TOP TEN INSPIRATIONAL WEBSITES
Be The Change http://bethechange.org.uk
Organises a UK conference each year on how to participate in a positive cultural shift.
Blessed Unrest http://www.blessedunrest.org/video.html
Paul Hawken doesn't use the term The Great Turning, but that is what he is describing.
Big-Picture.tv http://www.big-picture.tv
For a host of live streaming video clips of inspiring people.
Cultural Creatives http://www.culturalcreatives.org
Website describing the emergence of a new subculture based on the values of sustainable living
David Korten http://www.davidkorten.org
Friends of the Earth http://www.foe.co.uk/living/index.shtml
Friends of the Earth webpage offering ideas for simple effective actions.
Joanna Macy http://www.joannamacy.net/
Introduces The Great Turning and The Work That Reconnects.
Planetary Voices http://www.planetaryvoices.org.uk/from_overwhelm_to_engagement.html
An internet radio feature: Joanna Macy tells the Shambhala Warrior Prophecy, followed by an interview with Chris Johnstone.
Transition Culture http://www.transitionculture.org
Rob
Hopkin's wonderful blog about the transition
approach as a positive response to peak oil and
climate change.
Wiser Earth http://www.wiserearth.org
Massive networking resource for people working for a just and sustainable world
Here is a collection of other web based resources giving information both about the challenges we face and constructive responses to them.
State Of The Planet
Ecotherapy & Wilderness Rites Of Passage
Working For a World That Works For All
The Millenium Assessment http://www.millenniumassessment.org
The 2005 Millenium Assessment drew together 1300 authors from 95 countries to produce a scientific consensus report on the state of the planet.
Eco-system Change http://www.greenfacts.org/ecosystems/
This presents a summary of the Millenium Assessments main findings in a more accessible form.
The Worldwatch Institute http://www.worldwatch.org/
Analyzes interdisciplinary environmental data from around the world, providing information on how to build a sustainable society.
Earthwire http://www.earthwire.org/
Provides a daily summary of environmental news headlines.
Human Development http://unstats.un.org/unsd/mi/pdf/MDG%20Book.pdf
Published by the United Nations, The Millenium Development Goals Report 2005, looks at the state of progress towards eight key development goals.
Introduction http://www.sustainablesonoma.org/keyconcepts/workreconnects.html
This is a great short introduction to The Work that Reconnects from a site that also offers user-friendly summaries of other key sustainability approaches.
Interview http://thewitness.org/archive/march2001/macyinterview.html
Doing the Work that Reconnects: An interview with Joanna Macy by Marianne Arbogast.
The Gaia Foundation http://www.gaia.iinet.net.au/
The Gaia Foundation in Australia play an active role in developing the Work that Reconnects in Australia. Also see http://gaia.iinet.net.au/WwREN.htm
UK based organisation providing information and resources on climate change.
New Scientist http://www.newscientist.com/channel/earth/climate-change
New Scientist special report on climate change, includes list of articles they’ve published.
Link to extreme weather http://www.environmenttimes.net/article.cfm?pageID=122
About the link between climate change and extreme weather events.
Denial http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0608-05.htm
Article from The New York Times about how a senior White House official edited US government reports to give impression Climate Change was less of a problem.
Dangerous Climate Change http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4660938.stm
BBC website discussing Met Office report Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change.
The Community Solution to Peak Oil - http://www.communitysolution.org/
Looking for solutions within the community as oil runs out.
PowerSwitch - http://www.powerswitch.org.uk/
Powerswitch.org.uk is dedicated to raising awareness & discussion of the impending & permanent decline of cheap oil & gas supply, the consequences of which will affect every corner of our lives.
MuseLetter - http://www.museletter.com/index.html
Richard Heinberg’s monthly exploration of cultural renewal.
PeakOil.org - http://www.peakoil.org/
Peak Oil - The Peak in world Oil production will change everything.
Life After The Oil Crash - http://www.lifeaftertheoilcrash.net/
Peak Oil: Life After the Oil Crash. Looking at the implications of oil depletion.
Post Carbon Institute - http://www.postcarbon.org/
Post Carbon Institute's mission is to assist societies in their efforts to relocalize communities and adapt to an energy constrained world.
The Rimini Protocol - http://www.peakoil.ie/protocol
An oil depletion protocol created by ASPO Ireland (Association for the Study of Peak Oil).
.Global Public Media - http://www.globalpublicmedia.com/
Public service broadcasting for a post carbon world.
Peak Oil News Clearinghouse - http://www.energybulletin.net/
Peak oil related news from around the world.
