GlobalBriefs

by Lisa Moore
photos by Meredith Jones Photography
Sabine Guerrier left Haiti to live in New York City when she was a teenager, but her heart has always been with her people. After moving to Charlotte seven years ago she had difficulty integrating into the community and transitioning to life here. “I had to struggle and make [...]

Charlotte Clean and Green
April 17, 10am-3pm
Central Campus of Central Piedmont Community College
Workshops, presentations, exhibitors, food and entertainment.
www.charlottecleanandgreen.com
Earth Day Festival
April 17, 10am-3pm
Learn to have a positive impact on the environment.
Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road
www.charlottenaturemuseum.org
Earth Day Celebration
April 17, 12-4pm
Carolina Raptor Center, 6000 Sample Rd.,
Huntersville
Crafts, storytelling and visits with resident raptors.
www.carolinaraptorcenter.org
Cornelius Earth Day Event
April 17, 1-6pm
Cornelius Town [...]

A team of 28 scientists responsible for the groundbreaking paper, “Planetary Boundaries: A Safe Operating Space for Humanity,” published in Nature, have identified 10 biophysical systems that are crucial to humanity’s flourishing. They caution against “carbon blindness,” or focusing on atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations above all else; rather, they point to 10 safe operating boundaries [...]

Mothers who understand the benefits of green living to the health and welfare of their offspring now and in the future can enjoy easy access to helpful practical information. NatureMoms.com, now in its fourth year, offers its own article archives; GreenMoms.com, which celebrates its first anniversary this Mother’s Day, links to targeted articles on various [...]

A new study from Michigan State University demonstrates how altering everyday decisions can collectively reduce direct U.S. household carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent annually in 10 years, “with little or no reduction in household well-being.” That’s equal to 7.4 percent of U.S. household emissions, and more than the total national emissions of France.
Researchers note [...]

By Teresa Hernandez
For many, it’s the time of year to agonize over finding the perfect holiday gifts for friends and family without breaking the piggy bank. Many traditional gifts end up collecting dust and adding to household clutter. This year strive to give useful, economical gifts that align with social and environmental values.
Get empowered to [...]

A new wave of job-seekers is leveraging Twitter, LinkedIn and other social networks as quick ways to access job referrals, screen potential employers and obtain interviews. Twésumés (personal bios in 20-word chunks) and Twinterviews (interviews conducted on Twitter) are helping to speed up the hiring process. All of it can help cut through red tape.
“Instead [...]

Americans buy about 3 billion household batteries a year (about 10 per person), according to the Environmental Protection Agency—and nearly all end up in landfills. Unlike disposable alkaline batteries, rechargeable batteries can be reused hundreds of times, saving money and resources, while reducing pollution associated with their manufacture and transport. A study by battery manufacturer [...]

Teens ages 13 to 18 learn about current environmental issues, teen action groups, funding opportunities, green college curricula and eco-careers at Planet-Connect.org, where students also share their success stories. It all makes for an exciting exchange of ideas that can shape a lifetime of experience.
One of several current scholarship and award programs, the Apprentice Ecologist [...]

A growing number of travelers are choosing to learn more about regional cultures and help people in a deeper way than just buying their souvenirs. Vacation volunteers report that they work hard, laugh a lot and live an adventure than can’t be duplicated. The lengthy menu of vacation options is as diverse as reading to [...]