Without literature, society falls apart. One can argue the same thing about pretty much any creative or academic pursuit, of course, but the written word boasts an especially ancient, diverse, and swollen history. Injustices crumble and hegemonies rise because of books, articles, pamphlets, essays, and pretty much any other medium through which humanity expresses its ideas and observations. The following represent a small sliver of some particularly notable or influential ones that have shifted perspectives and inspired (or, in one case, might inspire) lasting change

The Jungle by Upton Sinclair: Journalist Upton Sinclair set out to expose the horrid, dehumanizing treatment of immigrant laborers in the United States, particularly those employed by food processing facilities. Though fiction, the author’s painstaking research tore apart the vicious reality experienced by exploited workers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Americans, however, received The Jungle as less of a treatise on the mistreatment of labor forces and more of an, “I’m eating WHAT?!?!” Sinclair’s grotesque depictions of substandard meat processing facilities (one famous early scene showcases a man falling into a lard vat and eventually ending up on grocery store shelves) disgusted readers to the point that they called for legislation. The Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act both passed in 1906, the latter of which established the Bureau of Chemistry that would later come to be known as the Food and Drug Administration. When learning of his audience’s misreading his attempt, the writer quipped, “I aimed at the public’s heart, and by accident I hit it in the stomach.”

The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan: Building upon literary foundations set by Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman and Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex, a journalist who lost her job for no reason other than pregnancy decided to dismantle the patriarchal system keeping her and other career-driven ladies down. Betty Friedan almost (but not entirely!) launched the feminist movement in the “Western” world, putting her reporting skills to just use by surveying housewives across America. Doing so unearthed decades, if not cen turies, of repressed dissatisfaction, manifesting itself in heightened depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide rates. Many women felt that the unflinching rigidity of postwar gender roles and hefty emphasis on conformity and materialism served as a degrading social prison. It precluded them from pursuing the careers and hobbies they so desired, eventually leading to some major overhauls promoting female equality.

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison: Roughly a decade before the Civil Rights movement, Ralph Ellison’s only novel that wasn’t published posthumously made clear the African-American community’s frustration beneath societal repression. Unapologetically honest and brutal, Invisible Man illustrates how the white hegemony suppressed racial and ethnic minorities, leading them to feel like complete nonentities in their own neighborhoods. Through the unnamed protagonist, the narrative painfully recounts the whats and whys behind unjust prejudice in order to reflect society’s own faults back at it. Even organizations such as The Brotherhood (here a rather obvious stand-in for the Communist Party) touting their commitment to an equitable nation fail to adequately address the harsh reality for oppressed demographics.

Poems, Protest, and a Dream: Selected Writings by Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz: While the Counter Reformation split the Catholic Church, a nun in Spain-controlled Mexico dared to challenge her superiors regarding the rights of women. During the seventeenth century, the only educated females could be found in convents, but fearless Juana Ines de la Cruz declared that even outside their walls the ladies deserved the exact same chances as their cloistered counterparts. Along with her progressive views regarding science, the notoriously patriarchal, authoritarian ecclesiastical institution thought they had themselves quite a hot little heresy on their hands. Poetry may not have been her only protest medium, but it proved the one for which she earned the most acclaim; many scholars go so far as to declare her the very first Latin American poet of any significance.

Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau: This book-length essay by one of the pre-eminent American transcendentalist philosophers ruminates on the relationship between the government and the people within its care. Civil Disobedience largely stemmed from the author’s protests with the Mexican-American War and slavery alike, so suffice it to say he doesn’t exactly hold the ruling class in the highest esteem here. Henry David Thoreau’s treatise on how the people need to stand up and declare their opposition to injustice without resorting to violent means (he famously quit paying taxes funding initiatives he found distasteful) continues resonating even today. Game-changing activists like Martin Luther King Jr. and Mohandas Gandhi looked to him for inspiration — quite the ringing endorsement for this particular piece of protest literature!

The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois: W.E.B. Du Bois’ essay collection often receives citation as one of the very first sociological inquiries ever — not just a work dealing exclusively with race issues. The descendent of American slaves, he pulled from both history and the then-current sociopolitical climate to issue forth a clarion call about equality for black citizens. Educational opportunities are discussed in particular, but he also spends a fair amount of time dispelling stereotypes painting the demographic as inherently ignorant, violent, and sex-crazed. Du Bois also painstakingly analyzes the role of religion in keeping the African-American community cohesive during oppression and features true stories of different individuals. Here, the social sciences served as an adroit (and nonviolent) conduit for protesting injustice, dissolving institutionalized perspectives that create wounds instead of healing them.

