"WATER:OUR THIRSTY WORLD" PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

"WATER: OUR THIRSTY WORLD" ...An Exhibit at the Annenberg Space for Photography in Association with National Geographic Magazine opened Saturday, March 27, 2010.  This exhibition coincides with the release of National Geographic's April 2010 issue on the precarious state of the world's fresh water.  The exhibition will run through June 13, 2010 and examines the local and global challenges of our planet's fresh water resources captured by a selection of National Geographic's finest, award-winning photographers. The digital and print images will highlight the significance of fresh water in our lives and how the diminishment of this precious resource is impacting local and worldwide communities. A digital film presentation will expand the visitor experience by offering hundreds more National Geographic images and shared insights from photographers.

Jonas Bendiksen, Magnum Photos

India, 2009

In a parched Delhi slum, men swarm a tanker to siphon precious water. “If you throw money here,” says a local 16-year-old named Vinay, “no one would have time to grab it. Water is more important for us.”

Amit Dave, Reuters

India, 2003

Parched Indian villagers mob a vast well in Natwargadh, Gujarat. In this drought-prone western state, yearly monsoon rains can total less than eight inches, and summer temperatures have topped 115°F.

Thomas Havisham, Panos

Angola, 2005

Peddling clean well water for 10 cents a bag, this seller will have no problem finding a buyer in a slum in Luanda, Angola. In 2006 the prevalence of contaminated water in the city led to one of Africa’s worst cholera epidemics, with 80,000 Angolans sickened.

Hans Strand, Freelance

Iceland, 2006

Swirling seaward, branches of the bountiful Kolgrima River inscribe the flatlands near Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier. Milky tones in the water are from pale silt; the blue is the reflection of the sky.

John Stanmeyer, VII

India, 2009

India’s holiest river, the Ganges, is scribbled with light from floating oil lamps during the Ganga Dussehra festival in Haridwar. Hindus near death often bathe in the river; some are later cremated beside it and have their ashes scattered in its depths.

Edward Burtynsky

California, USA, 2009

Grass is not an option in Salton City, which survives on water imported from the Colorado River. With 20 million more residents expected in California by 2050, the state’s quest for water is never over.

Edward Burtynsky

California, USA, 2009

Once the city’s main water source, the Los Angeles River is now a concrete channel fed by storm drains. City residents rely on water pumped from hundreds of miles away.

John Stanmeyer, VII

Laos, 2009

A woman launches an offering on the Mekong River, known to Laotians as the “mother of waters.” The occasion is Boun Pi Mai Lao, the New Year’s celebration, in April.

Ethiopia 2009

In pursuit of water, the girl with the green ladle routinely walks three hours to and from her Ethiopian village of Foro. Females here spend most of their lives fetching water; boys are exempted from the job when they turn seven or eight. 

Lynn Johnson, National Geographic Magazine

Ethiopia, 2009

To this end, NGOs are working to bring clean water to forgotten places, using technology—like a sand dam to capture rainwater in Ethiopia, where some women must wrest drops from muddy seeps —while ensuring that locals are involved in designing, building, and maintaining water projects." 

Kitra Cahana, National Geographic Magazine

Nevada, USA, 2009

Shaped like a water drop, this 17-foot-tall steel “meditation space” was made by Kate Raudenbush for Nevada’s annual Burning Man event. Her goal is “to bring awareness to the element of water on our planet and its vital importance to our evolutionary balance.”

Lynn Johnson, National Geographic Magazine

Ethiopia, 2009

In the Foro district of Ethiopia, rocks cover a family latrine, and a stick acts as a handle. Surveys show that the hygiene-education efforts of WaterAid, an NGO, are working here: Latrine use has risen from 6 to 25 percent since December 2007.

Lynn Johnson, National Geographic Magazine

Ethiopia, 2009

Installed by the NGO WaterAid, makeshift wash stations like this one—a water bottle fastened to the exterior of a grass hut, with soap nearby—are appearing in Ethiopian villages, where lack of sanitation can be as dire a problem as water scarcity.

Gerd Ludwig, National Geographic Magazine

California, USA, 2009

In 2007, high levels of bromate—a carcinogen formed when bromide and chlorine react with sunlight—were found in Los Angeles’s seven-acre, 58-million-gallon Ivanhoe Reservoir. Today, three million black plastic balls help deflect UV rays.

