Differences Magazine

On Sunday, February 17th, 2013 at Washington D.C.'s National Mall, an estimated 35,000 people united in protest against the pending construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline.

The Mayans predicted a shift in consciousness at the end of 2012, so it seems appropriate at the beginning of a new year to discuss new ways of thinking. The New Age is a philosophical movement that started in the 1970s and continues today.

Last month's list discovered the natural beauty of Europe, from Iceland to Greece. Remember, the International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." It's the best kind of travel! Here are some activities in the U.S.A. that are bursting with beauty and adventure....

Summer 2012 has sadly come to a close but that means it's time to start planning next summer's adventures! The International Ecotourism Society defines Ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people," so wherever you go, make sure to buy locally! Here is a list of fun ecotourism experiences to have in Europe; however, if you can't make the journey across the pond, there are plenty of similar experiences just waiting to be had in the United States.

WHAT IS AN OLD-GROWTH FOREST?

An old-growth forest is a forest that contains trees between 120 and 1000 years old. The trees older than America itself have witnessed the Pilgrims, Civil War, and the Great Depression. Standard features of old-growth forests include scarce association with humans, dead trees, large trees, old trees, and rich organic matter on the ground. Old-growth forests are rare, but can be found in pristine locations across the globe, such as in Redwood National and State Parks.

It's a common sight to see a label reading 10% ethanol at the gas pump these days. Ethanol is made from corn and can be used as a fuel, which seems to be a good thing – it means less reliance on fossil fuels.

Water is essential for life. All living things rely on it and are made up of it. 60% of the human body is composed of water, and it is crucial that we replenish our supply several times a day. With water covering 71% of the Earth's surface, one would think everyone should have easy access to water, but it is unevenly distributed.

When you hear the word "vegan", what's the first thing that comes to mind? For me, it used to be either piles of tofu stacked on top of mountains of kale, or PETA protestors throwing paint at people wearing mink coats. Living in NYC has made me more open to the all-veggie world, with the insane number of vegan-centric eateries and retail stores.

The Great Global Warming Swindle, a documentary that can be viewed on YouTube, boasts a compelling assertion: carbon dioxide does not cause global warming. This documentary stands in direct contrast to Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth, an internationally influential documentary explaining man-made global warming and the grim future of the Earth.

LUMENHAUS is an international award-winning house designed and built at Virginia Tech. LUMENHAUS is totally self sufficient: its computer automated controls respond to changes in the environment to maximize both energy efficiency and comfort for those residing inside. LUMENHAUS is 100% solar powered and produces no waste or byproducts.