I know this is an uncertain time, one that triggers the worst in us: fear, scarcity, confusion, grief… Each moment feels like an hour, each day melting into the next. If we ourselves aren’t suffering from illness or mourning someone who is, we are in isolation, grasping for understanding of what to do, how long we will be here, and what the world will even look like when we emerge.
On May 15, New Jersey said no the the Williams/NESE fracked gas pipeline and compressor station! This four-year struggle brought together thousands of grassroots activists from New Jersey and New York. Congratulations to everyone involved, and a big thank you to Governor Murphy and the NJDEP!
Join us for a victory rally on Monday, May 18 at 1 p.m. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Dear Waterspirit community,
Please accept my best wishes for your health and well-being. We have all been impacted by this crisis, but my heart goes out especially to those who have lost loved ones and those who are laboring or living in unsafe conditions. I extend a special prayer for our sister ministry, Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ.
I wish to take this moment to discuss how the pandemic has impacted Waterspirit. Our team has been working from home since March 13. With shocking rapidity, we watched the pandemic unfold in New Jersey and proceeded to shift course. Unfortunately, this quick change and lockdown meant that we have not yet had the opportunity to adequately celebrate the retirement of our dear administrative assistant, Barbara Hrubecky. If you would like to send her a note, please do so at water (at) waterspirit (dot) org, and we will make sure she receives it.
Our programming--which had happened almost entirely in-person—is, for the time being, happening exclusively online. Since direct contact with the earth and with each other was so central to Waterspirit’s way of being in the world, the shift to the digital was abrupt and, at first, a little alienating. Yet, the energetic flow between our hearts has perhaps never been more important than it is now. We continue to offer ways to come together using digital tools, including Zoom, social media, and YouTube. Our 10-step eco-anxiety support group that ended in early April has evolved into open “Connection in the Time of Coronavirus” community care calls. Participants engage in reflection, share resources, and actively listen in order to cultivate and sustain a network of support. The next 10-step eco-anxiety support group will launch on May 27 and run through August 10. New “Meditation for Earth” videos are posted on our YouTube channel every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. Our book club met over Zoom during Earth Week and is preparing to meet virtually again on June 29. We are currently in the process of planning for the summer solstice— by hosting an interactive digital ceremony on June 20, as well as by sending out suggestions for commemorative practices at home. We will remain entirely digital through the end of June, and are still waiting to see what the summer will bring.
As you can see, the shift online has not slowed down the pace at Waterspirit. We are, however, allowing our team ample time to engage in self-care. The long-term impacts of this crisis are too nebulous to understand fully now, so we need to keep ourselves centered and clear for the long haul if need be.
One thing is certain: whatever way this pandemic plays out, we will emerge from it into a world that is still in the midst of a climate crisis. The question before us now is what lessons we will take away from this experience and what kind of world we want to build from it. Business-as-usual—the old, destructive paradigm—is never going to be usual again. (Or, if it is, it will not be for long.) This is why we have not missed a beat with our advocacy efforts to block fossil fuel expansion in the state of New Jersey and to connect with other like-minded justice advocates at the United Nations. Thankfully, the world is home to a vast network of caring, engaged people who are also collectively imagining into being a new, more just world. In order to focus on hopeful solutions, Waterspirit will begin hosting a series of informal “Waterside Chats”, beginning with a discussion of Laudato Si’ with Waterspirit board member, Father Edward J. Ciuba. More “Waterside Chats” will follow as we continue to learn and imagine what we would like to world to look like together.
I invite you to reach out to us at any time. We are still checking the mail and the phones as well as our e-mail and social media, and we would love to hear from you. What do you need to see at this time? What kind of programming would be interesting and useful? How can we be there to help?
With love, light, and gratitude,
Blair Nelsen, Executive Director
Click here to access Waterspirit’s Spring 2020 Newsletter! Inside you’ll find:
an article on eco-anxiety
links to access the online Spring Equinox Celebration and Meditation for Earth
honor and memory cards
Earth Day suggestions
photos from recent programs and actions
...and more!
Click here to read recent reflections on Advent season at the United Nations by Waterspirit’s Executive Director and UN Representative, Blair Nelsen.
Click here to view the pdf version of Waterspirit’s Winter 2019 Newsletter.
