Overcoming Stasis Toward Enlightenment
Sometimes change can be simple. Sustainability issues can become complex quickly, with significant progress appearing out-of-reach. I knew little to nothing about what the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) was, let alone what it did, before meeting one of the commissioners several years ago. The entity oversees a fundamental part of our urban infrastructure and its actions and policies can have profound and direct impact on our quality of life, and the vibrancy of our

…And What Should We Do About It?
I’ve been (self) diagnosed! Thanks to a recent New York Times article I have a better understanding of my “novelty seeking” condition, my “neophilia.” Easily bored and possessing a compulsive curiosity, I’m drawn to the new and innovative. Initially a personality trait associated with trouble (e.g. ADD, alcoholism, drug abuse), researchers have found that  ”if you combine this adventurousness and curiosity with persistence and a sense that it’s not all about you, then you get the kind of creativity that benefits society as a whole,” according to psychiatrist C. Robert Cloninger. Sustainability-related work is a perfect Continue reading »

Deconstructing Heroes
Passion can be treacherous. When deeply engaged with an issue, it is easy to sacrifice perspective and become tunnel visioned. Self awareness is crucial. Believing I have the answer, I can become the unwitting barrier to progress, instead of the efficacious conduit. It’s too easy to confuse an emotional charge with creating holistic and resilient progress. I want to change the world as much as the next sustainability-focused innovator, but I hope I’ve outgrown the need to own the solution. Rather, I Continue reading »

From Isolation To Integration: Necessary Changes
“Green” will not save us. For nearly a decade, I’ve been immersed in sustainability related issues, working on a wide variety of satisfying initiatives. Lately, I’ve felt the impulse to expand beyond the rather isolated “green” sphere in order to grow personally and professionally. You should too. My commitment to achieving a more economically, environmentally and socially balanced and vibrant world has not flagged, just my vision for how we will achieve it. Creating specialized communities, associations and events is important, but not if they ultimately limit our vision and opportunities instead of expand them. As perhaps most vividly exemplified by the recent dismantling of Chicago’s Department of Environment, sustainability pursuits Continue reading »

Beyond Emerald-Hued Limitations
We have it backward. For the last several years, many of us immersed in the sustainability movement have been promoting “green jobs” and the “green economy.” Generally revolving around renewable energy installation, building weatherization, and environmental remediation, the terms have been embraced while remaining largely undefined. I’ve never been fond of them. “Green” is both too easy and too narrow. They make good sound bites, but fall short when applied to discussions of more concrete matters. Despite well-intentioned efforts, they tend to create a ghetto of thought Continue reading »