Often, we imagine artists as tortured souls, living alone in dark garrets wearing utterly ridiculous, foppish clothing and pouring their pain onto canvases or notebook pages or piano keys, trading sorrow for artistic genius. As an active member of a number of artistic communities, I can pretty confidently say that big sleeves or intense depression are not requirements for the creation of great art. In fact, some of the most beautiful works I’ve ever seen have come from perfectly emotionally healthy people or even groups of people.

Take, for example, the incredible glass sculpture of modern master Dale Chihuly. I was fortunate enough to attend the opening weekend of his new exhibit at the De Young museum in San Francisco, where I was immediately struck by the sheer number of beautiful pieces being shown. This was more impressive, however, because I supplemented my viewing by watching the accompanying documentary about the process of creating these masterpieces. Here’s what I find exciting about glassblowing a la Dale Chihuly- it’s a team affair. For each enormous bubble or floral creation, there is a team of men and women who take part, putting the piece in the “glory hole,” or lengthening the molten glass by whirling it around over their head, or even catching the completed piece and putting it safely in the cooler. Chihuly’s work would prove literally impossible without the help of each member of his highly-skilled team of artisans.

So if I may, the message here is two-fold:

1. Support the arts. Check out a glass exhibition, go to the symphony, attend a play- there are so many fantastic art resources across the country- who knows what you’ll find in your town. Art is always the product of its community in one way or another, and local artistic endeavors truly only survive because of the patronage of people like you. I promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how satisfying it can be.

2. Be sure to find out when the museums in your community are free. This might sound strange, but most major museums are free about once a month (often as a result of the sponsorship of a company like Target, the business that sponsored the free Chihuly opening weekend). Why not go to that art museum you’ve always wondered about? It only takes a few minutes or a quick phone call to figure this out, and the reward is enormous.

What are you waiting for? Go forth and enjoy. Actually, first check out some work by Chihuly at www.chihuly.com. But then find the Chihuly in your town, and take some time to appreciate the beauty mere humans can create.

Last November, Jon shared some doubts about the San Francisco City Government’s decision to ban plastic bags. According to today’s NPR follow-up story on the ban, That translates into 5 million fewer plastic bags every month. Other cities, including Boston, Phoenix, and Portland (ORE), are considering following San Francisco’s example.

City planners might be interested in talking to Whole Foods about their experience. In January 2008, Whole Foods announced the intention to be “plastic bag free” by Earth Day, April 22, 2008. In my local Whole Foods, they phased out plastic bags for carrying out your groceries, although they don’t yet have many other options if you are buying fruits or vegetables.

I don’t have any empirical data, but I asked the manager of the local Whole Foods what their experience has been so far. She said she was surprised by how many people now bring in their own bags. The transition to paper only was pretty painless….It might help that Whole Foods gives customers a $0.05 cent refund per bag. While I agree with Jon’s point, I also think that behavior change is a step-by-step process. Banning plastic bags is just the first step.

Disclosure: At the time of the writing of this post, I have no financial relationships with any of the organizations mentioned.

This competition just came to my attention. Net Impact is hosting its second annual “Green Challenge” global competition which recognizes students and professionals who make a positive environmental impact on campus and in companies. The press release is listed below.

Net Impact’s Second Annual “Green Challenge” Global Competition
Contest Recognizes and Supports Students and Professionals Who Make Positive Environmental Impact on Campus and in Companies

San Francisco, CA, February 6, 2008 - Net Impact’s 2008 “Green Challenge” has launched to accelerate the greening of campuses and businesses around the world. This competition measures the positive impact created by teams of students and professionals dedicated to using business to produce positive environmental change.

(more…)

Bea wrote about plastic bags that are used at your local grocery store to bag your groceries. And, it seems that this issue is on the minds of city officials as well. Starting November 20th, 2007, plastic grocery bags will be illegal at major San Francisco grocery stores. The thought is that plastic bags harm the environment because they are not easily recycled. Instead, grocers will be forced to used paper bags. And, according to a San Francisco Chronicle article, “Six months from now, pharmacy chains will also have to comply. The policy will be the first enacted in the United States - Oakland passed a similar ban that goes into effect early next year and London and Paris both have followed San Francisco’s lead…”

While I commend city officials’ efforts to stop the use of environmentally harmful plastic bags, I’m not so sure that forcing grocers to distribute more paper bags is the answer. This, undoubtedly, will cause an increase in paper consumption and, not to mention, all of the other resources (such as electricity) required to manufacture paper bags.

I can’t help but think that creating incentives for people to stop using any kind of bags altogether would be most significant. Perhaps, government could provide consumers with a discount off their groceries if they bring their own bags? Can anyone comment on any other ideas their local government is employing and how effective they are?

Disclosure: At the time of the writing of this post, I have no financial relationships with any of the organizations mentioned.

Lights out San Francisco was a tremendous success! You can view a few photos of San Francisco during the “lights out” event. Read the original post about this event.

If you missed the opportunity to turn off your lights on 10/20, you can join America in turning off their lights on March 29.

Disclosure: At the time of the writing of this post, I have no financial relationships with any of the organizations mentioned.
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About the Author

Jonathan Chang is interested in new technologies which help individuals and organizations make a positive impact on society and the environment. He is also a proponent of long term thinking, supports the creation of renewable resources, and is an ardent advocate of social entrepreneurship. He is involved with and a member of Net Impact and the Commonwealth Club. (Net Impact is an international nonprofit organization whose mission is to make a positive impact on society by growing and strengthening a community of new leaders who use business to improve the world. The Commonwealth Club is the nation’s oldest and largest public affairs forum which organizes events on topics ranging across politics, culture, society and the economy.) Jon received his MBA from Babson College and his BA from Columbia University.

This is a gentle reminder to turn your lights out tomorrow from 8-9 pm (PST). You can read the original post about this event.

Join the revolution, make a statement by turning off your lights, and let politicians know that energy conservation is important.

Disclosure: At the time of the writing of this post, I have no financial relationships with any of the organizations mentioned.
__________________________________
About the Author

Jonathan Chang is interested in new technologies which help individuals and organizations make a positive impact on society and the environment. He is also a proponent of long term thinking, supports the creation of renewable resources, and is an ardent advocate of social entrepreneurship. He is involved with and a member of Net Impact and the Commonwealth Club. (Net Impact is an international nonprofit organization whose mission is to make a positive impact on society by growing and strengthening a community of new leaders who use business to improve the world. The Commonwealth Club is the nation’s oldest and largest public affairs forum which organizes events on topics ranging across politics, culture, society and the economy.) Jon received his MBA from Babson College and his BA from Columbia University.