Inside you’ll find:
An eco-friendly gift guide to transform your holiday shopping,
Reflections on a world full of plastic and what we can do about it,
Photos from “Waves of Gratitude: a Celebration of Suzanne Golas, CSJP” and other recent Waterspirit events,
Updates on upcoming programs,
And more!
Our electronic newsletter is just like our printed one— only greener! If you currently receive our printed newsletter and would like to switch, please drop us a note at water@waterspirit.org.
Happy holidays!
Plastic is everywhere—especially around the holidays. It seems like every item nowadays has at least some plastic component, and it leaves a lot to be desired for parents or loved ones who might want to avoid the material altogether. A sustainable holiday does not have to mean no presents and no fancy food but, when it comes to eco-gifting, usefulness and sustainability are the name of the game, and it’s great to support local businesses where you can. If you order online, it doesn’t hurt to ask for plastic-free shipping options in the comments of your order—you never know who might happily comply. Shopping secondhand is a great way to move towards plastic-free (and even zero waste) gifting, as is shopping for books and card games your family will love. Experience gifts, like tickets to a concert or membership to the zoo, can be a big hit. And of course, get creative! Crafting together using existing craft supplies is a fun way to bond.
So where do you look for plastic-free gifts? The suggestions below will guide you toward a plastic-free holiday full of items your friends and family will love!
· Make your own: Nothing is as thoughtful as a home-made gift. Cut back on waste and push back against the frenzied consumerism of festive buying. DIY ideas can range from cards to desserts, so let your imagination run wild and have fun being extra thoughtful this season.
Swap out the things you use regularly for eco-friendlier products like:
· Reusable Dryer Sheets and Dryer Balls: Eliminate static and soften your laundry without dryer sheets going straight into the garbage after a single cycle. Beautifully packaged. For a unique and fun laundry, baby showers, bridal showers, housewarming, mother’s day, for your best friends, or a college kid about to start his own laundry. Comes in a beautiful and handy BONUS organic cotton gift bag, with an instruction manual full of eco-conscious tips. https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Eco-Wool-Dryer-Balls/dp/B06XDKQ266/?creativeASIN=B06XDKQ266&linkCode=w50&tag=rf29amazon-20&imprToken=o0g-K2PpnyZTVB-B3kTsGw&slotNum=7
· Reseal-able Storage Bags: Save food for later or keep odds and ends organized with these reseal- able storage bags that are sturdy and easy to clean. https://www.amazon.com/Stasher-SiliconeReusableBagSandwich/dp/B01DZQT99I/?creativeASIN=B01DZQT99I&linkCode=w50&tag=rf29amazon-20&imprToken=o0g-K2PpnyZTVB-B3kTsGw&slotNum=8
· Reusable Bee's Wax Food Wraps: Replace single-use sandwich bags with bee's wax wraps to become a truly eco-conscious lunch-packer. https://www.amazon.com/Bees-Wrap-Assorted-SustainableAlternative/dp/B0126LMDFK/?creativeASIN=B0126LMDFK&linkCode=w50&tag=rf29amazon-20&imprToken=o0g-K2PpnyZTVB-B3kTsGw&slotNum=12
· Mason Jar Lids with Straw Set: It’s the ultimate starter kit for anyone who enjoys taking their coffee or tea on the go. Help your friends and loved ones avoid the wasteful plague of plastic, paper or Styrofoam to-go cups. This package includes two bamboo mason jar lids with straw holes, two food-grade silicone straws, and one straw cleaning brush. It comes with a cotton drawstring bag for easy carrying and cleanliness. https://www.amazon.com/Mason-Reusable-Bamboo-RegularSilicone/dp/B07W2YL3VV/ref=as_li_ss_tl?&hvadid=366384136223&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2087786210371297587&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004504&hvtargid=pla-845829299444&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=79036177111&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=366384136223&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2087786210371297587&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004504&hvtargid=pla-845829299444&linkCode=ll1&tag=sm-holiday-gifts-other-20&linkId=bc678ff87a46de86aa018fa35e703336&language=en_US
· Ballpoint Eco Pen Eco-friendly Pen Set Made from Biodegradable Recycled Cardboard, 0.5mm Medium Ballpoint, Black Ink, Great Gift Pens for School, Office And Home (16 Count) https://www.amazon.com/Eco-friendly-Biodegradable-Recycled-Cardboard-Ballpoint/dp/B07V35Y41T/ref=asc_df_B07V35Y41T/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385265189720&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=394206153210137513&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003697&hvtargid=aud-801738734305:pla-825401771030&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=80205194082&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385265189720&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=394206153210137513&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003697&hvtargid=aud-801738734305:pla-825401771030
· Do you have a not-so-sustainable friend who doesn’t know where to begin? Give them the gentle push they need with the ultimate starter kit from The Package Free Shop. To start their new trash-free life, they’ll get a 180z water bottle, 12oz insulated mug, bamboo utensils set, stainless steel straw, 100% organic cotton produce bag, 100% organic cotton net produce bag, two airtight stainless steel containers, a bamboo toothbrush, and a beeswax food wrap variety pack. It all comes in a double-sided tote bag that reads “Think Outside the Box,” so you can carry your zero-waste kit wherever you go.
