Shared-Vision -

Andrea Reimer’s Rising Star

admin — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:13:49 -0500

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by Rebecca Ephraim

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To meet Andrea Reimer is like basking in sunlight. Her engaging personality, keen sense of humour, and easy intelligence give rise to a woman who is a leader. How she arrived at this point—born into a life scraped raw with adversity—is a fascinating study in resilience, inner strength, and grace. We landed Pulitzer-nominated writer Linda Solomon, owner and publisher of TheVancouverObserver.com , to share Andrea’s story from down-and-out street kid to a leading environmentalist, and now, candidate for Vancouver city council. Linda’s great gift for storytelling shines here (see page 20) as well as on her website, which I invite you to visit regularly for humorous, poignant, and timely takes on life in Vancouver.

The Sacred Cows of Summer

I love fireworks. Ever since I was a kid, gathering to watch these spectacular lightshows has been a ritual of summer. And here in Vancouver, hundreds of thousands made the pilgrimage to English Bay this season to revel in the fireworks events known as Celebration of Light.

While I was watching and oohing-and-aahing, it struck me what a dirty pastime it is, with all the super-duper explosives propelled by gunpowder and coloured by an array of toxic chemicals that waft into the air and fall into the water. I could go on—there is solid research on the Web regarding this—but hurling darts at such a beloved pastime could be grounds to string me up from a lamppost on Denman. Welcome to the sacred cows of summer. Who wants to be reminded of the environmental undoing from some of the most popular events of the season? Not only fireworks: parades and festivals also bring heaps of trash and traffic snarls laced with idling engines.

We love celebrations and cherish community. And I’m hard pressed to wag a finger at anything that brings us together to honour diversity and our connection to each other. Yet in these days of rumination on our societies and our planet, there are large, looming questions that remain unanswered. What are your thoughts? Write us at letters@shared-vision.com. We’d love to hear from you.

Bond Girl Blow-up

Yikes. We’re sorry that many readers missed our “wink” at sexist clichés on our August cover . We thought we were being cute and clever in parodying action figure James Bond (ladies and gentleman, give Richard Campbell a hand!).

SharedVISION: Dialogue for Change is a woman-owned and women-run company. We think it’s a step forward when we can begin to play and have fun with some of the old stereotypes (he’s holding a bicycle pump, for goodness’ sake!).

As women living in this world, we fully acknowledge there is much more to do regarding sexism and the role of women in society. In regard to our August cover, we were earnestly aiming for an amusing send-up, and I offer those readers who were offended our sincerest apologies. Check out Readers' Letters' .

Your Dream Job?

How cool would that be if you could stay true to your values and pay your bills with an eco-career? We think so too, and with this issue, we’re introducing sustainability expert and business consultant extraordinaire Coro Strandberg to give us job tips and job leads for matching good people with good business.

It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,

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Up a Creek in My Car

admin — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:29:12 -0500

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by Rebecca Ephraim

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I filled up my car and it took nearly 80 bucks. That’s a stunner—my car has morphed into a gas guzzler! As I stand at the pump ticking off the toonies, what plays in my mind is likely similar to most vehicle owners: I’m grumbling about the cost, but it still doesn’t squeeze me to the point of where I’d give up driving a car.

Now that’s speaking from a purely selfish standpoint, as it’s not really about the gas money, is it? The question of whether I (or you) can personally afford to go on filling our gas tanks is beside the point. It’s really about our cars’ carbon assault on the environment—not to mention the toll that oil extraction takes.

Yet, truth is, like many, I’m not ready to go carless. If I didn’t drive, I’d be up a creek, as most workdays I’m toting my briefcase, computer, dog, and recyclables (and don’t forget the magazines).

But the squeeze, regardless of whether it’s a financial hardship, is like a hungry mosquito, and you’re what’s for lunch. That mosquito keeps buzzing you—and hikes in gas prices are doing the same.

So now it’s come to this. We pay attention and we compromise—which is a lot better than what we have been doing. And what we’ve been doing is dominating the environment (actually, “destroying” would be the word).

It’s time to compromise.

