December 2008

Every movement needs its manifesto. As the organizing body of the largest eco-everything exhibition in the country, it’s fitting that the folks who bring us Green Festivals should be the ones to take on the task. Their Reader, a collection of more than a dozen essays from the pens of prominent voices in what is fast becoming the movement of the beginning of the 21st century, includes a refreshing 50-50 mix of criticisms of the old and solutions for the future. Highlights include Dennis Kucinich’s call for a Green New Deal, based on the principles of sustainability, including a GWA — a Green Works Administration, which would create millions of new green jobs, an idea echoed by Marie Kerpan, author of Balance: The Ultimate Challenge of the 21st Century, in her essay “Green Careers: The New Frontier.” David Korten and Ralph Nader articulate the dark side of corporate control and advocate for Earth-thinking over Empire-thinking (Korten) and the abolition of state-chartered corporations (Nader). And the list goes on. As a new administration and the hope of a fresh perspective takes hold, one hopes the Green Festival Reader will find its way into the hands of the folks who need to read it most.

— E.L.