Latest Story

Call from Citi Soleil Haiti Discussing Bochika.org Urban Garden Project

Bochika.org

Ann Marie Warmenhoven reports from Citi Soleil, Haiti. Ann Marie, a member of Bochika, is joined by Daniel Tillias, the onsite project manager.

Nadine Patrice @ Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood, Florida

Marcello Bonta of Center for Diversity and the Environment is Today’s Guest on EcoAlert

 

EnvironmentalDiversity.org.

The Center for Diversity & the Environment racially and ethnically diversifies the U.S. environmental movement by developing leaders, diversifying institutions, and building community.

We envision a healthy, flourishing planet and society that sustainably and equitably meets the needs of all its citizens through an environmental movement that is diverse, inclusive, successful, vibrant, and relevant, taking into account the needs, perspectives, and voices of all.

Marcelo Bonta, Executive Director

Marcelo speaks and writes passionately about his broad vision of diversifying the environmental movement to audiences around the U.S. He is the founder of the Environmental Professionals of Color and the Center for Diversity & the Environment, where he works with leaders and environmental institutions to effectively include diversity, equity, and inclusion in the foundation of their work. Marcelo serves on the Climate Access Advisory Council, Verde Outreach Advisors, Saving Land Magazine’s Editorial Board, and Diverse Partners for Environmental Progress National Council, and Multnomah County Advisory Committee on Sustainability & Innovation. He is also an Environmental Leadership Program Senior Fellow and a TogetherGreen Conservation Fellow. His work has been featured in The New York Times, High Country News,The OregonianColors NW,Sustainlane.com, Saving Land Magazine, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education Magazine, Sustainable Industries Magazine, and homes+gardens northwest magazine.

Growing up the son of socially-conscious parents who were active with the United Farm Workers in the early ’70s, the Filipino community in Sacramento, and the Civil Rights Movement, Marcelo’s childhood role-models were, believe it or not, Marty Stouffer (of Wild America fame), Diego Maradona (of Argentina soccer fame), and MC Hammer (of “U Can’t Touch This” fame). Although Marcelo’s dreams of being an MC Hammer back up dancer and becoming the best soccer player in the world has somewhat fizzled away over the years, his affinity for living with wildlife and protecting nature has continued. Marcelo previously worked on biodiversity conservation, land use, and policy issues for numerous organizations, including Defenders of Wildlife, the National Park Service, and Massachusetts Audubon Society. Marcelo received his master’s degree from Tufts University and bachelor’s degree from Yale University. He is a published author in the book, Diversity and the Future of the U.S. Environmental Movement, the Land Trust Alliance’s Special 25th Anniversary IssueGrist Magazine, and the journal, Conservation Biology.

Marcelo’s inspiration in making the world a better place lies in his two daughters Stella and Kyra. Their laughter, joy, honesty and multi-racial make-up provide him with hope that the world can and will be a better and more inclusive place by the time they are adults.

