Green Festival San Francisco 2013

Photo courtesy of @GreenFestival on Instagram

Green Festival® is the largest sustainability event in the world and continues to grow year after year. A project of Green America and Global Exchange, Green Festival was in San Francisco this past weekend, and lots of people came out to celebrate, listen to speakers, shop, eat, laugh, learn, and a whole lot more!

Global Exchange was there with a booth filled with Fair Trade products from our stores and staff eager to engage with visitors and chat about our various campaigns and programs.

Also in attendance was Kevin Danaher, Global Exchange’s Co-founder AND Green Festival Co-founder,who had this to say about the Green Festival this past weekend:

It was packed both days with thousands of people, showing that we have already beat the corporations at their own game; commerce.

According to Kevin, the human rights movement is making a transition from focusing on negative things we want to eliminate to putting more emphasis on the next system we want to create.

In this 7-minute talk (brought to you thanks to compostory) Dr. Kevin Danaher explains why and how we can transform the current system of profit-focused enterprise into a triple-bottom-line model that integrates social justice, environmental restoration and financial sustainability.

Take-ActionTAKE ACTION!

Did you miss Green Festival in 2013? Not to worry! 2014 Green Festival dates have been announced, and here they are…

2014 Green Festival dates:

  • New York — April 26-27 2014
  • Washington, D.C. — May 31-June 1 2014
  • Chicago — Oct 24-26 2014
  • Los Angeles — Nov 7-9 2014
  • San Francisco — Nov 14-16 2014

Want more info?

kevindanaherThe right-wing in the United States worked very hard for many years to redefine the word “liberal” as negative. So now progressives should work equally hard to redefine the word “conservative” to be positive.

The true conservatives are those of us who believe in conserving nature, so future generations will not curse us for leaving them a burnt cinder of a planet with depleted resources.

To be conservative does not mean taking a right-wing position on all issues; it means to conserve, to not waste resources. Yet most of the people in Washington who call themselves conservatives do not believe in conserving anything.

They promote policies allowing corporations to convert our natural resources into money: cut down the forests, take all the minerals out of the ground, remove whole mountain tops to get at the coal inside, and inject poisonous “fracking” chemicals into the Earth to get at the last remnants of fossil fuels.

Reclaiming the word conservative to its true meaning would also help progressives get out of their culture of NO: no more wars, no more racial discrimination, no more destruction of the environment.

It is easy to understand how the left in the United States developed a culture of NO. We got really good at denouncing things such as U.S. support for white-minority rule in Southern Africa, and the way U.S. companies set up sweatshops abroad that take away jobs at home. Protesting these things came naturally to people who give a damn about the welfare of others, no matter what their nationality.

It was logical that well-educated people opposed to the U.S. role as imperial enforcer of global capitalism would rise up in protest. But stating clearly what you are against, does not create an alternative.

So decades ago the progressive movement started to build alternative institutions that could create jobs and heal the damage we do to natural systems. This could be called the sustainability movement or the green economy movement, but it amounted to a new model of doing business: a triple-bottom-line model that unites social justice, environmental restoration and financial sustainability.

Whether it is renewable energy, green building, organic agriculture, biofuels, water conservation technology, or recycling and composting, this new conservation economy is where the growth and profits will be in the future for the simple reason that as the natural resources gets depleted, the profitability of saving the environment goes up.

This movement for “conservation economics” is proving to be popular with governments and private investors alike. The city of Los Angeles will save $10 million per year after it replaces its streetlights with energy efficient LED lights.

Cities as conservative as Salt Lake City and Anchorage are capturing the methane that comes off their garbage landfills and sewage treatment plants, burning the methane in generators that power those facilities, thus saving money on electricity and protecting the climate from a gas that is far worse than CO2 for trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Companies both large (InterfaceFlor, the giant carpet company) and small (TerraCycle takes refuse out of the waste stream and makes dozens of products) are proving that there are ways to make more profits saving nature than destroying it. The Green Festivals—weekend green economy shows cosponsored by Green America and Global Exchange— attract 25,000-35,000 participants in diverse cities. So the green of money and the green of the environment are coming together.

And just at the time when the progressive movement is transitioning out of its NO culture into creating positive alternatives to nature-destroying capitalism, the right in the United States is painting itself into a corner of standing against science: denying climate change, opposing investments in green energy, and generally taking on a culture of NO.

