'Otesha'

In the last couple of weeks I have discovered two very inspirational 'Dream Seedlings' (Dreams and Visions that have seeded in different earthlings').

They are very similar projects to Caldera Creations, Cycling Journeys across the land with the intent of raising consciousness and inspiring solution-based activism.

A dream born in Kenya has become a charitable organization of hopeful young people uniting as 'the Otesha Project'. Otesha, which means "reason to dream" in Swahili, was created to mobilize youth to create local and global change through their daily consumer choices.

There are alternatives to our culture of overconsumption, and each one of us has opportunities to have positive impacts every single day.

The Otesha Project's education programs and bicycle tours use theatre, multi-media, and storytelling to engage a wide range of audiences, and have reached more than 72,000 people to date.

Otesha’s performances focus on re-evaluating our daily choices to reflect the kind of future we'd like to see - rethinking what we really need, conserving resources, and voting with our dollars.

The aim is to demonstrate the positive effects our everyday choices can have, by living sustainably, changing the world, and having loads of fun--all at the same time!

We know that our current way of life is harming the planet and its inhabitants.

Only hope and action will remedy this.

For a better future, we each must re-evaluate our own actions and BE the positive change we want to see in the world.

What is sustainable consumption?

Sustainable consumption is about finding workable solutions to te world's imbalances - both social and environmental - through more responsible consumer behaviour. The aim is to ensure that the basic needs of the entire global community are met by reducing excess consumption and avoiding environmental damage.

What is meant by "being the change we wish to see"?

These words, first spoken by Gandhi, mean living acccording to our values. We know that everything we do has an impact on the world, and because we truly want a sustainable future, we question every single one of our personal actions. We try, with every action, to minimize the negative, and maximize the positive.

From getting dressed, to grabbing a coffee, to transporting ourselves to school or work, we know that we can either be contributing to child labour, exploitation of people and land, pollution and climate change, OR we can contribute to alternative income projects, fair trade and sustainable agriculture, and an emissions-free bicycle culture. The change we make in the world is up to us.

So we make that choice to 'walk the talk', to practice more sustainable consumption and be conscious consumers, to try to be 'morally coherent' in all of our choices - and thousands of others are making those choices too! The mindset is spreading - you can see evidence in grocery stores, sidewalks, public washrooms, coffee shops, and backyards across the country, as people everywhere are committing to being the change THEY wish to see in the world!

check out more @ The Otesha Project

If the discovery of 'the Otesha Project' wasn't exciting enough, I have also connected with another brothers 'Adventure for Sustainability'

His name is also 'Paul' and in true 'off-road touring style' is using the BOB Ibex Trailer and a Mountain bike to cycle 15,000km's, unsupported, around Australia to promote, raise awareness, educate and raise money for Sustainable Living.



Paul has planned to have 3 rest days in Kyogle, so hopefully we can connect and share our vision

Adventures for Sustainability

Sustainable Living Foundation

Stop every now and then.

Just stop and enjoy.

Take a deep breath.

Relax and take in the abundance of life.