Transition Culture - http://www.transitionculture.org/
Rob Hopkin’s blog investigating options for energy descent plans. Includes the Energy Descent plan for Kinsale as put together by Rob and the students of Kinsale College, Co. Cork, Ireland – download it here
Energy Crises Now! - http://energycrisisnow.blogspot.com/
A blog covering news about the energy sector and peak oil.
Powering Down - http://poweringdown.blogspot.com/
A blog discussing peak oil with an emphasis on relocalization as a reponse for North Carolina and the Greater Southeast.
Renewable Energy Bulletin - http://www.multi-science.co.uk/renew.htm
Reports of work in progress on all the renewables - solar, geothermal, hydropower, wind, ocean energy, biomass and waste conversion.
The End Of Suburbia - http://www.endofsuburbia.com/
A “must watch” DVD of the consequences of the depletion of oil reserves. Made in the U.S., but pertinent to people everywhere.
Dry Dipstick - http://www.drydipstick.com/
A peak oil metadirectory.
The Foundation for Deep Ecology - http://www.deepecology.org/directory.html
We begin with the premise that life on Earth has entered its most precarious phase in history. We speak of threats not only to human life, but to the lives of all species of plants and animals, as well as the health and continued viability of the biosphere. It is the awareness of the present condition that primarily motivates our foundation's activities.
The Trumpeter - http://trumpeter.athabascau.ca/
A journal dedicated to the pursuit of ecological understanding and wisdom, or ecosophy. The Trumpeter represents an international community of people who support the Deep Ecology movement.
The Rainforest Information Network - http://www.rainforestinfo.org.au/
A well of information on Deep Ecology, exercises to help facilitate an deep ecological awareness, conservation projects and the bringing together of Buddhism and ecology.
International Community for Ecopsychology - http://www.ecopsychology.org/
Our objective at ecopsychology.org is to provide a public forum for our diverse experiences of the human-nature relationship. Through sharing our connections we hope to provide a bridge towards harmony with the planet we inhabit.
New Gatherings - http://www.ecopsychology.org/journal/ezine/gatherings.html
Journal of the International Community for Ecopsychology.
Seeds For Thought - http://thoughtoffering.blogs.com/ice_seeds/
A collaborative blog by the International Community for Ecopsychology.
Welcome to All Beings - http://www.joannamacy.net/
Joanna Macys’ web site looking at The Great Turning, The Work That Reconnects, Engaged Buddhism, Living Systems, Deep Ecology, and Nuclear Guardianship. A great resource.
The Great Story - http://www.thegreatstory.org/
The 14 billion year epic of Cosmos, life, and humanity told as a sacred story, glorifying all.
Ecospheric Ethics - http://www.ecospherics.net/
An anthology of ecological, philosophical, spiritual, economic and cultural articles, editorials and reviews exploring the values of the planetary Ecosphere, its ecosystems, communities and wild species - as the natural and time-tested source of a new and compelling "Earth Ethic" for humanity.
GreenSpirit - http://www.greenspirit.org.uk/
GreenSpirit is a movement which celebrates all life as deeply connected and sacred. This radical vision brings together the rigour of science, the freedom of creativity, the passion of social action and the wisdom of spiritual traditions of all ages. Our activities combine the full potential of the human spirit and imagination with our passion for the survival of the diversity of life on Earth.
The Ecostery Foundation - http://www.ecostery.org/default.htm
Helps people develop their own personal or group ecosteries. Ecosteries are loved places where ecological values, knowledge and wisdom are learned, practiced and shared. They are sacred, respected and honored dwelling places. This website provides resources for those who want to create their own ecostery.
Project Nature Connect (PNC) - http://www.ecopsych.com/
A non-profit, special NGO consultant to the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Providing alternative holistic tools to help the United Nations meet its manifesto for personal and global peace, environmentally sound education and sustainable social justice.
Religion and Nature - http://www.religionandnature.com/
Promoting critical inquiry into the relationships among human beings and their diverse environments, cultures, and religions.
My Moonster - http://www.mymoonster.com/
Offering ways to cope with the despair, hopelessness, helplessness, anger, numbness and exhaustion we can feel in being aware of the problems of the world.
Nature’s Words http://www.natures-words.co.uk/
Helen Moore combines beautiful images and moving poems to promote a culture of deeper connectedness with life.
Find Your Power http://www.chrisjohnstone.info
Chris Johnstone, author of the Find Your Power (a self-help book for the Great Turning), runs workshops on The Work That Reconnects in the UK.
ECOTHERAPY & WILDERNESS RITES OF PASSAGE
Wilderness Guides Council - http://www.wildernessguidescouncil.org/wgc/index.cfm
The Wilderness Guides Council is a non-profit, membership organization dedicated to the concept that wilderness is the root source of our spiritual values, inspiration and healing.