So here is a project for the left. The right took the word liberal and made it negative. We should take the word conservative and make it positive.

Who are the real conservatives? It is the left and the scientific community, who are telling us that we cannot physically sustain an economy where money values rule over the life cycle, and we need to accelerate the transition to an economy where life values rule over the money cycle.

So let’s start using that word conservative in the proper way, and take away the adjective that has been so abused by the right.

Take-ActionTAKE ACTION!

What do you think of Kevin’s call to action;So here is a project for the left. The right took the word liberal and made it negative. We should take the word conservative and make it positive.” Share your thoughts in the Comments Section.

Dr. Kevin Danaher is a co-founder of Global Exchange and the Green Festivals.

Kevin Danaher, Co-Founder of Global Exchange

The following post was written by Global Exchange Co-founder Kevin Danaher.

There is a broad range of opinion about Cuba here in the United States. Some people think it is one big prison. Others think Cuba is further down the road to sustainability than the United States. That range of opinion is also present in Cuba: there are people who love their system, people who hate it, and many in between.
 
This is not to say that Cuba is not a threat. It is. But it is not a threat against the United States per se; it is a threat to the elites who run our country. If millions of people from the U.S. were to visit Cuba and see free neighborhood medical clinics where the nurse and doctor live in apartments above the clinic and go out on house visits every afternoon, the visitors might think, “why don’t we do that?”
 
Cuba has many problems as a poor nation under the thumb of the most powerful country in the world. But Cuba also has things we can learn that have application at home. For example, the first time I visited one of the many elder centers where neighborhood elders hang out with each other, playing checkers, exercising, and getting regular checkups by the doctor and nurse on the staff,  I noticed an abundance of young children playing with the elders. When asked the director of the center who organized these children to be there he said, “These are just neighborhood children who come in and out as they please.” Try to find an elder center in the United States where that happens.
 
The Cubans may be recycling everything and promoting urban agriculture because they are poor and have to conserve resources. But when you are on a huge farm in the middle of the capital city, Havana, and see crops spreading out toward the horizon, you are convinced of the rightness policies that promote sustainability.
 
Global Exchange has been organizing group tours to Cuba for 24 years, so we are well acquainted with the pluses and minuses of Cuban socialism. The best way for you to cut through the debate over US policy toward Cuba is to go there and see for yourself.
 
What I learned the first time I went to Cuba in 1979—and many, many times since then—is that our role is NOT to tell Cubans how to run their society. No, it would be much more appropriate for us to focus on changing our own society, especially the economic embargo our country has imposed for over 50 years against a small Caribbean nation that NEVER harmed the United States.

Five days a week, for three months, leaders from all walks of sustainable living – from green activism to green lifestyles – will share the latest insights and best solutions to help you make your home, workplace, and community sustainable so that our planet can THRIVE.

From March 26 – June 22, 2012, you can tune in to Jane Goodall, Bill McKibben, Vandana Shiva, Van Jones, John Robbins, Hazel Henderson, Frances Moore Lappe’, John Perkins, Thom Hartmann, Aqeela Sherrills, Julia Butterfly Hill live on the phone or webcast or later on recorded replays. This is a one-time chance to participate in an event of truly global proportions – with tens of thousands of people like you committed to bringing forth a thriving new world!

Sound interesting? Download the flier (SoS Overview Flyer) and sign up for free!

On April 28, I’ll be co-hosting with Thom Hartmann, to focus on Thriving Communities. Join me to explore what it takes to create them, maintain them, principles and practices. We’ll have six hours of programming with:

Produced by The Shift Network in partnership with the Sustainable World Coalition, the Spring of Sustainability is the world’s largest-ever sustainability events program. Sound interesting? Download the flier (SoS Overview Flyer) and sign up for free!

Kevin in his new SF DOE office!

On Feb 6 we asked Global Exchange members and supporters to wish Kevin Danaher well at his new position with the San Francisco Department of the Environment as the Outreach and Communications Program Manager.

As one of the co-founders of Global Exchange in 1988, Kevin Danaher has inspired, educated and moved to action thousands in the US and around the world. It’s an amazing opportunity, and we’ve no doubt that he’ll take the Department to new heights, greening and bettering this already fabulous city. As Kevin said to staff and board, “I look forward to working together to take our global values revolution to the next level.”

