Poverty Is Everywhere

 

My Dear Friends, 

For those of us who are Americans, we need to repair the problems our own country is facing, as well respond to the now seemingly infinitesimal global humanitarian crisis. 

 

Our hope for a better tomorrow, both here and abroad is vested in all children, making them most our precious of resources.  There remains so much work to be done right here at home.  That work includes providing for our children

On July 24th, the United Nations Development Programme released findings that the United States was one of four countries leading the Human Development Index. There are 46.2 million individuals in the United States living before the poverty level, an increase from 43.6 million individuals a year ago.  This includes our children.

"Hunger prevents kids from reaching their full potential.  It's an epidemic threatening America's future." www.nokidhungry.org.  

Year round, not just during the Holiday season, as is often presumed, children desperately require access to nutritional meals.

While dedicated organizations desperately need cash donations, it is also the gift of your

time that will insure our country a healthy future.

No matter our own personal circumstances, there is always something more we can do to help.

Love, Light and an Abundance of Heartfelt Gratitude,

Cynthia Lardner 

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a seemingly "silent crime".  Consider the following:

The average girl will be raped 6,000 times, 

has a life expectancy of seven years, and 

a one in a hundred chance of being recovered.

It is unfathomable how young girl can endure being raped six times, let alone 6,000 times, and, no doubt, brutally and still have the will to live. 

Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world with net annual revenue exceeding $30,000,000.

Not a single country can claim that trafficking is in abstentia; including right the United States. 

As individuals and through social media, we can insure that others are educated, that suspected trafficking is reported and that law enforcement takes a much harder stance.

We have the power to influence policy makers, governments and law enforcement agencies to increase their expenditures reduce the incidence of trafficking, increase the number of "slaves" recovered, and to create a comprehensive system that facilitates healing. 

Nature's Pharmacy - Saving Our Rain Forests

My Dear Friends,

Tropical rain forests are being rapidly depleted. The best known cause is deforestation by agricultural, mining and logging interests.

Equally significant is the devastation wreaked on our rain forests by acid rain.  Acid rain is produced by man-made CO2 emissions.  Acid rain damages the leaves, trees and even the soil.  This causes the release of nitrogen and sulfur into its waterways further damaging fish and other aquatic species.

While is easy to relate to the need to protect the rain forest's plants and animals for their BioDiversity, there is also a need to protect rain forest around the globe as they are nature's greatest pharmacy.  For instance, the rain forest is responsible for 60% of all presently used cancer fighting drugs.

CO2 emissions are not only caused by industry, but by us as individuals.  This is called a "carbon footprint".

Here are some ideas by which each of us can reduce our "carbon footprint":

• Drive less, and carpool or take mass transit more often;
• Purchase organic foods and Biodegradable products;
• Eat less beef;
• Recycle;
• Compost this Fall;
• Use natural herbicides, pesticides, cleaning and health care products, the ingredients for many of which are already found in our homes;
• Participate in clean-up efforts;
• Look for local conservation efforts that are already in place.  Start there;
• Educate our children by modeling Eco-friendly behavior; and
• Urge lawmakers. stakeholders and educators to include climate change in the curriculum taught our youth.

Love, Light and an Abundance of Heartfelt Gratitude,Cynthia Lardner

Saving the Blue Heart of the Planet

My Dear Friends,

Dolphins are a majestic species.  They have been studied for decades for their intelligence.  Global efforts at ocean conservation must be dedicated to the preservation of their as well as all other ocean aquatic and wildlife species.

Ocean conservation is essential to sustain life. The intricacies involved in the interdependence of mankind and it's ecosystem are beyond the scope of this post but suffice to say we are responsible for the damage that has been done and for recovery efforts.

I support sustainabilitythe efforts by a plethora of international philanthropic and governmental entities, including Mission Ocean, the World Wildlife Federation, Oceana, Greenpeace, the Ocean Elders and HokuleaWWV; each of which is dedicated to sustaining our oceans upon which all life is dependent.

Love, Light and an Abundance of Heartfelt Gratitude,

Cynthia Lardner 

Give the Gift of Clean Water

10 Minutes 📵= 💧1 Day of H20

Globally,1,000,000,000 people lack access to clean water.  Clearn water is a fundamental human right. 

Clean water prevents water born pathogens, which does NOT include the Ebola virus.  However,  timely and appropriate response requires access to clean water.

Here's how you can give the gift of clean water.  By not using your smart phone for a mere ten minutes a day, through UNICEF and it's partners, you can provide clean water to a child for a full day.

http://youtu.be/BCHhwxvQqxg

One Ocean, One Island Earth

One Ocean, One Island Earth

#TakethePledge

"I recognize that Earth is a blue planet. Our ocean is the cornerstone of life, and our planet’s life-support system.

No matter where on Island Earth I live, the ocean produces the air I breathe and helps to regulate the climate.

I recognize that our ocean and Island Earth is changing because of the habits and choices of human beings.

I recognize that with supporters like me, and the community I reach out to around me, the future of our oceans and our Island Earth can improve.The difference will start with me and spread to others. 

I pledge to support our oceans and Island Earth, and inspire people of all ages to do the same."

From:  Hōkūle`a
#CreatingGlobalPartners
#Peacekeepers
#Sustainability
#GlobalVoyage
#OneOhana
#ImaginePeace

http://www.hokulea.com/oceans-campaign/

A Fountain of Urban Hope

A Fountain of Urban Hope

Built in 1925, the James Scott Memorial Fountain on Belle Isle spans 510 feet of white marble.

Thanks to vandalism, decay, and high operating costs, saw little use over the last few years until this past summer, perhaps reflecting hope for a city beleaguered by blight.

My photos were taken 9.27.14 after the fountain had been seasonally closed.  But the magic can still be found in its breathtaking details.

The visit to Belle Isle was extraordinary as my youngest daughter, 15, who has an eye for nature and light, was my companion.

Love, light and an Abundance of Heartfelt Gratitude,

Cindi

#Historic
#UrbanRenewal
#Detroit
#BelleIsle
#JamesScottMemorialFountain
🌿#ImaginePeace🌿
#OneOhana
#Sustainability