Calendar
As recent scientific reports have made clear, a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 is needed to avoid the worst impacts of a changing climate. The multifaith statement to the U.N. Climate Conference, Walk on Earth Gently, invites people of faith into a journey of Living the Change that the world needs – a transformation to a sustainable lifestyle. The journey is inspired by religious teachings to turn away from consumerism & to seek balanced relationships with all people and the planet we share as our common home. Texans of all faiths, or no faith at all, are invited join us on the journey, in a weekly small group discussion focused on making personal lifestyle changes in three key areas: transportation, energy, and food. Join us on this 12-week journey to reducing your contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Can’t make it every week? Join us as you are able. A detailed schedule is given below. All participants will receive a copy of Living the Change materials. Are you ready to commit to a more sustainable lifestyle? Then join us on this journey to Living the Change.  Please register for this event on www.eventbrite.com.
Sept. 28:Â Introduction & Transport, week 1
Oct. 5, Oct. 12 & Oct. 19: Transport, weeks 2, 3 & 4
Oct. 26, Nov. 2, Nov. 9 & Nov. 16: Energy, weeks 1, 2, 3, & 4
Nov. 23, Nov. 30, & Dec. 7: Food, weeks 1, 2 & 3
Dec. 14: Food, week 4 & closing
From our local parks to our backyards or balconies, nature can be found almost anywhere as long as we remember to look for it. This monthly program will help you learn more about the natural world around your home and how you can provide for it. In each informal class we will spend most of our time outside, using a variety of methods to observe and identify our flora and fauna. You may want to bring a hat, optics, and a notebook.
This program is best suited for adults and kids ages 10 and up.
From our local parks to our backyards or balconies, nature can be found almost anywhere as long as we remember to look for it. This monthly program will help you learn more about the natural world around your home and how you can provide for it. In each informal class we will spend most of our time outside, using a variety of methods to observe and identify our flora and fauna. You may want to bring a hat, optics, and a notebook.
This program is best suited for adults and kids ages 10 and up.
Eco Shares: New Ecology-Friendly Economics
Tuesday, February 08, 2022 – 6:30 PM
Nature-based carbon capture and storage is among the hottest topics in industry and agriculture today. The ecological systems of the Earth provide many different services for humans that until recently have not been part of the human economic system. That is changing and will continue to change as we evolve a new economy that is circular rather than linear as it is today. Prairies, forests and oyster reefs can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in trees and soil and the reef itself, and a market is emerging for buying and selling credits that are certified scientifically. But, with various types of credits being offered by different types of entities, it can feel like the wild west out there.
Joining the Houston Museum of Natural Science this evening is Rice University Professor Jim Blackburn for a discussion of nature-based carbon and other transactions as we delve into the economy of the future.
Parks and Natural Areas Awards
H-GAC established the Parks and Natural Areas awards program in 2006 to highlight best practices and innovative approaches to parks planning and implementation. H-GAC honors projects in the categories of Projects Over $500,000, Projects Under $500,000, Planning Process and Policy Tools, and Programming.
This program recognizes outstanding parks and natural areas around the region. No funding is associated with this award program.
From our local parks to our backyards or balconies, nature can be found almost anywhere as long as we remember to look for it. This monthly program will help you learn more about the natural world around your home and how you can provide for it. In each informal class we will spend most of our time outside, using a variety of methods to observe and identify our flora and fauna. You may want to bring a hat, optics, and a notebook.
This program is best suited for adults and kids ages 10 and up.
Join Jim Blackburn, Professor in the Practice in Environmental Law at Rice University, who will discuss his new book, Earth Church, which he co-authored with artist Isabelle Scurry Chapman. Earth Church is a book about Earth-based spirituality, a subject that will become much more prominent in a future defined by a changing climate and the creation of a new economic system that is circular rather than linear. At the center of Earth-based spirituality is the Earth itself, that wonderful planet without which we would not be. Blackburn will weave a narrative around the poetry and art of Earth-based spirituality. Time for interactive discussion with the speaker will be provided. Please register for this talk on www.eventbrite.com. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.
The Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston invites you to celebrate Earth Day/Month by joining our team for the online Earth Month EcoChallenge. This EcoChallenge focuses on the sustainable development goals of the United Nations, with categories of: basic needs & security, health & equity, education & livelihood, economy & communities and climate & ecosystems. You pick your challenges to complete during the month – to build a new sustainable habit, learn about an environmental issue, advocate for eco-justice, volunteer or spend more time in nature (among the many, many choices). Join the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston team & we’ll support each other along the journey. To sign up or to learn more, go to https://earthmonth.ecochallenge.org/. Questions? – Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.
Experience forest bathing, led by a certified guide, followed by practice of the Christian spiritual discipline of the Earth Examen. Forest bathing, a practice that originated in Japan, involves taking in, in all of one’s senses, the forest atmosphere. Not simply a walk in the woods, it is the conscious and contemplative practice of being immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. Forest bathing has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and focus, enhance creativity, and lead to an increased sense of calm and altruistic behavior, in addition to other benefits such as boosting the immune system and lowering blood pressure. As Christians, we understand that God is present in God’s creation, and after our guided forest bath, we’ll spend some time considering the Earth Examen as we reflect both on our time spent forest bathing and on our relationship with all creation. This activity is for a small group and space is limited. Please register at www.eventbrite.com at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forest-bathing-earth-examen-tickets-291848535827. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.