On Feb 15, 2012 Global Exchange staff visited Kevin Danaher’s new offices at the San Francisco Department of the Environment, to pass a long a collection of well wishes and love from Global Exchange supporters around the country. See a short video of the delivery and watch his thank you back to everyone that signed.

Kevin remains on our board of directors, and has retained an office where he continues to collaborate with Global Exchange whenever he is able. From fighting corporate bullies head-on to spearheading the US’ largest ‘party with a purpose’ with the Green Festivals, Kevin’s vision, leadership, and charismatic presence are close to the heart of who we all are and what we do at Global Exchange. And he has also become one of our valued GEMS: a Global Exchange Monthly Sustainer.

Kevin remains an integral member of the Green Festivals team (in New York, Chicago, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and San Francisco in 2012!) as well. In his own words, “My paycheck will come from a different institution, and my main desk will be in a different place, but my heart and wild ideas will always reside with my baby, Global Exchange.”

Thanks to everyone who signed the card. Here’s what Kevin had to say about it:

Update 3/1/2012: Thanks to those of you who submitted messages for Kevin. They were all included in the printed out card/booklet that we presented to Kevin (including your blog post comments). Kevin seemed sincerely touched by the sentiments. Read Kevin Gets a Valentine to see how the delivery went. Fyi, we are no longer printing out messages from his online card. Thanks!

After 23 years at Global Exchange, our co-founder Kevin Danaher has taken on a new role as the Outreach and Communications Program Manager with the San Francisco Department of the Environment.

We have an online card set up for Kevin on our website, which you can get to by click here, so folks who want to wish him well can add their name and personalized message easily. We will be collecting all of the messages into one place and presenting them to Kevin in a few weeks. We’ll be sure to share his reaction right here on our People to People blog.

Help us wish Kevin well and thank him for his years of leadership with Global Exchange as he blazes new trails! Sign Kevin’s card and leave a note for him by clicking right  here on our website.

The Board of Directors of Global Exchange is pleased to announce Ms. Carleen Pickard as the organization’s new Executive Director. Carleen will follow Kirsten Moller’s twenty-three year legacy of leadership and compassion. We are collectively elated about the new energy, new ideas, and new skills that Carleen brings to Global Exchange. Her long history of organizing, both nationally and internationally, allows Global Exchange to continue and expand our near quarter-century of activism. Carleen will complement our “people-to-people” traditions–advocating for progressive domestic change and credible alternatives to corrupt global-economic and political policies. Join us in welcoming Carleen Pickard.

Kirsten Moller and Carleen Pickard at Global Exchange's Open House, October 6, 2011

Walter Turner, Board President

I’m excited to pass the torch to Carleen who has been part of Global Exchange for thirteen years. As Associate Director for the past year, she has worked with members, global partners and staff to build on the people-to-people connections that are integral to GX and essential to fighting for a better world. She also knows the organization thoroughly and is committed to the goals of economic, social and environmental justice, peace and sustainability–values core to Global Exchange’s founding mission.

After two decades, the founders, are ready to embrace new projects and hand over the day-to-day operations to the next generation.   The founders, Kevin Danaher, Medea Benjamin and I, are excited about creating a smooth transition to new leadership after 23 years.  I will fulfill a new role at Global Exchange as Director of Organizing.

Kirsten Moller, Founding Director

I am thrilled and honored to leverage Global Exchange’s legendary signature campaigns that have challenged corporate rule, fought oppression and built alternatives to injustice. With our amazing staff and the support of all of you, we will truly harness the energy of these exciting times and guide a fundamental shift away from a society of greed to one of caring, from a profit-centered economy to people-centered, from currency to community.

Carleen Pickard, Executive Director

We announced Carleen as our new Executive Director at our October 6 Open House. Be sure to check out the pictures of the event, and a video of this special occasion.

Support Global Exchange and celebrate this exciting transition to new leadership, and give a special gift or sign up to be a Monthly Sustainer by committing to donate $5, $10, or $25 a month.  Our work is not possible without you!

