01May 2017 by Leah Feor No Comments

22 Quotes about Peace, Social Justice, and Sustainable Development

All Posts, Featured, Sustainable Development Goals

At the core of the 17 Global Goals, there is a call to action. One that asks individuals to actively participate in sustainable development across the globe. Whether you work at the local or global level; in health care, environmental restoration, or finance, it doesn’t matter – everyone has a role to play. Goal #16 ~ Promote just, peaceful, and inclusive societies The targets behind this goal are vast and require fundamental change to regulatory systems and dated ideologies. Success lies in empowering global citizens to take action locally, offering inspiration and ideas to the community at large. Are you looking to get inspired? Here is a small collection of thought provoking quotes by some of the greatest leaders our world has known. Enjoy! "Peace comes from within. Do not…

03Feb 2017 by Leah Feor No Comments

Wetlands Key to Success of Global Goals

All Posts, Featured, Sustainable Development Goals

Did you know that once upon a time wetlands were considered wastelands? A lot has changed since then. Today, they hold high importance globally and are protected under international treaty to ensure wise use for sustainable development. Having just celebrated World Wetlands Day, I thought this would be a great topic to showcase the interconnection of Global Goal 14: Life Below Water & Global Goal 15: Life on Land. “A Wetland is a meeting area where Water and Land become one" ~ Romain About Wetlands As you might know or have guessed, they are plots of land saturated in water. Land submerged under water is either seasonal or year round. Wetlands are identified by plants adaptable to saturated soil conditions caused by water at or near the surface. The soil type…

14Jan 2017 by Leah Feor No Comments

Duty of Care to Act on Climate Change

All Posts, Featured, Sustainable Development Goals

Have you ever wondered what you can do to help solve the issues surrounding climate change? The impacts of a warming planet and changing climate have been affecting the state of our environment for decades. Scientist came forward long ago alongside organizations and individuals standing up for the Earth, urging all citizens to recognize the results of the industrial era and to change business as usual. While there was much growth and prosperity over the past 200 years, it was far too often at the expense of the Earth and its people. ‘We Are the First Generation that Can End Poverty, the Last that Can End Climate Change.” ~Ban Ki-moon Solutions come from the ground up – the grassroots movements across the globe. It is up to the individual to…

16Jun 2016 by Leah Feor No Comments

Still Wondering Why to Invest in Sustainability?

All Posts, Featured, Sustainable Development Goals

Have you ever noticed that people who promote sustainability are optimistic? Perhaps it's because we know that the true benefits of sustainability go beyond going green, they also make economic sense. Speak to a skeptic, they might tell you it costs too much. Either way you look at it, environmental initiatives across the globe may cost you today, but tomorrow’s payoff is well worth the investment. We’ve reached Sustainable Development (SDGs) Goal 9 in a series of blogs that I’ve been writing to break down the targets, and share my insight. Steps to Sustainable Development Going through each topic has been a great exercise for me, and I hope it’s been beneficial for you as well. Together we are taking a closer look at what it really takes to make…

11Jan 2016 by Leah Feor No Comments

Sustainability Sweet Spot

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Ever tried to fit a square peg into a round hole? How about a round peg into a square hole? I have, and the results are amazing. You see, I always believed myself to be a round peg. And after researching the term a little bit deeper, it's all so clear. The origins of the idiom are attributed to the 19th-century British philosopher and cleric Sydney Smith who uses the word “misfit” to define the peg. Of course, that makes sense – mis-fit. Another part of the example I found quite interesting – “trying to combine two things that do not belong or fit together”. That one triggered an interesting memory. The Big Question It was fourth year of university, and as I was standing in front of the students in…

04Jan 2016 by Leah Feor No Comments

My vision was blurry, but my purpose is clear

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At the end of 2014 I posted How’s your Vision? I think it’s safe for me to admit that mine was a bit blurry. I wrote that post on December 31st, 2014. I was going full force ahead, wind at my back, embracing a new way for a Simply Sustainable life. That was of course until I went to Cuba in January and had to explain what exactly I did for a living. It wasn’t hard due to a language barrier, my Spanish skills are quite good. It was due to the fact that I really didn’t know where I was going or exactly how I would get there. I knew that I wanted to share and connect; to teach and learn, but I didn't fully know how I would do…

17Dec 2015 by Leah Feor No Comments

Romancing the Revolution

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It’s easier to assume a status quo style of life if you’ve never been exposed to the alternative, faced with the opportunity to go in a different direction. For me, doing things differently has pretty much been second nature. It’s a blessing and a curse to take the road less traveled – near every single time. Yet, when I’m at the crossroads, the paved way doesn’t quite convince me. My leap of faith therefore leads me off the beaten track, with each new adventure an experience to be had. Over the years this has taught me lessons, brought me joy, anxiety, fear, love, hate, relief, amongst other sentiments. Although, above all, it kept me believing – in me. Once I hit my twenties, life was starting to bloom. A lot…

21Nov 2014 by Leah Feor No Comments

Shifting to a Simply Sustainable Lifestyle

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Have you ever noticed how good it feels to be outside, connected with Nature? While living in Venezuela, I recognized that the closer to the Earth I am, the better I feel. It was 2009 and under fortunate circumstances, I traveled through much of this beautiful country. rich in natural beauty and gorgeous landscapes. In the State of Merida, something led me to the mountain town of Tabay. An encounter with a local businessman brought me even further into the mountains to a small neighbourhood called El Guamal. Farm Life The first month my travel partner and I rented the main house on a farm. The following month, we sublet the much smaller house on the same property that was previously abandoned. A couple from Argentina restored the space, and turned…

04Jul 2014 by Leah Feor No Comments

Are we building to last?

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I am so grateful that I was inspired to use the name Simply Sustainable for my grassroots movement. Its origin being from a “consulting firm” I created while studying Environmental Management as a student at Niagara College in 2006. When I decided to transition into artistry a couple of years later, the name stuck. It reminds me of two key components, a two item checklist: Am I keeping it Simple? Am I making it Sustainable? [caption id="attachment_104" align="aligncenter" width="453"] Tulum, Mexico[/caption] Define simple? I have come to know and satisfy this term by building a grassroots movement using basic ingredients: time, patience, hard work, devotion, love, creativity, positive energy, traditional techniques, etc. It has not been easy, but I have done my best to keep it simple. Sustainability? This term…

07May 2014 by Leah Feor No Comments

What Makes a City Sustainable?

All Posts, Fair Trade, Triple Bottom Line

Do you live in a city that practices sustainable development? For me, the desire to live in a truly sustainable city inspired me to become a student again. Luckily this time around technology offers a unique opportunity to learn from great teachers located around the world for free. The online course taught by Prof Jeffrey Sachs offered through coursera.org was eye opening. Sustainable Development based on the key principles of Social Inclusion, Environmental Sustainability, & Economic Development is a great objective for the road ahead. The course concluded last week leaving students with an abundance of knowledge and tools to help us work together at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations. Conscious Consumption Being an entrepreneur teaches me many things that I never would have learned in…