Lynn Johnson, National Geographic Magazine

Ethiopia, 2009

In Shekana, Ethiopia, Halike Berisha must fill her jug from a contaminated reservoir. Access to clean water is not solely a rural problem, but the challenges of delivering it are most daunting in remote places. 

Theo Allofs, Corbis

Australia, 2006

Brown with sediment loosed by seasonal rains, Australia’s King River snakes through the coastal mudflats of the Kimberley, a remote northwestern region. In the dry months of May to September, the 76-mile meander lies bare.

Lynn Johnson, National Geographic Magazine

Kenya 2009

Tribal Gabra women in northern Kenya may need five hours a day to lug jerry cans laden with murky water across the desert. A lingering drought has pushed this already arid region to a full-blown water crisis.

About the Annenberg Space for Photography

The Annenberg Space for Photography is an entirely new cultural destination dedicated to exhibiting compelling photography. The Space conveys a range of human experiences and serves as an expression of the philanthropic work of the Annenberg Foundation and its Trustees. The intimate environment features state-of-the-art, high-definition digital technology as well as traditional prints by some of the world's most renowned and emerging photographers. The exhibits change three times a year, however the common thread throughout is one of rich emotion. The Photography Space informs and inspires the public by connecting photographers, philanthropy and the human experience through powerful imagery and stories. It is the first solely photographic cultural destination in the Los Angeles area.

Earth Day- Everyday- Earth Hour- Today! 8:30pm

"Fourty years after the first Earth day the world is in greater peril than ever"

photo courtesy inhabitat

Earth Day 2010 can be a turning point to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs.  The Earth Day Network is stimulating millions to make personal commitments to sustainability. This is a pivotal opportunity for individuals, corporations and government to join together and create a global green economy.

photo courtesy loftlifemag

Core Issues

Sustainable Development. Action is needed to promote green building, organic agriculture and responsible building practices.  We must find new ways of living and growing in harmony with nature and with the earth's finite resources.

Climate Change is the greatest challenge but also has the greatest unprecedented opportunity to build a healthy, prosperous, clean energy economy now and for the future.

Energy. 50 percent of the energy we consume comes from coal.  The time to build a clean energy network is now.  Take action by pledging to attend a city council meeting and engage politicians locally and nationally to demand investing in renewable energy.

More on these issues along with water, recycling, green economy, conservation, advocacy, education and green schools and what you can do can be found at Earth day.org

Participate in Earth Hour this Saturday March 27 at 8:30 for one hour.  

 Take Action or Capture Your Action or Make an Hour Lantern

 

Is Your Hand Lotion is Harming our Ocean? Think about whats it's doing to your body...

I don't know about you, but I prefer my ocean to look like this ...

rather than this...

"The Solution to Pollution is no longer Dilution"

According to the latest findings by Heal the Ocean in Santa Barbara, not only are our oceans in danger but so is our freshwater supply.  Their goal is to move toward reclaimed wastewater by adapting treatment plants to focus on reclaiming this water rather than dumping untreated chemical contaminants it into our oceans.  By doing so we could solve two problems:  stop widespread pollution of the ocean and address the lack of potable water needed to sustain the states future.

How can you help?

Take a look at what ingredients are in your everyday household goods.  If you can't pronounce it, you should not be putting it down the drain- OR on your body OR on your dishes, counter tops and floors-where your kids and pets spend most of their day.  

Before waste water treatment facilities will be able to start reclaiming water they will need to tackle one major issue: Chemical Pollution

Are You Aware?  Can you pass it along?

Antibacterial soaps, shampoos, pharmaceuticals and pesticides are found in our everyday products and are not only harming our oceans, but harming us as well!  Most of us are still unaware of the chemicals we are brushing our teeth with, rubbing into our scalp and onto our skin. Skin is the largest organ in our body, and if not for the ocean, do it for yourself and your family. Switching household products to Mrs. Meyers or Method is a great start.  They smell better anyway and actually make cleaning pleasant, I find the Basil or Geranium scented Meyer's counter top spray and dish washing soap to feel like aromaTHERAPY while I do my everyday chores. Filling the house with a pleasing scent opposed to the pine sol and bleach stench I grew up with is reason enough to switch. These products have recently made their way to major supermarket shelves and are therefore more accessible.

