This is Part 5 of my series Electrifying Our Old Oak Park Home. Read the rest here.
In August 2024, our family took our first multi-day road trip with our electric car: 1,200 miles from Oak Park, Illinois, to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We had to do some research for this trip to be a success, so I’m sharing what we learned with you!
On Wednesday, Sept. 18, Sasha-Ann Simons of WBEZ Radio’s Reset interviewed Sue Crothers, Founding Director of the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest, along with Michael Rogowski, a student filmmaker from Loyola University Chicago. They talked about the upcoming One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest Awards Celebration on Sept. 22, as well as the Environmental Justice Award that Loyola University would receive for “The Kiribati Project.” LISTEN HERE.
For those who don’t know me yet, my name is Joshua Bynum, and I am the newest member of the One Earth Collective team, where I serve as the Digital Communications & Program Support Coordinator. I am an environmentalist with a specific interest in racial justice and access to food. I firmly believe that we only have one Earth, and if we continue down the current path, we will simply have no place to go. I joined One Earth earlier this year with the hope of using digital advocacy to foster community, drive, and action both within and beyond the Chicago region. In my spare time, I enjoy watching anime and am a frequent visitor to the nearest forest preserve.
As I step into my new role, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and admiration for Lisa Files, who previously held my current position, and who was patient and generous while training me in the ins-and-outs of the job before she left our team. Lisa, your decade of generosity and commitment to the One Earth team are truly inspiring to me and to our other team members.
For those who have gotten to know Lisa over the years rest assured she is still very much a member of One Earth Collective but has shifted her role to focus strictly on the Young Filmmakers Contest (and you all should go to the awards ceremony on September 22nd *wink* *wink*).
I am thrilled to have joined the One Earth Collective team, feel prepared due to having Lisa’s training and guidance, and am here to assist and support you, our One Earth community, with any digital communications needs, or to help answer questions or make connections regarding any of our robust roster of programs! Contact me at joshua@oneearthcollective.org.
Located on Chicago’s West Side, the Austin community doesn’t have a lot of healthy food options. A group of 22 partner organizations, called Austin Eats, is trying to change that. One of the ways is through twice-yearly food education events led by One Earth Collective. This summer we helped lead Austin Eats’ food education team to plan and put on a “Movie At The Farm” event that welcomed at least 150 people.
What rights, if any, do our ecosystems have? And who will speak for them?
Under the current system of law in almost every country, humans have the right to exploit nature, because lakes, rivers, wetlands, forestlands, and other ecosystems and natural communities are considered to be property. And, as property, its owner has the right to treat it as they choose, including damaging or destroying it.
We are thrilled to announce that One Earth Collective is partnering with the Annual Environment & Spirituality Summit this year! This special event, hosted by our friends at Faith in Place—the IL, IN, and WI affiliate of Interfaith Power and Light—takes place from September 22-24. It offers a unique hybrid experience with all sessions available on Zoom and local keynote watch parties hosted in IL, IN, and WI. You can view the watch party locations here.