The Ecotherapy Institute - http://www.ecopsychologyinternational.co.za/
Discovering soul and spirit through nature. In a highly pressured modern world, we tend to get out of touch with ourselves. We find that we are left feeling unfulfilled or lost in some way and, when this happens, we know in our hearts that we are less than truly alive.
Wilderness Rites - http://www.wildernessrites.com/
Wilderness Rites offers a variety of earth-based healing practices related to this ancient way of being with nature. Each experience is held in a natural setting and within a loving community which provide the support and guidance for regeneration and transformation.
School of Lost Borders - http://www.schooloflostborders.com/lb/index.cfm
Lost Borders was born in the midst of an uncomprehending culture. But for thirty years the dream has held true. Thousands have come and gone, each of them nurturing a seed. There will be no turning back from the sowing.
Animas Valley Institute - http://www.animas.org/
Animas Valley Institute's mission is to help individuals re-align their everyday lives with the rhythms and cycles of nature and with their own most deeply-rooted dreams and passions, those found in their souls. We believe that living in alignment with nature and soul leads to the greatest personal fulfillment and the most useful contributions to the world, and, ultimately, creates a sustainable, balanced, and soul-centered society.
Footprint Consulting Limted - http://www.footprintconsulting.org/
Our aim is to promote social justice and ecological sustainability through human ecology consulting, education and training.
Ancient Healing Ways - http://www.ancienthealingways.co.uk/index.shtm
An organisation that brings ancient healing arts and modern healing methods together. Nature-based courses call upon the healing practices and ceremonies of ancient spiritual traditions.
Sacred Land Film Project - http://www.sacredland.org/
A project by the Earth Island Institute to deepen public understanding of sacred places, indigenous cultures and environmental justice through the use of a variety of media and educational materials.
The Wilderness Foundation - http://www.wilderness-trust.org/
The Foundation recognises wilderness as being irreplaceable, and a source of inspiration to us all. Discover how we are working to preserve the world's wilderness places and how you can help.
The WILD Foundation - http://www.wild.org/
Working for wilderness wildlife and people, in the 10 countries of Southern Africa and around the world.
WORKING FOR A WORLD THAT WORKS FOR ALL
Common Society Movement - http://www.common-society.org/
Sharif Abdullah’s site of creating a world that works for all. His ideas for a Common Society are based on one simple fact - that all of our lives are inextricably linked and that the world must work for all beings, or it doesn't work at all.
The Co-Intelligence Institute - http://co-intelligence.org/
Co-intelligence is emerging through new developments in democracy, organizational development, collaborative processes, the Internet and systems sciences like ecology and complexity. Today millions of people are involved in co-creating co-intelligence. Our diverse efforts grow more effective as we discover we are part of a larger transformational enterprise, and as we learn together and from each other.
World Cafe - http://www.new-paradigm.co.uk/world_cafe.htm
World Cafe is a participative process which enables people to have creative conversations while sitting cafe-style around small tables.
Conversation Cafés - http://www.conversationcafe.org/
Conversation Cafés are hosted, drop-in conversations in public places among people with diverse views and a shared passion for engaging with others.
The Institute of Noetic Sciences - http://www.noetic.org/
Exploring the frontiers of consciousness to advance individual, social, and global transformation.
Starhawk’s Tangled Web - http://www.starhawk.org/
Starhawk describes herself as a peace, environmental, and global justice activist and trainer, a permaculture designer and teacher, a Pagan and Witch.
The Simple Living Network - http://www.simpleliving.net/default.asp
Tools, Examples & Contacts For Conscious, Simple, Healthy & Restorative Living.
Sarvodaya - http://www.sarvodaya.org/
Sarvodaya is a Sri Lankan organization developed around a set of coherent philosophical tenets drawn from Buddhism and Gandhian thought. It has been operational for almost 50 years.
Karuna Center for Peace Building - http://www.karunacenter.org/
A U.S.-based nonprofit organization that offers international training programs in conflict transformation, intercommunal dialogue, and reconciliation. The core of Karuna Center’s work takes place in post-conflict regions of the world at the request of local partners.
The Ojai Foundation - http://www.ojaifoundation.org/
TOF incorporates traditional & emerging wisdom into contemporary culture through heartful dialogue & compassionate action. The practice of Council is at the core of all of the Ojai Foundation's programs.
GreenLiving - http://www.greenliving.co.uk/
Techniques and technologies for sustainable living. A website about positive lifestyle choices.
The Cohousing Association - http://www.cohousing.org/default.aspx
Cohousing communities combine the advantages of private homes with the benefits of more sustainable living, including shared common facilities and ongoing connections with neighbours. These intentional neighbourhoods, created and managed by residents, offer an innovative solution to today's environmental and social challenges.
Centre for Alternative Technology - http://www.cat.org.uk/
Europe’s leading environmental centre situated in West Wales.
