Writing
These articles about conscious change, and how we can apply it, are posted on Sustainability Report -- a blog hosted by Michael Keating, former senior Environment reporter for The Globe and Mail newspaper.
Series Topic: "How Do We Create Change?" by Eric Hellman
1) Insights from the first Blue Box recycling program
Many people have asked, “What made the Blue Box so successful?” Why did it become the model for programs not only across Ontario, but in hundreds of cities, provinces, states and countries around the world, and even a symbol of recycling? As someone who was there at its inception, I’d like to offer some thoughts and experiences on what may have contributed to its success...
2) A Personal Challenge to be Sustainable
I was deeply fortunate to start my own career doing work I truly loved. Working in garbage and recycling was a perfect opportunity for me to share both my love of nature, and the power we have to make a difference in the world. At the same time, however, my life was in deep conflict...
3) Understanding Human Nature (Part 1)
After working in recycling for close to five years, a series of intuitive experiences prompted me to leave the field and explore new areas. Two questions were uppermost in my mind: Why are there so many problems in the world? and How do we get to the roots of them? I also had a sobering realization...
4) Understanding Human Nature - and the Split Within (Part 2)
One mindset within us experiences itself as connected to life. Drawing on a calm, confident centre, it lives and works with meaning and purpose. The other side of us sees ourselves as separate from others. It experiences a continuing sense of lack, fear and doubt, and worries about the future... How do these two mindsets affect how we work towards sustainability?
5) Is what we’re doing working?
Looking at the last 50 years, significant progress has been made... yet the problems have continued growing faster than the solutions we’ve created. What’s also growing is the social backlash to change. We are seeing a widening of political and societal divisions –- from the polarization of views to increased rancour -- and less willingness on both sides to hear, consider and work with opponents. Have we inadvertently contributed to this?
6) Trying something radically different
If our “convince, control and punish” approach to change is actually increasing resistance to the goals we seek, how can we do things differently?
For sustainability to last, it will need to be internally motivated rather than primarily externally driven (through laws and regulations). It also can’t just be a “should” or a “have to.” It needs to be a “want to”...
How can I use these ideas in my life/work?
Seeing the world differently: In photos
The complete series of articles on "Environment, Values and Sustainability" (from Sustainability Report)
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