All living things in this universe, including each one of us, are bursting with magic and infused with spirit. The opportunity to stand in reverence of the relationship we have with the earth and each other is quite possibly our species’ greatest gift. For this reason we must redefine our relationships and instill a new ethic of love for all species. As the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Love is humankind's most potent weapon for personal and social transformation... We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one, directly affects all indirectly...in the struggle for human dignity. We must not succumb to the temptation of becoming bitter or indulging in hate campaigns. Along the way of life, someone must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate. This can only be done by projecting the ethic of love to the center of our lives.”

   When I think about my ethics and passions, as well as those of the many people with whom I have worked over the years, I find comfort and inspiration in Dr. King's words. My work is in the realms of energy. I was schooled in architecture with a deep focus on sustainable design. Over the years, I have spent much time building straw bale homes and other natural structures from cob (a building material made of clay, sand and straw). I have also focused on designing and im-plementing renewable energy technologies such as photovoltaics (solar cells that capture sunlight and convert it directly to energy), wind power and renewable fuels such as biodiesel fuel (a diesel-like fuel made from vegetable oil). These experiences have been rich and fulfilling for me, taking me to many places and cultures on this great earth.

   For the last three years, I have dedicated my passions to educating the public, particularly children, about what I have learned. My ethics are focused on earth care, people care and fair share. These beliefs led me to manifest the Earthwise Traveler (ET), a converted old ambulance van demonstrating renewable energy, in which I traveled for five months to share my vision and empower and inspire creativity in people across the country. ET's engine runs on biodiesel fuel and the electricity inside it is supplied by solar electric modules, which can also power energy efficient appliances like compact fluorescent light bulbs and LED light strips. The inside of ET is adorned with bamboo and cork flooring, organic cotton upholstery and low-odor paints. To incorporate art and creativity, ET has a stained glass window depicting a setting sun and collages of photos of children I have educated over the years.

   My project for the Earth soon became a project for the people. I just recently returned from my travels, and the experience was a blessing. I drove more than 4,000 miles, 3,000 of which were run

   On waste vegetable oil from restaurants, which I obtained along the way. The miles driven on restaurant grease amounted to enough vegetable oil to fill up over 300 standard deep fryers while preventing the use of 250 gallons of dirty diesel petroleum. The highlight of the fuel experience was a 1,400-mile leg from western Colorado to northern Wisconsin where I catalogued the first 1,000 miles without stopping for fuel. For the record, in total the trip required a mere $35 worth of biodiesel fuel.

   During my travels I engaged in several empowering activities, installing solar energy systems, teaching renewable energy in a youth camp, visiting several renewable energy fairs and even lending a hand in constructing a straw bale studio. But it was the people I encountered who really inspired me. I met and made friends with leaders in social, environmental and cultural movements of the areas I visited. I found these individuals to be extraordinarily strong. I was left with a feeling that their projects will only gain momentum in years to come. I was particularly impressed with the revolutionary concept of an organization in Fort Collins, Colorado called Blue Sun Biodiesel (gobluesun.com). They are finding ways for farmers to grow organic crops to produce biodiesel fuel, further freeing us from our dependency on fossil fuel energy.

   In a way, I traveled the country to spread the word of freedom; freedom from the use of fossil fuels, freedom from the state of corporate monogaze conformity. I believe it is crucial to support the people of Blue Sun and other organizations like them. We must each speak the truth and understand the power we have within us to take action. From my experience in traveling the country on vegetable oil, I learned a great thing: I am not alone in my ideals. The movements for social, environmental and cultural change are strong and plentiful in our country. Now more then ever is the time for us to work together in creative dialogues to build a sustainable, equitable future, so we can give our children the earth they deserve.

   As this new year begins, consider that in every waking moment we face choices, and the choices we make have an impact on all of our futures. Our actions affect other lives whether we are aware of it or not. If you choose not to act, that too impacts the world. There is no better time than this moment to make a promise to yourself and future generations. Promise to honor yourself and the love you bring to this universe; honor the integral connection of all life and make choices with a smile on your face and love in your heart.

Namaste.
Matthew Harris works extensively in Ohio schools and communities to share his knowledge of sustainable building design, natural building techniques, renewable energy design, eco-effective lifestyles, solar cooking, photovoltaic applications and renewable fuels. He lectures throughout the community on energy politics and holds community dialogues on effective ways for the citizens to be more indigenous to place. For more information, please e-mail him at onelove25@surfy.net.