22Aug 2017 by Leah Feor No Comments

In Pursuit of Balanced Collaboration

All Posts, Featured, Sustainable Development Goals

Do you find it hard to collaborate with people on the other side of an issue? You might be wondering, “why would I collaborate with someone I don’t agree with?”. Well, the answer is simple. That’s how we co-exist. Further, that’s how we progress. The world is full of differences in opinions, beliefs, needs, wants, etc. Because we can benefit from finding common ground, we must collaborate beyond just our allies. Take a Seat Collaboration is about more than working with people on the same side of an issue. It’s about finding a seat at the same table as your “opposition”. If we are all in this together, then solutions must come from all sides. How can we meet in in the middle if we’re forced to take sides? Triple…

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…

06Dec 2016 by Leah Feor No Comments

Investing in Sustainable Consumption

All Posts, Fair Trade, Featured, Sustainable Development Goals, Triple Bottom Line

Do you want to make sustainable solutions part of your daily life? Good news! When it comes to the way you buy and sell, you can. A big part of the plan to achieve the Global Goals – otherwise known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – lies in changing the way you do business. Even if you don’t own a business, as a customer, you can be part of the solution. While business is about making a profit, entrepreneurs and shoppers alike are quickly realizing that operations can go beyond dollars and cents. In following a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework, businesses can empower people, help the environment, and make money while doing it. By looking at sustainability from a social, environmental, and financial point of view, many opportunities…

18Sep 2016 by Leah Feor No Comments

How Sustainable Development Can Be Achieved from Home

All Posts, Crystal Beach, Featured, Sustainable Development Goals

Do you believe that a city can be designed to allow for sustainable development? Last month I made a big move. I relocated from a little city to a small town about 30 km away. Though the distance between my old and new home isn’t much, I feel like I am in a whole new world. There are many things that make a city or town great. Throughout history, people have flocked to certain spaces in search of a better quality of life. Often people relocate for work or family. Others relocate to embrace that sense of belonging to a community that better suits their style. City Living or Small Town? As a traveler, I have seen many cities and towns. I learned along the way that cities are not…

04Jul 2016 by Leah Feor No Comments

How to Think and Act Globally for the Greater Good

Featured, Sustainable Development Goals

Do you think and act globally in your local community? Years ago, I caught on to the practice of fair trade. Knowing deep down free trade is not fair for many global citizens, I looked for a different way to do business. It was through the fair trade movement that I was able to breathe new life into Simply Sustainable, and connect with communities near and far. Back in 2010 when I was making a major shift, I invested in a small batch of handicrafts from a neighbouring community in Guatemala, where I was living at the time. I packed a duffle bag full of goodies, and set forth for the North where I would exhibit them alongside my handmade jewelry at fairs and festivals during summer months. For me, it…

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…