Try Tom's of Maine toothpaste and deodorants that are free of mercury and formaldehyde among other scary things.  Trader Joe's also has a great tasting non-toxic toothpaste.

Parabens and other toxic chemicals are found in most facial products, a great alternative to those is Apriori as previously discussed here.

We need to focus on the little steps we can do to reduce our carbon footprint and 

Heal the Ocean.

"Ocean Waste water discharge has become even more questionable as waste water contains a growing number of contaminants of emerging concern, and freshwater becomes more scarce."

Coastal communities flush away more than 1 billion gallons of fresh water everyday by discharging waste water into the Pacific Ocean. California Ocean waste water Discharge Report and Inventory examined the states 43 waste water treatment facilities and determined that only 312 million gallons are reclaimed daily for beneficial use.  

Hillary Hauser, executive director for Heal the Ocean says a major campaign is needed to raise awareness about the benefits of high-quality recycled water and its potential to be cleaner than many drinking water supplies.  Heal the Ocean officials are distributing the report to water agencies and state officials and feel the next step is to put together a campaign to find funding for treatment upgrades and a shift toward reclaimed water.  The report took half a decade to complete and can be viewed at Heal the Ocean's site.

While they tackle the larger campaign to find funding for treatment upgrades, we can all campaign to make smaller changes in what we are putting down our drain and on our bodies.  Please pass this on!  Help others Heal themselves and the Ocean!

Post Author for GloballyGorgeous

Tamara Wallop

New York City Firefighters Calendar is Out! I had a rough day!

I'm sorry but I had a rough day today....So I'm posting this to cheer me up..self indulgent?  I don't care!

Go here to purchase calandar and support  at the NYFirestore a portion of the proceeds benefit the Staten Island Burn Center. 

City of the Brave Calendar: A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each calendar benefit the Thomas R. Elsasser Fund.

Red Carpet Green Dress at the Oscars

James Cameron may not have taken home the big award at the Oscars this year but the women of his life certainly shined as ex-wife, Kathryn Bigelow, took Best Director and Best Picture for Hurt Locker. I know, Old News..

What you may not have known was his wife Suzy, model, actress, environmental champion, educational activist and mother of five children also shined in her "green" dress.   It was the winner of her "Red Carpet, Green Dress" competition. 

"Caring for the Planet is always in fashion" 

 The competition provided opportunity to aspiring designers to MUSE's, globally green philosophy by applying environmental awareness into everyday lives. Designs were submitted by amateur designers to create a black tie dress made of natural/ organic or sustainable materials while encouraging these future designers to estimate their carbon footprints when creating their clothing lines. 

Winner was Jillian Granz, a senior with majors in apparel and textile design at Michigan State University

MUSE Elementary and MUSE Global emphasize respecting each child, the self, others, and the environment. Suzy Amis Cameron's hope is that the Red Carpet Green Dress will use the international language of fashion to begin a dialog of healing for humankind and the planet. 

"If there is to be true peace in the world, it must begin with the children" -Ghandi

Modern Art Promotes Sustainablity Through Underwater Experience

Jason de Caires Taylor is my latest find, a successful artist, underwater naturalist, certified diving instructor and award winning photographer. I am completely in awe of how he has unified his creative talents with his love of underwater life and commitment to sustainability all in one amazing visual destination. 

Born in 1974, growing up globetrotting the world and graduating from University of Arts London with a B.A. Honors in Sculpture and Ceramics, he is now the first creator of the world's first underwater park. He has gained international recognition for his unique work of sculptures that highlight ecological processes while exploring intricate relationships between modern art and the environment. Interventions of sculptures that form artificial reefs "promote hope and recovery, and underline our need to understand and protect the natural world." 

Oceans teem with microscopic organisms that are constantly drifting down towards the seabed, attaching to and colonizing on the way any hard secure surface, such as rock outcrops, and thereby creating the basis of a natural reef. Coral reefs attract an array of marine life (such as colorful fish, turtles, sea urchins, sponges, and sharks) and also provide enclosed spaces for sea creatures to breed or take refuge. Only about 10 – 15% of the seabed has a solid enough substratum to allow reefs to form naturally. In order to increase the number of reefs in these areas, artificial reefs have recently been created from materials that are durable, secure and environmentally sensitive. These reefs appear to have been successful in that they have attracted coral growth, which, in turn, can support an entire marine ecosystem. One of the greatest benefits of artificial reefs is that they have lifted the pressure off natural reefs, which over the past few decades, have been over-fished and over-visited. By diverting attention to artificial reefs, natural reefs have now been given a greater chance to repair and regenerate.

