift, and because I co-parent, every day I get with her is a gift. The friends who have been involved in this tiny house project have all given me gifts of time, ideas and even objects – doors, use-of-ute for moving and a wardrobe. My health is a gift, and my health has been far better since embarking on this journey towards a gift economy. Of course I pay for groceries, but when I'm in my new space, I'll be able to grow vegetables, and there is a popular local 'crop swap' in my village. I'll be down the road from a few small-scale producers, where I can buy potatoes from a neighbour and lentil dal for family-friendly prices. In some ways, though organising my week is work – juggling journalism, part-time PhD, primary parenting – it's also a pleasure, because I'm choosing it. We want our lives to be full of pleasure, not debt. I've noticed something too: the more money people have, the less pleasant they sometimes are (not always). It makes me suspect there is something poisonous about money. There are plenty of large-scale examples rampaging about right now; I don't need to name names. But recently I had the pleasure of sitting in my neighbour's sauna; she lives in a tiny house, she retired early and she has no debt. She shared that wealth by inviting me to her personal wood-fired sauna, where we chatted about many of the things she learned about tiny house living. A weekend afternoon spent in a luxurious sauna, and it didn't cost me anything. Lately, I've had the gift of some lovely home-cooked meals with friends and have remembered how that is, perhaps, the greatest gift of all. Sharing food, sharing time, sharing meals. Embracing a gift economy and a smaller scale of life, I'm abundantly grateful. Kelley Swain works in the field of medical and health humanities. She is a PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania, working on a project about poetry and motherhood
The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
World Environment day: 5 must-read books to transform your perspective on our planet
Every year, World Environment Day is a reminder that the planet is not just our home – it's our responsibility. As the climate crisis intensifies and biodiversity continues to shrink, the call to rethink how we live with nature grows louder. But the change begins with awareness. Books hold the power to open our eyes, shift our mindset, and spark action. With over 16,000 books and 2,500+ audio and e-books spanning every genre, the British Council's Digital Library offers a gateway to that transformation. This year, dive into five powerful reads, curated by the British Council to challenge, inspire and offer diverse perspectives on environmental stewardship. Each work challenges us to rethink our relationship with nature and act with purpose to safeguard our world. Dive into these must-read titles to ignite your passion for a sustainable future. A Life on Our Planet – David Attenborough In A Life on Our Planet, David Attenborough reflects on his remarkable life and the profound changes he has witnessed in the natural world. As a young man, he believed he was exploring pristine wilderness, but he now recognises the illusion: the gradual, almost imperceptible loss of Earth's wild places and biodiversity has been the tragedy of our time. This book serves as his poignant witness statement, chronicling humanity's greatest error and offering a hopeful vision for the future. Mr. Attenborough urges that we have one last opportunity to restore the planet we've inherited and create a sustainable home, if only we summon the collective resolve to act. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants – Robin Wall Kimmerer As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer is skilled in exploring nature through the lens of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she holds dear the belief that plants and animals are our greatest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, Ms. Kimmerer weaves these perspectives together, revealing that fostering a deeper ecological awareness demands recognising and honouring our mutual bond with the natural world. Only by listening to the voices of other beings can we truly appreciate the earth's generosity and understand how to offer our own contributions in return. Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet – Thich Nhat Hanh In Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet, Thich Nhat Hanh, or Thay, offers a compelling vision for a better world, emphasising that transforming our mindset is the key to meaningful change. He teaches that our thoughts shape our actions, relationships, and responses to crises, but negative narratives often cloud our perception. That guides us to see reality clearly, break free from limiting beliefs, and find the energy to act purposefully for the planet's future. With inspiring examples of his own engaged action, Buddhist parables, and accessible daily meditations, this profound guide illuminates a path towards collective awakening and environmental renewal in a world that desperately needs it. The Well-Connected Animal: Social Networks and the Wondrous Complexity of Animal Societies – Lee Ann Dugatkin In The Well-Connected Animal: Social Networks and the Astonishing Intricacy of Animal Societies, evolutionary biologist Lee Alan Dugatkin delves into the fascinating social webs that define animal communities worldwide. From vampire bats sharing vital blood meals to macaque monkeys forging grooming alliances post-hurricane, connectivity is key in the animal kingdom. Drawing on research from fields like animal behaviour, evolution, psychology, and neurobiology, Dugatkin unveils the intricate social networks that predate human social media, exploring species from giraffes and elephants to whales and Tasmanian devils. With vivid anecdotes – such as researchers swimming with manta rays or guarding iPads from mischievous monkeys – this captivating journey across continents reveals the profound complexity of animal friendships, rivalries, and everything in between. It's Not That Radical: Climate Action to Transform Our World – Mikaela Loach Mikaela Loach's It's Not That Radical: Climate Action to Transform Our World delivers a bold, unfiltered call for climate justice. She exposes how an economic system driven by profit fuels oppressive structures, exacerbating poverty, environmental destruction, and more. Loach argues that true climate action demands confronting these interconnected injustices at their roots, offering a path to collective liberation and equality. With refreshing honesty and optimism, this transformative book provides an accessible, radical vision for reshaping our world, inspiring readers to rally for a future where the planet and its people thrive together. These five remarkable books illuminate the urgent need for environmental awareness and action. From David Attenborough's poignant reflections to Mikaela Loach's bold call for justice, each offers unique wisdom to transform how we view and protect our planet. This World Environment Day, let these stories inspire you to embrace your role in fostering a healthier, more connected world for all its inhabitants.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Research Initiative Extended: SUNY Potsdam Fellowship Program continues through 2025