I’m not gonna stop driving tomorrow. But if there’s more fuel-efficient ways to do it, I’m all over it. And the more choices, the merrier.

In SharedVISION: Dialogue for Change, we believe stepping more lightly on the planet is about choices. That’s why we engaged writer Lisa MacFarlane, well known in Vancouver for her auto reviews, to give us an early peek at select 2009 models that range from eco-friendly to eco-friendlier.

Buying an “alternative fuel vehicle” can also score you as much as $2,000 in tax discounts plus a lower sales tax rate. And that’s a nice reward for paying attention and compromising. Visit ec.gc.ca/incitatifsincentives for details.

The New James Bond…
In our cover story about Richard Campbell and his campaign to bring an avant-garde transportation system to Vancouver (à la Paris, Lyons, and Barcelona), we imagined a James Bond send-up of a guy who really does have hero-like qualities in the world of alternative transportation. Not to mention, Richard is simply a good sport… and a lot of fun, too, as he has a charming, natural humility about him. Yet he sprung into action at our request and was willing to play along. Read about his vision and intention.

And special thanks to our “Bond girl,” Carissa Douglas, who brought the pièce de résistance to this month’s cover image.

Meet Our New Dialogue Leader
Choices Markets , long a favourite of SharedVISION readers, now steps into a new role at the magazine as a Dialogue Leader. Locally owned and independently operated, Choices has for many years distinguished themselves by their grassroots community involvement. Now look for their ongoing sponsorship of a cutting-edge column called EthicalEDIBLES that profiles the ways in which we, as consumers, can embrace more thoughtful ways of planting, eating, and buying organics. Choices Markets joins Dialogue Leader Inhance Mutual Funds , a leader in socially responsible investing, in our pages.

It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,

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It Started in Hollywood… and Northern B.C.

admin — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:51:21 -0500

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You could have called her “yoga teacher to the stars.” Back in 1947, Indra Devi—actress-cum-serious-yogini—opened the first yoga studio in North America—in Hollywood! Oh yes, yoga masters had been travelling to the West since the late 1800s, but it took a Russian woman to start an ongoing endeavour that lured the likes of Gloria Swanson, Jennifer Jones, and Olivia de Havilland to the mat (for those unfamiliar, these celebrities are the equivalent of, say, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, and Scarlett Johansson). While mostly health nuts and those in the vegetarian movement embraced yoga at the time, this is also when its teachings and philosophies took off in the West.

Meanwhile, for Canadians, an unlikely figure emerged to become this country’s first lady of yoga. Kareen Zebroff was a depressed and overweight housewife and mother of three living in a remote northern B.C. town before being swept into media fame with her wildly successful national television show on yoga. Some 40 years later, that young woman—our cover girl—discusses her exotic transformational journey with writer Pamela Post (click here to read).

Our Yoga Theme Issue

Kareen’s story is part of our ode to the yogic life this month as we partner with the sixth annual Camp Moomba Yogathon & Blissfest, an extraordinary event taking place July 12 at UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium. In this issue you’ll find the Yogathon’s program with its lineup of activities plus many of the businesses that will be exhibiting at the event.

Yoga practice is bigger than ever and has moved from counterculture oddity to mainstream phenomenon. Yoga students toting their mats are as common on Vancouver streets as caffeine fanatics clutching their coffee mugs. Actually, drinking coffee and doing yoga are both a means to an end. While a cup of java jolts you into temporary alertness, the practice of yoga cultivates long-term presence and attention to the moment. So whichever “practice” you prefer at any given time, we invite you to this year’s Yogathon as a participant or observer. Both yoga and coffee will be served.

Yoga Visionaries

We’re simply amazed at the outpouring of response to our invitation to nominate and vote for Yoga Visionaries. Among the many Lower Mainland yoga instructors, mentors, and role models who were nominated, four yoginis emerged as the most frequently named. We are delighted to be able to introduce you to their insights and wisdom while showcasing their incredible portraits by our gifted lead photographer, Jaime Kowal (click here to read).