 

The Board of Directors of Global Exchange is pleased to announce Ms. Carleen Pickard as the organization’s new Executive Director. Carleen will follow Kirsten Moller’s twenty-three year legacy of leadership and compassion. We are collectively elated about the new energy, new ideas, and new skills that Carleen brings to Global Exchange. Her long history of organizing, both nationally and internationally, allows Global Exchange to continue and expand our near quarter-century of activism. Carleen will complement our “people-to-people” traditions–advocating for progressive domestic change and credible alternatives to corrupt global-economic and political policies. Join us in welcoming Carleen Pickard.

Walter Turner, Board President

Kirsten Moller and Carleen Pickard at Global Exchange's Open House, October 6, 2011

I’m excited to pass the torch to Carleen who has been part of Global Exchange for thirteen years. As Associate Director for the past year, she has worked with members, global partners and staff to build on the people-to-people connections that are integral to GX and essential to fighting for a better world. She also knows the organization thoroughly and is committed to the goals of economic, social and environmental justice, peace and sustainability–values core to Global Exchange’s founding mission.

After two decades, the founders, are ready to embrace new projects and hand over the day-to-day operations to the next generation.   The founders, Kevin Danaher, Medea Benjamin and I, are excited about creating a smooth transition to new leadership after 23 years.  I will fulfill a new role at Global Exchange as Director of Organizing.

Kirsten Moller, Founding Director

I am thrilled and honored to leverage Global Exchange’s legendary signature campaigns that have challenged corporate rule, fought oppression and built alternatives to injustice. With our amazing staff and the support of all of you, we will truly harness the energy of these exciting times and guide a fundamental shift away from a society of greed to one of caring, from a profit-centered economy to people-centered, from currency to community.

Carleen Pickard, Executive Director

We announced Carleen as our new Executive Director at our October 6 Open House. Be sure to check out the pictures of the event, and a video of this special occasion.

The Board of Directors of Global Exchange is pleased to announce Ms. Carleen Pickard as the organization’s new Executive Director. Carleen will follow Kirsten Moller’s twenty-three year legacy of leadership and compassion. We are collectively elated about the new energy, new ideas, and new skills that Carleen brings to Global Exchange. Her long history of organizing, both nationally and internationally, allows Global Exchange to continue and expand our near quarter-century of activism. Carleen will complement our “people-to-people” traditions–advocating for progressive domestic change and credible alternatives to corrupt global-economic and political policies. Join us in welcoming Carleen Pickard.

Walter Turner, Board President

Kirsten Moller and Carleen Pickard at Global Exchange's Open House, October 6, 2011

 

I’m excited to pass the torch to Carleen who has been part of Global Exchange for thirteen years. As Associate Director for the past year, she has worked with members, global partners and staff to build on the people-to-people connections that are integral to GX and essential to fighting for a better world. She also knows the organization thoroughly and is committed to the goals of economic, social and environmental justice, peace and sustainability–values core to Global Exchange’s founding mission.

After two decades, the founders, are ready to embrace new projects and hand over the day-to-day operations to the next generation.   The founders, Kevin Danaher, Medea Benjamin and I, are excited about creating a smooth transition to new leadership after 23 years.  I will fulfill a new role at Global Exchange as Director of Organizing.

Kirsten Moller, Founding Director

 

I am thrilled and honored to leverage Global Exchange’s legendary signature campaigns that have challenged corporate rule, fought oppression and built alternatives to injustice. With our amazing staff and the support of all of you, we will truly harness the energy of these exciting times and guide a fundamental shift away from a society of greed to one of caring, from a profit-centered economy to people-centered, from currency to community.

Carleen Pickard, Executive Director

We announced Carleen as our new Executive Director at our October 6 Open House. Be sure to check out the pictures of the event, and a video of this special occasion.

Support Global Exchange and celebrate this exciting transition to new leadership, and give a special gift or sign up to be a Monthly Sustainer by committing to donate $5, $10, or $25 a month.  Our work is not possible without you!

 

Global Exchange staffers share what they love about their work in these short n sweet videos. We invite you to add your comments!

Kylie starts things off:

Next, Kirsten Moller encourages activism:

Chie Abad talks ending sweatshops & the power of global community:

Jocelyn Boreta loooves Fair Trade!

Corey Hill is giddy about GX members…

Behind the scene with Zarah:

Ted loves solidarity and presence:

Shannon loves BIG ideas sprung from Global Exchange

Paula loves Green Fests!

Carleen is a fan of our holistic approach…

Kevin Danaher sums it all up for us:

JOIN THE GLOBAL CONVERSATION!