One Love Nutrifest Set for Downtown Miami on 18 February 2012

One Love Nutrifest 18 February 2012 Miami FloridaDiversity of Music Belies the Unifying Message of the Budweiser One Love Nutrifest - Budweiser One Love Nutrifest features World Beat music with a uniquely multicultural appeal Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Grand Central Park in Downtown Miami MIAMI, FL (January 7, 2012) – A cornucopia of music will provide a feast of multicultural delights as world beat music takes center stage at the Budweiser One Love Nutrifest on Saturday February 18, 2012 in Miami. A melodic smorgasbord featuring a musical genre for every taste – including reggae, Latin American, Caribbean, rock ‘n roll, and more – will highlight this year’s concert. Hitting the stage are a unique group of artists whose musical brilliance is eclipsed only by its message of love and hope. “I carefully selected this lineup because every artist has devoted their life to spreading a message that is consistent with our purpose,” said ROCKAZ MVMT president and CEO Alfonso D’Niscio Brooks. “We are all striving to change the world for the better by empowering people to make a positive difference through the universal language of music.” Midnite, the legendary St. Croix roots reggae group since tells us to “keep good relations” with one another, despite the corporate greed and political discord around the globe. Cultura Profetica, is a Puerto Rican reggae band with lyrics that center mostly on socio-political and ecological issues. Easy Star All-Stars’, by now we should all know: Dub Side of the Moon, their acclaimed refashioning of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon is eight years old, plus Radiodread, a tribute to Radiohead’s Ok Computer, and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Dub Band-–no surprise who that’s a tribute to–aren’t much younger. They have defined themselves as one of the most powerful Reggae production conglomerates outside of Jamaica. Gondwana, from Chile, has been spreading the word of Jah Love, standing tall and strong in a peace-loving position of musical and lyrical creation. Jahfe is here to let the world know that contrary to popular beliefs Jah is real and His word shall come to pass. Representing the power of the youth and the wisdom of roots culture, the music of Jahfe not only reflects the city’s diverse music scene but also the true ability of conscious music to connect to people of all backgrounds. Jean P Jam is a special blend of world beat music they call Deep Roots. Deeply rooted rhythms with globally encompassing lyrics to share, inspire, and expand what we know as world music. “Our ultimate goal is to uplift the spirit and inspire people of every ilk to give of themselves to help make the world a better place in which to live,” said D’Niscio Brooks. “We’re accomplishing this task 100% eco friendly by spreading art, culture and music while raising money to end poverty, feed the hungry and shelter the homeless.” This year’s concert will include a food drive benefiting Curley’s House (www.curleyshouseinc.com) an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for low-to-moderate income individuals, families, the elderly, youth-at-risk, the abused, and HIV/AIDS infected individuals by providing the nutrition they need. Guests will be asked to contribute two or more cans of food as part of the cost of admission. “Given the philanthropic nature of this event, we’re inviting all civic minded companies to join us as sponsors,” D’Niscio Brooks said. “It’s a great way to get your name in front of thousands of people while ensuring that hundreds of thousands of dollars are donated to a very worthy cause.” On event day we will orchestrate an “island festival” of tents that will feature new products, special drinks, foods, art, and more. In addition we will have a non-profit village with a host of foundations offering information, art & crafts village, food vending village, green partners explaining the benefits of going green, workshops, bounce houses for children, bike valet, YOGA in the park, eco village, compost village, farmers market, VIP lounge, Recycling bins will be placed throughout the venue along with signage alerting attendees to the importance of recycling. The Budwesier One Love Nutrifest is scheduled for Saturday February 18, 2012 at Grand Central Park 721 NW 1st Ave in Downtown Miami. For additional information about corporate sponsorships and ticket sales for the 2012 Budweiser One Love Nutrifest contact Alfonso Brooks at 305-763-4509 or email at media@rockazmvmt.com Get your tickets now by calling 305-763-4509 or by clicking here: OneLoveNutrifest.com.

Philip Rincon of Bochika.org is the Guest on Today’s EcoAlert with Nadine Patrice

7 January 2012 – Bochika is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization founded in 2010 in Miami FL. Bochika’s mission is to empower marginalized and impoverished communities through participatory sustainable economic, agricultural and social development programs. To fulfill this mission, Bochika partners with civil society organizations in the developing world to design and implement programs that strengthen internal capacity through provision of essential resources of training, tools, and technology. In our first year of existence, Bochika was awarded major grants to fund our programs in Haiti and Miami. Our work was acknowledged by former President Bill Clinton in 2010 and received an award from Miami-Dade County in 2011.

Click here for more information: Bochika.org

Online Boutique 2012

OGl_Boutique_itesm_080

This gallery contains 9 photos.

Around the World…

Arcahaie Environmental Center

Support our effort to build an environmental center in Arcahaie, Haiti. We have the land. Architects for Humanity have designed the buildings and land-use. We need the money to build. Please help if you can. This button is to GlobalGiving.org/6060...