Healing the Heart

Besides the Yogathon, another “don’t miss” event this month is brought to us by the Chopra Center and its co-founder David Simon, M.D. David, who founded the Center with none other than Deepak Chopra, will be leading a three-day interactive workshop exploring what holds many of us back from having happy, fulfilling relationships, and how to break through those barriers.

Gregor Robertson Closer to Mayor

We are delighted that Vancouver mayoral candidate Gregor Robertson landed the Vision Vancouver nomination last month in order to run in the November civic election. SharedVISION encourages you to vote for Gregor in November; his committed passion to issues of social justice, environmental sustainability, and housing affordability will serve us well as the eyes of the world focus squarely on Vancouver during 2010 and beyond.

It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,

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If You Value Your Health Supplements...

admin — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:00:05 -0500

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I take a handful of nutritional supplements twice a day and have been doing so for years. Frankly, I attribute my steady stout health, strong mind (although some may argue that), and girlish good looks (if you know what’s good for you, you won’t argue that) to this daily regimen.

I’m also a nutritionist (a registered dietitian) who, as a former health editor, routinely wrote about the science-based facts around the virtues of nutritional support. (Just Google my name and you’ll see scores of columns and stories I’ve done.)

Anyway, this is by way of saying I’ve grown quite concerned about proposed legislation that is looming on the horizon as I write this in early May for our June issue, which you’re now holding in your hands or reading online.

The Canadian minister of health introduced Bill C-51 into the House of Commons in April. There’s mounting consumer activism against Bill C-51, which, if made into law, would essentially allow the Canadian government to designate any natural health product as a drug, available only via prescription.

Informed critics of Bill C-51 believe that while the bill is promoted as a means to protect the safety of Canadians, the reality is that it would increase health costs by limiting our choices in natural health products.

According to B.C. lawyer Shawn Buckley, an expert in the Food and Drugs Act, there’s never been a recorded death in Canada caused by a natural health product. Furthermore, he points out, when you consider the benefits of natural health products, it becomes clear that the real danger in regulating them is to “over-regulate” them right off the market.

So I suggest that if you value your access to nutritional supplements, let our federal leaders hear from you. For a status report on where Bill C-51 stands and what you can do as a concerned consumer, go to the Canadian Health Food Association’s website at chfa.ca. It also has sample letters you can send to your local MP (find yours at snipurl.com/localmp) and other federal officials. Additionally, you can e-mail Prime Minister Stephen Harper at pm@pm.gc.ca and Tony Clement, Minister of Health, at Minister_Ministre@hc-sc.gc.ca.

This magazine cheerleads for integrative medicine, which is the combining of the best of conventional medicine and the best of natural medicine. Let’s make sure that we have the choice. Act now.

Mayor Robertson Has a Nice Ring
SharedVISION endorses Gregor Robertson for Vancouver mayor. As an MLA, Gregor has demonstrated his commitment to the issues of social justice, environmental sustainability, and housing affordability, and he has a deep understanding and support for creative and collaborative approaches to making Vancouver a world-class city.

But Gregor must first win the Vision Vancouver nomination; if you are a Vision Vancouver member, you can vote at the nomination convention June 15 at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive. Gregor is a fabulous candidate with a genuine kindness and deep commitment to the issues most important to this magazine. He’s also one of our Visionary Fathers this month; check it out.

It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,
Rebecca

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"Making a Life" with a Woman's Flair

admin — Thu, 01 May 2008 21:04:22 -0500

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I love men, but I’m glad I’m a woman.

I was reminded of this the other day when a friend sent me one of those e-mail chain letters you’re supposed to forward to x number of people. This one had various quotes from poet Maya Angelou, who was interviewed by Oprah on her recent 80th birthday. To be sure, all her words were poignant, but the insight that struck me most was this: “I’ve learned that ‘making a living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life.’”

I believe women have a better grasp of “making a life” than men do. Yes, this is a vast and sweeping generality, but as a professional woman, I encounter a wide spectrum of people daily, and I find that women have far more interest around what I would call the pursuit of “matters of the heart,” which is how I would define “making a life.”

