In 2010, New York City's carbon footprint was 54 million metric tons of CO2, equating to 1.72 tons per second. This immense scale of atmospheric pollution is often difficult for most people to comprehend.

Carbon Visuals and the Environmental Defense Fund aim to make these emissions more tangible. They help visualize both the total output and the rate of emission, making the city's environmental impact more understandable.

This video is a trailer for Annie Leonard's book, *The Story of Stuff: The Impact of Overconsumption on the Planet, Our Communities, and Our Health-And How We Can Make It Better*.

In the book, Leonard explores the effects of overconsumption on our planet, communities, and health, and proposes ways to improve these issues. To purchase the book, visit Amazon or your local bookstore.

The U.S. is a wealthy nation, not broke, yet its economy is fundamentally flawed. It generates excessive pollution and waste. Instead of investing in sustainable alternatives, we prop up this "dinosaur economy" with billions in taxpayer money.

The Story of Broke advocates for a crucial shift in government spending. It proposes redirecting funds towards clean, green solutions: renewable energy, safer materials, and zero waste. These investments promise jobs and a healthier environment, offering a better way to rebuild the American Dream.

Releasing Tuesday, November 9, "The Story of Electronics" exposes the high-tech revolution's collateral damage: 25 million tons of e-waste, poisoned workers, and public costs. Host Annie Leonard guides viewers from gadget production in mines and factories to their grim end in Chinese recycling shops. The film advocates a "green 'race to the top'" for designers to create long-lasting, toxic-free, and easily recyclable products.

The Electronics TakeBack Coalition, promoting green design and responsible recycling, partnered on this production.

Released July 21, 2010, "The Story of Cosmetics" is a seven-minute film by The Story of Stuff Project. It exposes the widespread use of toxic chemicals in everyday personal care products, from lipstick to baby shampoo.

Produced with Free Range Studios and hosted by Annie Leonard, the film reveals the health and environmental implications for consumers and workers. It also outlines ways to transition the industry towards safer alternatives.

The film concludes by urging viewers to support legislation that ensures the safety of cosmetics and personal care products.

UC Merced student Martin Figueroa spearheaded a campus movement to reduce water use. In 2011, he organized the "UC Merced Water Battle," a month-long competition involving over 600 students across residence halls. Utilizing real-time monitoring, participants collectively cut water use by 14 percent, saving 89,000 gallons.

Figueroa is now encouraging other UC campuses to implement similar "Water Battles" to expand conservation efforts.

Growing up in Detroit, Brittany Stallworth, a 2012 Brower Youth Award Winner, faced environmental injustice, including limited healthy food access and exposure to factory emissions. This experience fueled her to establish "Green is the New Black" at Howard University, a campaign dedicated to food and environmental justice.

Through her initiative, Stallworth organized expert-led workshops for students and a symposium that connected over 35 green organizations with college students for internships and jobs. Her passion has inspired others to advance food accessibility and environmental justice in underserved communities.

The 88,000-acre Scotchman Peaks Roadless Area, straddling the Idaho-Montana border, is one of the region's largest remaining wild areas. Inspired by its natural beauty, Jacob Glass produced "En Plein Air," a film documenting the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. This grassroots group, formed in 2005, seeks federal protection for the region, with the film highlighting two painters who use their art to advocate for the mountains.

The documentary received nationwide media attention, dramatically increasing the Friends' membership. This surge of public support for wilderness designation led to endorsements from many area chambers of commerce and Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer.

Maya Salsedo, a 2012 Brower Youth Award winner, champions food justice, driven by her family's history of food insecurity. Descendants of Puerto Rican emigrants who worked in Hawaiian sugar cane fields, her family consistently faced challenges accessing healthy food.

This experience spurred Salsedo to action. In 2011, as a youth organizer with Rooted in Community, she proposed the Youth Food Bill of Rights. This declaration envisions a food system that benefits consumers, producers, and the planet, granting local communities more control over their food. Her work has since inspired peers nationwide, establishing a foundation for dialogues on what food justice means to today's youth.

Bill McKibben spoke at the Marion Institute in New Bedford, MA, from October 26-28, 2012. His presentation focused on the ongoing fight against global warming, urging New Englanders to join the effort.

McKibben, author of a dozen environmental books including the seminal *The End of Nature* (1989), co-founded the grassroots climate campaign 350.org. A fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, he notably led the 2011 White House protest against the Keystone pipeline, which resulted in 1,253 arrests—the largest civil disobedience action in 30 years.

Conscious Global Leadership (CGL), founded by Tara Sheahan, empowers leaders to act from strength rather than fear. It emphasizes best inner practices to foster effective leadership.