The first 100 sculptures of the installation “The Silent Evolution” are now nearing completion. The life-size figurative casts taken from various members of the local community are planned to form a monumental artificial reef, aiming to draw both visitors and marine life to an uninhabited area of the national marine park. 

The experience of being underwater is vastly different from that of being on land. There are physical and optical considerations that must be taken into account, objects appear larger and colors alter as light is absorbed and reflected. Water is a malleable medium that enables the viewers to become active in their engagement.

Vicissitudes depicts a circle of figures, all linked through holding hands. These are life-size casts taken from a group of children of diverse ethnic background. Circular in structure and located five meters below the surface, the work both withstands currents and replicates one of the primary geometric shapes, evoking ideas of unity and continuum. 

"The sculpture proposes growth, chance and natural transformation.  it shows how time and environment impact and shape the physical body.  Children, by nature are adaptive to their surroundings.  Their use within the work highlights the importance of creating a sustainable and well-managed environment, a space for future generations."

The first installation of 200 sculptures is scheduled for deployment in June 2010 with the remainder of the 400 by the end of the year. Since November 09 the first 3 underwater pieces installed in the; Museo Subaquatico de Cancun have been a great success, drawing much interest from tourists and already showing exponential coral growth in only 3 months.

Post Author for Globally Gorgeous

Tamara Wallop

Jack Johnson-Role Model of Eco Lifestyle

 

What is not to love about role model, Jack Johnson with his catchy melodies that inspire a low key way to live and love your neighbor as well as our planet. It is quite fitting that he and his wife, Kim were presented with the "Kuleana Award" as part of Kanu Hawaii's birthday celebration. Kanu Hawaii is a grassroots movement that draws on "island strengths" to make Hawaii a model of "environmental sustainability, economic resilience and compassionate community." The award was presented to six individuals who have "inspired change in others and their community through their own demonstrations of Kuleana" which is defined by the non- profit group as "courageous acts of responsibility and leadership by example."

"As a team, Jack and Kim model stewardship, compassion, and living lightly on the earth.  They live a simple lifestyle, eat from their own garden, and devote lots of quality time to their children and their North Shore community.  Jack's music has introduced people around the world to island values of environmental stewardship and aloha, and profits from his tours support local and global environmental work.  Kim has worked tirelessly to build the Kokua Hawai'i Foundation into a local institution that is committed, as she is, to positive, empowering approaches that educate keiki and build a more eco-conscious community." (Statement issued by the Kanu)

 

                       

Thank you Jack Johnson for being such an inspiration to us all. 

Post author for Globally Gorgeous

Tamara Wallop

Cheers to Pepsi! Choosing Sustainability and Philanthropy over Super Bowl Advertising

For the first time in over 20 years, Pepsi will not be advertising with the Super Bowl 2010.  Pepsi is choosing to pour millions into a refreshingly new and innovative social media campaign, Refresh Everything.

Vote for your favorite idea or submit and idea here.  

Hope you got some Wasara dinnerware  and made some of Sloane's Chili for your party!

And don't forget.... Please Recycle!

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY - SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE EARTHQUAKE RECONSTRUCTION IN HAITI

Here is a link to ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY. Please go to it and learn how you can help to rebuild Haiti.  Also, here is a link to a book on the innovative homes that were rebuilt after Hurricane Kattrina in Biloxi Mississippi.

                                      

REBUILDING AFTER DISASTER: The Biloxi Model Home Program

NOH8 CAMPAIGN IS BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED USING ADAM BOUSKA'S PHOTOGRAPHY

The NOH8 (no hate, no on proposition 8 in California) is an ingenious graphic campaign. Not only was I shocked and thrilled by Cindy and Meghan McCain's support of the NOH8 CAMPAIGN, I was taken by the beautiful photographs taken of them by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska.  Go to the site and check out these fantastic photographs and please donate if you are inclined to.