Association for Environment Conscious Building - http://www.aecb.net/
UK directory of people & organisations involved in all aspects of an environmental approach to building.
The Hockerton Housing Project - http://www.hockerton.demon.co.uk/
The UK's first earth sheltered, self-sufficient ecological housing development. The houses are amongst the most energy efficient, purpose built dwellings in Europe.
EarthFuture: Climate & Energy - http://www.earthfuture.com/climate/calculators/#9
Personal Carbon Calculators. How much are your personal carbon emissions? Try these out, and use the one you like.
New Economics Foundation (nef) - http://www.neweconomics.org/gen/
Nef is an independent 'think and do' tank. We believe in economics as if people and the planet mattered.
FEASTA - http://www.feasta.org/
The Foundation for the Economics of Sustainability. Feasta aims to identify the characteristics (economic, cultural and environmental) of a truly sustainable society, articulate how the necessary transition can be effected and promote the implementation of the measures required for this purpose.
LETSLINK UK - http://www.letslinkuk.org/
Local community-based mutual aid networks in which people exchange all kinds of goods and services with one another, without the need for money. UK based resource page.
LETS Groups around the world - http://www.lets-linkup.com/
Local Exchange Trading Systems. International groups directory.
Permaculture International - http://www.permacultureinternational.org/index.htm
Permaculture International Limited (PIL) provides services to members in support of their work in permaculture design, service and permaculture related activities.
Permaculture Association (Britain) - http://www.permaculture.org.uk/
Home of the UK permaculture network and the Permaculture Association (Britain).
Permaculture Magazine - http://www.permaculture.co.uk/
Solutions for sustainable living.
Plants For A Future - http://www.pfaf.org/
Edible, medicinal and useful plants for a healthier world. A resource centre for rare and unusual plants, particularly those which have edible, medicinal or other uses.
HDRA - http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/
The national charity for organic growing.
Resurgence - http://www.resurgence.org/
Resurgence is the leading international forum for ecological and spiritual thinking, where you can explore the ideas of the great writers and thinkers of our time, both in print and on-line.
The Ecologist - http://www.theecologist.org/home.asp
Reporting on the environmental problems around the world.
Positive News - http://www.positivenews.org.uk/
Exactly what it says. Positive news from around the world. Inspiring stories of people working for a better world.
Green Futures - http://www.greenfutures.org.uk/
UK's leading magazine on environmental solutions and sustainable futures.
Orion Magazine - http://www.oriononline.org/
The magazine of culture, creativity and change.
EDUCATIONAL LINKS
Also check out the events page on this site for workshops that could be happening near to you. Courses might also be offered by other sites mentioned on this page, e.g. Permaculture.
Online MA in Ecopsychology - http://www.naropa.edu/eponline/index.html
A low residency, online Masters program through Naropa University. The MA in Transpersonal Psychology with Ecopsychology Concentration (MATP-EP) program integrates theoretical, experiential, and service aspects of ecopsychology and transpersonal psychology. A Masters in Transpersonal Psychology is also offered (MATP).
Art-To-Earth, Inc. - http://www.art-to-earth.com/
Art-To-Earth, Inc. is a non-profit company that fosters Environmental Awareness through Art. Activities include a Meditation Group, Art-Quests, and a University level Ecopsychology Course.
Schumacher College - http://www.schumachercollege.org/
Schumacher College is an international centre for ecological studies based in the beautiful Devonshire countryside of south-west England. The College welcomes participants aged 20 to 80 from all over the world. Also offers an MSc in Holistic Science in partnership with the University of Plymouth.
Centre for Human Ecology - http://www.che.ac.uk/index.php/
Centre for Human Ecology is a Scotland-based organisation carrying out action, research and education for personal development, ecological sustainability and social justice. Includes an MSc in Human Ecology.
Bija Vidyapeeth - http://navdanya.org/bija/index.htm
The Bija Vidyapeeth offers insights into the tenets of sustainability and deep democracy through interactions with the foremost intellectuals of our times and sustainable communities in an ambience that reinvigorates our vital link with nature, promotes contemplation, enquiry and dynamic action.
Courses at CAT http://www.cat.org.uk/courses/coursbl.tmpl
The Centre of Alternative Technology runs residential courses in aspects of renewable energy as well as three postgraduate courses.
New College of California - http://www.newcollege.edu/
Education for a Just, Sacred and Sustainable World. Professional, undergraduate, graduate and community programs.
Human Scale Education - http://www.hse.org.uk/
Education because people matter. Human Scale Education is an education reform movement committed to small scale learning communities based on the values of democracy, fairness and respect. HSE works directly with schools and parents to promote human scale learning environments where children and young people are known and valued as individuals.