Mindful Ecological Citizenship: The Next 404 Days

In the coming weeks and months, Peter Walks for Democracy will have an intentional focus. From this post through December 31, 2025, I will focus my efforts on creating a just and convivial world of mindful ecological citizens. I’ll share stories of my own and invite others to contribute. Through those stories, I will show how solidarity and conviviality matter. Along … More Mindful Ecological Citizenship: The Next 404 Days

Pennsylvania’s local governments can go solar…together

Local governments can go solar together. That’s what we are trying to do here in the middle of Pennsylvania. It’s environmentally sound and makes sound financial sense. It’s just common sense at this point. A couple of years ago Penn State (where I work but don’t speak for) received an unsolicited bid for a solar … More Pennsylvania’s local governments can go solar…together

Research from South Africa shows that when we are in the forest, the forest is in us. That’s a good thing.

“Nature helps you to easily understand what’s bothering you and how to deal with it. It also helps to fill the void in your heart and helps when you feel lonely.” New research on the townships of South Africa shows something the wise and little children know: that people find “peace, calm, and perspective while … More Research from South Africa shows that when we are in the forest, the forest is in us. That’s a good thing.

How about some regenerative and dignifying economic development in Central Pennsylvania?

There’s nothing like some astroturf campaigning to make life interesting. Yesterday, a spokesperson for Focus Central Pennsylvania advanced Nestle’s cause in the Centre Daily Times. They trotted out some fuzzy nice-sounding business speak to show us that Nestle’s on our side. But before you take them seriously, you should see who’s buttering their bread. May we … More How about some regenerative and dignifying economic development in Central Pennsylvania?

Nestle has too much power. Do we have the knowledge and sense to make up the difference? I hope so.

Citizens from across Centre County are very concerned about the proposed Nestle plant for Spring, Walker, or Benner Township. In case you don’t know, the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County (CBICC), has championed Nestle’s coming here. This announcement, combined with previous issues with CBICC prompted some of us to act. Last week, the … More Nestle has too much power. Do we have the knowledge and sense to make up the difference? I hope so.