What happened on Friday October 12 is an example of so many wondrous things:

* One passionate individual, motivated by love of land and love of justice and hope in the possibility of change, approached a leading local newspaper with a new concept: let’s have regular space devoted to bridging environmental issues, removing environmental issues from the narrow box in which our society (and Civilization* in general) have placed it and return it to its home — i.e. let’s link the environment (back) with economics, politics, history, and people, and let’s talk about it in a local context.

* A newspaper, also led by passionate individuals, received this concept openly, and commited to give it a weekly page and staff assistance.  

And, so on Friday, the page of ‘Bada’eel’ (alternatives) was born.  Congratulations to Rami Zurayk, the excellent team working with him, and to Al-Akhbar. 

To quote from Rami’s page: “The Bada2el page starts with an editorial on Development and politics , which says somewhere: “Development is a deeply political action. How can we combat poverty if we rely on our financing on money donated by those who create poverty?”

Check also the main article: Food sovereignty before national sovereignty . The article goes to the roots of the current wheat prices crisis in Lebanon and points to the over dependence on exports and its role in shaping national politics.

There are also articles on millet el smeed, a traditional bread from south Lebanon that is being revived, and another on dietary fibers and the difficulty of ensuring that the content matches the product description when purchasing locally-made high fibers products (less expensive).”

Big cheer to passion and hope, and to a grounding of environmental regard.  May this page cleanse people’s eyesight so that we may begin to live sustainably and with a bit of wisdom.

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(*Civilization: I place this term in italics because it is all too oft incorrectly placed as civilized=good, and uncivilized=bad. More on that concept later.)