Outside of making a living, most businessmen may golf or do some other sport, but by and large, they’re not actively looking for ways to enhance the “interconnectedness” of their own and their families’ lives the way women do. Women tend to be the “directors” in relationships. Whether it’s an employer who wants honest, interpersonal communications within the office, a couple discovering ways to renew their connection, or a bunch of girlfriends on a holiday lark, you can almost always bet that a woman (or women, in the case of the girlfriends’ weekend) is leading the way.

Take the strikingly gorgeous Maureen Jack-LaCroix, whom we profile in our feature story. Maureen, an entrepreneur, built money-spinning enterprises within the worlds of rock ’n’ roll and skateboarding. She’s now applying her formidable business prowess to truly “making a life”—one that embraces us all (click here to read article).

Or our Visionary Moms. Diane Shaskin, for one, co-founder of Planet Organic Market, often directs her Canadian grocery empire from her home office so she can be near her family (click here to read article).

How does this feminine energy translate into financial success? Incredibly! Check out our TrueWEALTH column where Nina Winham reports that companies with more women on the board report a 42 per cent higher return on sales! And that’s just for starters (click here to read article).

What makes this all really important is that as a woman, you are in the driver’s seat for steering us toward “making a life”—one that honours one another and our planet. It’s a huge but golden responsibility.

Maya had another quote I liked: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Truly this is what “making a life” is all about.

Yoga VISIONARIES… Your Choice

The votes are rolling in! In an upcoming issue we’ll be profiling four of the Lower Mainland’s most influential Yogis/Yoginis. So log on to our website (shared-vision.com) and nominate/vote for the Yogi/Yogini you believe is the most deserving, by May 15. Click here to Nominate Your Choice.

Also, tell us about your love/hate relationship with yoga in 30 words or less. Send it to letters@shared-vision.com with “love/hate yoga” in the subject line, and we’ll print the best submissions. Make sure you include your phone number.

Every Woman in the World

We love this conference and I’m gonna tell you why. It’s by women, for women of “all ages, shapes, and sizes.” Partake in, as part of Whistler Wellness Week, three days of back-to-back workshops… everything from Ayurveda and belly- and pole-dancing to laughter yoga. So much more.

It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,
Rebecca

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EPIC and the Accidental Environmentalist

admin — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:27:22 -0500

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“I am not an environmentalist,” states John Wiebe, firmly and in seeming disbelief that I would even ask such a thing. But I think the question is a fair one. You see, Vancouver’s Wiebe is the mastermind behind this month’s EPIC event, a kind of carnival of eco-cool that celebrates sustainable living as the mainstream’s new lifestyle. SharedVISION, as you might imagine, is a huge fan of the show and is proud to be a media sponsor again this year. SharedVISION believes EPIC is such an important harbinger of growth in sustainability that this issue includes an EPIC theme. Our darling cover couple will be stars on the EPIC mainstage.

But back to John Wiebe. He’s gracious, serious, and contemplative—befitting for one of Canada’s leading global economic wonks. Although most of his work is done in high-powered executive suites, the public gets to see Wiebe’s “connecting” expertise showcased in the worldwide business-to-business extravaganza GLOBE (also the name of his foundation) where manufacturers of environmentally friendly products engage with companies that can sell them. Last month, a three-day GLOBE conference in Vancouver attracted 10,000 attendees to its slate of sustainability seminars and exhibitors. Wiebe’s next logical step is to throw the “party” called EPIC in order to get us consumers excited about the latest eco-sustainability products.

The EPIC brand stands for “Ethical, Progressive, Intelligent Consumer” and recognizes that we are all consumers... except that a lot of us want to consume differently, more consciously. Wiebe’s thinking is that if eco-goods are widely available, it’s just as easy for us to buy environmentally friendly products as it is to buy the stuff that chokes landfills and exacerbates global warming. He relies on capitalism to do the heavy lifting: if a buck can be turned, then sustainable products will be produced in ever growing numbers. John Wiebe calls himself a businessman. I say he’s also a clever environmentalist. See complete article for a closer look.

Mark your calendar to attend EPIC: The Vancouver Sun Sustainable Living Expo April 18-20 at Vancouver’s Canada Place, and click here for the opportunity to win free tickets.