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson: Environmental justice and public health advocates should probably keep a copy of naturalist classic Silent Spring on their bookshelves if they don’t already. Its 1962 publication almost single-handedly inspired the green movement thanks to the connections made between damaging the planet and, in turn, its peoples. Pesticide use receives the major bulk of Rachel Carson’s ire, and she exposed many of the serious health problems the chemical companies denied. Citizens shocked by the revelations grew inspired to finally start protesting corporate-sanctioned environmental destruction once they realized the toll it took on their overall health and well-being.

Ten Days in a Mad-House by Nellie Bly: Sometimes, the best protests involve little more than simply showing brutal conditions and marginalization with little to no editorializing. In one of the most courageous examples of undercover journalism of all time, Nellie Bly faked mental illness and found herself interred in a Blackwell Island insane asylum. For over a week, she perpetuated the charade and noted the dehumanizing, squalid conditions in which the patients were kept. After securing freedom, she ripped the Women’s Lunatic Asylum to shreds, horrifying readers to the point that legislation had to be passed. Thanks to both Bly and the cooperation of a grand jury, the Department of Charities and Corrections received hundreds of thousands of dollars earmarked specifically for improving the lives of individuals living in mental health facilities.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe: Uncle Tom’s Cabin stands as one of the quintessential works of abolitionist literature, penned by a schoolteacher and activist hoping to convince her fellow Caucasians to reject the slave trade. Although contemporary readers will no doubt cringe at some of the African-American stereotypes, when placed into its proper historical context the book was actually progressive and heavily influential. Most academics even consider it a pivotal publication in convincing the United States to dismantle the slavery system despite the now-troublesome depictions within its pages. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s intent, however, was to show that African-Americans (particularly those kept in forced servitude) were fully human, possessing the same set of universal strengths and weaknesses as other races.

Culture Jam by Kalle Lasn: Long before Occupy Wall Street, Adbusters founder Kalle Lasn wrote extensively about how overconsumption and materialism would inevitably lead to America’s socioeconomic downfall. Published in 2000, the book (and accompanying organization) protested the cultural hegemony praising consumerism as the be-all, end-all of existence, likening the nation to a corporation. Consumers of media and materials alike do not deserve manipulation, he passionately argued, and encouraged followers to fight back against the conglomerations exploiting their minds and wallets alike. It just took 11 years for the mainstream to pay any real attention.

Reprinted with permission from Online Universities Similar Posts:

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Electronics and Technology

The following items could be considered practical or just cool to own.

1. Powerhouse Dynamics eMonitor: A home-owning green geek will surely appreciate the function of the eMonitor, which monitors the amount of power and money appliances are wasting, appliance health, and solar and wind production. Additionally, it alerts the owner if appliances are left on, go off, or if circuits are reaching their capacity. It’s a versatile home energy management system.
2. Voltaic Amp Solar Charger: According to Voltaic, its Amp Solar Charger has four-times the power and twice the battery storage compared to similar products. One hour charging in the sun can result in three hours of power for a phone. It can also charge a variety of other small devices, including cameras and iPods.
3. Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard: Now green geeks can minimize their footprints even while typing. This thin, laptop-like solar keyboard eliminates the hassle that accompanies regular wired keyboards. It charges with sunlight or indoor lighting, remaining in operation in darkness for at least three months.
4. Sony Ericsson Elm Phone: If your green geek has an outdated phone, then consider giving them the Elm from Sony Ericsson. It’s composed of recycled plastic and is made without the use of toxic chemicals, yet it’s still equipped with a five megapixel camera and the ability to view email and Facebook.

Clothes and Accessories

Green geeks will be pleased to know they’re wearing or carrying something that’s entirely earth-friendly.