POTSDAM, N.Y. (WWTI) – The T. Urling and Mabel Walker Research Fellowship Program has been extended through 2025, with the approval of the Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at SUNY Potsdam. April 3: SUNY Potsdam hosts Author Robin Wall Kimmerer This program's goal is to inspire faculty from 11 institutions of higher education in the area to do research on important problems facing North Country communities and offer suggestions for potential fixes, according to SUNY Potsdam. Teachers and non-teaching staff from the colleges may apply. The 11 institutions include: Paul Smith's College; St. Lawrence University; SUNY Canton; SUNY Plattsburgh; SUNY Potsdam; Adirondack Community College; Clarkson University; Clinton Community College; Jefferson Community College; SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry; and North Country Community College. The program is designed to increase academic and community collaboration. Preference will be given to proposals with a compelling statement of support from a local person or group that outlines the ways in which the project's outcomes would benefit the community. This program is funded by the SUNY Potsdam Provost's Office through the Campaign for the T. Urling and Mabel Walker Research Fellowship Program. The college says that each year, a maximum of two $5,000 research projects may be granted. Each approved project's prize amount will be decided by the Walker Fellowship Steering Committee. SUNY Potsdam Law Enforcement Training Institute launches spring police academy The deadline for proposals is April 15 at the close of business, says SUNY Potsdam. For additional details and to apply, you can visit SUNY Potsdam's website or call the Provost's Office at 315-267-2891. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Botanist leads movement to address critical issues through multifaceted approach: 'Science is a powerful tool ... it's not the only one'
Robin Wall Kimmerer, a Potawatomi botanist, author, and MacArthur Fellow, is leading a transformative movement that bridges Indigenous wisdom with Western science to address some of the planet's most pressing environmental challenges. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and a trained ecologist, Kimmerer offers a unique cultural perspective that combines deep ancestral knowledge with rigorous scientific methodology. Kimmerer's journey into sustainability began with her connection to her indigenous roots and a passion for understanding the natural world. She has long emphasized the concept of reciprocity — a relationship of mutual care between humans and the Earth. Her bestselling book, "Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants," weaves together personal stories, scientific insights, and Indigenous teachings to inspire readers to view the environment as a community to support rather than a pool of resources to exploit. Since its 2013 release, "Braiding Sweetgrass" has sold over 1.6 million copies in the U.S. and has been translated into 20 languages, encouraging readers globally to rethink their relationship to the earth. Published in 2024, her latest book, "The Serviceberry," invites readers to reimagine the economy with values grounded in quality relationships and abundance rather than competition and scarcity. "The Earth itself is in distress, asking for our attention," Kimmerer said during a talk in Omaha, Nebraska, last December, according to environmental nonprofit One Earth. Through her work, Kimmerer addresses the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss through poignant storytelling. During the gathering in Omaha, Kimmerer shared a story about snapping turtles forced to relocate their nests to escape rising water levels. She described the shelled creatures as "climate refugees," a label used to describe humans displaced by natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes. At the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment, where she serves as director, Kimmerer aims to bridge traditional ecological knowledge with modern science to create solutions to environmental crises. "Science is a powerful tool for addressing climate change," she said during her recent talk, adding that "it's not the only one." Kimmerer advocates for practices such as controlled burns, sustainable harvesting, and seed saving, which have historically preserved biodiversity for generations. By integrating these time-tested Indigenous methods with cutting-edge scientific research, the botanist promotes a more holistic approach to conservation. This blend of perspectives not only helps protect ecosystems but also fosters a deeper understanding of humanity's role as stewards of the Earth. Which of these environmental causes would you be most interested in supporting with a financial donation? Promoting clean energy Protecting clean air Advancing forest conservation Fighting climate change Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Kimmerer's teachings extend beyond environmental restoration. Embracing a philosophy of reciprocity and respect, her lessons encourage people to build deeper, personal relationships with nature to ensure a healthier planet for future generations. She's also an advocate for granting legal personhood to ecosystems, inspired by efforts like New Zealand's recognition of the Whanganui River. Looking ahead, Kimmerer's vision includes fostering "kin-centered equality," a worldview where all species are equally valued as interconnected beings. As she explained, "The Earth has given us everything. What will we give in return?" Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