Another “don’t miss” event is the Earth Day Celebration at Jericho Park—what a great way to usher in spring and honour Earth Day.

Yoga VISIONARIES… Your Choice
This summer, as part of our exclusive print partnership with the Camp Moomba Yogathon, we’ll be profiling four of the Lower Mainland’s most influential Yogis. The SharedVISION editorial team realizes how vibrant and diverse the yoga community is and believes the choices really belong to those who know the landscape best: our readers. We invite you to nominate the Yogi you believe is the most deserving. Yogis from all disciplines are eligible. Click here to nominate your choice.

Meet Our New Dialogue Leader
Few companies in Canada have shown more vision and leadership on the issue of organic foods than Nature’s Path, one of the world’s top-selling cereal companies, based here in B.C. So it’s with great pleasure that we welcome Nature’s Path in their role as a SharedVISION Dialogue Leader starting this month. Look to their ongoing sponsorship of a cutting-edge column called EthicalEDIBLES that profiles the ways in which we, as consumers, can embrace more thoughtful ways of planting, eating, and buying organics.

Nature’s Path joins Dialogue Leader Inhance Mutual Funds, a leader in socially responsible investing, in our pages.

It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,
Rebecca

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SharedVISION in High Heels

admin — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:36:44 -0600

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Our SharedVISION team is thrilled over the terrific things you’ve been saying about the magazine—the look and design, the writing, the features, the enhanced distribution. And now, with this March issue, we’ve put into place one more component you’ve been asking for: the vivid look and readability of all-glossy paper stock. It’s kinda like applying bright (natural) lipstick and slipping on (comfortable) classy high heels. Heck, it’s sexy.

It’s been a long time coming as it was vital to us to maintain our current commitment to recycled paper content. But only until recently has the price point for higher-end recycled paper stock been within reach for us. It’s a challenge to meet the hybrid of a glossy paper that has a significant amount of recycled content, the strength to stand up to the process required for the size of our print run, and affordability.

I want to thank Mitchell Press, a locally owned and operated printing company, for its help in this area. Mitchell is committed to partnering with paper mills that carry environmental certifications and was able to meet our needs for sources that are environmentally and socially responsible. SharedVISION is now composed of at least 20 per cent post-consumer recycled content (more consumer recycled content than before), more recycled fibre overall, is chlorine-free, and printed with 100 per cent vegetable-based inks.

When you are finished with your copy of SharedVISION, simply recycle it in the mixed-paper bin or bag, as you always have, and continue to step more lightly on the planet—albeit in high heels.

The Star in Our Backyard

She’s ultra-talented and quite a rarified beauty with black, Cherokee, and Creek blood coursing through her veins. Musician GreenTaRA lives in Vancouver, but as her career heats up she’s becoming an international favourite. Her songs are of social change, as is her life. Check out GreenTaRA’s personal story, which she calls “stranger than fiction.” You’ll probably agree. Read article here.

Would You Like Some Food with That Plastic?

Who doesn’t have a bunch of plastic storage containers nested in their cupboards? Some from Rubbermaid, some from Tupperware, some non-descript, and others from the Chinese take-out place down the street. After reading Melissa Breyer’s story, I’m planning to make a clean sweep of my kitchen shelves, paying close attention to the numbers encased within those little recycling logos stamped on the plastics. Funny how we’ve been moving to stainless steel water bottles because of the potential of leaching chemicals from the plastic ones. Yet, so many plastic food containers are kept at the ready for storage of leftovers and such. Here’s the perfect opportunity to discover which ones you might want to retire from mixing with your food.

While you’re doing some spring-cleaning, you might as well attend to your mailbox. I’m always astounded at the storm of junk mail that comes my way on a daily basis. I live in a high-rise and the overflowing recycle can in the mailroom attests to the fact that I’m not alone in wanting it to stop. In a stroke of genius, some really smart Vancouver women (who have been getting a lot of deserved publicity) have enlivened a 10-year-old Canada Post junk mail policy in order to lighten our load. Besides, imagine how happy you’ll make your mail carrier. Read article here.