1. Clothes or Gear from LooptWorks: LooptWorks uses leftover fabrics to recreate clothing and accessories in an effort to help rid the world of unnecessary waste. Its website features a wide variety of appealing items for men and women.
2. Sun-Mate Solar Hat: Both the Solar Safari Hat and Solar Cool Cap come equipped with built-in fans that are solar and battery powered. One-size-fits-all, so any hotheaded green geek can wear one during a hot summer day spent outdoors.
3. Acorn Footwear: Acorn’s concern for the future of the earth is apparent in the way it constructs its footwear, using “sustainable, renewable and biodegradable” materials such as hemp and organic cotton terry. Harmful toxic chemicals are avoided, and recycled materials are incorporated. The footwear, most notably the slippers, are comfortable and long-lasting.
4. The Leaky Collection Jewelry: The Leaky Collection is based in Kenya, but its jewelry has been sold worldwide, proving that its beauty is transcendent. Local communities contribute to the formation of one-of-a-kind beads, bracelets and necklaces made from materials like porcelain, grass and fallen wood.
5. WeWood Watch: Green geeks who wears their greenness on their sleeve may enjoy a wooden timepiece on their wrist. WeWood practices an “avant-garde approach to sophisticated sustainability,” building stylish and lightweight watches that are devoid of toxic materials.
6. Reware Attache: The Reware Attache is ideal for a green student or dad who has to tote items like laptops and books daily. It’s made from recycled soda bottle fabric that’s durable and water resistant. All sides are padded, ensuring the items it carries are safe from impact. A good, practical gift.
7. UrthBag: UrthBags are undoubtedly stylish in design, but sporting one really shows the owner’s selflessness. Each bag is handcrafted from recycled materials by Fair Trade Women’s Organizations & Artisans, meaning that with each one purchased, support is given to underprivileged women.

Around the House and Miscellaneous Stuff

Stimulate positive emotions, enhance a home or encourage a hobby. These items make thoughtful gifts.

1. Essance Natural Aromatherapy: Essance encourages the health of mind, body and emotion as well as our environment. So a green geek can relax and take in the invigorating scent, knowing that it’s free of alcohol and synthetic chemicals. When the bottle is empty, it can be returned to Essance, who will recycle it in exchange for a 15 percent discount credit.
2. Forest City Handmade Photo Album: Constructed from natural and renewable materials like recycled bamboo paper, hibiscus, kava, seashells, banana, alang grass and twigs, Forest City Photo Albums possess a distinctly artistic and earthy feel; perfect for a mom or grandmother who loves the outdoors almost as much as she loves her family.
3. Big Green Cookbook: As the “Prius of cookbooks,” Jackie Newgent’s Big Green Cookbook helps green geeks reduce their carbon footprints while eating well. It provides 200 tasty, all-natural recipes for a wide variety of preferences, including eco-beer-battered red onion rounds, pan-seared Alaskan wild salmon with papaya sauce, and buckwheat blueberry-peach pancakes.
4. J Clay Pottery: Durable non-toxic bowls from J Clay Pottery come with unique green messages that can be personalized. They’re constructed from all-natural clay and given an all-natural appearance with a variety of earthly colors.
5. Green Glass: An item from Green Glass makes an excellent stocking stuffer for the green geek who’s also an avid beer drinker. The company recreates old donated bottles — mainly from beer brands such as Grolsch, Corona, Sol and Reef — into new ones in an energy-efficient factory.
6. Small Pod Ecosphere: The Small Pod Ecosphere is a miniature ecosystem that comes in a 5.25 inch tall glass globe. Inside are three to four shrimp, algae, bacteria and other microorganisms. It makes an excellent decorative and conversation piece — perfect to display in a green geek’s favorite room.
7. Eco-Artware: Everything ranging from hand-turned pens to vintage typewriter key cuff links can be found on Eco-Artware.com, so there’s a fitting gift for every type of green geek. Each item is transformed into a decorative work of art using recycled, reused or natural materials.
8. Dolan Geiman Artwork: Dolan Geiman’s paintings, constructions and collages are masterfully composed from recycled materials like salvaged wood. His depictions of rural America and wildlife will visually enhance any green geek’s home.
9. GroBox: A green geek with a green thumb will marvel as their GroBox, essentially a garden in a box, blooms into a colorful display of flowering plants. Each box is composed with the season in mind, ensuring growth immediately after it’s purchased. The only work required is planting the box.

Article submitted by Jennifer Lynch who writes for (http://www.toponlinecolleges.comSimilar Posts:

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Photo:blog.thesietch.org

Going into the Gift Giving Season- what do you give someone who has everything? What can you do to help your friends and relatives get out of the conspicuous consumption mode and into the Green and Save mentality. Why not give them a Gift card from Plant Your Tree a very easy to use program, just click and sign up. Not only that, no waste of time, gas and expense buying gifts- save on your carbon footprint!