https://packagefreeshop.com/collections/zero-waste-kits-1/products/zero-waste-starter-kit-the-works
· Waterspirit Gear –We have Recycled Cotton T-shirts, Canvas Tote bags (bye bye plastic bags!) and Water bottles to make your eco-friendly gift giving as easy as 1,2,3. Contact us today at 732-923-9788 or email water@waterspirit.org.
· Natural Body and Home products: Thistle Farms provides women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction a second chance at life. Every sale benefits the women survivors who make their products. https://thistlefarms.org/.
· Eco-friendly I-phone cases: Pela Case provides compostable phone cases and zero-waste screen protectors; Join the global community of earth heroes taking action towards a waste free future. https://pelacase.com/
· Love your Melon Knit Beanies and Headbands - Built on a brand mission of fighting against pediatric cancer, Love Your Melon donates 50% of its profit from sales of knit beanies and headbands to pediatric cancer research funds. With its latest line called Revitalize, Love Your Melon’s knit products are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles in an effort to reduce the 250+ billion plastic bottles that end up in our landfills, oceans, and forests yearly. Each knit item in the Revitalize collection is made from four plastic bottles and also supports the fight against pediatric cancer. Plus, kids love the bright colors and how warm it keeps your melon during cold winter months! https://loveyourmelon.com/collections/revitalize-release/products/salmon-pink-revitalize-knit-headband
· Natural Rubber Toys: Plastic is some of the worst stuff for the planet and for our health and yet, so many baby and kids’ toys are made from it. The mom in your life deserves some adorably sustainable baby toys for her little one. The Fruits & Veggies Set from Oli & Carol includes Arnold the Avocado, Wally the Watermelon, and Kendall the Kale. Like all of Oli & Carol’s toys, the Fruits & Veggie set is made from 100% sustainable rubber. They’re soft and easy for Baby to hold, and can be used as teethers, bath toys, and more
https://oliandcarol.us/catalog/fruits-veggies/fruit-veggie-gift-set.html
· Reusable Mesh Produce Bags: Bring these along to the grocery store to use for produce instead of the flimsy plastic bags on a roll that require you to lick your fingertips to actually get open. (#gross) This set includes 9 mesh bags, made up of 2 Small 12 x 8 inch, 5 medium or large 12 x 14 inch, and 2 extra large 12 x 17 inch to fit all kinds of items. They are double-stitched and can each hold up to 11 pounds. https://www.amazon.com/purifyou-Premium-Reusable-Unbleached-Double-Stitched/dp/B07MW5JMWN/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ac_md=3-2-QWJvdmUgJDI1-ac_d_pm&keywords=produce+bags&pd_rd_i=B07MW5JMWN&pd_rd_r=55aeb8b5-6f06-4242-8073-0521df3ba3b0&pd_rd_w=3W7BD&pd_rd_wg=EPYA8&pf_rd_p=be5d8dec-444e-4770-91df1e16a8c46da8&pf_rd_r=10F6ASD0H7XWT5K9KFF7&psc=1&qid=1565583094&s=gateway&linkCode=ll1&tag=scarymommy20&linkId=91f32831cd240bccc106ce913aede195&language=en_US
· Botanical Paper Works: Bio-degradable / plantable seed papers in wildflower/ vegetable + herb, seeded cards, plantable wedding invitations, etc. https://www.botanicalpaperworks.com/
· Using Amazon for all your gifts this season? Be sure to use ‘Amazon Green’ when shopping on their site by switching your search from “All Departments” to “Amazon Green” in the toolbar at the top of the page.