It’s all good, it’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,
Rebecca

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Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

admin — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:37:56 -0600

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When I was a TV news reporter, one of the most memorable pieces I produced was a series on “instant millionaires.” My assignment was to track down and interview six “regular” people who had won $1 million or more in the lottery—and discover how their lives had been transformed by this monetary windfall. (This was a number of years ago, when $1 million carried more clout than it does now; but, even today, it’s still a lot of money.)

What impressed me most was, categorically, how unhappy these people had become because of the money. Some told me outright that their lives were ruined and wouldn’t let me interview them. The six who did speak with me told stories of spouses taking the money and running, family members and friends angry that the winner wouldn’t give them money for this or that scheme, constant pestering from outside groups, and strangers who pleaded for money to fund their causes.

Probably the least remorseful was a bachelor in his 30s, an engineer, who was amazed and flattered at the number of women coming out of the woodwork to meet him. He was a recent winner so the attention was exciting, but even in his naïveté, he was slowly realizing the reason why he was such a hot property.

Oh yes, the winners would buy new cars, houses, and jewellery, take trips and such, but their relationships with the outside world sadly sagged under the huge weight of their new-found wealth.

I was stunned by their experiences but had little compassion at the time. After all, how hard is it to be wealthy?

Carol Newell, the fascinating and striking subject of our cover profile, offers remarkable insight around this. Carol, who inherited tens of millions of dollars, spent many years in relative obscurity before “coming out.” Writer Pamela Post, with her great gift for telling a riveting story, reveals Carol’s path to becoming a leader in asking other affluent individuals to “Play Big” in eco-sustainability. See The Secret Millionaire.

Power-Couple Visionaries
In the true spirit of Valentine’s Day, one member of our Power Couples has a life-changing proposal awaiting him in our pages this month. We’re anxious to hear the answer and will duly report back to you next issue.

Make Your Money Count
Please join SharedVISION this month for a pleasurable evening we’re calling “Do Good and Do Well,” when the Pinch Group, financial planners who specialize in socially responsible investments (SRIs), will show us how investing in green, ethical, and sustainable companies makes perfect sense. We’ve timed it just right—whether it’s for your RRSP contribution or an overall portfolio review.

Come, Be a Green Goddess
Minerva was the ancient goddess of wisdom. And the Minerva Foundation is all about empowering women and girls to reach their full potential. Early next month, this important B.C. women’s organization hosts a unique fundraiser called “All About Girlfriends,” with a theme of inspiring the green goddess in all of us to reduce our footprint on the planet. Since 86 per cent of SharedVISION readers are (smart and savvy) women, you, dear reader, may be very interested in this top networking event. Click here to register.

It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,
Rebecca

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You're Lucky I

admin — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:52:40 -0600

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Made It to Work

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When it comes to shaking off the dark, moody Vancouver winter, I wish I could say that SharedVISION had the secret handshake. Truth is, mornings in our office these days are not a pretty sight. It’s often apparent that most of our team would rather be in bed. Having been jostled and jounced on a damp, crowded, and frequently late bus or SkyTrain car, or inching along in traffic, they arrive wet, cold, and often frustrated (and maybe hungry). That’s a fun encounter, let me tell you. During the “landing time” we might as well set up a coffee IV station (or several cots, but that’s not an option).

We switch on the SAD (seasonal affective disorder) lamp in our main office area to fend off any depression aggravated by sunlight deprivation. We play some upbeat, mood-shifting music. Our perky little office Chihuahua, Mr. P, obligingly makes the rounds from desk to desk, standing on his hind legs and poking us with his tiny paw for a snuggle or pat. With this unfolding, our small, convivial team moves into animation. And seemingly, everybody else across the Lower Mainland does, too. The phones pick up speed, meetings ensue, one-liners are tossed around; any snarkiness has dissipated.

This is winter in Vancouver. If you have designs on a different wake-up call, check out our story on intentional communities in Central America (page 12). We profile two, one in Costa Rica and the other in Nicaragua, that invite mostly “off-the-grid,” eco-friendly living in user-friendly tropical settings. These are of the newest generation of conscious communities for those who want to step more lightly on the planet and have neighbours who share those sensibilities. It’s a creative option to the SAD light.