I Just Gotta Tell Ya

• For every tree planted allows 2 people to breathe clean air for a lifetime.
• A tree absorbs 48 lbs of CO2 per year.
• 500 trees counteract the negative environmental effects of one car for one year (source: The Nature Conservancy in the US).
• Properly placed trees can lead to nearly 60% savings on daytime air conditioning. The evaporation from one tree can produce the cooling effect of 10 room size air conditioners running for 24 hours/day.
• Hospital patients with a view of trees out their window recover faster and with fewer complications than patients without such views.
• 343 trees in a kilometer square decreases asthma rates by 29% in young children (source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health).
• Trees use nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium – byproducts of city living – which can pollute our streams.
• In 50 years, one tree generates $31,250 worth of oxygen, provides $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycles $37,500 worth of water and controls $31,250 worth of soil erosion (source: US Forest Service).
• Trees provide habitats for species
• Trees stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

Other Tree Planting Gift Resources

• Trees For the Future
• Dolphin Blue
• Arbor Day
• The Green Balance (UK)
• Tree Givers

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OVNY Recycled Neoprene Records

At Action Sport Retailer Show

Did you know 150 Tons of Neoprene are thrown into the trash every year? Many people are reusing the scraps to make wallets and shoes but OVNY- is taking the neoprene from wetsuits (rubber and non-biodegradable) and making it into surfboard records (dividers for surfboard racks) and other things like hot plates and coasters.  What I really like the records are larger than a traditional hot plate and could be used for a variety of other things such as planters (they are waterproof) and heavy furniture sliders. Anyone could use them whether or not you need for surfboards, paddle-boards, kayaks and even skis.

In addition- they will take your old wetsuit, gloves and boots and recycle them for you. The mission is to save all that non-biodegradable rubber out of landfills and reuse them into purposeful items.  And they are a member of 1% for the Planet- which means they give back!

Check out them out- I’m thinking great gifts for the holidays! You can order online or they have a store locator on the siteSimilar Posts:

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Panda Poo Paper

These eco-friendly and innovative goods are made from real poo collected from Giant Pandas in China. Natural and quite lovely for a piece of poo, these panda accessories are 100% recycled, odorless and sure to be a hit with anyone who loves recycling and/or potty humor. Sold individually or as a set. $8.00- $24.00Similar Posts:

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These notebooks come in various colors and made from recycled paper, such as gift wrap, posters. Made in India. Don’t want to buy- make your own, great gifts, a diary, to-do lists- why not!

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Why’s It Green? 

• Lead and arsenic free Eco Glass lenses
• No harmful dyes or inks are used 
• Non-chloride rubber eyepieces
• Biodegradable case and strap (Tencel) 
• Eco Friendly packaging – 85% post consumer waste, printed on recyclable FiberStone paper. 
• Waterproof, fogproof and weigh 12.9 oz. 

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I forget about Fathers Day- as my Father passed away 10 years ago. But if he was still alive, this is a great Eco Friendly Gift-that I would give him. Now through June 22, 2009, your customers will receive 50% OFF when they purchase two or more pairs at Crocs.com. 

Buy Two or More Pairs at Crocs.com and Get 50% Off! Offer ends: 6.22.09

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LaChamba Casserole Bowl Round

• From La Vida Verde, a fair trade group Clay cookware has a unique ability to produce succulent foods loaded with flavor. Handmade from natural black clay by Colombian artisans using techniques passed down for centuries. Each lead- and glaze-free piece is polished with river rocks before being wood fired. Imported by a fair trade organization, they???re works of ancient culinary art from the region that???s home to the Americas??? oldest pottery. Colombia.

• From Au Lac Designs, a fair trade group Dramatic hand-dyed silk taffeta is embroidered and stitched by a collective of struggling farmers who have been taught tailoring skills. 16″W x 9″H; 9″ strap drop. Vietnam. 

• From Mitra Bali, a fair trade group Traditional Jawan Bali Silver Pendant and Hoop Earrings are made exclusively by five women artisans thriving in a male-dominated society. 1??”-diameter pendant hangs on a 20″ chain with 2″ extender. Earrings are 1??” long. Sterling silver. Indonesia. 

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My niece is graduating from college and what do I give her? The easiest thing to do is of course give money- but I do 1.) Want to give something that she will remember me by 2.) Get her into ‘green products’  3.) Get her a something really different. 

So went to Uncommon Goods- which has a great selection of green and eco friendly products. 

Some Ideas

A Cool Recycled Messenger Bag- they have several style available- for when and if she ever gets a job!

As much as I love this- she would never wear it!

I wonder if these kids even know what a typerwriter is?


I’ve given her necklaces before- Jewelry is always good:



What about Recycled Kitchen Gifts for her new home?- If she ever moves out of Mom and Dad’s

Love this ‘Protect Our Air Glasses’

So many choices- and what do I know! I think I should start her hope chest- if they even have Hope Chests anymore.Similar Posts:

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