CGL also mentors individuals, promoting heart-centered living and leadership. Discover more at Conscious Global Leadership.

Join the SEED Institute for its "Wisdom from the Origins Conference," held September 13-17, 2012. This event delves into the Mayan Calendar and other prophecies on humanity's future. Access the full schedule.

The conference features insights from presenters like Gregg Braden, Grandmother Flordemayo (Mayan), LeRoy Little Bear (Blackfoot), Barbara Marx Hubbard, Sequoyah Trueblood (Choctaw), and Tata Pedro Cruz (Mayan). It also includes footage of Dancing Earth's performance, Of Bodies of Elements.

Produced by Ruth Ann Barrett, EarthSayers.tv, Portland, Oregon.

On June 9th, at the Strategies for a New Economy 2012 Conference, a historian and political economist discussed the urgent need for new institutions. He argued that the current system is politically stalemated, economically stagnant, and decaying, despite managing the wealthiest nation.

He emphasized that public awareness of these systemic failures creates an opportunity for fundamental rethinking. As an example, he cited the Cleveland experience, which successfully integrated profits into the community, supported by existing purchasing institutions.

On July 27, 2012, we sadly announce the passing of Grandfather/Maestro Tlakaelel (Francisco Jimenez Sanchez), a revered Mexica-Tolteca Elder, teacher, guide, and guardian of oral traditions. More information is available from the SEED Institute.

Tlakaelel lived into his 90s, dedicating his life to learning, teaching, and honoring ancient traditions. He generously shared his profound knowledge with both Indigenous and non-indigenous communities.

We are profoundly grateful for his life and enduring legacy. He will be honored at the upcoming Wisdom from the Origins Conference, September 13-17, 2012, in Albuquerque, NM.

Barbara Marx Hubbard explores awakening the feminine self after 50, advocating a shift from procreation to co-creation.

Deepak Chopra hails her as "the voice for conscious evolution of our time," and she is the subject of Neale Donald Walsch's "The Mother of Invention." A prolific author, visionary, and educator, Hubbard co-founded and chairs the Foundation for Conscious Evolution. Learn more about her work here.

Gar Alperovitz, a political economy professor at the University of Maryland and co-founder of the Democracy Collaborative, delivered the Green Party convention's keynote address, aired by Democracy Now. Emphasizing "we," Alperovitz stressed the importance of third-party politics to challenge a corporate-run society.

Author of "America Beyond Capitalism: Reclaiming Our Wealth, Our Liberty, and Our Democracy," he argued that systems are defined by wealth control. He highlighted that "the top 400 people own more wealth now than the bottom 185 million Americans taken together," calling it a "medieval structure."

Sustainability Action Media (SAM) recorded a panel presentation at the Earth Day Conference 2012, sponsored by the Earth & Spirit Council. This excerpt features comments from panelist Barbara Ford.

Videotaped by Tom and Barry Heidt of SAM on April 20, 2012, the recording was added to the EarthSayers.tv collection, "Culture and Consciousness," curated by Ruth Ann Barrett.

Larry Merculieff presented "Womb at the Center of the Universe" at the Earth Day Conference 2012, sponsored by the Earth & Spirit Council. This excerpt is from a three-hour teaching circle.

Merculieff's presentation emphasizes "Original Instructions" and "Natural Laws" for harmony, highlighting women's vital role and discussing the "New Spiritual Warrior." Videotaped by Barry Heidt of Sustainability Action Media (SAM) on April 20, 2012, a longer version is available on YouTube. The full teaching, "TEACHINGS FROM THE WOMB: The transformative Powers of Ceremony," is also accessible and was added to the EarthSayers.tv collection by Ruth Ann Barrett.

Linda Neale of the Earth & Spirit Council, author of "Power of Ceremony," addressed the EarthDay Conference 2012. Co-sponsored by the Council and Portland Community College, the event also featured Ilarion (Larry) Merculieff. Born and raised on the Pribilof Islands, Merculieff's traditional name, Kuuyux, signifies "extension of ancient knowledge into modern times."

Neale's book, "Power of Ceremony," is available for purchase. Additionally, Michael TwoFeather's teaching on the same topic is featured on Earthsayers, presented by The Natural Way of the Earth & Spirit Council.

Filmmakers Greg and Shaun MacGillivray discuss passing on their craft, revealing how their children inspired them to create impactful large-format films. They aim to share these cinematic experiences with the world.

Explore more original content from the MacGillivrays on the One World Ocean website and their YouTube channel. Visit OneWorldOneOcean.org for further details.