A bolt of sunshine is our cover profile this month, in the form of author Ruth Ozeki (page 10). Ruth is a gifted writer who became a celebrity after tackling the appalling state of our conventionally raised food (i.e. GMO crops and factory animals) with a humour and horror that changed not only her fans’ lives but hers as well.

“Don’t Miss” Dates

Here’s a first-rate opportunity to revel in what a healthy food system can be. Later this month spend a Saturday at the “Healthy Food, Healthy People, Healthy Earth” event at UBC. The focus will include all aspects of how we can revolutionize our health through sustainable food systems. See page 28 for details.

Mark your calendar now to join us in early February at the Vancouver Wellness Show. Held at Canada Place, this event is the largest health and lifestyle showcase in Western Canada. SharedVISION will be sponsoring the Workshop Stage, giving you an opportunity to interact with the speakers and come away with lots of “how-to” tips. More info in our events section, page 29.

Also, a reminder to visit our website regularly (shared-vision.com). We have frequent drawings for free tickets to many great events. Just click on “Contests!”

Pick Us Up at Vancity

We are delighted to announce that Vancity and SharedVISION have entered into a new distribution partnership. Starting with this issue, SharedVISION will be available at 25 Lower Mainland branch offices of B.C.’s premiere credit union. We are particularly pleased because Vancity has long been an influential leader in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability.
It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,
Rebecca

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Shock and Awe

admin — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:41:24 -0600

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Being green has a lot of grey

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Wait till you read Cori Howard’s piece, The Real Earth Mother! I don’t remember the last time I laughed so hard over a magazine story. … and do laugh, because otherwise you’d cry. Cori—a fabulous mother who writes on parenting—makes light of it, but her article shows how daunting the colossal lifestyle-shift of stepping more lightly on the planet can be (check out the mom who’s raising her baby diaper-free).

However, much of Cori’s saga highlights the fact that it could be crazy-making if you let it. But it’s not about creating the perfect lifestyle, because there is no such thing. Rather, it’s an intention executed with grace and ease. It’s that never-ending adventure of improving the quality of your life and the quality of your relationship with the Earth and everybody on it. But those who are trying the hardest often lose sight of the grace and ease.

Recently, a girlfriend who’s also a mom—one of the smartest and wisest women I know, and a specialist in B.C. environmental legal issues—was beating herself up over what she considers wrong choices: “I go to Costco because it has stuff I can afford and a variety of it. Even though I know it’s big-box and a multinational that imports from overseas, it’s something I do.”

I reminded her that Costco has one of the best records of employee relations among retailers. And from that we both re-affirmed that it’s never black and white. Being green has a lot of grey.

Above all, doesn’t the idea of celebrating your contributions rather than kicking yourself for transgressions make for affirmative self-talk? After all, both scientists and personal growth coaches tell us that thinking positive thoughts is the path to a more positive and satisfying life. So if we celebrate our proactive actions rather than deconstruct every thing we do wrong, we’re not only being kinder to ourselves but, in turn, are bound to be more patient and loving with others.

How’s This for a Gift Idea

Organ donation—would it be tacky to call this the ultimate in recycling? It strikes me that making your body useful after you’re done with it enhances the circle of life, especially to those who are in need of a heart, lung, kidney, or liver. In B.C. alone there are more than 400 people waiting for organ transplants.

This all came to my attention last month when I met Shivon Robinsong, a healthy Victoria woman and artist who decided to give one of her kidneys to her dear friend and Vancouver businessman Joel Solomon. Granted, Shivon still has a lot of living to do and will do it well with one kidney. And although not all of us care to imagine volunteering for such an assignment while living, if you’ve ruled out cryogenics, becoming an organ donor leaves a legacy of life and love. Becoming a donor can be fast and easy online at transplant.bc.ca. Even if you think you’re signed-up as an organ donor, it’s good to check as the Organ Donor Registry replaces all previous ways of indicating your wishes about organ donation (i.e. stickers on driver’s licenses or Care Cards). By the way, both Shivon and Joel are recovering nicely.

It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,
Rebecca

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